Local News

A Bad Axe funeral home director who stole more than one million dollars from local families has been sent to prison. Seventy-two-year-old Terry Alvin Kaufman was sentenced Monday in Huron County Circuit Court to seven to twenty years behind bars. He pleaded no contest to multiple embezzlement and fraud charges after taking pre-paid funeral money from more than two hundred victims instead of placing it in trust. Kaufman used the funds for his own salary and personal expenses over ten years. He must repay the money.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County families are invited to Celebrate Your Child Literacy Day. The free event happens Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Pine River Nature Center in Goodells. Kids up to 8 can explore trails, visit the treehouse for stories, meet Bluey for photos and a book, tour the library bookmobile, enjoy crafts, and play in a nature obstacle course. The first 100 families to register and attend receive a free literacy bag with a book and activities. Register in advance.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Burtchville Township woman will serve at least four years in prison for stabbing her ex-boyfriend. On Monday, Judge Michael West sentenced 28-year-old Taylor Spigner to four to 15 years for the main charge, plus concurrent terms for assault. West cited a pattern of impulsive behavior, noting Spigner stabbed the victim twice and had threatened others with knives before. Spigner apologized in court and blamed stress after her ex returned home but failed to help care for the kids.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County Community College freshman golfer Jack Higgins has punched his ticket to the national stage. In a dramatic finish at the NJCAA Region 12 Championship in Battle Creek, Higgins fired rounds of 73, 76, and 75 for a 224 total. He stood tied for second after regulation, then delivered a clutch one-hole playoff victory to claim runner-up honors and the final qualifying spot. Higgins now heads to the National Championship next week at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Indiana.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron’s long-awaited Huron Avenue rebuild has been delayed again. The Michigan Department of Transportation now plans the full reconstruction for ’28. Next year, crews will first install a road diet from Vandenberg Place to Lincoln Avenue, dropping the road from four lanes to three and adding a two-way bike lane. The major ’28 project will replace pavement, curbs, sewers, water mains, lights, and signals while fixing the Black River bridge. City officials say the extra time will help downtown businesses prepare for construction impacts.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron, Initia Real Estate turned prom night into a dream for five local high school girls. Each girl picked a free dress from The Closet by A Beautiful Me. Local partners stepped up with pro makeup and hair by St. Clair County Tech students, nails from Michele’s, photos and a video by MythosVisuals, plus a limo ride to the Blue Water Bridge. The night ended with dinner and dancing at The Bank. Founder Ryan Yu says when youth bloom, communities flourish. Organizers hope this becomes an annual tradition.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet