Girl killed in U.P. as family helps motorist
ST. IGNACE (AP) - A 13-year-old girl from the Traverse City area was struck and killed by a car in the Upper Peninsula after her family stopped to help a stranded motorist.
The Mackinac County Sheriff's Department says Christina Brooks was standing outside her family's car Sunday afternoon off Interstate 75 in St. Ignace Township when another vehicle lost control and hit her.
She was taken to Mackinac Straits Hospital and later to a Grand Rapids hospital, where she died Monday.
Christina was an eighth-grader at Traverse City West Middle School.
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Gladstone arson case goes to circuit court
ESCANABA - The court case of a Gladstone man, charged with arson of his insured home was bound over to Delta County Circuit Court Monday.
Randy James Nelson, 58, is charged with the Jan. 17, 2007, arson of his two-story home at 9404 N.5 Road. He appeared in district court Thursday for his preliminary hearing. Judge Glenn Pearson delayed a ruling on the matter and issued the bind over order Monday.
In his written statement, Pearson said there was enough evidence to show that a crime was committed and that Nelson was probably involved.
Pearson stated, "The court finds probable cause to believe that the fire was intentionally set and that it resulted in damage to insured property of the defendant. The court also finds from the evidence and inferences that can reasonably be drawn therefrom in favor of the prosecution, that there is probable cause to believe defendant set the fire."
The charge of arson of insured property carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison. Nelson is free after posting a $5,000 cash bond.
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Lost hunters found in Schoolcraft County
MANISTIQUE - Two hunters lost in northern Schoolcraft County Tuesday night were located safe and sound early this morning, according to Michigan State Police at the Manistique Post.
Brandon Davis, 23, and Corey Case, 18, were bird hunting near County Road 448 when they became lost. They used a cell phone to contact Kathy Rohde of Manistique, who notified police around 7:50 p.m.
Assisting troopers in the search were officials from the Department of Natural Resources, Sault Tribal Police Department, and U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Crew from Traverse City. Also assisting troopers were Negaunee Regional Dispatch, Schoolcraft County Sheriff's Department and Manistique Public Safety Department.
When the search began, a conservation officer found a black Suzuki Side Kick driven by Case. The Coast Guard later located a campfire about 4.5 miles southwest of the Suzuki.
Using coordinates of the campfire, troopers found the two lost hunters and their hunting dog. Davis and Case were uninjured and transported back to their vehicle.
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County Road 426 closed to ORV traffic
ESCANABA - Under a new ORV ordinance adopted by the Delta County Road Commission Monday, County Road 426 from the Escanaba city limits to the bottom of Groos Hill (just past the NewPage mill) is closed to ORV use. The ban addresses safety concerns for ORV operators and motor vehicle traffic.
County Road 426 is the only rural road currently closed to ORV use in Delta County.
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Coats for Kids accepted through Nov. 6
ESCANABA - Coats for Kids, sponsored by the Bay Shore Kiwanis, the Salvation Army, Nu-Way Cleaners and Escanaba Steam Laundry, is again underway. The annual effort collects used coats for needy children in the area. Coats may be dropped off and placed in the barrels at the following locations: Elmer's County Market, Walmart, Super One Foods, JC Penney, Shopko and Gladstone Super Valu until Nov. 6.
Nu-Way Cleaners and Escanaba Steam Laundry will donate their services and clean all the donated coats. The coats are then given away, free of charge, to anyone in need. Distribution will be at the Escanaba Middle School on Nov. 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Any left over coats will be given to the Salvation Army for distribution. For more information, call Bill at 786-8921.
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Town hall meeting looks at Esky streets
ESCANABA - Escanaba City Council will host a town hall meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at city hall.
Topics of discussion will be street improvements, boards and commissions.
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Flu clinic planned at BR-H school
BARK RIVER - Students and staff at Bark River-Harris School are encouraged to participate in a flu shot clinic being held 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday.
New state regulations are recommending all children under age 18 receive a flu shot. Bark River-Harris Schools will host a flu shot clinic sponsored by Cedar Hill Medical, P.C., along with Public Health.
Parents can pick up a form in the school office and send it in along with a $15 fee for their child to receive the shot. Permission slips and payment are due by Friday.
For more information call the BR-H high school office at 466-5321, or the elementary 466-5334.
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Bay Pines Halloween extravaganza Saturday
ESCANABA - A Halloween extravaganza, hosted by the girls treatment group, is scheduled for Saturday at Bay Pines Center, 2425 N. 30th St., from 2 to 4 p.m.
Children up to ages 12 are invited. The event will include games, crafts, treats, cookie decorating, pumpkin bowling and a cupcake walk. Admission is one canned good.
For more information, call Dane Ross at 789-1232.
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ISD Parent/teacher conferences Nov. 6
ESCANABA - The ISD Career-Technical Educational Center has scheduled parent/teacher conferences for Thursday, Nov. 6, from noon to 3 p.m. in the Escanaba High School Library and from 4 to 7 p.m. at the ISD Career-Tech Center. ISD classes will not be in session Nov. 6.
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Blood drive slated at Mid Pen School
ROCK - The U.P. Regional Blood Center, a service of Marquette General Hospital, will hold a blood mobile blood drive from noon - 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, at Mid Peninsula High School in Rock. For an appointment, call Andrea Croasdeau at (906) 359-4036, ext. 20.
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Blood center holding drive at casino
HARRIS - The U.P. Regional Blood Center, a service of Marquette General Health System, will hold a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, at the Island Resort & Casino's Convention Center. To schedule an appointment, call Karen Adams at (906) 723-2060.
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Manistique High School hosts blood drive
MANISTIQUE - The U.P. Regional Blood Center, a service of Marquette General Health System, will hold a blood drive from 1:30 to 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, at Manistique High School in the recreation room. For an appointment, call Ruth at (906) 341-7578.