• Today's Great American Smokeout urges smokers to try to give up the habit
Kathy Linda, a certified surgical technician, and Lois Bickham, a unit support associate, stand shivering in the cold, just like they do three times a day.

• Larger-than-expected crowd receives needed services at Project Connect
It was evident early on, as Bay County residents began lining up an hour early in

• Motor spins with magnets and batteries
Tim Wheeler seems to have done the impossible, inventing an electromagnetic engine that runs almost on its own.

• Jury seated, attorneys make opening arguments
It took five hours, but seven jurors eventually took an oath to render a just verdict in the misdemeanor domestic violence case against Bay City businessman Arthur P. Dore.

• Group requesting Great Lakes bailout
First it was Wall Street, then the automakers.

• Nominations sought for MLK award

• MAYOR BRUNNER
Charles M. Brunner went from Bay City mayor to lobbyist on Tuesday, journeying to Washington, D.C., to push for federal help for the ailing U.S. auto industry.

• Food pantries say demand for help is great this year as economy struggles
This year, it's more than just Bay County residents seeking holiday help for food and necessities.

• I-75 crash destroys cancer-scanning machine
A crash that destroyed a $4 million medical device will delay tests for some mid-Michigan residents waiting to determine if they have cancer or when they can start treatment.

• Dore demands trial on domestic violence charge
Bay City businessman Art Dore says a quarrel has been blown out of proportion, and now it will be up to a jury to decide. A trial was to begin today on a domestic violence charge against the 72-year-old Toughman impresario and local club owner.

• Company to pay $1.7M for abandoning toxic equipment

• So long, Empire House
Jay Patel says he has invested $90,000 not only to change the face of the Empire House Motel, but to change its image.

• Standish hires new city manager and treasurer
STANDISH - Standish City Council members voted 6-0 on Monday to hire Michael J. Moran III as the new city manager.

• Hunters begin paying the price for bait piles
STERLING - These are not happy days for hunter Richie Cunningham.

• MORE WIND PROJECTS
UBLY - Forty-six turbines are being tested at Michigan's second commercial wind park in Huron County, and towers that could support more windmills are being installed in Tuscola and Mason counties.

• Environmental groups forecast end of coal projects
Environmental groups say a recent federal ruling on regulating greenhouse gases will kill plans for permitting new coal-fired power plants in Michigan.

• Size does matter as plaque issue is put to rest
The Bay City Commission has adopted a resolution that plaques given to past mayors and commission presidents shall measure 9 inches by 12 inches, and those given to retiring city employees shall be 8 inches by 10 inches.

• All Saints principal taking new post at Virginia school
The principal of Bay City All Saints Central High School has resigned his post, having accepted a position as principal at St. Michael the Archangel High School in Fredericksburg, Va.

• A popular pony departs - temporarily
Meijer Inc. hasn't put its famous filly out to pasture.

• Memorial celebration today for Michigan poet Al Hellus
Fellow poets and friends of the late Al Hellus plan to celebrate his life at 7 p.m. today with a party at Perry's Schuch Hotel, 303 N. Hamilton in

• Shannon elected commission president