Stories

Feature Story Executive director Sharon Caldwell-Newton of CSNIP welcomes the media to a tour with Wolverine Building Group.

New CSNIP veterinary facility to meet growing demand for affordable pet care

CSNIP’s new 12,000-square-foot clinic in Walker will double capacity, providing affordable veterinary care to West Michigan families with pets.

Feature Story sarah Yore-Van Oosterhout, founder and managing attorney of Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates.

'Deeply United Immigration Conference' to focus on community and policy effects

Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates works with immigrants seeking legal status in the United States every day. Next month, the nonprofit will host a half-day conference to share its boots-on-the-ground knowledge.

Feature Story After several public input sessions over the course of a year, a town hall meeting laid out the proposed plans for a community center in Park Township.

Vision forms for Park Township community center

Hundreds of Park Township residents have attended public input sessions over the past year and their vision is taking shape as the steering committee gets ready to bring a proposal to the Park Township Board of Trustees.

Feature Story Mia's Village Eats, Dr. Rolf's Barbeque, and Hamburger Mikey picked downtown Spring Lake for their locations.

Grand openings: A look at 3 new eateries in Spring Lake

Find out why three new restaurants — Mia's Village Eats, Dr. Rolf's Barbeque, and Hamburger Mikey — picked downtown Spring Lake for their locations.

Feature Story Ottawa County Clerk/Register of Deeds Justin Roebuck speaks at a recent event.

Ottawa County Clerk expands public outreach to build voter trust ahead of election

Ottawa County Clerk Justin Roebuck and the nonpartisan nonprofit Keep Our Republic host an “Elections Community Conversation” on Wednesday evening at Spring Lake District Library.  

Feature Story Ottawa Sands County Park, a 345-acre site at the junction of the Grand River and Lake Michigan Coastal Greenways will celebrate its grand reopening on Oct. 17.

From sand mine to county park: Ottawa Sands reopens with new amenities

Ottawa Sands reopens with new amenities, ecological restoration and accessible trails, furthering the transformation of a former sand mine into an Ottawa County park in Ferrysburg.

Feature Story Lake Allegan, created by damming the Kalamazoo River in the 1930s, is home to a mix of year-round and seasonal residents.

Lake Allegan neighborhood finds community when faced with threats to its future

Lake Allegan residents unite to preserve their community and environment, collaborating with Consumers Energy to improve power reliability and consider the long-term future of the lake.

Feature Story Dumping stereotypes about “trailer trash,” dropping the current health care payment system on its ear, and embracing social media as a means of saving young lives were some of the ideas shared on Oct. 8 at the seventh TEDxMacatawa.

TEDxMacatawa speakers share ideas for enriching the Lakeshore and changing the world

Thirteen West Michigan residents offered visions for a better society, from health care reform to a ministry built on mac 'n' cheese.

Feature Story Herrick District Library is again celebrating Día de Muertos. Marigolds are a well-recognized symbol of the LatinX holiday, used in ofrendas and decorations.

Día de Muertos, National HIspanic Heritage Month, and marigolds coming to local library

The library is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month and Día de Muertos with several events, including crafts and cupcake classes for teens and adults.

Feature Story President of Lakeshore Advantage Jennifer Owens.

Report: Adaptability fuels economic growth along Lakeshore

The latest Industry Trends Report from Lakeshore Advantage shows that nearly 90% of businesses had steady or increased sales over the past year.

Feature Story Zaria McCroy speaks.

Disability Network honors Southwest Michigan advocates of independence, accessibility

Two Southwest Michigan residents and an organization were honored by the Disability Network Southwest Michigan for their work to advance independence and accessibility.”

Feature Story LifeWays Staff

LifeWays peer support and recovery staff inspire clients to 'walk the walk'

LifeWays employs peer support specialists and recovery coaches for clients to work with throughout their recovery journeys. 

Feature Story Phil McPherson, director of program integrity at LifeCircles PACE, talks with a client.

LifeCircles PACE’s $1M expansion helps more seniors age in place

LifeCircles PACE invested $1 million to expand its Holland location, enhancing services to help more seniors age at home.

Feature Story Davenport University and Gentex leaders formalized their commitment to education and workforce development with a signing ceremony Sept. 30 at the corporation’s office in Zeeland.

Gentex partners with Davenport University to offer scholarships for employees

Gentex Corporation is partnering with Davenport University to provide corporate education scholarships to its employees and their families.

Feature Story Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s new sensory room offers a calming space for neurodivergent travelers, reducing anxiety and improving accessibility.

Ford airport unveils sensory room for neurodivergent travelers

Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s new sensory room offers a calming space for neurodivergent travelers, reducing anxiety and improving accessibility.

Feature Story I Am Academy has expanded its staff.

I AM Academy marks milestone with expanded space, leadership and programming

With new space from First United Methodist Church in downtown Holland, I AM Academy is growing its programming to empower Black and multiracial youth with community support and educational opportunities.  

Feature Story Katie Moore, activation manager for Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

Programmers help communities nurture the power of public art

Murals and other public art are being used to revitalize Grand Rapids and beyond to foster creativity, and empower local artists through innovative programs.

Feature Story alleganscene

Downtown improvements help Allegan draw new businesses and visitors

With a fresh streetscape and improved infrastructure, Allegan is welcoming new businesses and visitors alike. The southwestern Michigan city is also home to vibrant community programming and a notable craft beer scene.  

Feature Story As Mike Hoekstra took a dream balloon ride with his wife and family, he was surprised with a heartfelt message from his colleagues who used 28 school buses to spell out “We love you.”

Tribute for dying bus driver spotlights what’s special about a profession in short supply

A display of love and respect created by a group of school bus drivers for a terminally ill colleague exemplifies the heart and passion behind this profession.

Feature Story Renovations to the Allegan County Services Building allow customers to easily enter the building, accomplish their tasks, and get on with their day.

Allegan County open house to show off County Service Building renovations

The county will host an open house 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 at the newly remodeled County Services Building, 3283 122nd Ave.