Grand Rapids to Host Attempt to Break Guinness Record

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.) -- Grand Rapids will be the site of a world record attempt later this summer when the Mackinac Bridge Authority and MINI of Grand Rapids try to host the largest parade of Mini Cooper automobiles.

According to a press release from the Michigan Department of Transportation, the rally will take place on Saturday, Aug. 3, and will end with the Mini Coopers driving across the Mackinac bridge, the third-longest suspension bridge in the world. Mini Cooper drivers from all over the country are invited to take part in the event.

The current world record for most Mini Coopers in a parade is 1,450. "We gladly support this attempt at a new world record highlighting Michigan's iconic Mackinac Bridge," said MBA Administrator Bob Sweeney.

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Fire Truck Catches Fire in Station Garage

(PLYMOUTH, Mich.) -- A fire truck that burst into flames on Sunday caused over $500,000 worth of damage.

The fire at Plymouth's Fire Station No. 2 began when a fire truck burst into flames and damaged the station to the point that it cannot be used, says the Detroit Free Press.

The station operated on a paid-on-call basis, meaning the firehouse is not staffed at all times. Police officers who were down the hall from the garage smelled smoke at approximately 4 a.m. and went to investigate, said the Free Press.

Officers quickly called a fire crew and the blaze was contained. No one was injured in the fire and two other vehicles in the garage were rushed out of the danger zone.

According to the Free Press, the fire may have been caused by a mechanical failure. The fire department will be moved to a different station that was shut down 18 months ago, but is still in good shape.

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Detroit Man, 73, Robbed and Killed in Driveway

(DETROIT) -- Authorities are seeking public assistance in the death of a 73-year-old man in Detroit who was shot and killed in his driveway on Wednesday night.

Shortly after Cleveland Hall, 73, pulled into his garage at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, he was approached by a pair of men who robbed and shot him, says the Detroit Free Press.

According to the Free Press, witnesses described the suspects as two black males in their 20s. One of the men was approximately 6-feet-2 inches tall with a skinny build. The other suspect is approximately 5-feet-7 inches tall and approximately 190 pounds with short hair.

Anyone with information regarding the crime or the suspects is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-773-2587.

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Search Begins for State Christmas Tree

(LANSING, Mich.) -- The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget initiated the search for the state Christmas tree on Wednesday.
 
The search for the tree will begin by asking residents to "nominate" a tree. The state requires the tree to be either a spruce or a fir, be at least least 65 feet tall (with a maximum crown of 30 feet and a maximum trunk diameter of 30 inches), be easily accessible from a road with no interference from wires and be available at no cost.

The Chief Deputy Director for the DTMB Phil Jeffery said in a statement, "I know it seems odd to start the search for a Christmas tree at the start of summer. In order to have time to conduct the search and be ready for lighting festivities in November, this is when we need to start the process."

Tree nominations must be submitted by July 31. Individuals wishing to nominate a tree must send their name, telephone number, a photograph of the tree and information about its size and location to ChristmasTree@michigan.gov. Submissions can also be mailed to: Holiday Tree Search, Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget Facilities Administration, Building Operations Division, P.O. Box 30026, Lansing, MI  48909.

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Gov. Snyder Signs Bill to Aid Child Abuse Investigations

(LANSING, Mich.) -- On Tuesday Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill that makes it easier for law enforcement to investigate child abuse.

House Bill 4050, now Public Act 38 of 2013, allows the state's Office of Children's Ombudsman to share information from investigations related to child deaths with law enforcement officials, as well as restore the ombudsman’s subpoena power to aid in investigations.

"This is a good bill that will help law enforcement and the Children's Ombudsman to better protect children and bring justice to those who abuse them," Snyder said.

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