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Lowell High graduate Ted Leonsis named chairman of the NHL Board of Governors
Ted Leonsis, a 1973 graduate of Lowell High, has been unanimously elected chairman of the National Hockey League's Board of Governors, replacing Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs after 19 years in the role.
78-Year-Old Rockford Motorcyclist Hospitalized After T-Bone Crash on U.S. 131
A 78-year-old Rockford man was hospitalized with serious injuries after being T-boned by a Jeep Cherokee at the intersection of U.S. 131 and 14 Mile Road on Wednesday. Michigan State Police are investigating.
Michigan Removes 20,000 Names From Sex Offender Registry After State Supreme Court Ruling
Following a Sept. 9 Michigan Supreme Court ruling that barred retroactive registration requirements, Michigan State Police removed more than 20,000 names from the state sex offender registry, cutting the list nearly in half. The decision is drawing attention to a Hudsonville resident who learned a registered offender nearby was not listing his address.
NRA Inspection at Ada Township Shooting Range Leaves Neighbor Concerns Unresolved
A court-ordered NRA inspection of the Kent County Conservation League's shooting range in Ada Township praised some efforts but made only recommendations, leaving long-time resident concerns and the township's call for additional review unresolved.
Byron Center man arrested for driving 158 mph on US-131 near Grand Rapids
Michigan State Police say a 23-year-old Byron Center man was arrested early Wednesday after being clocked at 158 mph on southbound US-131 and found with a loaded firearm in his vehicle.
Mill Creek Tavern in Comstock Park Faces Foreclosure Over Unpaid Property Taxes
The long-running Mill Creek Tavern at 3874 West River Dr. NE could lose the property it sits on in 2027 if unpaid property taxes totaling nearly $45,000 are not settled, court documents and Kent County Treasurer records show.
Walker to Hold Open Houses on Proposed 1.75-Mill Public Safety Levy Ahead of November Ballot
The City of Walker is hosting a series of open houses this month so residents can learn about a proposed 1.75-mill public safety millage that will appear on the November 3 ballot. The levy would fund renovations to all three fire stations, a new police facility, and additional officers and firefighters.
Grandville Man Arrested in String of Peeping Incidents Near GVSU
A 34-year-old Grandville man was arrested on Thursday after a yearlong investigation into a series of window-peeping and home invasion incidents at off-campus housing near Grand Valley State University in Allendale Township.
Kentwood Fire Chief Brent Looman to Retire After 35 Years of Service
Kentwood Fire Chief Brent Looman announced his retirement after more than three decades of service to the community. His final day will be January 8, 2027, and the city will begin searching for his replacement this month.
ArtPrize 2026 Returns to Grand Rapids Sept. 18: A Look at What Is Planned
ArtPrize returns to Grand Rapids Sept. 18 through Oct. 3, transforming the city into a free, citywide gallery. This year's edition features a record 1,025 works from 1,142 artists across 159 venues, with $375,000 in grants and awards up for grabs.
Two Unity Christian Graduates, Isaac TeSlaa and Hayden Large, Land on NFL Rosters
Two former Unity Christian High School football players are now on NFL rosters after helping the Crusaders win the school's first state championship. Isaac TeSlaa plays wide receiver for the Detroit Lions and Hayden Large is a tight end for the Chicago Bears.
Cedar Springs marching band's "Easy Goin'" show brings New Orleans to the football field
The 147-member Cedar Springs High School Marching Red Hawks debuted "Easy Goin'," a New Orleans-inspired field show, at halftime of the Red Hawks' season opener against Zeeland West.
Man Charged With Murder in Caledonia House Fire That Killed His Father
Tom Chehowski III, 54, was upgraded from first-degree arson and assault with intent to murder to a murder charge after his 77-year-old father died from injuries sustained in a June 28 house fire in Caledonia Township.
Rockford School Board Censures Trustee Over Anti-Muslim Email to District Employee
The Rockford Public Schools Board of Education voted Tuesday to censure Trustee Dr. Barbara Helms after she sent an email to a district employee questioning alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, a message the board found offensive, unwelcome, and race-based.
East Grand Rapids City Commission Moves Forward on Zoning Appointment, New Ward 3 Voting Location and Other Routine Items
At its September 8 regular meeting, the East Grand Rapids City Commission voted on a slate of routine items including a Zoning Board of Appeals appointment, a final reading of new street planting sightline rules, a temporary Ward 3 polling location at the Community Center for the November 3 General Election, a one-year renewal of the Aquinas College pool contract, a three-year tree planting contract, and a one-year water main rehabilitation contract with Corby Energy Services.
Ada Township plans $9.5 million bond for new government hall
Ada Township is moving forward with plans to issue up to $9.5 million in capital improvement bonds to fund construction of a new 18,300-square-foot township hall at 7171 Headley St. SE, across the street from Amway on Fulton Street.
Bull Euthanized After Escaping Trailer on US-131 Near Byron Center, Trampling Woman During Capture Attempt
A bull that escaped a livestock trailer on northbound US-131 near 76th Street in Byron Center was euthanized Tuesday after deputies could not safely contain it. The animal trampled a woman who was attempting to help capture it.
Comstock Park Tavern Mill Creek Has Its Liquor License Suspended Over an Unpaid Fine
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has suspended the liquor license of Mill Creek Tavern in Comstock Park for 30 days after the business failed to pay a court-ordered fine and bounced payments to a wholesaler and the state.
Walker's Green Orchard Shopping Center, Home to Kohl's and Hobby Lobby, Listed for $38.92 Million
The 30-acre Green Orchard Shopping Center near Alpine Avenue NW and I-96 in Walker has been listed for sale at $38.92 million, a substantial jump from its 2019 price.
Grandville's The Dungeon Bar Shuts Its Doors Temporarily, Less Than a Year After Reopening
The Dungeon, Grandville's medieval-themed bar and restaurant, has closed temporarily less than a year after a $1 million renovation and grand reopening. Former staff say they were locked out of work accounts without warning and point to financial struggles, while ownership says the pause follows its executive chef's departure.
Two Grand Rapids Men Charged in Kentwood Shooting That Killed Juan Cisneros, Third-Generation Tire Shop Owner
Isaiah Guerrero faces an open murder charge and Oscar Lagunes-Munoz faces a lying-to-an-officer charge in connection to the death of 25-year-old Juan Cisneros, who ran the family Cisneros Tires business for over three decades.
Kent County Prosecutor Drops Felony Charge in Viral Grand Rapids Arrest After Body-Camera 'Quota' Comments
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker has dismissed the felony charge against Emran Sharifi, a 21-year-old whose June arrest by Grand Rapids police went viral, citing body-camera remarks by an officer about working toward a 20-arrest weekend goal.
Jenison Splash Pad to Remain Closed Through Winter After Lightning Damage
The splash pad at Maplewood Park in Jenison will stay shut for the rest of the year after a storm on Aug. 31 damaged its electronic control unit, with repairs not expected until next spring.
Cedar Springs Sheriff Sergeant Leaving for New Grand Rapids Role
Kent County Sheriff's Sergeant Jon Paulson is departing his role overseeing the Cedar Springs unit to take a new supervisory position with the Community Policing Department in downtown Grand Rapids.
Caledonia Township Approves $127,900 Project to Remove Deteriorating 1950s Causeway From Shiawassee River
Caledonia Township has approved a $127,900 grant-funded project to remove an abandoned 185-foot causeway from the Shiawassee River, improving fish passage, recreational access, and public safety for the region.
River Trail Triathlon Raises $2,222.52 for Lowell Youth Mental Health
Proceeds from the fourth annual River Trail Triathlon in Lowell will fund counseling and mental health programs for students in the Lowell Area Schools district, organizers said.
East Grand Rapids Parents Pledge to Delay Smartphones and Social Media for More Than 600 Kids
A growing parent-led initiative in East Grand Rapids, called "It Takes a Village EGR," now represents more than 600 children in a voluntary pledge to hold off on smartphones until high school and social media until age 16.
East Grand Rapids Residents Push for Fresh Start After Court Halts Gaslight Village Development
One week after a Kent County judge ruled that a protest petition from nearly 1,500 East Grand Rapids residents was valid, nullifying the city commission's earlier approval of the Gaslight Village development, neighbors are calling on commissioners to start over and seek a unanimous plan.
Ada Opens 15-Acre Covered Bridge Park With First Public Splashpad
Ada Township officially opened Covered Bridge Park, a 15-acre riverfront destination along the Thornapple River that brings the community's first public splashpad, two pickleball courts, a playground, a kayak launch, and a new pedestrian bridge.
Byron Center Bible Church damaged by early morning fire as congregation vows to rebuild
A fire before 4 a.m. Monday destroyed the gymnasium at Byron Center Bible Church and caused extensive smoke and water damage throughout the building. No injuries were reported, and the congregation plans to rebuild.
Four Candidates Compete for All Four Comstock Park School Board Seats in November Election
All four Comstock Park Public School Board seats are up for election on November 3, 2026, and exactly four candidates have filed. One incumbent seeks re-election while three challengers step forward for the first time.
Historic Well Leaks Oil Into Millennium Park Lake in Walker
A previously-plugged well in Kent County's Millennium Park in Walker leaked oil into a small lake on Friday, prompting a containment response from the parks department and state environmental regulators.
RiverTown Crossings Mall in Grandville Announces Six New Stores
The 1.2-million-square-foot RiverTown Crossings Mall in Grandville will add six new retail and entertainment tenants, a move its owners hope will bring back shoppers who have thinned out over the past decade.
Teen Hospitalized After Being Hit by Vehicle in Kentwood
A teenage pedestrian was struck by a vehicle near Kalamazoo Avenue SE and Mapleview Street SE in Kentwood on Saturday afternoon. The teen was treated at the scene and transported to a hospital; the Kentwood Fire Department did not confirm the extent of injuries.
Teen Charged With Murder in Fatal Drunk Driving Crash on Division Avenue in Grand Rapids
An 18-year-old driver has been charged with second-degree murder and other felonies in connection with a fatal Grand Rapids crash that killed a woman when he ran a red light and struck her car. Police say alcohol and speed were factors.
Grand Rapids launches 'Renew Grand Rapids,' Michigan's first fully municipal compost program
The City of Grand Rapids has officially launched Renew Grand Rapids, a citywide food scrap pilot that will turn roughly 13,000 tons of annual organics waste into compost — the first fully municipal-owned and operated compost program in Michigan.
Grand Rapids City Commission Set to Vote on Replacing Lime With Veo as Sole Scooter and Bike Provider
The Grand Rapids City Commission is expected to vote later this month on replacing Lime with Veo as the city's sole micromobility provider, a move that could end the current e-bike and scooter program after a decade of pilots and contracts.
Grand Rapids Griffins Hit 100-Point Mark in Historic Season, Fastest in Franchise History
Grand Rapids Griffins reached 101 points in 66 games, the fastest pace in franchise history, with Central Division clinch and Western Conference title within reach.
Grand Rapids to Host Free Disability Advocacy Event at Aquinas College, Connecting Families with Local Resources and Support Services
Grand Rapids hosts free disability advocacy event at Aquinas College, connecting families with local resources while Mayor LaGrand outlines city priorities and Policy Conference addresses regional development challenges
Police Chase Ends with Car Crashing Into Kentwood Pond
A 39-year-old man was arrested after a high-speed chase in Kentwood ended with his vehicle crashing into a pond. Multiple firearms and methamphetamine were found in the car.
Grand Rapids and Kent County Lead Michigan in Population Growth as State Pulls Ahead of Nation
New Census data reveals Grand Rapids and Kent County led Michigan in population growth from 2020-2025, while Detroit and Southeast Michigan experienced population decline. West Michigan's stability, diverse economy, and manufacturing base drove the surge.
Cascade Bridge Renamed to Honor Veterans in East Grand Rapids Ceremony
The McDonald-Osmer American Legion Post 451 is partnering with the community to rename the Cascade Road Bridge the Cascade Veterans Memorial Bridge in a dedication ceremony on May 11 at noon.
Grand Rapids River Restoration Gets $11M Federal Funding Approval, Brings Rapids Back to the Grand River
Grand Rapids secures $11 million in federal funding to begin construction on the Lower Grand River Habitat Restoration Project, a nearly two-decade effort to remove four low-head dams and restore natural river features.
Grand Rapids Environmental Nonprofit WMEAC Sells 2488-Square-Foot Lake Drive SE Office for 829000 Amid Financial Headwinds and Remote Work Trends
West Michigan Environmental Action Council sells 2488-square-foot Lake Drive SE office building for 829000, citing financial pressures and shift toward remote workplaces
Outfront Media Returns to Grand Rapids With New 22,200-Square-Foot Office in Factory Yards Development
Outfront Media, the nation's leading digital signage company, breaks ground on a new 22,200-square-foot office in Grand Rapids' Factory Yards development, marking the company's first major expansion in the city in nearly 60 years.
Kentwood Fire Department Responds to Structure Fire at Hearthside Food Solutions Facility on 32nd Street
The Kentwood Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the Hearthside Food Solutions manufacturing facility on 32nd Street late Friday night, June 26. Dispatchers confirmed crews arrived at 8:30 p.m. and extinguished the blaze.
Man named in multiple sexual assaults in Kent County arrested one day after $2,000 reward posted
A 23-year-old man wanted in multiple sexual assault cases across Kent County was arrested one day after a $2,000 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest.
Grand Rapids Commission Deadlocks on 1st Ward Appointment, Leaves Seat Empty
Grand Rapids City Commission deadlocked in a 3-3 tie over three finalists for a vacant 1st Ward seat, leaving the position empty as the city prepares for budget season.
New Feeding America Pantry Opens in Kentwood, Serves Over 2,000 Households in First Seven Weeks
Feeding America West Michigan opens first fixed-site pantry in Kentwood, serving over 2,000 households in seven weeks as regional hunger relief efforts expand amid rising food prices.
Mi Bella Guatemala Bakery Relocates to Comstock Park for More Space and Parking
Mi Bella Guatemala Shop, a Guatemalan bakery that operated for four years on Grand Rapids' Fulton Street, has relocated to a new location on Alpine Avenue in Comstock Park for better parking and expanded space.