During the Civil War, families conserved whatever they had. Money was scarce and many items were unavailable because they were needed for the war effort. It was not a time for children to be able to purchase toys; rather, they made their own. Yarn dolls were just one type of toy created by children during this time period. Area children will have the opportunity to create their own yarn dolls at the Tri-Cities Historical Museum's "Tuesdays History for Kids' program on Aug. 16.

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking help from the public to identify those involved in the rescue of several swimmers from violent rip currents near the Holland State Park beach pier head on Aug. 3 by a Coast Guardsman, representatives from other agencies and local citizens. The Coast Guard is compiling information about the case and is seeking the identities of a male teenager and a female teenager who were rescued at about 2:45 p.m., as well as information from anyone who witnessed any of the rescues.

Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation to establish new district boundaries for Michigan's representatives in the U.S. House and the state Legislature. It's possible the bills signed today by the Republican governor could be challenged in court by Democrats or others upset with portions of the redistricting plan. Critics of the plans have said Republicans are trying to protect their own incumbents while possibly violating federal protections for minority voters.

The Holland Symphony Orchestra is offering a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. "Pops in the Park' will take place at Holland's Kollen Park, at VanRaalte Avenue and 10th Street in Holland. Bring a chair and enjoy a variety of symphonic music as the sun sets over Lake Macatawa. The rain location is Holland Civic Center, 150 W. Eighth St.

A West Michigan steelmaker said it bought a former foundry and plans to start producing castings there next year. The Associated Press reported on Monday that Muskegon-based Michigan Steel Inc. bought the former Kurdziel Industries foundry in the Oceana County village of Rothbury in June and plans to rename it Rothbury Steel. Michigan Steel President Chris Moein said the facility could employ between 150 and 200 people. Moein said the company plans to start producing steel castings in the renovated plant by the first quarter of next year.

Editor's Note: This is the first in a three-day series looking at the Tribune's area prep football teams. Spring Lake will be featured on Wednesday, and Fruitport on Thursday. GRAND HAVEN BUCCANEERS 2010 Record: 8-2 (6-1 O-K Red Conference, 1st) Playoffs: Lost in the opening round to West Ottawa, 23-21 Starters Returning Offense: 4 (senior Dakota Smith, RB; senior Danny Cotter, WR; senior Torrey Appel, OT; junior Matt Mulcahy, C)

The Spring Lake Township Board on Monday approved a revised fire service contract with the Village of Spring Lake. The agreement is an updated version of the original 1976 contract between the township and the village. The new pact does not raise the $12,000 rate that the village has paid since the original agreement. A new provision of the contract states that, if the township passes a fire millage in the future, the village will no longer owe the annual fee.