Local News

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

Thirteen students from the St. Clair County Technical Education Center (TEC) showcased their skills at the Region 7 HOSA Competition on December 5th at Saginaw Valley State University. Competing against 14 other schools, TEC students participated in 11 healthcare events after weeks of preparation. Six students earned top honors and will advance to the Michigan State HOSA Conference in April, including Marysville’s Braylon Rogan and Jaden Cole, and Yale and St. Clair students Julia Ferguson, Leah Francek, Stella Raymo, and Amelia Waidelich.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Florida man has been sentenced in Tuscola County for a deadly September crash that killed three members of the Putnam family. 55-year-old Pavel B. Shchukin received one year in jail for each of three moving violation causing death charges and was ordered to pay $1,425 in fines and court costs. The charges follow a crash on September 26 in Ellington Township, where Shchukin’s semi-truck ran a stop sign at Hurds Corner and Deckerville Roads, hitting the family’s Jeep.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Tuscola County’s Kingston village, a police encounter ended in a shooting last Tuesday night. Michigan State Police troopers were called to a Koylton Township home around 8:30 p.m. to take a 54-year-old man into custody under a court-ordered mental health hold. When officers found him in a vehicle, the man reportedly pulled a weapon, prompting shots to be fired. A sergeant was injured in the hand, treated, and released, while the man died at the scene. MSP’s investigative and crime teams are handling the case, which remains active.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Enter Stage Right in Port Huron is gearing up for a fresh take on “Little Women,” opening Jan. 9th at the Citadel Theatre on Huron Avenue. The show runs weekends through Jan. 25th, with evening performances on Fridays and Saturdays and matinees on Sundays. Director Amy Fabick says this modernized adaptation highlights all four March sisters and adds quicker pacing and humor while keeping the heart of the classic. Tickets are $20 online, and the theater may add extra shows if demand remains high.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet