Local News

A Marine City YouTuber was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail and 18 months of probation after a judge said he wrongly used pepper spray outside Zimmerman’s Meat Market. Ian Pfister was convicted of improper use of a self-defense spray and aggravated assault after jurors watched his own video, which showed him warning store owner Richard Hobig before spraying him in the face; the judge said Hobig still has lasting eye problems, and the case is now a warning that self-defense claims must be used carefully and correctly.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia’s latest crime severity index dropped by nearly twenty-nine percent, but local police caution that this number reflects sentence severity rather than total crimes committed. While four homicides in ’24 artificially spiked the baseline to make this drop look dramatic, local call logs tell a mixed story: break-ins fell thirty-one percent to 253 incidents and weapons calls dropped to 108, yet shoplifting calls doubled to 822 and intimate partner violence reports remained high at nearly fifteen hundred. Overall, police solved over ninety percent of serious violent cases last year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The annual Yale Bologna Festival took place in downtown Yale over the weekend, filling the streets with the savory aroma of grilled bologna, bustling craft vendors, and vibrant family entertainment. Folks gathered to celebrate small-town traditions by crowning the Bologna Royalty, posing with the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, and joining games like the famous bologna toss. Beyond the fun and food, the three-day event served as a crucial fundraiser for local community groups, including the Yale High School robotics team.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lake St. Clair is getting ready for a crowded “Raft Off” this Saturday, as thousands are expected for a full weekend of boats, music, and on-the-water camping. Local authorities are urging boater safety and warning against unlicensed charter rides. The multi-day weekend bash requires vessel operators to carry unexpired flares, working fire extinguishers, properly fitted life jackets, and carbon monoxide ventilation. Boaters should also watch for underwater hazards, stay hydrated, and verify any paid captains are U.S. Coast Guard licensed before stepping aboard.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A murder trial in St. Clair County has been pushed back one week, giving the court more time to sort out its schedule. Sayon Florence, 37, is now set to go before a jury on Sept. 15th, where she is accused of helping arrange the killing of her ex-boyfriend, Vincent Buckles, who was found shot dead at his home in January of ’25. Prosecutors say Florence and 24-year-old Dazman Drake worked together, while Florence told police she only wanted Buckles scared, not killed. Drake’s trial is set for Nov. 3rd.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Sanilac is turning the historic museum lawn into a busy yard sale stop during Michigan’s Yard Sale Trail from this Friday through Sunday, giving shoppers free parking, restrooms, and a place to rest right off M-25. The weekend also brings a farmers market concert Friday, an open mic finale Saturday, and a free Sunday blues show, making the museum grounds a one-stop local draw for bargains, food, and live entertainment.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet