Local News

Lake Huron Medical Center proudly names Nicole Plutschuck as June ’25 Employee of the Month. Nicole, a Performance Improvement Coordinator, has dedicated over 13 years to improving care in the Blue Water Area. Recently, she revamped important educational materials for doctors and advanced practice providers, making them clear and up-to-date. Her hard work helps ensure patients receive the best care possible. LHMC thanks Nicole and all its staff for their commitment to the community’s health.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

On Friday night near Marine City Highway and King Road in China Township, a 20-year-old man from Cotterville was hit by a Ford F150 while standing in the roadway. The 18-year-old driver, also local, struck the pedestrian as he was driving north and stayed on scene. Emergency crews quickly arrived and rushed the injured man to McLaren Macomb, where he remains in critical condition. Authorities say alcohol and drugs don’t seem involved. The St. Clair County Crash Investigation Team is handling the case.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan State University is calling for nominations for its ’26 Dairy Farm of the Year Award, which honors excellence in Michigan’s dairy industry. Open to individual farmers, families, or partners, the award recognizes top-tier farming practices and strong community involvement. The honoree will be celebrated at the Michigan Dairy Industry Banquet and spotlighted during the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference. Their portrait will be added to the Farm Bureau Pavilion at MSU. Nominations are due by September 15th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron, Wyatt Riehl, a dedicated paramedic and National Guard lieutenant, honored his employer, Tri-Hospital EMS, with the Patriot Award last Wednesday. When an ice storm struck Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Riehl’s team quickly covered his shift, allowing him to deploy 300 miles away. This support enabled Riehl to serve his community and country without worry. He praised his bosses and coworkers for their flexibility, highlighting how Tri-Hospital EMS supports its Guard members, ensuring they can balance both roles.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Macomb County, 18-year-old Jolyan Zahrah was arrested by the FBI for sharing child pornography and gruesome animal torture videos through multiple Discord accounts. His phone revealed disturbing content, including searches about school shootings and buying guns. A judge labeled him a danger to the community, ordering him detained without bond until placed in a mental health facility. Zahrah, allegedly tied to the extremist 764 network, faces federal charges and is due back in court on June 30th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Tuscola County, wildlife experts are treating the Cass River to stop invasive sea lamprey larvae from harming local fish. Through Thursday they’ll use safe chemicals to kill the larvae buried in the riverbed. These parasites threaten the Great Lakes’ $7 billion fishing industry. The treatment is safe, but residents should avoid contact with the water during this time, and farmers must pause irrigation for 24 hours during and after treatment. This effort, ongoing since 1958, keeps Tuscola’s waters and the Great Lakes thriving for anglers.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet