The Community Foundation of St. Clair County is expanding its efforts into rural areas like Yale as part of a new focus to boost philanthropy in small communities. Their updated plan, lasting through ’27, aims to help rural areas develop local funding sources, tackle staffing shortages, and increase engagement in outdoor and recreation projects. Yale, the first rural area to benefit, will work toward creating a community endowment fund. The foundation is also continuing core efforts like expanding the Bridge to Bay Trail, and funding local nonprofits.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Sarnia, the Rainbow Park homeless camp is now empty, with everyone moved to shelters or housing. The city’s keeping the fences and guards up for now to stop new camps from popping up. Steve Henschel, a city spokesperson, says they’ll tweak their plan as needed while enforcing a strict no-camping rule near schools, sports fields, and homes. Sarnia’s teaming up with Lambton County for housing help, but the park’s security costs—over $37,000 last month—keep piling up, with no exact future price tag yet.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In a shocking case, 20-year-old Ethan Dekalita from Mt. Morris tricked a Cass City family into letting him stay in their home by posing as a stranded 14-year-old. Last fall, State Troopers uncovered his true identity after the family grew suspicious and called 911. Dekalita had been targeting the family’s 14-year-old daughter online, and while staying there, he assaulted both her and her 12-year-old sister. A Tuscola County judge sentenced him to at least 7 years in prison, with a maximum of 15.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A former director of the Tuscola County Peer Center in Caro is facing felony embezzlement charges. 45-year-old Tanya Hobson was in court last Wednesday for allegedly pocketing over $1,000 from a local mental health support center. She directed the Tuscola County Peer Center last year, managing funds meant to help folks with mental health challenges. Now, she’s charged with a serious crime that could land her five years in jail or a hefty fine. Hobson’s next court dates are set for March 12th and 19th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet