Our network

News

New attractions on the lakeshore for Memorial Day

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) -- More than a million Michigan drivers will hit the road for the upcoming Holiday weekend. If you're undecided on your destination, there are a few new attractions on the lakeshore you might want to consider visiting.

Muskegon State Park is a great place to camp or swim, and now the park has a new amenity attracting attention.

It a yurt with room for seven adults. The all season tent has natural light and comfortable sleeping accommodations.

"There is a skylight to look at the stars," says Kevin Klco, an employee at Muskegon State Park, "and hand-made log cedar beds."

The yurt is close to the beach and rents for $60 per night, providing vacationers a new kind of "roughing it."

"During the summer you can use the modern restroom facilities and the hot showers," says Klco.

New at Michigan's Adventure is the Lake Side Gliders, a "flash-back ride" reminiscent of attractions from the 1940s or 50s.

Second woman investigated for false Heeringa fundraiser

ROOSEVELT PARK, Mich. (WZZM) -- The case against a second woman, accused of falsely collecting money for the family of Jessica Heeringa, is on its way to the Muskegon County prosecutor.

Roosevelt Park Police are not releasing the suspect's name, but say she's a local woman in her 50s.

Officers are trying to determine if this latest case is connected to another fundraising scheme allegedly involving 56-year-old Joann Vaughn. Investigators say Vaughn stood outside the Roosevelt Park Walmart and a nearby strip mall, asking for donations on behalf of Heeringa's four-year-old son. Vaughn is facing one count of larceny by false pretenses. Police say both suspects claim they do not know each other.

Heeringa disappeared from her job at a Norton Shores gas station on April 26. Police believe she was abducted. They continue to follow credible leads about her disappearance

Man arrested for shooting girlfriend

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) - A Muskegon man is facing charges after police say he shot his girlfriend and tried to shoot her sister.

Darrius Lavelle Brown, 22, will be charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder.

Police believe the shootings took place inside a home in the 1400 block of Hoyt Street.  Officers say Brown got into a fight with his 22-year-old girlfriend, then pulled out a gun, shooting her twice.

She was taken to Hackley Hospital and is expected to recover.  Police say Brown also fired at his girlfriend's sister, but missed her.

Brown arrived at the hospital with a single gunshot wound and is expected to recover. Police are not looking for any other suspects in the crime.

Prosecutors say Brown has a long criminal history and was on parole at the time of the shootings.

New 14th Circuit Court judge named

New 14th Circuit Court judge named

MUSKEGON, Mich.—Governor Snyder is naming a new judge to the 14th Circuit Court in Muskegon County.

Muskegon native Kathy Hoogstra will finish out Judge John C. Ruck’s term.  Hoogstra has served as a Muskegon County Probate Court administrator and register since 2007. She previously served as the Muskegon County Family Court referee and contract attorney/public defender, as well as judicial law clerk for the Muskegon County Circuit Court. 

 Hoogstra is also an active member of the Muskegon County Bar Association and Women’s Lawyer’s Association of Michigan, Lakeshore Region.

Police get high-priority tips in search for Jessica

NORTON SHORES, Mich. (AP) - Police looking for a 25-year-old woman who disappeared from her job at a West Michigan gas station last month say they're investigating high-priority tips received over the weekend.

Details aren't being released. Norton Shores police Chief Dan Shaw says that "every piece of information we get is beneficial." Shaw says there are a "couple tips" about the case of Jessica Heeringa that have been actively investigated since Sunday.

Heeringa disappeared April 26 before she was set to close the station in Norton Shores, near Muskegon. Police said there was no indication of a robbery, and a task force is investigating. Police have released a description of a silver minivan and a man seen in the area.

 

Dispute over motorcycle safety signs

NORTON SHORES, Mich. (WZZM) --  May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

One Norton Shores resident is trying to promote that, but he and the city disagree on one detail.

It's creating a stir among the Lakeshore motorcycle community. Joe Kidd is one of the few with two views of the road.

One is from his Harley; the other is from long hours in his semi-truck.

He's seen his fair share of accidents, and near-accidents, involving motorcycles.

Mona Shores student wins car in Ride with Pride contest

NORTON SHORES, Mich. (WZZM) -- A Junior at Mona Shores High School no longer has to ask to borrow her parents' car.

17-year old Paige Wissner now has her own Ford Fusion. The car was the grand prize for the year-long Ride with Pride event.

Prosecutors, police, and Norton Shores merchants worked together to encourage the students at Mona Shores to pledge to stay off drugs, earn good grades, and practice safe driving habits.

"It will be a big help to me because I am going to go to cosmetology school and I needed a car, so I am super excited," said Paige Wissner.

Dozens of other students won other prizes for food, iPods, and gift cards.