THE LATEST TOP HEADLINES

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BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN News Executive Editor

(CCN) — Public corruption has been alleged and reported to authorities by Flint's 8th Ward city councilman after he says a "whistleblower" came forward to him with allegations of missing money at the Flint Housing Commission.

Dennis Pfeiffer, a first-term elected official, has now issued two public statements on social media, including posting a copy of his letter sent to authorities about alleged missing money.

 In his latest statement, Councilman Pfeiffer said, "The Mayor (Sheldon Neeley) lied to MLive. He was aware and he said in a verbal conversation ... 'if she pays it back can she continue to serve?' He has also sent many communications."

MLive published a story on is online newspaper just hours after a report on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio in a breaking news story during its 11:30 am CCN News Break on April 11. (Here's a Podcast) 

Pfeiffer made his initial statement on social media and posted a copy of his letter sent to Mayor Neeley with copies to Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, Chief Deputy Prosecutor John Potbury, Flint City Attorney Joanne Curley and Flint Housing Commission Attorney Jeff Klug.

Councilman Pfeiffer asked for an investigation by Mayor Neeley's administration and requested all relevant documents and information be delivered to the Flint City Council before May 1 to conduct a public hearing on the matter to determine any oversight council members may have over the alleged missing money. He also asked that the State Police and FBI be contacted for possible prosecution of a city employee at the Flint Housing Commission since he says the organization is funded by state and federal tax dollars.

Councilman Pfeiffer named the city employee in his letter, citing "credible" information from the "whistleblower" about alleged misappropriation of funds and embezzlement.

CCN did not initially name the city employee in its radio report or earlier story at The Daily Gazette.

Flint Journal reporter Ron Fonger story on MLive said a Freedom of Information Act request revealed, however, that Geraldine Redmond pledged in an April 1 letter to the Flint Housing Commission's Board of Commissioners to repay $50 per month as payments toward covering funds she used to buy supplies for annual tenant meetings after failing to provide receipts for the spending.

 Redmond is President of the  Commissioners.

Her $50-per-month repayment pledge was issued in a letter to her other four fellow board members and Chief Executive Officer David Northern.

Councilman Pfeiffer said $9,036.22 is not accounted for by Redmond. 

"I have read the memo and I have to say that it raises concerns above and beyond the inability of Ms. Redmond to provide receipts," Pfeiffer said. "First and foremost there is a question as to whether or not the annual meeting is even an eligible use of federal funds. We will be asking for more details on these annual events. Second, why would the FHC just give a commissioner a check? There appear to have been no internal controls over these funds...  I expect to find an audit finding surrounding these funds. If there are no findings then we will be asking for an explanation from the FHC and its auditor. Certainly the FHC needs to secure funds that are not properly supported, but it appears that FHC management should have taken more robust action to preserve the integrity of these funds... On top of that, you have the memorandum I wrote about Geraldine Redmond dated 5.18.23. What has been done by the Mayor or City of Flint since this memorandum….nothing. "

MLive reported that in her letter obtained by the FOIA, Redmond doesn't specify how much she intends to repay, but said she will make payments monthly “as I continue to locate the necessary documents and receipts related to these funds.” Other documents obtained by the FOIA request showed top officials at the commission, Mayor Neeley and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development being warned months ago of the possible misappropriation of at least $9,000.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is 8th Ward Flint City Councilman Dennis Pfeiffer.

BY ANA JONES

CCN Staff Writer

(CCN) — Community activist Arthur Woodson of Flint announced Wednesday (April 23, 2024) in front of the Flint City Council that he has a group ready to start a petition drive to make the Flint City Clerk position an elected position instead of it being an appointed office.

Woodson mentioned the petition drive near the end of his public comments from the podium.

"We need 5,00 signatures to make it to where the city clerk is elected instead of being appointed," Woodson said.

Flint City Council members currently appoint the city clerk by majority vote as set forth within the Flint City Charter adopted by voters in 2017 to take effect on Jan. 1, 2018.

Inez Brown served 25 years as city clerk in Flint until September of 2022 when she retired. Her Deputy Clerk, Davina Donahue, was then elevated to the top position by the council.

Many have complained about what they have called "election irregularities" ever since, but there have been no investigations by state officials. Woodson said the petition drive is not to target Donahue for anything she has done but to make her job free of any interference from supervisors.

"It needs to be an independent office," he told CCN.

The Michigan Secretary of State's office monitored election activities after numerous issues under Brown's administration. 

A petition drive isn't new for Woodson.

He led a recall drive to get sufficient signatures to force an election in 2017 when he attempted to remove former Flint Mayor Dr. Karen Weaver from office. Dr. Weaver won the election by a landslide 17 candidates, including Woodson. She had 7,409 votes to just 352 for Woodson.

Woodson also ran in 2020 for the State House seat held by Cynthia Neeley in the 34th district. She beat him by a landslide of 7,281 to 1,360.

Woodson ran for the 2nd Ward seat on the Flint City Council in 2021 and finished last in a four-candidate primary field with only 94 votes. 

Woodson first appeared on the local political scene early during the Flint water crisis when the city's drinking water system was poisoned by actions of elected leaders and state officials. He was a big backer of Dr. Weaver against incumbent Dayne Walling when she unseated him. Woodson switched to back Sheldon Neeley in the next election when he won.

Woodson then switched back to Dr. Weaver in the 2022 mayoral race when she lost her comeback bid against Neeley.

 (CCN) — Eric Cooper has been named as the new Athletic Director at Beecher High School.

"I’m grateful for the opportunity to return back to the same community I blossomed from to serve our student athletes," Cooper said.

He replaces  Isaac Golson who retired in May.  Trayc Cunninigham serves as the AD secretary.

 Cooper is a Beecher grad and resident of the district.

"Being a product of Beecher’s academic and athletic excellence, this new journey will be taken very seriously," Cooper said. "Old school values such as discipline, work hard and accountability will be put at the forefront of my work!  Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you are wanting to support our athletic department! "

Beecher Superintendent Dr. Richard Klee shared a brief summary of Cooper from his resume, saying, "Student-Athlete and CMU Bachelor of Science graduate with a background focused on Sociology and Communication. Accomplished professional with expertise and experience in athletic coaching, social services, criminal justice, and education. Properly trained in diversity and inclusion with experience engaging with a diverse group of Elementary, Middle School, and High School students and student-athletes. Developing a professional and positive rapport with students through one-on-one mentorship. A self-motivated individual with the ability to motivate and positively inspire students and parents."  

 (CCN) —  Flint's 6th Ward City Councilwoman Tonya Burns exposed in a Facebook post that her city's administration is trying to charge Hasslebring Senior Center operators a monthly lease fee.

The city has many dollar per year leases for its buildings used by the community.

Burns said: "Hasslebring Senior Center is facing challenges with the City Of Flint. The city is now requiring Hasslebring to enter into a lease for $2000 per month with a $1500 credit. Hasslebring Seniors have stated they don’t mind a lease, but they want a fair lease. This center was closed, padlocked and chained under emergency management. The center receives no funding from the City of Flint to operate. It has been operated by a successful board of directors to keep activities and the center operating. Hasslebring Center serves an under-served group in our community but has been able to stretch their dollars by offering arthritis-fitness, computer, classes, cardio-drumming, ballroom, senior self-care, music-therapy, coffee hour, Hurley Trauma Recovery and much more. The center uses the funding from rentals to pay for three part-time staffers and also fundraising to pay for their salaries. No other facility that is a nonprofit in the City of Flint is required to pay a monthly rental fee of more than a dollar. This center has been able to stretch their funds which are only received from the county and fundraising to supply much needed services to seniors that live in Genesee county. Hasslebring currently pays for their own consumers energy bill ($980 per month) parking lot lights bill ($240 per) month, liability, insurance, and city water bill ($505). Instead of focusing on improving the quality of life for our seniors in an underserved community, the facility is faced with the looming threat of the city taking over and putting it out to bid for another provider. The City of Flint hasn’t been capable of finishing the service lines that stayed at 90% complete since 2019 and now has been taken over by the State of Michigan for its completion. The City should be focused on keeping our water safe for Flint residents still can’t drink from the tap. Hasslebring center does not deserve to be micromanaged by the City of Flint. I will not be supporting charging Hasslebring Senior Center with any more than a dollar lease. What can you do to support Hasslebring Senior Center? If you are a person that is 55 years of age and live in Genesee County, stop by and grab an application to join. The phone number is 810–766-9516. The address is 1002 W. Home Ave., Flint, MI."

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is 7th Ward City Councilwoman Tonya Burns.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

(CCN) — Flint citizen Doug Matthews is now calling on three members of the city's Ethics and Accountability Board (EAB) to resign.

Matthews filed a lawsuit over what he alleged were illegal actions by the EAB and members responded by removing Shaxda Little as the city's ombudsman in a 6-1 vote. Matthews also appeared on The Morning Gazette Radio Show to reveal his Freedom of Information filings to the Flint Police Department to get body cam tapes and other information related to a run-in with 6th Ward City Councilman Tonya Burns.

Matthews claims Councilwoman Burns accused him of using a racial slur to her in the council chambers and he  vehemently
denies it.

Matthews had vowed in a Facebook post to speak at Wednesday's (Aug. 21, 2024) city council meeting to put comments on the record regarding his lawsuits and FOIA filings.

The meeting was cancelled, however, because of the city's ongoing woes after last week's criminal cyber attack.

Matthews has now posted a "case for the resignation" of EAB board trio Joe King, William Craig Harris and Trachelle Young in his latest social media post. It also notes recent events he insists have shown a troubling pattern that include former member Carol McIntosh who is now up for election in November for the 1st Ward city council seat currently held by Leon El-Almin. McIntosh and El-Almin were the top vote getters in a six-candidate primary election. (See Related Story Blow)

King is Chairman of the EAB, Harris is Vice Chairman and Young is the Secretary.

Matthews said in his Facebook post that McIntosh "played a major role in manipulating the hiring process for the Ombudsperson position.  At first, HR Director Eddie Smith only sent the three qualified applicants for the Ombudsperson job to the EAB. But under pressure from the board’s leaders, especially McIntosh, he eventually sent over all 14 applications, including 11 that were unqualified. This wasn’t about choosing the best person for the job—it was a move to make sure Mrs. Shaxda Little’s name made it to the board so they could vote for her, even though she didn’t meet the necessary qualifications. And that’s exactly what happened.  By hiring Mrs. Little, knowing she wasn’t qualified, the board set her up to fail. When she was no longer useful to them, they let her go without any respect, humiliating her in front of others. This was not just poor judgment — it was a planned setup, and there’s video proof of it.  Even though McIntosh is no longer on the EAB, the culture she helped create —where manipulating the process is okay — still affects the board. This isn’t the first time McIntosh’s actions have caused problems. During her time on the Flint Community Schools Board, her involvement led to a legal battle that ended with the district paying over $600,000 in a settlement to former Interim Superintendent Anita Steward. This settlement was for lost wages and damage to Steward’s reputation, showing how serious the consequences of bad leadership can be.  This kind of behavior is not only unethical but also a deep betrayal of the public’s trust."

Matthews added: "King, Harris, Young, and by extension, McIntosh, are not fit to lead. Flint deserves better. We need leaders who are committed to fairness, transparency, and public service — not those who manipulate the system for their own gain.  As this situation develops, I am taking legal steps that will allow for discovery and testimony under oath. This process may reveal even more about the involvement of others, including Councilwoman Burns ... I urge everyone to join me in demanding accountability from those in power."

King, Harris and Young have not yet responded to our request for comment.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Doug Matthews who is demanding resignations by three members of Flint's Ethics and Accountability Board. 

FLINT (CCN) — A $10 million grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation will help re-open the shuttered old Beecher High School building.

The announcement was made via a post on the Mott Foundation's web site.

“The Mott Foundation wants to help young people in our community succeed in school and life, and we continue to look for ways to reach and support them — no matter where they attend school,” said Ridgway White, President & CEO of the Mott Foundation. “This is a great opportunity to help one of our local school districts improve outcomes and strengthen the educational ecosystem in our community.”

The Beecher district’s shuttered its old high school building in 2004 to address a significant fiscal deficit and relocated all high school students to the middle school building, where it has since operated both schools in the same space. The fully renovated high school building will feature 20 classrooms with innovative spaces that could serve up to 500 students. There are currently about 250 high school students enrolled in the Beecher district.

The old high school building has about 49,000 square feet of room inside it.

The renovation is estimated to cost about $18 million and will include: demolishing small buildings on the site; replacing the roof, windows, flooring and doors; and relocating the gym and cafeteria. The building also will receive a new entrance and HVAC system, as well as new lockers. All that is according to Richard Klee who just retired after serving as Beecher superintendent since July 2021. He said the district has achieved financial stabilization, allowing it to develop a vision for both enhanced facilities and academic offerings that will better meet the needs of today’s students and families.

“This is about more than just a new building for our students,” Klee said. “The new high school and a re-imagined curriculum will create an opportunity for students to focus on career pathways and the soft skills required to advance in the world of work beyond graduation.”

 Klee said the new curriculum will include early access to career and technical education and precollege programming while offering other programming in fine arts and performing arts, health care, as well as in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM.

Klee noted that the comprehensive high school model also will include community education and afterschool programming, and the district plans to increase social work support and enhance social-emotional programming.

In addition to the Mott Foundation, the state of Michigan and local philanthropist Matt Rizik have contributed significant support to the renovation project. Rizik, a Flint area native and chief executive officer at Detroit-based ROCK which serves the Dan Gilbert family and its companies, kicked off a capital campaign for the new high school in 2022 with a personal donation and then publicly rallied more support for the project.

“Ever since I had the privilege of meeting the students and families of Beecher High, my passion for this project has only grown,” Rizik said. “The Beecher community is rich in resilience and resourcefulness, but like so many, it has needed meaningful investment to unlock its full potential. In just the short time I’ve been working with the school, I’ve witnessed the students’ passion for learning and their drive to succeed. The Mott Foundation’s grant will provide the students with the environment they deserve to build a strong foundation for lifelong success.”

Work to renovate the school already has begun, and the district hopes to welcome ninth through 12th grade students to the building by early 2026.

“As a 1983 Beecher High School graduate, I’m proud to see that a piece of Beecher’s history is being restored and will soon be a welcoming place for students once again,” said Marvin Smoot who is Presiden to the Beecher Board of Education. 

He added: “Our students and the community deserve to be proud of what this district has to offer, and I’m excited for the future. We will continue to work together with teachers, staff and the community to focus on great outcomes for our kids.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is a photo of the old Beecher High School building.

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

Weekly events will be held in Mt. Morris.

 Mt. Morris with Miss Snicklefritz will be held at 10:30 am every Friday at Mt. Morris Library until May 23, beginning next week on March 14. 

Mt. Morris Library is located at 685 Van Buren Avenue in Mt. Morris.

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. 

 (CCN) — Candice Mushatt emerged victorious after an all-night vote counting affair at Flint City Hall. She was facing a recall election for her 7th Ward seat on the Flint City Council.

The final count released Tuesday morning by Genesee County Clerk Domonique Clemons' office was 869-815 for Mushatt over challenger Jan Marie Arbor.

The Daily Gazette has learned that monitors were assigned by state officials to focus on the election.

Flint community activist Art Woodson made numerous posts via Facebook Live videos, alleging wrong doing. He also questioned why Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley showed up at Flint City Hall where votes were being counted after the polls closed.

Councilwoman Mushatt, who was appointed to her 7th ward position a year ago when former Flint City Council President Allie Herkenroder resigned, has been a strong supporter of Mayor Neeley's legislative proposals.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is 7th Ward City Councilwoman Candice Mushatt.

 (CCN) — Leon El-Alamin was a landslide winner in the Flint City Council's 1st Ward primary race.

He had 428 votes to easily finish first in a six-candidate race for two spots on the general election ballot in November.

Former Flint Board of Education President Carol McIntosh will join El-Alamin on the ballot.

She finished second with 305 votes.

El-Alamin, who was appointed to the seat after the recent death of long-time incumbent 1st Ward Councilman Eric Mays, had a 123-vote margin over McIntosh and must now try to win enough of the 409 votes that went to four others in the race to beat McIntosh again in November.

Other votes against the current 1st Ward council member included 179 for Rosemary Morrow, 132 for Cynthia Haynes, 60 for Johnny Billings and 36 for Liberty Bell.

El-Alamin operates a non-profit known as the MADE Institute to help convicted felons find jobs after re-entering society. El-Alamin is a convicted felon who saw the need for felons to get help when re-entering society.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is current Flint City Councilman Leon El-Alamin.

 (CCN) — Charles Winfrey was elected Tuesday to his third term on the Genesee County Board of Commissioners by winning in a landslide over challenger Holly WIlson in the Democrat primary.

Winfrey retained his 2nd District seat by getting 2,995 votes to 1,553 for Wilson. The 2nd District includes parts of the City of Flint and Flint Township.

Winfrey will be unopposed in the November general election because no Republicans filed for the primary.

While Winfrey's first two terms were for two years each, this term is now a four-year seat after changes were enacted by the current board.

Winfrey defeated Don Wright in the 2022 Democrat primary and won big over Republican challenger Lynette Robinson in the general election. He beat Corey Lockett and Michael Clack in the 2020 primary to succeed Clack's mother  — long-time 2nd District Commissioner and former State Representative Brenda Clack.

Winfrey was best known in local political circles as the long-time campaign director for his close friend — Woodrow Stanley who was a former Flint Mayor, County Commissioner and State Representative.

Winfrey has served as Executive Director and Resident Playwright of The “New” McCree Theatre for more than 19 years. He has produced most of the “New” McCree Theatre’s productions, and has written many of them, including: Sincerely: The Musical Odyssey of an Original Moonglow, Hanging’ Out, The Frankie Lymon Story, The Motown Story, The Saints of St. John Street, Rock the Boat: The Fleming Williams Story, Those Gorgeous, Glamorous girl Groups, The Lloyd Price Story, A Needle in a Haystack: the Story of the Velvelettes, Golden Gospel Voices: the Story of the Caravans, Give me that Old Time Religion, Those Dazzling Divas of Motown, and Sparkle Too, and The Legend of Bass Reeves.  He compiled and edited the youth-driven musical, Graffiti Chronicles.  His poem, Neglect, received an award for original works of poetry.

  Winfrey also previously served as editor of several weekly newspapers, including the Flint Spokesman, the CPSA Courier, and the Michigan Chronicle. He's a graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint with dual degrees in Political Science and Africana Studies. He was also co-founder and former Executive Director of the Coalition for Positive Youth Development.

Winfrey is Chairman of the Genesee County Board of Commissioner’s Health and Human Services Committee, Vice Chairman of the Genesee County Landbank Authority, a member of the Greater Flint Health Coalition Board, a member of the Genesee Health Plan Board of Directors, a member of the Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) Board, a member of the Valley Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors, a member of the Genesee County Action Resource Department Board of Advisors, a member of the University of Michigan-Flint’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, a member of the Flint-Genesee Board of Trustees, a member of Genesee County’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission. and serves as Vice President of the Northridge Academy Board of Directors. He is a past member of the Beecher Board of Education where he held several offices during his six-year tenure, including one term as President.

Winfrey and wife Shirley have two adult daughters — Jerri Winfrey-Carter who serves as the 5th Ward Councilwoman on the Flint City Council and Tracy Winfrey-Edwards who is a retired education administrator who resides in Silver Spring, Maryland.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Commissioner Charles Winfrey. 

 (CCN) — Flint City Councilman Tonya Burns, who represents 6th Ward residents, revealed in a social media post that a man was shot on a motorcycle in the 1500 block of Harrison Street.

Dozens  of social media posts indicated that it was the sixth shooting incident within a week in the City of Flint.

No information has yet been released to the media by officials at the Flint Police Department to conform or deny the report by Councilwoman Burns.

   (CCN) —  WJRT ABC TV 12 reported that an alert neighbor in Flint helped police locate a missing 76-year-old Genesee Township woman who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. 

The Genesee Township Police Department reported that Brenda Etherington had been last seen Thursday afternoon (July 4, 2024) in the 1000 block of East Genesee Avenue in Beecher.

Family told police she had last been seen about 10 pm. ABC TV 12 reported that Genesee Township police say Etherington was found safe in an abandoned house in Flint after a neighbor recognized her photo and called 911.

(CCN) —  No intersections across the Metro Flint regional area made an annual list of the top 20 most dangerous ones in Michigan, but two in the North County Tribune coverage area cracked Genesee County's top 10.

(See Story in State News of My Am Advantage)

(See Another Related Story in Today's Metro Section of The Daily Gazette)

 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 in 2023 that resulted in 16 injuries.

No. 6 on the list of most dangerous intersections in Genesee County was at Linden Road and Pierson Roads in Mt. Morris Township where 27 crashes resulted in 11 injuries.

No. 10 on the county list was at Dort Highway and Carpenter Road in the City of Flint where 22 crashes resulted in 12 injuries.

FLINT (CCN) — Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley announced at a press conference on Monday (Aug. 26, 2024) that another Flint City Council meeting will be cancelled.

Wednesday's (Aug. 21, 2024) committee meetings by Flint City Council were also cancelled because of ongoing woes a criminal cyber attack.

Monday's (Aug. 26, 2024) city council meeting has now been cancelled.

Council President Dr. Ladel Lewis and Vice President Candice Mushatt joined Mayor Neeley at the press conference with two staff members where the mayor gave an update on progress toward repairing the problem.

Mushatt said the city council will call special meetings to satisfy city charter requirements regarding how many meetings must be held every month. She said any a special meeting could also be called to handle any emergency items that may arise until the cyber attack is resolved.

Mayor Neeley said the hack in the city's computer system was being investigated as a criminal matter and not much could be said about it in the way of comments.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

FLINT (CCN) — A post on the City of Flint's web site announced that City Attorney William Kim is stepping down at the end of the month.

WJRT ABC 12 TV was the first to report the news in its newscast earlier today (July 5, 2024).

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley cut off press releases from his communications office to The Daily Gazette and Metro Flint News/Talk Radio after an incident with late Flint City Councilman Eric Mays in February 2020. Councilman Mays told about being "beat up" at a Flint bar by Mayor Neeley's then Chief or Staff  —  DuVarl Murdock.

The accusations by Mays was first reported by The Morning Gazette Radio Show on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio just minutes after he was released from spending the night at Hurley Medical Center for injuries sustained in the alleged beating. Mayor Neeley issued an untrue press release after the story made statewide news via the Association Press wire from reports by TV, radio and print outlets in Detroit. His press release went to everyone except The Daily Gazette and Metro Flint News/Talk Radio and no press releases have arrived to them since. City Attorney Kim never responded to a letter saying the press release tactic was illegal from the Corporation Counsel (then F. Anthony Lubkin) for Crusader Communications Network Inc.  — operators of The Daily Gazette and Metro Flint News/Talk Radio a

State Police at the Corunna Road post in Flint Township investigated the alleged beating and asked Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton to issue a warrant to arrest Murdock. Leyton sat on it for months until finally announcing no charges would be filed.

City Attorney Kim has often been accused of other unethical positions by opponents of Mayor Neeley during his tenure as head of the city's legal department since April 2022. He had previously served as an Assistant City Attorney since 2015.

The City of Flint web site indicated that Kim's upcoming departure is effective on July 26. It was described as a "resignation" and Mayor Neeley's statement said: “I wish Attorney Kim the very best in his new position and thank him for his service to the residents of Flint. Mr. Kim has helped guide the City of Flint through turbulent times over the past (nine) years, and I congratulate him on the next step in his career. We continue to cultivate talented individuals at the City of Flint, and I am confident that we will continue to attract top talent, based on the foundation of success laid by our current and former staff.”

The city's web site said that per the Flint City Charter, Chief Deputy City Attorney Joseph Kuptz will become Acting City Attorney upon the departure of Kim. The city will then post the City Attorney position and seek applicants both internally and externally.

In a resignation letter addressed to Mayor Neeley and the Flint City Council, Attorney Kim wrote: ”I am proud of the progress made by the City of Flint in general, and the Law Department in particular, in positioning the City for success over the next decades.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Flint City Attorney William Kim who is stepping down, effective on July 26.

MT. MORRIS (CCN) — Chief of Police Kevin Mihailoff announced via a press release Wednesday (Aug. 21, 2024) that the six-year-old girl struck by a vehicle on Tuesday has passed away.

The child was struck on Saginaw Street in front of Morris Square Apartments.

Chief Mihailoff said the driver of a black SUV came to a complete stop at the entrance to the apartment complex before exiting northbound on to Saginaw Street in the City of Mt Morris.

Chief Mihailoff said the child walked in front of the driver and became trapped under the vehicle.

The child was transported to Hurley Medical Center in Flint where she eventually passed away at 8:28 pm. 

Chief Mihailoff said there is an ongoing investigation and that the driver has been cooperating with police.

He added: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone that was involved in this tragic incident and if anyone has any information or video of the incident, please contact the City of Mt. Morris Police Department.

A post was added Wednesday to the city's police department Facebook page as follows: "Good morning.  I would like to put to rest some comments that have been made about the tragic incident that occurred yesterday in front of Morris Square Apartments. Speed was absolutely not a factor.  The vehicle was leaving the apartment complex and was at a complete stop.  Also, the intersection of Saginaw St and Roosevelt Ave was also not a factor.  The speed limit could be 10 mph everywhere and people will still drive as fast as they want, regardless of how many tickets are issued.  Instead of making assumptions and speculation, people need to get facts straight before posting random comments. Also, there were a few comments made that were disrespectful to the people involved in this incident.  If this was one of your family members, how would you feel? There has been a press release done and the police department will not respond to any other comments after this post. This was a tragic incident and does not need to be made worse by everyone feeling the need to chime in and throw their uninformed or misinformed two cents in. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved in this incident."

 (CCN) — Flint City Clerk Davina Donahue confirmed today (June 25, 2024) that five challengers have signed up to oppose Quincy Murphy in his Nov. 5 recall election.

Murphy is facing a recall election in his first four-year term as the 3rd Ward City Councilman on the Flint City Council.

Local radio show host and long-time community activist A.C. Dumas wants a rematch. Dumas, who is Vice President of Flint's branch of the NAACP, lost to Murphy in the 2021 general election and has lost numerous other local elections.

Also filing was Beverly Biggs-Leavy who led the recall effort to get Murphy on the ballot for removal. Rich Jones, who assisted her in the recall process, also filed to run for Murphy's seat.

The others filing were  LaShawn Johnson and Kerry Nelson.

Nelson is a former 3rd Ward councilman who was voted out of office when losing the 2021 primary to Murphy and Dumas.

 (CCN) — Quincy Murphy has narrowly escaped previous recall attempts but the first-term 3rd Ward City Councilman now faces removal from his seat on the Flint City Council.

Councilman Murphy was targeted in the latest recall effort by Beverly Biggs-Leavy.

A special election has been scheduled for the upcoming November general election. Murphy will be on the ballot with whoever files with the Flint City Clerk's office within 10 days to be on the ballot with him.

 The Nov. 5 election on Murphy's fate was called after Genesee County Clerk  Domonique Clemons announced that 533 signatures were verified when only 513 were required. 

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is 3rd Ward Flint City Councilman Quincy Murphy.