George James

Sarnia’s housing crisis hit another roadblock as city council voted 5–4 to delay a 56-unit affordable housing project on Exmouth Street. Despite strong support from provincial policies and local plans, the project now heads to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Proposed by the Inn of the Good Shepherd, it would offer rents as low as $800–$1,000. Critics cited parking and building size, but advocates argue it fits the neighborhood and meets urgent housing needs. Over 900 people remain on Sarnia’s waitlist. Mediation on the appeal is set for this summer.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In St. Clair County, a tragic case has resurfaced as Amanda Maison and Maurice Houle face charges for the ’18 death of Amanda’s son, Matthew. The young boy was found lifeless in his bed, and now, years later, the couple is accused of starving and abusing him. Prosecutors say they even hid his injuries to avoid scrutiny. Matthew’s grandparents had long worried about his safety, and an autopsy confirmed he suffered terribly. If convicted, Maison and Houle could spend life behind bars.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Kiefer Park on Thursday, St. Clair County residents gathered to honor crime victims during Victims’ Rights Week. Organized by the local group P.S. You’re my Hero, the event saw participants tossing flowers into the St. Clair River in memory of those lost and affected by crime. Founder Mara McCalmon, who lost her husband to murder, shared her frustration over victims’ needs often being overlooked in court. She voiced her concerns after Michigan’s Supreme Court ruled life sentences unconstitutional for 18-year-old offenders.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two people in connection with the ’18 death of 3-year-old Matthew Maison from Port Huron Township. The arrests, made after recent developments, involve a man and a woman, though their identities are being withheld. Matthew’s death was ruled a homicide in ’21, caused by blunt force trauma and asphyxiation. The boy’s grandparents expressed mixed emotions on social media following the arrests. Both suspects are currently in St. Clair County jail awaiting further proceedings.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Clay Township man, Michael Stickler, was sentenced to life in prison for killing eviction officer Robert Silver in December of ’23. Stickler shot Silver when the officer arrived to inform him about an upcoming eviction due to unpaid property taxes. Silver had been to the property multiple times before. After a standoff, Stickler confessed to the shooting. He was also sentenced to two years for felony firearm use, to be served after his life sentence.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help identifying a man caught stealing packages from a home in Worth Township. The theft happened last Tuesday around 2 p.m. at a residence on Wildcat Rd. The suspect was seen driving a red Dodge pickup. The Sheriff’s Office posted the suspect’s picture on social media. Anyone with information is urged to contact Deputy Chad Schmidt, Sanilac County Dispatch, or submit an anonymous tip through the Sheriff’s app.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet