Ice Fishing Death, House Fire, Trial Deliberations and More: Mid-Michigan News Roundup

Authorities in Clinton County are investigating a deadly ice fishing accident that claimed the life of a 74-year-old Laingsburg man.

Deputies and emergency crews were dispatched around 9:50 a.m. Thursday to Lake Victoria after reports that a man had fallen through the ice while fishing. Rescue personnel pulled the man from the water and began life-saving efforts at the scene. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died. The incident remains under investigation.

Lansing House Fire Under Investigation

In Lansing, fire officials say no injuries were reported after a fire broke out in the attic of a home on West Street Thursday. Two people were inside the home at the time of the blaze but were able to escape safely. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Jury Deliberations Resume in Lenawee County Murder Trial

Jury deliberations are continuing in a high-profile murder trial involving a Lenawee County man accused of killing his wife.

Prosecutors say Dale Warner killed his wife, Dee Warner, in 2021. Her body was discovered three years later inside a sealed tank on the family’s property. The jury received the case late Thursday afternoon following closing arguments.

Federal Judge Dismisses Mackinac Island Ferry Monopoly Claims

A federal judge has dismissed antitrust claims against the Hoffman Family of Companies, the owner of Shepler’s Ferry and Mackinac Island Ferry Company.

The city of Mackinac Island had argued that the companies’ common ownership created a monopoly and reduced competition for ferry service to the island. The court ruled in favor of the ferry operators, dismissing the claims.

Political Campaigns Heat Up in Michigan

Michigan’s upcoming elections are drawing new candidates and campaign clashes.

A longtime West Michigan television meteorologist, Republican Terry DeBoer, has announced a run for Congress. DeBoer, who spent nearly 30 years with WOOD-TV before recently joining FOX 17, is seeking to unseat Democratic Representative Hillary Scholten in the state’s 3rd Congressional District.

Meanwhile, the race for governor is intensifying. Republican candidate Perry Johnson released a new television ad targeting GOP front-runner John James in which he said, “Why haven’t career politicians properly audited our state government?  Something to hide?”  Johnson is calling for a full audit of state government and pledging to eliminate Michigan’s personal income tax.

A spokesperson for the James campaign responded by highlighting James’ military service and criticizing Johnson for spending heavily on advertising without electoral success.

Daylight Saving Time Change This Weekend

Clocks will move forward one hour this weekend as daylight saving time begins. Residents are reminded to set clocks ahead before going to bed Saturday night.

Health experts say the time change can have short-term impacts. Dr. Jennifer Ely, a sleep specialist with University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, says the shift has been linked to increased cardiovascular risks, higher accident rates on the following Monday morning, and even more workplace and medical errors.

MSU Students Land Investment on “Shark Tank”

Two Michigan State University student entrepreneurs landed a major investment during an appearance on the ABC television show “Shark Tank.”

Madhav Aggarwal and Tanvi Gadamsetti secured a $300,000 investment for their performance materials technology company, BRCE, after pitching their product to the show’s panel of investors.