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

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

The St. Clair County Health Advisory Board voted 5-2 Wednesday to back a proposal that could ban adding fluoride to local drinking water. The move supports Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin’s recommendation to draft county regulations stopping fluoridation. Nevin says new studies show health risks may outweigh benefits. Health Officer Elizabeth King will review the plan before any rules are made. For now, water systems stay the same, but the proposal could reshape how fluoride is used across St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron woman accused of killing a man at a local gas station faced a judge last week. Thirty-six-year-old Amber Lee Oile was denied bond after being charged with open murder in the shooting death of 30-year-old Reginald Franklin of Detroit. Prosecutors say Oile followed Franklin to the Marathon station on Military Street after a domestic dispute, then shot him multiple times outside the pumps. Security footage reportedly captured the incident. Police later arrested Oile without incident. This marks Port Huron’s fourth domestic-related homicide of the year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A bright butterfly mural behind Twisted Scissorz Salon honors the memory of Jason Schultz, a tow truck driver killed by a drunk driver in ’16. Painted in ’23 by artist April Cutler, the mural serves as a somber reminder of road safety. Jason’s sister, Jenn Schultz, commissioned the artwork and now plans a second mural to coincide with the 10th anniversary of his death. She hopes it will remind drivers to slow down and move over for emergency responders, a law updated in Michigan to protect people on the roadside. National Move Over Day was on Saturday.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet