Metro/State Briefs

Co-founder of public relations firm dies at 67

The Detroit News

Farmington Hills -- Fred Marx, co-founding partner of Marx Layne & Co. public relations and marketing firm, died Sunday of heart failure in his home, the company said.

Marx, 67, formed the Farmington Hills company with his business partner Michael Layne in 1987.

"Fred was a wonderful friend and business partner," said Layne in a statement Sunday. "He deeply loved his wife and children. He loved people and was genuinely interested in them. Everybody knew Fred Marx and Fred knew everybody. He loved work." A Denver native, Marx had a lengthy career in the retail industry. He worked for Jacobson's, Macy's, Federated and Dayton Hudson retail corporations before forming Marx Layne. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills.

Mich. minister returns to church after attack

Highland Park-- A Michigan minister who was stabbed in the neck, arms and chest by a burglar returned to the pulpit after weeks of recovery.

The Rev. Kevin Ramsby, executive minister at the Revival Tabernacle Church on Woodward near McNichols, told the congregation in Highland Park on Sunday that he has forgiven his attacker and would like to pray with him once he's arrested.

Ramsby was attacked in his home Aug. 4. Police are still looking for the intruder.

'Mighty Mac' marks birth with free fares

St. Ignace-- Mackinac Bridge authorities celebrated the span's 52nd anniversary by letting drivers cross the bridge for free to mark the first time the "Mighty Mac" opened to traffic on Nov. 1, 1957.

Noncommercial travelers crossing the bridge connecting Lower Michigan with the Upper Peninsula were given free rides Sunday. Normal fare to cross is $3 per car.

Libraries get copies of Detroit Tiger's book

Detroit-- Public elementary school libraries in the state are receiving copies of a book by Detroit Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson. Illustrations in "All You Can Be: Dream It, Draw It, Become It!" were contributed by fourth-grade students from across Michigan.

A contest was held to pick artwork for the book.

Compiled by Detroit News staff and wire reports