Port Huron Elks Lodge 343 beat its blood donation goal at its January 26 drive, collecting 42 pints as part of an ongoing effort to fight local shortages. Despite the cold, 49 people turned out, giving whole blood and power red donations totaling more than 5 gallons. Since launching its first drive in ’13, the lodge and the American Red Cross have gathered nearly 2,830 pints—about 353 gallons. Their latest blood drive happened last week at the lodge. No word yet on pints collected.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Downtown Algonac is looking a little more festive this winter. Dozens of decorated snowmen now line the St. Clair River as part of Algonac’s first Snowman Decoration Contest, drawing families downtown through February 28th. The 20 snowmen, built and decorated by local groups and businesses, feature everything from classic winter looks to humorous. The $1,800 raised from the displays is helping buy new chairs for the Algonac Community Center. City leaders say the strong turnout may make this snowy showcase a new winter tradition.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Sarnia, Police Chief Derek Davis is drawing scrutiny for spending taxpayer money on marketing videos to promote a proposed $91 million police headquarters. Freedom of Information records show more than $10,000 was paid for videos meant to boost public support—without going through a public tender. The spending comes as a legal fight escalates between the police board and Mayor Mike Bradley, who cut funding from the ’26 budget, calling it unaffordable. The board argues the new facility is legally required for effective policing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet