Local News Archives

Van Buren County Bank Robbery Suspects Arrested

policelightgood2-22

Van Buren County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested three people who they say robbed the Chemical Bank branch in Bloomingdale early Thursday afternoon. Deputies say they walked into the bank at around 1:15 p.m. suggested they were armed, and demanded cash from the cashiers. They apparently parked their getaway vehicle, a dark blue mini-van at a nearby gas station. They were in custody within hours after the robbery.. ...Read Full Story

$70M For Foundation To Help Kalamazoo Fix Budget, Cut Taxes

money1-3

Kalamazoo is getting $70 million from philanthropists and others to be used to create a foundation to help solve the city’s budget problems and cut property taxes. The Kalamazoo City Commission decided Thursday to move forward with the idea of creating the Foundation for Excellence. City leaders secured donations from Kalamazoo philanthropists William Johnston and William Parfet, among others, over a 3-year period. Officials expect the foundation would be fully-funded by 2020, so revenue from investments would be available for long-term. It would allow Kalamazoo to cut property taxes by 38% starting in January and spend $10 million annually on “aspirational” projects.. ...Read Full Story

Analyst: Clinton Has Much To Do To Win Over Voters

hillaryclinton

With Hillary Clinton now the Democratic nominee for president, the former secretary of state and first lady is tasked with essentially reintroducing herself to the country as the person best suited for the job. That’s according to Aaron Kall, director of debate at the University of Michigan. He says Clinton has a tough task ahead of her from a branding standpoint. With a recent FBI investigation into her emails and a fairly high unfavorable rating, he says Clinton has to project confidence and inspire.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County Residents Head To The Polls Next Week

election5-5

There will be plenty on the ballot for next week’s primary elections in Berrien County. First, there’s the Republican race for 79th District state representative, which features four candidates. Ryan Arnt, Mary Brown, Kim Lasata, and Troy Rolling are running to face off against Democrat Marletta Seats in November. Also being decided next Tuesday will be ballot questions in communities all over the county. There are millage renewals to be decided in Bridgman, New Buffalo, Niles, St. Joseph, and Watervliet. That’s not to mention township questions in Baroda, Benton, Coloma, Lake, Lincoln, Niles, New Buffalo, Pipestone, Royalton, St. Joseph, Sodus, and Watervliet Townships. There are also school millage questions in Buchanan, Sodus Township, and Hagar Township. Finally, voters across Berrien County will decide whether to renew the 911, public safety, and senior center millages. You can find out more at BerrienCounty.org/Elections.. ...Read Full Story

SWM Democratic Delegate: Time To Move Forward

gr-53190-1-1-2

Delegates to the Democratic National Convention are preparing to head home, and many say they’re ready to move on and fully back their candidate, Hillary Clinton. Southwest Michigan Clinton delegate Sunny Sahu says some Bernie Sanders supporters are still upset about the senator’s loss, but he believes there can be healing by November. Sahu respects the dissent.. ...Read Full Story

Decatur Man Facing Charges Following Break-In, Assault

michiganstatepolicegood-10

A Decatur man is facing charges after police say he broke into the home of his ex-girlfriend, attempted to force her into his vehicle, and then pointed a gun at her father. Michigan State Police say it happened at a home in the 61,000 block of 40th Street in Paw Paw Township around 6 p.m. Wednesday. The 28-year-old suspect pulled the gun when he was confronted by the 27-year-old woman’s father during a struggle. The woman managed to get away and the suspect fled. He was later found at a home in Portage and arrested. Police say he was wanted on six unrelated warrants.. ...Read Full Story

Pollutants Found In Two MI Water Supplies

water3-3

Records show pollutants that have been linked to health problems including cancer and childhood developmental issues have been found in public drinking water supplies for two Michigan communities. MLive reports utilities serving Kent County’s Plainfield Township, near
Grand Rapids, and the city of Ann Arbor reported perfluorooctane sulfonate, known as PFOS, and perfluorooctanoic acid, known as PFOA, in raw and treated water. So far, samples haven’t exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s health advisory guidelines for the chemicals. Officials are monitoring the water. The source of the chemicals hasn’t been confirmed, but a closed landfill is suspected as the source in Plainfield Township. They’ve been traced to the township’s backup well field at Versluis Park. In Ann Arbor, they’re coming from the Barton Pond impoundment on the Huron River.. ...Read Full Story

Mike Pence Speaks In Grand Rapids

mikepence-3

Mike Pence says he has a lot in common with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump – just not in matters of rhetorical style. The Indiana governor and Trump’s running mate said at a Wednesday campaign stop in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that the two are “a bit different in style.” He then trailed off and paused for several seconds before adding that their differences also extended to the Pence’s family’s “balance sheet.” But Pence said the two are united by a shared appreciation for hard work and value their families. And he says both had grandfathers who were immigrants to the United States.. ...Read Full Story

Old BHAS Tech Center To Be Demolished

wsjm949depend-2016-47

The old Benton Harbor Area Schools Technology Center will soon meet the wrecking ball. A nearly $69-thousand dollar grant to the Berrien County Land Bank Authority from the state will pay for tearing down the abandoned building. It has turned into an illegal dumping site in recent years despite efforts to security the property at 653 Valley Drive. The building is located behind Martin Luther King Elementary and has been targeted by vandals as well. State Representative Al Pscholka calls it a “great example of how state and local government agencies can partner for the greater good.” The grant is one of five issued by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority totalling almost $305,000. The money comes out of a $1 million grant from MSHDA.. ...Read Full Story

Workplace Death Investigated In Edwardsburg

policetape-7

Few details are being released, but Edwardsburg police say a 32-year-old employee at Duo-Form Plastics was killed mid-afternoon Wednesday when he was were crushed in a machine press at the factory. The victim is a man from the Cassopolis area, and police are trying to contact family members. The company produces large plastic panels for the auto industry and plastic sinks, bathroom fixtures and other large plastic products. An investigation is underway to determine why safety equipment designed to prevent such accidents failed in this instance. Police were dispatched to the plant just after 3 p.m., and they are calling it a very tragic accident.. ...Read Full Story

Kalamazoo Police Officer Shoots Pit Bull Attacking Man

policelightsgood3-15

A police officer in southwestern Michigan has shot and killed a pit bull as the dog was mauling a 60-year-old man. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that the dog attacked the man late Wednesday morning in Kalamazoo. Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety assistant chief Donald Webster says the man was riding a bicycle when “the dog came out of nowhere and jumped up and got hold of him.” Other people in the area tried to help the man, but Webster says the dog would not release the man’s arm. The first officer to arrive shot the dog. The victim is hospitalized with extensive wounds to his arm. Police were not able to locate the dog’s owner.. ...Read Full Story

OutCenter Lake Effect Pride Event This Week

outcenter-4

Coming up this Friday is the annual celebration of the OutCenter in Benton Harbor. The Lake Effect Pride event is set for 6 to 10 p.m. at the Inn at Harbor Shores. OutCenter Board Chair Todd Dockerty says it’s a fundraiser for the organization, but also a party, in general. He adds it’s a good way for the OutCenter to celebrate its allies in the community.. ...Read Full Story

West Michigan Pike Receiving New Attention

lakemichigan3-9

Travel Michigan will be promoting the West Michigan Pike in upcoming materials now that the pike has been named a Pure Michigan Byway. Pure Michigan Byways are routes the travel campaign urges visitors to take. The used to be called Michigan Heritage Routes. Travel Michigan’s Dave Lorenz says they’re not the fastest way to see the state, but they’re the most interesting, enabling tourists to see the most.. ...Read Full Story

Advocacy Groups: Child Poverty Being Ignored In Presidential Campaign

gr-53232-1-1

As the presidential campaigns ramp up, some experts are concerned the issue of child poverty is being ignored. Child poverty has gotten worse in many states, including Michigan, since the end of the Great Recession. An estimated one in five children lives in a family below the poverty threshold, meaning they struggle to meet basic needs like food, safe housing, and affordable child care. Bruce Lesley, with First Focus, contends child poverty is a critical matter.. ...Read Full Story

84-Year-Old Man Recovering After Fall Into Cass County Lake

wsjm949depend-2016-46

An 84-year-old Indiana man who fell into Cass County’s Diamond Lake and nearly drowned last Friday is now expected to make a full recovery. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department says the quick use of CPR saved Paul Schafer’s life. Family members administered it to him with directions from a County County 911 dispatcher. Schafer was taken by ambulance to a hospital, and initially listed in critical condition. He was scheduled for released this Wednesday.. ...Read Full Story

MI Biker Busted After Bragging On Facebook About Police Chase

policelightgood2-21

A suburban Detroit motorcyclist was apparently fast enough to leave police in the dust during a chase, but not swift enough to stop from bragging about it on Facebook. Lake Orion police say 33-year-old Michael Brown, of Rochester Hills, turned himself in on Tuesday, three weeks after the incident. He’s charged with fleeing police and reckless driving. Police say an officer pulled up to Brown outside a restaurant after seeing
loud motorcycle maneuvers in the street. Brown sped off and the officer eventually stopped pursuing him. Police say Brown boasted on Facebook that he was going “140 in a 35 mph” zone. He added: “#nojailthisweekend.” Someone shared the post with police. Brown doesn’t have a listed phone number and couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday. He’s due in court August 2.. ...Read Full Story

Charges Outlined In Berrien County Deputies Investigation

gaveltakenbyandrew-17

New information on an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct by Berrien County Jail personnel has been released. The prosecutor’s office says it’s reviewed the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department investigation into four deputies and found three had sexual contact with former jail inmates, but none of it occurred at the jail. At least 15 women were interviewed as detectives looked into whether anything illegal was done. In the end, one former deputy was charged. He’s been identified as 23-year-old Keegan Trail, of Eau Claire. Trail this week pleaded no contest to a prostitution-related charge, and was sentenced to fines and community service. The names of the other three deputies have not been released. One still works at the jail.. ...Read Full Story

State Releases 30-Year Water Management Plan

water-10

State officials have released the second part of a 30-year plan to manage, protect and improve Michigan’s water resources. The Department of Environmental Quality’s Office of the Great Lakes developed the strategy. The portion announced Wednesday says that there should be an
increased focus on sustainable expansion of water recreation and water-based business. The focus includes renewing waterfronts and improving the state’s commercial and recreational harbors. Michigan Office of the Great Lakes Director Jon Allan says in a statement that: “Care for our natural resources and investment in sustainable water-based industries will benefit Michigan citizens and play a key role in moving the state forward.” The initial phase announced in June includes educating citizens about the importance of healthy waters while nurturing and restoring aquatic ecosystems.. ...Read Full Story

Cass County Prosecutor Endorses Undersheriff In Race For Sheriff

casscountysheriff

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz is putting his support behind Undersheriff Rick Behnke in the race for Cass County Sheriff. Three people are running to succeed the retiring Sheriff Joseph Underwood, and the August 2nd primary will determine who the next sheriff will be as all the candidates are Republicans. Behnke is running against Cass County Deputy Tim Cochran of Niles and Berrien County Sheriff’s corrections officer James Ellis of Edwardsburg. In making the endorsement, Fitz says he has worked weekly with Behnke for the past 13 years and says the sheriff’s department has had “strong leadership” under him and Underwood.. ...Read Full Story

Pinkney Conviction Affirmed

pinkney

The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction and 30-month prison sentence of Edward Pinkney. The Benton Harbor activist was convicted in 2014 of election law violations in a recall attempt against former Benton Harbor Mayor James Hightower. The prosecution had alleged that he changed the dates on some of the signatures on petitions. The appeals court ruled 3-0 on Tuesday against his appeal. Pinkney had claimed the prosecution presented insufficient evidence for a conviction and that the court erroneously instructed the jury, among other things. The appeals court disagreed on all points, and Pinkney remains behind bars.. ...Read Full Story

Benton Harbor, Benton Township Hosting National Night Out

bentonharborpublicsafety

The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety and the Benton Township Police Department are teaming up for a second straight year to host a National Night Out event on Tuesday. The program will start at 5 p.m. at the Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park in downtown Benton Harbor. Officers say the event is meant to help foster positive relationships between the public and the police. Free food, snow cones, games and a book bag giveaway for kids will be among the highlights of the night.. ...Read Full Story

Free Well Water Testing In Van Buren County

waterfaucet-3

Van Buren County residents will have a chance to get their well water tested next month, thanks to the Van Buren Conservation District and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. The conservation district says samples can be brought in to its office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the month of August. The office is located at 1035 East Michigan Avenue in Paw Paw, next to the Secretary of State. Samples will be screened for nitrates and nitrites which reach drinking water when nitrogen from the soil works its way deep into aquifers. The sampling is open to anyone with a private drinking water well. To find out more about how to collect your sample, call the Van Buren Conservation District at 269-657-4030, extension 116.. ...Read Full Story

Woman Injuries In I-94 Crash Near Lawrence

michiganstatepolicegood-9

A woman suffered injuries when her vehicle was struck by a semi on I-94 Tuesday morning. Michigan State Police say the crash happened around 7:30 a.m. on eastbound I-94 in Lawrence Township. The woman told police she was merging into the right lane when she became blinded by the sun. Her vehicle was hit by the semi, struck a guardrail, was side swiped by the same semi, and then went into the ditch. The semi also wound up in the ditch. The woman was taken to Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo with non-life threatening injuries. The semi driver was not hurt.. ...Read Full Story

MI Democrats Hope For Unity

gr-53190-1-1

Some of Michigan’s top Democrats believe a united front will emerge at the party’s national convention. The DNC chair will be stepping down after the event, essentially taking the heat after leaked emails indicated party leaders favored Hillary Clinton during the primaries over Senator Bernie Sanders. Progress Michigan Executive Director Lonnie Scott is on the ground in Philadelphia this week, and says Democrats are ready to move forward together.. ...Read Full Story

State Approves Funding For Autonomous Vehicle Testing Site

Michigan has approved $17 million in funding to help convert the site of a former General Motors plant that once pumped out World War II-era bombers into an autonomous car testing facility. Also Tuesday, the Michigan Strategic Fund board approved a $5.7 million performance-based loan for an auto industry supplier in Flint. The American Center for Mobility is planned for 311 acres at the Willow Run site in Washtenaw County’s Ypsilanti Township. The money is for design and construction of research facilities. Governor Rick Snyder says in a statement Tuesday that Michigan is “making a major commitment to the next chapter of the state’s legendary automotive history.” In Flint, the state says C3 Venture plans a $9.7 million investment. The state says about 380 new jobs are expected.. ...Read Full Story

West MI Funeral Director Sentenced For Fraud

gaveltakenbyandrew-16

A former western Michigan funeral director has been sentenced to eight months in jail for fraud. Thomas Clock III also was sentenced Monday in Muskegon County Circuit Court to two months’ probation and fines. Clock pleaded no contest in June in separate cases of common-law fraud. One case included an additional count of providing mortuary services without a license. His January arrest led to the discovery of a woman’s body in Clock’s parked funeral van. Authorities say Clock buried an empty urn and misled relatives that it contained her cremated remains.
He faced another fraud charge after a container intended for the cremated remains of a baby was found empty. Clock owned and operated the former Clock Funeral Home of White Lake in Whitehall.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Praises Signing Of Opioid Legislation

pills-5

Legislation designed to reduce the number of deaths caused by opioid abuse has been signed into law by President Obama. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act is designed to strengthen treatment options, treat infants born to addiction, and increase state prescription monitoring programs. The plan was championed by Congressman Fred Upton in the House, with Upton saying deaths as a result of opioids have become a national health crisis. The package was approved by both the Senate and House by a wide margin with bipartisan support. Congressman Upton says it’s a “thoughtful solution that attacks the opioid epidemic from all sides — one that zeros in on treatment for addiction and overdoses, reforms prescribing practices, and works with law enforcement.”. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph Commissioners Approve Changes To Harbor Shores Development

w5wwrw

The St. Joseph City Commission has signed off on an amendment for a Harbor Shores planned unit development along the riverfront. At Monday’s meeting, commissioners heard from Andrew VonMaur, a consultant for the development at 800 Whitwam Drive, on the north side of the river. The plan was originally for 138 residential units, and now, they’ve updated it for 78 units of six different types, including cottages and row houses. VonMaur says the somewhat scaled-back development will be better suited to St. Joe.. ...Read Full Story

Van Buren County Woman Arrested After Short Chase

policelightsgood3-14

A Van Buren County woman is jailed after police say she led them on a low-speed chase while drunk on Sunday night. The Van Buren County Sheriff”s Department says a deputy tried to pull over a LeBaron driven by 31-year-old Jennifer Vernier on 57th Street near Baseline Road around 10 p.m. for driving erratically. The vehicle didn’t stop, and continued on to Baseline for about a half mile. When the driver did pull over, deputies say she resisted them as they arrested her. The woman was found to be drunk, and wanted on a warrant. She was taken to the Van Buren County Jail on charges of resisting and obstructing, drunk driving, possession of open intoxicants in a vehicle, and other offenses.. ...Read Full Story

DNC Attendees Debate Superdelegate Question

gr-53174-1-1

The Democratic National Convention has opened up with an attempt to end the superdelegate system being squashed. Superdelegates are appointed by party leaders and vote for whoever they choose, regardless of who wins the presidential primary in their state. There are 17 in Michigan. On Saturday, the convention’s rules committee rejected petitions signed by more than a half-million people calling for an end to superdelegates. Rhode Island state Representative Aaron Regunberg serves on the committee.. ...Read Full Story

Attendance Up At Silver Beach This Summer

silverbeach5-4

Attendance at Silver Beach County Park is up this year, especially when it comes to visitors who live outside of Berrien County. That’s according to Berrien County Parks Director Brian Bailey, who says through the end of June, non-resident attendance was almost double what it was at the same time last year.. ...Read Full Story

West Michigan Pike Named Pure Michigan Byway

westmipike

The West Michigan Pike has been named a state Pure Michigan Byway. Pure Michigan byways are routes designated by Travel Michigan as ways that visitors can experience historically significant, culturally active and naturally beautiful areas of the state. On Monday, a celebration was held in Muskegon for the West Michigan Pike’s inclusion on the list. The West Michigan Pike is made up of several roads along Lake Michigan, including stretches of I-94, US-12, Red Arrow Highway, and Blue Star Highway. It passes through Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, South Haven, Saugatuck, Grand Haven, Holland, and Muskegon, among other places. The pike was originally designated as a tourist route in the 1920s. The effort to name it a Pure Michigan Byway began in 2006.. ...Read Full Story

Kalamazoo Police Help Woman, Baby Stranded In Heat

thermometer-3

Two Kalamazoo Public Safety officers have helped a driver and her 2-month-old baby successfully get back on the road after being stranded in the heat. Carmen Higbee tells MLive that she was driving home from a local farmers market Saturday when she pulled into a gas station to fill up her near-empty tank. But the gas station was out of gas, and her tank hit empty before she was able reach the next one. Higbee called the police department, and officer Larison Suglik responded to the scene. Suglik said there weren’t any businesses nearby. The temperature in the area reached the 90s on Saturday. Suglik had Higbee and her daughter, Myla, sit in her air-conditioned patrol car while officer Ondreya Townsend brought a 1-gallon gas can for Higbee’s tan. ...Read Full Story

Yacht Sinks While Crossing Lake Michigan

lakemichigan-5

A 48-foot yacht sank in a storm while competing in the annual Chicago to Mackinac Island race across Lake Michigan. Chicago Yacht Club spokeswoman Morgan Kinney says the WhoDo yacht’s crew reported it was taking on water Sunday afternoon after the rudder shaft broke
between the hull and the deck. MLive reports that crew members boarded a life raft and were pulled from the water by the crew of another boat. Kinney says none of the crew members requested medical attention and all were reported in good condition. She says conditions this year “have definitely been trying.” She says boats have suffered “a lot of wear and tear.” Nineteen of the 326 boats entered have withdrawn from the 333-mile race, which ends Monday.. ...Read Full Story

Abigail Kopf Suffers Setback In Shooting Recovery

abigailkopf-3

Abigail Kopf, the youngest victim of February’s mass shooting in Kalamazoo is back in the hospital after an infection made a comeback. A brief note on her recovery Facebook page and the family’s GoFundMe says a MRSA infection has returned. It appeared in June after a surgery in Kalamazoo to insert a plastic plate to close a gap in her skull. Because of the infection, doctors had to remove the plate, delaying her recovery at that time. The update gives no details about the nature of this new infection or the prognosis for the 14-year-old. She had hoped to return to school this fall, but the setbacks mean she will be tutored at home.. ...Read Full Story

Break-In Prior To Charity Golf Outing In Bloomingdale

policetape-6

Police are trying to find whoever broke in at Jeptha Lake Golf Course and stole about $473 in charity money for a benefit golf outing that was taking place on Saturday. The break-in happened between 2 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the course in Bloomingdale Township. The money was stolen from the main office building and was discovered missing around 9 a.m. The money was meant to help a Grand Junction family with the funeral expenses for their 33-year-old daughter, who had recently died. No suspects have been identified, and investigators urge anyone who knows what happened to call or text the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department.. ...Read Full Story

Webcam Provides Close-Up Look At Fish In State Hatchery Pond

wsjm949depend-2016-44

The outdoor network CarbonTV is displaying live webcam video from a display pond at the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center in Mattawan. The Wolf Lake Fish Cam offers a real-time, round-the-clock view of different species fending for food. They include Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, northern pike, northern muskellunge, walleye, largemouth bass, a variety of sunfish and two 6-foot lake sturgeon. Interpreter Shana Ramsey says the webcam gives you a close-up look from home at fish in their natural habitat. Ramsey says Carbon Media has partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on other projects, including a popular live Eagle Cam at the Platte River State Fish Hatchery. The Wolf Lake Hatchery Visitor Center provides information about Michigan’s Great Lakes fisheries and the role of hatcheries.. ...Read Full Story

Freak Lake Michigan Accident Injures Man

vanburenstatepark

A Grand Rapids man found out the hard way that water isn’t soft when you’re bouncing off it while being pulled by a jet ski. 19-year-old Conner Carruthers had to be taken to South Haven Hospital after being thrown off the watercraft and getting tangled in the rope used to pull someone on an inner tube. Carruthers was smacked against the water as he was dragged by 16-year-old Hannah Ash of Fort Gratiot, suffering cuts, bruises, and possibly even a broken leg. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department says Carruthers was acting as a spotter for Ash when he was tossed off Saturday afternoon near Van Buren State Park.. ...Read Full Story

Grand Rapids Lagoon Shut Down Following Death Of 21 Animals

water-9

An outdoor lagoon at a western Michigan zoo is being shut down following the deaths of 21 stingrays and sharks. MLive reports Friday that the exhibit at the John Ball Zoo has been dismantled. 18 cownose stingrays and three spotted bamboo sharks were found dead July 8 after mechanical malfunction shut off one of two pumps to the lagoon. Low oxygen levels were found in water samples. Zoo Chief Executive Peter D’Arienzo says “staff intends to work with aquatic consultants to determine what is needed to build a state-of-the-art stingray facility that is weather protected and includes the redundancies that might be needed to assure the animals’ safety.” D’Arienzo says “no new stingray exhibit will be built” until zoo officials “know that can be done.”. ...Read Full Story

Andrews University To Hold Summer Commencement Next Week

20160501_0851_hr-dng_

Andrews University in Berrien Springs will hold its summer commencement celebration next weekend. Everything will begin with the Friday evening consecration service at Pioneer Memorial Church, while Saturday night will bring the president’s reception, and Sunday will feature the commencement ceremony. The commencement address will be given by Myrna Costa, Vice President of the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. It’s title will be “What God Wants to Teach You,” and it’s set for 9 a.m. at Pioneer Memorial Church. Commencement seating is by ticket only, while a live stream of the event will be provided at Andrews.edu/Graduation.. ...Read Full Story

Grand Rapids Art Exhibit Celebrates The Olympics

wsjm949depend-2016-43

A new exhibit celebrating the Olympics and western Michigan athletes is going on display. The exhibit titled “An Olympic View” opens Saturday at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. It allows visitors to learn more about this summer’s host city of Rio de Janeiro as well as the history of ancient Greece. Artifacts include jewelry and Brazilian coins. In the modern era, the museum says a dozen athletes from Grand Rapids have
competed in the Olympics. “An Olympic View” also lets visitors explore the locations of the modern Olympics. And an interactive photo opportunity allows visitors to pose as a gold medalist. The display, which is being promoted as a mini-exhibit, ends August 21.. ...Read Full Story

State Releases Eat Safe Fish Guides

dfgbdf

Officials have released the 2016 editions of Michigan’s regional Eat Safe Fish Guides. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the guides help to ensure that people who eat fish are minimizing exposure to chemicals that can build up in fish. Chemicals in fish are a worldwide problem, but officials say it’s important to note that fish from some areas in Michigan and the Great Lakes region are more contaminated than others. MDHHS tests the portions of fish that people eat, typically the filets. The results from the state laboratory are used to determine what is safe for people to consume over the long-term. The guides aren’t laws or regulations, so following them isn’t required but is recommended. The guide is free online at Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish.. ...Read Full Story