George James

Health Advisory Board Votes Against Merging Roles

In St. Clair County, a divided health advisory board voted 3-2-1 yesterday against merging the health officer and medical director jobs back into one. Supporters cited lost trust in Health Officer Liz King over transparency issues, like surprise clinic changes and fluoridation decisions. Opponents stressed the need for separate roles to maintain checks and balances, a setup most Michigan counties use. The narrow rejection keeps the current split structure in place since 2022.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Deputy Hospitalized After Aggressive Dog Attack

A St. Clair County sheriff’s deputy ended up in the hospital Saturday night after a dog bit him multiple times on the arm and hand. The family dropped off the aggressive dog at the animal shelter in their car. When the deputy opened the hatch, it lunged and attacked. Backup officers tried using a catch pole, but the dog stayed dangerous and was shot once for safety. Sheriff Mat King said it’s a sad result they always try to prevent, with public safety first. The owners haven’t been located.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

County Welcomes Three New Deputy Sheriffs

Sanilac County residents can feel a bit safer this week. Three local men—Arlen Stocker and Carter Miller from Marlette, and Cole McLaughlin from Yale—have become the newest deputy sheriffs. They finished tough police academy training sponsored by the county and were sworn in on Monday. These homegrown deputies will soon start hands-on field training before patrolling the roads. Sheriff Paul Rich praised their dedication to serving and protecting their neighbors right here at home.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Mainstreet Memories Car Show Ending

Sad news for classic car fans in Port Huron and the Blue Water Area. The beloved Mainstreet Memories Car Show, a local tradition since ’15 that became the Thumb’s largest with up to 875 classic vehicles and donated $210,000 to charities like the Council on Aging, will not return next year. Organizers say health and family issues for longtime volunteers made it impossible to continue. But car fans can look forward to a new downtown event planned for July by Shiny Rust Productions, the Port Huron Lions Club, and the DDA—details to come soon.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Paralysis Lawsuit Against Jail Advances

In Port Huron, a long-delayed lawsuit against the St. Clair County Jail and its medical provider is finally moving forward. Lisa Brown, a local woman now partially paralyzed, claims she broke her neck falling from a bunk in ’21, but staff waited days to get her hospital care. Corporate bankruptcy tricks stalled the case for years. A new court schedule sets key deadlines through next fall, with a trial likely in ’27. Brown’s attorney says this ends two years of limbo for justice.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Imlay City Man Critically Injured

An Imlay City man is in critical condition after a Thursday evening crash on Brown City Road in Goodland Township. The 33-year-old’s SUV collided with the back of a slow-moving military-style vehicle, went under its cargo bed, and hit a tree. Firefighters had to cut him free before he was rushed to McLaren Lapeer and later transferred to a Royal Oak hospital. The other driver was unharmed. The road was closed for about four hours as deputies and reconstruction teams investigated. The cause of the crash is still under review.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet