George James

A St. Clair County man is facing several serious charges after deputies say a domestic assault in Berlin Township escalated over multiple days. Police responded Sunday morning to a home on Holmes Road, where a 27-year-old man is accused of repeatedly attacking and strangling his girlfriend, then shooting her phone to stop her from calling for help. When troopers arrived, he allegedly tried to flee the scene on a golf cart but was quickly caught nearby and taken into custody without further incident.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County is investing in its future workforce with a $1.7 million grant to launch a new HVAC training program at the Technical Education Center. The funding will cover renovations and equipment as leaders work to open the program to students by fall of ’27. The two-year program will serve more than 50 students each year, preparing them for in-demand skilled trades jobs. Local officials say the effort is driven by strong hiring needs across the county and will also ease waitlists in other technical programs.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A ship once familiar to Port Huron’s waterfront has sunk in New York Harbor. The 154-foot vessel, now called “Pilot,” went down late last Wednesday while docked. From ’02 to ’11, it served as a floating classroom in Port Huron, teaching Great Lakes students basic sailing skills. The ship later became a floating bar and restaurant. It also carried historical significance, with past service in World War II and on research trips with Jacques Cousteau. No injuries were reported, and investigators are now working to determine what caused the sinking.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Organizers in Port Huron are calling for volunteers to join the Rotary International Day Parade during Boat Week next Wednesday, July 15th. Community members are encouraged to sign up early, with the first 50 participants invited to walk the route blowing bubbles alongside the group. Check-in begins at 5 p.m. at The Closet by A Beautiful Me on Huron Avenue, with the parade stepping off at 6:30 and pickup around 8 p.m. A $10 fee includes a new T-shirt, snacks, and water for walkers.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A popular Clyde Township restaurant is facing major repairs after a 5 alarm weekend fire. Owners of the Dorsey House say the bar area was heavily damaged, and there is no clear timeline for reopening. Crews were called out around 2:30 Sunday afternoon and had the fire under control in just over an hour, with no injuries reported. The building was closed for scheduled renovations at the time, and only one person was inside. Fire officials are now working with insurance investigators to determine what caused the fire.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A local father received life in prison without parole last week for the horrific shooting that killed his 17-year-old son and left two other children with lifelong injuries. Jeffery Smerer, 45, opened fire on his kids as they got ready for school last September, shooting his son Kayleb from behind before wounding the younger ones in their bedrooms. His daughter now uses a wheelchair. The surviving children bravely spoke in court, saying they could not understand how their once-loving dad could do this. The judge called it a tragedy beyond words.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet