Local News

Dazman Drake, 24, will face a jury after a plea hearing Monday ended with no deal. Drake is accused of shooting 35-year-old Vincent Buckles at his Vanness Street home in Port Huron in January of ’25. Police say Sayon Florence, who a jury already found guilty, asked Drake to carry out the killing because she believed Buckles was abusing their child. Judge Michael West ruled a police gang expert can explain slang heard on a jail phone call. Jury selection starts November 3rd, and Drake faces up to life in prison.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron High School students were dismissed at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday after a false weapon claim put the school on lockdown. School officials say a student claimed to see a weapon at the same time a fight broke out, which alarmed staff and students. Port Huron Assistant Police Chief Jeremy Young says officers were called to the school for the fight and no weapon was involved. No students or staff members were hurt. The school thanked Port Huron police for their quick response, and also praised the students and staff who acted fast.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Port Huron is marking 10 years as St. Clair County’s first and only comprehensive cancer center. Since opening in July of ’16, with 246 new patients in its first week, the center has cared for more than 7,500 people, many of them close to home in the Blue Water Area. It was built as part of a $25 million, 15,000-square-foot project inside a new hospital tower. Neighbors are invited to a free community event in the hospital lobby on Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A missed oath of office brought a heated Applegate Village Council meeting in Sanilac County to a sudden halt Sunday night, leaving the suspension of Village Clerk Stephanie Helmold unresolved. After nearly 2 hours of debate over fire department door access and records, officials realized interim clerk Natalia Bartholomew was never sworn in. Firefighters raised their hands to show they were ready to resign, and the village dissolution commission’s vice-chair stepped down. Helmold stays suspended until the council meets again Monday at 7 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Drivers across St. Clair County face a busy week of roadwork which started Monday, with full closures for culvert and railroad work in Berlin, Emmett, Port Huron and Wales townships. Several roads remain closed in Burtchville, Columbus, Fort Gratiot and Kenockee townships for longer-term bridge and reconstruction projects, with detours posted. Crews will also restrict lanes on Palms Road, Starville Road, M-29, neighborhood streets and I-94 between Pine Grove Avenue and Wadhams Road. Officials say all work depends on the weather, so motorists should plan extra travel time.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Two people are recovering after a three-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon in Marlette Township. Sanilac County Central Dispatch received the report shortly after 2 and deputies with the Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Emergency crews evaluated everyone involved and took 2 people to the hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released the names of those hurt or said how serious their injuries are. Deputies are still investigating what caused the collision and are asking anyone with information to contact the Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet