George James

Port Huron City Manager James Freed earned a strong 4.3 out of 5 in his annual review, adopted by City Council after a rare closed-door session Monday. The 35-minute discussion, requested by Freed, covered clarifications on his evaluation scores. Mayor Anita Ashford and Council Member Barbara Payton opposed going private, with Ashford leaving the session early. Mayor Pro Tem Sherry Archibald chaired the meeting, noting it was the first time in 16 years a review was handled this way. Freed thanked the council for its support, calling the results “very positive.”

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In St. Clair County, Justin Rose, sentenced to life in prison for a ’96 shooting during a Grant Township robbery, will be resentenced. Judge Cynthia Lane ruled Rose’s sentences for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and assault with intent to murder need review after a recent Supreme Court decision said life sentences are unconstitutional for juveniles. Rose was 16 at the time of the crime. The court plans to hold the resentencing hearing October 3rd. The shooting severely injured store owner Dale Reusser.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A two-vehicle crash happened last Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Germania and West Sanilac roads, in Sanilac County. An 18-year-old Marlette woman driving a Kia Soul stopped at a stop sign but then moved into the path of a Ford Escape driven by a 68-year-old woman from Perry. Both vehicles ended up in a ditch. All occupants, including a passenger from the Kia, were taken to Marlette Regional Hospital, with one later transferred to McLaren Lapeer. Alcohol was ruled out as a cause.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron’s annual Float Down is set for Sunday, drawing thousands to drift six miles from Port Huron to Marysville. The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards are again warning against the unsanctioned event, citing fast currents, cold water, lack of life jackets, and alcohol use as major dangers. Past floats have led to hypothermia cases and emergency rescues, with water temperatures often in the low 60s. While many enjoy decorating rafts and relaxing on the river, authorities stress the risks are real and safety should come first.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Last Thursday in Speaker Township, an 80-year-old man from Yale died after his Harley-Davidson motorcycle hit a deer on Galbraith Line Road near Cork Road. The rider lost control, fell off the bike, and suffered serious injuries. He was not wearing a helmet. Emergency crews rushed him to Port Huron McLaren, where he later died. The Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash, with help from local fire and EMS teams.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County has officially gifted the historic building at 1519 Military Street to Blue Water Allies. After renting the space for two years, the group now owns it as their permanent home. The building, once a grocery store and later a café, hosts meetings, a community pantry, a library, and various programs open to all residents. The foundation’s president said they wanted to support a local group making a positive community impact. Blue Water Allies will celebrate the gift with an event on Sunday.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet