Port Huron hosted its first-ever Bluewater Classic on Friday, as two iconic vessels raced from the Huron Lady II Dock across the St. Clair River into Lake Huron. The hometown Huron Lady II went head-to-head with Canada’s Duc d’Orléans II under the Blue Water Bridge. Fans watched from shore or joined the cruise, which featured a live DJ and a 90-minute narrated sightseeing tour of local landmarks. Tickets for the boat sold for $50 and were nearly sold out, but spectators along the river cheered on their favorite vessel for free.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron man Jeffery Smerer, 44, was sentenced Thursday to one year in jail and must register as a sex offender for exposing himself to a child at a local daycare. Judge Mona Armstrong noted Smerer showed no remorse, calling his guilty plea a “cunning calculation.” The victim’s mother described lasting trauma, saying her daughter now sees a counselor weekly. Smerer is also facing 10 felony charges in connection with the recent shooting of his children, with his next hearing pending.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Clay Township Treasurer Jerry Galka has stepped down, ending a year marked by financial confusion and tension on the board. Galka cited health, family obligations, and stress from disputes with employees and residents. Elected last year, he struggled to reconcile township accounts, leading to the hiring of a $12,000 outside firm. Public clashes, including a walkout during a township meeting, heightened local scrutiny. A special board meeting was held Friday to address Galka’s resignation and name a new treasurer.

Reporting for WGRT – JP b bZet