MASON, Mich. — The Mason City Council has postponed action on a proposed zoning ordinance rollout plan that would establish new standards for data centers, as debate continues over a proposed hyperscale facility seeking annexation into the city.
The council voted Monday night to table the plan until January, when a new City Council will be in place. The proposed ordinance includes provisions addressing data centers as the city considers an annexation request tied to a potential development.
During public comment, a resident questioned the involvement of city officials in the annexation process, accusing City Manager Deborah Stewart of coordinating with the developer to help move the project forward.
Stewart defended her actions after the vote, saying her focus was on protecting the community's interests, including addressing potential traffic impacts and access to local roads.
“That's not advocating for a project, it's advocating for the community,” Stewart said.
Mason is not the only Mid-Michigan community examining data center development. East Lansing has launched “Data Week,” leading up to a community forum Thursday night at the Hannah Community Center on a proposed data center ordinance. Michigan State University students also participated Monday in a discussion about the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
SafeCenter Faces Funding Cuts
SafeCenter, which provides services to domestic and sexual assault victims and survivors in Clinton and Shiawassee counties, says upcoming funding cuts could put people who rely on its services at risk of losing support.
The organization, based in St. Johns, has eliminated three positions and now operates with six full-time and four part-time employees while continuing to provide services around the clock, seven days a week.
SafeCenter's Owosso office and emergency shelter remain open.
The organization is asking community members to support its annual telethon, scheduled to run Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The fundraising events are intended to help the organization continue serving victims and survivors amid financial challenges.
Senate Candidates Address Issues at Michigan Town Hall
Conservative talk show host Sean Hannity appeared at a town hall in St. Clair Shores on Monday, where he criticized Democratic Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, accusing him of making false statements about several matters, including his family and professional credentials.
The event featured El-Sayed's Republican opponent, Mike Rogers, who discussed education and other issues.
Rogers highlighted concerns about Michigan students' reading performance and called for a renewed emphasis on phonics-based reading instruction. He also said he wants to expand vocational and skilled-trades education in high schools and strengthen Michigan's economic competitiveness.
Mattawan Community Holds Vigil After Teen Crash
A vigil was held Monday night at Mattawan High School in Kalamazoo County to honor five students who were killed or injured in a crash early Sunday morning.
Authorities reported that the vehicle carrying the teenagers left the road and struck a tree. Two students died in the crash.
Counselors were available at the school Monday to support students and staff as they grieved.
Former Detroit Lions Punter Dies at 35
Former Detroit Lions punter Kasey Redfern has died from brain cancer at age 35.
Redfern appeared in one regular-season game for Detroit, playing in the Lions' 2017 season opener. He suffered a season-ending knee injury during that game.
His death marks the loss of a former NFL player who spent time with the Lions early in his professional career.
