Isabella County to continue with local medical examiner services

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The Isabella County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to overturn a Dec. 15 decision to use Sparrow Health Systems for medical examiner services.

Several concerns regarding transportation costs were brought up by area funeral home owners. The board’s action will allow these owners to continue under the same system they have been using for the last four years.

“Sparrow will have a 60 days notice,” Commission Chairman David Ling said.

At its Jan. 5 meeting, the commission originally moved to look into its reconsideration.

Commissioner Bill Dailey said the community really helped them re-evaluate.

“We got a lot more information, and we had the public come in and help,” he said.

Under Sparrow, funeral home owners would have been responsible for the transportation of all bodies to Lansing so they could be examined. These expenses would have been covered by the owners.

Dailey had talked with 10 funeral directors in six counties that were currently using Sparrow.

“None of this is a reflection of the quality of service we get from Sparrow,” Dailey said.

Under the current system, Elmer Shurlow will continue to be the county’s Chief Medical Examiner. He has held that position for 12 years.