Free Republic

(NEXSTAR) — Roughly 300 additional Big Lots stores are set to be closed as speculation that the company could file for bankruptcy looms. In early July, Big Lots warned in a U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) filing that between 35 and 40 locations could shutter this year. In a new SEC filing, submitted on July 31, Big Lots said the total number of closures could reach 315, much higher than the originally agreed number of 150. Company leaders have pointed to inflation and difficulties in competing, saying they had “a substantial doubt” in their ability to continue. Between the...

A bra-clad woman charged with injuring a Portage police officer in a drunken rage early Saturday reportedly kicked and screamed her way to a possible 12-year prison sentence. Courtney L. Steinhorst, 20, of Baraboo, is free on a $2,500 signature bond after an initial appearance Tuesday in Columbia County Circuit Court. She is charged with two counts of felony battery of a peace officer, two counts of felony attempted battery of a peace officer, and misdemeanor charges of resisting an officer and disorderly conduct. Steinhorst faces a maximum initial penalty of 12 years in prison if she is found guilty...

The Cathedral of Christ the King in Portage has been sold, members of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan were told Sunday. But who has purchased the church for $1.275 million and what will be done with the familiar landmark building and its prime property remain unknown. *** The cathedral was built in 1969 for $2 million. The diocese began thinking about a sale in 2004 because of tight finances and a dwindling church maintenance fund.