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Caledonia: $50 Million M-37 Rebuild Brings Two Years of Construction Disruption

A $50 million MDOT project is rebuilding 3 miles of M-37 in Caledonia into a four-lane boulevard. Construction runs from March 2026 to September 2027, with lane closures, a two-month closure of 84th Street east of M-37, and Michigan Left turn lanes.

1h ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|4 sources
local

Byron Center Residents Find Hope as Literacy Center Helps Immigrant Doctors Rebuild Careers in Michigan

The Literacy Center of West Michigan's My Impact program has helped more than 100 immigrant healthcare workers rebuild their careers. A former Haitian physician now works at Corewell Health after completing the program. The center recently received a $10,000 grant from Dollar General.

3h ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Cascade Township Halts Data Centers for Six Months as Residents Cite PFAS Water Crisis

Cascade Township unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities. Residents cite ongoing PFAS contamination in their drinking water as a reason to pause new industrial proposals.

19h ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
local

Ada Township unveils veterans memorial connecting local history to generations of service

Ada Township dedicated a new veterans memorial at Covered Bridge Park on Memorial Day. The six-panel granite display connects Ada's local history from 1838 to modern conflicts, built through a partnership between the American Legion, Ada Historical Society, Ada Township, and Forest Hills Central High School.

21h ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
policy

East Grand Rapids Neighbors Push Cascade Township to Pause Data Centers as PFAS Water Crisis Deepens

Cascade Township unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities as PFAS contamination in local water wells continues to spread, with 70 of 166 tested wells exceeding state standards.

23h ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Walker: Grand Rapids Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Double Shooting at Travelodge

Mario Martinez-Cruz, 50, was charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder after two men were shot at a Walker Travelodge on May 22. Both victims are in stable condition.

1d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|4 sources
local

Kentwood teen fights off attacker who said 'I got you' before he assaulted second victim hours later

John Moore, 29, is accused of attacking a 14-year-old girl walking home from school in Kentwood and assaulting a 66-year-old woman hours later. He was arrested within 24 hours and faces charges including attempted unlawful imprisonment.

1d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Wyoming Memorial Day Power Outage Left 10,816 Customers in the Dark

A tap failure knocked out power to more than 10,800 Consumers Energy customers in Wyoming, Grandville, and Byron Township on Memorial Day. All power was restored by 5 p.m. Another planned outage affecting over 2,300 Byron customers is set for tonight.

1d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
crime

Grand Rapids Area: Husband Killed, Wife Critically Injured After Intentional House Explosion in Plainfield Township

Doug Preston died and his wife Lucy, 61, suffered fourth-degree burns after an explosion destroyed their Plainfield Township home. Investigators say he intentionally leaked natural gas in an attempted murder-suicide. Two neighbors pulled Lucy from the flames.

1d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|6 sources
local

Lowell Township Rejects Data Center Moratorium as Microsoft's $1 Billion Plan Sparks Recall Threats

Lowell Township rejected a data center moratorium in a 2-5 vote despite resident opposition and recall threats. Microsoft is considering a $1 billion hyperscale data center campus at the Covenant Business Park in the township.

1d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Comstock Park Home Explosion Killed Husband, Left Wife With Fourth-Degree Burns in Apparent Murder-Suicide

A home explosion in Comstock Park killed Doug Preston and left his wife Lucy Preston with fourth-degree burns. Investigators say the blast was an attempted murder-suicide. Two neighbors rescued her from the flames.

1d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|5 sources
local

Forest Hills Neighbors Push Cascade Township to Pause Data Centers Over PFAS Water Crisis

Cascade Township approved a six-month moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining after residents raised concerns about PFAS-contaminated water and strained infrastructure. The Forest Hills area is still dealing with "forever chemical" contamination in its drinking water.

1d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
local

Former WOOD TV8 Anchor Michele DeSelms Loses Rockford Home in Devastating Fire

Former WOOD TV8 anchor Michele DeSelms lost her Rockford-area home to a massive fire Wednesday night. Multiple fire departments responded, but everyone inside escaped safely. The house was undergoing renovations at the time.

1d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|4 sources
local

Goodwill to Build New Caledonia Store After Shurlow Family Donates Land

Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids will open a new store in Caledonia Township in 2027 after the William Shurlow family donated the land. Construction is expected to begin this fall at 6459 Cherry Meadow Drive SE.

1d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Byron Center Man Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for $3.4 Million Tax Evasion Scheme

Byron Center resident James Philip Scholten, 51, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $868,707 in restitution after admitting he hid $3.4 million in scrap metal income from the IRS over 13 years.

1d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Cascade Township's Ford Airport to Receive $6 Million in Federal Upgrades

Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Cascade Township will receive $6 million in federal funding for upgrades to Concourse Terminal B, including energy efficient improvements, security rooms, and restrooms.

1d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
local

Ada Township Dedicates New Veterans Memorial at Covered Bridge Park on Memorial Day

Ada Township dedicated a new veterans memorial at Covered Bridge Park on Memorial Day, featuring six granite tablets that trace Ada's history from 1838 through modern conflicts. The project was a collaboration between the American Legion, Ada Historical Society, Ada Township, and Forest Hills Central High School.

2d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

East Grand Rapids: $42,871 in Opioid Settlement Funds Sits Unspent While Advocates Say Lives Are at Stake

East Grand Rapids has $42,871 in opioid settlement funds sitting unspent. Advocates say the money could go immediately to harm reduction programs like Red Project's free naloxone newspaper boxes. City officials say they are still evaluating the best use.

2d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|5 sources
local

Grandville, Wyoming, Byron Township: Tap failure cuts power to 10,000 Consumers Energy customers

Around 10,400 Consumers Energy customers in Grandville, Wyoming, and Byron Township lost power Monday morning after a tap failure knocked out three substations. All power was restored by 5 p.m.

2d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
local

Walker Motel Shooting Suspect Charged With Attempted Murder, Held on $2 Million Bond

Mario Martinez-Cruz, 50, faces two counts of assault with intent to murder and two weapons charges after a shooting at the Travelodge in Walker left two men hospitalized. He is being held on $2 million bond.

2d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|4 sources
local

Kentwood Man Arrested After Attempting to Kidnap 14-Year-Old Girl, Assaulting Woman in Same Hour

John Moore, 29, is charged with assault and battery and unlawful imprisonment after police say he attempted to kidnap a 14-year-old girl and assaulted a 66-year-old woman in Kentwood within one hour on May 12. Moore has a history of sexual offenses dating to 2023.

2d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Wyoming Charter School Bus Nearly Tipped Over on I-196, Police Chief Says

A Vanguard Charter Academy bus carrying Wyoming students nearly tipped over on I-196 after a passing semi created a wind gust, Covert Township police say. No one was injured.

2d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
crime

Former Grand Rapids Police Officer Charged After Breaking Into Sports Card Shop

Former Grand Rapids police officer Bryan William Casey was charged with felony breaking and entering after allegedly stealing over $25,000 in sports cards from Johnny Ford's Sports Cards and Memorabilia. Casey resigned from the department in April.

2d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Lowell Driver Hospitalized After Car Strikes Pole and Rollovers on Rogers Street

A driver was hospitalized after his car struck a utility pole and rolled over on Rogers Street in Lowell. Police concluded their investigation and issued no citations.

2d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
local

Comstock Park Home Explosion: Neighbors Rescue Wife After Husband's Murder-Suicide Attempt

A home explosion in Comstock Park killed one person and critically injured another in what investigators call an attempted murder-suicide. Two neighbors pulled the woman from the flames. The couple was in the middle of divorce proceedings.

2d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|4 sources
policy

Forest Hills and East Grand Rapids Sitting on $42,000 in Opioid Settlement Funds While Advocates Say Lives Are at Stake

East Grand Rapids holds $42,871 in unspent opioid settlement funds while advocates say the money could fund life-saving naloxone programs right now. The delay mirrors a statewide pattern: Michigan local governments have $176 million in unspent opioid settlement money.

2d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Rockford Man, 60, Dies in Motorcycle Crash in Algoma Township

A 60-year-old Rockford man died Monday evening after his motorcycle left the roadway and crashed into a ditch in Algoma Township. The Kent County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

2d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Caledonia Memorial Day: Former U.S. Ambassador Leads Ceremony as Student Wins Essay Contest

Former U.S. Ambassador to Niger Kathleen FitzGibbons, a 1981 Caledonia-Mumford graduate, headlined this year's Memorial Day ceremony. Student Olivia Amorese won the Legion's essay contest and read her winning piece at the event.

2d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Cascade: Private Parking Tickets and $461 Tows Spark Outrage Near Noco Provisions

Drivers in Cascade are receiving private parking tickets and facing towing fees as high as $461 at a lot near Noco Provisions. Neither the restaurant nor the township is behind the enforcement. A property management company confirmed it handles the tickets.

3d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
development

Ada: Holland Home Plans $215 Million Senior Living Campus Called The Averden

Holland Home has announced a $215 million senior living campus called The Averden coming to Ada, Michigan. The 136-unit community will include independent living, assisted living, and extensive amenities. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027.

3d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

East Grand Rapids Neighbors Face $461 Towing Bills After Surprise Parking Enforcement at Noco Provisions Lot

East Grand Rapids and Forest Hills residents are facing private parking tickets and towing bills up to $461 after enforcement began at a lot near Noco Provisions. Neither the restaurant nor the township is behind the tickets.

3d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Grandville residents among 10,800 left without power on Memorial Day after tap failure

A tap failure knocked out power to more than 10,800 customers in Grandville, Wyoming, and Byron Township on Memorial Day. All power was restored by 5 p.m. Monday.

3d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
courts

Walker Nursing Home Serial Killer Seeks Pardon, Claims Murders Never Happened

Gwen Graham, convicted of killing five patients at Walker's Alpine Manor Nursing Home in 1987, is seeking a governor's pardon. The Michigan Innocence Clinic filed a 642-page petition arguing the murders never happened and the trial was tainted by anti-LGBTQ+ bias.

3d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Kentwood Police Arrest Man for Assaulting Two Women and Attempting to Kidnap a Teenager

John Moore, 29, was arrested and charged with assault and battery and unlawful imprisonment after attacking a 66-year-old woman and attempting to kidnap a 14-year-old girl in Kentwood within hours of each other.

3d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Wyoming Man Charged With Attempted Murder in Ramblewood Apartments Shooting

Daniel Pellot, 35, was arraigned Tuesday on attempted murder charges after a May 12 shooting at the Ramblewood Apartments in Wyoming left two people injured. Bond was denied.

3d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
crime

Grand Rapids teen killed in stabbing: Person of interest in custody after friend allegedly attacks recent grad

An 18-year-old recent Grand Rapids high school graduate was stabbed to death while celebrating a friend's birthday. The police have a person of interest in custody.

3d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|4 sources
local

Lowell Township Board Rejects Data Center Moratorium as Microsoft's $1 Billion Plan Sparks Recall Calls

The Lowell Township Board voted 5-2 to reject a six-month data center moratorium, angering residents and sparking recall calls as Microsoft considers a $1 billion campus on the Covenant Business Park.

3d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|4 sources
local

Comstock Park Home Explosion: Neighbors Rescue Woman as Investigators Call It Attempted Murder-Suicide

A home explosion in the Comstock Park area killed one man and critically injured his wife, who was rescued by two neighbors. Investigators say the fire was intentionally set in an apparent attempted murder-suicide.

3d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Forest Hills Neighbors Hit With $461 Towing Bills in Parking Lot Dispute

Forest Hills residents are hit with surprise parking tickets and towing bills up to $461 in a disputed lot behind Noco Provisions. Both neighboring businesses deny responsibility. The lot owner has not responded to inquiries.

3d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
local

Rockford Man, 60, Dies in Motorcycle Crash in Algoma Township

A 60-year-old Rockford man died Monday evening when his motorcycle left the roadway and crashed into a ditch in Algoma Township. The Kent County Sheriff's Office is investigating the single-vehicle crash.

4d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Goodwill to Build New Store in Caledonia After Family Donates Land

Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids will build a new retail store in Caledonia Township on land donated by the William Shurlow family. Construction begins this fall with a 2027 opening planned.

4d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Byron Center Among Thousands Hit by Memorial Day Power Outage in Kent County

More than 10,000 Consumers Energy customers in Wyoming, Grandville, and Byron Township lost power Memorial Day due to a tap failure. Byron Center residents were among those affected. Power was restored by 5 p.m.

4d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Cascade Township Dedicates Veterans Memorial Bridge on Cascade Road

Cascade Township dedicated the Cascade Veterans Memorial Bridge on Memorial Day, a project led by McDonald-Osmer American Legion Post 451 that honors military service with a permanent plaque on the Cascade Road bridge over the Thornapple River.

4d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Ada Township Dedicates Veterans Memorial at Covered Bridge Park on Memorial Day

Ada Township dedicated a new veterans memorial at Covered Bridge Park on Memorial Day, featuring six granite tablets that trace the community's military history from 1838 to present-day conflicts.

4d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

East Grand Rapids' Kelloggsville Band Makes History at National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C.

The Kelloggsville Rocket Marching Band from East Grand Rapids became the only Michigan high school band selected for the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C., marking the first time the program has performed outside the state.

4d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
community

Grandville Area Cemetery Hosts First-Ever Travis Manion Foundation Honor Project on Memorial Day

The Travis Manion Foundation brought its Honor Project to West Michigan for the first time, with volunteers placing tokens at fallen service members' graves at Georgetown Cemetery near Grandville.

4d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Walker woman walks in on burglar, police use drone and K9 to catch suspect

A Walker woman came home Saturday night to find a burglar still inside her house. Police used a drone and K9 unit to track down and arrest a 42-year-old Grand Rapids man, who faces first-degree home invasion charges.

4d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Wyoming Man Arrested in Apartment Shooting That Left Woman Critically Injured

Daniel Pellot, 35, was arrested Friday in connection with a May 12 shooting at the Ramblewood Apartments in Wyoming that left a woman critically injured and a man with minor wounds.

4d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Grand Rapids Family Identifies 18-Year-Old 'Gattie' Nguany Killed in Southwest Side Stabbing

Grand Rapids family identifies 18-year-old Gatlok "Gattie" Nguany, a recent Morley Stanwood High School graduate, as the victim of a fatal stabbing on the southwest side. Police say a suspect has been arrested.

4d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|4 sources
local

Lowell on the Route as Rolling Thunder's 38th Ride for Freedom Rolls Through West Michigan

More than 20 riders from Michigan Rolling Thunder Chapter 4 traveled through Lowell, Michigan on Sunday as part of the organization's 38th annual Ride for Freedom, heading from Grand Rapids to Lansing to honor fallen soldiers and advocate for POW/MIA awareness and veteran mental health.

4d ago|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources