Water weeds overtaking Spring Lake

Submitted by WZZM13, News Staff

Friday, August 27th, 2010, 6:49pm

SPRING LAKE, Mich. (WZZM)-- The summer weather has been great for those who live on or spend time enjoying Spring Lake. But all the sunlight is also adding to what some say is the biggest weed problem in a decade.

"It has come on strong this year," says Emil VanCura of Ferrysburg.

He says the weeds blanketing the lake bottom are almost solid near her dock.

"[It's] the worst I have seen it since [19]90," she says.

But the out of control Milfoil weed growth isn't just on his side of the lake. Spring Lake President John Nash sees it behind his home too.

"Who was to expect a summer like this," Nash says. "I think because of the unusual warmth and some heavy rain events, we have had more weed growth then we have had in previous summers."

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Submitted by Pamela Rankin, WZZM 13 Marketing Manager

Friday, August 27th, 2010, 10:59am

A Grand Haven dentist will give provide free dental work Saturday for the third year in a row.

Darren Riopelle, DDS, will host a "free day of smiles" at his office at 1203 S. Beechtree St. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dental work will be provided to anyone who needs it, regardless of age or income.

The event is organized by Dentistry from the Heart, a national non-profit organization that provides free dental care. Several local businesses and individuals have also provided support.

Riopelle has served over 150 patients in years past. More information is available online at www.smilegrandhaven.com or at www.dentistryfromtheheart.org

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Submitted by Pamela Rankin, WZZM 13 Marketing Manager

Friday, August 27th, 2010, 10:13am

Why does Grand Haven have a construction sign up right now indicating that the sidewalks are closed? Plenty of people are walking on the sidewalks. After all, it is summer in downtown Grand Haven and the weather has been fantastic!

I noticed the sign while sitting in the "Grand" Restaurant the other evening, enjoying their delightful Spicy Crab Roll and a Lemon Drop. (They make the best fresh Lemon Drops and if you have not tried one, put it on your list). The "Sidewalk Closed" sign was in full view of my quaint & romantic window table.

Yes - the sidewalk and road construction is talking place in downtown Grand Haven, everyone knows it, but folks are still enjoying the great restaurants, meeting the out of townee's, the view of the boats on the channel and our one and only historical musical fountain.

So, my question is: Do you care that the sidewalks in downtown Grand Haven are closed?

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Submitted by WZZM13, News Staff

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010, 3:58pm

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WZZM/G.H. Tribune) - A 76-year-old Northern Michigan man is dead after an apparent drowning at Grand Haven State Park.

Police identified the victim as Richard Habermas of Lake Ann, about 15 miles west of Traverse City. He and his wife were vacationing in the Grand Haven area.

The incident happened around 3 p.m. Thursday, investigators say.

Habermas' wife says the couple was in the water together when they were hit by a large wave. The wave separated Habermas from his wife, and he began to struggle in the water. His wife was unable to pull him to shallower water, and Habermas was pulled under.

Our partner, the Grand Haven Tribune, is reporting bystanders on the beach went into the water to search for Habermas. A man on a surf board helped the victim's wife get back to shore.

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Submitted by WZZM13, News Staff

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010, 3:58pm

HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM) - The Ottawa County Health Department says they have observed elevated E. coli bacteria levels at the Lakeside Beach in Spring Lake and have issued a Public Health Advisory. The results were from a Wednesday test.

Additional samples will be collected next week.

The Health Department recommends that if you do choose to swim, you should:

•Avoid getting lake water in the mouth
•Have young children wear clean swim diapers
•Make sure children use restrooms before swimming
•Do not let sick people swim
•Wash your hands after being in the water or touching the sand
•Do not swim if the water looks or smells polluted
•Avoid swimming after a heavy rainfall
•Do not feed the seagulls
•Do not litter
•Shower when you get home

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Submitted by WZZM13, News Staff

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010, 3:58pm

HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM)- The state park in Holland has not suffered a drowning yet this summer, but the Ottawa County Sheriff's Marine Division Chief fears that could change before summer ends.

"I'm very concerned," Sgt. Keith Koeman said Friday.

Warm, sunny days have brought Lake Michigan water temperatures to above 70 degrees for over a month. Combine that with a large number of no-swim "red flag" days, and the result has been a record number of drowning deaths in the big lake.

21 of the 65 deaths have been attributed to rip currents that can exhaust even strong swimmers. Many beaches have posted information on dealing with rip currents. Sgt. Koeman says swimmers caught in a rip current should let it carry them out and swim parallel to the shore until they escape.

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Submitted by WZZM13, News Staff

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010, 3:55pm

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WZZM) - When an animal rights group wanted to take over Grand Haven's lighthouses the city stepped up to claim its historic icons.

PETA wanted to post signs encouraging the humane treatment of fish. But recently, the federal government agreed to transfer the lighthouse to the city's care, and with a little patching and fundraising, visitors will soon be able to step inside.

At Grand Haven's lakeshore, sunshine and waves take center stage, but just down the way are the city's true shinning gems. The rubies are two lighthouses that have been the guiding boaters into port since the turn of the century.

But the once beacons of light, are now empty and dark. David Karpin is now the caretaker.

Karpin says, "I took care of lighthouses in the coastguard for twenty years and I've been attracted to lighthouses since I was a small kid."

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