Local News

Tuscola County Deputy Thomas Peterson is back on duty after surviving a serious crash on M-24 near Blackmore Road in Fremont Township. In February, he was hit by a drunk driver while helping at a roadside scene, suffering broken bones and other injuries. The driver pleaded no contest to two felonies. Peterson’s return is being celebrated by the Sheriff’s Office as a powerful symbol of strength, recovery, and community spirit across Tuscola County.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Ontario’s controversial Bill 5 became law on June 4th, removing key environmental protections for a proposed landfill north of Dresden in Chatham-Kent. This law fast-tracks the project by skipping full environmental reviews, sparking anger from local First Nations like Walpole Island and citizen groups. They warn the landfill threatens sacred sites, endangered species, and local water sources. Critics say the bill ignores Indigenous rights and risks public health, while calls grow for federal intervention to stop the project and protect the region’s environment and communities.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Sanilac County, a phone scam is targeting residents, with a fraudster posing as “Lieutenant Stevens” from the Sheriff’s Office. The scammer claims people have warrants or are on the sex offender registry, demanding payment through gift cards from stores like Walmart. The Sheriff’s Office confirms no Lieutenant Stevens exists, and they never demand payments over the phone. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and don’t share personal or financial details.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

On Monday, Port Huron drivers will noticed big changes near the Blue Water Bridge due to its plaza expansion. The Michigan Department of Transportation has restricted the Pine Grove ramp to cars only and, by June 15th, shifting eastbound I-94 to three lanes, reserving the left for passenger vehicles. This project rebuilds roads, adds noise walls, and aims to improve safety while creating local jobs, all without raising taxes. This work is part of Component 1 of the BWB plaza expansion project.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

On June 4th U.S. Border Patrol’s Detroit Sector arrested three undocumented immigrants during a traffic stop in St. Clair County. The arrests were made by the Marysville ICE Station with support from local law enforcement. The three individuals now face several charges, including being in the country without permission and overstaying their visas. Authorities are moving forward with their removal from the United States. The exact location of the traffic stop within St. Clair County has not been disclosed.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Joshua Conant’s family is suing Roche Bar, its staff, and Port Huron Police after his death outside the bar last November. The lawsuit claims bouncers used deadly force and Officer Chelsea Koehn failed to act properly. Conant died from restraint-related cardiac arrest. The bar has since closed. The family is seeking over $75,000, alleging negligence, civil rights violations, and improper CPR. Defendants deny wrongdoing, blaming Conant’s actions. A status hearing is set for July 31st in federal court.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet