Once upon a time American troubadour Woody Guthrie wrote and sang a ditty sometimes called The Car Song:
“Take me riding in the car, car; / “Take me riding in the car, car; / “Take you riding in the car, car; / “I'll take you riding in my car.”
And so it is that on an occasional autumn Sunday Wife Sharon and I pile in the family van and tour around the nearby countryside. Yesterday was one.
Of course we always have a camera with us, just in case … .
This time the “just in case” was a delightful cluster of milkweed plants, whose bursting pods glowed brightly in the late afternoon sun. They were irresistible.
We found some of the most interesting foliage colors of the day in our own front yard, not long before sunset. Our maples gave us a nice homecoming.
The Mt. Pleasant High School marching band advanced to the Michigan Competing Band Association state finals with a second-place finish Saturday in the Durand Invitational. The finals are scheduled for Saturday at Ford Field in Detroit. The Oiler Band enters the competition ranked seventh in the state in Flight III; the category is determined by school size. It's the second year in a row the Oiler band has gone to the finals. More details -- and yes, it IS that competitive -- on my personal blog. Full disclosure: I have a musician and a member of the color guard in the band. I used to have a life. Now I'm a band parent.
For some reason the text overlay for the Sweet Safety graphic didn't happen. I apologize, even though I'm probably a lot more bothered by it than anyone else.
But I thought I would post what it was supposed to look like, in case anyone wants to know the tips for their kids.
Here is the text of some press releases relevant to the story involving Gary Peters, the holder of the Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government at Central Michigan University who is running for Congress, and Students Against Gary Peters: Note: Telephone numbers have been redacted
CMU trustees contributed money to Gary Peters from YAF CMU chapter Aug 6 to CMU YAF date Aug 6, 2007 4:04 PM subject CMU trustees contributed money to Gary Peters CMU trustees contributed money to Gary Peters FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Dennis Lennox, (989) 205-xxxx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Aug. 6, 2007) - State Lottery Commissioner and congressional candidate Gary Peters was hired as a temporary professor at Central Michigan University after two members of the Board of Trustees gave him hefty campaign contributions. Peters, who is organizing a campaign against Congressman Joe Knollenberg and recently purchased the website petersforcongress.com, received seven contributions from Trustee Sam R. Kottamasu between 1998 and 2002. Kottamasu's contributions ranged between $100 and $250. He also collected a single $1,000 donation from Trustee Brian W. Fannon while campaigning for attorney general in 2002. "The facts show Gary Peters has two long-time cronies on the Board of Trustees," said Students Against Gary Peters spokesman Dennis Lennox, a junior at CMU. "And now they gave him a temp job amount to a contribution of $65,000 while he runs for Congress." He also received two contributions from Craig Ruff, a Lansing-based political consultant, who held the professorship Peters will hold when he begins at CMU later this month. More details have been posted on The Peters Report, http://petersreport.blogspot.com.
From: "Mark Brewer, Michigan Democratic Party"
Aug 7 Images are not displayed. MIDems@mail.democracyinaction.com
MDP Peters Will Run for Congress, Says It's Time for Change Oakland County deserves strong voice to fight outsourcing, resolve Iraq war BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP - A public servant with a record of fiscal discipline, Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) today announced he will run for Congress in 2008, pledging to fight outsourcing, help strengthen the economy and resolve the war in Iraq. "I'll be a strong voice for Oakland County families in Washington and fight tooth-and-nail for every Michigan job," Peters said. "For too long, our representative in Washington has been a rubber stamp for the Bush administration's failed policies in Iraq and failed policies on the economy. It's time for a change, and I will always put the citizens of Oakland County ahead of partisan politics and special interests." Xxxxxxx
CMU throws Gary Peters under the bus
from Students Against Gary Peters Sep 23 date Sep 23, 2007 5:07 PM subject CMU throws Gary Peters under the bus CMU throws Gary Peters under the bus For more information, contact: Dennis Lennox, (989) 205-xxxx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Sept. 23, 2007) - The chairman of Central Michigan University's Board of Trustees has declined to publicly support Democratic congressional candidate and political science professor Gary Peters. In a Saginaw News story published Friday, Trustee Jeffrey Caponigro said the school can't fire him because of a "legal obligation to fulfill" its contract with Peters. CMU President Michael Rao also said firing Peters for violating his contract would "put ourselves in a position of liability." "The school is finally listening to the voices of its students and constituents," said Students Against Gary Peters spokesman Dennis Lennox. "It's time for Gary Peters to resign and let CMU get a professor who cares about students." This was the first time the school's two top officials went on the record concerning Peters, who is running against Congressman Joe Knollenberg (R-Oakland County) despite signing a three-year contract that requires his "primary commitment" as a full-time temporary assistant professor of political science. Caponigro, Rao and other trustees and administrators have heard from hundreds of students, alumni and taxpayers in recent weeks. Several legislators have also said Peters should pick between Congress and campus. For more information, visit The Peters Report at http://petersreport.blogspot.com. ## CMU Press release, Oct. 5 (excerpted) from CMU News Oct 5 reply-to Central Michigan University Media Alerts to CMUMEDIA@listserv.cmich.edu date Oct 5, 2007 4:05 PM subject events: Upcoming CMU events: October 22 through 28, 2007 mailed-by listserv.cmich.edu http://www.news.cmich.edu/news/index.asp?id=2145 October 5, 2007 MEDIA CONTACT: Lindsay Allen, 989-774-xxxx Upcoming CMU events: October 22 through 28, 2007 Upcoming Major Events Nov. 6/Central Michigan University's Fall 2007 Griffin Policy Forum will take place at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 in Warriner Hall's Plachta Auditorium. Panelists for the semiannual forum will include Rep. Andy Dillon, speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives; Rep. Craig DeRoche, minority leader of the Michigan House of Representatives; Sen. Mike Bishop, majority leader of the Michigan Senate; and Sen. Mark Schauer, minority leader of the Michigan Senate. A reception will follow at 9 p.m. in Warriner Hall's second floor lobby. Admission to the forum and the reception is free and open to the public. For more information, call Sarah Buckley at 989-774-xxxx or visit http://www.chsbs.cmich.edu/griffin.
GARY PETERS FUND-RAISING TOTAL PROMPTS QUESTIONS
from Students Against Gary Peters Oct 12 date Oct 12, 2007 12:41 PM subject GARY PETERS FUND-RAISING TOTAL PROMPTS QUESTIONS GARY PETERS FUND-RAISING TOTAL PROMPTS QUESTIONS For more information, contact: Dennis Lennox (989) 205-xxxx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Oct. 12, 2007) - With Central Michigan University professor Gary Peters' announcement that he's raised $217,000 for his campaign against Congressman Joe Knollenberg, one must question how much cash came from colleagues on campus and how much came at the sacrifice of students. Peters started working as a temporary assistant professor of political science in August, a position that requires his "primary commitment" to students through the 2009/2010 academic year. "It must be nice to attend lavish fund-raisers while students eat pizza from the cafeteria between classes," said Students Against Gary Peters spokesman Dennis Lennox, a CMU junior. The Federal Election Commission hasn't released his campaign finance report, but it's logical that Peters used his faculty position to collect money from other professors as well as staff and administrators. Peters has taken hefty contributions from CMU Trustees Sam Kottamasu and Brian Fannon over the years, and Kottamasu took him to India for a lobbying trip in 2000.
Dean tries refusing FOIA request on Gary Peters
from Students Against Gary Peters Oct 15 date Oct 15, 2007 4:19 PM subject Dean tries refusing FOIA request on Gary Peters Dean tries refusing FOIA request on Gary Peters For more information, contact: Dennis Lennox, (989) 205-xxxx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Oct. 15, 2007) - Central Michigan University Dean Pamela Gates tried to refuse a Freedom of Information Act request today and after learning she had to accept the request pertaining to Democratic congressional candidate Gary Peters, she became aggressive and struck a student recording the incident on video. Gates heads the College of Humanities and Social and Behavorial Sciences, which includes the Political Science Department - where Peters serves as a temporary assistant professor. The FOIA request complied with Michigan law and sought among other things "access to and/or copies of every e-mail sent and received" by Gates "concerning Professor Gary Peters." "It's unfortunate that Dean Gates tried not to obstruct a lawful request for public records," said Students Against Gary Peters spokesman Dennis Lennox, a CMU junior. "Does CMU have something to hide?" The incident was captured on video and will be available for release later this evening. Under Michigan law, CMU has five days to respond to the request for Gates' records.
ALERT: Students Against Gary Peters on TV
from Students Against Gary Peters Oct 15 date Oct 15, 2007 7:04 PM subject ALERT: Students Against Gary Peters on TV ALERT: Students Against Gary Peters on TV For more information, contact: Dennis Lennox, (989) 205-xxxx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Oct. 15, 2007) -- Students Against Gary Peters spokesman Dennis Lennox will be on WNEM TV-5's 11 p.m. newscast, discussing how Central Michigan University Dean Pamela Gates accosted him and swatted his video camera when he tried serving her earlier today with a Freedom of Information Act request concerning Democratic congressional candidate and political science professor Gary Peters. Gates heads the College of Humanities and Social and Behavorial Sciences, which includes the Political Science Department - where Peters serves as a temporary assistant professor. The FOIA request complied with Michigan law and sought among other things "access to and/or copies of every e-mail sent and received" by Gates "concerning Professor Gary Peters." The dean had refused to accept the lawful FOIA request until CMU's general counsel instructed her to accept the service. A video of the incident can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_3l64luOiQ. ##
Gary Peters' boss assaults student; police complaint to be filed
from Students Against Gary Peters Oct 15 date Oct 15, 2007 11:58 PM subject Gary Peters' boss assaults student; police complaint to be filed Gary Peters' boss assaults student; police complaint to be filed For more information, contact: Dennis Lennox, (989) 205-xxxx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Oct. 15, 2007) - As reported on WNEM TV-5 tonight, Democratic congressional candidate Gary Peters' boss at Central Michigan University was caught on videotape swatting a student holding a camera. The incident occurred when Students Against Gary Peters spokesman Dennis Lennox attempted to serve Dean Pamela Gates - who heads the academic college that Peters teaches in - with a routine Freedom of Information Act request. Gates initially refused to accept the request, which complied with Michigan law and sought "access to and/or copies of every e-mail sent and received" by the dean "concerning Professor Gary Peters," who is running against Congressman Joe Knollenberg (R-Oakland County). Lennox was forced to wait while she contacted CMU's attorney, who instructed her she was legally required to accept the FOIA request. After being served, she became aggressive and physically attacked Lennox, who was holding his camera - which was turned on after the incident heated up. The video of the incident can be viewed at http://youtube.com/watch?v=s_3l64luOiQ. "I can't believe I was assaulted for requesting public records," said Lennox. "What happened was unbelievable." Lennox has consulted with legal counsel and plans on filing a criminal complaint against Gates on Tuesday. ##
Independent investigation needed into dean's attack
from Students Against Gary Peters Oct 16 date Oct 16, 2007 5:27 PM subject Independent investigation needed into dean's attack Independent investigation needed into dean's attack For more information, contact: Dennis Lennox, (989) 205-xxxx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Oct. 16, 2007) - Central Michigan University President Michael Rao, Provost Gary Shapiro and Police Chief Stan Dinius have been asked to launch an independent investigation into Dean Pamela Gates' physical confrontation with a student. Gates, who has served as a spokeswoman in the university's defense of congressional candidate and political science professor Gary Peters, accosted and struck Students Against Gary Peters spokesman Dennis Lennox yesterday when he attempted to serve a Freedom of Information Act request. In a letter to the three CMU officials, Lennox requested an independent investigation into what happened because of "too many conflicts of interest." Lennox filed a complaint and five-page written statement of the incident with CMU Police this morning. ##
CMU bans videotaping of Gary Peters
from Students Against Gary Peters Oct 17 date Oct 17, 2007 12:57 AM subject CMU bans videotaping of Gary Peters CMU bans videotaping of Gary Peters For more information, contact: Dennis Lennox, (989) 205-xxxx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Oct. 17, 2007) - As reported in today's edition of Central Michigan Life, Central Michigan University has banned students from videotaping Democratic congressional candidate and political science professor Gary Peters. Dean of Students Bruce Roscoe notified Students Against Gary Peters spokesman Dennis Lennox of the policy on Monday shortly after the CMU junior was accosted and physically attacked by another dean while serving a Freedom of Information Act request on Peters. Peters, who is challenging Congressman Joe Knollenberg (R-Oakland County), has caused controversy and made statewide headlines because he refuses to decide between Congress and campus even though he signed a contract that runs through the 2009/2010 academic year. Students Against Gary Peters started videotaping Peters last week and has posted two videos of the candidate-turned-professor on YouTube and on the group's blog, http://petersreportblogspot.com. Roscoe says students and even campus journalists who videotape on campus without permission will face disciplinary action. "Employees and students have a reasonable expectation of privacy, which includes the right to be free of recording," said Roscoe in his letter explaining the policy. "You may not follow anyone around campus with a recorder running without receiving that person's permission." Central Michigan Life reported Roscoe the student newspaper would also be subjected to the same policy as regular students despite questions over the regulation's legality. ##
Independent investigation needed into dean's attack from Students Against Gary Peters Oct 16 date Oct 16, 2007 5:27 PM subject Independent investigation needed into dean's attack Independent investigation needed into dean's attack For more information, contact: Dennis Lennox, (989) 205-xxxx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Oct. 16, 2007) - Central Michigan University President Michael Rao, Provost Gary Shapiro and Police Chief Stan Dinius have been asked to launch an independent investigation into Dean Pamela Gates' physical confrontation with a student. Gates, who has served as a spokeswoman in the university's defense of congressional candidate and political science professor Gary Peters, accosted and struck Students Against Gary Peters spokesman Dennis Lennox yesterday when he attempted to serve a Freedom of Information Act request. In a letter to the three CMU officials, Lennox requested an independent investigation into what happened because of "too many conflicts of interest." Lennox filed a complaint and five-page written statement of the incident with CMU Police this morning.
Legal action coming after incident with Gary Peters' boss from Students Against Gary Peters Oct 17 date Oct 17, 2007 10:30 PM subject Legal action coming after incident with Gary Peters' boss Legal action coming after incident with Gary Peters' boss For more information, contact: Dennis Lennox, (989) 205-xxxx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Oct. 17, 2007) - The first steps of exercising legal action in response to a Central Michigan University dean attacking a student and the school banning videotaping on campus will be taken Thursday. Dean Pamela Gates accosted and physically attacked Students Against Gary Peters spokesman Dennis Lennox on Monday when she was given a Freedom of Information Act request on Democratic congressional candidate Gary Peters, who is under contract as a full-time, temporary assistant professor of political science. CMU subsequently banned students and campus reporters from videotaping Peters and others. "On the advice of counsel, I will be pursuing all available remedies," said Lennox, a CMU junior. "This disturbing incident cannot go unresolved." Lennox will register a formal complaint with the ACLU against CMU tomorrow for a censorship policy that strips the campus community of its constitutional rights. He will also renew his call for an independent investigation by Michigan State Police into the incident, which created a "hostile learning environment." "I no longer feel comfortable on campus," Lennox said. "I am talking to my family to decide what's best for my future -- I can't remain on campus if the school won't protect my right to be safe without intimidation or reprisal." ##
from YAF CMU chapter to CMU YAF date Oct 17, 2007 11:44 PM subject Gary Peters saga called a 'disgrace' Gary Peters saga called a 'disgrace' For more information, contact: Campus Conservatives President Chase Canning, (419) 467-xxxx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (October 17, 2007) -- State Representatives Jack Hoogendyk and Rick Jones opined on congressional candidate and Central Michigan University professor Gary Peters during a campus forum Wednesday evening. When asked by a CMU student during a question-and-answer period, Hoogendyk said Peters should fulfill his "contractual obligations" as a full-time professor, a position he is supposed to hold until 2010, and commit to teaching students on campus. The two legislators were joined by Mackinac Center for Public Policy President Lawrence Reed as panelists for the Campus Conservatives-sponsored Critical Issues: Michigan's Economic Crisis forum, which drew a standing room-only crowd of more than 170 students and faculty. Jones, whose daughter is a recent CMU graduate, called on Peters to meet his campus obligations, and Reed said the controversy is a "disgrace". This isn't the first time Peters has been criticized by legislators. Kevin Green, a CMU alumnus and state House member from Wyoming, recently joined hundreds of students, alumni and taxpayers in calling on Peters to commit to Congress or campus. Campus Conservatives is the Central Michigan University chapter of Young Americans for Freedom, which was founded in 1960 and is the country's oldest, largest and most active conservative youth organization. The national advisory board includes Vice President Dick Cheney, former Vice President and U.S. Senator Dan Quayle, former Speaker Newt Gingrich, former U.S. Senator and Attorney General John Ashcroft, former U.S. Senator and Virginia Governor George Allen, U.S. Representative Ron Paul, U.S. Representative Dana Rohrabacher, columnist and author William F. Buckley Jr. and journalist M. Stanton Evans. ##
Complaint filed with ACLU
from Students Against Gary Peters Oct 18 date Oct 18, 2007 9:39 AM subject Complaint filed with ACLU Complaint filed with ACLU For more information, contact: Dennis Lennox, (989) 205-xxxx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Oct. 18, 2007) - Students Against Gary Peters registered a formal complaint with the ACLU of Michigan against Central Michigan University at 9:28 a.m. on Thursday. The complaint is in direct response to the college's unconstitutional ban on videotaping Democratic congressional candidate and political science professor Gary Peters. Peters is challenging Congressman Joe Knollenberg (R-Oakland County). ## CMU refusing outside investigation
from Students Against Gary Peters Oct 18 (2 days ago) date Oct 18, 2007 11:15 PM subject CMU refusing outside investigation CMU refusing outside investigation For more information, contact: Dennis Lennox, (989) 205-xxxx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Oct. 18, 2007) - Central Michigan University has denied a formal request for an independent investigation into an incident of a dean attacking a student filing a Freedom of Information Act request on Democratic congressional candidate and political science professor Gary Peters. Dean Pamela Gates was caught on video Monday accosting and assaulting Students Against Gary Peters spokesman Dennis Lennox, who served the lawful FOIA request. "We sent a letter formally requested the Michigan State Police investigate the incident," said Lennox. "The integrity of investigation cannot be compromised." However, CMU President Michael Rao dismissed the formal request for an independent investigation. His office said the internal Affirmative Action Office investigator "can be independent" despite Dean Gates serving as a coordinator within the office. "The school's bias is clear," said Lennox. "Based on public statements, they have already cleared Dean Gates while attacking my integrity and character." Students Against Gary Peters is pursuing all legal remedies available to resolve Monday's disturbing incident. Does Gary Peters support CMU's smear campaign?
from Students Against Gary Peters Oct. 20 date Oct 20, 2007 10:53 AM subject Does Gary Peters support CMU's smear campaign? Does Gary Peters support CMU's smear campaign? For more information, contact: Dennis Lennox, (989) 205-xxxx FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Oct. 20, 2007) -- Democratic congressional candidate and Central Michigan University professor Gary Peters has avoided questions on whether he supports his employer's smear campaign against a student. CMU continues to attack student Dennis Lennox for filing a police complaint against Dean Pamela Gates, who serves as Peters' boss. The school's spokesman has accused the student of stalking Peters even though professor-turned-candidate has never said that himself (Midland Daily News, Oct. 16). He has also said an investigation was needed to clear Lennox's name even though there's no evidence of wrongdoing (Saginaw News, Oct. 18). "Gary Peters told WJR he supports the First Amendment," said Lennox, who serves as spokesman for Students Against Gary Peters. "Does that include the right for students to ask questions without being attacked by his boss at CMU?" Besides the public smear campaign, CMU staff under Gates' control has engaged in a virtual campaign with messages on numerous blogs and websites, attacking Lennox and defending the dean -- who was caught on video accosting and assaulting the student after filing a Freedom of Information Act request on Peters. ##
Here's a look at the Mt. Pleasant High School Marching Band's 2007 show "Socially Numb," recorded at halftime of the game between the Oilers and Midland Dow High Chargers.
The band is competing for a repeat spot in the state finals at Ford Field. See the report in Saturday's Morning Sun or online at TheMorningSun.com
Other area bands performing Saturday include Alma, Ithaca, Shepherd and Farwell, which all will be featured at the Alma College Marching Band Festival.
New feature from the CMU Coaches Lunch...hear Butch Jones talk about the Army game in his own words, see clips from the games, and get Jones' insight into the Chips' matchup against Clemson.
Photos from CMU Field Hockey against Missouri State on Sunday.
I will say that Field Hockey confuses me, I don't know why half of the stuff happens or why they wet the field before they play but as a photographer I like the splash when they hit the ball. :D
There were going to be 15 pictures here, but Blogger is having some kind of error right now, but all those pictures should be available Here within a few days.
