Local News

A St. Clair landmark is turning 100 years old, and the public is invited to the party. The St. Clair Inn has welcomed families, travelers and wedding parties along the St. Clair River since 1926, dating back to Prohibition. St. Clair County residents can tour the historic building for free at an open house Tuesday, November 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. A Centennial Gala follows Saturday, November 14, at 6 p.m., with dinner and dancing. Tickets are $200 per person.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A St. Clair County jury has rejected a Port Huron woman’s claim of self-defense in the shooting death of her boyfriend. Jurors found 41-year-old Jennifer Goodall guilty Monday of first-degree murder in the killing of 23-year-old Chase Hoyt at their Port Huron home on Sept. 3rd of ’25. Body camera photos showed the rifle she said he held was in a closet, still in its case, and recordings captured her threatening him. Goodall will be sentenced at 1:35 p.m. Nov. 16 and faces up to life in prison.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County drivers should plan extra travel time this week as the road commission tackles a long list of projects. Starting Tuesday, Puttygut Road in China Township is closed for 3 days for a crossroad replacement. Palms Road in Columbus Township stays closed until Dec. 4th for a bridge replacement, and Krafft Road in Fort Gratiot Township remains closed until early November. Crews are also patching concrete on I-94 near Wadhams Road in St. Clair Township. Most work depends on the weather.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 25-year Lapeer high school teacher is on leave after being charged last Thursday with sex trafficking of a minor and sexual exploitation of a child. The FBI says 48-year-old Corwin Gutenschwager made CashApp transfers totaling $839 with a 17-year-old girl, who told agents he paid her for sex. He allegedly admitted meeting 2 to 5 other girls at Flint hotels. Lapeer Community Schools says no local students appear involved and plans its own investigation. A detention hearing is set for this afternoon.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron’s hospital is getting a new top boss. McLaren Port Huron has named Lance Beus its new president and CEO, starting October 26, taking over from interim leader Tim Vargas. Beus brings more than 15 years of hospital leadership, most recently running hospitals in Detroit, where he worked to speed up emergency room care and bring in more doctors. He also led hospitals in Ohio and Tennessee. Board chair Gregory Busdicker says Beus will help strengthen quality and expand services for families across the Blue Water Area.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan’s Thumb coast is taking a big bite out of the competition. Michigan Blue Magazine asked readers to pick the best of the best across the state, and the Thumb coast won 22 of 54 categories. Marine City led the way with 7 wins, including Best Vacation Town, Best Festival for Maritime Days, and Best Fudge. Port Huron took Best Boating Town, and the Bayview Mackinac Race won Best Boating Race. Other winners include the St. Clair Inn, Port Crescent State Park, and the M-29 Diner.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet