A St. Clair County man pleaded guilty last week to falsifying records at his marine training school.

Mel Stackpoole, 62, ran Great Lakes Charter Training, where he offered Coast Guard-approved courses. In ’20, he cut classroom hours nearly in half, instructed students to lie about their experience and health, gave out exam answers, and inflated test scores.
Stackpoole let unqualified mariners gain credentials, officials say. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine at his December 18th sentencing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Oil Museum of Canada in Oil Springs is hosting the Wheels & Wells Car Show on Saturday, August 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., blending Lambton County’s oil history with classic cars. Car registration starts at 9:30 a.m. by donation, with a $10 suggestion, while spectators get in free. The event will feature museum displays linking oil to the rise of automobiles, trivia with prizes, food and drinks, a 50/50 draw, and awards for show cars at 2 p.m. It runs rain or shine.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron murder case may face a major legal hurdle as the attorney for 36-year-old Sayon Florence moves to block her police statements from trial. Florence’s lawyer claims her Miranda Rights were violated during a February 12th interrogation, arguing she had already requested a lawyer in an earlier interview about the Vanness Street shooting death of Vincent Buckles. Prosecutors counter that she had been released from jail in late January and could have sought legal counsel. Judge Michael West will hear arguments on the motion August 25th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 95-year-old Sigel Township resident fell victim to a phone scam last week, losing $17,000. Michigan State Police say the woman was called by someone claiming to be her son, along with another person posing as a public defender demanding bail money for a supposed accident.

Couriers picked up the cash in two separate trips: first, a tall man in a dark gray Chevrolet Malibu, then a heavy-set woman in a black Jeep. Troopers urge anyone with information to contact Tpr. Dennis Bills or D/Sgt. Daniel Inman.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet