In Port Huron DTE Electric Company is suing St. Clair County over new rules making it tougher to build solar farms. The county’s regulations, set in May of this year, demand stricter noise limits and costly decommissioning plans, which DTE says break state laws meant to boost clean energy. The lawsuit, filed in early July, claims these rules could stall local solar projects, hurting Michigan’s goal of cleaner energy by 2040. A court will decide the issue later this year. DTE’s attorneys declined to comment.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A local construction company, Hummingbird Construction, and its owner, Matthew Ashline, are in hot water. The state’s Attorney General is suing them for taking thousands in deposits from folks in places like Port Huron and Clyde for home projects that never started. Customers, including one who paid $8,000 for roof repairs, say they were left high and dry, with no work done and no refunds. The lawsuit aims to shut down the company and get people’s money back.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

During the 101st Port Huron to Mackinac Island Sailboat Race, tough winds kicked off a fast-paced but challenging event on Southern Lake Huron. The Bayview Yacht Club reported that 15-20 knot southwest winds pushed the 191 boats toward record speeds, but also caused damage to sails, rigs, and rudders. Two sailors fell overboard but were safely rescued thanks to quick action by the U.S. Coast Guard and fellow competitors. Local officials praised the teamwork and safety efforts keeping this historic race secure.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County Judge Cynthia Lane will soon decide if Justin Rose, convicted in ’96 for a violent 16-year-old crime in Grant Township, should get a new sentence. Rose was originally sentenced to life for assault with intent to murder after a store robbery where the owner was shot. Defense lawyers argued new science on teen brain development and Rose’s rehabilitation efforts, like earning a GED and training guide dogs, justify resentencing. Prosecutors agreed only on resentencing the assault charge. The victim, Dale Reusser, survived but faces lasting effects.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A lawsuit over the death of former Port Huron Northern teacher Ashley Nisbett may soon settle. The civil case involves Justin Simon, who crashed into Nisbett’s car on Lakeshore Road in October of ’23 while intoxicated. Simon was convicted last September for causing serious injury and sentenced to 39 months to five years in prison. Lawyers met July 11 in St. Clair County Circuit Court to discuss the case, but the settlement hearing was moved to September 12 due to Simon’s incarceration. Nisbett passed away four days after the crash.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A tragic drowning happened recently at North Port Huron’s Jellystone Park in Forester Township. A 24-year-old man from Hamtramck was playing catch in the pond when he went underwater and didn’t come back up. Bystanders started CPR before emergency crews arrived, but he later died at the hospital. The Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office urges everyone to stay safe around water by swimming with a buddy, wearing life jackets, and knowing water depths before entering. The investigation is ongoing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet