Rochester Area Cyclist in Critical Condition after Make-A-Wish Bicycle Tour Crash

Two cyclists were killed and three others were being treated for severe injuries after a sport utility vehicle (SUV) struck them during the Make-A-Wish Bicycle Tour across Michigan on Saturday, July 30, in Ionia County. According to investigators, the SUV was traveling northbound on Stage Road in Ronald Township, crossed the centerline near Nickleplate Road attempting to pass UPS truck in a no-passing zone, and crashed into the cyclists at around 11:00 a.m. The driver is accused of being … [Read more...]

Judge Warren Commentary: Being Present in a Modern World

Our life as modern Americans is full of distractions. When a single computer exponentially more powerful than the all the devices used to land a man on the moon fits in your pocket, with access to nearly all the information (good, bad, and neutral) mankind currently has available within a few taps, is it any wonder that we can become entertained in a mind-numbing fashion? I need not list the litany of social media, TV programs, movies, sports, video games, shopping, and other myriads that can … [Read more...]

Judge Warren Commentary on Dobbs Leak reversing Roe v Wade

On May 2, Politico published a draft majority opinion of the United States Supreme Court in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The draft reverses the landmark Roe v Wade decision, which found a federal constitutional right to an abortion. The resulting media frenzy and political explosion proves exactly why the leak of such opinions, and the inner workings of courts has an extremely corrosive effect on American constitutional jurisprudence and gravely threatens the rule of law. The … [Read more...]

Remembering Frank Beckmann

On Saturday, February 12, 2022 at the age of 72, legendary WJR radio broadcaster Frank Beckmann, with his loving wife and family by his side, entered the gates of heaven and joined his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in eternal life. Frank Beckmann at the grand opening of the Veterans Tribute of Oakland Township - photo by Michael Dwyer To the dismay of millions of listeners, Frank retired from WJR on March 26, 2021, as he desired to spend more time with his loving family and close friends. … [Read more...]

Remembering William A. Mitzelfeld

In 1945, the Rochester High Football team defeated their archrivals, Lake Orion, 45-13. Bill Mitzelfeld scored three touchdowns-one on a “thrilling 65-yard broken field run” and passed twice for extra points. That fall performance was emblematic of his life, which ended on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Born April 13, 1929, he was 92 years old. He was a successful businessperson who, with his wife of 73 years, Diana, built and grew Mitzelfeld’s Department Store. Both highly civic minded, … [Read more...]

Remembering Bernadette Joan Kurkowski

Bernadette Joan Kurkowski, age 75, resident of Royal Oak, MI, passed away in the early morning of November 29, 2021. She was born in Pontiac, MI on October 11, 1946 to the late William and Helen Kurkowski. Bernadette was also preceded in death by her brother Lester Kurkowski, her dear sister Delores Dwyer, and longtime partner, Herman “Willie” Landt. She is survived by her loving sister Loretta Reid, her nephews Victor Reid, William Dwyer, and Michael Dwyer; her nieces Pamela (Reid) Williams, … [Read more...]

Judge Michael Warren Looks Past the Empty Gestures of Independence Day

As we approach Independence Day, the toxic cultural and political environment in which we live continues to unravel slowly our once shared belief in the American Dream. Hon. Michael Warren Many people this July Fourth will undoubtedly go through the empty gestures of fireworks, barbecues, and family gatherings. Hardly any will reflect on the magnificent Declaration of Independence and how, despite its many flaws, it is a shining, monumental change for all of mankind. Let’s look at four … [Read more...]

Remembering Ray H. Lawson

In Memory of Ray H. Lawson By Deborah Larsen Most children watching the Rochester Christmas Parade keep their eyes peeled for the last unit in line—that’s Santa Claus, after all. As a child, I was equally fascinated with the first unit in the parade. Right there at front and center, just after the slow-rolling police cruiser, in every year for what seemed like decades, was Ray Lawson. Proudly wearing his crisp American Legion uniform, his white-gloved hands firmly holding the staff of the … [Read more...]

Accelerated Plan Returns Michigan to Normal on July 1

Governor Whitmer Accelerates 'MI Vacc to Normal' Plan to Move Michigan Forward Towards Normalcy. The 'MI Vacc to Normal' Plan now features two steps to get the state back to normal by July 1. Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced an updated ‘Vacc to Normal’ plan, which outlines steps Michiganders can take to emerge from this pandemic. As of June 1, capacity limits will lift for outdoor events. Additionally, indoor … [Read more...]

State Lifts Mask Requirement for Fully Vaccinated Michiganders

Fully Vaccinated Michiganders No Longer Required to Wear a Mask or Face Covering Indoors or Outdoors Governor Gretchen Whitmer Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is updating the Gatherings and Mask Order to align with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest guidance on face coverings. The new order will effect on Saturday, May 15 at 9:00 a.m. “For more than a year, we’ve been following the best data … [Read more...]