News

Lost fortune: $1 million lottery prize unclaimed in Michigan

Well, someone really blew it. Michigan officials say no one stepped forward Wednesday with a winning $1 million Mega Millions ticket from a year ago. The deadline was 4:45 p.m. The money will now go to the school aid fund. The ticket was sold in Grand Rapids at the CVS Pharmacy on 28th Street. The winner matched the first five …

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Portage Resident Recognized for Service During D-Day Invasion

Congressman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, Wednesday presented World War II veteran and Portage resident Robert Max Goldacker with nine service medals. Goldacker, 91, received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Citation, the European-Africa-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Honorable Service Lapel Button, the Sharpshooter Badge, and the Marksman Badge. …

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Dead dogs were released by owner who couldn’t keep them

A sheriff says three dogs found dead on a rural road were released by a man who couldn’t keep them at a rental house. Clinton County Sheriff Wayne Kangas says the man was turned away from shelters before releasing four dogs. Three of the Labrador-mix dogs were found dead last week, apparently hit by a vehicle near Sleepy Hollow State …

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Thumbs down in Mendon Township

Voters in Mendon Township Tuesday turned down a millage-increase proposal that would have resulted in a new building for the township’s government office, as well as a garage for its fire and rescue vehicles. By a vote of 204 opposed to 70 in favor, the 1.10-mill request would have raised slightly more than $1 million over a 10-year period. The …

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Three CMHSAS board members dismissed

Three members of the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Board of St. Joseph County were removed Tuesday by the county commission. Board president Barb Parker, and members Larry Walton and Gaylene Adams were cut from the 12-member panel after a 3-1 vote. Board president John Dobberteen abstained and Robin Baker cast the dissenting vote. There was no discussion …

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Serious injury in TR area crash

The driver of a Jeep involved in a rear-end collision last weekend is in critical condition following an incident in Fabius Township. State police said Jones resident Brandon Cooper, age not listed, was eastbound on M-60 when he slowed in preparation of turning left onto Roberts Road. Cooper’s vehicle was struck from behind by a semi driven by Laurentiu Popa, …

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It’s magic show time in Colon!

The 78th Abbott’s Magic Get-Together is underway! Greg Bordner, owner of Abbott’s Magic Co. in Colon, said the bar for talent at the Abbott’s Magic Get-Together is exceptionally high and for the four-day Get-Together, there’s not a stronger showcase of talent anywhere in Michigan. He said there are no less than four performers at each of the nightly shows Wednesday through Saturday. …

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Fruit tree damage near Traverse City

Severe storms carrying strong winds and hail caused damage to crops near Traverse City over the weekend. MLive.com reports that apple, grape and cherry crops were hit hard by the storms the Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula and the fruit belt near Elk Rapids on Sunday. Winds of up to 100 mph passed through the region, shredding leaves, ripping off …

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Hogweed that can blind humans found in Calhoun County

Health officials in Calhoun County are advising caution after the dangerous giant hogweed plant was spotted in the county. The Calhoun County Public Health Department said Monday that the plant was found in Pennfield Township, and was removed from the site. The Battle Creek Enquirer reports the sap on the plant’s leaves, roots, flower heads, seeds and stem hairs can …

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Distracted driving tied to teen’s death in western Michigan

A teenager has been killed in western Michigan in a multi-vehicle crash that’s being blamed on a driver who was distracted by a sandwich and his GPS device. The Ottawa County sheriff’s office says the victim is 13-year-old David Talsma of Hudsonville. He was in a Toyota van driven by a 16-year-old when the vehicle was struck Monday by a …

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