Local News

Law enforcement agencies in southeast Michigan have announced that Colton Miller and Alaina Stewart, two 16-year-olds who were reported missing last Wednesday from Mt. Clemens, have been found safe. The teens were last seen driving a black Ford F-150, and they had been believed to be heading out of state. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office confirmed their safe return after a widespread search and public appeal for information. Authorities appreciate the community’s help.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia’s Priscilla Gagne, a Paralympic judoka, was welcomed home Saturday by family and friends. As her car pulled up, her mother’s lawn was filled with loved ones. Gagne, who is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, competed in her third Paralympics in Paris, where she finished fifth. Born in Granby, Quebec, and raised in Sarnia, she has lived in Montreal for nine years training in judo. Now, with her competitive career behind her, Gagne plans to focus on writing, running clinics, and public speaking.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The trial of Justin Simon, accused of causing the death of Port Huron school teacher Ashley Nisbett in a car crash, wrapped up its first week. Simon admitted to drinking before the crash but argues he should only be charged with causing serious injury, not death.

The defense claims Nisbett’s death was due to medical errors, not just the accident. However, the medical examiner testified that the accident was the primary cause.

The trial resumes today (Tuesday) with closing arguments and jury deliberations. Simon faces up to 15 years if found guilty.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In August, St. Clair County’s median home price was $319,900, a slight increase of 0.8% from the previous month and a 2.4% rise from the same time last year. Homes in the area averaged 1,658 square feet, listed at $183 per square foot, reflecting a 2.1% increase from August 2023. Homes sold quickly, with a median listing time of 38 days, faster than the national average of 53 days. New listings dropped by 9.3% compared to last year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Mayfield Township, Lapeer County, a delivery truck struck a power line on Tuesday, causing a two-alarm fire. The downed line ignited a small grass fire, which spread to a nearby shed that was completely destroyed. Firefighters from Lapeer, Deerfield, and Columbiaville responded quickly, containing the flames before they could spread further. Over 600 residents experienced temporary power outages as DTE isolated the area to ensure safety. No injuries were reported, and officials remind the public to avoid downed wires and report them immediately for safety reasons.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Sarnia man, James Courtis, has been sentenced to five more years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing two loaded sawed-off shotguns, despite a lifetime firearms ban. Courtis was arrested at gunpoint in July after police responded to a 911 call from a terrified resident. The loaded guns were found in a duffel bag hidden nearby. Courtis faced 15 charges but pleaded guilty to four. Sarnia’s police chief highlighted the dangerous situation, and the prosecutor emphasized the ongoing concern over gun crime in the area.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet