Local News

Port Huron Township has a new leader to boost its downtown. On Monday, the township board unanimously picked Randy Fernandez as the Downtown Development Authority director. Fernandez, who just retired as Marysville’s city manager, is already sharing fresh ideas to revitalize the area. Despite some initial concerns about his role with the St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance, Trustee Dawn Fulk now backs him, confident in his vision. Fernandez, earning $15,000 a year, steps in for Scott Beedon, who left last year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron, a teenager faces serious charges after stealing a car with a 1-year-old child inside. The incident happened near Hancock Street and Pine Grove Avenue on July 17th around 9 p.m. The teen sped off, leading Marysville police on a high-speed chase reaching nearly 100 miles per hour. The chase ended when the car crashed into parked vehicles in Chesterfield Township. Thankfully, the baby was unharmed. The teen is charged with kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and fleeing police, but details remain private since the suspect is a minor.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron, the trial of Sayon Florence and Dazman Drake, charged with murdering Vincent Buckles in his Vanness Street home on January 28th, has been pushed back from August 5th to October 7th. Both sides agreed to the delay, and a hearing on July 28 will decide if the two will be tried separately, as their attorneys expect them to point fingers at each other for the killing. Florence, who shares a child with Buckles, had filed a child abuse complaint against him days before his death.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Mercantile Bank Corporation of Grand Rapids is expanding its footprint in Michigan with the acquisition of Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation in a deal valued at nearly 96 million dollars. The agreement, announced Tuesday, will combine Eastern’s 12-branch network with Mercantile’s existing 45 locations, significantly boosting its presence in eastern and southeastern Michigan.

Based on financials from June 30th, the merged company will have 6.7 billion dollars in assets, 4.9 billion in loans, and over 5 billion in deposits. Eastern, based in Croswell, serves Sanilac, Huron, and St. Clair counties and brings a strong, low-cost deposit base and substantial liquidity to the deal.

Mercantile Bank CEO Ray Reitsma says the merger enhances balance sheet strength and deepens the bank’s commitment to Michigan communities. Eastern Michigan Bank CEO William Oldford says the partnership allows for greater reach while preserving local values and customer trust.

Both banks were founded in Michigan and say this move is about growing locally—together.

Families across Sarnia-Lambton are getting a boost this summer with fresh produce, healthy snacks, and school supplies, thanks to The Inn of the Good Shepherd. The Mobile Market makes 18 weekly stops offering free vegetables, while the Snack Pack Program feeds kids through summer break. Before school starts, more than 1,200 backpacks filled with essential supplies will be distributed. These efforts rely on strong local support from sponsors, farmers, and community volunteers to help families stay healthy and prepared.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Kimball Township, 33-year-old Kyle Cornette was arrested after Michigan State Police discovered he was sharing illegal child images online. Following a tip in May, the Computer Crimes Unit investigated, leading to a search of Cornette’s home where officers found illicit videos and photos on his devices. He faces four felony charges, including aggravated distribution and possession of child sexually abusive material, plus two counts of using a computer for criminal acts. Arrested on July 15th, Cornette remains in St. Clair County jail with a court hearing set for July 29th

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet