Port Huron’s community is rallying around a family hit by a recent shooting that killed a 17-year-old and injured his 12- and 13-year-old siblings. An anonymous donation is helping the family with housing and a modified van for the recovering children, while a GoFundMe page has raised over $64,000 toward a new $150,000 goal. Updates show the 12-year-old girl is regaining some mobility, giving hope to the family. The accused shooter, 44-year-old Jeffery James Smerer, faces multiple charges, including murder and child abuse.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

McKenzie Health System is breaking ground on its new hospital in Saginaw County this fall. The ceremony is set for Wednesday, October 1st, at the future hospital site off Gates Road. The public can park at the former Kmart lot and walk or ride golf carts to the site. The new facility will expand from 48,000 to 68,000 square feet, bringing together services now spread across multiple buildings. Funding includes a $74 million USDA loan. The project also adds a wide M-46 entrance, a Gates Road entrance, and ample parking.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron leaders are moving to rezone the old Dunn Paper mill site on Riverside Street to push new housing, mixed-use projects and better waterfront access. Crown Enterprises, which bought the 13-acre property in ’23 for $1.2 million, wants to use it for bulk material storage and has fought the change through attorneys’ letters. City Manager James Freed said Crown’s plan does not meet current zoning rules. Mayor Anita Ashford backed rezoning after hearing from residents but stressed the shoreline’s safety. A final vote is set for next Monday.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet