GENSESEE COUNTY, MI – A new comic based a 10-year-old Grand Blanc boy who lost both his legs due to complications of the flu is now available for purchase.
Meanwhile, the Flint City Council has finally elected a president after being deadlocked over the selection for 10 months.
Check out headlines from the past week to learn more about these stories and other recent Flint-area news:
This 10-year-old lost both his legs to the flu. Now he’s fighting back as a comic book superhero.
An event celebrating the launch of a new comic book based on 10-year-old Kaden Stevenson’s battle with the flu was held Sept. 25 at his school in Grand Blanc.
Both of Stevenson’s legs had to be amputated about three years ago due to complications of the flu.
The comic book, “Kaden Blaze Fights Flu Bug,” depicts Stevenson as a superhero battling his arch enemy, the Flu Bug.
Read the full story here.
Swartz Creek council member urges police to end ICE cooperation agreement
A member of the Swartz Creek City Council recently joined calls for the Metro Police Authority of Genesee County to end its cooperation agreement with federal immigration authorities.
The council member, Rae Lynn Hicks, also serves on the police authority’s board, cited public opposition to the agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when she asked Chief Matt Blade to rescind it during a recent board meeting.
Read the full story here.
Man accused of sexually assaulting teen while HIV positive given 20-year sentence
A Genesee County Circuit Court Judge recently sentenced a man accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy despite knowing he had HIV to a minimum of 20 years in prison.
Cole pleaded no contest to three charges stemming from the alleged incident in July, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
He faces a maximum of 40 years in prison.
Read the full story here.
After 735 rounds of voting, this Michigan city has finally elected a council president
The Flint City Council elected a new president for 2025 in a narrow decision this past week after 735 rounds of voting, which began in November 2024.
The council voted 5-4 to elect incumbent President Label Lewis, with the decisive vote coming from recently elected 3rd Ward Councilwoman LaShawn Johnson. The council was previously deadlocked over the selection.
Read the full story here.
Congresswoman calls for EPA to pay now for failed oversight during Flint water crisis
U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet is calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to begin negotiating a settlement with Flint residents impacted by the city’s water crisis.
Rivet also wants the agency to acknowledge its failed oversight during the crisis.
A U.S. District Court Judge recently denied the EPA’s latest request to dismiss Flint water crisis lawsuits filed against the agency by Flint residents.
Read the full story here.
New $2.6M Mundy Township Senior & Enrichment Center to open in October
The Mundy Township Senior & Enrichment Center will celebrate the official opening of its new $2.6 million building this coming week with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The new building is located at Mundy Miracle Commons, an outdoor recreation complex.
The ribbon cutting will be held at the new building, located at 1286 W. Hill Road, on Friday, Oct. 3.
Read the full story here.
Know someone making Genesee County a better place? Nominate them for this special recognition
The Flint & Genesee Group is accepting nominations for the 11th annual Art of Achievement Awards, which will be held in November.
The awards span 17 different categories, from business to hospitality, and are given to local businesses, leaders, and professionals making a difference in the Flint and Genesee County.
Nominations must be submitted by Friday, Oct. 3.
Read the full story here.
Alleged victim says Flint councilman choked and dragged her by the hair during assault
The woman Flint City Council member Leon El-Alamin allegedly assaulted in July testified during a preliminary hearing on Sept. 22 that he dragged her by her hair, choked her, and punched her in a Mt. Morris Township home they shared.
El-Alamin has been bound over to Genesee Circuit Court and is currently free on bond as he awaits his trial.
Read the full story here.
How a road rage incident in Grand Blanc Township escalated to gunfire
A pretrial hearing for a man accused of shooting at a driver during a road-rage incident that occurred in Grand Blanc Township earlier this year is set to take place next month.
20-year-old Ter-Ray Pendelton is accused of firing multiple shots at the alleged victim, Keef Dougherty, and faces several charges stemming from the incident, including assault with intent to murder.
Read the full story here.
Deer population in this Michigan city prompts officials to seek control measures
From sterilization to controlled hunts, city officials in Linden are considering several possible solutions to recent issues involving the city’s deer population.
The Linden City Council discussed the matter during a meeting earlier this month, with multiple council members identifying the issue as a potential threat to public safety.
The city has also received reports from residents about close encounters with deer.
Read the full story here.
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