St. Clair’s Rotary Club and St. Clair Realty kicked off their annual SOCKTOBER drive, collecting new children’s socks and underwear for families in need through October 31st. Students at Pine River and St. Clair River Elementary Schools are competing to see which class donates the most, building on last year’s 1,200-pair total. The effort is led by local Rotary members Judy and Allison Shaune, with St. Clair Realty’s Jerry Emig sponsoring pizza parties for the winning classes. Community members can drop off donations at Neiman’s Family Market or Northstar Bank.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lambton Public Health is warning Sarnia-Lambton residents about more dangerous unregulated drugs in the area. The advisory says two new substances detected in Ontario may increase the risk of opioid overdoses. Officials note that standard doses of naloxone may not be enough to reverse effects. Residents are urged not to use drugs alone or mix with alcohol, know overdose signs, and carry naloxone. Free kits are available at LPH, local pharmacies, and partner health agencies. In an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Blue Water’s longtime home-care agency has a new name. After more than 70 years serving St. Clair County and its neighbors, Visiting Nurse Association & Blue Water Hospice is now called Blue Water Home Care & Hospice. Leaders stress nothing else is changing. The nonprofit remains locally governed and independent, with the same staff and the same home-health and hospice services across St. Clair, Sanilac, Lapeer and Macomb counties. The new name will roll out over the next few weeks.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County’s high-profile child murder case against Amanda Maison slowed Friday as Judge Cynthia Lane only ruled on a few of the 11 defense motions. Lane barred jurors from hearing about the similar 2016 child-murder conviction of Maison’s brother, saying it would unfairly sway a jury. She also blocked an ex-girlfriend’s claim that co-defendant Maurice Houle once hit the child. Most motions, including venue change and CPS history, were delayed until a Nov. 7th hearing. Maison faces life if convicted.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet