Port Huron Woman Changes Lawyers

In Port Huron, a woman charged with killing her boyfriend is getting a new public defender. Forty-year-old Jennifer Goodall was arrested last September after police say she shot 23-year-old Chase Hoyt during a fight at their 10th Avenue home. Her two public defenders asked to step down, citing a breakdown in communication. The St. Clair County Public Defender’s Office will still handle the case, now with Assistant Chief Public Defender Frederick Lepley taking over. Goodall faces first-degree murder charges, with her jury trial set for August 4th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sheriff Warns Residents of New Scams

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a wave of new scams hitting the area. Some people have gotten postcards promising “unclaimed rewards” of over $100 — but it’s a trick to steal credit card or banking info. Teens are also being targeted with fake, AI‑generated nude photos and threats for payment, sometimes in Bitcoin. And with tax season here, scammers posing as the IRS are pressuring people to pay through calls or texts. Deputies urge everyone to verify the source, and report any suspicious messages.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lower Bids Boost Black River Canal Plan

Bids to repair Port Huron’s Black River Canal came in lower than expected, but the city still needs help from nearby townships to move forward. City Manager James Freed says the lowest bid landed at about $4.5 million — a million less than earlier estimates — yet Port Huron can’t fund it alone. Freed asked Fort Gratiot and Port Huron townships to each contribute $700,000, cutting down borrowing for taxpayers. City leaders say reopening it is key to restoring summer boating and business along the river.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet