George James

A Clyde Township animal cruelty case is moving slower than expected after a sentencing date was pushed back. Connie Wonner, 48, who pleaded guilty in a case tied to nearly 100 dead animals found on her property, is now set to be sentenced on Sept. 14th instead of Aug. 14th, and she could face up to two years in prison. Investigators said dozens of animals were found dead or dying, some without clean water, some exposed to freezing weather, and others kept in cramped bins during extreme heat.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County Community College has named Dane Vos as its interim athletic director, putting a former SC4 student-athlete in charge during a key transition. Vos, who has served the college as assistant athletic director, assistant women’s basketball coach and fieldhouse operations manager, will now oversee a wide range of sports while SC4 also prepares to add women’s flag football and men’s hockey. College leaders say his background, leadership and focus on student-athletes make him a strong fit to guide the department forward.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A dispute between a city manager and a former community garden organizer is headed back to court, after a judge delayed a decision on a protection order and instead scheduled a hearing to determine if it was violated. Julian Ruck is accused of continuing to email City Manager James Freed despite a court order banning contact, following messages that referenced harm to Freed’s family. Ruck denies making threats, calling it free speech tied to a fallout over a canceled garden lease. A hearing on possible contempt charges is set for September 3rd.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Health Department nurses packed a county commission meeting Thursday in Port Huron, demanding an outside investigation into Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin and a halt to contract talks and possible cuts to Title X services. Backed by their union, nurses described years of alleged retaliation, safety concerns, and a broken reporting system. Community members spoke both for and against Nevin, with some calling for a broader probe. Commissioners debated the issue but ultimately delayed any decision, voting to revisit the request in early September.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Police in Almont Township shut down an illegal marijuana grow operation after seizing 205 plants along with cultivation equipment during a raid on July 21st. Officers worked alongside city police, fire crews, public works, and utility officials to carry out the search warrant. No arrests have been made so far, and the investigation is still active. At the same time, recent inspections of licensed medical marijuana grow sites found multiple violations, leading to several shutdowns. Authorities say illegal growing in residential neighborhoods will not be tolerated.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet