WATZ Today's Country

Thursday News Summary 08-11-22
Thu, 11 Aug 2022 07:27:01 EDT

(Stories Courtesy of Michigan News Radio)

GOVERNOR PLOT TRIAL
Dangerous would-be kidnappers...or big talkers. Both sides gave opening statements today in the case of two men being tried for a second time for an alleged plot to kidnap the Governor. Prosecutors say that Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr wanted to spark a second American Revolution to shock the country into chaos before the 2020 election. Defense attorneys say the men were angry and frustrated by the pandemic restrictions. Fox and Croft are being re-tried after a hung jury four months ago, which acquitted two other men.

ROCK THROWER
A Gaylord man is facing felony charges for allegedly throwing a large rock at a car, injuring a 7-year-old girl. State Police say that 31-year-old Brandon Clifton targeted the vehicle, because his ex-girlfriend was inside. The girl suffered minor injuries from glass from the windshield. Clifton has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, which carries a penalty of up to four years in jail.

SCHOOL ANXIETY
Heading back to school is exciting for some students, but others may be feeling anxious. Feeling anxious is especially common for students starting a new school and for children who already have anxiety. Dr. Erika Bocknek (Bach-nick) is associate professor of educational psychology at Wayne State. She says communication is key...start talking with your child...maybe in the car or at the dinner table. Dr. Bach-nick says parents can also talk about how they're feeling or tell a story from their past about starting a new school year.

SCAM WARNING
The Better Business Bureau in western Michigan is warning about a potential job offer scam, saying the company Turbo Quad Post claims they offer package forwarding services. Victims receive an e-mail with a job offer claiming all they have to do is receive packages, inspect them and send them to a different address and they offer a decent amount of pay. However, the victims were asked to submit a lot of personal information to be hired and not given any money for their work. Turbo Quad Post lists their address online as being in Cadillac, but their building does not exist.

LYME DISEASE
Lyme disease is the most common tickborne disease in the United States and cases are rising across the nation and in Michigan. Deer ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme with symptoms including fever, headache, fatigue, and for some the first sign is a red, round bulls-eye rash. Infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system if not treated. Pfizer is currently working on an experimental vaccine that aims to block the tick from transmitting the infection when it bites.

TOXIC SPILL CHARGES
The state has issued several violations against the auto supplier responsible for a spill that has officials advising people to avoid a portion of the Huron River. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) issued the violations against Tribar Manufacturing over dumping several thousand gallons of hexavalent chromium into the sewer system. The violations include failing to notify the state immediately, allowing the spill and failing to have a pollution prevention plan. State officials continue to advise people to avoid the Huron River water between North Wixom Road in and Kensington Road, as they continue to test for the chemical, which can cause cancer.

RED WINGS TRAINING CAMP
The Detroit Red Wings have announced that the Wings will return to Centre ICE Arena in Traverse City to host the NHL Prospect Tournament and Training Camp, as well as the 2022 Training Camp Golf Classic at the Traverse City Country Club. The NHL Prospect Tournament returns to Traverse City for its 23rd season, running from Thursday, Sept. 15 to Monday, Sept. 19, with a five-team field set to compete this year. The Red Wings will host the Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues and Toronto Maple Leafs for five-straight days of round-robin action, with each team playing either three or four games.

ARTIFACT UNEARTHED
Another amazing artifact is discovered by archaeologists at Mackinac State Historic Parks. A set of joined sleeve buttons has been uncovered. Similar to modern cuff links, the find was discovered in a 1781 demolition rubble layer. The green glass paste stones are set in brass. It's one of many treasures found during this archaeological season, including part of a red earthenware bowl and a one-ounce brass weight marked with a crown over GR, meant for a king. Archaeologists are on site every day at Colonial Michilimackinac through August 20.

ATHLETE STUDY
High school athletes in contact sports are more likely to misuse certain prescription drugs later in life. High school seniors who play contact sports are about 50% more likely to misuse prescription stimulants like Adderral in the next decade after graduation, compared to those who don't participate in these types of sports according to a study from the University of Michigan. The study indicates some athletes may mistakenly believe taking the medicine may help them perform better on the field. Researchers say the study shows the importance of drug education and screening for these student athletes.

LET MI KIDS LEARN
Let MI Kids Learn Wednesday filed more than 520-THOUSAND signatures with the Bureau of Elections to qualify a legislative initiative proposal to provide sweeping new educational choices to Michigan families and children. After certification, the Michigan House and Senate can enact the new scholarship proposal immediately. A separate initiative petition for an income tax credit for scholarship fund contributions will be filed shortly. Both proposals have already been passed by both the House and the Senate in their current form before being vetoed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The Bureau of Elections will canvass the petitions to ensure sufficient valid signatures have been submitted.

EXPANDED OPERATIONS
Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to announce that global building products manufacturer LP Building Solutions is expanding its operations in Sagola Township with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The companys $194 million investment is one of the largest projects ever supported by the MSF in the Upper Peninsula. The project is expected to create at least 50 jobs and retain the 151 jobs currently at the site, supported by a $325- thousand dollar Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in the U.S. and Canada.

FREE COVID TESTS
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is announcing its expanded partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation through Project Act to provide 180- thousand COVID-19 tests to 36-thousand households located anywhere in the state free of charge. Previously, tests were only available in select ZIP codes. Residents can request the tests through the end of August. Households will receive one kit containing five tests. All households in the state of Michigan can order their free COVID-19 tests through AccessCovidTests.org.

ASIAN LONG HORNED BEETLE
State officials are asking Michigan residents to keep their eye out for a tree-killing pest. So far, there has been no sign of the Asian long-horned beetle in the state - and officials would like to keep it that way. The beetle is deadly to hardwood trees like maples, elms, and willow and birch trees. DNR officials would like residents to spend ten minutes a day scanning their trees for the bug - which is shiny black with white spots.

ART TRUST EXHIBITION
There are just two weeks left to view the Ottawa County Art Trust Exhibition and make your purchases. The show ends on August 24 and is on display Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM at the Administration Building located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive. A portion of the purchase price funds the Holland Area Arts Council and the Ottawa County Art Trust.

GM PLANT LOCKDOWN-LAKE ORION
We are learning the General Motors Orion Assembly plant in Lake Orion is on lock down. The plant will be "closed today"... that's according to plant security. No reason was given.

BENSON-NESSEL FUNDRAISING
Two Democratic incumbents running for re-election this fall have raised a record amount of cash for their campaign coffers. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's campaign reported receiving more than two-point-one million dollars from January through August. Meantime, Attorney General Dana Nessel has raised nearly onepoint-six million dollars through the first seven months of the year. The big name donors to both Nessel and Benson include movie director and producer Steven Spielberg and his wife actress Kate Capshaw, who donated just over seven thousand dollars to both candidates. Their republican challengers have not yet announced their fundraising totals.

THREAT-CHASE COMSTOCK PARK
A teen has been arrested after allegedly threatening a family with a gun at a Walmart in Comstock Township near Kalamazoo last evening. The teen then reportedly led police on a chase after deputies had told him to stop. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office says he took off in a vehicle and they used spike strips to stop him, but he kept going. The 17-year-old drove into a residential area and deputies intentionally crashed with his vehicle. He tried to run, but was arrested. He faces felonious assault, fleeing and eluding and other charges.

JUDGE RESIGNS-GENESEE COUNTY
Controversy surrounding a Genesee County Judge, who has now submitted his resignation to Governor Whitmer's office. A former intern claims Judge Joseph Farah sexually harrassed her during her internship. The allegations against Farah come from Grace Ketzner, who was an MSU Law student. Farah was also a professor at Michigan State University at the time. MSU officials have also determined that Farah violated the University's Title Nine Policy for sexual harassment. His resignation is due to take effect November 9th.

MUSKEGON SHOOTING
Police in Muskegon are looking for a suspect after one person was shot last night. The victim was taken to the hospital. Their condition is unknown.

GM PLANT LOCKDOWN-LAKE ORION
The General Motors Orion Assembly Plant in Lake Orion is on lock down this morning. It's because of a murder investigation. We'll have more details as they become available.

DUMBUYA CASE
A man found incompetent to stand trial in the murder of a Grand Rapids teenager , Mujey Dumbuya (Moo-zhay Doom-boo-yuh), now faces federal charges. WOOD TV reports Gerald Bennett has been charged with kidnapping a minor. Police say he helped Quinn James kidnap and kill the 16-year-old and dispose of her body. She was about to testify against James that he had raped her repeatedly. Bennett was found incompetent to stand trial because a judge found he was not capable of understanding the charges against him. But, in a June federal complaint, investigators say Bennett appeared to demonstrate he was competent in recorded jail calls.

PLANE HITS FENCE NEAR SPARTA
A plane went off the runway and hit a fence at an airport near Sparta late Wednesday morning in west Michigan. There are no reports of injuries in the incident at Sparta Miller Airport in Sparta Township.

ALPENA SHERIFF FUNDS
In Alpena, county commissioners have approved 188-thousand dollars for the sheriff's department. The money will help buy body cameras, new in-car cameras, and eight new vehicles. Sheriff Erik Smith says the new equipment will help keep deputies accountable, ensure public trust and reduce liability for the sheriff's department as well as the county.

ACCESS BRIDGE-U-P
A new all accessible bridge will be opening next week at the lower Tahquamenon Falls in Chippewa County. According to the DNR, the 143 foot long bridge will provide better access for visitors to view the river and visit an island located in the middle of the Tahquamenon Rapids. The 1.3 million dollar project also includes 350 feet of boardwalk that connects to the mainland to the bridge and a half-mile, barrier free path around the perimeter of the island. A grand opening is scheduled for next Wednesday.

MORE TRAILS-N MI
In Grand Traverse County, more public recreational trails could be coming soon, including for mountain bikers to the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area and Hickory Hills. Garfield Township and Traverse City officials are going through separate but similar planning processes to identify new amenities and future improvements at both parks.