Runners can warm up their winter with a sweet challenge as the 15th annual Po Ho Hot Cocoa Event returns to Port Huron on January 24th. The family-friendly day features races, live music from Bandwagon, and plenty of chocolate. Runners can choose from four distances, including a kids’ mile at 8:30 a.m. and longer routes starting soon after. The event helps fund local cross-country programs, with racers picking up medals, jackets, and cocoa at the finish line. Packet pickup starts January 23rd at the Wrigley Center downtown.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In St. Clair County, nine local small businesses are getting a boost thanks to more than sixty-four thousand dollars in new grant funding from the Eastern Michigan Small Business Network. The awards range from about five to eleven thousand dollars each, supporting familiar spots like Port Huron’s Raven Café, Murphy Inn in St. Clair, and Viking Fitness in Marysville. The program, part of a six-county effort led by the Economic Development Alliance, aims to fuel local business growth and keep jobs right here in our communities.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A road rage incident in Croswell last Wednesday afternoon ended tragically when a man was found dead at his home. Police say the dispute began around 1:40 p.m. near North Howard and Wells Streets, escalating when one man brandished a firearm and fled. Officers searched the area using drones, tips, and family contacts but lost him. The investigation involved multiple local agencies, including Croswell and Lexington police, Sanilac County deputies, and emergency responders.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Fort Gratiot Township is getting a new Burlington Stores this spring. The off-price retailer is renovating the long-empty former Dick’s Sporting Goods on 24th Avenue. Township officials say permits are approved and work is underway, calling the redevelopment a boost for the area’s commercial corridor. The 45,000-square-foot building has a long retail history, including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Builder’s Square. Burlington’s arrival is expected to create jobs and draw shoppers, with officials hopeful more vacant spaces nearby will follow suit.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron officials are moving to open up redevelopment options for several older industrial sites, including the former Domtar paper mill on Washington Ave. Last week, the Planning Commission voted 5-2 to recommend rezoning these properties from industrial use to a Planned Unit Development, which allows more flexible future uses while keeping current operations. The proposal, affecting sites along Washington, 12th, Kearney, and Thomas streets, now heads to City Council for a final vote today.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet