Traverse City Record-Eagle

Michigan

March 20, 2010

Michigan in Brief: 03/21/2010

Freighters stuck in ice in Port Huron

PORT HURON -- The U.S. Coast Guard says two freighters got stuck in ice near the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron.

Frank Frisk, a consultant for the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron, told the Times Herald that winds shifted an 11-mile-long section of ice into the commercial shipping channel on Saturday.

The freighter Alpena got stuck Saturday morning and was freed by tug boats. The freighter Edgar B. Speer was held up by the ice Saturday afternoon, and another freighter waited for ice to clear before traveling on the St. Clair River.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard planned to break ice in the area today and Monday if needed.

Plans move forward for casino

FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP -- Plans to build a casino at the former Great Lakes Downs horse track are moving forward.

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the tribal government of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians on Friday announced an agreement that represents a major step in the effort for a casino in Muskegon County's Fruitport Township.

The Muskegon Chronicle and the Ludington Daily News report two amendments to the tribe's current gambling compact have been agreed upon. The effort also needs approval from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.

A third amendment needs approval from the state House and Senate.

Union votes to ratify contract

LANSING -- Members of a union representing 17,000 state workers in Michigan have voted to ratify a contract agreement that includes concessions but avoids 10 unpaid days off in 2010.

The union said on its Web site 2,522 voted yes and 1,923 voted no. The Lansing State Journal reports votes were counted Friday.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm's administration had imposed the furlough days after the state and United Auto Workers Local 6000 failed to reach an agreement on concessions, but a new agreement was reached.

Under the agreement, union members must set aside 26 hours that they would bank for future payment after this budget year. Granholm has been trying to wring $50 million in savings from state workers.

The union also is planning a rally Tuesday at the State Capitol.

Text Only