Local News

A longtime St. Clair County physician will spend the next 15 years in federal prison. Sixty‑two‑year‑old Robert Glapinski of Mussey Township was sentenced in Detroit after admitting to distributing child pornography. Investigators say Michigan State Police began looking into him last year after a national tip led to his Google account. Officers later found more than 3,000 illegal images and videos on his devices. Prosecutors say Glapinski’s actions fueled the abuse of children, while defense attorneys said he’s accepted responsibility for his crimes.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Deputies in Port Huron Township are investigating after a welfare check turned tragic. On March 26, officers were called to a home on the 2600 block of 24th Street when a man didn’t show up for work. After getting no response at the door, deputies forced entry and found evidence of a recent fire in the kitchen and living room. Inside, 61-year-old Robert Baker was found dead. Investigators say there’s no sign of foul play, but the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department are still looking into what caused the fire.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Fire crews in Lapeer County battled a fast-moving grass fire Wednesday evening in Oregon Township that scorched 31 acres and destroyed a barn. City of Lapeer Fire and Rescue arrived on McDowell Road to flames spreading quickly through dry grass and vegetation. Several nearby departments joined in to fully extinguish hot spots. Thankfully no one was injured. Investigators are still looking into what sparked the fire, and officials urge residents to report any outdoor burns or smoke right away as spring fire danger increases.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Kimball Township man accused of fatally stabbing another man on the Wadhams-to-Avoca Trail will face trial. A judge ruled Wednesday there’s enough evidence against 41-year-old Robert Barr, charged with open murder for the October ’25 death of 68-year-old Alvis Miranda. Prosecutors showed Barr’s own GoPro video that captured an argument turning violent. Witnesses and deputies testified Barr stabbed Miranda during that fight. Barr remains in the St. Clair County Jail on a half-million-dollar bond, awaiting his first circuit court date.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron, a woman known for recording police interactions is suing an officer, claiming he violated her constitutional rights. Crystal Manke filed a federal lawsuit against Officer Tristan Shoudy, saying he arrested her last year while she filmed him on patrol. The city says the arrest happened on federal railroad property and defends Shoudy’s actions. City Manager James Freed called Manke’s claims false and accused her of stalking officers. The department says it’s now investigating her conduct while standing by Shoudy.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A major drug bust across St. Clair and Sanilac Counties has taken more than 300 grams of meth off the streets. After weeks of investigation and anonymous tips, the St. Clair County Drug Task Force, with help from a K9 unit, raided two homes — one on Kipling Road in Lexington and another on Lakeshore Road in Burtchville. Two suspects, 44-year-old Danielle Mahosky and Eugene Kotelman, were arrested. Both face multiple felony drug charges, and each is being held on a fifty-thousand-dollar bond.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet