[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6303651,"mediaKeyId","2471057-b4f7edb1a115e5bdf922611f796360fc","parentId",2471057,"title","Medical examiner presents 2024 report and asks county to consider CT scanner; discloses management company relationship","audioSeconds",539,"startMs",1993000,"endMs",2532000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2471057-b4f7edb1a115e5bdf922611f796360fc&start=1993&end=2532","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2471057-b4f7edb1a115e5bdf922611f796360fc/thumbnail_1993000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6303651/Montcalm-County/Michigan/Medical-examiner-presents-2024-report-and-asks-county-to-consider-CT-scanner-discloses-management-company-relationship","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303651-db5e3656929487bb28cfb941ba5cea32/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189182&Signature=jNPvGEQxJnqKhZRP5l0BV09IV-ZSM98nH5tCGus0aTOTxxZOd-O15xRSQkVzXAEWb6JJt10V6E4rd2-GmzxyXbl1-IoWZoQxp-CZ2J2TBlMRXyQ9HdQjVOMG0PmfGdmJbKjdFAJNW-WleU39K0LCjyC9JxH6dD3GS5fq0AGb4TBKT0cWiJpjRNUZVS5BKao5xTtXP~2ic93c96f1Zxpc6LdXtsD5zrhU9giIuWlRNAuXwf3yRyBmFSc2bRMX4S~lrUmgloT7vHvEglxsH0QIO8F2luONQEuTsBVM847LAxb770x3s5IXNvUxWARYMyAB40tLT4ESHisD91XdZs6EUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montcalm County","date","2025-02-25T00:00:00Z","article","The county's medical examiner representative delivered the 2024 annual report on unexpected deaths in Montcalm County, highlighted patterns in drug‑involved deaths and recommended exploring a CT scanner to support virtual autopsies and improved data collection.

Lisa (medical examiner representative) reported a 6.8 percent increase in the number of unexpected deaths and noted that heart disease led causes while unintentional injuries accounted for about 22 percent of cases. She emphasized the value of richer scene data to inform prevention efforts and drew parallels to earlier public‑health initiatives that used data to change practice (for example, sudden infant death investigations that contributed to the Back to Sleep / safe sleep public‑health campaign).

Lisa described work underway to install a CT scanner in Crawford County and asked the board to consider hosting a scanner in Montcalm County to support forensic radiology services locally. She said a refurbished CT scanner price was about $230,000 plus installation costs (shielding/lead wall and space requirements), and she described benefits including faster, non‑invasive scanning for blunt‑force trauma, drug‑related deaths, and mass‑fatality readiness. She said a scanner would support law enforcement, prosecutors and public‑health agencies by preserving a virtual record that can be re‑read later.

During the discussion a commissioner asked whether other counties could share a scanner. Lisa described a model under which a county (for example Crawford) owns the unit and charges a facility fee for scans, and she said Montcalm could pursue a similar regional user model to recover operating costs. She estimated a modest physical footprint (roughly a 12‑by‑12 area, subject to design) and noted that bodies typically remain in body bags during seven‑minute scans, reducing handling and transport.

A commissioner asked about the presenter’s business interest. Lisa disclosed that she is the sole owner of a management company that provides administrative management for forensic services and that the company does not perform autopsies or profit from ordering tests: “No. And, actually, my company is a management company only only. So you only pay for the time that my company provides for management,” she said. She said the owning county (not her company) would own the scanner and counties would pay facility fees to cover upkeep and operating costs.

The board moved to place the medical examiner annual report on file; the motion was moved and supported and carried by voice vote.

