A judge has denied a request for a new trial in the decades-old murder case of Karen Umphrey in St. Clair County. Douglas Laming, convicted in October of ’24 for her rape and murder, sought a retrial, claiming his trial lawyer failed to challenge key testimony and that the jury wasn’t properly warned about his co-defendant Anthony Harris’s motives. Judge Cynthia Lane rejected the motion Friday, saying the jury had enough information about Harris’s plea deal and the evidence was properly presented. Laming is serving life without parole.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Small businesses across Eastern Michigan have a short window to apply for new grant money aimed at local growth. The Eastern Michigan Small Business Network opened applications starting today for its ’26 Small Business Grant Program, offering awards up to twenty thousand dollars. Funding is available for businesses in Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, St. Clair, Lapeer, and Shiawassee counties. Grants support equipment, inventory, and technology purchases. Applications close December 23rd, with awards announced January ninth.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Tri-Hospital EMS and the American Red Cross are holding a holiday blood drive in Kimball to boost local supplies that often drop during winter. The drive runs this Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Tri-Hospital Station 5,@ 5248 Horseshoe Trail. Officials say donated blood is vital for accident victims, surgeries, and serious illnesses. Donors should bring a photo ID, eat well, and stay hydrated. Appointments are recommended to keep the process smooth.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Drivers in St. Clair County should expect delays as multiple road projects kick off this week. Burns Road, between Card and Richman, will have intermittent lane closures for ditching work. Fish Road near Jarvis will be fully closed for a day to replace a culvert. In Port Huron Township, Wadhams and Griswold roads, as well as Dove and Michigan roads, will see lane closures while traffic signals are upgraded. These signal projects are expected to continue through mid-January. All work is weather dependent, so schedules may change.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet