Sanilac County News

11/28/2025

On Tuesday afternoon, Sandusky hosted its third annual Staff vs. Law Enforcement basketball game.

For the second year in a row, the Sandusky staff defeated local law enforcement, 58-48.

Rosters for this year's game were

Law Enforcement

Det. Rob Wendling
Lt. Nicole Keinath
Dep. Jayden Howcroft
Dep. Derek Osborne
Dep. Brandon Thompson
Sgt. Jordan Katt
Det./Sgt. Josh Horst
Sgt. Todd Laming
Dep. Chad Schmidt
Lt. Mike Moore
Tpr. Andy Feehan
F/Lt. Brian McComb
Tpr. Raymond Heins
Tpr. Haley Matthews
Tpr. Eric Schmidt
Motor Carrier Ofc. Josh Koch
Chief Steve McKenney

SHS Staff

Mr. Seifferlein
Ms. Heiden
Coach Andrew Palmer
Mrs. Harris
Mrs. Vanderpoel
Coach Rymarz
Coach Hale
Mr. Nichols
Mr. Harris
Mr. Parski
Coach Jared Bender
Coach Jeremy Bender
Mrs. Krause
Mrs. Franzel
Mr. Haranda
Mrs. Katt
Mr. Palmer
Mr. Al DeMott

11/25/2025

Joyce Ann Brown, 87, of Ubly, died Sunday, November 23, 2025 in United Hospice Service of Aspire, Marlette. She was born June 25, 1938 in Cass City to Virgil and Verna (Sweet) Lowe. She married Keith Norris Brown on May 14, 1960 in Cass City. He died January 22, 2013.

Joyce graduated from Cass City High School at the age of sixteen and attended Central Teaching College. She worked with Keith on their dairy farm until retirement. Following retirement, Keith and Joyce were able to do a bit of traveling including trips to California and Texas. They enjoyed many Michigan train rides on the old trains. Joyce enjoyed sewing, canning vegetables from the garden, and she was a fantastic cook.

Joyce is survived by her children: Lorie (Steven) Ruthko of Ubly, Lisa (Roy) Calahan of Carsonville, Ken Brown of Ubly, Tim Brown of Snover; grandchildren: Jordan (Ali) Ruthko, Jeremy (Leah) Ruthko, Bradley (Mandy) Calahan, Kevin (Cassy) Calahan, Taylor (Ryan) Nitz, Kennedy Brown, Rachel (Jeroen) deVor; great grandchildren: Adria, Della and Jayna Ruthko, baby Ruthko due in May, Kembry, Joelle and Clayton Calahan; sister, Carolyn (Harold) Donaghy of Sandusky. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Keith; daughter, Suzie Brown; sister, Yvonne (George) Sangster.

Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2025 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City with Pastor Josh Schmitz of Shabbona Riverside Church officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to United Hospice Service of Aspire, Marlette.

Visitation: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2025 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City

Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City

11/24/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ggdg2qc5z/

FEMALE LEADS DEPUTIES ON MULTI-COUNTY CHASE

(Kimball Twp.) On November 21, 2025, just after midnight, deputies attempted to stop a black Infinity because there was no visible license plate on Lapeer Rd west of Wadhams Rd. At this time, the female driver fled, disregarding lights and sirens. The driver continued northbound speeding and repeatedly crossing into oncoming traffic. The pursuit led law enforcement through Clyde Twp, Grant Twp, and eventually into southern Sanilac County. It came to an end when the driver was in Worth Twp and crashed into a tree behind Zimmer Auto Sales. She was medically cleared at McLaren Port Huron and taken to St. Clair County Detention and Intervention Center. The vehicle was unregistered and without insurance. Virginia Smith, 39 years old, from Port Huron was arraigned in 72nd District Court on Friday on the following charges. Bond was DENIED.
-FELONY – Fleeing 2nd Degree
-FELONY – Resisting and Obstructing (2x)
-MISDEMEANOR – Operating while Intoxicated 2nd Offense
-MISDEMEANOR – Reckless Driving
-MISDEMEANOR – Open Alcohol in Vehicle

11/13/2025

M-46 bridge should open next week

The M-46 bridge over the Black River, between Sandusky and Carsonville, was expected to reopen by this weekend.

