Latest news with #CountyBoardofCommissioners
Toronto Sun
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Pandemic-era lawsuit over gun at Michigan Zoom meeting settled for $100,000
Published May 12, 2025 • 1 minute read In this image from a Zoom meeting provided by the Grand Traverse, Mich., County Board of Commissioners, Ron Clous holds a rifle at his home Jan. 20, 2021, in Michigan. Photo by Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners / AP TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — A Michigan county has settled a lawsuit over an elected official who flashed a rifle during a COVID-19-era public meeting on Zoom. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Patricia MacIntosh accused Ron Clous of trying to silence her right to free speech when he displayed the rifle during a 2021 meeting of Grand Traverse County commissioners. The county last week approved a $100,000 deal with MacIntosh, the Traverse City Record-Eagle reported. Insurance will cover it. Clous, who is no longer a commissioner, also apologized. 'While not my intent, I understand that my actions in getting my rifle could reasonably have caused you to feel uncomfortable or intimidated, and for that, I apologize,' Clous wrote. The incident occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when the county board held public meetings over video conference. During the public comment period, MacIntosh had urged commissioners to make a statement opposing anti-government extremists, a few weeks after the U.S. Capitol riot. That's when Clous, a commissioner who was participating from home, left the screen and returned with a rifle. After paying legal fees, MacIntosh said she might create a scholarship fund with the balance of the money. She said she would not have sued if Clous had said, 'I'm sorry. I didn't realize how stupid this was.' Wrestling World Toronto Maple Leafs Editorial Cartoons Sunshine Girls
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Branch County Sheriff's Office implements bodycams, dashcams
COLDWATER, Mich. (WOOD) — The has recently implemented surveillance cameras for its deputies, including body-worn cameras and dash-mounted cameras within vehicles. Ottawa County deputies begin using dashboard cameras The BCSO says the County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase and implementation back in January. They have a five-year contract in place with Motorola Solutions valued at more than $500,000. 'Sheriff Fred Blankenship has indicated that the deployment of these cameras aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the Office of Sheriff,' the BCSO . 'While the introduction of this technology may lead to an increase in Freedom of Information Act requests, it is expected to provide valuable documentation of law enforcement interactions, thereby supporting both public trust and officer safety.' The BCSO also expects the footage will help them prosecute criminals. Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter As of , the Branch County Sheriff's Office was one of five county departments in West Michigan that had not adopted body-worn cameras. The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office also adopted body-worn cameras and dashcams in recent months. Sheriff Eric DeBoer said in addition to transparency and prosecution, footage recorded by these cameras can also show all of the good deeds that deputies and first responders do for the community. 'There was a situation (recently) where two deputies saved a woman's life by performing CPR. … It enabled us to showcase to our deputies, 'This is the work we're doing out here every day, these are two of your co-workers saving a life,'' DeBoer told News 8 . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Fortner family demands accountability after son's murder inside Fulton County Jail
The Brief The Fortner family is suing Fulton County, the sheriff, and the County Board of Commissioners, claiming their son died due to negligence after being stabbed over 20 times in jail. The lawsuit highlights the failure to isolate Leonard Fortner, who was HIV-positive and part of the LGBTQ+ community, from the general population, leading to his murder. The case is linked to broader issues of negligence at the Fulton County Jail, as outlined in a Department of Justice report, prompting calls for reform and accountability. ATLANTA - A family is taking legal action after their son was stabbed more than 20 times inside the Fulton County Jail in 2024. In a new lawsuit, the Fortner family claims their son, 37-year-old Leonard Fortner, died due to negligence inside the jail. The backstory The family is suing Fulton County, the sheriff, and the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, and they said they hope this lawsuit will hold those responsible for the Fulton County Jail accountable for keeping those incarcerated safe. The complaint claims the staff left their son, who was a member of the LGBTQ+ community and was HIV-positive, in the general population when he should've been isolated for medical reasons. However, Fortner was left in the general population from February 2024 until April 4, 2024, when he was killed. The lawsuit, filed on the one-year anniversary of Fortner's murder, also claims the man who stabbed Fortner, Edward Cherry, used a piece of the jail's crumbling walls to kill Fortner. Cherry has since pleaded guilty in court and is serving a life sentence in prison. What they're saying "He did not have the protection. He did not have his civil rights honored," said Leonard's mother, Donna Fortner. "So, we're wanting reform and reform enough where it's going to save lives." "He took part of the building, made the shank, and stabbed him over 20 times, stabbed him to death," said CK Hoffler, the family's attorney. "Being arrested and going to jail, to a county jail, should not equal a death sentence." SEE ALSO: Fulton County Jail deadly stabbing: Mother seeks justice, will file lawsuit Fulton County sheriff, commissioner respond to deadly stabbing of inmate at jail Man arrested for apartment fire on Joseph E Boone Boulevard identified Dig deeper Hoffler said what happened to Fortner is part of the negligence that was outlined in the November 2024 Department of Justice report on conditions and management of the Fulton County Jail. "It was a level of hurt. It was a level of disappointment. It felt as though we were deprived of Leonard's longevity of life because of their neglect," said Donna Fortner. That DOJ report was followed by a January consent decree demanding changes be made. "When the federal government is saying, 'You need to do this or else,' which is what a consent decree is, 'you must do ABC or else,' and it's enforceable by the courts, that, to me, would lead to plenty of action under normal circumstances, but we've not seen that," said Hoffler. "Where are the corrections? Where are you really working to make it better? It is your job. Do your job," said Fortner. Local perspective The Fortners say the county's inaction is why now is the right time for their lawsuit. As they wait for the county to enact federal demands, they hope their lawsuit will force real changes, so others inside the jail can serve their time safely. "We will never be the winners because we won't have our son, but at least we can be the advocate for those who cannot speak out, for those who may not know who to contact, build a community. Build a village," said Fortner. The Fortners said they are prepared for a lengthy legal battle ahead. "It's not about the money. It will never be about the money. Yes, it will be about human rights. Yes, it will be about making sure that they're doing what they're supposed to do. Yes, making sure that they're doing the changes. Reform it," said Fortner. Hoffler said this case is a wake-up call for the community. "Don't sleep on what is happening in the Fulton County Jail. Stand in solidarity with this fight. This fight is not about the money. It's about change, because before you know it, it could be your child," said Hoffler. The other side FOX 5 reached out to the sheriff's office for comment, but a spokesperson said the office cannot speak on pending litigation. LATEST ON FULTON COUNTY JAIL: Chicken sandwiches, drugs, cellphones among Fulton County Jail contraband Atlanta City Council committee delays resolution on relocating Fulton County inmates 18-year-old charged with stabbing Fulton County detention officer over a blanket Inmate convicted for stabbing deputy multiple times at Fulton County Jail Fulton County Jail reforms underway with DOJ-approved deal The Source FOX 5's Alexa Liacko to the family of Leonard Fortner for this article.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Doña Ana County seeks 3 people for planning panel
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Doña Ana County is looking for residents to serve on its Planning and Zoning Commission. Three seats are open on the all-volunteer board, which reviews land-use and development matters during twice-a-month public hearings. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, April 4. The vacancies will be filled by the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 22 during its regular meeting. The Planning and Zoning Commission members are appointed for two-year staggered this panel meets from 9 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Thursday of the month in the Commission Chambers at the County Government Center, 845 N. Motel. Blvd. 'Matters that historically have come before the commission include variance requests to land use requirements, special use permits designations, zone changes, subdivision reviews and approvals, appeals of staff decisions, reports to the Board of County Commissioners, and recommendations related to amendments or changes to the County's comprehensive plan and the Unified Development Code,' the County said in a news release. To be considered for an open seat, residents should submit a letter of interest, a current resume and three letters of reference. The application packet may be submitted in any of the following ways: Online: On the County's website, by visiting the About Us tab, then Apply for committees/ Boards. By clicking on this link or copying it onto the browser: By postal mail or hand-delivered: Eileen Garcia Doña Ana County Community Development Department 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88007 By email: eileeng@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
16 and ready to vote: A case for lowering the voting age in Maryland
Signs direct voters to a polling place at Sacred Heart Church in La Plata. (File photo by Angela Breck/Maryland Matters) In April 2024, the St. Mary's County Board of Commissioners grappled with a consequential decision: Whether to increase taxes to adequately fund schools or decrease taxes at the potential expense of educational quality, teachers' salaries, and specialized programs. This debate divided community members, with one critical group notably absent from the conversation—students. Although the outcomes would directly impact them, students had no vote, no representation, and little say in a matter pivotal to their futures. This situation highlights a glaring democratic gap: 16- and 17-year-olds are largely affected by decisions that shape their education, communities and futures, yet they remain disenfranchised. Maryland can and should address this inequity by lowering the voting age in local elections, starting a new chapter of democratic inclusion and civic engagement. As demonstrated by Takoma Park and others, Maryland's legal framework already lets cities regulate local elections. Under this policy, extending voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds in local elections is very simple and amplifies youth voices in critical issues such as education funding, environmental sustainability and public safety. Policymakers in Maryland have already spearheaded this effort, advocating to lower the voting age to 16 statewide. For example, the Your School, Your Voice Act, introduced by Del. Joe Vogel (D-Montgomery), gives counties the authority to lower the voting age to 16 in Board of Education elections. Maryland Matters welcomes guest commentary submissions at editor@ We suggest a 750-word limit and reserve the right to edit or reject submissions. We do not accept columns that are endorsements of candidates, and no longer accept submissions from elected officials or political candidates. Opinion pieces must be signed by at least one individual using their real name. We do not accept columns signed by an organization. Commentary writers must include a short bio and a photo for their bylines. Views of writers are their own. 'Legislators consider hundreds of pieces of legislation that directly impact young people — issues like how to fund their schools adequately, secure safe communities that don't lead to their over-incarceration, and more should center their voices and experiences. The ability to vote in some of our elections will ensure their input is truly considered.' – Joanne Antoine, executive director of Common Cause Maryland. Maryland is no stranger to innovation in local governance. In the past 13 years, eight Maryland cities, including Takoma Park, have extended voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds. Takoma Park's experience provides compelling evidence of success: In the first election after the change, turnout among 16- and 17-year-olds exceeded that of any other age group. Since then, similar initiatives in California, New Jersey, Vermont, and even 22 countries including Austria and Argentina have demonstrated that engaging younger voters strengthens democracy. Critics argue that teenagers lack the maturity to make informed voting decisions. However, research by Temple University and others counters this assumption. Studies find that 16-year-olds possess the same cognitive ability for 'cold reasoning' — logical, deliberate decision-making — as adults. Moreover, adolescents at this age are more likely to be embedded in stable social environments, often surrounded by peers and family members who model civic participation, fostering the development of lasting voting habits. Another misconception is that teens merely mimic their parents' choices. Evidence from Scotland's independence referendum shows that 40% of young voters had different preferences than their parents, proving that young people are independent thinkers capable of nuanced decision-making. Generation Z, often lauded for its activism and leadership, has already demonstrated its readiness to contribute meaningfully to civic life. From organizing climate strikes to advocating for gun-violence prevention, today's young people are profoundly shaping public discourse. Their engagement underscores the urgent need to grant them formal representation in the electoral process. Opposition to lowering the voting age often hinges on a perceived link between voting and legal adulthood. Yet this argument overlooks the fact that 16-year-olds already participate in society in meaningful ways: They work, pay taxes and drive. It is only fair that they have a voice in the policies that affect their daily lives and futures. Public opinion also supports this shift. Research from the University of Maryland's Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement reveals that Americans are increasingly open to lowering the voting age. Federal lawmakers, including Democratic Reps. Grace Meng of New York and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and former Texas Republican Rep. Michael Burgess have championed this cause, citing the unique perspectives and passion that young people bring to our democracy. Maryland can lead the nation by expanding democratic participation to younger residents. Organizations like Vote16USA, Vote16MD, Common Cause and others have laid the groundwork, advocating tirelessly for this change and empowering student leaders to take center stage. The time to act is now. Maryland can build a brighter future by ensuring all its citizens — regardless of age — have a voice in shaping it. By granting 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote, we affirm their stake in our shared future and strengthen our democracy for generations to come.
