George James

A Hamtramck man will now face sentencing in St. Clair County after taking a plea deal in a Port Huron teen sex assault case. Prosecutors dropped several top felony charges after 23-year-old Mansoor Obaid admitted in court to three criminal sexual conduct counts tied to a February attack in a Port Huron parking lot. Police say a rape exam later matched Obaid’s DNA. He remains in the county jail on a $500,000 bond and will be sentenced December 1st by Judge Michael West.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia residents have until 4:30 p.m. on November 10th to weigh in on the Mitton Streetscape project through an online survey. The city plans to rebuild Mitton Street from Wellington to Davis, upgrading sewers and creating a “complete street” that’s safer and more welcoming for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Designs feature wider sidewalks, bike lanes, street trees, and flexible spaces for patios or events. Three options focus on different combinations of parking, bike lanes, and public space. Construction could begin next year, pending budget approval.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lexington’s McKenzie Health System raised over $30,000 at its Autumn Benefit Saturday at Lakeview Hills Country Club, bringing together roughly 150 guests for dinner, a comedy show by Collin Moulton, a silent auction, wine pull, and 50/50 raffle. Event speakers highlighted the community’s support for local healthcare and shared updates on the new hospital building project. Organizers thanked attendees for helping strengthen healthcare access in Lexington. Project updates, photos, and drone videos are available at McKenzieHealth.org/Build.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Mid City Nutrition’s new Griswold Street location in Port Huron is serving the community in full force since opening in September. The soup kitchen now provides lunch for about 100 people and dinner for 80 daily, all dine-in with no ID or paperwork required. Executive Director Sarah Jones says the move from St. Martin Lutheran Church went smoothly, and the new space lets staff help guests beyond meals, like providing coats. With SNAP benefits paused in November, the kitchen is preparing for more visitors.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Bad Axe man faces tough penalties after a Huron County jury found him guilty Wednesday of threatening a witness. Ronald Grady, 62, confronted a woman and her fiancé at Bottom’s Up Bar last December, despite a court order barring him from contacting her. Staff had to step in as Grady made threatening remarks toward the fiancé. Police confirmed his actions were intended to intimidate. Grady will be sentenced as a repeat offender on December 15th in Huron County Circuit Court, with his bond continuing until then.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The civil lawsuit against former Yale Chamber treasurer Kellie Lauwers is moving forward after a six-month pause. A St. Clair County judge delayed the case while state police finished a criminal probe. That review has now been sent to the Attorney General. The chamber claims Lauwers secretly wrote checks to herself, forged signatures, and edited profit and loss sheets to hide more than $32,000 over two years. She allegedly admitted wrongdoing but offered no repayment. A status hearing is set for November 19th in Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet