Crash Claims Three Lives, Injures Five

A deadly crash Friday night in Ellington Township, left three members of a Cass City family dead and five others hospitalized. The Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office reported a southbound semi failed to stop at a stop sign on Hurd’s Corners Road and collided with an eastbound Jeep on Deckerville Road around 9 p.m. Three adults died at the scene, while the others were airlifted to hospitals, some in critical condition. The semi driver and passenger suffered minor injuries, and the driver was arrested. Authorities continue to investigate.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Marysville Man Jailed for Church Attack

A Marysville man is headed to the county jail for a year after attacking a priest and damaging St. Christopher Catholic Church during a May baptism. Circuit Judge Daniel Damman sentenced 34-year-old Robert Beaton on Monday, citing his history of mental illness while warning him prison awaits if probation is violated. Prosecutors had pushed for prison time since Beaton was already on parole, but the court chose treatment over incarceration. Beaton pleaded no contest to hate crime and assault charges and apologized to the priest.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Museum Hosts Month of Halloween Events

Port Sanilac’s Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum is hosting a month of Halloween events this October. Adults can join a costume party with music by Lee Malone on Oct. 10th for $10. Families can enjoy Haunted Village nights on Oct. 11th and 18th, with safe trick-or-treating and spooky trails for $5. Historian Andrew Kercher explores Bigfoot and other cryptids on Oct. 17th, and a paranormal investigation with Detroit Paranormal Expeditions happens Oct. 25th. The museum, overlooking Lake Huron, features 16 historic buildings and celebrates the Thumb’s history.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Drug Bust Nets Two Arrests

Port Huron police say a Drug Task Force raid on Miller Street last week uncovered cocaine, meth, heroin, and other drugs. Two people were arrested: 40-year-old Joshua Spencer faces multiple felony drug charges, including intent to deliver and maintaining a drug house, with bond set at $50,000. 42-year-old Jennifer Dykeman faces several felony possession and delivery charges, with bond at $25,000. Authorities say the arrests are part of an ongoing effort to crack down on local drug activity.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Portside Solar Joins DTE Lawsuit

Portside Solar has officially joined DTE Energy’s legal fight against St. Clair County’s new solar rules, intensifying a dispute over Fort Gratiot’s future. The company behind the Portside project says the county’s May regulations on noise, appearance and cleanup plans could stall its construction. DTE argues the county is trying to sidestep state laws meant to expand solar energy, while county attorneys insist the rules protect public health. The case now puts Fort Gratiot residents’ concerns about property values and health directly before a judge.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Murder Case Set for Resentencing

A notorious Port Huron murder case is back in court this week as St. Clair County reviews old life sentences for crimes committed by juveniles. Christopher Hansen, now 69, was 17 when he shot and killed Clara Gilmore during a 1973 break-in. He spent decades in prison, briefly gained parole, then reoffended. Because Michigan’s high court struck down mandatory life terms for juveniles, Judge Cynthia Lane will resentence Hansen on Friday. Several other long-time inmates from the county are also awaiting new hearings under the same ruling.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet