An Atlantic City man was sentenced to 12 years in prison Monday for running a drug-production facility out of his apartment. According to BreakingAC.com, 58 year old Frank Marquez originally said drug packaging materials were for “arts and crafts,” after police searched his home Aug. 15, 2024. He also claimed the more than half-ounce of crystal methamphetamine, 1 small amount of powder ketamine and fentanyl strips found in the home at 600 Pacific Ave. were for personal use. Marquez pleaded guilty in September. He must serve 2½ years under the plea agreement before he is eligible for parole. He already has served 15 months.

St. Clair County agencies are stepping in as federal food aid faces delays. The county’s Emergency Operations Center and Community Services Coordinating Body are connecting residents to local food pantries and meal programs. Over 22,000 people, including 8,000 children, rely on SNAP benefits, which are only partially restored this month after a federal court order. Officials urge those who can donate or volunteer to help. A full list of resources and ways to assist is online at CSCBinfo.org.

Small businesses and nonprofit groups in Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties have until Nov. 28 to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans following the June through November drought. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program helps businesses cover bills, payroll, and other expenses even if no physical damage occurred. Loans can reach $2 million with rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.25% for nonprofits, with payments delayed for a year. A 60-day grace period applies after the deadline.

A Croswell man, 41, died Tuesday evening after being struck by a payloader while working at Michigan Sugar Company. Croswell police say the accident happened just after 6 in the company’s Agriculture Department. Emergency crews tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Michigan Sugar says grief counselors were on site for employees, calling the loss “tragic” and offering support to friends, family, and co-workers. Police and the company’s safety team are investigating the accident.

A deadly shooting at an Almont business last Wednesday morning left one person dead and a Columbus Township man in custody. Police say the suspect fled before being tracked down by Lapeer County deputies along I-69 near Imlay City. During the chase, deputies shot and injured the 32-year-old man, who’s now stable at a hospital. Five patrol cars were damaged and three officers suffered minor injuries. Michigan State Police are now handling both the Almont shooting and the officer-involved shooting investigations.

The Wharton Police Department’s Blue Santa toy drive is back for its 12th year, aiming to top last year’s record of helping more than 1,100 local children. Lt. Ben Guanajuato says they’ve already raised nearly $50,000, enough to turn into as much as $200,000 worth of toys through local partnerships. Applications are open for Wharton County kids ages 16 and under at cityofwharton.com or the police station. Volunteers will start sorting gifts soon, with delivery day set for December 22nd.

A 22-year-old Boling man was rushed to a Houston hospital after crashing head-on with an 18-wheeler last Friday in Wharton. The wreck happened around noon on FM 102 near Walmart when Masen French’s Hyundai Elantra crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a Mack truck driven by a Rosenberg man. Wharton firefighters had to cut French from the car before he was taken by EMS to Memorial Hermann. The truck driver wasn’t hurt, and DPS continues to investigate the crash.

A Wharton man avoided prison time after a major drug bust at his home near Guadalupe Park. Fifty-eight-year-old Arnie Nigel Allen will serve 10 years of probation after pleading guilty to delivering controlled substances. Deputies found cocaine, meth, prescription pills, marijuana, and guns during a 2023 raid on Burleson Street. Judge John Maher also ordered Allen to pay fines, perform community service, and undergo drug treatment. Co-defendant Dionne McDade faces multiple drug charges after posting bond the day after the raid.

El Campo City Council has decided not to move forward with new parking ordinances that could’ve imposed some of the strictest rules in the region. While most proposals were dropped, council members agreed that semi-trucks parked in neighborhoods remain a major issue. Discussion also covered RVs, for-sale vehicles, and parking on grass, with officials saying El Campo doesn’t need unnecessary restrictions. Instead, they encouraged residents to take pride in their property and work with local groups like Keep El Campo Beautiful. No formal action was taken during the workshop.

The Glide Skating Ribbon in Boulder Junction will reopen this winter with safety and visitor experience enhancements. Upgrades include improved parking, smoother skating surfaces, new gates, and a permanent woodshed for the firepit. Laura Bertch, Park Board Chair, expressed excitement about Winter Park becoming a signature destination, including the Glide’s second winter season. Steve Weber, Park Board member, acknowledged the vital support of volunteers and local businesses. This season will feature winter events, family nights and community gatherings. The Glide is set to open December 20th, weather permitting.