Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

As I'm sure you've been reading and seeing on the news, the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis collapsed yesterday. So far, there are 7 confirmed dead and at least 60 injured.

For reference, you can see some pictures of the collapse here.

You can find out more about the structure and composition of the bridge, when it was built, and the highlights of a 2003 National Bridge Inventory report that cast doubt on the bridge's stability by clicking here.

BREAKING: Fatal Crash in Union Township

The Isabella County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene of a two-car accident at the intersection of River Road and Meridian Road. The investigation revealed that a 1999 Jeep Cherokee driven by 42 year-old Darryl James Trainor was traveling southbound on Meridian Road, ran the stop sign at River Road, and broadsided a 2001 Chevrolet Venture mini-van dirven by Timothy McQuay. Mr. McQuay had been traveling eastbound on River Road. Both vehicles came to rest in a cornfield.

Timothy McQuay was pronounced dead on the scene. Darryl Trainor was transported to Central Michigan Community Hospital for minor injuries. He was treated and released a short while later. Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be a factor in the accident. Both individuals were wearing seatbelts, and the airbag in Timothy McQuay's minivan deployed.

We'll have more information on this story for you as we get it, so stay tuned to WCZY and check back during the John Sebastian Morning Show for a full report.

So You Think You Know Your Presidents?

Since it's the Thursday following a holiday and your day is probably going rather slowly, I figured I'd pass along a link to a really fun little history quiz. The object is to name all 43 U.S. Presidents in 10 minutes. I got something like 36 or 38 my first time out. I've done it three times and I always come up missing one or two. So it's not easy, but it is fun, and hey - at least you're learning something.

Check out the game here: http://www.sporcle.com/games/presidents.php

Stay Safe This Fourth of July

As many of you prepare to head out for your Fourth of July activities, it seems to be as good a time as any to pass along a few safety tips to keep your celebrations from turning into tragedies. These tips, like the break-in prevention tips last time, come to us from Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski and the rest of the folks at the Isabella County Sheriff's Department, who want you to stay safe when using fireworks this Independence Day.

There are two classes of fireworks: Class B is manufactured for use in professional displays, like those put on by cities or townships. These fireworks are illegal in the state of Michigan without a permit. Class C fireworks, however, are the kind commonly sold in stores for consumer use. Examples of these include paper caps, toy trick noise makers, sparklers, fountains, toy snakes, and toy smoke devices. Those are legal.

The litmus test to determine whether or not your fireworks are Class B or Class C is simple: if it makes a loud bang or leaves the ground, it is illegal.

Here are some further guidelines for the safe use of fireworks for at-home displays:

• Stay away from illegal explosives.
• Obey the local laws and use common sense.
• Read the fireworks instructions and follow them - if an item appears damaged, don't use it!
• Buy fireworks only from reputable, established dealers. Legal fireworks are tested as to quality and safety. You should never attempt to build your own fireworks or use illegal explosives such as M-80s or "Cherry Bombs".
• A responsible adult should supervise all fireworks usage. Children should watch, but not handle, fireworks. When used properly, all fireworks can be safe.
• Fireworks are meant to be used one at a time. Do not attempt to combine or mix fireworks at the same time, as fuses have different burn rates.
• Fireworks should never be pointed at or thrown at anyone. Make sure that people and animals are a safe distance away from fireworks being set off. Use them only outdoors, and away from houses and vehicles.
• Alcohol and fireworks don't mix.
• Caution is important. use protective eye wear and keep a water hose nearby. Don't try to re-light a dud; soak it in water and let it sit for fifteen minutes before disposing of it.

Keep it safe and fun this Independence Day. If you have any other questions or for more information, contact Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski at (989) 772-5911.

Keep Your Home Safe

With the 4th of July holiday ahead, a lot of you are probably planning on heading out to visit friends and families this weekend, leaving your home unattended. Some great common sense tips to keep your home safe were faxed to us this morning thanks to Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski and the rest of the fine folks at the Isabella County Sheriff's Department, and I felt it was a good idea to pass them along.

First, a few things you should know about burglars, according to the good Sheriff:

• Professional burglars are few and far between, and most break-ins are crimes of opportunity, i.e. because a door or window is left unlocked.
• A recent study showed that 38% of the time, burglars get in through an unlocked door or window.
• In most cases, a burglar will attempt to enter a home while the homeowner is away, giving the thief more time to enter, locate, and remove valuables from the home.

So how can you protect yourself?

• Check all doors and windows in your home before you leave. Most of us lock the door behind us when we leave, but what about those back doors or bedroom windows? Make sure that all possible points of entry are locked.
• Make sure your home looks occupied even if you aren't in it. You may want to have timers set so the lights come on one at a time to create the illusion that someone is moving from room to room at dusk.
• You may also want to consider having a radio tuned to an all-talk station (may I suggest our sister station, WMMI AM 830?) to further the illusion. Timers set on radios and television will help create a more convincing illusion.
• Arrange with friends and neighbors to have your newspapers and mail collected daily. If that's not possible, fill out a vacation hold card with the local post office and ask the newspaper to temporarily suspend delivery.
• Doors are often the point of entry for most burglars. They'll either kick the door open, break out the window to reach in, or pry the door open with a tool. Preventing these methods of entry can be as painless as installing a deadbolt lock and using it every time you leave the house.
• If you decide to use a deadbolt, however, keep in mind that burglars can still obtain entry by breaking the window and flipping the deadblot lock open. A double-keyed deadbolt (which requires a key from each side of the door) can solve that but it will also keep anyone from getting out, which could be deadly in case of a fire. These types of doors should be replaced and in the interim the window should be covered with plywood.
• If you've got a sliding door, simply placing a cut-off broomstick or other piece of wood in the track will make any attempt to break the normally flimsy lock on these doors pointless. The same trick will work on windows that slide open from side to side.
• Keep bushes and trees near potential entry points trimmed so the burglar doesn't have anything to hide behind as they attempt to enter your house.
• Keep the yard free of clutter and your garage door shut. The absence of a vehicle is an obvious sign to a burglar that nobody is home.

By following these simple steps, you can substantially reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a break-in. If you have any questions or would like more advice on protecting your home while you enjoy your vacation, you are invited to contact Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski at (989) 772-5911.

BREAKING: Two-Vehicle Accident in Isabella County

The Isabella County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene of a two-vehicle collission that occurred on North Winn Road at West Weidman Road last night at 10:50 PM. A 1996 Dodge pickup driven by 66 year-old Gerold Clark Brady was travelling northbound on North Winn Road when he failed to yield at the stop sign at Weidman Road, and pulled into the path of a 1993 Chevrolet Blazer driven by 21 year-old Brad Allen Danielski traveling eastbound on Weidman Road.

Brady had non life-threatening injuries and refused treatment. Danielski was flown by Flight Care to St. Mary's Hospital in Saginaw. As of this writing, the extent of his injuries are unknown. Brady was wearing his seat belt; Danielski was not. It is unknown whether or not alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.

We'll have more information for you on Lite Hits 104.3 WCZY with Josh Price at 4:00 PM and tomorrow morning on the John Sebastian Morning Show, so stay tuned.

BREAKING: Isabella County Sheriff's Department Arrests Four In String of Break-Ins

WCZY can confirm that the Isabella County Sheriff's Department has arrested four individuals charged with at least seven breakings and enterings in Isabella County. Among the break-ins the group has been charged with:

• MacLean Construction Company construction trailer, S. Isabella Rd. near the U.S. 127 Business Loop (Union Twp.)
• A-1 Mini Storage 1067 N. Mission Rd. (Isabella Twp.)
• Isabella County Animal Control, 1105 S. Isabella Rd. (Union Twp.)
• Baumann's IGA, 4130 E. Rosebush Rd. (Isabella Twp.)
• Jack's Auto Glass, 1198 S. Mission Rd. (Union Twp.)
• Hydroponics Store, 1012 W. High St. (Mt. Pleasant)
• All Decked Out Store, 802 E. Palmer St. (Mt. Pleasant)

The following is a list of the suspects and a partial list of their charges.

1. Joshua Lee Brown, 20 year-old Mount Pleasant male. Charged with Conducting Criminal Enterprises (20 year felony and/or $100,000 fine), 4 counts of Breaking & Entering (10 year felony), Felony Firearm (2 year felony). His bond is set at $400,000/10%.
2. Richard Lee Davis, 19 year-old Mount Pleasant male. Charged with Conducting Criminal Enterprises (20 year felony and/or $100,000 fine), 4 counts of Breaking & Entering (10 year felony), Felony Firearm (2 year felony). His bond is set at $400,000/10%.
3. David Anthony Hosler, 25 year-old Mount Pleasant male. Charged with Conducting Criminal Enterprises (20 year felony and/or $100,000 fine), 3 counts of Breaking & Entering (10 year felony). His bond is set at $300,000/10%.
4. Lisa Marie Brown, 18 year-old Mount Pleasant female. Charged with Conducting Criminal Enterprises (20 year felony and/or $100,000 fine), 4 counts of Breaking & Entering (10 year felony), and Felony Firearm (2 year felony). Her bond is set at $50,000/10%.

The case remains under investigation. We'll have more information and word from Sheriff Leo for you on the John Sebastian Morning Show.