George James

Port Huron’s St. Clair River hosted the thrilling Championship Round of the B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup last Friday. Local favorite Team 7Brew Coffee, a father-son duo from Texas, Alton Jones Sr. and Jr., rallied late to win with 26 smallmouth bass weighing 62 pounds. Team YETI finished close behind with 26 bass at 59 pounds. The Joneses credited their win to precise river knowledge and a special drop-shot bait, making it a career-defining moment for both. Across four teams, anglers landed 89 bass totaling nearly 189 pounds.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The St. Clair County Health Department is currently consolidating its clinical services, closing school clinics in Yale and Algonac and ending nurse support at Capac schools. Limited services at Marysville schools and community outreach events, such as mobile testing and vaccines, will also stop. Only the Main Clinic and Teen Health Center in Port Huron will remain open. Officials say the move focuses on public health prevention, not direct care, but many residents worry it will hurt low-income families. County leaders will discuss alternatives on Friday, but no new plan is in place yet.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Fort Gratiot solar project wants in on a lawsuit over St. Clair County’s new solar rules. Portside Solar, which plans a 900-acre farm approved by the township, asked the county court last weel to join DTE Energy’s case challenging the May regulations. The rules limit noise, visibility, and require decommissioning plans. Portside says it’s affected differently than DTE, noting its near-construction project and independent status. The company claims the rules are vague and could force extra approvals. A court hearing is set for next Wednesday.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A St. Clair County woman has a warrant out for her arrest after missing a court date on robbery charges. Jessica Casper, 23, was due in Circuit Court for an unarmed robbery case and two misdemeanor charges, but she didn’t show up. Casper is accused of breaking into a Port Huron apartment on July 13th with two other women, assaulting the resident, and stealing nearly $1,000. Police say she was found with brass knuckles. Her $15,000 bond has been revoked, and she faces up to 15 years if convicted.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sandusky is set to get a major healthcare upgrade. The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a $74 million loan to replace McKenzie Memorial Hospital, built in 1967, with a modern 68,000-square-foot facility. The new hospital will combine services currently spread across multiple buildings, add more parking, and include multiple entrances for easier access. Officials say construction will start soon and finish by the end of next year, giving residents improved access to quality care.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Construction of a new roundabout begins today at Marine City Highway and Palms Road on the Ira-Casco township border. The project will run through late October. Westbound traffic on Marine City Highway will stay open, but eastbound drivers must detour onto Church, Meisner and Starville roads. Palms Road north of the highway will close for three and a half weeks, with detours using Springborn and Starville. The $1.3 million project aims to improve safety and reduce pollution. Access to homes, businesses and emergency vehicles will remain open, but drivers should expect delays.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet