Huron County View Bath Salts Series

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PAIDRoyal Oak, MI

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Thursday, February 16, 2012 • Vol. 1, No. 51 mihomepaper.comIncorporating the Huron County Press, the Thumb Blanket,

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BY JOHN BONKEStaff Writer * 810-452-2668 * [email protected]

BY KELLY TAYLOR-JEROMENews & Sports Editor * 810-452-2617 * [email protected]

HURON COUNTY - In an attempt to stop whatappears to be a growing problem, several officials from thelocal to the national level are working to find solutions to anemerging issue. Officials are concerned the use of sub-

stances, known commonly as "bath salts" poses a seriousthreat.

Tuesday afternoon, 23 officials representing 16 area agen-cies met at the Huron Central 911 Dispatch to discuss theproblem. Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson said hospi-tals, first responders, law enforcement, the Huron CountyHealth Department and the Huron County IntermediateSchool District were represented at the meeting.


BAD AXE - The Huron County Board ofCommissioners passed a resolution Tuesday to send aletter to Huron Behavioral Health that threatens to evictthe organization if it does not pay rent.

The commissioners don't want to leave the organiza-tion homeless, but the state might force their hand.

"They're providing a valuable service, and if there is away we can work this out, we will," Commissioner JohnHorny said.

Commissioner Ron Wruble, finance committee chair,said the issue is bureaucrats at the Michigan Departmentof Community Heath are attempting to take away thefunding that allows Huron Behavioral Health to pay rentfor the county-owned building.

The problem has been ongoing. The MDCH, in2008, conducted a retrospective audit and claimed rentHuron Behavioral Health paid to the county was disal-lowed because Huron Behavioral Health and the countywere "less than arms-length," so under federal law, rentcould not be paid. This decision was based on the factthat the board of directors of Huron Behavioral Healthis appointed by the commissioners, and the state con-tended that authority could compel the board of direc-tors to rent from the county. Also, a certain number ofcommissioners could be appointed to sit on the HuronBehavioral Health Board of Directors, but that numberwould not constitute a quorum, Wruble said.

Therefore, the state demanded reimbursement for allrent paid to the county from 1999 through 2006.

The county appealed that decision in Huron CountyCircuit Court, which held that the county and Huron

Behavioral Healthmight lose home

COUNTY on page 2

Shown here is evidence collected from investiga-tions pertaining to "bath salts" - items whichhave been connected to breaking and enterings.

Officials on many levels working to find solutions

SALTS on page 14

Photo by John Bonke

Wes

Highlight

Officials are concerned that the substancesthemselves pose a serious health threat tothe user, and their use could put others injeopardy.

Hanson said that users he is aware bathsalt users often are living in poor circum-stances and are spending money on the sub-stances instead on food, clothing and shelter- or even heating bills. He said becauseusers can suffer severe effects, includingparanoia, hallucinations and violent behav-ior, he fears those around them could sufferas unintended victims of neglect and abuse.

Hanson said, "We have a problem." Heasks: "Is this just the start? What's next?"

People need to be aware of the issue, hesaid. Hanson noted incidents involving thesubstances have not only included breakingand enterings, but physical altercations anda case of a person needing to go into adetoxification center.

Since August of 2011, Hanson said hisdepartment has been monitoring use andsale of such substances. He stated that someproducers have been manufacturing othersubstances that are similar to chemicalswhich have been made illegal, but since theyare somewhat different, they aren't specifi-cally prohibited by current legislation.

He said the name "bath salts" is confusingmany people. The “bath salts” being used asa drug is not the same as the bottled bathsalts sold in stores.

"They're just using the name 'bath salts'for something that mimics cocaine, or, I'veeven heard of it mimicking meth," Hansonsaid. "It's not stuff that you go and buy atKmart. It's stuff that's individually pack-aged."

A quarter gram of the bath salts used as a

drug is sold for approximately $10.According to the Michigan Department

of Community Health, the chemical ingre-dients aren't useful as a bath product andare distributed through "head shops" andconvenience stores. The MDCH reports asurge of hospital emergency department vis-its, mostly from people in their 20s and 30s.Signs and symptoms the MDCH listsinclude severe paranoia, violent behavior,hallucinations, chest pain, seizures,decreased amounts of sleep, poor appetiteand self-mutilation; long-term side-effecthealth problems can include kidney failure,liver failure, increased risk of suicide, long-term mental illness, self-mutilation anddeath. The MDCH has stated users havereported "horrible" experiences - includingseeing demons; these symptoms can last fortwo or three days, and, in some cases, evenlonger, requiring long-term psychiatric care.The MDCH also reports a "binge" and"craving" pattern of abuse with the item.

Dr. Russell Bush, medical director for theHuron County Health Department, said theuse of bath salts and similar products hasbeen a growing problem since late last sum-mer. He said there is nothing his agency cando right now to stop it, but the healthdepartment is researching potential legaloptions to combat the issue.

A big problem, he said, is manufacturersof the substances change the chemical com-position to comply with new laws as thoselaws are being created, so when one productis outlawed, another is in line to take itsplace.

"It's a big frustration for everybody, hav-ing a new formulation come out that isn'tyet illegal" Bush said.

Local area agencies and organizationsworking on the problem include: Bad AxeCity Police Department, Huron Behavioral

Health, Huron County Health Department,Huron County Sheriff's Department,Huron County Prosecutor's Office andHuron Medical Center. At the state level,the Michigan Department of CommunityHealth also is involved. Officials in theMarquette area, which includes NorthernMichigan University, also have been dealingwith the problem. The MDCH reportedhospital emergency departments inMichigan have reported 18 cases related tothe use of "bath salts" in four weeks (Jan.8-Feb. 4), many of which have been in theMarquette area.

"We are very concerned about the use ofthis dangerous product," said Dr. GregoryHolzman, MD, Chief Medical Executive forMDCH.

Governor Snyder signed HB4565, spon-sored by District 78 Representative SharonTyler (R-Nles), in July of 2011, making cer-tain chemicals found in "bath salts" illegal.

At the Federal level, the U.S. Departmentof Justice Drug Enforcement Agency hasbeen moving to place certain chemicals ontoSchedule I of the Controlled SubstancesAct. The DEA has stated "bath salts" havenot been approved by the FDA for humanconsumption, there is no oversight of themanufacturing process, and that 37 statesalready have taken action to control or bancertain chemicals.

Huron Behavioral Health was notified bystate agencies toward the end of this pastsummer about the issue, said ExecutiveDirector Suzanne Prich. The organizationalso becomes aware of substance use andabuse through people wanting or needingthe organization's services. Prich said, dur-ing any situation the organization deter-mines if an individual needs emergencymedical care, which is called upon, or ifother, non-emergency assistance is required.

An individual requiring substance abusecounseling is referred to organizationswhich can help. A person with a mentalhealth aspect is usually seen by HuronBehavioral Health. The local organizationprovides services to low-income individualsand families, with fees determined by theperson's situation. Huron Behavioral Healthalso has a crisis number at 1-800-356-5568.And, of course, in a medical emergency, 9-1-1 should be called.

The role a county health department hasin regard to any substance use or abuse ismainly prevention education, according toHuron County Health DepartmentOfficer Gretchen Tenbusch. The HuronCounty department was advised of theissue by Sheriff Hanson, Tenbusch noted.The department has prepared a fact sheetto distribute to local media outlets, sheadded.

According to Michigan Department ofCommunity Health Public InformationOfficer Angela Minicuci, that departmentbegan seeing an increase in activity towardthe end of 2010.

For more information: Michigan Department of Community

Health Frequently Asked Questions www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Gen

eral_Public_Fact_Sheet_345530_7.pdfMichigan Department of Community

Health Health Care Provider Fact Sheet www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Bat

h_Salts_FAQ_Health_Care_Providers_344881_7.pdf

U.S. Department of Justice DrugEnforcement Agency

www.justice.gov/deaU.S. Centers for Disease Control &

Preventionwww.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/

mm6019a6.htm

14 Huron County VIEW Thursday, February 16, 2012

SALTS from page 1


BAD AXE - Thieves seeking to get afree high have broken into Maple LaneDiscount four times since Christmas,and Huron County Sheriff Kelly J.Hanson said the problem will likelycontinue as long as the store continuesselling an addictive, yet legal, drug.

Hanson said he has received criticismthat his office continues to investigatebreak-ins at the store, located at 950 N.Van Dyke Road in Verona Township.But, Hanson said, it is his office's dutyto respond to crimes, no matter who isthe victim.

"As long as he keeps getting broken

into, we have to answer those com-plaints," Hanson said.

Maple Lane Discount owner RobertAlent said he has every right to sell thelegal product in his store.

"I have bills I have to pay. Retail busi-ness is tough. You sell what you can,"Alent said. My job is to find productsthat people want to buy that there's alittle bit of margin on."

He said he limits sales of bath salts andincense, which can also be smoked for anintoxicating high, to people over 21.

Alent said he began offering the bathsalts because customers requested theproduct, and it is "by far" the most pop-ular item in his store.

He plans to install a cage over the

store's main entrance to prevent futurebreak-ins.

"That's the weakest link, as far asentry," he said.

Hanson has another idea for howAlent can prevent future break-ins.

"You want to know what the answeris? Get (bath salts) out of there. That'sthe answer," Hanson said.

Alent said he believes only two peoplehave committed the crimes at the store,and he doesn't feel it would be right todeprive his customers of a product theywant because of the actions of a coupleindividuals.

Maple Lane hit a fourth time

The Huron County Sheriff's Office releasedthis picture in connection with an investiga-tion to a Monday, Feb. 13 breaking and enter-ing report.BREAK-INS on page 22

Courtesy photo

Wes

Highlight

Officials are concerned that the substancesthemselves pose a serious health threat tothe user, and their use could put others injeopardy.

Hanson said that users he is aware bathsalt users often are living in poor circum-stances and are spending money on the sub-stances instead on food, clothing and shelter- or even heating bills. He said becauseusers can suffer severe effects, includingparanoia, hallucinations and violent behav-ior, he fears those around them could sufferas unintended victims of neglect and abuse.

Hanson said, "We have a problem." Heasks: "Is this just the start? What's next?"

People need to be aware of the issue, hesaid. Hanson noted incidents involving thesubstances have not only included breakingand enterings, but physical altercations anda case of a person needing to go into adetoxification center.

Since August of 2011, Hanson said hisdepartment has been monitoring use andsale of such substances. He stated that someproducers have been manufacturing othersubstances that are similar to chemicalswhich have been made illegal, but since theyare somewhat different, they aren't specifi-cally prohibited by current legislation.

He said the name "bath salts" is confusingmany people. The “bath salts” being used asa drug is not the same as the bottled bathsalts sold in stores.

"They're just using the name 'bath salts'for something that mimics cocaine, or, I'veeven heard of it mimicking meth," Hansonsaid. "It's not stuff that you go and buy atKmart. It's stuff that's individually pack-aged."

A quarter gram of the bath salts used as a

drug is sold for approximately $10.According to the Michigan Department

of Community Health, the chemical ingre-dients aren't useful as a bath product andare distributed through "head shops" andconvenience stores. The MDCH reports asurge of hospital emergency department vis-its, mostly from people in their 20s and 30s.Signs and symptoms the MDCH listsinclude severe paranoia, violent behavior,hallucinations, chest pain, seizures,decreased amounts of sleep, poor appetiteand self-mutilation; long-term side-effecthealth problems can include kidney failure,liver failure, increased risk of suicide, long-term mental illness, self-mutilation anddeath. The MDCH has stated users havereported "horrible" experiences - includingseeing demons; these symptoms can last fortwo or three days, and, in some cases, evenlonger, requiring long-term psychiatric care.The MDCH also reports a "binge" and"craving" pattern of abuse with the item.

Dr. Russell Bush, medical director for theHuron County Health Department, said theuse of bath salts and similar products hasbeen a growing problem since late last sum-mer. He said there is nothing his agency cando right now to stop it, but the healthdepartment is researching potential legaloptions to combat the issue.

A big problem, he said, is manufacturersof the substances change the chemical com-position to comply with new laws as thoselaws are being created, so when one productis outlawed, another is in line to take itsplace.

"It's a big frustration for everybody, hav-ing a new formulation come out that isn'tyet illegal" Bush said.

Local area agencies and organizationsworking on the problem include: Bad AxeCity Police Department, Huron Behavioral

Health, Huron County Health Department,Huron County Sheriff's Department,Huron County Prosecutor's Office andHuron Medical Center. At the state level,the Michigan Department of CommunityHealth also is involved. Officials in theMarquette area, which includes NorthernMichigan University, also have been dealingwith the problem. The MDCH reportedhospital emergency departments inMichigan have reported 18 cases related tothe use of "bath salts" in four weeks (Jan.8-Feb. 4), many of which have been in theMarquette area.

"We are very concerned about the use ofthis dangerous product," said Dr. GregoryHolzman, MD, Chief Medical Executive forMDCH.

Governor Snyder signed HB4565, spon-sored by District 78 Representative SharonTyler (R-Nles), in July of 2011, making cer-tain chemicals found in "bath salts" illegal.

At the Federal level, the U.S. Departmentof Justice Drug Enforcement Agency hasbeen moving to place certain chemicals ontoSchedule I of the Controlled SubstancesAct. The DEA has stated "bath salts" havenot been approved by the FDA for humanconsumption, there is no oversight of themanufacturing process, and that 37 statesalready have taken action to control or bancertain chemicals.

Huron Behavioral Health was notified bystate agencies toward the end of this pastsummer about the issue, said ExecutiveDirector Suzanne Prich. The organizationalso becomes aware of substance use andabuse through people wanting or needingthe organization's services. Prich said, dur-ing any situation the organization deter-mines if an individual needs emergencymedical care, which is called upon, or ifother, non-emergency assistance is required.

An individual requiring substance abusecounseling is referred to organizationswhich can help. A person with a mentalhealth aspect is usually seen by HuronBehavioral Health. The local organizationprovides services to low-income individualsand families, with fees determined by theperson's situation. Huron Behavioral Healthalso has a crisis number at 1-800-356-5568.And, of course, in a medical emergency, 9-1-1 should be called.

The role a county health department hasin regard to any substance use or abuse ismainly prevention education, according toHuron County Health DepartmentOfficer Gretchen Tenbusch. The HuronCounty department was advised of theissue by Sheriff Hanson, Tenbusch noted.The department has prepared a fact sheetto distribute to local media outlets, sheadded.

According to Michigan Department ofCommunity Health Public InformationOfficer Angela Minicuci, that departmentbegan seeing an increase in activity towardthe end of 2010.

For more information: Michigan Department of Community

Health Frequently Asked Questions www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Gen

eral_Public_Fact_Sheet_345530_7.pdfMichigan Department of Community

Health Health Care Provider Fact Sheet www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Bat

h_Salts_FAQ_Health_Care_Providers_344881_7.pdf

U.S. Department of Justice DrugEnforcement Agency

www.justice.gov/deaU.S. Centers for Disease Control &

Preventionwww.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/

mm6019a6.htm


SALTS from page 1


BAD AXE - Thieves seeking to get afree high have broken into Maple LaneDiscount four times since Christmas,and Huron County Sheriff Kelly J.Hanson said the problem will likelycontinue as long as the store continuesselling an addictive, yet legal, drug.

Hanson said he has received criticismthat his office continues to investigatebreak-ins at the store, located at 950 N.Van Dyke Road in Verona Township.But, Hanson said, it is his office's dutyto respond to crimes, no matter who isthe victim.

"As long as he keeps getting broken

into, we have to answer those com-plaints," Hanson said.

Maple Lane Discount owner RobertAlent said he has every right to sell thelegal product in his store.

"I have bills I have to pay. Retail busi-ness is tough. You sell what you can,"Alent said. My job is to find productsthat people want to buy that there's alittle bit of margin on."

He said he limits sales of bath salts andincense, which can also be smoked for anintoxicating high, to people over 21.

Alent said he began offering the bathsalts because customers requested theproduct, and it is "by far" the most pop-ular item in his store.

He plans to install a cage over the

store's main entrance to prevent futurebreak-ins.

"That's the weakest link, as far asentry," he said.

Hanson has another idea for howAlent can prevent future break-ins.

"You want to know what the answeris? Get (bath salts) out of there. That'sthe answer," Hanson said.

Alent said he believes only two peoplehave committed the crimes at the store,and he doesn't feel it would be right todeprive his customers of a product theywant because of the actions of a coupleindividuals.

Maple Lane hit a fourth time

The Huron County Sheriff's Office releasedthis picture in connection with an investiga-tion to a Monday, Feb. 13 breaking and enter-ing report.BREAK-INS on page 22

Courtesy photo

Wes

Highlight


Hanson said his department hasincreased surveillance of MapleLane, but they can't watch the store24/7.

The third break in since Christmasoccurred on Saturday, Feb. 4.

According to the sheriff's office, videosurveillance revealed that at 12:54 a.m.,a masked individual broke out theentrance door's glass and entered thebusiness. What is believed to be a malesuspect, headed immediately for a dis-play cabinet, which contained bathsalts.

The suspect gained entry by beatingthe acrylic safety glass out of it andtook approximately five packs of "bathsalts" valued at $110 total. He thenexited the building. The incident tookplace in less than one minute.

From what is viewed in the surveil-lance video, the suspect appeared to bewearing a blue or purple ski maskpulled down, a hooded jacket, whichhas a large plaid design of green or graysquares and white lines, white, pajama-styled pants, with large blotches ofblack, and, possibly, a foam, clog-styleslip-on shoe.

The fourth break in occurredMonday, Feb. 13, This latest incidentoccurred around 1 a.m. and resulted in

over $200 of damage to a glass doorand $135 worth of bath salts beingtaken. One 250 mg packet was recov-ered outside of the business.

From surveillance video, one suspectof average build entered the businesswearing what appeared to be a dark,pullover hoody, a gray-colored ski maskand light-colored, possibly jean-type,pants. The pants were baggy and thelegs were frayed. They also appeared tohave a ripped right pant leg. Evidencewas gathered at the scene and leads arebeing followed.

The first breaking and enteringresulted in approximately $340 worth ofstolen bath salts. The second breakingand entering occurred on Monday, Jan.23.

Anyone with information may call theSheriff's Office at 989-269-6500 duringregular business hours or Dispatch at989-269-6421 anytime or theConfidential Tip Line at 989-269-2861anytime.

According to the sheriff, a suspect,Jason Robert Williams, 27, Bad Axe,was arrested on Saturday, Feb. 4 by theHuron County Sheriff's Office and wasreleased on Sunday, Feb. 5, after post-ing $350 bond. Huron CountyProsecutor Tim Rutkowski said a pre-trial has been conducted and a prelimi-nary exam scheduled for Wednesday,Feb. 15.

BREAK-INS from page 14

BAD AXE - The Huron CountySheriff's Offices reports that onMonday, Feb. 13 at 11:57 a.m., DeputyJake Dhyse responded to Hart’s Floristat 834 South Van Dyke Road in ColfaxTownship to a report that a man hadjust exposed his genitals to the cashier.

Apparently a white male in his early40s entered the store and picked out anarrangement of flowers. While thisindividual filled out a card and complet-

ed his purchase, storeowner and cashierErica Bruce noticed the man had hispenis hanging out of his pants.

Once he left, she called HuronCentral Dispatch. Through informationobtained from the victim, DeputyDhyse made contact with an Ubly areaman, which has resulted in DeputyDhyse seeking a warrant from theHuron County Prosecutor’s Office.This investigation will continue.

Man exposes himself to cashier

• Sandusky, Feb. 16, Countryside Family Center,912 West Sanilac Road, 1 p.m.-6:45 p.m.

• Mayville, Feb. 20, St. Joseph Catholic ChurchHall, 315 West Ohmer Road, 1 p.m. -6:45 p.m.

• Deckerville, Feb. 21, Deckerville High School,2633 Black River Street, 2 p.m.-7:45 p.m.

• Lexington, Feb. 21, St. Denis Parish Center,7200 Denissen Street, 12:30 p.m. -6:15 p.m.

• Minden City, Feb. 22, Minden City Village Hall,1585 1st Street, 1 p.m.-6:45 p.m.

• Vassar, Feb. 23, Vassar Eagles, 651 South StateRoad, noon-5:45 p.m.

• Ubly, Mar. 1, Ubly High School, 2020 UnionStreet, 1 p.m.-6:45 p.m.

• Brown City, Mar. 6, Brown City VFW Post, 7108

Maple Valley Road, 1 p.m. -6:45 p.m.• Harbor Beach, Mar. 13, Harbor Beach High

School Library, 402 South Fifth Street, 10 a.m.-3:45p.m.

• Carsonville, Mar. 14, Carsonville Port SanilacHigh School, 100 North Goetze Road, noon-5:45p.m.

• Millington, Mar. 15, Millington CommunityCenter, 8705 State Road, 1 p.m.-6:45 p.m.

For more information: Great Lakes BloodServices Region, 1800 East Grand River Avenue,P.O. Box 30102, Lansing, MI 48909-7602, 517-318-7447, 517-896-4929, [email protected].

American Red Cross blood drives in the Thumb Area

Wes

Highlight

BAD AXE - The Huron County Sheriff’sOffice reported it has located a suspect in arecent break-in at Maple Lane Discount,which occurred on Feb. 13.

This was the fourth break in at the busi-ness, located at 950 N. Van Dyke Road inVerona Township, since Christmas.

A Bad Axe area man, accompanied by hisattorney, cooperated in giving a statementregarding the incident to investigators.

The sheriff’s department has turned over

information to the Huron CountyProsecutor’s Office for determination ofcharges.

This latest incident occurred around 1a.m. and resulted in over $200 of damage toa glass door and $135 worth of bath saltsbeing taken. One 250 mg packet was recov-ered outside of the business.

According to Huron County ProsecutorTimothy J. Rutkowski, charges have not yetbeen filed. Any further information regard-

ing the charges or suspect will be releasedby the Prosecutor’s Office at a later date andtime.

The substance stolen in each break-in,“bath salts,” should not be confused withproducts that are used in bathing and are forsale in the beauty aisle at department storesand pharmacies.

According to the Michigan Departmentof Community Health, the chemical ingre-dients aren’t useful as a bath product and are

distributed through “head shops” and con-venience stores. The MDCH reports asurge of hospital emergency department vis-its, mostly from people in their 20s and 30s.Signs and symptoms the MDCH listsinclude severe paranoia, violent behavior,hallucinations, chest pain, seizures,

Suspect located in fourth breaking and entering of Maple Lane

BREAK IN on page 2

VIEWPRSTSTD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDRoyal Oak, MI

48068Permit #79210450 Enterprise Dr.Davisburg, MI 48350

RESIDENTIALCUSTOMER

“BLANKETS THE THUMB”

Huron County

Thursday, February 23, 2012 • Vol. 1, No. 51 mihomepaper.comIncorporating the Huron County Press, The Thumb Blanket,

The Newsweekly and the Harbor Beach TIMES

651 Unionville Rd. • Sebewaingwww.mooreshoreline.com 877-212-9065Chevrolet • Buick

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2007 Saturn Aura XR

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See our full page ad on Page 3.

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Scan This

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The Lady Hatchets are wearingpink uniforms for three games toraise cancer awareness. Pictured,Stephanie Butch passes the ballduring Bad Axe's game againstNorth Huron Feb. 14.Coach Brent Wehner said the uni-forms were donated by brotherand sister John Rowland and Dr.Anne Lesher, who appreciated theteam's activities to raise moneyto fight cancer last year and want-ed to support its efforts.In addition to wearing the uni-forms, the team is selling t-shirtsthat read "Hatchets vs. Cancer"for $12. Wehner said all proceedsfrom the shirt sale will go to theHuron Medical Center OncologyDepartment. He said the teamanticipates raising more than$1,000.For sports action, see page 23.


BAD AXE - The Huron CountyHockey Association is seeking a partnerto help it grow its facilities, and it hasapproached the entity that has helped itfor the past 18 years - Huron County.

During Tuesday's Huron CountyCommissioners Meeting of the Whole,association Vice-President Larry Campand Board Member Matt Aymen toldthe board the association is planning tobuild a new $1.8 million-dollar facility inHuron County. It is considering partner-ing with a handful of entities and islooking at four or five sites.

The association hopes to be in its newbuilding by October 2014.

The hockey association provides aUSA Hockey-sanctioned program foryouth and adults. In the 2011-12 season,279 people participated in league play.Many others took advantage of the rinkfor open skating and pick-up hockey.

Aymen and Camp said the associationhas had a good partnership with thecounty throughout the years its activitieswere held at the Huron County ExpoCenter, and it is seeking a similararrangement.

Camp said the association wants itspartner to own the building, and theassociation would run the programs andgenerate income for the partner, as it has

Photo by Kelly Taylor-Jerome

Hockey Associationplans new ice arena

HOCKEY on page 8

Pink Ladies

Wes

Highlight

decreased amounts of sleep,poor appetite and self-mutila-tion; long-term side-effecthealth problems can includekidney failure, liver failure,increased risk of suicide, long-term mental illness, self-muti-lation and death. The MDCHhas stated users have reported“horrible” experiences -including seeing demons;these symptoms can last fortwo or three days or longer,requiring long-term psychi-

atric care. The MDCH alsoreports a “binge” and “crav-ing” pattern of abuse with theitem.

Huron County Sheriff KellyJ. Hanson said his departmentis still looking for furtherinformation and is followingleads from the first and thirdB&E involving this business.Anyone with information cancontact the sheriff’s office at989-269-6500 during regularbusiness hours or the confi-dential Tip Line at 989-269-2861 anytime.

BREAK IN from page 1


NewsNews

Teddies to be treatedPAGE 14

“The Camels are coming!”PAGE 11

USA Cominghome courtPAGE 17

In This VIEW

LOCAL HOOPS ACTION!SEE SPORTS

Bella Vista at Hersel’s on the Bay hosted amurder mystery dinner theater duringCaseville’s Shanty Days on Saturday. Whilethey dined on an all-you-can-eat buffet,guests were invited to help solve the crimeof a poisoning that took place during astaged poker tournament. After the actorsacted out the murder scene, guestssearched each suspect for clues as to whocommitted the crime. Guests were thenawarded points for the number of cluesfound and the accuracy of the guess.

HURON COUNTY - Calling voting aright and a responsibility, Secretary of StateRuth Johnson is urging Michigan citizensto vote in the presidential primary electionon Tuesday, Feb. 28.

“I would urge all citizens who wish to doso to celebrate their freedom and makesure their voice is heard, their vote counts,”said Johnson, Michigan’s chief electionsofficer.

In addition to the presidential primary,Lake and McKinley townships will conductspecial elections on Tuesday, said HuronCounty Clerk Lori Neal-Wonsowicz.

In Lake Township, voters will decidewhether the Lake Township ZoningOrdinance will be amended to provideprovisions for wind energy facilities withinLake Township, as described in the LakeTownship Wind Energy ConversionFacility Overlay Zoning Ordinance.

There will be two millage proposals onthe ballot in McKinley Township. The firstwould renew the road millage, which is 4mills, for the period of 2013 through 2020and would pay for road improvements andother expenses. It is estimated this millagewould raise $112,359 in its first year. Thismillage renewal would cost the owner of a$100,000 home approximately $200 peryear.

The second proposal is a new road mill-age, which would be imposed at 2 mills forthe period of 2012 through 2017. It is esti-mated this millage would raise an estimat-ed $56,179 in its first year. This new mill-age would cost the owner of a $100,000

BY KELLY TAYLOR-JEROMENews & Sports Editor * [email protected]

BAD AXE - Bad Axe CityCouncil passed a resolutionTuesday honoring a respectedcommunity leader.

Former Bad Axe mayor andcouncilmember Fred Kalisdied Monday.

Funeral services for Kalis are11 a.m. Saturday at Our SaviorLutheran Church in Bad Axe.

Visitation is 1 to 8 p.m. Fridayat the Kaufman Funeral Homeand one hour before the funer-al at the church.

Council also conducted a pub-lic hearing regarding an ordi-nance that would require animalowners to pick up after theirpets. No community memberobjected to the ordinance.

Council will vote on the mat-ter at its next regular meeting,5:30 p.m. Monday, March 6.

McKinley, Laketownships havelocal ballot issues

VOTE on page 14Photos by Kelly Taylor-Jerome

Murder atthe Vista

Bad Axe honors Kalis

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