Port Huron Murder Trial Opens With Dueling Claims

A Port Huron woman accused of killing her boyfriend is now on trial in St. Clair County, and jurors heard two very different stories Tuesday. Prosecutors say 40-year-old Jennifer Goodall shot Chase Hoyt after a year of jealous anger, and they say recordings and a neighbor’s testimony will show she threatened to kill him. Her attorney admits she fired the gun but says it was self-defense. Goodall faces murder and gun charges, and she could get life in prison if convicted. Testimony continued Wednesday morning.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Right Lane Closed on Westbound I-94

Drivers heading west on Interstate 94 near Marysville should plan for slower travel through October 16th. Crews with the St. Clair County Road Commission, working for the Michigan Department of Transportation, started repairing concrete pavement on Wednesday near the Wadhams Road exit, Exit 262. The right lane of westbound I-94 will be closed from the exit ramp area to the Wadhams Road overpass. The exit ramp will stay open during the work. Please slow down and stay alert in the work zone.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Mother’s Report Leads to Federal Charge

A mother’s report to police in Ohio has led to a federal charge against a Croswell man. Court documents say 45-year-old Trevor Prather was arrested Tuesday, September 29th, for receiving child pornography, after the mother contacted Marysville police on August 9th about inappropriate videos and images on her daughter’s phone. Investigators say Snapchat and Agri-Valley Services helped pinpoint his Croswell location, leading to a federal search warrant at his home. Prather is due back in federal court next Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Algonac-Clay Historical Society Fund Grows

A $5,000 gift in 1996 has grown to more than $48,000 for the Algonac-Clay Historical Society Fund, which turned 30 this year. The money helps volunteers care for more than 20,000 artifacts at the Community Museum and Maritime Museum in Algonac, plus a historic log cabin in Clay Township. Both museums are free, and kids younger than 17 can join the new History Hunt to find 7 artifacts and win prizes. The society is looking for new members and volunteers.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Welding Students Showcase Skills

3 welding students from the St. Clair County Technical Education Center took their talents to Detroit on September 30th . Rori Cowhy of Yale, Brayden Fontenot of Port Huron and Allie Stamplis of St. Clair joined Ford’s ACCELERATE conference at Michigan Central, where the school was 1 of only 3 invited. They displayed welding sculptures, ran a welding simulator and met comedian and host Nate Bargatze. Principal Lesley Murphy says the trio shows the many roads students can take into the skilled trades.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Crash in Grant Township Claims a Life

A 41-year-old woman is dead after a 3 vehicle crash in Grant Township in St. Clair County Monday. The sheriff’s office says a white Dodge Journey heading south on Wildcat Road failed to stop at the stop sign at Burtch Road around 5 p.m. The Dodge hit a black Jeep Liberty heading west, then struck a gray Chevrolet Impala heading north. The Dodge driver died from her injuries. 2 other people were taken to the hospital by Tri-Hospital EMS, and 2 more had minor injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet