New State of the City Event
About 200 people packed the Wrigley Center in downtown Port Huron Wednesday for the city’s new State of the City event. The program, hosted by the Blue Water Area Chamber, spotlighted how local partnerships are driving development. City Manager James Freed pointed to the Wrigley Center’s $16 million transformation as proof of teamwork. Speakers from Port Huron Schools, SC4, and local nonprofits shared efforts to build talent, expand child care, and support recovery. Freed wrapped up by announcing teamporthuron.com to connect residents with new opportunities.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
Judge Splits Trials in Murder Case
A year after Vincent Buckles was found shot to death inside his Vanness Street home, a judge has ruled the two people accused in his killing will face separate jury trials. Judge Michael West decided Tuesday that 37-year-old Sayon Florence and 23-year-old Dazman Drake can’t be tried together because each plans to blame the other. Investigators say Florence, Buckles’ former partner, told police she only meant to scare him, not have him killed. The separate trials could push back the April court date for at least one defendant.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
Legacy Paper Group Revives Port Huron Mill
After sitting idle for years, Port Huron’s old Domtar paper mill is getting new life. Legacy Paper Group is investing $24.5 million to reopen the Black River site, creating at least 82 jobs that start around $27 an hour. State officials announced the project as part of a broader Michigan jobs push. Legacy plans to revamp nearly 400,000 square feet for paper manufacturing and warehouse use, restoring a key piece of the city’s industrial past while tapping local papermaking talent to power new growth.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet