George James

Prosecutors say a longtime Huron County funeral home owner is facing serious prison time after admitting he stole money meant for people’s funerals. Seventy-two-year-old Terry Alvin Kaufman of Bad Axe pled no contest to multiple felony counts after taking more than a million dollars from prepaid funeral and insurance accounts over ten years. Kaufman ran Kaufman & Co. Funeral Home and used the funds for himself instead of holding them in escrow. He’s agreed to repay more than one-point-one million dollars to over two hundred victims.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Authorities in Lapeer County say a missing persons call early Tuesday morning had a happy ending. Deputies responded around 4 a.m. to Hasler Lake Road after an 84-year-old woman disappeared from her relatives’ home overnight. They feared the worst, with snow showers, strong winds, and freezing temperatures. Search teams, dogs, and drones joined the effort. About two hours later, a neighbor found the woman a quarter mile away—cold, crying, but alive. She was taken to McLaren Lapeer Hospital for evaluation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Folks around St. Clair County are lacing up for the first-ever Live Big & Loud Tulip Trot for Parkinson’s Awareness. It’s happening April 11th from 10 to 1 at the Fort Gratiot Trails, featuring a 5K run and 2K walk to benefit local Parkinson’s programs. Every dollar raised stays in St. Clair County, helping fund exercise classes, support groups, and education for families facing Parkinson’s. Organizers say it’s about hope, movement, and community spirit. To sign up, visit runsignup.com and search Live Big & Loud Tulip Trot.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Tuscola County woman got life-changing news thanks to a simple text from family. The 63-year-old matched all six numbers in the February 21st Michigan Lottery drawing, winning nearly $4 million. She’d bought the lucky ticket at Bryan’s Market in North Branch. After hearing a jackpot was sold there, she checked her ticket with the state lottery app — and it flashed “winner.” In disbelief, she said it felt unreal. The longtime player chose a lump-sum payout of $2.7 million.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron woman faces serious charges after a midweek drug bust. The St. Clair County Drug Task Force served a warrant last Wednesday at a home on the 1000 block of Gillett Street. Inside, officers say they found cocaine, fentanyl, and drug analogs. Forty-two-year-old Crystal Murphy was arrested at the scene and later arraigned on four felonies — including drug possession and maintaining a drug house. Her bond was set at twenty-five thousand dollars, cash or surety, with a ten-percent option.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Worth Township, the Board of Trustees met Friday to officially accept the resignation of clerk Jennifer Marshall. Marshall stepped down after weeks of public pressure and a recent audit that blamed her and treasurer Jennifer Woodruff for mishandling township funds. Both officials faced a recall effort, and the county election commission approved the petition language just days before Marshall’s resignation took effect. State rules now give the board 45 days to appoint a new clerk. Until then, the township can’t issue checks or make payments. The board meets again today.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet