In St. Clair County, a divided health advisory board voted 3-2-1 yesterday against merging the health officer and medical director jobs back into one. Supporters cited lost trust in Health Officer Liz King over transparency issues, like surprise clinic changes and fluoridation decisions. Opponents stressed the need for separate roles to maintain checks and balances, a setup most Michigan counties use. The narrow rejection keeps the current split structure in place since 2022.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron Wednesday, staff from Lake Huron Medical Center delivered hundreds of winter coats, snow pants, boots, hats, scarves, and gloves to kids at Cleveland Elementary School. This annual Giving Tree drive helps local families struggling financially keep their children warm and focused on learning during Michigan’s harsh winters. Interim CEO Chris Fulks called the community’s generous response truly heartwarming, showing how Port Huron comes together to support its own. School leaders thanked the hospital for making a real difference this holiday season.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron teens now have a fresh, modern spot for health care right on the high school campus. The Teen Health Center at 2215 Court Street just finished a major makeover—the first big update since it opened in ‘86. New flooring, paint, furniture, exam equipment, and even a calming mental health room make the place feel welcoming and zen, according to students. Funded by state dollars, the clinic offers check-ups, shots, testing, counseling, and more on a sliding fee scale—no one gets turned away.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A scary head-on crash in Watertown Township near Sandusky sent five locals to the hospital Tuesday morning. A 16-year-old girl from Clifford crossed the centerline on South Sandusky Road and collided with an oncoming SUV driven by a 22-year-old Sandusky woman carrying three young children. All five were taken to McKenzie Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries. Authorities say speed and alcohol were not factors. The incident serves as a reminder for drivers in Sanilac County to stay alert on rural roads.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sanilac County residents can feel a bit safer this week. Three local men—Arlen Stocker and Carter Miller from Marlette, and Cole McLaughlin from Yale—have become the newest deputy sheriffs. They finished tough police academy training sponsored by the county and were sworn in on Monday. These homegrown deputies will soon start hands-on field training before patrolling the roads. Sheriff Paul Rich praised their dedication to serving and protecting their neighbors right here at home.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron, a long-delayed lawsuit against the St. Clair County Jail and its medical provider is finally moving forward. Lisa Brown, a local woman now partially paralyzed, claims she broke her neck falling from a bunk in ’21, but staff waited days to get her hospital care. Corporate bankruptcy tricks stalled the case for years. A new court schedule sets key deadlines through next fall, with a trial likely in ’27. Brown’s attorney says this ends two years of limbo for justice.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet