Local News

St. Clair Township is bracing for a high-profile trial as Wyatt Stimac, 24, faces charges in the March shooting death of his father, Shane Stimac, at their Gratiot Avenue home. Court records show Stimac is charged with first-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and felony firearm use. His attorney confirmed Tuesday that no plea deal will be accepted, and the trial is set to start Dec. 2nd at 9 a.m. with jury selection before Circuit Court Judge Michael West. First-degree murder carries a possible life sentence.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron is moving ahead with a new affordable housing project after receiving a $1.26 million state grant. The funding will help build 12 duplex-style condos for low- to moderate-income families near 25th and 26th Streets and Nern and Cleveland. City Manager James Freed says the grant, combined with $650,000 in city ARPA funds, will support first-time homebuyers. Each 1,300-square-foot unit will have three bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and energy-efficient features. Construction will begin once approvals and financing are complete.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia’s own Jamie Kohlmeier made a mark on the national trivia stage, appearing on the November 21st episode of Jeopardy!. Kohlmeier works as a beer specialist and brought local pride to the long-running quiz show.

Facing a tough game against nine-day champion Harrison Whitaker, Kohlmeier answered six questions correctly, buzzing in first on eight clues, and wrapped up Final Jeopardy with a $2 finish after a bold wager. While Whitaker claimed a clear win, Kohlmeier’s appearance highlighted Sarnia on one of North America’s biggest trivia platforms.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Terry Alvin Kaufman, 71, owner of Kaufman Funeral Home in Huron County, is facing dozens of felony charges for allegedly misusing nearly $193,000 meant for prepaid funerals and insurance. Authorities say Kaufman collected the money from 55 families over the past decade but spent it on personal expenses instead of holding it in escrow. He was arraigned Monday in Bad Axe District Court and is charged with embezzlement, conversion of funeral contracts, and running a criminal enterprise. Kaufman is set to return to court December 4th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sperry’s annual Santa Parade lights up the streets this Friday evening. Road closures on Huron Street between Court and Glenwood begin at 3 PM, and the parade will stage along 4th and up Court from 3:15 to 6 PM. Residents and visitors can still access southside businesses. The parade kicks off at Court Street at 6 and ends at McMorran Blvd. for the tree lighting, then continues up Huron to Beers Street, turning north on Michigan and exiting through Glenwood.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The first-ever SC4 Thumbcoast Tip Off brought top-tier college basketball to St. Clair County this past weekend. Monroe Community College took the championship with a flawless 3-0 record, while Macomb Community College finished second and Parkland College third. Host SC4 battled to fourth place, with Bryant & Stratton College, Coastal Alabama, Mid Michigan, and Marian University–Plymouth rounding out the field. The tournament featured teams from six states, with players representing 18 states and seven countries, giving local fans a taste of national-level competition.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet