Midland's Alyvia Jones wins two more national tennis titles, bringing her total to seven

Eleven-year-old Alyvia Jones of Midland swept both the singles and doubles titles at the USTA Girls' 12 Nationals in Grand Rapids, bringing her career total to seven national titles. Seven national titles is the most ever for a Midland Community Tennis Center player, according to MCTC Executive Director Mike Woody. In all, 17 national titles have been won by MCTC players since 2008. Jones won the singles title, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, over Elysia Bolton of Lake Forest, Ill. She then partnered with Bolton to win the doubles title, 8-1, over Amber O'Dell of Chesterfield, Mich. and Emily Thomas of Cincinnati.

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Dow Chemical Co. responds to WikiLeaks spying allegations

The Dow Chemical Co. today isn't confirming or denying claims it paid a U.S.-based global intelligence company to collect information on the Yes Men, a group of grassroots activists. "Major companies are often required to take appropriate action to protect their people and safeguard their facilities around the world from those who would threaten, disrupt and misrepresent the company and its employees," the company said in a release. "Dow takes the obligations to ensure the safety of its people and facilities seriously and will continue to do so within the bounds of the law."

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Dow, MDEQ hold property purchase plan information meeting Thursday in Midland

Thursday night is your opportunity to ask questions about Dow Chemical Co.'s property purchase plan. Dow and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality officials will present information about the plan and offer a question-and-answer session at 6:30 p.m. at Midland's Central Middle School auditorium, 305 E. Reardon. Dow will offer to purchase 50 homes near its Midland plant affected by dioxin contamination. From the late 1800s to the 1970s, Dow has acknowledged the company leaked various amounts of dioxins and chemicals into the river and to nearby properties through air emissions. The toxic chemical byproduct of fire and chlorine manufacturing can cause health problems.

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Midland's 'Always ... Patsy Cline' sheds light on a legend

Sally Goggin knows the routine. Joanie Stanley as Patsy Cline in the Midland Center Stage Theatre production “Always … Patsy Cline” will open the show singing a few of the songs that have made the late country singer a legend to this day. It’s enough to make you cry, promised director Susie Polito, who said this is the voice that brought her to tears with “Crazy.” “Then I’ll step up and start talking,” said Goggin, who as Louise Seger tells the story of the singer she came to know through letters and phone calls. “People in the audience, angry that the music stopped, will cross their arms and close their eyes until I’m done.”

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Ann Romney campaigns on behalf of husband, encourages community to vote in primary

Ann Romney spoke about her ties to Michigan, her health battles and her faith that her husband, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, could make a financial turnaround for the country Sunday at The H Hotel. "It's so good to be in Michigan," she said. "Michigan is in my soul." Romney talked about being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998 and how supportive her family was throughout her battle. She also mentioned her battle with breast cancer. She said her husband had a lot to do with her "miraculous recovery." "Mitt will be the Republican nominee," she said and those in attendance cheered. "I said four years ago we wouldn't do this again, but we need a turnaround and that's what this guy does."

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Chemical Bank employees wear red for heart disease awareness

On Feb. 3, more than 400 employees from 50 Chemical Bank offices in the Great Lakes Bay Region wore red in support of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign. The bank, a corporate sponsor of the Go Red for Women conference held Feb. 10 in Midland, also has been selling “red hearts” to raise money for the American Heart Association.

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Dave Camp says Asian carp must be stopped now

U.S. Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland, this week told the Obama Administration that something must be done now to stop the threat of Asian carp. In response to the most recent update on the strategy for preventing the invasive species from entering the Great Lakes, Camp said he's glad to see the new plan will increase monitoring but that plan isn't good enough. “I am glad this administration’s revision to the Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework will increase monitoring and implement new measures to prevent Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes," Camp said in a release. "However, hydrological separation is the only permanent solution to protect the $7 billion Great Lakes economy and the 800,000 jobs it supports." The federal government this week announced plans to spend $51.5 million in 2012 on the fight against Asian carp.

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Butterflies arrive at Midland's Dow Gardens

A Facebook status update tipped off fans of Dow Gardens' butterflies exhibit that a new batch of butterflies in pupa form arrived. The shipment comes a week before the newest exhibit, "Butterflies In Bloom," opens March 2. The nearly 2-month-long exhibit will feature the winged insects from continents as far as Africa and Asia. Dow Gardens' butterfly house will open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from March 2 to April 22.

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Dave Camp says 'true compromise' led to payroll tax holiday deal

Before he took a minute to encourage his constituents to take advantage of free tax filing services, U.S. Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland, talked to Mlive.com about his recent success extending the payroll tax holiday. Camp, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, said it was "true compromise" that led to the passing of the Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act. "With a divided government, that's the only way you're going to get anything done," Camp said. The bill extends the payroll tax cut, and unemployment insurance benefits and prevents a cut in Medicare reimbursements for doctors. Camp introduced the original House bill and was selected to chair the House-Senate conference committee tasked with drafting the final conference report.

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Watch Star Wars fans gather at Midland Center For The Arts event

Hundreds of Star Wars fans showed up during Saturday's Cosmic Costume Carnival at the Midland Center For The Arts. Members of the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion, a Star Wars re-enactment group from the Great Lakes Bay region, wandered the facility and fans -- both adults and children -- gathered, sometimes in their own costumes. The gathering wasn't limited to Star Wars fanatics. Some attendees dressed up in other science fiction-inspired costumes including Iron Man, Indiana Jones and characters from Star Trek.

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Free electronic income tax filing software for low- to moderate-income residents to be unveiled by Congressman Dave Camp in Midland

Electronically filing state and federal income taxes this year could be free for up to 70 percent of taxpayers using Free File, an online tax calculating program developed by the government and various tax software companies. Read about the qualification requirements or answer these questions to check if you qualify for Free File. Free filers must have an adjusted income less than $58,000 and stock sales and certain deductions disqualify taxpayers from using the free system.

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Midland Judge is honored to be chair of Michigan juvenile justice committee

Midland County Judge Dorene Allen said she is honored to represent law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies as chair of the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice. Allen, 57, said there is a process to be on the committee that involves nominations, application processes with the governor's officer and being appointed to a position. The 15-member committee will advise on juvenile issues throughout the state. Brandon Shire, 22, of Midland, was appointed to the committee after Allen nominated him. Shire went through the juvenile justice system from Allen's courtroom. It was required that all nominees had been part of a juvenile justice program.

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Midland's Creative 360 names Carol Speltz its volunteer executive director

In still another sign of returning stability, Midland’s Creative 360 today announced that it has appointed a new executive director. Carol Speltz of Bay City, former administrator of Pinecrest Farms in Midland, president of the Olde Thyme Herb Society in Bay City and a member of the Bay Area Watercolor Guild, has volunteered her services as the arts center at 1517 Bayliss works its way back from a series of financial setbacks. Remaining as paid staff members are Colleen Reed, the program director who served as interim director in recent months; office manager Elizabeth Walsh and caretaker Robert Driver.

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Midland's Wolverine Bank adopting stock repurchase program

The board of directors of Wolverine Bancorp, the holding company for Wolverine Bank, has authorized a stock repurchase program. The Midland-based bank announced the company intends to repurchase up to 5 percent of its issues and outstanding shares, as many as 125,375 shares. The program permits shares to be repurchased in open market or private transactions, Wolverine Bank said. The bank said repurchases will be made at management's discretion, "at prices management considers to be attractive and in the best interests of both the company and its stockholders." Stock availability, general market conditions, the trading price of the stock, alternative uses for capital, and the company's financial performance will all be taken into price consideration, Wolverine said.

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EPA dioxin assessment: Dioxins pose no significant health risk

The Environmental Protection Agency in its non-cancer dioxin assessment states dioxin levels in air emissions have decreased by 90 percent since 1987. The agency on Friday released the assessment, a long promised report on dioxins, a family of chemicals found in the environment worldwide and those that are found in the Tittabawassee and Saginaw rivers. "Dioxins are toxic chemicals that naturally exist in the environment and can be released into the environment through forest fires, backyard burning of trash, certain industrial activities, and residue from past commercial burning of waste. Today’s findings show that generally, over a person’s lifetime, current exposure to dioxins does not pose a significant health risk," the report states.

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Magic was in the air at Midland's "Simple Gifts"

Roland Wallace knew he had heard the name Chelsea Tipton before, though the Midland Symphony Orchestra’s double-bassist couldn’t place exactly where. Then, during the week’s rehearsals building to Saturday’s “Simple Gifts” concert at the Midland Center for the Arts, he looked at guest conductor Chelsea Tipton II and remembered. “Forty years ago, when he was a little kid, about 4 years old, running around the house, and I was a junior in high school, his father gave me my first full-ride music scholarship to music camp,” said Wallace, who as the Maestro Wannabe winner conducted Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” on Saturday.

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Dow Chemical Agrees To Clean Dioxin-tainted Properties In Midland, Mich.

Michigan environmental regulators said Thursday that they reached a long-sought deal with Dow Chemical Co. to clean up to 1,400 residential properties in Midland, home of its corporate headquarters and a plant that polluted the area with dioxin for much of the past century. The state Department of Environmental Quality said it agreed with the company on the outlines of a cleanup plan, marking a milestone in on-and-off negotiations that began in the mid-1990s. Dow will cover all of the costs and will fill in the plan details and submit them for review next month. The total cost of the plan won't be clear until it's known how many of the 1,400 properties require cleaning and how much work needs to be done, Dow and DEQ officials said. The company said it would offer to buy about 50 homes and lots in two areas close to the plant.

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No plans to offer Saginaw and Tittabawassee riverside homeowners same property purchase deal offered in Midland

Dow Chemical Co. officials say there are no plans to include residents living along the Tittabawassee and Saginaw rivers in a plan to buy or clean up properties near dioxin-contaminated soil. The Midland chemical company on Thursday announced they would offer to buy 50 Midland properties while also offering to test soil for high levels of dioxin at an additional 1,450 properties surrounding those 50 properties. Properties where soil registers above 250 parts per trillion – a measurement used to determine dioxin contamination levels – would have the contaminated soil removed and replaced by Dow-hired crews. The properties designated don't include Saginaw and Midland county homes alongside the rivers, where Dow-hired scientists over the years have discovered high levels of dioxin downstream from a Dow plant.

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Dow Corning Tennis Classic has been a winner from the beginning

via Midland Daily News

It was early in January of 1989 that Glenn William of the Midland Community Tennis Center told me he had a big announcement to make. That turned out to be the revelation that the MCTC would be hosting a $25,000 United States Tennis Association Women's Challenger Tournament the following month. The impetus for the tournament was to showcase the talent of Midland's own Meredith McGrath, who was a senior at Dow High at the time. And things couldn't have turned out any better during that inaugural tournament. McGrath went on to play in the final against Shaun Stafford, who also trained at the MCTC, with Stafford winning 6-3, 6-3. The Daily News reported that an estimated 350 spectators were on hand for the championship match.

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Midland couple living across street from Dow Chemical Co. will sell for right price

In the backyard of the Klich's home of 44 years on Corning Lane in Midland stands a 20-foot tall jungle gym used by their 10-year-old live-in granddaughter. A faded McGregor basket lies along a fence alongside the driveway and a clump of pine trees separate the edge of the property from an industrial horizon filled by the sprawling Dow Chemical Co. chemical plant. Sirens and loudspeakers from the plant intermittently interrupt the sounds of passing cars. Frederick J., 65, and Susan M. Klich, 61, have lived in this home for decades in relative harmony with the familiar sights and sounds.

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Midland city manager: Proposal to buy contaminated properties could offer finality to community's dioxin issue

The city's top official said he hopes Dow Chemical Co.'s proposal to buy contaminated properties from 50 homeowners – who could sell their properties voluntarily – offers closure to the community's dioxin issue. “It appears this program would offer that,” said Jon Lynch, Midland's city manager since 2006. “This kind of concept, we're very comfortable with as a municipality.” Lynch would not speculate on how many homeowners may sell their properties to the chemical company, which then would donate the land to development firm Midland Tomorrow for redevelopment.

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Two Midland Dodge Charger police cruisers among those recalled by Chrysler

Two Midland police cruisers are among the nearly 10,000 Dodge Chargers recalled earlier this week. Chrysler recalled 9,688 cop specials because some may have overheated lighting connectors that could cause the cars' low beams to fail. Also, some of the vehicles' power distribution centers could overheat, causing a loss in anti-lock braking abilities. Police Chief Gerald Ladwig said two of the department's 2012 Dodge Chargers were taken to a dealership for the recall. "We're getting the appropriate fixes made to the cars. We set up an appointment to take them to a local dealership here," Ladwig said.

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Sci-fi garb encouraged: Get your 'Star Wars' fix at Midland's Cosmic Costume Carnival

Chris Blackstock wasn’t so different from most boys in the ‘70s, heading for the nearest movie theater whenever George Lucas offered another escape to “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” But the Chesterfield man’s fascination with all things “Star Wars” didn’t end with the final chapter of the film series. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, you’ll find him and a dozen or so friends from the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion wandering around Midland’s Cosmic Costume Carnival dressed as if they’d stepped out of a galactic time warp. “Just look for Chewbacca,” Blackstock said of his alter-Wookie identity. “I’m not quite tall enough to fill his fur, so underneath it all, I’m walking on 15-inch drywall stilts.”

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Fresh from touring with Sting, Chelsea Tipton II to perform with Midland Symphony Orchestra

A road-weary warrior heads to Midland this week, not far from where he started his career more than 20 years ago. And while Chelsea Tipton II says his recent tour with Sting was the opportunity of lifetime, he’s glad to return to the podium Saturday, Feb. 18, as guest conductor for the Midland Symphony Orchestra’s “Simple Gifts.” “I taught at Central Michigan University from 1991 to 1995 — it was my first job — and I headed the orchestra and taught music appreciation,” said Tipton, who is now music director of the Symphony of Southeast Texas in Beaumont, Texas, just outside Houston.

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Infectious disease specialist joins Midland's MidMichigan Physicians Group

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Ahmad Subhi joined MidMichigan Physicians Group in Midland. Subhi, a graduate of Baghdad Medical School in Iraq, treats infections of the sinuses, heart, brain, lungs, urinary tract, bowel, bones and pelvic organs caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The Midland resident has formerly practiced as a hospitalist and clinical instructor of hospital medicine at a Michigan State University-affiliated hospital. Getting a complete medical history of his patients is essential for Subhi, he said.

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Midland Community Center offers Valentine's Day discount on alphARace

The Midland Community Center is offering a Valentine's Day discount for couples who are interested in partaking in this year's alphARace. The obstacle race will take place on June 1 and 2 in Midland and features day races as well as a unique night race by headlamp. Military-style obstacles and a 200-foot slip and slide are just a few challenges the 3.5 course entails. On Feb. 14, couples may register together for the race and save $5 each on their registration fee. For information, contact Gigi McIntyre at gmcintyre@mcc.org or call 989-837-7932.

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Midland's former G-man crosses to the dark side in 'Treasure Island'

 A motley crew of bloodthirsty buccaneers waits for the curtains to open Friday, Feb. 10, on Midland's Center Stage Theatre production of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," and among the worst is the notorious Black Dog. He's dark and the most bestial of the lot, say students of the classic tale, and that says a lot, considering the competition. But Kevin Kendrick, a student of deviate personalities himself, begs to differ.
"He's not Pew," says the vice-president of global security at Dow Corning, as he shifts attention from his character to the blind, doomed Pew. "That guy is infinitely creepier."

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Midland Mayor Maureen Donker wants to see continued growth in 2012

The city of Midland saw a lot happen in 2011. MidMichigan Health completed a $115 million expansion, plans were announced to build a $49 million retail and office building across from the Dow Diamond, and plans to bring Panera Bread to town were announced. Midland Mayor Maureen Donker says the city has a lot to be proud of, and hopes to see a lot of the same in 2012. Donker on Wednesday gave the Midland State of the City address at the Great Hall Convention and Banquet Center to a crowd of more than 300 people. "I want to see continued growth," Donker said when asked about what she wants to be discussing at next year's State of the City Address. Wednesday's address marked the seventh year for the annual event and the third year with Donker as keynote speaker.

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Midland woman plans Zumbathon for her mother, of Holland, who has leukemia

When Jill Lareaux's insurance lapsed in July, she wasn't too worried because she had always been in good health. Then she was diagnosed with leukemia. Lareaux, 61, of Holland is a fine artist. She was diagnosed with acute lymphocystic leukemia in 2011. “She's always been healthy,” said Trena Winans-Bagnall, Lareaux's daughter who lives in Midland. “But she started looking pale, her limbs became heavy and she started to get unexplained bruises all over her body. That's when she knew it was time to go to the hospital.”

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Dow Corning's liquid silicon is helping people in the developing world see

Liquid silicon made by the Dow Corning Corp. is helping people living in developing countries through a partnership with the Centre for Vision in the Developing World. A recent report from NPR highlighted how different businesses and organizations are helping to bring quality eye care to areas where exams are often thought of as luxuries. Through their partnership, Dow Corning and the Centre for Vision are working to make cheap glasses with lenses made of liquid silicon, a product developed by Williams Township-based Dow Corning. Dow Corning's James Stephenson told NPR the glasses are equipped with a little pump that can adjust the shape of this liquid lens.

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2012 Dow Corning Tennis Classic main draw begins in Midland

Ashley Weinhold of the United States returns a serve from fellow American Chi Chi Scholl in the first set of their match in the 2012 Dow Corning Tennis Classic in Midland. The women's singles feature match between American Melanie Oudin and sixth-seeded Foretz Gacon of France takes place at 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, at the Midland Community Tennis Center, 900 E. Wackerly in Midland.

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Midland Mayor to look forward at Wednesday's State of the City address

Midland Mayor Maureen Donker on Wednesday will provide a glimpse into the state of things during the Midland State of the City Address. The luncheon address is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Great Hall Banquet and Convention Center, 5121 Bay City Road in Midland. Cost to attend is $25 for Midland Area Chamber of Commerce members, $50 for non-members and $250 for a table of ten. Those interested in attending can register online, or by calling the Midland Area Chamber at 989-839-9901.

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Moolenaar, Cotter to speak at senior centers

via Midland Daily News

Senior Services will host Sen. John Moolenaar and Rep. Kevin Cotter as their Lunchtime Learners program goes on the road to the Happy Diners Center and Coleman. The representatives will discuss legislation and the effect it has on Michigan’s older adults. On Friday, Feb.10, from noon to 1 p.m., Moolenaar, R-Midland, will speak at the Happy Diners Center at 1310 Ashman St. (in the Memorial Presbyterian Church). A native Midlander, Moolenaar has been an elected official at the state level since 2002 when he began the first of his three terms as Michigan’s 98th District state representative. Prior to his political career, Moolenaar worked in diverse fields from The Dow Chemical Co. to directing the Small Business Center at Middle Michigan Development Corp. During his years in office he has served on the Education, Energy & Technology, and Appropriations committees with particular focus on the Department of Education and the Department of Environmental Quality.

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More than a paper dress: Go Red for Women event Friday

via Midland Daily News

Mica Jones lists off the supplies she’ll be bringing with her to the Midland Country Club. “The paper roll, tape, glue gun, pins, scissors,” she said, adding, “There will be a few things that have to be touched up.” Jones is talking about a paper dress — red, of course — she created for the Go Red for Women conference scheduled for Friday at the country club. She made the dress in October at her home, and will transport it to the event herself. A red dress is the icon for the national Go Red for Women movement, launched in 2004 by the American Heart Association to draw attention to women and heart disease. Jones was asked by local Go Red for Women committee chair Melissa Anderson to design a paper dress for the Midland event, at which her husband Dr. Robert Jones, will be part of a medical panel.

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Midland native Heinz to pursue Giffords' vacated seat

via Midland Daily News

Ever since Midland native and H.H. Dow High School graduate Matt Heinz made the decision to join the special election to replace Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, his life has been a "whirlwind." He made the final decision to run Tuesday. "It's been kind of a whirlwind since that time," he said Friday over the phone.
Heinz, an Arizona state representative serving the Tucson area, said he has been discussing the issue with his family for the past two weeks. "Everything is continuing to evolve very rapidly," he said.

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Russian women's tennis pro in Dow Corning Classic speaks at Midland Chamber breakfast

As she gears up for competition in the Dow Corning Tennis Classic, Russian tennis professional Vesna Dolonts took time Friday morning to appear at the Wake Up Midland Chamber of Commerce breakfast. Dolonts has ranked as high as 86th in the world in women's tennis and has competed in all four grand slam events. She's making her first appearance at the Dow Corning Tennis Classic at the Midland Community Tennis Center. "From this moment, I will come every year," Dolonts told an audience of about 300 attending the morning chamber event at Valley Plaza Resort's Great Hall.

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Midland County sheriff doing his part to keep children safe on the internet

Midland County Sheriff Jerry Nielsen wants children to be safe on the internet. He's offering parental internet monitoring software to any parent who wants to make sure their kids are safe when using the internet. "It's really an eye-opener when you look at some of the things that have happened out there. And how easy it is to really get into a mess that you really can't get out of," Nielsen said. The program is called Computer Cop. It works by placing a disk inside the computer. Then the software scans the computer's hard drive for any inappropriate images or language that a child might've seen on the internet. Parents can use this information to talk to kids about what they're doing on the Web. "I have heard that it's helped the parents get into discussions with their children as to some of the things that's going on in their computer. And it's really helped them, and they feel it makes it much safer," Nielsen said.

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EPA misses self-appointed deadline to release official study on dioxin

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency missed its self-appointed deadline to release the official and complete study on dioxins. The EPA had promised to release the study by the end of January. It has been working on the study of dioxins since 1985. Members of the Lone Tree Council, a nonprofit environmental organization based in Bay City, said they were disappointed but hopeful that a study would be released soon. Thousands of individuals and organizations all across the United States have urged the release of the study.

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Andrew Wylie heads to Eastern Michigan, with Midland High teammates Dave Walter, Joe Vieu to Michigan Tech

Steve Elmer will have to wait, although he did get a phone call from Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly. Elmer is only a junior, so he was only a spectator Wednesday when three of his Midland High teammates signed letters of intent to play college football next season. Andrew Wylie was the centerpiece of the trio, signing with Eastern Michigan University. Fellow offensive lineman Joe Vieu and receiver David Walter signed to play for Division II Michigan Tech.

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