Current MI News Network Audio
Current MI Sports Network Audio
STATE NEWS for FRI 17SEP21
The
number of COVID-19 cases in Michigan is going up about 34-percent from a
week ago. M-Live reports Isabella, Mecosta and Osceola Counties have the
highest seven
day average of weekly cases per capita and fewer than 50-percent
are vaccinated in
those counties. All counties in Michigan are considered to be areas with
high or
substantial transmission and health officials blame the Delta variant
and little
movement in vaccination rates.
-Meanwhile-
Hospitals in the Upper Peninsula are asking school districts to require
masks in schools
because they are getting filled up with COVID-19 patients. W-L-U-C
reports hospital
leaders sent a letter to schools recommending a mask order to keep the
community
safe. UP Health System-Marquette CEO Gar Atchison says their hospital in
Marquette
and across the U-P and country are really at or very near capacity .
Most U- schools
are not mandating masks. A mask order has been issued for Dickinson and
Iron
County schools by the health department there.
A Macomb County woman is facing charges of Ethnic Intimidation and
assault for an
alleged incident on a Spirit Airlines flight to Detroit. 39-year old
Alexandra Farr of
Roseville is accused of shouting a racial slur at an African American
Muslim woman on
the flight on the anniversary of the 9/11. Prosecutors say when the
victim attempted
to use her phone to record the altercation, the suspect hit her hand and
her phone. Farr
is expected to be arraigned today.
Community activists in South West Detroit want officials to enact an
evacuation of the
residents around and near the site of the ground upheaval last Saturday
night,
claiming the area is unstable.
A statement from the Southwest Detroit Community Benefits coalition says
people who
live near the area should be provided with safe options considering the
cause of the
ground disturbance is still unknown.
Officials are still investigating and on Thursday D-T-E cut a gas from a
mainline to the
area.
The
former lead investigator with the F-B-I in the alleged plot to kidnap
Governor
Gretchen Whitmer, Richard Trask the Second, is out at the agency. The
39- ear-old
was arrested in July for allegedly beating and choking his wife in their
southwest
Michigan home. He's awaiting trial on that charge. Trask had filed the
criminal
complaint that led to the arrests of six men on federal charges in the
alleged kidnap
plot. Eight others were arrested on state charges.
(Photo: Trask)
A west Michigan man was injured after a fiery crash in Crockery Township
Thursday.
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office says a 63-year-old man from Nunica
was making a left turn in Crockery Township when a 79-year-old Grand
Haven man
failed to yield and they crashed. The Grand Haven man's car caught fire
and first
responders were able to put it out. That man was taken to the hospital.
Administrators at a west Michigan high school are warning parents and
students about
taking part in a TikTok challenge called "devious licks." In videos
posted online,
students videotape themselves removing items from bathrooms and
classrooms. The
principal at Hudsonville High says students have stolen soap dispensers,
sink fixtures
and lunch trays. Students who take part in the challenge, steal items
and cause
damage could face felony charges.
It was a scare in the air for a pilot who manages to make a lucky escape
from an
emergency landing. Michigan State Police say the 33-year-old pilot was
in a single
engine aircraft in Livingston County, when that engine began to fail. He
was able to
make an emergency landing in a field in Handy Twp near Layton and
Fowlerville Rd.
He wasn't hurt and no on on the ground was injured - just a few crops.
The FAA is
investigating.
The father of a 7-year-old girl whose hair was cut by a teacher without
her parents'
permission has filed a one million dollar lawsuit against the school
district, a librarian
and a teacher's assistant. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in
Grand Rapids against
Mount Pleasant Public Schools. Jimmy Hoffmeyer says in March that a
classmate used
scissors to cut one side of his daughter's hair. He said two days later
a teacher cut
Jurnee's hair to even it out. The lawsuit alleges that the girl's
constitutional rights were
violated, racial discrimination and more.
General
Motors will keep an Oakland County factory closed until next month as
the
automaker deals with battery issues connected to the Chevy Bolt. A
statement from
GM today says the Orion Assembly plant will remain down through the week
of October
11th as a result of a battery pack shortage related to the Chevy Bolt
recall. GM says it
is continuing to work with the supplier to update manufacturing
processes regarding the
batteries. There have been at least ten fires linked to the Bolt
batteries.
Top
STATE NEWS for THU 16SEP21
It's
remote learning for students at Battle Creek's Lakeview High School
because of a COVID-19 outbreak. The Calhoun County Public Health
Department made the order after 29 students and two staff
members tested positive for the virus. Students are expected to be
back in the classroom September 27th.
-COVID Stats-
The state health department is reporting more than 66-hundred new
Covid-19 cases
over the past two days. That averages to more than 3-thousand cases
per day. There
were also 44 deaths, 41 of which were found in the vital records.
More than 15-hundred
people are hospitalized from the virus.
-Related-
All Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits
are receiving an
additional monthly payment in September in response to the COVID-19
pandemic,
that's according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human
Services. Eligible
clients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge
Card from September
18th - 28th. Additional benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as
a separate payment from
the assistance that is provided earlier in the month.
The city of Kalamazoo plans to shut down a homeless camp in two
weeks. It says the camp at Ampersee Avenue has been growing since
another camp was cleared last April because of flooding.
Officials say about 150 people live there. The city says there
are concerns about health, safety of those living at the camp and
those living and working nearby.
State
Police are now investigating a State Representative accused by a
colleague of
domestic abuse. The Press Secretary for the Speaker of the House
Jason Wentworth
says the House is assisting with the investigation into
Representative Steve Marino.
The word came a day after Marino was removed from some key
committees. As for
what Marino is accused of - it's not clear - but the statement says
- they are taking
every precaucaution to ensure Rep. Mari (Mar-ee) Manoogian's safety,
Manoogian says -quote- The unfortunate reality is that many people
in our society have
experienced domestic abuse, which often comes from someone we would
never
expect, -unquote. She says None of us are immune to a volatile
relationship,
regardless of our career.
(Photo: Marino)
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition of 19 other
attorneys general
in urging Congress to respond to the climate crisis and advance
environmental justice
by funding critical programs in budget reconciliation legislation.
In a letter to Democratic
Congressional leaders, the coalition calls on Congress to pass
infrastructure legislation
and to allocate funding in the upcoming reconciliation bill that
addresses the rapid
transition to a clean energy economy, climate change, and the
environmental injustices
faced by low-income communities, communities of color, and Tribal
and indigenous
communities. The coalition urges Congress to fund actions that will
substantially cut
greenhouse gases, thereby preventing more dire climate change harm
and confront
longstanding environmental injustice.
Hundreds
of medical marijuana advocates took to the lawn at the state capitol
on Wednesday. They were voicing opposition to new legislation that
would limit the abilities of caregivers in Michigan.
Currently, they can grow 12 plants per patient with a total of
up to 72 plants. The proposed legislation is aimed at limiting black
market marijuana sales. It would limit caregivers to three
plants per patients and 12 total that can be grown by a
caregiver.
-Related-
What is your attitude toward cannabis? Findings from a new
statewide poll on the public's overall opinion on cannabis
licensing, safety and regulations is due out later this morning. To
national firms from both sides of the political aisle will
discuss the results at 10:30. Meantime, Michigan's marijuana
industry has grown into a two-billion dollar a year industry with
recreational shops opened their doors in late 2019.
The first full-time female play-by-play announcer for a major
men's professional sports team is from Portage, Michigan. Lisa
Byington, who started her broadcast career in Alpena is the new lead
T-V announcer for the Milwaukee Bucks N-B-A team. Byington
played basketball and soccer at Northwestern University. Earlier
this year she became the first female play-by- lay announcer for the
N-C-A-A men's basketball tournament.
Top
STATE
NEWS for WED 15SEP21
Current
and former Team USA gymnasts testified this morning before a Senate
committee looking into the FBI's investigation of Larry Nassar.
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and several of her former teammates will
testify about
the investigation and eventual imprisonment of the former USA Gymnastics
and
Michigan State University doctor. Senators have accused the FBI of
failing to bring a
case against the Nasser in a timely manner, AND that the field office
made "numerous
and fundamental errors."
Nassar was sentenced in 2018 to serve 40 to 175 years in prison.
Legislation to help protect vulnerable adults from financial
exploitation was
unanimously passed by the state Senate on Tuesday. The bill would allow
financial
advisors and broker-dealers to place a hold on disbursements from a
specified adults
account if they suspect financial exploitation is taking place or will
take place. The bill
would also establish specific procedures to be followed and limit the
initial hold up to 15
days, which could be extended if warranted after further review of the
facts.
Some
hospitals in west Michigan say they are having to put off elective
surgeries and
reassign employees because more resources are being used to treat people
with
COVID-19. WOOD TV reports Spectrum Health COO Brian Brasser says they've
been
very, very busy in their hospitals, running a much higher census than is
typical for this
time of year. He says part of that is because of the COVID-19 surge that
they're
seeing. Metro Health is also seeing more COVID patients. Doctors urge
people to get
vaccinated to combat the need for people to be hospitalized.
A
surprising start to the gubernatorial campaign has one of the biggest
names on the
Republican side meeting resistance. Former Detroit Police Chief James
Craig officially
announced his campaign for governor on Belle Isle in Detroit. Craig had
hinted at
running for governor for months since he resigned his post this summer.
The initial
announcement Tuesday was brief as protestors from Detroit Will Breathe
took over the
podium and attacked Craigs record as chief and how he handled protests
during the
summer of 2020. Craig was quickly escorted off the island and to a
second location for
a full press conference.
(Photo: Craig)
The
first punch was thrown on Tuesday in a three way fight between lawmakers
and some Michigan marijuana companies and cannabis caregivers. A
package of bipartisan bills unveiled would reduce the number of patients
allowed per caregiver scaling down the amount of plants they could
legally grow. Cannabis businesses argue caregivers are responsible for
the states enormous black market. Supporters of caregivers
will March at the capitol on Thursday.
A man in his
30's was shot several times during a dispute at a home in the Upper
Peninsula last night. The man was reportedly taken to a hospital after
he was shot at a home in Chocolay Township, southeast of
Marquette. Another person was stabbed in the hand. Police are
investigating.
After
teetering on unstable ground for days, a marijuana dispensary in
Southwest Detroit has been demolished. Officials say the Stash
Detroit building could have fallen on its own due to structural damage
following some kind of issue underground. But, crews took it down
in a controlled demolition yesterday. Officials from the city and
utility companies still trying to figure out what the caused the
damage. Dearborn Street was "pushed up" some 8- to 10-feet because of
the underground issue.
The Oscar G.
Johnson V-A Medical Center in Iron Mountain in the U-P, has put visitor
restrictions back in effect. W-L-U-C reports it's because of a rise of
COVID- 19 cases in the surrounding community. The V-A says
visitors will not be allowed to visit unless it's necessary for
providing medical care, supporting patient care, or visiting someone
who's gravely ill.
Top
STATE NEWS for TUE 14SEP21
Former
Detroit Police Chief James Craig is expected to officially kick off his
run for governor this morning. He says things like government company
Covid-19 vaccine mandates are government overreach. Craig is
supposed to kick off his run on Belle Isle in Detroit followed by
stops in Flint and Grand Rapids.
(Photo: Craig)
The nurses at UP Health System in Marquette is calling on the
hospital administration to address the nursing shortage. W-L-U-C reports
Michigan Nurses Association Vice President Stephanie DePetro says
more and more employees are leaving. She says they've been hearing
there's not much the hospital can do, while hospitals in other
parts of the state are offering thousands of dollars to staff as an
incentive to pick up extra shifts. A hospital spokesman says they
are exploring and implementing numerous strategies to address
staffing challenges.
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It's
an annual event, tens of thousands of Monarch butterflies fly to Mexico
from Michigan and other parts of the Midwest and Ontario for the winter
months. Michigan State post doctoral researcher Erin Zylstra (Zile-struh)
says it's physiological for them because they can't survive the
winter in Michigan. Zylstra says the migration happens over the next
couple of months. She says the number of Monarchs has dropped over
the years because of climate change. She recommends planting
milkweed to attract more of them.
Top
STATE NEWS for MON 13SEP21
A lawsuit has been filed against Uber five years after driver Jason
Dalton killed six people and injured two others in Kalamazoo. Matt
Mellen was a passenger of Dalton's, who says he was driving
erratically...running red lights and sideswiped another vehicle
when Mellen bailed out of the car. Court documents show he tried to call
Uber for more than an hour since the company has an incident
response team on call 24 hours a day to deactivate drivers who
threaten other's safety. Dalton went on a shooting spree and
Mellen believes Uber could have done something to stop him. Dalton is
serving life in prison.
Two people have been killed in a crash in west Michigan's Courtland
Township , north of Grand Rapids. Michigan State Police say a
21-year-old Wyoming man passed a semi last evening and lost
control and went off the road , hitting a tree. The driver was
killed and a female passenger was taken to the hospital, but later died.
A west Michigan woman is lucky to be alive after she passed out during a
fire at her home Saturday night in Cascade Township, southeast of Grand
Rapids. WOOD TV reports Fire Chief Adam Magers was first on the
scene and he opened the front door and heard a faint cough. Even
though he didn't have on his fire resistant gear, Magers battled
through the fire and smoke to the second floor and pulled the
20-year-old woman out of the home. She was treated at the hospital
for smoke inhalation. The home was heavily damaged. It may have
been caused by a candle that was left unattended.
A staffing shortage is forcing Henry Ford Health System to trim dozens
of beds from its hospitals -- Officials tell the Detroit News 120 beds
have been pulled from five hospitals because there aren't enough
nurses and other workers to staff them. Monday's announcement
follows last week's deadline for all employees to be fully vaccinated or
face termination. Currently, 98-percent of Henry Ford's staff has
at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine -- so far no one has
been fired for failing to meet the requirement.
Some Metro-Detroiters with disabilities are getting a "thrill" of a
lifetime today....a birds-eye view of Downtown Detroit from inside a
helicopter. Danny's Miracle Angel Network Foundation Assisted Travel
Program helps make dreams come true for those with physical
disabilities making it hard for them to experience travel. Four of
five selected participants for the event today are quadriplegic.
Top
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Police
responded to a bomb threat at the Verizon Store in Cheboygan Thursday
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A
harmful Algal bloom has been found on Van Ettan Lake. The bloom was
reported by District Health Department Number Two working in conjunction
with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. According to
the Iosco County News Herald, people and pets should avoid direct body
contact or swallowing the lake water with the algal bloom in Van Ettan
Lake in Oscoda. The bloom looks like it has a green sheen or spilled
paint on the surface or water that looks like pea soup. To better
identify the harmful algal bloom, a picture guide is available at
Michigan.gov/Habs. .JPG)
An
e-waste collection will be held tomorrow in Oscoda County. 
This
weekend the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will hold the Early
Antlerless Firearm Hunt. The hunt is open on private lands only in all
Deer Management Units in the Lower Peninsula. On Saturday and Sunday,
hunters may harvest antlerless deer with a universal antlerless license
or with a deer or deer combo license and hunter orange must be worn. For
more information visit Michigan.g/DNR.
There
are new programs being offered in the Alcona School District.
Students
returning to Harbor Beach High School can take advantage of a renovated
computer lab. The lab is used for the school’s computer science
classes. According to the Huron Daily Tribune, the new lab features 48
classroom computers, twelve computers designated for advanced courses,
three televisions, six recliners and new carpeting. The upgrades cost
$98,000 dollars which came from a bond proposal passed in 2020 for roof
repairs. The new roof cost nearly one million dollars, with the
remainder used for the computer lab upgrades. Currently, Harbor Beach
has over 100 students that are enrolled in technology classes that
utilize this space, with the district requiring that all students take
at least one such class before graduating.
The
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is asking the
public to %20450x299.JPG)
The
Mackinac Island Airport will be closed TODAY as crews repair slight
cracks to the .JPG)
The
Michigan Department of Natural Resources is offering municipalities the
Community Forestry Grant opportunity. Michigan communities can obtain
resources for improved management and grow connections to public trees
and forests through inventory projects, Arbor Day celebrations, tree
care outreach and urban forestry technology. A total of up to $125,000
dollars in grant funding is available. Applicants can request from
$1,000 to $15,000 dollars in reimbursable, matching grant funds.
Eligible applicants include local units of government, educational
institutions, nonprofit organizations and tribal governments,
Applications must be received by Friday, September 17th. For application
information visit Michigan.gov/UCF.%2028APR17.JPG)
The
Tawas Police Officer’s Association recently completed a fundraising
campaign. 
FEMA
says it has approved nearly 205-million dollars to help Michiganders
following 
Hill
Township officials will hold a Public Hearing tonight. 
State
Representative Sue Allor of Wolverine will host office hours tomorrow in
the district. Allor will be at Cabin Creek Coffee in Alpena from
11am-Noon, Alcona County 81st District Court in Harrisville from 1-2pm
and Tawas City Hall in Tawas City from 3-4pm on Thursday. Allor said
these are great opportunities to hear ideas and concerns while also
answering questions in person. Residents can also contact Allor at her
Lansing Office at 517-373-0833 or by email at Sue Allor At House.MI.gov.(ElliotHowells).JPG)
A
Posen man was rushed to the hospital after he crashed his plane at the
Rogers City Airport in Presque Isle County. Police say the pilot lost
control immediately after take off, causing it to overturn. The
60-year-old man suffered a head injury and was taken to Mid
Michigan in Alpena. The accident has been reported to the F-A-A.
The
Michigan Natural Resources Commission will meet virtually on Thursday.
The Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing residents
the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs
and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation
opportunities. The Natural Resources Commission virtual meeting will be
held Thursday at 9am. For link information visit Michigan.gov/DNR.
The
Standish City Council recently discussed the Downtown Development
Authority. Mayor Kevin King provided an update on the DDA.
According to the Arenac County Independent, there were two appointments
made to the Standish Downtown Development Authority. Ryan Klenk and
Heather Morey were recently appointed to the Authority to fill the two
vacancies. Mayor King also told the Standish City Council that the
Downtown Development Authority has approved placement of additional
Veterans banners throughout the city. 
Work
on removing invasive species was recently done in Mio. Huron Pines
and Consumers Energy teamed up to remove invasive plant species at Mio
Pond. According to the Oscoda County Herald, Huron Pines trained
Consumers Energy staff on how to identify invasive plant species and how
to properly clean recreational equipment to prevent further spread of
the plants. Participants also worked to restore a stretch of shoreline
by hand pulling purple loosestrife plants growing in the shallow water.
Together they cleared purple loosestrife from the area around Camp Ten
Bridge, the public fishing piers and boat launch. 
The
Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency was recently awarded grant
money. 
A
health center is in the works for Whittemore Prescott Area Schools.
The School Board and Sterling Area Health Center have been in
discussions on the possibility of a health center for a number of years.
According to the Ogemaw County Herald, Superintendent Joe Perrera and
Health center CEO George Olson have resumed the process of getting a
health center established in the district. The health center will be
located in the administrative building and will provide a convenient
location for parents and students. Olson said they will not provide
health care without parental consent. There is no timeline on when the
health center will be up and running but Perrera said a citizen’s
advisory committee is being set up now to work through the process.
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Friday,
August 6, 2021
