Michigan Resident Fashions President Ford Statue

(WASHINGTON) -- A ceremony dedicating a statue of former President Gerald R. Ford has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 3 at 11 a.m.

The statue was sculpted by Grand Rapids native J. Brett Grill. The artist's origin is appropriate as Ford represented Grand Rapids for 13 terms in the House of Representatives before becoming president.

The statue will be placed in the National Statuary Hall Collection in Washington, D.C., which features two statues for each state of important people in their histories. Ford's state will replace a statue of Michigan politician Zachariah Chandler, making Michigan the fourth statue to replace a statue in the collection.

Chandler's statue will be sent to the Detroit Historical Museum.

A number of lawmakers are expected to attend the ceremony, including Michigan Governor Rick Snyder.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Transport Department Promotes Public Transit Online

(LANSING, Mich.) -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is taking to the Internet to promote public transit among state residents.

The department has launched a new website called Mi Commute as a means of promoting public transportation, which residents may be interested in, considering rising gas prices across the nation. The website examines public transportation, ridesharing, and other modes of travel. 

The department has also put out a video about how using public transportation can benefit Michigan residents on MDOT’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/MichiganDOT.

The Mi Commute website can be accessed by logging on to www.michigan.gov/micommute .

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Flood Warnings Remain in Effect for Mid-Michigan

(LANSING, Mich.) -- Flood warnings remain in effect in mid-Michigan after heavy rainfall.

The Tittabawassee River is predicted to crest on Friday morning. Even though the rain has stopped, officials believe the floodwater will continue to rise throughout Friday.

Anyone displaced by the flooding is urged to call the American Red Cross at 989-631-3262.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

House Votes in Favor of Gov. Snyder's Proposed Budget

(LANSING, Mich.) -- Gov. Rick Snyder's proposed changes to state business and income taxes is headed to the Senate for final approval after the House voted 56-53 in favor of the legislation Wednesday.

Snyder's proposed budget includes cutting business taxes by $1.7 billion while imposing income tax on some pensions. Critics of the legislation say it unfairly shifts the tax burden from businesses to the poor and elderly, while supporters say the bill represents a change in demographics by alleviating some of the financial stress on the state's young workers.

The budget has been met with heavy opposition from Democrats, but proponents of the bill are hopeful it will pass, given the Republican-majority Senate.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Man Convicted in Saginaw Cold Case Murder

(SAGINAW, Mich.) -- A jury convicted a man Wednesday in connection with a 2004 murder in Saginaw.

Marcus Donti Hanserd was found guilty by a Saginaw County jury for murdering and carjacking Sheric R. Harris on April 16 2004. Officials say the jury deliberated for approximately two hours before finding Hanserd guilty on eight counts, including first degree murder, carjacking and several felony weapons charges.

The conviction follows a two-year investigation led by the Michigan State Police Violent Crimes Task Force Cold Case Unit in Saginaw.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio