January ‘euphoria’ fades as economic indicators swung negative in February

March 9, 20233-bottom, Citizen Journalism, FinanceseconomyJoanne

The “back-to-work euphoria” of January has faded and economic indicators edged back into negative territory in West Michigan during February.

East Kentwood wrestler Corey Mitchell shows strength as leader, eclipses expectations

March 6, 2023City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Sports, West MichiganCity of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, High School SportsCris Greer

EK wrestler Corey Mitchell has excelled this year, securing 27 pins and a 36-8 record. (Photo Courtesy, Grand Haven Athletic Director Scott Robertson)

Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company present ‘Wizard of Oz’

March 2, 2023Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Eventsballet, Grand Rapids Ballet, Wizard of OzJoanne

In the March, the GRBS’s Junior Company will present the L. Frank Baum bring Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion to life.

GVSU to celebrate Women’s History Month with campus events

Grand Valley is marking Women’s History Month with campus events throughout March. The theme this year is “celebrating women who tell our stories.” The [Read More]

Wyoming hosts meetings on May millage proposal

February 28, 20233-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Hard Newsfire, May, millage, police, WyomingJoanne

The City of Wyoming will host three informational meetings, two in March and one in April, about the proposed 1.5 millage request on the May ballot.

Discovering the art of beauty in the Heartside district

February 1, 20233-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Recreationhair salon, HeartsideJoanne

According to owner Laura Signore, Lilith’s Lair is not about reinventing yourself, but finding who you have always meant to be.

An evening of fellowship as the chamber celebrates award winners

January 31, 20233-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Businessawards, B2 Outlets, RoMan Manufacturing, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce honors leading businesses and community members at annual meeting and awards banquet.

Kentwood resident nominated for prestigious military academy

January 22, 20233-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Educationnomnation, service academies, Stabenow, United States Naval Academy, West PointJoanne

Addison Turk, a senior at West Michigan Aviation Academy, was one of six students nominated by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow.

Explore the future with a ‘deck’ of options in the Heartside district

January 12, 20233-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Recreation12th House, Heartside, tarot readingsJoanne

12th House owner Carmen Kempen said tarot is at about hearing, reaching into the deep, dark places to pull forward things in gentle manner.

With the new year, get a jump on testing for radon

January 5, 20233-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Kent CountyJoanne

In recognition of January being Radon Action, the Kent County Health Department is giving away free test kits at its 700 Fuller NE location.

The Lantern is more than just the coffee it serves

December 6, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Food, Local Food, Recreation, Restaurantscoffee shop, Heartside, restaurantsJoanne

As stewards of its community, The Lantern is serving as a hub where all are welcome to have a drink and share in the conversation.

Local gallery looks to share the hidden gem of Heartside

November 18, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local BusinessArtRat, Business, Division, galleryJoanne

Through community events, ArtRat hopes to connect its community while sharing the unique vibe that is the Heartside District with everyone.

Michigan farmers battle invaders as temperatures rise

November 16, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Food, Local Foodclimate, Farms, pestsJoanne

As warmer-than-average growing seasons caused by climate change become more common, they bring new invasive species to Michigan.

GVSU survey shows West Michigan entering ‘shallow recession’

November 15, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local BusinessBusiness, economy, supply chainJoanne

Area manufacturers are reporting inflation-related headwinds and a slow-down in demand, according to an October survey by GVSU’s Seidman College of Business.

More money pumped into Michigan school board races

November 14, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Hard NewsElections, funding, parental rights, school boardJoanne

Conservative groups calling for more ‘parental rights’ over what schools are teaching donated thousands of dollars to Michigan school board races.

GVSU announces new employment program for student veterans

Grand Valley State University President Philomena V. Mantella announced the creation of the Veterans Advance: Progressive Work-Based Learning program to ensure students who are veterans are [Read More]

Tuition help offered to aspiring teachers

October 31, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Our Cities, West Michiganstudent teachers, tuitionJoanne

To address the teacher shortage, Michigan will offer $10,000 in tuition help to 2,500 aspiring educators and pay student teachers $9,600 a semester.

South Christian QB Jake DeHaan guiding the Sailors into the playoffs

October 25, 2022City of Kentwood, Sports, West MichiganCris Greer

Jake DeHaan has a total of 32 touchdowns this year; 22 through the air and 10 on the ground for the Sailors. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)

Week 9 Football Playoff Listing: Top 40 in 11-player Divisions and Top 24 in 8-player Divisions

October 20, 2022City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Sports, West MichiganCity of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, High School football, High School Football Playoffs, MHSAA, sportsCris Greer

South Christian Quarterback Jake DeHaan and the Sailors (8-0 overall) hope to make a deep playoff run in Division 4, where they are currently ranked No. 2 in the state. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)

Kent County DPW hosting free tire collection event

October 20, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Environment, Recycling, Upcoming Eventskent county department of public works, recycling, tiresJoanne

This is the first tire collection event that the Kent County Department of Public Works since 2019, which was before the COVID pandemic.

South Christian beats Kenowa Hills 37-7; needs one more win for a perfect 9-0 regular season

October 14, 2022City of Kentwood, Sports, West MichiganCity of Kentwood, Kenowa Hills Football, South Christian football, South Christian High SchoolCris Greer

South Christian QB Jake DeHaan in an earlier game this season. Once again, he led the way for the Sailors. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)

An idea sparks two to open newest vintage store on Division Avenue

October 14, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Entertainment, RecreationArt, Decaydence, Division Avenue, gallery, store, vintageJoanne

In a few short weeks, two area residents opened Decaydence Vintage adding to the eclectic landscape of Division Avenue.

Michigan clean boats, clean waters grant applications now available

Calling all lake associations, watershed groups, non-profits and local and tribal units of government – we have great news! We have grant funding available to [Read More]

South Christian stays undefeated by edging Wayland 21-14, Jake DeHaan gets three TDs

October 7, 2022City of Kentwood, Sports, West MichiganHigh School football, South Christian High School, Wayland High SchoolCris Greer

South Christian quarterback Jake DeHaan had one touchdown in the air and two on the ground for the Sailors.

Annual chili cook-off heats up as weather cools down

September 29, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local History, Recreation, Upcoming EventsBaseball, chili-cook off, Dan Verhil, restoration, Valley FieldJoanne

Grand Rapids brings back Chili Cook-Off at the Ballpark to raise renovation funds for Sullivan Field on the city’s westside.

Home sweet home: Kelloggsville celebrates first win on new turf installed in 2019

September 24, 2022City of Wyoming, Sports, West MichiganCalvin Christian Football, City of Wyoming, Kelloggsville High School, Kelloggsville Rockets FootballCris Greer

Kelloggsville secures first win of the season over Calvin Christian.

How to get inspired by visiting this year’s ArtPrize

September 23, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Going Local, Recreation, Upcoming Events2022, ArtPrize, Blue Bridge, Gerald R. Ford President Museum, Grand Rapids, VeteransJoanne

From aesthetics, to healing, to raising awareness of important global issues, ArtPrize 2022 offers something for everyone.

Michigan’s connection to Queen Elizabeth II: Lamprey Pie

September 12, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Great Lakes, Hard News, Local HistorylampreysJoanne

Lampreys from the Great Lakes have been shipped to the United Kingdom for the delicacy that is unusually only allowed during special occasions.

South Christian improves to 3-0 with 51-12 win over Ottawa Hills

September 10, 2022Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Sports, West MichiganCity of Kentwood, Ottawa Hills football, Ottawa Hills high school, South Christian football, South Christian High SchoolCris Greer

The Sailors used a ground game and great special teams play to beat Ottawa Hills Friday.

Food, fun and live music featured at Kentwood Food Truck Festival on Sept. 17

September 8, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local FoodCity of Kentwood, food trucks, Kentwood Parks and Recreation DepartmentCris Greer

The event, which is free admission, features 32 vendors, live music and a beer and wine tent.

Kent County campaign aims to raise immunization rates

August 22, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Senior Livingimmunization, Kent CountyJoanne

This month, the Kent County Health Department announced a new campaign to encourage residents and families to get their children immunized.

Mastodon bones discovered by Kent County road crews

August 12, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Local Historybones, discovered, Grand Rapids Public Museum, mastodonJoanne

Earlier today, Kent County crews working on 22 Mile Road in the Kent City area discovered a femur bone that was later identified as part of a mastodon.