Wednesday, November 21, 2012

And It Finally Came Down

House # 407 Meade Street is finally down.  Now that is something to be thankful for.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

S.W.S.N.A. Minutes October 16th 2012


SOUTHWEST SAGINAW NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MINUTES 10/16/12
Meeting began at 6:37 PM
DIGNITARIES:  Deputy Ralph Martin, Interim Chief Lipe, Sergeant Terry Carpenter, City Councilman Larry Coulouris.
Opening Prayer:  Deputy Fire Marshal Ralph Martin gave the opening prayer.
Motion:  A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the Sept. Meeting.
Treasury Report:  Balance from September was $278.85.  We had a 21.00 donation which brought our total up to $299.85 for the October meeting.
50-50 Tickets are back on sale as you come into the meeting.  Tickets cost 1 dollar for 1 ticket or 7 for $5.00. 
Don’t forget Waste Collection Convenience Station is the 2nd Saturday of every month, including the month of December 2012.
Waste Collection Convenience Station
On the second Saturday of every month, the City of Saginaw operates a convenience station from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Public Works Service Center across from City Hall. Building materials, tires, junk and brush will be accepted along with glass, paper and plastic recyclables. No liquids, chemicals flammable items allowed.
Dial 211 for Help!
2-1-1 is a Health and Human Services Hotline for Northeast Michigan. "Non-emergency" assistance is available by calling 2-1-1. To talk to a trained professional about hundreds of health and human services available, call 2-1-1 . Staff are trained to assist those in need with referrals for food, housing, utilities, child care, emergency shelter, clothing, legal aid, literacy, transportation, substance abuse, senior issues, disability, health care, and much more.
Jose` wanted all to know that there are still people stealing gas from vehicles.  Please be aware and report anything you might think is suspicious going on.
Deputy Fire Marshal:  Ralph Martin announced the date of the Board Up as 10/19/12.  8:30 AM in front of the City Hall.
Always look for 2 ways out of any place you are in when arriving.  In other words look for exits and know where they are.  Practice this also in your own homes.  Never leave space heaters unattended.  Never run any appliances with an extension cord.   If you have to ever use an extension cord, make sure it is UL approved.  Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working.  The fire department will come out to your home and install them for you if you need one, free of charge.
Sergeant Terry Carpenter:  Terry announced we are doing a clean-up of 315 Bullock with police.  It is an empty lot.  Meeting time is 10:00 AM.
We are at a 40 year low on homicides.  The police have arrested a guy from the Greenwich area.  The police are dealing with mostly drug trades and Breaking and Entering’s.  The Southwest Saginaw Neighborhood Area has had 4 non-fatal shootings. If you have any information, please call 757-2010 Tip Line.
Some of the gangs around our City are: 
Sunny Side:  They are in the Southeast area of the City.  Their colors are yellow.  They are at war with the Project Boys from 4th and Kirk.  They reside in the North East area of the City.  Their colors are red & blue.  Some have moved into the Jerome School area.
Project Boys:  These colors are Black & Dark Blue.  They are from the North End.
BV Boys:  Buena Vista Township to east of Saginaw.  They have aligned with the Sunny Side & Burt St. Boys.  This is a get money click.  These people are from the East Side.
GMC:  These people aligned with the North End, being the Project Boys.
Terry announced that Southwest Saginaw Neighborhood Association will be hosting this year’s Arson Watch at the FOP Hall from 6-midnight.
Our Guest Speaker for November 20th 2012 meeting will be Tom Begin from Consumers Energy.
Don McCloskey moved out of the area.  Debbie Murphy was put in as Event Coordinator for the Association.  Congratulations Debbie.
50-50 Drawing Winner:  The winner won $18.00
Next City Wide Meeting is for December 20th 2012 at Houghton Elementary School:  Tuscola & N. 9th Street Entrance at 5:30 PM.
There will be NO City Wide Meeting in November.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 PM 
Attendance was 38
President:  Jose` Barajas
Secretary:  Cathy Wagner
Treasurer: Pay McCloy
Event Coordinator:  Debbie Murphy
  Interim Chief Brian Lipe’s City Wide Meetings:  December 2012-July 2012
December 20th 2012:  Houghton Elementary School:
Tuscola & N. 9th Street Entrance 5:30 PM
January 24th 2013:  Covenant Association:  American Amalgamated Workers Union
1614 Mershon St. 5:30 PM
February 28th 2013:   First Ward Community Center 1410 N. 12th St. 5:30 PM
March 28th 2013:  Adams Boulevard Association,   Michigan Lutheran Seminary 5:30 PM
April 25th 2013:  Brockway Carmen Park & St. Stephen’s Association:  St. Stephen’s Parish Hall
1300 Malzahn 5:30 PM
May 23rd 2013:  Cathedral District, Green House Center of Hope 723 Emerson 5:30 PM
June 27th 2013:  S.W.S.N.A.  2109 W. Michigan, Beacon of Hope Church 5:30 PM
July 25th 2013:  Redeemer Neighborhood Association, Loomis School, Loomis & Webber ST. 5:30 PM

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Anti-gang summit in Saginaw


Anti-gang summit in Saginaw encourages community to educate youth on dangers of joining gangs, kicks off anti-violence campaign

Erica Perdue | eperdue@mlive.com By Erica Perdue | eperdue@mlive.com
on October 07, 2012 at 2:25 PM, updated October 07, 2012 at 3:08 PM

Saginaw police talk about gangs and violence at a summit at The Dow Event Center in SaginawEnlargeSaginaw Police Detective Lamar Kashat speaks about gangs in Saginaw at the anti-gang/anti-violence summit Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 at The Dow Event Center in Saginaw.Saginaw police talk about gangs and violence at a summit at The Dow Event Center in Saginaw gallery (12 photos)
  • Saginaw police talk about gangs and violence at a summit at The Dow Event Center in Saginaw
  • Saginaw police talk about gangs and violence at a summit at The Dow Event Center in Saginaw
  • Saginaw police talk about gangs and violence at a summit at The Dow Event Center in Saginaw
  • Saginaw police talk about gangs and violence at a summit at The Dow Event Center in Saginaw
  • Saginaw police talk about gangs and violence at a summit at The Dow Event Center in Saginaw

SAGINAW, MI — The Police Chiefs Association of Saginaw and Saginaw County Judge M.T. Thompson Jr. held an anti-gang and anti-violence summit on Saturday to familiarize the community with gang violence in Saginaw.
Officials gave a presentation of the current situation involving local gangs, drug trade and violent crimes that "plague our city," according to Saginaw Interim Police Chief Brian Lipe.
They discussed the homicides in 2012, including those ofTamaris "TJ" Steward and Milton Hall, with the residents that attended.
Lipe said it is important for the community to know how the Saginaw Police Department is addressing issues and to know that the police need their help in finding resolutions.
Several members of the police force attended the event at the Dow Event Center.
Lipe, Thompson and other officials spoke about the significance of talking with children early about staying away from gangs and drugs.
The summit kicked off a month-long campaign to find ways to put an end to violent crimes and drug distribution in the city.
To continue the campaign, a team of Saginaw police officers will visit all of the elementary schools in the city to talk with students.
Lipe said his goal with the visits is to "raise awareness and educate our youth on the dangers of joining a gang."
"It's important that we as a community address the problems that lead to violent crime in our neighborhoods. The situation is serious and everyone needs to do their part in order to address the violence and put an end to the senseless shootings and homicides we have in the city," Lipe said.

SWAT officers storm apartments after reports of sniper firing

SWAT officers storm apartments after reports of sniper firing: RAW VIDEO FROM CHOPPER5:Kansas City SWAT officers surrounded an apartment complex after reports of a sniper firing indiscriminately. A woman was later taken into custody. (Oct. 5, 2012).

Saturday, October 6, 2012


MINUTES September 18TH

SOUTHWEST SAGINAW NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

 

Meeting started at 6:36pm

Opening Prayer by Deanna Virciglio

DIGNITARIES:  Larry Coulouris councilman, Tom Bigin Consumers Energy

Motion was made and seconded to except the minutes from the August Meeting

TOM BEGIN:  Talked with our association about proposal #3

2012 Ballot Proposals

Updated September 13, 2012

Proposal 1- Also known as emergency manager law or PA 4

For more information, please visit Stand Up for Democracy’s website:


Proposal 2 - Also known as collective bargaining amendment, Protect Our Jobs or Protect Working Families

For more information, please visit Protect Working Families’ website:


Proposal 3 - No position

Also known as 25 by 25, 25 by 2025 or renewable energy standard

For more information, please visit Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs website:


Proposal 4 - Also known as home health care proposal

For more information, please visit Keep Home Care Safe website:


Proposal 5 -

Also known as super-majority or 2/3 ballot proposal

For more information, please visit Defend Michigan Democracy website:


Proposal 6 -

Also known as the bridge or NITC proposal

 

Tom wanted us to understand what the proposal was all about.  Tom is suggesting we vote no on 3.  If you vote no on 3 it will keep rates from going up.

Tom said Energy Efficiency means appliances etc. He said we can reduce our usage by energy efficient appliances.

 

 

 

Tom wanted us to understand what the proposal was all about.  Tom is suggesting we vote no on 3.  If you vote no on 3 it will keep rates from going up.

Tom said Energy Efficiency means appliances etc. He said we can reduce our usage by energy efficient appliances.

SMART ENERGY:  Renewable Energy: 

1. Wind turbines.  10% has to come from renewable energy.

2. Solar Energy.  Sun

We can’t always count on the wind blowing and we can’t always count on the Sun to shine.

There will be a cost increase by 2015.  The benefit is worth the cost.  A yes vote on 3 would allow outsiders to place Wind Turbines all over Michigan and they did not consider the land, animals and who all’s back yards these wind turbines are going to be placed.  They will be all over the place.  Each Wind Turbine produces 100,000.00 kilowatts of power.

You can go to www.consumers energy.com to have a free analyses of your home.

Jose`:  You can use a recycling tote for glass, metal, plastic.  You can use a garbage can with a recycling label on it for papers or additional recyclables.  We have the stickers for yard waste and recycling at the front table if you need them.

Elmer, Gary and Sam are still driving in the association area every night.

CATHY:  The SVP program should be up and running the first week of October.  We had our first class for SVP on September 15th

PAT:  We had $258.39; we received a $30.00 donation.  We had a $9.54 paid out for ink leaving us with $278.85

Larry Coulouris:  There will be no leaf pick up from the City of Saginaw starting now.  Please bag your leaves and place them to the curb for yard waste.  Yard waste ends on November 30th 2012.  You can take them to the garbage drop off across the street from the City Hall until the second week of December.

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:45 PM

PRESIDENT:  Jose` Barajas

SECRETARY:  Cathy Wagner

TRESURER:  Pat McCloy

 

 

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

TRUANCY AND WELFARE THIS IS A GOOD THING!!


New Michigan policy linking welfare to school attendance intended to 'take a bite out of generational poverty'

Dave Murray | dmurray@mlive.com By Dave Murray | dmurray@mlive.com
on September 25, 2012 at 2:51 PM, updated September 25, 2012 at 2:52 PM
SNYDER IN FLINT12.JPGGov. Rick Snyder spoke about linking welfare to student attendance during his special message on public safety in Flint in March. The policy goes into effect on Monday.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Linking welfare payments to school absences is intended to “take a bite out of generational poverty” through education, according to a state agency.
Starting Monday, parents applying for some welfare benefits through the state Human Services Department will have to prove their children are regularly attending class.
The move is being cheered by school districts, though some advocates say truancy affects families of all incomes and the policy unfairly focuses those who are struggling.
But Human Services Department spokesman Dave Akerly said the goal is to make sure children are getting the education they need.
“We’re trying to take a bite out of generational poverty, and one way to do that is get kids to stay in class and finish school,” he said.
The policy goes into effect on Monday, and affects new applicants others as they work through an annual review. The state has about 60,000 cases, and the average family in the program receives about $468 a month, he said.
"We're trying to take a bite out of generational poverty, and one way to do that is get kids to stay in class and finish school."
Parents must provide a form completed by their schools indicating children are complying with the attendance policy. The state also has a plan for parents who are homeschooling their children.
Akerly said there are provisions for special circumstances, such as an extended sickness.
RELATED: Read the details of the new state policy.
The state also has plans to embed social workers in some high-need districts “to help families and catch little problems before they turn into big problems,” he said.
Gov. Rick Snyder called for the change in March as part of his special message on public safety, delivered in Flint, one of four cities to get special assistance.
Grand Rapids educators called the new policy “one more tool in our toolbox to help children get the education they need.”
District spokesman John Helmholdt said 21 percent of the district’s students are considered chronically absent.
RELATED: Educators say linking welfare to school attendance could be effective tool against truancy
But advocates for people in need said the policy might be hurt some families without helping solve the overall problems with school attendance.
Judy Putnam, spokeswoman for the Michigan League of Human Services, said there is no doubt that children need to be in school. But she said it’s hard to tell what percentage of chronically absent students come from homes receiving cash assistance.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Second house down on S. Michigan


Second house down on S. Michigan
Inbox
x

Cathy Wagner cathywagner38@gmail.com
Sep 15 (9 days ago)
to me
IMG_20120824_141502.jpgIMG_20120824_141502.jpg
1670K View Download
You will notice the house standing is the house someone set on fire.  It is down now.  Still not picked up though.

knocking down houses on S. Michigan


Knocking down houses on S. Michigan
Inbox
x

Cathy Wagner cathywagner38@gmail.com
Sep 15 (9 days ago)
to me
VID_20120824_141511.3gpVID_20120824_141511.3gp
12302K Download

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

CITY WIDE MEETINGS THROUGH 2012


CHIEF LIPE’S CITY WIDE MEETINGS AS FOLLOWS
JUNE CITY WIDE:  JUNE 28TH @ BEACON OF HOPE CHURCH 2109 W. MICHIGAN
JULY CITY WIDE:  JULY 26TH @ ST. MARY’S 723 EMERSON ST.
AUGUST CITY WIDE:  AUGUST 23RD MICHIGAN LUTHERAN SEMINARY, SIDE DOOR HARDIN STREET.
SEPTEMBER CITY WIDE:  SEPTEMBER 27TH @ LOOMIS SCHOOL, LOOMIS & WEBBER STREETS
OCTOBER CITY WIDE:  OCTOBER 25TH @ BEACON OF HOPE CHURCH 2109 W. MICHIGAN
NO CITY WIDE FOR THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

First female police lieutenant retires


Saginaw's first female police lieutenant retires from department after 23-year career

Published: Tuesday, September 18, 2012, 6:30 AM
Saginaw Police Lt. Tamie E. Luty retiringSaginaw Police Lt. Tamie E. Luty is retiring after more than 23 years on the force.
SAGINAW, MI — After 23 years at the Saginaw Police Department, Lt. Tamie E. Luty walked out the doors of 612 Federal on Friday for the last time as a Saginaw police officer.
Luty, 53, has worked in all of the department's divisions and called her years of service as a police officer "the best and the worst" of her life.
"Some days it can be the most interesting, intense, rewarding job that a person could ever want to have," she said.
On the other hand, Luty said, it was unimaginably difficult as an investigator to deal with heinous crimes, particularly the violent deaths of children.
"That is just horrific," she said. "It's very mentally exhausting sometimes dealing with those."
Boys' club
Luty said she also faced the challenge throughout her career of being a woman in what, still in many places, is a male-dominated profession.
When she started at the department in 1989, she said, sexual discrimination and harassment was shockingly common. Luty said officers could routinely be heard making inappropriate comments about a female officer's sexual orientation or claiming a woman was only promoted because of her gender.
"There were things like that that would happen all the time," she said. "Now I don't see the inherent racism and sexism there once was."
Luty said she was the third woman in the history of the Saginaw Police Department to be promoted to the rank of sergeant. She is also the only female officer in department history to rise above that rank.
Luty filed a lawsuit against the city and former police Chief Gerald H. Cliff after Luty was briefly demoted in 2005, she claims unfairly. As part of proceedings, she testified in court that Cliff discriminated against her because of her gender.
A jury in 2007 agreed that Cliff violated Luty's free speech rights but awarded no damages. An appellate court later overturned that decision and denied Luty's motion for the city to pay her legal fees.
Luty said she joined the Fraternal Order of Police shortly after starting at the department. As she looked around the FOP hall, she said, all she saw were men smoking cigars, drinking and playing cards.
"I remember looking at that and thinking, there is no place for me here," Luty said. "This is a men's club."
She married Chris Luty, a Michigan state trooper, in 1993 and said she then joined a social group called the "blue angels," consisting mostly of state troopers' wives.
Luty said she was able to succeed in the male-dominated department thanks to support from family and friends.
"First and foremost is family," Luty said. "I have a strong, supportive family. My husband has been a godsend."
Milton Hall impact
It hasn't been easy to be a Saginaw police officer in the wake of the July 1, 2012, fatal police shooting of Milton Hall, Luty said.
The incident, in which six officers shot at and killed a homeless man armed with a knife, has brought with it national attention from civil rights advocates. Luty was not among the six officers who fired at Hall.
"It has been really, really tough for us at the police department," Luty said. "We're glad that it's moving along."
Luty said something related to the incident has been discussed at almost every morning briefing at the police department.
"It's been a constant, everyday discussion," she said.
Luty said there was never any doubt in her mind that the officers should not face criminal charges, a decision reached last week by Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas and the Michigan Attorney General's office.
"I have other questions, though," she said.
Luty pointed out that there is still an ongoing investigation into whether or not any workplace policies were violated, and she said questions should be asked about the way the incident was handled.
Career accomplishments
There were also many positive experiences and victories throughout her career, she said.
"I've had a wonderful opportunity to work in every division in the police department," Luty said.
Since 1989, she has worked in the patrol services bureau, investigative services, administrative services, technical services and the office of the chief.
"I've made wonderful friends and lifelong relationships," Luty said.
She holds a long list of awards and honors, including letters of recognition and commendation, awards and other recognition from the police department, Saginaw County prosecutor's office, Michigan State Police, Women Police of Michigan and other organizations.
During Luty's tenure in the Technical Services Division, the department implemented its first electronic report-writing system and installed the first mobile computers in police cruisers. She said she also was proud of improvements to training, planning and research put in place under Chief James B. Golden.
A shrinking department
During Luty's career, the police department has shrunk from a force of more than 200 officers to less than half that number.
"Obviously that is a huge reduction," she said. "There is a remarkable difference."
Officers responding to a burglary, for example, once were able to surround the home and apprehend the burglar, Luty said. With only two officers responding, she said, the burglar is able to slip out the back door while the officers are going in the front.
Some progress is being made at the department to better address the city's crime problem, she said, but said she thinks the city still needs to find ways to increase the number of officers it can afford to staff.
Though Luty does not support a policing takeover by the Saginaw County Sheriff's Department, Luty said exploration of a countywide police department seems the most logical solution. Combining multiple departments would allow each to eliminate layers of administrative, records and property room staff, she said.
"Then you could put that money into boots on the street and equipment for those boots to do their job," Luty said.
Luty said there will be plenty to keep her busy in her retirement. In addition to working as a room mom in her 5-year-old's classroom, she said she plans to pursue several volunteering opportunities.