Local News

A dispute between a city manager and a former community garden organizer is headed back to court, after a judge delayed a decision on a protection order and instead scheduled a hearing to determine if it was violated. Julian Ruck is accused of continuing to email City Manager James Freed despite a court order banning contact, following messages that referenced harm to Freed’s family. Ruck denies making threats, calling it free speech tied to a fallout over a canceled garden lease. A hearing on possible contempt charges is set for September 3rd.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A fast-moving garage fire broke out before dawn Friday at a home along the 1700 block of North Lapeer Road in Mayfield Township, prompting a rapid response just before 4 a.m. Fire crews arrived to find flames and heavy smoke pouring from an attached garage and worked quickly to contain it within three hours. A search of the home confirmed all occupants had safely escaped after being alerted by smoke alarms. The fire was limited to the garage, no injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Health Department nurses packed a county commission meeting Thursday in Port Huron, demanding an outside investigation into Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin and a halt to contract talks and possible cuts to Title X services. Backed by their union, nurses described years of alleged retaliation, safety concerns, and a broken reporting system. Community members spoke both for and against Nevin, with some calling for a broader probe. Commissioners debated the issue but ultimately delayed any decision, voting to revisit the request in early September.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Police in Almont Township shut down an illegal marijuana grow operation after seizing 205 plants along with cultivation equipment during a raid on July 21st. Officers worked alongside city police, fire crews, public works, and utility officials to carry out the search warrant. No arrests have been made so far, and the investigation is still active. At the same time, recent inspections of licensed medical marijuana grow sites found multiple violations, leading to several shutdowns. Authorities say illegal growing in residential neighborhoods will not be tolerated.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Drivers in St. Clair Township should prepare for a major traffic shift starting today, as Gratiot Road between Wadhams Road and Bartlett Road will fully close for about four weeks for reconstruction. Crews will tear out the old asphalt, break up the concrete underneath, and lay down a new asphalt surface. During the closure, traffic will be rerouted along Wadhams Road, Smiths Creek Road, and Range Road. While through traffic is blocked, residents, businesses, and emergency vehicles will still have access within the work zone.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County leaders have rolled out a new plan to protect residents during dangerous heat waves and freezing temperatures, creating a coordinated system to open emergency shelters when conditions turn life-threatening. Blue Water Community Action will lead efforts, managing shelter space, transportation, and support once alerts are triggered, such as wind chills below zero or heat indexes over 105 degrees. A new $20,000 crisis fund will help cover overflow needs, while local shelters and partners step in to expand capacity.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet