Versus
By Greg Peterson
News Director, Owner
Upper Peninsula Breaking News
(Traverse City, MI) – A longtime advertising executive for a group of northern Michigan radio stations that serve the eastern Upper Peninsula has filed state and federal lawsuits accusing the owners and its general manager with retaliation, discrimination, reckless indifference, mental anguish and more for allegedly violating laws that protect people with disabilities.
Hired almost 20 years ago, radio ad salesperson Kimberlee McCardel of Traverse City, MI filed her lawsuits about six weeks ago against Northern Star Broadcasting, LLC (as a Michigan company) and the manager of the company’s radio stations Mary Reynolds (as an individual).
But – about a month earlier – many of the radio stations were sold.
Reynolds is/was the General Manager/Vice President of Sales/Marketing for Northern Star Broadcasting, LLC radio stations across northern Michigan including the eastern Upper Peninsula. Strange in these mass communications days, U.P. Breaking News could not find any online photos of Mary Reynolds – the boss of a pile of radio stations.
Reynolds is – or was – in charge of WQEZ Easy 95.5/106.3; Classic Rock 97.7/98.1/107.1; The Bear, Rock 105; 102.9 Big Country Hits; and Big Country Gold AM 1240 100.7 FM.
BUT – hold the presses – these radio stations have been split up and sold this year – so you might need a scorecard to keep track. Below – read the stories about the chop up and sale – of Northern Star Broadcasting.
The 15-page, five-count federal court lawsuit states McCardel is a victim of retaliation and discrimination under state and federal disability laws.
The suit states another federal investigation into the company’s handling of her claim ended with a finding that McCardel was “discharged based on a disability.”
McCardel’s lawsuit claims that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) investigation resulted in “a determination that found Plaintiff was denied a reasonable accommodation and discharged based on a disability, and that defendant Northern Star broadcasting/Mary Reynolds “violated the ADA.”
The following information was obtained from – or alleged in – the federal lawsuit:
“At all times relevant” to the suit, McCardel “did perform the essential functions of her job” and a “large portion” of her sales job was in the field “calling on clients and potential clients.”
McCardel was seriously injured in an Oct. 14, 2011 traffic accident that resulted in “a traumatic brain injury” plus “neck pain, back pain, headaches, and a sensitivity to light and noise.”
“While recovering from the accident,” McCardel was “allowed to work from home as a reasonable accommodation and was able” to perform her job.
Due to the wreck, McCardel “is impaired in the major life functions of multitasking and often unable to “concentrate when interruptions to her tasks occur.”
Two years after the crash, McCardel’s physician, Dr. David Oakley, signed a two-week “medical leave of absence.”
In response to the leave of absence, NSB and Reynolds demanded that McCardel“turn in her laptop and took away her access to her emails” and to “work product.”
Mary Reynolds of Traverse City, MI was the general manager and vice president of Northern Star Broadcasting, LLC and “she was one of the parties involved in the ownership transfer” of NSB in 2013.
At that Nov. 13, 2013 meeting, NBS wanted McCardel’s “medical providers” to provide information on “her disability and request for accommodation.”
McCardel’s occupational therapist Carol Holland submitted the requested information to Reynolds five days later (Nov. 18) that included “working from home, no fluorescent lighting, and a quiet environment without interruptions.”
The occupational therapist explained McCardel’s list of medical needs including “working in the office necessary for meeting with clients” plus “getting her mail” and specific staff-related meetings needed for sales, business and management.
On Nov. 25, 2013, Reynolds sent an email “forbidding’ McCardel “from talking to any client or contacting a client in any way” until the two “had a chance to meet” in early December.”
Under Count 5, a claim is made under the Michigan Sales Representative Act Violation for withholding sales commission.
The suit makes the ‘disability discrimination’ charges under the national Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PDCRA).
In addition to unspecified monetary damages, the suit seeks:
-
Reinstatement with commensurate pay or “an award of front-pay until” McCardel is 67 years old
-
Pecuniary damages like back pay and benefit with interest
-
Compensatory damages to be determined at trial
-
Attorneys fees and all costs associated with the litigation plus interest
-
Further relief that the court “deems just and equitable”
The suit alleges that what followed was NBS “effectively denying her (McCardel) request for reasonable accommodations” and not “engaging in the reasonable accommodation process” that would allow her to work.
NBS told McCardel that if her doctor decided “you cannot return to work under the prior existing conditions of your employment” then McCardel should “utilize any accrued vacation, sick or personal leave.”
McCardel said she had spent those years attempting “to work with her door closed and lights turned off but it ad not been effective in solving the (medical) problem”
“I feel the company (NSB) is discriminating against me based on my disability” violating the ADA and the Michigan Persons with Disability Civil Rights Act, McCardel said in a Dec. 3 letter to Reynolds. “You have failed to accommodate my disability.”
“You are retaliating against me for requesting job accommodations and taking disability leave,” said McCardel stating her feelings in the letter. “You not honoring my request for is impairing my ability to earn a livelihood given my commission based compensation.”
McCardel suggested a meeting but the suit alleges in a letter three days later (Dec. 6) Reynolds stated “I am requesting that you not return to work until further notice” that was followed four days later (Dec. 10) by an official termination
The federal civil suit states that NBS was then sold and McCardel was “told her position has been eliminated” during a Dec. 11 meeting with NBS Gen. Mgr. Mary Reynolds and Del Reynolds, NSB Vice Pres. of programming and operations/chief engineer
At that meeting, the Reynolds were “now also the principal owners of the entity that purchased NBS.” McCardel said Del Reynolds “assured” her that she’d receive her earned work commissions “as the company received payments from their clients for work.”
McCardel never received her outstanding commissions and despite reapplying with “the new entity” that bought NSB “was the only non-executive not rehired.”
In addition to lost wages, McCardel suffered “substantial pecuniary losses,” mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life” and other losses. “NBS conducted itself with malice and with reckless indifference” to (McCardel’s) state and federal protected rights, the suit states.
Now some of the radio station sales info:
http://radioink.com/2016/05/26/black-diamond-acquire-northern-star-1-95-million
One of radio’s bigger deals in quite some time will come from Northern Michigan where Black Diamond Broadcast is purchasing eight stations from Northern Star Broadcasting for $1.95 million. Here are the details of the deal brokered by Jason James of Patrick Communications.
The stations changing hands are WCBY-AM Cheboygan, WGFM-FM Cheboygan, WCHY-FM Cheboygan, WGFN-FM Glen Arbor, WMKC-FM Indian River, WOEZ-FM Onaway, WQEZ-FM Glen Arbor, and 100.7 FM W264CF St. Ignace. Black Diamond is owned by Michigan residents Mike Chires and Norm McKee, who also own WUPS-FM Harrison and WTWS-FM Houghton Lake which they purchased in 2015.
Northern Star Broadcasting’s President Del Reynolds said, “These radio stations are huge technical facilities reaching from Cadillac to Canada and Traverse City to Alpena.”
“I believe that Black Diamond is the radio group to continue the tradition of being committed local broadcasters and will be honorable trustees of these FCC licenses. Our staff and our clients are the best in the country and we know that they are in good hands with Black Diamond.”
“They have shown with their previous acquisition of WUPS and WTWS that they know how to serve the local community and we are at ease knowing these groups will continue to grow and thrive with them as we transition into what is next for us.”
Black Diamond partner and CEO Mike Chires stated, “Del and Mary have done a tremendous job of building powerhouse stations that serve their communities extremely well.”
“They have strong relationships with their clients, and the respect of broadcasters throughout the industry, especially in Michigan, which is the ultimate compliment. We look forward to continuing the legacy and the relationships they’ve built with their clients and communities these great stations serve.” Norm McKee, Black Diamond partner and COO/CFO added.
“The Northern Star properties permit us to establish a group of 10 radio stations serving all of central and northern Michigan with quality broadcasting, sports, and community coverage. We can now serve listeners and clients from the Zilwaukee Bridge to north of the Mackinac Bridge, and from Ludington to Oscoda (Bridge to Bridge, Coast to Coast).”
NORTHERN-STAR-BROADCASTING-EEO-REPORT-2016
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Below is further information from the lawsuit and those involved.
——-
Northern Star Broadcasting civil action summons 1
Northern Star Broadcasting civil action summons 2
Northern Star Broadcasting Disability Violations Main Suit
Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 1
Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 2
Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 3
Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 4
Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 5
Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 6
Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 7
Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 8
Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 9
Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 10
Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 11
Filed 5/20/16
15 pages
Five Counts
Count 1
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Disability Discrimination
Count 2
ADA Retaliation
Count 3
Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PDCRA) Disability Discrimination
Count 4
MI PDCRA Retaliation
Count 5
A Claim under the Michigan Sales Representative Act Violation for withholding sales commission
Kimberlee McCardel
vs
Northern Star Broadcasting, LLC (as a Michigan company)
Mary Reynolds (as an individual)
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McCardel Lawyers:
Kevin M. Keenan (72216)
Glenn L. Smith (43156)
250 Monroe Ave., NW
Suite 100
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-459-7100
——-
The suit seeks:
-
Reinstatement with commensurate pay or “an award of front-pay until” McCardel is 67 years old
-
Pecuniary damages like back pay and benefit with interest
-
Compensatory damages to be determined at trial
-
Attorneys fees and all costs associated with the litigation plus interest
-
Further relief that the court “deems just and equitable.”
——-
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
A “pendent state court claim(s)” are being brought pursuant to both – Michigan Sales Representative Act and the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act
The federal court has “supplemental jurisdiction” over the state court claims
McCardel has filed “a charge of employment discrimination on the basis of disability with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 300 days of the commission of the unlawful employment practices alleged” in the complaint.
(Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 1)
The EEOC investigation resulted in “a determination that found Plaintiff was denied a reasonable accommodation and discharged based on a disability, and that defendant Northern Star broadcasting/Mary Reynolds “violated the ADA.”
(Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 2)
(Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 3)
Kimberlee McCardel of Traverse City, MI:
McCardel was hired by NSB on April 6, 1998 as an “integrated marketing consultant engaged in sales for NSB” at its office at 3250 Racquet Club Drive in Traverse City.
“At all times relevant” to the suit, McCardel “did perform the essential functions of her job” and a “large portion” of her sales job was in the field “calling on clients and potential clients.”
McCardel was seriously injured in an Oct. 14, 2011 traffic accident that resulted in “a traumatic brain injury” plus “neck pain, back pain, headaches, and a sensitivity to light and noise.”
(Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 4 – Letters from Dr. David Oakley on Dec. 4 and OT Carol Holland on Nov. 18)
(Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 5)
“While recovering from the accident,” McCardel was “allowed to work from home as a reasonable accommodation and was able” to perform her job.
Due to the wreck, McCardel “is impaired in the major life functions of multitasking and often unable to “concentrate when interruptions to her tasks occur.”
Two years after the crash, McCardel’s physician, Dr. David Oakley, signed a two-week “medical leave of absence.”
(Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 6)
(Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 7)
In response to the leave of absence, NSB and Reynolds demanded that McCardel “turn in her laptop and took away her access to her emails” and to “work product.”
Northern Star Broadcasting in Traverse City, MI
Mary Reynolds of Traverse City, MI was the general manager and vice president of Northern Star Broadcasting, LLC and “she was one of the parties involved in the ownership transfer” of NSB in 2013.
McCardel was not allowed to return to work on Nov. 6, 2013 and met on Nov. 13 with Reynolds and Dave Simmons, president of NSB
During that meeting, the two NBS executives and McCardel “discussed her return to work” plus her employers requested “additional information” on accommodations her condition required
At that Nov. 13, 2013 meeting, NBS wanted McCardel’s “medical providers” to provide information on “her disability and request for accommodation.”
McCardel’s occupational therapist Carol Holland submitted the requested information to Reynolds five days later (Nov. 18) that included “working from home, no fluorescent lighting, and a quiet environment without interruptions.”
(See above – Exhibit 4 – letters from Dr. Oakley on Dec. 4 and OT Holland on Nov. 18)
The occupational therapist explained McCardel’s list of medical needs including “working in the office necessary for meeting with clients” plus “getting her mail” and specific staff-related meetings needed for sales, business and management.
(See Exhibit 5)
On Nov. 25, 2013, Reynolds sent an email “forbidding’ McCardel “from talking to any client or contacting a client in any way” until the two “had a chance to meet” in early December.”
(Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 8)
McCardel received a letter dated Nov. 27, 2013 from Reynolds that confirmed receipt of the medical information but added “apparently you are somehow relating this request to an automobile accident that happened over two years ago” and since have continued to work in NBS offices.
“You know that your request comes at the most inopportune time in our business with the holidays and yearend sandwiched on top of the pending merger and acquisition,” states the email from Reynolds to McCardel. “You are welcome to close your door and cut down on the usual office chatter and shut your lights.”
The suit alleges that what followed was NBS “effectively denying her (McCardel) request for reasonable accommodations” and not “engaging in the reasonable accommodation process” that would allow her to work.
(Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 9)
NBS told McCardel that if her doctor decided “you cannot return to work under the prior existing conditions of your employment” then McCardel should “utilize any accrued vacation, sick or personal leave.”
McCardel said she had spent those years attempting “to work with her door closed and lights turned off but it ad not been effective in solving the (medical) problem”
“I feel the company (NSB) is discriminating against me based on my disability” violating the ADA and the Michigan Persons with Disability Civil Rights Act, McCardel said in a Dec. 3 letter to Reynolds. “You have failed to accommodate my disability.”
“You are retaliating against me for requesting job accommodations and taking disability leave,” said McCardel stating her feelings in the letter. “You not honoring my request for is impairing my ability to earn a livelihood given my commission based compensation.”
(Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 10)
McCardel suggested a meeting but the suit alleges in a letter three days later (Dec. 6) Reynolds stated “I am requesting that you not return to work until further notice” that was followed four days later (Dec. 10) by an official termination
(Northern Star Broadcasting Exhibit 11)
The federal civil suit states that NBS was then sold and McCardel was “told her position has been eliminated” during a Dec. 11 meeting with NBS Gen. Mgr. Mary Reynolds and Del Reynolds, NSB Vice Pres. of programming and operations/chief engineer
At that meeting, the Reynolds were “now also the principal owners of the entity that purchased NBS.”
McCardel said Del Reynolds “assured” her that she’d receive her earned work commissions “as the company received payments from their clients for work”
McCardel never received her outstanding commissions and despite reapplying with “the new entity” that bought NSB “was the only non-executive not rehired.”
In addition to lost wages, McCardel suffered “substantial pecuniary losses,” mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life” and other losses.
“NBS conducted itself with malice and with reckless indifference” to (McCardel’s) state and federal protected rights, the suit states.
—
Related links and information:
Kimberlee McCardel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlee-mccardel-129a2615
Northern Express website caption for above photo: Chef Dan Huey, Catherine Stownehouse, Chef Ardi Huey and Kimberlee McCardel enjoying a cooking demonstration at Pro Build.
—
Dr. David Oakley, M.D.
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine graduate
Practiced at Grand Traverse Internists since 1995
www.gtinternists.com/about-us.html
—
Carol Holland, Occupational Therapist, OTR/L
Occupational Therapy/Memory and Attention Training Center
Munson Healthcare
1105 Sixth St.
Traverse City, MI 49684
231-935-0388
cholland@mhc.net
http://braininjurynorth.com/Occupational%20Therapy.html
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-holland-7198b414
—
Fans not happy:
http://beeotchoftheday.blogspot.com
Bee-otch of the Day is a production of www.Chuck69.com, Grand Rapids’ site for Stern, politics and more!
http://beeotchoftheday.blogspot.com/2013/04/4913-bee-otch-of-day-northern-star.html
http://beeotchoftheday.blogspot.com/2011/11/back-page-northern-star-sells-back-to.html
A soothsayer in April 2013:
But, here’s the $64 Million Question: will Rock 105 last?
Remember, NSB is trying to sell itself back to Del Reynolds.
In order to do so, they’re trying to spin off 94.5 and 93.9 to the teabaggers that own WYPV 106.3 in Onaway for 106.3. The sale of 94.5 has been approved, but not 93.9, and that station is now silent for the time being.
Only time will tell what will happen, but one thing’s for sure: thank God I have Sirius.
——-
Mary Reynolds
231-290-1910 (cell)
NBS General Manager
NBS Vice President of Sales/Marketing
Northern Star Broadcasting, LLC
WQEZ Easy 95.5/106.3; Classic Rock 97.7/98.1/107.1; The Bear Rock 105; 102.9 Big Country Hits; and Big Country Gold AM 1240 100.7 FM
—
Del Reynolds, NSB Vice Pres. of programming and operations/chief engineer
http://www.michiguide.com/dials/owners/nstar.html
Northern Star Broadcasting, LLC,
514 Munson Ave.
Traverse City, MI 49686
—
NBS Pres. Dave Simmons
Think we found him – but want to make sure before post info
—
W. Palmer Pyle
Retired Owner and Founder of Northern Star Broadcasting, Traverse City
http://newsletter.michmab.com/june12/june12a
——-
Northern Star Broadcasting
1356 Mackinaw Avenue
Cheboygan, MI 49721
231-627-2341 Ext. 395
231-627-0395
231-627-7000 (fax)
514 Munson Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49684
231-922-4981 Ext. 111
231-922-3633 (fax)
http://nsbroadcasting.com/contact
Sovereign Communications, LLC
P.O. Box 1230
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Based in Sault Ste. Marie, MI
We couldn’t find an official website – but there is this “book”
https://www.morebooks.de/store/gb/book/sovereign-communications/isbn/978-613-5-46217-3
http://www.wmiq.net/contact.html
http://www.wjpd.com/page.php?page_id=81
906-632-2231 (office)
906-632-4411 (fax)
Key Executives for Sovereign Communications, LLC
Mr. Bill Gleich, President and Chief Executive Officer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_Communications
www.michiguide.com/dials/owners/sovrn.html
www.secondwavemedia.com/upper-peninsula/features/sovereign21115.aspx
http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=98185204
http://listings.findthecompany.com/l/8878667/Sovereign-Communication-Llc-in-Sault-Sainte-Marie-MI
Sault Ste. Marie, MI:
1230 AM WSOO Full service
WYSS Contemporary Hits
101.3 WSUE Rock
105.5 WMKD Country
1400 WKNW ESPN/Sports
Marquette, MI:
92.3 WJPD Country
94.1 WUPK Rock
99.5 WNGE Oldies
1320 WDMJ News/Talk
Iron Mountain, MI:
93.1 WIMK Rock
94.3 WZNL Hot Adult Contemporary
1450 WMIQ Talk
Newberry, MI:
93.9 WNBY-FM Oldies
1450 WNBY Classic Country
Ishpeming, MI
1240 WIAN News/Talk
——-
Black Diamond Broadcast Holding Group
Owners Mike Chires and Norm McKee
Chires is also CEO
Black Diamond Broadcast Holding has agreed to acquire eight stations from Northern Michigan-based Northern Star Broadcasting for $1.95 million.
The transaction encompasses multiple signals in Traverse City-Petoskey, MI, and includes WCBY-AM (1240), WGFM-FM (105.1) and WCHY-FM (97.7)/Cheboygan, along with WGFN-FM (98.1) and WQEZ-FM (95.5)/Glen Arbor, WMKC-FM (102.9)/Indian River, WOEZ-FM (106.3)/Onaway and W264CF (100.7)/St. Ignace.
Black Diamond, owned by long-time broadcast executives and life-long Michigan residents, Mike Chires and Norm McKee, currently own WUPS-FM/Harrison and WTWS-FM/Houghton Lake, both purchased in 2015.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WUPS
www.ourmidland.com/business/article/Black-Diamond-buys-WUPS-FM-WTWS-FM-6908222.php
http://radioink.com/2016/05/26/black-diamond-acquire-northern-star-1-95-million/
http://rbr.com/black-diamond-to-acquire-northern-star-broadcasting
http://news.radio-online.com/cgi-bin/rol.exe/headline_id=b14744
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Northern Star Broadcasting, LLC
http://www.fccinfo.com/CMDProEngine.php?sCurrentService=FM&tabSearchType=Appl&sAppIDNumber=1419937
—
West Central Michigan Media Ministries
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strong_Tower_Radio
http://www.strongtowerradio.org
http://www.michiguide.com/dials/owners/wcmmm.html
—
Michigan Broadcasters
Still investigating
—
Baraga Broadcasting
http://www.thecatholiclight.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WTCK
—
Up North Radio
http://news.michmab.com/northern-star-broadcasting-stations-sold/
—
Patrick Communications
(Read how they brokered the sales of many northern Michigan radio stations)
—
Classic Rock The Bear WGFN-FM/WCKC-FM/WCHY-FM 98.1 FM/97.7 FM/107.1 FM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WGFN
—
105 ROCK WGFM 105.1 FM 103.7 FM
http://nsbroadcasting.com/wp-content/uploads/Rock-105-Radio-Station-Information-2.pdf
—
Big Country Hits WMKC FM 102.9 FM
—
Big Country Gold WCBY AM/FM 1240 AM/100.7 FM
—
Easy WQEZ FM 106.3 FM/95.5 FM
—
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)
www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/titlevii.cfm
www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/qa_domestic_violence.cfm
http://slideplayer.com/slide/3442802
—
Michigan Sales Representative Act
www.michbar.org/file/journal/pdf/pdf4article2419.pdf
www.fosterswift.com/publications-Michigan-Sales-Rep-Act-Review-Commission-Agreements.html
www.hamblinlaw.com/michigan-sales-commission-disputes.html
—
Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act
Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act: Employment
www.michigan.gov/documents/PWDCRA10-05_115444_7.pdf
www.michigan.gov/disabilityresources/0,4563,7-223-40879—,00.html
Rehabilitation Act of 1973-Section 504
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
Michigan Special Education & Early Intervention Services
—
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
https://twitter.com/eeocespanol
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USEEOC/subscriber/new
—
Following info from Wikipedia:
All Northern Michigan stations were sold to Black Diamond Broadcasting in 2016 unless otherwise stated
93.9 FM WAVC (Mio; sold to Michigan Broadcasters in 2013)
94.5 FM WLJZ (Mackinaw City; sold to Michigan Broadcasters in 2013)
95.5 FM WQEZ (Glen Arbor)
97.7 FM WCHY (Cheboygan)
98.1 FM WGFN (Glen Arbor)
102.9 FM WMKC (Indian River, previously St. Ignace)
103.7 FM W279CC (Alpena)
105.1 FM WGFM (Cheboygan)
106.3 FM WOEZ (Onaway)
107.1 FM WCKC (Cadillac; sold to Up North Radio in 2016)
1240 AM WCBY (Cheboygan)
The 2010 shakeup
http://www.michiguide.com/archives2010/northern-michigan-up/2010/02
Western Upper Peninsula
All of Northern Star Broadcasting’s stations in Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula were sold to Sovereign Communications in 2010
92.3 FM WJPD (Ishpeming)
93.1 FM WIMK (Iron Mountain)
94.1 FM WUPK (Marquette)
94.3 FM WZNL (Norway)
99.5 FM WNGE (Negaunee)
1240 AM WIAN (Ishpeming)
1320 AM WDMJ (Marquette)
1450 AM WMIQ (Iron Mountain)
Eastern Upper Peninsula
97.9 FM WIHC (Newberry; sold to West Central Michigan Media Ministries in 2011)
99.5 FM WYSS (Sault Ste. Marie; sold to Sovereign Communications in 2010)
100.7 FM W264CF (St. Ignace; sold to Black Diamond Broadcasting in 2016)
105.5 FM WMKD (Pickford; sold to Sovereign Communications in 2010)
940 AM WIDG (St. Ignace; sold to Baraga Broadcasting in 2008)
1400 AM WKNW (Sault Ste. Marie; sold to Sovereign Communications in 2010)
—
—
Marissa Nicole Sherlock, a non-native, is accused of a Class B federal misdemeanor for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend on June 26, 2016 in Calhoun County “in Indian Country” on “lands held in trust Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians.” The tribal lands are located within Calhoun County.
37 year-old Jeffrey W. Patrick of Marquette, the licensed chief engineer on the tugboat Victory between June 24 and July 22, 2014, was arraigned in federal court at Bay City, MI before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia T. Morris.
Charges against Patrick were outlined in a nine-page federal criminal complaint made by USCG Special Agent of the Coast Guard Investigative Services (CGIS) Christopher Whitmarsh while requesting an arrest warrant on March 23, 2016 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Morris at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in Bay City. Patrick is accused of the “discharge of oil in Lake Huron causing a film or sheen upon the water,” according to federal court records.
“The first sheen was located approximately 38 nautical miles east of Cheboygan, MI, having an estimated size of 20 feet by 600 feet,” the complaint alleges. “The second sheen was located approximately 5 nautical miles east of Alpena, MI, having an estimated size of 50 feet by 50 feet.”
“USCG inspectors and investigators” were given important information and a demonstration by the engine room worker including the storage location of “equipment used to transfer oily waste from the OSW to the cofferdams.” Agent Whitmarsh and other USCG officials got a better understanding about what happened when that same cooperating crew member put on a demonstration and “configured the equipment” to show the feds how the alleged crime occurred.
Upper Peninsula Breaking News by Greg Peterson 
