Hundreds of Millions In Michigan Unclaimed Money

Michigan is home to a lot of pop culture icons- the 'Motown' music label, Madonna ( hailing from Bay City), Diana Ross ( a native of Detroit), Eminem, Stevie Wonder, Bob Seger... the list of topnotch musical artists goes on. It's also home to the automobile capital of the world- Detroit, affectionately known to natives as Motor City (hence the term 'Motown') and 'The World's Cereal Bowl'- Battle Creek, MI which is homebase of the Kellog's company. Certainly, a lot of assets essential to American culture have come-out of the 'Wolverine State'. There are lesser-known assets in the state that even most residents don't know about though- hundreds of millions of dollars in Michigan unclaimed money! These monies are just sitting-around in the Michigan Unclaimed Property Department instead of in the pockets of the owners of the lost financial assets.

According to the State Treasurer's office, "The Michigan Department of Treasury has millions of dollars in lost or forgotten assets from dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes and stock certificates. Because these properties were considered abandoned and unclaimed by the bank or company entrusted with them, they are turned over to the state, as required by law. The Michigan Department of Treasury is the custodian of these assets and returns them to their owners (or the owners' heirs) when they are rightfully claimed. "

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The owners of Michigan unclaimed properties may have forgotten about their assets while moving to another city or getting new jobs. This is quite common in the fast-paced lifestyle we are all living now, and leaving behind things like forwarding addresses is quite common. Consequently, mailed checks and notices often don't reach the addressees and are returned to the sender (the IRS or businesses and financial institutions) where they stay until the 'dormancy period' passes, and law requires that these properties be turned over to the state. In Michigan this period is 5 years for most unclaimed funds.

All residents and former residents of the state should do a search for unclaimed money in Michigan- with hundreds of millions of dollars up for grabs, the odds are good that they may be owed money. It's quite surprising whose names have come-up on the missing money list. Aretha Franklin, Marshall (Eminem) Mathers, and even Domino's Pizza magnate Thomas Monaghan's names have showed-up on the Michigan unclaimed property owners list.

Since it is a 'custodian state', there is no time limit for Michigan unclaimed funds to be claimed. In a report on MI unclaimed property by ABC's WZZM 13, the Michigan State Department of Treasury's Gonzalo Llano said "The funds stay here forever until they are claimed by either the property owner or their heirs should the property owner be deceased," But don't you think the lost money would be more comfortable snug in their owner's pockets than dumped in some cold, dingy State general fund? Learn how to perform an exhaustive search, and locate all possible Michigan unclaimed money owed to you now!

Hundreds of Millions In Michigan Unclaimed Money

Fun Indoor Water Park Hotels in Michigan

If you want to take the kids to an indoor water park hotel, Michigan has the most out of any other state. For some reason, Michigan has become a hotspot for indoor water parks and is home to seven such hotels, with plans for another two. The majority are close to the border and very family-focused.

To learn more about the most popular indoor water park hotels in Michigan, read on.

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Great Wolf Family Lodge (Traverse City, MI)

Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City is part of a chain of family resorts in North America that caters to local family vacations. Each of their hotels offers visitors massive indoor water parks and family suites designed to afford parents privacy. They have lots of kid activities and are very focused on safety.

Great Wolf's biggest drawback, though, is the price. For a family of four, you should expect to pay close to 0 a night for a family suite. You'll also be paying for meals on top of this, so budget accordingly. And, if you plan to travel to a Great Wolf Lodge over a holiday weekend or during the summer holidays, then book early and expect a crowd.

The Gold Rush Water Park

Just five miles from Lake Michigan and the draw of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Gold Rush and the Double JJ Ranch and Resort is the perfect launching pad for families who want to explore the dunes.

You'll pay less than what you would at other water park hotels and resorts in the area, but the rooms are definitely smaller and somewhat outdated. You'll typically pay around 0 for a room.

