George James

St. Clair County has officially responded to a federal lawsuit filed by former Sheriff’s Lt. Scott Jones. The county disputes Jones’ claims that he was unfairly pushed into retirement after reporting Sheriff Mat King’s brother’s arrest and alleging retaliation for his HR complaint. The county admits some facts, such as the sheriff’s call to Jones about the arrest, but denies any misconduct or retaliatory intent. The county argues Jones should have followed protocol by taking Marcus King to the St. Clair County jail instead of Lapeer County.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In about a year, DTE Energy will begin converting Belle River Power Plant from coal to natural gas. This $154 million upgrade will extend the plant’s life by 13 years and cut emissions by 90%. The first unit will switch in ’25, with the second unit completed by late ’26. The conversion is a cost-effective way to ensure reliable power. Up to 200 contractors will be involved. Recently, the plant achieved 100% power availability this summer, thanks to its 250 employees. Belle River, running since 1984, provides 1300 Megawatts of electricity in East China Township.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The United States Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Kent Hunt, arrived at its new home port in Port Huron, Michigan, on Saturday, September 7, completing the final leg of its journey from Detroit. The cutter welcomed 35 media representatives and local dignitaries on board for this segment of the trip, including representatives from WGRT.

After being refitted in Baltimore, the Sequoia spent 19 days traveling to Michigan. It replaces the Hollyhock, which has been reassigned to Honolulu, Hawaii.

The Sequoia is a 225-foot, sea-going buoy tender and one of 16 Juniper-class vessels built and commissioned between 1996 and 2004. Launched on August 23, 2003, in Marinette, Wisconsin, the ship operates with a crew of 48 and carries out a variety of missions, including search and rescue, buoy tending, and icebreaking.

Construction on the Range Road and Yankee Road roundabout will close Yankee Road east of Range Road until late September. Drivers should use Davis Road to M-29 as a detour. Southbound traffic on Range Road from north of Yankee to Brown Street will be open, while northbound traffic will detour via Brown Street, M-29, and Davis Road. Local access will be maintained, but expect delays.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 25-year-old Brown City man, Jonathon W. Gammon, was arrested in Imlay City last Thursday after a meth sales investigation by the Thumb Narcotics Unit. The arrest happened at the Speedway Gas station on Cedar Street following a traffic stop on August 29th. Authorities seized nearly 6 grams of suspected meth. Gammon, who was previously charged with meth possession in ’21, was arraigned on August 30th in Lapeer County’s District Court. He had a probable cause conference on Friday morning.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet