Local News

AVS Broadband has made Michigan history as the first internet provider in the state to earn Operation IFast certification, a national program that helps fight human trafficking. Working with the Huron County Sheriff’s Office and Pigeon Police, the company trained staff to spot and report suspicious activity without invading customer privacy. The move is part of Agri-Valley Communications’ larger effort to expand trafficking awareness across its network of companies. AVS hopes other Michigan providers will follow suit in protecting vulnerable residents statewide.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley has cut $5.7 million in police facility costs from the city’s draft ’26 budget, citing rising police expenses and concerns about the burden on taxpayers. The proposed new $120 million building would have added a 6.3% property tax hike, with payments stretching 30 years. Bradley says the plan is incomplete, with no final cost, location, or scope, and it ignores inflation, interest rates, and other city needs. He stressed that police infrastructure must focus on Sarnia residents. Council will review the revised budget later this month.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Logan Welch, a beloved Grand Blanc sports coach, was honored Sunday afternoon in the Grand Blanc High School gym. Visitation was Friday at Swartz Funeral Home in Flint, while his burial remained private. Welch was shot and killed on Nov. 5th in Almont by 32-year-old William Channer III, who was later wounded by Lapeer deputies and faces five felony charges, including first-degree murder. A GoFundMe for Welch’s wife and unborn child has raised over $175,000 from more than 1,800 donors. He is remembered as a devoted husband and passionate sports fan.

Reporting for WGRT – JP 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

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

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