Scheurer Family Medical Center Redi-Care Clinic 168 N. Caseville Road • Pigeon (Use Barth Medical Arts Building Entrance)
989-453-3223 Monday - Thursday: 3:00pm-8:00pm Friday: 1:00pm-8:00pm Saturday - Sunday: 9:00am-3:00pm A division of…
Huron County
VIEW “BLANKETS THE THUMB”
Thursday, February 16, 2012 • Vol. 1, No. 51 mihomepaper.com Incorporating the Huron County Press, the Thumb Blanket, The Newsweekly and the Harbor Beach Times
Behavioral Health might lose home BY KELLY TAYLOR-JEROME News & Sports Editor * 810-245-9343 * kjerome@mihomepaper.com
BAD AXE - The Huron County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday to send a letter to Huron Behavioral Health that threatens to evict the organization if it does not pay rent. The commissioners don't want to leave the organization homeless, but the state might force their hand. "They're providing a valuable service, and if there is a way we can work this out, we will," Commissioner John Horny said. Commissioner Ron Wruble, finance committee chair, said the issue is bureaucrats at the Michigan Department of Community Heath are attempting to take away the funding that allows Huron Behavioral Health to pay rent for the county-owned building. The problem has been ongoing. The MDCH, in 2008, conducted a retrospective audit and claimed rent Huron Behavioral Health paid to the county was disallowed because Huron Behavioral Health and the county were "less than arms-length," so under federal law, rent could not be paid. This decision was based on the fact that the board of directors of Huron Behavioral Health is appointed by the commissioners, and the state contended that authority could compel the board of directors to rent from the county. Also, a certain number of commissioners could be appointed to sit on the Huron Behavioral Health Board of Directors, but that number would not constitute a quorum, Wruble said. Therefore, the state demanded reimbursement for all rent paid to the county from 1999 through 2006. The county appealed that decision in Huron County Circuit Court, which held that the county and Huron
COUNTY on page 2 Scan This
Photo by John Bonke
Shown here is evidence collected from investigations pertaining to "bath salts" - items which have been connected to breaking and enterings.
Officials on many levels working to find solutions BY JOHN BONKE Staff Writer * 810-452-2668 * jbonke@mihomepaper.com
BY KELLY TAYLOR-JEROME News & Sports Editor * 810-452-2617 * kjerome@mihomepaper.com
HURON COUNTY - In an attempt to stop what appears to be a growing problem, several officials from the local to the national level are working to find solutions to an emerging issue. Officials are concerned the use of sub-
stances, known commonly as "bath salts" poses a serious threat. Tuesday afternoon, 23 officials representing 16 area agencies met at the Huron Central 911 Dispatch to discuss the problem. Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson said hospitals, first responders, law enforcement, the Huron County Health Department and the Huron County Intermediate School District were represented at the meeting.
SALTS on page 14
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Maple Lane hit a fourth time BY KELLY TAYLOR-JEROME News & Sports Editor * 810-245-9343 * kjerome@mihomepaper.com
BAD AXE - Thieves seeking to get a free high have broken into Maple Lane Discount four times since Christmas, and Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson said the problem will likely continue as long as the store continues selling an addictive, yet legal, drug. Hanson said he has received criticism that his office continues to investigate break-ins at the store, located at 950 N. Van Dyke Road in Verona Township. But, Hanson said, it is his office's duty to respond to crimes, no matter who is the victim. "As long as he keeps getting broken
SALTS from page 1 Officials are concerned that the substances themselves pose a serious health threat to the user, and their use could put others in jeopardy. Hanson said that users he is aware bath salt users often are living in poor circumstances and are spending money on the substances instead on food, clothing and shelter - or even heating bills. He said because users can suffer severe effects, including paranoia, hallucinations and violent behavior, he fears those around them could suffer as unintended victims of neglect and abuse. Hanson said, "We have a problem." He asks: "Is this just the start? What's next?" People need to be aware of the issue, he said. Hanson noted incidents involving the substances have not only included breaking and enterings, but physical altercations and a case of a person needing to go into a detoxification center. Since August of 2011, Hanson said his department has been monitoring use and sale of such substances. He stated that some producers have been manufacturing other substances that are similar to chemicals which have been made illegal, but since they are somewhat different, they aren't specifically prohibited by current legislation. He said the name "bath salts" is confusing many people. The “bath salts� being used as a drug is not the same as the bottled bath salts sold in stores. "They're just using the name 'bath salts' for something that mimics cocaine, or, I've even heard of it mimicking meth," Hanson said. "It's not stuff that you go and buy at Kmart. It's stuff that's individually packaged." A quarter gram of the bath salts used as a 14
into, we have to answer those complaints," Hanson said. Maple Lane Discount owner Robert Alent said he has every right to sell the legal product in his store. "I have bills I have to pay. Retail business is tough. You sell what you can," Alent said. My job is to find products that people want to buy that there's a little bit of margin on." He said he limits sales of bath salts and incense, which can also be smoked for an intoxicating high, to people over 21. Alent said he began offering the bath salts because customers requested the product, and it is "by far" the most popular item in his store. He plans to install a cage over the
store's main entrance to prevent future break-ins. "That's the weakest link, as far as entry," he said. Hanson has another idea for how Alent can prevent future break-ins. "You want to know what the answer is? Get (bath salts) out of there. That's the answer," Hanson said. Alent said he believes only two people have committed the crimes at the store, and he doesn't feel it would be right to deprive his customers of a product they want because of the actions of a couple individuals.
drug is sold for approximately $10. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, the chemical ingredients aren't useful as a bath product and are distributed through "head shops" and convenience stores. The MDCH reports a surge of hospital emergency department visits, mostly from people in their 20s and 30s. Signs and symptoms the MDCH lists include severe paranoia, violent behavior, hallucinations, chest pain, seizures, decreased amounts of sleep, poor appetite and self-mutilation; long-term side-effect health problems can include kidney failure, liver failure, increased risk of suicide, longterm mental illness, self-mutilation and death. The MDCH has stated users have reported "horrible" experiences - including seeing demons; these symptoms can last for two or three days, and, in some cases, even longer, requiring long-term psychiatric care. The MDCH also reports a "binge" and "craving" pattern of abuse with the item. Dr. Russell Bush, medical director for the Huron County Health Department, said the use of bath salts and similar products has been a growing problem since late last summer. He said there is nothing his agency can do right now to stop it, but the health department is researching potential legal options to combat the issue. A big problem, he said, is manufacturers of the substances change the chemical composition to comply with new laws as those laws are being created, so when one product is outlawed, another is in line to take its place. "It's a big frustration for everybody, having a new formulation come out that isn't yet illegal" Bush said. Local area agencies and organizations working on the problem include: Bad Axe City Police Department, Huron Behavioral
Health, Huron County Health Department, Huron County Sheriff's Department, Huron County Prosecutor's Office and Huron Medical Center. At the state level, the Michigan Department of Community Health also is involved. Officials in the Marquette area, which includes Northern Michigan University, also have been dealing with the problem. The MDCH reported hospital emergency departments in Michigan have reported 18 cases related to the use of "bath salts" in four weeks (Jan.8Feb. 4), many of which have been in the Marquette area. "We are very concerned about the use of this dangerous product," said Dr. Gregory Holzman, MD, Chief Medical Executive for MDCH. Governor Snyder signed HB4565, sponsored by District 78 Representative Sharon Tyler (R-Nles), in July of 2011, making certain chemicals found in "bath salts" illegal. At the Federal level, the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency has been moving to place certain chemicals onto Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The DEA has stated "bath salts" have not been approved by the FDA for human consumption, there is no oversight of the manufacturing process, and that 37 states already have taken action to control or ban certain chemicals. Huron Behavioral Health was notified by state agencies toward the end of this past summer about the issue, said Executive Director Suzanne Prich. The organization also becomes aware of substance use and abuse through people wanting or needing the organization's services. Prich said, during any situation the organization determines if an individual needs emergency medical care, which is called upon, or if other, non-emergency assistance is required.
BREAK-INS on page 22
Huron County VIEW
Courtesy photo
The Huron County Sheriff's Office released this picture in connection with an investigation to a Monday, Feb. 13 breaking and entering report.
An individual requiring substance abuse counseling is referred to organizations which can help. A person with a mental health aspect is usually seen by Huron Behavioral Health. The local organization provides services to low-income individuals and families, with fees determined by the person's situation. Huron Behavioral Health also has a crisis number at 1-800-356-5568. And, of course, in a medical emergency, 91-1 should be called. The role a county health department has in regard to any substance use or abuse is mainly prevention education, according to Huron County Health Department Officer Gretchen Tenbusch. The Huron County department was advised of the issue by Sheriff Hanson, Tenbusch noted. The department has prepared a fact sheet to distribute to local media outlets, she added. According to Michigan Department of Community Health Public Information Officer Angela Minicuci, that department began seeing an increase in activity toward the end of 2010. For more information: Michigan Department of Community Health Frequently Asked Questions www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Gen eral_Public_Fact_Sheet_345530_7.pdf Michigan Department of Community Health Health Care Provider Fact Sheet www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Bat h_Salts_FAQ_Health_Care_Providers_3448 81_7.pdf U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency www.justice.gov/dea U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ mm6019a6.htm Thursday, February 16, 2012
Maple Lane hit a fourth time BY KELLY TAYLOR-JEROME News & Sports Editor * 810-245-9343 * kjerome@mihomepaper.com
BAD AXE - Thieves seeking to get a free high have broken into Maple Lane Discount four times since Christmas, and Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson said the problem will likely continue as long as the store continues selling an addictive, yet legal, drug. Hanson said he has received criticism that his office continues to investigate break-ins at the store, located at 950 N. Van Dyke Road in Verona Township. But, Hanson said, it is his office's duty to respond to crimes, no matter who is the victim. "As long as he keeps getting broken
SALTS from page 1 Officials are concerned that the substances themselves pose a serious health threat to the user, and their use could put others in jeopardy. Hanson said that users he is aware bath salt users often are living in poor circumstances and are spending money on the substances instead on food, clothing and shelter - or even heating bills. He said because users can suffer severe effects, including paranoia, hallucinations and violent behavior, he fears those around them could suffer as unintended victims of neglect and abuse. Hanson said, "We have a problem." He asks: "Is this just the start? What's next?" People need to be aware of the issue, he said. Hanson noted incidents involving the substances have not only included breaking and enterings, but physical altercations and a case of a person needing to go into a detoxification center. Since August of 2011, Hanson said his department has been monitoring use and sale of such substances. He stated that some producers have been manufacturing other substances that are similar to chemicals which have been made illegal, but since they are somewhat different, they aren't specifically prohibited by current legislation. He said the name "bath salts" is confusing many people. The “bath salts� being used as a drug is not the same as the bottled bath salts sold in stores. "They're just using the name 'bath salts' for something that mimics cocaine, or, I've even heard of it mimicking meth," Hanson said. "It's not stuff that you go and buy at Kmart. It's stuff that's individually packaged." A quarter gram of the bath salts used as a 14
into, we have to answer those complaints," Hanson said. Maple Lane Discount owner Robert Alent said he has every right to sell the legal product in his store. "I have bills I have to pay. Retail business is tough. You sell what you can," Alent said. My job is to find products that people want to buy that there's a little bit of margin on." He said he limits sales of bath salts and incense, which can also be smoked for an intoxicating high, to people over 21. Alent said he began offering the bath salts because customers requested the product, and it is "by far" the most popular item in his store. He plans to install a cage over the
store's main entrance to prevent future break-ins. "That's the weakest link, as far as entry," he said. Hanson has another idea for how Alent can prevent future break-ins. "You want to know what the answer is? Get (bath salts) out of there. That's the answer," Hanson said. Alent said he believes only two people have committed the crimes at the store, and he doesn't feel it would be right to deprive his customers of a product they want because of the actions of a couple individuals.
drug is sold for approximately $10. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, the chemical ingredients aren't useful as a bath product and are distributed through "head shops" and convenience stores. The MDCH reports a surge of hospital emergency department visits, mostly from people in their 20s and 30s. Signs and symptoms the MDCH lists include severe paranoia, violent behavior, hallucinations, chest pain, seizures, decreased amounts of sleep, poor appetite and self-mutilation; long-term side-effect health problems can include kidney failure, liver failure, increased risk of suicide, longterm mental illness, self-mutilation and death. The MDCH has stated users have reported "horrible" experiences - including seeing demons; these symptoms can last for two or three days, and, in some cases, even longer, requiring long-term psychiatric care. The MDCH also reports a "binge" and "craving" pattern of abuse with the item. Dr. Russell Bush, medical director for the Huron County Health Department, said the use of bath salts and similar products has been a growing problem since late last summer. He said there is nothing his agency can do right now to stop it, but the health department is researching potential legal options to combat the issue. A big problem, he said, is manufacturers of the substances change the chemical composition to comply with new laws as those laws are being created, so when one product is outlawed, another is in line to take its place. "It's a big frustration for everybody, having a new formulation come out that isn't yet illegal" Bush said. Local area agencies and organizations working on the problem include: Bad Axe City Police Department, Huron Behavioral
Health, Huron County Health Department, Huron County Sheriff's Department, Huron County Prosecutor's Office and Huron Medical Center. At the state level, the Michigan Department of Community Health also is involved. Officials in the Marquette area, which includes Northern Michigan University, also have been dealing with the problem. The MDCH reported hospital emergency departments in Michigan have reported 18 cases related to the use of "bath salts" in four weeks (Jan.8Feb. 4), many of which have been in the Marquette area. "We are very concerned about the use of this dangerous product," said Dr. Gregory Holzman, MD, Chief Medical Executive for MDCH. Governor Snyder signed HB4565, sponsored by District 78 Representative Sharon Tyler (R-Nles), in July of 2011, making certain chemicals found in "bath salts" illegal. At the Federal level, the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency has been moving to place certain chemicals onto Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The DEA has stated "bath salts" have not been approved by the FDA for human consumption, there is no oversight of the manufacturing process, and that 37 states already have taken action to control or ban certain chemicals. Huron Behavioral Health was notified by state agencies toward the end of this past summer about the issue, said Executive Director Suzanne Prich. The organization also becomes aware of substance use and abuse through people wanting or needing the organization's services. Prich said, during any situation the organization determines if an individual needs emergency medical care, which is called upon, or if other, non-emergency assistance is required.
BREAK-INS on page 22
Huron County VIEW
Courtesy photo
The Huron County Sheriff's Office released this picture in connection with an investigation to a Monday, Feb. 13 breaking and entering report.
An individual requiring substance abuse counseling is referred to organizations which can help. A person with a mental health aspect is usually seen by Huron Behavioral Health. The local organization provides services to low-income individuals and families, with fees determined by the person's situation. Huron Behavioral Health also has a crisis number at 1-800-356-5568. And, of course, in a medical emergency, 91-1 should be called. The role a county health department has in regard to any substance use or abuse is mainly prevention education, according to Huron County Health Department Officer Gretchen Tenbusch. The Huron County department was advised of the issue by Sheriff Hanson, Tenbusch noted. The department has prepared a fact sheet to distribute to local media outlets, she added. According to Michigan Department of Community Health Public Information Officer Angela Minicuci, that department began seeing an increase in activity toward the end of 2010. For more information: Michigan Department of Community Health Frequently Asked Questions www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Gen eral_Public_Fact_Sheet_345530_7.pdf Michigan Department of Community Health Health Care Provider Fact Sheet www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Bat h_Salts_FAQ_Health_Care_Providers_3448 81_7.pdf U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency www.justice.gov/dea U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ mm6019a6.htm Thursday, February 16, 2012
Man exposes himself to cashier BAD AXE - The Huron County Sheriff's Offices reports that on Monday, Feb. 13 at 11:57 a.m., Deputy Jake Dhyse responded to Hart’s Florist at 834 South Van Dyke Road in Colfax Township to a report that a man had just exposed his genitals to the cashier. Apparently a white male in his early 40s entered the store and picked out an arrangement of flowers. While this individual filled out a card and complet-
ed his purchase, storeowner and cashier Erica Bruce noticed the man had his penis hanging out of his pants. Once he left, she called Huron Central Dispatch. Through information obtained from the victim, Deputy Dhyse made contact with an Ubly area man, which has resulted in Deputy Dhyse seeking a warrant from the Huron County Prosecutor’s Office. This investigation will continue.
American Red Cross blood drives in the Thumb Area • Sandusky, Feb. 16, Countryside Family Center, 912 West Sanilac Road, 1 p.m.-6:45 p.m. • Mayville, Feb. 20, St. Joseph Catholic Church Hall, 315 West Ohmer Road, 1 p.m. -6:45 p.m. • Deckerville, Feb. 21, Deckerville High School, 2633 Black River Street, 2 p.m.-7:45 p.m. • Lexington, Feb. 21, St. Denis Parish Center, 7200 Denissen Street, 12:30 p.m. -6:15 p.m. • Minden City, Feb. 22, Minden City Village Hall, 1585 1st Street, 1 p.m.-6:45 p.m. • Vassar, Feb. 23, Vassar Eagles, 651 South State Road, noon-5:45 p.m. • Ubly, Mar. 1, Ubly High School, 2020 Union Street, 1 p.m.-6:45 p.m. • Brown City, Mar. 6, Brown City VFW Post, 7108
BREAK-INS from page 14 Hanson said his department has increased surveillance of Maple Lane, but they can't watch the store 24/7. The third break in since Christmas occurred on Saturday, Feb. 4. According to the sheriff's office, video surveillance revealed that at 12:54 a.m., a masked individual broke out the entrance door's glass and entered the business. What is believed to be a male suspect, headed immediately for a display cabinet, which contained bath salts. The suspect gained entry by beating the acrylic safety glass out of it and took approximately five packs of "bath salts" valued at $110 total. He then exited the building. The incident took place in less than one minute. From what is viewed in the surveillance video, the suspect appeared to be wearing a blue or purple ski mask pulled down, a hooded jacket, which has a large plaid design of green or gray squares and white lines, white, pajamastyled pants, with large blotches of black, and, possibly, a foam, clog-style slip-on shoe. The fourth break in occurred Monday, Feb. 13, This latest incident occurred around 1 a.m. and resulted in
22
Huron County VIEW
Maple Valley Road, 1 p.m. -6:45 p.m. • Harbor Beach, Mar. 13, Harbor Beach High School Library, 402 South Fifth Street, 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m. • Carsonville, Mar. 14, Carsonville Port Sanilac High School, 100 North Goetze Road, noon-5:45 p.m. • Millington, Mar. 15, Millington Community Center, 8705 State Road, 1 p.m.-6:45 p.m. For more information: Great Lakes Blood Services Region, 1800 East Grand River Avenue, P.O. Box 30102, Lansing, MI 48909-7602, 517-3187447, 517-896-4929, StonekingMM@usa.redcross.org.
over $200 of damage to a glass door and $135 worth of bath salts being taken. One 250 mg packet was recovered outside of the business. From surveillance video, one suspect of average build entered the business wearing what appeared to be a dark, pullover hoody, a gray-colored ski mask and light-colored, possibly jean-type, pants. The pants were baggy and the legs were frayed. They also appeared to have a ripped right pant leg. Evidence was gathered at the scene and leads are being followed. The first breaking and entering resulted in approximately $340 worth of stolen bath salts. The second breaking and entering occurred on Monday, Jan. 23. Anyone with information may call the Sheriff's Office at 989-269-6500 during regular business hours or Dispatch at 989-269-6421 anytime or the Confidential Tip Line at 989-269-2861 anytime. According to the sheriff, a suspect, Jason Robert Williams, 27, Bad Axe, was arrested on Saturday, Feb. 4 by the Huron County Sheriff's Office and was released on Sunday, Feb. 5, after posting $350 bond. Huron County Prosecutor Tim Rutkowski said a pretrial has been conducted and a preliminary exam scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 15.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Scheurer Family Medical Center Redi-Care Clinic 168 N. Caseville Road • Pigeon (Use Barth Medical Arts Building Entrance)
989-453-3223 Monday - Thursday: 3:00pm-8:00pm Friday: 1:00pm-8:00pm Saturday - Sunday: 9:00am-3:00pm A division of…
Huron County
VIEW “BLANKETS THE THUMB”
Thursday, February 23, 2012 • Vol. 1, No. 51 mihomepaper.com Incorporating the Huron County Press, The Thumb Blanket, The Newsweekly and the Harbor Beach TIMES
Pink Ladies
Hockey Association plans new ice arena
The Lady Hatchets are wearing pink uniforms for three games to raise cancer awareness. Pictured, Stephanie Butch passes the ball during Bad Axe's game against North Huron Feb. 14. Coach Brent Wehner said the uniforms were donated by brother and sister John Rowland and Dr. Anne Lesher, who appreciated the team's activities to raise money to fight cancer last year and wanted to support its efforts. In addition to wearing the uniforms, the team is selling t-shirts that read "Hatchets vs. Cancer" for $12. Wehner said all proceeds from the shirt sale will go to the Huron Medical Center Oncology Department. He said the team anticipates raising more than $1,000. For sports action, see page 23.
BY KELLY TAYLOR-JEROME
The hockey association provides a USA Hockey-sanctioned program for youth and adults. In the 2011-12 season, BAD AXE - The Huron County 279 people participated in league play. Hockey Association is seeking a partner Many others took advantage of the rink to help it grow its facilities, and it has for open skating and pick-up hockey. approached the entity that has helped it Aymen and Camp said the association for the past 18 years - Huron County. has had a good partnership with the During Tuesday's Huron County county throughout the years its activities Commissioners Meeting of the Whole, were held at the Huron County Expo association Vice-President Larry Camp Center, and it is seeking a similar and Board Member Matt Aymen told arrangement. the board the association is planning to Camp said the association wants its build a new $1.8 million-dollar facility in partner to own the building, and the Huron County. It is considering partner- association would run the programs and ing with a handful of entities and is generate income for the partner, as it has looking at four or five sites. HOCKEY on page 8 The association hopes to be in its new building by October 2014. News & Sports Editor * 810-245-9343 * kjerome@mihomepaper.com
Photo by Kelly Taylor-Jerome
Suspect located in fourth breaking and entering of Maple Lane BAD AXE - The Huron County Sheriff’s Office reported it has located a suspect in a recent break-in at Maple Lane Discount, which occurred on Feb. 13. This was the fourth break in at the business, located at 950 N. Van Dyke Road in Verona Township, since Christmas. A Bad Axe area man, accompanied by his attorney, cooperated in giving a statement regarding the incident to investigators. The sheriff’s department has turned over Scan This
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information to the Huron County Prosecutor’s Office for determination of charges. This latest incident occurred around 1 a.m. and resulted in over $200 of damage to a glass door and $135 worth of bath salts being taken. One 250 mg packet was recovered outside of the business. According to Huron County Prosecutor Timothy J. Rutkowski, charges have not yet been filed. Any further information regard-
ing the charges or suspect will be released by the Prosecutor’s Office at a later date and time. The substance stolen in each break-in, “bath salts,” should not be confused with products that are used in bathing and are for sale in the beauty aisle at department stores and pharmacies. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, the chemical ingredients aren’t useful as a bath product and are
distributed through “head shops” and convenience stores. The MDCH reports a surge of hospital emergency department visits, mostly from people in their 20s and 30s. Signs and symptoms the MDCH lists include severe paranoia, violent behavior, hallucinations, chest pain, seizures,
BREAK IN on page 2
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McKinley, Lake townships have local ballot issues
Bella Vista at Hersel’s on the Bay hosted a murder mystery dinner theater during Caseville’s Shanty Days on Saturday. While they dined on an all-you-can-eat buffet, guests were invited to help solve the crime of a poisoning that took place during a staged poker tournament. After the actors acted out the murder scene, guests searched each suspect for clues as to who committed the crime. Guests were then awarded points for the number of clues found and the accuracy of the guess.
HURON COUNTY - Calling voting a right and a responsibility, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is urging Michigan citizens to vote in the presidential primary election on Tuesday, Feb. 28. “I would urge all citizens who wish to do so to celebrate their freedom and make sure their voice is heard, their vote counts,” said Johnson, Michigan’s chief elections officer. In addition to the presidential primary, Lake and McKinley townships will conduct special elections on Tuesday, said Huron County Clerk Lori Neal-Wonsowicz. In Lake Township, voters will decide whether the Lake Township Zoning Ordinance will be amended to provide provisions for wind energy facilities within Lake Township, as described in the Lake Township Wind Energy Conversion Facility Overlay Zoning Ordinance. There will be two millage proposals on the ballot in McKinley Township. The first would renew the road millage, which is 4 mills, for the period of 2013 through 2020 and would pay for road improvements and other expenses. It is estimated this millage would raise $112,359 in its first year. This millage renewal would cost the owner of a $100,000 home approximately $200 per year. The second proposal is a new road millage, which would be imposed at 2 mills for the period of 2012 through 2017. It is estimated this millage would raise an estimated $56,179 in its first year. This new millage would cost the owner of a $100,000
Photos by Kelly Taylor-Jerome
VOTE on page 14
Teddies to be treated PAGE 14
“The Camels are coming!” PAGE 11
Murder at the Vista USA Cominghome court PAGE 17
BREAK IN from page 1
LOCAL HOOPS ACTION! SEE SPORTS 2
atric care. The MDCH also reports a “binge” and “cravdecreased amounts of sleep, ing” pattern of abuse with the poor appetite and self-mutila- item. tion; long-term side-effect Huron County Sheriff Kelly health problems can include J. Hanson said his department kidney failure, liver failure, is still looking for further increased risk of suicide, long- information and is following term mental illness, self-muti- leads from the first and third lation and death. The MDCH B&E involving this business. has stated users have reported Anyone with information can “horrible” experiences contact the sheriff’s office at including seeing demons; 989-269-6500 during regular these symptoms can last for business hours or the confitwo or three days or longer, dential Tip Line at 989-269requiring long-term psychi2861 anytime. Huron County VIEW
Bad Axe honors Kalis BY KELLY TAYLOR-JEROME News & Sports Editor * kjerome@mihomepaper.com
BAD AXE - Bad Axe City Council passed a resolution Tuesday honoring a respected community leader. Former Bad Axe mayor and councilmember Fred Kalis died Monday. Funeral services for Kalis are 11 a.m. Saturday at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe.
Visitation is 1 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Kaufman Funeral Home and one hour before the funeral at the church. Council also conducted a public hearing regarding an ordinance that would require animal owners to pick up after their pets. No community member objected to the ordinance. Council will vote on the matter at its next regular meeting, 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 6. Thursday, February 23, 2012