Dave Camp praises 2-year transportation bill

Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland, praised the passing of a transportation bill that includes the Stop Invasive Species Act, which aims to combat Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. The House on Friday passed the Transportation Reauthorization Conference Report, H.R. 4348, by a vote of 373 to 52. “This bill helps provide the funding that cities and towns depend on to develop and maintain the infrastructure they need to attract businesses and create jobs," Camp said. "House Republicans ensured that the provisions in this conference report promote job creation and do not add to the national debt." 


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Greater Michigan Art Exhibition in Midland 'strongest in a decade'

Rebecca Zeiss has entered the Greater Michigan Art Exhibition since she was 18, she said, "some years making it, and some years, not." And this year she found the work most carefully chosen, the pieces given room to breathe, she said, by juror Robert Schefman, the Midland artist took top honors. "I'm so very honored, especially to be selected by someone like Robert Schefman, who is at the top of the top in the art world," she said. "It's all amazing."


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Rep. Dave Camp says Affordable Care Act will prevent citizens from fulfilling American dream

The upholding of the Affordable Care Act by the Supreme Court could keep people from fulfilling the American dream, said Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland. Camp, chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, said Thursday the Court's decision will only slow the economy further and hinder Americans from finding the jobs they need to fulfill the American dream. "This decision says you must buy a product or pay a tax," Camp said. "This is the first time in the history of this country that a law would allow for the taxation of inactivity." Camp said the taxes associated with this legislation may well approach $800 billion.


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Midland High's Alex Rapanos earns MVP award in high school all-star baseball game

Alex Rapanos never lost sight of the destination. The vehicle, however, changed. The Midland High graduate played in his final high school baseball game Tuesday night at Comerica Park, earning Most Valuable Player honors in the West's 16-6 win over the East in the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game. Rapanos was 2-for-2 with a triple, walk, two RBIs and two runs scored. "It's the end of your high school career, and I've been playing high school ball for four years," Rapanos said. "To end it at Comerica, playing in a game with the caliber of players that were there ... I can't think of a better way to go out."


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Midland Public Schools approves budget that would spend $7 million out of fund balance

Midland Public Schools Board of Education approved a budget Monday that would spend $7 million out of the schools general fund. The district’s board approved an estimated expenditure budget of $82. 7 million while revenue is projected to be around $75.7 million. According to the story, the district currently has a fund balance of $12.8 million. According to the report, Associate Superintendent Linda Cline said the difference could be closer to $4 million at the end of next year with “budget variance.”


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Rep. Dave Camp calls domestic energy bill 'common sense reform'

The Domestic Energy and Jobs Act was passed by the House last week, and Rep. Dave Camp is hoping the bill will put Americans back to work. Camp, R-Midland, voted in favor of the bill which passed with a 248 to 163 vote. The bill aims to help lower gas prices and push for the development of domestic energy resources. “As we enter summer, Michigan families, the tourism industry and farmers continue to struggle with gas prices by paying 19 cents more per gallon than the national average," Camp said.  "While we may not be able to control all the factors leading to high prices at the pump, I believe we must do everything we can to help bring down energy prices."


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Midland to host farmers market, live music, fireworks on Fourth of July

Fourth of July festivities in downtown Midland will start early, last through the night and consist of everything from fresh fruits to aerial explosions. The festivities start at 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, as the Midland Farmers Market open throughout the morning and early afternoon on Ashman Street near the Tridge in Chippewassee Park, Midland Parks and Recreation Manager Marcie Post said. Events continue into the evening with musical performances in the park leading up to the annual Fourth of July fireworks display, Post said.


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In wake of Tridge jumping, Midland Police Sergeant says there are a lot of reasons to think twice before taking the plunge

Temperatures climbed to 91 degrees on Tuesday, but the risk for injury didn't stop a group of daredevils from taking a plunge into the river to cool off. A group of young men took turns climbing the railing of Midland's Tridge, a three-legged footbridge, and jumping from the top into the waters below. “If it’s a hot day and there is water available, then kids will do something for an adrenaline rush,” said Sergeant Matthew Berchert of the Midland Police Department. “But it has never been a big problem at the Tridge — I can’t tell you the last time I heard of someone jumping.” Berchert said that there are a lot of reasons to think twice before jumping from the Tridge, in addition to it being a violation of both state and city law.


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Midland Burger King parking lot shooting case back in court after juror conducted independent investigation

The jurors in a trial involving a shooting in a Midland Burger King parking lot were back in court this week after one juror conducted an independent investigation, the Midland Daily News reported. In April, Rachel Moore, 40, was found guilty of first-degree murder for the death of Brian Reichow. Reichow, 67, was gunned down in the parking lot of the fast-food chain, 6730 Eastman Ave. During the trial, Moore, who was dating Reichow, testified the two got into a confrontation. She said Reichow pulled a gun out of the glove box of his truck and threatened her. "He reached over in the glove box. I thought he was going to get some tissue, but he got a gun," Moore said during the trial. "I thought he was going to kill me."


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Midland unemployment up to 6.8 percent

Midland's jobless rate edged up in May as more people entered the workforce seeking seasonal jobs but not all of them found employment. Midland's seasonally unadjusted rate hit 6.8 percent, up from 6.5 percent in April, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. Midland's total workforce grew in the month, with about 450 more people employed and 150 more people unemployed.


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Tunes by the Tridge

The popular concert series, Tunes by the Tridge, continues with 9 weeks of musical entertainment for the entire family. Come down to the grassy area near the Farmers Market and bring your blanket, lawn chair and a picnic from home or goodies from our downtown merchants and vendors - you're sure to have a great time!

Thursday, June 21 - Jodi Sasse and Southern Cross, Country/Blues/Southern Rock
Thursday, June 28 - Dave Kellan, Alternative
Thursday, July 05 - Livingstones, Christian
Thursday, July 12 - The Blues Creators Band, Motown
Thursday, July 19 - Bull Honkey Delux, Country Rock
Thursday, July 26 - The Resonators, Percussion
Thursday, August 02 - Battle of the Bands, Christian/Rock

Concerts are Thursday nights, June 7 - August 2 from 7-9 p.m.

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44-year-old Mills Township man died in tractor accident

The Midland County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal tractor accident that happened on private property at 2035 East Baker Wednesday night. Greggory James Caldwell, 44, was driving a 1950 Farmall tractor. He was dragging downed trees out of the woods to cut up for firewood, according to authorities. He was traveling down a narrow trail when one of the trees he was dragging got caught on another tree, causing the tractor to flip backward. Caldwell was pinned under the tractor. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The sheriff's office said the accident is still under investigation. The Mills Township Fire Department assisted the sheriff's office at the scene.


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Dave Camp receives award from business group

Tuesday, Congressman Dave Camp, R-Midland, received an award from the Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC).  The award recognizes Camp’s work on international tax reform and his role in the passage of the Colombia, Panama, and South Korea Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). An analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation and U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service estimates the FTAs will increase direct agriculture exports from Michigan by $44.6 million per year and create more than 400 jobs.


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Great Lakes Loons Struggle Despite Play of Jarret Martin

In professional baseball, the statistics, numbers, wins and losses don't always tell the whole story. That could not be closer to the truth than with Great Lakes Loons starting pitcher Jarret Martin. Though the 3-5 deficit in the win-loss column may not have been acclimated to the rest of his statistics, having been named a Midwest League Mid-Season All-Star, Martin has done enough to warrant the praise of his peers. He currently ranks second in the Midwest League in strikeouts (73), but is also tied for first in walks allowed (44). In 15 starts, encompassing 72.2 innings pitched, he has amassed a 4.58 ERA. While not spectacular, by any stretch of the imagination, Martin's numbers fail to show the true scope of his performance.


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Press Release: 21 MICHIGAN SHELTERS PARTICIPATE IN ‘JUST ONE DAY,’ FOCUS ON ADOPTION

On Monday, June 11, animal shelters, rescue and welfare organizations in Michigan and nationwide made a commitment to dedicate resources to adopting out animals for ‘Just One Day,’ to help them find a loving home. Organizers asked animal shelters in every state to close their euthanasia rooms and devote all their energies to promoting adoptions. Participating shelters offered incentives like discounted adoption fees, extended hours, and extra staff to help adopters make the perfect match with available pets.

“Some of the participating organizations operate this way year-round, while others are still working toward that goal,” said Michigan Pet Fund board member Christie Keith. “By adopting from any of the shelters or rescue groups that have taken the Just One Day pledge, adopters help to change the way we care for homeless pets in Michigan.”

Twenty-one out of 163 Michigan shelters participated in the first ‘Just One Day’ event. Across the state there were a total 36 dog adoptions and 50 cat adoptions from participants, with the largest contribution from the Humane Society of Midland, which adopted out 7 dogs and 19 cats on ‘Just One Day.’

Other participating shelters included:

·      Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, 5 dog adoptions, 4 cat adoptions

·      Genesee County Animal Shelter, 5 dog adoptions, 2 cat adoptions

·      ChippewaCounty Animal Shelter, 4 dog adoptions, 4 cat adoptions

·      Bay County Animal Shelter, 5 dog adoptions, 2 cat adoptions

·      Livingston County  Animal Control, 1 dog adoption, 4 cat adoptions

·      Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter, 2 cat adoptions

·      Ingham County Shelter, 1 dog adoption, 3 cat adoptions

·      Humane Society of West Michigan, 2 dog adoptions, 4 cat adoptions

·      HOPE Animal Shelter of Ironwood, 2 dog adoptions, 2 cat adoptions

·      Humane Society of Muskegon, 1 dog adoption, 3 cat adoptions

·      Oakland Pet Adoption Center, 1 dog adoption, 1 cat adoption

·      Royal Oak Animal Shelter, 2 dog adoptions

A recentAssociated Press-Petside poll found that 71 percent of Americans don’t believe shelters should be allowed to euthanize friendly pets that are healthy or who have treatable conditions.

To see acomplete list of Michigan shelters that participated, or for more information on Just One Day, visit the Michigan Pet Fund website at www.michiganpetfund.org.

Michigan Pet Fund Alliance

Michigan Pet Fund Alliance is a not for profit organization whose mission is to end the killing of healthy and treatable homeless cats and dogs in Michigan by collaborating with animal shelters and rescue organizations to achieve No Kill through training, technical assistance, education, and advocacy.

50-year-old Midland man killed in single-vehicle crash, 12-year-old injured

A 50-year-old Midland man died and a 12-year-old passenger was injured in a single-vehicle crash Saturday near Brighton, according to the Livingston Daily. Police said Thomas H. Lichtenwald was driving a 2002 GMC Sierra north on U.S. 23 when the vehicle veered toward the right side of the roadway, went airborne and struck a tree near Hyne in Brighton Township. Lichtenwald was pronounced dead at the scene. The 12-year-old passenger was airlifted to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor for treatment. He is listed in stable condition, according to reports. Witnesses told police the vehicle was not speeding before the crash. The passenger said the driver may have had a seizure, police said.


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Some Midland County churches could close

In a reorganization plan that could be finalized in January, Diocese of Saginaw leaders may close about half the churches in the Catholic organization’s 11-county reach including Midland County. Officials recently announced the recommendations that could become reality by next summer. Here’s an overview of Midland County-area churches that could be affected both by closures and merged services between parishes.


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June 18 Saginaw-Tittabawassee Rivers Contamination group meeting cancelled

The next Saginaw-Tittabawassee Rivers Contamination Community Advisory Group meeting is in July. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sent out a release this week notifying the June 18 meeting is cancelled because the scheduled speaker will no longer appear. The next meeting is July 16. The advisory group meetings are the third Monday of each month at Saginaw Valley State University's Curtiss Hall. The members work with EPA and Michigan Department of ex officios to provide feedback about the dioxin chemical cleanup in the region.

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Dow Chemical Co. receives $9 million from Department of Energy for carbon fiber development

The Dow Chemical Co. is getting some help from the government to create an energy- and cost-saving carbon fiber production method. Midland-based Dow Chemical today received a $9 million grant from the Department of Energy to create a production process for carbon fibers that could reduce production cost by 20 percent and reduce total carbon dioxide emissions by 50 percent per unit of carbon fiber. "We have to see more advanced manufacturing products and processes in Michigan," said U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

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Living legend Ramsey Lewis on the trail to Midland

An electric evening is in store when the legendary Ramsey Lewis comes Saturday, June 23, to the Michigan Jazz Trail Festival’s Jazz on the Green and that’s by choice. Or maybe it developed by chance, Lewis said, chuckling, as he called from his home in Chicago. In any case, it means a night that people will remember for a myriad of reasons as they leave Dow Gardens. “I wanted to revive the electric group so I asked the guys if they were up to it,” Lewis said of the musicians on his latest effort, “Ramsey, Taking Another Look.”

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Detroit Red Wings announcer Ken Daniels brings stories from NHL, Olympics to Dow Diamond for Great Lakes Loons Red Wings Legends series

Detroit Red Wings play-by-play announcer Ken Daniels will kick off the Great Lakes Loons Detroit Red Wings Legends Series on Wednesday at Dow Diamond when the Loons take on the Dayton Dragons. First pitch is 7:05 p.m., although Daniels expects to throw out another "first pitch" before then. “Nothing fancy,” he said. “I’m just going to try and get it to home plate.” Daniels has finished his 13th season as the Red Wings announcer. He worked for CBC Sports in Canada for 13 years before leaving to take the Red Wings job. With CBS, Daniels also worked at two Olympic games and covered the World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays.

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Air conditioner unit catches fire in Midland Charter Square Town Homes, residents evacuated

The Midland Fire Department responded to a fire at Charter Square Town Homes Monday morning. An air conditioner unit caught fire in the building, 6100 Jefferson, shortly after 9 a.m. All residents made it out of the building safely. Firefighters from three stations responded. The fire was out by 10 a.m. Officials are checking attic spaces and the rest of the building for possible danger spots.

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Great Lakes Loons lose seventh in a row

via Midland Daily News


The South Bend Silver Hawks scored twice in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Great Lakes Loons 6-5 Thursday night. The loss was the Loons’ seventh straight, dropping them into sixth place in the Midwest League’s Eastern Division at 28-32. Trailing 4-3, the Loons tied the game 4-4 in the seventh inning and went ahead 5-4 in the eighth before the Silver Hawks’ winning rally. Jarret Martin started for the Loons, giving up four earned runs on four hits in 3 2/3 innings. Yimi Garcia (3-1) took the loss, giving up two earned runs on four hits in the ninth.

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Camp seeks disaster declaration to aid Michigan farmers

via Midland Daily News

U.S. Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland, along with members of the Michigan delegation, signed a bipartisan letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today in support of Gov. Rick Snyder’s request for a federal disaster declaration to expedite assistance for growers throughout Michigan. This past winter and spring, Michigan experienced extreme frost conditions as well as severe weather ranging from blizzards to flooding. As a result, growers will likely lose an estimated 90 percent of their apple, cherry and peach crop, 86 percent of their juice grape crop and 10 percent of their asparagus crop.

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Man charged with selling live Asian carp to DNR agents in Midland

An Arkansas man accused of illegally selling live Asian carp in Michigan has been charged with 12 felony counts, officials said Tuesday. The Michigan attorney general’s office said David Shane Costner, 42, of Harrisburg, Ark., sold two grass carp last month in Midland to undercover officers from the state Department of Natural Resources. He had been driving around the state selling the carp from store parking lots, investigators said. Grass carp are among four species of Asian carp that infested U.S. waterways after being imported decades ago to clear algae from fish ponds and sewage treatment lagoons.

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Midland summer concert lineup: Matrix festival, Tunes by the Tridge lineup liven up music scene

Concert enthusiasts will have a number of musicians to watch this summer in Midland County. One of the region’s biggest concerts draws is the free, 10-week Tunes by the Tridge program, which kicks off this Thursday with the blues-centric Rusty Wright Band as they perform near Midland’s Tridge, on Ashman near downtown. The June 7 concert will mark the debut of Dennis Bellinger, a former Grand Funk Railroad member, who now joins The Rusty Wright Band. All Tunes by the Tridge concerts begin at 7 p.m.

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Midland entrepreneurial networking event draws crowds

Business leaders and entrepreneurs from throughout the state gathered at Midland's Dow Diamond Thursday to share ideas, network and celebrate innovation in Michigan. The fourth annual MidMichigan Innovators: Heading for the Big Leagues event brought an estimated 350 entrepreneurs, investors and politicians together in a mix that supports new connections, spokeswoman Barbara Muessig said. "There's so much excitement — it's really a supportive environment," Muessig said. Sponsored by the MidMichigan Innovation Center and Midland's Dow Chemical Company, the event offered workshops for investors and entrepreneurs as well as space to browse booths of entrepreneurs and companies to potentially connect with.

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