Local News

Robert Kessler, a former Landmark Academy bus driver, was sentenced to one to four years in prison for sending sexual texts to teenage girls. St. Clair County Judge Daniel Damman condemned Kessler for betraying students’ and parents’ trust. Kessler pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession of child sexually abusive material. Despite his remorse and therapy, the court emphasized the severity of his actions. Prosecutor Megan Leyva-Kelley highlighted the breach of trust, and Damman stressed Kessler’s danger to teenage girls.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Two Michigan duck hunters were rescued from Wild Fowl Bay recently after waves swamped their boat two miles offshore. According to the Huron County Sheriff’s Office, a 64-year-old from Fenton and a 31-year-old from Kalamazoo called for help around 10 a.m. after strong winds sank their 14-foot boat, leaving it floating but submerged. Local firefighters used a private airboat to reach the men before official rescue teams arrived. The rescue operation lasted about 90 minutes.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 67 year old Bay City resident and beloved grandmother named Beth, known for her holiday kindness, is getting her dream Christmas gift this December. Thanks to her granddaughter Shelbi and Jeremy Bloom’s Wish of a Lifetime, a charity through AARP, Beth will visit New York City to see the Rockettes and enjoy the season’s magic. Beth, a local hero, volunteers at school events, organizes community Thanksgiving dinners, and bakes treats for families in need. Her generosity even extended to sponsoring a family’s Christmas gifts.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Authorities in St. Clair County arrested a Lynn Township woman after a major drug bust last week. The county’s Drug Task Force, with help from the Special Response Team and K9 Brock, seized meth, cocaine, mushrooms, ecstasy, ketamine, and other substances during a search. Police also found drug sales materials. Theresa Doering, 38, faces multiple felony charges, including intent to deliver narcotics and maintaining a drug house. Her bond was set at $15,000.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Construction has begun on the Trillium Villa Nursing Home in Sarnia, a 160-bed long-term care facility supported by Ontario’s Construction Funding Subsidy top-up program. The project will replace an older 152-bed home, adding eight new and 152 redeveloped beds, and is set to open in mid-’26. The modern building will include air conditioning, five resident home areas with dining and activity spaces, a chapel, café, beauty salon, and gardens.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron City Manager James Freed announced he will remain in his role after briefly considering a top county administrator job in Ottawa County. Freed, who has served over a decade, cited political rhetoric before the upcoming November elections as a factor in exploring other opportunities. However, after interviewing for the position, he and his family realized their deep attachment to Port Huron. Going forward, he aims to tackle the city’s housing shortage to support workforce growth, reaffirming his commitment to Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet