Military flare found on beach

GRANT TWP. — A military flare shell washed up on a northern Mason County beach was discovered earlier today resulted in the Michigan State Police bomb squad responding, along with fire and police personnel.

Grant Twp. Fire Chief Ron Melchert described the shell as 4- or 6-inches. His department was dispatched around noon after a resident found the shell and then called 911. The item, in a metal box, was marked “do not touch.”

A Mason County Sheriff deputy with military experience identified the flare.

MCP spoke with Melchert about 5:30 p.m. At that time he said the bomb squad was expected to disarm the flare. Melchert said attempts to get the military to respond were unsuccessful.