Local News

Attorneys for both defendants charged in a Port Huron murder case are asking a judge to keep key evidence away from jurors. Sayon Florence and Dazman Drake face first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of Vincent Buckles, killed at his home last year. New court filings seek to block evidence including a pearl found on a boot, gun and ballistics testing, gas station video, and jail phone calls, arguing it’s prejudicial or unreliable. A judge hears arguments Aug. 31st, with Florence’s trial set for next month.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron families are gearing up for a full day of fun with a purpose. Pine Grove Park hosts Recovery Fest on September 12th, kicking off with a 5K and one-mile walk at 9 a.m., followed by the festival at 11. Organizers promise live music, a dunk tank, petting zoo, foam pit, and a softball showdown between police, firefighters, and faith leaders. The free event celebrates recovery and invites the whole community to show support, with proceeds benefiting local recovery resources.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A tip about a possible shooting in St. Clair led investigators somewhere they didn’t expect. Police say a warning on Thursday about a felon with a gun prompted a search warrant for a home in the 200 block of South 5th Street. St. Clair officers, working with the Port Huron Major Crime Unit and Port Huron’s Special Response Team, searched the residence and found the suspect along with a firearm and narcotics. The suspect was taken into custody without incident . Investigators say the case remains open.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County commissioners have approved a new deputy medical director role for the Health Department, aiming to expand family planning and clinical services. The 5-1 vote replaces a vacant nurse practitioner position, letting the department offer full Title X services 5 days a week instead of 3. Officials say the move should be revenue neutral, though one commissioner voted no over concerns about federal funding security beyond next year. Nurses at the meeting raised staffing concerns. The county hopes to fill the role by year’s end.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Sanilac’s history museum turned its grounds into a world wine tour over the weekend. The Sanilac County Historic Village and Museum hosted its Sip and Stroll fundraiser Saturday evening, letting guests wander the grounds while sampling wines from around the globe, alongside live string quartet music and appetizers. Organizers redesigned the event this year so every ticket included the full tasting experience upfront. Advance tickets were cheaper online, with walk-ins welcomed at the door. Proceeds helped preserve the museum’s history for future visitors.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Health officials in Lambton County have confirmed the area’s first West Nile-positive mosquito pool of the year, after a trap in Petrolia tested positive earlier this month. No human cases have turned up locally, though Public Health Ontario has logged three cases and dozens of infected mosquito pools province-wide this season. Most infected people show no symptoms, but officials urge residents to avoid dusk-to-dawn exposure, wear light protective clothing, use DEET-based repellent, and drain standing water around their homes to cut down on mosquito breeding grounds.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet