Fruitport News

A single can of spray paint ultimately caused a $50,000 house fire last month in Fruitport Township, the chief said today, Dec. 3. Fruitport Township Public Safety Director Ken Doctor said that the Nov. 22 fire at a tri-level home in the 5000 block of Pontaluna Road started after a full can of spray paint was knocked over.

The incident, which will be reviewed by the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office, allegedly happened around 10:15 a.m. on Nov. 27. Police were called to an "active fight in the roadway" near the intersection of Fruitport Road and South Walker Road in the township, according to authorities.

Fruitport Township police arrested the woman Wednesday when security devices on the valuables triggered an alarm at The Lakes Mall store.

State Rep. Collene Lamonte, D-Montague, recently announced coffee hour events during the month of December, where residents are invited to a cup of coffee and to talk about state government.

Tis the season for giving as area fire and police officials come together in Fruitport Township to help out families in the area.

Police say a woman's attempt to foil anti-shoplifting devices at The Lakes Mall by lining her purse with foil - then walking right past uniformed police officers investigating an earlier shoplifting report - failed.

Muskegon County Circuit Court Judge Annette Smedley and Roosevelt Park City Manager Anthony Chandler are just two of the twelve local dignitaries, business leaders and people of interest who will help raise money for local food pantries through the annual "Dancing with the Local Stars" event in February next year.

Police say a woman's attempt to foil anti-shoplifting devices at The Lakes Mall by lining her purse with foil - then walking right past uniformed police officers investigating an earlier shoplifting report - failed.

For those who dream of complete political consolidation of Muskegon-area local governments, the incremental sharing of local services is probably too slow and too little.

As shoppers and retailers await Black Friday and the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season, the stores in and around The Lakes Mall in Fruitport Township and Norton Shores have had a steady year already.

The slide-offs and vehicle accidents that created morning commute madness in Muskegon County on Monday is a sure indication winter in West Michigan has arrived.

Fruitport Township Public Safety Director Ken Doctor said the fire caused about $50,000 worth of damage to a home in the 5000 block of Pontaluna Road.

A lengthy investigation that led authorities from Muskegon County to Mason County resulted in the arrest of a Ludington couple recently for allegedly stealing an elderly woman's purse.

Panhandlers standing alongside the highway, holding signs for food and money, may not always get a handout but most often grab the attention of passing motorists.

Todd Geerlings, a former Mona Shores administrator, is leaving his position as superintendent of Hastings Public Schools to become a new principal at Muskegon Catholic Central.

Muskegon Area District Library Director Stephen Dix on Wednesday, Nov. 20 survived a motion to let his contract expire at the end of 2013.

The Fruitport Township Police Department is investigating the death of a 54-year-old male subject discovered in a wooded area in the 5200 block of S. Quarterline Road in Fruitport Township.

Tammi Lynne Spofford, the mother of trooper-killer suspect Eric John Knysz, has been arraigned on felony charges that she helped her son steal a car to flee after he allegedly shot Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield.

Fruitport Township Police Detective Lt. Bruce Morningstar said the body of an adult man was located in a wooded area of the township.

A panel led by state Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright and state Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer met in Muskegon Monday night to discuss the state of education in Michigan.