After 41 years, Mark Dixon is retiring and selling Picker’s Alley, Sarnia’s go-to music shop, to national chain Long & McQuade. At 65, Dixon says it’s time for a new chapter, and he’s glad the store will live on instead of shutting down. Long & McQuade takes over Monday, making it their 107th location. Dixon recalls Sarnia’s once-thriving music store scene. Longtime employee Tony Zangolli will stay on, and Dixon thanks the community for decades of support.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Sanilac County Historical Society received over $14 thousand dollars from its foundation to support the upkeep of the Historic Village & Museum. Foundation President Jolyne Fisher presented the funds to Society Board President Cathy Stewart as part of the annual distribution. The foundation was created to provide long-term financial support, relying on donations, bequests, and other charitable gifts. These funds help preserve local history and keep the museum running for future generations.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron teen convicted of murdering 19-year-old Curtis “KC” Cureton will now be sentenced on March 14th after a judge granted another delay. Carmello Wilson’s attorney requested more time for a mitigation expert to finalize a report, citing outstanding subpoenaed records. Wilson, who was 15 at the time of the ’23 shooting, was convicted of second-degree murder after claiming self-defense. Prosecutors did not oppose the delay. Wilson, charged as an adult, faces up to life in prison.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 58-year-old man from Marlette was involved in an ATV crash Monday morning on Marlette Road in Marlette Township. The Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office reported that the man was traveling west when he lost control, causing his ATV to leave the roadway and slide into a ditch. He was ejected from the vehicle, and he wasn’t wearing a helmet. Emergency responders were called and rushed him to Aspire Rural Health System in Marlette. Authorities confirmed that speed did not contribute to the crash.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

McKenzie Health System is hosting a free session for new and expecting parents on February 19th in Sandusky. The event, titled “Get the Basics: Newborn Care, Breastfeeding, Postpartum Care,” will be held at 120 Delaware Street, with a virtual option via Zoom. Megan Mason from the Sanilac County Health Department will cover essential topics like newborn care, breastfeeding tips, and postpartum strategies. The event is part of McKenzie’s Healthy Living Together series, aimed at supporting local families’ health. To register, call 810-648-6127 or visit McKenzieHealth.org.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Bird lovers have a chance to help science this Valentine’s Day weekend by joining the Great Backyard Bird Count. Open to everyone, the event only requires 15 minutes of bird-watching in any location, from a backyard to a city park. The global count helps researchers track bird populations and migration patterns. Last year, over 642,000 participants from 210 regions contributed data to Cornell’s eBird database. Free tools like the Merlin Bird ID app make it easy for beginners to identify birds and join in on this citizen science effort.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet