Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Northern Michigan

Thursday, June 06, 2013  The new law makes sure the state performs a monthly match of records to make sure welfare recipients haven't died or are in prison.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013  UPDATE: Big Rapids Public Safety officials say the man left a meeting in the building and shot himself in the hand.

Thursday, November 29, 2012  Seven colleges and universities in Michigan are sharing an $800,000 grant to provide former foster youth with a support program to help them succeed in higher education.

Friday, October 07, 2011  It may feel like spring, but winter is just around the corner. For a lot of people, that means higher utility bills.

Thursday, September 29, 2011  The Michigan Public Service Commission will be hosting a forum for residents in Crawford County Thursday.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011  After winning $2 million jackpot, a downstate man continues to get food assistance.  Do you think people who win a lump sum of money should have to pay back any welfare they've received?

Friday, May 06, 2011  A state senator is calling for a crackdown on what he calls abuse of the state's food assistance program.  He says people are using their Bridge Card's at vacation hotspots such as Hawaii, Florida and even on cruise ships.

Thursday, April 07, 2011  Did you know between 2009 and 2010, the only crime that increased in the State of Michigan was non-aggravated assault to vulnerable adults? We found a man who has a mission to help keep elders and vulnerable adults safe for April’s “Your Town Hero.”

Monday, April 04, 2011  In a scene reminiscent to Wisconsin and Ohio, more than a hundred state workers, teachers, and retirees filled the sidewalks in front of the Grand Traverse County Department of Human Services.

Thursday, February 17, 2011  The Department of Human Services will face some cuts under Governor Rick Snyder's budget proposal.

Thursday, December 09, 2010  Sherry Loar-Trudell says she's represented thousands of home-based day care providers who were forced into unions. She's hoping the state's highest court hears her plea.

Thursday, October 14, 2010  A Northern Michigan daycare provider is not giving up her fight against the state. She says business owners like herself should not be forced to be part of a union.

Friday, September 24, 2010  The Michigan Court of Appeals again has rejected a lawsuit seeking to stop the unionization of 40,000 at-home child-care providers.

Monday, February 22, 2010  State workers say a record number of people need public assistance. That help is getting delayed because the Department of Human Services says it needs more staff.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009  The recent cool weather not only has people turning on their heat but also turning to agencies for help with heating bills.  The Father Fred Foundation in Traverse City says requests are already up 25% from this time last year and they expect that number to rise.