What’s next: Lisa will prepare more detailed cost and space requirements if the board wants to pursue a scanner. Commissioners expressed interest in evaluating multi‑county sharing, anticipated installation and operating costs, and potential funding sources (including grants and county funds).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Montcalm County Board of Commissioners 2025-02-25","oneSentenceSummary","The county medical examiner’s representative presented the 2024 annual report on unexpected deaths and asked the board to consider installing a CT scanner to support virtual autopsies and better forensic data collection.","taxTitle","Montcalm County, Michigan","taxId",45831,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6303656,"County staff to seek bids for jail countertops, senior center flooring and park asphalt; estimates provided",505,1370000,1875000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2471057-b4f7edb1a115e5bdf922611f796360fc&start=1370&end=1875","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2471057-b4f7edb1a115e5bdf922611f796360fc/thumbnail_1370000.jpg","/articles/6303656/Montcalm-County/Michigan/County-staff-to-seek-bids-for-jail-countertops-senior-center-flooring-and-park-asphalt-estimates-provided","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303656-8170b555d856396db629f28504c8ac03/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189182&Signature=SkE7ZJr0wbPv-VAV6EL~b14z4SNChBnEtDUmspshhxa3an9OC06bPLi4GJnVhWXXSqPwltJa7gr3KPg5ZQ~YT6nT1rWGguqhhcyZoSDogeR4BDLpcGxHWR0-cDwr3fwjCNT3-nqwLZVLXwhvo2b7boJ038SXlzqKgbtzZAgUrsfvrDyyJQX9VsKwtSXF3m~18MONrFBXLz91xOMFcPYl24VWz-vQc-juHwc2L9sBJi5WvLgznFHoW9zy1ZsBYRN6-OkHrV-JOmC3Bm~wpywoETyeFKlVeeRFUKPIkP28Td-uQ1xxXVd6ZTiRptHXGOpUlrL4SmHr9Z9OGoxBbspuUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montcalm County maintenance staff presented three mid‑year capital maintenance requests and received commission approval to solicit firm bids.

Maintenance Director Doug said the county’s booking and control center countertops at the jail are heavily worn and proposed replacing laminate with a Corian‑type top, providing a rough estimate of $23,000. “That is the worst,” he said of photographed counter areas and added the estimate is based on local lumber‑yard pricing.

Commission on Aging officials requested replacing worn carpet with vinyl plank flooring to better support increased program activity after the COVID period; Doug estimated that work at about $24,000 and noted vinyl plank has longer longevity. Doug also provided a rough $18,000 estimate to repair worn asphalt at Ford Park, which he said is creating mobility issues for people using wheelchairs and walkers.

Controller Brenda indicated budget capacity: the county’s capital improvements appropriation and fund balance could cover mid‑year projects if the board chose to proceed. She said the capital improvements fund had approximately $220,000 in fund balance at the end of 2024 and the general fund supports capital appropriations.

Commissioners agreed Doug and the controller should solicit bids to get firm numbers before deciding to move any of the projects forward in the current fiscal year or include them in next year’s capital plan.

What’s next: Staff will obtain formal bids and return estimated costs and recommended funding sources to the board; budget process and the county’s five‑year capital improvement plan will guide any final selections.","The county discussed mid‑year capital maintenance requests including $23,000 for Corian countertops at the jail, $24,000 to replace Commission on Aging carpet with vinyl plank, and $18,000 to repair Ford Park asphalt. Commissioners authorized staff to obtain bids for the projects.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6303661,"Commissioners debate treasurer’s request to advance employee on wage scale; request ultimately placed on file",1364,0,1364000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2471057-b4f7edb1a115e5bdf922611f796360fc&start=0&end=1364","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2471057-b4f7edb1a115e5bdf922611f796360fc/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6303661/Montcalm-County/Michigan/Commissioners-debate-treasurers-request-to-advance-employee-on-wage-scale-request-ultimately-placed-on-file","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303661-44bec019dd2d257fbc864c2ce70affa4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189182&Signature=UdQIkO-s44bl01Z6Z5FJNF8f1cP-woPMgX2DBv6XBtUPDWC-ve7v1jTeA1A6BjevbftmW-vSyuQXow~Ci16XYMppZPqetJUWd6B~eySAX9V8gsD65don0PC9N3s8cUQhlRFaxnDMgMRcg9Sup37lGD7dcJcHevjOw1JMKuNg0Y-ptMY8CRIseZ2cOoQE24v3SvZ8erzX8r6wCTdafxu85IYeimfZRNxs6bH~mJPVa1Be-IK5ZFerwMtwIILb1DKB~tobZ-8VUqZo7yAs8raHgQuBD47HMszX0-CWRfLT5LG5I2HnO2ovyXCNTtVNliBn0QAHlqH4iOzP4NoiZVqgOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montcalm County commissioners debated whether to advance a treasurer office employee to a higher step on the county wage scale, saying the request raised equity and precedent concerns for other elected offices.

The treasurer’s request would move a deputy who has been in the office roughly a year to a higher wage step. Treasurer Joanne said she wanted the employee moved at least to a three‑year wage step, with a later move to the four‑year step if commissioners would not move the employee directly to the top of the scale. “If you can't see going to the top of the scale, I'd like to see her move to the 3 year wage,” Joanne said during the discussion.

The request surfaced shortly after the county implemented a wage study that produced across‑the‑board increases. Several commissioners said they supported the employee’s performance but said making a one‑off adjustment after hiring would be difficult to justify to other elected officials whose employees are farther along in the step progression.

Chairman Carr stressed consistency: “I like to be consistent. I like to treat all the employees consistently,” and warned that granting an exception to one office would prompt similar requests from others. Commissioner Alexander said he would be more amenable to a higher starting step if the employee had been hired at that step, but agreed the board should treat similar cases consistently.

Peterson moved to place the treasurer’s request on file. That motion failed on a roll call vote: Alexander and Peterson voted yes; Mahar (Maher), Murray and Carr voted no; one board member was not recorded on the roll call. The motion failed at that time.

After continued discussion — including suggestions to advance the deputy only one or two steps immediately rather than to the top of the scale — Commissioner Maher later moved to place the treasurer’s request on file. That motion was moved and supported and was approved by the board.

The record during the meeting included specific salary figures discussed: the treasurer’s deputy’s current pay after a recent bump was stated as $52,015; earlier step calculations discussed $50,000 at three years and $58,000 at the top of the scale. Commissioners repeatedly noted the difference between making an exception at hire versus requesting an adjustment after roughly a year on the job.

The board did not adopt a countywide policy change during the discussion. Commissioners asked that similar future requests be handled within the budget and wage‑study processes to avoid repeated individual appeals. Treasurer Joanne indicated she was asking for at least a one‑step advancement if the board would not approve a top‑of‑scale jump.

What’s next: The board placed the request on file for additional processing consistent with the final motion. Details about any specific pay change or effective date were not specified in the discussion and were not adopted in a final wage amendment during the meeting.","Montcalm County commissioners discussed a treasurer request to move a recently hired deputy to a higher step on the county wage scale. Commissioners cited equity across elected offices and timing with the recent wage study. After an initial failed vote the board later voted to place the treasurer’s request on file for further processing.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6303641,"Board approves Community Advancement Reinvestment Fund pilot: first round to use interest from $2 million endowment",495,4401000,4896000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2471057-b4f7edb1a115e5bdf922611f796360fc&start=4401&end=4896","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2471057-b4f7edb1a115e5bdf922611f796360fc/thumbnail_4401000.jpg","/articles/6303641/Montcalm-County/Michigan/Board-approves-Community-Advancement-Reinvestment-Fund-pilot-first-round-to-use-interest-from-2-million-endowment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303641-ae5a1c4bf680ca89219587a6671372ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189182&Signature=oRyDH83IBujRZWJ37QJY~wqfqczl08xYO8B4uZnVAWx2N1pf-nDVp51ZrbJWQ37jOFIXUdRuHGCBbbQNE9u766FiFYkkZN7D80DG3hwEc6KiQPMd-G0oaO1KuJFPVQKZ16for2upUsosOndT-0f1mLWcFtgA1X7ofOPmaXKqbZV7S1rHM6GPzYVbqICynP~9fEAUshSgCjYjrA-ygLUWsy1Y8sIKCKG55vyhnY-Bbz86kkdnlM3SrNkXYoMqCVtzBbtN3VMZZZY2aKflT49PE2JkWYiP7PiYgtEH8B5fbs6Dq5ar-7jplE4qi7NwktjoIwaPPx0wVx-PHF2uNyfF~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montcalm County commissioners approved rules and an application to launch a community reinvestment pilot administered by the Community Advancement Committee.

Vice Chairman Peterson outlined a pilot in which the county would use interest earned on a $2 million investment to seed grants for municipal, township and nonprofit projects in the county. He said the first application round is proposed for March 1–31 with committee review on April 9 and recommendations returned to the full board in April. The committee estimated it could use roughly 75 percent of one year’s interest for the first round — about $15,000 — and then run a second application cycle later in the year.

The funding guidelines in the packet limit applicants to municipalities, townships and nonprofit entities within Montcalm County. The committee said the initial focus is to test demand and refine procedures rather than to fund private business startups. Committee members emphasized checks and balances: the committee will review and recommend awards, but the full board will approve any grants to ensure transparency.

The board voted to approve the guidelines and application process as presented.

What’s next: The Community Advancement Committee will accept applications March 1–31, review them and return recommendations to the board for approval; staff will monitor interest earnings to determine future grant capacity.","The board approved guidelines and an application process for a Community Advancement Committee reinvestment fund pilot. The first application window will run March 1–31 with about $15,000 expected to be available from interest on a $2 million investment; the committee will recommend awards to the full board.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6303646,"Board approves interim hire of prosecutor’s chief assistant; commissioners debate optics and stability",1146,3240000,4386000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2471057-b4f7edb1a115e5bdf922611f796360fc&start=3240&end=4386","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2471057-b4f7edb1a115e5bdf922611f796360fc/thumbnail_3240000.jpg","/articles/6303646/Montcalm-County/Michigan/Board-approves-interim-hire-of-prosecutors-chief-assistant-commissioners-debate-optics-and-stability","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303646-0789c526164fb92901d22fb4efe6d47e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189182&Signature=VTq0VX7S3h9arcPXl5GO2bujEC4v7stjkUquoZniIxcfF5SMealsT1uV3kw5f8Jk9pMfwZs3t7hxJYWCFFwREQBNp8td5bQ7UE0xq76gXXN1JQ0uSSVz8tYgsayatYs3AqXTapKKUH8LJDj0myP02MygJbTSnMl5-C96kXD0qTYzLEcYZHgN5lneoPvsL75uObkdpjEzXrbikVAKqDYc6LN2SsMzD9t1~BPrZkIcibJikyPB6mZnwvhhL4o2v8ALwFk-sOB6sCwwRyKeyW0aCUhwaeK9UzPhkualTFHh9Wuwt1TnDww7FtYg6Vnw~azxy0pqsZKvIwJTFe2~yVqOJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montcalm County commissioners approved an interim hire to fill a gap in the prosecutor’s office after the county prosecutor presented staffing shortfalls and requested temporary help.

Prosecutor Ginster asked to hire Catherine R. Ginster (his sister) as chief assistant prosecutor on an interim basis at the current designated salary. He said the appointment was intended as a short‑term measure — he estimated about six months — to provide leadership and training while he intensifies recruiting efforts for long‑term hires. Ginster noted his sister would not require health benefits and would not be seeking a long‑term Montcalm residency that could affect her Florida residency and tax status.

Several commissioners expressed concern about the optics of hiring a relative. Commissioner Murray and others said the repeated use of interim hires had frustrated constituents and raised questions about office stability. “The word nepotism obviously is gonna get thrown around,” one commissioner said, and asked how the action would be justified to constituents. Prosecutor Ginster acknowledged the optics but said he was taking responsibility for recruiting and that the interim hire was a fallback to ensure current cases were handled.

Commissioners who supported the hire said the candidate was highly qualified and that appointing an experienced interim chief assistant was preferable to leaving the office short‑staffed or hiring a less‑qualified contractor. The prosecutor described the candidate’s qualifications and prior experience as city attorney and environmental counsel in larger jurisdictions.

Commissioner Maher moved to allow Prosecutor Ginster to hire Catherine R. Ginster as chief assistant prosecutor at the current designated salary. The motion was moved and supported and carried by voice vote.

What’s next: The prosecutor will continue recruiting for permanent positions, prioritize retaining trained prosecutors and return with recruitment updates. The interim appointment was authorized to provide coverage and help manage a heavy docket while recruitment proceeds.","Prosecutor moved to hire Catherine R. Ginster as chief assistant prosecutor on an interim basis to address caseload and staffing shortages. Commissioners raised concerns about office stability and nepotism optics; board approved the hire for roughly six months at the current designated salary.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Medical examiner presents 2024 report and asks county to consider CT scanner; discloses management company relationship

County staff to seek bids for jail countertops, senior center flooring and park asphalt; estimates provided

Commissioners debate treasurer’s request to advance employee on wage scale; request ultimately placed on file

Board approves Community Advancement Reinvestment Fund pilot: first round to use interest from $2 million endowment

Board approves interim hire of prosecutor’s chief assistant; commissioners debate optics and stability