I am writing today to announce the closure of the Michigan Messenger. After four years of operation in Michigan, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news into a single site, The American Independent at Americanindependent.com. This is part of a shift in strategy, towards new forms [...]
An abstinence-only presentation provided to numerous school districts in Calhoun and Eaton Counties in October of this year provided false and misleading information to students about HIV, experts allege.
Two county registers of deeds filed a class action lawsuit Monday on behalf of Michigan’s 83 counties alleging that the Mortgage Electronic Registration Services owes millions of dollars in property title transfer taxes.
Despite evidence of the impact of mercury on children and public health, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette last month joined with 24 other state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to scuttle new EPA regulations that would reduce mercury emissions from power plants.
As part of an effort to fix a $9.5 million budget shortfall the Flint school board is considering bids from companies interested in taking over transportation, building and grounds maintenance, waste removal and pest control.
At a meeting last night school board members signed off on contracts for pest control and waste removal but did not approve a $2.5 million bid for custodial services from FEATS of Portland, Mich., the Flint Journal reports.
Board assistant secretary-treasurer Vera Perry said the lower pay rate included in the bids for custodial services – from $15 per hour to $8.25 – were too harsh.
“To me, you’re asking them to go into bankruptcy,” Perry said.
“This is ridiculous, it’s politics,” said board member David Davenport.
Ed Dollin, director of operations for both FEATS and METS [the company with the low bid for pest control services], said the companies could negotiate with the district on pay rates.
“We’re going to give every one of those people (currently on staff) an opportunity to work for us,” Dollin said. “You guys can set the salary.”
The board has agreed to continue discussion on outsourcing custodial and other services.
Officials expect a final 2011-12 budget to be prepared by June 1.
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