1. Additional information added April, 2011 regarding the unjust treatment of my family by the family court in Grand Traverse county, which is also under Judge Powers' jurisdiction. Also included is information regarding the Miaheyyun Day Treatment program. The only information regarding the word miaheyyun on google is related to Native American sites, Angels, or Satanism. This was not a Native American school, nor was it a Church school, and is located where John T. Unger Jr.'s art studio is located, judge Unger's son. The subject matter on his website is very dark, and warrants further examination.

6. TIMELINE;  04/28/99 – 03/11/00   

APRIL 28, 1999             6:15-6:16—6:17 P.M. - The one-time incident where Jeremy Rasmussen grabbed his 8 year old son, Justin, by the upper arms, picked him up off the floor, with Justin resisting, and moved him up and down in the air a couple of times and then set him down.  (Justin had been fighting with Robert (Bobby) Brownell, [Wendy Arnold’s son, and who lives with Wendy and Jeremy and their 2 month old daughter, Samanatha] one of many over the previous few days, and Jeremy wanted to let Justin know that he could not do that any more and this way seemed the only way to get Justin’s attention about the matter)

                           5:00 P.M. Dawn Clevenger (Principal of Traverse Heights School, where Justin and Robert attend, on Rose St, Traverse City) called Wendy to apprise her of the fact that a parent that lives at Le Grande Vue Apartments went into Ms. Clevenger’s office and reported in person to her (she worked at the school), the Principal, complaining that she had witnessed Justin and several 8-12 year olds who were holding Robert’s arms behind his back and then each one taking a turn and jump-kicking Robert in the stomach, repeatedly pushing Robert towards Garfield Road, and other pushing, hitting, and tripping actions hurting Robert.  This parent was surprised to learn that Robert and Justin were “brothers.”  Ms. Clevenger wanted Jeremy and Wendy to know what Justin had been up to now—in the previous four–six weeks, Justin had been in trouble at school and suspended once for fighting, where Justin had lied by not telling his parents, rode the bus to school as usual, and it wasn’t until Ms. Clevenger called for Jeremy to come and get him that Jeremy knew anything about it.  She did not offer any suggestions for help nor make either Jeremy or Wendy aware of any counseling help available through the schools, which there is.

                           5:15 P.M.  Wendy called Jeremy to let him know about the phone call from Ms. Clevenger.  She told him that he had to come home and deal with his son; that all this trouble was not what she and Robert had asked for.  Jeremy was near the Grand Traverse Mall and had to put the exhaust back on his car and then he came right home.  He arrived around 6:05 P.M.

                           6:15 – 6:17 P.M.  THE INCIDENT.  (See first entry.)

                           6:30 P.M. Jeremy called the Bauts, (Justin’s maternal grandparents) to see if Justin could come and stay for awhile, BUT only until Justin could get into the Professional Parenting Program.

                           The rest of the evening was spent with Jeremy and Wendy talking with the two boys about their behavior and what had to be done positively to become a “family.”

                           (NOTE:  MINDY CZINDER was Wendy’s caseworker at Child Guidance since 1998, with Robert being in Child Guidance since 1996, yet Mindy told Wendy that she didn’t know anything about what was going on with IRENE STUART so she couldn’t offer Wendy any help.  (See August 4th, 1999 court hearing.)

APRIL 29, 1999             At 8:10 A.M., Wendy called the principal of Traverse Heights School, Dawn Clevenger  to let her know that Justin was coming to school upset because of what had happened with Jeremy the night before.  She told Wendy that she would have to report the incidence to Child Protective Services and Wendy told her that she was going to do the same thing.  Ms. Clevenger then said she was going to talk to Justin.          

                                      8:20 A.M.,  Wendy called Barb Gibson of Child Guidance to seek advice about Justin aggressiveness towards Bobby (Robert) and in questioning Robert, Robert confirmed how the “boys beat him up while waiting for the bus, continually tease him, bully him, etc.”  (See attached Northwest Michigan Child Guidance Clinic notes of Barb Gibson). 

                             At 8:30 A.M., Wendy called Child Protective Services and talked to Troy Turner where she related the above incidence.  WENDY CALLED BECAUSE JUSTIN WAS AND HAD BEEN ABUSING ROBERT.  WENDY CALLED BECAUSE BARB GIBSON (Robert’s counselor at Child Guidance) HAD TOLD WENDY THAT SHE COULD LOSE ROBERT IF SHE ALLOWED JUSTIN TO CONTINUE TO ABUSE HIM.  Wendy did not talk to IRENE STUART  on this date.  IRENE STUART STATES IN HER PROTECTIVE SERVICES INVESTIGATION SUMMARY THAT SHE TALKED TO WENDY AND AGAIN, IN THE PETITION BROUGHT AGAINST HER, REPORTS THAT “WENDY STATED THAT CPS…” AND “SHE SAID HER BOYFRIEND …”  Wendy only spoke with Troy Turner on this day.

APRIL 30, 1999.            IRENE STUART called Jeremy’s cell phone and Wendy answered it.  IRENE STUART  told Wendy to be in her office on May 3, 1999 with Jeremy and Samantha.  NO PAPERWORK FOLLOWED.

MAY 3, 1999.               Jeremy, Wendy, and Samantha went in to see IRENE STUART in the morning, as requested.  IRENE STUART called Wendy in first and questioned her about Justin and the home situation.  When asked why Wendy had let it go on for so long, Wendy answered, voluntarily, it was because she had lost two other children due to alcoholism and she did not want that to happen again.  IRENE STUART  then asked Wendy what she was using for birth control and Wendy felt obligated to answer that she had her tubes tied after Samantha’s birth.  IRENE STUART then excused Wendy and called in Jeremy.  IRENE STUART  told Jeremy  that if he would see Michael Nunn, ASCW, for counseling, that SHE, IRENE STUART would not prosecute Jeremy for what happened between Jeremy and Justin.  According to IRENE STUART’S RECORD OF CONTACTS, she contacted Amanda Steele of the Prosecutor’s Office and a Det. Rick Robbins, reason unknown, this date.  Jeremy agreed to IRENE STUART’S DEAL.  (Jeremy has seen Mike Nunn all along, recently with Justin.)

MAY 4, 1999.               IRENE STUART CALLED LISA THIEL OF ANTRIM COUNTY CPS to inquire as to Wendy Arnold’s prior involvement with CPS.

                           Barb Gibson notes in her notes that on this day she “talked with the school and protective services concerning Justin and his behavior towards Bobby.”  (Note:  Shows that IRENE STUART  was aware of Justin’s behavior and has failed to include it in the background of this whole incidence.)

MAY 5, 1999.               IRENE STUART  called Wendy Arnold’s health nurse, Jamie Beck, RN regarding Samanatha.

MAY 6, 1999.               To PROTECTIVE SERVICES, Barb Gibson sent her findings regarding Bobby Brownell (Robert) which say that “Bobby has been victimized by Justin, repeatedly, (hitting, kicking) and has been frightened by this child.”  In addition, “PS Looking into possible placement for Bobby back into Professional Parenting.” (See complete attached copy.)

MAY 18, 1999.              Lisa Thiel of Antrim County returned IRENE STUART’S phone call.

MAY 27, 1999.              IRENE STUART talked with Barb Gibson of Child Guidance.

JUNE 5, 1999 TO JULY 27    IRENE STUART  made 8 home call visits to Jeremy and Wendy’s.  During one of these visits, in front of Troy Turner, IRENE STUART asked Wendy what she was doing for birth control.  She did the same thing at a later visit in front of a female co-worker who accompanied her on the visit.  At a later date, Carol Talbot, (Wendy’s FIA worker) informed Wendy that she had been told that Wendy had not cooperated with a Protective Service Worker, Sarah Marriot.  Wendy does not remember meeting a Sarah Marriot.

JUNE 25, 1999.             IRENE STUART met with Mike Pavlov and Shelly Vandermullen, who would have provided in-home services to resolve family difficulties, and with whom Wendy had worked with (Shelly Vandermullen) in 1996 voluntarily, for services, BUT whom IRENE STUART  did not make known to Wendy or Jeremy that she had looked into services for them through them nor were they referred back to them either by IRENE STUART.

JULY 1, 1999                 BINSFELD LEGISLATION WENT IN TO EFFECT.  IRENE STUART compiled her notes into Investigation Summary.

JULY 9, 1999.              IRENE STUART  called Mike Nunn.

JULY 11 – 12, 1999.        MIKE NUNN COMPLETED AN “ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS” REPORT FOR GT FIA – IRENE STUART WHICH DETAILS THE DEFICIENCIES OF BOTH JEREMY AND WENDY, WITH THE MAJOR EMPHASIS ON WENDY.  NONE OF THE INFORMATION ABOUT WENDY IS BASED ON HIS OWN PERSONAL INTERVIEW WITH HER BUT BASED ON WHAT IRENE STUART REPORTED TO HIM VIA TELEPHONE.  HE HAD NOT YET MET WENDY.  FIA – IRENE STUART RECEIVED SAID REPORT ON JULY 17 (?)(Sunday?), 1999, WHEN MIKE NUNN WAS IN FLORIDA.  (See attached copy of fictitious report.)

JULY 20, 1999              JEREMY RASMUSSEN placed Justin in a Professional Par-enting Home, Meri Crawford’s in Manton (Wexford County), where she claimed she had plenty of room, where she would be glad to have him, when she told Jeremy that he had done a “good job” of raising Justin in spite of everything, and that she saw no evidence of abuse.  Blue Cross/Blue Shield was accepted at this time by Child Guidance Center.

JULY 21, 1999              Robert Brownell went camping with the Pierces—see August 5, 1999 for explanation.

JULY 23, 1999                IRENE STUART stopped by to check on welfare of children.  She was told Justin was in a Professional Parenting Home, Robert was camping with his RESPITE foster parents.  Asked if Jeremy had a way of contacting Mike Nunn, Jeremy had his Florida number and passed on that information to IRENE STUART.  IRENE STUART then made a point of shaking Jeremy’s hand several times.  IRENE STUART later called Wendy to tell her that she, IRENE STUART, got Wendy’s RESPITE extended because Wendy appeared tired and IRENE STUART wanted Wendy to get rested up.

JULY 23, 1999         (per IRENE STUARTS notes)  The following phone calls were made in the PM:

1. Deb Coleman
2. Mike Pavlov
3. Paulette Smith
4. Rasmussen/Arnold
5. Mike Nunn

Please note that there is no mention of anything amiss during this home visit.

JULY 27, 1999        (per IRENE STUARTS notes) she and JACK CRANDALL had a conference.

JULY 28, 1999             IRENE STUART called Bill White (Lansing) concerning ???(per Irene’s records)

JULY 30, 1999              At 10:55 A.M., IRENE STUART  received a fax, UNSIGNED, petitioning Wendy Arnold into court this date, personally delivering it to Wendy Arnold at her home at 11:25, summoning her into court at 2:00 P.M., this date also, CHARGED (???) with the Binsfeld Act.  (Jeremy’s name was included also but IRENE STUART showed no inclination to serve Jeremy as he was working a couple of hours out of town.  (See attached PETITION with signed testimony that “I declare that the statements in this petition are true to the best of my information, knowledge, and belief:” signed by IRENE STUART).

                           At 2:00 P.M. in court Jeremy and Wendy were read their rights, told that this matter was being bound over for trial, and appointed William Bowron for Wendy and Brett Baird for Jeremy.

                           IRENE STUART TESTIFIED UNDER OATH THAT SHE DID NOT KNOW THE NATURE OF WENDY’S CASE IN ANTRIM COUNTY  AND THAT MIKE NUNN WAS IN FULL SUPPORT OF HER PETITION AGAINST JEREMY AND WENDY.

                           JEREMY CALLED MIKE NUNN IN FLORIDA AFTER THE HEARING WHERE MIKE NUNN SAID THAT HE WAS NOT IN FULL SUPPORT OF IRENE STUART’S PETITION: THAT FROM WHAT HE KNEW OF JEREMY AND WENDY, THAT HE FELT THE PETITION WAS UNNECESSARY BUT THAT IF SHE HAD NEW INFORMATION, THAT HE WOULD DEFER TO HER JUDGMENT, AS HE WAS ON VACATION AND ABSENT.  DEB COLEMAN, JUSTIN’S COUNSELOR FROM CHILD GUIDANCE, WAS ON VACATION ALSO.

                           Jeremy gave Nina Merten, guardian ad litem, a copy of the 11-11-98 Northern Family Intervention Service’s Report, making her aware of Justin’s problems and violence towards Robert.  (Interviewed Robert on August 6, 1999 and Justin not until January 28, 2000.)

                           (Note:  a potential foster mother was in the courtroom, with diapers hanging our of her purse, but not identified as to her name.)

                RESULT OF HEARING was for Justin and Bobby to remain where they were and Samantha was allowed to remain in her parents custody.

NO TRANSCRIPT OF THIS HEARING HAS BEEN DISCOVERED.

        Please note that the tape used for that hearing was one of another hearing that was recorded over.  Tape may have been mislabled.

AUGUST 2, 1999.            Jamie Beck, R.N., and Samantha’s infant support nurse, through WIC, stopped by to see Wendy and informed Wendy that IRENE STUART  had not followed protocol in this case; that normally the health nurse accompanies the P.S. worker on the home visit if it involves one of their clients and Jamie Beck had not accompanied IRENE STUART  when she made home visits.  Jamie Beck told IRENE STUART that this petition was wrong and why was she doing this to Wendy?  She was also mad that IRENE STUART  had purposely left Jamie Beck out of the protocol loop because Jamie Beck never saw anything wrong with the way Wendy parented and that Samantha and Robert were well cared for.  Jamie Beck also had stopped by several times when Justin was in the home and took note of how awful Justin’s behavior was and that Wendy was coping well with so much.

                           Wendy called Ann Mapes, court referee, and told her IRENE STUART lied under oath and how to prove it.  Ann Mapes told Wendy that she would talk to IRENE STUART.

AUGUST 3, 1999.            Jamie Beck, RN, Public Health Nurse, and Wendy’s health nurse, sent Grand Traverse FIA a letter saying how Wendy was doing well with her parenting of the children, in spite of “this family crisis.” (See attached letter.)

AUGUST 4, 1999     HEARING?       

                           Petition stated that Justin would remain in Professional Parenting Home.  There was NO mention that Family Independence Agency (FIA) had jurisdiction over Justin.

                           After the hearing, William Bowron (Wendy’s court appointed attorney to represent her in IRENE STUART’S petition against Wendy citing the Binsfeld Act as grounds), told Wendy that Robert could return home THE NEXT DAY, AUGUST 5, 1999, in spite of the aforementioned “charges;” however, Robert had to be questioned by Nina Mertin, guardian ad litem for the children.   JEREMY AND WENDY WERE NOT ALLOWED IN THE COURT ROOM: BRETT BAIRD, WILLIAM BOWRON, MINDY CZINDER, NINA MERTON, AMANDA STEELE, CYNTHIA COLE, IRENE STUART WERE.

                           After the hearing and with IRENE STUART stomping out of court, Bowron told Wendy after she protested the Abeyance Paper to him, that if they (Wendy and Jeremy) didn’t do it that way, the children would languish in foster care until the court could straighten out the mess, including Samantha.  The ONLY documentation Jeremy and Wendy have is a photo-copy of the front page of the Abeyance Paper, signed by court referee, Cynthia Cole, which was sent to Wendy by Bowron August 17, 1999.  Brett Baird never informed Jeremy he had lost custody and he did NOTHING about Irene moving Justin to ANTRIM COUNTY nor Justin being taken to Child Guidance Center for drugging WITHOUT JEREMY’S CONSENT OR KNOWLEDGE. During this time, IRENE STUART signed Justin up for Medicaid.

                           MINDY CZINDER was also in court this day YET told Wendy and Wendy’s sister, Cindy Bellenbaum, that she did not know anything or what had happened.  

              NO TRANSCRIPT OF THIS HEARING HAS YET BEEN DISCOVERED            

AUGUST 5, 1999             Robert was to return home on this day.  (Brenda and Everett Pierce were Robert’s respite care (Professional Parenting Home) providers and had called Wendy on July 20, 1999 to see if they could take Robert camping for two days, starting JULY 21.  

JULY 23, 1999         IRENE STUART stopped by Jeremy and Wendy’s apartment and was checking in on the children.  She was told about Justin being put by JEREMY into a Prof. Parenting Home; was given examples of the Bauts (Rex and Linda; Justin’s mother’s (Sharon Smith) parents) being inappropriate caregivers to their grandchildren; and that Robert was camping with the foster parents.  She called later to say that she had extended Robert’s respite time (which Wendy did not want).  

 AUGUST 5, 1999              5:00 P.M.  Bobby was not returned, nor was Wendy informed why Robert did not come home.  Jeremy called the Child Guidance Emergency number and talked to the man on duty.  It was explained why Bobby was to come home and that Jeremy and Wendy would just go get him.  As there was NO paperwork and IRENE STUART refused to tell Child Guidance (i.e. MINDY CZINDER WAS ALLOWED IN THE COURTROOM) (and where the parents were not) that Robert could come home, but, without documentation, the parents could prove nothing to get their child back!!!)  Barb Gibson, (Robert’s counselor at Child Guidance), called Wendy back and told her not to do anything stupid, to wait until morning.  She was also upset because as Bobby’s counselor for three (3) years, her opinion wasn’t included in IRENE STUART’S  “investigation (?)”                          

                           Jeremy then tried to call Justin, only to be informed by Meri Crawford, whom Jeremy had placed him with through Professional Parenting, that out of the blue, JUSTIN WAS MOVED AND THAT SHE WASN’T ALLOWED TO GIVE JEREMY ANY INFORMATION.

AUGUST 6, 1999.            5:30 P.M.  ROBERT RETURNED HOME after Mr. Bowron made some telephone calls.  The guardian ad litem, Nina Merten, didn’t “get a chance (?)” to talk to Robert on August 5, 1999, so that was the excuse given for the stress and anxiety of the previous day.  When Robert was allowed home, “ it was only after Jeremy agreed to leave the home for the weekend because Robert was “terrified of him!”  (Robert finally admitted on March 9, 2000 that the only reason he got to come home was when he finally told them that he was afraid of Jeremy.  However, Robert is not only “scared” of Jeremy, but also ALL men due to earlier trauma experienced at the hands of his biological father.)   Jeremy left but came back because Brett Baird was of no assistance in finding Justin’s whereabouts.  JUSTIN HAD DISAPPEARED BECAUSE OF IRENE STUART.   Jeremy needed to be WITH Wendy and their other children during this crisis.

AUGUST 7-9, 1999.          NO WORD ON JUSTIN AND JEREMY WAS JUST GETTING THE RUNAROUND AND LIES.  MINDY CZINDER told Jeremy that the FIA verbally informed her not to tell Jeremy anything!!  (Documentation wasn’t necessary because “IRENE STUART said …”)

AUGUST 9, 1999.  Bill Bowron called Wendy and yelled at her because Jeremy’s car was seen in the parking lot over the weekend.  THERE WAS NO COURT ORDER!!  SOMEONE SPIED ON THEM.

AUGUST 10, 1999.           Mike Nunn finally located Justin where he had been placed in an ANTRIM COUNTY HOME—With Randy and Diane Weiss.  No one else (Brett Baird, Mindy Czinder, Bill Bowron, Nina Merten, etc.),  on the VERBAL remand of IRENE STUART, would tell Jeremy where Justin was. 

AUGUST 18, 1999.           Wendy called Protective Service on a neighbor who was passed out, leaving her 4 year old son (who has a history of fire starting) unattended and hungry.  Another neighbor removed a lighter from the child and tried for 6 hours to wake this woman up.  The child knocked on Wendy’s door and asked her to watch him “Because my mom won’t wake up and I’m hungry.”

                           11:30 A.M.  Wendy called P.S. and talked to whoever was replacing Troy Turner that day.  Wendy asked if he was sending someone soon, because if he wasn’t, she was calling the police.  He assured her that someone would be right there.

                           2:30 P.M.  The mother finally came to after a neighbor spent the day checking in on the child and repeatedly trying to awaken her.

                           NO ONE SHOWED UP FROM PROTECTIVE SERVICES.

AUGUST 19, 1999.           IRENE STUART responded to Wendy’s report of her neighbor the previous day.  IRENE STUART stayed at the neighbor’s long enough to have coffee and tell her that Wendy Arnold is the person who reported her (per neighbor’s own admission and is 6’4,” 300 pounds).  IRENE STUART  then went to Wendy’s apartment and told her company, Heather Compeau, to leave so she could speak to Wendy Arnold “privately.”  Wendy told Heather to stay and STUART protested.  Wendy then told IRENE STUART that she would not have her words twisted, and that she, Wendy, never said, “Justin acts just like he wants sex from her, Wendy, just like her dad used to.”  IRENE STUART THEN RESPONDED WITH, “I HAVE A WITNESS, I HAVE A WITNESS.” (TROY TURNER, who was present when Wendy explained to IRENE STUART why Justin was no longer allowed at the grandparents, the Bauts, due to a masturbation/ejaculation incident concerning the movie Something About Mary and how they used it to teach Justin (8 years old), and his mother, Sharon Smith’s 5 and 6 year olds by a later marriage, about masturbation, is guilty of sexual child abuse.  This is where IRENE STUART GOT HER AMMUNITION FOR CHARGE #13. OF HER PETITION, WHICH IS ATTACHED.)

                           At this point, IRENE STUART again told Heather to leave.  Wendy proceeded to place a tape recorder on the table and informed IRENE STUART that she wasn’t ever going to have the opportunity to LIE about her again.  (Heather stayed.)  IRENE STUART then took Robert into the hall and INTERROGATED him AGAIN ABOUT Jeremy.  Bobby was visibly upset when he came in and didn’t tell Wendy much except that she, IRENE STUART, was trying to get him to say he was afraid of Jeremy.  It is no secret that Bobby is afraid of men in general as he has been diagnosed by Child Guidance as having Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to abuse by his own father.

AUGUST 24, 1999.           Wendy had a FIA appointment with Carol Talbot.  Wendy was informed that Carol was told by Protective Service that Wendy refused to cooperate with Sarah Marriott (See June 5 – June 27, 1999 for note about home visits and that on this date, IRENE STUART, AGAIN ASKED WENDY WHAT SHE WAS DOING ABOUT BIRTH CONTROL.

AUGUST 28, 1999.           Wendy called the State Police for Heather Compeau, as Heather had witnessed the same aforementioned neighbor kick her 6-year-old son.  As they knew Protective Services wouldn’t do anything, they thought they would call MSP as CPS from Lansing and the Michigan State Police removed Sharon Smith’s children and condemned her home recently because Grand Traverse County CPS REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE THOSE DEPLORABLE LIVING CONDITIONS.

                           TROOPER MAHALIK responded and took a report.  Wendy and Jeremy informed him of recent harassment by IRENE STUART.  He assured Wendy that if IRENE STUART was the worker assigned to the case, he’d tell her he already got Heather and Wendy’s statement and there would be no REAL NEED FOR HER TO TALK TO WENDY.  (Mahalik was present at the removal of Sharon Smith’s children.)

SEPTEMBER 7,1999.          IRENE STUART  and Trooper Mahalik stopped at Wendy’s so IRENE STUART COULD INFORM Wendy that “the next person to make a ‘false’ report on her neighbor would be prosecuted” and “filing ‘false PS reports is a serious crime.”  Wendy then asked IRENE STUART “What about PS workers hauling people into court on trumped up charges?”  IRENE STUART told Wendy that “she didn’t want to go there” and “she had her day in ‘court!”  She went on to say that “she never said Samantha wasn’t well cared for.”  “She had to petition for termination due to the Binsfeld Legislation.”  Wendy quoted the Binsfeld Legislation to IRENE STUART, who’s whole demeanor changed and said that she had never said that Wendy hadn’t cooperated with her and Wendy responded with that that had been her, Wendy’s, first mistake (cooperating).  They then left.

                           The other neighbor, Sue Congdon wrote JACK CRANDALL about IRENE STUART’S threats against the neighbors.  (See attached copy of letter.)

SEPTEMBER 10, 1999.  A meeting at Child Guidance to determine jurisdiction and payment arrangements for Justin’s placement with; Brett Baird, Deb Coleman, Mindy Czinder, Nina Merten, Mike Nunn, and JACK CRANDALL, without Jeremy where Jeremy was later told by JACK CRANDALL that Irene Stuart was now out of the picture and JACK CRANDALL TOOK AWAY JEREMY’S SCHEDULED OVERNIGHT VISIT FOR SEPTEMBER 18, 1999, BECAUSE THE WOMEN INVOLVED ALL SAID THAT JEREMY WAS SCARY.  BRETT BAIRD DID NOTHING. CRANDALL ALSO decided that Wendy, Robert, and Samantha weren’t allowed at Justin’s visitation.  No reason given.  BAIRD JUST SAT THERE AND SAID NOTHING

SEPTEMBER 11, 1999.        According to a telephone conversation at a later date JACK CRANDALL STATED THAT IT WAS ON THIS DAY THAT FIA RECEIVED JURISDICTION OVER JUSTIN.  This is a Saturday.  Jeremy’s overnight visit changed (per JACK CRANDALL) to a supervised one, based on the September 10, 1999 meeting.

                           Justin’s first football game was held in Kingsley and Jeremy, Wendy, Robert, and Samantha attended.  This was supervised by Mindy Czinder and Dianne Weiss.  At half time, on the way to the concession stand, Mindy Czinder rudely asked Jeremy and Wendy if they were “leaving already?”

SEPTEMBER 13, 1999.        Jeremy and Brett Baird had an appointment regarding the September 10 meeting and the “scary allegations.”

SEPTEMBER 17, 1999.        Jeremy was lied to by Randy Weiss as to the time of Justin’s game where Weiss told Jeremy that the game was at 10:00 am when the actual game was at 4:00 PM.  

SEPTEMBER 18, 1999.        Justin had football game in Bellaire and Mindy Czinder told Jeremy that he couldn’t see Justin that day or go to the game because it was “the Bauts’(Justin maternal grandparents whom Jeremy didn’t want him to see) visitation day.”  Mike Nunn advised Jeremy to go anyhow, as it was a public place. (Mike Nunn E-mailed Jeremy because Jeremy showed up at the time Jeremy was told the game was, only to find that Justin was one of the last games to be played that day [See e-mail dated September 19, 1999.]).  Mike Nunn also had shown up at this game to meet with everyone and was angry that he had to wait through four games to try to do so.

SEPTEMBER 28, 1999.        MINDY CZINDER, UNDER JACK CRANDALL’S SUPERVISION, mailed Jeremy a TREATMENT PLAN that she devised, placing further mandates on Jeremy and Wendy, on PRESUMPTION OF THEIR GUILT. (See attached TREATMENT PLAN dated SEPTEMBER 2, 1999, Jeremy, and Wendy’s answer/rebuttal to Progress Report Dated DECEMBER 2, 1999 its unprofessional and inaccurate presentation.)

OCTOBER   1999.            Justin allowed no contact with Wendy and Bobby.  Jeremy, Justin, and Samantha were allowed an overnight visitation in Ludington.

OCTOBER 25, 1999.          Samantha fell off the couch but seemed fine.  No evident bruises and no change in behavior or activity or appetite.

OCTOBER 26, 1999.          At bedtime, Wendy bathed Samantha and noticed that her head was lopsided when she  wet the baby’s hair.  Samantha seemed fine and Wendy was fearful of what would happen if she took Samantha into the Emergency room.

OCTOBER 27, 1999.          Jamie Beck made a home visit where Wendy showed Jamie Samantha’s head.  Jamie told Wendy to watch it and scheduled a WIC appointment at the Health Department for the following morning.

OCTOBER 28, 1999.          Samantha’s head had a big soft spot on the right side.  Jamie Beck checked her and advised Wendy to get Samantha to the ER.  Jamie told Wendy that she would take good notes and would verify Wendy had told her about the injury.  Samantha had a CAT scan and was found to have a subdural hematoma from her fall from the couch.  Jamie stated she too, was concerned about CPS after what had recently transpired with IRENE STUART. 

OCTOBER 29, 1999.          After trying all week to get to be able to get Justin to go Trick or Treating in Bellaire with Wendy’s sister and her children, Jeremy was told no by both JACK CRANDALL AND MINDY CZINDER.  He was given the ultimatum of taking or leaving his usual 2-hour visit.

                           P.M.  Jeremy called Justin and Dianne Weiss answered the telephone and said that her church had alternate activities scheduled and that they “didn’t believe in Trick or Treating.”

OCTOBER 30, 1999.          Justin stayed the night with the Bauts overnight.  He went Trick or treating with his mother, Sharon Smith and Linda Baut and half-brother and sister.

NOVEMBER 4, 1999.          Jeremy had a meeting in Kalkaska at the Harmony House with Mike Nunn, Rex, and Linda Baut.  Jeremy was later accused of “glaring” at Linda during this meeting.

NOVEMBER 6, 1999.          Jeremy had visitation from 10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. where Justin informed Jeremy that he’d been taking Ritalin for a few weeks “for school.” (Why? When Justin has ALWAYS gotten good grades.)  Jeremy told Dianne Weiss how he felt about the lack of communication.

NOTE; JEREMY DID NOT HAVE KNOWLEDGE NOR GIVE PERMISSION FOR THESE DRUGS TO BE ADMINISTERED TO JUSTIN.  THIS MAY BE ANOTHER INSTANCE OF MEDICAID FRAUD AS JEREMY HAS BLUE CROSS-AND BLUE SHIELD THAT WOULD COVER THIS BUT IRENE STUART OPENED A MEDICAID CASE FOR JUSTIN THAT WAS PAYING FOR ALL JUSTIN’S EXPENSES.  (THIS WAS REPORTED TO THE MICHIGAN STATE’S ATTORNEY GENERAL WHO RESPONDED WITH THE ATTACHED LETTER—THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT WE TRIED TO REPORT TO THEM!!)

NOVEMBER 10, 1999.         A Scheduled meeting at Harmony House with Jeremy and Mike Nunn ended with Rex and Linda Baut not showing up.

                           In Brett Baird’s office a meeting with Mike Nunn, Mindy Czinder, JACK CRANDALL with Jeremy resulting in getting Wendy and Robert implemented back into Justin’s treatment plan.  JACK CRANDALL yelled at Mike Nunn for seeing Wendy previously, as he hadn’t authorized those contacts. (SEE JULY 11-12 WHERE IRENE STUART USED MIKE NUNN TO WRITE HIS FICTICIOUS REPORT, DATED SAME.)

NOVEMBER 18, 1999.         Jeremy kept an appointment with Dr. Moranville (BayOak Psychiatry) and was put on Effexor, which had a negative effect on him.  Mike Nunn also documented the negative reaction Jeremy had from this medication.

NOVEMBER 19, 1999.         Jeremy called Justin.  He spoke with Dianne Weiss about plans he had for his family for Thanksgiving.  Dianne told Jeremy that she felt “robbed” because SHE wanted Justin for Thanksgiving. (Dianne, at a later date, stated to Mindy Czinder—who related this to Mike Nunn, that Dianne felt “cheated” because Jeremy’s proposed Christmas schedule interfered in HER plans for HER family.  Mindy Czinder also stated that this was “unprofessional” YET she totally ruined Justin’s and his family’s Christmas by accommodating Diane Weiss, rather than Jeremy.)  (See Jeremy’s response to TREATMENT PLANS for details.)

NOVEMBER 20, 1999.         Jeremy, Justin, and Mike Nunn met at the Harmony House in Kalkaska at 2:00 P.M.  Rex and Linda Baut were supposed to be there for “family” counseling.  When they failed to show up, Mike Nunn called to inquire why not?  He was told that they had “shopping” and “paperwork,” which took priority over family counseling.

NOVEMBER 23, 1999.         Jeremy set up assessment at Anger Management for December 8, 1999.  He called Mindy Czinder to inform her when Anger Management classes started (10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. with Justin for Thanksgiving).  Dianne Weiss was extremely rude on the telephone.

NOVEMBER 25, 1999.         Jeremy, Wendy, Robert, Samantha and Justin had Thanksgiving at Wendy’s sister’s house but with only being allowed to have Justin from 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. where Dinner and pie were then rushed through.

NOVEMBER 26, 1999.         Couldn’t call Justin as Jeremy’s telephone had been disconnected.

NOVEMBER 30, 1999.  Jeremy talked with JACK CRANDALL BY PHONE.  He was told that CRANDALL WOULD NOT extend visitation with Justin until Jeremy “got a couple of anger Management Classes under his belt.”  Jeremy informed Jack that classes began 12/08/99.

DECEMBER 5, 1999                 .         Jeremy submitted a Christmas schedule to MINDY CZINDER via FAX so that Jeremy and Wendy could plan their Christmas week with relatives accordingly.

DECEMBER 10, 1999.         FRIDAY:  Jeremy tried to call Justin at Weiss home and got the answering machine.

DECEMBER 11, 1999.         Justin was placed in a RESPITE home in Kalkaska for the weekend so the Weiss’ could go Christmas Shopping.  Jeremy and Justin had an appointment with Mike Nunn at 10:30 am at Harmony House.  Mike Nunn did not show up for Jeremy and Justin’s appointment.  Jeremy took Justin to the Big Boy for lunch.

        Received Ms. Czinder’s Christmas schedule for our family based on the Weiss’ Christmas plans.  As this was a Saturday, I was unable to speak with Ms. Czinder until Monday.

DECEMBER 13, 1999.         Jeremy called Mindy Czinder because Christmas visitation schedule was the exact opposite of what Jeremy had requested and Jeremy and Wendy’s families had planned.  This made Christmas a miserable experience for everyone.

                           In the phone conversation with Mindy Czinder about this, (and with Wendy listening in on the extension), Jeremy told Czinder that “You knew what days our families were having Christmas.”  Czinder responded with, “I told you I”d try!!  Talk to JACK CRANDALL.”  WITH THAT SHE SLAMMED DOWN THE PHONE.  Jeremy called back several times for 15 minutes but only got the answering machine (this during business hours).  Jeremy finally talked to a receptionist who wouldn’t connect Jeremy to Mindy; s supervisor.  The receptionist told Jeremy to direct all future contact to JACK CRANDALL as Justin was placed through FIA.  As Jeremy placed Justin in the Professional Parenting Program and home, via Mindy Czinder, July 20, 1999, Blue Cross Blue Shield was paying  but then IRENE STUART signed Justin up for Medicaid and took control of Justin’s treatment.  Jeremy was upset.  He told the receptionist that Mindy Czinder was in on all of it and that she wasn’t going to have her job if he has anything to do with it.  (Lies were later told to JACK CRANDALL regarding Jeremy’s conversation with this receptionist, i.e. –“Jeremy was going to have the receptionist’s job, etc.?).  

                           Wendy called Barb Gibson, Robert’s counselor for three years, and spoke at length about the treatment the family was getting.  Barb Gibson stated that she didn’t understand why and NOBODY had asked her opinion.

DECEMBER 14, 1999.         Jeremy called JACK CRANDALL ABOUT Christmas visitation and was told “TO TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT.”

DECEMBER 15, 1999.         Received Mindy Czinder’s letter telling Jeremy not to contact her again.

DECEMBER 16, 1999.         Mike Nunn left message on answering machine (neighbor’s) for Jeremy not to call JACK CRANDALL BECAUSE HE WAS HAVING A “BAD HAIR DAY.”  Our neighbor heard this message.

DECEMBER 18, 1999.         Jeremy was to meet Diane Weiss at the bakery in Elk Rapids.  Jeremy was confused as to what Dianne meant by “main drag.”  Jeremy was 25 minutes late.   (See Dianne Weiss’ ‘incident report.’)  In the store down the street from the bakery in Elk Rapids, Dianne Weiss was rude to Jeremy.  He told her court was scheduled for December 20, 1999 and things were going to change.  Justin also wanted to come home to see his baby sister and took his football card collection back with him.

                           Jeremy tried to contact the Bauts as Rex had previously told Jeremy over coffee that they were also having problems with Mrs. Weiss over her possessiveness of Justin.  Jeremy wanted to see if Rex would ride over with Jeremy so Dianne couldn’t accuse Jeremy of anything out of line.  Justin looked for his phone number list, but it wasn’t in his wallet.  He said Diane had “washed” his wallet and it must have gotten ruined, yet the rest of his wallet was intact.

                           Jeremy kept Justin for two hours and Justin was reluctant to leave and Jeremy got stuck in their driveway.  (After this incident, Linda Baut wrote JACK CRANDALL a six-page letter.  Jack has not given Jeremy a copy yet.)

                           Jeremy called Sharon Smith’s sister, Jenny Smith, and told her of Justin being placed on Ritalin without his knowledge or consent; that he’d read that Ritalin is a dangerous drug and it shouldn’t be mixed with Wellbrutrin (this was also lied about in Diane Weiss incident report 12/18/99).

DECEMBER 20, 1999.         Court was scheduled for 4:15 P.M..  Jeremy and Wendy arrived at 4:00 P.M.  They were met and told by Brett Baird that court was over and that they would be going to trial in March.  Brett Baird left with JACK CRANDALL FOR TWENTY MINUTES INTO THE COURTROOM (?) AND CAME OUT AND TOLD JEREMY THAT HE WOULD BE IN TOUCH IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.  (HE DIDN’T GET BACK WITH JEREMY UNTIL FEBRUARY 2, 2000.)

                           MIKE NUNN  SUBMITTED LETTER TO BRETT BAIRD PERTAINING TO FIA’S POOR AND UNPROFESSIONAL MANNER IN WHICH THEY HANDLED THIS CASE. Mike Nunn’s Report also states that the FIA would also like clarification as to guardianship of Justin.

                           NO RECORD OF THIS HEARING HAS BEEN SEEN BY CLIENTS OR ANYONE ELSE KNOWN UP TO THIS PRESENT DATE.

DECEMBER 21, 1999.         Jeremy called Justin at appointed time but their phone was busy for 1-½ hours.  Diane Weiss was rude when she answered and limited the call to ten minutes where she talked with Justin the entire time he was on the phone with Jeremy.

DECEMBER 22, 1999.         Jeremy and Robert went to Central Lake for Justin’s Christmas program.  Jeremy saw Rex and Linda Baut (maternal grandparents of Justin) acting like great friends with the foster parents and then had to drive back without Justin.

DECEMBER 23, 1999.         Jeremy drove back to Central Lake to get Justin at 5:00 P.M.

DECEMBER 24, 1999.         Jeremy, Wendy, and all three children rushed down to Manistee and Ludington for Christmas with relatives; hurried the entire visit to meet the time restraint; only to come home to find Mindy Czinder’s inaccurate treatment plan (dated December 2, 1999) in the mail during Justin’s visit. (See attached plan with Jeremy, Wendy rebuttal.)

DECEMBER 25, 1999.         On Christmas Day, Jeremy and Wendy and children hurried to open gifts so they could get on the road again:  then hurried dinner at Cindy’s (Wendy’s sister):  hurried to open gifts there:  was ½ hour late getting Justin back and was told by the Weiss’s that Mindy Czinder  said Justin couldn’t have any of his gifts from his parents and their families in their home.  (Justin had gifts from the Bauts at the foster home.  Refer to Jeremy and Wendy’s response to Treatment Plan.)

        Jeremy later found out that the Bauts were allowed a 72-hour Christmas visit while he was allowed 50 hours.  Also that the Grandparents were asked by the Weiss’ to go in halves on a new bike for Justin and there was no mention to Jeremy.

JANUARY 3, 2000.           Jeremy called JACK CRANDALL and told him he felt left out of treatment and used the foster parents and Bauts going in on a bike for Justin, excluding Jeremy, and an example of how it makes him feel.  JACK CRANDALL ACTUALLY SAID, “What, you’re mad because your son got a new bike?”

JANUARY 4, 2000.          Jeremy called Justin at his scheduled time, Justin stated to his dad ‘that he wished he could make a paper cut out of himself, to leave at the Weiss’ to do chores and come home.  He also made a comment that Jeremy was ‘getting framed’.

JANUARY 8, 2000.           Jeremy called JACK CRANDALL, with Wendy on the extension, where JACK CRANDALL threatened Jeremy with supervised visitation for “sabotaging” Justin’s treatment.  Justin had been misbehaving since his Christmas with his family was ruined.  JACK CRANDALL said, “He’s been doing this since 1991 and I know that kids don’t act like Justin had been unless someone (Jeremy?) put them up to it.”  He continued to “talk down” to Jeremy.  This was also stated to Wendy and Jeremy in a conference, in which Jeremy recorded, without JACK CRANDALL’S knowledge JANUARY 18, 2000.

                JACK CRANDALL also laughed, and said, “I have received your response to the treatment plan and I see you cc’d a bunch of people, so I’m not even going to bother to discuss it with them.” Jeremy AGAIN told JACK CRANDALL that he didn’t like Justin taking Ritalin to begin with and was not happy because the y increased his dosage.  At this time JACK CRANDALL  replied ‘if Dr. Colfer felt that Justin needed Ritalin, he would listen to her before he would Jeremy.’

JANUARY 11, 1999                Jeremy called Justin via DialPad.com  at which time Jeremy and Wendy overheard someone on another extension.  Justin stated that ‘he HATED it there.’ Justin also told Jeremy that he had heard the Weiss’ were going to keep his allowance for food, clothing, rent, ect.(see Progress Report Response)

JANUARY 13, 2000.          JACK CRANDALL called to set up meeting at FIA with Jeremy, Wendy, Mindy Czinder, and JACK CRANDALL, “No counselors, or attorneys.”

JANUARY 15, 2000.          Jeremy left early to pick up Justin:  arrived at 9:15 A.M.  Diane Weiss went ballistic and said she was “writing Jeremy up.”  Jeremy told her “whatever makes you happy Diane.”  Pat witnessed this.

JANUARY 18, 2000.          In a meeting in which JACK CRANDALL wanted off the record, no attorneys, no notes, “informally,” Jeremy did secretly tape the meeting and it shows EXPLICITLY the derogatory and demeaning manner and tone in which JACK CRANDALL interacts with Jeremy and Wendy.  Mindy Czinder  is present also.  He also kept saying that he was not “advising” them as to what to do in this case but then proceeded to do so.  CRANDALL  read the Binsfeld Act to Jeremy and Wendy and said that IRENE STUART “had to do it to make it legal (?)”  He threatened Jeremy with, “Listen Buddy, if I find out you have been sabotaging Justin’s treatment, your visitation will be supervised…” (See attached recording for details and intonation of Crandall’s voice.)

JANUARY 28, 2000.          Jeremy picked up Justin at Child Guidance for an overnight visit.  Justin had just met Nina Merten, “Guardian ad litem”, for the first time per Justin.

FEBRUARY 7, 2000.          Jeremy and Wendy go to Baird’s office for appointment at 1:30 P.M.  Brett Baird wasn’t there and didn’t cancel.

FEBRUARY 12, 2000.         6:30 P.M.  Justin told Jeremy that he was confused because the Bauts (Justin maternal grandparents) and Karen Battenfield (Jeremy’s mother) have been pressuring Justin to say that he wanted him to come and live with them.  Justin doesn’t know where he wants to live because he has told Jeremy he wanted to live with him, too.  Justin is a people-pleaser, thus, therein lies one of his major problems.  (NOTE:  The grandparents were designated as OFF LIMITS to Justin because of their inappropriate behavior, lack of emphathetic skills in dealing with Justin, and seem to be motivated not by love, but by money and the attention they would receive in “raising” Justin.)

FEBRUARY 14, 2000.         Jeremy and Wendy and Samantha went to Baird’s office, where he told Wendy he only wanted to see Jeremy and then put Jeremy off for another week.

FEBRUARY 21, 2000.         Jeremy showed up for appointment with Baird and again Baird was not there and didn’t cancel.  Jeremy gave his secretary $50.00 for a copy of his file to take to a “competent attorney” to look at and told her that he “fired” Brett Baird.

FEBRUARY 22, 2000.         Picked up file from Baird and secretary wanted Jeremy to sign a paper saying Jeremy was firing Brett Baird, which Jeremy refused.  He then heard Baird say, “Why would I want to represent him after all of this (?)” when supposedly he wasn’t there. Paid $50.00 for a file that was all of Jeremy work except for one page of notes and Irene’s report.  Please note the lack of paperwork for the December 20, 1999 hearing.

                           Paid Phil Clancey $1000.00 retainer.

MARCH 8, 2000.             Jeremy met with Mike Nunn at his office where Jeremy confronted him with the “fictitious report” that Mike Nunn had written on July 11, 1999 and signed by Mike Nunn, July 12, 1999.  Mike Nunn’s response was that yes, he had written that report [July 11-12, 1999] based on IRENE STUART’S information to him about Jeremy and Wendy and that he had not met Wendy until July 16, 1999.  He also apologized and said that he would admit to all of this on the witness stand to set the false record straight.  Mike Nunn also said that JACK CRANDALL admitted to him that what IRENE STUART did to Jeremy and Wendy was WRONG.

MARCH 11, 2000.            Counseling session at Big Boy, in Kalkaska, with Mike Nunn  and Jeremy and Justin turned into a counseling session for Mike Nunn.  According to Jeremy, Mike Nunn showed up intoxicated:  intoxicated on someone else’s prescription medication that was an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication.  Jeremy thought the name of the drug was Adavant (?) but Mike Nunn was difficult to decipher.  Mike Nunn also admitted to falling asleep at the wheel while driving to meet Jeremy and was “spacey” during the whole “counseling session.” (Taxpayers’ money at work!)  Jeremy reported that Justin’s whole reaction to Mike Nunn was one of humor.  Justin has seen adults one too many times in his life intoxicated not to notice such behavior so did his best to “mess with Mike’s mind”. 

TIMELINE KEY TO ACCENTUATIONS.

Names BOLDED, ITALICIZED, AND CAPITALIZED are main perpetrators of/for the              

            Prosecution.  (I.E. IRENE STUART AND JACK CRANDALL.)

Names underlined are potential witnesses.

Sections CAPITALIZED are important.

Sections bolded are quite important.

Sections CAPITALIZED AND BOLDED are very important.

SECTION 1

2804 Whitehill Ln.

Apt. 202

Traverse City, MI 49686

January 7, 2000

Family Independence Agency

Hastings Street

Traverse City, MI 49685

RE: Mindy Czinder's Report/Evaluation:

Rasmussen's Response to Same

Dear Mr. Crandell,

Per Ms. Czinder's request in her December 14, 1999 letter to me that I "please direct all future contact to Jack Crandell/FIA from here on out," is the reason for this correspondence to you. I have found that this progress report (of which Ms. Czinder sent you a copy) and subsequent treatment plan is erroneous not only in the "facts" it pretends to present but in the unprofessional and seemingly discriminatory manner in which I (and Wendy Arnold) have been portrayed as and subjected to. Hence, I have responded to each section of the report and evaluation plan with my "side" of the story and pointed out what is in error and contra-dictory. I have made a copy of the report and as indicated, responded in italics under each section noted as RESPONSE:. Most persons referred to in the enclosed will be discussed primarily in third person, including you. Please note the content of my responses and please then place all the enclosed in my file. Thank-you.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Rasmussen

Enc. 26 pages

Cc: Mike Nunn, ASCW

Marit Colfer, MD (Psychiatrist).

Deb West, Intern NWMCG

Brett Baird, Atty.

Weiss' Professional Parenting Home

Nina F.C. Merton, Atty.

Mindy Czinder, Consultant, Professional Parenting Program

Prosecutor's Office, attn: Dennis Labelle

Northwest Michigan

Child Guidance Center,

Inc. 

Professional Parenting Program

1100 Silver Drive, Suite C Traverse City, Ml 49684 o 231-929-1783 - Fax 231-941-3801 

PROGRESS REPORT

NAME:

Justin Alexander Rasmussen

BIRTHDATE:

August 18, 1990

AGE:

Nine Years Old

GRADE:

Fourth Grade

PLACEMENT PREPARATION:

Justin did two weeks of respite prior to placement.

DATE ADMITTED:

July 20, 1999

(Jeremy Rasmussen had Justin placed in RESPITE.)

RESPONSE:

This was because Jeremy and Wendy FINALLY getting through the red tape at Child Guidance Center and getting Justin bumped up on a "so-called waiting list." Justin first went to Meri Crawford's respite home and she stated she had "all kinds of room" and would have loved to keep Justin. She also stated that she saw no signs of abuse and the Jeremy had done a good job raising him. It should also be noted that the main reason Justin was removed from the Bauts care, by Jeremy, was a disturbing incident, described by Justin, which occurred at his mother's home. Apparently the Bauts allowed Sharon Smith (Justin's biological mother) to take Justin for an overnight visit (without Jeremy's permission). During this visit, Sharon Smith and her husband, Marved Smith, rented the movie Something About Mary, and proceeded to let Justin and his

younger brother and sister watch it with them. There is a very sexually graphic scene and Marved Smith, Sharon's husband, then told Justin and his younger brother and sister about masturbation and ejaculation. Justin related this to Wendy during a visit. The Bauts, Jeremy, and Wendy had a two-hour discussion abut Justin and what plan or treatment would be best for him. (Linda Baut stated that she does not believe in all of the "psychobabble.") The Bauts' indifference towards the family counseling in Justin's treatment plan only goes to show their lack of commitment, i.e. canceling or not showing up for appointments, where shopping and paperwork are more important. When informed about the masturbation/ejaculation "lesson," Rex Baut expressed much anger and fully agreed that it would be best for Justin to not be around his mother and step-father for the time being, as that environment wasn't healthy for Justin. However, the very next weekend Jeremy was in Fife Lake and happened to see Rex and Linda Baut sneaking Justin from yet another overnight visit with his mother and stepfather. Then they told Justin not to tell us. How can teaching Justin to be sneaky and to lie to his dad be seen as good for him? It goes against everything we are trying to teach our children as recovering parents, which is, to be honest in all of our affairs and to take responsibility for our actions. We both went through treatment to learn to live like "normal" people, yet all we seem to be encountering are people who act like we did when we were drinking, i.e. lying; twisting our words and actions to be perceived as negative, although all we are asking for are services to help us all blend as a family with Justin included; and then each agency blaming another every time we try to ask a question and expect a competent response, hence, these "professionals' won't accept responsi-bility for their own actions.

An example of this is when Wendy related the situation at Justin's mother and grandparents' homes to CPS workers Irene Stuart and Troy Turner. They stopped by so Irene could demand from Wendy a "good reason" why Justin was no longer at the Bauts. (She had assumed that Justin was in Wendy's care.) Wendy explained about the movie incident and that the Bauts had again returned Justin to that unhealthy environment. She also stated that because of being sexually abused by her own father, as far as Wendy was concerned, anyone who taught an eight-year-old child about masturbation was guilty of child abuse. Irene Stuart twisted this into Charge #13 on her petition, stating that Wendy Arnold stated that she didn't like Justin to sit next to her because "he acts just like he wants sex from me, just like my dad used to." Instead of Irene having empathy for Wendy and recognizing the many problems that she has overcome (alcoholism, sexual abuse) she tried to make Wendy sound like a potential pedophile and therefore, an unsuitable parent. Isn't this blaming the victim? The Bauts do not create a safe and suitable environment for Justin.

PROFESSIONAL PARENTS:

Randy and Diane Weiss

ADDRESS:

3143 Rushton Road Central Lake, MI 49622

BIOLOGICAL PARENT:

Jeremy Rasmussen

ADDRESS:

2804 Whitehill Lane #202 Traverse City, MI 49686

PERMANENCY PLACEMENT PLAN:

Reunification with Jeremy or grandparents Linda and Rex Baut. A permanency placement plan that is in Justin's best interest, pending the outcome of counseling.

PROJECTED LENGTH OF STAY:

9-12 months

PREPARED BY:

Mindy A. Czinder, Consultant

Jeremy L. Rasmussen, Father

DATE DICTATED: December 2, 1999

January 9, 2000

NWM Child Guidance Center Doula Teen Parent Program Regional Teaching-Family Program

Grand Traverse Area

Suite C 110O Silver Drive Suite 8 701 S. Elmwood Suite C 1100 Silver Drive United Way Member Agency

Traverse City, Ml 49684 Traverse City, MI 49684 Traverse City, Ml 49684

231-947-2255 231-947-0067 231-941-7525 Community Mental Health

Contract Agency

VISITS/OTHER:

CALLS: 9/02, 9/07, 9/08, 9/10, 9/18, 9/15, 9/16, 9/18, 9/20, 9/21, 9/29, 9/30, 10/03, 10/11, 10/12, 10/15, 10/21, 10/22, 10/26, 10/27, 11/02, 11/04, 11/08, 11/09, 11/10, 11/15,11/16, 11/22, 11/23, 11/30, 12/01/99

Reason for Placement: Justin is placed through the Family Independence Agency as a result of a Children's Protective Services Referral.

RESPONSE:

According to Jack Crandall, FIA took custody on September 11, 1999, which by the way, was a Saturday. As Justin was at the Weiss' home on September 11, 1999, how can placement be said to be "a result of a CPS referral?" We did not go to Court until July 30, 1999. Justin was already in Respite, which was done by Jeremy and Wendy.

Justin's Social History Summary

: Justin has been with the Weiss, now for three months. Overall, he is doing excellently. He is making positive progress in all areas.

Through Central Lake Elementary School, Justin played football. It was his first time participating in a team activity. He did a nice job. He would like to play again next year now that he has some experience.

School reports that Justin is having a good year. He is extremely bright. He reads books that are two grades ahead of his own. He has chosen a good group of kids to hang out with. He even went over to one of their homes. The only problem he had was staying on task and being easily distracted. Merit Colfer, M.D., increased his Ritalin to 10 mg and this has primarily taken care of this. His grades will be attached.

Diane and Randy have enjoyed Justin. He is mild tempered. He gets along with other respite and foster children. Simple things like window-shopping give him excitement. The problems in the home are typical of nine-year-old boys. He may need to be reminded more than once to pick up after himself. He sometimes gets sidetracked when he is supposed to be following directions. He needs reminders when it comes to personal hygiene, shampooing hair, using a washcloth to get dirt off of his feet and legs (especially after football) and brushing his teeth. Overall he is a joy to have around.

RESPONSE:

Wendy and I are pleased with the progress Justin has made. We are also very happy that he enjoyed football so much. We are extremely proud of him. However, the report states that this was Justin's first time participating in a team activity. It was also probably the first time most of the kids in the Central Lake, Bellaire area participated in football, as it was the first year Pop Warner Football was available to the children. This was made to sound as a negative against Wendy and me. The reasons Bobby (Wendy's six year old son) have not been able to participate in outside activities has been my long hours at work, and Wendy not having a yet valid driver's license. An alcohol assessment was one of the services Mike Nunn provided, free of charge, so Wendy Arnold could be self-reliant and be able to do more outside activities with the children. An assessment is a requirement of the Secretary of State for Wendy to get her license back.

The third paragraph is very disturbing to both of us. It states that the school reports that Justin is having a good year. He had a good year at Traverse Heights last year. Grades are not a reflection on Justin's behavior at home. Near the end of the school year, his behavior was starting to affect him socially at school, i.e. stealing several yo-yos from other children, being suspended for fighting, and didn't tell his parents, so he rode the bus to school where I had to pick him up at the principal's request, as well as beating up Bobby at the bus stop, etc. Dawn Clevenger, principal at Traverse Heights, can verify all of this. Also, Justin's bad choice of friends last year was one of the reasons we were concerned enough to take him to Child Guidance and made them aware of all this at the Intake Appointment. It states in the report that Justin stayed over night at a friend's house, that while there he couldn't stay on task and when this was mentioned to Dr. Colfer, she upped his Ritalin dosage to 10 mg. In addition, it was noted that this has "primarily" taken care of his inattention problem. It could also be that Justin was overly excited in an nine-year-old fashion to finally be invited to another boy's house. He was never invited to stay over anywhere last year. Wendy and I were very concerned about his anti-social behavior and what could be done about it, hence Child Guidance's involvement. It should also be noted that Justin was prescribed medication without my knowledge and without my permission.

The report further states that Justin is mild-tempered. Of course he is, he's being medicated, which he wasn't while at home with me. It also states that he gets along will with the other children. Bobby and Justin didn't get along because of the fierce competition for my affection. This problem has yet to be addressed by the "professionals." And what child doesn't love to window shop, again per the report?

The report also seems to be personally attacking me in regards to Justin's hygiene. First, ALL children need to be reminded to wash. We also had to constantly remind Justin and then check to make sure he did actually wash, as he sometimes said he did when he didn't.

Medical and Dental Information:

Justin had a physical examination on August 26, 1999 by James F. Arnold, M.D., of P.O. Box 398, Central Lake, Michigan. Everything was reported normal at this time. He is up to date on all immunizations.

Justin had a vision examination done on August 9, 1999 revealing 20/20 vision.

Justin is under the medical supervision of Marit V. Colfer, M.D., of the Northwest Michigan Child Guidance Center, Inc., Traverse City, MI, 49684. He is being treated for Major Depressive Disorder, Adjustment Disorder and possible ADHD and oppositional Defiance Disorder. He is currently taking Wellbutrem SR 100 mg tablet p o BID at breakfast and at dinner time, and Ritalin 10 mg in the morning and at lunch.

Justin had a dental appointment on September 8, 1999 at which time he had a professional cleaning and fluoride rinse. He also had two teeth with cavities abstracted. On September 10, 1999, he had another cavity filled.

Response:

I had taken Justin to the dentist shortly before he was placed in respite. The shoddy condition of Justin's teeth was not mentioned to me. Also, the eye examination was also set up by me. We were anxious to find the source of Justin's mysterious headaches. He also saw Dr. Luce for a physical.

Ancillary Services:

Justin has counseling with Debra Coleman at the Northwest Michigan Child Guidance Center, Inc., Traverse City, MI, 49684. He is receiving counseling on a biweekly basis.

RESPONSE:

It states that Justin has counseling with Deb Coleman, bi-weekly. According to Justin, he only sees her twice a month. I also understand that this may be a typo or a misunderstanding of what BI-WEEKLY means.

Educational Information:

Justin attends Central Lake Elementary School. He is in the fourth grade. He is in regular education. He likes math and science. His report card is attached. He is doing excellently.

TREATMENT PLAN

Primary Goal:

Justin's primary goal is to learn appropriate responses when confronted with situations that do not go his way. He will learn to accept and follow directions.

Goal #1:

Justin will accept placement in the Weiss' home. (1 month)

Justin enjoys being at the Weiss' home. He has accepted his placement. He expresses to this worker that he is happy. This goal has been met.

Implementation Strategy:

1. Justin will follow rules and regulations of the Weiss, household.
2. Justin will join the family in recreational activities with good humor and a positive attitude.
3. Justin will accept his consequences of time-out, early to bed and loss of privileges with a positive attitude.
4. Justin will accept his chores with a good attitude

RESPONSE:

*** This Goal has been met.***

Goal #2: Justin will learn to follow directions. (1-3 months), Justin can easily get distracted. He still needs reminders on occasion. This goal needs to be ongoing.

Implementation Strategy:

1. Look at the person giving directions.
2. Say, "OK".
3. Do tasks immediately without having to be told three to four times.
4. Tell the person giving directions that you are all done.

RESPONSE:

Goal #2 needs to be ongoing, probably for the rest of his life. This was a concern of ours as well.

Goal #3: Justin will learn to accept "No" answers. (1-3 months) At this time, this goal has not been a problem. We will keep it in the Treatment Plan for the time being.

Implementation Strategy:

1. Look at the person.

2. Pay attention.

1. Do not stare or make faces.
2. Do not look away.

3. Stay calm.

4. Say, "OK".

a. Answer right away.

5. Calmly ask for a reason if you do not understand.

RESPONSE:

Goal #3 has not been a problem in the Professional Parenting Home so if this is not a problem there, how then can it be a "goal?"

Goal #4: Anger control strategies. (3 - 6 months)

This has not been a problem. We will keep this goal for the time being.

Implementation Strategy:

1. Ask to go to your room.

2. Take out anger on an appropriate inanimate object, such as a pillow.

3. Breathe slowly.

RESPONSE:

Goal #4 is the same as number three--if it's not a problem, then how can it be a goal to be achieved?

It very much seems to me that treatment is over as these goals have been met, as presented here, and that leads me to the conclusion that placement at the Professional Home is no longer necessary.

Family Social History:

- Jeremy Rasmussen, father, gained custody of Justin at 2 1/2 yrs of age because of problems in the biological mother, s home. He is a recovering alcoholic. It was reported that he thinks he may have had ADHD as a child. He used to take medication but is not currently.

Jeremy lives with Wendy Arnold, Bobby Brownell and their daughter Samantha Rasmussen. Things appear chaotic and disruptive in the home when Justin is there. Justin feels that Wendy is always angry at him. It is reported by Wendy that Justin has bullied Bobby around and he has no respect for her.

Sharon Smith

, mother, has been recently diagnosed as having bipolar affective disorder. She lives in Fife Lake, MI and has two children, Roger, 5 yrs old and Missy, 6 yrs old. Her boyfriend is an alcoholic and is abusive. She does not keep in touch with Justin. It is uncertain what visitation rights she has. It is reported that her boyfriend does not like Justin. Justin is said to worry about his mom due to this abusive boyfriend.

RESPONSE:

Because my home was chaotic and disruptive at times when Justin was there, Child Guidance was informed of this and is the reason for our own self-placement for services there. Barb Gibson (Bobby's counselor there), has documented that Bobby "continues to be terrified of this child [Justin]." Irene Stuart of FIA has copies of this also. Why does Ms. Stuart have copies of Wendy's son's files when permission was not asked for nor granted? We requested and received Bobby's ( Wendy's son's) files from Child Guidance and it was noted in there that Ms. Stuart had requested and received this information as well the day before the August 4th, 1999 court hearing. Hence, even then, these two agencies via their representatives, had knowledge of Justin's anti-social behavior and have not only enabled it, but have done little to help him.

From the history, it can be acknowledged that Wendy was often angry at Justin. However, this is because Justin would "often" pick on Bobby to the point where Bobby would scream, cry, and whine, which were all things Bobby worked hard on while he was in Professional Parenting Program. Wendy felt that Justin's constant torment was undoing Bobby's hard work. This was also documented by Lori Beamer, Northwest Family Intervention Services, who was contracted by Mindy Czinder, Professional Parenting Program, consultant (?), to help with Bobby's transition back into the home go smoothly. Wendy worked with this consultant for several hours a day, several times a week. She worked very hard at her skills and Lori Beamer documented that Wendy reached her goals and was committed to both the boys, and the family we are trying to create. Wendy was very unhappy with the dynamics of her relationship with Justin.

As for Sharon Smith, Justin's biological mother, it seems that her negligent, inhuman treatment of Justin has been excused by her being bi-polar. She has been provided this excuse by the very same "professionals" that point an accusing finger at me. (However, Lori Beamer has documented that Justin was being deprived of food while in his mother's care.) Irene Stuart also stated in her petition that Justin "lost 12 pounds earlier this year" while in Wendy's care. What Wendy said was that Justin came back from his six-week visit with his mother and grandparents looking like a "skeleton with skin stretched over it!" Justin also stated to Wendy and Lori Beamer, that when he was at his mom's house, Marved Smith eats first, then Sharon Smith, then his brother and sister. IF there was anything left, Justin got to eat. If not, he just got cookies. Ms. Stuart was fully aware that it was Sharon Smith, not Wendy, who deprived Justin of food. It should also be noted, on several occasions while Justin was in his father's care, he'd spend weekends at the Bauts. He'd be returned as late as 10:00 PM. On more than one occasion upon his return, he'd been told to get ready for bed, due to the late time. Once in bed, we'd find him in tears because he was hungry and hadn't been fed dinner. It's not clear if he was coming from Sharon Smith's home or the Bauts. In addition, Marved Smith is Sharon Smith's live-in EX-husband. Hence, we are very concerned that if the "professionals" can't even get the facts of the family history straight, what other important facts are being misconstrued and mis-represented. 

TREATMENT PLAN FOR Jeremy Rasmussen and Wendy Arnold

Goal #1: Jeremy will work with this program to better relationship with Justin. (I - 3 months)

This goal remains unmet There have been times he not called when he was supposed to.

Implementation Strategy

1. Jeremy will call Justin every Tuesday and Friday evening.
2. Jeremy will meet with the agency when requested.
3. Jeremy will address any concerns he has with Jack Crandell, FIA.

RESPONSE:

Goal #1: What does not calling Justin when I'm supposed to, which has happened a few times, have to do with my overall relationship with Justin? If I had more time with Justin, I could work on this goal. Also, I do not have a telephone and must rely on a neighbor to be able to call Justin. The neighbor has a 16-year-old son, who ties up the telephone at times. It would be inappropriate to kick him off his own telephone.

Implementation Strategy #3: After receiving the letter from Mindy Czinder stating such, Mike Nunn was also told by Child Guidance to no longer address the Professional Parenting Program.

Goal #2: Jeremy and Wendy will work at improving their parenting skills. (1-4 months)

I sent out a letter on December 13, 1999 with no response from either Jeremy or Wendy.

Implementation Strategy:

1. Contact Jack Crandell (231-929-2506) to sign up for the January 9th, 2000, parenting classes. These classes are held at the Traverse City Teaching Family Home twice monthly on Sunday evenings at 7:00 PM.

RESPONSE:

Goal #2: This states that Mindy Czinder didn't get a response--SHE SENT THE FIRST ATTACHED LETTER TO THIS ONE SAYING NOT TO CONTACT HER! This was also discussed with Jack Crandall.

Regarding Wendy attending Parenting Classes, these questions come to mind: 1.) Why are these classes necessary when part of Justin coming home is having a specialist come into the home and observe and work with the family, i.e. Lori Beamer?: 2.) If someone had contacted Lori Beamer or asked Mike Nunn, then they would have been apprised of the fact that these two people didn't feel that Wendy needed the classes, so, again, what is the purpose of this "order?": and 3.) who would pay for the classes as Jack Crandall got mad at Mike Nunn for seeing Wendy in the first place, saying he had never "authorized" these contacts, and if they aren't warranted, is this another effort and way to collect payment from Medicaid?

Goal #3: Jeremy will continue counseling with Mike Nunn (I - 6 months)

Jeremy does see Mike Nunn. It has been reported to this worker that this is consistent once weekly. This goal needs to be ongoing.

Implementation Strategy:

1. Individual counseling. (for himself)
2. Family counseling. (Justin and Jeremy)
3. Family counseling. (Jeremy, Linda and Rex Baut)
4. Psychiatric evaluation for medication for Jeremy.

1. Call Adult Community Mental Health, 922-4870 ask for either Maggie Vinette or Lynn Parker to set appointment with intake worker. Jeremy has seen someone at CMH. It was reported to this worker that he is being treated for depression. He was prescribed an anti-depressant, which he is no longer taking.

RESPONSE:

Goal #3: Yes, of course, I will continue to see Mike Nunn. He is the only person involved with this case who treats me like a human being. I also need to see Mike due to the extreme stress I am under. Every time it looks like things are looking up for me, I either get lied to about something or my good intentions are twisted around to make me look bad. I have been resourceful and sought out counseling at Munson Drug and Alcohol Center with Leslie Graham. However, Jack Crandall now wants me to sign a release of information for her to him: how can I benefit from counseling when my confidentiality is totally compromised. It's not that I have anything to hide: it's that after seeing how much my words have been misinterpreted and misrepresented, what I have to say to Leslie Graham could end up the same way. In complying with counseling with Mike Nunn, who no one yet has listened to, and who also is collecting Medicaid money, this part of this program seems to be met. In addition, I will be seeing Leslie Graham, in addition to seeing Mike Nunn, so I will be in compliance and because of the danger of relapse due to the extreme stress put upon me. Whether I sign a release of information for Mr.Crandall or not, I am still deciding this pending my appointment with Leslie Graham. It is also sad that my family is not getting the services they need nor any time with Justin as a family.

Implementation Strategy: #1: I go faithfully to see Mike Nunn and the only appointment I have missed was when Nunn cancelled on me.

#2:

Ref: Family Counseling (Jeremy and Justin): This is on again, off again, as Jack Crandall can't seem to be able to make a concrete decision regarding the importance of Justin and I even having a relationship.

#3:

Family counseling with the Bauts has not been a regular thing as it is not important to the Bauts. Linda accused Jeremy of "glaring" at her. The Bauts have also lied about me to the foster parents and Professional Parenting Program, saying that I was "scary," and "not to trust" me as well as in regards to their missed appointments and their being inconvenienced by my attempts to fulfill my responsibilities to my son. They have yet to be held accountable for their lack of cooperation in MY family business and unlike me, have not been punished with less visitation then they would rightfully deserve.

#4. A.

I went to a psychiatrist of my choosing and was put on anti-depressants. However, they made me feel worse, mentally and physically. Mike Nunn even noted the negative effects of these meds on me. 

Goal #4: Wendy will contact Prevention Services (Sara Marriott) at (231) 929-0190 for her own family counseling implementation strategy. (I - 6 months)

I have no reports of Wendy following through with this goal. It is unmet until further notification.

Implementation Strategy:

1. Family counseling (Wendy and Bobby).

RESPONSE:

Wendy Arnold WILL NOT open a prevention case. The last time she requested services, she almost lost her, our, children. Her, our family's life has been a nightmare since. I better un-derstand what the Jews and all the others that Hitler sought to dominate and then exterminate at first felt like when they had to carry papers to identify themselves, appear in court on exag-gerated charges that pitted father and son against each other with state sanction, and a total loss of personal freedom in that I never know when my home will be invaded again. What color will the new stars be? Perhaps a bit of an exaggeration but nevertheless, close to the definition of the nightmare that we both live. It should be noted that Wendy IS seeing Barbara Emmet at Munson. However, Jack Crandall expects Wendy to sign a release of information as well, and therefore, confidentiality can't be guaranteed. This is disturbing to Wendy because she really wants to benefit from counseling, but is afraid her words will once again be twisted and used against her.

Implementation Strategy #1:

Family Counseling (Wendy and Bobby). It's apparent to me that we are not considered a family, although Samantha, (our 10-month-old daughter) seems to further make and cement the bonds that make up our family, among all the members of our family. Bobby was in counseling with Barb Gibson at Child Guidance, went through Profes-sional Parenting Program, and early intervention, until he was too old to attend. Barb Gibson saw him about once a month at school, in a small group. It should be noted that Bobby's special education teacher (Mary Dowadowski) requested Barb stop and see her concerning Bobby. Barb never did. Also, Jack Crandall tried to make it look like we weren't getting Bobby counseling, when Barb was the one not seeing him. Mr. Crandall also tried using Bobby's behavior at school as reason not to let the boys see each other. If he were getting the treatment he needed, maybe he'd act better. NOTE: His behavior has improved considerably, without any counseling. We are checking into services other than Child Guidance for Bobby.

Goal # 5: Help Justin accept his placement at the Weiss'. (I - 3 months)

It is uncertain if this is happening. Justin does not say much about his talks or visits with Dad other than he enjoys them.

Implementation Strategy:

1. Encourage him to be open with his foster parents.
2. Give Justin positive praise for good behavior.

RESPONSE:

Goal #5: It is hard for me to help Justin accept his placement at the Weiss' home, when Diane Weiss is so openly hostile towards me in front of Justin!!! Three weeks ago she wrote up an incident report on me for being late in returning Justin (it is winter, after all!). Therefore, on January 8, 2000, to insure that I would be prompt to pick up Justin, as to not get a negative report, I left early. The roads weren't as bad as I thought so I was twenty-five minutes early. Diane Weiss went "ballistic" and said she was writing me up for coming early. This is just one "small example." I cannot win with these people and I would have liked to have had a working relationship with them that modeled appropriate behavior towards each other and that could serve as a positive and good example for Justin. I have not negatively discussed these foster parents with or in front of Justin: he knows from his own experience with them what the truth is about me.

Goal # 6: Help Justin with his goals at stated above by practicing the implementation strategies when he is with you and the family. (I - 6 months)

There has been only one visit overnight to visit Grandpa in Ludington, thus this goal has not had a chance to be worked on yet in the home with Dad and family.

Implementation Strategy:

1. Let Justin know when he arrives for visitation that all of you will be using his new skills together.

2. Before he arrives, review this plan so that verbal communication will go smoother.

3. Before Justin goes back to the Weiss, spend a few minutes talking about the changes you all are making and the outcome you all plan to achieve.

RESPONSE:

Goal #6: The report states there has only been one overnight visit to Ludington. That is because Jack Crandall and Mindy Czinder will not allow us to have time with Justin as a family. This is not due to lack of compliance on my part. Mr. Crandall told me that I had to "get a couple of anger management classes under his belt." I have not missed one class since they started. Mindy Czinder tried to make it sound as if I wasn't attending. Classes started just a couple of days after her December 2, 1999 report. She could have made note of it, as I told her November 23, 1999 that I was signed up and when classes started. Note the dictation date on her report and the date on the cover letter that accompanied it, and that this information should have also been included. It's hard to attend something that isn't in session.

Goal #7: Comply with all rules and goals set by the Professional Parenting Program.

Jeremy has been late for many pickup and drop-of f s. He continues to have negative discussions of Justin's case with people. He has called this consultant, not to inform me of his progress but otherwise.

Implementation Strategy:

1. Be prompt for all visits, pick ups and drop offs.

2. Refrain from negative discussion of Justin' s case and people involved in his case.

3. ***Check in with the consultant at least once a week to inform her of your progress.

RESPONSE:

Implementation Strategy:

#1.) I have tried to comply with all the rules but they keep getting changed all the time. When I tried to be early for pickups, I get in trouble. When I'm late, I get in trouble. As for the negative discussion about the whole families' case, Protective Services tried to steal our children. This family is being denied services, been lied about and to repeatedly by various "professionals" involved, Mike Nunn excluded. Bobby had three years of treatment at Child Guidance, which has now been cut off, due to the fact we are being treated unfairly to begin with. We are currently seeking services elsewhere, as a family, including Justin, in spite of the miniscule amount of time being allowed to see him at this time.

#2.)

Mindy Czinder claims that I called her, not to inform her of my progress, but "otherwise." The "otherwise" was to ask why my Christmas visitation was opposite of what I requested. Wendy was listening on the other phone. All I said was, "You knew what days our families were having Christmas" and Mindy rudely said, "I told you I'd try. Talk to Jack Crandall!!" She SLAMMED the phone down in our ears. I tried to call her back but got the answering machine. When I finally did talk to a receptionist, I asked to speak to Mindy Czinder's supervisor. I was told not to call Child Guidance Center again, to direct all calls to Jack Crandall, FIA. Mike Nunn also called Child Guidance and was told not to call Mindy and to talk to Jack Crandall. After this, false statements were made about my conversation with the receptionist.

#3.)

Checking in with "consultant" (Ms. Czinder) at least once a week to inform her of pro-gress, complete with three stars next to it, would violate her mandate on the cover letter date of December 14, 1999 with that of the dictation date of the report as December 2, 1999. If the December 2, 1999 date is the date the report was "supposedly" written, and the facts mentioned in the report (which happened a week before Christmas),are to be believed and then strategies implemented because of these 'facts, it still does not add up to the miserable, stressful event that Christmas turned into because of lack of cooperation on everyone's part, and thus showing, for whatever reason, the vindictiveness of "professional" Mindy Czinder. This report was submitted before the December 20th, 1999 scheduled court hearing, which was held "off the record" well before it's scheduled time of 4:15 PM, and without me present. It was taken as "gospel truth," and left me with no recourse nor ability to defend and deny, evidentially, the poor way this re-port was even prepared, let alone the misrepresentations it tries to assure and assume. NOTE: Brett Baird, my court appointed attorney still hasn't been in contact as of January 7, 2000. I still don't know what occurred December 20, 2000, except that now I'm being put on trial, without Miranda warnings, without due process, without competent and judicious representation, with-out a clear preponderance of the evidence, with many of my Constitutional guarantees being de-nied me and with coercion. If asserting my rights in the manner of the true American justice sys-tem is "speaking negatively about this case" then someone better explain to me the connection.

Goal #8: Jeremy only - Attend Men Exploring Non-Violent Solutions (Anger Management) at the Women's Resource Center. Jeremy has had an assessment completed. Thus far he has not attended any classes.

Implementation Strategy:

1. Call the Women's Resource Center at 941-1210 to set up an assessment.

2. Attend the meetings (i evening a week) , will keep in mind the fact that you are laid off the winter months.

3. The facilitator of the group decides when you have completed the program

4. Get documentation that you have completed the program

RESPONSE:

Goal #8: Again, I did comply. Classes didn't start until December 1999 and of which Mindy Czinder was made aware of November 23, 1999. Ms. Czinder was told by me that I had signed up and what day classes started. If, after December 2, 1999, Mindy had time to add negative things about me to her report, couldn't she, in all fairness, also add that I'd already attended two or three anger management classes? It would have looked much better for me at the December 20, 1999 NON-Hearing.

Family Visitation Plan:

This worker, the foster parents and Jack Crandell, FIA worker, have agreed to the following visitation schedule;

Jeremy will pick Justin up every Saturday. The visit will be two hours in length. It will be an unsupervised visitation. Wendy Arnold will not be present at the visit. Football is currently taking place so the visit will be two hours before or after the game, depending on the time of the game. When football is over the visits will be from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Jeremy will be responsible for transporting. Jeremy will pick Justin up and drop him off at the Weiss, home. Attached is a copy of the Christmas visitation schedule.

Linda and Rex (grandparents) will have arranged visits with Justin. The time will vary pending the Weiss' schedule and church time on Sunday. Linda and Rex will call every Monday evening, at which time a visit will be arranged. They will he responsible for the transporting of Justin.

This treatment plan has been discussed with Justin by the foster parents and he understands as can be expected for his age level. This initial treatment plan has been in consultation with therapist, foster family, Jack Crandell, FIA, and this consultant.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this plan please contact the Professional Parenting Consultant. Your commitment to the program and support of Justin during this placement are essential to a successful outcome.

RESPONSE:

Family Visitation Plan: As an example of how small inaccuracies might indicate larger ones, Ms. Czinder's dated report of December 2, 1999 says that football is currently taking place. However, football was over a month earlier in November. The larger problem is that in stating that Wendy would not be present, is an example of how some people are working, for whatever reason, whether it be personal or to continue to receive Medicaid money, against blending our family back together again. What the FAMILY Plan had originally been was that Justin was to get treatment, all family members get counseling and together, and to work with Professional Parenting Program and Northern Family Intervention Services AGAIN, when Justin came home. Instead of using the time positively and getting the services we need, we have had to be on the defensive against any further misrepresentation of our words, our actions, our deeds, and ourselves. Another example of agency Merry-Go-Round, Mr. Crandall said that I could spend more time with Justin if I started anger management classes, which I have. Now, a few weeks later, Mr. Crandall says I have to get some parenting classes before this can happen. These parenting classes are only held twice a month, so it will be forever before I can have enough hours to "qualify" for more time with my own son.

The grandparents, however, do not have to comply with family counseling. It has also been observed by me (and I have a photo of them at Justin's Christmas program), the close working relationship between the Bauts and the foster parents so I felt left out because they went in on a bike for Justin for Christmas, not bothering to ask me if I wanted to pitch in on it as well. I tried to explain to Jack Crandall that I felt like there was no intention of letting Justin coming home to his family. I used the bike incident as an example. Mr. Crandall twisted it and actually asked me, "What, you're mad because your son got a new bike?" That wasn't it at all; I just stated that I felt I was being shut out of my son's life and treatment. It should be noted that Justin told me and Wendy (during Christmas visitation) that he regularly sees his mother, Sharon Smith, during his visits at his grandparents. In this same report, Mindy Czinder reports that Sharon's visitation rights are unclear, so why, then, is she allowed more contact with Justin than Jeremy gets and has not been investigated further? Sharon is the main reason Justin has problems. She never bonded with Justin, has neglected him since birth until the present time, and then let her ex-husband abuse him as well. In addition, less than a year ago, her home was condemned (Justin's old home) and her other children removed from her custody. Child Protective Services and the State Police removed three buckets of human fecal waste from this woman's home (no working plumbing) and she has hung skinned deer carcasses in the bathroom, slicing off parts of it at a time for meals (no refrigeration). Rex Baut even stated to me in December, 1999, that Sharon was crying because Justin doesn't really want anything to do with her. Rex also stated that he asked Sharon why she didn't just leave Justin alone. That just proves what we have been stressing since the beginning of treatment; that right now Justin needs to stay away from his mom so he can figure out for himself how he feels about her and as the studies show, how he will feel about women his whole life as a result of this first relationship with his "mother." That was the main reason I didn't want to include the Bauts--because I know by THEIR track record that they would let Justin see his mom--and right now she's not a good influence in any way shape or form for Justin. She consistently lies to Justin and lets him down as well, i.e., no birthday or Christmas gifts three years in a row. Also, after showing Justin a sexually explicit movie, I felt it was harmful for Justin to be exposed to this, Sharon's unpredictable "bi-polar" and insensitive behavior. Where are the mandates for her to attend counseling, parenting classes, and both Marved and her attend anger management classes, AA, and ALAON.

Mindy Czinder's closing paragraph states how I can contact her, yet she stated in writing, for me not to consult her in the same report.

Sincerely,

Mindy Czinder, Program Consultant

Cc: Jeremy Rasmussen

Deb Coleman, Intern NWMCGC

Mike Nunn, ACSW

Jack Crandell, FIA

Marit V. Colfer, M.D.

Nina F.C. Merten, Atty. Weiss'

Brett Baird, Atty.

RESPONSE:

In closing, Wendy and I both want Justin home. He apparently has completed therapy and no longer needs to be in a professional parenting home. He has met all of his goals and his previous behavior, when at home, is something that will have to be addressed once he is home. That is a service that we can seek out and use ourselves, as we are very resourceful and very committed to getting treatment for our family. As this isn't a goal of FIA or the Professional Parenting Program, we are forced to seek help from other agencies. It has been particularly disturbing to us that Child Guidance cut off Bobby's counseling for no apparent reason. Yet, Jack Crandall tried to make it sound like we aren't getting Bobby his counseling. Wendy has been denied counseling as she and her son are not recognized by FIA or Child Guidance as part of Justin's family. We feel that Samantha, Justin's half-sister and Bobby's half-sister, makes them a family. We plan to marry in the near future and Wendy is prepared to be a mother figure, just as I intend to be a positive role model for bobby. Both of us feel that we have a lot to offer the children and are committed to blending together as a family. We had hoped that treatment for Justin and this family would help us to achieve this goal. However, since they are considered and treated as non-family by the "professionals," they are compelled to seek alternate professional help for their family. There has been no real treatment for the entire family.

Also we question why the only services FIA will pay for in relation to Justin's case, are parenting classes? We are convinced that these classes are just another attempt by these "professionals" to justify their biased treatment of us. Why isn't counseling provided, particularly since FIA worker, Irene Stuart, ILLEGALLY tried removing Bobby and Samantha, causing this family unbelievable emotional duress? And ILLEGALLY means by signing false statements and offering "perjured" testimony on the part of the State against us are at least two ways she misrepresented and discriminated against us. It would seem that at least one person involved, Mike Nunn excluded, would actually care about what's best for the child and his family, rather then what they can do next to try to break them up or cause a relapse. Moreover, what about Bobby and Samantha? FIA and Child Guidance have sacrificed three years of hard work that Wendy and Bobby have accomplished, i.e. Early Intervention, Professional Parenting Program, In-Home services, etc., to "save" Justin from his loving parents. This is just another example of how little these "professionals" care about the kids. It's apparent that as long as it looks good for them on paper, in front of the court, and is documented enough to solicit Medicaid funds, who cares what happens to the children once "professional" involvement is over. We are still trying to understand how Justin's father grabbing his son's arms JUSTIFIES Irene Stuart's actions against Wendy. Any clues? Wendy's ONLY mistake was calling CPS for help for Justin, whose emotional problems are a direct result of neglect suffered in his biological mother's "home." Justin was left to lay wet, dirty, and hungry as an infant. He never bonded with his MOTHER, has been repeatedly abused by Marved Smith, and deprived of food continuously (see NFIS report). The Smith family was re-located to a new home by Grand Traverse County Child Protective Service after their "home" was condemned by the Michigan State Police and Child Protective Service from LANSING. Wendy and I had each reported the living conditions, i.e. three buckets of human fecal waste, deer carcasses hanging in bathroom, lack of food and water, etc. to a Beverly McSaby and Troy Turner. Beverly said that she couldn't investigate because she wasn't sure "which" county it was in. I explained that Sharon Smith had an open FIA case and to look there, as I was positive it was in Grand Traverse County. As nothing happened with this phone call for several weeks (other than Beverly McSaby briefly questioning Justin at school, who in turn told her there was nothing wrong at this mom's house), I then sent a detailed map to Beverly McSaby, which was also ignored. When Justin was asked why he had said that, "he was afraid he'd get taken away from his dad if he told the truth." Wendy also explained in detail to Troy Turner, at FIA's office, how bad it was and that were buckets of human waste in the "home." As stated, as "punishment" for forcing their children to live like that, the Smiths were "rewarded" with a new place to live and got their children back, no problem. Someone with credentials even gave Sharon an easy out for her behavior; that she had BI-Polar depression and a pill would fix it. Maybe Sharon Smith is depressed because she treats her oldest son so terribly. Her "man" won't let her have a relationship with Justin, so it's apparent that he, Marved Smith, is her priority over Justin. She is also embarrassed about how she was living, as several people from Fife Lake know the disgusting details. And who wouldn't be depressed if their non-working, beer drinking, lazy, ex-husband took your paycheck and wouldn't allow you to provide for your children? And Sharon's behavior has not changed much from when I first met her and bears the majority of the responsibility for the abuse, neglect, and cruelty inflicted on Justin. Why were there no criminal neglect and abuse charges brought against these people? They just needed "services." Have they had to take parenting Classes? It seems to us that FIA and the Professional Parenting program are unwilling to look at the facts in this case. The non-custodial parent, Sharon Smith is allowed more time with Justin than I, his custodial parent, is allowed. She is unfit (see State Police Report for photos) but I am being blamed for all of Justin's problems. Also, the Bauts consistently expose Justin to his mother, which triggers his depression (again, see NFIS report).

We are also appalled at the length these "professionals" went to ruin Christmas for this family. I put my request for visitation in with Mindy Czinder on December 13, 1999. I sent a calendar showing which days our families had tentative plans, pending the "actual" visitation

Schedule. For some reason, it took a week to get an answer as to when Justin could come home. I was trying to leave Christmas Eve open so the Bauts would have a fair opportunity to spend time with Justin. However, our plans conflicted with the foster parents' plans, so again, I, we, lost out to them. Mrs. Weiss could have gone to visit her family while Justin stayed with us. Mrs. Weiss stated to me that she felt "cheated" because I wanted Justin for Thanksgiving and Mindy Czinder stated to Mike Nunn that Mrs. Weiss felt "robbed" because the Christmas plans I had for my family weren't convenient for her. Justin is my child! (Remember?) But to be "fair" to Mrs. Weiss, Justin's visitation was hurried (fifty hours to drive 453 miles on bad roads, see everyone at that destination, go back to Weiss' home [to arrive a few minutes late due to packing all of Justin's gifts into the car]) but the lateness was, of course, noted. Justin was visibly upset during his visit because his "hurried" Christmas was ruined. He got to see his aunt Angel for about ten minutes (long enough to open gifts), his great grandpa Guy for three hours, and his uncle stopped at Grandpa's to give gifts but only stayed a short while. Justin's family tradition includes Christmas dinner with extended family. As my family made plans around my requested schedule, Justin also missed valuable family time with his cousins and other family members. It was the first year he wasn't able to have the "family tradition" in its entirety. (Justin's great grandfather is 87 years old and his health is failing fast. Grandpa stated on Christmas Eve that he hopes this mess gets straightened out soon so he has an opportunity to spend time with his favorite great grandson--before he passes away. Justin and Grandpa have always been close and the strain on Grandpa is killing him. It is not just me who is being hurt by this mess and the limited time that Justin had with him over Christmas, to accommodate un-related paid help (the Weiss's,) was totally uncalled for.) On Christmas Day, Justin opened gifts (again not really having time to play with them), then went to Wendy's families for dinner (new tradition for Justin), who welcomed him "as one of the kids." He opened gifts after dinner, only being able to play with this toys for a short while, before having to hurry back to the Weiss' home. It should be noted that Justin got more depressed as the time to go back neared, and really dragged his feet getting ready. How many foster children spent their Christmas break in foster care because some professional has a bias against their parents? Is this now to be considered a new "tradition" too? We feel that we have been treated unfairly due to the fact we are "recovering" alcoholics (four and two years sobriety), and the stereotype that is associated with alcoholism has been in-discriminatorially blanketed on us. We can understand genuine concern for our past histories but blanket discrimination where it is not warranted seems to have been the procedure and attitude employed by those designated to help us at taxpayers expense.

Upon returning home Christmas Eve night, I received THIS negative report from Mindy Czinder in the mail during Justin's visit. Attached was Justin's report card. Please note: Diane Weiss told me she lost Justin's report card, yet the date she faxed it was December 23, 1999. She has lied to me and about me repeatedly. We are afraid she is planning to keep Justin, as her holiday plans were considered over Justin's family's plans. We find that the "robbed" and "cheated" statements to be a sign of possessiveness, something foster parents are admonished in training to not engage in. Her openly hostile demeanor towards me in front of Justin is out of line as well. In addition, Justin has stated to me that Diane Weiss gets mad when his grandparents want to see him as well. He also said Diane took his phone number list out of his wallet so he couldn't call us. And Justin told me on January 7, 2000, that he may not get his $1.00 a day allowance when he's done in his Professional Parenting Home, as it may have to go for his food and rent to reimburse the Weiss's for paying for them while he stayed there. That is not how it works and to even tell Justin such a thing sure makes him feel wanted for himself. If the Weiss' need money to provide for Justin, what about the Medicaid program, whom Irene Stuart 'illegally' signed up Justin for, reimbursing the Weiss's? Since this was done without my permission, and it would be prudent for Medicaid to refuse payment, my excellent Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance can be billed. However, it will be brought to their attention (BC/BS) how this bill to them came about. The dollar-a-day program, as crass as it is to "pay" or to "buy" good behavior, where a subjective judgment is made to determine that, was a reward system that Justin could identify with and was willing to participate in. To put it in the context that Ms. Weiss did to Justin, was mean.

However, the above incident does not compare to the outright cruelty demonstrated again, by Mrs. Weiss when Justin was dropped off Christmas night. After driving 453 miles, packed in a car with presents to ensure that Justin got ALL of them, we were informed that Justin was not allowed to have any of his gifts from his biological family in HER house. Mrs. Weiss said that this was a mandate from Mindy Czinder to her. The look on Justin's face was unbearable. How could they again disappoint that poor child with such mixed messages and unwarranted insensitivity. Justin was so excited about all of his new stuff, the fact that so many of my and Wendy's family included him and bought for him, and anxious to finally have a chance to relax and play with them. It was very hard on everyone to have to hurry the entire visit. We agreed to bring the gifts home the following weekend, with which I complied. But now Justin has another thing to worry about--all of his new stuff and if he will be lied to again about when he gets to have it. It would be easier if he were allowed adequate time at home, with his family, so he could see that it's going to be taken care of. He then may even have an opportunity to bond with his baby sister. That is Justin's right, and Samantha's. What about deciding in the BEST interests of all the children involved? In addition, we have been falsely accused of "mental cruelty and neglect" and have for all practical purposes, lost custody of our children. Yet, the above actions and innuendo by the Weiss's, a.k.a. "Professional Parents," MAY inflict, with impunity, any kind of "mental cruelty" and be rewarded with Medicaid money, or better yet, with Justin's a dollar-a-day reward money as a result.

Finally, some kind of court was scheduled for December 20, 1999. From the conflicting pa-perwork I received (and Wendy as well), I got the impression that there was a real possibility that I might finally be heard in "a court of law." However, upon arriving at 4:00 PM, Wendy and I were informed by Brett Baird, my un-requested court-appointed attorney, that the so-called "hearing," scheduled for 4:15 PM, was already over by 4:00 PM and it wasn't necessary for the defendant (me) to be at a hearing concerning him (me) and his child (Justin). I am still unclear as to what the charges are, or what happened in "court," as my lawyer will not, has not, and ap-parently has no intention of returning my repeated phone calls, with messages left, to him (Baird).

According to the Mission Statement of the Family Independence Agency, on their website, FIA is "committed" to preserving families and "promoting" marriage. What citizen clients is this mission statement directed to? From the get go, I have been "wrong" in everything I do and as a result, have been not only maligned and slandered, but have been treated in a "lower class" manner by those 'above' me. To say I have been "wronged" is mild to the ill treatment verging on criminal and malevolent behavior by those "trained" to know better towards Justin that I find most appalling. His involvement with most members of the system that was supposedly designed to help him has miserably failed him. My only regret is that I was naive enough to trust that good would come out of a system whose titles of "Professional Parenting", and "Family Independence Agency," obviously belie their true purposes.

Northwest Michigan

Child Guidance Center, Inc.

Professional Parenting Program

1100 Silver Drive, Suite C. Traverse City, MI 49684 231-929-1783 - Fax 231-941-3801 

December 14,1999

Jeremy Rasmussen Wendy Arnold

2804 Whitehall Lane #202 Traverse City, MI 49686

Dear Mr. Rasmussen:

Please direct all future contact to Jack Crandell/FIA from here on out. Visitation at this time will remain the same; 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturdays. Christmas visitation will also remain as stated in my last letter.

Any questions regarding the above should be addressed to Jack Crandell FIA as Justin was a placement in this organization via FIA.

Thank you,

Mindy A. Czinder

Consultant, Professional Parenting Program

MAC/Cmp

Cc:

Jack Crandell, FIA

Mike Nunn, Atty.

Marit Colfer, M.D.

Deb West, Intern NWMCG

Brett Baird, Atty.

Weiss'

Nina F.C. Merton, Atty.

File ,

SECTION 2

State reviews court records

January 21, 2000

Antrim's probate court is under scrutiny

By KEITH MATHENY
Record-Eagle staff writer

BELLAIRE - Two state agencies, including the Attorney General's office, are reviewing financial and other records of the Antrim County Probate Court after a report by the county prosecutor released about a week ago questioned how the court and its judge manage to spend so much money.
Officials from the State Court Administrative Office were in the offices of the Antrim County Probate Court Thursday reviewing the records. In a separate review, the criminal division of the state Attorney General's office also has begun to look into the court's practices, following a request from the county's two circuit judges.
The judges, Thomas Power and Philip Rogers, sent the agencies a report on possibly questionable practices in the Antrim Probate Court's use of Child Care Fund money in its foster care program. The report was conducted by Antrim County Prosecutor Charles Koop at the request of the county board of commissioners and released to the public at the county board meeting Jan. 13.
Koop's report questioned some Child Care Fund expenditures, as well as the process used to approve them. The report also noted that relatives of Probate Judge John Unger and court Juvenile Register Patricia Theobald received Child Care Fund money for foster care services they provided, which could violate state administrative rules regarding nepotism in courts.
Attorney General spokesman Chris DeWitt confirmed that the criminal division had begun a review of some of the Antrim Probate Court's practices. But he would not comment on what specific areas were under review or what could happen next.
"What the review turns up will determine what, if any, action is needed," he said.
Jack Crandall, regional administrator for the State Court Administrative Office in Gaylord, spent Thursday at the Antrim Probate Court reviewing its books and practices. Crandall may continue his review at the court on Friday as well, Power said.
"They will do a review and investigation and let us know whether there is anything to these charges," Power said.
Power and Rogers sent the report to the two state agencies for review after Antrim County commissioners had forwarded it on to them.
Both Crandall and Unger remained in meetings at the court Thursday and were not available for comment by press time.
While the court is under review, Antrim Probate Court officials have modified at least one Child Care Fund expenditure practice, following a meeting between Unger and the two circuit judges. Each of the Probate Court's expenditure invoices will now be approved by Unger or the court's administrator personally, Power said.
"Prosecutor Koop's report discussed many instances of invoices being approved by various staff people using Judge Unger's signature stamp," Power said. "That (change in approval procedures) is an interim measure only, until we see what happens after the review."
The financial skepticism surrounds the use of money from the Child Care fund. The fund is provided to Probate Court systems by the state and counties in a 50-50 split. The money funds foster care programs, providing services to juveniles who enter the Probate Court system either through wrongdoing or as victims of abuse or neglect.
State foster care records indicate Antrim County spent $876,000 in Child Care Fund money in 1998, making it the top county in the state in per-capita expenditures based on its youthful population. The county ranks 62nd of the state's 83 counties in both overall and youth population.
"If we're spending 40 percent more than the next closest county, we want to know why," county commissioner Robert McLeod said at the board's Jan. 13 meeting.

SECTION 3

January 14, 2000

Building violations threaten youth program

Building department cited 12 violations in the building that houses the Miaheyyun Day program

By KEITH MATHENY
Record-Eagle staff writer

      BELLAIRE - An overflow crowd at the Antrim County Commissioner's meeting Thursday, including several audience members moved to tears, appealed to the county board not to oust the Miaheyyun Day Treatment Program from its home.
      The alternative treatment and educational center was ordered closed Saturday by county prosecutor Charles Koop, because the building housing the facility, a converted residence attached to the Green River Trading Post on M-66 in Chestonia Township, does not meet state fire or county building codes.
      The program and the seven at-risk youths currently in it have found temporary quarters at Alba School, but several Miaheyyun officials told commissioners the new spaces are far from adequate.
      Miaheyyun director Mary Schimmel, her voice shaking, questioned why commissioners and Koop had investigated the program for months as part of the prosecutor's larger investigation of the Probate Court and its use of Child Care Fund money, without talking to her, any other Miaheyyun staff or to those who had been through or were in the program.
      "If you are so gravely concerned with the health and welfare of the children, why are these children homeless?" she asked.
      The county building department cited 12 violations in the Miaheyyun building, including that it lacked adequate roof loads, heating and electrical systems, and fire and smoke alarm and sprinkler systems. The state Fire Marshal's office found 17 violations, involving inadequate spaces, windows, exit doors and fire safety features.
      Commissioner Robert McLeod questioned why facilities were so substandard when the program receives more than $175,000 annually from the Child Care Fund.
      "It was the most woefully inadequate building I've ever seen used for a school," he said.

SECTION 4

State reviews court records

January 21, 2000

Antrim's probate court is under scrutiny

By KEITH MATHENY
Record-Eagle staff writer

BELLAIRE - Two state agencies, including the Attorney General's office, are reviewing financial and other records of the Antrim County Probate Court after a report by the county prosecutor released about a week ago questioned how the court and its judge manage to spend so much money.
Officials from the State Court Administrative Office were in the offices of the Antrim County Probate Court Thursday reviewing the records. In a separate review, the criminal division of the state Attorney General's office also has begun to look into the court's practices, following a request from the county's two circuit judges.
The judges, Thomas Power and Philip Rogers, sent the agencies a report on possibly questionable practices in the Antrim Probate Court's use of Child Care Fund money in its foster care program. The report was conducted by Antrim County Prosecutor Charles Koop at the request of the county board of commissioners and released to the public at the county board meeting Jan. 13.
Koop's report questioned some Child Care Fund expenditures, as well as the process used to approve them. The report also noted that relatives of Probate Judge John Unger and court Juvenile Register Patricia Theobald received Child Care Fund money for foster care services they provided, which could violate state administrative rules regarding nepotism in courts.
Attorney General spokesman Chris DeWitt confirmed that the criminal division had begun a review of some of the Antrim Probate Court's practices. But he would not comment on what specific areas were under review or what could happen next.
"What the review turns up will determine what, if any, action is needed," he said.
Jack Crandall, regional administrator for the State Court Administrative Office in Gaylord, spent Thursday at the Antrim Probate Court reviewing its books and practices. Crandall may continue his review at the court on Friday as well, Power said.
"They will do a review and investigation and let us know whether there is anything to these charges," Power said.
Power and Rogers sent the report to the two state agencies for review after Antrim County commissioners had forwarded it on to them.
Both Crandall and Unger remained in meetings at the court Thursday and were not available for comment by press time.
While the court is under review, Antrim Probate Court officials have modified at least one Child Care Fund expenditure practice, following a meeting between Unger and the two circuit judges. Each of the Probate Court's expenditure invoices will now be approved by Unger or the court's administrator personally, Power said.
"Prosecutor Koop's report discussed many instances of invoices being approved by various staff people using Judge Unger's signature stamp," Power said. "That (change in approval procedures) is an interim measure only, until we see what happens after the review."
The financial skepticism surrounds the use of money from the Child Care fund. The fund is provided to Probate Court systems by the state and counties in a 50-50 split. The money funds foster care programs, providing services to juveniles who enter the Probate Court system either through wrongdoing or as victims of abuse or neglect.
State foster care records indicate Antrim County spent $876,000 in Child Care Fund money in 1998, making it the top county in the state in per-capita expenditures based on its youthful population. The county ranks 62nd of the state's 83 counties in both overall and youth population.
"If we're spending 40 percent more than the next closest county, we want to know why," county commissioner Robert McLeod said at the board's Jan. 13 meeting.

SECTION 5

Miaheyyun finds temporary home

BY DICK WEHN

ACN Staff Writer

MANCELONA - When safety inspections conducted in September by the state fire marshal and the county building inspector revealed several code violations, the operator of a county-funded day treatment facility was forced to find an alternate site for the alternative education program.

At the request of the fire marshal, county prosecutor Charles Koop informed Miaheyyun day treatment program director Mary Schimmel the building would have to be vacated as of Jan. 7, 2000 unless the code violations were corrected.

The Miaheyyun staff conducted classes in the chambers of the county's probate court until the operation was moved to very temporary facilities on the campus of Alba Schools.

Now, thanks to the generosity of a former Miaheyyun client and a limited OK from the building inspector, Schimmel will be operating her program from a residence in Mancelona Township.

As a teenager, Jeremy Stone spent approximately two weeks with the Miaheyyun family. Unfortunately he later got in trouble with the law. But after his release, Stone turned his life around, getting a job at East Jordan Iron Works, marrying the love of his life and starting to build a family.

Although he credits his turn around to the time spent in prison, he once told his mother if he had been in the Miaheyyun program at an earlier age, he probably wouldn't have done the things that sent him there.

"He's always felt strongly about the people in the Miaheyyun family," said Stone's mother, Chyrel Gardner. "When he heard about the building being closed, he wanted to do something to help."

Stone made arrangements to move his wife, pregnant with their first child, and himself into his father-in-law's home, then turned to Schimmel and offered the new double-wide modular as a possible site for the day program.

Stone, currently laid-off from his East Jordan job, was able to work out an arrangement with Schimmel that will enable him to continue making house payments and keep his new home.

At the same time, Schimmel was presented with a golden opportunity for housing her program, at least temporarily.

Next Schimmel had to get county approval for the site.

Following a Feb. 7 review, building inspector Arlen Turner issued his report to county commissioners and the county prosecutor.

Turner's report qualified the structure for temporary use, until June 30, for up to five or six unrelated occupants or boarders.

Before the week was out, the program was up and running, for now.

Schimmel said she's working on a couple of grant possibilities, including one that would give the program's participants an opportunity to build their own structure, but added nothing is firm yet.

Don Schuiteman, chairman of the county commissioners human services committee, said he's relieved a temporary solution has been found and is hopeful a permanent fix is near as well.

"It's unfortunate this situation surfaced at the same time as the probate budget report," Schuiteman said. "It would have been nice if they could have been separated. That's what we're dealing with now."

SECTION 7

The John T. Unger art studio is located in the same building that housed the Miaheyyan Program.

 I looked up the word Miahayyen and found it to have three meanings - one referred to angels, one to Native Americans and one regarding Satanism.

Mary Schimmel quoted Alestar Crowley at the county commission meeting where funding was pulled for her program - she said "Do what thou wilt" - it was quoted in the Antrim County News in 1999.

At one point there were alters for sale byMr. Unger which included blood and fetishes. If you search his site I can assure there are many creepy objects of art available.

http://www.johntunger.com/

7. John T Unger Artist's Portfolio

Modern and Ornate Artisanal Firebowls hand-cut from 100% recycled steel by artist John T. Unger. Gas fire bowls and fire pits, custom steel fire bowls and fire pits, wood burning artistic firepits. Sculpture and art from recycled materials, glass and marble Mosaic.

• Home

• Blog

• About the Artist 

• Purchase Artwork 

• Art Portfolio 

• wholesale info 
• help/faq 
• Contact 
• View Cart 

This article reprinted from the John T Unger Weblog. The original article can be found online:
http://www.johntunger.com/welcome.html
© 2008, John T Unger

« » 

Testimonials

I have come to know John Unger well over the last year. John is one of the hardest-working, most selfless artists I have met. Whenever we speak on the phone, he inevitably will turn the conversation to how he is helping other artists to be successful at their business.

Matt Trifiro, CEO of 1000 markets

John has always been a friend to the art community… sharing his artwork, his ideas and his stories. We've all learned a lot from him. We've all benefited from the help he has generously provided.

Clint Watson, Fine Art Studio Online

An inventive and talented artist with a generous spirit, Unger not only makes a good living by using the web, he shares his knowledge and experiences out loud on his blog for the benefit of other people on the same path. What's more, he does it with as much style, humor and care as he seems to put into his art; I'm a sucker for any fine artist who can also write his ass off.

Colleen Wainwright, the communicatrix

Eternal Flame sculpture arrived… It's great! Thanks for your fantastic science/art collision… it will be a wonderful representation of our "make it glow" culture and serve as a terrific staff recognition icon.

Joanna E. Haas. Executive Director Louisville Science Center

…read more

Great Bowl O' Fire Private Residence

One of eight Great Bowls O' Fire at Rumfire Photo credit: RumFire.

2 Great Bowl O' Fire firebowls on the patio at Rumfire Photo credit: RumFire.

Great Bowl O' Fire at Rumfire Photo credit: Kanaka Menehune.

Great Bowl O' Fire in Massachusetts Private Residence

One of four Great Bowl O' Fire firebowls at Tiki Beach, Grand Cayman Photo credit: Tiki Beach.

Great Bowl O' Fire, Park City, Utah Private Residence

Three Great Bowl O' Fire firebowls at Waikiki Parc Hotel, Honolulu, Hawaii Photo credit: Waikiki Parc Hotel.

The Great Bowl O' Fire makes a dramatic centerpiece to this fountain Private Residence.

The Great Bowl O' Fire makes a dramatic centerpiece to this fountain Private Residence.

Great Bowl O' Fire at Georgian Bay in the 30,000 islands Private Residence.

Great Bowl O' Fire at the Fire Grill & Lounge Bar, Rodney Bay Village, St. Lucia. W.I Photo credit: Chef Bobo Bergstrom.

Great Bowl O' Fire with built in patio seating Private Residence

Great Bowl O' Fire roasting vegetables at Joan Gussow's garden Photo credit: Susan Freiman.

Great Bowl O' Fire roasting vegetables at Joan Gussow's garden Photo credit: Susan Freiman.

John T. Unger with one of three Great Bowl O' Fire firebowls at Brick Oven Courtyard Grille, Topeka KS Photo credit: Marcie Vargas.

Great Bowl O' Fire Private Residence

One of eight Great Bowls O' Fire at Rumfire Photo credit: RumFire.

The Great Bowl O' Fire $1875 shipping included   

Catalog

Great Bowl O' Fire 
Fiery Fleur-de-Lis 
Big Bowl O' Canada 
Waves O' Fire 
Big Bowl O' Zen 
Fireball 
Firefly 
Meridian 
Font O' Fire 
King Isosceles 
Isosceles Modern 
Great Flaming Lotus 

Reviews

…and hundreds more

Testimonials

I have come to know John Unger well over the last year. John is one of the hardest-working, most selfless artists I have met. Whenever we speak on the phone, he inevitably will turn the conversation to how he is helping other artists to be successful at their business.

Matt Trifiro, CEO of 1000 markets

John has always been a friend to the art community… sharing his artwork, his ideas and his stories. We've all learned a lot from him. We've all benefited from the help he has generously provided.

Clint Watson, Fine Art Studio Online

An inventive and talented artist with a generous spirit, Unger not only makes a good living by using the web, he shares his knowledge and experiences out loud on his blog for the benefit of other people on the same path. What's more, he does it with as much style, humor and care as he seems to put into his art; I'm a sucker for any fine artist who can also write his ass off.

Colleen Wainwright, the communicatrix

Eternal Flame sculpture arrived… It's great! Thanks for your fantastic science/art collision… it will be a wonderful representation of our "make it glow" culture and serve as a terrific staff recognition icon.

Joanna E. Haas. Executive Director Louisville Science Center

…read more

• Video 
• Photos 
• Buy It 
• Catalog 
• Locations 
• Reviews 
• Testimonials

About John

 If my job as an artist is to fill the world with "more things," I feel it is equally important that I reclaim materials from the waste stream to make space for my work. — John T. Unger

I believe creative re-use has the potential to spark new ways of looking at the world… if one thing can be turned into another, what else can we change? Successful recycled art encourages creativity in others— it's alchemical, magical, subversive, and transformative by nature. Read On

BibliographyCurriculum VitaePress KitPortfolio

Email Newsletter

Sign up for my FREE email newsletter to get exclusive offers and legacy pricing.

 Privacy Policy

• 30 and 41 inch firebowls are now sold exclusively through my newsletter due to scarcity of materials.
• Get advance notice of price increases (and the opportunity to buy at the lower price for 30 days.)
• Get early notification of new art and designs.

Podcast

13Share  |  Link 

Best Sellers

• sculptural firebowls 
• eternal flame sculptures 
• fire imp sculptures

Each Fire Imp Sculpture is a signed and numbered, one of a kind sculpture that will never be repeated.There are 100 each in Natural Steel, Red, Yellow, Orange, White and Black.

Part of what makes the Fire Imps fun is the freeze frame of pattern, rhythm, lyricality and syncopation that gives them a musical feel… combined in groups, they resemble a musical score as much as a group of dancers. The shadows they cast are also a part of the piece, doubling or distorting the form, mirroring the sculpture on the wall.

Click here to see currently available Fire Imp sculptures.

Each Eternal Flame Sculpture is a one of a kind sculpture that will never be repeated. Although their bright colors and cheerful look could fool you, they are made from 100% recycled steel. The Eternal flames are an open edition of sculpture— each is signed and numbered, but there is no predetermined limit to how many I'll make. They're too cool to limit to a set number.

Click here to see currently available Eternal Flame sculptures.

Each Fire Imp Sculpture is a signed and numbered, one of a kind sculpture that will never be repeated.There are 100 each in Natural Steel, Red, Yellow, Orange, White and Black.

Part of what makes the Fire Imps fun is the freeze frame of pattern, rhythm, lyricality and syncopation that gives them a musical feel… combined in groups, they resemble a musical score as much as a group of dancers. The shadows they cast are also a part of the piece, doubling or distorting the form, mirroring the sculpture on the wall.

Click here to see currently available Fire Imp sculptures.

As Seen In

Suddenly, the World is Their Market
The New York Times 15 Aug. 2010

1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse
Garth Johnson

The Daily Book of Art
Colin Gilbert

Desperate Landscapes, episode
DIY Network

Yard Crashers, episode
DIY Network

Red Hot & Green, Tropical Getaway, episode 109
HGTV

• home 
• shop 
• blog 
• video 
• wholesale 
• podcast 
• portfolio 
• about 
• contact

Copyright © 2003-2011 · All rights reserved · Customized by Men with Pens

SECTION 8

June 8, 2000

Judge Unger won't seek re-election

'I've decided 24 years is enough,' says Antrim Probate Judge

By KEITH MATHENY
Record-Eagle staff writer
BELLAIRE - Only weeks after declaring his candidacy for another term, Antrim County Probate Judge John Unger said Wednesday he will not seek re-election and will retire at the end of the year.
      "I've decided 24 years is enough," Unger said.
      Though he defended his actions as administrator of the county's probation and foster care programs, Unger admitted that an investigation earlier this year of the department's financial and other practices by county prosecutor Charles Koop at the request of county commissioners, and an ongoing investigation by the state attorney general's office, factored into his decision to leave the bench.
      "I've said for years when it wasn't fun anymore, I'd retire," he said. "I was sitting at my desk about three weeks ago, and I just all of a sudden had this flash: I wasn't having fun."
      Unger also noted that the recent settlement of a dispute between Michigan trial judges and the state over retirement benefits also brought him peace of mind that he could retire with financial security.
      Because Unger's announcement comes after the deadline for renouncing his candidacy, his name will still appear on the ballot for the November election against current 86th District Court Judge Norman Hayes.
      If Unger receives more votes than Hayes, Gov. John Engler would appoint a judge to the position.
      Unger, however, spoke of Hayes Wednesday as though he considers it a foregone conclusion that Hayes will be the county's next probate judge.
      "I'm very hopeful that Judge Hayes will be a fine judge - that he will adopt some of my programs, and come up with some of his own," he said.
      Unger, 61, said he's most proud of having used his position as a way to help people for a quarter-century. In particular, he cited the Miaheyyun Day Treatment program for at-risk teen-agers as a program that has turned around lives in a very positive way.
      "Those kids may not go on to become Nobel laureates, but instead of going to prison, they become good people that you see every day, who go to work and keep their families together," he said.
      Jack White, chairman of the county board of commissioners, praised Unger for his years of service.
      "He sure had the people of Antrim County at heart," White said.
      Unger, a lifelong county resident, said he plans to remain in the Torch Lake area with his wife,

SECTION 9 (next)