Worth Township Moves to Recover Funds

After a short police delay, the Worth Township Board pushed forward with a tense special meeting Wednesday night. Supervisor Walt Badgerow led the session, naming Karen Ellis as acting secretary with key officials still missing. Treasurer Jennifer Woodruff and Clerk Jennifer Marshall remain under fire after an audit accused both of gross negligence and misuse of township funds. The board moved to recover more than $90,000 in losses and add new safeguards, including more security cameras and police escorts for deposits.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Survey Tracks Pay, Benefits, and Job Trends

The Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County has released this year’s Wage and Benefit Survey, giving local employers a snapshot of what workers earn and the benefits they receive. The report shows the county’s biggest job groups are in food service, retail, healthcare, and production. High-paying roles include airline pilots and medical specialists. Officials say the survey helps businesses stay competitive and plan for growth. Fewer companies expect layoffs this year, and many report lower staff turnover across St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Murder Case Up for Resentencing Review

A Michigan man convicted of murder more than 50 years ago in St. Clair County is asking for a new sentence. Willie Bankston, now 73, has been serving life for the 1973 shooting death of 20-year-old Tyrone Manns near Kimball Township. His attorney argues a new Michigan Supreme Court ruling gives 19- and 20-year-olds a chance at parole, saying it should apply to Bankston, who was 20 at the time. A resentencing hearing is set for April 2nd before Judge Cynthia Lane in Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Fire Destroys Drug Task Force Building

Fire crews from across St. Clair County rushed to a major fire early Wednesday at the Drug Task Force building on Ash Road in Kimball Township. Deputies say flames broke out around 3:20 a.m., destroying offices, vehicles, and ammunition stored inside. No one was in the building when it burned. The Michigan State Police and federal ATF agents are investigating how it started. So far, investigators haven’t released any details or confirmed the cause.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet