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Michigan county’s push to erect Charlie Kirk statue falls short as university says no
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A Michigan county’s effort to immortalize Charlie Kirk has failed.
Ferris State University recently declined to erect a statue of Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated a few weeks ago.
The effort was proposed by Mecosta County’s Board of Commissioners, who voted to contact Ferris State University President Bill Pink about advancing the process.
“We appreciated the communication from the Mecosta County Commission. The commission’s offer was thoughtfully considered, and President Pink provided members with a written response,” Ferris State University spokesperson Dave Murray told Fox News Digital.
Pink cited a policy from the university that will only allow statues of people who left an impact on the school in the letter.
Mecosta County Board members reportedly discussed erecting a bronze statue of Kirk’s likeness in partnership with Ferris State University’s art department. The statue was also going to include a plaque recognizing the collaboration between the board of commissioners and the university.
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“While we condemn all acts of violence and extend our sympathies regarding Mr. Kirk’s tragic death, the University follows a longstanding practice that limits statues on campus to individuals who have made significant, direct contributions to Ferris State University itself,” the letter stated.
The only statue dedicated to a person on campus is the founder, Woodbridge N. Ferris.
“During the Sept. 18 meeting of the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Chris Zimmerman, R-District 3, read the board a draft letter to send to Pink proposing a statue of Charlie Kirk be erected on the FSU campus. He also presented the board a picture of a similar statue, according to meeting minutes. The board approved sending the letter in a 5-1 vote,” the Detroit Free Press reported.
Billboard dedicated to Charlie Kirk. (Wayne Robinson)
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Board members reportedly discussed erecting a bronze statue of Kirk’s likeness in collaboration with Ferris State University’s art department. The statue was also going to include a plaque recognizing the collaboration between the board of commissioners and the university.
“Charlie’s gift of public speaking, debate style, and inspirational messages has influenced millions of people across our great nation. He had a real knack for engaging young people in civilized discussions on various topics that influenced public policy. As horrific as his assassination may be, we should not quickly forget his legacy,” the board of commissioners’ letter read.
Ever since Kirk was assassinated Sept. 10 during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, the organization has grown and received massive support.
UTAH STUDENTS LIFT VOICES IN PRAYER AT VIGIL FOR CHARLIE KIRK’S CHRISTIAN LEGACY: ‘FELT CALLED BY GOD’
After Kirk’s massive memorial service on Sept. 13, TPUSA announced that it has received more than 120,000 inquiries from people wanting to start new campus chapters.
There have been other efforts to immortalize Kirk. Oklahoma officials reportedly want to enshrine Kirk’s legacy into public higher-education spaces within the state.
A highway in Clermont, Florida, is named after Charlie Kirk to memorialize the conservative activist, who was assassinated on Sept. 10. (Lake County commissioners)
A highway in Clermont, Florida, has been named after Kirk to memorialize the late conservative activist who was assassinated last month in Utah.
TPUSA operates 900 official college chapters and approximately 1,200 high school chapters.
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SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has acquired defenseman Jeff Petry from the Florida Panthers in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The draft pick becomes a fifth-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft if Minnesota wins two playoff rounds and Petry plays in 50 percent or more of the Wild’s playoff games during those first two rounds.
Petry, 38 (12/9/1987), owns eight assists, 22 penalty minutes and 45 shots on goal in 58 games for Florida this season. The 6-foot-3, 207-pound native of Ann Arbor, Mich., has recorded 393 points (96-297=393), 103 power-play points (24-79=103), 1,745 shots on goal and 1,616 blocked shots in 1,039 games across 16 NHL seasons with the Edmonton Oilers (2010-15), Montreal Canadiens (2015-22), Pittsburgh Penguins (2022-23), Detroit Red Wings (2023-25) and Florida (2025-26). He has also amassed 13 points (5-8=13) and 90 shots on goal in 48 postseason games across four Stanley Cup Playoff appearances (2015, 2017, 2020, 2021), all with Montreal.
Petry skated in the 1,000th game of his NHL career with Florida on Nov. 17 vs. Vancouver after signing with the Panthers as a free agent on July 1, 2025. He served as an alternate captain for Montreal for three seasons (2019-22) and set career-high marks in goals (13), assists (33) and points (46) with the Canadiens during the 2018-19 season. Petry totaled 28 points (7-21=28) in 51 career American Hockey League (AHL) games in parts of three seasons (2009-12) with the Springfield Falcons (2009-10) and Oklahoma City Barons (2010-12), and represented the United States at the 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2024 IIHF World Championships, earning a bronze medal with Team USA in 2013. He was originally selected by Edmonton in the second round (No. 45 overall) of the 2006 NHL Draft. He will wear sweater No. 2 with Minnesota.
Minnesota travels to play the Vegas Golden Knights tomorrow, March 6, at 9 p.m. CT on FanDuel Sports Network and KFAN FM 100.3.
Minnesota Wild single-game tickets are on sale now at wild.com/tickets, ticketmaster.com and at the Grand Casino Arena Box Office. Flex, 11-Game, half and full season memberships are also available for purchase. Please visittickets.wild.com or contact a Wild Ticket Sales Representative by calling or texting (651) 222-WILD (9453) for more information. Group reservations of eight or more tickets can contact [email protected] for more information. Single game suite rentals are also available, contact [email protected] for more information or book instantly at wildsuites.com.
Follow @mnwildPR on X and visit www.wild.com/pressbox and for the latest news and information from the team including press releases, game notes, player interviews and daily statistics.
Summary:
- Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments on constitutionality of airport property tax valuation statute.
- Case involves valuation of Marriott hotel at Kansas City International Airport.
- Platte County assessor argues statute creates special tax advantage for airport properties.
- Missouri State Tax Commission reduced hotel’s valuation from $13.45 million to about $6.14 million.
The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments Feb. 10 in a case challenging how a hotel at Kansas City International Airport was valued for property tax purposes and whether a state statute allowing deductions for airport property improvements is constitutional.
The dispute centers on the valuation of the Marriott Hotel located at Kansas City International Airport and whether a provision in Section 137.115.1 of state law improperly reduces the taxable value of certain airport properties.
At issue is a challenge by the Platte County assessor and the Park Hill School District to a decision by the Missouri State Tax Commission that resulted in a lower valuation for the 2016 tax year.
The assessor was represented during arguments by Stephen E. Magers, an attorney for Platte County in Platte City; Grady Hotel Investments was represented by Peter A. Corsale of McCarthy, Leonard & Kaemmerer in Town & Country.
Magers argued the statute effectively creates a special class of property that receives favorable tax treatment.
“This case concerns a truly novel item of the Missouri statutes,” he said. “It stands alone as the only statute within the entirety of the Missouri framework that gives a certain set of taxpayers a tax advantage of having real property located within an airport receive a deduction for new construction and improvements.”
The property at issue is a Marriott hotel located on land owned by Kansas City within the boundaries of Kansas City International Airport. The city leases the land to a private operator.
In 2015, Grady Hotel Investments purchased the prior operator’s interest in the property for about $8.5 million. As part of the transaction, Grady entered into an amended lease and concession agreement with the city and committed to making capital improvements to repair and renovate the property.
For the 2016 tax year, the Platte County assessor valued Grady’s interest in the hotel at approximately $13.45 million. After the county board of equalization upheld that valuation, Grady appealed to the Missouri State Tax Commission.
The commission initially set the hotel’s assessed value at zero using the “bonus value” methodology for leasehold interests, but the Missouri Court of Appeals Western District later reversed that ruling and remanded the case. On remand, the commission ultimately determined the hotel’s “true value in money” was about $6.14 million. The commission reached that figure after deducting the value of personal property included in the purchase and approximately $1.2 million in costs paid toward new construction and improvements made after 2008, as permitted under Section 137.115.1.
Magers argued that the statute operates as an unconstitutional tax break for properties located within airport boundaries.
“At its core, what the statute does is create a special kind of property that receives a reduction to its value based on new construction and improvements spent toward such possessory interests in real property,” said Magers.
He also said the provision treats airport properties differently from other commercial properties.
“A homeowner doesn’t get a reduction to their value when they get a new roof on their property,” he said. “But for property that is located within an airport boundary that undertakes new construction or improvements, there is a deduction to that value that the statute mandates.”
Corsale countered that the statute does not create a tax exemption but instead establishes a permissible method for valuing certain types of property.
“To me the answer is no. This is a method of valuation,” he said, arguing that the Missouri Constitution gives the legislature authority to determine how property is valued for tax purposes.
Judge Mary R. Russell questioned whether the deduction could potentially reduce a property’s value to zero if improvements continue over time.
“But couldn’t it be, at some point, a perpetual exemption,” she said, noting the statute allows deductions regardless of when improvement costs were incurred.
Corsale said the improvements ultimately revert to the city when the lease ends.
“What we are dealing with is a private company improving public land that eventually reverts back to the public,” he said. “At the conclusion of the lease, the public gets the benefit of whatever money they put into this property.”
Nebraska All-American running back Emmett Johnson is waiting for the NFL Draft next month. In his wake, his legacy in Lincoln influences the Huskers’ running back room.
The current guys wouldn’t mind being like Emmett.
And why not?
Johnson ran for 1,451 yards in 2025, and is expected to be drafted. Johnson played four years at Nebraska and his development across that time became a textbook for younger players to follow.
“It’s interesting,” Huskers running backs coach E.J. Barthel told reporters after practice Wednesday. “It’s one thing to talk about development and one thing as a coach you want to say here’s what we believe and here’s the opportunities that are on the horizon if you do this, do that. All the kids watched him {Emmett] do it. It makes my job a lot easier.
“Emmett’s just been an example … talking about where he needs to improve to the next spring [practice] and he’s continued to battle and fight and compete. Emmett’s second year as a full-time player he had to compete with Rahmir [Johnson] and Dante [Dowdell] …
“That turned him into the player you saw last season. Learning to compete brings out the best out of everybody … And then for Emmett to compete with him [Rahmir] in camp and throughout the season, that’s going to make you the player you’re going to be.
“That’s what’s most impressive about Emmett, that the ability to compete and want to compete. If you look at him at the [NFL] Combine, I think he’s one of the only running backs to do all the drills. I think it’s been told to me by some NFL people that they’re impressed that he’s not afraid of competition. I think that makes you a great player.”
The next generation
Barthel, who is in his fourth season at Nebraska, has enormous numbers on the stat sheet to fill without Johnson. His running back room is well stocked but inexperienced. The Huskers are coming off back-to-back 7-6 seasons.
Kwinten Ives, Isaiah Mozee and Mekhi Nelson each have limited experience. Each wants to be the main ball carrier in 2026. Combined, these three carried the ball 73 times for 295 yards. Johnson had 251 carries last season
“The one thing we pride ourselves here is honesty and transparency with our players,” Barthel said about Ives, a junior from Beverly, N.J. “And letting guys know exactly where they stand. And we challenge Kwinten.
“He’s going to have to maximize his role and show myself, show himself, show the staff that there’s a void here. And can you fill that void?
“That’s the reality. Not only did he do it in practice, he stepped up and he did it in the game [34 yards vs. Akron; 85 yards vs. Houston Christian; 14 yards on four carries in the Las Vegas Bowl].
“That’s a huge jump for him. His question had never been about ability. Last year it was the soft tissue injuries. So, he’s going to be challenged this spring to continue to focus on his body, keeping himself healthy, but he’s accelerating.
“He’s having his best spring that I’ve seen since I’ve been here.”
Barthel on Mekhi Nelson
“Off the field, he’s really maturing,” Barthel said about the sophomore from Wilkes-Barre, Pa. “When we’re on the road recruiting this cycle, he did a great job of getting the group together, making sure guys were meeting on their own voluntarily and coordinating all the things that we talk about during the season, as far as what we should be covering during their workouts.
“He did a great job as far as being a leader of that group in that sense. Right now, the challenge for him is going to see if he can take his body to the next level just like Emmett had to do.
“There’s no doubt he has breakaway speed and he has a competitive edge when he plays. The big challenge for him is focusing on his body. That’s going to be the big factor for him.
“As far as his skill set, as far as route efficiency, as far as his protection, as far as his rush skills, his ability to outrun the defense, his toughness, he’s very impressive.
“He’s going to continue to climb that ladder.”
Nelson was the Huskers’ second-leading rusher with 147 yards on 27 carries. He had 88 yards on 12 carries in the Las Vegas Bowl loss to Utah.
Barthel on Isaiah Mozee
“I look at him now as a real running back,” Barthel said about Mozee, a sophomore from Kansas City. “Last year, he was really transitioning and now his movements pre-snap, how he gets aligned, his eyes, all those things, he’s really truly bought into the position.
“The big thing for him right now will continue to be staying on that path and running the ball inside. That’s going to be the thing he needs to do to really grasp. Everyone knows what he can do in space. We know what he can do on the perimeter.
“His focus this spring is running behind his weight and becoming a really dynamic inside runner.”
The wild card freshman
The unknown factor is true freshman Jamal Rule from Salisbury, N.C. Rule was considered a three-star player who Barthel said was not recruited out of Charlotte Christian High.
“One of the reasons why we loved Jamal coming out of high school was because of his physicality and competitive edge, the way he ran the football in high school,” Barthel said. “It was evident in tape. It was evident when I went to go watch him play.
“The kid has a chip on his shoulder. He was the leading rusher at North Carolina his junior year … and then to run over 200 yards against Providence Day [School] in a championship game and to really not get recruited was a slap in the face to that kid. And so an opportunity for us to believe in him and everyone on the staff, everyone on our team seeing why we believed in him …
“That’s part of his attitude. Right now he needs to learn football. It’s one thing he’s got to transition from being a high school football player to really learning the cycle of the snap, development of his eyes in the run game and in the protection game.
“Those are the big things for him right now is just the details of football, is what he needs to learn.
“I think you could probably spot-play a young freshman, as far as their ability, but in order for us to rely on him, he’s got to be really diving into the details. And so that just takes repetition and experience … He’s going to gradually grow and so it’s really the meeting rooms, it’s the quizzing, it’s all the things off the field that are going to help him mentally play faster.”
Barthel has a challenging job this offseason — as do all of the Huskers.
“I’ve been their coach. I know where they need to improve,” Barthel said about his running back room.
With Emmett Johnson gone, there is a void to be filled, an opportunity for someone to step up.
Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.
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