FLINT, MI - Masked protestors gathered outside various locations in downtown Flint Saturday, April 20, to show support for legalizing marijuana. A group of about 20 people raised American flags and Operation Cannabis flags outside the City of Flint Municipal building Saturday afternoon in a trek across downtown Flint. Adam Gerics, 39, of Flint called it an "Overall end cannabis prohibition day." "The fact is, they have actively and intentionally created a public that's ignorant to this plant," said Gerics, founder and co-director of New Market Fire Station Compassion Center of Greater Flint. "It's all hogwash they've been trying to feed us for 80 years." [continues 166 words]
FLINT, MI -- A group of law enforcement officials who favor the legalization of marijuana criticized the city of Flint for continuing to arrest adults caught with weed despite voters last week approving the decriminalization of the drug. Voters last week approved an amendment in the city ordinance that removes penalties for anyone 19 years or older who have less than an ounce of marijuana on private property. But a day later, the city issued a statement saying police would continue to make arrests. [continues 360 words]
GRAND BLANC, MI -- A new hope exists for medical marijuana patients and advocates that could turn the debate about illicit drug-as-medicine on its head -- medical marijuana that does not get the user high. Advocates will present information on "smoke-free, buzz-free" marijuana to those invited to the seminar at the Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc Township on Thursday, Oct. 11. Dr. William Courtney, who received his doctor of medicine degree at Wayne State University, and Michigan Rep. Michael Calton, R-Nashville, will be presenting information on "no-high" marijuana to attendees. [continues 221 words]
FLINT, MI -- Even if voters decriminalize marijuana in Flint next month, tokers may find themselves in handcuffs if a state trooper catches them holding weed. Flint voters will decide in November whether or not marijuana will be decriminalized in the city after Emergency Financial Manager Ed Kurtz approved the ballot initiative in late August. Under current city law, marijuana possession is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. A yes vote next month would make it legal for anyone 19 years or older to have less than an ounce of marijuana -- about enough to fill a plastic sandwich bag -- on private property. [continues 497 words]
It is offensive that Bill Schuette and Sen. Rick Jones assume the Michigan electorate was "snookered" into voting yes for medical marijuana. It is more likely that intelligent, informed voters said yes to medical marijuana because they weren't given the option to vote for flat-out legalization of this benign plant. Those sixty-three percent are probably hopeful that the underground marijuana economy could be transformed into an above-ground source of tax revenue and small business growth that would benefit our state, while cutting spending on enforcement of prohibition of a substance that is less harmful to family life and public safety than alcohol. MONICA SHAPIRO/Grand Blanc [end]
Flint officials did the right thing in extending for six months the city's moratorium on allowing new medical marijuana businesses to open their doors in the city. Emergency Manager Michael Brown, who signed off on the ban that now extends till Feb. 5, 2013, rightly noted the "uncertainties" that surround the state's medical marijuana law, which include legal challenges and the possible passage of new legislation. Holding the line on more businesses that deal in medical marijuana, while allowing those that already exist to continue doing business, is a reasonable and fair approach while the courts and the state Legislature deal with this matter. [continues 262 words]
FLINT, MI -- The city of Flint has extended its ban on allowing new medical marijuana businesses for another six months, bringing the total span of the moratorium to more than a year. Flint emergency manager Michael Brown signed off on extending the ban last week, citing "uncertainties" around Michigan's medical marijuana law pending in the state Legislature and in the courts. The additional 180 days will "afford additional opportunity to review this matter and, to the extent needed, adopt appropriate regulations to protect the public health, safety and welfare," according to the resolution signed by Brown on July 27. [continues 400 words]
BURTON, Michigan -- By a 4-to-3 vote, City Council members have approved a new six-month moratorium on medical marijuana distribution facilities, including dispensaries, while it awaits the outcome of an Isabella County case. Council members Ellen Ellenburg, Vaughn Smith, Dennis O'Keefe and Tom Martinbianco approved the measure, while Danny Wells, Duane Haskins and Steve Heffner voted against the move to bar new distribution facilities. The Isabella County case involved a Mt. Pleasant dispensary found to be a public nuisance based on the state's health code. Burton currently has four medical marijuana dispensaries that will continue to operate despite the approval of the new moratorium. [end]
FLINT, Michigan -- Everything from jobs to public safety to medical marijuana was up for discussion Wednesday morning between two of the candidates hoping to replace recalled state Rep. Paul Scott. Republican nominee Joe Graves and Green Party nominee Cary Neuville-Justice fielded questions at Flint's White Horse Tavern during a live broadcast the program Off The Kuf on Kettering University's WKUF 94.3 FM. Democratic nominee Steve Losey could not attend because of a scheduling conflict, said program host Tom Sumner. [continues 261 words]
SWARTZ CREEK, Michigan - Swartz Creek could get its first medical marijuana business, pending review by the city attorney and another look from the planning commission. The commission Tuesday unanimously voted to refer plans for the business to the city attorney for his legal opinion. They expect to hear from the attorney at the commission's October meeting, said City Manager Paul Bueche. Although the business will have a dispensary area, it also will function as a gardening store, said business owner Rachelle Arnott. [continues 196 words]
BURTON, Michigan -- Council members approved a six-month moratoirum tonight on new permits for medical marijuana dispensaries, but the city will allow the four in business to remain open. The suggestion for a moratorium from City Attorney Rick Austin came after discussing a recent state Court of Appeals case in Isabella County that ruled patient-to-patients sales of marijuana to be illegal with Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton and Burton police Chief John Benthall. Austin issued a letter to deputy planning official Amber Frost last week calling for permits to not be allowed until he spoke with Leyon and Benthall about the Mt. Pleasant case. [continues 319 words]
BURTON, Michigan -- Burton is considering changing its views on medical marijuana dispensaries. The City Council is expected to vote on imposing a 6-month moratorium on any new dispensaries in the city, following a recent court ruling that declared dispensaries illegal. But moratorium or no moratorium, Burton officials say they have no plans to close down four dispensaries already doing business in the city. "They're not in violation of our ordinance," said Burton Mayor Paula Zelenko. "None of them have caused us any problems." [continues 380 words]
FLINT, Michigan -- The Flint City Council on Wednesday acted on extending the city's temporary ban on new medical marijuana businesses opening in Flint. The city issued a 180-moratorium in February for medical marijuana dispensaries and grow operations while city officials research the issue and develop a zoning and licensing plan for such facilities. At its meeting Wednesday night, the council voted to move the moratorium extension forward. The council will officially act on the matter at its Monday meeting. [continues 78 words]
FLINT TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Flint Township will be without a medical marijuana ordinance for a while longer. The township board approved a motion to hold off voting on the ordinance after several people raised concerns about the proposed measure during public comment. Board members also expressed concerns about the legality of the law, which is being contested. "You read all these things in the paper and any normal citizen would get confused," said Trustee George Menoutes. Nick Pannesidi, owner of the Michigan Wellness Center, 3095 South Dye Road, raised concerns about a section of the ordinance that states: "The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act does not authorize marijuana stores, dispensaries, compassion centers or any medical marijuana business that may market to a wide customer base." [continues 337 words]
Some medical marijuana advocates and lawmakers opposed to what they see as free-wheeling distribution of the drug are coming at each other from extremes in the debate over handling what Michigan voters in 2008 declared a medicine. The best outcome probably is somewhere in the middle. The problem is the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act is much too hazy, with state Department of Community Health rules enabling the act not much clearer. Confusion over what the law and the rules allow is what has caused communities such as Flint, Linden, Grand Blanc Township, Fenton and others to enact moratoriums on medical marijuana dispensaries. [continues 556 words]
FLUSHING TOWNSHIP, Michigan - After tabling discussions last month on whether or not to ban medical marijuana dispensaries, Flushing Township board members yet again tabled the discussion, only this time it was decided the issue would not be brought up again. The board members unanimously agreed at Thursday's meeting to table discussions indefinitely. Trustee Mark Purkey said the planning commission have discussed the topic of medical marijuana for almost a year and chose to do nothing. He didn't understand why the topic was being brought up again. [continues 79 words]
LINDEN, Michigan -- The Linden City Council voted to extend its moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries and caregiver facilities for another 90 days at its meeting Monday. The moratorium temporary prohibits certain land uses connected with the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Medical marijuana is legal under the state law but still remains illegal under federal law. The city council first placed a moratorium on medical marijuana at a February meeting. City Manager Chris Wren said the city council is following the advice of its attorney to wait until the courts give a better direction on what path the city needs to take. [continues 57 words]
DRYDEN -- A now-closed downtown marijuana dispensary that has been at the center of controversy for more than a year was more akin to a criminal operation than a medical facility, authorities claim. The owner of the Compassion Care Center of Michigan, which was padlocked in September, and two Romeo men face felony charges in connection to the dispensary. Police and prosecutors claim owner [name1 redacted] was not authorized by the state to hand out medical marijuana and had more than the allowable amount of marijuana in the building. [continues 588 words]
SWARTZ CREEK, Michigan -- The Swartz Creek city council is slated to vote on a proposed medical marijuana ordinance at its meeting tonight. The ordinance used distances from the Liquor Control Code to regulate where dispensaries and growing facilities can be located. Dispensaries and growing facilities must not be within 500 feet of another growing facility or dispensary, residential uses, any place the provides care or instruction for child younger than 18 and any house of worship or religious institution, according to the proposed ordinance. [continues 96 words]
FENTON, Michigan - Two proposed medical marijuana ordinances would permit residents to grow medical marijuana in their homes, as well as allow clubs, dispensaries, and growing facilities to set up shop in Fenton's industrial park. Currently the city has a moratorium that temporary halts medical marijuana related businesses from opening in the city. The city enacted the moratorium in August, as the planning commission worked to create ordinances addressing the issue. The planning commission will consider the proposed ordinances and hold a public hearing at its April 28 meeting. [continues 267 words]
Advocates Call Resolutions Delay Tactics DAVISON TOWNSHIP, Michigan - Medical marijuana patients won't be buying marijuana in the township before 2013 if the township board has its way. While the small township has allowed medical marijuana businesses to open, several other county governments have approved moratoriums to further discuss regulations. The board on Monday put a two-year moratorium on issuing permits for marijuana dispensaries and any other commercial marijuana businesses. The state chapter head of a medical marijuana advocacy group believes the two-year limit goes too far. [continues 484 words]
DAVISON TOWNSHIP, Michigan - On a split vote, the Davison Township Board Monday night extended its moratorium on dispensaries and commercial use of medical marijuana in the township for another two years. The board voted 3-1 in favor of the extension on recommendation of Randall Stewart, township planning and building administrator, who said there still are too many unanswered questions about the law that won voter approval in Michigan in 2008. He also said lawsuits are pending and use of marijuana for any purpose is illegal under federal law. [continues 76 words]
SWARTZ CREEK, Michigan -- A proposed medical marijuana ordinance is another step closer to becoming a reality. The Swartz Creek planning commission voted unanimously to makes changes to its proposed medical marijuana ordinance to include revisions discussed at Tuesday night's meeting. Planned changes include following the Michigan Liquor Control Code when it comes to distances from schools and other areas. The revised ordinance would require all growth facilities and dispensaries to be located 1,000 feet radially from schools and municipal parks. [continues 208 words]
SWARTZ CREEK, Michigan -- The Swartz Creek city council unanimously passed a 90 day moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries at a special meeting tonight. The moratorium will "allow the city council to consider amendments to its zoning ordinance and to its drug control ordinances," the resolution reads. City manager Paul Bueche said the planning commission is close to completion on the city's medical marijuana ordinance. "We're looking for it to be finished to put on the books in 30 (or) 40 days," he said. [continues 53 words]
FOREST TWP., Michigan -- At a time when some cities and townships are going to war with marijuana dispensaries, the smallest township in Genesee County is taking a laissez-faire approach to cannabis commerce. "My oath of office requires I uphold the laws of Forest Township and the state of Michigan," said township Supervisor Valerie Pace. "The voters approved (the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act in 2008). I'm not spending township dollars trying to fight it." Owner Tony Butler opened The Green Oasis on North State Road Monday, vowing to be a good neighbor in the rural area, in part by helping to take marijuana out of the shadows and using it as the basis of a legitimate business. He's one of at least six such operations that are up and running in the county. [continues 481 words]
FOREST TWP., Michigan -- Genesee County's smallest township became the newest place to buy medical marijuana today, and unlike the fights other dispensaries have found in bigger cities and townships, this one opened without a threat or legal scrap. Tony Butler opened The Green Oasis, 10001 N. State Road, after more than a year making sure his business was properly licensed and that the township was well aware of what he was planning to do in a former donut shop. After answering lots of questions and working hard getting his storefront ready, Butler's first customer was in the door by mid-morning. [continues 154 words]
FLINT, Michigan - The city of Flint has issued a 180-day moratorium on any new medical marijuana dispensaries or grow operations in the city. The Flint City Council voted unanimously Monday night to pass the temporary ban while city officials look into establishing regulations and zoning laws on the matter. The issue comes as several medical marijuana businesses have popped up around Flint and Genesee County, sometimes without government approval. Councilman Scott Kincaid said the city just wants to "get a handle on it, before it gets out of hand." [continues 400 words]
Officials Unsure How to Regulate Businesses GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan - Often with little to no warning, businesses that sell medical marijuana can - and are - opening in neighborhoods throughout Genesee County. A shocked Flint city councilman recently even found one in a former police mini-station. Flint Councilman Michael Sarginson was shocked to discover he had at least two marijuana-related businesses in his 8th Ward, which covers the southwest portion of the city, that opened without his knowledge - - including the one in the former mini-station on Corunna Road. [continues 1117 words]
SWARTZ CREEK, Michigan -- Questions about phrasing in a medical marijuana draft ordinance dominated discussion at the Swartz Creek planning commission meeting, Tuesday night. Commission members expressed concern about parts of the ordinance including determining distance from residential zones and the number of inspections the city was required to make. The ordinance requires dispensaries and growth facilities to not be within 1,000 feet of areas such as schools, but commission members expressed concern that the distance, coupled with current zoning, would make the ordinance too restrictive. [continues 173 words]
FLUSHING TOWNSHIP, Michigan - The Flushing Township Planning Commission members originally hopes to have a medical marijuana ordinance drafted by their December meeting, but the issue has continued to be put on hold. At Monday's meeting the commission discussed the issue again, but took no action. Commission members are waiting for Township Attorney Steve Moulton to review the white paper, an independent document created by a law professor about the options municipalities have regarding the medical marijuana law. The Michigan Municipal League has a link on its website. [continues 84 words]
SWARTZ CREEK, Michigan - City Planning Commission members will look over a zoning ordinance regulating medical marijuana businesses after the holidays. City attorney Paul Bueche said the council has been in discussions with Flint attorney Mike Gildner on how to best handle the zoning of possible dispensaries and growing facilities. The proposed ordinance to be discussed by the commission at its Jan. 4 meeting includes stipulations that do not allow dispensaries or growing facilities within 500 feet of each other. Both facilities also must not fall within 1,000 feet or schools, churches or public and municipal parks, while hours of operation for dispensaries and growing facilities must fall between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. [continues 183 words]
BURTON, Michigan - City Council members will have their say on regulating medical marijuana businesses in January after the city Planning Commission approved guidelines for dispensaries, compassion clubs and growing facilities. City attorney Richard Austin and Department of Public Works employee Amber Frost have been crafting the ordinance, which mimics the one created in Imlay Township, since October. Under the proposed ordinance: * Dispensaries, growing facilities, or compassion clubs must be at least 500 feet from another dispensary; 200 feet from a residential district; 1,000 feet from a school, nursery, licensed day care center or other building used for care or instruction of children; 1,000 feet from any church or other religious facility; and 1,000 feet from a public park. [continues 329 words]
FLINT TOWNSHIP, Michigan - A moratorium on dispensing medical marijuana in the township will continue until at least March. The township board had said it would have an ordinance in place by Nov. 8 but recently voted to extend the ban after sending the matter back to the planning commission. Planning Commission members had amended zoning rules in September calling for all uses or businesses looking for approval or permits from the township to comply with local, state and federal laws. Under state law, authorized medical marijuana users can have 12 marijuana plants while caregivers can grow as many as 60. [continues 228 words]
GENESEE TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Compassion Club, a place where people smoke, exchange and learn about medical marijuana has grown from 140 members to more than 2,600 in one year. Co-founder and President Jeremy Rupinski is looking for a new site -- a 10,000-square-foot facility to accommodate the growing group. He hopes to move from the space at Center and Richfield roads by February when the current lease expires. Sometimes, as many as 85 people wait at the door, he said. [continues 510 words]
FLUSHING TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- The Flushing Township Planning Commission is considering drafting an ordinance to regulate medical marijuana, but members aren't sure if they legally can. "We want to make sure we follow the law. There's some concern whether there's anything we can do with the registration," said Planning Commission Chairman Mark Newman. "We don't want to work on drafting an ordinance to find out there's nothing we can do." The planning commission has been discussing the issue for a few months and hopes to have an answer by the Dec. 13 meeting after speaking with Steve Moulton, the township's attorney. [continues 409 words]
SWARTZ CREEK, Michigan -- City officials are considering a ordinance that would set rules for -- but not crack down on -- medical marijuana facilities. City Manager Paul Bueche said the state law is "poorly written" and he doesn't want Swartz Creek to get sued in its attempt to interpret the law. "You don't want to get into choosing a side, where you're debating the use or legitimacy of medical marijuana (in an ordinance)," Bueche said. The city's plan is to regulate dispensaries and growth facilities much as it would other businesses. [continues 414 words]
FLINT TWP., Michigan - The clock is ticking if Flint Township officials want to keep medical marijuana dispensaries from setting up shop. The township rejected an amendment Oct. 4 that would have effectively outlawed businesses that profit from selling, using or growing marijuana under the state's medical marijuana law. The ordinance would have amended the township's zoning rules to require that all "uses or businesses seeking approval or permits from the township must comply with federal, state and local law." [continues 358 words]
FLINT TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Flint Township could be close to banning businesses that profit from the growth or sale of medical marijuana approved by state law. The township's planning commission has passed an amendment to the township's zoning rules which requires all "uses or businesses seeking approval or permits from the township must comply with federal, state and local law," according to documents provided to the township's board of trustees at their meeting Monday. The township could vote on the amendment as early as their next regular meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 4, said Supervisor Karyn Miller. The planning commission has recommended the board approve the amendment. [continues 120 words]
LAPEER COUNTY, Michigan - Employees of Dryden's Compassionate Care Center of Michigan plan to head to the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office at about noon today to protest the recent raids of medical marijuana dispenaries. Randy Crowel, who operates the center, said buses of medical marijuana advocates will be arriving at the department around noon, then will travel to Oakland County Sheriff's Office to protest there. The dispensary was originally raided Aug. 31 because police believe the center is not following state law and dispensing too much marijuana. [continues 73 words]
HOLLY, Michigan -- The village of Holly is considering a zoning ordinance for medical marijuana facilities. The measure would allow businesses to seek permits from the village allowing them to produce and dispense medical marijuana. The ordinance provides guidelines for where businesses can grow marijuana, and "compassion clubs," a place where groups of qualifying patients can come together to use marijuana. City Attorney, Michael Gildner, said since the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act took effect in 2009, "it is an issue that we will most likely have to deal with." [continues 270 words]
FLINT TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Jim Lewis, a 76-year-old grandfather and former missionary worker, got a surprise visit from the police last month. It was around dinnertime, when he heard a knock on the door of his Flint Township home. He answered the door and found police officers from the Flint Area Narcotics Group. Someone had given a tip that there was an illegal marijuana growing operation and a possible methamphetamine lab, they said. While there was no meth, police found an indoor growing operation in the basement with a kiddie pool-size tub full of 15 marijuana plants - -- marijuana that Lewis legally grows to treat his arthritis and headaches, as well as provides to three patients, who also use the drug for medicinal purposes. [continues 567 words]
DRYDEN, Michigan -- Jim Rasor, a Royal Oak attorney representing the owner of Compassionate Care Center of Michigan, says he believes Lapeer County officials are using a Tuesday raid of the center to show problems with Michigan's medical marijuana law. "It seems like the prosecution and sheriffs are using these laws to point out the shortcomings of the law," Rasor said. "It's not up to the sheriffs or prosecutors to rewrite or change the law." He said the law is vague about how medical marijuana patients receive their medication, especially in regard to patient-to-patient sales, which seems to have led to the Tuesday raid. [continues 113 words]
QUESTIONABLE PATIENT-CAREGIVER RELATIONSHIPS LED TO LAPEER COUNTY RAID ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY DRYDEN, Michigan -- Lapeer County Sheriff Ron Kalanquin said a search warrant that was executed Tuesday on a Dryden medical marijuana dispensary was based off of three accounts of medical marijuana patients who did not have medical marijuana caregivers. The patients all went to the dispensary to receive their medical marijuana. State law does not clarify how patients can receive their medical marijuana, but does limit the number of clients a medical marijuana caregiver has to five. [continues 142 words]
GENESEE COUNTY - Local governments across the county are playing catch-up as the demand to bring medical marijuana businesses here grows. These establishments - from dispensaries to patient and caregiver clubs to medical marijuana schools - could either pump thousands into the local economy or draw crime and lawsuits, depending who you ask. FJ: Some of that - medical marijuana schools, and private clubs - very well may be safe under the state law. But did Michigan voters OK storefront medical marijuana dispensaries when they overwhelmingly legalized the drug for patient use and caregiver growing? [continues 990 words]
GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan - Local governments across the county are playing catch up as the demand to bring medical marijuana businesses here grows. These establishments - from dispensaries to patient and caregiver clubs to medical marijuana schools - could either pump thousands into the local economy or draw crime and lawsuits, depending who you ask. The flood of interest has officials across Genesee County - from the village manager in Otisville to the clerk in Flint Township - scrambling to study up on the state's medical marijuana law and what, if anything, they should pass on a local level to address it. [continues 926 words]
FLINT TWP., Michigan - A new business that teaches customers how to get and use medical marijuana nearly lost its license this week because of a temporary township moratorium on marijuana-based enterprises. The Flint Township Board of Trustees came one vote shy of putting the brakes on the Michigan Wellness Center, which opened only last month. "Primarily what we do is we're an education center," said Nick Panessidi, owner of the business at 3095 S. Dye Rd., Suite A. "We don't have medical marijuana on site. We never have, we never will." [continues 410 words]
FLINT TOWNSHIP, Michigan - The recently opened Michigan Wellness Center is drawing criticism from the state Department of Community Health over concerns that the center is creating a "drive-in" for patients to receive a prescription for medical marijuana. The Michigan Wellness Center helps patients obtain a card allowing them to use medical marijuana. It opened last month at 3095 S. Dye Road, Suite A, in Flint Township. "I'm not a drug dealer. I want to help people," said Nick Panessidi, 45, of Lansing, owner of the center. "I'm a simple guy trying to help people and make a living while doing so." [continues 263 words]
Regarding "Our Voice: May medical marijuana dispensaries get the test case they seek," May 30: Not only should medical marijuana be made available to patients in need, but adult recreational use should be regulated. Drug policies modeled after alcohol prohibition have given rise to a youth-oriented black market. Illegal drug dealers don't ID for age, but they do recruit minors immune to adult sentences. So much for protecting the children. Throwing more money at the problem is no solution. Attempts to limit the supply of illegal drugs while demand remains constant only increase the profitability of drug trafficking. For addictive drugs like heroin, a spike in street prices leads desperate addicts to increase criminal activity to feed desperate habits. The drug war doesn't fight crime, it fuels crime. [continues 69 words]
The Compassionate Care Center of Michigan in Dryden is angling for a legal fight as medical marijuana dispensaries that have popped up across Michigan await their first test case. The Center, in an unmarked, upstairs apartment in this tiny southern Lapeer County community, exists in the margins of the law that voters overwhelmingly approved in 2008 legalizing the medical use of marijuana. It's a co-op of sorts, and some of its members cheerfully admit that medical marijuana dispensaries want to test their legality in Michigan courts. [continues 511 words]
FLUSHING, Michigan - A popular drug education program could be on the chopping block in the city. DARE - Drug Abuse Resistance Education - is one of many potential cuts to the Flushing Police Department, which also include layoffs of police officers, that Chief Mark Hoornstra is contemplating. The proposed cuts will be announced in April. "Officer Eddie" Dolgan now teaches the class to fifth-graders at the four elementary schools. Dolgan is eligible for retirement and is the only officer trained to teach the program. [continues 376 words]
