Local News

Port Huron Northern High School is celebrating another NCAA Division I commitment. On Friday, senior tight end Lincoln Watkins officially signed with the University of Kentucky during a ceremony at Northern High. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound standout caught 45 passes for 713 yards and five touchdowns this season, while also rushing for 134 yards and eight touchdowns. Defensively, he added 45 tackles, two interceptions, and a blocked punt. He says he’s ready for the next challenge in college football.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Over the weekend, the Port Huron Township Heritage Museum welcomed Santa Claus for a free, two-day community visit, drawing over 100 children from across St. Clair County and beyond. Families enjoyed photos with Santa and explored the museum’s exhibits, with many kids asking, “Where is your sleigh?” Museum volunteers also offered a special holiday program helping children send letters to the North Pole. Letters can be dropped off at the township office on Lapeer Road through this Saturday, with a reply sent to those who include a return address.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A civil trial date is now set in the death of former Port Huron Northern teacher Ashley Nisbett. Her estate is suing Justin Simon, the man already convicted in criminal court. A judge, not a jury, will rule when the case begins March 3rd, with a final settlement deadline in February. Nisbett died in ’23 after Simon’s drunk-driving crash on Lakeshore Road in Fort Gratiot. Simon is serving up to five years in prison. The lawsuit seeks accountability beyond the criminal verdict.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Huron County funeral home director Terry Alvin Kaufman appeared in court last Thursday as proceedings focused on exchanging evidence, not new details of the alleged embezzlement. Kaufman’s attorney requested discovery materials be sent on a flash drive instead of by email to handle more than 4,000 pages efficiently. The state was also allowed to share tax records with both sides. Kaufman faces multiple felony charges including embezzling nearly $193,000 from 55 victims over the past decade. He is scheduled for a preliminary exam on January 9th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Blue Water Home Care & Hospice is holding its first “Light Up a Life” campaign under its new name, inviting local families to honor loved ones this holiday season. Blue lights will cover the Tree of Remembrance, each symbolizing someone special who has passed and the caregivers who supported them. Donations stay right here in the Blue Water area, helping provide quality hospice care for families who cannot afford it. The campaign runs through December, and residents can contribute to remember someone meaningful while supporting neighbors in need. Visit bwhch.org/lul

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A two-vehicle crash on North Van Dyke Road in Lamotte Township last week sent one driver to the hospital. A 19-year-old Cass City man rear-ended a slowing 53-year-old Decker woman’s Hummer near Mushroom Road. The impact pushed both vehicles into ditches. Emergency crews treated both on scene, and the woman was taken to Aspire RHS in Cass City. Authorities say neither drugs nor alcohol were factors, and the names involved are being withheld pending further investigation.