News

LANSING, MICH. The Michigan State Police (MSP), Grants and Community Services Division (GCSD), is now accepting applications from partnerships between local units of government and community- based organizations (CBO) across the state for the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (Byrne SCIP). A total of $4 million is available in competitive grant funds to assist with the prevention and reduction of crime and violence, with a particular focus on gun violence. Specifically, funds are available for programs and initiatives that target the risk factors which are likely to lead to this kind of violence.

Burt Debates Zoning The Burt Township Planning Commission met on Jan 2nd. Commissioner Jeff Cuthbertson stepped down from the commission and was thanked for his service.

The County Commissioners met on Jan 4, 2024. Dean Seaberg (District 2) was elected Chair, Mickey Rondeau (District 5) was elected Vice-Chair. Some discussion was made on the salaries of the commissioners. In the end, it was unanimously agreed to change their current payment structure to a flat rate of $6,000 per year, plus milage consistent with IRS standards.

On January 2nd, the following cases appeared before Judge Brian Daniel Rahilly: • Johnson, Jarod, Bruce • Bloom, Rianna, Jessica • Bowerman, Tayor, William • Kelly, Terrrence, Dean • Corlew, Christian, Lyon • Green, Daniel, William • Godfrey, Bobbi, Jo • Sherwood, Brian, Alan • Kusmirek, Scott, Cameron • Hart, Gary, William • Killips, Scott, Thomas • Bowerman, Taylor, William • Swetich, Lucas, Garth • Lundbom, Angeline, May .

MARQUETTE, Mich., Jan. 2, 2023 — Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency informed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of its decision to deny Michigan’s appeal for assistance following the 2023 spring flooding in the U.P. The denial pertains to Whitmer’s Oct. 18 appeal for a major disaster declaration, focusing on public assistance for Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Marquette and Ontonagon counties, along with statewide hazard mitigation. Despite the evident challenges faced by the affected communities, FEMA has reaffirmed its original denial, asserting that the impact does not surpass the capabilities of the state and local governments. In response to the news, state Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) released the following statement: “I’m deeply disappointed with FEMA’s decision to deny the appeal for assistance in the aftermath of the devastating flooding that hit the U.P. last spring. FEMA’s denial stands despite the evident challenges faced by our communities and residents, who are still struggling to recover from the aftermath, and are now dealing with the lack of snow for our unique winter events and tourism. I know Yoopers will persist, and I won’t give up on fighting for us.”

In the December 29 issue of the Beacon, Keena Jones was mis-identified as president of HOPE. Ms. Jones is a former president of HOPE and currently serving as Midwest Regional Manager. Her dog Bella was interred in the War Dog Memorial for her therapy and crisis response word. We regret any confusion.