Local News

Early Wednesday, St. Clair County deputies rushed to a house fire on the 4300 block of Yankee Road around 2:20 a.m. Two people—a 73-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl—managed to escape to the front porch, but another woman was still trapped inside. Fire crews from the St. Clair Area Fire Authority rescued her through a second-story window. The victim, 47-year-old Laura Bramlett, was taken to McLaren Macomb Hospital, where she later died. Sheriff’s detectives continue to investigate the cause of the fire.

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

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

A Michigan man has admitted to stealing nearly $900,000 from his employer over three years. Federal prosecutors say 51-year-old Peter Paulus of Port Huron pleaded guilty last Friday to wire fraud. Court documents show that between late 2020 and mid-2023, Paulus worked for a countertop company near Detroit, where he diverted customer credit card payments into his own accounts. He even faked receipts to make the transactions look legitimate. Paulus is scheduled to be sentenced May 19 and could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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

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