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

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

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