George James

Stickler Guilty of Murder

A St. Clair County jury found 50-year-old Michael Stickler guilty of first-degree murder and felony firearm for shooting eviction officer Robert Silver in Clay Township. Silver was at Stickler’s home in Dec. of ’23, to assess the eviction process when Stickler shot him. Prosecutors argued Stickler acted with motive, as his home had been repossessed for unpaid taxes. The defense claimed self-defense. Silver’s gun was found holstered inside Stickler’s home. Stickler faces life in prison at sentencing on April 11th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Flash Steelworks Expanding

Flash Steelworks is expanding in St. Clair County, investing $8.8 million and creating 55 new jobs. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and local partners helped secure a $750,000 state grant for the expansion. Flash Steelworks, known for its high-strength steel used in military and industrial applications, will install a Flash Armor Production line to fulfill new contracts. The company’s advanced technology has earned U.S. Army approval, and new hires will earn an average wage of $32.82 per hour.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Peck Man Arrested for Child Sexually Abusive Material

A 29-year-old Peck man, Anthony Preston Caulkins, was arrested after authorities found child sexually abusive material in his home. Michigan State Police and local departments conducted the raid following suspicions that he was sharing such files online. Caulkins faces multiple charges, including aggravated distribution and possession of abusive material, and using a computer to commit a crime. He stood mute during his arraignment, and a not guilty plea was entered. He is held on a $50,000 bond with a hearing set for February 11th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Manns Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

A Port Huron man, Maximus Jack Manns, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for suffocating his infant daughter Taytum while bed-sharing. Despite previous warnings and educational programs against co-sleeping, Manns took 7-month-old Taytum to bed, resulting in her tragic death. The CDC reports 3,700 infants died from sleep-related incidents in ’22. Manns, released on a $10,000 bond, accepted a plea deal and faces sentencing on March 31st under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, with a possible 15-year prison term.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet