SAGINAW, MI — Here are a few headlines from Saginaw County last week that attracted reader interest.
Saginaw artist dies saving friend from riptide in Mexico
Trying to save a friend from a strong current in the Caribbean Sea, a Saginaw artist disappeared under the waves. Days later, his family received word that Mexican authorities have recovered his body.
Local fundraisers are now planned to support the man’s grieving family and bring his body home.
Alejandro Gonzalez, a 20-year-old graduate of Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy, was recently visiting Cancún with high school friends. The evening of Sunday, April 20, the friends were swimming in the sea when one of them was pulled away by a riptide.
Bay, Saginaw sheriffs not interested in ICE asking them for enforcement help
President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to deport a record number of immigrants. Hoping to bring his plan to fruition, his administration has reached out to the sheriffs of Bay and Saginaw counties for help in taking on federal immigration enforcement.
The sheriffs, though, said signing up with the program may be redundant with how their offices already function. As such, they have no plans to join with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Saginaw mother guilty of manslaughter in baby son’s drowning
A jury has found a Saginaw mother criminally responsible for the death of her infant son, who drowned during a game night in his family home.
Jurors on Monday, April 21, found Tnarea A. Thomas guilty of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse. The charges are 15- and 10-year felonies, respectively, and stem from the death of Thomas’ son, Ny’Aerious D. Nichols, in April 2024.
‘Stop this no snitching BS,’ moms speak out after losing sons to gun violence
The names Torriano Yrlas-Thomas and Taylor Burton may never appear together in a box score or headline, but the young men shared more than just their age and love of basketball. They now share something far more tragic — two grieving mothers bound together by unimaginable loss.
Yrlas-Thomas, 21, was shot and killed on February 28. Just 19 days earlier, Burton, 20, lost his life to gun violence on February 9.
Trapped in 1979: Restore Saginaw takes new path in attempt to end 46-year-old tax cap
A group of Saginaw residents came together Monday, April 21, to deliver a clear and urgent message: It’s time to lift the financial chains holding the city back.
Restore Saginaw, a newly formed ad hoc committee, held a press conference at the Andersen Enrichment Center, 120 Ezra Rust Drive, to call for the removal of a 46-year-old property tax cap that leaders say has stifled progress, strained city services and left neighborhoods vulnerable.
Substitute teacher charged with killing Michigan woman while driving drunk, high to face trial
A substitute teacher accused of killing a Millington woman in a crash while she was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine is a step closer to facing a trial.
Katelyn R. Wiggins, 31, on Friday, April 25, appeared before Saginaw County District Judge Elian E.H. Fichtner for a preliminary examination. Witnesses did not testify, however, as defense attorney James F. Piazza said his client was waiving her right to the hearing.
FACT Community Service Hub opens in Saginaw to support families
Families And Children Together (FACT) has opened its second Community Service Hub, expanding access to family-focused resources and support in Saginaw.
The new facility, located at 3605 Davenport Ave., offers a safe, trauma-informed space designed to empower families and children with personalized services, tools and guidance, according to a news release.
The Saginaw location features modern technology, specialized rooms and collaborative areas where families can connect with services that reflect their unique needs and values.
Ex-Saginaw County volunteer sheriff’s deputy pleads guilty to sexually assaulting boys
A former support deputy with the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office has admitted in court to sexually abusing several boys over decades.
Ronald J. Belko, 54, on Wednesday, April 23, appeared before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Manvel Trice III and pleaded guilty to three counts of first- and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. First-degree involves penetration while second-degree is limited to touching.
Unvaccinated dog mauls Saginaw family during morning walk, owner avoids citation
A Saginaw mother spent a March morning enjoying fresh air, working in her yard and taking a walk with her two sons. She didn’t think much of it when her elder son pointed out a dog coming their way.
“I looked over my shoulder and saw this 100-pound-plus dog charging at us with a clothesline attached to its collar,” said the mother, 37-year-old Ashley M. Piwarski.
Piwarski grabbed her sons and hoisted them onto her shoulders but was unable to shield them from the ensuing attack. By the time it was over, she and her children were bleeding from numerous punctures.
Saginaw man charged with fatally shooting stray dog
A Saginaw man is facing a pair of felonies for allegedly killing a dog.
Brandon E. Conley, 34, on Oct. 9 called Saginaw County Animal Control & Care Center to report a gray and white pit bull wandering in his neighborhood in the 3100 block of Bundy Street. Conley related the dog appeared friendly, according to a bond recommendation from prosecutors.
Conley called back several times and said he was going to kill the dog, prosecutors allege.
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