Our network

Michigan Historical Commission approves tribute to Meijer family

Michigan Historical Commission approves tribute to Meijer family

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— Grand Rapids is getting another tribute to the men behind Meijer Stores.

On May 8, the Michigan Historical Commission approved a marker to honor Hendrik and Fred Meijer, who in 1962 became the first grocers to combine two popular retail models—discount department stores and supermarkets—into a single store on 28th Street, called “Thrifty Acres.”  The Meijers then took their model to Holland and Muskegon. 

Meijer now has nearly 200 stores across the Midwest, including Kalamazoo, Walker, Wyoming, Jenison, Rockford, Plainfield Township, Forest Hills, Lowell, Grandville, Kentwood, Grand Haven and Greenville, where Hendrik Meijer opened his very first store in the 1930s.

The new historical marker will be added to more than 1,700 green and gold signs found across the state, that chronicle the people, places and events that make Michigan’s heritage unique and unforgettable.  The historical markers are nominated by spons

Community Sponsors

Accessorize your wardrobe!
"Health is not a flower that you pick, but a path that you must follow" Besheen Baker
If you can dream it...we can build it!

Find out how communities are turning to sustainable energy May 20

Find out how communities are turning to sustainable energy May 20

SPRING LAKE, Mich.--Are you interested in learning how local communities are investing in sustainable energy?

Join Arnold (Arn) Boezaart, Director of the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center, at Spring Lake District Library to learn more about this important environmental and economic issue. On Monday, May 20, Boezaart will discuss current trends, technology developments, and policy considerations related to energy and sustainability.

The Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center is located in the Muskegon Lakeshore SmartZone.  MAREC opened in 2003 in response to the growing need for the advancement and development of alternative and renewable energy technology. MAREC is an economic development initiative of the City of Muskegon, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and Grand Valley State University.

Bluegrass band takes over library

Bluegrass band takes over library

SPRING LAKE, Mich.--Music lovers of all ages are invited to a free performance of bluegrass music at Spring Lake District Library Sunday, May 19.

"Patchwork Band", one of West Michigan’s favorite bluegrass bands, will play traditional and modern bluegrass as well as some original songs during its 3 p.m. performance.

Band members Ruth and John Lakatos of Grand Haven, Bryan Garlotte of Comstock Park, and Mark Walker of Dorr are veterans of the bluegrass music scene. Known for their tight harmonies, they perform throughout Michigan and Indiana. Ruth plays guitar, John plays bass, Bryan plays banjo, and Mark plays mandolin. Visit their website, www.patchworkband.com to sample music from their "Barkin’ Up the Right Tree” and “Patchwork Band Live” CDs.

Learn how to protect seniors from identity theft May 14

Learn how to protect seniors from identity theft May 14

SPRING LAKE, Mich.--Seniors are invited to learn how to prevent identity theft and fraud at Spring Lake District Library on Tuesday, May 14.

David Garland, community bank president for Citizens Bank, (which is now part of FirstMerit Bank) will discuss effective ways seniors can safeguard their assets and credit rating. Garland will share information on how to protect personal information such as Social Security cards, checks, credit cards, and mail.

Shredding documents containing personal information is one way to safeguard personal information. A drawing will be held following the presentation for a free paper shredder.

The informational program will take place 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.  For more information, call the library at (616) 846-5770, ext. 107. The library is located at 123 E. Exchange Street in Spring Lake.

Community Sponsors

"Health is not a flower that you pick, but a path that you must follow" Besheen Baker

GH man arrested for gun theft, vehicle larcenies

GRAND HAVEN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZZM) -- Ottawa County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with a number of vehicle break-ins.

The larcenies occurred in mid April in the Forest Park subdivision in Grand Haven Township. Authorities say multiple items were stolen, including a Glock handgun.

After investigating for several weeks, the West Michigan Enforcement Team (WMET) obtained a search warrant for a home in the 12000 block of 168th Avenue, also in Grand Haven Township. There, they recovered the stolen handgun.

Deputies say it appears the 23-year-old suspect attempted to alter the identification numbers on the handgun. He will be charged with a number of crimes.

Authorities say others may have also been involved in the vehicle larcenies and more arrests are possible as the investigation continues.

Great Lakes 25th Kite Festival, May 17, 18, 19

Great Lakes 25th Kite Festival, May 17, 18, 19

Once again Grand Haven has something planned that everyone can look forward to. Beginning Friday, May 17th the 25th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Kite Festival will be in full swing. The festival runs through Sunday, the 19th at the Grand Haven Beach.

Festival hours are as follows:

Friday ceremonies open at 4:00pm. From 7:00-8:00pm, there will be an Indoor Kite Fly at White Pines Middle School Gym. The public can vote for the best at this exhibit.

Saturday: Hours are 10:00am-5:00pm. Later from 10:00-11:00pm, kites will be flown with lights. Something worth seeing.

Sunday: Hours for this day are 11:00am-5:00pm.

This is a wonderful family festival with lots of balloons in every imaginable shape and size. Take your beach chairs along and make a day of it during the weekend. As with any festival, there is always food available.

Guided Kayak trips offered

Guided Kayak trips offered

Have you ever been kayaking? If not, here is an opportunity to take a lesson and enjoy the great outdoors.

Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department invites paddlers of all skill levels to join naturalists from the department on the Pigeon River. Even though they started on May 8th, the 3.5 mile guided tour is still on the schedule for May 18th, 21st and June 4th.  The trip begins at 12:30pm and takes about 4 hours with each trip a basic kayaking lesson, and kayak, paddle and life jacket are all included for $35.00. Anyone having their own kayak can join in for a fee of $15.00.

Registration is required by calling 616-786-4847. All trips begin at Hemlock Crossing at 8115 West Olive Rd in West Olive and ends at Sheldon Landing.