SAGINAW COUNTY

SAGINAW, MI — County and city of Saginaw elected leaders said a growing partnership between the two governmental bodies would prove critical to developing a proposed multimillion dollar community health care investment. Using American Rescue Plan Act stimulus dollars provided to both municipalities, city and county leaders, respectively, allocated $5 million in recent months for a proposed $100 million health care project planned in Saginaw’s medical corridor in downtown. When the council voted on it, the $5 million was allocated specifically for a $15 million behavioral health clinic considered part of the larger $100 million project proposed. Saginaw County received $37 million in federal stimulus funds. The back-to-back State of the County and State of the City addresses were part of the programming for the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce’s February percolator breakfast meeting.

MIDLAND, MI — The swag is coming to Midland. Big O Burgers & Barbecue will expand its reach in the region, opening an eatery in Midland this week, owner Omar Linder said. “We keep it low and slow, and we have our swag sauce,” Linder said. “Everyone seems to love our swag sauce.”Big O’s regular customers come back for the sauce, paired often with fries instead of ketchup, Linder said. The Midland site will stay open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays.

SAGINAW, MI — With a Saginaw County judge readying to step down, Gov. Saginaw County Circuit Judge Janet M. Boes is soon to be vacating her seat. The Michigan Constitution requires the governor to appoint a successor when a judge seat is vacant. Previously, she practiced law in a local firm and served for almost 20 years in the Saginaw County Prosecutor’s Office as a trial and appellate attorney. The following year, Boes received a Special Hero Award from the Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority and was recognized as an Advocate for Change Honoree by the Underground Railroad of Saginaw County.

SAGINAW, MI — On a fall evening in 2020, an ATV crash claimed the life of a Saginaw County woman and resulted in her husband being charged with drunkenly killing her. Kelbey on Nov. 23, 2020, was driving a side-by-side style ATV with his 43-year-old wife Colleen M. Kelbey and a 4-year-old neighbor child on board. At 5:42 p.m., Saginaw County Sheriff’s deputies to a report of the ATV having crashed on private property at 11871 Gasper Road in Albee Township. Deputies arrested Kelbey and he was arraigned a few days later, his bond set at $15,000 cash-surety or 10%. Read more:Man accused of killing wife in drunken ATV crash arrested on DUI charge while on bondSaginaw County man charged in ATV crash that killed his wifeWoman killed and her husband arrested after ATV crash in rural Saginaw County

KOCHVILLE TWP, MI — Police are investigating the broad-daylight carjacking of a Texas man at a Saginaw County gas station. About 3:15 p.m. on Jan. 24, the Texan entered the Next Door Food Store at 2482 Tittabawassee Road in Kochville Township. The carjacker allowed the man to remove his three dogs from the Sonata before getting in the vehicle and speeding off, according to Saginaw County Undersheriff Mike Gomez. About 9:45 a.m. on Jan. 26, police found the Sonata in the 1200 block of Treanor Street in Saginaw. Read more:Midland police officer pleads to drunken driving in off-duty crashArizona woman challenges grandson’s arrest in Saginaw street partyMidland man dies in Texas jail while visiting Lone Star State for mom’s memorial

FREELAND, MI — Popular mid-Michigan fall destination Leaman’s Green Applebarn is building a new wedding and event venue on its rural Saginaw County property. Surrounded by farm fields, it’s a “beautiful setting” for weddings and other special events. “Once you get out there, it’s just you and the sunset.”The Leaman family farm has a long history. What began as a fruit stand has grown into a fall and family fun destination spanning 100 acres. When it’s complete, Leaman’s Back Orchard Barn will be available for weddings, social events, school tours and Leaman’s events and will be able to accommodate as many as 200 people.

SAGINAW, MI — The morning her trial was to begin, a 19-year-old woman accused of sexually assaulting an underage girl at a now-closed juvenile detention center in Saginaw County opted to accept a plea deal. The month before Bryant committed her crime, the state had moved to close down the Buena Vista Township facility. Based in Grosse Pointe Park, Wolverine Human Services is a private nonprofit social services agency for children. The Buena Vista Township site was a 100-bed secured juvenile treatment facility for boys and girls, aged 12 to 19, from the child welfare system and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Read more:Teen charged with sexually assaulting younger girl at Wolverine juvenile facility in Saginaw CountyInvestigations into Michigan juvenile facility found ‘corporal punishment,’ documents show‘I don’t know what else we’re supposed to do’: Wolverine Human Services CEO speaks on licensing issueDocuments show abuse allegations that led to closing of Wolverine juvenile facility in Buena Vista

SAGINAW, MI — For the first time in three years, leaders here will deliver the State of the City and State of the County address in-person to members of the community. The Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce will host both addresses at the organization’s next percolator breakfast gathering at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, at The Dow Event Center, 303 Johnson in downtown Saginaw. Still, the event’s organizers said staff planned to stream the Feb. 2 gathering on the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page live. Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore will deliver the State of the City address while Saginaw County Board of Commissioners Chairman Christopher Boyd will provide the county update. While Moore has delivered previous State of the City addresses, Feb. 2 will mark the mayor’s first in-person address at the chamber event.

SAGINAW, MI — An Owosso woman has been sentenced to probation for embezzling more than $18,000 from a Saginaw County construction equipment business. Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello on Jan. 18 sentenced 50-year-old Victoria B. Wagner (also known by the surnames Smith and Sumbera) to two years’ probation. A condition of Wagner’s probation is that she pay $18,435.31 to AIS Construction Equipment, 4600 Zelle Drive in Bridgeport Township. Wagner had been employed at AIS Construction Equipment, which rents out large equipment. Read more from MLive:Woman accused of embezzling $18K from Saginaw County construction equipment businessCovenant HealthCare employee charged with embezzling at least $24KSaginaw church hosts interfaith prayer vigil to end gun violence epidemic

SAGINAW, MI — A former Covenant HealthCare employee has pleaded guilty to embezzling a five-figure sum from the hospital, though she has the chance to avoid the felony staining her record. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss a 10-year felony of embezzlement by an agent or trustee between $20,000 and $50,000. If Reinbold pays restitution in the amount of $24,177, the case will be dismissed, added defense attorney Matthew L. Reyes. Covenant spokeswoman Kristin Knoll previously told MLive Reinbold worked in a non-clinical area for the agency, but could not elaborate further. Online reports indicate Reinbold worked in human resources.

Officials will extend the hours of operations at the dog park at the Saginaw Township-based Imerman Memorial Park on Wednesday, Jan. 18, as part of the semi-annual Dog Days Winter Romp program, organizers said. Typically, the Steven A. Kirshenbaum Memorial Dog Park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset, or about 5:30 p.m. at this time of year. “They meet new friends and their dogs become friends, and (Dog Days Winter Romp) gives them that social interaction. There is no cost for entry to the dog park, although visitors from outside Saginaw County must pay $2 to park their vehicles at Imerman Memorial Park. The dog park includes a dividing fence that allows owners of small dogs to keep their pets playing separate from larger canines.

SAGINAW, MI — Over the summer, a Bay City man with a murder conviction allegedly escaped from the Saginaw County Jail by an innovative method — credit card fraud. Saginaw County Sheriff’s deputies on May 10 arrested 50-year-old Thomas E. “Big Tank” Kotewa on charges of third-degree retail fraud and resisting or obstructing police. “When he got out, he promptly contacted his credit card company and said there was a false charge,” Gomez said. In light of Kotewa’s death, Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank on Dec. 7 granted a prosecution’s request for the charges to dismissed. Read more:Murderer escapes Saginaw jail after canceling credit card payment for bond, police sayJury convicts Saginaw man of running down homeowner with truck, killing himPolice arrest third suspect in 2021 killing of talented Saginaw man ‘aiming to be a superstar’

SAGINAW TWP, MI — Saginaw County’s Genji has reopened as Benihana. The restaurant, located at 3870 Bay Road in Saginaw Township, reopened at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, under its new name. Benihana is a sushi and Japanese steakhouse chain with restaurants across the country. Pi also owns the Midland Genji location, which is expected to reopen under the Benihana name in March, she said. Read more from MLive:Michigan’s first Buffalo Wild Wings GO opening in Saginaw27th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

SAGINAW COUNTY, MI-- Saginaw County 911 sent out an alert after 3:30 pm.m on Tuesday, Jan. 1 that their emergency phone system is down and experiencing difficulties. Anyone in need of aid is urged to call the non-emergency number 989-797-4580. An official with Saginaw County Central dispatch said technicians are working to resolve the matter. Saginaw County 911 has been listed as one of several agencies statewide experiencing issues with their phone system. More from MLive:Firefighters battling blaze at former Buena Vista Welcome Inn that’s set for demolitionProposed congressional funds designated to remove Buena Vista hotel and other blighted propertiesSaginaw buses, Buena Vista hotel demolition among projects funded by $1.7T federal bill‘Dangerous’ Buena Vista motel set for razing by end of the yearBuena Vista plans to demolish closed motel deemed unsafe by year’s end

BUENA VISTA TWP, MI — Now that the Welcome Inn & Suites in Buena Vista Township is a pile of ash and rubble, money that was awarded in a federal spending package will go toward the cleaning of the site. RELATED: Blaze at Buena Vista’s Welcome Inn expected to smolder through the night after crews extinguish violent fireAccording to Township Supervisor Torri Lee, the funds that will now be released to the township will be for cleanup. “(The funds) will be released not to Buena Vista but to Saginaw County,” Lee said. “Any additional funding left from that, we could use for any blighted properties that the county owns in Buena Vista. More from MLive:Firefighters battling blaze at former Buena Vista Welcome Inn that’s set for demolitionProposed congressional funds designated to remove Buena Vista hotel and other blighted propertiesSaginaw buses, Buena Vista hotel demolition among projects funded by $1.7T federal bill‘Dangerous’ Buena Vista motel set for razing by end of the yearBuena Vista plans to demolish closed motel deemed unsafe by year’s end

BRIDGEPORT TWP, MI—Another weekend hotel fire drew out Saginaw County fire departments just after 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8. Smigiel said the fire does not immediately point to being related to the Saturday night fire at the former Welcome Inn & Suites in Buena Vista Township, 3245 E. Holland Ave., but would not rule it out. Smigiel said the building is not slated to be demolished like the Buena Vita hotel because of a potential buyer who had planned redevelopment. Firefighters from Frankenmuth, Spaulding Township, and Buena Vista Township fire departments assisted in knocking out Sunday’s fire to help keep any spread to a minimum. More from MLive:Blaze at Buena Vista’s Welcome Inn expected to smolder through the night after crews extinguish violent fireProposed congressional funds designated to remove Buena Vista hotel and other blighted propertiesSaginaw buses, Buena Vista hotel demolition among projects funded by $1.7T federal billMilk hauler spills 12K gallons in Sanilac County avoiding head-on crash

BUENA VISTA TWP., MI-- Around 5:45 p.m., Saginaw County Central Dispatch sent a media release stating that the former Welcome Inn & Suites, 3245 E. Holland, in Buena Vista Township was on fire, resulting in the closure of Holland Ave.No indication has been made as to how the fire started, but Buena Vista fire crews have called for mutual aid and currently have help from Saginaw City fire crews. Traffic on Interstate 75 was backed up as crews battled the blaze. The building has been set for demolition since 2019 and recently secured funding through President Joe Biden’s $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package that was signed into law on Dec. 23. Drivers are asked to avoid the area while crews work to put the fire out. More from MLive:Saginaw buses, Buena Vista hotel demolition among projects funded by $1.7T federal bill‘Dangerous’ Buena Vista motel set for razing by end of the yearBuena Vista plans to demolish closed motel deemed unsafe by year’s end

SAGINAW TWP, MI — Michigan’s first Buffalo Wild Wings GO is coming soon to Saginaw County. The new Buffalo Wild Wings GO under construction on State Street in Saginaw Township is expected to open this winter, according to company officials. The smaller-format Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant is being built on the once-vacant lot between Tim Hortons, 4870 State St., and Burger King, 4930 State St., just east of Center Road. The new restaurant will be the first Buffalo Wild Wings GO in the Saginaw area and in the state. “We are thrilled to introduce the Buffalo Wild Wings GO brand in Saginaw – it will be the first Buffalo Wild Wings GO location in Michigan,” Brian Carmody, franchisee and president of Patton Wings, said in a statement.

Daniel Garza-Gonzales has his name back after being unidentified for nearly 50 years.

SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw’s lumber history will be the first topic of the Castle Museum of Saginaw County’s 2023 Lunch and Learn series. Volunteer docent Rich DePlonty will present “Saginaw: Lumber Capital of the World” at noon Tuesday, Jan. 10, in the Castle Museum’s Morley room, 500 Federal Ave. in Saginaw. DePlonty will talk about the importance of lumber to Saginaw’s economy and the world’s dependence on Saginaw for lumber in the 19th century. The event will also be streamed live on the Castle Museum’s YouTube channel. For more information about this and other upcoming events at the Castle Museum, visit castlemuseum.org or find the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History on Facebook.

SAGINAW, MI — In the days following Thanksgiving 2021, an 11-year-old Saginaw County girl planned to spend a weekend at her auntie’s house. The girl’s idyllic stay was marred, however, when she was allegedly kidnapped and repeatedly raped by a long-time family friend. The girl testified to this during a preliminary examination for her accused assailant, 41-year-old Andrew D. Euell. Though the hearing was held in February, MLive recently obtained transcripts of the proceeding.

BUENA VISTA TWP, MI — Hours into 2023, a New Year’s Eve house party in Buena Vista Township culminated in a shooting that left one man wounded. About 3:25 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, police responded to a shooting at a residence in the 1600 block of Mack Road in Buena Vista Township. They arrived to find a 33-year-old man suffering form a gunshot wound to his left shoulder, said Buena Vista Township Police Detective Alexis Frierson. Both the victim and the shooter are Buena Vista Township residents, though they did not know each other prior to the gathering, Frierson said. In 2022, Buena Vista Township had two homicides, both of which resulted from gunfire.

The Saginaw County Wrestling Tournament celebrates its 50th anniversary Saturday, crowning the top high school wrestlers in Saginaw County. The Saginaw County Wrestling Association has held the tournament every year, starting in 1973, except for the 2020-21 COVID season.

BRIDGEPORT, MI — A month before what would have been her fourth birthday, a Saginaw County child died of an illness. As a result, a family friend has started a GoFundMe campaign to help lessen the burden of funeral costs for the late girl’s grieving parents. “By the time help made it to them, it was too late,” Scheffler wrote. Scheffler described Morgan’s mother, Courtney Ransom, as an exceptionally kind woman who would give someone in need the shirt off her back. “Her daughter, Morgan, was so much like her momma,” Scheffler wrote.

SAGINAW, MI — Municipal offices across Saginaw will close to the public for the New Year’s weekend. Saginaw City Hall will shut down Friday, Dec. 30, and Monday, Jan. 2, officials said. And Saginaw County and the courtroom will close to the public for same two days. Most Saginaw County offices are located at the Saginaw County Governmental Center, 111 S. Michigan. Both the city and county offices will reopen to the public Tuesday, Jan. 3.

SAGINAW COUNTY, MI – Northbound I-75 is closed in southern Saginaw County due to a crash involving a tractor trailer. Michigan State Police officials on Twitter said the crash occurred around 2:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at I-75 and Vienna Road. All of northbound I-75 was closed near the 136 mile marker earlier Friday due to a different jackknifed semi. At about 4:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 23, a semi tractor-trailer on northbound Interstate 75 north of the 149 mile marker in Saginaw County struck the median and rolled over. In Bay County, several vehicles were involved in a crash on southbound I-75 between the 159 mile marker and 157 mile marker, prompting the closure of that stretch of highway, central dispatch said.

Police are on the scene of several traffic crashes in Saginaw and Bay counties. In the hours afterward, Michigan State Police troopers responded to numerous crashes along the same strip of I-75. In Bay County, a semi on southbound I-75 left the roadway near the 168 mile marker at Beaver Road. “Currently we have 3 jackknifed trucks & and several additional crashes, one involving a patrol car,” the Michigan State Police Third District tweeted at 8:35 a.m. “Troopers are investigating MANY crashes around the Bay Region,” the MSP tweeted at 8:37 a.m. “Please stay home!

Friday marks 35 years since the Michigan Department of Transportation opened the Zilwaukee Bridge.

SAGINAW, MI — More than 30 plow trucks operated by a rotation of 50 employees are readying for a winter storm expected to slam Saginaw County over the holiday weekend, a road commission official said. “We’re ready,” said Dan Armentrout, the director of engineering at the Saginaw County Road Commission. “Our goal is to keep the main roads open so that people can get to those main roads to handle the emergency stuff they need and to get to grandma’s house for Christmas,” he said. “It’s going to be one of those re-run storms, where you run the main roads this evening and re-run them tomorrow morning and then re-run them again tomorrow afternoon. The effort means many of them may miss their own family’s holiday gatherings while helping others travel to celebrate the season.

BAY CITY, MI — After five decades in business, Bay City’s Tuthill Bros. Food Market is closing its doors. The family-owned, family-operated party store in business since 1972 is located at 1315 Columbus Ave. The Tuthill family recently shared the news with customers via the market’s Facebook page. We thank you for loving us, sticking by us and supporting us throughout all these years.”In neighboring Saginaw County, another longtime party store may be closing soon. Bill’s Party Store, located at 2422 Mackinaw St., is for sale after 60 years in business.

SAGINAW, MI — Accused of starving several pigs to death, a Tittabawassee Township man has pleaded guilty rather than take his chances with a jury. Craig A. Trautner, 63, on Monday, Dec. 19, appeared before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Manvel Trice III and pleaded guilty to two counts of cruelty to one animal causing death. “We found them with no food, no water, no straw, lying in frozen mud and feces on an abandoned farm,” said Animal Control Director Bonnie Kanicki. “He said he had fallen on some hard times and the abandoned farm was quite a distance off the road,” Kanicki said. Bonnie was named after Kanicki and Molly was named after Molly Tamulevich, director of Michigan’s Humane Society of the United States.

SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw County commissioners — of present and past — showed up to celebrate the governing board’s longest-serving active member during his final meeting Tuesday, Dec. 20. Among them: state Rep. Amos O’Neal, who was a member of the county board from 2016-20. Commissioner Dennis Krafft, a Republican and the second-longest serving member of the county board at 16 years, praised Ruth Tuesday. “We appreciate his dedication to the continuous improvement of the quality of life for all Saginaw County residents, and the sacrifices he has made to ensure the preservation of our democracy,” Krafft said. The Dec. 20 board meeting at the Saginaw County Governmental Center also was the last gathering as elected officials for Commissioners Carol Ewing and Kyle Harris.

SAGINAW, MI — A replacement stage at Ojibway Island and program expansions at four Saginaw community centers will constitute $825,000 of Saginaw County’s $37 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) stimulus fund spending. During a Tuesday, Dec. 20, meeting, the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners approved the spending initiatives to benefit community centers First Ward Community Service, Saginaw County Community Action Committee, YMCA of Saginaw, and Youth Development Corp.First Ward Community Center and Saginaw County Community Action Committee received $250,000 apiece to advance their respective programming, YMCA of Saginaw received $150,000, and Youth Development Corp. received $100,000. The board also approved providing $100,000 of county ARPA funds to the City of Saginaw for replacing Ojibway Island’s deteriorating stage, where bands perform during events there. Saginaw County Controller Robert Belleman said the $100,000 would not cover the complete cost for the stage replacement. He said Saginaw City Manager Tim Morales and Mayor Brenda Moore indicated plans to pursue the additional funding using the city’s budget resources.

RICHLAND TWP, MI — A fire is continuing to burn at a Saginaw County grain elevator hours after starting. About 10:10 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18, Richland Township firefighters responded to a fire at The Andersons Inc., an agricultural storage and supply company at 485 S. Hemlock Road. While crews were responding, Saginaw County Central Dispatch received several calls indicating flames were visible from the pump house. Richland Township Fire Command requested a second alarm, which brought in three additional fire departments. With crews on scene reporting heavy fire visible, Richland Township continued emergency operations to mitigate the emergency.

KOCHVILLE TWP, MI — Planet Fitness is now open on Tittabawassee Road in Saginaw County’s Kochville Township. The new gym, located at 2270 Tittabawassee Road, opened its doors to customers on Friday, Dec. 16. A grand opening celebration is planned for Wednesday, Dec. 21. It’s located in the building that was formerly Gander Mountain, which closed in 2017. Related: Business growth on Tittabawassee Road ‘a great sign for the region’Planet Fitness-Saginaw (North) is open from 5 a.m. to midnight on Monday, 24 hours Tuesday through Thursday, midnight to 10 p.m. Friday, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

CHAPIN TWP, MI — An afternoon garage fire in rural Saginaw County has claimed the life of an 86-year-old man. While they were en route, Saginaw County Central Dispatch advised them a person might be inside the burning garage, Undersheriff Mike Gomez said. Mike Andreotti spoke with a neighbor who said he had heard an explosion, walked outside, and saw smoke emanating from the garage. He tried approaching the garage but was forced back due to the heat, unable to reach its door, according to Gomez. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and is under investigation, Gomez said.

BUENA VISTA TWP, MI — A Saginaw County teen is facing two felonies after allegedly shooting a fellow teen in Buena Vista Township. At 9:14 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, police responded to a shooting outside a residence in the 800 block of South 26th Street. They arrived to find a 19-year-old male who had suffered a single gunshot wound to his leg, said Buena Vista Township Police Detective Alexis Frierson. The wounded teen resides at the house where the shooting occurred. McDaniel and the suspect were known to each other and argued before the shooting, the detective added.

BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, MI — Saginaw County vendors here will supply the goods this week at the second annual Buena Vista Holiday Bazaar, organizers said. The event is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the Buena Vista Community Center, 1940 S. Outer Drive. “We think it’s extremely important to support our local vendors,” said Torrie Lee, Buena Vista’s superintendent and one of the bazaar’s coordinators. Buena Vista Township Supervisor Christina Dillard-Jackson will offer “holiday mixology sessions” via her mobile drink-mixing business, iMix LLC, Lee said. Draymond Green, Saginaw Spirit to sponsor food giveaway at Dow Event Center

SAGINAW, MI — Holiday shoppers will have a unique opportunity to support young entrepreneurs and find one-of-a-kind gifts this weekend in Saginaw County. Saginaw County’s Rebel Co., a boutique on Gratiot in Shields, is hosting a Young Entrepreneur Mini Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Owner Lauren Husen said shoppers will find unique items made by several Saginaw-area teen entrepreneurs, including custom art, hand-tied fly fishing flies, apparel, baked goods and more. Fly Co., owned by Husen’s 15-year-old son Hunter Yackel; Anna Kate’s Cupcakes, owned by 17-year-old Anna Gillis; Cookies by Brooklyn Gillis, owned by 14-year-old Brooklyn Gillis; and, Tail Wagging Art by Bren, owned by 14-year-old Bren Landman. “It is possible for you to start your own business or do your own thing no matter what age.”Find Rebel Co.’s Young Entrepreneur Mini Market event page on Facebook for more information.

SAGINAW, MI — A Saginaw man is facing 17 felonies for allegedly sexually assaulting three minor girls over several years. While Luna’s trial in Saginaw County Circuit Court is pending, the prosecution has filed motions seeking to have protective screens placed around the witness stand for his three alleged victims. In the Oct. 26 hearing, Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Leslie A. Card-Godin called several therapists to testify in favor of the screens’ use. Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Melissa J. Hoover began the hearing by calling a 10-year-old girl to the witness stand. Luna remains in the Saginaw County Jail as of Dec. 2.

SAGINAW, MI — A St. Charles man has been charged with two felonies after armed civilians stopped him allegedly breaking into a home the morning after Thanksgiving. As of Tuesday morning, Boykins remains in custody at the Saginaw County Jail. Watching the outburst were two neighbors armed with handguns who then “rushed to the scene to stop the home invasion,” Gomez said. At 7:51 a.m., the two neighbors detained the man until deputies arrived two minutes later, Gomez said. Read more:Armed neighbors detain man after break-in at St. Charles home with kids, sheriff’s officials saySaginaw woman shoots at uncle, cousin in dispute over puppies, police sayMount Pleasant man charged with attempted murder in brother’s stabbing

SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw city leaders could renege on a September decision to spend $1.3 million to help tear down aging structures at the old Saginaw County fairgrounds. One member of the Saginaw City Council also serves on the Saginaw Housing Commission: George Copeland. In 2001, the Saginaw Housing Commission sought HUD approval to use funds to secure a loan to buy the old fairgrounds. The Saginaw Housing Commission leaders responsible for those decisions two decades ago no longer serve on the organization. $3.8M Saginaw home rehabilitation program heats upWomen rule Saginaw City Council

SAGINAW, MI — When a water utility shutoff moratorium ended in July, Saginaw City Hall staff estimated there was $1.7 million total in unpaid bills from city residents. She said many of those unpaid bills were resolved via payment plans and financial assistance from nonprofits such as United Way of Saginaw County. While many of those moratoriums ended 12 months later, Saginaw officials delayed lifting the city’s moratorium until June 2021. That’s when staff began the process of collecting payments from an estimated 750 households owing about $1 million in total unpaid bills at the time. $3.8M Saginaw home rehabilitation program heats upWomen rule Saginaw City CouncilHere’s a brief history of Saginaw’s mayors, and the pursuit of the gavel

SAGINAW, MI — A former caretaker accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a disabled person at a Saginaw County adult assisted living facility is a step closer to facing a jury. The preliminary examination of Everette L. Goodwine, 37, was scheduled to begin the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 21, before Saginaw County District Judge Elian E.H. Fichtner. Present in the courtroom and set to testify was Goodwine’s alleged victim.

A massive expansion is coming to the water park at Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth.

SAGINAW, MI — A Saginaw man is heading to prison for breaking into an elderly man’s home and robbing him with a boxcutter. Saginaw County Chief Circuit Judge Darnell Jackson on Nov. 10 sentenced 43-year-old Michael A. Knights to 80 months to 30 years in prison. According to prosecutors, Knights in the early morning hours of June 19, 2021, knocked on the door of a house on North Bond Street. When the 74-year-old homeowner came to the door, Knights entered and brandished a boxcutter, prosecutors said. Read more:Saginaw man accused of breaking into 74-year-old man’s home, robbing him with boxcutter, takes pleaSaginaw man accused of robbing 74-year-old man with boxcutter

Police still don’t know who kidnapped and murdered a 16-year-old girl from Flint 39 years ago.

SAGINAW, MI — An Owosso woman has pleaded guilty to embezzling a five-figure sum from a Saginaw County construction equipment business. Victor B. Wagner, also known by the surnames Smith and Sumbera, on Monday, Nov. 14, appeared before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello and pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement between $1,000 and $20,000. Her advisory sentencing guidelines are zero to nine months, with the prosecution not objecting to Wagner receiving a probation sentence. Wagner had been employed at AIS Construction Equipment, 4600 Zelle Drive in Bridgeport Township, which rents out large equipment. Read more:Woman accused of embezzling $18K from Saginaw County construction equipment businessChicago-area man pleads to ramming cop SUV after showing up at Saginaw County parochial schoolMiniature horse recovering at Saginaw Children’s Zoo after mauling by two dogs

SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw County leaders recommended spending $780,750 of the county’s $37 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds on five community projects. The Saginaw County Board of Commissioners could endorse that recommendation at a 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, meeting at the Saginaw County Governmental Center in Old Saginaw City. The committee considered $10.2 million in proposals Tuesday, but tabled several of the projects until after a joint meeting could be arranged between leaders of both Saginaw County and Saginaw, which wields $52 million in ARPA funds. County leaders said they hoped to determine which Saginaw-based projects city leaders may fund before the county commits its own dollars. “I would like to get the biggest bang for our buck as possible,” Saginaw County Commissioner Christopher Boyd said.

SAGINAW, MI — A Chicago-area man who drove to a parochial school in rural Saginaw County then rammed a police vehicle when officers responded has accepted a plea deal. In exchange for his pleas, the prosecution agreed to dismiss misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and driving with a forged or altered license. The man, Tsimberov, left and staff gave police a description of him. Not long after, police found Tsimberov at the McDonald’s at 120 W. Saginaw St.“We questioned him and tried to determine why he was at the school,” Doyle said. Read more:Chicago-area man charged with ramming police SUV after mysteriously arriving at Saginaw County schoolIllinois man rams police vehicle after showing up at Hemlock-area school for unknown reasons

BAY CITY, MI— One incumbent and one newcomer will be filling the two seats that were up for grabs on Nov. 8 for the Bay City Public Schools board of education. Lorraine “Lori” A. Jeske was one of two board members whose term expired at the end of 2022, with the other being board President Gene Rademacher. With Rademacher announcing his retirement from the board at the end of the 2021-22 school year, that left one seat for someone new to throw their hat into the ring. Here’s a look at the Bay City School board race numbers:Lorraine A. Jeske: 11,963 (11,908 from Bay County; 55 from Saginaw County)Michael Kelly: 13,500 (13,446 from Bay County; 54 from Saginaw County)Orentheus X. Lowery: 5,023 (5,013 from Bay County; 10 from Saginaw County)Jodi Zube: 8,509 (8,486 from Bay County; 23 from Saginaw County)A full breakdown of the Nov. 8 election for Bay County can be found on the County Clerk’s webpage. More from MLive:Second attempt at Saginaw ISD special education millage on track to passSaginaw County election results for Nov. 8, 2022Despite tensions and threats, Saginaw County clerk confident in 2022 election readinessBay County election results for Nov. 8

SAGINAW COUNTY, MI—The Saginaw Intermediate School District has announced that it will be agreeing to a new registered apprenticeship program for educators. In a release shared by the ISD, the agreement will be run through a partnership between the ISD, the U.S. Department of Labor and the Michigan Department of Education. Officials from ISD-partnered districts, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Michigan Department of Labor and the Michigan Department of Education will be gathering at the ISD Professional Development Center (3860 Fashion Square Blvd.) Starting at 3 p.m. on Nov. 14, an overview of the apprentice program will be given by Jenny Geno, executive director of career and technical education with the ISD. All 12 districts in the ISD have expressed interest in joining the apprenticeship program.

SAGINAW, MI — Registered voters showed up in record numbers in Saginaw County for the Tuesday, Nov. 8, mid-term elections, following a years-long trend also observed beyond the community’s borders. “We had more people participate in the midterm election throughout the state even than we had anticipated,” Saginaw County Clerk Vanessa Guerra said. Of 157,562 registered Saginaw County voters, 82,320 people — or 52.3% — voted in this election, according to the county’s unofficial tally. For example, Guerra won her first election — as a state representative for the 95th District — during a November 2014 midterm where 13,300 fewer Saginaw County voters cast ballots compared to this election. Of the 81,638 Saginaw County votes cast in the governor’s race, 52.9% of residents voted for Gov.

The Saginaw Club announced the three finalists for the 2022 Hawkins Award, presented annually to the top Saginaw County high school football player. Freeland lineman Gabe Blanchard, Birch Run tailback Kahleel Brown and Michigan Lutheran Seminary quarterback Evan Wakefield are the three finalists for the Hawkins Award, with the winner announced Thursday, Dec. 1 at the Saginaw Club.

A 7-year-old in mid-Michigan is in critical condition after accidentally shooting himself in the head, police say.

The president and owner of the famous Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge, Judy Zehnder Keller, passed away on Wednesday.

After her mother had multiple strokes and was unable to care for herself, a Michigan woman is accused of spending $1.1 million of her money without permission, including the purchase of a $660,000 condo in Florida that she later hoped to inherit.

A boy found dead in Saginaw 34 years ago still hasn’t been identified, but investigators are using DNA to work to find answers.

Officials said they found four children who had been abducted by their noncustodial Michigan father in the cab of a semi truck.

The term has been historically used as an offensive slur for Indigenous women. Officials state the removal of the slur is effective immediately.

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

A Michigan State Police trooper has been suspended after he struck a handcuffed drunken driving suspect in the face, officials said.

Michigan’s attorney general issued a warning about price gouging to pharmacies that were charging $50 and $80 for at-home COVID tests that currently retail for under $20, she said.

Authorities say human bones found in central Michigan are those of a pilot who apparently leapt from his plane in mid-flight.

The federal government has approved millions of dollars in disaster relief for part of central Michigan impacted by flooding last year caused by severe weather and dam failures.

Severe storms moved through Southeast Michigan Saturday (July 24) night.

At 4:56 p.m. Saturday (July 24) a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Freeland, according to the National Weather Service.

The CDC is investigating the death of a 13-year-old from Michigan to see if there is any connection to a COVID-19 vaccine.

TAYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Two teenagers have discovered a human foot while fishing in Saginaw County. The foot was found Feb. 26 along the banks of the Flint River in Taymouth Township, The Saginaw News reported Thursday. It has been sent to the state police Crime Lab where DNA from the foot will be compared to other collected DNA, Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel said. Taymouth Township is south of Saginaw and about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Detroit. The Flint River extends about 78 miles (125 kilometers) through several Michigan counties, according to the newspaper.

SAGINAW, Mich. – A statewide search has been launched for 87-year-old Saginaw County resident Karl Adam Marker. On Thursday Sept. 17 at around 9:50 a.m. Michigan State Police were sent to a home in Kochville Township to investigate a missing person. He was going to the Fashion Square Mall in Saginaw. The statewide search has been active since Thursday. READ MORE: Missing in Michigan reports

LANSING, Mich. – Two Michigan police officers were charged with misconduct in separate incidents involving allegations of excessive force and an illegal search, authorities said Tuesday. Former Saginaw Officer Adam Collier was charged with misconduct in office, a felony. He's accused of striking a handcuffed woman with his fist while she was under arrest for an alleged assault in July. In Jackson County, Blackman-Leoni Township Officer David Lubahn was charged with perjury and misconduct in office. “Law enforcement officers take an oath of office and we fully expect them to uphold that promise,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said.

FREELAND, Mich. – A New York Times correspondent attending a rally held by President Donald Trump in Freeland said she was tracked down by the Trump campaign and removed from the rally. READ: President Trump to visit mid-Michigan todayTweets are embedded below:First for me: Trump campaign tracked me down from pics i tweeted and escorted me out. — Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) September 10, 2020I’ve just been kicked out of the trump rally. — Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) September 10, 2020And so it begins pic.twitter.com/fuLY4oasjP — Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) September 10, 2020Air force one just landed — Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) September 10, 2020Crammed in crowd in the rain for trump rally in michigan. Not many masks pic.twitter.com/5DZ6JBVNK8 — Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) September 10, 2020

FREELAND, Mich. – President Donald Trump spoke at a campaign rally in Freeland on Thursday. His campaign stop comes just one day after Democratic candidate Joe Biden made a stop in the state. Before departing the White House Trump highlighted a surge in virus cases in Europe to contend that the United States is faring well. Trump has characterized the rallies as “peaceful protests” and White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said attendees were exercising their First Amendment rights. It was a similar situation in North Carolina, where Trump held a rally this week that drew a mostly mask-less crowd of thousands.

The report provides an update on the ongoing investigation into the Edenville Dam, plans to restore the Tobacco River's flow and the lack of coordination with the dams' owner Boyce Hydro. But while awaiting the conclusion of the investigation, EGLE provided the first of a series of reports requested by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that will provide information about how the dam failures came to be and reviewing dam safety policies in Michigan. The report doesn’t address any parties at fault for the dam failures, but addresses what EGLE will do next to address the safety concerns left by the Edenville dam. Read more: Frustrated Michigan officials issue emergency order to Edenville Dam owners ignoring deadlines

BAY CITY, Mich. – Five people and a dog have been rescued from a sinking boat in Saginaw Bay. The 50-foot vessel was halfway submerged and one person wearing a life jacket was in the water when a Coast Guard rescue boat arrived after 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Coast Guard said Thursday in a release. A line was tossed to the person who was pulled aboard the Coast Guard Station Saginaw River rescue boat. The other four people and the dog were helped aboard the rescue boat from the sinking vessel. Salvage crews were working Thursday on a plan to remove the sinking boat from Saginaw Bay, according to the Coast Guard.

Gretchen Whitmer has added three counties to her state of emergency issued as a result of two dam failures that caused devastating floods in the middle of the state. Arenac, Gladwin and Saginaw counties have been added to the state of emergency that was issued for Midland County. “I have declared an emergency to provide much needed assistance and have added Arenac, Gladwin and Saginaw counties to the declaration to ensure access to critical resources. (WDIV)Officials evacuated 750 Saginaw County residents, 500 Arenac County residents and more than 100 Gladwin County residents due to rising waters. By adding them to the state of emergency, Whitmer allows these three counties to receive law enforcement and shelter support, road repair help, search and rescue services and more.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) GIS Unit has created an interactive map listing all road closures related to flooding impacting Gladwin, Midland and Saginaw counties. The map includes closures for state trunklines (I, M and US routes), local roads and will provide updated road impacts until flooding concerns have subsided. More than 20 state trunkline and local agency bridges have been impacted by flooding and will require inspections prior to reopening to the public, according to officials. Flooding also caused severe damage to many bridges that will need to be repaired. “We’re asking the public to continue to follow any safety advisories issued and respect any road barricades you may encounter.

BRIDGEPORT TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A woman and her baby died Tuesday morning in a mobile home fire near the Michigan city of Saginaw, authorities said. Multiple fire departments responded to the blaze in a mobile home park in Saginaw County's Bridgeport Township. The mother and child were in one of three trailers that caught fire, authorities said. The cause of the fire wasn't immediately known, and the names of the victims weren't released. Bridgeport Township is about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Detroit.

FREELAND, Mich. – A man found dead last week inside his mid-Michigan home froze to death inside the unheated mobile home, police said. Arnoul Jaros, 62, was emaciated but his cause of death was determined to be accidental hypothermia, Tittabawassee Township police said Monday. Officers and firefighters found Jaros' body “in a frozen state” when they forced their way into his home on Feb. 15, police said. Police said it had been at least two months since Jaros had been in contact with relatives, The Bay City Times reported. There was no electricity to the house and the temperature inside was at 25 degrees (minus 3.9 Celsius), police said in a news release.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A man has been charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of his estranged wife more than a decade ago in western Michigan. Michael Pagel, 55, was arraigned via video Thursday in Grand Rapids. Renee Pagel, 41, was stabbed to death in 2006 in her Courtland Township home, northeast of Grand Rapids. He moved with the couple’s three children to Saginaw County after the slaying, according to MLive.com. The investigation eventually was turned over to a cold case team.

UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – Snowfall across Michigan has resulted in early dismissals and closings are anticipated for tomorrow. Saginaw Valley State University will be closed today beginning at 4 p.m. due to inclement weather, according to a university alert. The university is one of the first universities in the state to close due to snow this season. For an updated school closings list, click here. For more information on SVSU’s weather updates and closures, check out the university’s website.

Joshua Rosebush was found guilty Friday after roughly two hours of jury deliberations. (WDIV)SAGINAW, Mich. - A man accused of saying "night, night" before he shot a police officer in the jaw has been convicted of attempted murder and 25 more felonies in Saginaw County. Joshua Rosebush was found guilty Friday after roughly two hours of jury deliberations. Saginaw Township Officer Jeff Koenig stopped Rosebush's vehicle in the wee hours last January, a stop that led to a shooting, a chase in other counties and a shootout. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

The FAA is investigating a small plane crash in Saginaw County that occurred on Aug. 3, 2019. According to authorities, four people were in a Cessna plane that crashed at about 10 a.m. Saturday in Saginaw County. WEYI reports the plane crashed near the intersection of Spence and Fordney roads. The plane had left Flint and was traveling to Beaver Island. Authorities said the plane experienced engine trouble and a wing caught a guidewire, causing the plane to flip over.