Local News

Dazman Drake, 24, will face a jury after a plea hearing Monday ended with no deal. Drake is accused of shooting 35-year-old Vincent Buckles at his Vanness Street home in Port Huron in January of ’25. Police say Sayon Florence, who a jury already found guilty, asked Drake to carry out the killing because she believed Buckles was abusing their child. Judge Michael West ruled a police gang expert can explain slang heard on a jail phone call. Jury selection starts November 3rd, and Drake faces up to life in prison.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron High School students were dismissed at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday after a false weapon claim put the school on lockdown. School officials say a student claimed to see a weapon at the same time a fight broke out, which alarmed staff and students. Port Huron Assistant Police Chief Jeremy Young says officers were called to the school for the fight and no weapon was involved. No students or staff members were hurt. The school thanked Port Huron police for their quick response, and also praised the students and staff who acted fast.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Port Huron is marking 10 years as St. Clair County’s first and only comprehensive cancer center. Since opening in July of ’16, with 246 new patients in its first week, the center has cared for more than 7,500 people, many of them close to home in the Blue Water Area. It was built as part of a $25 million, 15,000-square-foot project inside a new hospital tower. Neighbors are invited to a free community event in the hospital lobby on Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A missed oath of office brought a heated Applegate Village Council meeting in Sanilac County to a sudden halt Sunday night, leaving the suspension of Village Clerk Stephanie Helmold unresolved. After nearly 2 hours of debate over fire department door access and records, officials realized interim clerk Natalia Bartholomew was never sworn in. Firefighters raised their hands to show they were ready to resign, and the village dissolution commission’s vice-chair stepped down. Helmold stays suspended until the council meets again Monday at 7 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron police are praising residents, officers, and emergency crews after President Donald Trump’s historic visit to McMorran Place Arena on Sunday, October 25. The department says supporters and protesters largely treated one another with dignity and respect, making the large downtown rally peaceful from start to finish. Police credit the Secret Service, Michigan State Police, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, city workers, businesses, and residents for keeping the event safe. Officials say the community showed the nation how people with different political views can share space respectfully.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia is boosting yard waste collection to every week in both zones starting the week of November 2 and running through November 27, giving residents extra chances for fall cleanup right after Halloween. Unpainted pumpkins can go out at the curb with leaves and other yard waste once candles and decorations are removed, while painted ones must go in regular garbage. Zone 2 receives one extra week from November 30 to December 4. Material must be in paper bags or marked rigid containers and set out by 7 a.m. on collection day.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet