Page 8 — Thursday, January 6, 2022 — The Hastings Banner
Bedford Township man to face charge
on Jan. 11 for citizen’s arrest attempt
Taylor Owens
Staff Writer
Adam Heikkila has been charged with dis-
turbance of a lawful meeting for his attempt
to make a citizen’s arrest of Barry-Eaton
District Health Officer Colette Scrimger
during a board of health meeting in September.
Heikkila is scheduled to appear in Barry
County District Court on the misdemeanor
charge at 2 p.m. Jan. 11.
The six-hour meeting in Leason Sharpe
Hall was brought to an abrupt end that day.
Of the hundreds of people who attended,
many came to voice their opposition to a uni-
versal mask mandate at area schools that the
health department had issued. That mandate
was rescinded about two weeks later.
During the second round of public com-
ment, Heikkila stepped up to the podium
and, reading from his phone, cited several
laws he said Scrimger had broken, read
aloud her Miranda rights and asked if she
understood them.
Scrimger, who was sitting at a table at the
front of the hall beside the members of the
health board, did not speak.
“Your silence will say that’s acceptance,”
Heikkila replied. “Officer Miller, I’m handing
over custody to you under Michigan law, for
you to take her under custody. This is the law.”
“Do your job!” Dustin Fritz shouted at
Hastings City Police Sgt. Kris Miller from
the audience.
“Calm down,” Miller said.
“We’re tired of being calm, Miller,” Fritz
replied.
“Thank you, Mr. Heikkila,” Barry County
Commissioner and Board of Health Chairman
Ben Geiger said. “Is there further public com-
ment?”
Heikkila refused to leave the podium.
“We’re going to wait until a superior offi-
cer gets here, and understands the law that
has just been read,” he announced.
When Geiger said he would end the meet-
ing, several members of the audience shouted
at him.
“If Mr. Miller is not going to uphold the
law that has been required and requested of
him at this time, to take Ms. Scrimger into
custody, from my custody, then we will stay
here,” Heikkila said, “and I will stay here
until his superior comes in and informs him
of the law that he needs to follow.”“The board will stand in recess at this
time,” Geiger said, striking the gavel on the
table, throwing up his hands and getting up.
The commissioners, and Scrimger,
remained at the front of the hall, talking to
each other as they waited for more police
officers to arrive.
Over the county’s livestream of the meet-
ing, one of the commissioners could be heard
saying they would need a police escort to
leave the building.
A member of the Barry County Posse
walked over and stood between audience
members and the table where Scrimger was
sitting.
Some people continued to call out that
Scrimger was under arrest.
“I don’t have handcuffs,” Geiger remarked.
In the police report, a Hastings City Police
officer said Heikkila “incited the audience to
become disorderly and began chanting in a
mob-like fashion and screaming profanities
at Sgt. Miller and the Barry-Eaton Health
Board officials.”
Heikkila left the podium, and came back a
few minutes later with an announcement.
“At this time we do have some further
information in what’s going to happen,” he
said, “and there is an investigation that has
been underway and so we are going to
release her under her own free will at this
time, barring this investigation.”
“Why?” people shouted out.
“I want to see it happen,” one man said.
Heikkila turned to the officers.
“So you guys, I am no longer requiring
you... I am no longer going to arrest her at
this time.”
Heikkila said he had spoken to Sheriff Dar
Leaf.
When Scrimger walked out of the build-
ing, a member of the Barry County Posse
accompanied her. Leaf, Hastings City Police
Chief Dale Boulter and Julie Nakfoor Pratt
arrived and spoke with the commissioners,
as the crowd, including Heikkila, slowly left
the building.
The board did not complete the other
items on its agenda, which included board
comments.
According to information in the Hastings
City Police report, Charles Hertzler
approached Miller during a break in the
meeting and asked the officer about con-ducting a citizen’s arrest for impersonation
of a public official. The officer told him it
would not be legal under state law, because
citizens’ arrests can only be conducted for
felonies, and impersonation of a public offi-
cial is a misdemeanor. Then Hertzler showed
the officer the text of a state law on his
phone that appeared to be from a text mes-
sage sent by Joel Ibbotson.
Although he was not present at the meet-
ing, Ibbotson spoke to the board during
public comment through Hertzler’s phone.
A while after that, according to the report,
the officer saw Hertzler and Heikkila walk
out of the building. When they returned,
Heikkila got in the line for public comment
and, when he got to the podium, that’s when
he attempt to make the citizen’s arrest.
Police later obtained a search warrant to
look at Heikkila’s cell phones.
While the officer confiscated Heikkila’s
phones at his Hastings business, Heikkila
spoke about the meeting and said, “I should
have listened and arrested her at the time!”
On his phone, police found a text message
from Charles Hertzler which contained the
script that Heikkila appeared to read from his
phone at the meeting.
“Colette Scrimger, under MCL 764.16, I
am placing you under arrest as a private per-
son for a federal felony,” the message started,
and it continued on to list the laws that were
alleged to have been broken.
The text also contained a photo of the
Miranda Rights document that Heikkila had
read.
Police interviewed Scrimger, Geiger and
other board members.
Geiger described Heikkila’s behavior as
“insulting, demoralizing, threatening and
dangerous.”
Board member Dave Jackson described
Heikkila’s actions at the meeting as “aggres-
sive and threatening.”
Fellow Barry County board member Jon
Smelker told the officer he felt threatened by
Heikkila’s actions, and added, “If I was
Colette, I sure would have felt threatened.”
The owner of iGeek Repair & Gaming in
Hastings, Heikkila was township supervisor
of Bedford Township for two years before he
was recalled.
According to the Battle Creek Enquirer,
the recall petition, which was signed by
more than 1,000 people, accused Heikkila
of “failing to keep business hours at the
township office, telling township employees
to dismiss an ordinance violation case pend-
ing against him, being threatened with arrest
for disorderly conduct toward township
employees and establishing ‘a pattern of
intimidating and threatening behaviour
which has created a hostile environment for
both township employees and residents.’ ”
The petition was filed by Kraig Dingman,
a Hastings City police officer, who ran against
him, and was later appointed to the board to
fill the spot of the trustee who defeated
Heikkila.LEGAL NOTICES
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
TRUST ESTATE
TO ALL CREDITORS:
The Settlor, Claude R. Slack, (date of birth)
3/28/1942, who lived at 3711 England Dr.,
Shelbyville, Michigan, died Dec. 2nd, 2021. There is
no personal representative of the settlor’s estate to
whom Letters of Administration have been issued.
Creditors of the decedent are notified that all
claims against the Claude Slack Trust dated, 2-19-
19, as amended, will be forever banned unless
presented to Kevin D. Slack, Successor Trustee,
within four months after the date of publication.
Notice is further given that the Trust will thereafter
be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled
to it.
Date: December 28th, 2021
Successor Trustee Kevin D. Slack
3711 England Dr.
Shelbyville, Mi 49344
269-672-7627 173836NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Trust
In the matter of James M. Alden, Trust dated June 1,
2015.
TO ALL CREDITORS:
NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, James M.
Alden, born 09/25/1927, who lived at 11382 East Point
Drive, Delton, Michigan died November 22, 2021 leaving
a certain trust under the name of the James M. Alden
Trust, and dated June 1, 2015, wherein the decedent was
the Settlor and Sherie P. Alden and Suzanne Rayome
were named as the co-trustees serving at the time or or
as a result of the decedents death.
Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified
that all claims against the decedent or against the trust
will be forever barred unless presented to Sherie P. Alden
or Suzanne Rayome, the name co-trustees at 91 Old
Orchard Way, Ferrisburgh, VT 05456 or 5 County Route
75, Mechanicville, NY 12118 within 4 months after the
date of publication of this notice.
Date: December 29, 2021
Robert L. Byington P-
222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248
Hastings, Michigan 49058
269-945-
Sherie P. Alden or Suzanne Rayome
91 Old Orchard Way/5 County Route 75
Ferrisburgh, VT 05456/Mechanicville, NY 12118S Y N O P S I S
RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
December 8, 2021 – 7:00 p.m.
Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of
Allegiance.
Present: Hall, James, Hawthorne, Greenfield,
Graham
Absent: Bellmore (excused), Watson (excused)
Approved the Agenda
Approved the Consent Agenda with additions
Monthly Treasurer’s Report
Monthly Clerk’s Voucher/Payroll Report
Approved Township Website Provider Roll Call
Vote – All Aye, two absent
Approved Resolution 2021-276 Roll Call Vote –
All Aye, two absent
Approved Resolution 2021-277 Roll Call Vote –
All Aye, two absent
Approved Resolution 2021-275 Roll Call Vote –
All Aye, two absent
Approved Resolution 2021-278 Roll Call Vote –
All Aye, two absent
Approved Attorney of Record, Engineer of Record,
and Planner or Record for 2022 Roll Call Vote – All
Ayes, two absent
Adjournment 8:05 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Hawthorne, ClerkAttested to by,
Robin Hawthorne, Clerk 173957NOTICE TO RESIDENTS
RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP
2461 HEATH ROAD, HASTINGS, MI 49058TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING DATES FOR 2022
2ND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 7:00 PM,
UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTEDJANUARY 17 FEBRUARY 09 MARCH 09
APRIL 13 MAY11 JUNE 08
JULY 13 AUGUST 10 SEPTEMBER 14
OCTOBER 12 NOVEMBER 09 DECEMBER 14Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should
contact the township clerk at least seven (7) days in advance of the
meeting.This notice posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open
Meetings Act) MCLA41.72a(2)(3) and with the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA).173955Notice of Intent to Fill City Council Vacancy
Notice is hereby given of a vacancy effective February 1, 2022 on the Hastings
City Council representing the First Ward.
The City Council will seek to fill this vacancy by appointment and is accepting
applications from interested, qualified persons through January 21, 2022 at
noon. The City Council will then select applicants to interview with the intention
of making an appointment to fill the vacancy in accordance with Section 4.10 of
the City Charter. The appointed person who is selected to fill the vacancy will
serve until the next General Election; the appointee must run in that election
to continue serving on the City Council. The term for this vacancy expires on
December 31, 2022.
To be eligible to fill this position, a person must reside in the First Ward and be
a qualified elector of the City. No person who holds or has held an elective city
office shall be eligible for appointment to any city office or employment for which
compensation is paid by the City, until two (2) years have elapsed following the
term for which they were elected or appointed, unless their appointment thereto
is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council. All City Council positions
are nonpartisan.Interested and qualified persons should complete the “Application for membership
on City Boards or Commissions” application form and submit it to Clerk/Treasurer
Jane Saurman by January 21, 2022 at noon. Applications are available at City
Hall, 201 E. State St., Hastings, MI 49058, or online at https://hastingsmi.org/
document-center/. Applications may be submitted by mail, personal delivery, or
email to [email protected].174116STATE OF MICHIGAN
PROBATE COURT
BARRY COUNTY
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Decedent’s Estate
CASE NO. and JUDGE
2021-29030-DE - WILLIAM M. DOHERTY
Court address:
206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, MI 49058
Court telephone no. 269-945-
Estate of Eugene Elton Sanderson. Date of birth:
04/22/1934.
TO ALL CREDITORS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Eugene
Elton Sanderson, died 10/26/2021. Creditors of the
decedent are notified that all claims against the estate
will be forever barred unless presented to Deborah
Cole, personal representative, or to both the probate
court at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, MI 49058
and the personal representative within 4 months after
the date of publication of this notice.
Date: 01/04/
Nathan E. Tagg P
202 South Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058
269-948-
Deborah Cole
9624 Big Cedar Lake Drive, Delton, MI 49046
269-623-8699 174036NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The Settlor, John Charles Morrow of 11608 Spring
Point Drive, Plainwell, Michigan 49080 was born on
January 8, 1942 passed away on November 12,
2021 at his home.
Sandra K. Rose is acting in a fiduciary capacity
for the Estate. All creditors having claims against
John C. Morrow are required to present them to the
acting fiduciary within four months after the date of
this notice or be forever banned.
Dated: December 31, 2021
Sandra Kay Rose
67663 County Road 388, Lot 9,
South Haven, MI 49090 269-767-MICHAEL KINNEY
PLUMBING
Licensed Master Plumber
Licensed Journeyman Plumber
New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning.
BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS
Same Day Installation
Office (269) 948-
Mobile (269) 838-License
#
& InsuredSTATE OF MICHIGAN
PROBATE COURT
BARRY COUNTY
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Decedent’s Estate
CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-29029-DE
Court address:
206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, MI 49058
Court telephone no. 269-945-
Estate of Michael G. Cybulskis. Date of birth:
March 16, 1971
TO ALL CREDITORS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Michael
G. Cybulskis, died September 19, 2021. Creditors
of the decedent are notified that all claims against
the estate will be forever barred unless presented
to Christine Heeringa, personal representative, or
to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street,
Ste. 302, Hastings, MI 49058 and the personal
representative within 4 months after the date of
publication of this notice.
Date: 01/06/
Paul L. Winter P
250 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 847-
Christine Heeringa
1119 Evelyn NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 516-7556 174078Shoplifter steals from TSC
An employee of Tractor Supply Company in Hastings said a
man walked out the front door with a cart loaded with more than
$1,000 worth of tools and other merchandise at 7:45 p.m. Nov. 9.
The man set off the security detectors as he walked out to a waiting
car, where the driver helped him load up the merchandise before
they left. Although the employee got the license plate number of
the vehicle, that plate was actually registered to a Kalamazoo
County vehicle which was in a collision and had been sitting in a
lot near an auto body shop for the last month. The case is closed.Suspects get away
in high-speed chase
Police responded to a report of a larceny from a motor vehicle at
3:43 a.m. Dec. 12 in the 1000 block of East Shore Drive in Barry
Township. Two officers arrived at the scene, coming from opposite
directions. When a vehicle drove past, an officer shined a flashlight
onto the driver, and the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed.
Police chased the vehicle south on Sprague Road, then south on
M-43 at speeds of up to 115 mph. The suspect vehicle eventually
passed into Kalamazoo County, where no local vehicles were avail-
able and the pursuit was terminated. Police returned to the resi-
dence where the chase began, where the victim, a 29-year-old
woman, said she saw two men on her doorbell camera getting into
her vehicle. Another vehicle on nearby Sprague Road also was
ransacked, although nothing was taken. The case remains under
investigation.Items removed from vehicle
A 50-year-old woman called 911 at 6:62 p.m. Dec. 12 to report a
stereo and equalizer, as well as a trail camera, were taken out of her
vehicle while it sat at her residence in the 7000 block of Wolf Road
in Assyria Township. The woman said she suspects her neighbor, an
18-year-old male. The case remains under investigation.Boyfriend doesn’t take breakup
well, wrecks trailer
A 28-year-old woman in the 11000 block of Erica Lane in
Orangeville Township called 911 just before midnight Dec. 15 to
report that her ex-boyfriend, 37, had destroyed the inside of the
trailer they had been living and had stolen several items after she
broke up with him. The woman said they had been in a relationship
for about three years, and had broken up the day before. She came
home from work to discover two handguns, two computers, thewi-fi box and power cords to many of their home electronics had
been stolen. The ex-boyfriend also set a folded T-shirt on the night-
stand in the bedroom with a Valentine’s Day card propped up,
along with a picture of them ripped in half with a knife stabbed into
it. The woman said they had argued the day before when he
grabbed her phone and stabbed it with a knife, breaking the tip off
into the phone. The case remains under investigation.Man to press charges
against younger brother
A 20-year-old Hastings man called police at 1 a.m. to report his
16-year-old brother had stolen his Jeep Grand Cherokee and was
driving it around. Police tracked the brother and vehicle in
Hastings, and he admitted he had taken it for a joyride. The man
said he wanted to press charges. Information was forwarded to the
prosecuting attorney.Plastic bag hid license
plate in getaway vehicle
A 34-year-old woman called police to report her vehicle had
been stolen from her residence in the 6000 block of Oakwood
Drive in Hope Township at 10:03 p.m. The woman said she was
watching television when she saw a white or silver SUV stop in
front of the residence and the interior lights turn on, before the
vehicle sped off, and her vehicle, a 2017 Toyota Highland was
stolen. Her husband chased after the SUV and tried to get the
license plate number, but it was covered by a plastic grocery bag.
The case remains under investigation.Truck stolen by man in ski mask
A 38-year-old man called police at to report his Chevrolet
Silverado had been stolen from his residence in the 11000 block of
Prairie Ridge Drive in Thornapple Township at 11:28 a.m. Dec. 10.
The man said the vehicle had been broken into and the keys had
been taken about three weeks before. A 32-year-old year old
Yankee Springs Meadow Mobile Home Park had called police at 8
a.m. to report a strange vehicle in his driveway that matched the
description of the stolen truck. By the time police arrived at the
man’s residence, he said a red car with two men stopped next to it
and a man in a ski mask got in the truck and drove away. The case
remains under investigation.Food and toy drive ransacked
A 59-year-old employee of Creekside Growers in Middleville
called police at 3:20 p.m. Dec. 12 to report the glass front door of
the business had been smashed and several items for a Christmas
drive had been stolen from inside. The woman estimated between
$500 and $1,000 in toys and non-perishable food items had been
stolen. The case remains under investigation.