$400,000 part of drowning settlement
SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — A settlement with the family of an Illinois man who drowned in 2009 while saving family members from rough waters off southwestern Michigan includes $400,000 and beach safety measures.
The Kalamazoo Gazette reports South Haven and the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Association agreed to pay Martin Jordan’s family. The 45-year-old from St. Charles drowned Aug. 1, 2009, after saving his son and others.
The newspaper this week published details of the settlement after obtaining the terms under the Freedom of Information Act.
The lawsuit said more safety measures should have been in place to warn swimmers. Among of the terms of the agreement is a beach safety program with warning flags and installing 911 call boxes along Lake Michigan. A plaque or memorial for Jordan also is planned.
No indictment after party switch probe
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A judge on Friday said she found no criminal wrongdoing after a yearlong investigation into a former state lawmaker’s party switch that also involved the Republican leader of the Michigan House.
Ingham County Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, serving as a one-judge grand jury, said that an “exhaustive and diligent” probe uncovered no crime or wrongdoing and that an indictment was not warranted.
Ex-Rep. Roy Schmidt’s switch to the Republican Party in May 2012, just before the deadline for the August primary election, came under scrutiny after Democrats asked for an investigation. He offered money to Matt Mojzak, a 22-year-old political novice, to run as a Democrat against him.
Schmidt lost re-election in November after the scheme came to light. Republican House Speaker Jase Bolger barely survived the election because of his role in Schmidt’s switch to his party, but he was chosen again to lead the chamber in January.
Friday’s announcement cleared Bolger, Schmidt and various staffers who knew about the scheme.
Democrats wanted to know if Schmidt and Bolger knew Mojzak did not actually live in the district when he filed his candidacy. Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer, D-East Lansing, and the Michigan Democratic Party alleged that Schmidt and Bolger may have conspired to aid perjury and obstructed justice.
In July 2012, following his own investigation, Kent County Prosecutor William Forsyth announced that Bolger and Schmidt broke no laws but said their actions were a fraud on the public.
Stonewall Bar Assoc. to hold barbeque Aug. 15
The Board for Stonewall Bar Association extends an invitation to its annual barbeque for its members, their friends and family. The picnic takes place Thursday, Aug. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Geary Park, 1198 Earle Blvd., between Lewiston, Pinecrest, Earl Boulevard and Central streets. There is no cost. Please feel free to bring a guest with you. This event is a wonderful opportunity to meet our members, family, and friends. RSVP to Lori J. Frank at 888-670-6801 or 248-424-9777.
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