Local News

Schools in Lambton and Kent counties are bracing for tighter budgets. The Lambton Kent District School Board expects to lose about 250 students next year, which could cut provincial funding by roughly 3.5 million dollars. Slower housing growth across the region is a major reason, with fewer new homes and families moving in. Officials say this enrollment drop is part of a wider Ontario trend that may last several years. The board has already cut 22 custodial jobs and is planning more staffing changes while preparing next year’s budget.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A St. Clair Shores man is facing up to life in prison after allegedly scamming a 78-year-old Clinton Township woman out of more than thirty thousand dollars. Eric Williams, 60, claimed her new home had defective paint and bad concrete, then drove her to the bank several times so she could hand over the cash. No repairs were ever made. Williams was arraigned May seventh in Clinton Township. He faces embezzlement and repeat larceny charges as a habitual offender.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

After nearly four decades leading St. Clair County Community Mental Health, longtime CEO Deb Johnson announced her retirement plans at the agency’s annual awards event last Thursday. In her 38th year with the organization, Johnson says she will step down in early ’27 once a new leader is in place. Under her guidance, the agency has grown significantly, marking its 60th anniversary last year and helping more than 7,200 local residents last year alone. Johnson plans to continue her work on boards like the YMCA and Child Abuse and Neglect Council.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 37-year-old Warren man is facing serious felony charges after police say he broke into eight churches across the city in less than three weeks. Officers say the suspect used a bicycle to ride up to the buildings, smashed windows or doors, rummaged through offices, and even tampered with security systems. Detectives spotted him on surveillance wearing the same distinctive clothes and riding the same bike. When they saw him leaving his Warren apartment dressed exactly like the suspect, they moved in. Bond is set at $800,000.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 60-year-old Yale woman is recovering after a single-vehicle crash Thursday night in Marlette Township. Around 9:25 p.m., her Jeep Liberty was heading north on Gosline Road north of Montgomery Road when it left the roadway, struck several trees, and rolled into the ditch. Deputies, Marlette police, fire crews, and Aspire EMS responded quickly, pulled her from the wreckage, and rushed her to Aspire Marlette Hospital for treatment of possible injuries. Officials say alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron firefighters saved a dog from a house fire Friday morning on Oak Street. Crews arrived at the 1900 block just before 10 a.m. and quickly knocked down the flames in the kitchen. No people were inside, but the homeowner told them their dog was still trapped. Firefighters searched and found the pet in a bedroom. They carried the dog out safely. Tri-Hospital EMS helped it breathe before animal control took over and rushed it to a vet for treatment. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet