Local News

Hundreds of people needed help, and dozens had to be pulled from the water, during this year’s Port Huron Float Down, an unofficial river tradition that draws thousands each summer. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office says about 300 participants required assistance, while 20 were rescued by boat after running into trouble on the St. Clair River. Officials say cheap floats, missing life jackets, and no paddles caused most of the problems. Multiple agencies patrolled the water, and the sheriff thanked them for helping out.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lapeer Police say a man’s claim of being stabbed at Rowden Park turned out to be a hoax. Officers rushed to the Main Street park Sunday night after the man reported being stabbed in the abdomen. He was rushed into surgery at McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital and is expected to recover. But investigators say the wound was self-inflicted during an unrelated crime at a local business, not the park. Devin Bruce Dix, 23, was arraigned Tuesday on false report, child abuse, and retail fraud charges.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Local 4-H members are helping fill food pantry shelves across the region. The Rustic Ramblers 4-H Club sorted and delivered 4,500 pounds of locally raised meat to area food pantries last week, part of an annual effort that’s now donated nearly 25,000 pounds since ’19. The meat reached 16 pantries plus a Port Huron nutrition program. Organizers say the club raises funds year-round through flower sales, bowling nights and golf outings to buy animals at the county livestock auction for processing and donation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron police say a young e-bike rider is recovering after admitting he “risked it” and blew through an intersection without stopping. Officers say the 20-year-old was cruising the sidewalk on Pine Grove Avenue near 23 mph Sunday afternoon when he shot into the crossing at Prospect Place and collided with a Jeep, ending up pinned beneath it. Crews freed him and rushed him to McLaren Port Huron, where he was treated and released. Police now say the case is a reminder: intersections aren’t optional, even on two wheels.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Federal agents recently took three undocumented men into custody in Shelby Township. Officials with the Marysville Border Patrol station confirmed the arrests took place during a targeted operation on August 12th. The suspects, hailing from Honduras and Guatemala, now face multiple federal immigration charges, including entering without a visa and illegal reentry following a prior deportation. Authorities confirmed that all three individuals are currently being processed for formal removal from the country.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Camping enthusiasts around Pinery Provincial Park can breathe a sigh of relief as Ontario Parks halts further campsite removals and commits to relocating lost spaces to safer zones. The province clarified that 52 sites were taken down to protect sensitive ecological habitats, refuting claims of 91 closures raised by local advocate Jeff Schlemmer. While Schlemmer remains cautiously optimistic until final plans are released, the government’s 10 year strategy balances environmental conservation with preserving outdoor recreation for regional campers.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet