Local News

In Port Huron, a woman charged with killing her boyfriend is getting a new public defender. Forty-year-old Jennifer Goodall was arrested last September after police say she shot 23-year-old Chase Hoyt during a fight at their 10th Avenue home. Her two public defenders asked to step down, citing a breakdown in communication. The St. Clair County Public Defender’s Office will still handle the case, now with Assistant Chief Public Defender Frederick Lepley taking over. Goodall faces first-degree murder charges, with her jury trial set for August 4th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a wave of new scams hitting the area. Some people have gotten postcards promising “unclaimed rewards” of over $100 — but it’s a trick to steal credit card or banking info. Teens are also being targeted with fake, AI‑generated nude photos and threats for payment, sometimes in Bitcoin. And with tax season here, scammers posing as the IRS are pressuring people to pay through calls or texts. Deputies urge everyone to verify the source, and report any suspicious messages.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County families now have an easier way to file vaccine exemptions. The County Health Department has launched Michigan’s first fully online certification system for non-medical immunization waivers. Instead of making a trip to the office, parents can complete the education and submit forms at scchealth.co. Once done, a certified exemption is emailed within five days. County health leaders say the change removes barriers while respecting family choice and state law. Walk-in help remains available for those who prefer in-person support.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Hockey fans in Port Huron are gearing up for a big Sunday showdown as Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs alumni hit the ice for charity. The “Hockey For The House” game gets underway at 2 p.m. Sunday at McMorran Arena, with all proceeds helping Ronald McDonald House Charities Detroit. Tickets run about $35 for adults and $25 for kids, with a noon VIP meet-and-greet at McMorran Theater offering autographs and photo ops for $100. Seats are still available online through Showpass.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Bids to repair Port Huron’s Black River Canal came in lower than expected, but the city still needs help from nearby townships to move forward. City Manager James Freed says the lowest bid landed at about $4.5 million — a million less than earlier estimates — yet Port Huron can’t fund it alone. Freed asked Fort Gratiot and Port Huron townships to each contribute $700,000, cutting down borrowing for taxpayers. City leaders say reopening it is key to restoring summer boating and business along the river.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia-Lambton business leaders took their message to Washington, D.C. this week, joining an Ontario Chamber of Commerce mission to push for stronger cross-border trade ahead of the CUSMA review. The delegation met U.S. lawmakers, business groups, and Canada’s ambassador to stress the need for tariff-free trade and stable supply chains. Local industries—especially energy, manufacturing, and agriculture—depend on that stability. Chamber CEO Carrie McEachran says disruptions at the border hit Sarnia-Lambton jobs directly, and cooperation remains key to the region’s growth.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet