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

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

On August 13th, Blue Water Community Action will host a Back to School Event at McMorran Place Arena in Port Huron. Families can grab resources to get kids ready for school. Every child gets a free backpack loaded with supplies like pencils and notebooks. Organizers require children to be present at the event and families to provide proof of St. Clair County residency, like a driver’s license or utility bill, to receive the free supplies. This event helps kids start the school year strong.

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.

In Port Huron, women’s fastpitch softball is back after a 20-year absence, thanks to Micah Wallace-Seals. He launched a new league with three teams—Lady Rebels, Turn Two Tequila, and Blue Water Assassins—playing Tuesday night doubleheaders at Memorial Park and Pine Grove Park. Local players like Sarah Hall and Gabby Lamere, who grew up playing fastpitch, are thrilled to return to their roots, bringing together women of all ages to compete in the sport they love.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet