Reckless Driving and Safety Concerns Highlight Local News in Mid-Michigan
By Rich Herl – 1320 WILS
Community Concerns Over Reckless Driving Surge
Ingham County Sheriff Scott Rigglesworth is urging drivers to slow down and pay attention following a troubling spike in reckless driving incidents. In a social media post earlier this week, the sheriff disclosed that Ingham County 911 received over 620 calls for reckless driving in the past month alone. During the same period, there were more than 120 reported crashes.
While fatal accidents often make headlines, Sheriff Rigglesworth emphasized that countless other collisions result in life-altering injuries—ranging from amputations and traumatic brain injuries to broken bones and internal trauma.
The issue isn’t limited to highways. Neighborhoods, too, are seeing increased risk. Residents of East Lansing’s Marble neighborhood brought their concerns to the city council this week, citing multiple near misses. One local woman, who tends to a community herb garden outside her home, shared her harrowing experience:
“I was almost hit twice while gardening, so I had to start wearing a safety vest. You shouldn’t have to do that in your own neighborhood,” she said, adding that more stop signs could help curb the problem.
Suspicious Death Investigations in Mid- and South Michigan
Two separate death investigations are underway with local ties.
In Eaton County, Michigan State Police are investigating the death of a 74-year-old Okemos man, whose body was found Tuesday morning near a dumpster behind Mulliken Roadhouse. Authorities have not yet released the man’s identity or cause of death.
Meanwhile, in Tennessee, a man found dead inside a locked vehicle at a tow yard earlier this month has been identified as 63-year-old Dale Hilzebeck of Lansing. His body was discovered inside a Hummer on May 1. An autopsy is pending.
Auto Industry News: GM’s Battery Breakthrough, Ford Layoffs
General Motors is taking a bold step toward the future of electric vehicles. The Detroit-based automaker has announced plans to introduce a new battery chemistry—lithium manganese-rich cells—that could improve both range and affordability. GM and LG Energy Solution aim to launch production of the new batteries in the U.S. by 2028.
Elsewhere in the industry, Ford Motor Company is trimming its workforce. The Dearborn automaker plans to cut nearly 350 connected vehicle software jobs across the U.S. and Canada as part of an ongoing effort to streamline operations. At the same time, Ford has appointed Kyle Crockett, a former GM executive, as its new chief accounting officer.
Michigan Singer Bows Out of NBC’s The Voice
In entertainment news, 20-year-old Iris Herrera of Newaygo ended her journey on NBC’s The Voice this week. Performing Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” Herrera gave a heartfelt performance but did not advance to the final round. Five singers remain in the competition.
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