Michigan State Police Homicide Investigation – UPDATE (Updated 6/8/21)

UPDATE FROM THE MICHIGAN STATE POLICE (MSP) 6/8/2021 – In the early morning hours of June 8, 2021 Isaiah Gardenhire was taken into custody without incident. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, no further information is available at this time. The MSP will continue to share information with our media partners as it becomes available.

UPDATED: 6/7/2021 3:15 p.m.: The Michigan State Police (MSP), who is leading this investigation, is asking Mt. Pleasant area residents to keep their homes, outbuildings and vehicles locked. If you see this individual do not approach, and call 911 immediately. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, the MSP has no further information available at this time. The MSP will continue to share information with the media as it becomes available.

On Sunday, June 6, 2021, at 3:15 a.m., troopers from the Michigan State Police Mt. Pleasant Post responded to a residence on S. Isabella Road in reference to the report of a stabbing involving juveniles. Upon arrival, troopers discovered a teenage female had suffered a stab wound. She subsequently succumbed to the fatal stab wound. Additional investigation revealed an adult female had been sexually assaulted.

Investigative resources and personnel from multiple agencies were deployed to search the area for the suspect identified as Isaiah Gardenhire. A warrant for open murder and Criminal Sexual Conduct First Degree with a weapon was authorized by the Isabella County Prosecutor’s Office.

The suspect in this case has been identified as Isaiah Gary Gardenhire, also known as “Zeke”. Gardenhire is a black male, 40 years of age, 6’-1”, 180lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes with a distinctive star shaped tattoo on the right side of his neck. He has a large circular tattoo on the left side of his neck. He is believed to be driving a stolen, dark colored, 2014 Ford Fusion bearing a Michigan plate of “CTBMIKE”.

The public is asked remain aware of your surroundings, keep your doors, outbuildings and vehicles locked, and do not approach this individual. If you see this person or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Gardenhire please contact 911 immediately.

Michigan State Police Media Contact:

Spl/Lt. Michelle Robinson, Michigan State Police 6th District Public Information Officer, 517-230-3818, Email: RobinsonM16@michigan.gov

Nominating Petitions for City Commission

Nominating petitions for the office of City Commissioner are available at City Hall, office of the City Clerk, 320 W. Broadway Street, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Completed nominating petitions may be filed with the City Clerk starting Monday, June 21, 2021. The deadline to file is 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.

Three (3) City Commission positions are available for the term January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024.

The terms of current Commissioners Lori Gillis, Amy Perschbacher, and Petro Tolas are expiring December 31, 2021.

The city election will take place on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

Road and Parking Lot Improvement Projects to Begin June 7

The Gaylord Street reconstruction project will begin on Monday, June 7 and continue through Saturday, July 31, 2021. Gaylord Street and sidewalks will be closed from Mission Street to Fancher Street. Gaylord Street will only be open to local traffic, no thru traffic permitted.

Kinney Street, Arnold Street and adjacent alleys will also be closed at Gaylord Street for the duration of the project.

The mill and resurface project for the Division of Public Safety’s parking lots is scheduled from June 7 – June 25, 2021. The public may park across High street in the southeast corner of the Ric’s Grocery store parking lot.

City of Mt. Pleasant Receives International Award of Excellence for Online Video Campaign

The City of Mt. Pleasant was recently presented with the Award of Excellence by the Communicator Awards, the organization’s highest honor, for Mt. Pleasant’s “Be the reason” online video campaign. The Award of Excellence “is given to those entrants whose ability to communicate, positions them as the best in the field.” The Communicator Awards is widely recognized as one of the largest professional recognitions of its kind in the world and honors the best digital, mobile, audio, video, print, and social content the industry has to offer.

Other Communicator Winners who received the Award of Excellence top honor included: Disney Creative Studios, PepsiCo, Forbes, Microsoft, Comcast, Accuweather, Bank of America and Canada Life.

More than 6,000 entries were received from across the U.S. and around the world for this year’s judging. These entries were submitted by ad agencies, interactive agencies, production firms, design firms and public relations units.

In determining Excellence Winners, entries are evaluated on their merits against a rigorous industry standard of excellence. The Communicator Awards are judged and curated by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA); an assembly of leading professionals from various visual arts disciplines dedicated to embracing progress and the evolving nature of traditional and interactive media. Current AIVA membership represents a “Who’s Who” of acclaimed media, advertising, and marketing firms including: ESPN, Spotify, Condè Nast, Disney, Time Inc., The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones, and many others.

“The work entered in to this year’s 27th Annual Communicator Awards is even more impressive than in seasons’ past,” noted Eva McCloskey, managing director of (AIVA). She added, “On behalf of the Academy, I would like to thank all of this season’s entrants for their willingness to produce such boundary-pushing, effective, and outstanding work.”

The City’s “Be the reason” online video campaign addressed the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the effort was not only to educate the public on proper safety measures, but to emphasize the purpose and urgency of these precautions while creating a feeling of comfort and unity. Due to the state’s Stay-at-Home Order, no new video could be shot. Instead, existing footage was repurposed with all production being completed remotely by the City’s creative team.

To view the award-winning campaign visit:

https://bethereasonwearamask.myportfolio.com/

The creative team for the “Be the reason” PSA video campaign included Tenley McLaughlin-Good/Graphic Designer, Paul Lauria/Director of Public Safety, Zach Huffman/Videographer/CEO and Founder of Hyvion, Jim Bollella/Voiceover Talent/Owner of Freeform Audio, and Darcy Orlik/Director of Public Relations.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 24, 2021

Summary of the Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 24, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Peter Haefner, Partner with Vredeveld Haefner LLC presented a video on the 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 10, 2021.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held May 10, 2021.

3) Amendments to the Demand Response Agreement with Consumers Energy and authorized the Mayor to sign the appropriate documents.

4) Budget allocation of $15,000 from Mission/Pickard DDA Assigned for Pedestrian and Traffic Safety for 2021.

5) Authorized award of municipal advising services to Bendzinski & Co. of Detroit, MI for water resource recovery bonds.

6) Proposal of Dickinson Wright of Detroit, MI for bond counsel services for water resource recovery bond issues.

7) Appointment of City Clerk Heather Bouck as the Interim City Assessor.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on proposed 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan. No action required by the Commission at this time.

Held a Public Hearing and confirmed approval of Ordinance 1066, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 154: ZONING ORDINANCES of the Mt. Pleasant City Code of Ordinances, to rezone 1024 & 1026 S. University from CD-3 (Sub-Urban) To CD-4 (General Urban).

Held a Public Hearing and approved the resolution recommending revocation of the Dayco Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) Abatement effective January 1, 2022.

Held a Public Hearing and approved the Authorizing Resolution and Community Development Plan as part of the application for the CDBG Infrastructure and Resiliency grant as presented. (CC Exh. 5-2021)

Held a Public Hearing and approved the Resolution in support of creating an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) District to include the Central Business District TIFA boundaries.

Approved a contribution of $1,500 towards the lighting project at Mission Creek/Hannah’s Bark Park and a budget amendment for the same from the Unassigned Fund Balance.

Authorized the Mayor to sign the appropriate documents to sell the two parcels of land at the southeast corner of Isabella Road and Airport Road to International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 876 for $4,000 as recommended.

Held work session discussions on: 1) 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP); and 2) possible amendments to Chapters 10 and 91 regarding harboring of animals.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:04 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 24, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, May 24, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on proposed 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan.
Public hearing (additional) on rezoning request from CD-3 (Sub-Urban) to CD-4 (General Urban) for 1024 & 1026 S. University and consider confirmation of approval of the same.
Public hearing on revocation of the Dayco Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) abatement effective with the 2022 tax year and consider resolution on the same.
Public hearing on Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) District to include the Central Business District TIFA boundaries and consider resolution of the same.
Public hearing on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and consider resolution on the same.
Consider financial support for Hannah’s Bark Park/Mission Creek Park lighting project as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Consider sale of City-owned land as recommended by the Property Committee.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/5-24-21.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, as allowed under the Open Meetings Act and consistent with the Isabella County Declaration of a State of Emergency (Resolution No. 20-12-03 effective 12-15-20), the City Commission Meeting will be held virtually. The public may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

Zoom Meeting instructions via computer, phone, or dial-in number are as follows:

Zoom Meeting information

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84827621962?pwd=bjdtbjN0RGQyK290VmhwbHpPUzV2dz09

Passcode: 183783

Phone dial-in: (301) 715-8592

Audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen.
To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.
Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment on an agenda item may email their comments.

Attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

• Members of the public must provide their name and address with their comments.

• Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting in writing or emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

• Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Lori Gillis lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

William Joseph wjoseph@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Pete Tolas ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.

• Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment periods.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office at (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the City through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. A 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Cross Connection Inspections to Begin on Residential Properties

A cross connection is a point in a plumbing system where it is possible for a non-potable substance, such as a chemical, to come into contact with the potable (safe) drinking water supply. Most cross connections occur beyond the customer’s service connection, within residential, commercial, institutional or industrial plumbing systems.

Michigan’s Safe Drinking Water Act protects drinking water and prevents cross connections that may pose a hazard to the potable water supply. In the past, the Water Department has focused its efforts on addressing cross connections at commercial and industrial properties due to their greater risk for potential contaminants. While these inspections will continue, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is now requiring inspections of potential cross connections with residential properties. Most residential cross connections are found at a home’s exterior hose bib connection (your outside hose connection), or with a residential irrigation system.

At the end of May Hydrocorp, the entity conducting the exterior residential inspections, will be sending letters to some residents to inform them when their property will be inspected. Residential inspections will be completed in phases over a multi-year process. Underground irrigation systems will likely need to have their backflow prevention device tested. If so, the property owner will be notified.

Summary of Minutes of the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 10, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 10, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held April 26, 2021.

2) Set a public hearing for Monday, May 24, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on the CDBG Water Related Infrastructure Grant for the Water Resource Recovery Facility.

3) Set a public hearing for Monday, May 24, 2021 at 7:00 to consider revocation of the Dayco Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) abatement effective January 1, 2022.

4) Authorized the Mayor to sign a contract extension with RBS for custodial services at the current rates, retroactive to January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022.

5) Warrants and Payrolls.

-Held a Public Hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1068, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 97: PARKS and RECREATION, of the Mt. Pleasant City Code of Ordinances to make various changes which include: 1) Bicycle use in Parks and Cemetery; 2) Removal of wording referring to the Nelson Park Zoo; 3) Prohibition of animals in the cemetery and designated sports fields; 4) Use of unmanned aircraft in parks (drones) and various minor updates.

-Appointed members to the ad hoc committee for preliminary review of executive search firm proposals.

-Approved a budget amendment of $7,200 for a Neighborhood Enhancement Program intern.

-Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(e) of the Open Meetings Act to consult with counsel regarding pending litigation.

-Conducted a Work Session discussion on 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

-Adjourned the meeting without objection at 10:11 p.m.

10-digit dialing will soon be required for all calls in Michigan’s 616, 810, 906 and 989 area codes

Telephone users in four Michigan area codes will soon be required to include an area code in every phone call – known as 10-digit dialing – as part of the rollout of a new way to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Callers in Michigan’s 616, 810, 906 and 989 area codes should start dialing with 10 digits (area code plus telephone number) on April 24, 2021, the start date for what’s called a permissive dialing period designed to get customers used to the new requirement of including an area code when dialing, even for local calls.

Beginning Oct. 24, 2021, all consumers with numbers in the affected Michigan area codes must dial 10 digits for all local calls. Beginning that day, local calls dialed with only 7 digits may not be completed, and a recording may inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed.

The change is in preparation for the July 16, 2022, activation of a new 3-digit dialing code – 988 – to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated 988 as the abbreviated dialing code to reach the suicide prevention hotline that provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources, and best practices for professionals. From now until July 16, 2022 individuals must continue to dial 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) to reach the Lifeline.

What other changes need to be made?

Reprogramming of alarms, medical equipment and other communication devices need to be completed during the permissive dialing period running April 24, 2021 to October 24, 2021 to avoid interruption of services. Examples of services that may need to be re-programmed are:

Life safety systems or medical monitoring devices
PBXs
Fax machines
Internet dial-up numbers
Fire or burglar alarm and security systems or gates
Speed dialers
Mobile or other wireless phone contact lists
Call forwarding settings
Voicemail services and other similar functions.

What will remain the same?

Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change.
What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
You will continue to dial 1 plus the area code and the telephone number for all long-distance calls.
You will continue to dial a prefix such as 9 when dialing from a multi-line telephone system (in a hotel or office building, for example) as required.
You can still dial just three digits to reach 711 for relay services and 911 for emergency services.
If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611 or 811 are currently available in your community, you may still dial these codes with just three digits.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can still be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255) even after the 988 code is in effect.

-Information provided by the Michigan Public Service Commission

Broadway Central to Feature Festive Atmosphere

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, changes in current business operations, and positive feedback from business owners and residents, Broadway Street between Main and University Streets will once again be closed for restaurant and merchant use. This closure will take place from May 1 – October 17, 2021.

This year, “Broadway Central” will feature additional picnic tables and umbrellas and visitors will be able to utilize the space in a variety of ways. To assist in easy, social-distancing ordering and food delivery, QR codes will link to downtown restaurant menus.

The Saturday Farmers’ Market as well as Art Reach’s Paint the Intersection are just a few of the activities planned to take place in this new, festive space.

More information and offerings will be shared in the near future. If you have questions, please contact Michelle Sponseller, Downtown Development Director at msponseller@mt-pleasant.org or (989) 779-5348.