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Local News

Independence Day Party

Port Sanilac is gearing up for its classic Independence Day celebration on Saturday, July 4th. The parade rolls at 2 PM, with lineup starting at 1:30 in the St. Mary’s Church parking lot. Local groups and businesses can still sign up at the village office to join the fun. As evening falls, the popular fireworks will light up the Lake Huron shoreline. Crowds will gather at Harbor Park for the best view of the show. Residents and visitors are invited to celebrate safely and enjoy this favorite community tradition.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Man Charged After Stabbing Dog

A Warren man is facing serious felony charges after police say he stabbed a family dog that tried to protect its owners. James Vigneau, 42, allegedly made inappropriate comments at a friend’s home on Sunday, refused to leave, then pulled a knife and lunged toward a man and his daughter. The family dog stepped in, and Vigneau stabbed it twice in the mouth. The dog was hurt but is expected to recover. Vigneau was arraigned Monday. If released, he must wear a GPS monitor.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Ride of Silence

Port Huron held its Ride of Silence Wednesday evening to honor local cyclists injured or killed on area roads. The free event, organized by the St. Clair County Trailblazers, returned after a pandemic pause. It began at 7 p.m. from Lakeside Beach on Gratiot Avenue. Riders gathered by 6:30 for announcements. The slow 10-mile ride drew attention to 81 cyclist incidents in Port Huron over the past five years. Helmets were required and Port Huron police escorted the group.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sanilac County Approves Summer Property Taxes

Sanilac County leaders approved summer property taxes and filled a key board position this week. At Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners passed a resolution to levy 4.01 mills on July 1st. They also interviewed Dawn Cubitt for a three-year partial term on the Public Works Board ending December of ’28. Cubitt was appointed earlier this month to a five-year term on the Sanilac Health Board. In Sandusky, city council approved road pulverizing work on Gaige Street and the purchase of a new grit classifier for the wastewater treatment plant.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Johnson Announces Retirement

After nearly four decades leading St. Clair County Community Mental Health, longtime CEO Deb Johnson announced her retirement plans at the agency’s annual awards event last Thursday. In her 38th year with the organization, Johnson says she will step down in early ’27 once a new leader is in place. Under her guidance, the agency has grown significantly, marking its 60th anniversary last year and helping more than 7,200 local residents last year alone. Johnson plans to continue her work on boards like the YMCA and Child Abuse and Neglect Council.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Drone Helps Deputies

St. Clair County deputies caught a stolen truck driver after a short chase on May 13th. A black Chevy Silverado, reported stolen earlier that day was spotted on Dove Road, and the driver fled when officers tried to stop him, ditched the truck and ran into a wooded area. With help from a Port Huron Police drone, 35-year-old David Cutrubes was quickly taken into custody. He was arraigned on charges including felony receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle, third-degree fleeing, and two counts of resisting and obstructing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet