Page 309 – Second Wave

New head of the Kalamazoo County Land Bank, Sid Ellis, gets ready for community transformation work

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April 26, 2022

The new leader of Kalamazoo County’s Land Bank is coming aboard as the program faces new challenges – and an urgent demand for more affordable housing. Sid Ellis joined the anti-blight initiative as CEO earlier this month, continuing a high-profile career in community service and the arts. Ellis says he’s excited by the opportunities his new position offers though there is uncertainty over how to maintain the program’s funding sustainably.

Elizabeth Ferry, of Holland, rides her motorized wheelchair on the sidewalk along Howard Avenue in Holland Township.

Holland woman, and others with disabilities, faced enhanced challenges during COVID-19 pandemic

By Kym Reinstadler

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General

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April 25, 2022

Even with masking and other precautions, Elizabeth Ferry said that she – like other people with disabilities she knows – lived in fear during the pandemic, afraid that her aides would quit, and she would be unable to replace them.

Lori’s Voice enriches lives of children with disabilities

By Lori Hastings

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Building Communities

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April 25, 2022

Lori's Voice is an all-volunteer nonprofit founded to help young people with disabilities. Founder Lori Hastings remembers what it was like growing up a neurological disorder. Now, she's making sure other challenged youth have what they need.

Regional news collaborative announces reporting project on local mental health challenges, solutions

By Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative

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General

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April 25, 2022

The Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative (SWMJC) is a group of 12 partners representing media, educational, and community organizations dedicated to strengthening local journalism. Find out what we have been working on this year.

Behind the scenes: A process for developing, improving housing goes into place in Kalamazoo County

By Al Jones

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General

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April 21, 2022

What does it take to get to a point where housing projects funded by Kalamazoo County millage dollars can be approved? Here's a quick peek at some of the process needed to get the work done.

Diana Marin, Food Security Council member and supervising attorney with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, at the Ypsilanti Farmers Marketplace.

Michigan Food Security Council releases recommendations to expand access to healthy, affordable food

By Estelle Slootmaker

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Health

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April 21, 2022

1.9 million Michiganders experienced food insecurity during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, leading Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to launch the council.

Athens Township trustees uphold decision to allow single-family homes for members of NHBP tribe

By Jane Simons

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General

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April 20, 2022

An S Drive South development in Athens Township is Phase 8 of an overall plan to create affordable housing for tribal members who want to move closer to the NHBP’s Pine Creek Reservation. A neighbor objected to the project and Township Board members took a second look but ultimately stuck with their previous approval of the plans.

‘Bleeding Out’ book discussion turns to ways to curb gun violence in Kalamazoo this summer

By Mark Wedel

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General

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April 20, 2022

"What are we going to do this coming summer? What are some short-term recommendations we can offer our community and our leaders?" Walker Institute director Luchara Wallace voices the urgency behind the question. Read on to find out what is being done.

New contest for small and emerging Michigan snack makers offers $50K in cash prizes and more

By MJ Galbraith

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Development News

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April 19, 2022

“The growth of new small craft and niche snack food companies in Michigan is exciting,” says Duncan Smith, President and COO of All Star Services, Inc. “All Star Services is a growing small business and we want to help bring more focus to the growing segment of snack food companies in Michigan.”

Nearly a third of Michigan adults report having at least one disability.

Series to explore the state of West Michigan’s growing disability community

By Shandra Martinez

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General

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April 18, 2022

This article begins a weekly series that will explore the challenges faced by those with disabilities along with the efforts across West Michigan to address the discrimination and inequity.