Donald Rivard, a 44-year-old from Sarnia, is set to begin a four-year prison sentence for fentanyl trafficking. He was one of nine arrested last fall during police raids in Lambton and Middlesex counties. Rivard expressed frustration in court, stating his co-accused had their charges dropped after he pleaded guilty. Rivard was arrested with fentanyl, meth, and $400 in cash. He claims the drugs were for personal use, not for sale. His girlfriend, Carly Timms, had her charges dismissed. Despite his plea deal, Rivard faces additional charges in Newmarket.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A jury in St. Clair County has cleared Justin Simon of causing a Port Huron teacher’s death in a drunk driving crash but found him guilty of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, leading to serious injury. Simon admitted to causing the October accident, which left Ashley Nisbett hospitalized. His lawyer argued the hospital played a role in her death, but the prosecution said Simon was responsible since the crash put her there. Simon will be sentenced on Nov. 26, facing up to five years in prison.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Kevin Totty Sr. was honored by a large crowd at his funeral in Kimball Township on Wednesday. The Grace Memorial Life Celebration Center overflowed with people, with guests filling every seat and standing room, even spilling outside. An overflow room was set up but quickly filled as well. Totty, 64, passed away after battling cancer and was remembered for his extensive volunteer work in the Blue Water Area. From delivering meals to mentoring at-risk youth, his impact was felt by many during difficult times.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Burtchville Township, Lisa Tramski, 57, was sentenced to one year of probation for embezzling money from a woman she once cared for. St. Clair County Judge Daniel Damman gave Tramski a lighter sentence because she repaid the stolen funds and had no prior criminal record. Tramski had been a guardian for Pauline Runyon, who left her money in a new will made shortly before her death. The state argued Tramski influenced Runyon to change her will, but Tramski repaid $51,600.75 and admitted to embezzlement in a plea deal.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In the Sarnia area, a couple has been charged twice in just two months following drug busts near Arkona. On September 6, police seized about $8,500 worth of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine from a vehicle on Arkona Road, arresting Jacob Kaczanowski, 36, and Jamie Millier, 34, from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. Both face trafficking charges. Kaczanowski is in custody awaiting a bail hearing, while Millier is out on bail with a court date set for October 2nd.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help following a vandalism incident at Ben’s Great Outdoors in Marlette Township on Saturday, around 10:20 PM. The office is looking for information on a blue pickup truck that was seen at the scene. If anyone has details about the truck or its owner, they are urged to contact Sanilac County Central Dispatch at 810-648-2000 Ext. 2 or get in touch with Deputy Matt Washe. Your tips could help solve this case.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet