Greg Nelson

Michigan

Multimedia Journalist at The Morning Sun

Articles

Gratiot woman’s murder trial rescheduled for next year

3 days ago | themorningsun.com | Greg Nelson

The Gratiot County woman accused of killing two people in a drunken driving crash more than a year ago in Clinton County has had her jury trial rescheduled once again. Ashley Marie Monroe, 36, of Perrinton, who faces two counts of second degree murder and several other felonies, was initially set to go to trial on April 9, in 29th Circuit Court in St. Johns before Judge Cori Barkman. The trial was then due to start Wednesday but has been postponed once more.
St. Louis to hold annual free fishing derby

5 days ago | themorningsun.com | Greg Nelson

An annual fishing tournament that attracts hundreds of anglers of all ages is set to take place in St. Louis on Saturday. The Joe Scholtz Memorial Free Fishing Derby will run from 9 a.m. to noon along the banks of the Pine River. The event, which in 2012 was renamed in honor of Scholtz, the founder and former mayor of St. Louis, who passed away unexpectedly in 2011, has been held for 25 years, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 when it was canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Gratiot foundation offering $96,000 in grants

1 week ago | themorningsun.com | Greg Nelson

Detroit’s population has grown; strategy to welcome immigrants explains the turnaround from decades of decline
Alma seeking state funding to upgrade wastewater treatment plant

1 week ago | themorningsun.com | Greg Nelson

For the past several years, city of Alma officials have tried to secure funding that would pay for upgrades at the city’s wastewater treatment plant without success. But that’s not stopping them from trying again. City commissioners unanimously approved a resolution following a public hearing at Tuesday’s meeting to apply for a $1.2 million community development block grant through the Michigan Strategic Fund. Commissioner Daniel Wernick was absent.
Riverdale arson suspect bound over for trial

1 week ago | themorningsun.com | Greg Nelson

A Riverdale man charged with trying to burn down his neighbor’s house earlier this year has been bound over for trial. Andrew Jakub Hitsman, 38, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of 2nd degree arson and has waived arraignment in 29th Circuit Court, according to court documents. Hitsman is next scheduled to appear before Circuit Court Judge Cori Barkman at 9:40 a.m. Monday, July 28 for a final trial conference. A jury trial is tentatively set to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 20.
Gratiot audit reveals $23,000 in misappropriated funds

2 weeks ago | themorningsun.com | Greg Nelson

Gratiot County’s regular annual financial audit has revealed several thousand dollars in misappropriated funds from the prior fiscal year. Members of the County Board of Commissioners heard details of the report, prepared by the county’s longtime accounting firm Yeo & Yeo, at last week’s meeting. \“During the course of the audit, fictitious invoices were identified that were processed and paid out of the county’s accounts payable system,” the report stated.
City Council: No backyard chickens in St. Louis

2 weeks ago | ourcommunitynow.com | Greg Nelson

Share Despite a survey that showed the majority of respondents supported an ordinance change that would allow residents to raise backyard chickens, city council members don’t think it would be a good idea. The board voted 3-2 earlier this month not to change the rules, according to council meeting minutes.
City Council: No backyard chickens in St. Louis

2 weeks ago | themorningsun.com | Greg Nelson

Despite a survey that showed the majority of respondents supported an ordinance change that would allow residents to raise backyard chickens, city council members don’t think it would be a good idea. The board voted 3-2 earlier this month not to change the rules, according to council meeting minutes. Council members Elizabeth Upton and Fares Azzam voted in favor of amending the ordinance, however, Mayor Ralph Echtinaw, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Leonard and Councilman Kevin Palmer voted against the move.
Court proceedings to resume next month for Alma murder suspect

2 weeks ago | themorningsun.com | Greg Nelson

Court proceedings for an Alma man accused in the gruesome killing of his employer and cousin earlier this year are due to resume next month. Jack Can Nguyen, 31, has been charged with open murder in the March 19 stabbing death of Travis V. Nguyen, 48, the owner of L.A. Nails on North Alger Road in Gratiot County’s Pine River Township. Jack Nguyen was initially due to face a preliminary hearing on April 10 but that did not take place.
56th annual Highland Festival on tap this weekend

2 weeks ago | themorningsun.com | Greg Nelson

It’s a weekend where, regardless of their heritage, everyone who visits or lives in Alma becomes at least a wee bit Scottish. The town known as “Scotland U.S.A.” will be hosting the 56th annual Highland Festival and Games Friday through Sunday, May 23-25 on the campus of Alma College. Things kickoff Friday with a performance by the Alma High School jazz band at 5:30 p.m. on the lawn of the Heritage Center for the Performing Arts.