The family, who were visiting the area, rented tubes from Campbell’s Canoe, Kayak & Tubing Livery for a float down the Au Sable River. When the group reached Meads Landing, the man decided to continue floating downriver alone. After several hours passed without him arriving at the next landing, family members called 911 at 7:23 p.m.

Around 9 p.m., Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Ben McAteer joined the search. Near Willows Road, about 1 mile downriver, he found footprints matching the missing man’s description. The location was about an hour’s travel time by water from where the search began. McAteer followed the footprints for about a mile before they returned to the river.

McAteer then continued downriver to an area known as “the Chapel,” about a two-hour float from the previous location. There, he found the same footprints on a two-track trail leading away from the river. He radioed the direction of the tracks to incident command.

South Branch Township Fire Chief Mike Umphrey began searching from the opposite end of the two-track and headed toward McAteer. At 11:15 p.m., Umphrey found the missing man walking along the trail.

Aside from scratches and bug bites, the man was in good condition and grateful to be found.
Investigators said the man had walked more than 4.5 miles before he was located. He was wearing only a swimsuit and did not have shoes or a cellphone.

“We appreciate the great teamwork from all agencies involved in this search and are thankful this man was safely reunited with family,” said Chief Brandon Kieft of DNR Law Enforcement.

“The Au Sable is a great place to be on nice days. We encourage everyone to float the river in groups, sober, with life jackets, and allow plenty of time to get off the water before it gets dark. Given weather conditions, this situation could have been much worse.”

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office led incident command. Assisting agencies included the DNR, South Branch Township Fire, Roscommon County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police and Campbell’s Canoe, Kayak & Tubing Livery.

McAteer has served as a conservation officer since 2015 and patrols Crawford County. He is also a member of the DNR Search and Rescue Team.

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NORTHEAST MICHIGAN – FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Michigan to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 10-21, 2026.

The action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Washtenaw and Wexford counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and families recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Alcona, Alpena, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Eaton, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iron, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Marquette, Mecosta, Menominee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Newaygo, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Presque Isle, Tuscola and Wexford counties.

Brian F. Schiller has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Individuals and families who sustained losses in the designated areas should first file claims with their insurance providers and then apply for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App.

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By Mark Constance

NORTHEAST MICHIGAN – Multiple road projects on M-55 are scheduled to begin in July, with work planned in Tawas City and West Branch.

According to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), it plans to extend the center left-turn lane on M-55 from Wilber Road to the Tawas River in Tawas City. The project will also repave the road in that area.

The work is intended to improve traffic flow and safety on a congested stretch of M-55. Extending the center left-turn lane will give drivers a safer place to wait while turning, helping reduce backups and the risk of rear-end crashes. Repaving the road will also improve the driving surface for motorists.

Work is set to begin Tuesday, July 7, and completed Sept. 4. MDOT said the project will require shoulder closures and single-lane closures with alternating traffic.

A second project in Ogemaw County will improve the shared-use path along M-55 in West Branch from east of Green Road to east of Gray Road.

MDOT will invest $678,770 in the project. Ogemaw Township has contributed $35,000 for decorative pedestrian rails at various locations along the project.

The West Branch work is designed to improve safety and access for pedestrians, bicyclists and other users along the M-55 corridor. Shared-use paths help separate people from vehicle traffic and provide a safer route for residents and visitors traveling through the area.

West Branch work is scheduled to start July 6 and be completed by Sept. 11. MDOT said the project will require shoulder closures during construction.

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ST. HELEN – A Flint man died when his golf cart turned into the path of truck June 29.

According to a statement from Richfield Township Department of Public Safety, at approximately 3:25 p.m., officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel were dispatched by Roscommon County Central Dispatch to a traffic crash on E. West Branch Road, west of Woods Road, in Richfield Township, Roscommon County.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a 79-year-old man from Flint was operating a golf cart westbound on the shoulder of East West Branch Road. As he attempted to make a left turn, the golf cart entered the travel lane and collided with the side of a westbound pickup truck driven by a 57-year-old man from Gladwin. Following the collision, the pickup truck left the roadway and struck a tree.

Despite the immediate efforts of bystanders and responding emergency personnel, the golf cart operator succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police did not identify the victim. The occupants of the pickup truck were transported by Richfield Township Department of Public Safety EMS to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment.

East West Branch Road between F-97 and M-76 remained closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene. Richfield Township Department of Public Safety officers were assisted by deputies from the Roscommon County Sheriff’s Office, troopers from the Michigan State Police, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer, and RTDPS Fire and EMS personnel.

The crash remains under investigation. At this time, alcohol and/or drugs are not believed to be contributing factors.

The Richfield Township Department of Public Safety extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.

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ROSCOMMON – The Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center (NMCAC) is pleased to announce it has received a grant in the amount of $7,280 from the Roscommon Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to support the construction of a new, dedicated entrance to the Medical Suite at its Roscommon facility.

The new entrance will enhance privacy, safety, and accessibility for the children, adults, and families who receive services through the Center’s medical program. The Medical Suite provides specialized services including Sexual Assault Nurse Examinations (SANE) for both children and adults, as well as other medical assessments that require a confidential and supportive environment.

“As our services continue to grow, ensuring the dignity and privacy of every client remains a top priority,” said Rebecca Yuncker, Executive Director of the Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center. “This dedicated entrance will allow individuals seeking medical services to access care discreetly while helping us maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and safety. We are grateful to the Roscommon DDA for recognizing the importance of this project and investing in the well-being of our community.”

The Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center serves six counties throughout Northern Michigan and provides a comprehensive range of services for children and families impacted by abuse, including forensic interviews, victim advocacy, medical services, prevention education, and therapeutic support.

Because multiple services often occur simultaneously within the facility, the dedicated Medical Suite entrance creates a separate access point for medical clients, reducing traffic through shared spaces and providing a more comfortable experience for those seeking care during difficult and sensitive circumstances.

The project reflects NMCAC’s ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment where children, adults, and families can begin their journey toward healing.

The Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center extends its sincere appreciation to the Roscommon Downtown Development Authority for its support of this important enhancement to the Center and the services it provides to the community.

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GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY – A Traverse City man was arrested and charged with arson in an afternoon fire.

According to a statement from the Michigan State Police (MSP), just before 3 p.m. on June 19, troopers from the Traverse City Post and deputies from the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of M-37 near Vance Road for a report of an assault in progress.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect, Hayden Hul, 18, of Traverse City, was first seen on surveillance footage stealing an outdoor security camera from a home on Conetree Trail in Blair Township. After the homeowners received the notification, they responded to the property. Before reaching the home, they encountered Hul walking along the road and stopped to confront him.

Hul allegedly assaulted the victims before he was subdued and taken into custody by law enforcement. Following the arrest, the victims continued to their property and discovered their home was on fire.

After reviewing surveillance footage, it is believed that Hul entered the property, broke into and set fire to the home. He then stole the camera and fled the scene before being confronted.

Hul was lodged at the Grand Traverse County Jail on charges of assault, home invasion, and arson.

He was arraigned on June 21 in the 86th District Court in Grand Traverse County on the following charges:

• One count: Arson Second Degree • One count: Home Invasion Second Degree

Hul was given a 200,000 cash or surety bond. Additional charges may be authorized following prosecutor review.

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KALKASKA –  A Kalkaska man was arrested while out on bond for threatening a woman he was arrested for assaulting days earlier.

According toa Michigan State Police statement,  James Murden, 43, of Kalkaska, was arrested following an investigation into an alleged domestic assault that occurred at a residence on Dresden St. in Kalkaska on June 13, 2026.

Murden was arrested again on June 16 after allegedly violating his bond conditions by contacting the victim and threatening her. 

Preliminary investigation indicates that on the evening of June 13, troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Houghton Lake Postresponded to a report of a physical altercation at the residence. Nurse allegedly broke the victim’s phone, preventing her from calling for help,and physically assaulted her. The victim was evaluated at a local medical facility for her injuries. 

Murden was initially arrested and charged with domestic violence and attempted interfering with electronic communications. He was lodged in the Kalkaska County Jail. 

On June 16, troopers learned that Murden, who had been released from jail, was contacting the victim and allegedly making ongoing, credible threats to her life. The repeated and unwanted contacts were made byphone, social media, and in person. 

A search warrant was obtained and executed at the Dresden Street residence and on Murden’s vehicle. During the search, troopers locateda .270 caliber bolt-action rifle and ammunition in his vehicle, suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in both the vehicle and residence, and a pellet rifle. 

Murden was arrested on new charges and was lodged at the Kalkaska County Jail. 

Murden was arraigned on June 17 in the 87-B District Court in Kalkaska County on the following charges: 

• One count: Witness-Intimidating-Committing Crime/Threatening to Kill or Injure 

• Two counts: Controlled Substance – Possession of Methamphetamine/Ecstasy  

• One count: Stalking – Aggravated 

• One count: Weapons – Dangerous Weapon – Carrying with Unlawful Intent 

• Two counts: Computers – Using to Commit a Crime 

• One count: Weapons Felony Firearm 

• One count: Telecommunications Services – Malicious Use – Domestic Relationship 

• One count: Operating While License Suspended, Revoked, Denied 

• One count: Weapons – Firearms-Improper Possession of a Firearm in or Upon a Motor Vehicle 

Murden was given a $100,000 10% cash or surety bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 8 at 1:30 p.m. 

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OSCODA — The Charter Township of Oscoda will host a public information meeting Monday, June 22 to discuss the Downtown Water Main project.

The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at the Robert J. Parks Library, located at 6010 Skeel Ave. It will run until the township board of trustees meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

The project is scheduled to begin this week and will replace water main in several downtown areas. Township officials, the project engineer and the contractor are expected to attend the meeting. They will explain the project and answer questions from residents and business owners.

The project will include water main replacement on:

• River Road from U.S. 23 to the west side of the river
• River Road from U.S. 23 to Lake Street
• Dwight Street from U.S. 23 to Canada Street
• Park Street from U.S. 23 to Canada Street
• Michigan Street from Lake Street to the beach, and
• Canada Street, including the Beach Park parking area.

Drivers should expect some lane closures in active work zones. However, access will remain available for residents and businesses during the project. Mail delivery and trash pickup are expected to continue without issue.

The project is expected to be completed on June 30, 2027z

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TRAVERSE CITY — The Michigan Department of Transportation will invest $4.8 million to repave and widen paved shoulders on 14 miles of M-66 in Kalkaska County.

The project will run from M-72 to the Missaukee County line. Work is scheduled to begin Monday, June 22 and end Monday, Sept. 14.

The work will require single-lane closures with alternating traffic controlled by traffic regulators. Drivers should expect delays and use caution in the work zone.

The project includes new pavement markings, rumble strips and wider paved shoulders for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Based on economic modeling, the investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 41 jobs.

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OSCODA — The Charter Township of Oscoda Water Department has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for Hangars  2-4 and 6-10 in the Oscoda Charter Township water system.

The advisory is in effect through June 12. The advisory is the result of a planned water service interruption held on Tuesday, June 9.

Residents and water users in the affected areas should boil all water before using it. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute and then allowed to cool before use. Bottled water may also be used.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food. Bacteria are common in the environment and are generally not harmful. However, the advisory is being issued as a precaution to protect public health.

The Charter Township of Oscoda will restore system pressure as quickly as possible, flush the water distribution system and collect bacteriological samples to verify water quality.

The advisory will remain in place until laboratory testing confirms that the water meets state drinking water standards.

For additional information visit https://www.oscodatownshipmi.gov/news_detail_T3_R197.php

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