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

Port Huron Museums will welcome Regina Schreck as its new Executive Director at the end of October. Schreck brings over a decade of experience curating and managing more than 80 art exhibitions, including work at the Detroit Institute of Arts and Midland Center for the Arts. She has also taught arts and humanities at several Michigan colleges and actively engaged with communities through public arts initiatives. The museum looks forward to Schreck’s leadership in expanding exhibits and community programs.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan’s top education leader, Michael Rice, is retiring this month after six years as state superintendent. He guided schools through the pandemic, major safety concerns after the Oxford and MSU shootings, and the rollout of new literacy laws. While Michigan’s third-grade reading scores remain a challenge, Rice points to progress with graduation rates, career training, and test improvements in other grades. He also pushed for more mental health support, adding 1,700 school staff statewide. Dearborn Superintendent Glenn Maleyko will step into the role in December.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Authorities have formally charged 55-year-old Pavel B. Shchukin in last Friday’s deadly Ellington Township crash that killed three Cass City residents and injured five others. Shchukin faces eight counts, including three moving violations causing death and five causing serious injury. Investigators say he failed to stop at a Deckerville Road stop sign, striking an eastbound Jeep carrying eight people. Shchukin and his passenger were treated for minor injuries. He remains in Tuscola County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Marlette residents have a chance to weigh in on a new marijuana zoning proposal next Wednesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss allowing licensed marijuana growers, retailers, and provisioning centers in the city’s manufacturing zone. After the hearing, council members could approve, change, or reject the plan. Those unable to attend can submit written comments to City Clerk Rebecca Slater by 3 p.m. on October 8th. ADA accommodations are available upon request.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet