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BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

BIRCH RUN TWP. (CCN) — Three M-15 corridor residents were involved in a weekend crash in Birch Run Township that killed one of them.

The Michigan State Police is reporting that a 22-year-old man from Columbiaville died.

The crash happened after midnight Saturday, just before 3 am on Birch Run Road (on Feb. 1, 2026). Three others were injured when an SUV driven by a 20-year-old man from North Branch crashed and went off the road. 

Police say the SUV hit a culvert and a tree before rolling over. The Columbiaville passenger in the vehicle died on the scene, according to a news release on Wednesday (Feb. 4, 2026) by State Police.

Hurt and hospitalized were the driver from North Branch, a 22-year-old passenger from Millington and a 19-year-old passenger from Otter Lake.

State Police say none of the men in the SUV were wearing seat belts. Alcohol use is not suspected.

The  identities  have not yet been released.

BY MIKE KILLLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

MUNDY TWP. (CCN) — A man who led Metro Police Authority officers on a wild chase through Burton and into Davison Township last winter before exchanging gunfire with authorities was convicted by a Genesee County jury).

Robert Nowotny, 40, faces up to life in prison when returning to court for sentencing on Feb. 2 before Genesee Circiut Court Judge Mark Latchana.

Nowotny was described by Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton as a Swartz Creek man in a press release although he earlier when arrested had been listed as living in the Detroit area.

Court records show Nowotny was found guilty on four felonies related to the Feb. 27 incident in which he led police on an 14-mile chase from Mundy Township to Davison and fired shots at police. The charges were Assault With Intent to Murder, Fleeing and Eluding Police Third Degree, Felony Firearm and Carrying a Concealed Weapon.

Leyton said Investigative reports and testimony at trial revealed that officers from the Metro Police Authority responded to citizen reports of a suspicious van driving in a neighborhood with a very loud exhaust in the vicinity of Linden Road and Hill Road.

Police spotted the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Meijer store on Hill Road. The driver, later identified as Nowotny, lowered his driver’s side window about an inch and refused to comply with an officer’s instruction to provide identification. As officers were talking to Nowotny, he put his van in gear and began driving away. Metro Flint Police Authority Chief Matt Bade said at a March press conference with Prosecutor Leyton that Nowotny had a warrant out for his arrest.

Officers got back into their cruisers and began chasing Nowotny north on Torrey Road and east on Bristol Road. As officers were chasing Nowotny at speeds which never exceeded 40 miles per hour, Nowotny ran numerous red lights and crossed into the lanes of approaching traffic. At one point early in the chase, the rear driver’s side wheel on his van came off and it caused a continuous streak of sparks from the rear area of the van as it dragged on the pavement the entire rest of the chase.

The rear of the van eventually became engulfed in flames and Nowotny stopped near M-15 and Bristol Road in Davison Township. With police vehicles slowly approaching the scene of the engulfed van with nearby departments joining the chase and setting up road blocks, Nowotny exited his vehicle and immediately turned toward police and pointed a pistol at them and emptied ten rounds of ammunition which penetrated an officer’s windshield and car seat, barely missing the officer.

The officer exited his cruiser and returned fire, striking Nowotny who fell to the pavement. Nowotny was immediately apprehended and handcuffed.

“This incident shows the life-threatening danger police officers may face at any time, even during a routine traffic stop,” said Prosecutor Leyton after the verdict was announced. He added: “Fortunately and miraculously, no officers or citizens were killed or injured.”

Prosecutor Leyton credited Assistant Prosecutor Sam Fleet and his team of support staff for successfully taking the case to trial and the brave work of the men and women from the Metro Police Authority and assisting agencies.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Metro Police Authority Chief Matt Bade (at left) and Prosecutor David Leyton during a March press conference to announce felony charges against Robert Nowoty. 

(CCN) — State Rep. David Martin will hold a Town Hall meeting on Friday (Feb. 28, 2025) from 9:30 am until 11 am at the Davison Township Hall on Irish Road.

He will also host a Town Hall later in the day from 1 pm until 3 pm in Grand Blanc.

Martin represents the 68th House District  which includes the City of Davison, City of Grand Blanc, most of the City of Burton, as well as the Village of Goodrich, Atlas Township, Davison Township, Groveland Township and portions of Genesee Township and Grand Blanc Township. 

He is behind current legislation he proposed to end the legislator to lobbyist pipeline by requiring a two-year wait before anyone leaving the state legislature can join a lobbyist firm.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN News Executive Editor

(CCN) — Michigan State Police presence at a Davison Township apartment complex Tuesday afternoon (March 25, 2025) was the talk of the Davison area.

But there was no murder there.

The Bridgeport post's Foresnic Laboratory trailer could be seen parked in front of Windsor Place Apartments to trigger all the rumors.

Davison Township Police Chief Jay Rendon told The Daily Gazette, however, that there was no serious crime there locally.

Chief Rendon said it was his understanding that the State Police presence was tied to an investigation into a murder in another local community with Genesee County. 

"A search warrant is being served from a homicide that occurred in the City of Flint over the weekend," he said.

Chief Rendon said he was unsure if MSP or the Flint City Police Department was serving it.

AUBURN HILLS (CCN) — A 33-year-old Vassar man was identified on Monday (March 10, 2025) as the shooter in Friday's murder-suicide at an Auburn Hills hotel.

Marcus Taylor shot and killed Jackie Jo Torrez of Saginaw and then killed himself, according to a news release by Auburn Hills Police Chief Scott McGraw.

A 3-year-old girl was found unharmed in the hotel room by police officers who were in the hallway approaching there when hearing gun shots after a 911 call about a possible domestic abuse case. Taylor was 33.

Chief McGraw reported that the child witnessed the shooting, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that unfolded in our community Friday night, resulting in the loss of life in the homicide-suicide incident. Our hearts go out to the victim and her family during this incredibly difficult time. Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects individuals and families in many communities. We urge anyone experiencing violence or abuse to reach out for help and support. There are resources available for victims of domestic violence, and no one should feel they have to face these challenges alone.”

The incident took place inside the Holiday Inn Express at 3990 Baldwin Road, near the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets mall.

BY ERIC THOMPSON

CCN Sports Writer

(CCN) — Goodrich bombed Corunna in Monday's Metro League baseball opening day action while Ortonville Brandon split a pair at Owosso.

The Martians won 12-0 and 10-0.

Brandon won its first game of the season by handing previously unbeaten Owosso a 9-4 beating in the opener.

The Blackhawks dropped the nightcap 6-2.

In the Metro League's other Stars Division opener on Monday, two-time defending division champion Lake Fenton took two from visiting Clio. Both were close ones, 11-10 and 8-7.

In Stripes Division openers, defending champion Flushing pounded Linden 13-0 and 15-2, Fenton nipped Holly 17-15 and Swartz Creek divided a pair at Flint Kearsley, winning 19-0 in the nightcap after losing 6-5 in the opener.

Flushing beat Stars Division champion Lake Fenton in the 2024 Metro League championship game, and swept all the way to the state quarterfinals in Division 1 a year ago.  

Coach Greg Glover has Ortonville Brandon with high spirit after stopping Owosso's early unbeaten run. The Blackhawks, who have only a single Metro League co-championship in 2014 to their credit in school history, opened non-league play with impressive outings. They lost only 4-1 to Flint Kearsley after going 11 innings against Yale in an 8-6 loss.

Goodrich has high hopes, too.

The Martians won their first Metro League crown in 2021 and took the first Stars Division title after the circuit split into divisions in 2022.

 Ben Almasy took over Goodrich's program last spring after long-time leader Bob Foreback stepped down.

Almassy knows a thing or two about winning. He's already in the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He led New Lothrop to the Division 3 state championship game in 2022 before stepping down the next season because of health problems.

He returned to the diamond in Goodrich after a liver transplant.

Almassy went to Goodrich with a 592-163-4 record as a high school varsity coach, and went over the 600-victory mark last spring.

His prep teams have won  11 league titles, 10 district championships and four regional crowns. Almassy began as an assistant coach at his alma matter Mt. Morris, then spent one season at Flint Hamady and one season at Flint Southwestern before spending five years at the collegiate level and leading travel teams. He returned to the high school ranks in 2005 when landing the top job at Mt. Morris, and stayed until going to New Lothrop in 2016.

Covering the Communities

Along the M-15 Corridor

Davison Twp  •  City of Davison   •  Richfield Twp

Village of Otisville   •  Forest Twp   •  Millington Twp

 Village of Millington   •  Vassar Twp

City of Vassar   •  Village of Goodrich  • , Atlas Twp 

 Village of Clarkston   •  Independence Twp

Village of Ortonville   •  Brandon Twp

M-15 CONNECTION

M-15 Connection made its debut in 2013 as an every-other-week print edition available free at high traffic locations along the M-15 Corridor. The online edition is owned by Tri-County Publishing LLC and operated by FAME Newspapers which is a division of Crusader Communications Network ("CCN").

(CCN) — State Rep. David Martin will hold a Town Hall meeting on Friday (Feb. 28, 2025) from 9:30 am until 11 am at the Davison Township Hall on Irish Road.

He will also host a Town Hall later in the day from 1 pm until 3 pm in Grand Blanc.

Martin represents the 68th House District  which includes the City of Davison, City of Grand Blanc, most of the City of Burton, as well as the Village of Goodrich, Atlas Township, Davison Township, Groveland Township and portions of Genesee Township and Grand Blanc Township. 

He is behind current legislation he proposed to end the legislator to lobbyist pipeline by requiring a two-year wait before anyone leaving the state legislature can join a lobbyist firm.

(CCN) —A wild car chase ended in the Davison area last night (Feb. 27, 2025) involving the Metro Police Authority, according to Burton Police Chief Brian Ross.

The chase went through the City of Burton after beginning with Metro PD which covers the City of Swartz Creek and Mundy Township, according to Chief Ross who referred all questions to the neighboring department. 

Metro PD Police Chief Matt Bade has not yet responded to our request for a comment.

Social media posts and calls, texts and tips via Messenger to The Daily Gazette said the chase involved multiple police cars at high speeds.

Numerous posts indicated that the vehicle crashed on Henderson Road in Davison Township.

 (CCN) — The Genesee District Library's Davison branch will be hosting "Story Time" for pre-school children up to 5 years old.

Six events will be at Davison Area Library and 10 will be held at Goodrich Library.

Davison will host "Paws to Read" on May 31 after five previous Davison Area with Miss Marcia events on Mondays at 10:30 am during March, April and May

The "Paws to Read" event features Diesel and Maverick the therapy dogs who love a good story, and your child is urged to practice reading aloud with them — they will love it! 

Goodrich with Miss Alex will be held at 10:30 am every Thursdays at Goodrich Library until May 29, beginning on March 20. 

The event is scheduled for 11 am at Davison Area Library which is located at 203 E. First Street in Downtown Davison.

Davison Area with Miss Marcia will be staged  March 3, 10, 17 and 24 as well as May 19. 

The district system's "Story Time" series includes events around Genesee County from this week until the end of May. They are an excellent learning experience for your child by encouraging language, literacy, communication, play, curiosity, imagination and social skills. Fingerplay, song, rhyme and movement will be introduced.

No registration is necessary. You can find a schedule of events around the county for the "story Time" series on the district library's web site.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

(CCN) — School districts in Davison, Millington and Clarkston have the most contested school board races among the M-15 Corridor communities.

Six are vying for four of the six-year terms up for grabs on the Millington Board of Education while five candidates are contending for two board seats in Clarkston and 10 candidates are running for six spots in Davison.

Four candidates are vying for two open seats on the Davison Board of Education with partial terms until the end of 2026. They are  Holly Halabicky, Maggie Miller,  Corey Herriman and  Diane Rhines. Six others are running for two six-year terms up for grabs in Davison. They are Benjamin Vick, Shannon McKee,  Robert Malcomnson, Connie Green, Matthew Smith and Sherry Marden.

Halabicky is the current President of the Davison Board of Education and Rhines is the Treasurer. Smith is also on the board as a Trustee. While all three are making bids to stay on the board, Karen Conover is retiring at the end of the year after serving 32 years, including as President.

Millington's candidates are  Lauren Dooley, James Henderson Jr., Rachel Millington, Darci Sherman,  Gary Shreve and Herbert Thompson. Henderson is the current Vice President of the board while Shreve and Thompson are also seeking re-election as Trustees.

Clarkston's five running for two open six-year terms are Sharon Blumeno, Mike Clark,  Stefanie Crane, Jessica McDonald and Jaclyn Sivers. Crane and Sivers are incumbents. Crane is the current Vice President of Clarkston's school board.

 Patrick Tesler, Greg Main and  Ashley Herriman are running for two open seats on the Goodrich Board of Education. Both seats are for 6 years.

Main is the current President on Goodrich's school board and Herriman is the Secretary.

 Vickie Lee Luoma and  Richard Gulledge are running unopposed for two six-year terms on the LakeVille Board of Education in Otisville while  Shantell Bennett has no opposition for the partial term ending at the end of 2028.

Bennett is the current vice president of LakeVille's school board.

Vassar's election for three vacant seats on the Vassar Board of Education has no competition for Jon Genow, Cody Jackson and  Morgan Patterson. They will take six-year terms. 

Russ Hubbard and Ron Atwood did not seek re-election to the Vassar school board. Genow is the current board Secretary while Atwood is the current President and Hubbard is the Vice President.

OTHER LOCAL ENDORSEMENTS ARE BELOW IN OUR VIEWPOINTS SECTION

 Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024

Davison Fire Chief Brian Flewelling gets our endorsement for 9th District Commissioner on the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.

Flewelling is a Republican running to represent the M-15 Corridor residents in the City of Davison, Richfield Township, Forest Township, the Village of Otisville and part of Davison Township.

The 9th District territory extends outside the M-15 Corridor area into part of Burton and all of Genesee Township.

It's an important election because Flewelling's opponent is Wendy Smith Wolcott who is under fire right now for what we consider questionable judgment, if her service on a countywide board is any indication. She faces a recall as a first-term Trustee on Flint's Mott Community College Board of Trustees after joining three others to name an interim college President who lacked credentials of other candidates who owned doctorate degrees and experience in college administration.

 Shaunda Richardson-Snell may be a nice person but Wolcott voting for someone who isn't at all qualified to apply to run a college is an absolute unforgivable act.

How Wolcott managed to get elected to MCC's board is a mystery to us when we feel she would likely have trouble passing any of the classes there herself.

Mott is a respected as an institution of higher learning and the President can't be someone who has never led a college, or even worked in a college setting or been an educator 

Mott's staff packed a board meeting to protest the decision and had hash words for Wolcott as well as the others backed by Wolcott's son on the board who joined the vote — Trustees John Daly, Jeffrey Swanson, Janet Couch and Andy Everman.

Davison-based BAB's for Democracy PAC has endorsed Flewelling with a stern warning for residents by its leader — long-time Democrat community activist Bobbie Clayton Walton. She stressed that residents need to be aware that Wendy Wolcott is Matthew Smith's mother."

Smith, who was elected at age 20 to the Davison Board of Education, is the controversial former Genesee County Republican Party chairman. He was arrested in 2021 and subsequently accused of allegedly threatening a northern Michigan candidate in a race where he was helping her opponent.

Walton led protests with picketers outside during his court appearances in Downton Flint at the Genesee County 67th District Court building after Smith vehemently denied he did it for months.

He then entered a guilt plea to the felony charges in exchange for a probation sentence to have the conviction eventually dismissed under the federal Holmes Act for youthful offenders. The Committee for School Board Integrity started a petition to recall and replace Smith on the Davison school board with a statement saying, "Matthew Smith is now a convicted criminal. While Judge (William) Crawford did grant Matthew Smith 'HYTA' status, he made clear that this is a 'conviction' pursuant to his guilty plea."

The Davison school board also voted to censure Smith and banned him from running for President while removing him from committee assignments.

Smith, who still lives at his mother Wolcott's home at age 26, has continued to be a lightning rod for controversy. We view the school board table as no place for his kind of outspoken, far right politics. All the arguments and uprisings at Davison's school board meetings have been truly sad.

Walton noted Smith's "influence" over Mott board members as a reason why the college's meetings have often deteriorated into similar shouting matches and unprofessional behavior with name calling and outbursts.

We don't want Wolcott serving as a County Commissioner with a vote on how to spend millions of our tax dollars after the irresponsible act of picking a leader Mott's staff members don't to work for at the college.

Walton criticizes her son's strong support for former President Donald Trump, and we are less bothered by that than the mere fact that he's not a homeowner. That's probably a major factor in why voters have twice rejected his attempts to run for the Davison Township Board of Trustees, including in the August 2024 primary when he lost by an 1,187-672 landslide to Clerk Michael Leffler. Smith also lost a 2020 campaign for a seat on the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.

Smith's critics say he supported Michelle Davis as a Democrat for the county board in 2022 when she won. Commissioner Davis then switched her party affiliation to Republican in her 2024 re-election bid that failed miserably against Flewelling. He beat Davis with 1,436 votes to her 651 votes.

Smith did not respond to our request for a comment about allegations by his political enemies that he supported Davis as a Democrat or  whether or not he endorses his mother despite her running as a Democrat after spewing such strong anti-Democrat views for years.

Wolcott also didn't pursue our endorsement and did not respond to our request for a comment after the recall against her was filed. 

Any politician who thinks they can ignore media questions does not belong in public life.

The media is an avenue for elected officials to communicate with residents.

Flewelling can't do worse than Commissioner Davis who has spent the past two years in the shadows while often drawing harsh criticisms from Davison Mayor Tim Bishop.

Terms on the county board have now been switched from two years to four years, and we certainly don't want four long years of heated meetings like we've seen with Wolcott on Mott's board or on Davison's school board with her son.

We can best close this endorsement decision by quoting Flewelling's recent 11th hour parting words for his campaign on social media.

He said on Facebook: "During this election process I’ve been blessed with vast amounts of bipartisan support, thank you all. To my Republican friends and supporters thank you! You have been outstanding and voter turnout appears extremely high. To my Democrat friends and supporters thank you as well! Your support of my campaign should show everyone how this nation can heal and unite by supporting good honest, hardworking people. Many of my supporters have asked me to remind Democrat voters who may be accustomed to straight ticket voting that they can still vote for me. Even if you check the box for straight ticket, you can go down to the section for 9th District Commissioner and shade the box for Brian K. Flewelling for 9th District County Commissioner. The County Clerk has confirmed that this will not spoil your ballot and your vote will count! Thank you all, let’s finish the final week strong!"

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Mike Killbreath appears on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio via The Morning Gazette Radio Show weekday mornings from 8 am until 9:30 am. He's an award-winning newspaper columnist and investigative reporter who is the former long-time owner of the local Metro Flint area chain of 14 community newspapers. This fall marks his 50th year as a journalist. He also hosts a new weekly national TV show known as The American Crusaders on cable TV and various OTT TV live streaming platforms.

 Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024

We endorse sending Mike Harris, Phil Green and Matthew Bierlein back to Lansing to represent parts of the M-15 Corridor communities in the State House of Representatives.

Clarkston's Mike Harris was first elected to the Michigan House in May 2022 to represent residents in the 52nd District.

He rose to become House Republican Whip during his first term in Lansing.

Harris also serves as the Republican vice chair on the House Insurance and Financial Service Committee and is also on the Ethics and Oversight Committee and the Criminal Justice Committee.

In addition to the City of Clarkston and all of  Independence Township, Michigan's 52nd District also spans the nearby City of Lake Angelus and portions of Springfield Township and Waterford Township.

Millington's Green, first elected to the State House in 2018,  serves on the House Appropriations Committee which handles the state budget. He also serves as the Republican Vice Chair on the Health and Human Services Appropriations subcommittee and as a member on the Military and Veterans Affairs and State Police and School Aid and Education Appropriations subcommittees. 

Green's 67th District territory spans parts of Tuscola County, Genesee County and Lapeer County. 

Vassar's Bierlein, who was first elected two years ago, serves as Republican Vice Chair on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) and on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Regulatory Reform Committee. 

Bierlein's 97th District spans parts of Tuscola County, Bay County, Genesee County and Lapeer County.

Harris was a police officer in Waterford Township for 25 years before going to Lansing. He served as the local union president for the Patrol Officer’s Association and then for the Command Officer’s Association. He also served on the Executive Board of the Michigan Association of Police and the Waterford Coalition for Youth. 

He has been married to wife Jennifer for nine years and they have six children. During his free time, he likes to travel, go boating on Lake Oakland, golf and participate in shooting sports.

Green is an ordained minister who obtained his bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministries and his master’s degree in Biblical Expositions from Pensacola Christian College. Prior to being elected to the state legislature, Green served as a Youth Pastor, Senior Pastor, and Assistant to the Pastor, as well as providing Sherriff and Jail ministries in varies departments around the country. He won  the 2011 National Sherriff Association Chaplin of the Year award. Most recently, Green served as the School Administrator of Juniata Christian School in Vassar.

 He's also the Chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Energy, Environment and Agriculture Committee and Green is also Chair of the 2nd Amendment Caucus for the 102nd Legislature and a board member for the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners.  He is an avid hunter and enjoys the outdoors with his two sons and daughter. Green married wife Marun in 1999 and they reside in his hometown of Millington. 

Bierlein  served as a Tuscola County commissioner from 2013 to 2019. He was Vice Chair of the board and co-chair of its finance committee. During this time, he also served as president of the Michigan Association of Counties and on the board of directors for the National Association of County Officers. From 2019 until 2022, he worked as the in-district director for State Senator Kevin Daley.

He had a career in the manufacturing industry before going to Lansing, working s a machine operator, purchasing manager, engineering technician and production manager. He and his wife now own and operate a physical therapy practice with clinics in Frankenmuth and Bridgeport.

Bierlein and wife Dr. Mindy Bierlein, a physical therapist, have been married since 2010 and they live in Vassar with their three children — Matthew James, Madison and Maddox. The Bierlein family enjoys spending time together outside in the garden or the woods around their homestead. They have a dog named Blaze and enjoy raising livestock.

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Mike Killbreath appears on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio via The Morning Gazette Radio Show weekday mornings from 8 am until 9:30 am. He's an award-winning newspaper columnist and investigative reporter who is the former long-time owner of the local Metro Flint area chain of 14 community newspapers. This fall marks his 50th year as a journalist. He also hosts a new weekly national TV show known as The American Crusaders on cable TV and various OTT TV live streaming platforms.

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024

David Martin has earned your vote to continue  representing Davison area residents  in the State House of Representatives.

The Davison resident has given his community a strong voice on issues in Lansing since going there when transitioning from a seat on the Genesee County Board of Commissioners to a seat in the state legislature in 2021.

He's also a former Davison City Council member.

We like his experience in moving up the ladder of public service from the local level, to the county board level, to the State House. It gives him a good grasp of issues at ever level and how they impact his local community.

Martin's opponent is Democrat Matt Schinkler of Goodrich.

Schinkler is a 47-year employee of General Motors who got into the race only after initial Democrat candidate Tim Sneller passed away in July.

Schinkler lacks the kind of political experience counted by Martin, yet he has picked up notable support from U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee of Flint Township as well as current Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson of Fenton and former Sheriff Bob Pickell of Flushing. 

Davison realtor Ryan Eashoo has also offered support for Schinkler, saying, "If you live in Michigan’s 68th District, please consider voting for one of the best guys I know, my friend Matt Schlinkler!  It doesn’t matter if you’re an Independent, Democrat or Republican, Matt will represent all voters in the 68th District and work hard to improve the district."

Local support from the well-respected Eashoo goes a long way in comforting us that the Davison area will be in good hands if voters don't follow our advice and re-elect Martin.

By all accounts, Schinkler is a nice guy who will be committed to learn the ropes in Lansing.

However, we want someone who already knows the ropes, and that's David Martin.

He's currently minority vice chair of the House Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee. He also serves on the Economic Development and Small Business Committee as well as the Military, Veterans, and Homeland Security Committee.

We like it, too, that Martin is a veteran who has given veterans across the Metro Flint regional area a strong voice in Lansing.

The 68th House District spans portions of Genesee and Oakland counties. It includes areas outside the Davison area that include the City of Grand Blanc, most of Burton, as well as the Village of Goodrich, Atlas Township, Genesee Township, Grand Blanc Township and Groveland Township.

While Schinkler has a background as a GM employee, Martin enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1979 after graduating from Davison High School and spent 20 years in the military. He retired as the weather operations manager at the U.S. Army Aviation Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Martin’s first job when he returned to Genesee County was to oversee security for the Pontiac Silverdome which had him directing security during a presidential visit. He then served as Operations Manager for VirSec Protective Services in Troy before becoming veteran services coordinator at Flint's Mott Community College.

Martin served on the Davison City Council from 2009 until 2013 and was on the Genesee County Board of Commissioners from 2016 until 2020.

He and wife Grace attend First Baptist Church. They have four married adult children and 25 grandchildren.

An active member of his community, Martin is also a past commander of the Davison American Legion Post, past master of the Davison Masonic Lodge, Flint Blue Badge volunteer and he served as Brigade Command Sergeant Major with the Michigan Volunteer Defense Force.

READ OLD EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK COLUMNS

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-----------------------------------------------------

Mike Killbreath appears on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio via The Morning Gazette Radio Show weekday mornings from 8 am until 9:30 am. He's an award-winning newspaper columnist and investigative reporter who is the former long-time owner of the local Metro Flint area chain of 14 community newspapers. This fall marks his 50th year as a journalist. He also hosts a new weekly national TV show known as The American Crusaders on cable TV and various OTT TV live streaming platforms.

(CCN) — The Davison Township Board of Trustees delayed any decision on the future of Lake Callis until at least its next meeting on Oct. 7.

It will be at 6 p at the Township Hall where a packed house greeted board members on Monday (Sept. 9, 2024) when the item was placed on the agenda to possibly lay off Parks & Recreation Department employees and close the facility.

Trustees Mat Karr and Lori Tallman drew applause by speaking out in favor of keeping Lake Callis open. They need one more vote to do it and must find a way to keep funding operations.

 Ben Callis announced in a Facebook group called "Pulse of Davison" that he has teamed up with former board member Travis Howell to support citizens who don't want to see Lake Callis closed.

Callis posted: "Hello. In order to keep the momentum going into next month’s meeting, Travis Howell and I have teamed up to sell Davison Township Parks & Recreation 'Support Our Parks' t-shirts. We will sell each shirt for $20. Proceeds will go to our township parks department!  We will present the money at next month’s meeting to Ca1sey (and) her team. If you would like one, please let me know. You can Venmo me @Ben-Callis-1 to purchase. Or we can figure out another payment method if Venmo doesn’t work for you. Please let me know your shirt size and message me your address. As long as it’s within Davison, Travis or I will deliver to your home. If you dont live in Davison, you will need to come pick up your shirt at my house. We will make a shirt order each week on Tuesday. We will deliver to you on Friday or Saturday.  THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!:

(CCN) — State Rep. David Martin of Davison issued a statement today (July 12, 2024) on the passing of former State Rep. Tim Sneller — his opponent in the upcoming November election.

Sneller had previously served in the State House with Martin before term limits ended his six-year stay in his seat representing Burton, Grand Blanc and Davison.

Sneller, bidding to return after a change in the term limits law, was a Democrat. Martin is a Republican but that didn't stop his praise for the many years of public service by his former colleague and current opponent.

The statement issued by Rep. Martin after learning about the passing of Sneller was as follows:

 “I am deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of former Representative Tim Sneller. Tim and I served together in the Legislature representing Genesee County, and while we found ourselves on opposite sides of the political aisle, I always respected his dedication to public service. Tim devoted his life to serving the people of Genesee County, both as a legislator and as a longtime legislative staffer. His commitment and passion for our community were evident in everything he did.  We attended countless events together around Genesee County, stood side-by-side to support our community, and listened to the concerns of residents. One of the moments I will always cherish is when we proudly stood together on the House floor to recgnize White Shirt Day, both of us wearing white to mark the end of the famous Flint sit-down strike and the anniversary of the first United Auto Workers contract with General Motors.  “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working with him. Tim’s legacy of service will not be forgotten.”
 

(Comments have been added to this story since our breaking news report on the CCN News Break at Metro Flint News/Talk Radio)

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BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

BURTON (CCN) — Former state legislator Tim Sneller of Burton has passed away.

He was 68.

Sneller represented Burton and multiple communities in southern Genesee County after winning the 2016 election. He previously worked as Chief of Staff for fellow Democrat Charles Smiley who was term limited out after six years.

Sneller won again in 2018 and 2020 before he, too, was term limited out but he was currently running again after a change in legislature rules on term limits. His opponent was incumbent David Martin of Davison who has been in the State House of Representatives since 2020 as a Republican. (See Related Story in Today's Edition of M-15 Connection)

Sneller was a substitute teacher at Burton's-Bentley Community Schools and worked at Flint Truck and Bus Assembly as a UAW Local 598 member before going to Lansing to work.

Before going to work for Burton friend Smiley in 2010, Sneller was a legislative assistant to several state legislators during a 30-year run in Lansing, including for long-time Senator John Cherry Jr.

UAW Regional Executive Director Steve Dawes of Flint called it a "sad day" when hearing about Sneller passing away.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel made a Facebook post, saying, "As a teacher, legislative aide and representative, Tim Sneller has served the people of this state well over the last 40 years.

The news of his passing is heartbreaking, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues. May his memory be a blessing."

Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks released a statement of tribute as follows: "On behalf of the entire Michigan Senate, I want to express our deep sadness about Tim’s passing. A pragmatic leader who was always willing to lend a hand, Tim dedicated decades  of his career and life to serving his constituents, his community, and his state with integrity and great care. We extend our sincerest condolences to Tim’s loved ones and all those fortunate enough to have known him. His honorable legacy as a true public  servant will live on.”

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said, "Life can already be unfair. Losing Tim Sneller makes it personal."

Genesee County Treasurer Deb Cherry said in a Facebook post: " I have had a hard time processing the loss of my good friend Tim Sneller...  He was a great friend, passionate, wonderful public servant and such a caring role model for so many. I am going to miss him so much. My comfort is that he is now with his sister Carol and his brother Ron (big R). My heart goes out to his sister Sandi and her family."

Flint's mayor (Sheldon Neeley who was a former colleague of Sneller in the State House) and Genesee County Commissioners Chairman of the Board James Avery lowered flags in front of their respective municipal buildings until July 16. (See Related Story at right if you are reading on a laptop or PC, or scroll down if you are reading this on a mobile device)

Flint Township Supervisor Karyn Miller also lowered flags at her building to half staff in honor of Sneller who formerly worked for residents in her area while serving as a legislative aide to former Senator Cherry during his long run in the state legislature.

Former long-time state legislator and County Clerk John Gleason noted via text: "Tim Sneller was a survivor. He worked as a legislative aide and served six years as a state representative for Genesee County east side. Not too many folks from Genesee County, maybe not anyone, served in our state capitol as long as Tim. I'm sure he worked under five governors. Nothing gave him more pleasure than helping citizens navigate through and around the animal called government. Tim could write a novel on personalities and events under the dome. Top notch problem solving." 

State Rep. Mike Mueller served in the State House with Sneller and said via text: "We all lost a friend with the passing of Tim Sneller." (See Related Story in Today's Tri-County News)

Genesee County Commissioner Dale Weighill said: "He was a fine public servant and a happy warrior for good people and good causes. May he rest in peace."

Genesee County Commissioner Ellen Ellenburg of Burton said, "He was one of our best state representatives with over 30 years of experience in Lansing. He will be missed."

Burton Mayor Duane Haskins issued a statement, saying, " Our community has lost a true leader. Tim Sneller was a true friend and cared for everyone!! Rest in Peace MY FRIEND."

Former Burton City Councilman Steve Hatfiled posted on his Facebook page: "RIP Tim Sneller.  Thank you for your service to the City of Burton, Genesee County and the State of Michigan.  Thank you for your help and your advice.  You will be missed my friend."

Former long-time Burton City Councilman Danny Wells took to Facebook to say: " Tim was the best representative of Burton our city has ever had. So sad to learn of his passing R.I.P. my friend."

Current Burton City Councilman Greg Fenner said: "When I was first elected, I reached out to Tim for some help on an issue. Not knowing me much at all, he returned my call personally and helped me resolve the issue."

Another current Burton City Councilman (Gary Wines) took to Facebook for a tribute as follows: "R.I.P Tim Sneller. He was the first person to reach out to me when I announced my candidacy for Burton City Council. We had multiple breakfasts together and he shared invaluable information with me all things politics. Everyone I spoke to reiterated what he always said to me, 'idc about parties, I do what’s right  for my constituents, my district, city, county, etc.' Tim was a true leader and became a good friend of mine. I have his sign in my yard, and will now save it forever. Burton, and the state of Michigan lost a great leader today and he will forever be missed by many."

Burton 67th District Court Judge Jennifer Hammond said: "I’m struggling with this, Tim and I called each other family. He was one of the kindest, most supportive friends I’ve had throughout the years. Through thick or thin, even if we hadn’t talked in a while, I knew if I needed anything at all Tim would come through.  I know I am not the only one who feels this way, we have lost a truly wonderful man. Rest well my friend, until we see each other again "

Bobbie Walton, a Democrat activist and past unsuccessful candidate for several local political positions, praised Sneller in a Facebook post, writing: " Tim, I am so sad now. You were such an important part of my political life. You brought such history and such advice. I will miss your hugs, the feel of your tweed jacket, your  smile that was always there. Fly with the angels, Tim."

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is former State Rep. Tim Sneller. 

(CCN) —  No intersections across the Metro Flint regional area made an annual list of the top 20 most dangerous ones in Michigan, and none in the M-15 coverage area cracked Genesee County's top 10 list, Oakland County's top 10 list or Tuscola County's top 10 list.

 Michigan Auto Law of Farmington Hills compiled a top 10 list of the most dangerous intersections in Genesee County based on crash data reported to the Michigan State Police, and found that Corunna Road and I-75 in Flint Township to be No. 1. State Police data showed 55 crashes there.

 DAVISON (CCN) — Senor Lucky's has closed its doors in Davison after 30 years as a favorite Mexican restaurant for many across the Metro Flint regional area.

A sign on the door of the location reads: “Thank you for 30 plus years of being a valued customer. As of June 30th, 2024 I’m retiring and our doors will be closed. I appreciate all of our valued customers over the years.”

Senor Lucky’s was at 840 S. State Road within Davison's city limits  — conveniently located near the I-69 Expressway exit.

FLINT TWP (CCN)  — The Genesee County Board of Commissioners, alongside members of the Genesee County 7th Circuit Court, unveiled the long-awaited new Juvenile Justice Center Wednesday (June 13, 2024) in Flint Township.

The $27 million facility will officially open its doors in late July, as the staff transitions from the old facility next door.

Genesee County Board of Commission Chairman James Avery of Grand Blanc, who represents District 5, spoke about the facility and what it means for the entire community.

"As we cut this ribbon today, let us re-commit ourselves to the work ahead," Avery said. "Let us be proud of the fact that Genesee County is now, and has been for years, a model for juvenile justice. Let us stake our claim today that this facility will further our mission to empower young people to transform their lives for the betterment of our entire community."

Construction on the 54,000 square foot facility in Flint Township (on Pasadena Avenue in District 8) began in September 2020. District 8 Commissioner Dale Weighill said the new facility represents the "best of Genesee County and its dedication to young people."

Commissioner Weighill added: "Genesee County, and my colleagues on the (Genesee County) Board of Commissioners, have an unwavering commitment to youth empowerment. We remain dedicated to restorative practices that aim to heal and rehabilitate youth to promote safe communities across the county."

More than 100 people were in attendance for the ceremony, including many of the visionaries who made this new facility a reality, including Genesee County 7th Circuit Court Chief Judge David  Newblatt and Judge Judge John Gadola from the (Family Division of the court.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is a photo of Genesee County leaders at an unveiling ceremony for a new 54,000 square foot juvenile justice center in Flint Township.

(No. 7 most read Sports Section Story of 2024)

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BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

(CCN) — The City of Flint has its water crisis but some prep football observers may be asking for an investigation into what's in the water along the nearby M-15 Corridor after six of its eight schools qualified for the state playoffs.

Davison and Clarkston will play in Division 1, Goodrich qualified again in Division 4, Ortonville Brandon is preparing for a Division 4 battle, Millington made it in Division 7 and Clarkston Everest Collegiate qualified in Division 8.

Only Vassar and Otisville LakeVille failed to qualify among the schools along the M-15 Corridor.

Coach Justin Pinter's Clarkston club goes to Lake Orion at 7 pm Friday for a rematch against the team that cost the Wolves a share of the OAA Red Division title.

Lake Orion beat Clarkston 20-13 on Oct. 11 at Lake Orion High School. The loss left the Wolves 2-2 in OAA Red play where Oxford's Wildcats won it with a 3-1 record despite losing 23-15 at Clarkston.

Both Clarkston and Lake Orion finished the season with identical 6-3 records. Friday's winner advances to the District 2 finals in the District 2 bracket of Region 1 against the winner of a game between fellow OAA members Rochester Hills Stoney Creek (5-4) and Rochester Adams (7-2).

OAA Red champ Oxford starts Division 1 play in Region 1 of Division 1 at Davison.

Oxford finished 6-3 overall, compared to Davison's 7-2 mark.

Coach Jake Weingartz, who led Davison to the 2018 state title in Division 1, saw his highly-touted 2024 Cardinals lose only to Grand Blanc 55-49 two weeks ago in the Saginaw Valley League title game and to perennial Division 2 state power Warren De La Salle in the opener at the 19th annual Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic in Detroit at Wayne State University.

The winner at Davison advances to play the winner of the Lapeer-Grand Blanc matchup at Grand Blanc. The 7-2 Bobcats beat the Lightning 35-21 on Oct. 4 in Lapeer.

Davison won 48-28 in Lapeer to close out its regular season campaign.

Davison was joined in reaching the state semifinals a year ago by Millington and Goodrich who are also back to battle for a trip to Ford Field.

Goodrich made it there two years ago and lost in the championship game.

The 2024 Martians lost on opening night at Frankenmuth this fall but they've reeled off eight victories in a row by lopsided margins.

Veteran Coach Tom Alward's Goodrich troops have topped 40 points every time since the 22-0 loss on opening night to a Frankenmuth team that rolled to a perfect 9-0 record. 

The Martians start their playoff journey at home with a 7 pm kick-off against Ortonville Brandon on Friday night. They whipped Coach Brad Zube's Blackhawks 42-14 in Ortonville two weeks ago.

Ortonville Brandon had a 6-3 record but all three losses came in the Metro League to doom Zube's Blackhawks to a third-place finish in the Stripes Division behind Goodrich, Corunna and Lake Fenton — all playoff qualifiers.

It's the 10th straight trip to the state playoffs for Ortonville Brandon while Goodrich is making its eighth playoff appearance in a row by qualifying under Alward for the 10th time in the last 11 years.

Goodrich has now made the state playoffs 21 times in school history. The Blackhawks have qualified four other times in school history before their current run of 10 trips in a row.

Millington's streak is 21 straight seasons in the state playoffs. Coach  Jason Germain 's Cardinals turned in a perfect 8-0 campaign this fall for the second year in a row of being undefeated. The 2023 team was 9-0 in a season that ended in the state semifinals of Division 7 against eventual state champion Jackson Lumen Christi.

They had undefeated regular seasons previously in 1991, 1998, 2011 and 2021 and 2023 — only to lose a state playoff game. Millington also had an unbeaten campaign in 1968 when going 7-0-1 before the MHSAA adopted its state playoff system to determine its champions instead of rankings.

The Cardinals, state playoff bound for the 26th time in the last 27 years, are now 31-for-35 since making the state playoff field for the first time in 1991.

The Big Thumb Conference's White Division champions start the 2024 sate playoff journey at home with a 7 pm kick-off Friday against Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker — a team that lost 28-0 on Oct. 11 in Millington and finished 5-4 overall.

 Both teams are in District 2 of Region 1 in Division 7. The winner will advance to play Friday's winner between Saginaw Valley Lutheran (5-4) and Cass City (6-3) at Cass City.

Millington gave Cass City its only loss in Big Thumb White  Division play — 34-6 on Sept. 20 at Cass City. 

Millington's road to a rematch with Jackson Lumen Christi won't happen because the Titans opted up to play in Division 6 this fall where they were ranked No. 1 in last week's latest rankings by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association.

Millington was ranked No. 3 in last week's poll in Division 7 behind Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central and Menominee. 

Menominee (8-1) opens the state playoffs against Houghton Lake (5-4) and would face Millington as the Region 1 opponent if the Cardinals prevail in Region 2. St. Mary CC (9-0) is in Region 4 and could be Millington's opponent in the finals at Ford Field. The Monroe County club open against  Blissfield (4-5).

Another school to keep an eye on in Division is No. 4 ranked Ithica. The Yellowjacket completed a perfect 9-0 regular season for the second year in a row and for the fifth time time since a streak of five state titles in six years when winning it all in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015.

Millington could meet Ithica in the Region 2 finals.

Clarkston Everest Collegiate made the state playoffs for the 11th consecutive season since its program began in 2009.

Coach  Michael Pruchnicki's Mountaineers won a division championship in the Catholic High School League (CHSL) while rolling to an 8-0 start before losing Friday night's (Oct. 25, 2024) 17-14 game in overtime in the CHSL Prep Bowl to Macomb Lutheran North.

They begin Division 8 play in the state playoffs with a 7 pm home date Friday night (Nov. 1, 2024) against Burton Bentley. The Bulldogs are 5-4 and in the state playoffs again after qualifying last fall for the first time since 2008. It's the seventh time in school history that Bentley has made it.

(No. 8 most read Sports Section Story of 2024)

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BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

DETROIT (CCN)  —  The Detroit Sports Commission has announced its high school football matchups for the 19th annual Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic.

This fall's event will take place for the 12th straight year at Tom Adams Field on the campus of Wayne State University. The two-day event will be staged on Thursday, Aug. 29 and Friday, Aug. 30.

Two teams from The Daily Gazette coverage area will be featured in this year's event that began with six seasons in a row at Eastern Michigan University until the Detroit Sports Commission attracted it to Downtown Detroit.

The Xenith Prep Kickoff CLassic returns after seeing record-breaking attendance in 2023 with more than 14,700 fans at Wayne State which plays Division II college football in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Activities Conference (GLIAC). Wayne State only attracted 13,732 fans for its entire season — averaging 2,285 per game.

Since 2005, the event officials have focused on providing a "bowl game" atmosphere for participating teams, school bands, and cheer squads from across the Midwest.

Since the event's inception, Detroit Sports Commission officials have focused on an inclusive approach to team and match-up selection by inviting more than 90 schools from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio to play in the signature event.

"The Detroit Sports Commission is proud to once again kick off the high school football season in Michigan with an exciting lineup of games in the city of Detroit," said Marty Dobek, Detroit Sports Commission Deputy Director. "This year's event will feature a tremendous collection of prep football programs, and also the colorful pageantry of school bands and cheerleaders for fans to experience at this signature event in Detroit."

The 2024 event will transpire over two days  with Davison playing  in the second game of an opening night doubleheader at 7 pm and Clarkston playing in Friday's opener at 4 pm against 2023 Division 1 state runner-up Belleville.

The Thursday opener before the Davison-De La Salle matchup pits Southgate Anderson against Trenton at 4 p.m. Action on Friday will feature Detroit King facing Cleveland Heights at 7 pm after the Clarkston-Belleville game.

The Davison Cardinals rolled to a perfect 9-0 regular season record last fall and made it all the way to the Division 1 state semifinals. They finished 12-1 on the year. Davison's Aug. 29 opponent — Warren De La Salle Collegiate — lost 31-26 to Davison in last year's opener at the Vehicle City Gridiron Classic at Flint's historic Atwood Stadium. De La Salle rallied from 2023's opening night loss to Davison with 11 straight victories before losing 33-21 to Muskegon in the Division 2 state championship game at Ford Field.

The Clarkson Wolves  lost a 21-20 nail-biter last season in the regional finals to West Bloomfield to finish with un-Clarkstonlike 6-6 record. Clarkson lost 24-10 to Northville in last year's opener which was in the Battle of the Big House event at Michigan Stadium on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. Belleville's 2023 run to the state finals in Division 1 featured a 13-1 record before losing 36-32 to Southfield Arts & Technology.

Among the other competitors in the Xenith Prep Football Kickoff Classic, Southgate Anderston was  7-3 last season, Trenton was 5-5, Cleveland Heights 11-2 and  Detroit King 7-6 although making a run to the Division 3 state semifinals where losing an exciting 26-20 affair to Mason..

 
Tickets are $12 and are available for purchase at detroitsports.org/pkctickets. A portion of the proceeds from tickets will benefit each school. One ticket will grant admission to all games on that particular day. 

(No. 9 most read Sports Section Story o f2024)

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(CCN) — The Clarkston boys won the third and final OAA Red Jamboree at Clintonwood Park on Thursday (Oct. 24, 2024). Coach Larry Adams has now led the 2024 Wolves to league, county and regional championships, prompting many to question if it's ever happened before.

The Wolves now move on to the state meet in Division 1 to take aim at the school's first cross country state championship.

It will be held Friday (Nov. 1, 2024) at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. The Division 1 state finals meet is at 2:10 pm.

 Senior Cayden DeGrendel was third in a time of 15:36.7 on Thursday while  junior Ryan Barnes finished fourth in 15:41.9 and senior Jaxson Nowik was sixth in 15:52.8.  All three boys posted personal best times for the season.

Rounding out the top five to be scorers were  junior David Dubeck taking eighth place in  16:33.1 and freshman Cooper McNaughton finishing 11th in 16:43.9.

Troy's 60 points was runner-up behind Clarkston's 32 points. Oxford had 71 points, Lake Orion 77, Rochester Adams 128 and Birmingham Seaholm 169. 

Clarkston's JV team also won the boys' meet on Thursday while the girls' varsity tied Rochester Adams for first place with 57 points to give Coach Kevin Breen's Lady Wolves a second-place overall finish in the OAA Red Division.

Clarkston's girls tied Thursday with Rochester Adams. Both schools had 57 points.

Finishing in the top five for the Lady Wolves were  sophomore Avery DeGrendel in seventh place in the 19:13.6, fellow sophomores Addison Brigham finishing 8-9 in 19:19.8 and 19:25.3, respectfully, junior Sydney Fischer 15th in 20:23.6 and freshman Amelia Garvin 16th in 20:29.7.