George James

Blue Water Sandfest won’t return this summer at Fort Gratiot County Park. Organizers say they’re taking a one-year break to rethink and reimagine Michigan’s biggest sand-sculpting event for next year. The Friends of the Fort Gratiot Light say the pause will help strengthen their mission and support restoration work at the historic lighthouse. Sandfest Chair LeeAnn Baker thanked sponsors and visitors for years of support and promised bigger, better plans when the event returns next year to Fort Gratiot.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A St. Clair County judge on Monday refused to remove the prosecutor from the case of Maurice Houle — the man accused of killing 3-year-old Matthew Maison in Port Huron Township back in ’18. Houle’s attorney wanted Prosecutor Joshua Sparling off the case, claiming he might need to call him as a witness. But Judge Cynthia Lane ruled other officers could testify about Houle’s police questioning. The trial is now set for June 23rd in Port Huron, with a plea hearing planned for June 15th. Houle faces felony murder and resisting charges.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Firefighters from several St. Clair County departments battled a large barn fire Monday night in Cottrellville Township. Crews were called just after 8 to the 6400 block of Indian Trail, where flames destroyed the barn and several vehicles inside. No injuries were reported, but the structure was a total loss. Marine City Fire Authority says the cause is still under investigation. Township Supervisor Greg Abbey thanked responding crews and reminded residents to be cautious with heaters and open flames after several similar fires in the area last week.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron’s Blue Water Community Action Walk for Warmth returns downtown this Saturday. Walkers will step off from the Wrigley Center on Grand River Avenue to raise money for local families struggling to heat their homes. Participants can collect pledges online at bwcaa.org. The fundraiser also includes raffle baskets with themes like Pure Michigan Pride and Happy Hour Liquor—tickets are $2 each or six for $10. The route loops twice through downtown, with maps and parking available. Sponsors include Blue Cross Complete of Michigan and others.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A court hearing for Port Huron father Jeffery Smerer, accused of shooting three of his children and killing one, has been pushed back. Smerer was set to appear Feb. 27th, but Judge Michael West delayed the hearing until April 16th after the court didn’t get a psychiatric report. The case has been on hold since November, when Smerer’s lawyer filed notice he may claim insanity. Smerer was arrested last September at his Glenview Court home and faces ten felony charges, including open murder, that could mean life in prison.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia City Council is weighing a plan that could reconnect local travellers to Air Canada’s network—without planes taking off from Sarnia. At its March 9th meeting, council will review a proposed deal with The Landline Company and Air Canada to launch an Air Canada–branded coach link from Chris Hadfield Airport to Toronto Pearson. Passengers would check in right in Sarnia, load their bags once, and board a luxury motorcoach featuring Wi-Fi and roomy seats. It’s a one-year pilot worth up to $375,000, partly shared with Tourism Sarnia-Lambton. If approved, service could roll out by May.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet