George James

A 60-year-old man from Kimball Township is now facing a June trial date in a deadly stabbing case tied to a local trail. Robert Barr is accused of killing 68-year-old Alvis Miranda during an argument last October along the Wadhams-to-Avoca Trail. Investigators say Miranda later died at the hospital from his injuries. Barr remains in the St. Clair County Jail on a half-million-dollar bond. If convicted of open murder, he could face life in prison. His next court appearance is set for mid-June.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lambton County Library is now bringing books and more right to your mailbox. After a successful two-year pilot with just nine users, the Library by Mail service is open to all eligible cardholders who cannot visit a branch due to disability, illness, or lack of transportation. Materials like regular and large-print books, audiobooks, DVDs, and magazines will be delivered by Canada Post with a prepaid return envelope. Patrons can reserve items online, through the app, or by calling 866-324-6912 ext. 5900.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County families are invited to Celebrate Your Child Literacy Day. The free event happens Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Pine River Nature Center in Goodells. Kids up to 8 can explore trails, visit the treehouse for stories, meet Bluey for photos and a book, tour the library bookmobile, enjoy crafts, and play in a nature obstacle course. The first 100 families to register and attend receive a free literacy bag with a book and activities. Register in advance.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Bad Axe funeral home director who stole more than one million dollars from local families has been sent to prison. Seventy-two-year-old Terry Alvin Kaufman was sentenced Monday in Huron County Circuit Court to seven to twenty years behind bars. He pleaded no contest to multiple embezzlement and fraud charges after taking pre-paid funeral money from more than two hundred victims instead of placing it in trust. Kaufman used the funds for his own salary and personal expenses over ten years. He must repay the money.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County Community College freshman golfer Jack Higgins has punched his ticket to the national stage. In a dramatic finish at the NJCAA Region 12 Championship in Battle Creek, Higgins fired rounds of 73, 76, and 75 for a 224 total. He stood tied for second after regulation, then delivered a clutch one-hole playoff victory to claim runner-up honors and the final qualifying spot. Higgins now heads to the National Championship next week at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Indiana.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Burtchville Township woman will serve at least four years in prison for stabbing her ex-boyfriend. On Monday, Judge Michael West sentenced 28-year-old Taylor Spigner to four to 15 years for the main charge, plus concurrent terms for assault. West cited a pattern of impulsive behavior, noting Spigner stabbed the victim twice and had threatened others with knives before. Spigner apologized in court and blamed stress after her ex returned home but failed to help care for the kids.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet