Small businesses across Eastern Michigan have a short window to apply for new grant money aimed at local growth. The Eastern Michigan Small Business Network opened applications starting today for its ’26 Small Business Grant Program, offering awards up to twenty thousand dollars. Funding is available for businesses in Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, St. Clair, Lapeer, and Shiawassee counties. Grants support equipment, inventory, and technology purchases. Applications close December 23rd, with awards announced January ninth.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Florida man has been sentenced in Tuscola County for a deadly September crash that killed three members of the Putnam family. 55-year-old Pavel B. Shchukin received one year in jail for each of three moving violation causing death charges and was ordered to pay $1,425 in fines and court costs. The charges follow a crash on September 26 in Ellington Township, where Shchukin’s semi-truck ran a stop sign at Hurds Corner and Deckerville Roads, hitting the family’s Jeep.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Enter Stage Right in Port Huron is gearing up for a fresh take on “Little Women,” opening Jan. 9th at the Citadel Theatre on Huron Avenue. The show runs weekends through Jan. 25th, with evening performances on Fridays and Saturdays and matinees on Sundays. Director Amy Fabick says this modernized adaptation highlights all four March sisters and adds quicker pacing and humor while keeping the heart of the classic. Tickets are $20 online, and the theater may add extra shows if demand remains high.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet