Local News

The jury trial for a Hamtramck man accused of sexually assaulting a Port Huron teenager has been postponed until November. Mansoor Obaid, 22, was set to go to trial on Wednesday, but the defense requested more preparation time, and a St. Clair County judge approved the delay. Obaid was arrested in May after authorities say he lured the teen into his car in February, assaulted her, and recorded the attack. DNA evidence reportedly links him to the crime. He faces three first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges and remains in the county jail.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A woman and her toddler had a frightening morning Saturday, when a car struck them while crossing Pine Grove Avenue at Sanborn Street. The 41-year-old mother was walking her dog and carrying her child in a backpack harness when the accident occurred. Tri-Hospital EMS, nearby at the time, quickly provided aid. The child was unharmed, and the mother was taken to McLaren Port Huron Hospital and later released. Police say the driver stayed at the scene and cooperated. Accident investigators are reviewing the details.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Two men were arrested at Port Huron’s Ozukucon last weekend after trying to meet someone they thought was a 14-year-old girl. Instead, they encountered YouTuber Skeeter Jean, known for exposing alleged predators online. The Port Huron Police confirmed Eric Kurple, 51, and Brennen Schwartz, 27, are charged with multiple counts related to attempting to exploit a minor. Officials praised the evidence provided but stressed that civilians confronting suspects can be risky and should be left to police. Both men face hearings set for September 9th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Blue Water Area Transit is upgrading public transportation in St. Clair County with four new compressed natural gas buses. These Gillig buses replace aging models and promise better reliability and comfort for riders. The $2.5 million purchase was funded through federal and state grants. Each bus features low-floor boarding and an advanced system that lets mobility passengers secure themselves in seconds. With this addition, Blue Water now operates 12 CNG-powered Gillig buses, reinforcing its commitment to modern, eco-friendly transit for residents.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron’s St. Clair River hosted the thrilling Championship Round of the B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup last Friday. Local favorite Team 7Brew Coffee, a father-son duo from Texas, Alton Jones Sr. and Jr., rallied late to win with 26 smallmouth bass weighing 62 pounds. Team YETI finished close behind with 26 bass at 59 pounds. The Joneses credited their win to precise river knowledge and a special drop-shot bait, making it a career-defining moment for both. Across four teams, anglers landed 89 bass totaling nearly 189 pounds.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Fort Gratiot solar project wants in on a lawsuit over St. Clair County’s new solar rules. Portside Solar, which plans a 900-acre farm approved by the township, asked the county court last weel to join DTE Energy’s case challenging the May regulations. The rules limit noise, visibility, and require decommissioning plans. Portside says it’s affected differently than DTE, noting its near-construction project and independent status. The company claims the rules are vague and could force extra approvals. A court hearing is set for next Wednesday.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet