Local News

A Clyde Township restaurant is turning to the community for help after a fire forced it to shut down earlier this month. The Dorsey House has been closed since the July 5 blaze, and the owner is now asking nearby bars and restaurants to consider hiring displaced staff while repairs remain uncertain. A social media post lists openings for servers, bartenders, and kitchen workers to quickly reconnect employees with jobs. The fire happened mid-afternoon during renovations, with no injuries reported, and the cause is still under investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Macomb County man will spend the rest of his life in prison after a jury found 42-year-old Matthew Lewinski guilty of killing his ex-girlfriend inside his home in late ’20. Prosecutors say an argument turned violent when 52-year-old Courtney “Jerri” Winters showed up unannounced, ending with Lewinski choking her to death. He then hid her body in his basement for months. The crime surfaced after a medical emergency led family members to the home. Lewinski later confessed, and that statement helped secure his conviction and life sentence without parole. Authorities say the victim had not been reported missing during that time.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In St. Clair, a youth softball team battled extreme heat and a tense pitching duel to claim a 1-0 state championship win over Georgetown last Tuesday. Pitcher Kora Robbins led the way with nine strikeouts in a complete-game shutout, keeping the game scoreless until the fifth inning. With two outs, Nina Delore delivered a clutch RBI double to drive in the only run. Backed by strong community support, the team advanced to a regional tournament in Indiana already underway.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan’s congressional delegation is once again urging the Canadian government to take stronger action to reduce the wildfire smoke that has repeatedly blanketed the Great Lakes region with hazardous air quality. In a letter dated July 15, Representatives John James, Jack Bergman, John Moolenaar, and Lisa McClain called on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to provide measurable steps being taken to reduce wildfire risk and protect neighboring communities.

The lawmakers noted that Michigan has experienced multiple years of dangerous smoke conditions, forcing air quality alerts and affecting children, older adults, dialysis patients, and others with health concerns. They argue that previous assurances from Canadian officials have not produced meaningful results and say their constituents deserve action rather than additional promises.

The delegation also suggested the United States may need to reconsider its role in cross border wildfire cooperation if conditions do not improve. The letter asks Canada to explain what has changed since last summer and what specific actions will be taken before next year’s wildfire season to reduce smoke reaching the American Midwest.

A Port Huron murder case is growing more serious as two suspects now face additional charges tied to a deadly home invasion. A St. Clair County judge approved the new counts after hearing evidence that Vincent Buckles’ Vanness Street home showed signs of forced entry before his January 2025 shooting death. Prosecutors say the killing was planned, while both suspects deny responsibility and blame each other. Separate jury trials are scheduled this fall, with each defendant already facing possible life sentences if convicted.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A serious rollover crash shut down part of westbound I-94 near Fred Moore Highway in Casco Township Tuesday evening. Deputies say a 34-year-old woman driving a 2005 Chevrolet pickup lost control, causing the truck to overturn. A 41-year-old male passenger from Kimball Township was thrown from the vehicle during the crash. Both suffered significant injuries and were treated at the scene before being taken to a nearby hospital. Officials say the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The freeway was temporarily closed, and the crash remains under investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet