Looking back
2020’s top stories in mid-michigan countdown: No. 5-No. 2
We’re counting down the top midMichigan stories of 2020 as determined by online pageviews. Here are Nos. 5 to 2. Tomorrow we look at the top COVID stories.
5 Shepherd fires coach
In February, Shepherd Public Schools fired its junior varsity baseball coach while he was under police investigation for a relationship he was rumored to have had with a student.
Colten Mitchell, a former volunteer coach, who had been hired in July 2019, had not yet coached a game.
He was informed of the school’s decision in a letter, obtained by the Morning Sun through a Freedom of Information Act request, from former Shepherd Superintendent Steve Brimmer.
The allegation was investigated by the Shepherd Police Department but no charges were filed because there was insufficient evidence that a crime was committed, according to a report from Chief Luke Sawyer, which was also obtained under a FOIA request.
The case was later turned over to the Gratiot County Sheriff’s Office because that’s where Mitchell lives but no charges have been filed there either. Former Shepherd baseball coach coverage
4 Mt. Pleasant woman dies in stabbing
Nangonhs Massey, 21, was stabbed in the early morning hours of Nov. 16 at the Oak Street Apartments in Mt. Pleasant.
The victim later died at a Midland hospital. A 22-year- old male was also stabbed but his injuries were not fatal.
Police later arrested Kaden Elizabeth Gilbert, 20, of Shepherd, who was charged with murder, felonious assault and assault with a dangerous weapon.
She was arrested shortly after victims and eyewitnesses identified her as the suspect who attacked the pair with a folding pocket knife she had concealed in the sleeve of her sweater.
After being jailed, Gilbert intentionally injured herself to the point of needing hospitalization. She was ordered to undergo a psychiatric examination to see if she is fit to stand trial.
Gilbert is being charged in federal court in Bay City because both victims are Native American and the attacks happened within the Isabella Indian Reservation.
3
Remus company emails employee of closing
A longtime manufacturer of specialty stone countertops and other household fixtures in Remus told its employees by email in early January that it was permanently closing and workers were immediately terminated. U. S. Marble, which was founded more than 50 years ago by Remus-area resident John Bishop, had been sold to Birmingham, MI- based Clio Holdings in 2017. Company officials made the decision on Friday, Jan. 10, and informed approximately 150 workers that it was closing immediately and employees would no longer have health insurance unless they found their own options. No COBRA insurance coverage - allowing employees to continue on a company policy by paying their own premiums - would be offered, the notice said. Instead, employees were advised to join their spouse’s insurance, apply under the Affordable Care Act or find a short- term policy online. Some workers later found that payroll checks were unable to be cashed and that certain paid time off and other benefits were also not being honored by the company. Many complained to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, which stepped in to assist those who lost their jobs. Remus company coverage
2 Redman charged with sister’s murder
Corbin James Redman was arraigned on Jan 17 in Gratiot County 65th District Court where he was charged with killing his 11-year- old sister on Aug. 20, 2019 in their Arcada Township home.
Addison Redman had been found dead on the couch with a single gunshot through her head. The siblings were home by themselves when the incident occurred.
The first day of his twice delayed preliminary hearing was held June 8, when the prosecution called several witnesses, followed by the second day, which was postponed until Aug. 6, when the defense presented its case. Redman, who was 15 at the time of the alleged murder, is being tried as an adult.
Following the preliminary hearing District Court Judge Stewart Mcdoanld ruled there was enough evidence for the case to move forward to trial in 29th Circuit Court, where Redman will face charges of open murder and felony firearms.
He remains free but is confined to his home on a GPS tether to monitor his movements, and he must remain under the constant supervision of either his mother, father or grandfather.
A trial date has yet to be set.