Health Department nurses packed a county commission meeting Thursday in Port Huron, demanding an outside investigation into Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin and a halt to contract talks and possible cuts to Title X services. Backed by their union, nurses described years of alleged retaliation, safety concerns, and a broken reporting system. Community members spoke both for and against Nevin, with some calling for a broader probe. Commissioners debated the issue but ultimately delayed any decision, voting to revisit the request in early September.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A dispute between a city manager and a former community garden organizer is headed back to court, after a judge delayed a decision on a protection order and instead scheduled a hearing to determine if it was violated. Julian Ruck is accused of continuing to email City Manager James Freed despite a court order banning contact, following messages that referenced harm to Freed’s family. Ruck denies making threats, calling it free speech tied to a fallout over a canceled garden lease. A hearing on possible contempt charges is set for September 3rd.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Voters in St. Clair County are being urged to renew a local ambulance millage on the August 4th ballot to keep emergency services running at current levels without raising taxes. Officials say the funding has led to faster response times, more ambulances on the road, and stronger staffing, including dozens of new hires and sharply reduced turnover. An expanded fleet and improved EMT training have also boosted reliability and care quality. Leaders warn that if the millage is not renewed, recent gains in emergency response could be lost.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County leaders have rolled out a new plan to protect residents during dangerous heat waves and freezing temperatures, creating a coordinated system to open emergency shelters when conditions turn life-threatening. Blue Water Community Action will lead efforts, managing shelter space, transportation, and support once alerts are triggered, such as wind chills below zero or heat indexes over 105 degrees. A new $20,000 crisis fund will help cover overflow needs, while local shelters and partners step in to expand capacity.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet