Michigan State Fair ending today does not necessarily mean that it is gone for good. There is still hopes that the private sector can resurrect some type of assistance in keeping this tradition alive. With so many cuts going on in Michigan it seems there could be a way to salvage the fair. The state has not funded the fair for years. There has been a line item in the budget that allowed the state to pick up its losses. Last year, it lost $360,000. Planning for next year’s fair is on hold until word comes down from Lansing.

Most state fairs through out the country are seeing a growth in their number of attendance. With Michigan State Fair it is mostly funded from the private sector. Unfortunately the private business sector is suffering the same economic woe as the government. This has materialized in less supporters for the Michigan State Fair. This is only shows how bad Michigan’s economy is and how bad things can get. This is a sad loss for Michigan’s agricultural community and the citizens of Michigan.

This year, the fair heavily promoted Michigan’s $64 billion agriculture industry and the increased popularity of urban gardening. Planted seven weeks ago on fairgrounds land, the garden has yielded 300 pounds of food. Also, experience the slice of heaven called the Outdoor Skills Center, which includes labeled flora and a man-made lake shaped like Michigan, inhabited by 6,000 bluegills.

The Michigan State Fair ending today, Labor Day. How Ironic the closing of the state fair on the day that we honor our work force. The Michigan State Fair will no longer be honoring Michigan’s agricultural segment on Labor Day.

The sheriff’s department reports they were acting on tips from viewers who saw surveillance pictures on television of the suspect and victim. The two were seen just before 6 a.m. at the Mobil gas station, 3620 14 Mile Road NE, in Algoma Township.

This is an update to the previous post Woman Bound Possibly Abducted From Kent County Gas Station

The police are calling this a “domestic related incident” and say the man and woman involved had some sort of relationship but they are not sure the extent or nature of the relationship.

Police continue their investigation to determine the exact nature of the charges to file with the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office.

Information from Wood TV8 was used in this report.

The man accused in the possible abduction, seen on surveillance video in the Mobil gas station, 3620 14 Mile Road NE, in Algoma Township, Sept. 4, 2009.

The woman who is the victim of a possible abduction, seen on surveillance video in the Mobil gas station, 3620 14 Mile Road NE, in Algoma Township, Sept. 4, 2009.

From Wzzm 13 News

ALGOMA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZZM) – Kent County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a possible abduction. It happened just before 6 a.m. Friday at the Northern Springs Mobile gas station, located at 3620 14 Mile Rd NE. Witnesses say a 21-year-old white man was in the gas station when a black female walked into the store with her hands bound behind her back. The man picked the woman up and carried her out of the store while her hands were still tied together. They were last seen leaving in a dark, two-toned smaller SUV, heading west on 14 Mile Rd.

From Wood TV8

Police searching for the victim and
suspect

Updated: Friday, 04 Sep 2009, 9:10 AM EDT
Published : Friday, 04 Sep 2009, 8:06 AM EDT

ALGOMA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) – Police are investigating a possible abduction from a Mobil gas station in Algoma Township.

Police say a man walked into the business, 3620 14 Mile Road NE, in Algoma Township just before 6 a.m. Friday.

A woman then came into the store with her hands bound behind her back.

The man then picked her up and ran out of the store. They were seen leaving in a small, dark-colored, possible two-tone SUV, possibly heading west on 14 Mile Road.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Kent County Sheriff’s Department at (616) 632-6100 or Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.

Grand Haven Michigan Spread the Music 8 Hour Adventure Race

This year Endurance Sports has teamed up with Spread The Music Foundation of Grand Haven Michigan. Spread the Music Foundation provides grants to advance the joy in music through education, training, and supplies that are required for a successful musical experience. Racers will be finishing in front of 3000 screaming rock fans, this is your chance to be a rock star.

Date: Saturday July 11, 2009
Location: Harbor Island, Grand Haven, Michigan
Length: 8 hour sprint race
Disciplines: Canoeing, Mountain Biking, Orienteering, Trekking, Ropes
Divisions: 2 person coed, male (MM), female (FF) and Solo
Who: Beginner to intermediate
Racer Check-In: 7:00am to 9:00am
Race Briefing: 9:15am
Race Start: 10:00am
Race Cutoff: 6:00pm
Post Race Food with Prizes & Giveaways: 15-30 minutes following cutoff.

Event Cost

Per Person – $60.00 – The cost includes race swag, post-race food, and some very cool prizes that will go to the top finishers. Entry is limited to 300 racers on a first come-first serve basis.

Racer Check In Information & Directions:

The start and finish will take place at Harbor Island, Grand Haven.
More details of registration and check-in will be announced as the race nears.

Trekking / Trail Running / Orienteering:

The total on foot will be approximately 10K meters – more depending on the selected route. The terrain will vary from trails to sandy hill tops. Maps will be topo. All maps will be pre-marked, no plotting will be necessary.

Canoe:

Teams will be paddling 3-5 miles. Teams are responsible for their own canoes, paddles (standard or kayak), and PFDs. Wisner Canoe Livery will be providing a pickup and delivery service to the race site. See their website at Wisner Canoe or call (231)652-6743 to reserve your equipment. Solo and team racers will be allowed to bring their own kayak or canoe as long as it meets certain requirements. For this event solo racers who want to bring a sit-on-top will be allowed to do so. Standard sea kayaks, usually around 14-17 feet, with closed cockpits are fine. Teams bring their own boats will only be allowed canoes, two person kayaks will not be allowed. Check with race staff if you still have questions about your boat being acceptable.

Mountain Bike:

The mountain bike stage(s) will be fast and fun at 15-20 miles in
length. Teams must locate and check in at each of the required
checkpoints. The course will include a combination of dirt, and paved roads.

Ropes Course:

Endurance Sports is working hard to make this happen and at this time they feel it will happen. They promise you this; you have never done a ropes course like this one. Will not be hard but very, very different.

For more information about Grand Haven Michigan’s 2009 Spread the Music 8 Hour Adventure Race go to: Endurance Sports where they have complete details on the adventure race and registration. Endurance Sports even has a message board where you can ask any questions you may have concerning the race. Also check out Spread the Music Foundation to see what other events they have planned for 2009.

Registration opens March 1, 2009 online. Registration on Active.com will open March 1, 2009. In an effort to produce a “greener” event, there will be no paper registration option this year. Only online registrations through Active will be accepted.

For 2009, the Peak2Peak will be limited to 500 riders. So early registration is a must. Registration fees will increase on June 1 and again on September 1, 2009, so register early!

The P2P also serves as a great “warm-up” race to the world famous Iceman Challenge, this year held three weeks later, on November 8th. And, it will give those riders who weren’t able to get into the Iceman an opportunity to test themselves one last time for the season.

The mountain biking trail system, which includes both Crystal Mountain property and state land, provides some of the most fun riding in Michigan. The hardwood and pine forests along with rambling two-tracks and flowing single-track will have you humming as you race. The course is fast and challenging but not so difficult that racers new to the sport of mountain bike racing won’t have a great ride. Plus, the pre- and post-race festivities at the Mountain are sure to be a hit for everyone in the family.

The Peak-to-Peak Mountain Bike Classic will be held at the Crystal Mountain Resort for more information go to Michigan Vacation Getaways, Thompsonville, MI on Saturday, October 17, 2009. For more information go to Endoman Promotions,LLC.

For more mountain bike race information go to Michigan Mountain Bike Races for the 2009 mountain bike race schedules.

The Grand Haven Winterfest Schedule is as follows:

Thursday Events

*Dollar Family Ski and Board :

JANUARY 22 – THURSDAY –

4:00 – 8:00 PM. Mulligan’s Hollow. $1 Lift Ticket (weather permitting)

Friday Events

*Ice Sculpting

JANUARY 23 – FRIDAY

Spring Lake Holiday Inn & Jack’s – Watch Jack’s culinary staff convert ice into art. Sculpting under the lights from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.  Call Jack’s at the Holiday Inn for more information and reservations, (616) 846-1370.

*Art Reception

JANUARY 23 – FRIDAY

The Tri-Cities Historical Museum Akeley Building, 200 Washington St. Celebrate West Michigan talent and view works of the 2008 Winterfest Photography and Poster Contest participants.  Award winners will be announced.  All are welcome to attend.  Refreshments will be served.  Call (616) 842-0700 for more info.

*Intergalactic Human Sled Race

JANUARY 23 – FRIDAY

8:00 PM – On Washington Ave. between Harbor and 1st. Registration at 7:00 PM. Races begin at 8:00 PM.  Sleds Provided. Free Entry. Prizes. Teams of 6 – 4 Pullers, 1 Musher, and 1 Rider. For entry form, rules and more information, visit winterfestonline.org. This was a huge success last year.

*Music Pass

JANUARY 23 – FRIDAY

All night.  One ticket gets you into the local bars for music, fun, and drink specials on both Fri. and Sat.  Tickets available at many locations.  winterfestonline.com

Saturday Events

*Family Dog Pull

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Sponsored by the City Farmer, at Mulligan’s Hollow. Registration at 9:00 AM. Race begins at 9:30 AM (616) 842-0360 for info and list of rules.

*Cardboard Sled Race

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM – At Mulligan’s Hollow.  Registration 10:00 AM. Sled judging at 10:30 AM. Races begin at 11:00 AM. All entrants must wear protective head gear.

*Euchre Tournament

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

10:45 AM – Team play begins at 12:00 PM.  $10 per team.  Smoking and Non-smoking areas available. Pre-register by calling the Elk’s Club at (616) 842-0970.

*Ice Sculpting

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

Spring Lake Holiday Inn & Jack’s – Watch Jack’s culinary staff convert ice into art. First session from 11:00am – 12:00pm, and sculpting under the lights from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.  Call Jack’s at the Holiday Inn for more information and reservations (616) 846-1370.

*Photography and Poster Display

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

12:30 PM – 5:00 PM – All photography and poster contest entries will be on display at the Tri-Cities Historical Museum’s Akeley Building, 200 Washington St., Grand Haven.

*Children’s Creation Centers

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

2:00 – 5:00 PM – Doors open at 2:00 PM. Creative projects, balloons, face painting, gerbil races and more! Children’s entertainment includes theatre and music at Community Center. Sponsored by the Tri-Cities Kiwanis. For more information (616) 842-4499.

*Race of Kings: Hamster/Gerbil Race

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

2:00 PM – At the Community Center.  Bring your pet & gerbil ball! Registration begins at 2:00 PM. Must be signed up and ready to race at 3:30 PM. Sponsored by the Rochester’s Reef Pet Store. (616) 846-9592 for more info.

*Snowboard and Ski Competition

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl. Slope style and Giant Slalom. Open to all ages. Free Competition.  Prizes. Lift ticket required at reduced price.Sponsored by Buffalo Bob’s. For more info visit mulliganshollow.com3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl. Slope style and Giant Slalom. Open to all ages. Free Competition.  Prizes. Lift ticket required at reduced price.Sponsored by Buffalo Bob’s. For more info visit mulliganshollow.com

*Music Pass

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

All night. One ticket gets you into the local bars for music, fun, and drink specials on both Fri. and Sat.  Also gets you into the Winterfest Luau. Passes available at many locations.  www.winterfestonline.org

*Luau Extravaganza

JANUARY 24 – SATURDAY

7:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Admission) The doors open at 7:00 PM, enjoy the tropical music from 8:00 PM – Midnight.  You must be 21 years of age to attend.

Sundays Events

*Snow Angel Contest

JANUARY 25 – SUNDAY

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM in Central Park on Washington between 4th St. and 5th St. Create a snow angel in Central Park and win prizes. Supplies provided. Visit winterfestonline.org for rules, entry form, and more info.

*Photography and Poster Display

JANUARY 25 – SUNDAY

12:30 PM – 5:00 PM – All photography and poster contest entries will be on display at the Tri-Cities Historical Museum’s Akeley Building, 200 Washington St.

Grand Haven Winterfest is a huge event along the lakeshore in the winter time. There will be free Trolly rides to the events. No need to mush your way around the entire event.  For further details outlining the Grand Haven Winterfest you can go to: Winterfest 2009

The Iceman Cometh presented by Gary Fisher, is a point to point cross country mountain bike event held traditionally on the first Saturday in November. The race starts in Kalkaska, Michigan and finishes twenty seven miles later in Traverse City. The course is a safe and fast rolling adventure through the hardwoods, meadows, and cross country ski trails of the PereMarquette State Forest. Over the last eighteen years, 45% of the events have been conducted with snow on the ground.

The Iceman Cometh Challenge is a point to point mountain bike race held traditionally on the first Saturday of November. The race starts in Kalkaska, Michigan and finishes twenty seven miles later at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort on the eastern edge of Traverse City, Michigan. The course consists primarily of dirt roads, two-tracks (the majority of the course), abandoned railroad beds, and the world famous Vasa Nordic ski trail. It crosses only one paved road (Williamsburg Rd at mile 16) as it winds through the breath taking (literally) terrain of the Pere Marquette State Forest in Northern Lower Michigan.

Iceman attracts competitive cyclists from 32 states including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and as well as Ontario, Canada. Their ability levels vary from first time racers to seasoned professionals. Ages range from 3 years to 82 years of age.

For the Iceman Cometh Challenge Bicycle Race 2009, the 2008 Iceman registration lottery system is dead. On-line registration for the 2009 Iceman will open at 7:00 PM on Friday February 27th.

No bells, no whistles, no hoops to jump through; just first come first serve.

The Iceman Cometh for 2009 will be held: Saturday November 7. Make sure to mark that on your calenders. But first remember to register February 27, 2009.

For further information go to: Iceman Cometh Challenge

Further information on schedules for mountain biking schedules at Michigan Mountain Bike Races.

This is video footage from the “2007″ Iceman Cometh Challenge.

Check the icon on the right of the page for your back to bed school report.

Congratulations Muskegon Big Reds! After watching this game this afternoon it is little wonder that they are the victorious state high school football champs.

Muskegon county is leading in the state after Catholic Centrals Crusaders big win earlier today over Crystal Falls Forest Park. Catholic Central won their State finals trophy with a 40-0 victory.

Congratulations to Muskegon Catholic Central High School Crusaders!

The Muskegon Big Reds win in the state finals makes them even more my favorite high school football team. Could it be because I am a Muskegon High School graduate?

The Fifth Third River Bank Run in Grand Rapids, Michigan is the largest 25k road race in the United States and usually brings in some of the worlds top runners. This year, however, many of the elite runners had to pull out due to the upcoming Olympics.

Results are not in yet for the Fifth Third River Bank Run 2008 race in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Results will be posted as soon as they come in.

Update:

2008 Olympian Brian Sell wins River Bank Run; Caroline Chepkorir wins women’s division.

This is the third win for Brian at the Fifth Third River Bank Run. Brian Sell’s time was 1 hour, 15 minutes and 8 seconds. Congrats Brian!

Caroline Chepkorir ‘s race time was 1 hour, 29 minutes and 34 seconds. This is Caroline first 25k event she has ever run. Congrats goes to Caroline.

Fifth Third River Bank Run: 05/10/2008 Results

I know it has been a while since I last posted but the time has just zoomed by.

Now all the spring and summer events are upon us. We have not only a lot of work at home to do but the outdoor fun is really starting to begin.  There is barely time in a day for sleep.

Now all of our favorite ice cream shops have opened for business  and the Harbor Front is ready for its visitors. What to do in our spare time? Take care of house chores or hang out in Grand Haven and remember why we love living here. I vote for Grand Haven.

The earlier post on the opening of the Sunflower Gourmet had the store opening in April. It seems the owner is really into details and wants her store the top of the line for gpourmet foods and is now going to be opening in May.

This may be a little disappointing for many as I know it is for me. I am anxious to visit the Sunflower Gourmet. But I am sure the wait is going to be well worth the wait.

Jenny Wilkes is the owner of Sunflower Gourmet and I am sure she would appreciate everyone stopping in to say “Hello!” when the store opens. Give her a big community welcome.

Thanks Jenny for stopping by and keeping us updated.

Visit Sunflower Gourmet at the website and keep updated as to the progress of the opening. Here is the link with pictures and all of its progress. Sunflower Gourmet

The Grand Haven Municipal Marina sidewalks and lawn areas are completely torn up. New sidewalk for the docks and power hook-ups will be installed.

Where once there were 31 docks now there will be 28 fixed slips to accommodate larger boats. There will also be a price increase for boaters wanting to spend the night. A 24-foot boat will pay $27 a night, compared to $24 last year. Meanwhile, a 40-foot vessel will pay $48, up from $43. This will bring the price up to the premium rates that other marinas in the area are charging.

I am glad to see all these improvements to our local Grand Haven area. I think all the summer people are going to be pleasantly surprised as well.

The Grand Haven waterfront area just keeps getting better and better. It won’t be long now until all these boaters get into the water. Hopefully no one will be turned away from our Municipal Marina when they come to dock for the night. Grand Haven loves its boaters.

The Great American Sports Complex West Olive, Michigan got rezoning approval. On February 28 the Port Sheldon township agree to give the sports complex a rezoning of the 113 acres from agriculture and commercial to a planned unit development.

With the passing of the re-zoning, this will allow more dialog to open up for the Great American Sports Complex. This is a big step in allowing the sports complex to be located in West Olive, Michigan to hopefully complex Phase 1 of their plans.

If all goes on schedule with the sports complex the real estate property in the area could become extremely valuable to commercial opportunities.

Location:
View Larger Map

The Ride was a huge success yesterday at the Lakes Mall in Muskegon Michigan. There was a record number of teams that turned out to support the Mercy General Health Partner’s Mercy H.E.A.R.T. Center.

The first ever womens division was won by the Twisted Sisters . Great Job Ladies!

The Twisted Sisters also won several heats.

There was a nice turn out to support The Ride.

The onlookers were even having a great afternoon at the Lakes Mall In Muskegon. You could hears cheers and applauds from the crowds as each team was racing against the 25 minute clock. Every one was having a great time.

With all the support of this years The Ride event I am sure that a great deal of money was raised for the Mercy H.E.A.R.T. Center. It is great when you see the community being so supportive for such a good cause. Thanks every one who supported this event!

Update on “The Ride” Results:

Team Totals

Heat Totals

Individual Totals

While other residential properties in the Grand Haven and Spring Lake area have maintained there value the Lake Michigan waterfront properties in our area and surrounding has risen already this year up 13%. This is expected to rise in the coming months as we say good-bye to winter. The price of waterfront properties in Michigan will continue to affect the whole area.

Added with the new construction going on with the Grand Landing and the proposed Country Suites Hotel on our waterfront real estate, this could bring in more potential buyers visiting our area.

Grand Haven and Spring Lake are great places to live and raise our children, but we do pay a premium with our property taxes. We could chose to live inland away from the Lake Michigan shoreline, but this is why I live here is because of the waterfront. I don’t complain about the price of real estate when summer is here and I am enjoying this community and visiting the other communities along the lakeshore.

I do not know how much the rise in waterfront properties is going to affect our property taxes when we get the tax bill for next year, but I am not even going to worry about that while I am enjoying the reason I live here this summer. Lake Michigan waterfront property is hopefully always going to be at a premium. With the real estate sales decline, we are fortunate that we here in the Grand Haven, Spring Lake and surrounding areas have not been hit by the market bust. Just go inland a few miles and see how property values have plummeted.

The return of daylight savings time is welcome news after a long winter here in Michigan. We have had record snow falls and long dark days for far too long along the lakeshore.

More daylight hours means spring is around the corner here. We will actually be able to go out in the evening and it will still be light. Cabin fever is coming to an end for many of us.

So, do not forget to spring a head this weekend March 9, 2008  as daylight savings returns along the lakeshore in Michigan.

This year has some new surprises for children and adults alike. There are many new acts that the Muskegon audiences have never seen before.

Attendance is expected to be higher than normal. People are ready to get out and have some family fun after this long winter weather that we have had this year along the lakeshore in Michigan.

The Shrine Circus has always be a welcomed site for the people of Muskegon and surrounding areas. The an array of clowns, aerialists, equestrians daredevils, jungle animals, cyclists and even bears are exciting to experience no matter what the age.

Tickets are $6.50 in advance, $7 at the door. Available at the arena box office. To reserve by phone, call (231) 726-2400.

Show times for the Shrine Circus are 7 p.m. Friday (tonight) and 10 a.m., and 3 and 7 p.m. March 1. 

Come to Muskegon’s L.C. Walker Arena along the lakeshore of Michigan and and have a good time with your family enjoying the Shrine Circus.

The Ride is a unique event on Saturday, March 15, 2008 geared to get everyone’s legs and hearts pounding! Forty five teams of eight cyclists – riding bicycles mounted on trainers-will race in 25-minute intervals for a chance to win serious cycling and lighthearted awards.

Form a Team – Anyone can form a team consisting of eight members and one alternate. Each team must provide one bike (exercise cycles are not allowed) to be mounted on a trainer. Each team member will ride for 25 minutes. Participants will receive refreshments and a commemorative gift. The entry fee is $400 per team, just $50 per rider. Some teams ask an area business or company to sponsor their team! Team registration deadline is February 29, 2008 (late registration will be accepted as space allows).

To find out further information check The Ride

Be a Supporter – Make a donation of any amount to a team to help them raise funds for the Mercy H.E.A.R.T. Center.

Be a Volunteer – Don’t want to sweat? Volunteer to help on race day, or for setup the night before.

Be an Event Sponsor – Recognition is based on sponsorship level (starting at $500/year for three years). Sponsorship deadline is February 16, 2008 (late submission will be accepted as space allows.

The Ride event is a fundraiser benefitting Mercy General Health Partner’s Mercy H.E.A.R.T. Center. All proceeds will support the H.E.A.R.T. Center’s Charles F. Schuler, Jr., Memorial Fund. The Fund’s purpose is to educate our community about the importance of having a healthy heart through exercise, proper nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices for the entire family.

Proceeds will be used to purchase health educational materials and equipment, exercise equipment, host family health fairs and symposiums for the Greater Muskegon community to sponsor families who have limited financial resources, which may preclude them from attending health classes or programs offered at the H.E.A.R.T. Center.

Come to the Muskegon Lakes Mall on March 15 to root for your team participating in The Ride.

The Margarita Mix-Off is gearing up to kick off next weekend March 1st at the Old Boys’ Brewhouse at 971 W. Savidge, Spring Lake, Michigan. The event is scheduled to be held between the hours of 12 noon to 5PM along the lakeshore.

Enjoy margaritas from several area restaurants for only $2.00 a drink. Then you can vote on the “Best Margarita”. Voting begins at 5pm.

The Margarita Mix-Off is a great way to earn money to benefit the Walker AMBUCS. Years past a good chunk of change was raised for AMBUCS organization. At $2.00 a drink it goes to show you how well the community has supported this organization along the lakeshore in the past.

The entertainment and music for the Margarita Mix-Off will be provided by Living Soul.

So mark March the 1st on your calendar to attend the Margarita Mix-Off at the Old Boys Brewhouse in Spring Lake, Michigan along the lakeshore and lets all have some fun together.