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Feature Story Downtown Holland launched its outdoor expansion program in June, allowing shops and restaurants to expand their operations onto the sidewalks and parking spaces. 

Downtown Holland extends popular outdoor expansion program

By Shandra MartinezThursday, September 10, 2020
The successful program that allows shops and restaurants to conduct their operations outside was set to expire Sept. 7. However, the Holland City Council has voted to extend the arrangement, developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, through Dec. 1.
Feature Story Zeeland residents Jordan and Jill Emmick have signed on for Zeeland's first Good Neighbor Pledge.

Zeeland challenges residents to be great neighbors

By Shandra MartinezThursday, September 10, 2020
City asks residents to take the Good Neighbor Pledge and pick up a pennant to display outside their homes. With the pandemic keeping many people inside, leaders decided there was no better time to join the national campaign and strengthen Zeeland’s "great neighborhoods."
Feature Story Kiosha Jeltema is a West Michigan Works! Business Solutions Manager.

Job seekers can now connect face-to-face with employers at virtual job fair

By Shandra MartinezThursday, September 10, 2020
West Michigan Works! is debuting new video chat technology at its next hiring event, set for Sept. 16. Each employer will have a virtual “booth,” where discussions about job seekers’ skills and experience will be conducted.
Feature Story Trash

How West Michigan's trash has changed in quarantine

By Allison ArnoldFriday, September 4, 2020
COVID-19 has affected nearly every aspect of the typical day-to-day, but its impact on West Michigan’s waste and recycling reflects how much our lives have changed.
Feature Story Treetops

Empowering new Americans through relationships, product development

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorFriday, September 4, 2020
Founded in 2017 with the goal of welcoming new Americans through a variety of programs, Treetops Collective is now a comprehensive system of relationships based on shared goals of education, financial independence, and community building. Mucyo Peninah, a participant in multiple Treetops programs, embarked on a journey of mental health and entrepreneurship, and now shares her lessons with the diverse and dynamic New American community in Grand Rapids.
Longform Kevin Fischer.

COVID-19 a "potential positive" for how Michiganders receive and perceive mental health services

By Estelle SlootmakerThursday, September 3, 2020
Relaxed state and federal regulations have allowed providers to offer more services online, resulting in increased engagement and opening the door to destigmatizing mental health.
Feature Story Crop dusting planes maneuver to avoid electric lines, irrigation towers, woods and more when working. (Photo by Bev Berens)

More farmers are using cover crops to keep pollutants out of lakes and streams

By Bev BerensThursday, September 3, 2020
A cover crop “blanket” helps hold soil and contaminants like phosphorus in fields, reducing runoff into Lakeshore waterways. It also builds organic matter and nutrients, improving soil health.  
Feature Story Michael Sandoval graduated from Michigan State University in 2019.

MSU grad praises TRIO Upward Bound, Promise Scholarship for success in college and beyond

By Michael SandovalThursday, September 3, 2020
Michael Sandoval was surprised when he received a Holland/Zeeland Promise Scholarship, which meant he could attend MSU without accumulating student debt. He credits summers spent in Upward Bound classes at Hope College with keeping him focused on what he wanted to achieve, academically and in life.  
Feature Story Kevin Foster started Capital for Compassion in 2004.

Capital for Compassion works to enable homeless to ‘live a more gracious life’

BY PAUL R. KOPENKOSKEYWednesday, September 2, 2020
Capital for Compassion comes alongside Lakeshore nonprofits as they strive to provide affordable housing and shelter for the homeless. The Holland company wades through complex funding regulations to ensure they have the resources to carry out that mission.  
Partner Content Shanna Moore leads CrimFit programming.

CrimFit Nutrition Program brings exercise and nutrition education to thousands of Flint kids at home

By Santiago OchoaTuesday, September 1, 2020
As Flint kids begin online-only schooling, opportunities for physical exercise and nutrition education will be scarce. But a team of Crim Fitness Foundation staffers is working to address that by bringing the Crim’s Nutrition Program (CrimFit) out of the classroom and into families' homes. 
Feature Story Charles Beasley, a product development engineer at DISHER, is given latitude to work on passion projects such as his mini mobile home he is designed for homeless people.

Stewardship part of DISHER's mission to make a positive difference

BY ANDREA GOODELLTuesday, September 1, 2020
DISHER, which started as an automotive product design firm, has branched out to engineering, marketing, and business solutions. Investing in the community is important, and the company puts a percentage of its annual profits into stewardship programs.
Innovation News WMCAT

Community Catalysts designing a more equitable Grand Rapids

By Estelle Slootmaker, Interim Innovation News EditorMonday, August 31, 2020
Public Agency at WMCAT is accepting applications for its next Community Catalyst cohort through Sept. 7. These diverse individuals will bring their lived experiences together to co-create equitable outcomes for Grand Rapids.
Feature Story From the top of Mount Pisgah, you can look out over Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan. (Photo by Mike Lozon)

What to do in September? 9 fun ways to explore the Lakeshore

By Sally LaukitisMonday, August 31, 2020
September brings the last throes of summer, offering Ottawa County residents and visitors plenty of interesting and engaging places to explore. This list includes options for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interest.
Feature Story Megan

Why the census really counts: How Michigan’s district maps affect your local communities

By Allison ArnoldFriday, August 28, 2020
The census plays a significant role in determining funding and resources for communities, but it also impacts the map that divides the state into districts. These maps can affect the political process and representation, which is why the census count is so important.
Feature Story Yasisi

Cómo afectan los mapas de los distritos de Michigan a nuestras comunidades

Por Allison ArnoldFriday, August 28, 2020
El censo juega un papel importante en la determinación de fondos y recursos para las comunidades, y al mismo tiempo incide en el mapa que divide al estado en distritos. Estos mapas pueden determinar el proceso político y la representación, por eso el conteo del censo es tan importante.
Feature Story Andy Rozendaal (left) and John Puttrich (right) comprise the leadership team and are Eighth Day Farm's two full time employees.

Eighth Day Farm makes big impact from its small urban setting

By Bev BerensFriday, August 28, 2020
With a philosophy of caring for Earth and the people who inhabit it, Eighth Day Farm provides produce for CSA members and the food insecure in the Holland community from a former mall parking lot. The farm’s influence also includes composting, support for local growers, and connecting the next generation to the food cycle.
Feature Story Gentex engineer Elliot Busta volunteers weekly at the Holland Middle School greenhouse, teaching students about STEM.

Gentex engineer teaches STEM skills at student greenhouse

By Shandra MartinezThursday, August 27, 2020
Elliot Busta volunteers once a week teaching Holland Middle School students about STEM, providing a positive role model, and leading harvesting tours. He says he learns as much from the students as he teaches them.
Feature Story Jake Tebos, (left) wholesale grower of potting plants in Allendale, discusses issues unique to his niche in the marketplace with Secretary Perdue (right).

West Michigan farmers share concerns with USDA Secretary

By Bev BerensWednesday, August 26, 2020
Sonny Perdue hosted meetings with growers and other stakeholders in Ottawa and Kalamazoo counties. Those in attendance talked to and heard from the USDA chief about topics ranging from trade to invasive species.
Longform Helen Paige, a parent partner in the pilot program.

State of Michigan and Detroit nonprofit team up to reduce child abuse through proactive support

By Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, August 25, 2020
A new pilot program identifies families at risk and pairs them with peer mentors and benefits navigators, getting the state more involved in addressing the root causes of child abuse.
Feature Story Nelson Figueroa

U-M is next stop for Promise Scholar with a passion for the environment

By Nelson FigueroaTuesday, August 25, 2020
Growing up in a single-parent home taught this 2020 Holland High School graduate independence and resilience. Nelson Figueroa believes those attributes will serve him well at U-M, where he plans to study environmental engineering.
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