Local News

Police in Port Huron say a domestic disturbance on the 3000 block of 26th Street turned violent Thursday night. Around 7:20 p.m., officers arrived to find a man firing at them from inside a home. They took cover and called in backup, including special response teams from Port Huron and St. Clair County. Negotiators briefly made contact before losing communication. A drone later found the suspect unresponsive upstairs. Officers entered and determined he had died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. No officers were hurt, and the case remains under investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Downtown St. Clair lit up in ice and color over the weekend as the Icy Bazaar returned for its sixth year. The four-day festival, organized by the St. Clair Chamber of Commerce, featured more than 50 hand-carved sculptures made from 120 blocks of ice. Local carver Katlin Pfropper, who’s been part of the event since day one, says it’s special creating art in her hometown. Highlights included live music at War Water Brewery and fireworks over Palmer Park. Cold temps helped the icy art sparkle.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron patient’s kind words have earned Lake Huron Medical Center’s latest “WOW Employee of the Month” honor for Chase McKenzie. The student radiologic technologist joined the hospital’s radiology team in January of ’25 and has already stood out for his professionalism and compassion. A patient described Chase as respectful, kind, and eager to help beyond expectations. Hospital officials say his care reflects the center’s mission to provide outstanding, patient-focused service across the Blue Water community.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sanilac County deputies handled two crashes just hours apart last Wednesday. Around 10:20 a.m. in Worth Township, a Lexington man and woman were hurt after their Ford Focus tried to avoid a minor crash on South Lakeshore Road and collided with a semi. Both were hospitalized in Port Huron with non-life-threatening injuries. Then around 4:40 p.m. in Buel Township, an Applegate man lost control of his pickup on icy Peck Road, rolling into a ditch. Deputies say alcohol was a factor, and charges are pending.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron native Demetri Stafford is returning home to lead the Blue Water Area Rescue Mission as its new executive director. Stafford brings nearly a decade of leadership and ministry experience after serving in Texas. He takes over from Interim Director Renee Pettinger, who helped reopen the shelter in ’23 after it shut down during the pandemic. BWARM has since served more than 400 homeless men across St. Clair County, offering food, shelter, and support. Stafford says he’s honored to continue the Mission’s work.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sanilac County’s parks are set for a major upgrade. County commissioners last week approved a five-year recreation plan that will guide improvements across all four public parks. At Forester Park, crews will upgrade all campsite hookups, add cabins, and debut a splash pad. Evergreen Park will grow with a serenity garden, Wi-Fi, more campsites, and a dog park. Lexington Park’s getting a bath house, seawall, and improved accessibility. Delaware Park plans 20 new cabins plus new trails and courts. The upgrades will be paid through grants and county funds.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet