1994 in Michigan

none 1994 1994 This article reviews 1994 in Michigan, including the state's office holders, demographics, performance of sports teams, cultural events, a chronology of the state's top news and sports stories, and notable Michigan-related births and deaths. Top Michigan news stories Newspaper editors and broadcast news directors voted on the top news stories in Michigan for 1994 as follows:A year of politics, death and taxes The Herald-Palladium December 31, 1994 38 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25462936/a_year_of_politics_death_and_taxes/ Newspapers.com Republican election victories. November 8 election in which John Engler was reelected to a second term as Governor and Spencer Abraham was elected U.S. Senator. In the Michigan gubernatorial election, 1994, Engler defeated Democrat Howard Wolpe by a margin of 61.5% to 38.5%. In the United States Senate election in Michigan, 1994, Abraham defeated Democrat Bob Carr by a margin of 52% to 43% with Libertarian Jon Coon receiving 4% of the votes.GOP sweeps nation Lansing State Journal November 9, 1994 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25463372/gop_sweeps_nation_engler_abraham_lead/ Proposal A tax reform. On March 15, voters approved Proposal A by 65% to 35%. The proposal shifted funding for schools from property taxes to sales taxes. The proposal raised the state's sales tax from 4% to 6% and increased the tax on cigarettes by 50 cents. Jack Kevorkian and assisted suicide. On May 2, a jury acquitted Jack Kevorkian in connection with the death of Thomas Hyde who suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease. The trial was the first test of Michigan's assisted suicide law, adopted by the Legislature to stop Kevorkian from continuing his efforts to assist terminally ill patients to end their lives. After the verdict, Kevorkian told reporters: "I'm prosecutable. I'm just not convictable."'I'm prosecutable. I'm just not convictable' Detroit Free Press May 3, 1994 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25465152/im_prosecutable_im_just_not/ Newspapers.com Days later, on May 10, a Michigan appellate court issued separate rulings that (i) persons assisting suicide could be prosecuted for murder, and (ii) Michigan's assisted suicide law was technically invalid but that a revised ban would be constitutional.Ruling reopens suicides Detroit Free Press May 11, 1994 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25465245/ruling_reopens_suicides/ Newspapers.com Growth in the Michigan economy. Charter schools. A judge ruled charter schools unconstitutional, and the Legislature then acted to authorize and fund them. Booming auto sales. Deep winter freeze. Severe cold weather struck the state in January.January 2019 Detroit prison break. On August 21, 10 prisoners escaped from the Ryan Regional Correctional Facility in Detroit.10 escape in jailbreak Detroit Free Press August 22, 1994 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25464498/10_escape_in_jailbreak/ Newspapers.com Nine of the escapees were captured. The tenth was found dead.Police suspect an inside job Detroit Free Press August 23, 1994 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5085566/jailbreak/ Newspapers.com Day-care/child custody decision. On July 8, a 69-year-old Macomb County judge ordered that custody of three-year-old Maranda Ireland-Smith be removed from her 19-year-old mother and instead be awarded to the father. The judge found that the mother's use of commercial day care while attending classes at the University of Michigan was not in the child's best interest, whereas the father's mother was willing to care for the child full time. The decision drew national attention and criticism from working parents.Day care may be key element in custody fight Detroit Free Press July 8, 1994 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25464143/day_care_may_be_key_element_in_custody/ Newspapers.comJudge defends taking child from mother using day care The Herald-Palladium July 28, 1994 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25464042/judge_defends_taking_child_from_mother/ Newspapers.comThe Maranda Decision The Washington Post July 30, 1994 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1994/07/30/the-maranda-decision/9edb35b3-2885-4a05-ae58-a396324250e0/?noredirect=on The New York Times wrote that the order was "an affront and threat to the millions of women for whom day care is the difference between ignorance and an education, poverty and a decent income, dependency and self-reliance."Taking Jennifer Ireland's Daughter The New York Times August 1, 1994 https://www.nytimes.com/1994/08/01/opinion/taking-jennifer-ireland-s-daughter.html The decision was reversed on appeal in 1995.Mother Wins Day-Care Custody Battle Los Angeles Times November 9, 1995 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-11-09-mn-1196-story.html Deckerville child abuse trial. Stephen Rogers of Deckerville and his live-in girlfriend, Trudy O'Connor, were convicted of first-degree child abuse after Rogers' nine-year-old daughter was found by police in February 1994 chained to urine-soaked bed in dark closet. Rogers was sentenced to 10–15 years in prison, and O'Connor was sentenced to a six-to-15 year term.DSS failed to rescue abused girl The Detroit News and Free Press November 19, 1994 1A,12A https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25463529/dss_failed_to_rescue_abused_girl/ Newspapers.comChaining girl draws prison The Lansing State Journal November 22, 1994 4B https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25463674/chaining_girl_draws_prison/ Newspapers.com In separate balloting by Michigan Associated Press newspapers and broadcast stations, the state's top sports stories were selected as follows:Kerrigan attack top Michigan sports story The Herald-Palladium December 25, 1994 6D https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25463027/kerrigan_attack_top_michigan_sports/ Newspapers.com Nancy Kerrigan assault. On January 6, an assailant hired by the ex-husband of Tonya Harding struck Nancy Kerrigan's right knee with a club as she walked through a corridor at Detroit's Cobo Arena following a practice session at the 1994 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Kerrigan was treated for her injuries at Hutzel Hospital.Man attacks skater Detroit Free Press January 7, 1994 1A https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25465478/man_attacks_skater/ Newspapers.com Firing of George Perles. On November 8, after the 1994 Michigan State Spartans football team began the season with nine losses and no wins, George Perles was fired as the team's head coach. He had been head coach for 12 years and was the second winningest coach in program history.'I've been fired and that's a breach of contract' Lansing State Journal November 9, 1994 1C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25465629/ive_been_fired_and_thats_a_breach_of/ Newspapers.com Nick Saban was hired as his replacement on December 3. Baseball strike. On September 14, the 1994–95 Major League Baseball strike began. The strike resulted in the cancellation of the final weeks of the season as well as the World Series.Heartless: Baseball brings no joy to America Detroit Free Press Mitch Albom September 15, 1994 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25470236/heartless_by_mitch_albom/ Newspapers.com World Cup in Michigan. The 1994 FIFA World Cup had several games played at the Pontiac Silverdome, including a 1–1 tie between USA and Switzerland. Isiah Thomas. Isiah Thomas was offered a $55 million contract with the Pistons but took a post with Toronto instead. Detroit Red Wings lost in first round of playoffs and Bryan Murray fired as GM. The 1994–95 NHL lockout. Grant Hill signed. The Pistons selected Grant Hill with the third overall pick in the 1994 NBA draft. The 1993 Michigan Wolverines football team, including Colorado's victory in the Miracle at Michigan. Scott Mitchell signed. After losing Erik Kramer to free agency, the Detroit Lions on March 7 signed free agent quarterback Scott Mitchell to an $11 million contract, including a $5 million signing bonus. Office holders State office holders thumb|right|175px|Gov. Engler Governor of Michigan: John Engler (Republican) Lieutenant Governor of Michigan: Connie Binsfeld (Republican) Michigan Attorney General: Frank J. Kelley (Democrat) Michigan Secretary of State: Richard H. Austin (Democrat) Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives: Paul Hillegonds (Republican) Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate: Dick Posthumus (Republican) Chief Justice, Michigan Supreme Court: Michael Cavanagh Mayors of major cities Mayor of Detroit: Dennis Archer Mayor of Grand Rapids: Gerald R. Helmholdt Mayor of Warren, Michigan: Ronald L. Bonkowski Mayor of Sterling Heights, Michigan: Richard J. Notte Mayor of Flint: Woodrow Stanley Mayor of Dearborn: Michael Guido Mayor of Lansing: Jim Crawford/David Hollister Mayor of Ann Arbor: Elizabeth Brater/Ingrid Sheldon Mayor of Saginaw: Gary L. Loster Federal office holders right|thumb|125px|Sen. Riegle right|thumb|125px|Sen. Levin U.S. Senator from Michigan: Donald Riegle (Democrat) U.S. Senator from Michigan: Carl Levin (Democrat) House District 1: Bart Stupak (Democrat) House District 2: Pete Hoekstra (Republican) House District 3: Vern Ehlers (Republican) House District 4: Dave Camp (Republican) House District 5: James A. Barcia (Democrat) House District 6: Fred Upton (Republican) House District 7: Nick Smith (Republican) House District 8: Milton Robert Carr (Democrat) House District 9: Dale Kildee (Democrat) House District 10: David Bonior (Democrat) House District 11: Joe Knollenberg (Republican) House District 12: Sander Levin (Democrat) House District 13: William D. Ford (Democrat) House District 14: John Conyers (Democrat) House District 15: Barbara-Rose Collins (Democrat) House District 16: John Dingell (Democrat) Population Sports Baseball 1994 Detroit Tigers season – Under manager Sparky Anderson, the Tigers compiled a 53–62 record and finished fifth in American League East. The team's statistical leaders included Junior Felix with a .306 batting average, Cecil Fielder with 28 home runs and 90 RBIs, Mike Moore with 11 wins, and Storm Davis with a 3.56 earned run average.1994 Detroit Tigers Statistics Sports Reference LLC Baseball-Reference.com November 16, 2018 https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1994.shtml American football 1994 Detroit Lions season – Under head coach Wayne Fontes, the Lions compiled a 9–7 record and finished third in the NFC Central Division. The team's statistical leaders included Dave Krieg with 1,629 passing yards, Barry Sanders with 1,883 rushing yards, and Herman Moore with 1,173 receiving yards, and Jason Hanson with 93 points scored.1994 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com November 16, 2018 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1994.htm 1994 Michigan Wolverines football team – Under head coach Gary Moeller, the Wolverines compiled an 8–4 record, finished third in the Big Ten Conference, defeated Colorado State in the 1994 Holiday Bowl, and were ranked No. 12 in the final AP poll. The team's statistical leaders included Todd Collins with 2,518 passing yards, Tyrone Wheatley with 1,144 rushing yards, Amani Toomer with 1,096 receiving yards, and Remy Hamilton with 101 points scored.1994 Michigan Wolverines Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 16, 2018 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/1994.html 1994 Michigan State Spartans football team – Under head coach George Perles, the Spartans compiled a 5–6 record. The team's statistical leaders included Tony Banks with 2,040 passing yards, Duane Goulbourne with 930 rushing yards, Scott Greene with 452 receiving yards, and Chris Gardner with 72 points scored.1994 Michigan State Spartans Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 16, 2018 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/1994.html Basketball 1993–94 Detroit Pistons season – Under head coach Don Chaney, the Pistons compiled a 20–62 record and finished seventh in the NBA's Central Division. The team's statistical leaders included Terry Mills with 672 points, Isaiah Thomas with 399 assists and Dennis Rodman with 1,132 rebounds.1993–94 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com November 16, 2018 https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1994.html Ice hockey 1993–94 Detroit Red Wings season – Under head coach Scotty Bowman, the Red Wings compiled a 46–30–8 record, finished first in the NHL Norris Division, and lost in the Conference Quarter-Finals to the San Jose Sharks. Sergei Fedorov led the team with 56 goals, 64 assists, and 120 points. The team's goaltenders included Chris Osgood (41 games) and Tim Cheveldae (30 games).1993–94 Detroit Red Wings Roster and Statistics Sports Reference LLC Hockey-Reference.com November 16, 2018 https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1994.html Other Music and culture March 15 - Madonna's single I'll Remember was released. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the US Adult Contemporary chart. October 25 - Madonna's album Bedtime Stories was released. It reached No. 3 on the US Billboard 200 album chart. With 2,531,000 units sold in the US (8 million worldwide), the album was certified as triple platinum. December 6 - Madonna's single Take a Bow was released. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the US Adult Contemporary chart. Chronology of events January February March April May June July August September October November December December 2 - The U.S. Department of Transportation agreed with General Motors to drop its investigation into GM pickup trucks in exchange for $51.4 million in funding for federal automobile safety programs.U.S., GM settle truck dispute Detroit Free Press December 3, 1994 1 December 3 - Michigan State announced the hiring of Nick Saban as its new head football coach. December 10 - Albion College won the NCAA Division III national football championship, defeating Washington & Jefferson in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl.Albion brings home national crown Detroit Free Press December 11, 1994 1 December 11 - CBS changed its affiliate in Detroit from Channel 2 (WJBK) to Channel 62 (WGPR), causing confusion among viewers unable to find CBS programming. Channel 2 became a Fox affiliate.The Big Switch Detroit Free Press December 11, 1994 1CBS switch frustrates many Detroit Free Press December 12, 1994 1 December 12 - Kmart Corporation announced the layoff of 900 employees at its corporate headquarters in Troy, Michigan. The terminated workers were escorted from the building by security personnel.Kmart cuts headquarters jobs Detroit Free Press December 13, 1994 1 December 13 - The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the state's ban on suicide was constitutional, opening the way for possible prosecution of Jack Kevorkian in connection with 21 suicides he had attended since the law was enacted in June 1990.Suicide ban is upheld Detroit Free Press December 14, 1994 1 December 16 - Rick Rizzs and Frank Rathbun were not renewed as WJR's broadcast team for Detroit Tigers games. Frank Beckmann was announced as the new play-by-play announcer.Tigers announcers Rathbun, Rizzs fired Detroit Free Press December 17, 1994 1 December 20 - The federal government announced that Detroit had been selected as one of six sites for a $100-million empowerment zone.Detroit celebrates $100-million win Detroit Free Press December 21, 1994 1Teamwork is key Detroit Free Press December 22, 1994 1 December 27 - Perry Drug Stores Inc., Michigan's largest drug store chain with its headquarters in Waterford Township, agreed to be acquired by Rite Aid Corp. for $132 million.Old corner drugstore wins big Detroit Free Press December 28, 1994 1 December 31 - In a ceremony at the Governor's residence, John Engler was sworn in for his second term as governor.Quiet ceremony launches Engler's 2nd term Detroit Free Press January 1, 1995 8A Births thumb|right|125px|Devin Funchess January 11 - Bones, rapper, in Howell, Michigan January 17 - Aerial Powers, WNBA player, in Detroit January 20 - Abraham Aiyash, politician, in Hamtramck January 21 - Jake Cronenworth, MLB infielder, in St. Clair February 25 - Ondre Pipkins, defensive end, in Saginaw April 4 - Mallory Weber, soccer player, in Novi May 7 - Alexandra Aldridge, ice dancer, in Royal Oak May 12 - Xavier Prather, lawyer and reality television personality, in Kalamazoo May 21 - Devin Funchess, American football tight end at Michigan and in NFL, in Detroit June 8 - Allison Reed, ice dancer, in Kalamazoo August 4 - Shane Morris, quarterback August 5 - Cindy Sember, spring hurdler, in Ypsilanti August 15 - Anthony Clemmons, basketball, in Lansing August 17 - Jack Conklin, football tackle, in Plainwell August 17 - Annie Lazor, swimmer, in Detroit August 18 - Taylor Moton, football tackle, in Lansing August 19 - Andrew Wylie, football guard, in Hemlock September 26 - Eric Wilson, linebacker, in Redford November 14 - Adam Coon, wrestler, in Folwerville November 25 - 42 Dugg, rapper and songwriter, in Detroit December 10 - Kayli Mills, voice actress and YouTuber, in Michigan December 16 - Chanté Adams, actress, in Detroit December 31 - Taylor Hale, reality television personality and beauty pageant titleholder, in Detroit Deaths January 28 - Hal Smith, actor (Owl in the first four original Winnie the Pooh animated shorts, Otis Campbell on The Andy Griffith Show), at age 77 in Santa Monica, California March 28 - Ira Murchison, sprinter and gold medalist at the 1956 Summer Olympics, at age 61 in Harvey, Illinois May 8 - George Peppard, Detroit native and actor (Breakfast at Tiffany's, The A-Team), at age 65 in Los Angeles May 13 - John Swainson, Governor of Michigan (1961-1963), at age 68 in Manchester, Michigan July 13 - Charlie Fonville, world record setter in the shot put, at age 67 in Detroit July 16 - William Revelli, director of the Michigan Marching Band (1935-1971), at age 92 in Ann Arbor September 5- Hank Aguirre, pitcher for the Detroit Tigers (1958–67) and businessman, at age 63 in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan September 25 - Charles Van Riper, speech pathologist and pioneering expert on stuttering, at age 88 November 4 - Fred "Sonic" Smith, guitarist, member of MC5, and husband of Patti Smith, at age 46 in Detroit November 28 - Dominic Jacobetti, longest serving Michigan state legislator, served in state house from 1955 to 1994, died in office at age 74 in Negaunee, Michigan December 5 - Dick Rifenburg, All-American football end at Michigan in 1948 who later played for the Detroit Lions, at age 68 in Cheektowaga, New York Gallery of 1994 deaths See also History of Michigan History of Detroit References 30em