George James

Port Huron City Council rejected a proposed change to meeting rules Monday, after public debate over whether it would limit participation. The plan aimed to prioritize residents and business owners during early public comments and require sign-ups to speak. Some residents opposed it, saying it could silence voices, limit creative expression, and create barriers for those who pay city taxes but live outside city limits. Council members were split, with three supporting and three opposing, leaving the proposal dead for now.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Sanilac is kicking off the holiday season with its annual Festival of Lights on Saturday, November 29th. The community tree lighting will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at Fire Hall Park on North Ridge Street. Families can enjoy live music, caroling, cookies, and a visit from Santa. Hosted by the Village of Port Sanilac, the Fire Department, and the Area Business Association, the event brings neighbors together to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron man accused of fatally shooting his 17-year-old son and wounding two other children may claim insanity at trial. Defense attorney David Kelley filed notice this week, opening the door for a mental health evaluation. Jeffery Smerer, 44, was arrested in September after the shootings, which occurred the same day he was sentenced for a misdemeanor indecent exposure charge. Michigan law allows a psychiatric exam to determine if a defendant lacked the capacity to understand or control their actions. Smerer faces 10 felony charges, including open murder, carrying possible life imprisonment.

Reporting for WGRT – ZJP bZet

A domestic shooting in Marine City Tuesday afternoon left one person injured but alive. Around 4 p.m., police responded to a home on South Elizabeth Street after a report of gunfire. The victim was shot in the lower leg and taken by Tri-Hospital EMS with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities initially thought the suspect was inside the home, prompting a multi-agency perimeter, but the person was later found at a nearby residence and surrendered peacefully. The suspect was taken into custody. Police continue investigating.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County’s Great Start Home Visiting Program, which has helped families with young children for 20 years, will end next June due to state budget cuts. The free program offered home visits and group events, guiding parents with early learning tools and spotting developmental concerns. Each year, about 1,000 local families participated. RESA says one-on-one visits will stop, but group gatherings with songs, art, and story time may continue if new funding is found. Officials are actively seeking grants to keep these events alive.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Authorities in St. Clair County have recovered a vehicle linked to a missing woman from Madison Heights. After tracking her phone to the Algonac Boat Launch, the county’s Marine Division used sonar to locate a submerged car. Dive teams from St. Clair County and several neighboring departments worked together to bring the vehicle to the surface. Sheriff Mat King praised the teamwork and persistence of all agencies involved, saying their cooperation ensures communities get the best possible response in difficult situations.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet