CARO

REESE, MI - Reese hosted Caro for a high school girls basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. Caro’s Alexa Long (11) attempts a basket during a high school girls basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.comCaro’s Alexa Long (11) smiles after defeating Reese in overtime during a high school girls basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.comReese fans cheer on their team during a high school girls basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.comSee more on MLive:See images as Bay City Wolves hockey defeats Midland DowOur favorite 10 photos as Saginaw Nouvel boys basketball defeats ChesaningSee images as John Glenn High School basketball hosts Garber in doubleheaderSee photos as Hemlock girls basketball takes down St. CharlesOur favorite 10 images as Frankenmuth girls basketball defeats Swan ValleySee photos as Bay City Central boys basketball defeats GarberSee our top Saginaw and Bay City area sports images in 2022Take a look at 100 images taken in Saginaw and Bay City areas in 2022MLive’s 100 favorite photos that defined Michigan in 2022Check out photos as Heritage boys basketball defeats Swan ValleyOur favorite 10 images as Heritage girls basketball hosts Cass CitySee photos as Bay City Central high school basketball faces Bay City Western in doubleheaderSee images as Chelsea girls basketball defeats Freeland

Adelyn Moore compiled her usual stat line, coming close to a triple double for the Caro girls basketball team. And the Tigers needed every point, rebound and steal.

BAY CITY, MI – A look at the high school sports scene in the Bay City area for Jan. 18, 2023. BOYS BKB: CASS CITY 47, CARO 45Cass City continues to make good use of every single second. BOYS BKB: LAKER 61, BAD AXE 53The Greater Thumb West title chase is officially wide open after Laker dealt No. Arnell Somlar of the Bay City All Saints boys basketball team for 2022-23. Madie Werner of the Bay City All Saints girls basketball team for 2022-23.

BAY CITY, MI – A look at the high school girls sports scene in the Bay City area for Jan. 17, 2023. GIRLS BKB: CASS CITY 62, CARO 52There’s no place quite like first place for the Cass City girls basketball team. Bay City Western’s Brooke Swartz (33) dribbles the ball down the court during a high school basketball game on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.comGIRLS BKB: BAY CITY WESTERN 51, MOUNT PLEASANT 49Bay City Western needed something special to keep its winning streak rolling – and got it. RELATED READINGRecognizing standouts with Bay City Athlete of the Week pollAP boys basketball state rankingsAP girls basketball state rankingsFormer college athlete and coach named new Bay City Western ADUnable to chat in the pool, Connor Dowd quietly continues record chaseBay City roundup: 3-point fireworks merit repeat performanceBay City roundup: Saluting a weekend of milestones, records, championships

TUSCOLA COUNTY, MI -- A 42-year-old Caro man died after police said he fled a traffic stop, drove through a stop sign and collided with another vehicle. Tuscola County sheriff’s deputies said the incident began when a Caro police officer tried to make a traffic stop on a 2013 Dodge Caravan on State Street about 12:55 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17. A Tuscola County sheriff’s deputy joined the pursuit, police said, and followed the Caravan west toward Higgins Road. The Caravan then failed to stop for a stop sign and collided with a vehicle going north on Higgins Road. Rescuers performed CPR on the Caravan driver, but he died at the scene.

CARO, MI — The patriarch of the Putmans, a multigenerational Tuscola County family featured on two reality TV shows, has been sentenced to jail and probation for assaulting two construction workers. Bitzer gave Putman no credit for time already served in the jail and had him taken into custody the same day. A four-day trial ended Sept. 13 with jurors finding Putman guilty of four counts of assault and battery. The younger victim in December 2015 was sentenced to 182 days in jail and three years’ probation after pleading guilty to discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle. Read more:Patriarch of reality TV Putman family convicted of assaulting construction workersFederal jury finds ‘Meet the Putmans’ star not guilty of firearm chargesStar of reality TV show ‘Meet the Putmans’ faces federal AR-15 charge

CARO, MI — A Bay City man and former chaplain has received a probation sentence for trying to meet up with what he thought was a minor, an incident that was caught on video and published by a YouTube vigilante. The judge deferred Bader’s remaining 347 days in jail, meaning he will only have to serve them if he violates probation. The charge stems from a video posted on YouTube on Feb. 1, 2020. Though the alleged meeting occurred in Bay City, the exchange of messages or solicitation occurred in Tuscola County, Reene has said. Bader lived in Caro at the time, though he now resides in Bay City.

CARO, MI — A Tuscola County jury has convicted the patriarch of the Putmans, a multigenerational family featured on two reality TV shows, of assaulting two construction workers. The property is owned by the Putmans and was built by Putman Developing. The footage shows the elder Putman grappling with the younger worker, shouting, “You’re not getting up. A jury in June 2019 found Brandon Putman not guilty of all three charges. Read more:Federal jury finds ‘Meet the Putmans’ star not guilty of firearm chargesStar of reality TV show ‘Meet the Putmans’ faces federal AR-15 charge‘Meet the Putmans’ reality show patriarch suffers heart attack

CARO, MI - A rollover crash left a Vassar woman dead in Tuscola County this week. Michigan State Police Caro Post troopers responded to a crash involving a single vehicle near M-46 and Ringle Road at about 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1. A preliminary investigation indicated that Joyce D. Jackson, a 78-year-old woman from Vassar, was traveling west on M-46 when her vehicle went off the roadway and rolled over into the ditch, striking a tree, police said. Jackson was the driver and lone occupant of the vehicle, police said. MSP troopers were assisted at the scene by Caro MMR, Vassar Fire Department and the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office.

CARO, MI — A Bay City man and former chaplain charged with two felonies after a YouTube vigilante published a video of him trying to meet up with what he thought was a minor has accepted a plea deal. The video goes on to show its creator meet with Bader during daytime hours in the parking lot of the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA at 225 S. Washington Ave. in Bay City. Though the alleged meeting occurred in Bay City, the exchange of messages or solicitation occurred in Tuscola County, Reene has said. Bader lived in Caro at the time, though he now resides in Bay City. Read more:Caro man faces felonies after vigilante’s viral video leads to his arrestBay City police warn against vigilante videos even after one leads to an arrestYouTube vigilante accused of smashing phone of woman who confronted him in Bay City

A Saginaw County woman’s jaw “dropped about a foot” when she won $300,000 playing the Michigan Lottery’s Cashword Multiplier instant game.

CARO, MI - A crash at a rural intersection left one man dead after another vehicle reportedly disregarded a stop sign and entered the intersection. Officers from the Huron County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash around 7:32 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at the intersection of Caseville and Stein roads in Winsor Township. Both vehicles reportedly then came to rest in a cornfield in the southwest corner of the intersection. David Caister, 58 of Caro, was the lone occupant of the Jeep and died from injuries during the impact, police said. Crash investigators from the Huron County Sheriff’s Office, as well as personnel from the Huron County Medical Examiner’s Office, were called to the scene.

A Michigan man described as a leader of the white supremacist group The Base has been sentenced to 56 months to 20 years in prison, Attorney General Dana Nessel said Thursday.

CARO, MI - A white cedar log home built in 1984 is on the market in Tuscola County. Surrounded by trees on nearly eight acres, the home is located at 3926 Ball Road and listed for $529,900. Related: White cedar log home on 8 acres makes for private retreat in CaroRealtor Jenifer Rifkin of Century 21 Signature Realty said it was built by the current owner and they didn’t overlook a single detail. “It is like a vacation to be on the property.”It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,632 square feet of living space. 90 Private log home hits the market in CaroSee all 90 photos of the home above or click here.

TUSCOLA COUNTY, MI — A white cedar log home on nearly eight acres in Caro makes for a beautiful private retreat in Michigan’s Thumb. “It’s like your own little oasis,” said Realtor Jenifer Rifkin of Century 21 Signature Realty. “It is like a vacation to be on the property.”

CARO, MI — For scoping out Michigan land to use as “hate camp” training grounds, a self-described leader of international white supremacist/neo-Nazi group The Base has received prison time. The three men assessed the properties as potential future training grounds for “hate camps,” what The Base called its paramilitary firearms training exercises. Related to the Washtenaw County cases, Gorman, now 37, pleaded guilty to gang membership and on Feb. 28 was sentenced to four years of probation. Watkins in April also pleaded guilty to gang membership and is scheduled for sentencing on June 13. Read more:Michigan hate group member accused of threatening Dexter family takes plea dealLeader of Michigan white supremacist group ‘The Base’ to remain in jail without bondMichigan white supremacist group leader in jail after breaking bond conditionsWhite supremacists target Dexter home by mistake

The 2022 Lower Peninsula track and field region championships are in the books and many, many athletes have qualified for the Division 3 state championships on June 4 at Kent City High School. Here is a list of every qualifier heading to Kent City with the region performance marks listed for each. A school abbreviation reference key is listed at the bottom. DIVISION 3 BOYS QUALIFIERS100 MetersSeed, Grade, Name, Region mark, School1, 9, Cobey Cureton, 11.09, ATA2, 12, Dane Plichta, 11.09, MERI3, 11, Cole Jondro, 11.16, SMCC4, 12, Robert Knapik, 11.2, HEML5, 12, Evan Green, 11.21, RICH6, 12, Benny Diaz, 11.23, SAUG7, 11, Dennis Schaffer, 11.27, HEML8, 11, Devin Estrada, 11.29, SACH9, 11, Adam Kidder, 11.34, BIFO10, 12, Garrett Webb, 11.36, VALU11, 12, Ethan McConnon, 11.38, NPCH12, 12, Noah Coffey, 11.39, BEVR13, 12, Ignatius Jackson, 11.39, STLO14, 10, Graham Gumper, 11.41, HANO15, 11, Rease Teel, 11.42, PERR16, 11, Rodney Jackson, 11.42, DEPA17, 11, Kanye Marineau, 11.44, HACO18, 10, Hunter Wilson, 11.47, HLSA19, 11, Jaymes Vines, 11.62, ATH20, 12, Jerdannio Bailey, 11.7, MILL21, 10, Caiden Smith, 11.75, HRTF22, 11, Dayne Blair, 11.77, LACI23, 11, Burke Flowers, 11.8, TCSF24, 11, Brayden Clark, 11.97, CONS200 MetersSeed, Grade, Name, Region mark, School1, 12, Dane Plichta, 22.36, MERI2, 10, Marquise Nelson, 22.65, HAMA3, 12, Evan Green, 22.8, RICH4, 11, Brayden Riley, 22.83, MERI5, 12, Benny Diaz, 22.88, SAUG6, 11, Rease Teel, 22.97, PERR7, 12, Dylan Halpin, 22.99, CASC8, 11, Karson Tocco, 23.05, CLAR9, 12, Phillip Banner, 23.11, BOCI10, 10, Caiden Smith, 23.12, HRTF11, 12, Robert Knapik, 23.12, HEML12, 9, Cobey Cureton, 23.22, ATA13, 11, Ben Wade, 23.34, MOCO14, 9, Trevor Smith, 23.39, PEWA15, 11, Cole Jondro, 23.41, SMCC16, 11, Jackson Zeiter, 23.51, BIFO17, 11, Rodney Jackson, 23.52, DEPA18, 12, Kurtis Bronz, 23.55, SAUG19, 11, Dylan Coney, 23.62, CENT20, 10, Max Miles, 23.62, MANI21, 11, Andrew Stockton, 23.65, GRLA22, 10, Dakobe White, 23.67, EVAR23, 12, Steven Valdez, 23.88, HUDS400 MetersSeed, Grade, Name, Region mark, School1, 12, Nure Nelson, 50.99, HAMA2, 12, Andrew Heeringa, 51.01, CALC3, 12, Evan Green, 51.03, RICH4, 12, Josh Otten, 51.39, LACC5, 12, Joshua Falkenstein, 51.45, CENT6, 12, Alan Knowles, 51.52, JONE7, 12, Tyler Guggemos, 51.6, KALK8, 12, Dylan Appold, 51.6, VALU9, 10, Jerry Wiegers, 51.93, NOMU10, 12, Steven Valdez, 51.96, HUDS11, 10, DaMarion Hicks, 52.14, POTT12, 10, Isaiah Atchison, 52.2, MONT13, 12, Isaak Wurdock-Swift, 52.25, REES14, 11, Dean Topolski, 52.41, CONS15, 11, Judge Morgan, 52.56, TCSF16, 12, Noah Coffey, 52.64, BEVR17, 10, Jacob Iott, 52.98, WHTF18, 11, Jack Clancy, 53.08, HASP19, 12, Braedon Nichelson, 53.22, SACR20, 12, Nick Pensom, 54.84, CLAW21, 10, Jaylyn Jenkins, 54.99, WMCO800 MetersSeed, Grade, Name, Region mark, School1, 11, Hunter Jones, 01:54.4, BECE2, 12, Carson Brunk, 01:57.2, POTT3, 11, Wyatt Dean, 01:57.5, HART4, 12, Thomas Richards, 01:57.9, TCSF5, 12, Samuel Peterson, 01:59.1, CHX6, 12, David Pruder, 01:59.9, LACC7, 10, Ethan Kucharek, 02:00.7, GRAY8, 11, Levi Maier, 02:01.7, CHES9, 12, Thomas Swanson, 02:01.7, KECI10, 12, Jonah Richards, 02:01.8, HLSA11, 11, Austin Brown, 02:02.0, HANO12, 12, Max Sharnas, 02:02.4, SAUG13, 10, Boden Genovese, 02:02.7, COLO14, 12, Jacob Heeringa, 02:02.8, TCSF15, 12, Nate March, 02:04.0, STLO16, 10, Matthew Pattullo, 02:04.1, CARO17, 12, Erik Kent, 02:04.1, BAAX18, 10, Jaden Barnes, 02:04.2, BLOO19, 11, Jackson Ansel, 02:07.8, ERIE20, 11, Max Mader, 02:10.0, BIFO21, 12, Griffin Harmer, 02:11.1, IDSC22, 12, Brendan McGlinchey, 02:11.7, BIFO1600 MetersSeed, Grade, Name, Region mark, School1, 11, Hunter Jones, 04:19.5, BECE2, 12, Carson Brunk, 04:23.2, POTT3, 12, Josh Otten, 04:24.5, LACC4, 12, Samuel Peterson, 04:24.6, CHX5, 12, Noah Morrow, 04:26.6, MANT6, 12, Jacob Walker, 04:29.1, COLU7, 12, Adam Martinson, 04:30.8, SAUG8, 11, Parks Allen, 04:30.8, ITHA9, 10, Collin Farmer, 04:31.1, PEWA10, 11, Levi Maier, 04:31.6, CHES11, 11, Rogan Melling, 04:31.8, HANO12, 12, Dan Kehoe, 04:32.8, CALC13, 10, Brad White, 04:33.8, CLAR14, 11, Cal Benjamin, 04:34.0, HASP15, 12, Matthew Rankin, 04:34.2, GRLA16, 11, Jackson Ansel, 04:37.0, ERIE17, 10, Keegan Masters, 04:38.6, WHTF18, 10, Boden Genovese, 04:41.9, COLO19, 10, Matthew Pattullo, 04:42.8, CARO20, 12, Tristan Lovett, 04:43.5, CARO21, 10, Jaden Barnes, 04:46.2, BLOO22, 12, Brendan McGlinchey, 04:52.4, BIFO23, 12, Jacob Whitton, 05:04.0, UNLI3200 MetersSeed, Grade, Name, Region mark, School1, 11, Hunter Jones, 09:25.3, BECE2, 12, Noah Morrow, 09:41.7, MANT3, 12, Adam Martinson, 09:46.3, SAUG4, 11, Clayton Ackley, 09:46.4, HART5, 10, Samuel Martini, 09:47.6, KECI6, 12, Tristan Ashley, 09:50.8, SAUG7, 11, Parks Allen, 09:53.3, ITHA8, 12, Tyler Guggemos, 09:54.3, KALK9, 12, Aaron Bowerman, 09:55.4, STLO10, 11, Seth Ackley, 09:57.8, HART11, 12, Espen Lehnst, 09:59.6, ITHA12, 10, Ben March, 10:00.0, STLO13, 12, Jacob Walker, 10:00.9, COLU14, 12, Dominic Schwein, 10:00.9, CHX15, 12

BAY CITY, MI -- The regular season is winding down and the second season is nearly upon us. And there is no time like tournament time. The district pairings are in for Michigan High School Athletic Association postseason play in baseball, softball and girls soccer, so let’s take a look at the 2022 draws for district action involving the 26 schools in the MLive Bay City coverage area. **Subscribe to MLive for complete access throughout the spring sports season, just $1 for 3 months! **RELATED READINGBay County Boys Track and Field LeadersBay County Girls Track and Field Leaders

A Michigan man described as a leader of a white supremacist group has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison for conspiring to train for civil disorder.

Reese’s Josie Johnson (11) and Caro’s Alexa Long (11) races to the loose ball during a girls basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 in Reese. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

BAY CITY, MI – A look at the high school sports scene in the Bay City area for March 3, 2022. BOYS BKB: BAY CITY WESTERN 54, ESSEXVILLE GARBER 51Kaeson Frost scored 23 points to propel Bay CIty Western past Essexville Garber 54-51. BOYS BKB: CASS CITY 51, SANDUSKY 30Cass City reached the 12-win mark, topping Sandusky 51-30 in a non-league matchup. RELATED READING2022 Bay City area girls basketball district pairings2022 Bay City area boys basketball district pairingsForsaking family tradition, football and basketball standout excels out of waterBay City Western rekindles winning vibes in first meeting with former coachBay City Western among seven area teams in district finalsBay City Central halts rocky losing streak with milestone win No. 700Bay City Western role players get reward in final battle with Central starMeet Reese basketball’s 1000-point club

Heritage 51, Traverse City Central 48 (OT)Traverse City St. Francis 42, Midland High 36Ann Arbor Skyline 62, Midland Dow 35Mount Pleasant 52, Petoskey 38Saginaw High 81, Flint Carman-Ainsworth 71Lake Fenton 45, Frankenmuth 40Birch Run 38, Unionville-Sebewaing 32Alma 60, Ionia 56 (2 OT)Reese 79, Carrollton 55Saginaw Nouvel 59, Hemlock 56Millington 54, St. Louis 41Akron-Fairgrove 66, Caro 60Harbor Beach 71, Vassar 64Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 33, St. Charles 32Sanford Meridian 59, Harrison 46Coleman 83, Evart 63Breckenridge 62, Ashley 16If you would like your local high school sports news delivered free to your inbox daily, click here and sign up for one of our local high school sports newslettersMOREHemlock junior Regan Finkbeiner joins 1,000-point club in district semifinalUpdated Saginaw-area girls basketball district brackets after semifinalsFinal Michigan girls basketball Top 25 rankings

CASS CITY, MI – At Reese, one victory leads to another victory. A Cass City win would have created a first-place tie atop the conference with one game to play. Instead, Reese (15-4, 10-1) danced off with its 13th league championship in 14 years. Reese outdueled Cass City 43-40 earlier this season, one of four single-digits wins in GTW play. Cass City (12-4, 7-3) hadn’t won a league title since 2005 and hadn’t beaten Reese in league play since Oct. 31, 2006.

Bullock Creek led 11-8 after one quarter before Carrollton ran away with a 57-41 win Monday. Marco Hernandez led the Cavaliers with 16 points, with DJ Voltz posting a double-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and five steals. Trevor Luna led St. Charles with 18 points and seven rebounds, with Bryce Sherven and Alex Suppes adding 12 points each. Kingston 58, Caro 43After falling behind 24-12 at halftime, Caro cut the lead to six points in the fourth before falling in the non-conference game. The Lancers earned the win in the fourth, outscoring the Cavaliers, 17-10, for the TVC West win.

Kylie J. Carr, 40, on Feb. 10 was arraigned in Tuscola County District Court on a charge of embezzlement from a nonprofit or charity organization between $1,000 and $20,000. Speaking with MLive, Tuscola County Prosecutor Mark E. Reene said Car from May 2020 through March 2021 engaged in systematic fraud to obtain donations from an organization called Christmas for Kids. Reene lauded Tuscola County Sheriff’s Detective James Hook, saying he did an outstanding job on a painstaking investigation. Stemming from Rivers’ death, Carr is charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death. Read more:Woman driving 82 mph had cocaine in her blood when fatal car-tractor crash occurred, police testifyVassar woman charged with causing man’s death while on cocaine in May car-tractor crashCar-tractor crash in rural Saginaw County leaves man dead

Adelyn Moore didn’t take long to reach a Caro girls basketball milestone. Moore is only the second Caro girls basketball player to reach 1,000 points, following Lynette Coon. Heritage’s Alexxandria Braddock (42) attempts a layup during a girls basketball game against Saginaw High on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022 in Saginaw. Arthur Hill’s Hailee Jefferson (20) attempts a basket during a girls basketball game against Reese on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. Chesaning senior Lillian Skaryd drives the ball during the varsity girls basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 at Chesaning High School.

CARO, MI — A Caro woman who had been offering in-home child care is now prohibited from doing so after an investigation and emergency action by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ Child Care Licensing Bureau. LARA’s Child Care Licensing Bureau has summarily suspended and issued a notice of intent to revoke the family child care home license of Crystall Lutes, located at 299 Cass River Drive in Caro, according to a LARA news release. A complaint investigation that concluded on Jan. 19 found violations of the Child Care Organizations Act and administrative rules, including but not limited to the following:lack of appropriate care and supervision;household member’s suitability and conduciveness to the welfare of children;and failure to notify the department after receiving an allegation of inappropriate contact with a child. Lutes is now prohibited from operating a family child care home and must inform all parents of children in her care that her license has been suspended and she can no longer provide child care. In the release, LARA officials said, “It was critical to take emergency action to protect the health, welfare, and safety of the children at this family child care home.”To learn more about child care licensing and regulations or how to file a complaint, visit www.michigan.gov/michildcare.

REESE, MI - Reese girls basketball hosted Caro Thursday night. By the end of the fourth quarter, Reese took home the win with a 64-35 victory. Related: Layup practice pays off in big night for Reese, Aydan DalakThe Rockets are 2-0 in the division heading into a showdown Tuesday at Reese against 7-1 Cass City. Read more on MLive:Our favorite 10 images as Frankenmuth girls basketball defeats H.H. DowOur favorite 10 images from Tri-Cities Swimming Championship preliminariesSee photos as Bay County high school hockey teams host two games in one nightSaginaw-area basketball scoreboard for Tuesday, Jan. 18Seven scorers in double digits atop 2022 Bay County Girls Basketball LeadersD.J.

But after a 10-day wait, St. Charles responded with a 71-19 win Thursday over Ashley. St. Charles lost a 50-45 decision to Coleman on Monday, Jan. 10. In Thursday’s game, Bailey Stimac and Emily Zelinko scored 16 points each to lead St. Charles, which led 46-10 at halftime. Laina Harger hit three 3-pointers and finished with 13 points, followed by Brooklyn Fear with 12 points. The win sets up a Friday matchup at St. Charles against Carson City-Crystal, which also has just one loss in the league.

Caro junior Adelyn Moore scored 25 points with 12 rebounds as Caro crushed Brown City in a non-conference girls basketball game Thursday. Caro led 34-8 at halftime on its way to a 59-13 win. Gwen Geiger added eight points, with Kassie Clish and Jacquie Peters adding seven points each for the 3-2 Tigers. Sandusky 56, Vassar 25Makenna McCloud scored nine points for the Vulcans, who trailed 26-9 at halftime. Vestaburg 55, Coleman 32Freshman Jared Devrieze scored 10 points with nine rebounds to lead Coleman in the Mid-State Activities Conference loss.

CARO, MI - Reese faced Cass City for the regional championship volleyball match on Thursday, Nov. 11. RELATED: Reese leans on experience to claim first volleyball regional title since 2010In the first game, Cass City won 25-18. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.comReese players celebrate after defeating Cass City in the volleyball regional championship on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.comReese’s Josie Johnson (11) hits the ball in the volleyball regional championship against Cass City on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.comCass City players celebrate a point scored in the volleyball regional championship against Reese on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021.

CARO, MI – After losing a chance to finish out the fourth game, the Reese Rockets were surprisingly calm in the race to 15 in the fifth game. “We have eight seniors, and they’ve been through a lot of matches, a lot of games, a lot of pressure,” Reese volleyball coach Angie Compton said. “The experience definitely made a difference.”The Rockets claimed a 3-2 win over Greater Thumb West rival Cass City, earning their first volleyball regional title since 2010 and a trip to the Division 3 quarterfinal at Genesee High School. Cass City won the first game 25-18, but the Rockets came back to claim 25-18 and 25-22 wins for a 2-1 lead. “But I had a good feeling going into the fifth game, going into the race to 15.

CARO, MI - A trooper assigned to Michigan State Police’s Caro Post is the department’s “Trooper of the Year” for the Third District, which includes the thumb and Saginaw, Bay City and Midland areas. Bethany Craig has served at the post since 2001 and has dedicated her career to investigating incidents of child physical and sexual abuse, according to a news release from MSP. Craig is also involved in the community through assisting the Sanilac County Child Advocacy Centers with a “Kid’s Empowerment Camp,” fundraisers and prevention education. Craig is also the district’s nominee for a department-wide accolade given later in the year, the “Dr. Bethany Craig’s diligent work to solve complex child sexual and physical assault complaints, leadership skills, and personal dedication to her community make her an excellent selection as the Third District Trooper of the Year,” Third District Commander Cpt.

CARO, MI — A former probation is heading to prison for sexually abusing a teenage girl over several years. The judge ended up sentencing Purdy to six terms of 15 to 30 years and three terms of 10 to 15 years in prison. A jury in June found Purdy guilty of six counts of first- and three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Defense attorney Brian H. Jean argued during the trial that the teen consented to all sexual activity with Purdy. Read more:Ex-probation officer found guilty of sexually assaulting teen girl, faces life in prisonSexual abuse or consensual affair?

CARO, MI - Healthy fruits and vegetables just became a little easier to access in Tuscola County. Caro announced that residents and visitors will now be able to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the Caro Farmers’ Market at 238 S. Street in downtown Caro. This change was made possible thanks to a collaboration between the market, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and a grant from the Michigan Farmers’ Market association. “Accepting SNAP at the Farmers’ Market will provide the community and the region with access to a wider variety of fresh, healthy, locally sourced, locally made and locally grown foods,” said Farmers’ Market Manager Lauren Amellal. “It has been one of the strategic goals of the Farmers’ Market to help connect these products with people who may not have been otherwise able to afford them.

The 2021 Michigan high school football season kicked off Thursday, with many Saginaw-area teams seeing action. Check out the Saginaw-area football scoreboard for Thursday, Aug. 26:Saginaw Heritage 19, Saginaw United 18Traverse City West 35, Midland High 28Mount Pleasant 28, Kalamazoo Central 12Frankenmuth 28, Goodrich 14Chesaning 20, Bridgeport 18Birch Run 58, Caro 12Alma 35, Shepherd 0Millington 42, Cass City 19Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest 27, Valley Lutheran 0Hemlock 33, Breckenridge 8Saginaw Nouvel 21, Sandusky 6Hudson 58, Ithaca 14Grandville Calvin Christian 49, St. Louis 30Coleman 61, Farwell 0Vassar 26, Otisville-LakeVille 8MOREMichigan high school football scoreboard from Week 1

CARO, MI — An 81-year-old man has been charged with sexually assaulting a U.S. Postal Service employee in Tuscola County. James B. Humpert on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 25, appeared before Tuscola County District Magistrate Joseph A. Read more:Michigan man, 81, sexually assaulted U.S. Postal Service employee, police saySaginaw man charged with murder in best friend’s shooting death mentally fit for trialSaginaw teen shot in police raid had leg amputated, still hospitalized 19 days later, grandmother saysHawaii sex offender charged with wearing armor while filming YouTube video at Michigan sheriff’s office

The 2021 Michigan high school football season begins Thursday, with the playoffs starting Friday, Oct. 29. State championship games are Nov. 26-27 at Ford Field. The 8-player state finals are Nov. 19 or 20. Saginaw-area weekly schedules for the 2021 football season:August 26Saginaw United at Saginaw HeritageMidland High vs. Traverse City West at University of Michigan (3:30 p.m.)Mount Pleasant at Kalamazoo CentralFrankenmuth vs. Goodrich at Atwood Stadium (4 p.m.)Swan Valley at Cedar SpringsBridgeport at ChesaningBirch Run at CaroAlma at ShepherdCass City at MillingtonValley Lutheran at Rochester Hills Lutheran NorthwestBreckenridge at HemlockSandusky at Saginaw NouvelIthaca at HudsonSt. Louis at Grandville Calvin ChristianFarwell at ColemanOtisville-LakeVille at VassarAugust 27Midland Dow vs. Fenton at University of Michigan (Noon)Freeland at ClareEssexville Garber at CarrolltonBullock Creek at Sanford MeridianByron at Michigan Lutheran SeminaryHarrison at St. CharlesReese at MarletteMarion at MerrillSept. 2Heritage at FlushingGaylord vs. Saginaw United at Arthur HillMidland Dow at Flint Carman-AinsworthHolland West Ottawa at Mount PleasantSwan Valley at FrankenmuthFreeland at AlmaBridgeport at Essexville GarberBay City John Glenn at Birch RunCarrollton at Macomb Lutheran NorthFowlerville at Bullock CreekSaginaw Nouvel at MillingtonSt. Charles at Valley LutheranMt. Morris at ChesaningUnionville-Sebewaing at CaroBeaverton at ShepherdHemlock at CorunnaIthaca at Standish-SterlingMichigan Lutheran Seminary at BreckenridgeHesperia at St. LouisColeman at HoltonReese at VassarLincoln Alcona at MerrillSept. 3Lapeer at Midland HighSanford Meridian at ClareSept. 10Saginaw Heritage at LapeerSaginaw United at Mount PleasantMidland High at Flint Carman-AinsworthGrand Blanc at Midland DowFrankenmuth at Birch RunBridgeport at FreelandEssexville Garber at Swan ValleyAlma at Bay City John GlennCarrollton at Saginaw NouvelBullock Creek at Standish-SterlingMillington at HemlockValley Lutheran at IthacaOtisville-LakeVille at ChesaningCaro at ReeseShepherd at Sanford MeridianMichigan Lutheran Seminary at St. LouisBreckenridge at Clarkston EverestCarson City-Crystal at St. CharlesMemphis at VassarSuttons Bay at MerrillSept. 17Bay City Western at Saginaw HeritageSaginaw United at Flint PowersMidland High at Bay City CentralMount Pleasant at Midland DowBay City John Glenn at FrankenmuthFreeland at Essexville GarberSwan Valley at BridgeportBirch Run at AlmaBullock Creek at CarrolltonStandish-Sterling at MillingtonValley Lutheran at Michigan Lutheran SeminaryChesaning at MontroseLaker High at CaroSanford Meridian at BeavertonShepherd at ClareSt. Louis at HemlockIthaca at Saginaw NouvelBreckenridge at ColemanSt. Charles at BathBreckenridge at ColemanUnionville-Sebewaing at ReeseVassar at Cass CityMerrill at WebbervilleSept. 24Bay City Central at Saginaw HeritageLapeer vs. Saginaw United at Saginaw HighMount Pleasant at Midland HighMidland Dow at Bay City WesternFreeland at FrankenmuthAlma at Swan ValleyBridgeport at Bay City John GlennBirch Run at Essexville GarberMillington at CarrolltonIthaca at Bullock CreekSt Louis at Valley LutheranOvid-Elsie at ChesaningCaro at Bad AxeGladwin at Sanford MeridianShepherd at FarwellStandish-Sterling at HemlockMichigan Lutheran Seminary at Saginaw NouvelSt. Ignace at BreckenridgeDansville at St. CharlesColeman at Carson City-CrystalCass City at ReeseVassar at Laker HighPortland St. Patrick at MerrillOctober 1Saginaw Heritage at Midland DowSaginaw United at DavisonMidland High at Bay City WesternBay City Central at Mount PleasantFrankenmuth at BridgeportBay City John Glenn at FreelandSwan Valley at Birch RunEssexville Garber at AlmaCarrollton at Standish-SterlingHemlock at Bullock CreekMichigan Lutheran Seminary at MillingtonSaginaw Nouvel at Valley LutheranChesaning at DurandVassar at CaroSanford Meridian at HarrisonGladwin at ShepherdSt. Louis at IthacaBreckenridge at St. CharlesColeman at SaugatuckReese at Bad AxeFulton at MerrillOctober 8Grand Blanc at Saginaw HeritageBay City Western vs. Saginaw United at Arthur HillDavison at Midland HighMidland Dow at LapeerFlint Powers at Mount PleasantFrankenmuth at AlmaFreeland at Swan ValleyBirch Run at BridgeportHemlock at CarrolltonMillington at Bullock CreekValley Lutheran at Standish-SterlingChesaning at ByronCaro at MarlettePinconning at Sanford MeridianHarrison at ShepherdSaginaw Nouvel at St. LouisIthaca at Michigan Lutheran SeminaryCarson City-Crystal at BreckenridgeSt. Charles at ColemanReese at Laker HighBad Axe at VassarMerrill at VestaburgOctober 15Saginaw Heritage at Midland HighSaginaw United at Flint Carman-AinsworthMidland Dow at Bay City CentralMount Pleasant at Bay City WesternEssexville Garber at FrankenmuthBirch Run at FreelandSwan Valley at Bay City John GlennAlma at BridgeportTri-Valley Conference West Tier CrossoversChesaning at New LothropCaro at Cass CitySanford Meridian at FarwellShepherd at PinconningLaingsburg at Breckenridge

AG Dana Nessel said two former state Corrections sites were being assessed by a white supremacist group called The Base as potential training areas for “hate camps.”

CARO, MI — Police are investigating the apparent suicide of an inmate at the Tuscola County Jail. Parsons had apparently hanged himself, said Tuscola County Undersheriff Robert E. Baxter. Parsons had been in the jail since June 29 and was being held on a charge of third-offense domestic violence, a five-year felony. The sheriff’s office has requested the Michigan State Police investigate Parsons’ death, as is standard for incidents of this type. A Tuscola County judge in June 2013 had sentenced Parsons to six and a half to 40 years in prison on two methamphetamine-related convictions.

Attorneys in the trial of 49-year-old Ryan C. Purdy delivered their closing arguments the morning of Friday, June 18. Purdy began his trial in Tuscola County Circuit Court on June 8 facing 29 counts each of first- and third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Absolutely everything.”There was no evidence Purdy used force or coercion to have sex with the teen, Jean said. “This tells you that this was always a consensual relationship,” Jean said. After the teen moved away from Michigan, she repeatedly drove 600 miles to continue having sex with Purdy, Jean said.

CARO, MI — Earlier this month, an ex-probation officer accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl over several years began his trial facing 58 felonies. The trial of Ryan C. Purdy, 49, began June 8 in Tuscola County Circuit Court with visiting retired Sanilac County Circuit Judge Donald A. Teeple Jr. presiding. The trial began with Purdy facing 29 counts each of first- and third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Purdy’s alleged victim, now a 23-year-old woman, testified on June 10 and 11 that her sexual encounters with Purdy began when she was 15. “This (police) report is direct evidence that Mr. Purdy is innocent of 40 of the 5 charges pending against him,” Jean wrote.

Frankenmuth sophomore Lexi Boyke and Caro sophomore Adelyn Moore added one more honor to their 2020-21 seasons. The two Saginaw-area players were named to the Associated Press Division 2 girls basketball all-state first team Wednesday. (Riley Yuan | MLive.com)Riley Yuan | MLive.comDetroit Edison’s Damiya Hagemann, the Miss Basketball winner, was named the AP Division 2 Player of the Year. Jason Haid was named the AP Division 2 Coach of the Year after leading Portland to the state title. MOREReese guard, St. Charles coach earn AP Division 3 all-state honorsNouvel’s Madison Looby named to AP Division 4 girls basketball all-state first team

For the Birch Run girls bowling team, the singing and dancing came long before a state championship. Birch Run claimed its second girls bowling state title Friday, knocking off Armada in the final, 1,200-1,152, for the Division 3 state championship. The St. Charles boys bowling team also claimed a second state title, adding to the Division 4 championship in 2010. Nicholas Armstrong opened the 10th frame with back-to-back strikes, and Manchester matched the St. Charles senior on the first. MOREFour new teams crowned as girls bowling state champions in 2021Salem, Dearborn Divine Child, Grass Lake and St. Charles earn boys bowling team state titlesRepeat champion headlines 2021 boys bowling individual state finals3 bowlers claim team’s first-ever individual championships at MHSAA girls finals

The Caro girls team and Ithaca boys team claimed bowling team regional championships, earning trips to the state championships. Reese senior Haleigh Seeger also claimed a regional title, earning the Division 4 girls individual title Saturday at Crooked Creek in Saginaw. Ithaca claimed the boys regional title at Crooked Creek with a pin total of 3,513, with St. Charles finishing second with 3,398. Girls individual qualifiers from the Crooked Creek regional included Seeger (681) and St. Louis senior Shannan Mitchell (642). Boys individual qualifiers included Midland’s Izaac Goergen (858), Heritage’s Jonathan Villarreal (832) and Midland’s Hunter Blackhurst (791).

CARO, MI - A variant of the COVID-19 virus was recently identified in Tuscola County, according to local health officials. The Tuscola County Health Department issued a press release on Sunday, March 7, announcing that a case of the United Kingdom variant of the COVID-19 virus, also known as SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7, was discovered in Tuscola County. The B.1.1.7 variant gives the infection a speed boost in a race that pits vaccination efforts against the transmission of the virus, according to the health department. Strictly enforce isolation and quarantine protocolsDuring the isolation of B.1.1.7 variant infections and the quarantine of associated contacts, enhanced monitoring, including twice-daily check-ins, is strongly advised. More from MLiveOver 50,000 COVID-19 vaccines distributed in Saginaw County so farGot the COVID-19 vaccine somewhere else?

The Unionville-Sebewaing Area boys basketball team is in shutdown following a positive coronavirus test. One member of the varsity basketball team tested positive, USA principal Josh Hahn confirmed, prompting a halt in action for the Patriots. “We’re going to continue mitigation measures at school, sanitizing, staying 6 feet apart… That can be difficult in sports,” he said. Contact tracing protocols generally require quarantined for anybody who comes within 6 feet of a person who tested positive for more than 15 minutes. “We’re contact tracing.

CARO, MI — A Bay City man who shot another man in his head during an Independence Day get-together has been cleared of wrongdoing by a Tuscola County jury. Payne attended the gathering with his boss’ two daughters and another young man. Payne then fired a .20-gauge shotgun pistol at Betzing, the blast striking him in his head, prosecutors said. Defense attorney Matthew L. Reyes argued Payne was justified in using deadly force as he was defending Betzing’s wife. Read more:Trial begins for Bay City man accused of shooting man in headMan shot in head during July 4th gathering testifies against Bay City manBay City man was defending woman when he shot another man, attorney claims

Though the 20-year-old Bay City man accused of pulling the trigger is charged with several felonies, he’s maintained he fired the gun to defend a woman who was being assaulted by the older man. The trial of Trevor J. Payne, now 22, began Wednesday, Feb. 17, in Tuscola County Circuit Court. The most serious offense is assault with intent to murder, being punishable by up to life in prison. Payne is represented by Bay City attorney Matthew L. Reyes, who said the defense’s position is that Payne acted in defense of the woman. Read more:Man shot in head during July 4th gathering testifies against Bay City manBay City man was defending woman when he shot another man, attorney claimsCatholic priest convicted of sexual assault ‘did express remorse’ to parole board, official says

John Glenn (4-0): It’s senior year for four-year duo Carly McCrum and Abi Tarrant and the time is now. Standish-Sterling (3-0): All eyes are on Macey Fegan this year, but the Panthers have plenty of weapons around her. Bay City Western (1-2): The Warriors are a scrappy bunch who could catch a few teams off guard. Bay City Central (1-2): With one of the area’s top talents in Alecsis Smith, the Wolves have the potential to compete in every game. Others: Beaverton (1-0); Gladwin (1-0); Au Gres (1-1); Cass City (1-2); Ogemaw Heights (1-2); Whittemore-Prescott (0-1); Hale (0-1); All Saints (0-1); Akron-Fairgrove (0-2); OwenGage (0-2); Roscommon (0-2); Harrison (0-2); Mio (0-3); Laker (0-3); Pinconning (0-3); Tawas (0-4)RELATED: Bay City boys basketball Area Power Rankings and moreBay City Western's senior Meagan Lukowski (33) jumps to attempt a layup during a girls basketball game against Bay City Central on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021.

Swan Valley (1-2): Wednesday at home vs. Swan Valley; Friday at Bridgeport8. Arthur Hill (0-2): Tuesday at home vs. Midland Dow; Friday at home vs. Heritage; Saturday at home vs. Saginaw High. Valley Lutheran (2-1)Valley Lutheran started strong, knocking off Michigan Lutheran Seminary and Carrollton to start the season. Michigan Lutheran Seminary (2-1)Seminary struggled in its opener against Valley Lutheran, falling 60-30. The Cardinals can add to that streak with a pair of road games Wednesday at Valley Lutheran and Friday at Millington.

CARO, MI — The day before his trial was to begin, an ex-Michigan probation officer facing nearly 60 sexual assault charges had his case dismissed, though prosecutors subsequently refiled the charges. On Monday, Gierhart presided over a hearing after prosecutors on Friday submitted a request for the judge to dismiss Purdy’s charges. “Since that time, the people have requested the analysis of the phone dump from the Michigan State Police on various occasions,” Walle said. “Often times, it’s not understood by the average citizen that the prosecuting attorney is as responsible for a fair trial as a court,” Reene said. Purdy worked as a probation officer with the Michigan Department of Corrections from September 1995 until his resignation in April 2003.

CARO, MI — Small businesses in Tuscola County affected by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a total of up to $40,000 in grants thanks to the Frankenmuth Credit Union and Tuscola County Economic Development Corp. Gretchen Whitmer and the state of Michigan in response to COVID-19, according to a post on the Tuscola County Economic Development Corp. Facebook page. The Frankenmuth Credit Union Foundation donated the first $20,000, which the Tuscola County Economic Development Corp. matched. Late or incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the Tuscola County Economic Development Corp. Executive Board. For more information, call the Tuscola County Economic Development Corporation at 989-673-2849.