However, because of adverse weather, motorists will have to wait a little longer.

The News received the following statement from John DeLang, assistant construction engineer, Michigan Department of Transportation:

“We were hoping to have M-46 over the Black River reopened to traffic by this weekend (Nov. 15-16), however due to the recent weather conditions it has delayed the placement of the remaining asphalt pavement near the bridge. Thankfully, the weather is looking favorable as we move forward, and we are expecting the remaining work to be wrapped up and the bridge opened by the end of next week.

“Thank you for your patience during the duration of this project, I know it has been very impactful on the community.”

11/12/2025

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11/05/2025

In more than 700 school districts across 29 states, LifeWise Academy chapters are moving to bring biblical education back to the school day, but conducted off-campus and through privately funded programs. Starting this year, a local leadership team has begun a LifeWise chapter in Deckerville, and is offering the option of a biblical education – for one hour a week – to students in first-sixth grades.

There are strict regulations, however, for the program to be legal under state law including: The program must be conducted off school property; it must be privately funded (though it is free to students); and students must have parental consent.

The program started with a soft-launch in April, and Lifewise of Deckerville Director/Teacher Seth McVittie said the goal was to bring a character and bible-based education to students in the district.

As a former Deckerville teacher, McVittie said he saw the importance of “needing Jesus in the school,” while complying with the legal requirements of providing a bible-based educational opportunity.

In more than 700 school districts across 29 states, LifeWise Academy chapters are moving to bring biblical education back to the school day, but conducted off-campus and through privately funded programs. Starting this year, a local leadership team has begun a LifeWise chapter in Deckerville, and is...

11/05/2025

Robin’s Christmas Corner has, since it began in 2023, drawn nearly 5,000 visitors to downtown Croswell between November and early January, with attendees coming to view the extravagant Christmas Village – an experience that can spark the warmth of nostalgia, and create new memories filled with Christmas spirit.

CROSWELL — The holiday showcase that has drawn thousands of visitors to Croswell is back for its third year, and is bigger than ever. Robin’s Christmas Corner has, since it began in 2023, drawn nearly 5,000 visitors to downtown Croswell between November and early January, with attendees coming t...

11/05/2025

The Mint restaurant will become a sports bar following its sale to a Detroit restaurateur.

Tony Bulaj, who said he grew up in a family-owned restaurant business, purchased the Mint from Traci Sisson on Oct. 30.

The Mint restaurant will become a sports bar following its sale to a Detroit restaurateur. Tony Bulaj, who said he grew up in a family-owned restaurant business, purchased the Mint from Traci Sisson on Oct. 30. Sisson closed the Sandusky eatery at 4 Sanilac Avenue – at the downtown traffic light a...

11/05/2025

“I’m seventh-generation farmer,” said Gierman. “I would say I consider myself a lawyer as my career, but also a farmer as part of who I am. Our farming roots run deep, well over 100 years. It’s in my blood, and since I don’t have any siblings, one day I’ll be the one in charge of it. So overall, yes, I’d consider myself both a lawyer and a farmer.”

A Decker man raised his right hand twice on Friday, as he took the oaths of office as an attorney-at-law, and as the new assistant prosecutor for Sanilac County. Joseph James-Conrad Gierman, whose family has deep roots on the land in Sanilac County, was administered the oaths by Sanilac County Circu...

11/05/2025

“This is what a community looks like: helping when you can, and receiving when you need it.”

“This is what a community looks like: helping when you can, and receiving when you need it.” This was the message posted on the Knead Bakery page last week, after the generous response from the community to a Facebook posting by Desiree and Trish LoPiccolo, owners of the Sandusky bakery...