Local News

A Port Huron judge has cleared the way for prosecutors to present key evidence in the murder trial of two people accused of killing a man in his own home. Judge Michael West ruled objections to evidence, including a boot bead police say matched one found at the scene, gang ties, and seized firearms, must wait until trial. Sayon Florence and Dazman Drake face first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of Vincent Buckles. Florence’s trial starts September 15, with Drake’s following in November. Both face life in prison if convicted.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron health officials are opening the floor to residents worried about the county’s growing data center industry. The St. Clair County Advisory Board of Health will hold a public workshop Sept. 15th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the County Administrative Office Building, tackling concerns like noise, well water contamination, generator emissions, power grid strain, and hazardous material safety. Officials say the session builds on past reviews of solar and battery storage projects, and residents can attend in person, watch a livestream, or speak during a 3-minute public comment period.

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

Sarnia’s Labour Day parade steps off this Monday morning as the region’s petrochemical economy faces new pressure from the US-Canada trade fight. The 124-year-old march moves from Christina and Davis streets down Front Street to Centennial Park, with an estimated 3,400 participants. New US tariffs are hitting plastics made in Sarnia’s refineries, and Canada plans countertariffs the very next day on September 8th. Organizers say this year’s parade theme, unity among workers, carries extra weight under the strain.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

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

A Sandusky bicyclist is recovering after being struck by a car. Police say a 21-year-old man was hit while crossing South Elk Street near Mills Street just before 11:40 a.m. Monday. Investigators say a 17-year-old driver from Yale couldn’t stop in time. The bicyclist suffered serious injuries and was rushed to McKenzie Hospital before being transferred to a Flint-area hospital for further treatment. Alcohol isn’t believed to be a factor. Sandusky Police, Sanilac County Sheriff’s deputies, EMS, and Michigan State Police all responded, and the crash remains under investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet