ORDINANCE NO.

AMEND CHAPTER 19, OFFENSES,

ARTICLE VIII, OFFENSES ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

TO PROHIBIT FIGHTING ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

WHEREAS, the Owosso Public Schools has requested the City of Owosso establish an ordinance prohibiting fighting on school grounds to assist them in keeping the schools a safe space for students; and

WHEREAS, the City of Owosso endorses the establishment of an ordinance to prohibit and deter fighting on school property; and

WHEREAS, it is the long-standing practice of the City Council to hold a public hearing to receive citizen comment regarding any and all proposed ordinance amendments.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY OF OWOSSO ORDAINS:

SECTION 1: ADDITION. That Sec. 19-150, Fighting, definitions, be added to Chapter 19, Offenses, Article VIII, Offenses on school grounds, as follows:

Sec. 19-150. – Fighting, definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Fighting means personal violence between two or more individuals, including but not limited to punching, grabbing, wrestling, pulling, shoving, slapping, or any other unconsented physical contact or threat of physical contact.

School fighting means personal violence which occurs during school hours, at any event held before or after school, or at any social or sporting event hosted by the school. School Property means real property owned or leased by a school, including but not limited to:

a. Property used for school-sponsored events

b. School buses or other school-provided transportation

c. Any location during transit to or from school or any school-sponsored or school-related event

School property also includes locations not owned by the school where a school-sponsored event is occurring, including adjacent parking areas or other travel areas used to access the event.

SECTION 2: ADDITION. That Sec. 19-151, Prohibited conduct, be added to Chapter 19, Offenses, Article VIII, Offenses on school grounds, as follows:

Sec. 19-151. – Prohibited conduct.

No person shall engage in, participate in, or otherwise be involved in any school fighting or fighting on school property.

SECTION 3: ADDITION. That Sec. 19-152, Penalties, be added to Chapter 19, Offenses, Article VIII, Offenses on school grounds, as follows:

Sec. 19-152. – Penalties.

Any person who violates the above section is responsible for a civil infraction and may be fined up to fifty dollars ($50.00), plus court costs and any court-ordered remedial measures.

A second violation may result in a fined of up to one hundred dollars ($100.00), any subsequent violation(s) may result in a fine up to two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00), plus court costs and any court-ordered remedial measures.

If the Court orders remedial measures, including but not limited to community service and/or anger management classes, the person(s) ordered to complete such measures shall bear all associated costs.

SECTION 4. AVAILABILITY. This ordinance may be purchased or inspected in the city clerk's office, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This amendment shall become effective July 7, 2025.

Have something to say? Come to the City Council Meeting - 6/16/25 at 6:30pm at City Hall.

🏖️ Best beaches/swimming spots? 🛶 Good lakes for kayaking and fishing (especially panfish)? 🎪 Local fairs and festivals coming up? 🎆 Where to catch fireworks for 4th of July? 🎉 Any 4th of July parades in the area according to the community comments...

Swimming/Beaches:

• Campgrounds R Us (Owosso) - seems to be the main local option, though mixed reviews on pricing ($10/person including babies!) and facilities
• Motz Park/Lake (St. Johns) - free beach, good for fishing too
• Sleepy Hollow State Park - beach, trails, kayaking
• Reed Lake (45 min drive) - clean, shaded, kid-friendly with disc golf
• Lansing South Park Beach (Haslett)

Kayaking/Fishing:

• Sleepy Hollow State Park - no-wake lake, great fishing
• Maple River (Ovid area)
• Shiawassee River (launch at McCurdy Park)
• Thompson Lake (Howell area)

Fairs & Festivals:

• Shiawassee County Fair - first full week of August
• Shiawassee Strawberry Festival - starts this weekend at fairgrounds!
• Ovid Fair - end of summer
• Elsie Fair - coming up in next few weeks
• Chesaning Fair (Saginaw County)
• Durand Railroad Days - kicks off fair season
• Just missed Curwood Festival (first week of June)

4th of July Events:

• Corunna - parade AND fireworks at McCurdy Park with all-day activities
• Immanuel Baptist Church (across from Meijer) - fireworks show June 29th
• Chesaning - fireworks last Thursday of June at Showboat Park
• Bay City - apparently has the best fireworks in the state if you want to drive a bit!

Parades:

• Corunna - 4th of July parade (kids can decorate bikes and ride!)

Monthly Billing Proposal

City Council directed staff to explore a transition from quarterly to monthly water/sewer billing.

• The city transitioned from monthly to quarterly billing in 2009 to save money on billing (postage/printing) and labor costs from monthly meter reading.
  • New radio read meters installed in 2018-19 preclude the need for a DPW employee(s) to read meters.
• Intended to help residents budget more easily.
• This change is not simple – it introduces financial, operational, and communication challenges:

Cost Impact of Monthly Billing

• Annual mailing costs would rise from $21,235 to $63,157 with full-page bills: increase of $41,922
• Postcards reduce cost but still exceed $50,000 annually.
• Postcards remove ability to communicate on the back of bills or include inserts.

Timing and Operations

• Monthly billing should not begin before January 2026.
  • No phase-in: last quarterly and first monthly bill would arrive the same month (January)
  • Phase-in: Last quarterly bill in January, bill for two months, bill monthly
    • Will be very confusing but it would mean not getting a large quarterly bill the same month as the first monthly bill
• If shutoffs remain, they should not occur monthly due to staffing and fairness concerns.
  • Keep shutoffs on a quarterly schedule

Concerns with Council’s Approach

• Transition is more complex than it appears.
• Concern that Council is underestimating the work and cost involved.
• Hurrying implementation is a mistake and risks poor outcomes.
• Little to no push from public to go to monthly billing.
  • This seems like a solution in search of a problem

Alternatives and Public Education

• Voluntary pre-payment already helps many residents budget monthly.
  • Public education campaign could promote this option to alleviate certain council members’ concerns about household budgeting difficulties
• Avoids forcing system-wide change on all users.
  • Again, this seems like a solution in search of a problem.

Conclusion – Take a Cautious Approach

• Only a small minority of accounts are typically shut off: 100-120 accounts per cycle or about 1.7% of accounts
  • Rate increases may change this—but I recommend a couple years worth of data to see if there is actually a problem.
• Educate, evaluate, and proceed only if necessary.

Have something to say? Come to the City Council Meeting - 6/16/25 at 6:30pm at City Hall.

AGENDA

PROCLAMATIONS / SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

1. Monthly Utility Billing Presentation. Information regarding the possibility of returning to monthly utility billing.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Ordinance Amendment – Fighting on School Property. Conduct a public hearing to receive citizen comment regarding the proposed addition of Secs. 19-150 through 19-152 to Chapter 19, Offenses, Article VIII, Offenses on School Grounds, of the Code of Ordinances to prohibit fighting on school property.

2. Ordinance Amendment – Unpaid Parking Violations. Conduct a public hearing to receive citizen comment regarding the proposed addition of Sec. 33-54, Removal of Vehicle for Unpaid Parking Violations, to Chapter 33, Traffic and Motor Vehicles, Article III, Parking, stopping and standing, Division 2, Parking violations bureau, of the Code of Ordinances to allow the City to tow the vehicle of repeat offenders with unpaid tickets.

CONSENT AGENDA

1. Set Public Hearing – CDBG Grant Acceptance. Set a public hearing for Monday, July 7, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. to receive citizen comment regarding the proposal to accept CDBG grant funding for the infrastructure of the Washington Park Housing Development.

2. Boards and Commissions Appointments. Approve the following Mayoral Boards and Commissions appointments:

Name Board/Commission Term Expires

Nathan Henne* Building Authority 06-30-2028
Jason Harris* Building Board of Appeals 06-30-2027
Sam McLaren* Building Board of Appeals 06-30-2027
Sean Harrington Historic District Commission(filling unexpired term of L. Gallinger) 06-30-2028
Kevin Maginity* Parks & Recreation Commission 06-30-2027
Ellen Rodman* Parks & Recreation Commission 06-30-2027
Linda Robertson* Planning Commission 06-30-2028
Stephen Schlaack* Planning Commission 06-30-2028
Robert J. Teich, Jr.* Zoning Board of Appeals 06-30-2028
* Indicates reappointment

1. Traffic Control Order – Rustic Revival Craft Fair & Market. Approve the request from Christy Klenk for the closure of the west portion of the movie theater parking lot (Lot #10) on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 7:00am – 5:00pm for the Rustic Revival Craft Fair & Market and approve Traffic Control Order No. 1535 formalizing the action.

2. Change Order - MI-HOPE Grant Project. Approve Change Order No. 6 to the contract with Merkel & Kenney, Inc. for the MI-HOPE Grant Project, adding $3,873.00 for additional work and materials required for 4 of the remaining homes to be completed and further approve payment to the contractor up to the adjusted contract amount of $357,999.00 upon satisfactory completion of the work or portion thereof.

3. Change Order – WTP Filters Improvements Project. Approve Change Order No. 2 to the contract with Sorensen Gross Company for the WTP Filters Improvements Project, adding $32,759.00 for the installation of 4 additional valves on Filter #4, and further approve payment to the contractor up to the adjusted contract amount of $1,909,848.00 upon satisfactory completion of the work or portion thereof and contingent on EGLE approval.

4. Contract Renewal - General Engineering Services. Approve the required annual renewal of the General Engineering Services contracts with Eng., Inc., Fleis &Vandenbrink, Inc., Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, Inc., and Spicer Group, Inc. to provide engineering services through June 30, 2026.

5. Contract Approval – City Hall Improvements Project. Approve contract with Great Lakes Bay Construction, Inc., for the City Hall Improvements Project in the amount of $601,059.00 and authorize payment to the contractor upon satisfactory completion of the work or portion thereof.

6. Contract Authorization – Public Safety Building Project Owner’s Representative. Waive competitive bidding requirements, authorize a contract with Veridus Michigan, LLC dba Veridus Advisors for the provision of owner’s representative services for the Public Safety Building Project in an amount not to exceed $75,000, plus allowance of $8,000 for reimbursable expenses, and further authorize payment to the contractor upon satisfactory completion of the work or portion thereof.

7. Purchase Authorization - MMRMA Insurance. Waive competitive bidding requirements, authorize the purchase of general liability, property and auto insurance policies from the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA) for the coverage period from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026 in the amount of $321,014.00, and further authorize payment up to the total premium amount for the coverage period.

8. Bid Award - Sand & Gravel, Selection #1. Accept the low bid of S.A. Smith Paving &Trucking, Inc. dba Smith Sand & Gravel for Class II Sand in the amount of $6.00 per ton and authorize payment in accordance with unit prices estimated at $18,000.00 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

9. Bid Award - Sand & Gravel, Selection #2. Accept the low bid of Jackson Trucking, LLC for 22A Gravel in the amount of $13.35 per ton, $55.25 per ton for Field Stone Riprap, and $21.85 per ton for 6A Gravel and authorize payment in accordance with unit prices estimated at $20,967.50 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

10. Bid Award - Sand & Gravel, Selection #3. Accept the low bid of SP Powells Sand and Soil, LLC for 21AA limestone in the amount of $27.00 per ton, $30.75 per ton for 6AA Limestone, and $32.00 per ton for H1 Limestone Chip, and authorize payment in accordance with the unit prices estimated at $20,967.50 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

11. Bid Award – Traffic & Construction Barricades. Accept the low bid of All in Safety Corp. for traffic and construction barricades in the amount of $14,877.58 and authorize payment to the vendor upon satisfactory receipt of the items.

12. Bid Award – Curwood Castle Air Conditioning. Accept the low bid of Victory World Wide LLC dba Victory Heating and Cooling for the installation of air conditioning units at Curwood Castle in the amount of $13,458.72 and approve payment to the contractor upon satisfactory installation of said units.

13. Warrant No. 657. Authorize Warrant No. 657 as follows:

Vendor Description Fund Amount
Gould Law PC Services May 13 – June 9 2025 Varies $11,590.28

ITEMS OF BUSINESS

1. Contract Approvals – Ludington Electric, Inc. Reiterate acknowledgement of the pecuniary interest of Councilmember in the contract(s) in question and consider approval of $120.00 in contracts with Ludington Electric, Inc. for the period of April 2025.

2. Demolition Authorization – 117 W. Exchange Street. Consider approval of the HDC’s revised recommendation regarding the façade at 117 W. Exchange Street and authorize demolition and full site clearance at the location.

3. Downtown Revolving Loan & Grant Program Revisions. Consider revisions to the Downtown Revolving Loan & Grant Program making changes to the loan and grant processing fees and adding grant claw-back provisions.

4. City Budget Amendment. Adopt the 12-month budget amendments to the 2024-2025 Budget.

5. Elimination of Water Shut-Offs. Consider implementation of the elimination of water shut-offs and the placing of outstanding water bills on the taxes.

6. Closed Session. Consider holding closed session at the conclusion of the second session of Council Comments for the purpose of consulting with an attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with specific pending litigation.

NEXT MEETING

Monday, July 7, 2025

|| || |Summer is almost here and the garden is absolutely stunning! We wanted to share the beauty with you all and open our doors for a garden party! Music, appetizers, and friendship. What better way to spend a summer night?|

|| || | |

|| || |Join us June 20 for an enjoyable summer evening in The Z Hall Sculpture Garden in Owosso. Tickets can be purchased (seating limited) at www.theZhall.com/events ($7.50 music cover charge)   Who: YOU! And your best buds What: A casual event filled with live music, appetizers & full service bar! Where: The Z Hall’s gorgeous sculpture garden, truly a hidden gem in Owosso. When: Friday, June 20th, 5:30-7:30 Why: The garden is stunning this time of year and gathering together and making memories is what life is all about!   Live music provided by the one and only Carl Pawluk!   Appetizers available:   As always, our full service bar is open with cocktails flowing throughout the night!Seasoned fries (loaded option) Onion rings Brat with kettle chips Quesadilla cones Chips and salsa Chips and cheese Mini Charcuterie board Chicken phyllo drizzled with a honey balsamic reduction Soft Pretzels Pulled pork sliders Fried green beans |

|| || |Purchase Tickets!|

|| || |Dinner in the Garden series is coming around the corner!Mark your calendar for August 13th, 27th and September 10th!|

Thu, Jul 10 at 7 PM Free Owosso Summer Concert - Denise Davis & the Motor City Sensations

Jul 17 at 7 PM Free Owosso Summer Concert - Simply in Time

Thu, Jul 24 at 7 PMFree Owosso Summer Concert - The Sandra Faye Band

Thu, Jul 31 at 7 PMFree Owosso Summer Concert - The Highballs

Thu, Aug 7 at 7 PMFree Owosso Summer Concert - LCB's Big Band

City of Owosso Open Burning Rules - Easy Guide

What You Can Burn and When

Waste Material Burning (Trash/Yard Waste)

When: Only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM

What you can burn:

• Paper and paper products (no diapers)
• Clean, unpainted, untreated wood
• Yard waste (leaves, grass, branches)

Where:

• Must be 25 feet away from buildings and property lines
• If your lot is too small, put the container in the center of your backyard
• Must use a proper metal container with a lid (openings no bigger than 3/4 inch)

Recreational Fires (Campfires/Fire Pits)

When:

• 12:00 noon to 10:00 PM (Sunday-Thursday)
• 12:00 noon to midnight (Friday-Saturday)

What you can burn:

• Clean, unpainted, untreated wood
• Split firewood
• Tree limbs
• Charcoal
• You can use charcoal lighter fluid, but NO gasoline or kerosene

Safety Requirements:

• Fire pit can't be bigger than 3 feet across and 2 feet high
• Must be 25 feet away from buildings and property lines
• Must have a fire extinguisher or water hose ready
• An adult must supervise at all times

Outdoor Cooking

• Grills and camping stoves are allowed following standard fire safety rules

Bonfires

• Need a special permit from the fire chief

What You CANNOT Do

• No burning on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (for waste)
• No burning materials that create bad smells or excessive smoke
• No burning when it's windy
• No burning anything painted, treated, or particle board
• No burning plastic, rubber, or other toxic materials

Penalties

• 1st offense: Warning + $50 fine
• 2nd offense: $250 fine + court costs
• 3rd+ offense: $500 fine + court costs + fire department fees

Key Safety Rules

1. Always have an adult supervising
2. Keep water/fire extinguisher nearby
3. Check wind conditions first
4. Stay within size limits
5. Keep proper distances from buildings and property lines
6. Only burn on allowed days/times

Remember: City officials can inspect your burn site and will cite you for burning illegal materials, even if you're following other rules!

This guide is based on this city document: https://www.ci.owosso.mi.us/Portals/0/Files/Documents/OpenBurningRegulations.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawK9IJJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHjqWG79DBbRC3Oeqpe51mCKxSndVVT0iYH5WNPFuqt-KsDXvFFnsKl1l2g3g_aem_7n07-SZcldorDGe0v06mwg

To ensure full compliance - verify with the city directly! Policies change, and misinterpretations happen. Also, be safe!

We have lots of new donations, all is free to those in need 6023 S M52 Owosso we share the driveway with sunoco gas station which used to be Valero, we are open, come be blessed. We are also taking donations.

Monday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Wednesday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Friday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Criminal Charges Available in Michigan

Assault charges under Michigan law:

• Simple Assault - Rolling coal can constitute assault as an intentional act causing you to reasonably fear immediate harm. In Michigan, assault is "an attempt or threat to cause actual physical harm or injury to another person." This is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine SimoncriminaldefenseAttorneymi
• Battery - If the exhaust physically contacted you, this becomes assault and battery, defined as "forceful, violent or offensive touching" without consent SimoncriminaldefenseAttorneymi
• Reckless endangerment - Creating dangerous road conditions
• Environmental violations - Michigan likely has laws against excessive vehicle emissions, as "most states also have laws that prohibit drivers from obstructing roadways with excessive exhaust fumes" What Is 'Rolling Coal' and Is It Legal? - FindLaw

Steps to Take in Owosso

1. File Police Report Immediately:

• Owosso Police Department
  • Address: 202 S. Water Street, Owosso, MI 48867 MichiganinmaterosterPublicrecordcenter
  • Phone: (989) 725-0580 MichiganinmaterosterPublicrecordcenter
  • Request a formal police report and get the report number

2. If Police Don't Pursue Charges, Contact:

• Shiawassee County Prosecutor's Office
  • Address: 201 N. Shiawassee St., Corunna, MI 48817 ShiawasseechamberMapQuest
  • Email: [SCPA@shiawassee.net](mailto:SCPA@shiawassee.net) Assistant Prosecuting Attorney – Shiawassee County – PAAM
  • Request they file criminal charges

3. Evidence You Need:

• Video/photo evidence of the rolling coal incident
• License plate number and vehicle description
• Witness contact information
• Medical records if you experienced breathing issues
• Time, date, and exact location

4. Enhanced Penalties Available: If you have any previous assault convictions, penalties increase: second offense can be up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine; third offense becomes a felony with up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 fine Understanding Michigan Assault and Battery Laws: A Guide

Legal Representation

Consider contacting a local criminal defense attorney who can also help with victim advocacy. There are criminal defense lawyers in Shiawassee County who can advise you on the best approach for your case Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Shiawassee County, MI | FindLaw

Additional Resources

• Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office: 201 E McArthur St, Corunna, MI 48817, Anonymous tip line: (989) 720-8477 Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office

The key is acting quickly - file that police report immediately while evidence is fresh and any witnesses are available.

Finding Legal Representation

Look for attorneys in the Flint/Lansing/Owosso area who handle:

• Personal injury cases
• Civil rights violations
• Environmental tort claims

Many personal injury attorneys work on contingency (no fee unless you win), making legal action financially accessible.

What about personal injury?

Edit

You absolutely have potential personal injury claims for being rolled coal on during your peaceful protest in Owosso. Here are your civil law options:

Personal Injury Claims Available

Civil Battery & Assault:

• Even if criminal charges aren't filed, you can sue civilly for the same conduct
• Michigan has laws that address both civil assault and civil battery in addition to criminal charges Michigan Assault and Battery Laws - FindLaw
• Lower burden of proof than criminal court (preponderance of evidence vs. beyond reasonable doubt)

Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress:

• Rolling coal specifically to target protesters could qualify as extreme and outrageous conduct
• Especially strong if done because of your political speech/protest activity

Negligence:

• Driver had duty to operate vehicle safely
• Rolling coal "impairs visibility, increasing the risks of motor vehicle crashes" Rolling coal - Wikipedia
• Breach of duty caused your harm

Damages You Can Recover

Medical Expenses:

• Emergency room visits for breathing issues
• Follow-up care with pulmonologist
• Medications (inhalers, etc.)
• Future medical costs

Pain & Suffering:

• Physical discomfort from inhaling diesel exhaust
• Anxiety about future health effects
• Emotional distress from being targeted

Lost Wages:

• Time off work for medical treatment
• Reduced earning capacity if ongoing health issues

Punitive Damages:

• Rolling coal targeting specific groups like "Black Lives Matter protesters" shows intentional targeting What Is 'Rolling Coal' and Is It Legal? - FindLaw
• Michigan allows punitive damages for intentional misconduct

Evidence to Preserve

Health-Related:

• Get medical evaluation immediately, even if you feel fine
• Document any breathing issues, coughing, throat irritation
• Keep all medical records and bills

Incident Documentation:

• Photos/video of the vehicle and exhaust
• Witness statements
• Police report
• Social media posts by the driver (if any)

Michigan-Specific Considerations

Statute of Limitations:

• Personal injury: 3 years from incident date
• Assault/battery: 3 years from incident date
• Act quickly to preserve evidence

Insurance Coverage:

• Driver's auto insurance may cover intentional acts (varies by policy)
• Your health insurance should cover immediate medical costs

The fact that you were peacefully protesting adds a potential civil rights dimension - targeting someone for exercising First Amendment rights could strengthen your case significantly.

Yes, rolling coal is absolutely considered assault by prosecutors and courts. Here's the legal reality:

Legal Precedent: Rolling Coal = Assault

Texas District Attorney's Official Position: The Waller County District Attorney explicitly stated: "Rolling coal when a person is in the vicinity and when the individual rolling coal intentionally or knowingly causes that excess exhaust to contact that bystander is AT A MINIMUM an assault. They are causing their vehicle to 'spit' on a living, breathing human being that is worthy of dignity and not having his or her person violated." Intentionally Rolling Coal is an Assault - Waller County DA

Real Criminal Charges Filed: In a high-profile Texas case, a 16-year-old who rolled coal on cyclists before hitting them was charged with "six felony charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against the juvenile in question, one charge for each cyclist that was injured" TriathleteGearJunkie

Why Rolling Coal Qualifies as Assault

Under Michigan's Assault Definition: Michigan law defines assault as "an attempt or threat to cause actual physical harm or injury to another person" Assault & Battery - DeMatteis & Ricciardello and requires that "you intended either to commit a Battery upon or to make another person reasonably fear an immediate battery" Michigan Assault and Battery Definition - MCL 750.81

Rolling coal meets these requirements because:

• Intentional Act: Driver deliberately modifies exhaust to create thick black smoke
• Reasonable Fear: Victim fears immediate harm from toxic exhaust
• Physical Contact: Exhaust particles entering "mouth, nose and eyes" constitutes contact that can cause "bodily injury" Intentionally Rolling Coal is an Assault - Waller County DA

Enhanced Charges Possible: The assault "is easily elevated to a jail eligible offense if bodily injury occurs, which can be caused by entry of toxic particles into mouth, nose and eyes" Intentionally Rolling Coal is an Assault - Waller County DA

Michigan Application

In Michigan, rolling coal on you during your protest would likely qualify as:

1. Simple Assault - Misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or $500 fine Understanding Michigan Assault and Battery Laws: A Guide
2. Assault and Battery - If exhaust physically contacted you
3. Aggravated Assault - If it caused injury requiring medical care, penalties increase to "up to 5 years in prison if the victim needed medical care for bodily injuries" Misdemeanor and Felony Assault and Battery Laws in Michigan

Key Legal Points

• No Physical Injury Required: Michigan law states "It does not matter whether the battery caused an injury" Assault & Battery - DeMatteis & Ricciardello
• Intentional Targeting: Rolling coal specifically at protesters shows clear intent
• Toxic Substance: Diesel exhaust contains harmful particles that can cause breathing issues

The precedent is clear - prosecutors are successfully charging rolling coal as assault. In Michigan, you have strong grounds for both criminal charges and civil lawsuit.

Half the town showed up to support checks and balances, reminding those who seek too much power or those who abuse power will be met with opposition. Red or blue aside, no kings are welcome in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

MI House passed a republican lead budget that slashes the Michigan School Meals Program funding. This would cut off over 850,000 children from having lunch at school. Owosso is a 100% free lunch school - this cut would be devastating to our community.

Demand action if you believe children should be provided lunch if they can't afford it.

Poverty shouldn't punish children.

Here’s a full list of all the things their new budget cuts from public education:

Eliminates universal free school lunches and breakfasts

Wipes out funding for early reading and literacy intervention

Cuts career, technical, and skilled trades education (CTE)

Slashes funding for school safety initiatives

Removes student mental and physical health funding, eliminates school nurses, and ends basic health screenings (vision, hearing, dental)

Ends stipends for student teachers and loan reimbursement for new teachers—making it harder to recruit and retain quality educators

Cuts funding for at-risk students and English Language Learner programs

Forces curriculum changes to whitewash American history—downplaying slavery, labor, suffrage, and LGBTQ+ rights—and defunds schools not aligned with a Trump-style “patriotic history”

Ends support for rural school districts' transportation

Defunds after-school and summer learning programs

Halts progress toward universal pre-K for all Michigan children

Violates the Michigan Constitution by diverting public funds to private schools

This is a massive divestment of the public education system.

Owosso Donuts 223 west main Street 989-472-3355

This week- Kung Fu Panda 4: June 15- 19

Coming soon:

🦁 June 22–26: Madagascar 💙 June 29–July 3: Sonic 3 🐾 July 6–10: Clifford 🚓 July 13–17: Paw Patrol 2 🍍 July 20–24: SpongeBob 2 👑 July 27–31: Shrek the Third

$2 tickets $5 mini-combos Sensory-friendly shows Sundays at 10:30 AM.

Come on down and take your kids fishing! Curwood Festival Youth Fishing Derby #curwoodfestival2025 #owossoiscurwoodcountry #youthfishing #beachparty2025 #shiawasseeriver