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Note: The date and time stamp on this article have been updated from its original post on Monday, Jan. 5, 2009. Additional elements were added.

Flint Journal extra: Related article: Genesee County Planning Commission study shows crashes decline when roads are narrowed

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- It appears that Genesee County roads were significantly less deadly in 2008, according to preliminary data from state and local agencies.

But it remains to be seen whether the decrease in road deaths is a statistical blip or a sign of safer driving.

State records show 33 people were killed in area traffic crashes last year -- a number that officials warn may rise once final numbers are tallied.

Still, the 33 is a steep decline from 2007, when Genesee County logged 60 traffic deaths. The year before that, the county had 57.

Early data show the decline is part of a statewide trend.

As of Dec. 31, there were 951 fatalities for 2008 -- a decline from about 1,080 in 2007, said Sgt. Jill McKelvey, state police spokeswoman.

"We are definitely down, and we've seen a trend," McKelvey said. "It's primarily due to the safety belt law, safety seat belt zones, extra enforcement money and other things that have helped, such as cars (being) built safer now, with head and side airbags."

Continue reading "Fewer deaths reported on Genesee County roads in 2008, but officials not ready to say it's due to safer driving" »

Flint Journal extras: See below for past articles on this case. | Give your view on this case in the comments area below.

Note: The date and time stamp on this article from its original post on Jan. 6, 2008. Additional elements were added.

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- The Michigan Department of Community Health has summarily suspended the licenses of a psychologist and former Mott Community College professor convicted in the attack of a woman in Grand Blanc Township last year.

William Leslie Harshman was convicted Sept. 22, 2008 of assault with intent to do great bodily harm and home invasion, both first-degree felonies.

Continue reading "State suspends licenses of psychologist William L. Harshman, convicted in attack stemming from mortgage deal" »

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- Not sure how the transition to digital television next month will affect you?

The Genesee County Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Inc. is sponsoring free forums to help answer your questions. "DTV Awareness Day" is set for 10 a.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Jan. 13 in the third floor auditorium of the Genesee County Administration Building, 1101 Beach St.

The sessions will include video and slide presentations and hands-on demonstrations of the installation of a DTV converter box.

Continue reading "Sessions to help answer questions about digital TV transition" »

The deadline to nominate individuals for Priority Children's 14th Children's Champion Award has been extended to Jan. 14.

The award honors those in the community who are making an impact on area children.
Nominations can be made at prioritychildren.org. The event is Feb. 20.

Priority Children focuses on making Genesee County a better place for raising children.

Flint Journal extra: Related article: Fewer deaths reported on Genesee County roads in 2008, but officials not ready to say it's due to safer driving

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- A study by the county Planning Commission says all types of crashes have been on the decline on roads that were narrowed in recent years.

County planners have been suggesting several existing four-lane roads are good candidates to be narrowed because they are carrying less traffic than when the streets were originally designed.

Continue reading "Genesee County Planning Commission study shows crashes decline when roads are narrowed" »

FLINT, Michigan -- John Tomlinson wouldn't mind having a hypnotizing effect on the sometimes squabbling mayor and City Council members.

"It would put everyone in a conciliatory mood," Tomlinson, a hypnotherapist, said. "A lot of people in this town have a lot of anger. They would focus on solutions rather than problems."

But for now, Tomlinson will settle for Flint taking a small part in today's World Hypnotism Day, as declared in a proclamation signed by Mayor Don Williamson. No formal events are scheduled, other than Tomlinson, a Flint Journal columnist, speaking before the Swartz Creek Chamber of Commerce today.

Continue reading "Hypnotizing effect: Flint mayor's proclamation notes city's participation in World Hypnotism Day" »

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- Travel expenses for the Genesee Intermediate School District's top leaders are a fraction of what they were several years ago, according to the district's third annual required online report.

The GISD spent more than $14,000 last school year on air fare, hotel stays and meals for two administrators to attend conferences and professional development seminars, the report said. That's down from five years ago when The Flint Journal found that the five-member Board of Education and superintendent tallied $263,000 in travel expenses the previous five years.

Continue reading "Travel expenses down for top leaders of Genesee Intermediate School District" »

MAYFIELD TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- The two largest manufacturers of truck bed liners in the country have merged.

Durakon Industries in Lapeer County and Penda Corp. in Portage, Wis. officially combined Dec. 24. The new company will operate as Penda Corp.

Continue reading "Lapeer County's Durakon Industries merges with Wisconsin firm" »

FLINT, Michigan -- The good news -- and donations -- keep coming for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

Continue reading "$25,000 donation from Kroger keeps good news coming for food bank's holiday campaign" »

FLINT, Michigan -- People interested in running for the Flint Board of Education can pick up petitions beginning Thursday in the Flint city clerk's office on the second floor of City Hall, 1101 S. Saginaw St.

Continue reading "Petitions available to run for Flint Board of Ed spots" »

FLINT, Michigan — Community meetings will be held at the end of January to discuss a report on the Flint School District's facilities.

Continue reading "Public hearings scheduled to discuss possible Flint school closings, other building changes" »

FLINT, Michigan -- Former NFL star and Flint native Mark Ingram pled not guilty on Tuesday to a charge of driving on a suspended license.

Continue reading "Former NFL star Mark Ingram pleads not guilty in Flint court on suspended license charge" »

Flint Journal extras: See below for past articles about Kristina Pringle.

FLINT, Michigan -- It's a little less colorful now on Madison Avenue, but residents there really don't mind.

Last weekend, boards painted with pictures of Winnie the Pooh characters Tigger and Eeyore were taken off an abandoned home on the southside city street.

Continue reading "Nationally known Tigger and Eeyore murals in Flint taken down to make way for wrecking ball" »

Note: This is an expanded article on an earlier post of this story.

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- Ted Henry wrote another chapter Tuesday in what's quickly becoming a cautionary tale for others:

Call it, "Underestimate me at your own risk."

The Clayton Township Democrat, who won his seat on the Genesee County Board of Commissioners just two years ago as an underdog, first-time candidate, was unanimously elected chairman and promised straight-forward dealings and quick attention to an inherited budget deficit.

Continue reading "Ted Henry pledges "to work openly and honestly" after being elected chairman of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners" »