News

Xavier Henderson, branch manager of the Portage office, smiles for a photo at the check-in and booking station.

MDOS installs electronic check-in stations seven months ahead of schedule

News Staff

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

LANSINGThe Michigan Department of State (MDOS) completed the installation of check-in and booking stations at branch office locations that do not have a full-time staff greeter present, finishing the project seven months ahead of schedule.

State Police Posts to participate in Drug Take Back Day

News Staff

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

LANSINGThe Michigan State Police (MSP) is again taking part in a national initiative that encourages residents to safely dispose of expired and unused prescription pills. All of MSP’s 31 posts will be open on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Beaverton Alumni Association to meet

News Staff

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

BEAVERTONThe Beaverton Alumni Association will be meeting on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 3 p.m. The meeting will be held upstairs in the Room at the Beaverton Activity Center, 106 Tonkin Street, Beaverton.They will have the business meeting where they will discuss the 2026 reunion.

Concerned citizen

News Staff

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

To the Editor:Billings Township residents, there was a decision made at the board meeting held on April 13, 2026, that I believe was not for the benefit of our community. Upon the resignation of the treasurer, the board had to appoint someone to fill that position.

Jaclyn Butler MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE

State gears up for 2030 census count

Karlee Vanant-werp

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

LANSINGFor the 2020 census, Michigan had a 71.3 percent selfresponse rate which was higher than the 67 percent national average, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Beavers strike shot put gold at invite

Scott Salowich

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Agold medal for Tayt Wohlschlegel in the shot put was the performance of the day for the Beaverton boys’ track team Friday at the Ogemaw Heights Falcon Invitational.Wohlschlegel won his event with a throw of 39’7.25 and teammate Caleb Warner was fourth at 31’4.75.

What happens when my dog gets Lyme?

News Staff

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I want to take my 2-year-old dog, “Halley,” on hikes this summer, but I’m terrified that she will get Lyme disease. What will happen to her? -- Jim T., Hyde Park, New York DEAR JIM: I commend you for being concerned about the risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Acoustic telemetry project shows surprising muskie movements

News Staff

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

LANSINGThe Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division has partnered with the Michigan Muskie Alliance, Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System (GLATOS) and Grand Valley State University to track movement of muskellunge in Lake Macatawa (Ottawa County) with acoustic telemetry.

View from the comfy chair

Joel Vernier Joelmvernier@aol.com

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Iwas taking a nap in my “Comfy Chair,” and I began dreaming about a time as a freshman in high school when a friend I used to hang out with and I each bought a bunch of Bazooka Bubble gum, and on a challenge, we each chewed all of the gum in one day.

PIECE BY PIECE

News Staff

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

The Lodge at the Gladwin County Recreation Area hosted a jigsaw puzzle competition Saturday that drew a field of 12 teams vying for $200 in prize money.

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