SAGINAW, MI — Here are a few headlines from Saginaw County last week that attracted reader interest.
Saginaw County communities set to receive nearly $1 million in Michigan marijuana funds
Nearly $1 million in Marijuana Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act funds will be distributed to municipalities in Saginaw County.
State data shows Saginaw County is tabbed to receive $989,887 from the nearly $100 million being distributed among 302 local entities and tribes across the state.
Saginaw County municipalities slated to receive funds from the revenue sharing include Birch Run Township ($116,457), Buena Vista Township ($58,228), the village of Chesaning ($116,457), Saginaw ($640,515) and Spaulding Township ($58,228).
Saginaw man charged with flying from LAX to Detroit with 15 kilos of cocaine
A Saginaw man has been federally indicted with flying from Los Angeles to Michigan with 15 kilograms of cocaine.
A grand jury on Jan. 7 indicted 41-year-old Woodrow Campbell Jr. on one count of possessing 500 or more grams of cocaine with intent to distribute.
The felony is punishable by 10 years to life in prison.
Campbell’s charge stems from a June 7, 2024, incident.
Fearing immigration law scrutiny, Saginaw council rejects ‘welcoming community’ resolution
At a Monday, Feb. 24, meeting, the Saginaw City Council voted down a resolution, 7-1, that would have “affirmed” Saginaw as a “welcoming community” committed to the “protection of all residents.”
Some members of the city’s governing body explained their objection was based on two factors: the resolution’s “redundancy” with existing policy and fears that such a statement could draw the attention of federal lawmakers who have threatened communities not abiding by immigration laws.
Carly Rose Hammond, a first-year Saginaw councilwoman, proposed the resolution and was the lone official to vote in its favor.
Hammond introduced an earlier version of the resolution two weeks ago, but the council tabled a vote on that proposal until City Hall staff could review its implications. Hammond said the latest version was “pared back” significantly from its predecessor after she met with staff.
The latest resolution included language stating the city would uphold its “commitment” to the public safety of “all residents, regardless of their national origin, perceived immigration status, race, ethnicity, or background.”
As food insecurity swells, Saginaw nonprofits cook up a plan: Supersize us
A growing community appetite has two Saginaw food insecurity-fighting nonprofits setting the table for a big expansion.
Some of the ingredients already are in the mix for Hunger Solution Center, home of East Side Soup Kitchen and Hidden Harvest.
Officials representing both nonprofits said they have secured about $6.3 million of $8.8 million needed for an expansion that will double the organization’s shared East Genesee Avenue facility, where demand for help has nearly tripled in 20 years.
Pregnant Saginaw woman testifies she ducked to avoid teen shooting at her as she drove
A pregnant woman was driving through Saginaw’s Southeast Side when she spotted the awkwardly parked car of a woman she had problems with.
Moments later, the car was driving alongside the expecting mother, its passenger opening fire on her.
The woman provided this testimony during the Wednesday, Feb. 26, preliminary examination of the two people charged with trying to kill her: Jordyn E. Latty, 20, and Angelo J. Garcia, 16.
The pair face the same five charges: assault with intent to murder, carrying a concealed weapon, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, and two counts of felony firearm.
The first charge is punishable by up to life in prison, while a felony firearm conviction mandates a two-year prison stint consecutive with any related term.
Garcia is charged as an adult.
Councilman wants committee to explore reopening Saginaw’s Ojibway Island to traffic
Saginaw City Councilman Michael Balls said he hopes to assemble an advisory committee to explore how to reopen Ojibway Island to traffic.
Officials began closing the city-owned island to vehicle traffic in spring 2020, citing safety concerns and property damage that occurred when motorists drove through the grass when large congregations of people gathered there.
Officials reopened the site to traffic several times before finally closing the island to motorists for good in April 2021.
3 men charged in smash-and-grab robberies of Saginaw, Genesee county jewelry stores
Three men are federally charged with perpetrating “smash-and-grab” robberies of jewelry stores in Saginaw and Genesee counties.
One of the trio previously served time for a similar hold up of a Kalamazoo County jeweler, a crime he was linked to after shattered glass spilled his blood.
A grand jury on Feb. 5 indicted Kilaun M. Brooks, 28, on two counts of interference with commerce by robbery. The grand jury indicted Demond A. Manley Jr., 27, and Christopher J. Rudolph, 34, on one count of the charge.
Swan Valley schools launches search for fourth superintendent in 40 years
Swan Valley School District officials will seek new leadership at the top for the first time in a dozen years.
District officials said Superintendent Mat McRae announced he will retire in June, ending one of the longest tenures among superintendents in Saginaw County’s public school districts.
McRae previously served as the Swan Valley High School principal for nine years and had worked in the high school for 18 years before the district’s board of education hired him as an interim superintendent in July 2013.
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