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Feature Story Artist Carolyn Stich in her downtown Holland shop.

Hidden Treasures: Artist Carolyn Stich brings whimsy to holiday tradition

By Sally LaukitisThursday, October 29, 2020
Artist Carolyn Stich is a two-time Tulip Time poster winner commissioned by the Holland Convention & Visitors Bureau to create Holland-themed Christmas cards. Her whimsical 20th anniversary holiday greeting features Santa and his reindeer taking flight from downtown Holland.
Feature Story BIC

Answering the call: Local organizations collaborate in COVID-19 contact-tracing efforts

By Leandra NisbetWednesday, October 28, 2020
Contact tracing is a crucial component in combating communicable diseases. Several local organizations have reached out to the Kent County Health Department to provide assistance with their recent contact tracing efforts.
Feature Story Carol Myers shows off the socially distanced, but festive Halloween tube at her 12th Street Holland home.

Festive and safe: A socially distanced Halloween solution

By Andrea GoodellWednesday, October 28, 2020
Carol Myers hopes her neighbors copy her example of a decorated tube for a socially distanced Halloween.
Feature Story Vote

What You Need to Know for November 3

By Allison ArnoldTuesday, October 27, 2020
From COVID-19 to mail-in voting, this election is unlike any other. Learn more about local proposals and protocols for the upcoming election.
Feature Story Dons Flowers and Gifts President Douglas J. Vos and office manager Katie DenHerder prepare to give away 3,500 roses to customers, so they can gift the flowers to friends and family in an effort to lift community spirits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zeeland shop offers free flowers to lift community spirits

by andrea goodellTuesday, October 27, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic moved the owner of Don’s Flowers and Gifts of Zeeland to revive its tradition of offering free flowers for customers to pass on to friends and family. 
Feature Story There are steps employers can take to ensure privacy and cybersecurity, even as employees work remotely.

What employers with remote workforce can do to maintain privacy, cybersecurity

By Peter D. RhoadesTuesday, October 27, 2020
While concerns at the onset of the pandemic about remote workers’ diminished productivity proved unfounded, efforts to safeguard company and clients’ data proved a greater challenge. There are steps employers can take to ensure privacy and cybersecurity, even as employees work remotely.
Longform Photo by Doug Coombe.

Providing quality winter deer habitat in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

By Jeff BurtkaMonday, October 26, 2020
Throughout most of the Upper Peninsula, white-tailed deer migrate every winter to find sheltered areas to survive months of extreme cold and scarce food. Making sure they have access to the right habitat is critical.
Innovation News Wyoming

Wyoming's new master plan incorporates resident needs

By Allison Arnold, Innovation News EditorMonday, October 26, 2020
After reviewing resident input, the City of Wyoming has produced a draft of its new master plan, Wyoming [re]Imagined, which will guide development for the next two decades. 
Feature Story DU

Uniting people and community: How art, culture, and collaboration promote growth on South Division

By Leandra NisbetFriday, October 23, 2020
The South Division corridor is a vibrant area made up of individuals and business owners with diverse backgrounds. The Division United project seeks to address community concerns and create a plan for improvement.
Feature Story Mantella

GVSU President Philomena Mantella on a year of accelerating initiatives and creativity amid crisis

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorFriday, October 23, 2020
Having spent over half of her tenure thus far leading a major university amid a global pandemic, Grand Valley State University President Philomena Mantella, Ph.D. is hard at work implementing and accelerating initiatives that she hopes will create lifelong learners through relationship-based teaching, whether this occurs remotely, or in small groups on campus.
Feature Story The Michigan National Guard is helping counties across Michigan with providing free COVID-19 testing.

Free COVID-19 testing available as cases surge

By Shandra MartinezThursday, October 22, 2020
State and county health departments are offering free coronavirus testing as concerns rise about a second wave of cases in Michigan. Health officials consider testing — along with wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing hands — as essential to slowing the spread of the virus.
Feature Story Macatawa Area Express (MAX Transit) has openings for 12 full- and part-time bus operators. The positions have a starting wage of $15.25. 

Dozens of employers will look for workers at upcoming Virtual Job Fair

By Shandra MartinezThursday, October 22, 2020
As the economy begins to bounce back from COVID-19 shutdowns, more employers are hiring. West Michigan Works! has more than 50 employers lined up to connect with job seekers during its next Virtual Job Fair on Oct. 21.
Feature Story Cindy Brown

Published Together: Cindy Brown on why talent attraction takes all of us

By Cindy Brown, Vice President of Talent Initiatives, The Right PlaceThursday, October 22, 2020
"If we all work together to promote the region and welcome those newcomers into our community, West Michigan will continue to thrive," says Cindy Brown, Vice President of Talent Initiatives at The Right Place. In this special op ed, Brown makes the impassioned case for talent attraction and retention in our region.
Feature Story Julian Turley

Virtual series highlights, mines knowledge of underrepresented entrepreneurs

By Matthew RussellWednesday, October 21, 2020
Hosted by Julian Turley, Entrepreneur in Residence at Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, the Virtual Entrepreneur Series is focusing on underrepresented entrepreneurs from around West Michigan.
Partner Content Women at a WOW class offered by LAHC.

Nonprofit LAHC breaks barriers to physical activity for Dearborn residents

By Santiago OchoaWednesday, October 21, 2020
The nonprofit Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities has spent decades providing a variety of services for Dearborn residents, most recently using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education funding to make physical activity more accessible to all.
Longform A salad bar in the cafeteria at 10 Cents a Meal grantee Boyne Falls Public School.

Michigan offers "10 Cents a Meal" for all schools to serve healthy, local food

By Estelle SlootmakerMonday, October 19, 2020
The state recently reinstated and expanded the program, which aims to improve children's daily nutrition, build their healthy eating habits, and invest in Michigan's local food economy.
Development News Outlook

Inclusive Barber Shop and Salon changing hair industry culture

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorMonday, October 19, 2020
Outlook Barber Shop and Salon creates welcoming, eco-friendly space and services for all genders, ethnicities, hair styles, and hair types on Grand Rapids' West Side featuring gentle, local, and earth-friendly products that are all cruelty-free.
Feature Story KDL

Local organizations seek to bridge the digital divide in Kent County

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorThursday, October 15, 2020
To fill the gap for those in desperate need of internet access amid COVID-19, Kent County, Kent District Library, and the Kent County Essential Needs Task Force are each working on unique solutions for equal connectivity and access to vital information, services, and education.
Partner Content Bronson Wellness Center Health Educator Isabel Hinton shares healthy eating tips in a video from Online Learning in a SNAP.

Michigan SNAP-Ed YouTube channel delivers Online Learning in a SNAP

By Estelle SlootmakerThursday, October 15, 2020
Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Michigan Fitness Foundation launched a new YouTube-based learning platform that enlists statewide partners to produce short videos that inspire healthier living. 
Feature Story Just Goods Gifts recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its new location.

Retailers find new home in Grand Haven’s refurbished Depot

By Shandra MartinezThursday, October 15, 2020
Just Goods Gifts recently moved into the Grand Trunk railroad depot, which has been transformed into a retail center. Sales benefit the fair trade and social cause gift shop and the Momentum Center, its former home.
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