George James

A Clyde Township restaurant is turning to the community for help after a fire forced it to shut down earlier this month. The Dorsey House has been closed since the July 5 blaze, and the owner is now asking nearby bars and restaurants to consider hiring displaced staff while repairs remain uncertain. A social media post lists openings for servers, bartenders, and kitchen workers to quickly reconnect employees with jobs. The fire happened mid-afternoon during renovations, with no injuries reported, and the cause is still under investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In St. Clair, a youth softball team battled extreme heat and a tense pitching duel to claim a 1-0 state championship win over Georgetown last Tuesday. Pitcher Kora Robbins led the way with nine strikeouts in a complete-game shutout, keeping the game scoreless until the fifth inning. With two outs, Nina Delore delivered a clutch RBI double to drive in the only run. Backed by strong community support, the team advanced to a regional tournament in Indiana already underway.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A new school-based health clinic is opening in Port Huron to make it easier for students to get care without leaving campus. Community First Health Centers will run the Teen Health Center at Port Huron High School starting July 27, offering checkups, sports physicals, vaccines, mental health support and more during the school day. The center will be open weekdays from 7:30 to 4:00. A ribbon cutting is set for July 23rd, as leaders say the clinic will help students stay healthy and focused in class.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Sanilac County judge has cleared the way for a recall effort against Watertown Township Treasurer Sheila Coats. In circuit court Tuesday, Judge Timothy Wrathell ruled the petition language is clear enough to move forward, rejecting arguments from Coats’ attorney that voters would not understand the claims. The petition, filed by a township resident, accuses Coats of repeatedly failing to perform basic duties. Supporters now have 180 days to circulate the petition and must gather 159 valid signatures to place the recall on the ballot.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan’s congressional delegation is once again urging the Canadian government to take stronger action to reduce the wildfire smoke that has repeatedly blanketed the Great Lakes region with hazardous air quality. In a letter dated July 15, Representatives John James, Jack Bergman, John Moolenaar, and Lisa McClain called on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to provide measurable steps being taken to reduce wildfire risk and protect neighboring communities.

The lawmakers noted that Michigan has experienced multiple years of dangerous smoke conditions, forcing air quality alerts and affecting children, older adults, dialysis patients, and others with health concerns. They argue that previous assurances from Canadian officials have not produced meaningful results and say their constituents deserve action rather than additional promises.

The delegation also suggested the United States may need to reconsider its role in cross border wildfire cooperation if conditions do not improve. The letter asks Canada to explain what has changed since last summer and what specific actions will be taken before next year’s wildfire season to reduce smoke reaching the American Midwest.

A Port Huron murder case is growing more serious as two suspects now face additional charges tied to a deadly home invasion. A St. Clair County judge approved the new counts after hearing evidence that Vincent Buckles’ Vanness Street home showed signs of forced entry before his January 2025 shooting death. Prosecutors say the killing was planned, while both suspects deny responsibility and blame each other. Separate jury trials are scheduled this fall, with each defendant already facing possible life sentences if convicted.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet