George James

A Port Huron man accused of shooting his three children will face a mental competency hearing next month. Forty-four-year-old Jeffery Smerer is charged with killing his 17-year-old son and seriously injuring his 12- and 13-year-old children during a shooting on September 11th. Prosecutors say the hearing on February 27th will determine if Smerer can claim insanity as part of his defense. If allowed, a jury could find him not guilty by reason of insanity or guilty but mentally ill. Smerer faces 10 felony counts, including open murder.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The St. Clair County Board of Health voted unanimously Wednesday to support Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin’s call for more vaccine choice. The move adds local backing to Nevin’s recent memo urging greater focus on informed consent and parental decision-making. The meeting turned tense as residents clashed over state vaccine policy, prompting an early adjournment. The board’s recommendation headed to the county commissioners for review Thursday morning. The next Health Board meeting is set for February 18th at 9 a.m. in downtown Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Monday night, St. Clair County deputies responded to a home alarm on Pine Ridge Drive. When they arrived, they found a green Ford Bronco running in the driveway — it had been stolen. The front door was forced open, and police soon heard movement in the nearby woods. Two suspects were caught walking in the area, and a third was tracked down at a fast-food restaurant, thanks to a citizen tip. Guns were stolen from the home. All three suspects are now behind bars.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Police in Yale are investigating a phone threat about explosives made Tuesday morning against Yale Junior High. Officers quickly checked the building and found no credible danger. Chief William Black says the investigation is still underway. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police helped search the scene. No suspects have been named, and classes at the junior high are continuing as normal while police keep looking into where the call came from.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan’s cannabis market is kicking off the new year under pressure. For the first time since recreational sales began six years ago, marijuana sales slipped 3% last year to just over $3 billion. Now, a new 24% wholesale tax—meant to fund road projects—is hitting dispensaries hard. Industry leaders warn higher prices and job cuts could follow, as many companies say they can’t afford to absorb the cost. Lawsuits challenging the tax are moving forward, but for now, businesses and customers are bracing for more expensive weed.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Puzzle lovers can sharpen their skills and support local history Saturday at the Carnegie Museum in Port Huron. Teams of two to four will race to finish a 500-piece puzzle within three hours, with prizes for the top two spots. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1, and entry includes museum admission and refreshments. All proceeds go toward preserving the museum’s 45,000 artifacts through the “Change for the Collection” campaign. Registration is required in advance at phmuseum.org.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet