Local News

In Port Huron, the backyard chicken debate is heating up again. After a tied vote last April, some council members want to revisit the issue, while Mayor Ashford says City Manager Freed hasn’t communicated clearly. Freed disagrees, saying he provided detailed info. Residents support chickens for sustainability. Some officials now suggest a citywide vote next year. More meetings are planned to sort it out. The issue remains alive and important in Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In St. Clair County, the Sheriff’s Department warns residents about a recent scam targeting local families. Scammers are calling, pretending to be sheriff’s deputies, and demanding money to release a loved one on a tether. The department confirms this is false—tethers don’t work that way, and they never ask for payments by phone. Anyone who suspects they’ve been scammed should immediately contact St. Clair County Central Dispatch at (810) 985-8115 to report it. Stay alert and protect your family.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Students from St. Clair County Technical Education Center, called the Clever Coyotes, won first place at the Michigan Envirothon in Kalamazoo. They competed against top high school teams statewide, showing strong skills in environmental science and natural resource conservation. Sponsored by the Blue Water Area Conservation District, the team tackled challenges on topics like water ecology, renewable energy, soils, agriculture, wildlife, and forestry. The students, from Yale, Port Huron Northern, and Algonac high schools, gain hands-on experience.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Last Friday, the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary in St. Clair County held its fourth annual Quarter Auction at their Port Huron Citadel. Doors opened at 5 p.m., with bidding from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For $10 admission, locals bid on prizes like a Detroit Lions signed jersey, a safari trip, and a “touch a freighter” experience. Dinner was available for $10. The money raised supported youth programs, scholarships for summer camps, and local backpack giveaways, helping kids across St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron, two people charged in a deadly January shooting on Vanness Street will be tried together. Dazman Drake, 23, and Sayon Florence, 36, face open murder charges for the death of Vincent Buckles. Prosecutors say Drake shot Buckles with an illegal gun after Florence, who shares a child with Buckles, asked him to scare Buckles over a child abuse complaint. Florence claims she didn’t intend for Buckles to be killed. Their joint pretrial hearing is set for June 9th in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron, the old Central Fire Station, a 65-year community landmark, is being torn down to make way for new possibilities along the Black River. The site was cleared of asbestos and approved for teardown late last year. The demolition, which started May 19th and will wrap up by June 23rd, follows the fire department’s move to a modern 10th Street station last August. The outdated 515 River St. building couldn’t meet today’s needs, so the city’s giving retired firefighters engraved bricks to honor their service.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet