Grand Haven Tribune

10:41 AM Sep 13, 2011

Ex-state senator may keep pension despite charges

One of Michigan's top Republicans in the 1990s is allowed to continue getting his $79,000 a year state pension regardless of the outcome of his trial on sex charges involving children. Documents obtained under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act state Phillip Arthurhultz has a monthly pension benefit of $6,620, or $79,440 annually, from his 15 years representing the Muskegon area, according to The Associated Press.

10:32 AM Sep 13, 2011

Allegan sheriff releases photos of 2 bank robbers

West Michigan authorities are asking for the public's help in finding two gun-toting men who robbed a Grand Rapids-area bank and who were caught on a security camera. The Allegan County Sheriff's Department has released photos of the suspects in the robbery, which happened about 10:30 a.m. Monday at a Chemical Bank branch in the unincorporated community of Moline. It's in Leighton Township, about 15 miles south of Grand Rapids. Police said the bank's employees and customers weren't hurt.

10:06 AM Sep 13, 2011

Local builders, developers resurrect Tour of Homes

Just drive around some of the newer subdivisions in the area and you'll see signs that the home building industry is alive and well, local Realtor Nancy Schindlbeck said recently. "We've been struggling for three to four years now,' said builder Ron Stroup, who has held a building license since 1967. "This is the worst of the four recessions I've been through and we're still standing.' "New construction is selling,' Schindlbeck countered.

8:23 AM Sep 13, 2011

Acoustic duo kicks off Loutit District Library concert series

Another season of live music was kicked off at Loutit District Library on Sunday. Muskegon musicians Ruth and Max Bloomquist performed for the library crowd and played a mix of songs from their own personal catalog, as well as a variety of covers. "I found this show today to be particularly emotionally involving,' said Max, who plays the string bass. "I was really getting a warm vibe from the crowd - so I was more into it, so it was cool.'

8:23 AM Sep 13, 2011

Miss Angola is crowned Miss Universe 2011

Newly crowned Miss Universe Leila Lopes hopes her victory will allow her to assist her native Angola further escape its history of war and impoverishment, and said she plans to focus on combating HIV around the globe. Speaking in a timid voice early today, shortly after taking the crown in South America's largest city, the 25-year-old Lopes said that "as Miss Angola I've already done a lot to help my people.'

7:08 AM Sep 13, 2011

Today's forecast

Today: Mostly sunny, with a steady temperature around 64. Northwest wind around 11 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm. Wednesday: A 30-percent chance of showers, mainly after 2 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Northwest wind at 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

4:00 PM Sep 12, 2011

NORA Pirate Party now open to both boys and girls

The Northwest Ottawa Recreation Authority and The Brethren of the Great Lakes, a performing pirate troupe, are joining forces for a "Buccaneer/Pirate Party' on Saturday, Sept. 24. The party for both boys and girls in grades K-3 will be held at Lakeshore Middle School's Cafe from 1-2:30 p.m. Kids will enjoy the fun of becoming a buccaneer or pirate for a day. Wear your pirate costume. Have fun with treasure hunts, games and prizes, and make your own sundae.

3:00 PM Sep 12, 2011

Village Council candidates unopposed in Tuesday’s election

There won't be much competition during Tuesday's Spring Lake Village Council election. All candidates are running unopposed and only one write-in candidate is registered, according to Village Clerk/Treasurer Maribeth Lawrence. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Barber School, 102 W. Exchange St. Councilman Jim MacLachlan is running for a two-year term as village president. Bill Filber said earlier this summer that he has decided "to take a breather' and not seek a fourth term as council president.

2:00 PM Sep 12, 2011

Scrapbooking event to support Relay for Life

A scrapbooking night to support the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life will be held at the Barber School building, 102 W. Exchange St. in Spring Lake, from 3-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. The cost is $20. Food will be provided. The event is limited to 50 people. Call 616-638-0889 to register.

1:17 PM Sep 12, 2011

Remembering 9/11

The country's focus Sunday was remembering the Americans who lost their lives 10 years ago in New York, Washington and a rural Pennsylvania field. In the Grand Haven area, the solemn thoughts were played out quietly; mainly during Sunday morning worship services at most area churches.

1:00 PM Sep 12, 2011

Kid Rock rocks Allegan County Fair

On the eve of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Kid Rock took a moment during his show at the Allegan County Fair and thanked those who selflessly brave their lives everyday to protect America. "Let us not forget the men and women fighting for our freedom all over this world,' he said Saturday night in front of the more than 12,000 fans at the Allegan County Fairgrounds, where he ended his "Born Free Tour' that began in July. The crowd roared their praise. After a pause, Kid Rock roared back: "Now let's rock and roll.'

12:13 PM Sep 12, 2011

Cash raised in prep player’s name may be missing

Authorities are investigating claims that thousands of dollars are missing from T-shirt sales to benefit a foundation that was created to honor a Michigan basketball player who died in March. The Allegan County Sheriff's Department said its investigation could be completed in a few days. More than 1,000 T-shirts were sold with assurances that money would go to Wes Leonard's family or the Wes Leonard Heart Team foundation.

11:38 AM Sep 12, 2011

Traffic stop involving mower leads to meth bust

A traffic stop involving a riding lawn mower in Allegan County has led to a methamphetamine bust. Allegan County Sheriff's deputies stopped a man riding the mower early Sunday near the village of Martin. Police said the man was arrested on suspicion of possessing meth and components to make the drug. Authorities said the man had a prior history of meth charges.

11:34 AM Sep 12, 2011

STRANGE GH: Man loses claim to winning lottery ticket when partner dies

11:24 AM Sep 12, 2011

Dutch traveler topic of historical society meeting

The Holland Area Historical Society will host a program on the life of a Dutch traveler at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. The presentation will be held at the Maas Conference Center, at 264 Columbia Ave. on the Hope College campus. The public is invited and admission is free.

10:49 AM Sep 12, 2011

Let there be lights! U-M's victory caps electric atmosphere at the Big House

ANN ARBOR - Maybe labeling a college football game between two unranked teams in the second week of the season as a sacred experience is a little extreme, but if Notre Dame can believe in "Touchdown Jesus,' then why not a little Big House Intervention?

10:41 AM Sep 12, 2011

SL, GH girls runners capture invite titles

Spring Lake's girls cross country team outran the field at the Hill and Bale Invitational in Fremont on Saturday. The Lakers finished with 48 points to win the large school division at the event. Ludington was second with 78 points in the 10-team competition. Brittany Beeler was the overall race winner with a time of 19 minutes, 38 seconds. Carly Arteaga took ninth in 21:02, followed by Jaime Kossuth in 11th place at 21:15.