Friday, December 30, 2011
Bay City and Bay County finish consolidation plans to get piece of state revenue sharing
With millions of dollars in state revenue funding at stake, local governments are moving quickly to ensure they get a piece of the pie. Both Bay City and Bay County officials have completed the second-part of a three part plan set forth by Gov. Rick Snyder in order to cash in on state revenue sharing for 2011-2012 fiscal year. Bay City stands to get $1.2 million in statutory revenue sharing, while Bay County could get about $700,000. As part of reform announced earlier this year, Snyder required municipalities to participate in economic vitality incentive program in order to receive the statutory revenue sharing. The program includes increased transparency to citizens, benchmarking successes, consolidating services and pension reform.
Following allegations that she used a township computer to support a political party, Bangor Township Clerk Janet Santos has resolved the dispute and and paid $791. The Department of State in September launched an investigation of Santos when Bangor Township resident Marti Murphy claimed she used a township computer to promote a fundraiser for the Democratic Party. Santos has served as the clerk for Bangor Township since 2000. She also serves as the Bay County Democratic Party’s secretary.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
More than 1,000 visit Dow Bay Area Family Y on opening day
John Rooy, membership director, said that more than 1,000 Y members and non-members visited the Dow Bay Area Family Y on its Dec. 27 opening day. The busiest times of the day were between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., and again between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. "We had a great day overall," Rooy said. "I've been to several opening days for various Ys, and this was as smooth an opening as I have seen." Forty unit memberships — which include both individual and family memberships — were purchased during the course of the day. The Y is continuing to have a volunteer staff offering tours of the new complex during this week for interested members and non-members.
Bay City man gets up to 40 years for sexually assaulting young girls in Saginaw County
A Bay City man will serve at least 17 more years in prison for sexually assaulting two young girls. Saginaw County Circuit Judge Fred L. Borchard on Dec. 21 sentenced David B. Winchell, 47, to 19 to 40 years in prison for two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct against someone under the age of 13 and a single count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct-assault. The judge gave Winchell credit for 573 days, or about 19 months, served.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Bay City, Saginaw Sears and Kmart stores wait to learn fate
Bangor Township man competent to stand trial on charge of molesting vision center employee
A Bangor Township man charged with molesting a vision center employee has been deemed psychologically competent to endure future court proceedings. Bay County District Judge Timothy J. Kelly on Dec. 16 ruled Kevin N. Neahusan, 40, is psychologically fit for trial. Kelly based his decision on reports from the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Ypsilanti, where Neahusan was evaluated for competency and criminal responsibility. Neahusan is charged with one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a two-year high court misdemeanor involving touching but not penetration. The charge stems from a female employee of Pearle Vision, 4100 E. Wilder Road in Bay City, claiming that Neahusan grabbed her privates as she fitted him for eyeglasses on July 20.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Bay County trial for self-admitted killer Jeff Julian likely several months away
For more than a year,self-admitted killer Jeffrey A. Julian II has sat in the Bay County Jail awaiting trial. It looks as if he’ll be there for several more months before a jury determines if the ex-Marine was insane when he strangled his former girlfriend. The 23-year-old Julian is set for trial Jan. 24. But the case is unlikely to move forward on that date, according to Julian’s defense attorney, Edward M. Czuprynski. Czuprynski said he plans to file a motion soon with a state Court of Appeals in an attempt to overrule Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran’s earlier decision that Julian be allowed only one independent psychological evaluation.
Bay Area Family Y opens
Bob Katt, of Bay City, pauses between laps in the new pool at the Bay Area Family Y. Katt has been a member of the Y for most of his life, stating that he has put in over 8,000 miles in YMCA pools. The Bay Area Family Y opened its doors to the public at 5:30am Tuesday morning.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Bay City man likely to plead in ethnic intimidation case
A man charged with hurling ethnically insensitive epithets at two men outside a Bay City bar is likely to accept in plea deal. Delane D. Bell, 25, waived his right to a preliminary examination Thursday, prompting Bay County District Judge Mark E. Janer to bind him over to Circuit Court. Bell is scheduled to enter a plea before Circuit Judge Kenneth W. Schmidt at 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 6. Bell is facing single counts of ethnic intimidation, malicious destruction of property between $200 and $1,000 and assault and battery. Prosecutors allege that around 1:50 a.m. on Nov. 26, Bell was standing on East Midland Street near North Henry Street when he shouted “Osama bin Laden” and “jihad” at two men of Indian descent. Bell reportedly punched one of the men in the face and struck the other’s BMW, denting the door.
Bell that tolled for five military brothers in the 1940s returned to Bay City family
The large brass bell hanging at Revette’s bar and restaurant on Bay City’s West Side didn’t ring often. During World War II, Wilbur “Papa” Revette rang it to let city residents know that a shipment of beer — a scarcity at the time — had come in. And it tolled every New Years Eve five times for the five Revette boys in active military duty during the war. On Dec. 31, 1944, Wilbur Revette went about the tradition as usual — a ring each for Frank, Darrell, Lyle, Jack and Ron. This time, though, the bell stopped after four rings, refusing to ring again, the often-told family story goes. Shortly after, the family learned that one son had died in battle.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Family legacy builds a solid foundation at Mulligan's Pub in Bay City
Rick Revette comes from a long family line of Bay City restaurant owners, and the refrigeration man-turned-restaurateur is building a legacy of his own with three restaurants – Mulligan’s Pub, Rattlesnake Rick’s Roadhouse and Gatsby’s Seafood and Steakhouse — within a few blocks of each other along Bay City’s riverfront. “During Prohibition, my grandfather ran a speak-easy on Bay City’s West Side and my father used to wash the beer bottles,” he said, grabbing a seat at Mulligan’s. His grandparents went legit when Prohibition was repealed, and are best known for operating Revette’s for decades. “They would serve fish dinners, and I remember seeing the boxes stacked up to the ceiling,” he said. “We had a big family, and I remember everyone getting together and playing blooper ball behind the bar.”
Bay City product Trenton Robinson takes a break from his travels with Michigan State to shoot promotional video for Bay City Public Schools
Trenton Robinson is a well-traveled man. This year alone, he’s been to South Bend, Ind.; Columbus, Ohio; Lincoln, Neb.; Evanston, Ill.; Iowa City and Indianapolis. Next week, he’ll be in Tampa, Fla., where his No. 13-ranked Michigan State Spartans take on No. 18 Georgia in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 2. After that, he heads to California to train for the NFL Combine. But Wednesday, the standout MSU senior who has become known for his hard hits at the free safety position, was home, giving back to the place he loves best. “It feels good to come back to my alma mater,” Robinson said during a visit to Bay City Central High School, where he filmed a short promotional piece to support Bay City Public Schools.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Mark Bennett, former Bay City business man, sentenced to 95 months to 15 years for affair with baby-sitter
The attorney for a former Bay City businessman convicted of criminal sexual conduct says his client received too harsh of a punishment. “(Mark A.) Bennett made a colossal mistake,” said Bay City attorney Matthew L. Reyes, who defended Bennett against 10 counts of criminal sexual conduct with a person 13 to 15 years old. “I think he should be punished. Prison is appropriate. But (the minimum sentence) is disproportionately high.” In sentencing Bennett today, Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran exceeded the guidelines set forth in a pre-sentence report prepared by a probation officer. Guidelines called for a minimum of 51 to 85 months. The maximum penalty is 15 years.
Eric Devendorf averaging 15 points a game over last two NBDL games with Idaho Stampede
Although Eric Devendorf’s first shot at the NBDL with the Reno Bighorns last year was unsuccessful his second chance with the Idaho Stampede is off to a better start. Coming off the bench in six games for the Stampede so far this season the former Bay City Central standout has averaged 8.2 points per game. Devendorf has been especially effective on offense in his last two games with a NBDL career-high of 16 points against the Canton Charge, the D-League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers, on December 16 and another 14 against the Charge the next day.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Michigan Sugar to invest more than $13 million in Bay City facility
Michigan Sugar Co. growers have approved a multiyear plan to invest more than $13 million in the cooperative’s flagship processing plant in Monitor Township. “This is probably the biggest undertaking since we became a co-op (in 2002),” said Mark Flegenheimer, president and CEO of Michigan Sugar. “This is really going to set us up well in the long term.” The cooperative plans to completely upgrade the beet slicing station at the Monitor Township plant, 2600 S. Euclid Ave., to the tune of $3.8 million. The new equipment is expected to give the beets a more consistent cut while improving the amount of sugar extracted from the beets and energy efficiency of the machines.
Judge imposes sentence, warning for Bay City man involved in burglary, theft spree
A 21-year-old Bay City man is headed to prison for up to 15 years and a judge says the defendant probably deserved a longer sentence. Shawn M. Donovan today told Circuit Judge Kenneth W. Schmidt that he regretted the crime spree that landed him behind bars on 15 felony charges. “I have a lot of regret,” said Donovan. “Fifteen months of incarceration has opened my eyes and I’m a better person.” Donovan, in November, pleaded guilty to single counts of second-degree home invasion, breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny and resisting, obstructing or assaulting police. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss 12 other charges including safe breaking, receiving and concealing stolen property, larceny in a building, receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle, retaining a financial transaction device, breaking and entering a vehicle and breaking and entering with intent.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Five men charged with breaking into Prestolite building in Bay City to enter pleas Monday
Three men accused of burglarizing a defunct Bay City industrial building are scheduled to plead Monday. Matthew L. McCoy, 18, Henry M. Rousse, 18, and Daniel R. Reinhardt, 17, each are charged with two counts of breaking and entering a building with intent plus larceny in a building. Court records show that the trio accepted a plea offer in which they will plead to the larceny charge and the other two counts will be dismissed. Bay City police arrested them Oct. 21 when they tripped a burglar alarm at the Prestolite building, 501 Morton St.
Friday, December 16, 2011
State trooper testifies Bay City woman confessed to molesting 2-year-old
A state police trooper testified this morning that a Bay City woman confessed to molesting a 2-year-old girl in her care. “She said that part of her middle finger went into (the girl’s) vagina,” said Trooper James Moore in the trial of Patricia M. “Missy” Kreiner, 30. Moore was called to the stand by Bay County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Nancy E. Borushko. Borushko contends Kreiner sexually assaulted the girl as she baby-sat her between March 5 and March 6. The child’s mother testified Wednesday that she was friends and coworkers with Kreiner at the time and that it was not uncommon for her to baby-sit her daughter overnight. The mother suspected her daughter had been abused after picking her up from Kreiner and finding blood in her pull-up diaper, she said.
Area teen strikes black bear with car in northern Bay County
There’s bears in them there Bay County woods. Those dubious of the claim need only speak with Ashlee L. Tigner or take a look at her car, damaged after a recent collision with one of the furry beasts. The 19-year-old graduate of Western High School was heading home the night of Nov. 18 from a shift at Arby’s in Linwood, driving her dad’s 2004 gray Pontiac Grand Am north on Fraser Road. Around 9:20 p.m., she noticed she was bearing down on an odd object in the roadway between Kitchen and Prevo roads. “I was driving down the road and the bear was running straight down the road,” she said. “It was blending in with the road by the time I saw it.”
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Mother didn't want to believe friend and coworker Patricia Kreiner molested 2-year-old daughter
The mother of a 2-year-old girl said in court Wednesday she was hesitant to believe her coworker and friend could have molested her daughter. The mother was the first witness called to the stand by Bay County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Nancy E. Borushko in the trial of Patricia M. “Missy” Kreiner. Kreiner, 30, is charged with one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim younger than 13. The charge is a felony punishable by up to life imprisonment. “She said, ‘Missy touched my butt,’” the mother said of her daughter. “I kind of brushed it off. She was still potty-training at the time and I didn’t want to believe my friend would do something like that.” The mother said she worked with Kreiner for some time at an area restaurant. Kreiner was her manager and occasionally baby-sat her 2-year-old daughter for overnight spans. After picking her daughter up from Kreiner in early March, the mother went to give her a bath and found what she described as a 1-inch long stripe blood in the front of her daughter’s pull-up diaper.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Misplaced cellphone leads to Bay City man being charged with two area break-ins
A cellphone reportedly left at the scene of a crime has led to a suspect being charged with two Bay City break-ins. In the early morning hours of Sept. 18, Bay City Police officers responded to an alarm at CB Discount, 310 N. Henry St. The officers found a section of the building’s siding had been pried away and the exposed drywall kicked-in. The convenience store’s owner told police several tobacco pipes and cigarettes had been stolen during the break-in, court records show. As officers investigated the scene, a cellphone found on the ground began ringing, the caller ID identifying the caller as “Baby’s momma,” according to court records.
Bay City Public Schools looking at possible technology pilot programs
Technology was on the agenda at the Bay City Public Schools Board of Education monthly meeting on Monday. The board was looking at long-term curriculum planning and including technology into those plans. BCPS Superintendent Douglas Newcombe said the district is working on getting the curriculum in line with national standards and is interested in the different ways they can incorporate technology, such as iPads and tablets, into the classroom. Newcombe said the district is also interested in getting ideas from staff on the best ways to use the technology. “If we have those devices, we want the teachers to use them in a way that is effective from a curriculum standpoint,” Newcombe said.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Trial of Bay City woman charged with sexually assaulting 2-year-old girl to start Tuesday
Barring a last minute adjournment, the trial of a Bay City mother accused of sexually assaulting a toddler will begin Tuesday. Patricia M. Kreiner’s trial is slated to begin before Bay County Circuit Judge Harry P. Gill at 8:30 a.m. The proceedings will open with jury selection before witnesses start testifying. Kreiner, a 30-year-old mother of four, faces one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person victim younger than 13. The felony charge is punishable by up to life imprisonment. Prosecutors contend Kreiner inappropriately touched a coworker’s 2-year-old daughter she was baby-sitting from March 5 to March 6. The girl’s mother went to police after discovering blood in her daughter’s pull-up diaper after picking her up from Kreiner.
Coca-Cola facility puts noise berm up in South End Bay City neighborhood
George Lukezic is waiting for summer to make a final judgment, but his South End home is a lot quieter since a new berm was built at the nearby Coca-Cola distribution center. The company recently installed the berm along the west perimeter of the plant at 2500 Broadway to address noise concerns in the surrounding residential neighborhood. “It’s amazing,” Lukezic said. “It seems to have cut down on the noise considerably.” Lukezic organized a petition drive earlier this year with his neighbors alleging the plant violated the city’s noise ordinance with delivery trucks idling at all hours. He said it was difficult to be outside, even during the day, and he and his family had trouble sleeping at night. He still can hear trucks moving at night, but it’s much quieter now.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Restaurant owner uses social media for input before big expansion
For restaurant owner Kevin Novellino, the perfect recipe for running a business includes fresh tomatoes, a dash of basil and a pinch of social media. Novellino, a former Bay City Commissioner, recently took his well-known Midland Street pizza place to the next level — opening an Italian eatery with the existing Brooklyn Boyz name at 507 E. Midland, and creating BB’z New York Deli at the original Brooklyn Boyz location, 612 E. Midland. During the past three years, Brooklyn Boyz experienced strong growth, Novellino said, but the thing that most inspired the expansion was feedback from customers by way of Facebook and Twitter. “We asked people how we could get better, and the No. 1 thing they told us was to increase our size,” he said.
Bay City's Nick Simpson takes his basketball show on the road with Harlem Ambassadors
Nick Simpson always whoops it up when he hoops it up. So it was no stretch for him to become a showman on the basketball court. With his exuberant personality, effervescent smile and energetic game, the former Bay City All Saints standout is a perfect fit for the Harlem Ambassadors. “He lights up whenever he’s out there. You can always tell he’s so proud to be out on that court,” said Carrie Gonzales, Simpson’s aunt and super fan. “Basketball’s always been his thing.” After a whirlwind senior season at Vermont Tech that rocketed Simpson to all-American status in 2010-11, he found the ideal place to continue his basketball career. On the recommendation of his college coach, he signed with the Ambassadors, a touring basketball troupe that performs more than 200 family-friendly shows across the nation each year.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Mother of 11-month-old sex abuse victim says she can't remember texts with alleged perpetrator
The mother of the 11-month-old victim in a sex abuse case frequently told prosecutors that she could not remember the exchanges she had with the alleged perpetrator in court on Thursday. The mother’s testimony came during the second day in the trial of Mark Townsend, 28, a Monitor Township man and former Bangor Township Schools assistant basketball coach, who is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim younger than 13, first degree child abuse and assault with intent to do great bodily harm in connection with injuries the victim sustained. The mother, who will not be identified to protect the identity of the victim, was questioned by Assistant Prosecutor J. Dee Brooks about a number of texts and phone conversations she had with Townsend as he was babysitting the victim on March 12, 2010.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Bay County funeral home heiress arraigned on eight felony charges stemming from alleged embezzlement of $436,000
A Bay County funeral room heiress has been arraigned on eight felony counts for allegedly stealing thousands from customers who purchased prepaid funerals. Bay County Probate Magistrate Janice E. Doner on Wednesday arraigned Erica C. Kaznowski, 41, on one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony, and seven counts of embezzlement by trustee, a five-year felony. Kaznowski was not in police custody and showed up for the arraignment voluntarily. She sat with several supporters before going before the magistrate. Saginaw attorney George Bush appeared on Kaznowski’s behalf and argued for his client to be released on a personal recognizance bond. Doner granted the request, stating Kaznowski did not appear to be a flight risk, that she is not currently employed and she does not have much in the way of available funds.
Fallen officers remembered at Project Blue Light ceremony in Bay City
Retired state police Col. Eddie Washington Jr. spoke of promises. “We promise always to be there for the families,” said Washington, who now works in Corporate Asset and Executive Protection Services at Dow Chemical Co. Washington was a guest speaker for the 10th annual Project Blue Light held tonight at First Presbyterian Church in Bay City. The annual program is coordinated by students in the Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice program at the Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District Career Center. The ceremony honored the memories and the survivors of 145 officers who have died this year across the United States. Five of those officers, including state police Trooper Jeffery Werda of the Bridgeport Post, served in Michigan.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Bay County funeral home company charged with embezzling also owes more than $100,000 to casket company
In addition to facingstate felony charges for reportedly stealing funds intended for prepaid funerals, a Bay County funeral home heiress owes thousands to an out-of-state casket manufacturing company, according to court records. Court records indicate Stapish Cederberg Funeral Homes, 805 E. South Union St. in Bay City and 955 N. Pine Road in Hampton Township, was recently sued by Batesville, Ind.-based Batesville Casket Co. An Indiana judge issued a default judgment when Stapish Cederberg did not respond to the suit. The case was forwarded to Bay County Circuit Court, which is in charge of enforcing the judgment, ordering the funeral home, Lynn M. Cederberg and daughter Erica C. Kaznowski to pay $141,868.66 to the casket makers. Lynn Cederberg died Nov. 29 at age 62, surrounded by relatives, according to her obituary.
Bangor Township couple gets probation for leaving caged cats outside in July heat
A Bangor Township couple will be on probation for the next two years for their leavingseveral cats caged and unattended in the mid summer heat. Bay County District Judge Timothy J. Kelly on Tuesday sentenced Roland T. and Kelli S. Briggs — 48 and 44, respectively — to 24 months of probation, plus $776.18 in fines, costs and restitution. The judge also ordered they only be allowed to own one dog, and that they must provide proof of the dog’s veterinary care. Each Briggs in October pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of cruelty to one animal. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed two-year felony charges of abandonment or cruelty to four to 10 animals. Bay County Animal Control on July 21 received an anonymous call notifying them of animal abuse at the Briggses’ home in the 3100 block of Boy Scout Road. An officer went to the scene and discovered two crates outside the house, one containing four kittens between 3 to 4 months old and the other containing one female cat between 1 and 2 years old, court records show.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Bay County funeral home heiress faces charges of stealing $436,000 from 89 customers
A local funeral home and its owner face state charges after officials allege they pilfered more than $400,000 from customers who paid in advance for funeral services. State Attorney General Bill Schuette is pursuing criminal charges against Stapish Cederberg Funeral Homes, which has locations at 805 E. South Union St. in Bay City and 955 N. Pine Road in Hampton Township. Schuette’s office has charged Erica C. Kaznowski, the daughter of former funeral home owner Lynn M. Cederberg, with one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony, and seven counts of embezzlement by trustee, a five-year felony. Schuette’s office contends Kaznowski stole at least $436,000 from 89 customers between January 2005 through July 2011. A joint investigation between Schuette’s office and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs began in July after the homes continued operating after their licenses expired.
