George James

A former Macomb County Sheriff’s sergeant, James Stanley, is set to receive a $250,000 payout after a federal appeals court upheld a jury’s decision that the county retaliated against him. Stanley’s First Amendment rights were violated when he faced backlash for supporting Sheriff Wickersham’s opponent in the ’12 election. Stanley had sued the county after a series of demotions and criminal charges, all of which were eventually dismissed. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed the jury’s verdict, finalizing Stanley’s award after years of legal battles.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Dale Vos, longtime men’s basketball coach at St. Clair County Community College (SC4), was inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame at a banquet in Pontiac on Sunday. Vos led SC4’s Skippers to 504 wins over a 30-year career, earning multiple district, regional, and national championships. SC4 President Kirk Kramer praised Vos for his dedication to students and his impact on the Port Huron community. This recognition adds to Vos’s long list of awards, including being named MCCAA Coach of the Year in ’21.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A two-vehicle crash occurred Monday morning in Lexington Township, Sanilac County, when a 26-year-old Minden City man driving a Ford pickup rear-ended a stopped garbage truck on Lakeshore Road near Harrington Road. The garbage truck, driven by a 58-year-old Gagetown woman, had its caution lights on at the time. Both drivers were taken to Port Huron McLaren for treatment. Authorities confirmed that neither drugs nor alcohol were involved in the crash.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Local volunteers are gearing up for National Collection Week, set for November 18th thru 25th, when Operation Christmas Child will gather shoebox gifts for children in need. With over 4,700 drop-off spots opening nationwide, local packers can easily find where to donate their shoeboxes. Since its launch in 1993, the initiative has provided gifts to children affected by war, poverty, and disaster, aiming to reach 12 million more kids this year. Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, says these gifts, offer hope and a chance to share the message of God’s love.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

42 year old Jami Hawkins of Port Huron, won $100,000 in the Michigan Lottery’s $300,000,000 Extraordinaire second chance game. On Thursday, Hawkins received a surprising voicemail informing her of her win, which she initially thought was a scam. She plans to use the money for a tropical vacation. Non-winning tickets from the same game can still be entered for a chance to win in upcoming drawings until May 2nd, with the next drawing on October 29th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Joshua Collier, 34, was recently sentenced to 7-15 years in prison for a ’22 fatal crash while intoxicated. He also received 39 months to 5 years for causing injury in the same incident, served concurrently. Despite his schizophrenia diagnosis, a jury found him guilty, citing nitrous oxide use. Collier’s mental health issues were noted, but the court emphasized his responsibility. During the sentencing, victims’ relatives urged the judge for a lengthy prison term, while Collier ultimately chose not to make a statement after an argument with the judge.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet