Monday, October 31, 2011

Parker accepts new role for Garber Management in N.Y.

via Midland Daily News

Kevin Parker’s last day as general manager and managing partner of Garber Chevrolet in Midland was Friday. On Nov. 7, he will officially take the helm of Garber Management Group’s newly acquired group of dealerships in Rochester, New York. Once the decision was made to purchase, it didn’t take long for Dick Garber, Jr., president of Garber Management Group, to tap Parker to manage the new operation. He said Parker immediately came to mind for a number of reasons: His success at Garber Chevrolet, his constant need for a new challenge and his wife’s family ties to Buffalo. Garber currently has dealerships in Michigan, Illinois and Florida, and running the business from afar is a real challenge, said Garber. “Kevin’s leadership has made Garber Chevrolet the most successful dealership in our group, and I have the utmost confidence in his abilities.”

Midland sheriff's deputies close road in Midland for car-pedestrian crash

via MLive.com

Emergency personnel in Midland closed East Indian, between Rodd and Townsend, after a vehicle struck a pedestrian about 8:20 p.m. Sunday. East Indian is a one-way street, which travels northwest in the section where the crash occurred. A message issued by Midland County Central Dispatch at 10 p.m. Sunday informed that the section of road had been reopened. A Midland County Central Dispatch representative said she could not release any details and police, as of 10:30 p.m. Sunday, were not available to provide information about the crash.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

2011 Halloween Charity Bash to benefit children's hospital

via MLive.com

The Great Lakes Bay MLS will host a Halloween Costume Party to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event is set for 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Bay Valley Resort, 2470 Old Bridge, in Frankenlust Township, and will feature a social hour with live music, cash bar and hors d’oeuvres, a kid’s and adult costume contest with prize packages, a Halloween dance and 50/50 raffle. Cost is $15 per person with all proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Great Lakes Bay MLS is a multiple listings service that takes advantage of the Internet to help boards, agencies and realtors close their deals with ease and efficiency.

Dow Chemical posts strong 3rd quarter earnings, record sales in China

via MLive.com

The Dow Chemical Co. this week reported a robust third quarter with increased earnings and sales compared to the same period in 2010. Shares were up 24 cents from the third quarter in 2010, to 69 cents per share for the 3rd quarter of 2011, according to a release from the company. The company also said it had achieved record sales of $15.1 billion, up 17 percent from a year ago, with volume growth being led by its sales in China where the company achieved record sales. "Dow delivered broad-based sales gains and significant earnings growth this quarter, reflecting the strength of our transformed business portfolio," Dow Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrew N. Liveris said in a statement. "Our diversified geographic presence was also on display, as our investments in emerging regions enabled us to capitalize on growth where it is happening most rapidly, even as developed regions paused in their economic recovery."

Runners Performance Store in Midland to host job fair

via MLive.com

Runners Performance Store will host its first job fair Nov. 3, to staff its newest Midland location. In the hopes of hiring sales associates, a store manager and an inventory control specialist, the store will do on-site interviews from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday Nov. 3, at 215 E. Wackerly in Midland. Those interested in applying for a position are asked to bring a resume. Runners Performance said people who love to run or are physically active usually are a good fit for the store. Complete job descriptions can be viewed online. The footwear and apparel store has three other locations at 2831 Bay in Saginaw Township, 4104 E. Wilder in Bangor Township, and 2316 S. Mission in Mt. Pleasant.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Auditions announced for Midland 'Treasure Island' production

via MLive.com

Center Stage Theatre announces open auditions for its upcoming production of "Treasure Island." Auditions will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, in the Lecture Room of Midland Center for the Arts, 1801 W. St. Andrews Road, Midland. Interested individuals should plan on attending one of these audition times in its entirety. A mixed cast of 30 characters is needed, including a 14-year-old boy, with opportunities for doubling.

Midland Township armed robbery ends with escape on bicycle

via MLive.com

Midland County Sheriff’s officials say a man wielding a knife robbed Mike’s Country Grocery of cash and cigarettes on Sunday evening. A media release from the sheriff’s department indicates a man in his late teens to early 20s arrived at the store on 2005 E. Gordonville at 6:31 p.m. “The suspect entered the store and approached the clerk, produced a knife in with one hand and had his other hand in the pocket of the sweatshirt,” the media release states.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Midland Twp. armed robbery suspect sought

via Midland Daily News

Midland County Sheriff’s deputies are searching for the suspect in an armed robbery that occurred Sunday night at a Midland Township store. The robbery was reported at 6:26 p.m., bringing deputies to Mike’s Country Grocery, 2005 E. Gordonville Road. There, deputies were told that a man entered the store wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and covering his face with a ski mask. The suspect showed a knife in his left hand, while his right hand was in his right pocket. He motioned as though the pocket also contained a gun, the report states. No gun was seen during the incident. The suspect demanded money and cigarettes. He left the store after he was given an undisclosed amount of cash and some cigarettes.

Rep. Dave Camp after Obama signs trade agreements: America is getting back in the game

via MLive.com

U.S. Rep. Dave Camp can check off a top priority on his to-do list: Getting three pending trade agreements approved. On Friday, President Barack Obama signed three trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. Camp said the signing of the three bills passed by Congress last week shows America is getting back in the game. "Finally, we are sending a signal to our competitors and allies alike that the United states is committed to a robust trade agenda that levels the playing field for workers in Michigan and across America, consumers, and businesses and creates new markets for our goods and services," said Camp, in a statement. "But it's more than that — with 95 percent of consumers living outside of the United States, we have to move ahead with such agreements or else our competitors in Europe and Canada will seize these markets from us and from our workers."

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Camp announces China trade hearing

via Midland Daily News

Congressman Dave Camp, R-Midland, announced that the Committee on Ways and Means will hold a hearing on the U.S.-China economic relationship. The hearing will be 10 a.m. Tuesday. The hearing will focus on the significant opportunities presented by the Chinese market as well as the barriers that U.S. companies, farmers, and workers continue to face. The hearing will explore the Administration's plans to address China's persistent barriers to trade and investment. "And when China has violated its international obligations, the United States must aggressively enforce its rights. I look forward to hearing the Administration's plan for addressing China's persistent barriers to U.S. exports and investment and exploring what should be done to ensure American employers and workers are treated fairly, said Camp."

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Coleman man sentenced to prison for sex assault

via Midland Daily News

A 39-year-old Coleman man has been sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting a teenage girl. Robert Dwayne Hund was sentenced Thursday to spend between seven and 15 years in prison for a count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and 16 months to two years for one count of interfering with electronic communication. Midland County Circuit Court Judge Jonathan E. Lauderbach credited Hund for 105 days, and recommended counseling. Court documents state Hund will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years. Hund first was charged with additional counts of first-degree criminal sexual assault and attempted first-degree criminal sexual assault. Those charges were dismissed when Hund pleaded guilty to the remaining charges in September.

Midland High rolls past Dow High, 38-13

via Midland Daily News

Midland High needed a win Friday to exact some payback, to maintain momentum, and to better its chances of hosting a playoff game. Mission accomplished on at least two counts. The Chemics dominated the first three quarters against Dow High and rolled to a 38-13 victory in Saginaw Valley League football at Midland Stadium. Avery Chatman rushed for 202 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries to lead the Chemics. With the win, Midland avenged last year's 24-0 loss to Dow and finishes the regular season at 8-1. Now, the Chemics will have to wait until Sunday night to see who they'll face in the first round of the MHSAA postseason -- and where.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Dow, MHS square off on Friday at Midland Stadium

via Midland Daily News

Regardless of what's happened this season, this Friday's 42nd annual season-ending football game between Dow High and Midland High is always one that gets both teams fired up. "It's certainly a red-letter game on our schedule," said Chemics' coach Eric Methner, whose team is 7-1 overall and in the Saginaw Valley League and headed to the playoffs. "It's the city rivalry. It's a very important game every year for both teams." Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Midland Stadium, and Dow is the host team this year. The game will be aired live on WMPX AM 1490 and ESPN 100.9 FM. The Chemics lead the series 32-10, including one playoff game won by Midland. The Chargers beat the Chemics 24-0 last year for their first win in the series since 2002. As Chargers' coach Jason Watkins noted, the players on the two teams know each other pretty well.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Midland's 'Annie' a timeless experience for three Bay County actors

via MLive.com

It was like a time warp, Sarah Wesolek said, when she took her daughter Delaney to "Annie" rehearsals at the Midland Center for the Arts. The Monitor Township girl plays an orphan in the classic Depression-era tale of rags-to-riches; 27 years earlier, a 10-year-old Wesolek played the title role on the same stage. "It's such a thrill to watch Delaney," she said. "I'm watching her create her own memories." But Wesolek had plenty of memories to share herself when Katie Travis, who played Annie in 1997, came to a recent rehearsal to watch Betsy Miller take on the role in Center Stage Theatre's upcoming production.

County restores funding for Midland Tomorrow, mulls cutting drug enforcement officer

via Midland Daily News

In a divided vote Tuesday, the Midland County Board of Commissioners restored partial funding to an economic development group while contemplating further cuts to staff and services, including a drug enforcement officer. The board voted 4-2 to increase funding in the proposed 2012 budget from $50,000 for the year to $100,000 for Midland Tomorrow, despite public comment opposing the measure. Commissioner Richard Keenan, R-4th District, was absent. In the 2011 budget, commissioners reduced funding for Midland Tomorrow from $150,000 to $50,000. Midland Tomorrow, a private, non-profit organization, is the contracted economic development organization for the county, and also serves various municipalities. During public comment, Sid Allen, president of the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce, said that "... communities don't just stand still. They either move forward or backward. And we believe that a strong economic development effort as provided by Midland Tomorrow is crucial to our city's and county's future growth and development."

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Man seriously hurt in crash last Thursday

via Midland Daily News

The 55-year-old man who was thrown from a Consumers Energy truck that went into a ditch along U.S. 10 Thursday suffered serious injuries. Midland Police report the accident occurred at 11:45 a.m. on the highway at North Stark Road when the trailer the truck was pulling began sliding, causing the load to shift. The trailer then tipped on its side, and the truck and trailer slid off the road. They overturned at least one time before coming to rest on the wheels. The driver, William Dale Vallen of Sumner, was ejected. He suffered broken bones and internal injuries. He was taken to the MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland for treatment, and was in fair condition Tuesday morning, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Midland Public Schools board candidates discuss issues

via Midland Daily News

Five candidates for the Midland Public Schools Board of Education found much to agree on at a public forum, although there appeared to be some difference on whether to spend the district's fund equity. "I believe in keeping any cuts as far away from the classroom as possible," Yvonne Gorton said at a forum Monday night. "If you have money in a fund, I think you should use that." Gorton and incumbents Lee Rouse and Jerry Wasserman will be on the Nov. 8 ballot -- the three are running for two four-year seats. Joyce Perry, who also took part in the forum, is vying for a four-year term as a certified write-in candidate. Angela Brandstadt is unopposed in seeking the partial term for the seat being vacated by Kelly Buell. The forum was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Midland Area and the Midland Branch of the American Association of University Women.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

2011 St. Jude Halloween Bash planned for Oct. 28th at Bay Valley Resort!

Great Lakes Bay MLS is proudly hosting the 2011 St. Jude Halloween Bash on Friday, October 28th at Bay Valley Resort in Bay City. 100% of the proceeds from this social event/dance will go to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Great Lakes Bay MLS is encouraging business members/leaders of the Great Lakes Bay area to come network with participants of an event sponsored by Kloha Contracting, Saginaw Spirit, Wolverine Bank, Dow Event Center, and more!

Tickets for the event are $15/person and can be purchased online at the official event website. For more details on attending, sponsoring, and/or donating for this special evening please visit HalloweenCharityBash.com or call Matthew at 989-698-3403.

MHS football could be peaking at the right time

via Midland Daily News

I arrived at Friday's football game between Midland High and Bay City Western expecting a great game. I was half right. The Chemics played a great game. And the Warriors, well, they looked a little bit overwhelmed. I've covered Midland four times already this season, and I've seen the Chemics absolutely trounce a couple of different teams, beating Saginaw Heritage and Saginaw Arthur Hill by a combined total of 115-0 in weeks three and four. But what I saw Friday in the Chemics' 34-7 rout of Western was probably the most impressive victory I've witnessed from a Midland team in some time. In doing my weekly football picks a few days prior to the game, I hemmed and hawed and eventually went with the Warriors. I had just seen BCW put up huge numbers against a very good Mount Pleasant defense a week earlier, and I got to wondering, "How is Midland going to stop THAT?"

Monday, October 17, 2011

Year-round drug drop off box debuts in Midland

via Midland Daily News

Drug drop offs have become a common event in town, with residents cleaning out unused or expired medications for safe disposal. Now, they have a designated year-round drop-off point at the Midland County Law Enforcement Center. The newest addition arrived a few weeks ago in the form of a drop off box in the center’s lobby, styled similarly to a post office box, into which medications can be dropped. Midland County Sheriff Jerry Nielsen said the box came at no cost to the county after two deputies attended a training seminar and learned of grants for the secure collection boxes. The Midland Area Partnership for Drug Free Youth began the local drug collections in the form of “Dump Your Drugs” events to keep the unused medications out of the hands of youth who might misuse them. “It’s been very successful in getting drugs out of the community,” Nielsen said of the events. When those collections began, the sheriff’s office also invited residents to drop off medications at its records division Law Enforcement Center.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Rep. Dave Camp raises more than $707,000 in 3Q -- most by any supercommittee member

via MLive.com

Debt-reducing supercommittee members raised a significant amount of money this summer, and U.S. Rep. Dave Camp came out on top. Camp, R-Midland, raised more than $707,000 in the third quarter — the most by any supercommittee member,according to Politico. Michigan's other member on the debt-reducing committee, Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Jospeh, raised more than $400,000. Whether Upton and Camp will be able to keep up the pace through the end of the year is uncertain. Both have said recently that they plan to scale back their fundraising efforts while the powerful supercommittee deliberates. (Politico)

Midland man, 64, sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting pre-teen boy

via MLive.com

A Midland man accused of sexually assaulting a pre-teen boy in 2009 and 2010 has been sentenced to prison. Dennis O. Clark, 64, pleaded no contest to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, a felony involving touching. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dropped two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person younger than 13, a felony that involves penetration and is punishable by life. Clark was charged in November after Midland County Sheriff’s deputies investigated reports of abuse that occurred in 2009 and 2010 in Midland Township. Clark was found competent to stand trial after being evaluated at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Ypsilanti. His attorney requested the competency exam, arguing that Clark suffered from major depression, delirium and visual and auditory hallucinations.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Chemics' Blake commits to play volleyball at Wisconsin

via Midland Daily News

Tori Blake didn't fully know what she was capable of, until she joined the Michigan Volleyball Academy program last winter.

It turns out that Blake is capable of playing in the Big Ten, one of the top volleyball conferences in the nation.

Blake, a 16-year-old junior middle hitter and blocker on the Midland High volleyball team, gave a verbal commitment to University of Wisconsin volleyball coach Pete Waite in late August to play for the Badgers starting in 2013.

DCECU hires new web administrator

via Midland Daily News

Dow Chemical Employees' Credit Union recently hired Jonathan Witucki as its new web administrator.

"Jonathan comes to DCECU with experience in developing and maintaining websites, as well as PC maintenance, troubleshooting and repair," said DCECU President/CEO Dennis Hanson. "We are excited to add him to our team."

Before coming to DCECU, Witucki worked for The Dow Chemical Co.; Aedis IT, LLC; and XS Tech. He graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a degree in computer information systems.

"Working at DCECU will present a new challenge," Witucki said. "I'm looking forward to continuing to help members use the DCECU website as a financial resource."

Friday, October 14, 2011

Trailer carrying excavator overturns on U.S. 10

via WNEM.com

Traffic on U.S. 10 in Midland County was briefly impacted early Thursday afternoon after a truck transporting a heavy piece of machinery lost control and flipped over. A Consumer Energy truck carrying an excavator rolled over on the eastbound ramp to Stark Road in Midland County. The exit was closed for a while, and the highway was down to one lane.

Chemics host Warriors; Chargers visit Wolves

via Midland Daily News

With only two games left in the football season, Midland High will get its toughest test since the season opener -- and a crucial matchup in terms of playoff positioning -- when the ninth-ranked Chemics host fourth-ranked Bay City Western Friday at 7 p.m. at Midland Stadium. Both teams are 6-1, so a win could mean the difference between starting the playoffs on the road or at home. "Both teams are looking to try to finish the season strong," Midland coach Eric Methner said. "In terms of getting homefield in the playoffs, 7-1 is certainly a lot better than 6-2. It's a big game." Friday's game will also more than likely decide second place in the Saginaw Valley League. First-place Mount Pleasant (7-0) beat the Chemics 21-7 in the opener and defeated the Warriors 52-49 in a thrilling shootout last Friday. Mason Myers's potential game-tying 45-yard field goal attempt for BCW into the wind came up only a couple of feet short in the closing seconds.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Snyder appoints local residents to state commissions

via Midland Daily News

Gov. Rick Snyder recently appointed local residents to the Michigan Commission on Services to the Aging and the Michigan Long-Term Care Supports and Services Advisory Commission. "These skilled individuals will provide their talents and expertise in health and long-term care. I look forward to their work as we continue to provide our aging and vulnerable Michigan citizens with quality care and service," Snyder said. Appointed to the Michigan Commission on Services to the Aging is Jeffrey Schade of Midland. The commission is a 15-member body appointed by the governor. It advises the governor and Legislature on coordinating and administering state programs and priorities that affect Michigan's older citizens. A majority of the members must be at least 60 years of age and no more than eight may be from the same political party.

Deal reached on fire inspection fees

via Midland Daily News

The City of Midland will not likely follow through with an initial report's suggestion to implement annual fire inspection fees on businesses that would have allowed the city to add a fire department employee to catch up on a backlog of inspections. The proposed fee system was changed based on input from the business community, Midland Fire Marshal Chris Coughlin told the Midland City Council on Monday night. "We have what may be a little more palatable solution," he said. Instead of assessing a fee for annual or semiannual inspections, the department would charge for follow up visits if needed, starting at $50 for a second visit. The department is expected to create a pre-inspection checklist to help business owners or occupants achieve compliance before the inspection. The city also would be open to accepting reports from third party inspectors who are properly certified, Coughlin said.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Michigan Court of Appeals not overturning Midland man's 2005 murder conviction

via MLive.com

For the second time, a Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld the murder conviction of a Midland man, much to his attorneys’ chagrin. The three-member court — composed of judges Michael J. Talbot, E. Thomas Fitzgerald and Christopher M. Murray — on Sept. 22 denied to hear the appeal of James S. Altman, convicted in October 2005 of second-degree murder in the death of Christina J. Fisher. The ruling is the latest setback in attorneys Richard E. Priehs and Robert J. Dunn’s efforts to free Altman. A Michigan Court of Appeals — also featuring Talbot — upheld Altman’s conviction in 2007, the state Supreme Court did not consider the case and Midland County Circuit Judge Jonathan E. Lauderbach in June denied a motion to vacate the conviction.

Despite rainy start, Northwood University auto show a success

via MLive.com

Northwood University students didn't let bad weather rain on their parade. At this year's Northwood University International Auto Show, more than 600 student volunteers interacted with more than 45,000 attendees, showing off 450 of the latest and greatest vehicles. On the show's first day, scattered showers damped festivities, but cool fall weather made for an enjoyable weekend. "From an academic point of view, this year's Auto Show would be considered a smashing success," said Joseph Lescota, chair of the automotive marketing and management program at Northwood. "Our students excelled in the areas of guest services and product knowledge. I could not have been prouder of this year's student representation at the show."

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Runners Performance Store opens in Midland

via Midland Daily News

Runners, walkers and those with foot problems might want to stop by the new Runners Performance Store at 215 E. Wackerly in Midland. The store, which opened Sept. 24, offers a custom fit and gait analysis that is designed to help customers find the right shoe for them. The store offers shoes from many different companies, including Asics, Adidas, Avia, Brooks, Mizuno, New Balance, Pearl Izumi and Saucony. It also offers running- and walking-related apparel, accessories and arch supports. Runners Performance is locally-owned, with four locations in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Owners Bill and Jennifer Thompson of Bay City opened the first store in Bay City in 2002, followed by Mount Pleasant in 2005 and Saginaw in 2008.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

2011 St. Jude Halloween Bash planned for Oct. 28th at Bay Valley Resort!

Great Lakes Bay MLS is proudly hosting the 2011 St. Jude Halloween Bash on Friday, October 28th at Bay Valley Resort in Bay City. 100% of the proceeds from this social event/dance will go to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Great Lakes Bay MLS is encouraging business members/leaders of the Great Lakes Bay area to come network with participants of an event sponsored by Kloha Contracting, Saginaw Spirit, Wolverine Bank, Dow Event Center, and more!

Tickets for the event are $15/person and can be purchased online at the official event website. For more details on attending, sponsoring, and/or donating for this special evening please visit HalloweenCharityBash.com or call Matthew at 989-698-3403.

Midland High's Wylie commits to play football at EMU

via Midland Daily News

Midland High's Andrew Wylie had the opportunity to play football for some pretty high-profile universities. Ultimately, he decided that pursuing a business degree, playing for coaches he really likes, and helping build a winning program at Eastern Michigan University was the best opportunity of all. Wylie, a three-year starter and senior left tackle at Midland, gave EMU coach Ron English a verbal commitment Saturday to play for the Eagles, beginning next fall. "It feels amazing. It feels awesome," Wylie said, adding of English's reaction, " ... He freaked out. He jumped right out of his chair. It was awesome. It made me feel good to know he was happy."

Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingle now available in some U.S. markets

via Midland Daily News

Several projects with ties to Midland were featured during The Dow Chemical Co.’s Investor Day event on Tuesday, including the company’s official commercial launch of the Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingle. The shingle, which places solar technology in a shingle that integrates with traditional asphalt shingles, will be available in some U.S. markets this month, starting in Colorado and moving to California, Florida and Texas. The solar shingles will be available for both residential customers replacing exisiting roofs and for homebuilders who can create entire subdivisions of houses featuring the shingles, Dow Solar Vice President Jane Palmieri said. The first national homebuilder to begin using the product will be D.R. Horton. Also announced was an investment in two research facilities within Dow Building Solution’s North American headquarters in Midland.