Local News

Sarnia’s police officers and civilian staff have a new 3-year contract, ending a long stretch of bargaining. Members of the Sarnia Police Association voted on the deal October 1st, and approval was announced the next day. Pay goes up 3.5 per cent for ’25, 5 per cent for ’26, and 4 per cent for ’27. Board chair Kelly Ash says the deal also boosts health benefits, parental leave and mental health coverage. The contract still awaits signatures, and the total cost to Sarnia taxpayers has not been confirmed.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A St. Clair County attorney calls the Health Department “dysfunctional,” but says an outside lawyer is not needed to investigate complaints against Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin. Attorney Tori Ferres told commissioners in Port Huron last Thursday the complaints do not meet the legal standard for discrimination or harassment. She recommends a workplace consultant instead. Nurses who filed 42 signed complaints are outraged, and union president Jessica Baker called the process a “sham.” County Administrator Thomas Hull says he will now explore consultant options.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

October’s court calendar in the Blue Water Area is already underway. Aimeir White was set to be sentenced Monday for holding a woman against her will and beating her. Jennifer Goodall’s murder trial in St. Clair County began Tuesday in the death of her boyfriend, Chase Hoyt. Tomorrow at 9 a.m., a hearing will decide how the Port Huron gas station shooting case against Amber Oile moves forward. Dazman Drake has a plea hearing October 26. Judges can delay any date.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

With several St. Clair County townships weighing pauses on data center development, residents can speak up Monday, October 12th, in Port Huron. The county Advisory Board of Health hosts a second workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. in the County Commissioners Meeting Room at 200 Grand River Avenue. Industrial hygienist Kristen Meghan Kelly will explain possible health and environmental effects, and each speaker gets 3 minutes of public comment. The event will be livestreamed on the SCCountyIT YouTube channel.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lapeer authorities arrested a 49-year-old man accused of setting 2 fires. The Golden Arrow Drop-In Center on North Jefferson and the Lapeer District Library on West Nepessing both caught fire within minutes. Police say Andrew Christensen was captured on surveillance cameras at both locations just before the flames erupted, and he had made threats to burn down the buildings hours earlier. Christensen was arrested and arraigned last Thursday on 2 felony counts of arson, each carrying up to 10 years in prison. He also faces charges for retail fraud and vehicle theft.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron’s Blue Water Area Transit has welcomed 11 brand new paratransit buses following their arrival in late September. The $3 million investment in public transportation includes Ford E-450 Super Duty vehicles featuring low-floor designs and compressed natural gas engines for environmental efficiency. Each bus can accommodate 18 regular passengers or 8 passengers with 3 wheelchairs, ensuring accessibility for residents with mobility needs. This project was funded through federal grants and state support, strengthening transportation services for the Blue Water Area community.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet