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Byron Center Township Tables 97-Unit Eastbrook Homes Plan as Neighbors Fight Density Near High School
Byron Township tabled a 97-unit development proposal from Eastbrook Homes at 84th and Burlingame after neighbors raised concerns about density and traffic near Byron Center High School.
Ada Pedestrian Bridge Over Thornapple River Set to Open July 16 as Businesses Anticipate Foot Traffic Boost
The new 270-foot pedestrian bridge over the Thornapple River in Ada Township is set to open July 16 after weather delays. Local businesses anticipate increased foot traffic and improved parking conditions downtown.
Grandville Boy Hospitalized After Car Strikes Him in Crosswalk on Wilson Avenue
A Grandville boy was hospitalized after being struck by a car in a crosswalk on Wilson Avenue SW on June 25. The driver remained on scene and is cooperating with police. The case is headed to the Kent County Prosecutor's Office.
Walker Police Stop Wrong-Way Driver on I-96 Two Days Before Deadly Juneteenth Crashes
Walker police stopped an intoxicated driver traveling the wrong way on I-96 near Alpine Avenue on June 17. The arrest came just two days before two wrong-way crashes on Juneteenth killed five people in West Michigan.
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.
Wyoming Family Escapes House Fire After Smoke Alarms Warn Them Just After Midnight
A Wyoming family escaped a house fire on Rathbone Street early Tuesday morning. Fire officials say working smoke alarms gave the family critical time to get out safely.
Grand Rapids: New Holland Brewing Secures 50% Rent Cut Amid Financial Struggles
New Holland Brewing Company has negotiated a 50% base rent cut at its Grand Rapids Bridge Street taproom. The move comes as foot traffic remains 35% below pre-pandemic levels.
Comstock Park: Guatemalan Bakery Mi Bella Guatemala Brings Family Tradition to Alpine Avenue
Mi Bella Guatemala Store relocated from Grand Rapids to Comstock Park for better parking and expanded space. The family-owned bakery brings traditional Guatemalan breads, churros, and tamales to Alpine Avenue after 14 years of baking.
Rockford Man Eric Byrnes, 60, Dies in Clinton County Crash Weeks Before Fraud Trial
Eric Byrnes, 60, a Rockford-area man accused of an Amazon fraud scheme involving tens of thousands of dollars, died in a Clinton County crash days before his trial was set to begin.
Caledonia Township Residents Push to Extend Data Center Moratorium After Heated Planning Commission Hearing
Caledonia Township planning commission recommends extending data center moratorium after residents raise concerns about noise, heat, and property values.
Police Respond to Traffic Collision at 68th St SW and Byron Center Ave SW
Police responded to a vehicle collision at 68th St SW and Byron Center Ave SW in Byron Township on Sunday afternoon. No injury or damage details were immediately available.
Cascade: Allegiant Air Cuts Routes From Ford Airport, Dropping Los Angeles and Savannah Flights
Allegiant Air is cutting routes from Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Cascade Township, dropping flights to Los Angeles, Savannah, and Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The airline cited rising fuel costs and market conditions.
Ada Township: Neighbors Say Bullets From Conservation League Range Are Landing in Their Backyards
Ada Township residents say bullets from the Kent County Conservation League shooting ranges are landing on their property. Township officials are awaiting an NRA inspection report.
East Grand Rapids Man Bikes 15 Hours Around Reeds Lake to Honor Father with Alzheimer's
Adam Baiers of East Grand Rapids biked more than 15 hours around Reeds Lake on Father's Day to honor his father and raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease.
Grandville Man Faces $2 Million Bond After Crash Killed Two Young Parents, Left Infant Without a Mother or Father
Grandville man Brian Nowicki, 49, faces $2 million bond and 10 charges after a drunken driving crash killed two 17-year-old young parents from Lakeview and left their 5-month-old son without a mother or father.
Walker: Ethan Gunnett, 36, Killed in Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Crash on Wilson Avenue
Ethan Gunnett, 36, was killed in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Wilson Avenue in Walker Friday evening. The Walker Police Department is investigating the cause.
Kentwood: Suspect Arrested After Road Rage Shooting and Assault on East Beltline Avenue
A suspect was arrested after firing gunshots at a vehicle and assaulting a motorist during a road rage incident on East Beltline Avenue at 28th Street on the Kentwood and Grand Rapids border. The victim was hospitalized with a wound to the chin.
Wyoming: Brunswick Moves Land 'N' Sea Marine Distribution to Lowell, Citing Millions in Savings
Land 'N' Sea, a marine distributor in Wyoming, is moving its distribution operations to Lowell in January. Brunswick Corporation says the move will save millions and improve efficiency while keeping Land 'N' Sea as a separate business.
Grand Rapids Venues Split: Van Andel Arena Attendance Drops 17.5% as DeVos Place Grows
Van Andel Arena attendance dropped 17.5% in fiscal year 2026 while DeVos Place grew 12.5%. Venue officials say the shift reflects competition from Acrisure Amphitheater and a return to pre-pandemic convention activity in Grand Rapids.
Brunswick Reconfigures Lowell Plant, Allocates 50,000 Square Feet to Land 'N' Sea
Brunswick Corporation announced operational updates at its Navico Group facility in Lowell, Michigan, including reallocating 50,000 square feet to Land 'N' Sea distribution operations in a move aimed at multi-million-dollar savings.
Rockford Bus Driver Gets Probation After Leaving 3-Year-Old Alone for Over an Hour
A former Rockford Public Schools bus driver received three months probation and $420 in fines after leaving a 3-year-old boy alone on a bus for over an hour in November 2025.
Caledonia Fire Department Takes Delivery of $784,000 Custom Fire Truck
The Caledonia Fire Department received a new $784,000 custom fire truck that triples water capacity and improves response times in rural areas without hydrants.
Byron Center Chalk Art Festival Turns Tanger Outlets Pavement Into Free Outdoor Gallery This Weekend
The West Michigan Chalk Art Festival returns June 19-21 to Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids in Byron Center. Artists compete for awards while families enjoy free chalk activities, food trucks, and live music on the pavement.
Cascade Township Voters to Decide Controversial Zoning Changes on August 4 Ballot
Cascade Township voters will decide on August 4 whether to approve a controversial new zoning ordinance that residents say is either necessary to preserve the community's character or too restrictive on property rights and housing growth.
Ada Township Couple Nearly Loses $250,000 to Gold Scam Before Kent County Deputies Intervene
An Ada Township couple was targeted by scammers posing as federal agents who tried to steal $250,000 in gold. Kent County deputies arrested two suspects in a sting operation before the gold could be collected.
Grandville Man Suspected of Impaired Driving in Crash That Killed Two Teen Parents
A 49-year-old Grandville man is suspected of impaired driving in a four-vehicle crash on M-46 that killed two 17-year-old new parents, Latrese McFerrin and Mark Pettengill, leaving behind a 5-month-old son.
Walker: 36-Year-Old Motorcyclist Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash on Wilson Avenue
A 36-year-old motorcyclist died in a single-vehicle crash on Wilson Avenue in Walker Friday evening. Police have not identified the victim or determined the cause of the crash.
Kentwood Man Charged With 4 Felonies After Road Rage Shooting on East Beltline
Nicholas James Hofstra, 38, faces four felony charges including assault with intent to murder after firing shots at a car and assaulting the driver during a road rage incident on East Beltline Avenue at the Grand Rapids-Kentwood border.
Grand Rapids: Jenison Mother of Three Killed in I-196 Wrong-Way Crash Along With Grand Rapids Driver
Two drivers were killed in a wrong-way crash on I-196 in Grand Rapids early Friday morning. Jessica Schmock, a 39-year-old Jenison mother of three, was driving home from work when she was struck head-on by a 36-year-old Grand Rapids man traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes.
Lowell Township Recall Petitions Approved Against Three Board Members Over Microsoft Data Center
The Kent County Election Commission unanimously approved seven recall petitions targeting three Lowell Township officials over their handling of a proposed Microsoft data center. The recall committee now has 60 days to collect at least 894 signatures.
Comstock Park Neighbors Battle Insurance After Deadly House Explosion Left Homes Damaged
Neighbors in Comstock Park are fighting insurance companies to cover damage to their homes after a deadly house explosion on May 26 killed one person and critically injured another. The blast leveled a home on Rollaway Drive NE and damaged surrounding properties.
Forest Hills Bus Drivers Win Kent County Championship, Two Advance to State Competition
Forest Hills Public Schools bus drivers won first place in Kent County's School Bus Driving Championship. Two drivers advanced to the state competition. The district is also holding job fairs for new bus driver hires.
Rockford Girls Soccer Wins First-Ever State Championship With 2-0 Shutout of Troy
Rockford High School girls soccer won its first MHSAA Division 1 state championship with a 2-0 victory over Troy. Senior Sydney DeKuiper chose the title game over her sister's wedding and assisted on the game-sealing goal.
Caledonia: EF-0 Tornado Strikes Near Saskatoon Golf Club, Closes Blue Course
An EF-0 tornado with 85 mph winds touched down near Caledonia on June 11, damaging Saskatoon Golf Club's Blue course. No injuries were reported. Michigan's 2026 tornado count now stands at 20.
Cascade Township: $250,000 Gold Scam Foiled as Undercover Deputies Arrest Two Suspects
Two out-of-state suspects were arrested in Cascade Township after trying to steal $250,000 in gold from an 87-year-old Ada Township couple by posing as federal agents. The suspects face felony charges and $500,000 bonds.
East Grand Rapids City Commission Weighs Handing Brownfield Authority to Kent County as Gaslight Village Seeks Tax Breaks
East Grand Rapids City Commission debated handing brownfield redevelopment authority to Kent County. The decision affects how Gaslight Investors could receive tax increment financing for the controversial Gaslight Village project. Commissioners requested more information before deciding.
Grandville's Grand River Bank Sold in $54.6 Million Deal to Mount Pleasant's Isabella Bank
Mount Pleasant's Isabella Bank will buy Grandville's Grand River Commerce for $54.6 million, bringing the older institution into the Grand Rapids market and combining $2.8 billion in assets.
Walker: Man Killed in Attempted Murder-Suicide Leaves Two Family Members Shot
A 68-year-old man died and two relatives were shot in an attempted murder-suicide at a Walker home on Bristol Avenue NW. Police say the violence stemmed from a family disagreement at a residence with prior domestic calls.
Kentwood Opens $31 Million Community Center September 26 With Fitness Courts and Event Space
Kentwood's $31 million Kentwood Community Center opens September 26 with fitness courts, an event venue, and memberships starting at $30 for seniors. The 67,500-square-foot facility replaces an outdated 11,000-square-foot activity center.
Wyoming Police Identify Man Whose Body Was Found in Grand River Near Indian Mounds Drive
Wyoming police have tentatively identified a man whose body was recovered from the Grand River near Indian Mounds Drive on Saturday evening. The family has been notified and the investigation is ongoing.
Grand Rapids Road Rage Shooting Leaves Victim With Chin Wound, Suspect in Custody
A suspect is in custody after firing shots at a car and assaulting the driver in a road rage incident near 28th Street and East Beltline Avenue in Grand Rapids. The victim was hospitalized with a wound to the chin.
Byron Township Fire Trucks Hit Twice in Weeks as Alleged Drunk Drivers Strike Emergency Scenes
Two Byron Township Fire Department trucks were struck by drivers within weeks. No firefighters were injured. The department says alcohol was believed to be a factor in both crashes and is urging drivers to slow down and move over.
Cascade Township: Kent County Detects Jamestown Canyon Virus in Mosquitoes, Second Bug-Borne Threat This Summer
Kent County Health Department confirmed Jamestown Canyon virus in mosquito samples from Grand Rapids ZIP code 49504. It is the second mosquito-borne virus found in the county this summer after West Nile virus. No human cases have been identified. Health officials urge Cascade Township and Kent County residents to use repellent and eliminate standing water.
Ada Native Jalen Shaffer Dies in Lake Michigan Drowning Near Grand Haven
Jalen Shaffer, 26, of Ada, died in Lake Michigan on June 13 along with former Wheaton College teammate Philip LoChirco, 24, of Illinois. The two men drowned near the Pigeon Lake Channel in Port Sheldon Township after bystander rescue attempts failed.
East Grand Rapids Planning Commission Backs Gaslight Village Housing Despite Lawsuit and Resident Opposition
East Grand Rapids Planning Commission voiced support for 40 housing units in Gaslight Village's first phase during a June 9 public hearing, despite resident opposition and an ongoing lawsuit. No vote was taken as the development agreement remains incomplete.
EF-0 Tornado Touches Down Near Grandville Area: Tree Damage and Crushed Vehicle Reported in Kent County Storms
An EF-0 tornado with 85 mph winds touched down near Caledonia and Alto in Kent County on June 11, 2026, crushing a vehicle and causing extensive tree damage. Emergency officials urge residents to prepare before the next storm.
Walker Murder-Suicide: One Dead, Two Hospitalized After Domestic Shooting at Home With Decades of Police History
One man is dead and two family members are hospitalized after a suspected murder-suicide shooting at a Walker home with decades of domestic disturbance calls. Police say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Walker Murder-Suicide: One Dead, Two Hospitalized After Domestic Shooting at Home With Decades of Police History
One man is dead and two family members are hospitalized after a suspected murder-suicide shooting at a Walker home with decades of domestic disturbance calls. Police say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Kentwood: Nonprofit Opens First Permanent Location to Support Adults With Disabilities
Lonia's World Center opened its first permanent location in Kentwood on June 11, providing free programs for adults with disabilities, seniors, and veterans. Founder Tanya Hardy started the nonprofit to help her son Michael, who has Cornelia de Lange syndrome, find community and friendship.
Wyoming Shooting Leaves Man in Critical Condition Near 32nd Street
A man is in critical condition after a shooting Tuesday night near 32nd Street and Charlesgate Avenue Southwest in Wyoming. Police are investigating and have made no arrests.