George James

A man convicted in the death of his girlfriend’s 3-year-old son is headed to prison for decades. A judge sentenced 29-year-old Maurice Houle to at least 31 years, telling him she was appalled by his treatment of the boy. Prosecutors say Matthew Maison died from strangulation and other injuries in 2018, and evidence pointed to years of abuse before his death. Houle pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in June. The boy’s mother, who admitted covering up the abuse, is set for sentencing next month.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron police are cracking down on cryptocurrency ATMs to shield residents from scams. Officers have spent the past several days visiting kiosk owners citywide, walking them through a new city ordinance that requires every crypto machine to register with the City Clerk’s Office. The deadline is Oct. 1st, and businesses that miss it could face penalties. City leaders say the registration rule adds a layer of protection for consumers using these machines, and they’re urging any kiosk operator who hasn’t signed up yet to contact the Clerk’s Office right away.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A convicted sex offender already on probation for home invasion and criminal sexual conduct is back behind bars in Warren, accused of spying on a young girl through her bathroom window. Police say a mother’s call sent officers to a Pinto Street home, where they found 22-year-old Justin Moore hiding in the backyard before he ran through nearby yards and was caught. Investigators later found digital evidence suggesting a broader pattern of stalking. He now faces multiple felony charges, including stalking a minor.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron’s football team opened its season last week with a statement win, battling back to beat Anchor Bay 28-21 in double overtime. Quarterback Jax Johnston scored 3 touchdowns to power the comeback, while the Red Hawks’ defense sealed the victory on a fourth-down stop in the final overtime. Coach Dan Perkins praised his defense and special teams for stepping up all game. The win snaps a 3-game losing streak against the Tars and gives Port Huron a strong start to the season.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County residents needing emergency or overnight hospital care will soon have to travel elsewhere. Henry Ford Health’s River District Hospital is shutting down its inpatient and emergency departments, shifting those services to nearby facilities. Health officials say the aging building needed costly repairs that weren’t sustainable long-term. The hospital will keep offering primary care, infusion treatments, labs, pharmacy and imaging on-site. For emergency care, patients in East China Township will now be directed to Henry Ford’s Medical Center in New Baltimore, the closest ER option.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet