Five Tri-Hospital EMS workers were celebrated in Lansing for going above and beyond in emergency care. The “Stars of Life” awards honored 67 EMS members statewide, including seven from southeastern Michigan. Honorees from Tri-Hospital EMS included Kevin Shurkey of Port Huron, named Practitioner of the Year, Jason Heilig of Port Huron, Elizabeth Cremona of Cottrellville, Nicole Jackson of Algonac, and Patricia May of Marine City.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
St. Clair County law enforcement made a major push against illegal drugs last week, arresting three people in separate raids. Deputies seized meth and drug paraphernalia in Clyde Township, arresting 73-year-old John Ross. In Wales Township, officers found meth, packaging materials, scales, and ammunition, leading to the arrests of 64-year-old John Fiks and 56-year-old Theresa Vanerp. All three now face multiple felony charges, including possession, maintaining drug houses, and tampering with evidence. Authorities say the effort targets not just drugs, but the people distributing.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
The Michigan Department of Agriculture has awarded more than $1.8 million in grants to 26 local farms and food organizations, including Stony Croft Farms in Lapeer County. The Mayfield Township farm received $44,413 to install new milling equipment, boosting local grain production and creating one full-time and one part-time job. Owned by Doug Hodge and spanning over 110 acres, Stony Croft Farms produces non-GMO flours and cornmeal, with plans to expand into barley, rye, einkorn, and oat flours to meet growing demand.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
TEC in St. Clair County got a major boost for its Construction Trades program. Local company Marshall E. Campbell and partners donated over $7,800 in tools and safety gear to help students gain hands-on experience with professional-grade equipment. The donation included saws, drills, hand tools, sawhorses, gloves, and other safety supplies. Additional support came from Milwaukee Tool and MCR Safety, expanding resources for students to train safely and effectively. School leaders say the contributions will directly enhance learning opportunities.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
Lexington’s longtime Fire Chief, Keefe Radtke, resigned last Monday after more than 20 years with the department, including eight as chief. Radtke said the village council forced his resignation without explanation, ignoring his requests for clarity. He criticized village leaders for secrecy, mismanagement, and failing to support the fire department. Radtke reassured the town his departure isn’t leaving service behind, but refusing to work under unaccountable leadership. This follows Village President Kristen Kaatz’s May resignation over council conflicts.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
Port Huron’s community is rallying around a family hit by a recent shooting that killed a 17-year-old and injured his 12- and 13-year-old siblings. An anonymous donation is helping the family with housing and a modified van for the recovering children, while a GoFundMe page has raised over $64,000 toward a new $150,000 goal. Updates show the 12-year-old girl is regaining some mobility, giving hope to the family. The accused shooter, 44-year-old Jeffery James Smerer, faces multiple charges, including murder and child abuse.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