Sentence imposed on first of two Bay City brothers charged with raping young boys
A Bay City man will spend less than one year in jail for sexually abusing two young boys. Leeallen K. Weaver, 20, was sentenced today to 365 days behind bars, with credit for 29 days already served, plus five years of probation. In sentencing Weaver, Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran said it was the maximum penalty possible under the terms of a plea agreement. Weaver pleaded no contest to one count of assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. In exchange, prosecutors agreed not to pursue four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Monday, December 5, 2011
"Shop with a Cop, Wrap with a Yac" taking place Monday at Monitor Township Meijer
Area police, a local nonprofit and a major retailer are joining forces this week to help make Christmas a little nicer for some disenfranchised kids. In keeping with a long-running tradition, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 103 will shop with about 45 children Monday evening at the Meijer store, 2980 Wilder Road in Monitor Township. Joining the effort this year is the Bay Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee, who will set up a table to gift wrap presents. The event is called “Shop with a Cop, Wrap with a Yac.” Meijer donates $100 to each child. Uniformed officers then accompany the children as they make their way through the aisles, gathering gifts for themselves and relatives.
Bay City woman gets her first birth certificate, issued 81 years after her birth
It took 81 years and five months to get one, but now Bay City’s Mary Ann Wiesen can celebrate. She has her first birth certificate. “I was elated,” she said. “I share it with everyone I can. I’m just so excited to be acknowledged.” It wasn’t easy, though. Wiesen fought months of government red tape to prove she was born on June 5, 1930, at her family’s home in Massillon, Ohio, about 60 miles south of Cleveland. She didn’t receive a birth certificate, a common practice at the time for children born at home. For 65 years, Wiesen used a court affidavit, in which family members swore to her birth, as the official legal document to obtain everything from her marriage license to her GED to her Social Security checks.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Bay City officials forgive 25 days of City Hall roof work
City officials have decided to withhold $35,000 from the final payment to contractors who replaced the roof on City Hall. The city determined the $1.6 million project took too long to complete. Gregory Construction Co. missed its deadline to finish the project by 95 days. Under terms of its contract with the city, Gregory owed a $500 penalty for each day the tiled roof wasn’t finished beyond the City Commission-approved completion date of Jan. 7. After review, Deputy City Manager of Community Development Steve Black, who oversees the city’s engineering department, determined that Gregory would be penalized for 70 days, or $35,000. Black forgave 25 days on the basis that 13 days were missed due to harsh weather conditions, seven for unanticipated structural work and five for unforeseen conditions, such as dry rot, according to City Clerk Dana Muscott.
Police on scene of possible meth lab in Bay City's South End
Area police have secured a possible methamphetamine lab at a house in Bay City's South End. Police arrived at the scene in the 1200 block of Lafayette Avenue shortly before 1 p.m. today. Though the street in area is blocked off by crime scene tape, an officer at the scene said they are waiting for a search warrant before conducting a full search. The officer said the suspected lab was in a shed behind the residence. Officers detained three people — two men and a woman — who apparently reside at the home. State police from the Bay City post are handling the investigation, though the Bay City Police Department's VIPER Unit is assisting.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Bay County deputy reportedly catches probationer in the act of breaking into a vehicle
A Bay City probationer is facing a six-year felony for reportedly scuffling with a deputy who caught him burglarizing vehicles. Bay County Sheriff’s Deputy Anthony Peter on Monday night responded to a call of larcenies from vehicles in the 200 block of Macomber in Auburn. The resident told Peter he saw two men enter a neighbor’s car, rifle through it then walk away, court records show. Peter shortly thereafter spotted two men matching the suspects’ descriptions walking in the 400 block of Frances Street. The two suspects opened the doors of a 2008 Chevrolet SUV parked in a driveway and began rummaging through it, Peter wrote in his report, contained in court documents.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Delta College brings Bay City native Patrick Yandall home for night of music and memories
Patrick YandallA picture of contemporary jazz guitarist Patrick Yandall hangs on the wall at Bay City's Water Front Deli and Market, and owner Greg Schultz has a story to go with it. He and Yandall grew up together, playing in a band, and Yandall was so talented, he said, that he decided then and there that he wasn't going to make music a career. "Greg is far too modest," Yandall said, laughing, in a phone call from his home in San Diego. "I remember that band, and he was good." But Schultz isn't the only one singing his classmate's praises these days. Bay City musician Larry Hammond filmed Yandall's last few concerts at Bay City's State Theatre, "and it came out so nice," Yandall said. "It sounded great and he made it look really awesome, even better than some I've seen done in Los Angeles."
Nearly 60 traffic crashes reported in Bay County in last 24 hours
Area police and emergency responders were dispatched to nearly 60 traffic crashes throughout Bay County since yesterday morning. The season's first heavy snowfall resulted in 58 crashes, said staff at Bay County Central Dispatch. There were no fatalities reported. "It looks like in the last 24 hours we've had 20 traffic crashes, and another dozen or so just cars that slid off the road where there was no damage," said Trooper John Kellerman of the state police's Bay City post. He added that it didn't appear as though any regions of the county had a higher concentration of crashes. A fellow trooper, Sgt. Tim Robbins, was injured in a crash Tuesday morning when a 1998 Oldsmobile rammed into the back of his 2010 Chevrolet Suburban while it was parked along Interstate 75 in Zilwaukee Township. The trooper was released from an area hospital later the same day. The driver of the Oldsmobile and a passenger were hospitalized but stable as of yesterday.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
State police vehicle rear-ended at 'big mess' on I-75 in Saginaw County near Bay County border
Bay County Christmas tree farms ready for the rush
December is time to pick that perfect Christmas tree in Bay County. Jim Bruzewski, owner of Jim’s Tree Farm, 733 W. Parish Road, is ready for the rush. The 30-year-old, family-run business sells trees ranging $17.99 to $31, depending on the species and its size. Bruzewski said the cheapest, fastest growing trees are the Scotch pines, but the most popular are blue and Fraser firs. Bruzewski said he isn’t concerned that artificial trees are taking over the Christmas-tree business. He sees many of the same people year after year, seeking the pine scent the trees offer and the family time of cutting or buying a pre-cut tree for Christmas together.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Bay City downtown businesses offering Christmas wreaths to lucky shoppers
It took Christie Killey 20 minutes to paint a tiny toy soldier onto a saxophone reed. But once she got the hang of it, decorating the remaining reeds adorning Herter Music Center’s Christmas wreath went smoothly. “Once I knew what the soldiers looked like the rest of the project took as long as the first reed,” said Killey, a Linwood resident and employee at Herter Music Center, 901 Washington Ave. “Hopefully someone who loves saxophones is the winner.” Herter Music is one of 32 downtown businesses this year that created a one-of-a-kind wreath for The Festival of Wreaths. Shoppers have a chance to win one on Dec. 19.
Michigan Sugar finishes up harvest, officials say crop better than expected
Michigan Sugar growers had a sweet ending to a rough growing season. Paul Pfenninger, vice president of agriculture for Michigan Sugar, said the cooperative harvested 3.97 million tons of sugar beets with an average of 18 percent sugar content. The last beets were harvested Nov. 17, although Pfenninger said they are still receiving some beets at the Bay City facility. “We are very happy with where we ended the season,” he said. “We had a difficult harvest season with it being wet. Our numbers weren’t quite what we were hoping for when we planted this spring, but we’re not disappointed with them at all.”
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Bay City man killed in Bangor Township crash remembered as 'a guy with a heart'
Robert J. King left an ineffaceable imprint on the hearts of many who knew him. “He was my best friend,” said Gary Manns, of Troy. “Everything he touched turned to gold, or at least he made it seem that way.” King, 34, of Bay City, died Monday in a two-car crash at South Huron and Wheeler roads in Bangor Township. Funeral arrangements remain incomplete. “No matter what the situation was, (King) would come into the room and change the mood,” said Manns. “He was like a light. An amazing, amazing guy.”
Bay City man gets 15 to 40 years in prison for repeatedly sexually assaulting 12-year-old
Months spent sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl has landed a Bay City man in prison for up to the next four decades. Bay County Circuit Judge Harry P. Gill on Monday sentenced James D. Brown, 47, to 15 to 40 years in prison, with credit for 250 days served. Brown in October pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim younger than 13. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed four more counts of the same charge, as well as three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person younger than 13. Brown began assaulting his victim — his girlfriend’s daughter — in 2010, Bay County Prosecutor Kurt C. Asbury previously said. The girl’s mother discovered the abuse when she walked in on the pair in bed together at the Bay Motel, 910 S. Euclid Ave. in Monitor Township, on March 16, 2011, Asbury said.
Court dates rescheduled for Bay City trio charged with slaying Lonnie Houston
The next open court hearing for a trio charged with killing a Bay City father of five has been pushed back until after the new year. Stephen P. Ashley Jr., 20, Kaleb S. Rosin, 20, and Brett E. Vaughn, 21, each waived their right to have a preliminary examination within 14 days of their arraignment. Bay County District Judge Timothy J. Kelly rescheduled the hearing for 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 24. A settlement conference was set for Dec. 16, but such conferences are not open to the public.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Essexville native Jon Paul Morosi casts his AL MVP ballot for Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander
Not everybody was convinced that Justin Verlander had an MVP season for the Detroit Tigers. But he got Jon Paul Morosi's vote. Morosi, the Essexville native who covers Major League Baseball for FoxSports.com, owns one of the 28 ballots cast in the American League Most Valuable Player voting. And he ranked Verlander at the head of the class, helping the Tigers ace become the first starting pitcher to earn the award since Roger Clemens in 1986.
Police release details of fatal crash in Bangor Township
A head-on crash claimed the life of a 35-year-old Bay City man Monday in Bangor Township. State police were not releasing the names of the travelers involved in the 6:15 p.m. collision at Huron Road (M-13) and Wheeler Road. The victim was driving a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu south on Huron when he turned left into the path of a northbound 1998 Dodge pickup driven by a 20-year-old Bay City man. Both vehicles caught fire. Area residents said witnesses ran to neighboring businesses and homes seeking fire extinguishers to douse the flames. The pickup driver and two passengers, his father and 12-year-old brother, were transported to Bay Regional Medical Center.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Bay City man struck by car
An 18-year-old Bay City man was scraped up but did not appear critically injured when he was struck by a car while riding his bike Sunday. Robert Davis had just returned home from church and was heading to a school for choir practice when the incident occurred about 1:50 p.m. at McKinley and Lincoln, said a man who identified himself as Davis’ father. Traffic in all four directions must stop. Davis was southbound. A Bay City man was driving the eastbound Buick Lacrosse involved in the collision.
Bay City community reacts to three men charged in slaying of Lonnie Houston
A Bay County judge on Thursday arraigned three men on charges relating to the slaying of Lonnie Houston Jr., and the MLive community had a strong reaction to the news. Bay County District Judge Mark E. Janer arraigned Stephen P. Ashley Jr., 20, Kaleb S. Rosin, 20, and Brett Vaughn, 21. Each was charged with three counts of felony firearm and single counts of open murder, felony murder, conspiracy to commit murder and moving a dead body. Houston on Monday was found, with multiple gunshot wounds in the head, in a charred car in Saginaw County's Zilwaukee Township — less than a half-mile from the Bay County line.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Bay City man headed for trial on rape charge
A Bay City probationer charged with raping a 22-year-old woman was in court for an evidence hearing today. Thomas J. Moreno Jr., 22, is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving force or coercion. Moreno was charged Sept. 13 and has remained jailed on $250,000 cash or surety bond. The victim testified that June 23, 2010, she left her 2-month-old daughter in the care of her mother and went to Moreno’s home in the 300 block of North Linn Street to hang out. On the way to Moreno’s home, the victim bought liquor. The woman testified that she, Moreno, a friend she identified as “G” and Moreno’s brother drank and played basketball. Later, the victim, Moreno and G went into Moreno’s bedroom to listen to music. “I was buzzed,” the victim said.
Men who took Bay County deputy's 'Very Sexy' cologne accept plea deals
Two men accused of breaking into an off-duty Bay County sheriff’s deputy’s car and stealing a bottle of Victor’s Secret-brand men’s cologne have accepted plea offers. Jordan G. Litzner and Trevor C. Nuffer were charged in connection the Sept. 27 theft of a GPS device, a cellphone charger, a Bulova Marine Star watch and the cologne, Very Sexy, from a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix parked in the driveway of Deputy Dean Treichel’s Bangor Township home. Litzner, 18, pleaded guilty Nov. 10 to one count of breaking and entering a motor vehicle.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Bay City victim found in burned car in Saginaw County died of two gunshot wounds to head
Lonnie Lamarcus Houston, the 27-year-old Bay City man found dead here on Monday in the back seat of his mother's burning Cadillac Deville, died of two gunshot wounds to the head, media reports indicate. Bay County District Judge Mark E. Janer expects to arraign three Bay City suspects — two 20-year-old men and one 21-year-old man — at 1:30 p.m. today. They were arrested and detained in the Bay County Jail on Wednesday morning, officials said. Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel revealed some information about the case on Wednesday but said he would withhold many details until Bay County prosecutors arraign the suspects.
Bay County trial adjourned for accused killer Jeff Julian
A Bay City man who admitted in open court that he strangled his girlfriend to death has to wait until the new year to try convincing a jury he was insane when he did the killing. Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran this morning rescheduled the trial of Jeffrey A. Julian II, 23, for Jan. 24, 2012. Sheeran adjourned the trial from its slated date of Nov. 29. The adjournment was requested by Julian's lawyer, Edward M. Czuprynski. Prosecutors contend Julian strangled Lynn M. Spicer, his 33-year-old girlfriend, outside the Bay City home they shared on Aug. 21, 2010. He and younger brother Craig A. Julian then reportedly buried Spicer's body in an adjacent vacant lot.
Patriot Dorm at Good Samaritan gives homeless veterans chance to get on their feet
There’s a comfortable new room in Bay City set up to help veterans going through tough times. The four-bed unit at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission is called the Patriot Dorm. Since September, it has been a haven for homeless vets in need of shelter. For 49-year-old U.S. Army veteran Scott Orvis, the camaraderie he shares with his roommates makes time at the shelter a little easier. “We speak a common language,” he said. “We share things that the rest of the people just don’t understand.” The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs originally approached the Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan about setting up segregated rooms for veterans. Marcia Reeves, a spokeswoman for the Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan, said challenges homeless veterans face, including post-traumatic stress disorder, spurred the arrangement.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Bay County sheriff defends actions of deputy who left Auburn to respond to emergency in Pinconning
Bay County Sheriff John Miller says Deputy Anthony Peter did the right thing Oct. 1 when he responded to an emergency medical call in Pinconning. “We would do it again,” said Miller. “We’re there to protect the citizens.” The deputy and the sheriff’s office have been heavily criticized by some Auburn residents and former City Commission candidates who want to retool the city’s own one-man police force. The city currently contracts with the county for one deputy, Peter, who patrols the city when Auburn Officer Sylvester Poltorak is off duty.
Bay City Central's Trenton Robinson prepares for last home game with Michigan State University football team
As the Michigan State football team heads into Saturday's contest against Indiana, former Bay City Central standout Trenton Robinson heads into the twilight of his Spartans career. While MSU still has two regular season games left, in addition to a bowl game and possibly the inaugural Big Ten Championship game, Saturday's game against the Hoosiers marks Robinson's last home game in East Lansing. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. With 34 career wins, Robinson and his class are the winningest group in Michigan State history.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Bangor Township dog-stomper gets up to a decade in prison
His wrists shackled, Jeremy K. Haire choked on his words as he apologized for stomping his fiancée’s 2-pound puppy to death. “I feel really bad for all this,” said Haire Monday as he waited for Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran to tell him how much time he’d be spending in prison. “I could sit here and blame all this on alcohol, on PTSD, but it really just comes down to me.” The 29-year-old Haire in September pleaded no contest to single counts of torturing or killing an animal, domestic violence and violation of probation. The charge of killing an animal is a felony usually punishable by up to four years in prison, but because Haire is a habitual offender and was on probation for assault with intent to commit second-degree criminal sexual conduct at the time of his crime, the penalty is doubled to eight years.
Bay County deputies identify female pedestrian killed on US-10 Friday morning
Bay County Sheriff’s deputies have released the name of a Midland woman killed while walking along US-10 Friday morning. Deputies said Tamara Gandy-Chew, 44, was attempting to cross the highway on foot near the Bay City Road overpass when she was struck by a bread truck in the eastbound lane. Emergency responders pronounced Gandy-Chew dead at the scene. The driver of the truck was not injured. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor, deputies said. Deputies were assisted at the scene by state police troopers, Midland Police officers and the Midland City Fire Department.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Saginaw County investigators discover charred body in back seat of burned vehicle near Bay County border
This morning, investigators made a gruesome discover in the back seat of a Cadillac Deville set ablaze in a river bank near the Bay County border: A dead body face down in the back seat. "It just doesn't add up," Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel said as he sized up the crime scene. "It doesn't look like this person was driving. As soon as we find out who owns this vehicle, that's the first place we're headed. "We definitely have something suspicious on our hands." Other suspicious signs: There are no skid marks indicating a crash or recognizable evidence of the vehicle's impact with any object, Federspiel said. While a portion of the front of the vehicle remains uncharred, much of the car is melted to the frame.
Uptown at RiversEdge investment creates opportunities for local laborers
The $25 million investment announced for Uptown at RiversEdge is cause for celebration by many, but a local labor leader is cautious about what the future holds for the project. William Borch Jr., up-state business agent for Ironworkers Local 25, said he wants to see unionized labor and skilled trades do the work at the Uptown site. “I’m glad they found a developer, but my concern is they’ll bring in cheap, transient labor,” Borch said. Borch, who represents about 2,700 union labor workers across 21 counties, said about 1,700 Local 25 members are currently working in the area at jobs including Hemlock Semiconductor Group in Saginaw County’s Thomas Township, wind farms in the Thumb and Breckenridge and other projects.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Mobile X-ray services to be provided to inmates at Bay County Jail
New medical technology soon will be available at the Bay County Jail. The nine-member Bay County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a one-year contract between the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland-based MobilexUSA, which will provide on-site X-ray, EKG and ultrasound services. Sheriff John E. Miller proposed the resolution Nov. 3 as a means of saving money now spent to take inmates to emergency rooms. “It’s going to be a saving measure for us,” Miller said. “We won’t have to pay to transport (inmates) to a hospital or an X-ray facility. We’ll save money for two transport officers, the money and the time.”
Bay City Commission gives City Manager Robert Belleman a glowing performance review
The Bay City Commission unanimously approved City Manager Robert Belleman’s annual review on Monday night. Commissioners also extended Belleman’s contract another year to Sept. 7, 2015. His contract had been through Sept. 7, 2014. The Commission conducted Belleman’s evaluation in two closed sessions last month. In the first meeting, Belleman gave commissioners a presentation on how he feels he’s met goals set forth in the past year. In the second meeting, commissioners gave Belleman their input on his performance. In an evaluation form filled out by commissioners, Belleman met or exceeded expectations in nearly all of his 11 goals and objectives. Two commissioners indicated Belleman needs improvement in the category of “intergovernmental relations” which includes dealing with other townships, but the evaluation form does not indicate which commissioners rated him that way or provide further details.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Bay City Western's Matt Costello makes it official by submitting letter of intent to Tom Izzo and Michigan State University basketball team
Matt Costello's commitment to the Michigan State University basketball team is now in writing. The Bay City Western basketball phenom signed and submitted his national letter of intent this morning, making his commitment to Tom Izzo's program official. "He set a goal to become a high-level Division I player years ago," Western coach Chris Watz said. "He signs a piece of paper today, and he's there." "It's a special thing that he's playing in our state, playing for an icon ... that's all good stuff for Matt and for our area." Costello, who verbally agreed to become a Spartan in Aug. 2010, becomes the first Division I player ever to come out of Bay City Western. The 6-foot-9, 235-pound senior has been on the Division I radar since the beginning of his high school days, drawing heavy interest from Michigan, Indiana and Southern Cal among others.
Five-story building to replace Mill End in Bay City's downtown
The big red-tiled building at Center Avenue and Water Street in downtown is a landmark from bygone days. But within two years, the former Mill End building at 103 Center Ave. has a date with a wrecking ball. The 150-year-old structure, deemed too far gone to save, is being demolished to make way for a five-story, 30,000-square-foot building. The first floor of the new development will house retail and office space, while the other four floors will be smaller condominiums, 650 square feet to 1,300 square feet, geared toward young professionals. Local businessman and developer Paul Rowley and his investment group, Gulfshore Investments,announced plans this week to move forward with the $7.5 million project starting next year.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Area farmers are sentenced to probation, ordered to pay fines
The Bad Axe area dairy farm owners who pleaded guilty in federal court in June to hiring about 80 illegal immigrants were sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay $234,000 in fines. Johannes M. Verhaar and Anthonia M. Verhaar were sentenced in U.S. District Court for hiring illegal aliens and aiding and abetting each other to do so, according to a news release the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Bay City issued late Tuesday afternoon. The Verhaars’ convictions were the result of their guilty pleas entered in federal court following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI).
Bay County offical disappointed by low voter turnout in Tuesday's election
Bay County Clerk Cynthia Luczak had one word to describe her feelings about voter turnout for Tuesday’s election. Disappointed. Only 15.46 percent of registered voters, 12,345 out of 79,854, turned out to cast a ballot in Bay County's 38 precincts. “(It’s) disappointing and a surprise,” Luczak said. “I thought it would be closer to 30 (percent) at least.” Luczak said there was good turnout in Auburn, where voters elected Lee Kilbourn mayor, and Beaver Township, where millages for fire services and equipment passed. Overall, Luczak said the night ran smoothly, with most precincts getting results in early.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Bay City announces "historic" investment at Uptown at RiversEdge site
A $25 million development at Bay City's Uptown at RiversEdge site is expected to bring 440 full-time jobs to the area. At tonight's Bay City Commission meeting, commissioners approved the purchase agreement between the city and SSP Associates, the investment group run by Dr. Samuel Shaheen. SSP Associates plans to initially construct 100,000-square feet of building space that will house residential, retail and restaurants at the 40-acre site along the Saginaw River. The project is expected to be an extension of downtown and the Columbus Avenue business district.
It's Election Day in Bay County: Get out and vote between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on variety of political races and tax questions
It's election day and today's ballots in Bay County feature a variety of political races and tax questions. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Among the highlights are mayoral races in Bay City, Auburn and Pinconning; millage questions in Bay City, Essexville, Beaver Township and the Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District; and commission races in Bay City, Auburn, Essexville and Pinconning. In Pinconning, Stanley Brandenburg and Barbara Cadwell are seeking seats on the City Council. John R. Clark's name also appears on the ballot, but Clark asks residents not to vote for him because he withdrew from the race, but not in time for his name to be removed from the ballot. In Auburn, voters decide on a charter revision proposal to help determine which direction the city goes with police services. If passed, a nine-member Charter Commission — for which nine Auburn residents are running unopposed on the ballot — will be formed to re-write the charter.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Toys for Tots holds its grand opening Saturday at its new location in Bay City
Bay County Toys for Tots hosts a grand opening celebration at its new location from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Toys for Tots is now operating out of the historic Dunlop Motor Co. building at 519 Washington Ave. in downtown. Coordinator Jeff Jarvis said Toys for Tots organizers are accepting applications for recipients, as well as collecting donations. Local police and fire personnel plan to be on hand so youngsters can check out their vehicles. For more information on Toys for Tots, visit www.baycountytoysfortots.org or call 989-892-8687.
Bangor Township pawn-shop owner facing misdemeanors for allegedly running business improperly
A Bangor Township pawn-shop owner known for his advertising featuring a pet goat faces a pair of misdemeanor charges in connection with his business. Authorities allege Donald E. Stanley, 65, owner of Wheeler Dealer Pawn Shop and Stan’s Gold Mine Jewelry Store, 3865 Wilder Road, isn’t complying with laws regarding pawn shops. Stanley — known in ads as Stan the Gold Man — is charged with not having a license as a pawnbroker and not having a permit as a second-hand dealer. Each charge is punishable by up to three months in jail and/or a $100 fine. Stanley said Thursday he did not want to comment on the matter until the case is resolved. He and his goat are featured in television commercials for his business, which frequently run during episodes of the hit History Channel program “Pawn Stars.”
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Long-term projects have officials hoping for increased attendance at Bay City State Recreation Area
Despite only being open for the last few weeks of the summer, the Bay City State Recreation Area’s new Spray by the Bay park can be considered a splashing success. “(The spray park) has dramatically boosted business in what was an otherwise slow area of the park,” Park Manager George Lauinger said. “I wish we had opened that back on Memorial Day. A lot of people say the reason they come to the park is to use the spray park.” With more upgrades scheduled for the spray park next year and other long-term projects on the horizon, Lauinger hopes the state park becomes a daily destination for residents of Bay County. A recent visit to the state park from State Sen. Mike Green, R-Mayville, and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Director Dan Wyant, also has highlighted the need for more work along the park’s shoreline.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Michigan Sugar Co. expects this week to be busiest of the season
The Michigan Sugar Company is gearing up for a hectic week as growers race to get their beets out of the field before snow hits. "We're expecting this week to be the busiest of the season," said Ray VanDriessche, director of government and community relations for Michigan Sugar. "Normally we have our harvest wrapped up by Nov. 1, but we still have another 10 days to two weeks left because of the wet spring." "In the past we've seen the weather turn really bad for us, and that's where everybody's concerned." Michigan Sugar had only harvested 1.8 million tons of its expected 4 million ton crop as of Monday, far lower than normal. Monitor Township grower John Burk said he is concerned that wet fields could push the harvest back even further, increasing the risk of the ground freezing before the beets can be brought in.
Bay City man likely to plead in child abuse case and avoid jail
A 24-year-old Bay City man is likely to avoid incarceration if he accepts a plea deal in a child abuse case. Kyle M. Witkop on Monday waived his right to a preliminary examination before Bay County District Judge Mark E. Janer. The judge bound Witkop over to Circuit Court, where he is scheduled to enter a plea before Judge Kenneth W. Schmidt at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 5, court records show. The deal stipulates that if Witkop pleads guilty or no contest to a two-year felony count of third-degree child abuse, prosecutors will recommend his jail time be deferred. If he completes the terms of his deferment, he will be allowed to withdraw his plea and plead to a lesser count of attempted third-degree child abuse, court records show.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Troopers investigate stabbings at Bay Valley
Michigan State Police troopers from the Bay City Post are investigating a large fight during which two people were stabbed early Sunday morning. The call came at 1 a.m., bringing troopers to the Bay Valley Resort, 2470 Old Bridge Road in Frankenlust Township. The incident occurred in one of the large ball rooms which had been rented by a local promoter for a Halloween party, a media release states. Before troopers arrived, the two people who had been stabbed left in private vehicle headed to St. Mary’s Medical Center in Saginaw. While troopers were at the scene investigating the first fight, another fight broke out inside the business. Additional troopers from Saginaw County, plus Saginaw Valley State University Police, were dispatched to assist. The event was then shut down.
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality considering shoreline grooming at Bay City State Recreation Area
A plan to groom an additional 1,000 feet of shoreline at the Bay City State Recreation Area is now in the hands of officials from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Dan Wyant, director of the DEQ, toured the state park beach in Bangor Township on Monday and says a decision could be made by the time grooming starts again next year. “We took a look at the beach and the grooming activities. We also took a look at the state park and got a sense of the issues here, both with the amount of beach grooming that occurs and the opportunity here,” said Wyant.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Bay County round up of trick-or-treat times
via MLive.com
Halloween is Monday and Bay County communities have announced hours for trick-or-treating. Hours are as follows:
Auburn — 6-8 p.m.
Bay City — No established hours
Essexville — 6-8 p.m.
Hampton — 6-8 p.m.
Pinconning — 5-8 p.m.
While no hours are officially established in Bay City, officials say trick-or-treating traditionally begins at dusk. Area residents planning to hand out candy are encouraged to turn on their porch lights and turn them off when the candy runs out. Officials in Bangor and Monitor townships also report they have no set hours.
Halloween is Monday and Bay County communities have announced hours for trick-or-treating. Hours are as follows:
Auburn — 6-8 p.m.
Bay City — No established hours
Essexville — 6-8 p.m.
Hampton — 6-8 p.m.
Pinconning — 5-8 p.m.
While no hours are officially established in Bay City, officials say trick-or-treating traditionally begins at dusk. Area residents planning to hand out candy are encouraged to turn on their porch lights and turn them off when the candy runs out. Officials in Bangor and Monitor townships also report they have no set hours.
State police in Bay City seeking information on double stabbing at Bay Valley Resort
via MLive.com
Two people were hospitalized with stab wounds after a pair of fights broke out at a Halloween Party at Bay Valley Resort early today. State police from the Bay City Post already were on scene at 2470 Old Bridge Road in Frankenlust Township, when the second fight erupted, prompting officers to call in additional troopers and Saginaw Valley State University police. A local promoter, whose name was not revealed, had rented one of the resort’s large ball rooms where the first fight started about 1 a.m. Investigators did not say where in the business the second fight took place. Police shut down the party while they gathered information about the stabbings.
Two people were hospitalized with stab wounds after a pair of fights broke out at a Halloween Party at Bay Valley Resort early today. State police from the Bay City Post already were on scene at 2470 Old Bridge Road in Frankenlust Township, when the second fight erupted, prompting officers to call in additional troopers and Saginaw Valley State University police. A local promoter, whose name was not revealed, had rented one of the resort’s large ball rooms where the first fight started about 1 a.m. Investigators did not say where in the business the second fight took place. Police shut down the party while they gathered information about the stabbings.
Bangor Township man survives truck falling on chest, rescued by neighbors
via MLive.com
Ryan Bouchard was ready to take his final breath as he lay dying beneath his Chevy Tahoe in the driveway of his Bangor Township home. With veins popping from his purple face, Bouchard decided to muster up one last cry for help. “I saw my wife and daughter’s face flash into my mind as the tears fell. I thought of all of the things I would never be able to experience,” said Bouchard, 31. “With one last hope that my life was not over, I yelled once more knowing the air contained in my lungs had almost all but left.” Bouchard’s cry for help was answered by the most unlikely of heroes — two neighborhood boys, ages 11 and 6, whose quick actions are the reason Bouchard is alive today and able to tell his miraculous story.
Ryan Bouchard was ready to take his final breath as he lay dying beneath his Chevy Tahoe in the driveway of his Bangor Township home. With veins popping from his purple face, Bouchard decided to muster up one last cry for help. “I saw my wife and daughter’s face flash into my mind as the tears fell. I thought of all of the things I would never be able to experience,” said Bouchard, 31. “With one last hope that my life was not over, I yelled once more knowing the air contained in my lungs had almost all but left.” Bouchard’s cry for help was answered by the most unlikely of heroes — two neighborhood boys, ages 11 and 6, whose quick actions are the reason Bouchard is alive today and able to tell his miraculous story.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
2011 Halloween Charity Bash to benefit children's hospital
via MLive.com
The Great Lakes Bay MLS will host a Halloween Costume Party to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event is set for 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Bay Valley Resort, 2470 Old Bridge, in Frankenlust Township, and will feature a social hour with live music, cash bar and hors d’oeuvres, a kid’s and adult costume contest with prize packages, a Halloween dance and 50/50 raffle. Cost is $15 per person with all proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Great Lakes Bay MLS is a multiple listings service that takes advantage of the Internet to help boards, agencies and realtors close their deals with ease and efficiency.
The Great Lakes Bay MLS will host a Halloween Costume Party to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event is set for 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Bay Valley Resort, 2470 Old Bridge, in Frankenlust Township, and will feature a social hour with live music, cash bar and hors d’oeuvres, a kid’s and adult costume contest with prize packages, a Halloween dance and 50/50 raffle. Cost is $15 per person with all proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Great Lakes Bay MLS is a multiple listings service that takes advantage of the Internet to help boards, agencies and realtors close their deals with ease and efficiency.
Mother of alleged victim testifies in Bay City man's sexual assault trial
via MLive.com
The lawyer for a Bay City man charged with having sex with an underage girl began presenting evidence this morning in his client’s trial. Defense attorney Matthew L. Reyes called the alleged victim’s mother to the stand. She said she was concerned about her daughter’s interaction with Mark A. Bennett, 38, as early as May 2010, something she addressed to both her daughter and Bennett. "I took her to a counselor because I thought she had a crush on my husband’s best friend and I didn’t think that was right,” the mother said. “We kept them away for several weeks at that time. We didn’t feel (Bennett) should have any contact with her for any reason.” After discovering some suspicious text messages on her daughter’s cellphone in September 2010, the parents and their daughter went to Bennett’s home to confront him, the mother said. “He never admitted, but he never denied having a sexual relationship with my daughter during that conversation either,” she said.
The lawyer for a Bay City man charged with having sex with an underage girl began presenting evidence this morning in his client’s trial. Defense attorney Matthew L. Reyes called the alleged victim’s mother to the stand. She said she was concerned about her daughter’s interaction with Mark A. Bennett, 38, as early as May 2010, something she addressed to both her daughter and Bennett. "I took her to a counselor because I thought she had a crush on my husband’s best friend and I didn’t think that was right,” the mother said. “We kept them away for several weeks at that time. We didn’t feel (Bennett) should have any contact with her for any reason.” After discovering some suspicious text messages on her daughter’s cellphone in September 2010, the parents and their daughter went to Bennett’s home to confront him, the mother said. “He never admitted, but he never denied having a sexual relationship with my daughter during that conversation either,” she said.
Bay City police patrol former union representatives file complaint against city
via MLive.com
The state-wide Fraternal Order of Police labor council isn't done with its fight to have the Bay City police patrol union's relationships with a new labor representative terminated. The FOP recently filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the state's Employment Relations Commission against the City of Bay City for not recognizing them as the patrol unions union representation. Bay City's Human Resources Director Wendy White declined to comment on the issue. In August, the patrol union voted to switch union representation from the FOP to the Police Officers Association of Michigan. "We weren't happy with our representation, so we switched," said Cpl. Pat Lochinski, president of the city's patrol union. The union plans to switch its name from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 103 to the Bay City Police Officers Association to avoid confusion.
The state-wide Fraternal Order of Police labor council isn't done with its fight to have the Bay City police patrol union's relationships with a new labor representative terminated. The FOP recently filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the state's Employment Relations Commission against the City of Bay City for not recognizing them as the patrol unions union representation. Bay City's Human Resources Director Wendy White declined to comment on the issue. In August, the patrol union voted to switch union representation from the FOP to the Police Officers Association of Michigan. "We weren't happy with our representation, so we switched," said Cpl. Pat Lochinski, president of the city's patrol union. The union plans to switch its name from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 103 to the Bay City Police Officers Association to avoid confusion.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Word-of-mouth keeps customers coming to G's Pizzeria in Bay City
via MLive.com
It was back in 1983 when Scott Galea's grandparents opened the first G's Pizzeria and Deli in West Branch, but he can't really say he grew up in the business. While other family members opened restaurants around Michigan, Galea moved with his mother to Windsor, Ont., from Detroit when he was 5 and eventually took a job with Toyota in Cambridge, Ont. Then an uncle called in 2000 and he moved back to help open a family restaurant in Oscoda. "I was 26," he said. And five years later, he heard about a place available in Bay City, the former O Sole Mio, "and I decided to try it out," he said, the morning sun glistening on the restaurant's polished woodwork. The window on the main dining area is one of many changes he and his partners brought to the eatery on Bay City's Saginaw Street corridor. While the restaurant's woodwork is intact, he replaced the dark carpeting with ceramic tile and painted the walls a burnt orange. The airy feel continues through a wall of shuttered openings, open most days but easy to close when the room hosts a private party.
It was back in 1983 when Scott Galea's grandparents opened the first G's Pizzeria and Deli in West Branch, but he can't really say he grew up in the business. While other family members opened restaurants around Michigan, Galea moved with his mother to Windsor, Ont., from Detroit when he was 5 and eventually took a job with Toyota in Cambridge, Ont. Then an uncle called in 2000 and he moved back to help open a family restaurant in Oscoda. "I was 26," he said. And five years later, he heard about a place available in Bay City, the former O Sole Mio, "and I decided to try it out," he said, the morning sun glistening on the restaurant's polished woodwork. The window on the main dining area is one of many changes he and his partners brought to the eatery on Bay City's Saginaw Street corridor. While the restaurant's woodwork is intact, he replaced the dark carpeting with ceramic tile and painted the walls a burnt orange. The airy feel continues through a wall of shuttered openings, open most days but easy to close when the room hosts a private party.
Bay County businesses give disabled students a glimpse of working life
via MLive.com
Students from John Glenn, Bay City Central and Bay City Western high schools learned that smiles and a good attitude are the key to successful employment in the working world Tuesday morning at the Bay Regional Medical Center. Both students and the medical center were participating in Disability Mentoring Day, a part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. “It was great,” Junior Paige Thomas, 16 of Bay City Central said. “It was just an eye-opener on the various fields that Bay Med has to offer.” Greg Purtell, Vice President of Human Resources at Bay Regional Medical Center, said he was happy to have the students visit the hospital for the first time. “I thought it would be a great thing for us and a great thing for the students,” he said.
Students from John Glenn, Bay City Central and Bay City Western high schools learned that smiles and a good attitude are the key to successful employment in the working world Tuesday morning at the Bay Regional Medical Center. Both students and the medical center were participating in Disability Mentoring Day, a part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. “It was great,” Junior Paige Thomas, 16 of Bay City Central said. “It was just an eye-opener on the various fields that Bay Med has to offer.” Greg Purtell, Vice President of Human Resources at Bay Regional Medical Center, said he was happy to have the students visit the hospital for the first time. “I thought it would be a great thing for us and a great thing for the students,” he said.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
2011 Halloween Charity Bash to benefit children's hospital
via MLive.com
The Great Lakes Bay MLS will host a Halloween Costume Party to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event is set for 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Bay Valley Resort, 2470 Old Bridge, in Frankenlust Township, and will feature a social hour with live music, cash bar and hors d’oeuvres, a kid’s and adult costume contest with prize packages, a Halloween dance and 50/50 raffle. Cost is $15 per person with all proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Great Lakes Bay MLS is a multiple listings service that takes advantage of the Internet to help boards, agencies and realtors close their deals with ease and efficiency.
The Great Lakes Bay MLS will host a Halloween Costume Party to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event is set for 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Bay Valley Resort, 2470 Old Bridge, in Frankenlust Township, and will feature a social hour with live music, cash bar and hors d’oeuvres, a kid’s and adult costume contest with prize packages, a Halloween dance and 50/50 raffle. Cost is $15 per person with all proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Great Lakes Bay MLS is a multiple listings service that takes advantage of the Internet to help boards, agencies and realtors close their deals with ease and efficiency.
Kawkawlin Township man sentenced to nine to 30 years for armed robbery of party store
via MLive.com
A man charged with a trio of party store holdups told a court today that he has no one to blame but himself. “I’ve done some selfish and awful things, without excuse, to fuel an addiction,” said Thomas J. Hodder. Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran sentenced the 25-year-old Kawkawlin Township man to nine to 20 years in prison for one count of armed robbery, a life felony. “I will put my best effort to get the most out of (his time in prison),” said Hodder. “I ask the court to temper my punishment with mercy.” In August, Hodder pleaded no contest to the charge that stemmed from the April 6 robbery of Dore’s Party Store, 764 E. Linwood Road in Kawkawlin Township.
A man charged with a trio of party store holdups told a court today that he has no one to blame but himself. “I’ve done some selfish and awful things, without excuse, to fuel an addiction,” said Thomas J. Hodder. Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran sentenced the 25-year-old Kawkawlin Township man to nine to 20 years in prison for one count of armed robbery, a life felony. “I will put my best effort to get the most out of (his time in prison),” said Hodder. “I ask the court to temper my punishment with mercy.” In August, Hodder pleaded no contest to the charge that stemmed from the April 6 robbery of Dore’s Party Store, 764 E. Linwood Road in Kawkawlin Township.
Auburn lottery winner who continued using food stamps featured on TLC reality show
via MLive.com
Controversial lottery winner Leroy Fick is back in the spotlight. This time on The Learning Channel. TLC's show "Lottery Changed My Life" premiered last night with a new episode titled, "Most Eligible Millionaire," that featured Fick, the 59-year-old Bay County man who continued to use his Michigan Bridge Card after winning a $2 million jackpot in the state's Make Me Rich! lottery TV show in June 2010. The show, however, depicts Fick's story as one of rags to riches. The show's teaser reads: "Luck was on Leroy's side when he won two million dollars in the Michigan lottery. Now, he's gone from food stamps to living the high life with his son Jeff in tow, who is determined to help his dad become the most eligible millionaire!"
Controversial lottery winner Leroy Fick is back in the spotlight. This time on The Learning Channel. TLC's show "Lottery Changed My Life" premiered last night with a new episode titled, "Most Eligible Millionaire," that featured Fick, the 59-year-old Bay County man who continued to use his Michigan Bridge Card after winning a $2 million jackpot in the state's Make Me Rich! lottery TV show in June 2010. The show, however, depicts Fick's story as one of rags to riches. The show's teaser reads: "Luck was on Leroy's side when he won two million dollars in the Michigan lottery. Now, he's gone from food stamps to living the high life with his son Jeff in tow, who is determined to help his dad become the most eligible millionaire!"
