Local News

On Veterans Day, a 17-year-old Marysville Eagle Scout gave St. Clair County a new place to honor those who served. Kyle McCormick of Troop 216 built a Veterans Prayer Garden at St. Mary Cemetery on Rattle Run Road in St. Clair after finding his grandfather’s marker needing care. His grandfather, Joseph McCormick, was an Air Force sergeant in Vietnam. With about 13 volunteers and $2,500 in donations, Kyle added a bench, military branch emblems, American flags and a kneeling soldier statue beside a cross.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Shopping local this holiday season could be as simple as leaving a kind review. The Blue Water Chamber of Commerce has kicked off Small Business Season, which runs through December 31st under the theme “It’s the Thought That Counts.” Chamber President and CEO Jorja Baldwin says a recommendation, a review, or a purchase can introduce neighbors to a business they might never discover. The Chamber will promote its members on social media and at networking events, and area businesses can send their holiday events and promotions to info at bluewaterchamber.com.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A St. Clair County murder trial set for next month could be delayed after the Kimball Township defendant’s public defender requested to leave the case. Attorney Donald Sheldon says his relationship with Robert Barr has broken down, citing 4 grievances Barr filed against him. Barr is charged with open murder in the October 2025 stabbing death of Alvis Miranda on the Wadhams-to-Avoca Trail. Circuit Judge Michael West will consider the request Nov. 23, and a new attorney could need time to review the case. Barr faces up to life in prison.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Huron County jury took about 90 minutes to convict Mark Rolfe, the former owner of the Bad Axe movie theater and bowling alley, on all 25 counts of criminal sexual conduct. Prosecutor Timothy Rutkowski says the case involved 3 young women who once worked at Rolfe’s Bad Axe businesses, with evidence stretching back more than 20 years. Rolfe was found guilty of 15 first-degree counts involving 1 woman and 10 fourth-degree counts involving the other 2. He’ll be sentenced January 11th by Circuit Judge Gerald Prill.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Two fires in 2 days across the river in Sarnia are a reminder for Blue Water Area families to check their smoke alarms and battery chargers. Sarnia Fire Rescue says an overheating lithium-ion battery started a fire at a rowhouse on Vidal Street South around 3 a.m. Monday. Working smoke alarms woke all 4 people inside, and they got out safely. The family dog died, even after firefighters carried it out and gave it oxygen. The night before, everyone got out unhurt from a kitchen fire on Devine Street.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Freeland man is in jail after deputies say he crashed his car into a Tuscola County medical building. The sheriff’s office says another driver saw the 20-year-old speeding east on M-81 near Colwood Road in Ellington Township on Sunday. Moments later, his car left the road, tore through a field and smashed into a building owned by Aspire Rural Health Systems. He had only minor injuries. After he was treated, he was booked into the Tuscola County Jail on a drunk driving charge.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet