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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 The 67,500-square-foot facility replaces an outdated 11,000-square-foot activity center.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.
Walker Man Seriously Injured in Two Vehicle Crash at Wilson Avenue, Riverbend Drive
A 21-year-old Saugatuck man suffered serious injuries in a two-vehicle crash in Walker Wednesday afternoon after failing to yield at an intersection, police say.
Kentwood teen fights off attacker who also assaulted 66-year-old woman hours earlier
John Moore, 29, was arrested in Kentwood after assaulting a 66-year-old woman and attempting to kidnap a 14-year-old girl on the same day. The teen fought him off. Moore has a prior history of sexual misconduct.
Wyoming Residents Should Act Now: West Nile Virus Detected in Local Mosquitoes
The Kent County Health Department confirmed West Nile virus in mosquitoes in Wyoming zip code 49519 and Grand Rapids zip code 49504. These are the first detections of the 2026 season. Officials urge residents to take precautions.
Grand Rapids Begins 18-Year Wait to Restore Its Namesake Rapids, $26M Project Starts July 1
Grand Rapids held a ceremonial groundbreaking Monday for the $26 million Restore the Rapids project, an 18-year effort to remove four dams and bring whitewater back to the Grand River. Construction begins July 1.
Comstock Park: Hole in US-131 Bridge Delayed for West Michigan Whitecaps Homestand
MDOT postponed a double-lane closure to fix a hole in the US-131 bridge over West River Drive in Comstock Park. The repair is delayed until after the West Michigan Whitecaps homestand ends June 7.
Rockford's Start of Summer Celebration Returns June 4-7 With 50,000 Visitors Expected
Rockford, Michigan's Start of Summer Celebration returns June 4-7 with more than 50,000 visitors expected for the four-day downtown festival featuring carnival rides, a parade, fireworks, and local vendors.
Caledonia: $50 Million M-37 Boulevard Project Enters Major Construction Phase Starting Monday
The $50 million M-37 boulevard project in Caledonia enters its most active construction phase Monday. An 84th Street closure begins June 6 as MDOT begins building a four-lane boulevard with Michigan Lefts through mid-2027.
Cascade resident says man was shot dead in her backyard after police chase through Grand Rapids
A Cascade resident watched from her window as police shot and killed a man in her backyard after a chase that began with a domestic dispute, a Molotov cocktail attack, and a stabbing of a police K9.
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 connection to American military history from 1838 to the present.
East Grand Rapids Gaslight Village development moves forward despite neighbor lawsuit
The Gaslight Village development in East Grand Rapids advances through the Planning Commission despite a pending lawsuit from neighbors who want the project put to a public vote. A public hearing is set for June 9.
Grandville Residents Lose Power on Memorial Day After Tap Failure Knocks Out 10,000 Customers
More than 10,000 Consumers Energy customers in Grandville, Wyoming, and Byron Township lost power on Memorial Day after a tap failure knocked out three substations. Power was fully restored by 5 p.m.
Walker Man Charged With First-Degree Home Invasion After Woman Finds Intruder Inside Her House
Dustin Johnson, 42, was charged with first-degree home invasion after a Walker woman found an intruder inside her Maynard Avenue Southwest home late Saturday night. Johnson was arrested at a nearby business shortly after the homeowner fled and called police.