St. Clair County residents needing emergency or overnight hospital care will soon have to travel elsewhere. Henry Ford Health’s River District Hospital is shutting down its inpatient and emergency departments, shifting those services to nearby facilities. Health officials say the aging building needed costly repairs that weren’t sustainable long-term. The hospital will keep offering primary care, infusion treatments, labs, pharmacy and imaging on-site. For emergency care, patients in East China Township will now be directed to Henry Ford’s Medical Center in New Baltimore, the closest ER option.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A man convicted in the brutal death of his girlfriend’s 3 year old son will spend decades behind bars. A judge sentenced him to at least 31 years, up to life, after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. The boy was found dead in his bedroom in ’18, showing signs of strangulation and abuse. The child’s family said the man showed no remorse, calling him cruel and controlling. Prosecutors argued the evidence pointed to premeditated murder, citing past reports of abuse. The man apologized through his attorney, but the judge said his explanation did not add up.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sanilac County officials have confirmed enough valid signatures were collected to move forward with a recall attempt against Watertown Township Treasurer Sheila Coats. The clerk’s office made the ruling Thursday, a month after resident Ernest Krumenaker turned in the signatures accusing Coats of repeatedly failing to do her job. Under state law, the recall could now land on the November ballot. Coats has fired back, filing her own recall petitions against two fellow township officials. The Watertown Township Board meets Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron manufacturer is marking two decades in business. ALD Thermal Treatment will celebrate its 20th anniversary next month with an evening event at its 24th Street facility, honoring employees, customers, and civic leaders who’ve supported the company’s growth. The celebration includes remarks, awards for longtime staff, a plant tour, and dinner. Company leaders say the milestone reflects two decades of quality manufacturing and community partnership in the Port Huron area.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet