A lot of people figure that employees really don’t go out of the way to do anything extra any more but Linda Falkowski who works for Consumers Energy in Muskegon, Mi has proven them wrong. Linda is a field representative for the company and as such, comes in contact with numerous customers. Because of her work ethics, Linda has been given the Gatekeeper of the Year award from the State of Michigan.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Sexual violence is a major public health, human rights and social justice issue. Since 2009 in the United States, April has been designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

As a result of a growing concern nationwide, the Loutit District Library and Center for Women in Transition are sponsoring three programs to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it.

These events are free to the public and held in the Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus.

LANSING, Mich.—Although signs of the harsh West Michigan winter are melting away, the American Red Cross is still hurting from the season’s icy impact.

The organization says March storms forced the cancellation of more than 200 American Red Cross blood drives, leading to a shortage of nearly 7,000 blood and platelet donations. The shortfall comes after severe weather in 27 states led to more than 26,400 uncollected donations.  Meanwhile, the demand for blood and platelets remains high.

“Blood products are being delivered to hospitals almost as quickly as they come in,” said Jim Flickema, CEO of the Great Lakes Blood Services Region. “Donors who give now aren’t just restocking our shelves, they are making sure hope continues to be available for patients in need.”