Mid-Michigan News Roundup: Leadership Change, MSU Controversy, and Health Updates

HOLT, Mich. — Holt Public Schools has selected a new superintendent. The district’s board voted Thursday night to appoint Hal Heard III to the role, replacing outgoing superintendent Dr. David Hornak, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

Heard currently serves as student services executive director at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and is expected to transition into the new position in the coming months.

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Lansing Schools Closed; MSU Renames Chavez Celebration

In Lansing, public school students are getting a three-day weekend as the district observes a scheduled professional development day.

Meanwhile, Michigan State University has renamed its annual Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta commemorative event to the “Farm Worker Appreciation Commemorative Celebration.”

The change follows recent allegations involving labor leader Cesar Chavez. According to reporting published by The New York Times, Chavez was accused of sexually assaulting and abusing women and children. Fellow activist Dolores Huerta also alleged that Chavez assaulted her and fathered two of her children.

MSU said in a statement the revelations came as a shock to the university community.

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Local Organization May Also Change Name

The fallout could extend beyond MSU. Leaders of the nonprofit “Lansing for Cesar Chavez” say they are considering a name change as well. The organization has already canceled its annual legacy dinner that was scheduled for next week.

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Measles Cases Confirmed in Washtenaw County

State health officials have confirmed a measles outbreak in Washtenaw County, with three cases reported in the past week.

Officials say the cases are linked to an individual who recently traveled to Florida. Health authorities are monitoring for additional exposures and urging residents to ensure vaccinations are up to date.

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Power Restoration Continues After Northern Michigan Storms

Consumers Energy crews continue working to restore electricity to customers affected by severe ice and snow storms in northern Michigan.

As of early Friday, about 6,000 customers remained without power—down from nearly 260,000 outages reported earlier in the week.

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Michigan Senate Advances Anti-Terrorism Bill

The Michigan Senate has approved legislation aimed at strengthening the state’s anti-terrorism laws.

The bill comes in response to last week’s attack at a synagogue in West Bloomfield and now moves to the Michigan House for consideration.

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Fenner Nature Center Hosts Maple Syrup Festival

Spring traditions are also underway in Mid-Michigan. Fenner Nature Center is hosting its annual Maple Syrup Festival this weekend.

The two-day event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, offering visitors a chance to learn about syrup production and enjoy seasonal activities.