Local News

A Michigan man has admitted to stealing nearly $900,000 from his employer over three years. Federal prosecutors say 51-year-old Peter Paulus of Port Huron pleaded guilty last Friday to wire fraud. Court documents show that between late 2020 and mid-2023, Paulus worked for a countertop company near Detroit, where he diverted customer credit card payments into his own accounts. He even faked receipts to make the transactions look legitimate. Paulus is scheduled to be sentenced May 19 and could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Puzzle lovers can sharpen their skills and support local history Saturday at the Carnegie Museum in Port Huron. Teams of two to four will race to finish a 500-piece puzzle within three hours, with prizes for the top two spots. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1, and entry includes museum admission and refreshments. All proceeds go toward preserving the museum’s 45,000 artifacts through the “Change for the Collection” campaign. Registration is required in advance at phmuseum.org.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan’s cannabis market is kicking off the new year under pressure. For the first time since recreational sales began six years ago, marijuana sales slipped 3% last year to just over $3 billion. Now, a new 24% wholesale tax—meant to fund road projects—is hitting dispensaries hard. Industry leaders warn higher prices and job cuts could follow, as many companies say they can’t afford to absorb the cost. Lawsuits challenging the tax are moving forward, but for now, businesses and customers are bracing for more expensive weed.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Police in Yale are investigating a phone threat about explosives made Tuesday morning against Yale Junior High. Officers quickly checked the building and found no credible danger. Chief William Black says the investigation is still underway. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police helped search the scene. No suspects have been named, and classes at the junior high are continuing as normal while police keep looking into where the call came from.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A new traffic study is raising alarms about one of Michigan’s busiest intersections. The roundabout at 18½ Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue in Sterling Heights has been named the state’s most dangerous by Michigan Auto Law. State police data show 162 crashes and 12 injuries there in ’24 — up 20 percent from the year before. Experts say the multi-lane design and heavy freeway traffic nearby make it tricky for drivers to navigate. The report urges motorists to slow down and stay alert when entering roundabouts.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sanilac County is tackling rural hunger head-on. The Sanilac County Community Foundation will host the Thumb Food Security Workshop this Thursday at the Maple Valley Community Center in Sandusky. Funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the event connects pantry leaders across the Thumb to share ideas and strengthen food access. Guest speaker Jennifer Garner from the University of Michigan will discuss innovative ways communities can source local food. In-person guests get a free Farm-to-Plate lunch. Registration is open now on Eventbrite.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet