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19,000 citations issued in first year of Michigan's 'Hands Free Law,' sheriff says
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — It's been officially a year since Michigan's "Hands Free Law" went into effect. Enacted in June 2023, the legislation made it illegal for any drivers to use their phone while behind the wheel, according to Michigan Legislature. Specifically, the law banned drivers from doing anything that...
Healthcare center construction underway in northeast Michigan
Construction has begun for a new senior service center in Alpena, which will provide services in-house and to residents homes as needed. The project has been in the works since 2023. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a non-profit organization whose goal is to provide the...
Big Lots closing Kentwood location
KENTWOOD, Mich — Big Lots, a discount retail chain, is closing stores in Michigan. The retailer shared in a recent filing to the Securities and Exchanges Commission they planned to close between 35 to 40 stores while opening three in 2024. In June, Big Lots reported a net loss...
Four candidates vying for open northern Ottawa County commission seat
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Four candidates are running to become the next Ottawa County commissioner for District 10, one of the northernmost areas of the county. The district is currently represented by Republican Roger Bergman, who announced last year he would not be seeking reelection. District 10 covers the...
Former financial advisor sentenced for embezzling $260,000 from clients in Kent Co.
KENT COUNTY, Mich. — A former financial advisor who pleaded guilty to stealing from clients in Kent County has been sentenced. Jaime Westenbarger, 46, will spend a minimum of two and a half years in jail for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients. Westenbarger previously worked for...
Furry Friday: Cletus, Ricky and Talia
The following animals are available for adoption. If you find an animal you’d like to adopt please contact the organization directly. Lowell’s First Look does not assist with the adoption process. And if you’re looking to add to your family and don’t see an animal below, each organization has additional animals looking for new homes. Pet profiles and photos are provided by each organization.
Rivers Ace shares opening plans for old Van Wieren Hardware
HOLLAND — Details about the new store filling Van Wieren Hardware have begun to emerge. First, and perhaps most importantly, Rivers Ace Hardware plans to open in the building at 645 Douglas Ave. in mid-September. Rivers Ace is a family-owned chain of stores with over 80 years of experience...
Black Violin: Feeling ‘like a kid again’ as the duo girds for Grand Rapids tour stop
The celebrated duo that melds hip hop, classical music, jazz and funk will join the Grand Rapids Symphony next week. The Local Spins interview with violist Wilner Baptiste. As a groundbreaking duo, Black Violin has attracted attention from lots of different quarters, sparking collaborations with stars such as Alicia Keys, Tom Petty, Kanye West and Aerosmith.
Group backed by prominent developer urges ‘No’ vote on hotel tax hike
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A conservative political fund bankrolled by a West Michigan apartment developer is campaigning against the Aug. 6 ballot proposal to raise Kent County’s hotel tax to fund projects such as Acrisure Amphitheater and a professional soccer stadium. TGIF Victory Fund, a political action committee...
Kent County to vote on hotel tax increase to fund soccer stadium, entertainment
(The Center Square) – Voters in Kent County and the Grand Rapids area will vote Aug. 6 during the primary to decide whether the county can increase its hotel tax from 5% to 8%. The funds can be used for acquisition, construction, improvement, enlargement, repair or maintenance of stadiums, arenas, sports complexes and aquariums. A proposed $175 million downtown soccer stadium is a key component of the proposal, along with...
The benefits of gymnastics for kids
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) The Olympics are finally here and one of the most popular sports to watch is gymnastics. Today we have Cindy from Branch Gymnastics here to talk about how the sport can play an important role in a child’s development. Gymnastics and movement of any kind...
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