George James

A dispute between a city manager and a former community garden organizer is headed back to court, after a judge delayed a decision on a protection order and instead scheduled a hearing to determine if it was violated. Julian Ruck is accused of continuing to email City Manager James Freed despite a court order banning contact, following messages that referenced harm to Freed’s family. Ruck denies making threats, calling it free speech tied to a fallout over a canceled garden lease. A hearing on possible contempt charges is set for September 3rd.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A fast-moving garage fire broke out before dawn Friday at a home along the 1700 block of North Lapeer Road in Mayfield Township, prompting a rapid response just before 4 a.m. Fire crews arrived to find flames and heavy smoke pouring from an attached garage and worked quickly to contain it within three hours. A search of the home confirmed all occupants had safely escaped after being alerted by smoke alarms. The fire was limited to the garage, no injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Voters in St. Clair County are being urged to renew a local ambulance millage on the August 4th ballot to keep emergency services running at current levels without raising taxes. Officials say the funding has led to faster response times, more ambulances on the road, and stronger staffing, including dozens of new hires and sharply reduced turnover. An expanded fleet and improved EMT training have also boosted reliability and care quality. Leaders warn that if the millage is not renewed, recent gains in emergency response could be lost.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet