Local News

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

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

Fort Gratiot resident Edith Cyplik will reach a rare milestone today, turning 100 at Medilodge nursing center on Lakeshore Road. Family from as far away as Oregon, Arizona and South Korea already gathered Sunday for an early celebration. Born in Detroit in 1926, Cyplik spent her life in Michigan and was married to her late husband Donald for 61 years. She raised four children and today has more than 40 descendants across five generations. Though her eyesight and hearing have faded, family say she’s still sharp, and loves bingo and reading.

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

In Marysville, Woodland Developmental Center teacher Angela Jackson got a surprise call — she’d been named Michigan’s 2026–27 Regional Teacher of the Year for Region 5, representing St. Clair County. Jackson teaches students ages 3 to 9 with severe multiple impairments, focusing on communication, independence and life skills. A Memphis High graduate, she began her career in Port Huron schools before returning to Woodland in ’18. Colleagues say she brings compassion and high expectations to every child. Jackson calls the honor a win for her entire school community.

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