Michigan, Mount Clemens | featured news

Nickelback's Feed The Machine tour shreds the stage 8 p.m. Friday, July 20, at Soaring Eagle Casino, 6800 E., Soaring Eagle Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, $30-89. Visit soaringeaglecasino.com.- Sheri Hunter

Dude! Michiganders have been surfing for decades. Even stand up paddleboarding is not a new phenomenon, evident by the historical photos showing mariners standing in their boats and paddling to destinations rather than rowing there. So, while some might find it surprising that Muskegon is hosting the first Great Lakes Surf Festival on Aug.

DEAR ABBY >> I have guardianship of my 12-year-old grandson. He has recently fallen head over heels for a girl in his class and wants to date her. I am out of touch with the younger generation, and I'm not sure how to answer his questions, like, "Does the boy or girl initiate the kiss?" I would appreciate knowing about any pamphlets or brochures you have for sale on this subject.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Personal improvements will set you on a new and exciting course. Offset anger or aggressive behavior by doing what's right and best for you. Don't fold under pressure. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Stick to the people you know well and who have your best interests at heart.

Q: I own an air conditioning installation and repair business. In the last couple of months, two of my workers retired - and I can't find anyone to replace them. My youngest employee is 45. I'm not sure how long I can stay in business if I can't find good people to take over for workers who decide to hang up their hats.

Q: My daughter and her best friend, rising juniors in college, are living at our home this summer for D.C. internships. The friend is pleasant and respectful in our home but has absolutely atrocious eating habits. She has put on significant weight in the two years we have known her, and she is always bringing sodas and candy into our home, eats a lot late at night, sits around a lot.

I wake up in my new apartment to unfamiliar sensations. Instead of my children emerging from their rooms, slamming open my bedroom door and breathing their hot breath in my face, I hear the footsteps and sneezes of a family above me. I don't see a black-and-white photo of my daughter's infant toes in a silver frame on the bedside table, or stacks of books and mounting piles of laundry in the corner, but bare walls and a bare floor.

Q: My oldest just turned 4. A switch seems to have been flipped on his birthday, and he no longer listens. If it were 1985, I'd probably spank him (or threaten to spank him), but that isn't what we do. What can I do? Sometimes it is a safety issue (staying close in parking lots), and sometimes it is just something that bugs me (dragging his toes while walking).

NAIROBI, Kenya >> The most serious outbreak of the Ebola virus since an epidemic devastated West Africa two years ago, killed 11,000 people and catapulted the disease back into the global consciousness, is almost assuredly over. Out of an abundance of caution, though, health officials will closely monitor the situation for another three weeks before making the final declaration.

Michigan residents are fortunate to grow and buy fresh, local produce throughout summer and fall. According to the Michigan Farmers Market Association, the mitten is home to over 300 farmers markets, reaching residents in nearly every county of the state. Trips to the farmers market can be a fun family tradition and inspire a healthy and diverse diet.