WATZ Today's Country

Friday News Summary 06-24-22
Fri, 24 Jun 2022 07:01:35 EDT

(Stories Courtesy of Michigan News Radio)

ALLEGAN SHOOTING
State Police officials say a motorist shot in a struggle with a sheriff's deputy during a traffic stop in western Michigan had been pulled over for suspicion of impaired driving. Twenty-two-year-old Joseph Nagle of Comstock Park was shot and killed by an Allegan County sheriff's deputy on June 16th. In a news release Thursday night State police officials say Nagle showed signs of impairment during sobriety tests and when the deputy told him he was under arrest he started to fight. The deputy shot him once in the chest.

NBA PISTONS DRAFT
The Detroit Pistons have selected Purdue's Jaden Ivey with the No. 5 overall pick in the NBA draft. Ivey is versatile and can play point or shooting guard. The team also acquiring Memphis center Jalen Duren, who was drafted No. 13 overall by Charlotte and traded to New York. Detroit also adding Knicks guard Kemba Walker to the roster in exchange for a 2025 first-round pick the team acquired the previous day. The Pistons using the 36th pick to acquire Italian guard Gabriele Procida who is touted as one of the better shooters in the draft.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS
Absentee ballots for the August 2nd statewide primary election are now available. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson saying the ballots are available at local clerk offices and will soon be mailed to voters who have already applied to vote absentee. She says voters have numerous secure options for how to cast their ballots this August. Regardless of if they have received an application in the mail, voters can apply to vote absentee at Michigan.gov/Vote. At the same site, voters who have already submitted their application can track that it has been received and track the mailing of their ballot.

TURTLE STRUGGLES
Wood turtles in Michigan are having a tough time and an aquarium in Auburn Hills called Sea Life Michigan, is working to help them. Marine biologist Gordon Greenley says the turtles are struggling due to habitat loss. The aquarium is rescuing baby turtles and raising them at the aquarium for eight to twelve months before releasing them back into the wild. Greenley says when they are released, they are much bigger and stronger and it helps them get a good head start in the wild.

GUN LEGISLATION
The Senate approve a bipartisan gun violence bill late Thursday night paving the way for expected House passage Friday. Part of the new legislation contains an intiative from Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow to expand high-quality mental health and addiction services nationwide. Stabenow says more than half of gun deaths are suicides and those with mental illness are more likely to be a victim of violence than perpetrate it. She says the "Safer Communities Act" will help to protect Americas children, keep our schools safe, and reduce the threat of violence across our country. The bill following last month's mass shooting in New York and Texas.

HUMANITARIAN AWARD
The former Ambassador of the United States to Ukraine, will receive the prestiguous World Affairs Council of Western Michigan Vandenberg Prize on Friday in Grand Rapids. Marie Yovanovitch, served as ambassador from 2016 to 2019, under President Barack Obama and held senior positions in the Office of the Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs and the Bureau of European and Asian Affairs. She is the third recipient of the Vandenburg prize which is given to a national or international leader who has been influential in developing global understanding and collaboration on the world stage.

RINKE ENDORSEMENT
Conservative businessman and political outsider Kevin Rinke received the endorsement of Michigans own Ted Nugent. The conservative rocker and ally of President Trump has endorsed Rinke for his ability to make Michigan the great state it once was as governor. This endorsement comes on the same day as absentee ballots are sent to voters.

CAR THEFT BILL
The state Senate approved Senator Jim Runestad 's bill to curb car thefts and expand burglary equipment statutes to include newer technology. The legislation aims to crack down on the upward trend of automobile theft in Michigan. Senate Bill 870 would add computers or other technology used by criminals to allow an individual to program a key code for a motor vehicle to the states burglary equipment statute, which prescribes a felony offense for individuals found to be in possession of the equipment with the intention to commit theft. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

ZOO TIGER DIES-R
The Detroit Zoo mourning the loss of its' oldest Tiger who died Thursday during a veterinary procedure meant to improve her quality of life. Kisa the beloved Amur tiger was born on August 12th, 2003 and resided in the Deveraux Tiger Forest habitat with two other tigers . She loved taking long walks through her home especially if there was snow on the ground. Curators at the zoo say although known for her spirited attitude Kisa was mild-mannered and a favorite with animal care staff. For several years she battled with several age related illnesses. Kisa was nineteen years old.

SPIRIT EMERGENCY LANDING
Some scary moments for passengers arriving at Detroit Metro Airport on board a Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Meyers, Florida yesterday (Thurs) afternoon. After the pilots reported a mechanical issue, the plane was met on the tarmac by Detroit Metro fire crews. Airport officials say the plane landed safely and there were no injuries. However, passengers were reportedly forced to wait on the plane for about an hour after landing. Spirit Airlines says the plane will be taken out of service and inspected.

GAS PRICES
Today would be a good day to gas up for the weekend. Gas prices have dropped a bit more since yesterday (Thurs), with prices in Michigan now averaging $5.09 a gallon. However, prices are still higher than the national average, which is currently $4.93 a gallon.

CAR THEFT BILL
The state Senate on Thursday approving Senator Jim Runestad 's bill to curb car thefts and expand burglary equipment statutes to include newer technology. The legislation aims to crack down on the upward trend of automobile theft in Michigan. Senate Bill 870 would add computers or other technology used by criminals to allow an individual to program a key code for a motor vehicle to the states burglary equipment statute, which prescribes a felony offense for individuals found to be in possession of the equipment with the intention to commit theft. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

I-696 FATAL CRASH
Michigan State Police, giving more information about a deadly crash on I-696 in Farmington Hills. The victims have been identified as a 72 year old man and his 69 year old wife -- from northern Michigan. Investigators say a 57-year old semi driver caused the crash while trying to merge onto I-96 just after ten o'clock yesterday morning. He hit the Buick and caused a chainreaction crash that involved three other vehicles. The investigation is ongoing, pending toxicology and reconstruction reports. The information will be submitted to the prosecutor's office when the investigation is completed

VLADDY RALLY-DETROIT
Red Wings legends Vladimir Konstantinov joined The Brain Injury Association of Michigan in kicking off Rally for Vlady" Thursday afternoon.The event was organized on behalf of 18,000 catastrophically injured Michiganders and comes one week after the 25th anniversary of the tragic crash that left Konstantinov with life-altering brain injuries and requiring 24-hour care. This in attendance gathered to show their support as families await a decision on a Court of Appeals case regarding the states no-fault auto insurance reform law that passed in 2019. The new law, which went into effect on July 1, 2021, was aimed to lower insurance rates but those who oppose it say the new law is impacting the care theyve been receiving over the years due to the retroactive application of the reforms.

MISSING MAN
Grand Traverse County authorities are looking for a missing man from Green Lake Township. The parents of 21-year-old Maxwell Ensign say they haven't seen or heard from him since last Friday/ And he hasn't shown up for work, either. Ensign drives a black, 1990 Dodge Dakota pickup and lives with his parents. Anyone with information should contact the Sheriff's department.

ALBION OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
The man shot and killed by an Albion Police officer after raising a gun at police has been identified as 42-year-old Jason Dodds, of Albion. Michigan State Police are investigating the shooting. The Albion Department of Public Safety says they were sent to the home after a report that Dodds was threatening a relative there and he did break into the home. No one else was hurt. Police say they ordered Dodds to drop his bun but he turned and started to lift his arm and that's when the officer shot him . The officer has been placed on administrative leave.

FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH
A fatal motorcycle accident reported in Emmet County. Deputies say a Harbor Springs man died after hitting a deer in Carp Lake Township. It happened on Thursday. 45- year-old Eli Fisher was not wearing a helmed and died of his injuries at the hospital. The accident remains under investigation.

PROPANE CRASH
Two people were injured in a crash in Chippewa County. State Police say it involved a propane truck and a car at the intersection of M-129 and M-48 south of Pickford on Thursday/ Due to leaking propane, M-129 didn't reopen until eight last night and the crash was around noon.

ST. IGNACE CAR SHOW
Big crowds are expected to return to St. Ignace for car show weekend. Events began yesterday and run through Sunday morning. There's a parade tonight and Saturday's large display of vehicles downtown. There's also a muscle car ride across the Mackinac Bridge Saturday night.