Gratiot County Herald

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Ithaca, MI
Gratiot County Herald

Providing news and sports to Gratiot County since 1871.

06/02/2026

On newsstands tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3. Local subscribers ($1 per week for a one-year subscription) can expect the newspaper to be in their mailbox on Thursday.

05/27/2026

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY: Harmful Algal Bloom Suspected at Hubscher Park

A harmful algal bloom is suspected at Paul Hubscher Park in Sumner after testing showed the presence of microcystin, prompting the Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) to recommend people and pets avoid affected areas of the lake.

The advisory was issued Wednesday after routine beach monitoring at the county park, according to Brady Guilbault, public information officer for MMDHD.

Microcystin is a toxin produced by some blue-green algae that can pose health risks to people and animals, particularly if contaminated water is swallowed.

Algae are naturally occurring plant-like organisms found in water, but blooms can form quickly during periods of warm temperatures, sun and high nutrient levels, Guilbault said. They can appear as foam, scum, surface mats, clumps, a green sheen or streaks that look like spilled paint.

Most blooms are harmless, but some produce toxins poisonous to humans, animals and aquatic life. Because harmful blooms cannot always be identified by sight, Guilbault advises people to stay out of the water when there is any doubt.

Visitors should obey posted advisory signs or beach closings, keep away from affected water and shoreline, and rinse with fresh water after any contact with affected areas, he said.

Exposure can cause diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, weakness, numbness, tingling fingers, dizziness, difficulty breathing, asthma-like symptoms, runny eyes and nose, allergic reactions and sore throat, Guilbault said. Skin contact can cause rashes, blisters or hives. Anyone who develops symptoms should contact a doctor.

Animals, especially dogs, can become ill or die after exposure. Signs of illness include vomiting, diarrhea, staggered walking and convulsions.

05/26/2026

On newsstands tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27. Local subscribers ($1 per week for a one-year subscription) can expect the newspaper to be in their mailbox on Thursday.

05/19/2026

On newsstands tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20. Local subscribers ($1 per week for a one-year subscription) can expect the newspaper to be in their mailbox on Thursday.

05/12/2026

On newsstands tomorrow, Wednesday, May 13. Local subscribers ($1 per week for a one-year subscription) can expect the newspaper to be in their mailbox on Thursday.

05/05/2026

On newsstands tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6. Local subscribers ($1 per week for a one-year subscription) can expect the newspaper to be in their mailbox on Thursday.

04/28/2026

On newsstands tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29. Local subscribers ($1 per week for a one-year subscription) can expect the newspaper to be in their mailbox on Thursday

04/21/2026

On newsstands tomorrow, Wednesday, April 22. Local subscribers ($1 per week for a one-year subscription) can expect the newspaper to be in their mailbox on Thursday.

04/17/2026

Fatal Pine River Twp Crash Kills St. Louis Man

An 88-year-old St. Louis man died and three other people were seriously injured after a two-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon at the intersection of North State Road and West Jackson Road in Pine River Township, according to the Gratiot County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Tom Clark said deputies were dispatched at about 3:45 p.m. A preliminary investigation found a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox driven by a 36-year-old Crystal woman was attempting a U-turn at the intersection when it was struck by a 2011 GMC Terrain driven by a 53-year-old St. Louis woman.

Clark said the deceased was one of the Terrain’s passengers and succumbed to serious injuries at MyMichigan Medial Center in Alma.

Improper turning and lack of restraint use appear to have been factors in the crash and fatality, according to Clark.

The names of those injured and killed were being withheld pending family notification and further investigation.

Assisting at the scene were the Michigan State Police, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Gratiot County Animal Control, St. Louis Fire and Rescue, MMR, Gratiot Towing, Gratiot County Central Dispatch and the Mid-Michigan Medical Examiner Group.

04/14/2026

On newsstands tomorrow, Wednesday, April 15. Local subscribers ($1 per week for a one-year subscription) can expect the newspaper to be in their mailbox on Thursday.

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Ithaca, MI

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http://www.gcherald.com/

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