Local News

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

A Columbus man is facing life in prison after being charged in a deadly shooting at an Almont business. Prosecutors say 32-year-old William Channer III shot and killed 30-year-old Logan Welch on the morning of November 5th. Police say Channer fled the scene, sparking a chase that ended near Imlay City, where deputies shot and injured him during a confrontation. He’s now charged with first-degree murder and several firearm-related felonies. A judge denied him bond, and his next court date is set for next Monday.

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

Early last Friday morning, St. Clair County deputies responded to a home on W. Water Street after a resident reported gunfire. Officers quickly spotted a white Pontiac G6 matching the suspect description nearby. A felony traffic stop led to the arrest of three 18-year-old men inside the vehicle, along with an AR-15, ammunition, and shell casings. Cameron Maydwell, Tristan Aldrich, and Bryant Heinz were arraigned on multiple felony charges including discharging a firearm in a building, discharging a weapon from a vehicle, and felony firearm possession. Bonds were set at $50,000 each.

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