All News
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.
Grand Rapids Police Have No Written K-9 Rules for Juveniles, Elderly or Mentally Ill, Review Finds
A city oversight review found the Grand Rapids Police Department has no written K-9 protections for juveniles, elderly, or mentally ill people. Nine policy changes are recommended following the death of Da'Quain Johnson.
Comstock Park Woman Dies After Husband Blows Up Home in Murder-Suicide Attempt
Lucy Preston of Comstock Park died from injuries after her husband Doug Preston intentionally blew up their home in an attempted murder-suicide. Neighbors pulled her from the wreckage, but she succumbed to her injuries days later.
Forest Hills school bus struck by SUV at red light on East Beltline. Woman hospitalized, children unharmed
A 39-year-old woman was hospitalized after her SUV ran a red light and struck a Forest Hills Public Schools bus at East Beltline and 3 Mile Road Wednesday. Students and the bus driver were unharmed. Michigan State Police are investigating.
Rockford Recycling Center Fire Blamed on Lithium-Ion Battery After 30 Firefighters Respond
A lithium-ion battery likely caused a fire at the North Kent Recycling and Waste Center near Rockford. Thirty firefighters from six departments responded Tuesday night. The facility remains open.
Caledonia Commuters Face Two-Year M-37 Reconstruction as $50 Million Project Enters Phase Two
A $50 million MDOT project is rebuilding 3 miles of M-37 in Caledonia into a four-lane boulevard. The most disruptive construction phase begins June 6 with a two-month closure of 84th Street east of M-37. The project runs through mid-September 2027.
Byron Center Girls Soccer Defends State Title Dream With 2-0 Win Over Portage Central
Byron Center's undefeated girls soccer team defeated Portage Central 2-0 in the Division 1 regional semifinal. The defending state champions advance to face Rockford in Thursday's regional final.
Cascade Township Halts Data Centers as Water Contamination Fears Mount
Cascade Township unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities as residents raise concerns about PFAS contamination in local drinking water and the township's ability to handle additional infrastructure demands.
Ada, Michigan: Beers at the Bridge Returns for 11th Year, Nearly 3,000 Expected
Ada Township's Beers at the Bridge Summer Concert Series returns June 12 for its 11th year. Nearly 3,000 people are expected as River Street closes for food, music, and community celebration at Legacy Park.
East Grand Rapids Families Rethink Daily Routines as Summer Electricity Rates More Than Double
East Grand Rapids families are changing daily routines to avoid Consumers Energy summer peak pricing that more than doubles electricity costs during weekday afternoons. A separate $456 million rate hike request from the utility adds pressure on area households.
Grandville Planning Commission Holds Public Hearing on Data Center Ordinance as Microsoft Expands in Kent County
Grandville's Planning Commission held a public hearing Wednesday on a data center ordinance amendment, as Microsoft pursues major data center projects in neighboring Lowell and Dorr Townships. The hearing also covered a proposed amendment on commercial vehicle parking in residential areas.
Walker Motorcyclist Hospitalized After Striking Canoe That Fell From Van
A Walker motorcyclist was hospitalized Tuesday after striking a canoe that fell from a van near Wilson Avenue and Hall Street, police said.
Kentwood Man Arrested After Attacking 66-Year-Old Woman and Attempting to Kidnap 14-Year-Old Girl in Same Hour
John Moore, 29, was arrested in Kentwood after police say he assaulted a 66-year-old woman and attempted to kidnap a 14-year-old girl within the same hour on May 12. Moore faces felony and misdemeanor charges.
West Nile Virus Detected in Wyoming Mosquitoes, First Case in Michigan This Year
West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Wyoming ZIP code 49519 and Grand Rapids ZIP code 49504, marking the first confirmations in Michigan for 2026. The Kent County Health Department is urging residents to take bite-prevention precautions.
Clinton and Bush Draw Crowds and Protesters to Grand Rapids Economic Club Dinner
Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush spoke at a private dinner for the Economic Club of Grand Rapids at DeVos Place. About two dozen protesters gathered outside to demonstrate against income inequality.
Robinette's Apple Haus Reopens in Comstock Park After First Major Closure in Nearly 20 Years
Robinette's Apple Haus in Comstock Park reopened Tuesday after its first major closure in nearly 20 years. The century-old family farm used the shutdown to renovate its barn and launch a new service space called Barzilla's Barn.
Forest Hills Central’s Olivia Latunski Throws 138-Foot Personal Best to Win MHSAA Division 1 Discus State Title
Forest Hills Central senior Olivia Latunski threw 138 feet, 2 inches to win the MHSAA Division 1 discus state title at Rockford High School, beating her personal best by a foot-and-a-half.
30 Firefighters Battle Structure Fire at Rockford-Area Landfill on 10 Mile Road
About 30 firefighters from six departments responded to a structure fire at the North Kent Recycling and Waste Center near Rockford on 10 Mile Road Tuesday evening. The fire was contained in roughly one hour with minimal building damage.
Caledonia Commuters Face Months of M-37 Disruption as Road Rebuild Enters Phase Two
M-37 in Caledonia enters its most intensive construction phase this weekend. A two-year project to rebuild three miles of Broadmoor Avenue into a four-lane boulevard will bring lane closures, a two-month shutdown of 84th Street, and daily delays for commuters through September 2027.
Byron Center Neighbor Reclaims Medical Career After Fleeing Violence in Haiti, Thanks to West Michigan Program
A Wyoming neighbor who fled violence in Haiti is back in a medical role after completing a West Michigan literacy program that has helped more than 100 immigrant healthcare workers find jobs. The program addresses Michigan's shortage of 23,000 hospital positions.
Cascade Township Fire Department Proposes First-in-County Ambulance Transport Program to Close Coverage Gaps
Cascade Township is exploring a fire-based ambulance transport program to close dangerous coverage gaps created by rising medical call volumes. The township board approved the concept and officials plan to return with a full proposal in August.
Love's Ice Cream Brings Its Second Location to Ada, Michigan
Love's Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, a Grand Rapids favorite since 2013, opened its second location in a renovated barn in Ada Township. Founder Chris McKellar partnered with COO Jake Stacy to bring scratch-made, organic ice cream to the Covered Bridge area.
Cascade Township Moves Toward Its Own Ambulance Service as Fire Calls Grow
Cascade Township is developing its own ambulance transport program to address a growing backlog of medical calls that stretch fire crews thin. The township board approved the concept Wednesday, and officials plan to return with a full proposal in August.
Grandville native David Breazeale recalled by Penguins for Calder Cup Playoffs
Grandville native David Breazeale has been recalled by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for the Calder Cup Playoffs. The 26-year-old defenseman brings AHL experience and recent playoff action from the ECHL.