Local News

A St. Clair County man is facing several serious charges after deputies say a domestic assault in Berlin Township escalated over multiple days. Police responded Sunday morning to a home on Holmes Road, where a 27-year-old man is accused of repeatedly attacking and strangling his girlfriend, then shooting her phone to stop her from calling for help. When troopers arrived, he allegedly tried to flee the scene on a golf cart but was quickly caught nearby and taken into custody without further incident.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Lapeer County, investigators say a targeted drive-by shooting has led to two arrests, while a second incident remains unsolved. Deputies responded June 26 to Angle Road after multiple shots were fired into a home from a passing Chevrolet Impala, with shell casings found at the scene. Two days later, gunfire struck another nearby home from a different vehicle, but no evidence was recovered. After interviews and search warrants, a 19-year-old woman and 21-year-old man were arrested in connection to the first shooting.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron is gearing up for a busy stretch as Blue Water Fest returns downtown July 15th through the 18th, bringing four days of activity tied to the start of the Bayview Mackinac Race. Organizers say families can expect a packed schedule, including a parade, live music, a street fair with dozens of vendors, food trucks, and a classic car show. A drone show and sailboat race kickoff are also highlights. Many events are free, with full details available online.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County is investing in its future workforce with a $1.7 million grant to launch a new HVAC training program at the Technical Education Center. The funding will cover renovations and equipment as leaders work to open the program to students by fall of ’27. The two-year program will serve more than 50 students each year, preparing them for in-demand skilled trades jobs. Local officials say the effort is driven by strong hiring needs across the county and will also ease waitlists in other technical programs.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Organizers in Port Huron are calling for volunteers to join the Rotary International Day Parade during Boat Week next Wednesday, July 15th. Community members are encouraged to sign up early, with the first 50 participants invited to walk the route blowing bubbles alongside the group. Check-in begins at 5 p.m. at The Closet by A Beautiful Me on Huron Avenue, with the parade stepping off at 6:30 and pickup around 8 p.m. A $10 fee includes a new T-shirt, snacks, and water for walkers.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A local father received life in prison without parole last week for the horrific shooting that killed his 17-year-old son and left two other children with lifelong injuries. Jeffery Smerer, 45, opened fire on his kids as they got ready for school last September, shooting his son Kayleb from behind before wounding the younger ones in their bedrooms. His daughter now uses a wheelchair. The surviving children bravely spoke in court, saying they could not understand how their once-loving dad could do this. The judge called it a tragedy beyond words.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet