Rather than face a jury of his peers, a Bay City man charged with repeatedly assaulting his girlfriend in a single night has accepted a plea deal. Jason A. Davies, 37, on Tuesday appeared in Bay County Circuit Court and pleaded no contest to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss single counts of assault with intent to cause harm less than murder and domestic violence, court records show. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for purposes of sentencing. Davies’ trial was to start the day he pleaded. Davies on June 6 reportedly took his girlfriend, Kayla Pozenel, to a Bay City bar, where the two began arguing. They left and as they headed for home in their car, Davies slapped Pozenel repeatedly and eventually pulled over, dragged Pozenel from the vehicle and hauled her into a patch of woods, court records show.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Bay City man accused of spending night terrorizing girlfriend accepts plea deal
via MLive.com
Rather than face a jury of his peers, a Bay City man charged with repeatedly assaulting his girlfriend in a single night has accepted a plea deal. Jason A. Davies, 37, on Tuesday appeared in Bay County Circuit Court and pleaded no contest to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss single counts of assault with intent to cause harm less than murder and domestic violence, court records show. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for purposes of sentencing. Davies’ trial was to start the day he pleaded. Davies on June 6 reportedly took his girlfriend, Kayla Pozenel, to a Bay City bar, where the two began arguing. They left and as they headed for home in their car, Davies slapped Pozenel repeatedly and eventually pulled over, dragged Pozenel from the vehicle and hauled her into a patch of woods, court records show.
Rather than face a jury of his peers, a Bay City man charged with repeatedly assaulting his girlfriend in a single night has accepted a plea deal. Jason A. Davies, 37, on Tuesday appeared in Bay County Circuit Court and pleaded no contest to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss single counts of assault with intent to cause harm less than murder and domestic violence, court records show. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for purposes of sentencing. Davies’ trial was to start the day he pleaded. Davies on June 6 reportedly took his girlfriend, Kayla Pozenel, to a Bay City bar, where the two began arguing. They left and as they headed for home in their car, Davies slapped Pozenel repeatedly and eventually pulled over, dragged Pozenel from the vehicle and hauled her into a patch of woods, court records show.
Out of town filmmakers happy to be in Bay City
via MLive.com
As a block party revels on despite the rain, out of town filmmakers are taking in their first visit to Bay City. Jasmine McGlade Chazelle and Tiana Matthews, director and producer, respectively, of feature film "Maria My Love," are attending the Hell's Half Mile kickoff party in front of the State Theatre before their film debuts in less than two hours. "We couldn't be any more happy to be here," Matthews said.
As a block party revels on despite the rain, out of town filmmakers are taking in their first visit to Bay City. Jasmine McGlade Chazelle and Tiana Matthews, director and producer, respectively, of feature film "Maria My Love," are attending the Hell's Half Mile kickoff party in front of the State Theatre before their film debuts in less than two hours. "We couldn't be any more happy to be here," Matthews said.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Pinconning sex offender enters plea
via MLive.com
A registered sex offender from Pinconning Township has avoided trial by accepting a plea deal in another criminal assault case. Rojelio R. Rodriguez, 52, today pleaded no contest to three of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person younger than 13. The alleged victims were 9 and 13 years old in May when, investigators alleged, Rodriguez molested them at a home in Pinconning. Rodriguez, the boyfriend of one of the girls’ family members, reportedly threatened to harm the girls if they reported the abuse, state police detectives have said.
A registered sex offender from Pinconning Township has avoided trial by accepting a plea deal in another criminal assault case. Rojelio R. Rodriguez, 52, today pleaded no contest to three of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person younger than 13. The alleged victims were 9 and 13 years old in May when, investigators alleged, Rodriguez molested them at a home in Pinconning. Rodriguez, the boyfriend of one of the girls’ family members, reportedly threatened to harm the girls if they reported the abuse, state police detectives have said.
Area attorneys react to Bay City colleague potentially facing criminal charge for alleged deception in Jeff Julian murder case
via MLive.com
Area attorneys are reacting to one of their peers possibly being charged with a criminal countfor allegedly trying to deceive a judge in defending an admitted killer. Bay City attorney Edward M. Czuprynski could soon face a misdemeanor charge of criminal contempt, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a $7,500 fine. Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran suggested the charge Tuesday during a hearing for accused killer Jeffrey A. Julian II, represented by Czuprynski. Julian, 22, is charged with open murder and removing a dead body in the Aug. 21, 2010, death of Lynn Spicer, his live-in girlfriend. During the June trial of his younger brother, Craig Julian, Jeff Julian testified in graphic detail how he strangled Spicer. Craig Julian, 20, was found guilty of first-degree murder for his part in planning Spicer’s death and concealing her body and is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Area attorneys are reacting to one of their peers possibly being charged with a criminal countfor allegedly trying to deceive a judge in defending an admitted killer. Bay City attorney Edward M. Czuprynski could soon face a misdemeanor charge of criminal contempt, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a $7,500 fine. Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran suggested the charge Tuesday during a hearing for accused killer Jeffrey A. Julian II, represented by Czuprynski. Julian, 22, is charged with open murder and removing a dead body in the Aug. 21, 2010, death of Lynn Spicer, his live-in girlfriend. During the June trial of his younger brother, Craig Julian, Jeff Julian testified in graphic detail how he strangled Spicer. Craig Julian, 20, was found guilty of first-degree murder for his part in planning Spicer’s death and concealing her body and is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
School leader confident about handling of blade incidents at two Bay City schools
via MLive.com
Despite a pair of blade-related incidents at two Bay City schools this week, security measures are not likely to change. On Friday, a female special education student brought razor blades into T.L. Handy Middle School, 601 Blend St., said Superintendent Douglas Newcombe. Newcombe did not specify what grade the student is in. That followed an incident Wednesday in which a 15-year-old boy struck a 14-year-old student in the head, put him in a headlock and held a knife to his chest in the courtyard of Bay City Central High School, 1624 Columbus Ave.
Despite a pair of blade-related incidents at two Bay City schools this week, security measures are not likely to change. On Friday, a female special education student brought razor blades into T.L. Handy Middle School, 601 Blend St., said Superintendent Douglas Newcombe. Newcombe did not specify what grade the student is in. That followed an incident Wednesday in which a 15-year-old boy struck a 14-year-old student in the head, put him in a headlock and held a knife to his chest in the courtyard of Bay City Central High School, 1624 Columbus Ave.
Bay City has plans to color code fire hydrants to indicate water pressure
via MLive.com
Come next year, Bay City fire hydrants may have a new splash of color as a means of identifying each one’s quality. Both the city’s fire department and water distribution department are seeking to color code the hydrants based on water outflow. If put into effect, the large steamer cap on the front of each hydrant in residential areas will be blue for “very good,” green for “good,” orange for “marginally adequate” and red for “inadequate.”
Come next year, Bay City fire hydrants may have a new splash of color as a means of identifying each one’s quality. Both the city’s fire department and water distribution department are seeking to color code the hydrants based on water outflow. If put into effect, the large steamer cap on the front of each hydrant in residential areas will be blue for “very good,” green for “good,” orange for “marginally adequate” and red for “inadequate.”
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Bay City Commission may have violated law with vague resolution
via MLive.com
A lawyer with the Michigan Press Association says the Bay City Commission may have violated the Open Meetings Act this week when commissioners passed a resolution without releasing any details. On Monday, the City Commission passed a resolution that read “authorizing resolution with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, in keeping with the direction, terms and conditions provided in Executive Session.” The resolution was passed shortly after the Commission met in a closed meeting with their attorney Bill Horton, who is representing the city in a lawsuit filed against Blue Cross Blue Shield.
A lawyer with the Michigan Press Association says the Bay City Commission may have violated the Open Meetings Act this week when commissioners passed a resolution without releasing any details. On Monday, the City Commission passed a resolution that read “authorizing resolution with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, in keeping with the direction, terms and conditions provided in Executive Session.” The resolution was passed shortly after the Commission met in a closed meeting with their attorney Bill Horton, who is representing the city in a lawsuit filed against Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Gov. Rick Snyder speaking to sold-out crowd at annual Bay Area... On the Go!
via MLive.com
A packed house is expected when Gov. Rick Snyder speaks Thursday at the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Bay Area... On the Go” event. A sold-out crowd of 550 is expected to fill the meeting hall at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center in Bay City to hear Snyder speak about the importance of agribusiness in Bay County, the event’s theme this year. “One of the bright spots has been the agriculture industry and the really critical roll it’s played. The governor is very cognizant of that,” said Sara Wurfel, a spokeswoman for Snyder.
A packed house is expected when Gov. Rick Snyder speaks Thursday at the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Bay Area... On the Go” event. A sold-out crowd of 550 is expected to fill the meeting hall at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center in Bay City to hear Snyder speak about the importance of agribusiness in Bay County, the event’s theme this year. “One of the bright spots has been the agriculture industry and the really critical roll it’s played. The governor is very cognizant of that,” said Sara Wurfel, a spokeswoman for Snyder.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Get your free car seats in Bay City today!
via WNEM.com
Families in Bay County facing financial hardships can pick up free car seats today. The Do-Care Family Enrichment Center is handing out the seats under the Kids Arrive Safely program. It's funded through the United Way of Bay County. The first installation of car seats will be installed today from noon to 4 p.m. at the AAA of Michigan, 1111 S. Euclid Avenue, with other installations throughout the year. There are a limited number of car seats available through this program. Families requesting assistance with a car seat must first be interviewed and provide proof of income and residency to determine eligibility.
Families in Bay County facing financial hardships can pick up free car seats today. The Do-Care Family Enrichment Center is handing out the seats under the Kids Arrive Safely program. It's funded through the United Way of Bay County. The first installation of car seats will be installed today from noon to 4 p.m. at the AAA of Michigan, 1111 S. Euclid Avenue, with other installations throughout the year. There are a limited number of car seats available through this program. Families requesting assistance with a car seat must first be interviewed and provide proof of income and residency to determine eligibility.
Mother of Bay City rape victim tells court her son 'feels that he will never be a good person'
via MLive.com
The mother of two boys who were sexually assaulted multiple times over three years wept as she described the emotional damage her sons have suffered. “I can’t tell you how it feels to hold your baby boy as he tells you how much he wants to die,” the woman said in a victim’s impact statement delivered before Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran on Monday. Sheeran was to sentence one of the defendants, but postponed judgment so attorneys can clear up a procedural issue.
The mother of two boys who were sexually assaulted multiple times over three years wept as she described the emotional damage her sons have suffered. “I can’t tell you how it feels to hold your baby boy as he tells you how much he wants to die,” the woman said in a victim’s impact statement delivered before Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran on Monday. Sheeran was to sentence one of the defendants, but postponed judgment so attorneys can clear up a procedural issue.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Bay City Commission approves $1.5 million HVAC system for City Hall
via MLive.com
Renovations at Bay City Hall are expected to be underway soon and will include a $1.5 million heating and cooling system upgrade. On Monday night, the Bay City Commission unanimously approved replacing the more than 30-year old HVAC system. The contract was awarded to Goyette Mechanical of Flint. The system replacement was recommended by city staff following an Oct. 12 roof fire that closed down City Hall after thousands of gallons of water poured through the building causing massive damage. While the HVAC system was not destroyed, city officials said it should be replaced while the building was empty and the drywall and ceilings were already removed for fire restoration.
Renovations at Bay City Hall are expected to be underway soon and will include a $1.5 million heating and cooling system upgrade. On Monday night, the Bay City Commission unanimously approved replacing the more than 30-year old HVAC system. The contract was awarded to Goyette Mechanical of Flint. The system replacement was recommended by city staff following an Oct. 12 roof fire that closed down City Hall after thousands of gallons of water poured through the building causing massive damage. While the HVAC system was not destroyed, city officials said it should be replaced while the building was empty and the drywall and ceilings were already removed for fire restoration.
Bay City man involved in pursuit in stolen Rendezvous headed to prison
via MLive.com
A man who pleaded guilty to charges following a three-county crime spree is headed to prison. Michael D. Duso today appeared before Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran, who ordered him to serve 15 months to 15 years for one count of unarmed robbery. Duso pleaded guilty June 12. In exchange, agreed to dismiss two counts of larceny from a person, three counts of motor vehicle theft and single counts of false report of a felony, possession of marijuana, larceny in a building, larceny less than $200, conspiracy to commit breaking and entering of a vehicle and breaking and entering of a vehicle.
A man who pleaded guilty to charges following a three-county crime spree is headed to prison. Michael D. Duso today appeared before Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran, who ordered him to serve 15 months to 15 years for one count of unarmed robbery. Duso pleaded guilty June 12. In exchange, agreed to dismiss two counts of larceny from a person, three counts of motor vehicle theft and single counts of false report of a felony, possession of marijuana, larceny in a building, larceny less than $200, conspiracy to commit breaking and entering of a vehicle and breaking and entering of a vehicle.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Railroad bridge across Saginaw River in Bay City undergoing maintenance
via MLive.com
Work crews are updating a railway bridge that spans the Saginaw River north of Liberty Bridge in Bay City. The swinging bridge is typically kept in the open position when there is no locomotive traffic. On Monday, it was closed as railroad crews were busy working on the span.
Work crews are updating a railway bridge that spans the Saginaw River north of Liberty Bridge in Bay City. The swinging bridge is typically kept in the open position when there is no locomotive traffic. On Monday, it was closed as railroad crews were busy working on the span.
Bay City man, 31, who described himself as a retired gambler, pleads guilty to attempted auto theft
via MLive.com
Jeffery L. Fick says he was in “desperation mode” July 30 when he took advantage of a set of keys left in a car door. “I was in a really bad spot and I saw the keys in the driver’s side door and that compelled me to do it,” said Fick, 31, who pleaded guilty today to one count of attempted unlawful driving away an automobile. Fick, a self-professed retired gambler and son of a lottery winner, was charged with unlawfully driving away an automobile, breaking and entering a building with intent to commit larceny and driving with open intoxicants.
Jeffery L. Fick says he was in “desperation mode” July 30 when he took advantage of a set of keys left in a car door. “I was in a really bad spot and I saw the keys in the driver’s side door and that compelled me to do it,” said Fick, 31, who pleaded guilty today to one count of attempted unlawful driving away an automobile. Fick, a self-professed retired gambler and son of a lottery winner, was charged with unlawfully driving away an automobile, breaking and entering a building with intent to commit larceny and driving with open intoxicants.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Great Lakes Bay Chapter of Red Cross to be headquartered in Bay City
via MLive.com
The offices at the former East Shoreline Chapter of the American Red Cross look empty right now, but that likely will change soon. Following the organization’s recent consolidation into a larger Great Lakes Bay Chapter, the path to interim Director Ken Vavra’s office in Bay City is a walk past empty cubicles, vacant offices and bare work spaces.
The offices at the former East Shoreline Chapter of the American Red Cross look empty right now, but that likely will change soon. Following the organization’s recent consolidation into a larger Great Lakes Bay Chapter, the path to interim Director Ken Vavra’s office in Bay City is a walk past empty cubicles, vacant offices and bare work spaces.
Bay City, Saginaw mayors visit Midland, discuss regionalism
via Midland Daily News
The mayors of Bay City and Saginaw addressed challenges their cities face and opportunities they have to work together during a stop at Wake Up! Midland Friday morning. The Midland Area Chamber of Commerce event brought together Chris Shannon of Bay City and Greg Branch of Saginaw, but the two already have been collaborating with Midland Mayor Maureen Donker to address issues in each community. “They love their cities, they see the value of regionalism and they understand to be a successful region, you have to have strong cities,” Donker said. “They’re working hard with others to make that happen.”
Read the full story here!
The mayors of Bay City and Saginaw addressed challenges their cities face and opportunities they have to work together during a stop at Wake Up! Midland Friday morning. The Midland Area Chamber of Commerce event brought together Chris Shannon of Bay City and Greg Branch of Saginaw, but the two already have been collaborating with Midland Mayor Maureen Donker to address issues in each community. “They love their cities, they see the value of regionalism and they understand to be a successful region, you have to have strong cities,” Donker said. “They’re working hard with others to make that happen.”
Read the full story here!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
One of four Bay County men charged with having sex with 14-year-old girl pleads guilty
via MLive.com
One-fourth of a quartet charged with having sex with an underage girl has accepted a plea offer. Ethan A. Williams, 27, appeared before Bay County Circuit Judge Kenneth W. Schmidt on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss a count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim between 13 and 15.
One-fourth of a quartet charged with having sex with an underage girl has accepted a plea offer. Ethan A. Williams, 27, appeared before Bay County Circuit Judge Kenneth W. Schmidt on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss a count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim between 13 and 15.
Bay City DEQ wind turbine might have a gear box failure
via MLive.com
Why isn't that wind turbine at the state Department of Environmental Quality office in Bay City spinning? It's been months since the turbine has generated any electricity, and officials are unsure when it could start up again. According to Kevin King, chief of field operations and facilities section for all DEQ offices across the state, the turbine may have a gear box failure. The DEQ hired the turbine's original manufacturer to climb the tower and take a peek to see what was wrong, but that proved to be unsuccessful.
Why isn't that wind turbine at the state Department of Environmental Quality office in Bay City spinning? It's been months since the turbine has generated any electricity, and officials are unsure when it could start up again. According to Kevin King, chief of field operations and facilities section for all DEQ offices across the state, the turbine may have a gear box failure. The DEQ hired the turbine's original manufacturer to climb the tower and take a peek to see what was wrong, but that proved to be unsuccessful.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Bay City schools academically 'moving in the right direction'
via Midland Daily News
No sports programs have been cut. In fact, the district lowered its pay-to-play fees for athletes from $75 to $25 to help struggling families. Facilities are in great shape and curriculum offerings and personnel remain largely intact despite significant financial challenges facing K-12 school systems locally and ones across the state. Douglas Newcombe, superintendent of Bay City Public Schools, cites these and other reasons for educators to feel optimistic as the 2011-2012 school year kicks off.
No sports programs have been cut. In fact, the district lowered its pay-to-play fees for athletes from $75 to $25 to help struggling families. Facilities are in great shape and curriculum offerings and personnel remain largely intact despite significant financial challenges facing K-12 school systems locally and ones across the state. Douglas Newcombe, superintendent of Bay City Public Schools, cites these and other reasons for educators to feel optimistic as the 2011-2012 school year kicks off.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)