Loutit District Library has been chosen to host the Prime Time Family Reading Time program next year. The six-week Michigan Humanities Council-sponsored literacy program is directed toward families with young children who are non-active library users. It includes the reading of a child's story and facilitated discussion on themes presented in that night's book. Loutit Library Director John Martin said the first Prime Time session will start in March 2012 and conclude around mid-April, incorporating National Reading Month and National Library Week.

What to do with all those extra tomatoes, zucchini and other produce from your garden? Preserving food at home can be a great way to eat more healthfully, to eat locally and save money. Michigan State University Extension educator Monica Smith will teach the basics of pressure canning, hot-water bath canning and freezing methods of preserving food on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Loutit District Library. The program is free and will be held in the library's Program Room A from 7-8:30 p.m.

A symbol marking the entrance to Grand Haven and welcoming people to Coast Guard City USA has been permanently moved to a Muskegon museum. A city Department of Public Works crew - with the help of Barrett Boat Works staff and an Ottawa County Jail work crew - moved the boat Wednesday morning from the Seventh Street traffic island, just south of Beacon Boulevard, to the Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum. Nancy Wezeman said the old boat is something that is always noticed when she and others arrive in Grand Haven.

Changes could soon be on the skyline along Columbus Avenue between First and Second streets in Grand Haven. On Tuesday night, City Council unanimously approved an updated brownfield plan that will help bring about a redevelopment at 128 Columbus Ave. The site was formerly a bowling alley and other businesses. According to the plans submitted by property developers, the amended brownfield plan would allow for nearly $2 million in private investment, which would be used for redevelopment at the property.