In Richmond, William Kucharski Jr., landed in hot water after his dad’s Labrador retriever was found dead in his arms. The 49-year-old faced 63 days behind bars after pleading no contest to animal cruelty, a lesser charge than the original killing accusation. A vet couldn’t pinpoint the dog’s death cause, only noting age-related health woes. Macomb County’s prosecutor pushed for a fair outcome, while Kucharski now faces a mental health check and separate charges in St. Clair County for arson and assault from last October.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Folks in St. Clair County can now dodge long ER waits at McLaren Port Huron hospital. The hospital’s new online scheduling lets patients with minor issues like bad coughs or twisted ankles pick a treatment time that suits them at mclaren.org/porthuron. Dr. John Brooks, the top doc there, says it’s perfect for planning care without replacing 911 for big emergencies. Staff still check online sign-ups for serious symptoms like chest pain, reaching out if someone needs to hightail it to the ER or call for help.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron is investing over $20 million to improve the area between McLaren Port Huron Hospital and St. Clair County Community College. The project aims to create affordable housing, fix roads, and repair sidewalks. This includes the Lincoln Lofts apartment complex, offering 40 units, 14 of which will help families facing housing insecurity. Streets like Kearney, Willow, and Elk will get repairs, and lead water lines will be replaced. Stone Street will be removed, as it no longer serves a purpose.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A St. Clair Township man is dead after being shot by his 24-year-old son. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call Monday evening around 7 p.m. from a family member. Deputies arrived at the home on Gratiot Road to find the 56-year-old victim with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The son was arrested without incident and is now in custody. The investigation is ongoing, with local authorities and the Michigan State Police Crime Lab involved.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Port Huron NAACP spoke out after racist symbols, including swastikas and SS bolts, were found at a Lexington Township home and under the Black River bridge in Sanilac County. The organization expressed disappointment over the hate-filled discovery but emphasized that these actions don’t reflect the values of the community. They urged locals to unite against racism and ensure these acts of hatred don’t spread. The NAACP called for accountability and a future where such intolerance is no longer accepted in the area.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is offering grants to support scrap tire cleanup and recycling. Scrap tires, which can create health risks and fires, can be repurposed for road paving, manufactured products, and energy production. Grants will cover up to 50% of project costs that use scrap tires in new or expanded ways. EGLE is prioritizing projects that create viable markets and innovative uses for these materials. Applications are due by April 18th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet