George James

A former Michigan school employee is now facing serious charges after a months-long investigation. Sixty-year-old Duane Paehlig, once the maintenance director for Sandusky Community Schools, was arraigned in Sanilac County court and did not enter a plea. Prosecutors accuse him of embezzling at least $20,000, committing forgery, and damaging school property. Police say searches at his home last October turned up district-owned items. He is being held on a $100,000 bond and is due back in court June 9. If convicted, he could face years in prison.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Lapeer County murder case is on hold after a judge ruled the suspect is not competent to stand trial. Authorities say 32-year-old William Channer Jr. of Columbus Township shot and killed his former boss, Logan Welch, at Trims Unlimited in Almont last November. Channer later led deputies on a high-speed chase before being shot and arrested. A forensic evaluation found him incompetent but “restorable,” meaning treatment could allow the case to move forward. Prosecutors say the court will review his condition monthly.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A traveling exhibit is bringing Michigan’s Thumb history to local communities this summer. The Sanilac County Historical Society will take “Echoes of Sanilac” to 15 stops across Sanilac, Huron, Tuscola, and Lapeer counties from June through September, with free admission. The exhibit covers everything from ancient petroglyphs to Great Lakes shipping, wildfires, and Prohibition-era rumrunning. Organizers say it highlights how everyday people shaped the region through hardship and change. A permanent display is also open at the Sanilac County Historic Village and Museum in Port Sanilac.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron is spotlighting two standout educators. The college named Professor Katy McCullough and Instructor Stewart Reed as this year’s Blessinger Award winners for teaching excellence. The honor recognizes faculty who go above and beyond for students and the campus community. It’s named after Del James Blessinger, a 1963 graduate who later supported the college. School leaders say the award highlights how strong teaching continues to shape student success and strengthen the local community.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan is securing a major military upgrade with ripple effects nationwide. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a $152 million funding bill to modernize Selfridge Air National Guard Base near Detroit, improving runways and taxiways ahead of a new fighter mission. The move also unlocks nearly $800 million in federal investment. The base is transitioning to F-15EX fighter jets, replacing aging A-10 aircraft, with new KC-46A refueling tankers set to arrive starting in ’27 as part of a broader military overhaul.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet