A St. Clair Shores man is facing up to life in prison after allegedly scamming a 78-year-old Clinton Township woman out of more than thirty thousand dollars. Eric Williams, 60, claimed her new home had defective paint and bad concrete, then drove her to the bank several times so she could hand over the cash. No repairs were ever made. Williams was arraigned May seventh in Clinton Township. He faces embezzlement and repeat larceny charges as a habitual offender.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Columbus County Park on Bauman Road in Columbus Township is looking more natural after forestry mulching work wrapped up. All trails are now open to visitors. Crews cleared invasive shrubs and trees in the first phase of a project to restore native grasslands. The work will help create prime habitat for Monarch butterflies, grassland birds like the Grasshopper Sparrow, and many other local wildlife species. Additional invasive plant removal is set for this summer and fall, followed by native seed planting.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron firefighters saved a dog from a house fire Friday morning on Oak Street. Crews arrived at the 1900 block just before 10 a.m. and quickly knocked down the flames in the kitchen. No people were inside, but the homeowner told them their dog was still trapped. Firefighters searched and found the pet in a bedroom. They carried the dog out safely. Tri-Hospital EMS helped it breathe before animal control took over and rushed it to a vet for treatment. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 37-year-old Warren man is facing serious felony charges after police say he broke into eight churches across the city in less than three weeks. Officers say the suspect used a bicycle to ride up to the buildings, smashed windows or doors, rummaged through offices, and even tampered with security systems. Detectives spotted him on surveillance wearing the same distinctive clothes and riding the same bike. When they saw him leaving his Warren apartment dressed exactly like the suspect, they moved in. Bond is set at $800,000.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet