Rick Ziehm, a longtime Almont Township firefighter, is walking 140 miles across Michigan to raise awareness about cancer risks in his profession. He will take part in the 8th annual Michigan Walk for the Red, a four-day event from Macomb Township to Ada, starting September 4th. Ziehm, the only walker from Lapeer County, hopes others will join him. Firefighters face a 25% higher cancer risk due to exposure to toxic materials. Neighbors United has donated over $500,000 to Michigan firefighters battling cancer.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Larry Devere Middleton, a Sterling Heights resident, has been sentenced to 25 to 75 years in prison for sexually assaulting a young girl. Convicted in January on multiple charges, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, Middleton also faces concurrent sentences for lesser offenses. Prosecutors emphasized the bravery of the survivor and the commitment of law enforcement in securing justice. Middleton must register as a sex offender and, if released, will be monitored for life.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Federal prosecutors have filed new charges against Timothy Higle, a former substitute teacher in East China School District, accused of exploiting teen girls online. Investigators allege Higle used social media to solicit explicit photos from minors, offering money through apps like Venmo. The latest indictment adds four charges, including one involving a seventh victim. Higle faces seven counts of child exploitation and one count of possessing child porn, with potential sentences of 15 to 30 years per count. The district confirmed these incidents occurred after his employment ended in ’19.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

On Saturday folks from Port Huron and Sarnia will gather under the Blue Water Bridge at noon for a friendly flag wave. Port Huron’s Mayor Anita Ashford and Sarnia’s Councilor Bill Dennis organized the event to show unity, with residents waving U.S. and Canadian flags across the St. Clair River. This comes after Sarnia’s Mayor Mike Bradley, who wasn’t consulted, pushed to remove U.S. flags from city properties over trade disputes. Bradley and Dennis, a Trump supporter, have clashed before, and Dennis slammed Bradley’s move as a slap to their American neighbors.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lambton County’s free hazardous waste disposal program returns with eight collection events this year. The first three take place at Clean Harbors in St. Clair Township on March 29th, April 26th, and May 31st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additional events run through October, including mobile drop-offs in Sarnia and Lambton Shores. Residents can safely dispose of batteries, paint, propane cylinders, and sharps. Electronics, tires, and industrial waste are not accepted. The County urges participation to keep hazardous materials out of landfills and protect the environment.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Folks in Saint Clair can catch a moving new play called Now and Then at the cozy Snug Theatre this April. ThumbCoast Theaters is rolling out the show on April 3rd, 4th, 10th, and 11th at 7:30 PM, diving into everyday themes of love, fate, and life’s big decisions. With a talented cast and an up-close vibe, it’s set to leave a mark on local theatergoers. Check out thumbcoasttheaters.com.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet