George James

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

Drivers across St. Clair County should plan for delays this week as road crews roll out closures and lane restrictions, which started yeasterday. A full shutdown is set for North Road in Burtchville Township through July 17th, while Sayles Road in Brockway Township closes July 8th for culvert work. Meanwhile, intermittent lane closures are expected countywide, including Palms, Anchor Bay, Rattle Run, Bree, and Church roads for paving, ditching, and maintenance. Officials urge motorists to follow detours, watch signage, and allow extra travel time.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron is getting ready for a week of tennis as the 69th annual Robinson Tournament returns to Sanborn Park and the Port Huron Tennis House from July 28th through August 2nd. Free events start the 27th, including a kids play day and warm-up clinics for players. Matches begin Tuesday with finals on Sunday, bringing in competitors from across Michigan, other states, and Canada. Organizers are also inviting community members to take part now through a T-shirt design contest ahead of the tournament.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron father will spend the rest of his life in prison after killing one child and seriously injuring two others inside their apartment last fall. A judge sentenced 45-year-old Jeffery Smerer to life without parole for the death of his 17-year-old son, Kayleb, and added decades for the shootings of his younger children, who survived with lasting injuries. The attack happened as the kids were getting ready for school. In court, the children spoke about the trauma and loss, while the judge called the case a tragedy beyond description.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet