Latest news with #GrandTraverseCounty
CBS News
28-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Meandering bison blocks traffic on highway in Northwest Lower Michigan
A bison – initially described as a buffalo – decided to just stand in traffic on US-31 amid Grand Traverse County in Northern Michigan, tying up traffic in that area. Grand Traverse 911 told the tale via social media Friday morning, urging motorists to "please slow down in that area. No need to call us, we have units on the way." Although there was no picture provided of the actual incident, local residents clearly understood the scenario. The resulting conversation included jokes and references to memes made popular by the National Park Service's experiences with bison. But there were also safety reminders on how motorists should respond around large animals in a discussion that picked up over 1,000 reactions on Facebook, in addition to hundreds of comments and shares. "Nobody find that with your car, would be a terrible time," was one of the follow-up comments from the agency. The animal was originally described as a buffalo, but officers later learned it was a bison. There are American bison herds living in Northern Michigan. "Either way, please don't pet it or hit it with your car," the dispatchers said. The animal was eventually rounded up and the highway ultimately reopened.
CBS News
12-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Lawsuit settled after Michigan county commissioner flashes gun during Zoom meeting
A Michigan county has settled a lawsuit over an elected official who flashed a rifle during a COVID-19-era public meeting on Zoom. 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."
Associated Press
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Pandemic-era lawsuit over gun at Michigan Zoom meeting is settled for $100,000
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan county has settled a lawsuit over an elected official who flashed a rifle during a COVID-19-era public meeting on Zoom. 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.'
The Independent
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Pandemic-era lawsuit over gun at Michigan Zoom meeting is settled for $100,000
A Michigan county has settled a lawsuit over an elected official who flashed a rifle during a COVID-19-era public meeting on Zoom. 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."
