Albion News

Battle Creek Enquirer

• Arraignment expected Tuesday in crash death case

  Battle Creek Enquirer – 2 hrs 23 mins ago  

  The father of a boy killed in an alleged drunken-driving crash Saturday isexpected in Calhoun County District Court on Tuesday. Full Story »

• Cherry boosts water fee for Promise scholarships

  Battle Creek Enquirer – Mon Dec 14, 2:19 pm ET  

  Lt. Gov. John Cherry wants to bring back the Michigan Promise Grant scholarship by charging companies that sell bottled water from Michigan a fee. Full Story »

• Updated: Detroit office building reopens

  Battle Creek Enquirer – Mon Dec 14, 12:49 pm ET  

  Workers have returned to the Cadillac Place building in Detroit's New Center Area after a threat forced a two-hour evacuation. Full Story »

• Historic Flint manufacturing complex up for auction

  Battle Creek Enquirer – Mon Dec 14, 12:49 pm ET  

  A manufacturing and office complex in Flint that includes a historic building put up in the 1920s by the founder of General Motors is being sold in an auction with no reserve price. Full Story »

• Nofs' first bills clear Senate

  Battle Creek Enquirer – Mon Dec 14, 12:04 pm ET  

  Two bills sponsored by state Sen. Mike Nofs, R-Battle Creek, passed the Michigan Senate last week. Both bills amend state tax law to give municipalities like Battle Creek more time to report and pay down existing debts. Full Story »

WOOD TV 8 Grand Rapids

• Bill will restrict utility shutoffs

  WOOD TV 8 Grand Rapids – 37 mins ago  

  Gov. Jennifer Granholm is preparing to sign legislation protecting Michigan utility customers from having their electricity and natural gas shut off. Full Story »

• Muskegon man charged for fatal hit-run

  WOOD TV 8 Grand Rapids – 52 mins ago  

  A Muskegon man was charged for the hit-and-run of a 41-year-old Egelston Township man who died early Saturday morning after he was struck while walking along a Dalton Township roadway. Full Story »

• Portage teachers to vote on layoff plan

  WOOD TV 8 Grand Rapids – 53 mins ago  

  Portage public school teachers and staff will vote on a plan late Monday afternoon that would prevent 53 people from being laid off. Full Story »

• State workers return after evacuation

  WOOD TV 8 Grand Rapids – Mon Dec 14, 1:34 pm ET  

  Workers have returned to the Cadillac Place building in Detroit's New Center Area after a threat forced a two-hour evacuation. Full Story »

• Teen steals credit card; shops at work

  WOOD TV 8 Grand Rapids – Mon Dec 14, 11:34 am ET  

  A teenager is accused of stealing a credit card from a co-worker and using it to buy Christmas gifts at their workplace. Full Story »

The Muskegon Chronicle

• Judge doesn't buy lawyer's 'Romeo and Juliet' scenario, sentences Virginia man to prison for having sex with 14-year ...

  The Muskegon Chronicle – 7 mins ago  

  Eric William Ortega GRAND HAVEN -- His lawyer called it a "Romeo and Juliet" scenario when a 22-year-old Virginia man drove to Spring Lake to meet a 14-year-old girl he'd chatted with on the Internet. Full Story »

• Muskegon area woman tells how boyfriend stomped on her breasts after surgery, breaking open her wounds

  The Muskegon Chronicle – 24 mins ago  

  Darrell Hall MUSKEGON COUNTY — A 25-year-old Muskegon Township woman told a judge of being viciously attacked by her boyfriend while she was healing from breast-reduction surgery — including booted stomps that ripped open her stitches and sent blood gushing out. Full Story »

• Parking lot and bar fights, woman beaten with high-heel shoes reported at Carbon nightclub in Norton Shores

  The Muskegon Chronicle – 48 mins ago  

  Carbon manager says they're fine-tuning security procedures to avoid future incidents. Full Story »

• Egelston sewer customers likely face rate hike

  The Muskegon Chronicle – 48 mins ago  

  Egelston Township has contracted for a sewer rate study in preparation for an increase in residential rates. Full Story »

• UPDATE: Man, 29, charged in weekend fatal shooting

  The Muskegon Chronicle – 2 hrs 3 mins ago  

  MUSKEGON COUNTY — A 29-year-old Muskegon man was charged with murder Monday for a fatal shooting early Saturday in Muskegon Heights.Omar Rashad RawlsOmar Rashad Rawls, of 466 Glen Oaks, Apt. 2B, is being held in the Muskegon County Jail without... Full Story »

The Grand Rapids Press

• WWMT Channel 3 hires Steve Koles as news director

  The Grand Rapids Press – 22 mins ago  

  Koles is replacing Cathy Younkin, who left the station Sept. 25 to work as news director at fellow Freedom Broadcasting station WPEC in West Palm Beach. Full Story »

• John Cherry pitches 10 cent fee on water bottlers to save Michigan Promise, asks critics where their plans are

  The Grand Rapids Press – 22 mins ago  

  Taxing water bottlers to restore a college scholarship is "common sense" and would use a Michigan natural resource to guide the state's economic recovery, Lt. Gov. John Cherry says. Full Story »

• Virginia man sent to prison for sex assault on 14-year-old Spring Lake girl

  The Grand Rapids Press – 1 hr 37 mins ago  

  A 22-year-old Virginia man who police say drove from Virginia to Spring Lake to have sex with a 14-year-old girl he met on the Internet was sentenced to two to 15 years in prison today. Full Story »

• Georgetown Township seeks OK to use laptops at polls

  The Grand Rapids Press – 1 hr 52 mins ago  

  Township Manager Dab Carlton said the laptops would be purchased with a state grant and allow for more efficient polling on Election Day. Full Story »

• Rockford Web site to get makeover

  The Grand Rapids Press – Mon Dec 14, 1:50 pm ET  

  "Our goal is to make it more user-friendly and easier to navigate, with enhanced options for doing business, such as online permitting and bill payment," City Manager Michael Young said. Full Story »

WZZM 13 Grand Rapids

• Young to stay with GM after stepping down as CFO

  WZZM 13 Grand Rapids – 14 mins ago  

  General Motors says Ray Young will help lead the automaker's international business after stepping down as chief financial officer. Full Story »

• Update: Man in multistate drug deals gets life in prison

  WZZM 13 Grand Rapids – 14 mins ago  

  A judge has ordered life in prison for a Detroit man who had his face and fingerprints altered in Mexico while running a cross-country conspiracy involving buses, drugs and millions of dollars. Full Story »

• Lt. Governor proposes bottled water fee to reinstate Promise Scholarship

  WZZM 13 Grand Rapids – 2 hrs 14 mins ago  

  Cherry told reporters Monday that a 10-cent-per-bottle fee would raise around $118 million. Full Story »

• Several cars stolen from Grand Rapids Chevy dealer

  WZZM 13 Grand Rapids – 2 hrs 59 mins ago  

  Grand Rapids Police are investigating car thefts from Berger Chevrolet. Police tell WZZM 13 News that four cars were taken sometime over the weekend from the dealership. Full Story »

• Virginia man sentenced for sexually assaulting Spring Lake teen

  WZZM 13 Grand Rapids – Mon Dec 14, 2:28 pm ET  

  In March, the girl's parents found the man hiding in their home and called the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department. Full Story »

The Kalamazoo Gazette

• Study shows smoking marijuana more popular among teenagers

  The Kalamazoo Gazette – 40 mins ago  

  DETROIT — Smoking marijuana is becoming even more popular among U.S. teens and they have cut down on smoking cigarettes, binge drinking and using methamphetamine, according to a federal survey released Monday.More teens also are getting high on prescription pain... Full Story »

• Police investigate intentionally set fire in Comstock Township

  The Kalamazoo Gazette – 2 hrs 25 mins ago  

  Police are investigating an intentionally set fire that damaged a vacant house Monday east of Kalamazoo, authorities said. Full Story »

• In the next 7: Hockey action; food donations

  The Kalamazoo Gazette – Mon Dec 14, 1:02 pm ET  

  Check out what's happening in the next 7 days. Full Story »

• After rain and snow, the Postal Service faces the Christmas rush

  The Kalamazoo Gazette – Mon Dec 14, 1:02 pm ET  

  It’s crunch time for the post office. As the U.S. Postal Service in Kalamazoo planned to handle 600,000 pieces of mail Monday -- traditionally its busiest day of the year, followed closely by next Monday -- Kalamazoo Postmaster Thomas R. King warns that those who want to send cards, packages or other holiday parcels next week will need to send it "priority" or "express" mail status to guarantee ... Full Story »

• Democrats drop public option in favor of Medicare buy-in; health care controversy continues

  The Kalamazoo Gazette – Mon Dec 14, 11:35 am ET  

  The new plan likely would allow some people 55 and older to buy into Medicare. Full Story »

Sturgis Journal

• Property sale pending

  Sturgis Journal – Mon Dec 14, 2:39 am ET  

  Elkhart, Ind. tire recycler looking at Ram Products site Full Story »

• Police find marijuana growing in home

  Sturgis Journal – Mon Dec 14, 2:39 am ET  

  Police went to 210 N. Prospect St., Saturday morning looking for a man who was wanted on a non-support warrant.   Full Story »

• Despite tough economy, donations continue to flow for United Way

  Sturgis Journal – Mon Dec 14, 2:39 am ET  

  St. Joseph County United Way is halfway toward reaching its $575,000 goal. Executive director Kelly Hostetler said she is determined to meet the goal, despite the many challenges this year. Full Story »

• Electric shutoff protection available

  Sturgis Journal – Sat Dec 12, 3:39 am ET  

  Now that the Sturgis City Commission has approved general shutoff rules for electric service, residents can be assured that they will not lose power during winter months. Full Story »

• Sturgis Christmas tree growers enjoying a good season so far

  Sturgis Journal – Sat Dec 12, 3:39 am ET  

  Nearly everyone puts up a Christmas tree and for those who want to select a locally-grown tree there are two Christmas tree farms near Sturgis — Farview Farm on east Fawn River Road and Timberly Tree Farm on north Lakeview. Full Story »

The Holland Sentinel

• Hamilton Debate team is runner-up in tournament

  The Holland Sentinel – 1 hr 34 mins ago  

  The Hamilton High School debate team finished second in the state this past weekend at the Debate finals held in Midland. Full Story »

• Longtime Hope professor Nielsen dies

  The Holland Sentinel – 2 hrs 19 mins ago  

  Professor Emeritus Ted Nielsen, a member of the Hope communications faculty for 25 years, died Friday, Dec. 11, in Grand Rapids. Full Story »

• Free H1N1 clinics available in Allegan County

  The Holland Sentinel – 2 hrs 34 mins ago  

  Appointments are available to all residents for H1N1 vaccinations in Allegan, Pullman and Wayland. Full Story »

• Douglas team shines in state trivia tournament

  The Holland Sentinel – Mon Dec 14, 2:23 pm ET  

  The Glitter-Folk, one of the home teams from Saugatuck Brewing Company, raised the trophy as the first winners in the statewide Team Trivia season finale tournament on Sunday, Dec. 13. Full Story »

• Fire shuts down Arby’s restaurant near U.S. 31

  The Holland Sentinel – Mon Dec 14, 12:53 pm ET  

  A fire that broke out at a Holland Township Arby’s over the weekend has closed the restaurant for the time being. Full Story »

The Coldwater Daily Reporter

• Board rejects pay raise for BHSJCHA employees

  The Coldwater Daily Reporter – Sat Dec 12, 1:11 am ET  

  Employees of the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Counties Community Health Agency (BHSJCHA) will not get a pay raise for this fiscal year. Full Story »

• With Grahl bond retired, KCC honors Branch County

  The Coldwater Daily Reporter – Sat Dec 12, 1:11 am ET  

  News reports have said community college attendance is up, with the emphasis on people getting more education and training for jobs, as well as with fewer able to afford regular college. Full Story »

• Kurtz, Knight support area homeless committee

  The Coldwater Daily Reporter – Sat Dec 12, 1:11 am ET  

  The Branch Area Homeless Committee (BAHC) continues to move forward, with state Rep. Ken Kurtz, R-Coldwater, attending the last meeting and Colleen Knight working to set up a special meeting for a Branch County Work Subsidy Project. Full Story »

• Max Larsen Elementary students celebrate the season

  The Coldwater Daily Reporter – Sat Dec 12, 1:10 am ET  

  Students at Max Larsen Elementary School celebrated the winter season Thursday afternoon with a craft day. Full Story »

• Local food pantry in need for Christmas boxes, regular clients

  The Coldwater Daily Reporter – Thu Dec 10, 11:26 pm ET  

  There were 1,588 families who had Thanksgiving meals thanks to the generosity of the community. Full Story »

FOX 17 Grand Rapids

• Bottled Water Tax Could Restore 'Promise'

  FOX 17 Grand Rapids – 19 mins ago  

  Lt. Governor John Cherry made a stop at Grand Rapids Community College Monday. His plan is to charge companies like Nestle who pump underground water 10-cents per bottle. He says it will raise $118-million a year. Lt. Governor John Cherry unveiled his solution for restoring the "Michigan Promise" College Scholarships today in Grand Rapids. Full Story »

• Portage Teachers Vote on Contract

  FOX 17 Grand Rapids – 19 mins ago  

  The Portage Public Schools Board of Education will vote tonight on a new contract with teachers. The district was considering probable lay-offs of 37 teachers, as well as five support staff. If the Portage Education Association approves the contract, the school board will vote on it at 6:30 tonight. Full Story »

• Home Of Clarksville Firefighter Burns Down

  FOX 17 Grand Rapids – 2 hrs 34 mins ago  

  Alan Jackson is a volunteer firefighter in Ionia County, and on Saturday his own house went up in flames At around 7:00 p.m. on Saturday the Jackson family in Clarksville, in Ionia County, got a call saying their house was on fire. Alan Jackson, being a volunteer firefighter knew exactly what he would see. Full Story »

• Police Charge Man With Child Porn Sexting

  FOX 17 Grand Rapids – Mon Dec 14, 1:38 pm ET  

  A 33-year old man from the Grand Rapids area is in custody in Muskegon County. A 33-year old man from the Grand Rapids area is in custody in Muskegon County, accused of sending child pornography picture messages via mobile phone. Full Story »

• Public Meetings Focus on School Funding

  FOX 17 Grand Rapids – Mon Dec 14, 6:53 am ET  

  State lawmakers plan to hold a meeting for concerned parents and teachers about impending budget cuts to Michigan's schools. Full Story »