George James

Drivers crossing the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron will see tolls rise to $5 starting December 1st. The $1 hike aims to cover increasing maintenance costs and fund bridge plaza upgrades. It’s the second step in a phased plan that began last year after public feedback. The Michigan Department of Transportation says rates hadn’t changed in 14 years before the first increase in ’24. EDGE Pass users will still get a 50-cent discount per trip. Full details are available online at BlueWaterBridge.us.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A St. Clair County judge on Friday denied two defense motions in the Matthew Maison murder case. Maurice Houle’s attorney sought to dismiss the murder charge and block evidence from an ’18 search, but the court rejected both. The ruling follows a plea deal by Houle’s ex, Amanda Maison, who admitted to second-degree murder and covering up abuse. Prosecutors say evidence, including injuries and blood on a pillow, shows Matthew’s death in Port Huron Township was not accidental. Houle’s next hearings are in December and February, with felony murder carrying up to life in prison.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Croswell man, 41, died Tuesday evening after being struck by a payloader while working at Michigan Sugar Company. Croswell police say the accident happened just after 6 in the company’s Agriculture Department. Emergency crews tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Michigan Sugar says grief counselors were on site for employees, calling the loss “tragic” and offering support to friends, family, and co-workers. Police and the company’s safety team are investigating the accident.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A deadly shooting at an Almont business last Wednesday morning left one person dead and a Columbus Township man in custody. Police say the suspect fled before being tracked down by Lapeer County deputies along I-69 near Imlay City. During the chase, deputies shot and injured the 32-year-old man, who’s now stable at a hospital. Five patrol cars were damaged and three officers suffered minor injuries. Michigan State Police are now handling both the Almont shooting and the officer-involved shooting investigations.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet