Muskegon Heights' park-improvement project on hold as bids too high | MLive.com
Work on the second phase of a planned $5 million redevelopment of the Mona Lake shoreline park along Seaway Drive was initially scheduled to begin in the spring.
The work has been delayed while the project has been bid three times.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Big wind-blade hauling rig tests the streets through downtown Muskegon for the real thing in August
Big wind-blade hauling rig tests the streets through downtown Muskegon for the real thing in August | MLive.com
Muskegon police Capt. Mark Lewis was organizing the patrol cars that were blocking traffic as the Trans-United rig made its way from the Mart Dock to Apple Avenue.
On Thursday morning, the rig used Shoreline Drive to First Street and then to Apple Avenue.
Muskegon police Capt. Mark Lewis was organizing the patrol cars that were blocking traffic as the Trans-United rig made its way from the Mart Dock to Apple Avenue.
On Thursday morning, the rig used Shoreline Drive to First Street and then to Apple Avenue.
Norton Shores police union president: Public safety trumps benefits questions
Norton Shores police union president: Public safety trumps benefits questions | MLive.com
The letter, which Norton Shores City Council signed Tuesday evening, said the new hires would not be covered under the same contract existing officers had, and their pensions and retirement health benefits would be determined by negotiation or arbitration.
The existing contract expired in June, Davis said, and the union and city administrators have been in negotiations since February.
Under standard procedure, new hires would be covered under the old contract, he said.
Meyers told city council it would not be “financially prudent” to hire new officers with the same legacy costs current officers have.
Davis said the union agreed to sign the letter because they thought having fewer officers would compromise public safety, but he thinks the public safety millage Norton Shores voters passed made the letter unnecessary.
The letter, which Norton Shores City Council signed Tuesday evening, said the new hires would not be covered under the same contract existing officers had, and their pensions and retirement health benefits would be determined by negotiation or arbitration.
The existing contract expired in June, Davis said, and the union and city administrators have been in negotiations since February.
Under standard procedure, new hires would be covered under the old contract, he said.
Meyers told city council it would not be “financially prudent” to hire new officers with the same legacy costs current officers have.
Davis said the union agreed to sign the letter because they thought having fewer officers would compromise public safety, but he thinks the public safety millage Norton Shores voters passed made the letter unnecessary.
Melching Inc. prepares for permanent operations on the former paper mill property on Muskegon Lake
Melching Inc. prepares for permanent operations on the former paper mill property on Muskegon Lake | MLive.com
“We’d like to have the metal processing site next to the deep-water port for transportation of materials on barges,” Callow said of Melching’s immediate plans.
A request for a site plan approval for a scrap metal processing operation on the west end of the former paper mill site earlier this month caused a public uproar.
The Muskegon Planning Commission tabled the request, asking for more time and information.
“We’d like to have the metal processing site next to the deep-water port for transportation of materials on barges,” Callow said of Melching’s immediate plans.
A request for a site plan approval for a scrap metal processing operation on the west end of the former paper mill site earlier this month caused a public uproar.
The Muskegon Planning Commission tabled the request, asking for more time and information.
Fireworks regulations don't get off the ground in Norton Shores
Fireworks regulations don't get off the ground in Norton Shores | MLive.com
Norton Shores Mayor Gary Nelund said the city has received complaints about fireworks bothering people’s pets and leaving litter, but the concerns could decline over time.
“One of the things we’ve been interested to watch is will the newness of it wear off,” he said.
“Spending $30, $40 a weekend on fireworks, at some point we’ve got to have a law of diminishing returns.”
Norton Shores Mayor Gary Nelund said the city has received complaints about fireworks bothering people’s pets and leaving litter, but the concerns could decline over time.
“One of the things we’ve been interested to watch is will the newness of it wear off,” he said.
“Spending $30, $40 a weekend on fireworks, at some point we’ve got to have a law of diminishing returns.”
Muskegon city commissioner running as write-in candidate for Huizenga's Congressional seat
Muskegon city commissioner running as write-in candidate for Huizenga's Congressional seat | MLive.com
In announcing his candidacy, German said he would advocate for businesses that create jobs in West Michigan, invest in education and fight to make health care more affordable.
In announcing his candidacy, German said he would advocate for businesses that create jobs in West Michigan, invest in education and fight to make health care more affordable.
Should middle school students be taught condom use? Fruitport school board not so sure
Should middle school students be taught condom use? Fruitport school board not so sure | MLive.com: Should seventh-graders be taught how to use a condom?
What about eighth-graders?
Those are questions that the Fruitport school board struggled with while reviewing proposed middle school sex education curriculum.
The board decided that the lesson involving 18 steps for the application of a condom should be removed from proposed seventh-grade reproductive health curriculum.
What about eighth-graders?
Those are questions that the Fruitport school board struggled with while reviewing proposed middle school sex education curriculum.
The board decided that the lesson involving 18 steps for the application of a condom should be removed from proposed seventh-grade reproductive health curriculum.
Get a shot, protect a child: Muskegon County health officials push pertussis vaccine for adults too
Get a shot, protect a child: Muskegon County health officials push pertussis vaccine for adults too | MLive.com
People with insurance should visit their primary care doctor for the vaccine, Krehn said.
Those without can get the shot at Public Health Muskegon County, 209 E. Apple, for $48.
People with insurance should visit their primary care doctor for the vaccine, Krehn said.
Those without can get the shot at Public Health Muskegon County, 209 E. Apple, for $48.
Why doesn't Muskegon eat its vegetables? Community discussion aims to find out
Why doesn't Muskegon eat its vegetables? Community discussion aims to find out | MLive.com
Two public meetings in Muskegon Heights and Muskegon on July 31 are going to try to answer that question by asking residents what stops them from eating a balanced diet if they want to do so.
Two public meetings in Muskegon Heights and Muskegon on July 31 are going to try to answer that question by asking residents what stops them from eating a balanced diet if they want to do so.
Air Force's Mega-Bunker-Buster Bomb Is Finally Ready
Air Force's Mega-Bunker-Buster Bomb Is Finally Ready | Danger Room | Wired.com
That would be the Massive Ordnance Penetrator — all 30,000 destructive pounds of it.
It’s an absolutely ginormous bomb designed to convince rogue regimes that there is no redoubt for the manufacture of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons buried deep enough to escape the U.S. Air Force.
That would be the Massive Ordnance Penetrator — all 30,000 destructive pounds of it.
It’s an absolutely ginormous bomb designed to convince rogue regimes that there is no redoubt for the manufacture of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons buried deep enough to escape the U.S. Air Force.
The Tolerance Enforcers
The Tolerance Enforcers - Mark Steyn - National Review Online
Until the president’s recent “evolution,” the Obama administration held the same position on gay marriage as Chick-fil-A.
Until the president’s recent “evolution,” the Obama administration held the same position on gay marriage as Chick-fil-A.
8 Ways Blacks Perpetuate Racism and the Only Way to Thwart It
PJ Lifestyle » 8 Ways Blacks Perpetuate Racism and the Only Way to Thwart It:
The tolerance of racist ideas openly expressed by blacks and the larger civil rights establishment is informed by sloppy thinking regarding both race and the role of government in society.
True reconciliation requires confronting these ideas with reason.
Here are eight ways in which blacks are perpetuating racism, and the one true way to effectively thwart it.
The tolerance of racist ideas openly expressed by blacks and the larger civil rights establishment is informed by sloppy thinking regarding both race and the role of government in society.
True reconciliation requires confronting these ideas with reason.
Here are eight ways in which blacks are perpetuating racism, and the one true way to effectively thwart it.
British Embassy Confirms Krauthammer Right, White House Wrong: Churchill Bust Returned in 2009
The British Embassy has confirmed that Washington Post columnist Charles Krauthammer was correct when he wrote that a bust of Winston Churchill was removed from the White House when Barack Obama took office.
An Obama administration spokesperson slammed Krauthammer on Friday in a fact-checking post on the White House’s blog which claimed the columnist was advancing a “ridiculous” rumor that the Obama administration had ever returned the bust.
However, the British Embassy has confirmed that it did receive the original bust in 2009 and it currently resides in the U.K. Ambassador’s residence.
An Obama administration spokesperson slammed Krauthammer on Friday in a fact-checking post on the White House’s blog which claimed the columnist was advancing a “ridiculous” rumor that the Obama administration had ever returned the bust.
However, the British Embassy has confirmed that it did receive the original bust in 2009 and it currently resides in the U.K. Ambassador’s residence.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Muskegon City Commission picks new generation of leadership with Lea Markowski selection
Muskegon City Commission picks new generation of leadership with Lea Markowski selection | MLive.com
“I had the encouragement of some people in the community who wanted me to step forward,” Markowski said.
She has been involved with local environmental issues working with the Muskegon Sustainability Coalition and as secretary to the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership.
Markowski said she has a lot to learn about city government and being a commissioner but she will particularly concentrate on bringing sustainable development to the community.
“I want to focus on the best use for our lands,” she said
“I had the encouragement of some people in the community who wanted me to step forward,” Markowski said.
She has been involved with local environmental issues working with the Muskegon Sustainability Coalition and as secretary to the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership.
Markowski said she has a lot to learn about city government and being a commissioner but she will particularly concentrate on bringing sustainable development to the community.
“I want to focus on the best use for our lands,” she said
Election officials warn 6 ballot measures in jeopardy if Supreme Court accepts type-size argument in emergency manager case
Election officials warn 6 ballot measures in jeopardy if Supreme Court accepts type-size argument in emergency manager case | MLive.com
Six other statewide ballot measures could be disqualified if the state Supreme Court accepts a legal argument to be pushed Wednesday by opponents of allowing a referendum on Michigan's toughened emergency financial manager law, top election officials warn.
Six other statewide ballot measures could be disqualified if the state Supreme Court accepts a legal argument to be pushed Wednesday by opponents of allowing a referendum on Michigan's toughened emergency financial manager law, top election officials warn.
Norton Shores rejects Muskegon Heights' 'final' water offer, expects talks to continue
Norton Shores rejects Muskegon Heights' 'final' water offer, expects talks to continue | MLive.com
Norton Shores and Fruitport Township currently buy water from Muskegon Heights. Fruitport Township gave notice that it intended to leave the Muskegon Heights system in April 2011.
Norton Shores and Fruitport Township currently buy water from Muskegon Heights. Fruitport Township gave notice that it intended to leave the Muskegon Heights system in April 2011.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Olympic Female Beach Volleyballers to Cover Up to Appease Muslims - Long-Sleeved Shirts
Olympic Female Beach Volleyballers to Cover Up to Appease Muslims – Long-Sleeved Shirts
Now, the IOC has announced that women will probably have to cover up and wear long sleeves over their bikinis, using the excuse that it’s “cold” in London.
Don’t believe it.
This move is, yet again, to appease Muslims.
Now, the IOC has announced that women will probably have to cover up and wear long sleeves over their bikinis, using the excuse that it’s “cold” in London.
Don’t believe it.
This move is, yet again, to appease Muslims.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Local protestors organize bus to Supreme Court hearing on emergency manager law
Local protestors organize bus to Supreme Court hearing on emergency manager law | MLive.com
Harris-Darnell said the Muskegon Heights school system needed help, but should not have been “dismantled.”
“It if happens in Muskegon Heights, it’s going to happen in other places,” she said. “And we have to stop it.”
Harris-Darnell said the Muskegon Heights school system needed help, but should not have been “dismantled.”
“It if happens in Muskegon Heights, it’s going to happen in other places,” she said. “And we have to stop it.”
Grand Haven's Harbor Transit nabs $482,200 federal grant to replace aging buses
Grand Haven's Harbor Transit nabs $482,200 federal grant to replace aging buses | MLive.com
Harbor Transit nabbed a slice of the "State of Good Repair" grant pie, one of three programs through which funds were awarded.
The service operates an 18-bus fleet; half are 26-foot buses, and the other half are 23-foot buses.
Harbor Transit nabbed a slice of the "State of Good Repair" grant pie, one of three programs through which funds were awarded.
The service operates an 18-bus fleet; half are 26-foot buses, and the other half are 23-foot buses.
You ask the questions: What do Muskegon City Commission candidates need to answer?
You ask the questions: What do Muskegon City Commission candidates need to answer? | MLive.com
The commission interviews begin at 5:30 p.m. in the city commission chambers of City Hall, 933 Terrace.
A final selection of a new commissioner is expected at Tuesday’s meeting, also at 5:30 p.m. Both meetings are open to the public.
The commission interviews begin at 5:30 p.m. in the city commission chambers of City Hall, 933 Terrace.
A final selection of a new commissioner is expected at Tuesday’s meeting, also at 5:30 p.m. Both meetings are open to the public.
Art fair turnout in Hackley Park disappoints vendors
Art fair turnout in Hackley Park disappoints vendors | MLive.com
The turnout at the art fair in Hackley Park this weekend was something less than what the vendors had hoped for.
“It’s the worst arts and crafts show we’ve ever done, and we’ve done a lot of them,” Duane Morton, of Twin Lake, said.
The turnout at the art fair in Hackley Park this weekend was something less than what the vendors had hoped for.
“It’s the worst arts and crafts show we’ve ever done, and we’ve done a lot of them,” Duane Morton, of Twin Lake, said.
Emergency manager: Muskegon Heights substitute teacher costs 'out of line' at nearly $80,000
Emergency manager: Muskegon Heights substitute teacher costs 'out of line' at nearly $80,000 | MLive.com
Muskegon Heights Public Schools spent nearly $80,000 on substitutes to cover for employee sick and personal days during the final 4 1/2 months of the school year.
Emergency Manager Donald Weatherspoon said he became alarmed by the amount the district was paying for substitutes and ordered an analysis of sick, bereavement and personal days taken by 120 teachers and paraprofessional employees.
Muskegon Heights Public Schools spent nearly $80,000 on substitutes to cover for employee sick and personal days during the final 4 1/2 months of the school year.
Emergency Manager Donald Weatherspoon said he became alarmed by the amount the district was paying for substitutes and ordered an analysis of sick, bereavement and personal days taken by 120 teachers and paraprofessional employees.
Earnings Show Recession May Be 'Fast Approaching'
Earnings Show Recession May Be 'Fast Approaching' - US Business News - CNBC
While this quarter's earnings reports have crossed a substantially lowered profit bar, future expectations through the year indicate a recession could be on the way.
Estimates for the third and fourth quarters have been dropped to levels not seen since the days of the 2008 financial crisis, below even the muted 2 percent expected level of inflation.
While this quarter's earnings reports have crossed a substantially lowered profit bar, future expectations through the year indicate a recession could be on the way.
Estimates for the third and fourth quarters have been dropped to levels not seen since the days of the 2008 financial crisis, below even the muted 2 percent expected level of inflation.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Muskegon, Norton Shores join forces for chance at federal funding
Muskegon, Norton Shores join forces for chance at federal funding | MLive.com
Details on how the money could be used were unclear, but Meyers said some possible uses are down payment assistance for low-income people and financing for low-income housing developments.
The city had to decide before Monday to meet the federal deadline, he said.
Details on how the money could be used were unclear, but Meyers said some possible uses are down payment assistance for low-income people and financing for low-income housing developments.
The city had to decide before Monday to meet the federal deadline, he said.
Reeths-Puffer officials approve $1 million deficit budget, hope for savings through negotiations
Reeths-Puffer officials approve $1 million deficit budget, hope for savings through negotiations | MLive.com
Even with $1 million in spending cuts, Reeths-Puffer Schools is planning to spend $1.1 million more than it takes in for the coming school year.
Negotiations with teachers are ongoing, and any concessions could help the district’s bottom line.
But as it stands now, the fund balance at the end of next year will drop to $1.8 million.
“We are not comfortable with that amount,” said Reeths-Puffer Superintendent Steve Edwards.
About 82 percent of expenses in the 2012-13 budget approved by the Reeths-Puffer Board of Education are staff salary and benefits, Edwards said.
Even with $1 million in spending cuts, Reeths-Puffer Schools is planning to spend $1.1 million more than it takes in for the coming school year.
Negotiations with teachers are ongoing, and any concessions could help the district’s bottom line.
But as it stands now, the fund balance at the end of next year will drop to $1.8 million.
“We are not comfortable with that amount,” said Reeths-Puffer Superintendent Steve Edwards.
About 82 percent of expenses in the 2012-13 budget approved by the Reeths-Puffer Board of Education are staff salary and benefits, Edwards said.
Muskegon Heights audit shows deficit wiped out, positive general fund balance
Muskegon Heights audit shows deficit wiped out, positive general fund balance | MLive.com
For the first time in four years, Muskegon Heights finished a fiscal year with a positive general fund balance.
The city, which faced a large budget deficit a few years ago, showed $676,000 in the savings with its general operating fund when the 2011 fiscal year ended Dec. 31.
The completed audit, which showed that positive fund balance, was presented this week during a City Council work session.
For the first time in four years, Muskegon Heights finished a fiscal year with a positive general fund balance.
The city, which faced a large budget deficit a few years ago, showed $676,000 in the savings with its general operating fund when the 2011 fiscal year ended Dec. 31.
The completed audit, which showed that positive fund balance, was presented this week during a City Council work session.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)