Local News

Jeep lovers turned out for the annual Polar Bear Jeep Run on Saturday at Port Huron Ace Hardware on Pine Grove Avenue. Hosted by the Blue Water Jeep Owners Club, the event featured fun challenges and friendly competitions — all in one spot so spectators could watch up close. Organizers said the fundraiser supported child abuse prevention programs, Safe Horizons, and holiday help for local families. Everyone was welcome to donate or lend a hand, no Jeep required.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A major drug bust at the Blue Water Bridge near Sarnia, has customs officers talking. The Canadian Border Services Agency says officers stopped a truck coming from the U.S. on February 4th. After a second inspection, detector dogs uncovered 16 duffle bags packed with meth — about 587 pounds total. The driver, 29-year-old Kulbir Singh of Woodstock faces charges for importing and trafficking methamphetamine. Since January, border officers have seized more than 600 kilograms of meth before it reached Canadian streets.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Forty-year-old Jennifer Goodall is charged with open murder after police say she shot 23-year-old Chase Hoyt during a domestic dispute at their 10th Avenue home last fall. Responders couldn’t save Hoyt at the scene. Goodall was heard admitting to the shooting in a 911 call. Her trial, once set for March 3, is now scheduled for August 4, with a plea hearing in late July. The delay allows time for state police to finish a blood pattern analysis critical to the case.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

More than 150 business and community leaders gathered for the St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance’s Semi-Annual Meeting on Tuesday. The group shared its ’25 results — 339 new jobs and over $160 million in private investment from local expansions and attraction projects. CEO Dan Casey says the EDA answered more than 250 company requests for help last year. Looking ahead, the Alliance plans to boost business retention, attract affordable housing, and grow local training. Several companies were honored for major projects.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Columbus Township man charged with killing his former boss in Almont is planning to use an insanity defense. Thirty-two-year-old William Channer the Third is accused of shooting Logan Welch at Trims Unlimited last November after reportedly being laid off. His attorney filed notice with the Lapeer County Court earlier this month, meaning Channer must now undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Prosecutors say he fled after the shooting and was caught later following a chase. Channer remains in jail without bond, facing a possible life sentence if convicted.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair is getting a big boost for safer walking and biking. The city just secured a $209,000 federal grant to fix a dangerous stretch along Riverside Avenue where the Bridge to Bay Trail enters town. The plan adds new sidewalks and crosswalks for smoother, safer travel near the Pine River Bridge. The funding comes through the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments’ Safe Streets Now program, which helps communities build quick safety upgrades. City officials expect construction to start this fall after state review.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet