SAGINAW COUNTY

Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank on Friday, May 20, arraigned 27-year-old Morgan M. Krotzer on one count of third-degree arson. Krotzer’s charge stems from an arson fire that occurred at the Wild Woods of Terror, 7500 Venoy Road in Kochville Township. About 1 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18, firefighters from numerous departments and Saginaw County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the reported blaze. Krotzer was still at the scene when responders arrived, a lighter in her pocket, said Saginaw County Sheriff William L. Federspiel. About 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, firefighters again responded to the Wild Woods for a reported rekindle.

KOCHVILLE TWP, MI — More details have emerged regarding two fires at a haunted attraction in rural Saginaw County, the first allegedly started by a marooned Clio woman. At the scene was a 27-year-old Clio woman with a lighter in her pocket, said Saginaw County Sheriff William L. Federspiel. The woman then apparently walked to the Wild Woods, a distance of nearly four miles. The Wild Woods had been closed for several years before the fires. Read more:Firefighters battle blaze at Saginaw County haunted woods, woman arrested on arson chargeOhio man accused of breaking into dollar store to steal lighter fluid to set house on fireSaginaw woman arrested after allegedly setting car, garage on fire with gasoline

SAGINAW, MI — A Saginaw man accused of ramming a vehicle into a Michigan State Police Crime Lab barn to steal a laptop has been charged with three felonies. The officers’ investigation indicates Vickers deliberately and repeatedly rammed his car into the lab’s barn, a parked enclosed trailer, and a dumpster. After crashing into the barn’s overhead door, the driver went inside the building and stole a laptop from within. Police arrested Vickers at the scene. Vickers had no active criminal charges against him in Saginaw County predating the Sunday morning incident.

SAGINAW, MI — A new policy requires employees of Saginaw County in close personal relationships with each other to tell their supervisors. In a 7-2 vote, the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners approved the language during a Tuesday, May 18, meeting. Close personal relationships include “dating, short or long-term sexual relationships, and any other conduct or behavior generally associated with romantic or sexual relationships,” county records indicate. The policy prohibits “all close relationships between supervisors and subordinates” and “strongly” discourages those kinds of liaisons between employees not in management roles. “With that kind of transparency, employees and supervisors can be moved around to different departments so that they can maintain their relationship,” Webster said.

SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw County Board of Commissioners extended the appointment of the chief medical examiner entangled in an ongoing dispute with the ousted county-contracted company that once employed him. Dr. Russell Bush will remain the Saginaw County chief medical examiner until at least May 2026 after a unanimous board vote during a Tuesday, May 18, meeting. Instead, he became employed by Michigan Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine, essentially making him part of a package deal. That tie became complicated in November 2021 when Michigan Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine leaders said they fired Bush. The commission later severed ties with Michigan Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine while reaffirming Bush’s status as chief medical examiner.

SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw County leaders will keep aboard the company that first began managing operations at The Dow Event Center in 2001. The Saginaw County Board of Commissioners approved a new 10-year contract with ASM Global during a Tuesday, May 17, meeting. This agreement marked the third decade-long contract for ASM Global at The Dow Event Center. ASM Global recently celebrated the 50-year anniversary of the opening of The Dow Event Center, which was originally known as the Saginaw Civic Center. The event center attracts more than 250,000 people a year to downtown Saginaw, officials estimate.

BUENA VISTA TWP, MI — A Cincinnati man is accused of breaking into a dollar store to steal lighter fluid, then trying to set a nearby house on fire. At 11:12 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, Buena Vista police officers responded to a break-in at the Dollar General at 3545 Dixie Highway. Stolen from the store were bottles of lighter fluid, Frierson said. Braylock hails from Cincinnati and its unknown what brought him to Saginaw County, the detective said. Read more:Two cows killed in Saginaw County crash, driver leaves sceneMother mourns mentally ill son, father of 4 who died in home invasionSaginaw woman arrested after allegedly setting car, garage on fire with gasoline

SAGINAW, MI — Live Oak Coffeehouse is preparing to open its third location in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The new Live Oak Coffeehouse opens to the public Saturday, May 21. “We’re really looking forward to meeting our new neighbors and welcoming our existing friends,” said Renée Deckrow, owner of Live Oak Coffeehouse. The New Live Oak Coffeehouse will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Find Live Oak Coffeehouse (Midtown Midland) on Facebook or visit www.liveoakcoffeehouse.com to learn more.

KOCHVILLE TWP, MI — A Clio woman is in custody after allegedly starting a fire at a haunted attraction in Saginaw County, a fire that resumed burning nearly 12 hours later. On scene was a 27-year-old woman, the same woman associated with the car on the Zilwaukee Bridge, Kolb said. About 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, a passerby on Venoy Road spotted more flames at the Wild Woods and notified Saginaw County Central Dispatch. The arrested woman’s name is being withheld pending arraignment in Saginaw County District Court. Read more:Two cows killed in Saginaw County crash, driver leaves sceneMother mourns mentally ill son, father of 4 who died in home invasionSaginaw woman arrested after allegedly setting car, garage on fire with gasoline

THOMAS TWP, MI — Two cows broke loose from a Saginaw County farm, only to find to be killed by traffic in a late-night collision. The driver who killed them, though, remains unknown. About 10:06 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, Thomas Township police officers received reports of a dead cow in the roadway and live cattle running loose around Gratiot Road/M-46 of Pineview Road, said Chief Al Fong. Officers went to the scene and found two deceased adult cows, one on the shoulder of Gratiot and the other in some nearby grass.

SAGINAW, MI — A 50-year-old Saginaw County man is facing a variety of sexual offenses for allegedly assaulting three young males over several years. On Nov. 9, Limron appeared in Saginaw County District Court for arraignment on two counts of accosting a child for immoral purposes and one count of aggravated indecent exposure. The more recent charges relate to Limron allegedly assaulting a now-17-year-old boy from early 2015 to late 2018. They added most of the alleged crimes occurred in the southwestern portion of Saginaw County. Limron is currently being held in the Saginaw County Jail without bond.

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.

SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw Valley State University celebrated the official opening of its Riverfront Saginaw Center on Washington Avenue Friday, May 13. “For nearly 60 years, the Saginaw community has provided wonderful opportunities for our students to learn and grow, places like Covenant HealthCare, St. Mary’s Hospital, Saginaw Police Department,” he said. “After graduation, many of our alumni build lives and careers in this community.”Moore welcomed SVSU to downtown Saginaw. Since 2020, SVSU’s Office of Professional Development has used the site for various programs, and a representative from SVSU’s Office of Admissions keeps regular office hours at the site. Horn said the new Riverfront Center is SVSU’s first off-campus facility in its nearly 60-year history and called SVSU a “critical supporter of the downtown business community.”“Thank you, Saginaw Valley State University, for your investment in downtown Saginaw,” Horn said.

SAGINAW, MI - A demonstration will be held this weekend in Saginaw County as the Roe v. Wade debate continues at the federal level. Planned Parenthood is holding a national day of protest on Saturday, May 14. As a part of this nationwide event, supporters of abortion rights in Mid-Michigan are planning on gathering from 11 a.m. to noon in front of the Saginaw County Governmental Center, 111 S. Michigan Ave in Saginaw. Rivet is running as a Democrat for the seat overseeing the newly created 35th District. The new district encompasses communities in Bay, Saginaw and Midland counties.

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:

SAGINAW, MI — A Saginaw Township father initially accused of making a terrorist threat against a middle school has pleaded down from a significant felony to a misdemeanor. When staff gave Perkins the dates, he replied with “you’ll be on lockdown by then,” said Saginaw Township Police Chief Scott A. Malace. In that incident, four students were killed and six more and a teacher suffered gunshot wounds, marking the deadliest school shooting since 2018. A rash of threats against Michigan schools occurred in the immediate wake of the Oxford shooting. Read more on MLive:Saginaw Township dad charged with making terrorism threat against area middle schoolBay County teen in custody after allegedly making threat against Midland County high schoolRash of social media threats hit mid-Michigan schools in wake of Oxford High School shooting

The Korf/Schultz Saginaw County Track Meet is making more than a few changes this season. The meet, which brings together the top track athletes in Saginaw County, will move from its traditional schedule. Instead of the Tuesday after Memorial Day, the County Meet is Friday at Saginaw Heritage High School.

SAGINAW, MI — On a late spring day, civilians found a woman’s body floating in a rural Saginaw County creek. Laura Jo Schempf, 47, on Monday, May 9, appeared before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello and pleaded guilty to concealing the death of an individual. After getting the $1,000, Schempf drove Hartman’s body to Albee Township and pulled it from the truck. She had hoped Hartman’s body would be spotted the next day by passengers on a passing bus, she added. Read more:Woman said she was paid $1,000 by ‘pimp’ to dump overdose victim’s body in Saginaw County creekWoman accused of hiding body of Saginaw woman who died in 2019Police identify body found in creek as that of missing Saginaw woman

BRIDGEPORT TWP, MI — Police are investigating a double-shooting in Bridgeport Township that left one man dead and a woman wounded. He did say Wicker lived in both Saginaw and Bridgeport Township. Bridgeport Township officers were assisted at the scene by Michigan State Police troopers and officers with the Buena Vista Township and Frankenmuth police departments. Police are asking anyone with information on the incident to call Saginaw County Central Dispatch at 989-797-4580. Read more:Police release name of Clare man killed by homeowner in alleged intrusionDog allegedly killed by ex-corrections officer spurs planned protest at Saginaw County courthouseTrio pleads to cruelty charges a year after 41 animals removed from Saginaw County farm

SAGINAW, MI — As part of a new initiative addressing Saginaw County health needs, organizers launched a website recently to connect residents with resources and caretakers. Officials with the Saginaw County Health Department and 10 community organizations last month announced the Be Well, Saginaw program, which focuses on solutions to “three of the most significant health issues” facing the community: maternal and child health, mental health and substance use, and obesity and chronic diseases. “If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that overall health plays a major role in how diseases impact a community,” said Christina Harrington, an organizer for Be Well, Saginaw and the health officer at the Saginaw County Health Department. Be Well, Saginaw organizers plan to host a Healthy Living Expo at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Saginaw YMCA, 1915 Fordney in Saginaw. The Be Well, Saginaw initiative partnership includes Ascension St. Mary’s hospital, Central Michigan University, Covenant HealthCare, Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, HealthSource, Michigan Health Improvement Alliance, Saginaw Community Foundation, Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority, Saginaw County Health Department, Saginaw Intermediate School District, and United Way of Saginaw County.

SAGINAW, MI — Three people facing animal cruelty charges after authorities seized more than 40 horses, cattle, dogs, cats, pigs, goats, sheep, birds, and shelled reptiles from a Saginaw County farm have accepted plea deals. Leiner and Rogers both pleaded no contest to cruelty to two or three animals, while Delong pleaded no contest to abandonment of or cruelty to one animal. Presiding Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank relied on documents to enter convictions on the record. A Saginaw County Sheriff’s deputy and Animal Control officers came to the property, finding numerous animals in obvious need of veterinary care. Read more:Trio charged with animal cruelty after 41 animals removed from Saginaw County farmSaginaw County Animal Control offering reduced adoption rates for ‘Empty The Shelter’ eventEx-corrections officer, deputy charged with killing dog trained by prisoners

He described Ricardo Delgado and Hayes as “the tip of the spear when it comes to this drug trafficking organization,” saying there isn’t anyone higher in the ranks than them. Police intercepted Ricardo Delgado and Saucedo as they were reportedly on their way to the hit. Due to that, they decided to forsake the wiretap and arrest Delgado, Hayes, Saucedo, and Aristeo Delgado as soon as possible. That evening, officers arrested Ricardo Delgado, Aristeo Delgado, and Saucedo at the Flying J’s Travel Center at 3475 E. Washington Road in Buena Vista Township off Interstate 75. “With these arrests, a major drug distribution organization has been dismantled,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

SAGINAW, MI — A teenage Saginaw woman has been hospitalized after suffering a gunshot wound. About 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, police responded to the shooting reported near the intersection of Lincoln and Webber streets on the city’s East Side. They determined an 18-year-old woman had been riding as a passenger in a vehicle that was struck by gunfire as it traveled westbound on Lincoln Street. Saginaw Major Case Unit detectives are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call them at 989-287-1223 or, to remain anonymous, to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-422-5245. Read more:Bay City man charged with sexually assaulting 3 underage girls over 2 yearsWoman accused of embezzling $18K from Saginaw County construction equipment businessBay City man shot in chest during home invasion pleads to felony

BRIDGEPORT TWP, MI — An Owosso woman is facing nine felonies due to police alleging she embezzled thousands from a Saginaw County construction equipment business. Victoria B. Wagner (also known by the surnames Smith and Sumbera) had been employed at AIS Construction Equipment, 4600 Zelle Drive in Bridgeport Township, which rents out large equipment. Part of Wagner’s responsibilities involved handling checks written to the business and large amounts of cash, said Bridgeport Township Police Chief David Duffett. Between July 17 and Dec. 29 of 2020, Wagner deposited checks made out to AIS into her own bank account. Wagner is due back in court for a hearing at 11:20 a.m. on May 6.

Michigan officials say major road projects are scheduled to begin this week in Antrim, Arenac, Calhoun, Charlevoix, Houghton and Saginaw counties.

SAGINAW, MI -- Police responded to a shooting in Saginaw on Sunday, May 1, Saginaw County Central Dispatch reports. The shooting originated in the area of the intersection of Webber Street and Julius Street, Saginaw County Central Dispatch said in a message sent to media at 6:02 p.m. Sunday, May 1. The Saginaw Police Department officers and Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene Sunday afternoon, located southeast of the intersection of M-13 and M-46, police said. Police did not immediately release additional information. Read more:Man and woman shot after argument in Southwest MichiganSaginaw’s 906 Lapeer offers haunted house, GellyBall and escape rooms for immersive experiences

She said she, Schmitzer, Bostic, and Faith Lord lived at Patricia Lord’s at 12590 Tuscola Road in Clio. Lord, Schmitzer, Kyle L. Bostic, 24, and Nolan R. Croton, 21, are charged in the killing of Engelhardt with several felonies. The two women took some stolen merchandise to Patricia Lord’s van and waited for the men. The quintet eventually reconvened at Patricia Lord’s house. At 6:07 p.m., Patricia Lord was lodged in the Saginaw County Jail, having been arrested by Michigan State Police troopers.

SAGINAW, MI — In Saginaw County, state officials this week reported the latest case of bird flu detected in Michigan. It marks the sixth time the bird flu — less colloquially known as highly pathogenic avian influenza — was discovered in Michigan this year. Before 2022, the last case of bird flu was reported in 2015. An investigation by the state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development detected the latest case among a flock of 35 poultry housed at a Saginaw County property, state officials said. The Saginaw County case was reported Wednesday, April 27.

This is the third of a three-part series regarding the two oldest active murder warrants in Saginaw County, both of which date back to the late 1970s. Investigators developed suspects in each killing and authorities issued warrants for them, charging Carmen V. Sanchez with first-degree murder in Gomez’s death and Julian Stevenson with open murder in Espinosa’s death. And with Michigan not having a statute of limitations on murder, the suspects could still be conceivably arrested and tried. “Usually in a cold case, you don’t have enough evidence to charge somebody, that’s why it’s a cold case,” he said. Read more:‘America’s Most Wanted’ killer John List remains infamous bogeyman in his Michigan hometownArrest in Bay City cold case doesn’t end mystery of 13-year-old’s murder in 1973Man accused in 1997 cold case murder of 88-year-old woman gets new court date

LANSING, MI — Graham Filler hopes the seed he planted working as a state representative for Clinton and Gratiot counties will prove fruitful later this year when rural Saginaw County voters consider electing him to serve them in the state House of Representatives. For the upcoming elections, though, the 38-year-old will seek support from a chunk of rural Saginaw County that put state Rep. Rodney Wakeman, R-Frankenmuth, into the state House of Representatives in 2020. Filler said his legislative record and priorities moving forward align with the interests of his could-be new constituents in Saginaw County. To secure his first term in the state House of Representatives, Filler defeated his Democratic opponent by 8 percentage points in 2018. For more information on Filler, visit his state House GOP webpage.

BRIDGEPORT TWP, MI — A 13-year-old is in police custody after allegedly making a bomb threat against a Saginaw County school. About 8:25 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, Bridgeport Township police were alerted of a bomb threat by officials at Martin G. Atkins Elementary School, 3675 Southfield Drive. Officers with the assistance of a Michigan State Police K9 team cleared the school and searched it. They found the threat was not credible and there was no bomb on the premises, said Police Chief David Duffett. They took the student into custody and lodged them at the Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center pending formal charges.

SAGINAW, MI — Clerk officials released the unofficial list for candidates who will appear on August primary election ballots across Saginaw County. The list was updated following a Tuesday, April 19, filing deadline for the primary election. Saginaw County Clerk Vanessa Guerra said the list could change in part because candidates can withdraw their name from the list before 4 p.m. Friday, April 22. Also, officials must review petition signatures for judicial candidates’ applications before those individuals are officially added to the ballot, she said. Below is a list of all candidates slated to appear on ballots across Saginaw County in the Tuesday, Aug. 2, primary election, categorized by congressional, state government, township, and judicial candidates.

CHESANING TWP, MI — His son was attacked by their family dog, a Saginaw County man reacted by killing the canine. About 8:30 p.m. on April 9, Saginaw County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a house in the 15800 block of Gasper Road in Chesaning Township. Saginaw County Animal Care & Control officers also arrived on scene and removed the dog’s carcass. A detective investigated the matter and forwarded his findings to the Saginaw County Prosecutor’s Office, which declined to issue criminal charges in the matter, Gomez said. Read more:$30,000 went missing from Saginaw Animal Control under ex-director, county controller saysWoman gets 20 years in prison for killing Native American mother on tribal landTwo minihorses mauled in dog attack, euthanized in Saginaw County

SAGINAW, MI - A Cape Cod-style home is on the market in Saginaw County. Located at 4797 Hillcrest Drive in Saginaw Township, the home is listed for $279,900. All of the landscaping has been professionally redone,” said listing agent Chris Erway of Century 21 Signature Realty Saginaw. The house also features hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, an open floor plan and much more. The current and second homeowner remodeled the kitchen, dining and living areas so that when entertaining, “you’re still a part of the party,” Erway said.

SAGINAW, MI — Charm, character and modern updates abound in a Cape Cod-style home for sale in Saginaw County. The home, located at 4797 Hillcrest Drive in Saginaw Township and listed for $279,900, is MLive’s House of the Week. Homes across the state are showcased every Wednesday.

The trial of Patricia A. Parkinson, 80, was held Wednesday, April 6, before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello. Saginaw County Animal Care & Control officers and a veterinarian testified for the prosecution. They executed a warrant on a trailer in the 2900 block of Apollo Drive and seized an additional 26 dogs, Kanicki said. All were placed in area animal rescues, with 10 of them being transferred to Bay County Animal Services & Adoption Center to be adopted out. Read more:Saginaw County family face animal cruelty charges after 44 dogs pulled from 2 homesSmall dogs rescued from ‘hoarding-type situation’ in Saginaw County up for adoption in Bay County44 dogs seized from two Saginaw County homes in animal abuse investigation

SAGINAW, MI -- The Saginaw Police Department is investigating a shooting, according to an alert from Saginaw County Central Dispatch. Dispatch sent an alert to media about the shooting at 7:57 p.m. Sunday, April 3.

SAGINAW, MI — It’s finally spring, Easter is coming soon, and Easter egg hunts and visits with that famous bunny are filling community calendars. Here’s a list of upcoming family-friendly events happening between now and Easter Sunday, April 17, throughout Saginaw County:Easter egg hunt at VFW Post 1859What: An Easter egg hunt divided by age groups as well as pictures with the Easter Bunny, happening rain or shine. Where: VFW Post 1859, 3169 Carrollton Road in Carrollton TownshipWhen: 3 p.m., Sunday, April 3Easter egg hunt at Chesaning Comfort CareWhat: Easter egg hunt (bring your own basket or bag) and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Easter egg hunt presented by New Life Baptist Ministries and Mission in the CityWhat: 5,000 Easter eggs, food trucks, games, prizes, COVID supplies, HIV testing and more. Worship and Easter egg hunt at Shield of Faith MinistriesWhat: “Dynamic worship, inspiring message and loving fellowship,” followed by an Easter egg dash for kids, organizers say.

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

BAY CITY, MI — Bay City-based ShineWater, Midland County-based Creation Coffee and SwiftWall, and Saginaw County-based Ed Rehmanns are among the 2022 “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch.”The recipients of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Award presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business were selected from among more than 550 nominees, according to a ShineWater news release. An in-person awards ceremony is scheduled to take place Tuesday, May 3, during the 18th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Gala.

SAGINAW, MI — A Chicago-area man who allegedly rammed a police car after inexplicably showing up at an elementary school in rural Saginaw County is facing five criminal charges. The morning of Monday, March 28, 23-year-old Petra S. Tsimberov appeared before Saginaw County District Judge Terry L. Clark via closed-circuit TV from the Saginaw County Jail. Clark arraigned Tsimberov on the following five charges:Two counts of assaulting, resisting, or obstructing police, a two-year felony. 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.

SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw Area Fireworks organizers said they are embarking on the group’s largest-ever community fundraising effort to offset costs for likely the priciest show in the region’s history. Saginaw Area Fireworks hosts year-’round BINGO games Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus facility, 4840 Shattuck in Saginaw Township. But fundraising will ramp up in the coming weeks, including when it comes to the BINGO games, Roy said. There, residents can deposit bags of bottles and cans that Saginaw Area Fireworks organizers will split with the soup kitchen when redeeming the items for money. RELATED:At Saginaw’s fireworks this year, Independence Day took on a new meaningSaginaw, Saginaw Township will share a state rep after November’s election.

SAGINAW COUNTY, MI -- An early morning crash left two people dead and two more seriously injured Friday in northern Saginaw County, police said. Police identified those who died as Micaela Hernandez, 32, and Breonna Graham, 27, both of SaginawAbout 12:34 a.m. March 25, deputies from the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash in the 6300 block of Bay Road in Kochville Township. Deputies arrived to find the two vehicles, a dark gray Mercedes Benz and a tan Ford Escape SUV, and four people severely injured, police said in a news release. Hernandez, the driver of the Ford, and Graham, the front-seat passenger, were taken to Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw, where they were pronounced dead, police said. A backseat passenger of the Ford, a 20-year-old from Saginaw, also was taken to Covenant and remained hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, police said.

SAGINAW, MI — So far, 16 candidates are in the hunt for 11 Saginaw County Board of Commissioners seats, clerk records show. With less than one month until the primary election filing deadline, eight board incumbents are among the list of candidates who have filed their paperwork with the Saginaw County clerk’s office. With a newly-drawn county district map applying to the winners of the November election, at least one of the incumbent victors will push out a board colleague in the August primary election. Below is a list of the new county districts as well as candidates who have filed so far. Saginaw lawmaker’s push to ban juvenile life sentences arrives as judge considers freeing Karen King’s killer earlyWith move across Saginaw County, Republican lawmaker eyes new constituency in state House re-election bid

SAGINAW, MI — Last spring, authorities removed 41 malnourished animals from a farm in rural Saginaw County. Animal Control officers returned to the farm for another matter on May 20. A Saginaw County Sheriff’s deputy and Animal Control officers came to the property, finding an extensive amount of animals in obvious need of veterinary care, Kanicki said. All three defendants were arraigned on criminal charges in Saginaw County District Court on various dates in mid-March. Read more:Saginaw County family face animal cruelty charges after 44 dogs pulled from 2 homesAfter dogged pursuit of new facility, Saginaw County celebrates groundbreaking for $8.5M animal shelterSaginaw man faces animal cruelty charge after child kept dead puppy as toy

The Democrat earlier this month announced his candidacy in the 2022 elections for the new 94th District, which includes Saginaw and Saginaw Township. Currently, state Rep. Rodney Wakeman, represents the district that includes Saginaw Township. O’Neal, a Saginaw native, said he was the right candidate for Saginaw Township constituents, including those residents who voted for Republican representation two years ago. O’Neal said there were “slight” differences between constituents in Saginaw and Saginaw Township, but their commonalities were plenty. O’Neal, a former member of both the Saginaw City Council and Saginaw County Board of Commissioners, was involved in a contested primary race two years ago.

Over the course of a decade, “that’s a pretty significant impact.”Last year alone, 23,570 Dolly Parton Imagination Library books were delivered to Saginaw County children’s mailboxes. Parton was inspired to create Imagination Library her father, who could not read or write. Saginaw County’s Imagination Library program is funded strictly through grants and private donations. Donations can be mailed to: United Way of Saginaw County Attn: Imagination Library 100 S. Jefferson Ave., 3rd Floor Saginaw, MI 48607. For more information or to sign up to receive free books for your child, visit www.unitedwaysaginaw.org/imagination-library.

BUENA VISTA TWP, MI - After a year of operation, Amazon’s Saginaw County delivery station continues to grow every single day. It’s that we really do work together both from our associate level all the way to our delivery service providers and our drivers, and including our (Amazon) Flex drivers,” Amazon Site Manager Caroline Ambrose said. 34 Amazon warehouse in Saginaw continues to grow one year after openingBusiness owner Stacy McNeese said she now employs about 100 drivers. She said she did some research to figure out where to begin to have her own business and she saw the Amazon Delivery Service Partner Program. In fact, McNeese said she was even more drawn to the Saginaw location when she met Ambrose.

SAGINAW COUNTY, MI - St. Charles Community Schools Interim Superintendent Mark Benson will occupy the job full-time starting next school year, the district announced Thursday in a Facebook post. The district’s Board of Education voted to elect Benson as the district’s next superintendent at its Wednesday, March 9 meeting, according to the post. Benson spent about 12 years as a teacher and has roughly 15 years of administrative experience, he said, including spending the past six years as St. Charles Elementary School’s principal. “I’m just excited for the opportunity and looking forward to the future, working with all the stakeholders within our community,” Benson said. Read more:St. Charles Superintendent Michael Decker will retire after 32 years in public educationFrom coaches to superintendents, mid-Michigan school districts are hiringSee the 2021 graduation rate at your Michigan high school

SAGINAW, MI — A teenage ward of the state has been criminally charged with making a firearm-related threat at a Saginaw high school. Saginaw County District Judge David D. Hoffman on the morning of Monday, March 14, arraigned 18-year-old Cody F. Lampley on one count of false report or threat of terrorism. Lampley appeared before Hoffman via closed-circuit television from the Saginaw County Jail, wearing a black-and-white striped jumpsuit. Defense attorney Patricia Slomski appeared on Lampley’s behalf and asked Hoffman enter a not-guilty plea and refers his case to the Officer of Assigned Counsel. The teen is from Wayne County and, as a ward of the state, has been living at Holy Cross Children’s Services, Gerow said.

SAGINAW, MI - Saginaw Public Schools has made indoor masking optional for students, staff and vistors as of Thursday, March 10, ending Saginaw County’s longest-running public school mask mandate. Saginaw was the only county public school district to begin the 2021-2022 school year with a requirement in place. Swan Valley School District, Saginaw Township Community Schools, Carrollton Public Schools and St. Charles Community Schools added mask mandates in September 2021 as COVID-19 cases rose. Swan Valley ended its mandate in early February, while Saginaw Township and Carrollton ended theirs in response to the guidance changes. Read more:Saginaw Public Schools will reconsider masking requirement at upcoming meetingOne by one, Saginaw County districts are ending mask mandatesCDC adjusts mask recommendations; under new criteria, most Michiganders won’t need them

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.