Tony Moulatsiotis-Muskegon Township lawsuit back in court Monday | MLive.com
The township won't issue a building permit to fix the house until the municipality receives $2,257.63 in unpaid legal and inspection fees awarded by a judge in 2010.
The land bank, which now owns the house, won't allow any buyer to pay those fees. Moulatsiotis says state law scrubs all prior liens off a property when a governmental unit forecloses on it for unpaid taxes, as Muskegon County did in this case in 2010.
At 11 a.m. Monday, Muskegon County 14th Circuit Judge Timothy G. Hicks is scheduled to hear a motion by the township to add Erica Ream as a party to the lawsuit.
Ream last year paid the land bank for the house, in hopes of fixing it up and moving in, but the purchase agreement invalidates the deal if she pays the township's fees. And the township won't let her fix it up unless the fees are paid.
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Should Michigan relax laws for concealed weapons in churches and schools?
Should Michigan relax laws for concealed weapons in churches and schools? | MLive.com
Should the state relax a prohibition against concealed weapons in churches, schools and other pistol-free zones?
Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger said he doesn’t believe pistol-free zones protect the innocent.
Should the state relax a prohibition against concealed weapons in churches, schools and other pistol-free zones?
Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger said he doesn’t believe pistol-free zones protect the innocent.
$25 million for 'Pure Michigan' ad campaign worth every penny
$25 million for 'Pure Michigan' ad campaign worth every penny (editorial with poll) | MLive.com
There is such an ad campaign.
It costs $25 million.
It's worth the money, and your state lawmakers should spend it.
There is such an ad campaign.
It costs $25 million.
It's worth the money, and your state lawmakers should spend it.
Oakridge teachers 'lose confidence' with superintendent, board fires back
Oakridge teachers 'lose confidence' with superintendent, board fires back | MLive.com
“As a board we are frustrated with the whole situation,” Roomsburg said.
“We’re going on almost two years trying to get the contract settled.
There’s frustration on both sides.”
Among the issues the employees have are privatization of staff, the refusal to deduct union members’ dues from their paychecks, not awarding “professional advancement” to union members and pursuing fact-finding in stalled contract negotiations.
The board noted in its own press release that state law prevents schools from deducting union dues and from allowing step salary increases due to professional advancement.
.....The latest proposal from the Oakridge administration, from November, includes a 10 percent pay cut.
A proposal from the union on Jan. 19 includes a wage freeze, and sets financial conditions for reopening wage and benefits talks.
The Oakridge school board has pledged not to allow its fund balance to drop below 5 percent of its general fund spending.
That likely will require cuts next year, Livezey said.
“As a board we are frustrated with the whole situation,” Roomsburg said.
“We’re going on almost two years trying to get the contract settled.
There’s frustration on both sides.”
Among the issues the employees have are privatization of staff, the refusal to deduct union members’ dues from their paychecks, not awarding “professional advancement” to union members and pursuing fact-finding in stalled contract negotiations.
The board noted in its own press release that state law prevents schools from deducting union dues and from allowing step salary increases due to professional advancement.
.....The latest proposal from the Oakridge administration, from November, includes a 10 percent pay cut.
A proposal from the union on Jan. 19 includes a wage freeze, and sets financial conditions for reopening wage and benefits talks.
The Oakridge school board has pledged not to allow its fund balance to drop below 5 percent of its general fund spending.
That likely will require cuts next year, Livezey said.
Muskegon Heights school review team to meet on emergency manager recommendation
Muskegon Heights school review team to meet on emergency manager recommendation | MLive.com
The team agreed at its last meeting that Muskegon Heights' finances had deteriorated to a point where it needed the powers of an emergency manager to turn around the district.
An emergency manager would be able to nullify contracts and will take control of the district from the school board.
The team agreed at its last meeting that Muskegon Heights' finances had deteriorated to a point where it needed the powers of an emergency manager to turn around the district.
An emergency manager would be able to nullify contracts and will take control of the district from the school board.
Readers support Norton Shores bike paths, but some want road work done first
Readers support Norton Shores bike paths, but some want road work done first | MLive.com
Reader rivertown was excited for the project:
Make this happen Norton Shores!....Ottawa County has miles of trails mostly funded by grants.
Commenter patio54 liked the idea, but said road work should have a higher priority:
Here's an idea, fix the frigg#n' roads !!
Most of Norton Shores main roads resemble a war zone.
Maybe that will be an asset.
Bike path is a great idea that could follow .
Norton Shores City Council member Jerry Wiersma got into the comment thread to address patio54's concerns:
We have to wait until the state decides when they are going to pitch in for the main roads in the form of a grant.
Norton will be done this year and next, a section of getty will also be done this spring and we are hoping they approve Grand Haven Rd south of Pontaluna soon.
We are doing all that we can, believe me.
Reader rivertown was excited for the project:
Make this happen Norton Shores!....Ottawa County has miles of trails mostly funded by grants.
Commenter patio54 liked the idea, but said road work should have a higher priority:
Here's an idea, fix the frigg#n' roads !!
Most of Norton Shores main roads resemble a war zone.
Maybe that will be an asset.
Bike path is a great idea that could follow .
Norton Shores City Council member Jerry Wiersma got into the comment thread to address patio54's concerns:
We have to wait until the state decides when they are going to pitch in for the main roads in the form of a grant.
Norton will be done this year and next, a section of getty will also be done this spring and we are hoping they approve Grand Haven Rd south of Pontaluna soon.
We are doing all that we can, believe me.
Try this public policy: 'You don't work, you don't eat'
Steve Gunn: Try this public policy: 'You don't work, you don't eat' | MLive.com#incart_mce
"You don't work, you don't eat," he told the shocked young lady.
That should be public policy for all able-bodied adults in the United States of America.
"You don't work, you don't eat," he told the shocked young lady.
That should be public policy for all able-bodied adults in the United States of America.
Turkey crashes through plate glass window into Roosevelt Park living room
Turkey crashes through plate glass window into Roosevelt Park living room | MLive.com
Monica Merrill was sitting in a recliner about a foot from the window.
“All of a sudden I saw this big black flying blob and before you could distinguish what it was, the window exploded,” she said.
Monica Merrill was sitting in a recliner about a foot from the window.
“All of a sudden I saw this big black flying blob and before you could distinguish what it was, the window exploded,” she said.
A group of Muskegon citizens plan to force rezoning of Sappi site
A group of Muskegon citizens plan to force rezoning of Sappi site | MLive.com
“It is our understanding legally, (Melching) would still retain their rights to the old zoning,” Brubaker-Clarke said of initial discussions of the legal ramifications of a zone change.
But make no mistake of Page’s intentions.
“It is our understanding legally, (Melching) would still retain their rights to the old zoning,” Brubaker-Clarke said of initial discussions of the legal ramifications of a zone change.
But make no mistake of Page’s intentions.
Michigan voters would have to show photo ID to pick up an absentee ballot under House-approved bill
Michigan voters would have to show photo ID to pick up an absentee ballot under House-approved bill | MLive.com
Rep. Woodrow Stanley, D-Flint, said the legislation will suppress the vote, especially among those who are less likely to have a photo ID, such as elderly or low-income residents.
“Back in another era this would have been called a poll tax, because there is a cost item associated with receiving ID,” he said.
“You’re generally talking about folks who are in some kind of fixed-income situation anyway.”
Rep. Woodrow Stanley, D-Flint, said the legislation will suppress the vote, especially among those who are less likely to have a photo ID, such as elderly or low-income residents.
“Back in another era this would have been called a poll tax, because there is a cost item associated with receiving ID,” he said.
“You’re generally talking about folks who are in some kind of fixed-income situation anyway.”
Muskegon school district finalizing school closure, reorganization plan
Muskegon school district finalizing school closure, reorganization plan | MLive.com
The district is facing a potential $5 million deficit next year and Felske has said he hopes school reorganization can save $2 million.
The district is facing a potential $5 million deficit next year and Felske has said he hopes school reorganization can save $2 million.
Bills restricting food stamps for Michigan lottery winners head to Governor's desk
Bills restricting food stamps for Michigan lottery winners head to Governor's desk | MLive.com
The Michigan League for Human Services contends the legislation is unnecessary since the federal government does not require an asset test.
The state operates the federally funded program and shares administrative costs with the federal government.
The Michigan League for Human Services contends the legislation is unnecessary since the federal government does not require an asset test.
The state operates the federally funded program and shares administrative costs with the federal government.
Muskegon prison picketers protest end of 24-hour perimeter patrols, other cuts
Muskegon prison picketers protest end of 24-hour perimeter patrols, other cuts
Michigan Department of Corrections officials say the end of 24-hour perimeter patrols will save more than $13 million per year, partly by eliminating jobs.
They say the constant patrols are no longer necessary because of technological improvements in recent years with lighting, cameras, motion sensors and electrified fences.
Michigan Department of Corrections officials say the end of 24-hour perimeter patrols will save more than $13 million per year, partly by eliminating jobs.
They say the constant patrols are no longer necessary because of technological improvements in recent years with lighting, cameras, motion sensors and electrified fences.
Is Conservatism Our Default Ideology?
Is Conservatism Our Default Ideology? - Miller-McCune
Newly published research proposes a somewhat different, and quite provocative, answer.
................If we don’t have the time or energy to give a matter sufficient thought, we tend to accept the conservative argument.
“When effortful, deliberate responding is disrupted or disengaged, thought processes become quick and efficient,” the researchers write in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.
“These conditions promote conservative ideology.”
The definitive proof, settled science!
Plus they "describe four studies that provide evidence backing up their thesis".
Newly published research proposes a somewhat different, and quite provocative, answer.
................If we don’t have the time or energy to give a matter sufficient thought, we tend to accept the conservative argument.
“When effortful, deliberate responding is disrupted or disengaged, thought processes become quick and efficient,” the researchers write in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.
“These conditions promote conservative ideology.”
The definitive proof, settled science!
Plus they "describe four studies that provide evidence backing up their thesis".
Friday, March 30, 2012
Motorcycle helmet repeal receives opposition from Muskegon County lawmakers
Motorcycle helmet repeal receives opposition from Muskegon County lawmakers | MLive.com
State Sen. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart, and state Reps. Marcia Hovey-Wright, D-Muskegon, and Holly Hughes, R-White River Township, opposed the repeal of the long-standing requirement, pointing to safety concerns and the projected increase in cost from injuries.
State Sen. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart, and state Reps. Marcia Hovey-Wright, D-Muskegon, and Holly Hughes, R-White River Township, opposed the repeal of the long-standing requirement, pointing to safety concerns and the projected increase in cost from injuries.
Violence-Plagued McDonald's Agrees to Step Up Security
Violence-Plagued McDonald's Agrees to Step Up Security | NBC New York
The restaurant will hire a paid detail and make the area safer, according to Brad Hoylman, chair of the local community board.
The "restaurant" will make the area safer?!!!
The restaurant will hire a paid detail and make the area safer, according to Brad Hoylman, chair of the local community board.
The "restaurant" will make the area safer?!!!
Why New CDC Numbers on Autism May Not Add Up
Why New CDC Numbers on Autism May Not Add Up - The Daily Beast
What the CDC study doesn’t necessarily show, says Milham, is an increase in actual cases of autism. Rather, it’s possible that “it’s more about our ability to detect new cases.”
What the CDC study doesn’t necessarily show, says Milham, is an increase in actual cases of autism. Rather, it’s possible that “it’s more about our ability to detect new cases.”
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Parents of murdered British students criticise Barack Obama
Parents of murdered British students criticise Barack Obama - Telegraph
His failure to respond to three letters sent to the White House was because there was no "political value" and not worthy of a few minutes of his time.
Obama is acting as if he was a racist hypocrite.
Is he?
His failure to respond to three letters sent to the White House was because there was no "political value" and not worthy of a few minutes of his time.
Obama is acting as if he was a racist hypocrite.
Is he?
WaPo: This Rush Limbaugh boycott has pretty much fizzled, huh?
WaPo: This Rush Limbaugh boycott has pretty much fizzled, huh? « Hot Ai
Limbaugh’s advertising losses may have been less than media accounts suggested.
While more than 100 advertisers told Premiere that they didn’t want to be associated with “controversial” radio programs of any kind in the wake of the flap, some of these companies weren’t regular Limbaugh sponsors in the first place.
Carusone said most of the advertiser exodus over the past month appeared to be among companies whose ads aired only in regional or local markets, he said.
“Fewer than five” nationwide sponsors of the program actually pulled out, he said…
Limbaugh’s advertising losses may have been less than media accounts suggested.
While more than 100 advertisers told Premiere that they didn’t want to be associated with “controversial” radio programs of any kind in the wake of the flap, some of these companies weren’t regular Limbaugh sponsors in the first place.
Carusone said most of the advertiser exodus over the past month appeared to be among companies whose ads aired only in regional or local markets, he said.
“Fewer than five” nationwide sponsors of the program actually pulled out, he said…
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Two decades ago tonight, John Calipari and Rick Pitino had an NCAA battle in Philly few remember
Two decades ago tonight, John Calipari and Rick Pitino had an NCAA battle in Philly few remember | PennLive.com
Calipari, a man who's made a business of staying one step ahead of the NCAA enforcement posse while recruiting every primo sneaker camp phenom he desires.
Two teams at other schools he directed to previous Final Fours (Massachusetts, 1996; Memphis, 2008) have had their achievements stripped and stricken from the record books by the national governing board of college athletics.
Calipari, a man who's made a business of staying one step ahead of the NCAA enforcement posse while recruiting every primo sneaker camp phenom he desires.
Two teams at other schools he directed to previous Final Fours (Massachusetts, 1996; Memphis, 2008) have had their achievements stripped and stricken from the record books by the national governing board of college athletics.
Great Lakes residents clash over water levels
Great Lakes residents clash over water levels | MLive.com
Now, U.S. and Canadian officials are considering an audacious and costly effort to control the freshwater seas' ups and downs in a way they never have before.
This ought to scare EVERYONE in W. Michigan!
Now, U.S. and Canadian officials are considering an audacious and costly effort to control the freshwater seas' ups and downs in a way they never have before.
This ought to scare EVERYONE in W. Michigan!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
EV firm files for bankruptcy, lays off 50 Oak Park workers
EV firm files for bankruptcy, lays off 50 Oak Park workers | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
The company halted production of the Transit EV Monday and said it's not sure when it might be able to restart production — or if it will permanently end production.
The company has produced about 500 EV Ford Transit
The company halted production of the Transit EV Monday and said it's not sure when it might be able to restart production — or if it will permanently end production.
The company has produced about 500 EV Ford Transit
Global Warming Models Are Wrong Again
William Happer: Global Warming Models Are Wrong Again - WSJ.com
What is happening to global temperatures in reality?
The answer is: almost nothing for more than 10 years.
Monthly values of the global temperature anomaly of the lower atmosphere, compiled at the University of Alabama from NASA satellite data, can be found at the website http://www.drroyspencer.com/latest-global-temperatures/.
The latest (February 2012) monthly global temperature anomaly for the lower atmosphere was minus 0.12 degrees Celsius, slightly less than the average since the satellite record of temperatures began in 1979.
The lack of any statistically significant warming for over a decade has made it more difficult for the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and its supporters to demonize the atmospheric gas CO2 which is released when fossil fuels are burned.
What is happening to global temperatures in reality?
The answer is: almost nothing for more than 10 years.
Monthly values of the global temperature anomaly of the lower atmosphere, compiled at the University of Alabama from NASA satellite data, can be found at the website http://www.drroyspencer.com/latest-global-temperatures/.
The latest (February 2012) monthly global temperature anomaly for the lower atmosphere was minus 0.12 degrees Celsius, slightly less than the average since the satellite record of temperatures began in 1979.
The lack of any statistically significant warming for over a decade has made it more difficult for the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and its supporters to demonize the atmospheric gas CO2 which is released when fossil fuels are burned.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Special incentives on top of retirement deal made pensions even sweeter for top Ficano aides
Special incentives on top of retirement deal made pensions even sweeter for top Ficano aides | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
Less than two months after cutting union workers' pay by 20%, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano offered retirement incentives to about 200 appointees last year estimated to cost the county's cash-strapped pension fund as much as $44.6 million.
And for a small group of insiders -- all in their early 40s -- the offer was even better. Three of Ficano's closest and highest-paid aides at the time -- Azzam Elder, Turkia Awada Mullin and Matthew Schenk -- had special deals that made their pensions even sweeter. And like the other appointees, all would get lifetime medical insurance.
The three had letters promising to boost their retirements by including generous severance payments into their final pension calculation.
Schenk acknowledged that provision "looks bad,"
Less than two months after cutting union workers' pay by 20%, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano offered retirement incentives to about 200 appointees last year estimated to cost the county's cash-strapped pension fund as much as $44.6 million.
And for a small group of insiders -- all in their early 40s -- the offer was even better. Three of Ficano's closest and highest-paid aides at the time -- Azzam Elder, Turkia Awada Mullin and Matthew Schenk -- had special deals that made their pensions even sweeter. And like the other appointees, all would get lifetime medical insurance.
The three had letters promising to boost their retirements by including generous severance payments into their final pension calculation.
Schenk acknowledged that provision "looks bad,"
A123 Systems to spend $55M to replace defective battery packs from Michigan
A123 Systems to spend $55M to replace defective battery packs from Michigan | MLive.com
A123 most recently made headlines for its nearly $260 million loss in 2011 and a Fisker Karma, which the company supplies the battery for, dying during testing by Consumer Reports.
A123 most recently made headlines for its nearly $260 million loss in 2011 and a Fisker Karma, which the company supplies the battery for, dying during testing by Consumer Reports.
Take our poll: What quality do you look for in a candidate?
Take our poll: What quality do you look for in a candidate? | MLive.com
Muskegon Chronicle asks the question!
My response:
"The one major (certainly not the only) quality needed at the county level is courage to say, out loud, the truth.
Our county has grown a $100 million debt in the last 10 years, given new iPads to each commissioner(with free internet connection), crammed through a $2.35 million "loan" to Brookhaven with no public notice and made promises to employees that can NOT be fulfilled without tax increases to the taxpaying public and businesses.
Yet, when citizens and the only brave commissioner, Alan Jager, ask for time to understand big spending bills before the votes, he is outvoted by EVERYONE.
The citizens are simple dismissed with silence.
It is the spending and the lack of transparency that is sinking our county.
And few have the courage to tell the people.
We need a few brave men and women!"
Muskegon Chronicle asks the question!
My response:
"The one major (certainly not the only) quality needed at the county level is courage to say, out loud, the truth.
Our county has grown a $100 million debt in the last 10 years, given new iPads to each commissioner(with free internet connection), crammed through a $2.35 million "loan" to Brookhaven with no public notice and made promises to employees that can NOT be fulfilled without tax increases to the taxpaying public and businesses.
Yet, when citizens and the only brave commissioner, Alan Jager, ask for time to understand big spending bills before the votes, he is outvoted by EVERYONE.
The citizens are simple dismissed with silence.
It is the spending and the lack of transparency that is sinking our county.
And few have the courage to tell the people.
We need a few brave men and women!"
President Obama Asks Medvedev for ‘Space’ on Missile Defense — ‘After My Election I Have More Flexibility’
President Obama Asks Medvedev for ‘Space’ on Missile Defense — ‘After My Election I Have More Flexibility’ - ABC News
President Obama: This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.
President Medvedev: I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir.
What's more amazing?
The "president's" duplicity or the fact that ABC is airing the video?
President Obama: This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.
President Medvedev: I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir.
What's more amazing?
The "president's" duplicity or the fact that ABC is airing the video?
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Dude, Where’s My Hate Crime?
The PJ Tatler » Dude, Where’s My Hate Crime?
Dude, Where’s My Hate Crime?
Since the country is busy condemning whites for the shooting of a black kid by a Hispanic man, you may have missed this story — admittedly a few weeks old–tucked neatly into a corner of the New York Daily News:
A 13-year-old boy who police say was doused with gasoline and lit on fire last week while walking home from school is recovering from first-degree burns to his face and head.
The boy was just two blocks from his home in Kansas City Tuesday when two teenagers began to follow him and then attacked him, his mother, Melissa Coon, said.
Police have described the suspects as black 16-year-olds, while the victim is white.
According to the report, while setting the kid on fire, the teens said, “This is what you deserve.
You get what you deserve, white boy.”
I am not exaggerating when I say that there was not a word about this story in the national press.
I searched, and the only stories I could find were the write up in the Daily News mentioned above and, oddly, a story in the Daily Mail, a British paper.
Nothing from the New York Times, AP, Reuters, UPI, etc.
If any reader can produce a story about this sadistic attack that was actually published or mentioned in a national outlet, let me know.
I’m only human; I may have missed it.
I welcome being proved wrong about this, because I’m about ready to fold up my tent, quit civilization, and go find myself a comfy cave in Borneo to live in.
This country is, like a bad calculus problem, rapidly approaching zero.
Dude, Where’s My Hate Crime?
Since the country is busy condemning whites for the shooting of a black kid by a Hispanic man, you may have missed this story — admittedly a few weeks old–tucked neatly into a corner of the New York Daily News:
A 13-year-old boy who police say was doused with gasoline and lit on fire last week while walking home from school is recovering from first-degree burns to his face and head.
The boy was just two blocks from his home in Kansas City Tuesday when two teenagers began to follow him and then attacked him, his mother, Melissa Coon, said.
Police have described the suspects as black 16-year-olds, while the victim is white.
According to the report, while setting the kid on fire, the teens said, “This is what you deserve.
You get what you deserve, white boy.”
I am not exaggerating when I say that there was not a word about this story in the national press.
I searched, and the only stories I could find were the write up in the Daily News mentioned above and, oddly, a story in the Daily Mail, a British paper.
Nothing from the New York Times, AP, Reuters, UPI, etc.
If any reader can produce a story about this sadistic attack that was actually published or mentioned in a national outlet, let me know.
I’m only human; I may have missed it.
I welcome being proved wrong about this, because I’m about ready to fold up my tent, quit civilization, and go find myself a comfy cave in Borneo to live in.
This country is, like a bad calculus problem, rapidly approaching zero.
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