In a tragic culmination of events linked to a marijuana theft, three individuals have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Xavier Johnson in Flint Township. The incident, which unfolded on November 12th, 2023, highlights the escalating violence that stemmed from a dispute over stolen cannabis.
Michael Allen Saylor, a 17-year-old, has been charged with multiple felonies, including the shooting death of 19-year-old Xavier Johnson. Saylor faces serious charges such as first-degree premeditated murder, assault with intent to murder, aggravated stalking, discharging a firearm at a building, and five counts of felony firearm. He is being held without bail.
The conflict that led to this violent encounter reportedly began with the theft of marijuana from Saylor's mother's home. This theft ignited a series of threats and retaliatory actions between Saylor and Johnson, as well as their associates.
Tony Joseph Mireles II, 19, another suspect in the case, faces eight felony counts. These include discharging a firearm from a vehicle, conspiracy to discharge a firearm from a vehicle, three counts of felony firearm, two counts of discharging a firearm at a building, and aggravated stalking. Mireles remains in custody with a $40,000 cash/surety bond.
The third individual charged, Alex Alton Mills, 19, faces a single count of carrying a concealed weapon. Mills was released on a $10,000 cash/surety bond, as per court records.
The tragic shooting incident occurred in the 3300 block of West Dayton Street near Lavelle Road and Pasadena Avenue. According to the police, the incident began with shots being fired from a vehicle driven by Johnson. Saylor, allegedly inside the targeted house, retaliated by firing back at the vehicle, ultimately striking Johnson.
Despite being critically injured, Johnson managed to drive about a mile to a residence in the 3300 block of Bertha Avenue in Mt. Morris Township. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
The cannabis industry is rapidly growing, creating a significant demand for skilled professionals across various sectors. In response to this expanding need, the Hire N' Fire Cannabis Industry Job Fair and Networking Event will take place on Monday, September 9th, 2024, in Pontiac, Michigan. This event provides an invaluable platform for job seekers and employers within the cannabis sector to connect and explore new opportunities.
The Hire N' Fire event is tailored to facilitate interactions between cannabis companies and potential employees. With a focus on networking and professional growth, attendees will have the chance to meet industry leaders, engage in on-site interviews, and gain insights into the latest trends in the cannabis sector.
Networking Opportunities: Attendees can network with influential professionals in the cannabis industry, allowing them to build relationships that could prove beneficial in their careers. This is an excellent chance to engage directly with potential employers and industry experts.
On-Site Interviews: Job seekers will have the opportunity to participate in on-site interviews with leading cannabis companies, making it easier to find positions that align with their skills and career goals.
Career Development: The event will include sessions focusing on career advancement and professional development, providing attendees with tools and strategies to succeed in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.
For Job Seekers: The event offers a unique opportunity to interact directly with hiring managers from top cannabis companies. Participants can gain insights into the skills and qualifications in demand, enhancing their chances of securing employment in this competitive field.
For Employers: Companies attending the fair will benefit from access to a diverse pool of talented candidates eager to work in the cannabis industry. This setting allows employers to efficiently recruit for various roles and promote their organizational culture.
The Hire N' Fire Cannabis Industry Job Fair and Networking Event is a must-attend for anyone looking to advance their career in the cannabis industry. With its comprehensive approach to networking and career development, the event is poised to be a significant stepping stone for job seekers and employers alike in the cannabis sector.
The Motor City Rockers, a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Fraser, Michigan, are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Cloud Cannabis for the upcoming 2024-25 season. As the tenth team to join the Federal Prospects Hockey League, the Rockers continue to enhance their fan experience with exciting new collaborations.
Cloud Cannabis, known for its eleven locations throughout Michigan, offers the nearest store to Big Boy Arena in Utica. Fans interested in learning more about Cloud Cannabis locations, their Rewards Program, or placing an order online are encouraged to visit their official website.
Through this partnership, members of the Cloud Club Dispensary Rewards Program can enjoy exclusive benefits, including discounted tickets to the Rockers' game against the Prowlers on Saturday, December 14th. Additionally, the Rockers and Big Boy Arena are proud to introduce a new "Smoking Lounge Presented by Cloud Cannabis," which will be conveniently located just outside the Box Office at the entrance of Priority Rink 1.
Pleasantrees is bringing back a beloved tradition with the inaugural Gibraltar Car Show, scheduled for September 21st, 2024, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the historic Gibraltar Trade Center. This event aims to revive the classic car show experience for car enthusiasts and the local community, featuring an array of activities, exhibits, and entertainment.
The Gibraltar Car Show will showcase a diverse range of vehicles, from classic and custom cars to the latest automotive innovations. Car owners and enthusiasts are invited to participate by registering their vehicles for a $20 fee, allowing them to compete for various awards such as Best in Show, Best Classic Car, and Best Interior. Interested participants can pre-register their vehicles through the provided link: Registration Form.
The event will conclude with an awards ceremony at 3 PM, recognizing the top vehicles in several categories. In addition to the car displays, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including live music, food trucks, cornhole games, and shopping at vendor booths. The show aims to create a family-friendly atmosphere, welcoming guests of all ages to enjoy a day filled with fun and excitement.
For those aged 21 and over, an on-site consumption lounge will be available, featuring local sponsors. This outdoor area allows for cannabis consumption, providing a space for adults to relax and enjoy the event. Valid identification will be required for entry into the lounge.
Pleasantrees is excited to restart the tradition of car shows at the historic Gibraltar Trade Center. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to community engagement and its dedication to fostering local culture and events. By hosting the Gibraltar Car Show, Pleasantrees aims to bring together car enthusiasts and the broader community for a unique and memorable experience.
The Gibraltar Car Show promises to be a highlight of the summer, offering a vibrant mix of cars, entertainment, and community spirit. Everyone is encouraged to attend this free event and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Whether you are a car enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, the Gibraltar Car Show offers something for everyone.
John McLeod, co-founder of Cloud Cannabis Co., has announced plans to invest approximately $1 million to open a new dispensary in Grand Rapids. The dispensary will be located in a former credit union office on the city's northeast side. McLeod acquired the property, located at 600 Plymouth Ave. NE, on February 1st, 2023, and intends to transform it into a processing and retail facility operating under The Bloomery brand.
McLeod, who sold Cloud Cannabis Co.'s 11 retail stores to Stash Ventures earlier this year, now serves as the director of new markets for The Bloomery. As one of Michigan's largest cannabis retailers, Cloud Cannabis Co.'s sale marked a significant shift in McLeod's career, leading him to focus on new ventures.
The new Grand Rapids location presents a unique challenge due to its relatively small size of 2,500 square feet. "We really wouldn't look at a store this size, but we just feel it's a unique opportunity in an area not served by cannabis," McLeod stated. He emphasized the need for creativity and efficient use of space, given that only 625 square feet can be allocated for retail operations due to the property's industrial zoning.
The plan for the dispensary has already received special land use approval from the city. The remaining space will be utilized for processing activities. The dispensary, potentially branded as a "Bloomery Express" or an outlet-style store, will undergo significant renovations, including the removal of an existing vault. Metric Structures, a Grand Rapids-based company, will oversee the project as both the owner's representative and general contractor. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
McLeod expressed his enthusiasm for expanding The Bloomery's presence in Grand Rapids. "We love Grand Rapids, the people, and the city, so it was important for us to get another store there after we sold the Cloud stores," he said. He highlighted the importance of adaptability in the ever-evolving cannabis industry.
This investment is part of McLeod's ongoing commitment to the West Michigan cannabis market. Besides his role at The Bloomery, McLeod also heads new markets for Mitten Distro, a grow and processing facility in Kalamazoo. Despite fluctuating cannabis prices, retail sales continue to show slight growth year over year, encouraging further investment in the industry.
The Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) has formally lodged a complaint against Sky Labs, LLC, an adult-use cannabis processor in Michigan, for multiple violations under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA). The complaint, filed on July 26th, 2024, details several breaches of regulatory compliance, particularly concerning the tracking and sourcing of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) isolate.
Sky Labs, holding license number AU-P-000157, operates at 9421 N. Dort Highway, Mt. Morris, MI. The CRA initiated an investigation on March 20th, 2024, prompted by discrepancies in the statewide monitoring system (Metrc). The investigation revealed that Sky Labs had accepted THCA isolate from unlicensed sources and improperly logged these transactions in Metrc.
Improper Sourcing and Recording: Sky Labs received 30,000 grams of THCA isolate on March 6th and 7th, 2024, incorrectly recorded as sourced from a Michigan medical marijuana processor. The processor denied any such transfer.
Further Irregular Transfers: On March 13th and 14th, 2024, Sky Labs recorded receiving an additional 100,010 grams of THCA isolate from another processor, which also denied the transfer. It was found that these isolates were actually sourced from a Colorado business.
Failure to Tag and Track: Sky Labs admitted to not entering the product into Metrc upon receipt in January 2024, delaying this process until March 2024, well beyond the acceptable period for such entries.
Compliance Testing Issues: During an unannounced visit on April 22nd, 2024, CRA staff found THCA in the lobby of Sky Labs. Further, a compliance test on April 19th, 2024, showed discrepancies in how the product was sampled and recorded.
Surveillance Failures: The company also failed to maintain accurate timestamped surveillance footage as required, with discrepancies noted during the compliance test review.
The CRA has indicated its intent to impose sanctions on Sky Labs, potentially including fines, suspension, revocation, or non-renewal of its license. Sky Labs has the right to request a hearing within 21 days to contest these actions or to seek a compliance conference to address the allegations informally.
Sky Labs must submit hearing or compliance conference requests in writing, either by mail, in person, or by email, to the CRA with a copy to the assistant attorneys general handling the case.
For more information, the full complaint can be accessed through the CRA or the legal representatives listed in the document.
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