George James

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

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 serious two-vehicle crash in Sanilac County’s Speaker Township Monday morning left three people injured and sent emergency crews rushing to a rural intersection. Deputies say a 54-year-old Oxford man driving a Ford F-150 failed to stop at a sign on Galbraith Line Road and was hit by a southbound pickup driven by a 67-year-old Peck man. A 63-year-old passenger had to be freed using rescue tools. All three were hospitalized. Investigators say drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A city investigation in Port Huron clears City Manager James Freed of claims he accessed Mayor Anita Ashford’s emails, with council members voting 7-0 to release the findings publicly. Independent attorneys reviewed records, interviewed staff and examined examples provided by Ashford, but found no proof Freed accessed or controlled her city or personal accounts. The report also found no support for claims others helped him. While Freed welcomed the results, Ashford says she plans to pursue further legal action, keeping the dispute ongoing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron man is now awaiting sentencing after admitting to multiple child exploitation charges. Twenty-year-old Edison Tran pleaded guilty to five counts tied to possessing explicit images of minors and using social media to pressure teenage girls into sending nude photos. Investigators say the case began last fall after a tip from another police department led to a search of his home and phone, where several illegal images were found. Tran faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing set for late August.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron seniors planning to attend the annual Senior Picnic will need to adjust their plans due to dangerous heat in the forecast. The Port Huron Recreation Department and St. Clair County Council on Aging have postponed the free event at Pine Grove Park to Tuesday, July 21st. The picnic will still run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with lunch served between 11:30 and 12:30, along with live music. Organizers say the change is meant to keep residents 60 and older safe while still offering a fun community gathering next week.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet