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Local News

TEC Students Shine at Regional HOSA Competition

Thirteen students from the St. Clair County Technical Education Center (TEC) showcased their skills at the Region 7 HOSA Competition on December 5th at Saginaw Valley State University. Competing against 14 other schools, TEC students participated in 11 healthcare events after weeks of preparation. Six students earned top honors and will advance to the Michigan State HOSA Conference in April, including Marysville’s Braylon Rogan and Jaden Cole, and Yale and St. Clair students Julia Ferguson, Leah Francek, Stella Raymo, and Amelia Waidelich.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Truck Driver Sentenced for Deadly Crash

A Florida man has been sentenced in Tuscola County for a deadly September crash that killed three members of the Putnam family. 55-year-old Pavel B. Shchukin received one year in jail for each of three moving violation causing death charges and was ordered to pay $1,425 in fines and court costs. The charges follow a crash on September 26 in Ellington Township, where Shchukin’s semi-truck ran a stop sign at Hurds Corner and Deckerville Roads, hitting the family’s Jeep.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Police Encounter Turns Fatal

In Tuscola County’s Kingston village, a police encounter ended in a shooting last Tuesday night. Michigan State Police troopers were called to a Koylton Township home around 8:30 p.m. to take a 54-year-old man into custody under a court-ordered mental health hold. When officers found him in a vehicle, the man reportedly pulled a weapon, prompting shots to be fired. A sergeant was injured in the hand, treated, and released, while the man died at the scene. MSP’s investigative and crime teams are handling the case, which remains active.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Modern Spin on “Little Women”

Enter Stage Right in Port Huron is gearing up for a fresh take on “Little Women,” opening Jan. 9th at the Citadel Theatre on Huron Avenue. The show runs weekends through Jan. 25th, with evening performances on Fridays and Saturdays and matinees on Sundays. Director Amy Fabick says this modernized adaptation highlights all four March sisters and adds quicker pacing and humor while keeping the heart of the classic. Tickets are $20 online, and the theater may add extra shows if demand remains high.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Delivery Driver Arrested

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office ended a string of break-ins last week after a delivery driver was caught targeting homes across several townships. Deputies arrested 32-year-old Deonte King of Redford on December 6 near Werner Road in Columbus Township after two more homes were hit the same day. Investigators recovered stolen valuables and linked them to earlier cases. King faces multiple felony home-invasion charges with a $200,000 bond. Sheriff Mat King says lock up, stay alert, and call 911 if you spot anything suspicious.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Christmas with a Cop

In Fort Gratiot Tuesday, St. Clair County Deputy William Hardziej helped three local kids shop for Christmas at Walmart, giving each $100 to spend on toys, games, and decorations. The kids picked out Legos, dinosaurs, Monster High dolls, and Star Wars toys while Hardziej kept watch and offered guidance. After shopping, families enjoyed pizza thanks to Walmart. The event, Christmas with a Cop, was sponsored by local businesses including Jeremy’s Automotive in Casco Township, ML Chartier in Fair Haven, and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet