úSt. Clair County News

"And The Truth Shall Set You Free"

  Contact Us At:  stclaircountynews@yahoo.com

Last Updated:  February 20, 2003 @ 3:00 P.M. EST

State Flag Of  Michigan

Michigan Hall Of Justice Scheduled To Open In Fall 2002

Sleeping Bear Dunes State Park On Beautiful Lake Michigan

Headlines

~~~~~~~~~~

Weather For

 St. Clair County

State Of Michigan Websites

Executive Branch
Agriculture
Attorney General
Career Development
Civil Rights
Civil Service
Community Health
Consumer & Industry Services
Corrections
Education
Environmental Quality
Family Independence Agency
Governor
History, Arts and Libraries
Information Technology
Lieutenant Governor
Management and Budget
Military and Veterans Affairs
Natural Resources
Secretary of State
State Police
Transportation
Treasury

Legislative Branch
Auditor General
House of Representatives
Legislature
Senate

Judicial Branch
MI Courts

Executive Branch: Agencies, Boards & Commissions
Administrative Board
Aging, Office of Services to the
Arts and Cultural Affairs
Automotive Regulation
Center for Educational Performance & Information
Center for Geographic Information
Children's Ombudsman
Community Service Commission
Drug Control Policy
e-Michigan Office
Economic Development Corp.
Elections
Employment Security Board of Review
Environmental Science Board
Financial and Insurance Services
Gaming Control Board
Great Lakes
Liquor Control Commission
Lottery
Public Service Commission
Purchasing
Racing Commissioner
Regulatory Reform
Retirement Services
State Budget
State Employer
State Housing Development Authority
Tax Tribunal
Travel Michigan
Unemployment Agency
Women's Commission
Workers Compensation

Federal Government 

Web Servers

CHURCHES

MARINE CITY

Blue Water Church of Nazarene
111 West Blvd
Marine City, MI 48039
(810) 765-3080

Kings Road Christian Chapel
205 S Main St
Marine City, MI 48039
(810) 765-5653

Marine City Christian Center
425 Jefferson
Marine City, MI 48039
(810) 765-4316

Marine City United Methodist Church
102 N Main St
Marine City, MI 48039
(810) 765-9551

Roman Catholic Archdiocese Detroit
610 S Water St
Marine City, MI 48039
(810) 765-3568

Saint Martins Lutheran Church
156 S William St
Marine City, MI 48039
(810) 765-5242

St Johns United Church of Christ
227 West Blvd
Marine City, MI 48039
(810) 765-5371

St Marks Episcopal Church
527 N William St
Marine City, MI 48039
(810) 765-8421

Starville Church
7436 Starville Rd
Marine City, MI 48039
(810) 765-5560

ALGONAC

Algonac Baptist Church
1003 Washington St
Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-7321

Algonac Church of Christ
1601 Saint Clair River Dr
Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-3622

Algonac Restoration Branch of Jesus Christ's Church
818 Market St
Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-5534

First Evangelical Lutheran Church
1625 Washington St
Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4642

Lighthouse Babtist Church
949 Fruit St
Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-2134

St Andrews Episcopal Church
316 Orchard St
Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-3381

St Catherines Church
1103 Washington St
Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-3301

Trinity United Methodist Church
424 Smith St
Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4379

ST. CLAIR

Church of Christ St Clair
802 Cass St
Saint Clair, MI 48079
(810) 329-2720

Crossroads Community Church of St Clair
201 N Riverside Ave
Saint Clair, MI 48079
(810) 329-5221

First Baptist Church of St Clair
1600 Vine St
Saint Clair, MI 48079
(810) 329-4301

First Congregational Church
300 Adams St
Saint Clair, MI 48079
(810) 329-4142

First United Methodist Church
415 N 3rd St
Saint Clair, MI 48079
(810) 329-7186

Immanuel Lutheran Church
415 N 9th St
Saint Clair, MI 48079
(810) 329-7174

Saint Clare Capuchin Retreat
1975 N River Rd
Saint Clair, MI 48079
(810) 329-9011

Saint Mary's Catholic Church
415 N 6th St
Saint Clair, MI 48079
(810) 329-2255

St Pauls Episcopal Church
115 N 6th St
Saint Clair, MI 48079
(810) 329-3821

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Time Running Out to Return Stolen Historical Markers; Violators of New Law Subject to Prosecution After Amnesty Period

Anyone illegally possessing a Michigan historical marker may return it to the state without penalty until September 26, after which they will face prosecution, substantial fines and even imprisonment under a new law.

Public Act 488, which took effect June 28, makes damaging or possessing a marker without permission a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $5,000. A salvage company, commercial business or collector who knowingly accepts a historical marker in trade will be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by jail time and/or a fine of up to $10,000. The new law also prohibits the use of unofficial, facsimile markers to represent a location as a registered historic site.

“Nearly 50 markers, important parts of our state’s history, are currently missing,” said Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan Historical Center. “We urge anyone who has a missing marker to return it as soon as possible to avoid criminal charges.”

September 26, 2002, marks the end of the 90-day amnesty period that markers may be returned to the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) or to the county sheriff without penalty. To contact HAL about returning a marker, call (517) 373-1630.

Michigan's Historical Marker Program, administered by the State Historic Preservation Office, was established in 1955. Since then, more than 2,500 sites have been placed in the state register and approximately 1,500 markers have been erected, making it one of the largest privately-funded historical marker programs in the nation. Official state historical markers are green and gold and include a wolverine emblem at the top and the words “Michigan registered historic site.”

The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, an agency of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. Dedicated to enriching the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan’s heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For All Your Computer Needs Contact

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Statement from Governor John Engler in response to local governments' call for veto override of state revenue sharing

"For 12 years as Governor I have put the public interest first, and at times that has required me to say ‘no’ to special interest groups, regardless if they have been a political friend or foe. Today’s announcement means that candidates in both parties are telling local government that they are right and do not need to worry. They are sending a message that the three budget-busting ballot proposals costing nearly $1 billion slated for the November ballot will have no effect on local government, but in reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

"After November the state could find itself with 6,000 more words in its constitution and saddled with among other things, required additional treatment and healthcare for drug addicts; turning over contract negotiations to an outside arbitrator; and giving $60 million a year to an unaccountable private foundation to spend as they choose. The state’s budget will be permanently and negatively damaged.

"Once special interest groups learn that they can lock up increasing shares of the state’s budget, Michigan voters can expect to see more and more of these special interest spending mandates. Inevitably, this means a diminished role for the legislature, cuts in critical budgets or even worse, higher taxes.

"Local governments receive approximately $16 billion annually through a variety of state funding sources including K-12 programs, public health, mental health, court funding and local road grants. If these ballot proposals are adopted, everyone will be forced to sacrifice something, and locals cannot expect to be held harmless.

"I will continue to make the case and hope that the state is not burdened with the terrible price these proposals could put on taxpayers and families."

OFIS Takes Steps Toward Paperless Processes

Today, Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services (OFIS) Commissioner Frank M. Fitzgerald announced that health maintenance organization (HMO) and insurance company financial statements are available on the OFIS web site.

"With the posting of this insurance financial information, OFIS is continuing the effort to make government more accessible to Michigan consumers," commented Fitzgerald. "From the OFIS web site, consumers can access complaint, financial and enforcement information, as well as find out how to file a complaint. All of this information is also available by calling OFIS toll free at (877) 999-6442."

Links to the electronic information:

• HMO financial statements are available at http://www.michigan.gov/cis/0,1607,7-154-10555_12902_18956---,00.html.

• Insurance company financial statements are available at http://www.naic.org/servlet/cis.Main.

• OFIS complaint statistics are available at http://www.michigan.gov/cis/0,1607,7-154-10555_12902_12912---,00.html and complaint ratios are available at http://www.michigan.gov/cis/0,1607,7-154-10555_12902_12916---,00.html.

• Enforcement information for securities and insurance actions is available at http://www.michigan.gov/cis/0,1607,7-154-10555_12902_12920---,00.html.

• Consumers can look up basic information on insurance companies, securities entities, and financial institutions at http://www.michigan.gov/cis/0,1607,7-154-10555_13251---,00.html.

• Information on corporate activity (branching, new charters, etc.) is available for financial institutions at http://www.michigan.gov/cis/0,1607,7-154-10555_13222_13236-34229--,00.html.

Before the end of this year, OFIS will be posting a searchable database for insurance agent license information and forms that allow on-line information submission.

The Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services (OFIS) is responsible for the regulation of Blue Cross Blue Shield, 28 HMOs, 139 banks, 285 credit unions, almost 1,500 insurance companies, 1,583 investment advisers, 2,164 securities broker-dealers, 6,000 consumer finance lenders, 89,000 insurance agents, and 120,715 securities agents. OFIS is part of the Department of Consumer and Industry Services and is primarily fee-funded, requiring minimal public tax dollars for its regulatory and consumer assistance activities. OFIS has insurance, financial institutions and securities information available online at the OFIS web site, www.michigan.gov/ofis, or at the Michigan government home page, www.michigan.gov. All information is also available through the OFIS toll free number, (877) 999-6442.

Fish tagging study rewards anglers and researchers

Anglers fishing for chinook salmon and lake trout in northern Lake Huron and the northernmost waters of Lake Michigan should be on the lookout for fish marked with yellow or orange “spaghetti-shaped” tags. 

  
Approximately 150 lake trout and 25 chinook salmon released in Lake Huron carry a $100.00 reward tag and have computerized devices implanted in their abdomen. These devices record the depths and temperatures occupied by the fish from their initial tagging until their capture by the angler.

The tags provide information about the reward and where anglers should call if they catch one of these tagged fish. Anglers who catch a fish with a yellow tag that has area code “517” are asked to use area code “989.”

To claim the award, the lucky anglers must give Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists the whole fish, including the colored tags, and computer chips. Also, these fish should not be frozen because it could destroy the computer chip.

Data from this important study will lead to an increased understanding of the temperature requirements of trout and salmon, including where they feed, and how much prey they need to thrive and grow in Lake Huron.

Along with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, this study is co-sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey, the Great Lakes Science Center and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

~~~~~~~~~~

Commission Approves Purchase of Mackinac Island's Chimney Rock Purchase Will Provide Public Access to Popular Rock Formation

Mackinac Island — At its meeting of July 26, 2002, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission approved the purchase of Chimney Rock. The $600,000 purchase will pave the way for public access to the popular rock formation. Chimney Rock, also known as Sunset Rock, has historically been popular for its stunning views of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge.

Chimney Rock will join the list of popular rock formations accessible to the public in Mackinac Island State Park that includes Arch Rock, Sugarloaf, Devil’s Kitchen and Skull Cave. The 1.42-acre parcel is currently privately owned.

"This is an outstanding purchase," said MISPC Chairman Dennis O. Cawthorne. "The Chimney Rock property has one of the most spectacular bluffs on the west side of Mackinac Island."

The commission also authorized the purchase of a 0.69-acre parcel of property adjoining Tranquil Bluff Trail for $103,000. The purchases will be made with grant funds secured by Mackinac State Historic Parks from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and Federal Highway AdministrationTEA-21 Transportation Enhancement funds administered through the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Since 1994 the commission has protected about one mile of the 8.2-mile shore of Mackinac Island with conservation easements, development rights protection, outright purchase or gifts of land and protective covenants. Mackinac Island State Park now comprises over 80% of Mackinac Island.

"Land protection is among the most important accomplishments of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission," said MSHP Director Carl R. Nold. "Under MSHP stewardship, Chimney Rock will be protected for the public forever."

Mackinac State Historic Parks is a family of living history museums and parks in Northern Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac region. They include Fort Mackinac and Mackinac Island State Park on Mackinac Island, as well as Colonial Michilimackinac and Historic Mill Creek in Mackinaw City. The sites are accredited by the American Association of Museums. Visitor information is located on the web at www.mackinacparks.com; and by phone at 906-847-3328 or 231-436-4100.

Mackinac Island State Park Commission is an agency of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, whose mission is to enrich the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan’s heritage and fostering cultural creativity. The department also includes the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office, and the Michigan Historical Center.

~~~~~~~~~~

Adopt-a-Forest program announces 'million acre' milestone

Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials announced that Adopt-a-Forest program volunteers have removed illegally dumped trash from more than one million acres of public land since the program began in 1991, recycling more than half of it.

Officials stressed that keeping state forest lands clean is an ongoing challenge, noting an estimated 30 cubic yards of trash per square mile on Michigan’s public land. Considering Michigan enjoys 4 million acres of state land along with 2 million acres of federal land, this equates to nearly 94,000 pickup truck loads of trash – not to mention large tracts of corporate-owned land that are open to public recreation.

“Education, enforcement, and alternate trash disposal methods are major components of the program,” said DNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Chief Mindy Koch. “Our mission is not to be the janitor of our forests. Everyone should take pride in the natural treasures Michigan has to offer, and practice responsible stewardship to make sure these resources are there for future generations to enjoy.” 

The DNR works in partnership with the United States Forest Service, the Michigan Forest Resource Alliance, as well as many other agencies, corporations, and individuals on the Adopt-a-Forest program. Tax-deductible donations for this project can be made to: MFRA-Adopt-a-Forest, and sent to Lorraine Wirtanen at P.O. Box 388, Crystal Falls, MI 49920. 

For additional information about the Adopt-a-Forest program, or to volunteer or donate large equipment, contact Ada Takacs, of the MDNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division, 8717 North Roscommon Road, Roscommon, MI 48653 at 989-275-5151, Extension 2049.

~~~~~~~~~~

2002 Michigan Spring Waterfowl Survey results

Officials from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division recently announced results of the annual survey of breeding waterfowl in Michigan.

Survey results indicate mallards, resident Canada geese, and wood ducks are the most abundant breeding waterfowl in the state. The resident Canada goose population has increased, wood ducks appear to be stable, and mallards have shown a decline in populations over past 11 years. While survey results showed mallard numbers were highest at nearly half a million, in 1995, 1997, and 1998, mallard populations have declined in recent years. There were an estimated 291,000 mallards in Michigan this spring, which is 25-percent below average and 35-percent below the 1998 estimate.

The survey entails flying 2,500 miles of east-west transects across the state, with wildlife professionals tallying ducks and geese observed from both sides of the small survey plane. Using data collected on these quarter-mile-wide transects, biologists estimate the number of ducks and geese in the state.

This waterfowl inventory has been conducted the same way each year, between mid-April and mid-May, since 1992. The survey is a reliable index that measures the relative abundance of major waterfowl breeding throughout the state. It is conducted annually in cooperation with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and results are used to assist with establishing annual waterfowl hunting regulations for the state. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Secretary Of State Candice Miller estimates voter turnout for Primary

Secretary of State Candice S. Miller estimated that voter turnout at Tuesday’s state primary will be close to 1.5 million voters this year.

“Based on past primary turnouts, absent voter activity and information provided by local election officials, we expect about 1.5 million voters will cast ballots in Tuesday’s primary,” said Secretary Miller, Michigan’s chief election officer.  “Making these projections is not an exact science.  It involves looking at past primary elections with an eye on the current election environment.”

Currently, there are 6,807,837 Michigan residents eligible to vote in the primary.  A turnout of 1.5 million voters would represent 22 percent of Michigan’s registered voters.

“With the national focus on elections this year, Michigan residents can be confident their vote will count when they go to the polls on Aug. 6,” Secretary Miller said.

Secretary Miller reminds voters participating in the primary election that they must cast their votes under one political party.  Casting votes in a partisan primary for both Republican and Democratic candidates invalidates the partisan section of the primary ballot.  Non-partisan offices and proposals appear after the partisan section of the ballot.

To assist people in learning more about the election process, the Secretary of State’s Office provides several programs and services, including:

• Citizens’ Guide to Voting Systems – The system uses text, photographs and video to show people how to use the voting equipment at their individual polling sites.  The Citizens’ Guide was recently praised by the NAACP, which gave Michigan the highest grade in the nation for election reform initiatives.
• Elections in Michigan web site – a wealth of election information for the public, candidates and election administrators, including up-to-the-minute election results and campaign finance reports, are available on the department’s web site.
• Qualified Voter File – an electronic, statewide database of registered voters, the Qualified Voter File is a national model on election’s administration and management.
• 18-year-old voter post card – teens turning 18 receive a post card in the mail reminding them of the importance of registering to vote and voting.

This year, in addition to the candidates for governor, Congress, state House and Senate, and various judicial seats, voters at the polls will also find two statewide ballot proposals on their ballot, which would:

• Amend the provision of the State Constitution governing the operation of the State Officers Compensation Commission (SOCC).  Included in the proposal are provisions that would add secretary of state and attorney general to the list of staff officials whose pay is determined by the SOCC, and require a majority vote by the Legislature to approve any SOCC pay increases.
• Allow certain permanent and endowment funds to be invested as provided by law and increase allowed spending for state parks, local parks and outdoor recreation.

 The polls are open on Tuesday at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Registered voters who want an absent voter ballot mailed to them must submit their application in writing to their city or township clerk by 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3.  Registered voters eligible for an absent voter ballot may also vote in person at the city or township clerk’s office anytime up to 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5.

Michigan residents can obtain an emergency absent voter ballot through 4 p.m. on election day if they become suddenly ill, or if they must leave their community due to sickness or death in the family.

All absent voter ballots must be received by the clerk’s office no later than 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6.  For more information, contact your local clerk’s office.

The Secretary of State’s Bureau of Elections will be monitoring election returns after the polls close on Tuesday, and will post unofficial results for state and judicial offices as they are available on this web site.

 ~~~~~~~~~~

Michigan Career & Technical Institute Offers New Retail Marketing Program

A new training program in Retail Marketing is being offered this fall at the Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) near Plainwell.

“Our business advisory group members have recommended this new program based on industry need,” said Dr. Barbara Bolin, director of the Michigan Department of Career Development, which operates MCTI.  “They have worked closely with school staff in helping to design a curriculum that will enable our graduates to step right into retail business opportunities.”

MCTI’s Retail Marketing Program offers students a choice of three career options. The two-term Sales Clerk/Cashier course consists of hands-on training in the school store as well as working in co-op positions in the community.  The learning focus will be on customer service as well as effective listening and speaking skills, positive team-building behaviors, and problem-solving and decision-making skills.

The three-term National Certified Retail Sales Person course provides instruction in products and service, assessing customer needs, educating the customer, meeting customer needs, preparing for selling, and closing the sale.  There will also be a focus on developing and implementing a sales follow-up plan.

Also requiring three terms, the Team Leader/Supervisor course prepares students for supervisory positions.  Students will learn managerial skills and will help instructors supervise first- and second-term students.

Located on the shores of Pine Lake in Barry County, MCTI offers free tuition and room and board in the dormitory for Michigan residents with disabilities.  For more information about the Retail Marketing program or other training programs available at MCTI, contact Kelley Blodger toll free at 1-877-901-7360.

The  Michigan Department of Career Development is the state government agency charged with providing the skilled workforce Michigan needs to enhance and maintain its economy.  To this end, the state’s new career and training development agency is working with employers, K-12 schools, community colleges, and local Workforce Development Boards to develop a comprehensive career development system.  For more information about the Michigan Department of Career Development, visit the Department’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/mdcd or call 1-866-MY-GOALS (voice/TTY).

~~~~~~~~~~

DEQ Permit Allows Temporary Beach Walkways

The Department of Environmental Quality is issuing a general permit to authorize the construction and maintenance of temporary access walkways across beach areas with standing water on exposed Great Lakes bottomlands.

The general permit expires on July 8, 2007. Riparian property owners interested in constructing a walkway must fill out and submit the joint permit application, construction plans and a $100 filing fee.

The DEQ has determined that these activities, when conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions of the permit, will have only minimal environmental impacts.

The lower water levels of the Great Lakes, and particularly Saginaw Bay, have resulted in the exposure of significant areas of Great Lakes bottomlands. In many areas, these exposed bottomlands are returning to wetland habitat that is valuable for fish and wildlife.

State law requires that public trust, natural resource, and adjacent riparian landowner concerns be evaluated before the practice of maintaining extensive beach areas by raking, disking, or plowing the sand to control wetlands vegetation, moving sand from seawalls, grading, and removing standing water can be authorized. This is accomplished through the permit application process.

The DEQ has worked diligently to develop a compromise position that allows certain activities on Great Lakes bottomlands, while protecting them from any significant impacts.

The general permit authorizes a walkway up to 200 feet in total length having a maximum bottom width of 6 feet and requiring no more than 300 cubic yards of sand or pebble material. The material must be obtained from the exposed, non-vegetated bottomlands adjacent to the walkway.

The application is available at any DEQ district office or can be downloaded at:

 http://www.michigan.gov/deq/1,1607,7-135--17622--,00.html.

The agency?s goal is to issue all complete applications within 21 days of receipt in the Lansing office.

~~~~~~~~~~

Obituaries