A packed Mason City Council meeting Tuesday night ended with council members voting to move forward on an ordinance aimed at regulating potential data center developments, despite vocal opposition from residents who raised concerns about transparency and leadership during public comment.  Several residents criticized city officials, arguing the process appeared to favor outside interests over community concerns. One speaker described the ordinance as a “welcome rug” for developers, claiming residents’ questions were being dismissed or ignored.  Mason Mayor Russell Whipple responded by emphasizing that the ordinance does not guarantee a data center project will be built. He noted there are currently no active proposals within the city. The ordinance includes a three-week online public comment period before further action is taken.

 

Meanwhile in Lansing, the City Council elected new leadership for 2026. Council members selected Peter Spadafore as council president and Trini Pehlivanoglu as vice president. Pehlivanoglu nominated Spadafore during the committee-of-the-whole meeting, citing his past advocacy for the creation of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and his focus on addressing gun violence in the city.  Spadafore, in turn, nominated Pehlivanoglu for vice president, praising her consistent presence, community involvement, and dedication to public service.

 

Also Tuesday, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor nominated Interim Fire Chief Carrie Edwards-Clemons to permanently lead the Lansing Fire Department. Edwards-Clemons was appointed interim chief last month after the city announced it would not renew former Chief Brian Sturdivant’s contract following a lawsuit alleging inappropriate workplace conduct. Her nomination is scheduled for council review on January 14.

 

In other Lansing news, an Ingham County judge sentenced Xavian Soto to more than 20 years in prison for second-degree murder and weapons charges stemming from the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Braylon Shepherd on Sadie Court in November 2024. Defense attorneys argued Shepherd had assaulted the mother of Soto’s child prior to the shooting.

 

Emergency crews responded to a house fire Monday night in Delhi Township. The fire broke out in the 2900 block of College Road between Sandhill and Dell. Authorities have not released information on the cause of the fire or whether anyone was injured.

 

Across Michigan, flags are lowered to half-staff today in honor of David Haverdink, the longtime fire chief of Hamilton. Funeral services are being held today in Allegan County for Haverdink, who died on Christmas Day from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle while responding to a medical incident. Haverdink was 74 years old and served more than five decades in fire service, including over 40 years as fire chief, and previously worked as a county sheriff.