Local News

A St. Clair Shores man is facing up to life in prison after allegedly scamming a 78-year-old Clinton Township woman out of more than thirty thousand dollars. Eric Williams, 60, claimed her new home had defective paint and bad concrete, then drove her to the bank several times so she could hand over the cash. No repairs were ever made. Williams was arraigned May seventh in Clinton Township. He faces embezzlement and repeat larceny charges as a habitual offender.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

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

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

Schools in Lambton and Kent counties are bracing for tighter budgets. The Lambton Kent District School Board expects to lose about 250 students next year, which could cut provincial funding by roughly 3.5 million dollars. Slower housing growth across the region is a major reason, with fewer new homes and families moving in. Officials say this enrollment drop is part of a wider Ontario trend that may last several years. The board has already cut 22 custodial jobs and is planning more staffing changes while preparing next year’s budget.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron firefighters saved a dog from a house fire Friday morning on Oak Street. Crews arrived at the 1900 block just before 10 a.m. and quickly knocked down the flames in the kitchen. No people were inside, but the homeowner told them their dog was still trapped. Firefighters searched and found the pet in a bedroom. They carried the dog out safely. Tri-Hospital EMS helped it breathe before animal control took over and rushed it to a vet for treatment. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Columbus County Park on Bauman Road in Columbus Township is looking more natural after forestry mulching work wrapped up. All trails are now open to visitors. Crews cleared invasive shrubs and trees in the first phase of a project to restore native grasslands. The work will help create prime habitat for Monarch butterflies, grassland birds like the Grasshopper Sparrow, and many other local wildlife species. Additional invasive plant removal is set for this summer and fall, followed by native seed planting.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet