Muskegon News

Work under way on Muskegon Lake shoreline restoration

2009-11-08T11:09:21Z

A $10 million National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grant to restore the shoreline habitat along the southern Muskegon Lake shoreline could get underway next year.

Blue Lake Township weighs fence, sign ordinances

2009-11-08T13:11:25Z

BLUE LAKE TOWNSHIP — Ordinances restricting fences and signs will be before the Blue Lake Township board on Monday.They are among a trio of ordinances developed by the planning commission that were the subject of a public hearing last month....

Norton Shores mayor-elect Gary Elund, who ran as 'change' candidate, takes office Monday

2009-11-08T12:09:24Z

NORTON SHORES — A true outsider.Gary NelundNorton Shores’ new mayor-elect, who ran as the “change” candidate in Tuesday’s election, will be joining a city council with some longtime veterans, overseeing a city hall filled with experienced department heads and leading...

Ah Fest closes with award presentations

2009-11-08T11:58:54Z

MUSKEGON — As a wrap-up to the monthlong Arts and Humanities Festival, aka Ah Fest, the Richard Charles Ford Award was presented to the West Michigan Symphony as a belated honor to a couple very active in the organization. Contributed...

Candidates sought for Norton Shores Ward 2 council seat

2009-11-08T10:21:24Z

NORTON SHORES — Norton Shores officials are accepting letters of interest and resumes from potential candidates interested in filling a vacant Ward 2 city council seat.Any registered voter who lives in the city’s western half is eligible to fill the...

Let's 'Tellabrate': Professional storytelling will headline weekend in Whitehall and Montague

2009-11-08T09:36:36Z

WHITE LAKE AREA — Mark Lewis believes everybody can do what he does.“My whole philosophy is that every human being is a storyteller,” Lewis said, “because every human being has a story to tell.”Contributed photoActor Mark Lewis is making a...

Column: Michigan leaning Republican as poll shows desire for change among independent voters

2009-11-08T09:32:48Z

While N.J.'s election last week can’t predict what will happen in Michigan a year from now, self-identified independents in Michigan are no less angry with the economic status quo.

'Music for Meds' will raise funds for Area People

2009-11-08T08:29:02Z

Contributed photoFour Finger Five, an extremely popular local band, will perform at the benefit without compensation.MUSKEGON — It’s a bash to raise cash for Mission for Area People’s medical program.Some of West Michigan’s favorite bands, including Four Finger Five, will...

Holland skate park plans advance

2009-11-08T08:00:00Z

From the time ramps were installed at Holland’s Lincoln Park in 1997, Rob Amerine was there, always trying to learn new tricks with his skateboard.

'Tempting Tables' a beautiful way to support a good cause

2009-11-08T07:17:37Z

NORTON SHORES — When Michelle Bishop first attended “Tempting Tables” two years ago, she was nearing her recovery and completing reconstructive surgery after surviving breast cancer.Bishop had heard about “Tempting Tables” before, but had never been to it, and offers...

Flood task force targets $200K to help Holland homeowners

2009-11-08T06:30:33Z

A task force formed this summer to help low-income families still dealing with damages from the storm is stepping in to help.

Weatherman expects more 'normal' winter

2009-11-08T04:39:23Z

WEST MICHIGAN — “Normal” may be the new normal for Muskegon’s weather this winter.That, at least, is the prediction of the National Weather Service: With any luck, we shouldn’t see a repeat of last winter’s near-record snowfall. Nor should the...

City's park pioneer Chase Hammond gets statewide recognition

2009-11-08T01:18:22Z

MUSKEGON — When they hear the words “Chase Hammond,” people in Muskegon think of a beautiful golf course of that name in Dalton Township.But the Michigan Recreation and Park Association recently reminded Muskegon residents that there was the man before...

Thousands attend Muskegon Heights Police Chief Clifton Johnson's funeral

2009-11-08T00:55:40Z

Thousands of family and friends gathered at Muskegon Heights Senior High School on Saturday to pay their final respects and to celebrate the life of Muskegon Heights Police Chief Clifton Johnson Sr.

UPDATE: Muskegon police seek information on slaying of 19-year-old woman

2009-11-07T23:48:26Z

MUSKEGON — Police are looking for evidence and information in the Saturday morning slaying of a 19-year-old Muskegon woman.Police were called to a home in the 500 block of Orchard Avenue at 6:55 a.m. where officers found an unresponsive Andrea...

Holland prosecuting attorney fired after allegedly reducing woman's drunken driving offense in exchange for sex in jury room

2009-11-07T23:19:55Z

A source close to the investigation told The Press that Gabrielse met with the woman defendant at a pre-trial conference and that she had sex with him as part of a plea deal.

Muskegon police investigating fatal shooting of 19-year-old woman

2009-11-07T21:56:48Z

The Muskegon Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that took place Saturday morning.WOOD-TV8 is reporting the shooting happened in the 500 block of Orchard Avenue. Police responded to a call there at 6:55 a.m. Saturday.Police are asking anyone...

Missing Spring Lake woman found, reunited with family

2009-11-07T21:56:07Z

SPRING LAKE TOWNSHIP — Spring Lake resident Diana Ditrapani, 47, who had been reported missing by her husband Thursday, has been found. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department said Ditrapani, who went missing Thursday night, was reunited with her family Saturday...

Ottawa County parks logging revenue drops with demand; effort to thin red pine plantation planted in 1930s continues

2009-11-07T15:04:30Z

The Ottawa County Parks Department will receive less money for the red pines being harvested from Pigeon Creek Park than from those harvested in other parks and natural areas in recent years. It’s not because the trees are in...

Spring Lake Village Council vote aims to boost downtown development

2009-11-07T14:04:30Z

Johnny Quirin/NOWOpportunity awaits: One of the many vacant buildings in need of development stands along Savidge Street in Spring Lake.SPRING LAKE — Spring Lake village officials are hoping to make the downtown district more attractive to business owners and developers.The...

Realtors, home buyers pleased by tax credit extension to May 1

2009-11-07T12:14:37Z

WEST MICHIGAN — Realtors and potential homebuyers are celebrating the federal government’s decision to extend tax credits through May 1 to stimulate a housing market still saturated with foreclosures.Many economists say a recovery in the real estate market is key...