George James

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

Raj Patel, a former Money Mart employee from Sarnia, has had criminal charges related to $20,000 in false loans dropped after agreeing to a peace bond. Patel, who worked at Money Mart in Chatham and Sarnia until December 2023, was accused of processing fake loans and stealing the funds. However, since the full amount was repaid, the Crown decided to drop the charges. Patel, who studied at Lambton College, must now adhere to a peace bond for three years, which prohibits him from returning to any Money Mart and requires him to maintain good behavior.

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.

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

After three days of deliberations, the Macomb County jury has yet to reach a verdict in the Warren murder case. They reviewed a video of Reinaldo Jamison’s testimony, where he argued self-defense in the 2018 shooting of Andre Fort, 32, from Detroit. The incident occurred in Jamison’s mobile home.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

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