If you live in Barry County or if you've been reading this blog, chances are you know a little bit about the controversy over our County 911 Director, Charlie Nystrom. Nystrom has been charged with wrong doing in the past but nothing has ever seemed to stick. Today, Nystrom was placed on one week of administrative leave due to Prosecutor Tom Evans alleging Nystrom gave several 911 employees overtime pay which they were not entitled to to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars of taxpayer money.
In previous instances, Nystrom has been accused of much but there was always a lack of solid proof, a "blue wall" of defenders and a feeling that the accusations from some were nothing more than a combination of personality conflicts, sour grapes and small town politics. However, if the allegations presented by Evans and Sheriff Dar Leaf turn out to be true, Nystrom's critics will finally be vindicated.
In the past Nystrom has personally tried to defend himself on this blog and the Barry Home Companion in the guise of "Truthseeker," often by accusing me of being part of the local paper which has been a fierce and unrelenting critic of Nystrom, even after he was cleared of other allegations in a probe by the Michigan State Police. Nystrom used the investigation's result as a way to portray himself as the victim of a witch hunt conducted by the paper and this blog.
However, the State Police probe was discounted by many in the community due to Nystrom's close ties to many State Police, including former post commander and current 911 Board Chair Ron Neil. In fact, when the 911 board allowed Nystrom's lawyer access to his office, it conveniently was Neil who was allowed to escort him. It's amazing to me that no one else on the board saw the potential for mischief and forced someone more impartial to take part in the visit. I can't help but wonder if once again the wall surrounding Nystrom will protect him and keep the truth from coming out.
Despite the media coverage I can't help but feel like I've seen this film before. The allegations once again sound grave but Evans has yet to press any charges and hints he may not, despite his calling this a case of "embezzlement." At this point, despite having gone public with the inflammatory charge, the investigation has only interviewed a mere 2 of 11 dispatchers. Eyewitness accounts from today's meeting has said that Evans and Leaf were less than convincing in their presentations. Could it be that once again critics of Nystrom have gone public with their allegations without enough evidence to convict?
I'd like to think that this time the people responsible for defending their claims will have the weight of evidence on their side. And this time, I'm hoping that those who've spent so much time defending Nystrom finally decide to do right by the citizens of this county, who deserve to have their public officials be watch dogs in the use of tax dollars, not using it to pay off their buddies and buy their silence. The most recent allegations against Nystrom could be the final crack in the Wall of Blue or All the King's Men just might find a way to fix their boss and return to business as usual.
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138 comments:
The Barry County Prosecutor has failed us again. Why in the world would you go public until you have a complete investigation in front of you? 2 of 11(actually there are 16) employees interviewed? Sounds like the investigation has just started. They do not even know how many people work there. Could one of these employees be the one who was recently demoted? Does she have an axe to grind?
Let me get this right, we have listened to the critics say Nystrom is a tyrant and rules with an iron fist and therefore should be removed as Director. Now, he has compensated his employees for all the extra time they so genorously gave us over the course of a year and we are going to hang him for that? Whats with the sudden "about face?"
I would venture to guess that Dar has a personality conflict with Nystrom and is using his position to further his agenda. Fortunately for him, he has Evans in his back pocket.
If Nystrom took money from the taxpayers of this county without justification and/or authority..or somehow benefited personally, he should be held accountable. If he compensated his employees for hours he knew they worked who gives a shit.
Let me put it in a different light. It is shift change. A dispatcher is on the phone giving your family member instructions on CPR for a relative having a heart attack. When the clock strikes 12, they stay there, working over, making sure they provide the best possible chance for your loved one to survive. It may be 5 minutes, it may be 15. They do this daily. If the Director of an agency wants to compensate them monetarily at the end of the year with MY money.....go right ahead.
This again boils down to nothing more than the Sheriff wanting to re-organize 911, and have his hand in the cookie jar. Now we are going to make the accusation of embezzlement and not know for sure if we are going to charge him. Piss or get off the pot for christ sake!!!
On second thought, fire Nystrom and all dispatchers who work over, start early, come in on their day off to help with a serious incident, make sure you submit for overtime. Do not give us any more of your time for free. You are never gonna get 10 hours at the end of the year because you will have nickel and dimed us all year. I wonder what would cost the taxpayers more??????
TO ALL COUNTY EMPLOYEES, no more leaving early on Friday...if it is 10 minutes or 30 or half a day. THAT IS EMBEZZLEMENT.
LOL Losing my will to continue the same rants that continue to plague the 911 Center and Barry County. Happy Ellie?
I am a little uneasy on possible premature leakage. But, when will the 911 Admin Board finally say "This is not going away, let's negotiate his departure. Let's ask the Twp Assn for 911 re-formation, and get on with serving the public with the tighter dollars that are coming, or may not come. The 911 Millage will surely fail if Nystrom is not dealt with! Count on it!
The joke has always been "Who's turn is it to argue with Charlie this week!" He uses the many "perks" of the 911 Funds to alternate who's on his side this week and next. One week you need a perk (paid for by our Tax money, not Charlies mind you, but he will try to convince you otherwise). You get it and Charlie is your friend until it's time to cast you aside and have him align with another, until he needs you again. He's a good manipulator to the uninformed like you Ellie. No fault of yours. You have to have lived this game called "911 Russian Roulette!" He goes back and forth between all the Board Members and Chiefs, and Government Officials, always trying to regain allegiance to fend off those who have fallen to the wayside and become his enemy, until they are forced to deal with him again, to get something their citizens direly need. He shuffles between supporters and non-supporters, just barely fending off his extinction.
Wouldn't you like uncontrolled access to big bucks to "GIVE" perks that are not yours, to regain someone's allegiance, however shortlived? The 911 Board has failed to be the Leaders of 911. They should do the right thing and step down. A new Board will survive and thrive under new leadership and a cooperative effort that Public Safety has been lacking for quite some time.
His brother, and I'm told two, are lawyers. So, this won't cost him anything.
As far as Evans. His letter was read to me, I do not have a copy. I also heard excerpts on the news.
He made no charges, he filed no charges. He carefully and skillfully laid out the facts. He then said "if these facts are true", the funds should at least be paid back, and possible criminal charges should be filed, via an outside Prosecutor. He was careful to lay these out as allegations, and to say, if true, they should at least be addressed by reimbursement of tax payers money, and possible consideration of criminal charges by an outside Prosecutor. I understood him to stop short of labeling anything a proven criminal act, until all was investigated and all information was gathered.
While benevolent, the real question is whether Nystroms actions were legal and within his purview as 911 Director. I understand each 911 Board member stated they did not authorize these expenditures and did not know they were going on. Why Not? I'm a taxpayer and I want to know!
It seems perfectly clear to this taxpayer that he was not authorized to expend these funds and should resign immediately. Or, be fired.
To the Dispatcher above, all Public Safety workers give, give, and give. That's the kind of work they chose, to give to their Communities. You should be compensated. And, the money is there in the 911 Funds. IT JUST HAS TO BE AUTHORIZED LEGALLY AND PROPERLY. Otherwise, you are opening the floodgates for money to be illegally disappearing from all County accounts. Look at the condition of the State of Michigan. Who failed to put their finger in that dike?
One of the biggest questions to this taxpayer is "Where were the checks and balances most Governments have in place to catch irregularities?"
The Buck Stops at the Top: Ron Neil should resign immediately.
I have read Evans letter as well. It states clearly that those dispatchers who knew it was "wrong" should pay back the money. The recently demoted supervisor was receiving it and she was the one running to Dar to tell him about it. therefore, she knew it was wrong and did nothing about it until she was no longer receiving it. By this action alone she fits Evans criteria.
The good ole boys network is dying a slow painful death. It's last holdout is Charlie and the Dispatch Board. If the Board of commisioners doesn't disolve the Central dispatch Board and Fire Charlie, the people will. If you think the Charlton Park millage failed by big numbers, I've got news, "you aint seen nothin' yet"! When the money's gone Charlie will be gone.
I stand by all the dispatchers at 911. I don't care who was demoted, who snitched, who did or felt what. They were all intimidated humans, scared for their jobs, for their safety and that of their families. Even heard some bugs may have been planted.
I have been waiting five years for last Friday. I was there and the witch hunt is on...EXCEPT we as taxpayers need to get rid of the whole board, they have no supervision and complete control of the money and people who protect our lives.
I believe in Tom Evans, Dar Leaf, and Mark Englerth, help them clean up the good 'ole boys network in this county.
Overwhelmed, you have just mentioned a good 'ole boy network of your own.
Forgive my ignorance.
Are dispatchers paid an hourly wage, or are they salaried?
If they are salaried there should have been red flags from the beginning. Even with an hourly wage the likelihood of such payoffs not being caught by county bookkeepers in a shorter period of time is low. Why does it take an employee to blow the whistle in order for this malfeasance to be brought to the light of day?
If I steal a car and give it to someone else I still stole a car. If I embezzel funds and give them away I still embezzeled. Charlie bought the loyalty and silence of his employees by paying them overtime they were not entitled to. He has clearly met the definition of embezzlement. "...
crime generally defined as the fraudulent misappropriation of goods of another by a servant, an agent, or another person to whom possession of the goods has been entrusted. The offense has no single or precise definition. Typically, embezzlement occurs when a person gains possession of goods lawfully and subsequently misappropriates them."
Charlie must go, Ron Neil must go the entire Board must go, if they don't the 911 millage is going to go.
Camden,
If you think those fine men are good ole boys then you are wrong on so many counts
1 None of those men would use thier position to further the career of any of the others
2 none of them would roll over on the other for any reason political or financial
3 none of them would ever pass on the down right criminal actions that thier predecessors did every day.
4 none of them would ever promote a man with no experience over anyone either male or female with more experience or training like thier predesessors did on a regular basis
I COULD go on but I don't have the time....
Overwhelmed
#4....what if that "man" was better qualified to hold the position over the person with more training and experience?
#3, wrong...Dar passed on criminal acts by his own department. I recall hearing about allowing a minor to drive drunk to accomodate a drug bust.
#2, isn't that the definition of good ole boy!
#1. Tom Evans, Tom Evans, Tom Evans
well Camden or should I say SHANE you have your opinion and I have mine....
Embezzlement: MCL 750.175: Any person holding any public office in this State, or the agent or servant of any such person, who knowingly and unlawfully appropriates to his own use, "or to the use of any other person", the money or property received by him in his official capacity or employment, of the value of $50.00 or upwards, shall be guilty of a felony.
Question on the above is if "person" would also include the 911 Admin Board, Twp Association, or County Government which issues the checks?
Go to the other embezzlement charges (MCL 750.174) and they include the words "fraudlently disposes of or converts to his or her own use,...........without the consent of his or her principal...........is guilty of embezzlement. Seems "Fraudlently Disposes of" covers this as an embezzlement. I would say "converts to his or her own use" also applies as he is using it illegally to reward and gain favor from certain employees, without authorization. He is "using" for his own use in rewarding his employees improperly, with money not his to do so with!
A3,
I would say that 750.175 may hold water due to the "use of another" language.
Your argument on 750.174 does not seem logical. If everyone received this "perk" how would he receive "favor" from "certain" employees? That is ridiculous.
The problem that I see is that Evans threw this threat of embezzlement around prior to the Detective completing his investigation. That is way out of line in my opinion
IF Charlie did something wrong than he should be punished. Whatever happened to innocent until PROVEN guilty? Where is the proof? Complete the investigation and then go public with the FACTS. Apparently in Barry County trial by media is good enough for our prosecutor. But then again he really isn't at his best in a courtroom, now is he?
I also do not understand why anyone wants Mr.Nystrom to return funds that he allegedly embezzled. That is irrational. He never received said funds. The employees should return the money, especially if they knew it was being misappropriated and took it anyway.
If I steal a car and give it to a friend that I feel is deserving of a car the police will still recover the car and return it to its rightful owner. My friend won't get to keep it just because I thought they were deserving. Scooby and Shaggy could figure that one out.
Overwhelmed: Do you think that the best PERSON got the position as K-9 officer? Do you think that the three amigos wanted JNP out of office because she wouldn't bow to their commands?
If anyone wanted this investigation to be taken seriously they would have made sure an outside agency did the investigating. Then again maybe all of the outsiders are getting tired of investigating the same people over and over to no avail. Did anyone read the article in the Press on Saturday?
OverWhelmed said...
Luck
I have no idea if the k-9 officer is qualified or not...that is not my call...I am sure if there were men who wanted the job they went thru the qualification process as equals. That would not have happened under DeBoer.
I think Julie Pratt was incompetant in her former job in Allegan, and I have personal knowlede of one wrong decision on her part, so why should she be given a cushy job here? Tom is more qualified and should have been given the job in the first place the voters saw to that.
And although one has the right to be considered innocent untill proven guilty BY LAW, that never happens in real life. The reality is that everyone is guilty untill they prove themselves innocent. The criminal Justice so-called system is not perfect but its all we have currently.
The K-9 Officer is a fine candidate. The K-9, on the other hand, ought to stick to making babies.
Overwhelmed, many of the deputies had high hopes when Dar took over. It was a welcome change. Most are now unhappy with the current administration.
JNP is far from incompetent. One wrong decision(or so you say) does not make one imcompetent.
And to Luckbealady:
If I steal a car, give it to my deserving friend and the police catch me....aint shit gonna happen because Tom couldnt win the case in court. I'll bet the defense attorney's who work in this area love this current situation
Camden
Did you mean the DOG should stay home and make babies or the female officer?
If that is you attitude against women then your a chovansitic pig. If that is your attitude towards the dog then you don't understand that millions of dogs are destroyed every week due to overpopulation of animal shelters and your still a chovanistic pig.
Just goes to show how little you know. When the K-9 arrived here, it was pregnant and therefore was useless to the County. I have nothing but good things to say about the dog handler herself. I was simply cracking on the dogs history...
There are some who think the "rules" don't apply to them.
You cannot take money that is not yours and "give" it to someone else. As far as integrity that Mr.Nystom spoke of on the News. I know personally he has none !! He has fooled many w/ his manipulation but NOT everyone. I can guarantee his employees @ some time felt threatened by him . He does that very well. One might say he has perfected intimadation.
I never knew that Barry County had such a high auto theft rate. I agree that Barry County has always had a "good old boys" network. The old one (DeBoer, Neil, etc) was one. And to say a new one (Leaf, Evans, etc) does not exist now is a lie.
Barry County lives on this stuff. The Banner is only a written form of the talks at Richie's. I have never learned anything I did not already know from the Jacobs family.
As for this current investigation, it is being handled poorly. Just look at the Dickensen family and the loss of their daughter. They were kept in the dark for months until they completed the investigation. But here, we tip our hand when we just scratch the surface? It will never be known if Charlie did anything wrong. I am sure any defenese attorney will be able to get the case dismissed with our local jokes in uniforms.
And if I steal a car (or rusted old pick-up), with my luck it will be out of gas and be missing third gear.
Redneck, I agree with 99% of your post, however, it is not the "local jokes in uniform" that you can point the finger at. Dave Oakland did not run to the media I assure you of that. There were only 3 people I saw interviewed on the news and they were, Mr. Evans, Dar Leaf and Mark Englerth. Coincidence???
I correct my statement darkside. I should say that the men in uniform in Barry County are almost all looking out for the best interests of our rednecks.
I should have stated that the men in elected office are the jokes.
I agree, the "three amigos" were the only ones making statements and this was not unplanned.
Camden,
I have trained police and civilian K-9 for 15 years and I never would have placed an intact female dog in any department. That is a lack of judgement on the part of the trainer or training facility.
I agree with you if the dog was pregg when it arrived it would have been useless for the next 3-5 months.
I tried to give DeBoer two certified narcotics dogs in 2000 but he refused them saying they were 'too expensive'. Both of them were male, neutered, up-to-date on shots and vet care, hell I even agreed to DONATE them FREE to the department and train the officers FOR FREE.
But alas that is in the past...I neither have the time or money to waste training dogs who I cannot place... now I rescue them in cases of disaster.
Camden: Subtract "favor" and you still have "fraudulent disposes of, without the consent of his/her principal." OJ is guilty!
OW: You missed the DeBore lure: You should have put sweaters on your dogs and sewed MSP patches on them.
The 3 amigos you speak of have nothing but "the right thing in mind." They are not like the ones we had in the past. not even close. The former were scoundrels. WE ALL KNOW CHARLIE MUST GO, LET'S GET IT DONE NOW. THE REST OF THE "KNEEL" BOARD CLAN SHOULD LEAVE TOO. WITH 1.8 BILLION DEFICIT FACING US FOR NEXT YEAR I DON'T THINK THERE WILL BE A STATE POLICE STATION HERE ANYWAY. NO NEED FOR THEIR REPRESENTATION ON THE BOARD.
WHO REPRESENTS THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE COUNTY, ON THE BOARD, AFTER THEY AMBUSHED JUDY WOOER WHILE SHE WAS ON VACATION. DIDN'T EVEN HAVE THE GUTS TO DO IT TO HER FACE. COWARDS THEY WERE!
WE ARE BEING MADE TO LOOK LIKE REDNECKS, YES. THESE 911 BOARD CLOWNS CAN GIVE OUR RESPECT BACK BY DOING THE RIGHT THING: RESIGN,RESIGN. RESIGN, RESIGN. WHILE YOU CAN STILL HOLD YOUR HEAD, WELL I WAS GONNA SAY HIGH, BUT I CAN'T. JUST LEAVE, TURN THE LIGHTS OFF, WE'RE IN A BUDGET CRISIS.
Humpty fell off the wall? Trying to end it all, again? Should try the end of the bar that your Ag3 is sitting at all the time lol
Ag3,
Darn you're right little sweaters with patches...I never though of that...just thought of donating the dogs, training, vet care, food, the essentials of life...
Well I guess I should have thought of the patches...
Ag3 at the Bedford Steakhouse??? What? I say we get some representation from the southern part of Barry County. Those guys are so often overlooked and have likely been driven to drink
LOL So many new handles on here.....
May be El G, but there will be more accusations, you're right there. The more this VW Clown Posse pulls the wool over you rednecks, the more he and they will keep doing what they're doing. They're all graduates of the State, now their legacy is 1.8 billion in debt. Would even drive darkie to drink.
Darkie: Message in for your reply. I would guess they serve more than alcohol. You think they might serve Steak too? God forbid, seat belt wouldn't fasten!
I have a challenge: Let's all take our hoods off when they fire or charge buddy boy!
Wrong color my friend
el Grillo
I saw you today riding your bike in Hastings...or am I mistaken that was you?
I can't blame you for riding a bike the gas prices are killing everyone....
What an editorial by Big Fred!!! That is a great idea, use your written word to convince the voters to turn down a millage funding our 911 center, our lifeline. You are a disgrace to journalism. By all means, continue with your witch hunt which is fueled in part by your inaccurate, unetided (mispelled intentionally), thing you call the news. If we don't like a teacher or a principal, we don't recommend turning down school funding do we? If the Caledonia Supt embezzled do we blow the town off the map?
Where is the oversight into what you print? Remember the very degrading and downright rascist ethnic letter to the editor that was allowed to be printed?
Oh dont worry Fred, ill bet you are protected by a tight knit group of cronies too....Chime in when your ready HR
Why would anyone want a person holding a position that is known to be a liar??! I know personally that Mr. Nystrom is NOW and Always has been a liar ! Get someone in place who is not a loaded gun -ready to go off! As for the comments about a witch hunt..give it a rest ! He was wrong to take it upon himself to GIVE money that isn't his to give..PERIOD.
I certainly do not want a liar holding any position. Who do you suggest we get to fill all of these openings?
I have no idea who might be interested in the positions.
I bet some would be interested in the job. Salary is good.
Even for an honest person.
Opps. sorry charlie !!
but who could we as honest taxpayers get to hold those positions? heck i need a job but I wouldn't take that one for a million tax-free dollars...there is no one qualified in this county who is not an ex-cop or a good old boy.
El G, I have heard some of your topics at state ground church, and I'd go there but I can't handle the memories of all those thursday lunches there during my former job...state grounds only reminds me i have no job, life, money, or self esteem since being chewed up and spit out by the local media conglomerate...I should take my coffee cup off the wall but I just can't handle it...
darkside, are you commenting that I should chime in when I'm ready since my initials are HR?
and BTW for anyone else who doens't know it FRED DOES NOT WRITE THE EDITORIALS, DAVID YOUNG DOES!!!I saw it happen first hand and no one can deny what they see with thier own eyes.
I have never met Fred, but I don't believe he, or anyone else, wants to see the 911 system go down. BUT, rest assured, the various Public Safety entities CAN come together and receive 911 calls and get them dispatched. I believe the boys in brown have secondary equipment and ability (?) to take over 911 should Osama Bin Laden decide to take out the local 911 Center. I believe he was seen at the local Burger King?
Every 911 Center has a backup source for 911 operation. If Barry County doesn't, then that is another reason to get rid of the current powers to be, in fact, a better reason than the current crisis!
OH, forgot another "witch hunt": Take all the names and addresses of all the other 911 Directors that came to "support" their buddy. NOW, how in the hell can they tell what kind of job he does when they hardly ever step foot in Barry 911 or experience its operation on a daily basis. As one said: "He (Nystrom) always tells us!"
I'm sure the intelligent Board Members could share the obvious
uselessness of their testimony with Mr Neal!
Oh, good job Matt Nystrom.
Let's look at the dates and bills submitted when Charlie visited all these other Directors from time to time. How much did that cost us? Hmmmmm, let's see, travel costs, lunch/dinner/drinks, then golf. Sure, they probably had a two hour meeting to justify spending your money.
I was trying not to bring this up. She is a great Dispatcher and person. Unknown if supervisor material, you have to work with them.
BUT, she's married to a State Trooper! Coincidence, or Ronnie/Charlie keeping their hands in the mud pie?
Whether your a friend of Charlies or not, that center services this county well. With the exception of personality conflicts, he and the crew that surround him can go up against any county in the state. Some have higher levels of competency, no doubt. As a whole I have great faith in our first line of defense. You folks keep up the good work.
And Agitator3,
you were trying not to bring it up????????? I call BS. You were itching to make someone else feel like garbage due to their affiliation with one another and attach a "state trooper" tag to it. In your eyes, she too would be destined to fail for that reason alone. Both of them have contributed positively to this community for years.
Maybe I could get a dog and have it wear a sweater with a patch of say...PTPD on it. That way it will surely work very hard
Prairieville Township PD?? Yeah baby I love those guys!!! Never gave me a lick of trouble getting info out of them for police beat...unlike some departments i could name
The 911 milage will be voted down if the Board of Commisioners does not take control of Central Dispatch. That means no more Charlie and a new central dispatch board that is not a good ole boys network.
Make sure you tell all your good ole boys to vote that way.
I guess I am wondering how much unclaimed "extra" overtime did the 911 employees have in a year. I agree that if they are on the phone at 7pm and there shift is over, they are not going to hang up on a caller.
What I guess I am wondering is, if we pay them for the time as it occurs, will it exceed 10 hours a year? If we audited all this time, maybe the county owes the employees money?
I would think the department of labor would have a fit at this practice.
Although I am not arguing if this practice is right, I just am wondering if Charlie was actually saving the county money.
He probably was BCR. I agree that this is not the right way to do business but kinda sucks that you might get fired and charged criminally for it.
On this charge, sounds to me like it was only a "clerical" thing. The hours should have been paid as they occured, not on a xmas bonus or such.
If this is the only thing that was done wrong, then the board should just say, "we are not going to do it this way anymore." and end this.
It is not healthy for the board, the employees, or the county. It seems kind of "childish" to cause a big deal out of this.
I have heard there have been other investigations by Allegan, the Michigan AG office, etc., but nothing ever was pursued. My concern is if this "charge" does not stick, are they going to start the next investigation wasting money and time looking for something else?
Redneck,
have you not been in the know for years? do you think there isn't good reason to question Mr. Nystroms actions or why he has been investigated more than once?!
Doesn't it seem to you that maybe he has more to hide than padding paychecks...& if the employees worked over , why not have them punch in & out. that would have pretty much put that whole money issue to rest. If it was done correctly.
I know of trips to the casino during working hours by kneestrom & if the truth be known, lots of other activities, not work related.
Or do you prefer to let "sleeping dogs lie"...and stop this childish behavior ? that obviously you feel is behavior that is appropriate while "on the job".
If that is the case, then why have all of the investigations resulted in no charges? I know a packet was sent to Lansing, yet Cox's office did nothing? If there was proof there, then I think an investigation would have taken place then.
If Allegan did their own investigation (yet Dar said he has the integrety to do his own), then why did nothing ever result from that?
I have heard all that you state. If their is ample proof of wrong doing, then remove him. But if not, let the man live his life and do his job.
Barry County has bigger fish to fry then this, its time to move on.
Redneck,
I agree with you...
Barry County has bigger fish to fry then this, its time to move on.
It's not whether or not the "extra" pay process could have been done differently, whether they somehow "really" earned the money or not! It's the 911 Director! He does what he wants, when he wants, and the hell with all you Rednecks (no offense BCR). It has to do with a 911 Board that does not have the guts to stand up with a majority to wrestle control of 911 back into their hands, not their 911 Senior Dispatcher's. His approach to problem solving is to somehow juggle enough on his side and make it all go away, so far!
OW: kneestrom is not the fish, so yes I agree there are bigger fish to fry. 911 is the fish and it is a very big Public Safety matter that must be addressed. When the one brick falls, the whole house will come down. Yes, there is much more. But, when you allow them to bunker down in Hastings Twp, limit access to the building, bug all the phones, have control of all records , you have created a Monster that is hard to penetrate. Like our Forces in Iraq you keep breeching til the walls and doors collapse.
The larger question is: Does the 911 Board have the integrity, self-respect, respect for the legacy they leave their families, to finally stand up and remove this cancer from our Community?
The Police Radios your cops use are constantly screwing up. The in-car puters are up one hour down the next. All kneestroms choice. A surrounding county has gone back to their VHF radios until Motorola "fixes" the problems, fixes what they have not fixed in Barry County for the 5 years we have had them.
The truth is the system was activated prematurely, was designed for mobile use only, not enough radio towers throughout the State. Why did kneestrom not know this? Was he playing golf with all the 911 Directors who came to his defense. I hope "Rest in Peace" is not in our future, due to the ineptness and arrogance of certain people. Their lives will rest right in your lap and conscience!
To Dar, Evans, Englerth, and others in a position to make change, keep breaching the 911 wall. As Pol states, Humpty is fallin. Who chooses to go down with him?
Mike and any other commissioners:
if we just get rid of the 911 board altogether and let the commissioners take it over, do they have the time to do it justice?
Wouldn't it be a better idea to clean the crap off the board and put more responsible people on it who have the time to do it justice without putting thier fingers in the pie?
just a suggestion from the peanut gallery....
Limit access to the building: It needs to be a secure facility. It doubles as the emergency management center. As far as the open meetings act, the door has been open since Mark made an issue about not being let in when the dispatcher did not recognize him....AFTER THE MEETING WAS OVER I might add. He was less than professional.
The MDC's work just fine. Believe me, it is a training issue. I know for certain that some of the users struggle with some of its basic functions. Oh my god, I turned it on and the screen stays black. You know why, the night shift from the prior shift dimmed it for more suitable use..DUH!
The 800's are are not without glitches as with any radio system. Again, AG3, I ask you, are you a regular user of the system? The VHF system does in no stretch of the imagination measure up with this system. I have a suggestion, have one of your friends at the paper make contact with members of each ageny. Talk to people who have used both 800 and VHF and get their input. You may be surprised as to your findings. For those who never used any other system, they have nothing to compare it to.
As for the phones being bugged: its a 911 center, everything is recorded minus a few lines. As it should be. If you know this and dont want someone who may be reviewing a tape to hear your conversation, dont say something you wouldnt want heard. Pretty simple. Can they not walk out the back door and use their cell phones if the need arises?
Grillo,
I am sure the three will want to kno what your definition of "is" is before they go much further.
I am all for change in Barry County, and I think we have made some small steps foward, and some steps backwards.
I am always tempted to run for a public position. I vote, I voice my opinion, but maybe its time to do more.
Grillo,
I am sure the three will want to kno what your definition of "is" is before they go much further.
I am all for change in Barry County, and I think we have made some small steps foward, and some steps backwards.
I am always tempted to run for a public position. I vote, I voice my opinion, but maybe its time to do more.
Barry County Redneck,
I'd love to vote for a good redneck candidate for any office here in Barry county but before you run for office, let's hear your ideas on a few topics:
1:how to clean up the waste in local government spending
2:how to bring jobs to Barry County
3:how to incorporate more of the local citizens in the government's business so they are informed and understand what's happening.
This is not an attack, i'd just like to know....
Darkie: Your points on the needed security of the 911 Center are well known and accepted. So, why not keep the Center secure? Hold the meetings at the meeting room at the Courts and Law Building. The 911 Center does not present an open and free movement atmosphere, you feel "contained", "restrained". There is hardly any movement at these meetings running upstairs to get papers needed for discussion. The director should come prepared with the necessary papers or files. A courier could make the short distance trip,if needed, for additional papers during the meeting.
Radios: VHF, with no punch, are obviously inferior to the 800 mhz. VHF with repeators (cheaper than 800 mhz towers)placed throughout the service area (which Barry County failed to do)are more reliable than the 800 mhz without sufficient Towers throughout the State. 800 mhz not mean't for portable walkie-talkies, do your homework!
Are you not aware Kalamazoo City spent another 2 million plus to build more towers and install reflectors on taller buildings to address their Unions concerns the 800 mhz was going to get an officer hurt?
How about Battle Creek City. They have 4 million into 800 mhz and its not working. Motorola is working on the problems, like they have been working on Barry Counties 800 mhz problems since we got them, about 5 years ago. BC has re-issued the VHF radios (repeaters still in place) for backup, while they still "test" and "work" with Motorola to "fix" these problems.
Their Union has filed a grievance relative to Officer Safety with the 800 mhz. I take it you know more than two large Police Unions.
Did the Hastings City Union not file a grievance over the performance of portables in the Pennock ER?
Has the 800 mhz Barry County radios and towers not failed several times in the last couple of weeks?
What more proof do you and Ellie/Grillo want?
el G,
That's funny that you tell someone if they are running as a republican to go to the meetings....lololol I have NEVER seen you at a Barry County republican party meeting.
Aggie,
What kind of warm fuzzy touchy feely kind of feeling do you expect to get from a 911 board meeting? Maybe if we had some hula dancers standing outside passing out mai tai's and cookies you would feel more welcome.
I think the meeting should be held at Charlton Park and have all the concerned tax payers bring their families for a day of fun at the park. Mark can even get through the gate without leaving his name. In fact, each attendee can locate themselves in any of the houses and the whole meeting can be heard clearly via an 800 mhz radio system
Darkie: A feeling our Forefathers guaranteed us.
El G,
The 'real discussion' meetings of the BC republican party may be held in Ritchie's back room, but the official meetings are held in the courts and law building the third monday of the month at 7pm. The next meeting is today June 18.
A lot of work does get done at the actual offical meetings and it would be a good way for you to get your points made known to the general executive committee which I happen to be a member of along with my wonderful husband.
If anyone would like a copy of tonight's agenda, minutes and attendence list feel free to e-mail me anytime before 6:30 pm
I hear there has been an e-mail from a Mike Nystrom, asking for help to pay Kneestroms "mounting attorney fees".
Why such a big fee if there is nothing to the accusations ?
Pretty tacky to ask for $$ when someone makes ove 60,000 a year...
booze & gambling is expensive..
whew !!
El G,
what is the address of the Hastings Banner website?
I surely would love to see the BC Republican party info on there since no one (since I was fired) has even bothered to come to the meetings....
Codered,
A good lawyer will cost a pretty penny. Believe me, that lawyer will get his pay. Now that is embezzlement if you ask me. Do not fret, ultimately I am confident that kneestrom (as you call him) will recoup his expenses on the very backs of those he has allegedly embezzled from.
Pol: This site should stay until at least this latest stage is over, June 25th or even after that if it is still going on.
Lawyer fees LOL: His brother, and I've heard "Brothers", are high priced ambulance chasers in Southfield?
The Prosecutor's Letter, and his words, have always been carefully and slowly worded and voiced. "IF these allegations are true..........". If Channel 8 can't get it right take it up with them.
Failed: It's not over yet, hold on to your sombrero Ellie and have another cheap drink in your hut!
I think Ag3 and I are on the same page with the saga of Charlie.
He obviously is not an honest person, as he likes to put on his , what does he call it "dog and pony" show. Saying he ALWAYS does the RIGHT thing. Come on..what about the investigation last year into how he was spending the counties money. And his son trying to imply "someone is out to get him". Poor Charlie !
Your right, it is not over yet.
Time off w/ pay ! what a joke. Of course he never does anything wrong so he is off having drinks, golf, good ol' time ..Why not, it isn't his $$. Wake up and smell the brimstone !
Well Grillo, I don't understand why there would be so much talk about the doings of the 911 center director if there is'nt some truth to his mis-doings. And I certainly do not think the media is all correct on their news reporting ..
Boils down to, keepin your nose clean & not spending taxpayers $$ to further your own devices, try to make employees loyal, or whatever the motive was !!
AS for these hoods you speak of..come on..do you think that maybe some folks are just tired of the rantings and attitude the director has displayed so many times? I would love to talk w/ the dispatchers & X dispatchers to get the straight skinny !!
I am guessing that the dispatchers and ex-dispatchers will tell you he is an asshole. He is a moody little Hitler. I am also sure that they will tell you that they are disgusted with the entire charade. Imagine everytime you piss someone off in life, they dig deep and try to find something to hang you with. Everyone has skeletons in their closet. Everyone has used poor judgement in life. I just hope that the next time I do something moronic, Dar is not mad at me at the time. I wonder if Mark will be in on the building of a new jail? One other question, was Mark paid by the County for attending 911 meetings? Was he also paid by 911 to attend? Tom, take a look, it could be embezzlement
I do believe that the "truthseeker" has gone to the "darkside". Might be time for the moody little Hitler to seek some anger management ! Altho some folks don't learn from past mistakes. Darn shame too.
"Dog and Pony Show" LOL Know you've been there to know that term. Anger Management, nahhhhhh. He's too old and ornry. Time to retire, golf, and enjoy the few who can stand him.
Unfortunately, there are a number of positions in upper management that generally require "buyouts." City Managers always walk away with a bundle. Implying this somehow impugns Dar, Mark, or Tom is wrong.
The cost of doing business. This is one time my tax money will be put to good use! Can we get him some brochures to Costa Rico?
Aggie,
your posts are as easy to follow as a famous local letter to the editor author
LOL, thanks, as they say, he does have some good points now and then!
tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick!
Very intelligent Chief.
Now,now..el..grillo..if this is just too much for you to bare..perhaps you should also head to the "darkside".
"May the force be with the rest of us."
Ellie, there is a new "rule of law" In fact, the new courtroom can be watched by all right from the convenience of their own living room, and to make it more enjoyable, the elected officials are going to make an accusation on the boob tube and then give you all the money you need for your lawyer. I am amazed at the brilliance here, however, mission accomplished. Who is next on the chopping block?
Just because he got out of this mess...does NOT mean he is a good, fair, or even nice person. Means, the prosecutor did screw up and not wait to get the proper "evidence" before going public. Giving Charlie what he wants only means the "devil" won this one. But it isn't the end for C. Nystrom !! I know if you ask folks who have had professional and personal dealings w/ this man...he went over to the "darkside" a long time ago.
Only God can save his soul !!
So Central Dispatch has put a price on Justice. The Healing can now begin, Charlie is gone, Ron Neil is gone, all for the bargin price of 60,000 dollars. Well what about the 30,000 dollars that is owed to the taxpayer? What about the rest of the Blue Wall that alowed this fraud to take place? The healing has not begun, the knife is in the wound and is being twisted. There will be no healing until a full forensic audit has taken place and all the currupt individuals are removed from the Central Dispatch Board and from 911!
"I will put my detectives' integrity, my integrity and the integrity of the department on any investigation we do," said Leaf.
The investigation which has yet to include interviewing the 911 employees. The investigation which has ended in the dismissal of two of the 911 board members after an agreement had been made by the prosecuting attorney of Barry County and the 911 board. Who ever heard of negotiating a deal about a criminal matter before an investigation is complete. An investigation which started years ago which has never resulted in any criminal charge. An investigation that the Attorney General would not pursue. An investigation that an outside agency would not take part in. An investigation that has resulted in multiple allegations over more than two years. An investigation which has utilized public opinion as its trial court.
If only Mr Integrity knew of the rumblings within his own back yard. If he wasn't solely concentrated on his personal vendetta he would realize what he has done to those of us under his command
"Those of us under his Command"?????
And, you say you've never heard of negotiating a deal about a criminal matter before an investigation is complete? You can't be real? There are thousands of cases every day where initial complaints are made and the person is allowed to resign, be fired, retire, etc., and the case is closed with no further investigation other than the initial allegations! It's called the American Criminal Justice System (or better yet Law Enforcement 101).
The system can't handle everything. They welcome cases being settled out of Court. Suspects are very often more than willing (begging would be better term) to resign or otherwise have the allegations disappear for many reasons, i.e. save family the embarassment, their own, costs of a lawyer, jail time, etc. Get real!
Too many "personal" connections with AG investigators and the intimidation of employees that really kept AG from investigating.
911 Board investigation of investigation was deemed shallow and extremely narrow. In other words, they didn't want to find anything wrong.
It's a shame that your "Public Opinion" is not taken more seriously! After all, you and I are the taxpayers. Had the 911 Board taken "Public Opinion" into consideration the investigation would have been over months ago.
No, they appoint a police officer to the civilian position on the Board. And, during the hard times made him the Chair. What gall!
The move is on via the Twp Association members to get this 911 System a look see. The same police officers should not be on the Board forever. There are no large or medium departments in this County. 1-25 officers constitutes a Barney Fife operation. They all fall under 25 officers. The MSP Post operates as a small detachment, despite being regulated from Lansing.
Ellie: Best to go to Callton's site to discuss your Park Issues.
We have to come up with a new 911 concept and a new Director. Some Board members need to go. Start with Brown and Boysen. Eliminate Villages as Board Members. One or two square miles of 800 people, give or take, should just be a part of the Township/City/Village representation. How about letting every two miles of a Twp be represented? Does it sound silly now?
I say start with one Board member, the people elected Sheriff. Then let the Twp Assn take it from there. Every other position should be rotated, period!
Before someone points it out as a grievous error, I do believe our State Rep may need to help us in changing the law that 911 was founded under, as far as who sits on the Board, etc.
my not-so-humble opinion:
SHAME on everyone who endorced this fraud of an early retirement sceme for Nystrom.
Charles Nystrom should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law but no...he gets $65K worth of compensation!!!!
I don't care if it was the 'cheapest way' to clean up the problem...its embezelment fraud and WRONG!!!
AND its not a 'cheap way' to get rid of Nystrom: put him in jail to serve time and pay back the tax-payers whom he robbed of money year after year after year.....
as always I am OverWhelmed....
I apoligize for believing in right over wrong. I apoligize for thinking that people should be treated as you would treat your own loved ones. I apoligize for believing that a public safety radio system should be "completed" before it is issued to officers in the field and put their lives in jeopardy. I apoligize for you not understanding my comment on how the system works, and your false assumption that I agree with everything that goes on in it.
I apoligize for your lack of knowledge of the written and verbal threats and intimidation that resulted in and justifies, yes justifies, slaying the enemy dragon at any cost. I apoligize in you not believing that over $65,000 in pay, for a vacation until next year, does not equate to some form of due process. I apoligize in you not knowing that due process procedures accomodates for predisposed juries that require change of venues to locations that have never heard of Barry County or its problems, or you.
I apoligize for you not changing the channel, as I do when you rant about "something" other than me.
I apoligize for you not sticking to subjects you know what you are talking about, as few as they may be.
I apoligize for choosing to ignore your posts so that I did not become bored reading nothing. I don't cry.
I apoligize for your tears, you must be very sensitive. Do you cry on cue?
I apoligize that you did not know you were chatting on a 911 subject line.
I apoligize for caring about the public safety people who protect us each day and night. You obviously do not care, but chose to ignore the 800 lb Gorilla, right?
I apoligize that certain people on the 911 Board forced the valient few you villify to accept the settlement to finally rid our community that people like you and the last County Commission ignored.
No one is happy about the settlement, no one, but it was a necessary evil.
I apoligize that I'm tired apoligizing. Just change the channel and continue to ignore wrong over right.
No, one big last apology. I apoligize that you do not know of all the letters and emails that the "Good ole boys club" mailed out, some with signature, most without, accusing those who question them, attacking their freedom of speech rights and trying to get them fired. All without evidence or due process so dear to you. You fight fire with fire. At least the Sheriff, Prosecutor, and County Comm. stand tall, identify themselves, and stand ready to take responsibility for their actions.
SOON!
Oh, I get it!!! The next time a cleric molests a young child, we will just run to the prosceutor and see if he can simply resign and not charge him.
I am disgusted with the way this was done. I am disgusted that AG3 represents law enforcement. You should turn in your badge and make peace with your family
Hooray!!! We have slain the enemy dragon and taken down the dragon master as well.
This Twp movement you speak of, are these public meetings? Are there minutes that can be obtained? Was this a secret meeting that may be a violation of the open meetings act? Did they meet in a dungy old basement where nobody felt welcome?
Please enlighten me on what part of the investigation you took part in. I am having a hard time understanding how you were able to read the documents that show proof of the good ole boy clan within the 911 board. Did you FOI them? Are they evidence? Did the investigating department release documents regarding an open investigation to you? Maybe you just heard about it over coffee. Maybe you sit with Pete's Dragon on the happy side of the moat.
Public opinion has no business in the justice system unless you sit on a jury. It is a matter of fact, not a matter of opinion. Justice was never the intent here. The powers of justice were used to accomplish the task and that is certainly a question of ethics. As a taxpayer and a victim, I will be raising my concerns to an ethics committee about this entire event.
I will start a blog of my own. I will ask for the heads of the three amigos. I will conduct an investigation about everything they do. I will show up at there workplaces when they are not around and pass notes to their employees to see if anyone wants to be a rat. I will have all my little groupies from Johnstown and Hastings (BARB AND GEORGE) FOI every single document that I can get my hands on. I will ask questions about repairs to their facilities. Who built that wall? I will go to the people that they have fired, people like Keri R and see if they have any dirt.
Why do you refer to Aggie as female? I think I have also heard you say she is an attorney. I always thought she was a he and a disgruntled police chief
Agitater3,
YOU have nothing to apologise to me for I agree with you...
Your an articulate woman with a hell of a head on your shoulders and I hope you NEVER take a back seat to any man...
And if you ever need me I am here in whatever capacity you need: body to fill a chair, someone to bitch about the good ole boys network with, anything...
as always I am OverWhelmed.....
without crunching numbers to an exact dollar amount, the cost of 10 hours of dispatcher overtime in the way it had been paid previously results in about a 256 dollar check in November or December.
This is based on 1 1/2 @17.12/hr.
I will include supervisor salary in this calculation using dispatcher wages since it is all relative anyway.
There are 16 employees who were eligible to receive this benefit. 16 x 256 is 4,096 dollars. Lets round up to 4100 for sake of argument.
assuming this happened for 7 years, that equates to $28,700
Given the current trend that has happened since the infamous press conference, the average request for compensation for overtime hours worked has been in the neighborhood of 1/2hr to 1 hr in a pay period per employee. Lets be conservative and use 1/2 hour. Given 26 bi-weekly pay periods, this adds up to 13 hours a year per employee. Believe me when I tell you that I am being conservative with the 1/2 hour.
13 hours x 1 1/2 @17.12hr equals 333 dollars x 16 employees is 5328.00 I will round down in this case just to further make my point. I will use 5300.00 x 7 years equates to 37,100 dollars
For a difference of $8400.00. Whether you like it or not, this little stunt has cost this county an additional $1,200 a year at a minimum.
Employees never asked to be compensated for the time they gave serving the citizens of this county. They never asked for a 10 hour check around christmas time.
They are now asking for every minute they run over. I am not exaggerating, it is literally down to the minute.
You might want to be careful when you push the envelope on the letter of the law. A little give and take goes a long way in the realm of fair labor. Ask any union employee
Lol I've heard the letter, nothing else. I've lived this horror for years, know enough to support the villified heroes.
Maybe Ellie needs to go to Washington, the US AG is being judged guilty and being asked to resign. Has he been charged Ellie? Don't think so. What's the difference?
Once again, Ellie doesn't get it? I don't believe in juries? I said, I said, I said, if the "pretrial" publicity is deemed to be prejudicial, then the trial can be transfered to another County where a Jury of people who have not heard of the "pretrial" publicity
can render an impartial decision. Protects the rights of the "accused." Isn't that what the Consitution guarantees us?
Darkie you're a day late and a few pennies short. There are 8-9 people and several wives who have this user name and pw. You may be talking about the clearing house or founder. But, no one has understood you yet anyway!
Disgruntled what? Sounds to me like the kettle calling the................
Also, the Township Association met on June 19th, in Public Session, at the Rutland Twp Hall. Apparently you don't keep up with current events. The issue was discussed there.
Sounds like Camden needs to review the Michigan Stalking Laws.
Darkie, you picked a good name. You have been in the dark too long. You are apparently a lower echelon player that is not attuned to local goings on at 911, etc. Have you tried "I'm Smarter than a Fifth Grader?"
To close out talking to people without a clue, I will support what the investigation reveals. And, no idea what is going on at the Sheriff's Dept other than what the pompous ones on here rant about. I have no reason or authority to review their investigation and have faith the Sheriff will not let others review it, like Ron Neil did!
Where's the blog on Boysen and Brown? Goodbye!
my gosh ellie, where did you get your law degree? To compare Evans to Nyfong is making a grand canyon-sized leap.
All this mess has proven, is that there has to be more accountability in the 911 system. Make the buck stop with the Board of Commissioners, if we don't like how they are handling 911, we can throw them out.
Charlie had absolute power in his 911 fiefdom. Dissenters were kicked off the 911 board if they stood in his way. As Lord Acton said, "absolute power corrupts...absolutely" To portend that Charlie is a victim in this is absurd.
Was this situation handled in the best way? No. Many things in life aren't. I do think the resolution was the best the county could have given the circumstances.
Re Jay and el Grillo's posts: I agree with a lot of what both are saying. Neither is out for revenge and are looking for a solution to the 911 dilemma. I'm sure there is a reasonable way out of this problem when men of good will and open minds exchange ideas.
grilli--
I have to disagree. I see the fuel for this (your phrase) "witch hunt" dying out quickly. No one left around to drown you might say ;) While some are walking carefully to avoid publicity, I don't see how the current resolution "exposes" the county to harm.
The folks in the Southland have been mulling the idea of a reworked 911 board for a few years. Recent events may lead these folks to a successful caucus.
In the end, I'd expect the possibility of good public policy to come from this to be quite high.
el Grillo: I too have the greatest respect for our law enforcement folks. Like any group, ministers, doctors, lawyers, garbage collectors etc you will always find an ocassional rogue. Whenever I see an officer out on patrol I always wave and smile. In past years I've worked in a volunteer capacity with police officers and have nothing but the highest respect for them.
Agitater3 said... "Fact is, I know nothing of the particulars alleged except what I heard on TV."
Why does that not come as a surprise?
The surprise on here Grillo is a faint few think you know what you are talking about.
A "faint few" on a blog represents a vast majority.
I just took the time to reread the ori. post by PW. I see he states, " Nystrom has been charged with wrong doing in the past". Could one of you learned souls please tell me when the 911 director was charged?
Was it in Barry Co. courts? What happened to those charges? What were they?
Never knew he had been charges with anything....
Or is this just one more example of how we do things in Barry Co.?
ts
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