Tahquamenon Falls State Park hosts snowshoe race Feb. 18 Tahquamenon Falls State Park will host the second annual Tahquamenon Snowshoe Race on Saturday, Feb. 18, with a variety of distances and courses offered for adults and children. The event, organized by Great Lakes Endurance, LLC, will begin at 11 a.m. at the park's Upper Falls. Adult participants will choose from 5K, 10K or 20K courses; children can register for an 800-meter kids race. The unique course includes views of the Upper Falls and winds through the park's towering old-growth white pines. Registration fees range from $10-$40. Same-day registration will be available on-site, but those who pre-register online at www.greatlakesendurance.com will receive a discounted price. Proceeds from the race support environmental education programs at Whitefish Township School in Paradise. The overall male and female 20K winners will receive a pair of Atlas snowshoes; 10K winners will receive a Mountain Hardware jacket; 5K and kids race winners will receive Mountain Hardware fleece tops. Additionally, the top three finishers of each race in each age group will receive local maple syrup, honey and organic chocolate. Post-race refreshments, including organic hot chocolate, blueberry scones and cherry juice, will be available for all participants. For more information about the second annual Tahquamenon Snowshoe Race, or to make lodging reservations, contact park headquarters at 906-492-3415. Semi-modern campsites and a modern lodge are available during the winter season at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The campsites include electrical outlets and vault toilets. The lodge includes heat, electricity, a furnished kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. To learn more about the park's winter camping amenities, visit www.michigan.gov/tahquamenonfalls. The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities. Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking "YES" on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. Nonresident motor vehicles must still display a valid nonresident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site; these can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or call 517-241-7275.
Prisoner charged with solicitation of murder in threat against lawmaker MARQUETTE— Larry Taylor, 43 , was arraigned today on a one-count felony warrant authorized by the Marquette County Prosecutor's Office for Solicitation of Murder for plotting to kidnap and kill State Representative Barb Byrum. Taylor, who is currently incarcerated in Baraga Correctional Facility, was arrested by troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) L'Anse Post on Sept. 26, 2011. The investigation into Taylor started on Sept. 9, 2011, when Michigan Department of Corrections investigators at the Marquette Branch Prison intercepted a letter detailing a plot by Taylor to kidnap and murder Byrum. DOC investigators contacted the MSP Negaunee Post, who with the assistance of the MSP Major Case Unit, started an undercover operation that culminated with Taylor calling an undercover officer to discuss the details of the plot. Taylor was subsequently transferred to the Baraga Correctional Facility, where he remains today. Solicitation of Murder carries a possible prison sentence of life or any number of years.
Parole notification bill signed into law LANSING — Prosecutors will receive written notice when a prisoner is paroled under legislation signed into law by the governor on Tuesday. House Bill 4703, sponsored by state Rep. Paul Scott, R-Grand Blanc, will help protect communities by ensuring parole boards send notice to prosecutors when a prisoner is set to be released. Notice must be sent to prosecutors both in the area where a prisoner committed a crime as well as the area where the prisoner will be released. Although this information is already shared with local sheriffs, under current law prosecutors cannot easily get access to information about upcoming parole hearings or prisoner release dates, a problem that has prompted some prosecutors to sue the state. With this change, written notice must be provided to prosecutors within 10 days of the parole board's decision. "This is an important change that will better protect our communities and give crime victims peace of mind," Gov. Rick Snyder said. "I want to thank Representative Scott for working with both Republicans and Democrats to get this done." Scott worked with Genesee County Prosecuting Attorney David Leyton to help win approval of the legislation, which was approved by lawmakers with strong bipartisan support. Scott's bill is now Public Act 165.
DNR reminds fur harvesters of regulations The Department of Natural Resources reminds fur harvesters that new regulations are in effect for all species that require registration this season. Trapping season begins Oct. 15 with the opening of fox and coyote season statewide and raccoon and badger seasons in northern Michigan (Zones 1 and 2). Seasons for species with mandatory registration kick off with otter season in the Upper Peninsula beginning Oct. 25. Fur harvesters are required to submit entire skulls from marten, fisher, bobcat and otter when presenting pelts to the DNR for registration and sealing. Skulls will be used for aging to help the DNR with population modeling and management policies. Skulls will not be returned to fur harvesters. The required submission of skulls standardizes data collection among all furbearer species that require registration. In previous years, the DNR only collected the skull from fisher and a tooth from marten and bobcats when they were registered. Submission of otter skulls or teeth was not required. Pelts that have been registered and sealed will be released to fur takers immediately. "The data we collect will help us better understand population dynamics of these species and will enable us to make appropriate harvest regulations," said DNR furbearer specialist Adam Bump. "We appreciate the hunters' and trappers' cooperation with this effort." For more information on furbearer registration and harvest seasons for these species, please see check the 2011-2012 Hunting and Trapping Digest or visit www.michigan.gov/hunting.
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