George James

St. Clair County is ramping up beach safety checks as summer crowds return. The county health department has restarted weekly water testing at eight popular beaches, including spots in Port Huron, Fort Gratiot, and Marine City. Officials are checking for E. coli levels through September, with results posted online within a day. If bacteria levels run high, advisories go out, warning people to stay out of the water until it is safe again. Health leaders say the goal is to keep beaches open and safe, but swimmers should still be cautious.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Dan Casey is stepping down after 15 years leading economic growth efforts in St. Clair County, with his retirement set for September first. The Economic Development Alliance board accepted his resignation this week. Casey took over in 2011, when the area was still recovering from the recession, and helped guide businesses through both that downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders credit him with bringing a major electric vehicle project to a long-empty industrial site and supporting small businesses. He plans to stay involved in community boards and spend more time writing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County’s Economic Development Alliance has named a familiar face to lead the group. The board chose Fort Gratiot resident Bruce Seymore the Second as the new CEO, starting September first. He replaces longtime leader Dan Casey, who is retiring after fifteen years. Seymore has spent sixteen years with the alliance and more than two decades in economic development, including work with the state and General Motors projects. He says his focus will be growing local jobs, supporting businesses, and keeping development sustainable for residents.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Federal agents say a man from Italy tried to slip into the U.S. by kayaking across the border from Canada, but it did not go far. U.S. Border Patrol agents in Port Huron, near border waters, arrested him June first after spotting the illegal crossing. Officials say he had already been denied entry for past visa overstays and has prior misdemeanor charges in Florida, including theft and fraud. He now faces federal charges and is expected to be deported.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet