Local News

St. Clair County is ramping up beach safety checks as summer crowds return. The county health department has restarted weekly water testing at eight popular beaches, including spots in Port Huron, Fort Gratiot, and Marine City. Officials are checking for E. coli levels through September, with results posted online within a day. If bacteria levels run high, advisories go out, warning people to stay out of the water until it is safe again. Health leaders say the goal is to keep beaches open and safe, but swimmers should still be cautious.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Residents in the Blue Water area have a chance to learn more about Parkinson’s disease at a free event in Marysville later this month. The Port Huron Parkinson’s Support Group is hosting an educational session June 24th from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Marysville Community Center. Two Henry Ford specialists will discuss the latest treatments and diagnosis options for movement disorders. The event is open to patients, families, and caregivers. Organizers ask attendees to RSVP by June 22nd. Refreshments will be provided.

RSVP: 616-437-6043 or Donnemarie.rockwell@bsci.com

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A heavy rainstorm in Sanilac County led to a rollover crash last Tuesday evening, leaving a 62-year-old Snover man with minor injuries. Deputies say it happened just before 6:30 on Argyle Road near Germania in Evergreen Township. The man was driving a Chevy Equinox when standing water in a low spot caused the SUV to hydroplane. The vehicle slid off the road and flipped into a ditch, landing on its side. He was treated at the scene and released.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

After eight seasons, St. Clair girls soccer coach Cliff Freeland is stepping down, closing a run that turned the program into a statewide contender. The former St. Clair basketball player built the team on effort and toughness, leading the Saints to a 110-31-19 record with six district titles and three league championships. The team climbed three conference divisions under his leadership and never posted a losing season. Freeland leaves behind a program now set to compete at the highest level in the MAC Red.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Federal agents say a man from Italy tried to slip into the U.S. by kayaking across the border from Canada, but it did not go far. U.S. Border Patrol agents in Port Huron, near border waters, arrested him June first after spotting the illegal crossing. Officials say he had already been denied entry for past visa overstays and has prior misdemeanor charges in Florida, including theft and fraud. He now faces federal charges and is expected to be deported.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Dan Casey is stepping down after 15 years leading economic growth efforts in St. Clair County, with his retirement set for September first. The Economic Development Alliance board accepted his resignation this week. Casey took over in 2011, when the area was still recovering from the recession, and helped guide businesses through both that downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders credit him with bringing a major electric vehicle project to a long-empty industrial site and supporting small businesses. He plans to stay involved in community boards and spend more time writing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet