Local News

Blue Water Community Action is rallying support for local students through The Big Give on May 14th. Donations will fund BWCA’s annual Backpack Giveaway, providing 1,000 fully stocked backpacks to children in need across St. Clair County. To boost impact, BWCA urges early donations before May 12th, allowing them to pool funds for a larger contribution and a bigger share of bonus funds. Supporters can donate online, by mail, or through The Big Give. Every dollar helps local kids start the school year prepared.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Harper Woods man is facing multiple charges after a high-speed chase ended in a crash near Port Huron. Deputies responded to Menards in Port Huron Township on March 29th after reports of a theft. The suspect, 49-year-old Ontario McDowell, fled in a Dodge Ram, leading police on a chase down Lapeer Road. Deputies stopped pursuing due to speed, but McDowell crashed at the Allen Road roundabout and ran into the woods. A K9 unit tracked him down. He was hospitalized, then jailed.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron father, Maximus Manns, was sentenced to two years of probation for involuntary manslaughter after accidentally suffocating his infant daughter, Taytum, in September of ’23. Manns, 20, pleaded guilty and was granted sentencing under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which could erase his criminal record if he completes probation. Despite previous warnings about the risks of co-sleeping, Manns brought Taytum to bed with him, leading to her suffocation. Experts warn against bed-sharing due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Crews worked to remove about 1,300 gallons of crude oil that spilled into the St. Clair River from Suncor’s Sarnia refinery Thursday afternoon. The leak, reported just before 2 p.m., triggered a multi-agency response on both sides of the border. Officials said the oil remained on the water’s surface, allowing skimming operations to continue. While Saint Clair Township, Ontario, initially issued a do-not-drink alert, it was quickly lifted. No impact was reported on U.S. water supplies, but local municipalities temporarily shut down intakes as a precaution.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 33-year-old man from Deckerville was arrested last week after a traffic stop in Marlette Township. The Sanilac County Drug Task Force stopped the vehicle on Van Dyke Road, and their K-9 unit alerted them to narcotics inside. A search revealed over 12 grams of methamphetamine. The man faces drug charges and will be arraigned soon. The Drug Task Force encourages the public to report any drug activity through their tip line at (800)-544-DRUG or through the Submit a Tip feature on the Sheriff’s Office webpage or the Sheriff’s App

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan lawmakers took steps to address rising prescription drug costs by proposing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). The board would set upper payment limits on medications to make life-saving prescriptions more affordable. On Monday, Sen. Kevin Hertel and Rep. Denise Mentzer hosted a public town hall with health experts to discuss the issue. They explained how the PDAB could help Michiganders access essential medications without financial strain. The event was open to the public.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet