Last Friday, the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary in St. Clair County held its fourth annual Quarter Auction at their Port Huron Citadel. Doors opened at 5 p.m., with bidding from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For $10 admission, locals bid on prizes like a Detroit Lions signed jersey, a safari trip, and a “touch a freighter” experience. Dinner was available for $10. The money raised supported youth programs, scholarships for summer camps, and local backpack giveaways, helping kids across St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron, two people charged in a deadly January shooting on Vanness Street will be tried together. Dazman Drake, 23, and Sayon Florence, 36, face open murder charges for the death of Vincent Buckles. Prosecutors say Drake shot Buckles with an illegal gun after Florence, who shares a child with Buckles, asked him to scare Buckles over a child abuse complaint. Florence claims she didn’t intend for Buckles to be killed. Their joint pretrial hearing is set for June 9th in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

On Wednesday, the American Spirit, a huge 1,000-foot cargo ship, drifted close to the U.S. shore while moving upriver on the St. Clair River near the Blue Water Bridge. The strong current in that spot likely pushed the vessel toward the American bank before it corrected its path. This U.S.-flagged ship, part of the American Steamship Company, can carry over 62,000 tons and is powered by powerful diesel engines. The close call caused concern but ended without incident.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet