Local News

A lawsuit over the death of former Port Huron Northern teacher Ashley Nisbett may soon settle. The civil case involves Justin Simon, who crashed into Nisbett’s car on Lakeshore Road in October of ’23 while intoxicated. Simon was convicted last September for causing serious injury and sentenced to 39 months to five years in prison. Lawyers met July 11 in St. Clair County Circuit Court to discuss the case, but the settlement hearing was moved to September 12 due to Simon’s incarceration. Nisbett passed away four days after the crash.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County Judge Cynthia Lane will soon decide if Justin Rose, convicted in ’96 for a violent 16-year-old crime in Grant Township, should get a new sentence. Rose was originally sentenced to life for assault with intent to murder after a store robbery where the owner was shot. Defense lawyers argued new science on teen brain development and Rose’s rehabilitation efforts, like earning a GED and training guide dogs, justify resentencing. Prosecutors agreed only on resentencing the assault charge. The victim, Dale Reusser, survived but faces lasting effects.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Last Wednesday, despite cloudy skies and light rain, hundreds gathered along Huron Avenue in downtown Port Huron to watch the Rotary International Day Parade. This event officially kicked off the annual Boat Week celebrations. Many families hold this parade as a beloved tradition, returning year after year rain or shine. The Port Huron High School Marching Band energized the crowd, joined by alumni and visiting sailors for the weekend’s big race. Rotary Club President Carter Hitesman praised the strong community support that makes this festive gathering possible.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Early last week in Watertown Township, a crash involving a fuel truck and a passenger SUV caused one driver to be injured. A Sandusky man driving a Buick Enclave failed to stop at a stop sign on French Line Road and hit a northbound fuel truck at South Sandusky Road. The Buick rolled over and landed in a nearby yard. Emergency crews took the injured driver to McLaren Hospital in Port Huron. The truck driver was unharmed and left the scene on his own. The Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Friday night, Port Sanilac’s Sanilac County Historic Village and Museum hosted a special Candlelight Concert featuring local St. Clair resident and Turkish guitarist Mert Sela. For two hours guests enjoyed a beautiful mix of classical and flamenco guitar under flickering candlelight at 228 S Ridge St. Tickets were $10, supporting the museum’s upkeep and community programs. This event highlights the museum’s ongoing efforts to bring arts and culture to the region without state or local funding.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 55-year-old Kingston man, Steven Paul Crafard, was arrested for possessing and sharing illegal child abuse material online. Police seized digital evidence from his home last year, leading to 24 charges against him, including aggravated possession and using a computer to commit a crime. Crafard appeared in 71B District Court on July 3rd and was released on a $100,000 bond the next day. He is set to return to court on Wednesday for a probable cause hearing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet