Local News

Port Huron held its Ride of Silence Wednesday evening to honor local cyclists injured or killed on area roads. The free event, organized by the St. Clair County Trailblazers, returned after a pandemic pause. It began at 7 p.m. from Lakeside Beach on Gratiot Avenue. Riders gathered by 6:30 for announcements. The slow 10-mile ride drew attention to 81 cyclist incidents in Port Huron over the past five years. Helmets were required and Port Huron police escorted the group.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sanilac County leaders approved summer property taxes and filled a key board position this week. At Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners passed a resolution to levy 4.01 mills on July 1st. They also interviewed Dawn Cubitt for a three-year partial term on the Public Works Board ending December of ’28. Cubitt was appointed earlier this month to a five-year term on the Sanilac Health Board. In Sandusky, city council approved road pulverizing work on Gaige Street and the purchase of a new grit classifier for the wastewater treatment plant.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County deputies caught a stolen truck driver after a short chase on May 13th. A black Chevy Silverado, reported stolen earlier that day was spotted on Dove Road, and the driver fled when officers tried to stop him, ditched the truck and ran into a wooded area. With help from a Port Huron Police drone, 35-year-old David Cutrubes was quickly taken into custody. He was arraigned on charges including felony receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle, third-degree fleeing, and two counts of resisting and obstructing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Schools in Lambton and Kent counties are bracing for tighter budgets. The Lambton Kent District School Board expects to lose about 250 students next year, which could cut provincial funding by roughly 3.5 million dollars. Slower housing growth across the region is a major reason, with fewer new homes and families moving in. Officials say this enrollment drop is part of a wider Ontario trend that may last several years. The board has already cut 22 custodial jobs and is planning more staffing changes while preparing next year’s budget.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A St. Clair Shores man is facing up to life in prison after allegedly scamming a 78-year-old Clinton Township woman out of more than thirty thousand dollars. Eric Williams, 60, claimed her new home had defective paint and bad concrete, then drove her to the bank several times so she could hand over the cash. No repairs were ever made. Williams was arraigned May seventh in Clinton Township. He faces embezzlement and repeat larceny charges as a habitual offender.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

After nearly four decades leading St. Clair County Community Mental Health, longtime CEO Deb Johnson announced her retirement plans at the agency’s annual awards event last Thursday. In her 38th year with the organization, Johnson says she will step down in early ’27 once a new leader is in place. Under her guidance, the agency has grown significantly, marking its 60th anniversary last year and helping more than 7,200 local residents last year alone. Johnson plans to continue her work on boards like the YMCA and Child Abuse and Neglect Council.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet