COUNTY

The Michigan high school spring sports season is heading into some important events, with regional golf and track tournaments coming up. And Saginaw County celebrated its top golf and track athletes last week with County meets determining champions in each sport.

The Korf/Schultz Saginaw County Track Championships is Friday at Heritage High School, with the top athletes in the County competing for titles. Check out the top times and distances for Saginaw County track and field athletes this season:

You can track COVID-19 spread levels and case rates by Michigan county with an interactive map.

The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, April 19, and approved the resolution after hearing from dozens of people. The county would turn the land back to a natural state and used for hiking trails, Kalamazoo County Parks Director David Rachowicz said. According to the county, in 1961, Kalamazoo County acquired the adjacent property and created Prairie View County Park. In 1962, Kalamazoo County started the condemnation process to acquire the four parcels, according to the county. • Uncontrolled access to county park property and facilities with keys that must be issued.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- County Prosecutor David Leyton has an idea for easing the burden on assistants who he believes are overworked and underpaid -- letting some of them work from home. Leyton last week asked the county Board of Commissioners to allow for at-home work, something county employees haven’t been able to do since May 2021. The prosecutor is the co-employer of those who work in his office, sharing that responsibility with commissioners. The county Prosecutor’s Office has about 40 assistants but has lost about five so far this year and Leyton said he’s having trouble finding good applicants to replace them. He asked commissioners to set aside concerns over technological obstacles and allow him to get started with a program that would allow much of his employees’ work to be off-site.

For sheriff, four Democrats have filed to challenge incumbent Tom Dart.

County residents should see increased road repair work from a new annual program that aims to address the potholes emerging from freezing weather.

County officials in the Detroit area have agreed to establish a group that will look at water infrastructure challenges facing the region.

SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw’s annual State of the County and State of the City addresses will be presented virtually Thursday, Feb. 3, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore will deliver the city address while Saginaw County Board of Commissioners Chairperson Carl Ruth will present the countywide perspective. Interested participants can click here to register over Zoom, using a link provided on the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce website. The event also will be streamed live on the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. RELATED:Advisory panel for Saginaw’s $52M stimulus appointed in meeting featuring objections, outburstSaginaw mayor endorses 15 people to guide city’s $52M stimulus spending. Saginaw County scrambles to maintain medical examination services; ousted contractor sues

The county could have enacted stronger rules if state lawmakers hadn't beat them to ethics reform.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- The county is offering COVID-19 vaccinations at three standing clinic sites this week, starting with one Tuesday, Dec. 14, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. The county Health Department clinics are supplemented this week with special vaccination sites set up at Flint Police Department mini stations by the city and the Genesee Community Health Center. Pfizer vaccines are available for children 5 and older and the Moderna vaccine is available for those 18 or older. Pfizer vaccines are available for children 5 and older and the Moderna and Janssen vaccines are available for those 18 or older. Pfizer vaccines are available for children 5 and older and the Moderna and Janssen vaccines are available for those 18 or older.

BAY CITY, MI — The Bay City Commission heard an update earlier this week on how the county overall is doing in terms of its workforce and population. The verdict: Bay County is set to shrink while growing older over the next 25 years.

Here is the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths per Michigan county since the pandemic started in March 2020.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- County officials are giving themselves plenty of time to advocate for the renewal of a parks millage next year, voting this week to add the 10-year, 0.75-mill property tax continuation to the August 2022 ballot. First approved in 1968, the parks millage generates roughly 85 percent of the general operating budget for the county Parks & Recreation Commission, which operates multiple parks, Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad, For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum, and Wolverine Campground.

JACKSON, COUNTY, MI -- Voters in some Jackson County communities will head to the polls on Tuesday to fill seats on the Jackson City Council and decide the fate of millage proposals for schools and police services. John Wilson, left, and Daniel Mahoney are running for mayor of the City of Jackson. J. Scott Park | MLive.comJackson mayorCandidates: Daniel Mahoney and John WilsonThe candidate with the most votes will become the next mayor of the city of Jackson. Scott Park | MLive.comJackson City CouncilFive candidates hoping to fill council seats in three city wards will appear on the Nov. 2 election ballot in Jackson. Scott Park | MLive.comNorth Adams-Jerome Public Schools millageNorth Adams-Jerome Public Schools is asking voters to renew its ability to collect all its state student foundation allowance with an 18-mill non-homestead operating millage proposal.

JACKSON, COUNTY, MI – U.S. 12 is closing in Jackson County for drain culvert replacements. The Michigan Department of Transportation will close U.S. 12 at M-50 near Brooklyn starting at 7 a.m. Monday, Oct. 25. The roadway is closing for MDOT to replace the drain culverts at the intersection. U.S. 12 traffic will be detoured through M-124 during the construction, officials said. More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:Albion brewery’s ‘Iron Lion Blonde’ ale roars to a national awardSuspect in Jackson homicide hospitalized after shooting himself, police sayCOVID relief funds will purchase new equipment for Jackson County Sheriff’s Office7 students suspended after fight at Jackson charter school, officials sayCity of Jackson has now sold 100 vacant side lots acquired through foreclosure

Texas can continue banning most abortions after a federal appeals court on Thursday rejected the Biden administration’s latest attempt to stop a novel law that has become the nation’s biggest curb to abortion in nearly 50 years.

Following the block, a federal appeals court allowed the abortion ban to resume while the U.S. Department of Justice appeals and anti-abortion rights advocates are using Texas as a rallying cry.

President Biden announced major U.S. ports and corporations will move to 24/7 operations to help alleviate the supply chain backlog. CBS News chief White House correspondent Ed O'Keefe joins CBSN's Lana Zak with more on the administration's efforts.

President Biden on Wednesday announced a plan to boost capacity at major ports in California and at companies like Walmart and UPS as supply chain backlogs threaten to worsen rising consumer prices. CBS News congressional reporter Nikole Killion, CBSN political contributor and White House reporter for The Associated Press Zeke Miller, and The Washington Examiner's political and investigative reporter Sarah Westwood join "Red and Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with the details.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- The Genesee County Redistricting Commission voted Wednesday, Oct. 6 to keep nine county commission seats for the next 10 years. The commission, made up of County Clerk John Gleason, County Prosecutor David Leyton, County Treasurer Deb Cherry and the chairs of both political parties, voted 4-1 to keep nine county commissioners. “Nine (county commissioners) has worked pretty well over the past at least 20 years.”Gleason was the lone no vote on the move. The redistricting commission will start considering new district lines and maps at its next meeting, Cherry said. The commission will meet at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday beginning next week at at the Genesee County Administration building, 1101 Beach St., in downtown Flint to consider the lines until finished.

JACKSON, COUNTY, MI – Three Jackson County roads have been closed to through traffic due to high water levels. The Jackson County Department of Transportation has closed Smith Road, in Leoni Township between Walz and Updyke roads; Glenn Road, in Leoni Township, between Race and Welch Lake roads; and Root Station Road, in Henrietta Township between M-106 and Jordan Road. The flooding comes after heavy rainfall on Sunday that fell across the southern part of Lower Michigan. The roadways will remain closed until the water recedes and the roads are deemed safe for the motoring public, JCDOT officials said. No detour routes are posted on any of the roads and motorists should seek alternative routes.

The Justice Department announced today that it filed a civil complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against Prince George County, Virginia, and the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) to enforce employment rights guaranteed to a member of the Virginia Army National Guard, Major Mark Gunn, under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). The United States further alleges that when Gunn returned from his active-duty service, the County refused to allow Gunn to return to his detective position. The United States also alleges that the County denied Gunn employment benefits that he would have accrued during his period of active-duty service, including a bonus awarded to County employees. Finally, the United States alleges that the County’s unlawful actions caused Gunn to leave his employment with the Prince George County Police Department and return to active duty in the Virginia Army National Guard. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and Justice Department gives high priority to the enforcement of servicemembers’ rights under USERRA.

Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin and religion. The joint notice of settlement describes the general terms of the proposed consent decree. If the consent decree is approved by the court, Asotin County will offer the female deputy clerk $100,000 in compensatory damages. The Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section brought the case in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Office for the Eastern District of Washington. More information about Title VII and other federal employment laws is available on the Civil Rights Division’s website at www.justice.gov/crt.

AUBURN, MI – Bay City Western handed over the Bay County Soccer Championship trophy to John Glenn. Western won the Bay County Championship on Aug. 21, going 3-0-1 against County foes Bay City Central, John Glenn, Essexville Garber and host Pinconning. The Bay County Championship title will go vacant for another year. And that’s no way to celebrate a championship.”Thayer said the eligibility issue was cleared up after the Bay County Championship and before Western played any other games. “All of the Bay County folks are helpful and understanding, and that’s why we’re able to continue these tournaments.

It is a problem facing school districts across the country, a shortage of bus drivers.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- County Treasurer Deb Cherry has been named to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee, making her one of 39 such committee members nationwide. “EPA is fortunate to have Deb Cherry and Gary Brown participate in this important committee. “The (EPA) affects the everyday life of our citizens, our air, our water, and the quality of our neighborhoods. The EPA has been a strong partner with Genesee County and the Genesee County Land Bank in cleaning up our community,” Cherry said in the EPA announcement. Read more on MLive:Genesee County drops suit against Treasurer Deb CherryGenesee County health chief defends mask mandate, 6 commissioners don’t show for special meetingFlint Bishop Airport mechanic, pilot and businessman will be laid to rest with B-17 flyover

Under the agreement, the County and MTA must make their transit services, including Hele-On, the buses used by the majority of riders, accessible to passengers with disabilities. The agreement requires the County and MTA to ensure that passengers with disabilities have lifts to board buses; paratransit users are provided timely pick-ups and drop-offs; and bus stops are accessible. In addition, the County and MTA must ensure that transit system drivers undergo ADA training and that disability-related complaints are addressed fairly. “Our office strongly supports efforts to improve access and inclusion under the ADA.”This matter was handled by the Disability Rights Section of the department’s Civil Rights Division. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov.

An Upper Peninsula county that has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts might create a search-and-rescue team.

The case could have a major impact on California's Equal Pay Act.

Here are the races and issues that will appear on local ballots for the Aug. 3, 2021 Primary Election in Michigan.

The equipment was handed over to the GOP-controlled state Senate for an audit that the county has dismissed as a "sham process."

About 2,000 Cook County employees went on strike Friday morning, a day after the county hospital system’s nurses also staged a work stoppage despite Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s continued hope for negotiations with all unions to wrap up.

The Justice Department yesterday reached a settlement under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with Newton County, Arkansas, and its Board of Election Commissioners to ensure that the County provides an accessible voting program, including accessible polling places, to voters with disabilities. It also identified ramps that were too steep, some without handrails and edge protection, and barriers inside polling places. The United States also found that all polling places used in the March 2020 primary election lacked accessible voting machines that worked. This settlement is part of the department’s ADA Voting Initiative, which focuses on protecting the voting rights of individuals with disabilities. A hallmark of the ADA Voting Initiative is its collaboration with jurisdictions to increase accessibility at polling places.

In December, Republican state senators asked several counties in the state to allow a private company to scrutinize ballots cast last fall, a tactic that allies of former president Donald Trump are seeking to employ around the country.

Miami-Dade County officials shut off electricity Friday at El Mula Banquet Hall, the site of a mass shooting last Sunday that killed three people and injured 20 others.

KALAMAZOO, MI — County officials shoveled ceremonial scoops of dirt Wednesday to launch the construction of a new approximately $95-million justice facility to house Kalamazoo County courts and other offices. The five-story, 165,000 square-foot Justice Facility project is scheduled to be completed in 2023, according to a previous estimate given to the board. aA rendering of the new Kalamazoo County downtown Justice Facility in downtown, Kalamazoo, Michigan. The new building will be located next to the Kalamazoo County Administration Building, along Kalamazoo Avenue, in the city’s downtown area. Approval for the county’s Justice Facility project came at the board’s Tuesday, April 6, meeting after officials discussed the project.

“The coyote in our area have learned to adapt living closely to people in both the county and the city of Chicago,” said Dr. Tom Wake, administrator of the Department of Animal and Rabies Control. “If we do our part in allowing them to remain wild they will be a minimal nuisance to us and our pets.”

JACKSON, COUNTY, MI -- A husband and wife from Parma died Tuesday night in an apparent murder-suicide, police said. Deputies were dispatched at 8:58 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, to the 2000 block of Robinson Road, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. They discovered two victims, an 80-year-old husband and 79-year-old wife, both deceased from gunshot wounds, police said. The case remains under investigation and police are currently waiting for the medical examiner’s report, Jackson Undersheriff Christopher Simpson said. Read more:Jackson woman killed in shooting Saturday night2 men shot in drive-by in JacksonNo new trial for man convicted of murder for killing 2 teens on his Jackson County property

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Nearly 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the county, but a waiting list has grown back to more than 50,000 after enrollment opened to some aged 50 and older this week. The county received just under 11,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine in the past week and carried out its first large-scale drive-through clinic at Bishop Airport. The county this week confirmed that there have been six cases of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 identified in county residents. Read more on MLive:Thursday, March 11, coronavirus data by Michigan county: Macomb, Calhoun and Van Buren now above 7% positivity rate. Vaccination rate hits 15% in Genesee County, 38% for those 65-plusThis 105-year old Michigan woman who’s survived 2 pandemics has wise words to share

Here we are tracking the state of Michigan’s COVID-19 data for nursing homes, also referred to as long term care facilities. All long-term care facilities additionally have an obligation to report COVID-positive residents and/or staff to their Local Health Department. Skilled Nursing Facilities are facilities licensed to provide organized nursing care and medical treatment to 7 or more unrelated individuals suffering or recovering from illness, injury, or infirmity. This data set includes all licensed nursing facilities with the exception of hospice residences licensed as nursing homes. Adult Foster Care Facilities and Homes for the Aged provide care to persons not needing the 24 hour nursing care found in nursing facilities, yet need monitoring and assistance with activities of daily living.

But while methadone might not be banned, court papers made it clear that it’s hardly ever administered: County attorneys said the jail has given it to only five inmates over the last five years, and last gave it to a nonpregnant inmate in 2016 (pregnant inmates who are dependent on opioids are usually given methadone to prevent harm to the fetus during withdrawal).

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- County health officials suspect an outbreak of COVID-19 cases that has shut down in-person classes at LakeVille High School was sparked by a non-school sanctioned, out-of-state wrestling tournament. LakeVille Community Schools Superintendent Mike Lytle told parents in a letter Wednesday that the high school will remain fully virtual through Feb. 26, with an anticipated return to face-to-face instruction on March 1. “The (Genesee County Health Department) is continuing to monitor, review and investigate our current situation,” Lytle’s letter to parents says. “Through this review and investigation, the GCHD has determined that our outbreak did not originate within our building even though the spread is primarily isolated to the high school population. Lytle said there are about 300 high school students enrolled in face-to-face instruction in the district.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- A new committee created by the county Board of Commissioners will tackle issues related to racial, economic and gender equity in county government by talking to elected officials, staff and community members. County board Chairman Mark Young, D-Grand Blanc, created the ad-hoc committee Wednesday, Feb. 10, appointing Commissioners Domonique Clemons and Charles Winfrey to lead the group. “I want a committee that will be able to look and make some changes,” Young said before the meeting. “I’m glad to see Genesee County getting in lockstep with the rest of the country,” Winfrey said. Read more on MLive:Grand Blanc Democrat Mark Young to lead Genesee County commissioners in 2021First woman to lead Genesee County Health Department starts work, says ‘we will’ defeat COVID-19Genesee County OKs state funding for five assistant prosecutors through distressed cities program

The Kent County Board of Commissioners at its meeting Thursday, Dec. 3, voted unanimously to allocate the early childhood millage dollars to 12 community programs. Earlier this year, they approved allocating $3.27 million for early childhood development programs that began in March and will end December 2021. “We are grateful for the support of Kent County residents. The property tax proposal was put forward as a way to bridge gaps in early childhood funding and services in the county. The Kent County Health Department will lead the implementation and ongoing management of the Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Network to ensure services are addressing the social, equity, economic, and health factors that contribute to healthy births in Kent County.

Pennsylvania is worth 20 electoral votes in this election. According to the AP’s projections, Biden has collected 264 electoral votes as of early Friday morning. Trump, meanwhile, has 214 electoral votes and needs to win Pennsylvania to stay in the race. There are four other states up for grabs: Alaska (3 electoral votes), Georgia (10), North Carolina (15) and Nevada (6). The AP has projected Biden won Arizona’s 11 electoral votes, but votes were still being counted in that state as of Friday morning.

Here is an interactive map showing Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results by Arizona county. Why AP called Arizona for Biden:The Associated Press has declared Democrat Joe Biden the winner in Arizona, flipping a longtime GOP state that President Donald Trump won in 2016. With 80% of the expected vote counted, Biden was ahead by 5 percentage points, with a roughly 130,000-vote lead over Trump with about 2.6 million ballots counted. The remaining ballots left to be counted, including mail-in votes in Maricopa County, where Biden performed strongly, were not enough for Trump to catch up to the former vice president. More interactive election results maps:Here is a look at the nationwide results map:Balance of Power:

Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Here is an interactive map showing Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results by Georgia county:(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Here is an interactive map showing Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results by Nevada county:(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Published: November 5, 2020, 7:22 am Updated: November 5, 2020, 10:27 amPublished: November 5, 2020, 7:22 am Updated: November 5, 2020, 10:27 amIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

All rights reserved)Here is an interactive map showing Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results by Pennsylvania county. Pennsylvania could help decide the presidential race between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden. As of Thursday, Nov. 5, Biden only needs one more state -- at least six electoral votes -- to get to 270 and be declared the winner. Pennsylvania is worth 20 electoral votes in this election. More interactive election results maps:Here is a look at the nationwide results map:Balance of Power:

Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Here is an interactive map showing Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results by Ohio county:(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. This map will display Nov. 3, 2020 General Election presidential race results for each Michigan county. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Here is an interactive map showing Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results by Wisconsin county:(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Here is an interactive map showing Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results by Minnesota county:(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Here is an interactive map showing Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results by North Carolina county:(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Here is an interactive map showing Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results by Texas county:(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Here is an interactive map showing Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results by Florida county:If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- County Treasurer Deborah Cherry is seeking four more years in the job but faces an election challenge in November from Republican Deborah Hoss. Cherry, a Democrat, who received a master’s degree from the University of Michigan, has 20 years of legislative experience and served the last 10 years as county treasurer. The county treasurer is the custodian of all county money, collector of county taxes and is the agent for disbursement of taxes to local units of government and school districts. This year, MLive Media Group partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers. The Treasurers office has postponed foreclosures and I expect that more people will need help and time to get taxes paid.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- The county is offering an incentive for retirement-eligible employees who leave their jobs before the end of the year, but it comes with a catch -- the benefit will only last as long as the county can afford it. Commissioner Shaun Shumaker, R-Fenton Twp., voted against the retirement incentive, saying the county can’t afford to offer the new benefit in exchange for speeding up the retirements of employees. In 2011, the county offered an early retirement incentive program and officials expected a mass exodus of employees -- something that never materialized as only about 30 workers retired as a result. In 2008, health care for retirees cost the county about $8 million annually compared to more than $17 million in 2018. Divided Genesee County commission approves new budget on last day of fiscal yearMore than 130 Genesee County government employees get temporary layoff noticesGenesee County retiree health care consultant says combining plans would save millions

MIDLAND, Mich. Officials provided an update on devastating floods in Midland County on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.Officials from Midland County Emergency Management, the City of Midland, and the County of Midland will provide an update to the public regarding ongoing flooding conditions. The flooding, caused by dam failure in mid-Michigan, has left shocking damage to roads, houses and entire cities in the area. Gretchen Whitmer declared a State of Emergency due to the flooding. READ: Shocking mid-Michigan flood pictures show ravaged roads, underwater houses, floating carsWatch the update above. MORE: Looked like Niagra Falls -- Dam that created Wixom Lake gives way, flooding mid-Michigan communities

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Oakland County is escalating its response to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) after confirmed cases this week. The Oakland County Health Division released dates and locations of possible exposure. WATCH LIVE: Oakland County provides update on coronavirus cases, exposure locationsOakland County executive David Coulter said he has signed an emergency declaration to open up resources, including federal funding to combat the virus. “It is not our intent to criminalize people for gathering in Oakland County,” Coulter said, adding the county is only trying to limit exposure. The county has established the Oakland County Help Hotline – 248-858-1000 – to address non-health needs of the general public such as food or housing assistance.

Monroe County judges are seeking equal pay for all bailiffs working in the county court system. Christopher Miller, a retired Monroe police officer, made comments at the beginning of the meeting about the disparity between hourly wages of Tier 1 and Tier 2 bailiffs. A May 31 letter signed by seven judges requested a pay increase for six bailiffs who currently are paid at the Tier 2 level, which is a lower rate. Out of 15 bailiffs currently employed in the courts, six are paid at a Tier 2 level, the judges said. Retired County employees who are re-hired by the county as part-time employees are placed on the tier wage schedule that they retired under, he said.

County officials in San Bernardino, California, held an emotional press conference Monday about how they plan to move forward. Victims who were attending a Christmas gathering when the shooting started described the horror. John Blackstone has their stories.