Alvin Fleming, the much loved janitor from Ganiard Elementary, retired Tuesday morning. The children and staff of Ganiard surprised Fleming with a mass send off. Fleming hive-fived every kid waiting outside and led them all through one last chicken dance.
These 20 candidates will advance to the Nov. 6 Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Election:
Name Total votes Fred Cantu Jr. 232 -I Audrey Ann Falcon 194 -I Ruth Moses 188 -I Lorna Kahgegab Call 187 -I Delmar Jackson Sr. 183 -I Jeannette L. Leaureaux 181 Milton (Beaver) Pelcher 179 David Sowmick 179 Keith Mandoka 169 Maynard Kahgegab Jr. 167 Brent Dean Jackson 165 -I Bernard Sprague 159 -I Timothy Davis 158 -I Gail L. George 158 Sue Ann Durfee 157 Brian E. Chippeway 152 Lindy Hunt 152 Simon James Jackson 148 Patrick Alan Mena 148 Delores Jackson 147
These candidates also were on the ballot: Adelaide Davis 146 incumbent defeated Michael Floyd Sr. 146 Steven Pego 140 Clinton Pelcher Jr. 140 Julius Peters 138 Brenda L. Champlin 133 Josephine Jackson 132 David Alan Otto 132 Darryl Clifford Jackson 131 Christopher Sineway 128 Diana Quigno-Grundahl 127 incumbent defeated David Perez 125 Gerald Dean Slater 125 Sheridan Pelcher 124 April Borton 123 Gary Sprague 122 Kevin Chamberlain 121 Dolly Ann Rueckert Sr. 116 Hans (Karl) Hansen 110 Eleanor J. Ebright 107 Camille Grice 104 Courtney Wemigwans 104 Esther S. Chatfield 98 Rachel Marie Mandoka 93 Marty (Solomon) Curry 90 Harold Gould 87 Thomas L. Kequom 87 Carol Ann Shanks 84 Raymond (Archie) Davis 83 Garland Moses 82 Harry Pelcher 75 Terry Lee Bonnau 74 Levi Farron Davis 74 James R. Walker 71 Charla Ann Burton 70 Craig Graveratte 67 Renee Thomas 64 Kayle Crampton 56 Carol Wheaton 50 Christina Marie Osawabine 45 Sharon Cole 41 Robert N. Williams 35 Kelly (Toot) John Chamberlain 32 Robert D. Spencer 32 Mary Lou Graveratte 25 Kimberly Ann Bartha 23 Rebecca R. Decker 4
It's 9:30, and it's all over but the counting at the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe's law enforcement center. The multi-purpose room off police headquarters that serves as both a polling place and the counting room is jammed with people keeping a careful eye on the counting process. The primary election produced a record 67 candidates seeking 10 seats representing District 1, the Isabella Reservation. Turnout was heavy in Tuesday's primary, with 62.3 percent of the voters showing up from District 1. "When you look at state elections, national elections, local elections, it's nothing compared to Tribal elections," said Tribal spokesman Joe Sowmick. "We traditionally go past a 50 percent voter turnout. "We've eclipsed that tonight with our District 3 count," Sowmick said. The Tribal caucus committee, which runs election, has been working since about 8:15 opening and verifying absentee ballots. Much of the District 3, off-reservation, election is done with absentees.
A 28-year-old Roscommon man was charged Tuesday afternoon with the robbery of the Chemical Bank on East Pickard Street in Mt. Pleasant a day earlier.
George Oliver Webster’s attempt to plead guilty in Isabella County Trial Judge William Rush’s courtroom fell short when the judge explained that pleas can’t be taken during arraignments.
Webster was charged with one count of armed robbery and one count of bank robbery. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of any term of years up to and including life.
Rush ordered Webster to remain in the Isabella County Jail on $750,000 bond and is appointing an attorney to represent him in the case. - Sun Breaking News by Sue Field
The Alma High swim team took on Bay City Western at Alma College on Monday. These photos will also be for sale through the Morning Sun website. They should be available on Wednesday.
Updated: 10/8/2007 5:21:01 PM Mt. Pleasant police say a man gave a teller a note that said he had a gun, and held up the Chemical Bank branch at 914 E. Pickard St. Monday afternoon. The robber is described as a young white man, about 35 years old, wearing a waist-length cordury or suede jacket, and jeans. Police said he escaped from the bank on foot. Investigators aren't certain where he went, but a tracking dog was brought to the scene. Police have not said how much cash the robber got. The robbery was reported at 3:23 p.m., while many area schools and after-school programs were still in session. The Mt. Pleasant Youth Services Unit immediately ordered all schools in Mt. Pleasant, Union Township and the Isabella Reservation locked down. The Green Spot tavern nearby also was ordered locked down for about an hour in the wake of the robbery. Officers canvassed the neighborhood, asking people in the busy Pickard Street area if they saw anything. The bank is located between a McDonald's restaurant and the Aunt Millie's Bakeries Inc. outlet store. Police believe the robber might have cased the bank from the McDonald's next door. No one was reported injured. The last robbery of a Mt. Pleasant bank was in 2005, when a bank on South Mission Street was held up. Sun Breaking News by Mark Ranzenberger
Shooting pictures is a way of life. Even on days when I'm not officially working.
So it was Sunday, Oct. 7, when Wife Sharon and I took a little color tour of Isabella County. We were on the lookout for autumn foliage, which proved to be elusive.
But we found something even better, out by Woodruff Lake.
The main find was a pair of Sandhill Cranes. Spectacular birds, on the ground and when they take flight.
Look closely at one of these pictures to discover a Great Blue Heron lurking in the scene.
So, what does a photo guy do while waiting around for the opening kickoff at a football game he's sent to cover?
Shoots some pictures of other stuff, naturally.
So it was last Friday night, while awaiting the start of Sacred Heart Academy's homecoming game against Ashley High, at Mt. Pleasant's Community Stadium. I looked skyward to check the weather (old habit) and was rewarded with some pretty nice views of ... cloud formations.
Snap. Snap. Snap.
My limited knowledge says the clouds I photographed were of the Cirrus and Cumulus varieties. More specific and detailed information will be appreciated if you post it as a comment.
The Mt. Pleasant Marching Band performs before a packed stadium at Linden High School Stadium Saturday night.
Full disclosure: I am the insanely proud parent of a couple of members of the Mt. Pleasant High School marching band. My son is a second-year clarinet player; my daughter is a first-year member of the color guard. So don't expect this to be completely unbiased.
The competition was complete Saturday evening at Linden High School stadium outside of Flint. The stands were absolutely packed. Grand Blanc High School's highly stylized "Electronica" show had blown everyone away with tight marching, challenging music and great showmanship. Grand Blanc is, fortunately for Mt. Pleasant, in a much larger flight, or division, than Mt. Pleasant.
Mt. Pleasant's "Socially Numb" show, based on Pink Floyd music, is coming together. Coming off a year as a state finalist, the Oiler band has a lot of new faces. Mt. Pleasant lost a lot to graduation, and the band is smaller than last year's edition.
Rival Marysville countered with a well-choreographed, well-directed show with a baseball theme. Band members were outfitted in baseball uniforms, color guard members in bright red batgirl uniforms.
I couldn't call it. Both these bands' shows were tight, sonically solid and fun to watch. And it was taking forever for the judges to announce their decisions.
Then a sign: A family from Mt. Pleasant, the Lapp family, won the 50-50 drawing run by the Linden Band Boosters. Would the break go the Oilers' way?
Finally, the awards. Flight IV: Bad Axe wins. Flight II: Flushing outpoints Saginaw Heritage by nearly 12 points. Flight I: Grand Blanc blows past second-place Royal Oak by 22 points.
Flight III: It's a tie. Marysville, 62.35, Mt. Pleasant 62.35.
Mt. Pleasant outpoints Marysville on marching, Marysville outpoints Mt. Pleasant on overall effect.
The tiebreaker: Overall music.
The Oilers take it by a little over a point. First place, Flight III.
Two competitions, two firsts.
Last year, the Oilers rated a 56.2 after their second competition, and ended up finishing sixth in the state. This year, in a competition where every point is a challenge, Mt. Pleasant's scoring six points above where they were at this time last year.
This weekend, the Oilers play at the Madison Heights Lamphere Invitational. The Flight III competition will be provided by Trenton (they're usually good), St. Clair Shores Lake View and St. Clair Shores Lake Shore.
check it out, I made a new thing! It's a slide show with photos from the Zonta Apple Fest just outside of Mt. Pleasant today, set to some cool earthy music by Hurry the Jug, who played at the festival.
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