Local News

A Port Huron woman has pleaded guilty in a child sex abuse case that began with an online report. Michigan State Police say 31-year-old Kelly Burson admitted to several charges after investigators found video evidence during a search of her home. Prosecutors say the case started when a national missing children group was alerted to abuse being shared through the Kik app. Burson now faces a long prison sentence when she is sentenced in July. The case is a reminder of how quickly online tips can lead investigators to serious crimes.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A late-night emergency at a Michigan campground is now raising fresh concerns about water safety as summer travel ramps up. Authorities say a 4-year-old boy drowned Tuesday night at Jellystone Park in Forester Township, about 90 miles north of Detroit. Deputies responded after a 911 call just before 10:40 p.m. reporting the child missing. The boy was later found in a large pond inside the campground. Crews performed CPR before he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The sheriff’s office is investigating, and the child’s name has not yet been released.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Fort Gratiot senior living community is turning into a wedding venue this weekend, after two residents found love later in life. Eighty-three-year-old Judy Schultz and 80-year-old Tim Youngson met while working on a puzzle inside Holiday Blue Water Lodge. What started as a simple conversation quickly grew into a relationship. Now, the couple will exchange vows this Saturday at 2 p.m. in the same place where they first connected, surrounded by neighbors, friends, and family.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A woman walking on a Lake Huron beach in Lexington Township was struck by a suspected stray bullet Sunday morning. The 59-year-old from Goodrich was with her sister and niece when they heard a gunshot. She felt the impact and saw blood on her leg. Deputies, state police, and EMS rushed to South Lakeshore Road. She received first aid and was taken to McLaren Port Huron for treatment. Officials believe someone may have fired into the air nearby. The sheriff’s office says it was not intentional.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron, MI – The Eastern Michigan Christian Foundation (EMCF) completed the sale of the former Grace Baptist Church property located at 7040 Imlay City Road in Clyde, Michigan. The property was acquired by a group of private investors who plan to repurpose the facility into a sports-related community complex.

The transaction marks the second significant property gift and liquidation effort completed by EMCF, demonstrating the Foundation’s growing ability to receive, steward, and convert donated real estate and other non-cash assets into sustainable funding for Christian ministry, charitable outreach, and community initiatives throughout Eastern Michigan.

The church property was donated to EMCF, allowing the Foundation to oversee the transition of the asset and redirect its value toward Christian ministry and community outreach efforts across the region. Leaders noted that many churches, families, business owners, and nonprofit organizations hold real estate or appreciated assets that may no longer align with their long-term needs but could create meaningful charitable impact through strategic giving.

EMCF currently supports seven faith-based nonprofit member organizations throughout the region, including A Beautiful Me, SPERO Pregnancy Center, New Life Christian Academy, Operation Transformation, SONS Outreach, HOPE FM, and Youth for Christ East Michigan. These ministries collaborate through EMCF to strengthen sustainability and expand community impact across Eastern Michigan.

Karen Palka, Executive Director of A Beautiful Me and EMCF member organization representative, said, “This successful property transition demonstrates how generosity today can create a lasting impact for generations to come. EMCF provides the confidence that charitable gifts will be stewarded responsibly and transformed into sustainable resources that strengthen ministries, empower communities, and change lives.”

EMCF leaders hope this successful transaction will encourage individuals, churches, ministries, and organizations to explore creative charitable giving strategies involving real estate, estates, business interests, land, buildings, and other appreciated assets.

For more information about the Eastern Michigan Christian Foundation or to discuss charitable giving opportunities involving property or non cash assets, visit ALastingGift.org or call 810-689-4123.

St. Clair County health officials have confirmed the area’s first salmonella case tied to a multistate outbreak linked to backyard poultry like chicks and ducklings. Even healthy-looking birds can spread the germs through droppings, feathers, and coops. Officials urge residents to keep children under five away from poultry. Wash hands thoroughly with soap after handling birds or cleaning their areas. Clean equipment outdoors, and never keep live birds inside homes. Those with the runs, fever, or stomach cramps should contact a doctor promptly.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet