In Port Huron, a cold snap did not stop about 40 people from gathering Saturday at Lakeside Cemetery to honor hundreds buried without names in the paupers’ section near the Black River Canal. A new memorial stone and bench now mark Section AA, where more than 400 people are believed to rest. Organizer Erik Wurmlinger, whose grandfather is buried there, led the effort after a missing family marker was rediscovered. City leaders say the tribute ensures those once forgotten are now recognized and remembered.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A St. Clair County case involving a Michigan political family is moving toward trial this summer. Kellie Lauwers, former treasurer of the Yale Chamber of Commerce and wife of State Sen. Dan Lauwers, is accused of embezzling more than $30,000 from the organization. Prosecutors say she wrote checks to herself, forged signatures, and altered financial records to hide the activity. A jury trial is now set for July 7th. A plea hearing is planned for June 29th. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 55-year-old Michigan woman who shot her husband inside their Marine City home has agreed to a plea deal. Christine Hurley-Arnold admitted to attempted firearm discharge and attempted assault, along with a domestic violence charge. Prosecutors dropped two felony firearm counts as part of the agreement. Police say the shooting happened last November on South Elizabeth Street, where her husband was hit in the leg while sitting on a couch. She faces up to five years per charge and will be sentenced June 15th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A St. Clair County case is back in court as prosecutors fight to keep two men locked up for life from a ’10 murder. James Preston and Jonathan Kurtz are asking for new sentences after a court ruling affecting young offenders, since both were 18 at the time. But prosecutors argue the killing of Paul Skinner was carefully planned and should still carry life without parole. Investigators say the pair plotted the attack, killing Skinner and seriously injuring his wife, who says anything less than life in prison would be an injustice.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Michigan man convicted of murder more than five decades ago is set to walk free after a judge ruled he has served enough time. Seventy-three-year-old Willie Bankston has spent over 50 years behind bars for a 1973 fatal shooting in St. Clair County. A judge resentenced him to 53 years, clearing the way for his release in August. The decision follows court rulings requiring youth to be considered in life sentences. Bankston, who has shown decades of good behavior, apologized and is no longer seen as a threat.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet