A car accident in Ionia County today has left one dead. Around 7:15 this morning on M-66 and Grand River Ave. a mercury mystic and a semi collided. A 43 year old Portland woman who was driving a Mercury Mystic collided with a 52 year old male from Wyoming Michigan who was driving a semi tractor-trailer. The Mercury was stopped at the stop sign at westbound Grand River Ave. and when the driver began to cross the northbound lanes of M-66 she was struck by the northbound semi tractor-trailer.

Michigan State Police have confirmed that preliminary reports indicate eight people lost their lives in eight separate traffic crashes during the 2011 lifesaver holiday weekend. In comparison, five people died in five traffic crashes during the 2010 lifesaver holiday weekend. Alcohol was not a known factor in any of the fatal crashes, but three of the eight victims were known to have not used restraints. (MRN)

Fatal traffic crashes around the thanksgiving holiday in the state were down slightly this year. Michigan State Police say preliminary reports indicate six people lost their lives in six separate traffic crashes during the thanksgiving holiday weekend. in comparison, 10 people died in traffic crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend a year ago. two of the victims were pedestrians. of the other four victims, it could be determined that two were wearing seat belts and one was unrestrained. (MRN)

A Michigan State Police Trooper assigned to the Lakeview Post, has been arrested and arraigned in connection to the death of 16 year old Zachary Barber. 36-year old Daniel Parker is charged with manslaughter with a motor vehicle, moving violation causing death and moving violation causing serious impairment of bodily function.

Michigan State Police are making it clear: if you're caught driving under the influence you will go to jail. The Office of Highway Safety Planning launched its "Drunk driving. Over the limit. Under arrest" ad campaign Monday to warn motorists of an upcoming statewide crackdown on drunk driving. The ads are meant to drive home the fact that a DUI conviction stays with a person long after the initial arrest, with the loss of driving privileges and the multitude of fines, fees, lawyer bills and higher insurance rates that come because of it. (MRN)