Local News

Port Huron City Council has approved a plan to reduce lanes on Huron Avenue, Military Street, and Pine Grove Avenue. The recommendation came from a downtown task force and includes adding separated bike lanes and on-street parallel parking. Jim Soto, a member of the Huron Avenue work group, called it a significant change since the 1960s. The Michigan Department of Transportation will review the plan, with a pilot phase potentially starting next year and permanent changes expected in 2026.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron has closed the middle lanes of Huron Avenue between Andrew Murphy Avenue and Bard Street for a week, as of Tuesday. The Michigan Department of Transportation is conducting excavation work to check the city’s underground infrastructure for a 2027 road project. City Engineer Brent Moore says the excavation wrapped up on Tuesday, but the new concrete needs a week to dry. While there’s no exact date for the reopening, drivers should expect delays.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Foster, adoptive, and kinship families in Smiths Creek are invited to a Support Night on January 14th at Blue Water Free Methodist Church. While trained volunteers treat children (infant to middle school) to dinner and games, caregivers can join a support group for training hours, pick up essentials like diapers and clothing from Harbor Impact, or enjoy a relaxing evening. The event aims to provide families with respite and practical resources to navigate the challenges of fostering, adoption, and kinship care.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A St. Clair County animal sanctuary operator faces legal action after over 25 animals were allegedly neglected and abandoned. Dustin Roberts, 40, head of the Farm Animal Rescue Mission surrendered more than 80 animals in April following a search warrant. Investigators found pigs, goats, sheep, cows, and birds living in deep mud without food or water. Authorities say the conditions fell below livestock care standards. A probable cause hearing was set for Wednesday, with further examination on December 18th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron’s favorite holiday figure, Officer Tinsel, has returned to the police department after a busy season at the North Pole dealing with a candy cane crisis. Early Tuesday morning, staff discovered the cheerful elf in a stocking near the records area, ready to spread festive spirit. Tinsel has already caught wind of a new elf, Nitro, at Tri-Hospital EMS and plans to make a visit soon to remind everyone who the town’s original Elf is. With the holidays underway, Officer Tinsel is set to bring joy and some friendly competition to Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Tanner Carr, 38, of Sebewaing, was convicted last week of assault and reckless operation of an airboat after a February incident on a Huron County canal. Carr confronted a former friend while ice fishing, drove his airboat toward him, and caused the victim’s father to fall into icy water. The father was rescued but suffered injuries. Carr denied the incident, but after trial, a jury found him guilty. He faces up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing set for February.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet