Crystal Phillips challenges Bloomington officials over brother's burial costs

Today's conservative headline is brought to you by the Republican Ballot Publication. We're dedicated in providing our readers with the most relevant conservative news. [Crystal Phillips fights county officials in Bloomington Township over brother's burial costs] [Crystal Phillips fights county officials in Bloomington Township over brother's burial costs]( And Don't Stop There. In case you missed it: Mother sentenced to life in prison for the starvation death of her disabled son NORTON SHORES, Michigan - Shanda Vander Ark, a 44-year-old woman from Norton Shores, was handed a life sentence without the possibility of parole on Tuesday for the murder and child abuse of her 15-year-old disabled son, Timothy Ferguson. Vander Ark was found guilty in the July 6, 2022, death of Ferguson, who weighed only 69 pounds at the time of his death. In addition to the life sentence, she was also sentenced to an extra 50 to 100 years in prison for first-degree child abuse. During sentencing, Judge Matthew Kacel expressed his disbelief in the heinous nature of the crime. He described the acts as intentional and systematic torture, emphasizing the severity of the abuse Timothy suffered at the hands of his own mother. Ferguson, who had mental disabilities, was not the only one affected by Vander Ark's actions. His brother, Nolan Ferguson, emotionally testified that if he couldn't have his brother back, Vander Ark shouldn't have her freedom. In response, Vander Ark, dressed in orange jail attire, declined to speak and simply shook her head to indicate "no." Vander Ark's attorney, Fred Johnson, portrayed his client as a single mother who was putting herself through school while trying to provide for her children. He described her as a survivor and argued that she was not evil, but rather, sick. Notably, Paul Ferguson, another brother of the victim, was also charged with first-degree child abuse and pleaded guilty in December 2023. He is expected to be sentenced in late February. The case has deeply shaken the community and highlighted the devastating impact of child abuse. It serves as a reminder of the importance of identifying and addressing signs of abuse to prevent further tragedies. [Visit Republican Ballot News]( Republican Ballot News, 70 South West Century Drive, Suite 100 PMB 5102, Bend, OR 97702 Intended for: {EMAIL} [View Online]( | [Terms of Use]( | [Privacy Policy]( | [Unsubscribe from All](