Monday, October 24, 2011
Saginaw County doc facing federal drug charges asks court to let her work in medical field
via MLive.com
The attorney for a Saginaw Township doctor facing federal drug charges has asked a judge to ease one of the restrictions of his client’s pre-trial release. Ruth A. Buck was charged in June 2010 with 32 counts of unlawfully distributing controlled substances. She was released on bond on the condition that she surrender her medical license. Now, her attorney, Clinton Township-based Carl J. Marlinga, has asked that Buck be allowed to use her medical license as long as she doesn’t have any contact with patients. “While being unemployed and out of jail is better than being unemployed and in jail, it may be possible for defendant to support herself so as not to be a burden on others if she were allowed to use her M.D. degree in a job that did not involved patient contact.”
The attorney for a Saginaw Township doctor facing federal drug charges has asked a judge to ease one of the restrictions of his client’s pre-trial release. Ruth A. Buck was charged in June 2010 with 32 counts of unlawfully distributing controlled substances. She was released on bond on the condition that she surrender her medical license. Now, her attorney, Clinton Township-based Carl J. Marlinga, has asked that Buck be allowed to use her medical license as long as she doesn’t have any contact with patients. “While being unemployed and out of jail is better than being unemployed and in jail, it may be possible for defendant to support herself so as not to be a burden on others if she were allowed to use her M.D. degree in a job that did not involved patient contact.”
Bay City man pleads no contest to sexually assaulting girl, 12
via MLive.com
A Bay City man will be sentenced next month after pleading to two of nine charges of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. James D. Brown pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim younger than 13, court records show. The charge involves penetration. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed not to pursue four more identical charges plus three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person younger than 13, records show. Second-degree criminal sexual conduct involves touching. A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing purposes.
A Bay City man will be sentenced next month after pleading to two of nine charges of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. James D. Brown pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim younger than 13, court records show. The charge involves penetration. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed not to pursue four more identical charges plus three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person younger than 13, records show. Second-degree criminal sexual conduct involves touching. A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing purposes.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Bay City Hall architect calls for independent assessment of roof project
via MLive.com
The architect hired to design the new roof at Bay City Hall is calling for an independent assessment after dozens of newly installed terra cotta tiles flew from the top of the historic building on Wednesday. It’s the second time this year that strong winds have dislodged tiles at City Hall, 301 Washington Ave. in downtown Bay City. The tiles were found smashed on the ground following Wednesday’s storm that produced wind gusts as high as 65 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Bay City Clerk Dana Muscott said clean-up began almost immediately and the cost to repair the damage is covered under warranty. She added that City Hall did not sustain any damage beyond the falling tiles and no one was injured.
The architect hired to design the new roof at Bay City Hall is calling for an independent assessment after dozens of newly installed terra cotta tiles flew from the top of the historic building on Wednesday. It’s the second time this year that strong winds have dislodged tiles at City Hall, 301 Washington Ave. in downtown Bay City. The tiles were found smashed on the ground following Wednesday’s storm that produced wind gusts as high as 65 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Bay City Clerk Dana Muscott said clean-up began almost immediately and the cost to repair the damage is covered under warranty. She added that City Hall did not sustain any damage beyond the falling tiles and no one was injured.
Photo gallery and video tour of the new Dow Bay Area Family Y in downtown Bay City
via MLive.com
The basketball court is beginning to shine, a fresh coat of paint brightens the exercise room and an artistic array of tiles wraps around a zero-entry swimming pool. The new Dow Bay Area Family Y in downtown is coming to life and on schedule for a Dec. 27 opening. On Thursday, members of the local media were invited inside the 96,400-square-foot building rising from land near Bay City Hall along the Saginaw River. “It’s really amazing how quickly everything is coming together on the inside,” said Joy Buchanan, a spokeswoman for the project. “Before you know it, we’ll be open for business.”
The basketball court is beginning to shine, a fresh coat of paint brightens the exercise room and an artistic array of tiles wraps around a zero-entry swimming pool. The new Dow Bay Area Family Y in downtown is coming to life and on schedule for a Dec. 27 opening. On Thursday, members of the local media were invited inside the 96,400-square-foot building rising from land near Bay City Hall along the Saginaw River. “It’s really amazing how quickly everything is coming together on the inside,” said Joy Buchanan, a spokeswoman for the project. “Before you know it, we’ll be open for business.”
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Winds hit 64 mph on Saginaw Bay during destructive storm
via MLive.com
It's safe to say that it's not a good day to go boating on the Saginaw Bay. According to the National Weather Service, winds were as high as 64 mph at about 3 a.m., when the storm was at its peak. Matt Mosteiko, a meteorologist at the Pontiac-based weather station, said the storm hit the Saginaw Bay area the hardest statewide. "That weather pattern came straight down into the Saginaw Bay from Lake Huron and it could not have been a more favorable wind direction to get hit as hard as it did," said Mosteiko.
It's safe to say that it's not a good day to go boating on the Saginaw Bay. According to the National Weather Service, winds were as high as 64 mph at about 3 a.m., when the storm was at its peak. Matt Mosteiko, a meteorologist at the Pontiac-based weather station, said the storm hit the Saginaw Bay area the hardest statewide. "That weather pattern came straight down into the Saginaw Bay from Lake Huron and it could not have been a more favorable wind direction to get hit as hard as it did," said Mosteiko.
Bay City firefighters and police keeping busy in wind-rain storm
via MLive.com
The emergency responders of Bay City have been keeping busy in the midst of a heavy blowing rain and wind storm. Bay City Interim Fire Chief Karey Prieur estimated his crews have responded to 150 to 200 calls since yesterday afternoon. "They're piling in on us right now," he said. "We're still going strong." The majority of calls consist of down wires, trees on wires, trees on structures and sparking wires, Prieur said. A downed wire fell on the roof of Skipper Bud's, 1809 S. Water St., sparking a small fire before crews quelled it. "We had it out in a hurry," Prieur said. "It's been busy," added Bay City Police Sgt. Will Badour. The boat launch at Veterans Memorial Park has been flooded, the sergeant said.
The emergency responders of Bay City have been keeping busy in the midst of a heavy blowing rain and wind storm. Bay City Interim Fire Chief Karey Prieur estimated his crews have responded to 150 to 200 calls since yesterday afternoon. "They're piling in on us right now," he said. "We're still going strong." The majority of calls consist of down wires, trees on wires, trees on structures and sparking wires, Prieur said. A downed wire fell on the roof of Skipper Bud's, 1809 S. Water St., sparking a small fire before crews quelled it. "We had it out in a hurry," Prieur said. "It's been busy," added Bay City Police Sgt. Will Badour. The boat launch at Veterans Memorial Park has been flooded, the sergeant said.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Vehicle crashes through I-75 construction site in Fraser Township
via MLive.com
A portion of southbound Interstate 75 near E. Coggins Road in Bay County's Fraser Township is now open after a driver lost control of his vehicle, crashed through a road construction site and ended up in a ditch. At about noon Tuesday, a male driver lost control of his Ford Focus while driving southbound on I-75, southwest of Pinconning, in a construction zone. While the two-year, $18.5 million construction project is under way, drivers going southbound are routed to the northbound road bed. A Michigan State Police official at the scene said the driver lost control of his vehicle, veered off the main highway over the median and through the construction zone, before finally stopping in the ditch on the southbound side of the interstate.
A portion of southbound Interstate 75 near E. Coggins Road in Bay County's Fraser Township is now open after a driver lost control of his vehicle, crashed through a road construction site and ended up in a ditch. At about noon Tuesday, a male driver lost control of his Ford Focus while driving southbound on I-75, southwest of Pinconning, in a construction zone. While the two-year, $18.5 million construction project is under way, drivers going southbound are routed to the northbound road bed. A Michigan State Police official at the scene said the driver lost control of his vehicle, veered off the main highway over the median and through the construction zone, before finally stopping in the ditch on the southbound side of the interstate.
Bay City man charged with abusing girlfriend's 2-year-old child
via MLive.com
A 24-year-old Bay City man is facing a two-year felony for allegedly abusing a 2-year-old boy he was baby-sitting. Bay County District Judge Timothy J. Kelly on Monday arraigned Kyle M. Witkop on one count of third-degree child abuse. Kelly set Witkop’s bond at $10,000 cash-surety. A Bay City Police officer on Saturday night was dispatched to Bay Regional Medical Center in reference to a small boy having been abused. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the boy’s 21-year-old mother, who said she had left her son with Witkop, her boyfriend of seven months, earlier in the day before she went to work, court records show.
A 24-year-old Bay City man is facing a two-year felony for allegedly abusing a 2-year-old boy he was baby-sitting. Bay County District Judge Timothy J. Kelly on Monday arraigned Kyle M. Witkop on one count of third-degree child abuse. Kelly set Witkop’s bond at $10,000 cash-surety. A Bay City Police officer on Saturday night was dispatched to Bay Regional Medical Center in reference to a small boy having been abused. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the boy’s 21-year-old mother, who said she had left her son with Witkop, her boyfriend of seven months, earlier in the day before she went to work, court records show.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
2011 St. Jude Halloween Bash planned for Oct. 28th at Bay Valley Resort!
Great Lakes Bay MLS is proudly hosting the 2011 St. Jude Halloween Bash on Friday, October 28th at Bay Valley Resort in Bay City. 100% of the proceeds from this social event/dance will go to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Great Lakes Bay MLS is encouraging business members/leaders of the Great Lakes Bay area to come network with participants of an event sponsored by Kloha Contracting, Saginaw Spirit, Wolverine Bank, Dow Event Center, and more!
Tickets for the event are $15/person and can be purchased online at the official event website. For more details on attending, sponsoring, and/or donating for this special evening please visit HalloweenCharityBash.com or call Matthew at 989-698-3403.
Tickets for the event are $15/person and can be purchased online at the official event website. For more details on attending, sponsoring, and/or donating for this special evening please visit HalloweenCharityBash.com or call Matthew at 989-698-3403.
Bay City to amend utility cutoff policy
via WNEM.com
The Bay City Commission will look at a policy change tonight that would change its shutoff policy to residential customers in cold conditions. The new policy allows for extreme winter temperatures to be considered when determining if electric shutoffs should happen. WNEM TV-5 found reaction to the new policy from some local senior citizens and discovered it rekindles memories of a resident who died after his utilities were shut off. A lot of folks who live around Bay City remember Marvin Schur. He's the 93-year-old resident whose utilities were cut off to his home by the city due to non-payment back in January of 2009. Schur had the money on his kitchen table. But he froze to death because he didn't get the cash to the city. Some seniors we talked with say the city should consider the weather when cutting off power, especially if it's freezing cold outside. Charley Ueberroth says "I think they should be really lenient, because there are a lot of people who get up in age, and sometimes they even forget to go pay their bill and they shouldn't go and shut it off on them."
The Bay City Commission will look at a policy change tonight that would change its shutoff policy to residential customers in cold conditions. The new policy allows for extreme winter temperatures to be considered when determining if electric shutoffs should happen. WNEM TV-5 found reaction to the new policy from some local senior citizens and discovered it rekindles memories of a resident who died after his utilities were shut off. A lot of folks who live around Bay City remember Marvin Schur. He's the 93-year-old resident whose utilities were cut off to his home by the city due to non-payment back in January of 2009. Schur had the money on his kitchen table. But he froze to death because he didn't get the cash to the city. Some seniors we talked with say the city should consider the weather when cutting off power, especially if it's freezing cold outside. Charley Ueberroth says "I think they should be really lenient, because there are a lot of people who get up in age, and sometimes they even forget to go pay their bill and they shouldn't go and shut it off on them."
Restoration and renovation work begins at Bay City Hall, more than a year after fire closes down building
via MLive.com
Plastic sheeting hangs in the entryways of offices and in hallways at Bay City Hall. Paper covers the marble flooring on the building’s ground level, and missing ceiling exposes duct work and wiring it concealed. A year after the historic structure at 301 Washington Ave. was damaged, first by fire and then by water, work only now is turning from cleanup to the task of restoration and renovation. City Clerk Dana Muscott doesn’t expect offices to reopen in the building until sometime next year. But the building is buzzing with the activity of contractors working inside. On Thursday, crews from Goyette Mechanical of Flint were preparing to remove the building’s old boilers and cooling system to prepare City Hall for a new, energy efficient system.
Plastic sheeting hangs in the entryways of offices and in hallways at Bay City Hall. Paper covers the marble flooring on the building’s ground level, and missing ceiling exposes duct work and wiring it concealed. A year after the historic structure at 301 Washington Ave. was damaged, first by fire and then by water, work only now is turning from cleanup to the task of restoration and renovation. City Clerk Dana Muscott doesn’t expect offices to reopen in the building until sometime next year. But the building is buzzing with the activity of contractors working inside. On Thursday, crews from Goyette Mechanical of Flint were preparing to remove the building’s old boilers and cooling system to prepare City Hall for a new, energy efficient system.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Bay City man avoids trial by entering plea in assault, robbery case
via MLive.com
A jury will not get to decide the fate of a Bay City man accused of assaulting and robbing an acquaintance. Santino L. Robledo was to go to trial on five felony charges Tuesday. Instead, the 24-year-old accepted a plea deal in which four of the counts were dropped last week. Robledo now awaits sentencing Dec. 12 on one count of assault with intent to rob while armed, court records show. Robledo pleaded no contest, which is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing purposes. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dropped charges of armed robbery, felony firearms, carrying a weapon with unlawful intent and assault with a weapon, records show.
A jury will not get to decide the fate of a Bay City man accused of assaulting and robbing an acquaintance. Santino L. Robledo was to go to trial on five felony charges Tuesday. Instead, the 24-year-old accepted a plea deal in which four of the counts were dropped last week. Robledo now awaits sentencing Dec. 12 on one count of assault with intent to rob while armed, court records show. Robledo pleaded no contest, which is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing purposes. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dropped charges of armed robbery, felony firearms, carrying a weapon with unlawful intent and assault with a weapon, records show.
Coast Guard crews tow disabled vehicle back to shore early this morning
via MLive.com
A Coast Guard rescue crews spent four hours Sunday towing a 21-foot power boat that broke down while in the Saginaw Bay, returning the boat early Monday. Matthew Bell, petty officer second class with the U.S. Coast Guard Station Saginaw River, said two people and a dog were in a powerboat five nautical miles off the Quanicassee Wildlife Area when the boat broke down. The Coast Guard was contacted to tow the boat.
A Coast Guard rescue crews spent four hours Sunday towing a 21-foot power boat that broke down while in the Saginaw Bay, returning the boat early Monday. Matthew Bell, petty officer second class with the U.S. Coast Guard Station Saginaw River, said two people and a dog were in a powerboat five nautical miles off the Quanicassee Wildlife Area when the boat broke down. The Coast Guard was contacted to tow the boat.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Bay County leaders gear up for potential change in Taser laws
via MLive.com
Bay City gun shop owner Glenn Duncan is ready to pull the trigger on stocking his shop’s shelves with Tasers. Duncan, owner of Duncan’s Outdoor Shop, 501 Salzburg Road, has been following legislation for several years that would legalize Tasers and other electronic control weapons. With the passage of a package of bills in the state Senate earlier this month Michigan is one step closer to legalizing the use of Tasers for civilian use. “Some people are afraid of guns, but still need protection,” said Duncan, owner of Duncan’s Outdoor Shop, 501 Salzburg Road. “Crime is out there, and police can’t protect everybody. A Taser adds a great deal of protection for people that feel uncomfortable having some other form of protection.”
Bay City gun shop owner Glenn Duncan is ready to pull the trigger on stocking his shop’s shelves with Tasers. Duncan, owner of Duncan’s Outdoor Shop, 501 Salzburg Road, has been following legislation for several years that would legalize Tasers and other electronic control weapons. With the passage of a package of bills in the state Senate earlier this month Michigan is one step closer to legalizing the use of Tasers for civilian use. “Some people are afraid of guns, but still need protection,” said Duncan, owner of Duncan’s Outdoor Shop, 501 Salzburg Road. “Crime is out there, and police can’t protect everybody. A Taser adds a great deal of protection for people that feel uncomfortable having some other form of protection.”
Peanut shortage hitting peanut butter supply at Bay County stores
via MLive.com
Debra Wiesen, 52, of Bay City has an annual Halloween tradition of making peanut butter cookies for her children. But a 13 percent drop in this year’s peanut harvest threatens to put that little treat to an end. Peanut butter producers nationwide plan to raise peanut butter prices in the coming months. According to an Associated Press report, J.M. Smucker Co., makers of Jif peanut butter, expect to raise its wholesale prices 30 percent in November. Kraft Foods Co., plans to raise its Planters peanut butter prices 40 percent at the end of this month, with more brands expected to follow suit throughout the year. “If peanut butter goes up like that, I won’t buy it,” said Wiesen while grocery shopping on Thursday at Kroger in Bangor Township.
Debra Wiesen, 52, of Bay City has an annual Halloween tradition of making peanut butter cookies for her children. But a 13 percent drop in this year’s peanut harvest threatens to put that little treat to an end. Peanut butter producers nationwide plan to raise peanut butter prices in the coming months. According to an Associated Press report, J.M. Smucker Co., makers of Jif peanut butter, expect to raise its wholesale prices 30 percent in November. Kraft Foods Co., plans to raise its Planters peanut butter prices 40 percent at the end of this month, with more brands expected to follow suit throughout the year. “If peanut butter goes up like that, I won’t buy it,” said Wiesen while grocery shopping on Thursday at Kroger in Bangor Township.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Job fair set for SVSU alums, students
via WNEM.com
A record 80 employers will be on hand this week for the annual employment and networking fair at Saginaw Valley State University. The fair offers students and alumni an opportunity to improve their job prospects. It runs Friday, Oct. 14 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Curtiss Hall banquet rooms. The event provides a chance to sharpen interview skills and make contacts with many potential employers in one setting. "Employers are back to hiring, and we continue to see an increased employer interest in SVSU students and alumni," said Samuel Tilmon, SVSU's assistant director of career services. "Attendance at the fair has risen the past two years; this is the highest number of employers we have had participate in our fall fair."
A record 80 employers will be on hand this week for the annual employment and networking fair at Saginaw Valley State University. The fair offers students and alumni an opportunity to improve their job prospects. It runs Friday, Oct. 14 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Curtiss Hall banquet rooms. The event provides a chance to sharpen interview skills and make contacts with many potential employers in one setting. "Employers are back to hiring, and we continue to see an increased employer interest in SVSU students and alumni," said Samuel Tilmon, SVSU's assistant director of career services. "Attendance at the fair has risen the past two years; this is the highest number of employers we have had participate in our fall fair."
TV5 gets inside look at Bay City Hall renovations
via WNEM.com
WNEM TV5 cameras got to go inside the Bay City City Hall on Wednesday for a sneak peek as the renovations continue after fire and water damaged the building one year ago. It was a day Dana Muscott will never forget. "The panic just kind of overtook me," she said. The City Clerk talks about what she saw, as a fire damaged city hall one year ago. "Some days it just doesn't hit home that city hall had a fire and that our employees are not there." No one was hurt in the blaze but the building sustained heavy smoke and water damage, a year later it's still closed. City employees are still using this temporary building. And the new roof that was under construction during the fire is now complete.
WNEM TV5 cameras got to go inside the Bay City City Hall on Wednesday for a sneak peek as the renovations continue after fire and water damaged the building one year ago. It was a day Dana Muscott will never forget. "The panic just kind of overtook me," she said. The City Clerk talks about what she saw, as a fire damaged city hall one year ago. "Some days it just doesn't hit home that city hall had a fire and that our employees are not there." No one was hurt in the blaze but the building sustained heavy smoke and water damage, a year later it's still closed. City employees are still using this temporary building. And the new roof that was under construction during the fire is now complete.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Sexual assault victim denounces Bay County hairstylist at sentencing hearing
via MLive.com
Despite weeping heavily, a woman remained resolute in telling a Bay County hairstylist how the sexual assault she suffered at his hands shattered her life. “I felt like a piece of crumpled white trash left on a street corner,” said the woman this morning just before Khiem N. Tran learned he will spend up to the next 15 years in prison. The woman was 21 when she visited Stylistics By Night in Monitor Township on Aug. 8, 2010, and was molested by Tran as he washed and cut her hair. The woman had not met Tran, 49, before visiting his salon. “At age 21, I was a sister, a daughter, a lover, a friend, a coworker and a boss,” the woman continued. “I am no longer the person I once was. I survived and I’m alive, but I feel empty.”
Despite weeping heavily, a woman remained resolute in telling a Bay County hairstylist how the sexual assault she suffered at his hands shattered her life. “I felt like a piece of crumpled white trash left on a street corner,” said the woman this morning just before Khiem N. Tran learned he will spend up to the next 15 years in prison. The woman was 21 when she visited Stylistics By Night in Monitor Township on Aug. 8, 2010, and was molested by Tran as he washed and cut her hair. The woman had not met Tran, 49, before visiting his salon. “At age 21, I was a sister, a daughter, a lover, a friend, a coworker and a boss,” the woman continued. “I am no longer the person I once was. I survived and I’m alive, but I feel empty.”
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