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

A routine speeding stop on I-94 in St. Clair Township is a reminder for local gun owners about Michigan’s carry laws. State Police say a Lapeer Post trooper pulled a driver over near Wadhams Road around 8:35 last Thursday morning. The trooper then saw a pistol in plain view on the front passenger seat. The driver didn’t have a valid Concealed Pistol License, so the trooper seized the loaded handgun. The driver was let go for now while the St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office decides whether to file concealed weapons charges.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron families won’t have to travel far to visit the kingdom of Arendelle this holiday season. Enter Stage Right opens “Disney’s Frozen” Friday at the Citadel Theatre, running through November 22nd and returning December 4th through the 20th. Directed by Regina Spain, the musical follows sisters Anna and Elsa, with songs from the movie plus new music written for the stage. Evening shows start at 7, matinees at 2. Advance tickets are 20 dollars for adults and 15 for kids, five dollars more at the door.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet