Multi-State Drug Trafficking Ring Ends with Lansing-Linked Conviction; Other Top Mid-Michigan Stories

LANSING, MI — A Florida woman has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison for her role in a multi-state drug trafficking operation with deep ties to Lansing and several other Michigan communities.

42-year-old Mariah Wallace was described as a “logistics manager” in the criminal network, coordinating shipments of methamphetamine and cocaine from California to various cities in Michigan between August 2022 and July 2023. Wallace was the last of 12 defendants to be sentenced in the case, which was investigated by Lansing police and multiple partner agencies.

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Lansing Man Gets Prison Time for 2023 Shooting

In a separate case, 36-year-old Jessen Ayers was sentenced to 6 to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to assault with intent to murder. The charges stem from a March 2023 shooting at a home on Maplewood Avenue in Lansing. As part of the plea deal, several other charges were dropped by prosecutors.

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New Outdoor Fitness Court Opens in Lansing

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Tuesday for a new outdoor fitness court at Davis Park on Pleasant Grove Road. The city of Lansing collaborated with Priority Health and the National Fitness Campaign to build the facility, aimed at providing residents with free, high-quality workout opportunities.

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MSU Researchers Use Wood Component to Improve Battery Safety

Michigan State University researchers say they’ve found a way to make lithium-ion batteries safer by using lignin — a natural structural material found in wood. Dr. Chengcheng Fang and Associate Professor Mojgan Nejad from MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources collaborated on the project, which could help prevent short circuits and battery fires.

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Fowlerville Superintendent Gets Contract Extension

Fowlerville Community Schools Superintendent Matthew Stewart will remain in his role through 2028 after the school board unanimously approved a contract extension. Stewart previously served as curriculum executive director at Mason Public Schools.

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Livingston County Man Reported Missing

Authorities are asking for the public’s help locating 85-year-old Jerry Spalding, last seen Saturday night leaving his home on Argentine Road in Osceola Township. Spalding is an avid walker and was wearing a red and green western-style shirt, blue jeans, and work boots. He is described as 5'8" and approximately 160 pounds.

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Holiday Weekend Drownings Raise Alarm in Michigan

Officials report at least a dozen drownings occurred across Michigan during the Fourth of July weekend. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project says 31 people have drowned in the Great Lakes so far this year — a growing concern as summer peaks.

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Ford’s Battery Plant Still Eligible for Tax Credit Despite New Restrictions

Ford Motor Company confirmed its $3.5 billion Blue Oval Battery Park project in Marshall remains eligible for a federal tax credit despite newly implemented sourcing restrictions related to Chinese suppliers. The restrictions are part of a major piece of legislation signed into law last Friday.