A former Vassar truck stop on West Saginaw Road is getting a $1 million boost from the state to clean up contamination and make way for new jobs. The 1.9-acre site, vacant since ’22, has metals and petroleum in the soil from old underground tanks. Developer Cook Chevrolet plans a $4 million expansion, including a used car lot and service center, creating up to 20 local jobs. State funding will cover soil removal, demolition, and environmental safety measures. Work is expected to wrap by summer of ’28.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A St. Clair County man pleaded guilty last week to falsifying records at his marine training school.

Mel Stackpoole, 62, ran Great Lakes Charter Training, where he offered Coast Guard-approved courses. In ’20, he cut classroom hours nearly in half, instructed students to lie about their experience and health, gave out exam answers, and inflated test scores.
Stackpoole let unqualified mariners gain credentials, officials say. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine at his December 18th sentencing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Police across Michigan are stepping up patrols for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign now through Sept. 1st. The crackdown targets impaired drivers ahead of the busy Labor Day weekend, a period linked to higher crash and fatality rates. In recent years, nearly half of Michigan’s Labor Day driver deaths involved alcohol or drugs. State and local agencies urge residents to plan sober rides, warning that officers will arrest anyone they believe is impaired, regardless of blood alcohol level.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

McKenzie Health System in Sandusky will host a free session on Alzheimer’s disease Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. at 120 Delaware St. Lunch is $5, and virtual attendance via Zoom is available. Licensed social worker Douglas Lobdell from the Alzheimer’s Association will explain the signs, stages, risk factors, and care strategies for the disease. Part of the Healthy Living Together series, the event aims to give Sanilac County families tools and resources to better understand and manage Alzheimer’s. Registration is online or by calling 810-648-6127.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet