George James

Spending Fuels $91 Million HQ Dispute

In Sarnia, Police Chief Derek Davis is drawing scrutiny for spending taxpayer money on marketing videos to promote a proposed $91 million police headquarters. Freedom of Information records show more than $10,000 was paid for videos meant to boost public support—without going through a public tender. The spending comes as a legal fight escalates between the police board and Mayor Mike Bradley, who cut funding from the ’26 budget, calling it unaffordable. The board argues the new facility is legally required for effective policing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Elks Top Blood Drive Goal

Port Huron Elks Lodge 343 beat its blood donation goal at its January 26 drive, collecting 42 pints as part of an ongoing effort to fight local shortages. Despite the cold, 49 people turned out, giving whole blood and power red donations totaling more than 5 gallons. Since launching its first drive in ’13, the lodge and the American Red Cross have gathered nearly 2,830 pints—about 353 gallons. Their latest blood drive happened last week at the lodge. No word yet on pints collected.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron OKs Worker Residency Bonus

The Port Huron City Council has approved a new policy aimed at keeping more city workers local. Under the plan, full-time employees who live within Port Huron will get a 5% pay boost. City leaders say it’s a voluntary way to strengthen neighborhoods and improve response times, especially in police and public works departments. Mayor Anita Ashford says it’s about building community pride and keeping tax dollars in town. The policy takes effect later this month after a unanimous council vote last Monday night.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Woman Faces April Trial

A Burtchville Township woman accused of stabbing her boyfriend on Thanksgiving is set to stand trial April 7th. Deputies say 28-year-old Taylor Spigner attacked her boyfriend with a knife, sending him to Lake Huron Medical Center, where he recovered. Spigner faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. A plea hearing is scheduled for March 9. She remains in the St. Clair County Jail on a $250,000 bond and could face life in prison if convicted.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lawsuit Challenges St. Clair County Sheriff

A Michigan woman is suing the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, claiming it broke the state’s open records law by refusing to release unedited video of deputies shooting a dog. Laura Wilhelm-Bruzek says the department’s heavy redactions hide key details of the December 13th incident outside the county animal shelter. Her attorneys argue the public deserves to see what really happened before and after the shooting. The sheriff’s office says deputies fired after the dog bit one of them and kept acting aggressively as they tried to bring it inside.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet