Local News

A man convicted in the brutal death of his girlfriend’s 3 year old son will spend decades behind bars. A judge sentenced him to at least 31 years, up to life, after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. The boy was found dead in his bedroom in ’18, showing signs of strangulation and abuse. The child’s family said the man showed no remorse, calling him cruel and controlling. Prosecutors argued the evidence pointed to premeditated murder, citing past reports of abuse. The man apologized through his attorney, but the judge said his explanation did not add up.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sanilac County officials have confirmed enough valid signatures were collected to move forward with a recall attempt against Watertown Township Treasurer Sheila Coats. The clerk’s office made the ruling Thursday, a month after resident Ernest Krumenaker turned in the signatures accusing Coats of repeatedly failing to do her job. Under state law, the recall could now land on the November ballot. Coats has fired back, filing her own recall petitions against two fellow township officials. The Watertown Township Board meets Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

As students head back to class, local roads are getting busier and more dangerous. AAA is warning drivers to slow down near schools, where heavier traffic, more walkers and frequent bus stops are now the norm. Officials say a rising number of e-bike and e-scooter riders adds new risk, especially when mixed with distracted or speeding drivers. Motorists must stop for flashing red bus lights, watch for crossing guards and put phones away. Students are urged to use crosswalks, make eye contact with drivers and follow safe riding rules before heading to school.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron students dreaming of becoming teachers now have a shortcut close to home. St. Clair County Community College is partnering with Saginaw Valley State University to bring a Math for Elementary Teachers course straight to the Port Huron campus this fall. Taught by a familiar SC4 professor, the class checks off a required credit for several SVSU education degree tracks, letting future educators build their path to a four-year degree without ever leaving the county.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Drivers in St. Clair County should plan for delays, as crews resurface a stretch of M-19 near Memphis. The Michigan Department of Transportation says the work, covering about a half-mile between Boardman Road and the city’s northern limits, is expected to wrap up by Sept. 3rd. Traffic will move through single-lane closures with flaggers on site, and officials are urging patience as the almost $178,000 project works to smooth out the roadway and boost safety for the long haul. Scheduling could shift if weather turns.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Last night at Point Edward’s Waterfront Park, classic cars and ukulele tunes took a back seat to a bigger cause. The Vintage in the Village car show returned with music from local duo Ukuleliens, but organizers say the real focus was the community’s youth. A fifty-fifty raffle and canned food drive benefits Sarnia-Lambton Rebound’s NEST, a drop-in space helping hundreds of young people facing food insecurity. The free event ran from five to eight pm.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet