MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) -- Muskegon Police and the Department of Natural Resources are asking residents to give space to a black bear that swam into the city from North Muskegon around 7 a.m. Monday.

The bear is believed to be a 200 pound young male; he is likely resting in a wooded area along the shore of Muskegon Lake. A bear expert thinks the bear will try to get outside the city limits Monday night.

Scott Shelagowski of Muskegon was fishing for bass at Pointe Marine Monday morning, not too far from Muskegon State Park. What he caught was a close encounter with a much larger animal.

"Heard something and it was a black bear right behind me about 30 yards. I seen him go through the boats rather quickly and he was swimming in the lake," said Shelagowski.

By the time he got his camera the bear was in the water and already heading to the side of Muskegon Lake with fewer places to go unnoticed.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— Grand Rapids is getting another tribute to the men behind Meijer Stores.

On May 8, the Michigan Historical Commission approved a marker to honor Hendrik and Fred Meijer, who in 1962 became the first grocers to combine two popular retail models—discount department stores and supermarkets—into a single store on 28th Street, called “Thrifty Acres.”  The Meijers then took their model to Holland and Muskegon. 

Meijer now has nearly 200 stores across the Midwest, including Kalamazoo, Walker, Wyoming, Jenison, Rockford, Plainfield Township, Forest Hills, Lowell, Grandville, Kentwood, Grand Haven and Greenville, where Hendrik Meijer opened his very first store in the 1930s.

The new historical marker will be added to more than 1,700 green and gold signs found across the state, that chronicle the people, places and events that make Michigan’s heritage unique and unforgettable.  The historical markers are nominated by spons

MUSKEGON, Mich.-- The Lakeshore Art Festival is still looking for additional exhibitors for the Michigan Food Market and fine art categories of watercolor, oils, sculpture, and digital art. 

The Lakeshore Art Festival will no longer be accepting jewelry exhibitors, however applications for street performers of all varieties are still being accepted!

The Lakeshore Art Festival is July 5 and July 6. Look for more information at www.lakeshoreartfestival.org.  If you are interested in sponsorships or volunteering, please send an email to artfest@muskegon.org.