George James

A Port Huron man convicted of killing a woman more than 50 years ago received a new sentence last Friday. Chris Hansen, now 69, was 16 when he shot Clara Gilmore in her home during a planned robbery in ’73. Under a Michigan Supreme Court ruling, Hansen’s life sentence was deemed unconstitutional for minors.

A Circuit Court Judge resentenced him to 50 to 90 years, giving credit for the 52 years he has already served. Hansen apologized in court, taking responsibility for the crime, but his chances of release remain very low.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron residents are invited to a public meeting on October 29th at the DoubleTree Hotel, 800 Harker St., from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) will discuss local PFAS contamination, which comes from human-made chemicals used in manufacturing, firefighting, and everyday products. Officials from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will cover potential health impacts, while the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will share investigation results and next steps. Attendees can ask questions after the presentations.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron’s Treasure Chest resale shop is spreading holiday cheer this season with its first family adoption program. Owners Samantha and Francis Baptiste plan to provide Christmas gifts and a full holiday dinner to three local families. The effort, inspired by Samantha’s own experience in foster care, aims to fully support families who may not qualify for larger programs. Applications are open now at the store, with winners selected after the shop’s Halloween Fun Day on Oct. 25th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron residents can now get seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the St. Clair County Health Department while supplies last. Flu shots are available for everyone from 6 months to seniors 65 and older, with options tailored by age. The latest COVID vaccine, Novavax, is offered to adults 65+ and anyone 12–64 with certain health risks. Walk-in Wednesdays run through November 19th, no appointment needed. Most insurance is accepted, and costs for uninsured adults vary. More info is at scchealth.co

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

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