Local News

A Bad Axe, Michigan car dealer will serve prison time after a long-running loan fraud scheme. George Janssen Jr. was sentenced to three years in federal prison and must repay more than $900,000. Prosecutors say he used the same vehicles to secure multiple loans, collecting nearly $2 million from several banks. Investigators also say Janssen staged a fake kidnapping in 2023 as the scheme began to unravel. He is expected to report to prison by the end of June.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Police scanners in Port Huron are going quiet this week as the city encrypts all police radio traffic, cutting off public access to calls. City officials say the move follows Michigan State Police rules to protect sensitive information after an FBI audit found gaps statewide. Police say daily operations will not change, but only authorized users will hear transmissions. Some residents oppose the switch, saying it limits transparency, while officials argue it improves officer and public safety.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron is moving on after a 4-2 win over the Blue Ridge Bobcats at McMorran Arena Saturday, clinching their playoff series on home ice. After falling behind early, Lukas Lacny tied it in the second period. Bobby Price then gave the Prowlers the lead in the third, and Ryan Alexander added another less than two minutes later. Player-coach Matt Graham sealed it with an empty-net goal. The Prowlers now prepare to face the defending champion Binghamton Black Bears.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Young farmers are taking center stage as leaders shaping agriculture’s future. Michigan Farm Bureau has named its annual Young Farmer Award winners, highlighting innovation and community impact. Among them is Huron County’s Katie Adam, recognized for her work supporting crop producers and improving sustainability and profits. Adam also helps run her family’s multi-generation farm. State leaders say these young professionals are driving progress in agriculture through leadership, new ideas, and strong ties to their local communities.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Five fifth-grade students from St. Edward on the Lake Catholic School are heading to an international robotics competition at Georgia Tech in Atlanta this June after ranking among the top one percent of programs statewide, making them one of only two elementary teams in Michigan to earn the invitation. Coach Crystal Forro and her son Avery lead teammates Matthew Hyde, Kaileigh Deegan, Regina Osantowski, Jemma Hengehold-Parrott, and Emersyn Schuler, who advanced through regional and state competitions, with the event set for June fifth through seventh.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A classic knit sweater is turning heads far beyond the big screen. A Port Huron-based yarn company, Mary Maxim, is behind the fox-themed (technically wolf-themed) cardigan worn by Ryan Gosling in the new sci-fi hit “Project Hail Mary.” After the film’s debut, the design quickly sold out online. Now back on preorder for about $90, there’s a twist: it comes as a DIY knitting kit. Company leaders say demand has surged as they race to restock materials and ship orders nationwide.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet