Second Annual Ypsi Pride Friday June 1 in downtown Ypsi.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

In light of the success of last year's first Annual Ypsi Pride, organizers have decided to do it again. According to organizers, "Ypsi Pride is back and better than ever!" I'm  glad to hear it because I had a great time covering last years event! The event will take place Friday, June 1, from 5 pm till 10 pm on N Washington in downtown Ypsilanti.

According to those planning the event, there will be two stages of family friendly entertainment, a kids activity area, vendors, local organizations and beer gardens. Hard to beat that!

The Pearl Stage will be located at N Washington at Pearl St. This location will include Washington St Drag at 5:30 pm, as well as more fun events. The Market Stage will be located at S. Washington at the Ypsi Farmers Marketplace and will include DJ Eddie and other very cool events.

There will be a Children's Activity Area, also. Love it!

Michigan Congresswoman releases statement in honor of Memorial Day.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) has released the following statement in honor of Memorial Day, which will be observed on Monday, May 28.

“On Memorial Day, we come together in our communities to honor the legacy of the American heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country and the democratic values we hold dear. Since America’s founding, over 1.3 million American men and women have answered the patriotic call to service and laid down their lives for the freedom of families at home and afar. Their courage, their character, and the enduring power of their example truly embody the best of America.

“As we pay tribute to these fallen heroes this weekend, let us pledge to serve our veterans and their families as well as they have served us. May we always remember that we are the land of the free because of the brave- in war and in peace, our soldiers deserve our endless thanks and support."

Porn And A Song: By PWP contributor Dolly Tittle of Ypsilanti.

PORN AND A SONG

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Since down is up and up is down, referring to the fact that Donald Trump is our President, I would like to reflect on two thoughts, a couple of things that I would have never imagined.  One is that the world will owe a debt of gratitude to a porn star one day.  I am personally grateful for her now.  Coming forward and tackling the issue was the one thing she could do to cover her ass.  I mean no disrespect to her but it is a humorous figure of speech for someone who exposes herself for a living.  I digress, I have always felt that pornography equals exploitation.  And while it is audacious for some women to be empowered by their bodies and make a living, I still see more of the degrading aspects of the job (e.g., pleasuring male fantasies, etc.) and less of the bravery.  But Stormy Daniels, this professional in the art of the erotic, has played her cards well.  Lying about her may be the downfall of Donald Trump, not tax evasion, not sexual assault, not plain incompetence, not his deals with Russia, but lying about his relationship with a porn star.

If an adult film professional is the only pro that can put an end to this phony administration and end the appointment of the man seated at one of the most powerful offices on Earth, can a hymn, the Star Spangled Banner, do the same thing for professional football?  Down is up, up is down.  We all know that this barbaric sport is out of control.  The research for brain injuries and concussions in this sport is staggering.  There is something that feels dirty about watching men hurt each other, like gladiators in Roman times.  But like porn, it is addictive.  The hours of the days, the days of the weeks, and the seasons of the years are set aside to be devoted to this sport.  Football has managed to survive all the TV viewing trends, and changes, and has managed to maintain a live audience at its beckon.   The NFL’s new policy on the national anthem requiring athletes to stand is a pretty drastic move for a country boasting inalienable rights.  Will that be enough for viewers who are on the fence of the morality of supporting this sport to stop watching?  Can a song written two centuries ago be the Key, pun intended, to destabilizing this monumental American household staple?  It’s too soon to know, but it would be as unexpected as a porn star saving the U.S. of A.

Dolly R. Tittle is a Puerto Rican mom who has lived in Ypsilanti, MI since 1993.

On the Flint Water Crisis: Contributed to PWP by Flint activist Melissa Mays.

By Melissa Mays.

Flint residents. It is time to contact your City Council people to express how important it is that THOUSANDS of Flint residents not lose their homes due to the inability to pay the highest rates in the United States for poison water.
Maurice D Davis, Kate Fields, Santino J. Guerra , Monica Galloway Councilwoman 7th Ward, Eric Mays, Jerri Winfrey-Carter, Herbert Winfrey, Eva Worthing, Allan Griggs, Karen Williams Weaver
PLEASE do what's right and vote FOR the Moratorium that stops poisoned Flint residents from becoming HOMELESS because they cannot afford the poison being forced upon them.

PLEASE STOP allowing the continued punishment against the poor & poisoned YOU are supposed to represent.

Residents, call your council person and plan on going to the Committee meeting tomorrow at 5 pm at City Hall.

Phone numbers:
Eric Mays (810) 922-4860 (cell)
Maurice Davis (810) 397-3205 (cell)
Santino J. Guerra (810) 449-9619 (cell)
Kate Fields (810) 766-7418 ext. 3164
Jerri Winfrey-Carter (810) 397-3621 (cell)
Herbert Winfrey (810) 449-8711 (cell)
Monica Galloway (810) 423-7332 (cell)
Allan Griggs. (810) 397-3691 (cell)
Eva Worthing. (810) 210-8347 (cell)*

*Eva thankfully already supports the moratorium to stop the tax liens/foreclosures. We need to make sure the rest of our local elected officials see how important it is to protect the most vulnerable and not kick them out into the streets over a water bill. This shameful action will REDUCE the taxbase, shrink the amount of water rate payers AND leave thousands of homes open for blight. A vote to kick THOUSANDS of poisoned residents out of their homes is a vote to further destroy our city.

Dershowitz seems to argue two main things: By PWP contributor Brooks Parola, formerly of Flint Town.

By Brooks Parola: PWP. 

So Dershowitz seems to argue two main things:

1) The entire election was corrupted on many levels, so an independent, non-partisan commission should have been created to look into the election, instead of Mueller, whose focus is strictly on whether Trump colluded with Russia.

2) The laws regarding foreign interference in elections are too vague for anyone to really know if the Russians violated any laws.

Okay, but what he fails to acknowledge is the REASONABLE SUSPICION that existed from the very beginning that Trump might have colluded with the Russians. And good god folks, there was plenty of reasonable suspicion, that justified Mueller’s appointment.

Secondly, what’s Dershowitz’s bias in assuming that Mueller is incapable of knowing and understanding what the laws are, and which of those have been violated? Why is Dershowitz’s desired commission the only ones capable of doing that? And how can he make such assumptions BEFORE Mueller issues his final report?

His entire assumption that Mueller’s very existence is biased is absolute nonsense.

Thanks a lot to the guy who called me a "F@#*ing* Fat Ass" in the Ypsi Walgreens parking lot Saturday. Jeez.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

I would like to give the gentleman who called me a "Fucking Fat Ass" Saturday afternoon in the parking lot of the Ypsi Washtenaw Ave Walgreens a thank you. So, here's the story. I was backing out of a parking space when another car was simultaneously backing into the space next to me. The thing is that the individual who was backing into the space didn't seem to know that I was backing out and, it appeared that if I didn't quickly stop backing up myself, she would have hit me. Anyway, after the other car parked I did give the driver a little look, as if to say, hey, you almost hit me. Suddenly, a guy in the passenger seat jumped out of the car, came over to my car, gave me the finger, and said to me loudly, "Fuck you, you fucking fat ass!" Jeez.

Now friends, I do know that I have indeed gained a few pounds around the old waistline over the past few years and that my blue jeans are not as comfy as they used to be, but "Fucking Fat ass? " Ooh, ouch! So, what did I do in retaliation to this vulgar insult in the Ypsi Walgreen parking lot?... I rolled down my passenger side window and with most likely a look of bewilderment, anger, and devastation (at being called fat) I said....what!? Yep, that was my comeback. But here's the amazing part. The guy said, "I'm sorry. You didn't do anything." The fellow then reached into my car to shake my hand...which I shook. Wow! The whole thing was kind of bizarre and really maddening. I mean the guy called me a fat ass. Great.

To be honest, on  the way home all I could think was, am I fat? Anyway, I get home and immediately call a friend of mine. I call and my friend picks up the phone.."Hey", he says. I say, "Am I fat?" I'm serious! I was quite pathetic. My friend assured me that I was not fat, just carrying a few extra pounds. Fair enough.

Here's my takeaway from the whole wretched ordeal..Americans have become very skilled at being nasty to each other. I know, I know, that sounds like a really bombastic statement, but that's what I think. I mean, nothing gets on the nerves of Americans more than...other Americans! Sadly, if people don't share our political views, we hate them. This happens on the right and the left. If we don't like the way someone else is driving in front of us, or, god forbid, cuts us off, we want to pulverize them. Well, maybe not PULVERIZE them, but you get my drift. I think that what it is is that many of us Americans are frustrated, on edge, pissed off, stressed out and angry. And, sadly, for good reason.

Honestly, I think its kind of cool that guy who called me a fucking fat ass apologized right there on the spot. However, he's a complete jerk for calling me a fucking fat ass. Fat ass?! Jeez. I need some comfort food.

Where I was parked when guy called me fat ass. Photo PWP.

Parola Perspective: Congrats Meghan and Harry: By Brooks Parola, formerly of Flint.

It's progress, and it's important progress. Like Obama's presidency, it's always important to see nations who have long histories of racial discrimination, take a step like this.

Now hopefully we've learned our lesson, and won't be naive enough to, like we did with Obama's presidency, suggest that we've moved into a "post racial" world. Because boy have we been proven wrong!

But we can't dismiss this wedding either. We must recognize the progress it represents. I've been a proud mutt my entire life, and while I'm not naive enough to think that we can ever wipe the scourge of racism completely from the face of the earth, I've always believed that the more interracial, interethnic offspring the world creates, the closer we get to that ultimate goal.

So, congrats Meghan and Harry, and thank you for making the world, a closer, civil, and loving place.

Texas school shooting Sante Fe High: Texas Gov Greg Abbott message to Regional Director Texas Dept Public Safety.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

"Dear Director Collins: The devastating act sustained by the Santa Fe High School community today has deeply touched the core of who we are as caring people. As such, it is fitting that flags should be lowered to half-staff in memory of those who lost their lives. Therefore, pursuant to Chapter 3100 of the Texas Government Code, I direct the Texas flag be immediately lowered to half-staff statewide on Friday, May 18, 2018, in memory of those who lost their lives. Flags should remain at half-staff through sunset on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. Flags should be returned to fullstaff on the following day. Individuals, businesses, municipalities, counties and other political subdivisions and entities are encouraged to fly their flags at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of honor and respect. The First Lady and I extend our prayers of comfort to the survivors and the families of the victims and we will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers."

Eastern Michigan University states that "Lawsuit in response to the elimination of four sports is without merit."

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018, Eastern Michigan University released a statement stating that a recent lawsuit attempting to challenge a  decision made by EMU administration to eliminate four sports at the university has no merit.

As stated in Tuesday's media release, "The lawsuit challenging the University focuses on the decision to eliminate the sports, citing the Michigan Open Meeting Act."

According to Eastern Michigan University, "The lawsuit is without merit in all regards and we will vigorously defend the interests of the University,” said Geoff Larcom, executive director of media relations for the University. “The facts in this situation are clear. No violation of the Open Meetings Act occurred at our Board of Regents meeting because the decision to reduce varsity sports is an administrative decision and does not require approval of the Board of Regents. As such, the decision was not presented to the Regents for their approval.

“The Regents are neither required nor expected to make administrative decisions such as this. To the contrary, Board policies clearly indicate that such decisions are a University management function. This is not unique to Eastern. Other universities have similar policies.

“For this reason, the University believes there is no merit to the lawsuit, and plans a vigorous defense."

Parola Perspective: On compromise : By PWP contributor Brooks Parola, formerly of Flint Town.

Folks, if we believe in the importance of diplomacy over militarism, then it is up to all of us, but especially those on the supposedly pacifistic left, to stand up for diplomacy. To do that one must stand up for the FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPAL OF COMPROMISE! Yet there are as many on the left, as there are on the right who now think that compromise, and therefore diplomacy is for wimps! If you give up on compromise in the domestic arena of politics, than you encourage the trend of undermining it, on the international stage as well.

Matt Patricia: The Lion King or Lyin' King?? By PWP contributor Bob Resch.

Bob Resch: Purple Walrus Press.

May 10, 2018 was a very strange day for the Detroit Lions, Lions fans,
the NFL and sports fans in general.  Newly hired head coach Matt
Patricia stood at the podium, dressed in black, and issued a statement
declaring his innocence and frustration stemming from a sexual assault
charge that happened on spring break while he was a student at
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on South Padre Island, Texas, in
1996.

The Lions top brass, including owner Martha Ford look like they were
attending a funeral.  This revelation must have been devastating to
hear,  BUT, none the less, they were there to support their newly
ordained coach.

Patricia was indicted in 1996, which means there was sufficient
evidence, according to the Prosecutor, to bring one count of
aggravated sexual assault to a court of law.   The case was dropped
with the woman decided not to go through with the trial.  Was it
because she would too embarrassed or did the incident really not
occur??  Only she and Matt Patricia know for sure.

Obviously, Matt Patricia never mentioned the incident when
interviewing for jobs after college.   He considered himself innocent
even though this ugly incident appears to have occurred.  Somehow, 22
years later, The Detroit News found out through a background check and
here we are today.

We are left to wonder if Lion's GM Bob Quinn didn't see, or didn't
want to see, the report on file with APG Security, a private
investigative firm in New Jersey with 21 offices throughout the United
States including Texas.

We can only hope the NFL review board will find that the charge was
unsubstantiated.

There are two sides to every story, but as long as the woman in
question chooses to maintain her silence, we are left with only Matt
Patricia's side of the story.

We can only hope that for Matt Patricia and his family, let alone Lion Nation, can get past this and move on with their hopes and dreams.

Desirae Simmons has announced her candidacy for Ypsilanti City Council.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Ypsilanti resident Desirae Simmons has announced that she is running for Ypsilanti City Council and is excited about the opportunity to represent Ypsilanti's diverse 3rd Ward. Desirae plans to build on her current work with the planning Commission's subcommittee on Affordability and Accessibility in order to create collaborative leadership, as well as transparency to City Council.

Desirae has been very outspoken in Ypsilanti in her advocacy for the values of all residents in the city. She is also a founding member of Love, Resilience, Action Ypsi and Rising for Economic Democracy Ypsi. Desirae also supports Defend Affordable Ypsi. She is interested in and committed to advocating/organizing for progressive housing policy, representative community participation and equitable economic growth.

Desirae lives close to Prospect Park with her partner and one year old daughter. She grew up in in Chicago and Cleveland and moved to Ypsilanti after living in Boston. Working for the UM in higher education, Desirae is interested in experiential community based learning, diversity, equity and social justice and supports unions and cooperatives.

“I believe that Ypsilanti residents are an under-utilized asset to the city,” said Desiraé. “Ypsilanti needs leaders who not only listen to their constituents’ concerns, but who also facilitate the processes necessary to enact the community’s vision.”

Meet Desirae at her campaign launch party on Saturday, May 12 at Go! Ice cream located at 10 N Washington St between 4:30 and 8pm.

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell statement on President Trump's decision to withdraw from Iran Nuclear agreement.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today released the following statement on President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. 

“This dangerous decision puts our national security at risk. The Iran Nuclear Agreement has worked as intended for more than two years, preventing Iran from obtaining the materials needed to gain nuclear capability. Withdrawing from this agreement without an alternative or a comprehensive strategy is irresponsible and makes it easier, not harder, for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. This decision jeopardizes our relationship with our allies around the world and threatens the security of the American people.”

Michigan State Police Training Division hosting 76th Fire Investigation 1 School

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) Training Division is hosting the 76th Fire Investigation I School, which began Monday, April 30 and concludes Friday, May 11.

Veteran prosecutors, detectives and fire experts will provide students with instruction on fire scene preservation and investigation training. Some of the topics covered include fire behavior, origin and cause determination, thermodynamics, explosions, arson motives and vehicle fires. Students will also participate in mock crime scene scenarios to practice their skills in crime scene preservation, evidence collection, fire investigation and media relations.

Completion of the Fire Investigation I School is the first step in the process of becoming a certified fire investigator. This according to the MSP.

When:   Thursday, May 10, 2018
             10 a.m. to noon

Where:  2595 Dietz Road 
             Williamston, MI 48895

4.5 million in federal grants available to Native American groups to provide crime victim services.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Native American organizations across the state can apply for $4.5 million in federal grants to provide services for crime victims, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced last week.

The MDHHS Division of Victim Services has posted its third of five requests for proposals for Victims of Crime Act funding. MDHHS will award three-year U.S. Department of Justice grants of $50,000 to $500,000.

Michigan has the largest number of federally-funded recognized Native American Tribes east of the Mississippi. There is also a significant number of urban American Indians and Alaska Natives residing in southeast Michigan. Michigan needs tribal victim services and the goal is to reach the underserved and unserved members of the Native American population.

The division is accepting proposals from 12 Native American tribes and organizations: Bay Mills Indian Community, Hannahville Indian Community, Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians, Huron Potawatomi/Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Gun Lake Band/Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians and the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and American Indian Services.

Questions about the RFP for tribal victim services can be emailed to MDHHS-CVSC-VOCA-GRANTS@michigan.gov and must be submitted by 5 p.m. May 11. The deadline for proposals is 3 p.m. June 7.

For more information or to apply, visit the MI E-Grants website and select the “About EGrAMS” link on the left panel to access the Crime Victims Competitive Agreement Instructions. The Tribal Victim Services request for proposal is under “Legal and Policy Affairs” in the Current Grants section in the left panel.

For more information about Michigan’s Division of Victim Services, visit michigan.gov/crimevictims.

12th District Activist Summit organized to Harness Progressive Energy for Midterm Elections.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to a press release from political director Ashley Hall, a coalition of progressive activists, organizations and elected officials across Michigan’s 12th Congressional District are inviting energized community members to participate in the 12th District Activist Summit for a day of learning, training, and momentum building for the 2018 election.

The Summit will take place at Woodhaven High School, 24787 Van Horn Rd., Brownstown Charter Township. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturday, May 12th.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to participate with other activists to learn and act to elect candidates who share our beliefs in a pluralistic, respectful society that serves everyone.” said Charles Newman, Chair of Protectors of Equality in Government.

During the 2016 elections, MI-12 was the only Congressional District in Michigan to increase voter turnout from Obama’s 2012 numbers, proving that this community knows how to work together to engage volunteers, talk to voters, and win. With 2018 well underway, this Summit will be an opportunity to get involved in issues that matter to our community, while also gaining critical training on voter mobilization and volunteer recruitment efforts. Attendees will leave ready to become volunteer leaders in electoral and issue campaigns across the district.

“The energy, commitment, and know-how in Michigan’s 12^th District is second to none, but we can’t take anything for granted this election,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “It will take all of us coming together to organize, volunteer, and talk to everyone – friends, neighbors and perfect strangers – so can win in 2018 and continue to fight for our values and the issues that matter to our community.”

The 12th District Activist Summit is sponsored by the 12th District Democratic Party, A2D2 Ann Arbor inDivisible for Democracy, Ann Arbor Democratic Club, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Indivisible Downriver 12th District, Indivisible Washtenaw County, Michigan Resistance, Michigan Women's March, Our Revolution: Michigan To Believe In, ​Protectors of Equality in Government, Poised For Action, Reclaiming Our American Democracy, State Representative Darrin Camilleri, State Representative Cara Clemente, State Representative Erika Geiss, State Representative Abdullah Hammoud, State Representative Donna Lasinski, State Representative Yousef Rabhi, State Representative Adam Zemke and the Washtenaw County Democratic Party.

The summit is free and registration is open. Register and find more information at https://www.12thdistrictsummit.com/, or by contacting12thdistrictsummit@gmail.com.

Ann Arbor YMCA to open Child Development Center in Ypsilanti.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

The Ann Arbor YMCA will soon be opening a Child Development Center in Ypsilanti which is great news for the community. The Ann Arbor YMCA is opening the new Child Development Center in collaboration with Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti Housing Commission and Ypsilanti Community Schools..

The brand new child care program will be located at the former Chappelle Community School, which was an elementary school in the Ypsilanti Community School District located at 111 South Wallace Boulevard. The YMCA Child Development Center will be licensed by the State of Michigan and will be accredited by the NAEYC ( National Association for the Education of the Young Child). The Child Development Center will will accommodate children ages 18 months to 5 years old.

The grand opening will take place on Monday, June 11 from 4-6 pm. Guests will be able check out and tour the center and meet the staff.

More info can be found on the Ann Arbor YMCA website or at thecollaborative@annarborymca.org.

Parola Perspective: Guiliani

By Brooks Parola: PWP.

I'm not sure that Guiliani's admission that Trump paid Coen back the $130,000 is that big a deal. Yes, it's an admission that Trump lied, (yeah big deal, everyone knows he lies) yes, it's an admission that there was an affair, (big deal, everyone knows that).

But, the base will continue to support Trump, and this allows them to at least make the case, that the payment was more about keeping the affair quiet for personal reasons, not political ones, and therefore, no campaign finance violation.

Now clearly, others will be the final arbiters of whether the payment was a campaign finance violation or not. But, I think the Trump team strategy at this point, is to admit to the payment, (since everyone knows it happened) and focus not on arguing that he made the payment, but why he made it, to counter the campaign finance violation charge...I don't think the admission hurts him politically. Continuing to deny it, could hurt him more legally

MDHHS urges families to become familiar with resources available during Better Hearing and Speech Month.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

As part of May is Better Hearing and Speech Awarness Month, the Michigan Dept of Health

and Human Services (MDHHS) is promoting resources available through its Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI).

According to MDHHS, all of Michigan’s 84 birthing hospitals perform newborn hearing screens, and annually about 175 babies are identified as deaf or hard of hearing. The EHDI program assists hospitals, clinics, midwives and parents in identifying infants with hearing loss and enrollment in appropriate audiological services.

“

Language and speech development in infants and children helps them acquire skills that are important to literacy success, which is why hearing screens are so vital,” said Dr. Eden Wells, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Research has shown early identification of hearing loss and enrollment in intervention services may lead to significant benefits in childhood development.”

According to a statement from MDHHS, the EHDI program strives to achieve goals set by national and federal partners to improve screening, hearing loss detection and early enrollment in intervention services. These goals include:

• All newborns will be screened for hearing loss no later than 1 month of age, preferably before hospital discharge.
• All infants who screen positive for hearing loss will have a diagnostic audiologic evaluation no later than 3 months of age.
• All infants identified with hearing loss will receive appropriate early intervention services by no later than 6 months of age.

The EHDI program provides information about infant hearing screening and family support resources on its website Michigan.gov/ehdi. Two of those resources are Early On ^® and Michigan Hands and Voices - Guide By Your Side™.  

Early On offers early intervention services for children from birth to 3 years of age, who have developmental delays and/or disabilities, including hearing loss. The program is a collaborative of MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Education.

Guide by Your Side is a non-profit whose membership includes teachers, audiologists, interpreters and parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The free program provides support and information, as well as the chance for parents just learning of their child's hearing loss an opportunity to connect with other parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing to help guide them, according to MDHHS.

Individual shot and killed near International Academy of Flint K-12 school Tuesday in Flint...An area I know well

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to ABC 12 News in Flint Michigan, at approximately 1:00 pm Tuesday,  an individual was shot and killed at The Rock Fitness Center on South Saginaw Street in my hometown of Flint, Mi. As reported by WJRT 12 News Flint, the person was working out with a Flint Police officer while being shot at the popular fitness center. The shooting occurred at 2623 S. Saginaw Street.

As of 4:00 pm Tuesday, Flint Police and the Michigan State Police have a heavy presence at the scene and are currently looking for the suspects.

Flint Police Chief Timothy Johnson stated to WJRT 12 Flint that one of his officers was inside the fitness center at the time of the shooting. Two guys walked into the center stating that they were there to fix the roof, Johnson told WJRT. Moments later the suspects began shooting. The man working out with the Flint Police officer was shot and killed at scene. The officer was not harmed.

According to WJRT 12 News, the the police are searching for two shooters. Ther are no decsriptions available at this time.

The International Academy Flint, which is a k-12 school, is located two blocks away from shooting. The school was on lockdown Tuesday afternoon and students were sheltering in place after the shooting. I know IAF well, as I taught at the school in my hometown of Flint from 1999 until moving to Ypsilanti in 2004.

It is always sad to learn of shootings in my hometown, which are far too common, but when one occurs in parts of town I know so well, its even more sad. The school has since re-opened.

I'm confident that the Flint Police will soon apprehend the suspects. Though understaffed, the Flint Police Dept is doing an excellent job of policing the city during very difficult times in Flint. The Flint PD has compassionate and committed officers who want to curtail crime and have a positive relationship with residents. I know this because I have had the opportunity to get to know several of the officers myself over the years. They will apprehend the perpetrators of this horrible crime that resulted in a loss of life. Lets hope that children at IAF will not have to go through the traumatic experience of having a homicide take place down the street in the middle of the school day.