Avalanche Bay at the Boyne Mountain Resort

The Boyne Mountain Resort is unique in that it combines a ski resort with an incredible water park and on-site spa. So, dad can spend the day skiing, mom can hit the spa and the older kids can enjoy a day at the water park. In the summer, you'll also find hiking and biking trails along with a public golf course with reasonable green fees.

At Boyne Mountain, there are two accommodation options. These include the budget rooms at Boyne Mountain (starting at ) and also higher-end rooms in the Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa. These rooms are directly connected to the water park for easy access.

If you're looking for an indoor water park hotel, Michigan clearly has numerous options that can appeal to any family at almost any budget. From high-end to budget-friendly, these three hotels represent the best of each.

Fun Indoor Water Park Hotels in Michigan

Michigan Non-Compete Basics

We live in a highly competitive world where highly paid executives and business persons gain access to corporate trade information and knowledge, customer lists and other proprietary information. Unlike prior times, these executives and other employees are highly mobile, moving between companies and jobs, even between competitors. Michigan courts and the Michigan legislature ave recently tried to deal with the realities of our 21rst century marketplace in dealing with the enforceability of non-compete agreements.

In Michigan, the validity of non-compete agreements is governed by section 4a of the Michigan Antitrust Reform Act, a statute passed by the Legislature in 1987, as well as the many cases interpreting that statute. Together, the statute and the case law set forth the parameters defining those agreements that are enforceable and those that are not. The statute seeks to strike a compromise between the protection of an employer’s competitive business interests and an employee’s right to earn a living. As such, courts interpreting non-compete agreements focus their analysis in four areas:

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The agreement must protect a company’s reasonable competitive business interest. Among the factors in determining whether the agreement protects a reasonable competitive business interest are the employee’s position in the company, compensation paid to that employee and the level and amount of specific competitive information acquired during employment, which may include such areas as trade secrets or special training conferred on the employee.The agreement must be reasonable as to the length of time the employee is prohibited from working in the line of business. Again, each case is 'fact sepcific' and numerous factors are analyzed in determine what is a reasonable length fort non-compete contract.The agreement must be reasonable as to the geographic area the employer seeks to prevent the employee from working in. While the employee’s immediate area of employment would most likely be upheld as a reasonable territorial restriction, wider restrictions require a greater showing that the agreement seeks to protect the employer’s reasonable competitive business interest. The agreement’s restrictions on the type of employment or line of business must be reasonable. Courts will look less favorably on deliberately vague, over-reaching or “blanket” agreements.
Enforcement of Non-Compete Contracts Michigan courts have enforced and will enforce well-drafted agreements on a case-by-case basis, with remedies that include the issuing of restraining orders or injunctions and the awarding of monetary damages. It is important to note that even if one condition of a non-compete agreement is deemed unenforceable, the remainder of the agreement may be valid and enforceable. Businesses of all types, especially those with multi-state operations, must understand that the rules for non-compete agreements vary from state to state. What’s enforceable in Michigan may not be in one of our neighbor states. Moreover, employers should not delay in acting on known breaches of a non-compete agreement. The longer an employer delays between the discovery of unlawful competition and pursuit of a legal remedy, the weaker becomes the employer’s request for injunctive relief.

Like any contract, non-compete agreements define the expectations of each party and are subject to negotiations, depending upon the bargaining strength of the parties. Employers should have legal counsel help draft these agreements to ensure that they meet the employer’s expectations and are enforceable. Employees, on the other hand, should review such agreements carefully to ensure that they understand the restrictions on future employment should they ever leave the company.

Also, be sure to remind those leaving your company of their legal obligations during any exit interview. In this way, employers will strike a favorable, yet serious business tone, while best ensuring that any non-compete agreement can be enforced, should the need arise. I threat letter for any alleged violation is usually the first step to ensure the parties abide by non-compete terms and avoid litigation.

Michigan Non-Compete Basics

Michigan Classic Car Shows

Classic vehicles shows are very popular in Michigan. People in the US and from all around the world gather to admire rare and expensive cars. You can select from 50 plus shows organized annually in Michigan. If you value retro cars, modern vehicles or else you only want to visit a classic auction or show compared to Michigan classic car shows are perfect places where you can find what you are looking for.

One of these exciting Michigan classic car show is the Greenville Corvette Club show which is organized every December. This event targets raising funds and donations for the local children's charities. It displays more than 44 Corvettes all of them being more amazing and incredible than the other. The 2011 edition is scheduled for September 10. So, get ready and don't ignore this unique Michigan classic car show.

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The Kalamazoo Classic Car Show is another Michigan show organized each year in western Michigan. The visitors can register their cars right into a judging competition including several categories like the "favorite kid's choice", the "quality of make" or the "people's choice" category. The winners receive different awards along with a certificate of achievement. All the money come from the entrance fee and the money raised through stalls are donated to local charities.

Another one is the exciting GVSU Car Show that takes place each year since 2004, at the Grand Valley State University. If this was organized for the first time, it was designed for students interested in getting together and referring to cars and information regarding their modifications or repairs. But this event became famous quickly and soon this car show became larger and included food, professional music and even competitions between vehicles.

The Detroit Autorama is yet another Michigan classic car event held every year in February. The wedding is called the "Cavalcade of Customs" by its promoters and features modified and customized cars including classic automobiles, motorcycles, trucks and scooters. The 2011 59th Edition would be a real success displaying amazing classic cars including a 1940 Ford Hardtop, a 1947 Chevrolet Roadster Get and a 1963 Buick Riviera.

The list of this type of event in Michigan includes the Michigan Antique & Collectible Festival organized at the Midland County Fairgrounds. This event is the home from the "Michigan's largest antique, collectible and classic car show". You will find the chance to see amazing and incredible classic vehicles manufactured in different amounts of time as well as in different body styles.

Another Michigan car show is the Oldsmobile Specialty Show, among the largest one-day Oldsmobile-only car show organized in America. The wedding displays more than 500 Oldsmobile vehicles. The R.E Olds Transportation Museum hosts also the vehicle Capital Celebration festival, every year. This event highlights a lot more than 200 classic automobiles which have the chance to win special dash plaques, door prizes and special awards.

The Sparrow Hospice Benefit Car Show is another Michigan show that takes place twice yearly and all the donations and proceeds go to the Sparrow Hospice. The locations where the wedding is organized include the Logan's Roadhouse and also the Chevrolet dealership, Bud Kouts. The cars which take part of the event are historical muscle cars which were manufactured between 1936 and 2006.

The Michigan classic car shows are amazing events that celebrate the elegance and style of classic vehicles. These events are the perfect places in which you and your loved ones can spend some time together and find information about classic cars.

Michigan Classic Car Shows

Michigan Coyote Hunting

Coyotes are found throughout the state of Michigan from big woods and cedar swamps of the Upper Peninsula to the suburban neighborhoods and farmlands of southern Michigan. They are most abundant in the Upper and northern Lower Peninsulas. Every area of the Michigan is experiencing a growing coyote population along with a growing population of coyote hunters.

Coyotes are extremely adaptable and survive in virtually all habitat types common in Michigan. They thrive in areas where adequate food, cover, water and safety are available. Urban areas can also support coyotes that are happy to obtain their food supply from domestic dogs and cats

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The size of a coyote's home range depends on the food and cover resources available and on the number of other coyotes in an area, but it generally averages between 8 and 12 square miles. Coyote mating season in Michigan takes place from mid-January through February into early March. Mated pairs and 4-7 recently born pups occupy the home range during the spring and summer seasons in Michigan

Mating season is prime time to call and hunt coyotes in Michigan. Like whitetail deer, coyotes become more active and territorial during this time. Younger coyotes are often forced out of areas as mated pairs establish breeding territories. With snow on the ground, this can be also be a difficult time for coyotes to find food and are required to increase movement and hunting activity.

Michigan coyote season runs from July 15th through April 15th. Some areas of Michigan have hunting restrictions during deer season and it is best to check the state hunting laws each season. You can also hunt at night in Michigan from October 15th through March 31st.

Calling coyotes with hand held calls or using an electronic game call is the fastest growing hunting sport in Michigan. Coyotes respond to your call out of hunger, territorial issues, social issues or curiosity. Most of your responses will be from hunger and territorial issues.

The majority of all coyotes are called in using prey distress sounds. The good old fashioned rabbit-in-distress sound has probably been used to call in more Michigan coyotes than all the others combined. This proven calling technique will be replaced any time soon.

Using coyote sounds like howling have become more popular for Michigan coyote hunters.

Using coyote sounds for calling can be very effective. Beginners may want to start out with some simple distress calling and learn the basics. It can get a little tricky when you're trying to talk to the coyote in its own language.

Although you can call in coyotes at anytime, the best time to hunt is usually early morning and late evening. Night hunting offers its own set of challenges.

Hunting coyotes in Michigan can be very exciting and challenging. As the population increases so does the opportunity for you to add coyote hunting to your list of hunting activities.

Michigan Coyote Hunting

Need to Sell or Buy Land Contract Houses in Michigan? Get the Facts

Land Contract Houses in Michigan

Land contract houses in Michigan are one option to think about if you want to either buy or sell real estate.

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Many states do not have favorable land contract laws, but Michigan is one that does, which is why such a significant percentage of real estate transactions in this state are done via land contract.

Especially popular are (FSBO) homes for sale by owner land contract Michigan.

A land contract is sometimes called a "contract for deed." This simply a contract between the owner (seller) and buyer. The price is negotiated and agreed upon upfront.

Land contracts give the buyer ownership of the property -- stated differently, the seller gives the buyer equitable title. Payments are made in installments, not all at once.

After all the payments have been made, the seller must then legally hand over the deed to the property.

So, what are the advantages for land contracts?

Well, for starters, closing costs and other fees are, generally speaking, quite a bit lower with land contracts. Typical mortgage loans cost more due to third party fees.

Land contracts help sellers move their property in a soft market, help buyers by lowering their fees, and also attract buyers who can not get qualified for a mortgage yet.

In addition, the buyer who could not get a mortgage through a traditional lender then will have time to improve their credit so that they can qualify for a longer term, lower rate mortgage.

Real estate investors can also benefit quite a bit from land contracts. First, if you are an investor with a property, a land contract may be the way to sell it.

Secondly, investors sometimes -- like we do here at buy-sell-michigan-real-estate.com -- get in contact with sellers who will work on terms and sell via land contract and match them up with buyers who want to purchase the property.

Therefore, if you are a FSBO, real estate agent, or investor (whether you do wholesaling, rehabbing work, or landlording), you can sell via land contract houses in Michigan. Just contact us here and we can probably help you either sell or buy on land contract. What's in it for us? We'll make a small assignment fee for our efforts.

For those who are interested in knowing how payment installments are typically mad with homes for sale by owner land contract Michigan.

It is common for the installment payments to be much like mortgage payments. The amount is often arrived at using a mortgage amortization schedule. Similar to a mortgage, each installment payment is partially allotted to the purchase price and partially to the interest on the unpaid purchase price.

Need to Sell or Buy Land Contract Houses in Michigan? Get the Facts

Michigan Inmate Search

In the Michigan Department of Corrections website you will be able to search about Michigan inmates through the Offender Tracking Information System or OTIS. The OTIS will be able to generate information about inmates who are or were incarcerated, on parole, or probation under the custody of the Michigan Department of Corrections. It also holds information on offenders who have transferred in and out of Michigan under the Michigan State compact and those offenders who have escaped their sentence.

There are certain limitations to the OTIS. These are:

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· It does not contain information that is regarded as confidential by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act.

· It does not contain any information on a person who has been arrested and convicted but not yet sentenced.

· It does not contain information on inmates who are in county jails or city lockups.

· It does not contain information on offenders sentenced to jail. In Michigan, jails are under the counties supervision while prisons are run by the MDOC.

· It does not contain pictures of inmates who were released prior to the taking of electronic photographs.

· It only contains information on inmates who have been under the custody of the Michigan Department of Corrections for the last three years. The Michigan Legislature only requires the MDOC to keep information about inmates on OTIS up until three years after his or her discharge.
Information on inmates is removed from the OTIS database if:

· The conviction has been set aside.

· Information has been expunged by sentencing court.

· Information has been expunged by operation of law.

· Three years have gone by after the inmate's release from the custody of the MDOC.

If you want more information on a particular inmate, there are other websites that can give this to you. By paying a certain amount, you will not be limited to a Michigan inmate search but will be able to search for inmates all over the country.

Michigan Inmate Search

Search Michigan Divorce Records Online

Personal information about people such as life records are usually difficult to get unless you know how. Knowledge about someone is no different. Containing the date and place of divorce, names, alimony, reason for divorce and similar data, it is no wonder that they are considered an important piece of document. Online divorce record websites are established to let the common man like you and I have fast and simple access to divorce records.. Make use of online divorce record search providers to get the data that you are searching for.

In Michigan, USA, divorce information and records provide a large amount of data such as names, place and date of marriage, age, information about any children, property owned, date and reasons for divorce. More information such as credit card numbers, tax returns and alimony paid can also be in a standard divorce record.

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Divorce and marriage records are filed in the county that the divorce took place in, and due to the information they carry, become an important document in a person's life.

Michigan divorce records are categorized as public records and this means that anyone can access and view the divorce information provided they comply with various Vital Records Office regulations.

The State Center for Health Statistics issues certified copies of divorce and marriage records used for various legal reasons like remarriage and immigration. However, if you simply wish to obtain the information on the divorce record you can do so online at various online public record directories.

In the United States, divorce records being public records means that they are not confidential and can be obtained by anyone. Thus County Registry provides this service for an annual fee, a small price for the convenience of obtaining such public record information.

Search Michigan Divorce Records Online

Michigan Criminal Records

The State of Michigan provides for its citizens a number of sources from which people can access information on criminal records. These include the web sites of the Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (mi-mall.michigan.gov/ichat), the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry (www.mipsor.state.mi.us/), and the web site of VineLink Michigan (state code MI, http://www.vinelink.com/). All of these web sites provide important information with regard to the criminal records that are kept by state authorities, which include the personal details of the offenders that have been convicted or fined in Michigan.

However, there is one source of information on criminal records, which do not only provide information on past crimes, but also information on where the offender is at the present. This can be very helpful, especially for firms that want to gain extensive information on the backgrounds of people, which include those on parole. This is because given that searches for criminal records can only be done statewide, a past offender who may have transferred to another state may not be accurately screened as most firms only conduct searches within the state in which they are based. This source is the web site of the Michigan Offender Tracking Information System or OTIS.

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How does OTIS work?

OTIS is designed to provide information about offenders that were previously or currently under the jurisdiction or supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). Given this, any information on the web site can be verified using the database that is in the web site of the MDOC as well. Usually, a search on this web site would result to information that would contain any information about an offender who is or was incarcerated in any Michigan prison and on where the offender is currently located. In addition tot his, the pictures of all persons who have been convicted in Michigan are also included in the database. However, the images of the people who have ongoing cases or those who have not yet been convicted are not included in the database. Moreover, the criminal records of people who have been convicted in Michigan that were ordered expunged or to be locked would not be included in the database.

In addition to information on past convictions and on ongoing cases, the state authorities in Michigan also provide information on the status of the offenders, which include information on the current whereabouts of the offender. This can be very helpful for firms, as this can help them accurately screen their potential employees given that there is always a possibility that a past offender would transfer states.

Michigan Criminal Records

Tips for Lake Michigan Perch Fishing

If you fish the vast waters of Lake Michigan for perch you know how much fun it can be. You also know how difficult it can be to find the fish on some days. I fish out of South Haven MI and try to get on the water 40 days every summer. In sharing some of my experience I hope it helps someone catch more fish.

I like to fish the perch in relation to the water temp and the time of year. Early in the year I find big schools of Perch in 50-65 ft. It may seem hopeless but try to find a depression or something hard on the bottom. In the summer when the water is close to 70 deg f they tend to be in the 20-30 ft range. I have done very well by fishing a small depression maybe 20 foot in diameter. We are talking about a small area that is 1 or 2 feet deeper than the water around it. One thing I have learned is when the water flips(goes from 70 to 50's or 60) many times the perch move into very shallow water. Don't be afraid to move close to shore to find rocks or seaweed. You can even sight fish them in the shallow water. I would not recommend trying this on a rough day. Late summer for me is the most hit and miss time to catch Perch. Drift fishing works well in the late summer. I drift to find a school, and then anchor for a bit. If they quit biting I drift again.

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Anyone who like the taste of fresh perch, and the sport of fishing should try Lake Michigan perch fishing. Remember just because there is a group of boats in one spot does not mean they are catching fish. I have been the only boat in an area many times on days when the group of boats has a total of fish equal to my boats fish. Happy fishing, and if you catch a goby, KILL IT.

Tips for Lake Michigan Perch Fishing

Homes for Sale By Owner Land covenant Michigan

The homes for sale by owner land compact Michigan residents are able to supply to concerned parties a home at an affordable price. A land compact in Michigan is often beneficial for both parties, when conducted in the accurate manner.

There are a whole of instances in which reputable and reliable individuals in Michigan will find themselves in financial problem and facing a potential foreclosure on their home or land. Instead of succumbing to this problem, it is leading that these individuals perceive that hope does not need to be lost in these unfortunate situations.

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Even in these troubling times, there are alternatives ready to these habitancy aside from the foreclosure on their property. A land compact in Michigan can be just the thing to help these people, or anyone that is looking to sell their property swiftly and without consuming a mortgage company.

As a compact between the owner of the property in the state of Michigan and the buyer or purchaser of the aforementioned property, a land compact in Michigan allows the transaction to take place for a pre-determined and specified monetary amount, in exchange for the ownership to the land or home. The purchaser agrees to make the decided upon payments for the property over time to the seller, who is required to hand over the corporeal manifestation of the deed to the property owner or purchaser when the entirety of the land compact has been paid in full.

The laws surrounding the homes for sale by owner land compact Michigan residents must bond to are outlined in a very clear way in these instances. ownership and living rights, for all intents and purposes, are immediately ready to the purchasers of the many ready homes for sale by owner land compact Michigan residents have to offer. In the end, it is the title that is not turned over to the purchasers until the payments have all been made. This is what allows the sellers to profess some collateral when they are in the process of selling their properties. Homes for sale by owner land compact Michigan laws are able to safe sellers in this way.

However, land contracts are also beneficial for concerned buyers as well. For example, buyers who want to own a home but have poor or damaged reputation can often work with sellers on terms. Investors, like us here, can also help educate buyers on ways to repair their reputation and get them the financing they need.

Sometimes bad things happen to good habitancy and person who can make monthly payments and has some money to put down on a home should be able to buy one, even if the bank isn't willing to give out a loan.

he sale of the home in this specific type of contractual bargain , therefore, is able to help all complex parties. Despite the many benefits, there are a whole of states that have, over the years, presented a whole of problems when it comes to manufacture the ownership of a property easy in the form of a land contract.

Homes for Sale By Owner Land compact Michigan

However, a land compact in Michigan is a valid form of property transaction. Homes for sale by owner via land compact in Michigan bring supply to the store as options for potential buyers who would otherwise not be able to buy a home.

As long as the jobber is motivated and willing to work on terms and the buyer has garage earnings to make monthly payments and has a bit of money for a downpayment, a win/win situation can often be structured.

Homes for Sale By Owner Land covenant Michigan