Columbus County Park on Bauman Road in Columbus Township is looking more natural after forestry mulching work wrapped up. All trails are now open to visitors. Crews cleared invasive shrubs and trees in the first phase of a project to restore native grasslands. The work will help create prime habitat for Monarch butterflies, grassland birds like the Grasshopper Sparrow, and many other local wildlife species. Additional invasive plant removal is set for this summer and fall, followed by native seed planting.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron firefighters saved a dog from a house fire Friday morning on Oak Street. Crews arrived at the 1900 block just before 10 a.m. and quickly knocked down the flames in the kitchen. No people were inside, but the homeowner told them their dog was still trapped. Firefighters searched and found the pet in a bedroom. They carried the dog out safely. Tri-Hospital EMS helped it breathe before animal control took over and rushed it to a vet for treatment. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 60-year-old Yale woman is recovering after a single-vehicle crash Thursday night in Marlette Township. Around 9:25 p.m., her Jeep Liberty was heading north on Gosline Road north of Montgomery Road when it left the roadway, struck several trees, and rolled into the ditch. Deputies, Marlette police, fire crews, and Aspire EMS responded quickly, pulled her from the wreckage, and rushed her to Aspire Marlette Hospital for treatment of possible injuries. Officials say alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 37-year-old Warren man is facing serious felony charges after police say he broke into eight churches across the city in less than three weeks. Officers say the suspect used a bicycle to ride up to the buildings, smashed windows or doors, rummaged through offices, and even tampered with security systems. Detectives spotted him on surveillance wearing the same distinctive clothes and riding the same bike. When they saw him leaving his Warren apartment dressed exactly like the suspect, they moved in. Bond is set at $800,000.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet