Stories

Feature Story Keith Morgan, president and CEO of the South Kent Area Chamber of Commerce.

Driving growth: How business and transit collaboration is shaping the future of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids business leaders and transit officials address the challenges of urban and suburban transportation to support regional economic growth.  

Feature Story Tours were conducted by members of the Ada Hotel staff at the community opening.

New Ada Hotel opens, embracing village's rich history

A modern hotel, owned by Cheri DeVos, opens along the Thornapple River in Ada, blending stylish design with historical charm and featuring two restaurants.

Feature Story 62-B District Court Judge Amanda Sterkenburg will oversee one of two new domestic violence courts in Kent County.

New domestic violence specialty court launching in Kent County

Two judges and the Domestic Violence Action Network aim to hold offenders accountable, provide comprehensive support to victims

Feature Story Chris Bardeggia discusses The Right Place's AI Roadmap during  the group's Manufacturers Council Aug. 14.

The Right Place launches AI roadmap to support manufacturers

The Right Place's Manufacturing Council has unveiled an AI roadmap designed to guide local manufacturers through the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

Feature Story A high jumper competes in the 2024 Hartford Nationals.

West Michigan to Host 2025 and 2026 National Adaptive Sports Championship

Grand Rapids will host the 2025 and 2026 Hartford Nationals, showcasing adaptive athletes and highlighting the city’s commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and world-class sporting events.

Feature Story Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center preschool teacher Robin Trocinski uses the Kent County Library District to expand the Caledonia school's curriculum.

Preschool teachers embrace Kent District Library's wealth of resources

Preschool teachers at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center enhance learning by   using resources from Kent District Library.

Feature Story Isabelle Buckler, a senior at Kendall College was a user experience intern at Gentex this summer.of Art and Design of Ferris State University,

Classrooms to Careers: Gentex interns shape company

Isabelle Buckler, a senior at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, channeled her classroom experience into her role as a user experience intern this summer.   

Feature Story SMALL-Meena-Ariagno

West Michigan resident Meena Ariagno brings global perspectives to podcasting

West Michigan resident Meena Ariagno, an Indian-American immigrant with roots extending from Uganda to London, is giving people in West Michigan a global platform with her podcast series. 

Feature Story A set of West Michigan pickle ball players are determined to beat a world record for longest longest pickleball marathon and raise awareness and money for Gift of Life Michigan at the same time.

Paddles with purpose: Breaking a world record, raising money for Gift of Life Michigan

Four local pickleball players hope to smash a world’s record in the booming sport while promoting a life-saving cause.

Feature Story Students formed five-person teams, each tasked with identifying a “wicked problem”—a complex issue with no easy solution.

West Michigan teens tackle ‘wicked’ problems at the Wege High School Collaborative Studio

West Michigan high school students tackle complex global issues at the Wege High School Collaborative Studio. The two-week program showcases the power of youth-driven sustainable design.

Longform Mark Witte

CCBHCs extend mental health care to more Michiganders despite challenges

Michigan was added to the country's list of certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) demonstration states back in the summer of 2020, with 29 counties throughout the lower peninsula operating CCBHCs through their community mental health agencies.

Longform Angie Gullekson, MPH,CPS.TTS, community Health Coordinator at Di.strict Health Department #10

Public health campaigns aim to keep kids safe from Marijuana poisoning

As more adults use marijuana, the downside is more young children are ending up with marijuana poisoning. Here's how Michigan's local health departments are keeping them safe.

Longform Produce from the Youth Mentor Garden at Marquette Park in Wyoming, Mich.

Youth Mentor Gardens grow food, family, and community in Detroit and Grand Rapids area

At two Youth Mentor Gardens, participating teens and their families work together to plant, weed, water, mulch, and harvest produce.

Feature Story Tristan Walczewski started his career as a restaurant server.

When ‘what now?’ becomes a fulfilling career in restaurants

Rockford native Tristan Walczewski’s journey from server to partner of Essence Restaurant Group.

Feature Story Beth Batts of Batts & Associates.

Published Together: The tapestry of success

Beth Batts writes about how she and Tedi Parsons are weaving a tapestry of success through rich connections and collaborations in business.

Feature Story small-surge-networking

Inaugural Surge Summit brings Tech Week GR expansion to Holland

The half-day event will highlight product and technology startups in West Michigan’s Lakeshore region and aims to ignite conversations about pathways to innovation for businesses at all stages and sizes.  

Feature Story Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has again been recognized by the State Bar of Michigan for its pro bono contributions.

Lawyers recognized for pro bono work to help Michigan grow

Legal Aid of West Michigan and local attorneys are helping Michigan’s “clean slate” laws work for the betterment of the community.

Feature Story Kate Pew Wolters

Published Together: Ensuring kids are ready for kindergarten

Ready by Five helps improve the health, school readiness, and well-being of children under age 5.  

Feature Story Kara Wood

Published Together: Amphitheater and soccer stadium offer opportunity

Kara Wood encourages her fellow Kent County voters to choose yes on Aug. 6 for the Kent County Sports and Entertainment Facilities Proposal in our latest edition of Published Together.

Feature Story The Avenue Apartments completion was celebrated by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and cookout on July 17.

Avenue Apartments’ renovation creates upgrades, more units

Affordable housing is often a concern to younger people just moving into the workforce, but it also affects older adults. Now, Orion Construction, in conjunction with LINC UP, is addressing that need.