Residents in the Blue Water Area can spotlight their favorite local businesses and organizations by nominating them for the Best of the Blue Water Area Community’s Choice Awards. By nominating in 25 or more categories, participants are entered to win a $250 gift card. The nomination period closes December 23rd, with the top five in each category advancing to February’s voting round. Winners and finalists will be announced after voting. Learn more and submit nominations at YourChoiceAwards.com/bluewaterarea.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron residents are being warned to stay vigilant as holiday online shopping scams surge. A new report from Social Catfish ranks Michigan 15th in the U.S. for scam losses, totaling $203 million last year, and 23rd for victims per capita. With Americans expected to spend a record $240 billion on gifts this season, fraudsters are targeting shoppers with AI-driven scams like fake websites, deepfake ads, and phishing alerts. Experts urge careful checks of URLs, verifying sellers, and using official contact numbers to avoid falling victim.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Use the SocialCatfish.com Image Search if want to:

• Verify someone you’ve met online is actually real
• Find out if someone is using your pictures without attribution or paying you. Perfect if you’re a photographer or model
• Discover whether your original artwork is being shared online
• Track down an old friend or an old flame

Port Huron’s snow parking ordinance is now active through April to ensure efficient snow removal. Through March 31st, vehicles must not be parked on city streets between 2:30 and 6 a.m. This allows plows to clear snow without obstructions. The city will issue warnings for violations through today, giving residents time to adjust. Starting Friday, fines of $23 will be enforced for anyone parking during restricted hours.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A stabbing at a Queen Street rooming house in Sarnia left one man dead and another charged with second-degree murder. Rob Hall, who manages the property, was shocked by the violence, noting the two tenants involved had seemed quiet and non-violent. Crossley Hunter, 36, has been charged after allegedly stabbing a man—believed to be a young Lambton College student—in a kitchen altercation early Sunday. Hunter, who lived at the house for several months, was set to appear in court Tuesday. This is Sarnia’s second homicide of the year, both on Queen Street.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron officials are inviting residents to provide input on the planned reconstruction of Lapeer Avenue next year. A public meeting will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Office Building on McMorran Boulevard. Engineering Manager Brent Moore will present plans to narrow Lapeer Avenue from four lanes to three between 16th and 24th streets, adding a center turn lane. The goal is to improve safety, making it easier for drivers to turn into driveways without blocking traffic. The City Council approved $373,840 in funding for the project.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The 2025 Girls Winter Basketball League in Port Huron kicks off January 18th and runs through February 22nd. This six-week league is open to girls in grades 1-8, with divisions for 1st-2nd, 3rd-4th, 5th-6th, and 7th-8th. Teams must be formed before registration, as individual players cannot sign up. The $300 team fee covers a roster of up to 10 players. Games will be held Saturdays from 9 AM to 4 PM at The Athletic Factory and nearby schools. Registration ends January 10th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet