A winter parking dispute is stirring frustration in Ira Township. A homeowner near Meldrum Road and Dixie Highway says ice fishermen using a nearby lot have brought traffic, litter, and safety worries to his doorstep. He wants the township or property owner to block access before someone gets hurt. But other neighbors say the crowds don’t bother them. The lot’s owners say they’re fine with ice fishermen parking there as long as visitors stay respectful—and so far, police say there’s been no trouble.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Grant Township, a tiny Chiweenie named Nugget is turning heads across the Blue Water Area. The 2-year-old pup, owned by Sandy and Dale Kress, is a regular at local spots like the Fort Gratiot Meijer, where shoppers instantly recognize her. Nugget is now competing in the America’s Favorite Pet contest, currently ranked second in her group. The nationwide vote supports animal rescue work through PAWS, with winners announced March 27th. Nugget’s calm, friendly charm has already made her a local celebrity.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A new Culver’s restaurant is coming to Marysville, with construction now underway in the Meijer parking lot at Range and Gratiot. The project is being handled by Rhoads & Johnson, the same company known for local commercial builds. Culver’s, a Wisconsin-based fast food chain famous for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard, expects to open this location sometime between spring and summer. It will be the second Culver’s in St. Clair County, joining the one already serving customers in Fort Gratiot on 24th Street.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Major improvements are coming to Lexington’s waterfront this year. State crews have begun work at Tierney Park while the harbor readies for big repairs expected to stretch into ’27. The $8 million project covers dredging, breakwall fixes, and new marina structures, meaning some boating closures ahead — including a full shutdown from September to May of ’27. Meanwhile, Tierney Park is getting an amphitheater, new restrooms, and a concession stand, with reopening planned for summer.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A judge has struck down St. Clair County’s new rules on solar power projects, saying the county overstepped its authority. Circuit Judge Michael West sided with DTE Energy and Portside Solar, ruling the county’s health codes were actually zoning laws in disguise. The decision means local limits on noise, visibility, and cleanup won’t take effect—at least for now. County leaders meet Feb. 19th to decide whether to appeal, revise, or drop the ordinance. The ruling mirrors similar solar-energy battles across Michigan.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet