GRAND RAPIDS PRESS WIRE

local

East Grand Rapids Families Face Middle School Sports Fee Hike as City Weighs Four Pricing Models

East Grand Rapids is weighing four pricing models for middle school athletics as costs for officials, equipment, and coaching stipends rise. Fees could jump to $530 for some sports under a cost-based model or settle at a flat $250 rate.

Grand Rapids Press Wire|July 7, 2026|3 sources
local-government

Grandville Studies Traffic Calming on Canal Avenue After 20 Crashes in Five Years

Grandville is studying traffic calming measures on Canal Avenue after a crash analysis found 20 crashes near one intersection over five years, including six that left people injured. Residents say speeding is a growing concern for families, walkers, and cyclists.

July 7, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
Community

Walker: Community Celebrates America's 250th Birthday With Fireworks, Food, and Family Fun at Sidney Hutchinson Park

Walker celebrated America's 250th birthday with a free 4th of July event at Sidney Hutchinson Park. The celebration featured food trucks, games, live music by I-10 Bound, eating contests, and a fireworks finale at 9:10 p.m.

July 7, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Walker: Three Newcomers Compete for Open City Commission Seat in August Primary

Trevor Granger, Gloria Lara, and Mark Ratering are running for an open 1st Ward seat on the Walker City Commission. The top two finishers in the August 4 primary will advance to the November 3 general election.

July 6, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
local

Kentwood: NN Inc. Wins Robotic Surgery Component Deal After Multi-Year Plant Overhaul

NN Inc. passed a critical quality audit at its Kentwood plant and secured its first purchase orders to supply precision components for a leading robotic-assisted surgery platform. The win adds $25 million to the company's medical pipeline.

July 6, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|4 sources
Crime

Grand Rapids: Former Shelter Director Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for $95,193 Embezzlement From Domestic Violence Agency

Teri Lyn Looney, former executive director of SIREN/Eaton Shelter, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for embezzling $95,193 in taxpayer funds meant for domestic violence survivors. The sentencing took place in Grand Rapids federal court on June 30.

July 1, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
local

Lowell Township: Grand Rapids Man Airlifted After I-96 Crash Near Segwun Avenue

A 36-year-old Grand Rapids man was airlifted to a hospital after crawling from a crashed Nissan Altima on I-96 near Lowell Township late Thursday. The driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

June 30, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
crime-and-public-safety

Forest Hills School Bus Struck at East Beltline and 3 Mile. Woman Hospitalized After Running Red Light

A 39-year-old woman was hospitalized after her SUV ran a red light and struck a Forest Hills Public Schools bus at East Beltline and 3 Mile Road Wednesday. Students and the bus driver were unharmed.

June 29, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
local

Elderly Man in Critical Condition After Caledonia Township House Fire

An elderly man is in critical condition after a house fire in Caledonia Township on Sunday night. Part of the home collapsed during the response. All occupants escaped. The cause is under investigation.

June 29, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Byron Center Township Tables 97-Unit Eastbrook Homes Plan as Neighbors Fight Density Near High School

Byron Township tabled a 97-unit development proposal from Eastbrook Homes at 84th and Burlingame after neighbors raised concerns about density and traffic near Byron Center High School.

June 29, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Ada Pedestrian Bridge Over Thornapple River Set to Open July 16 as Businesses Anticipate Foot Traffic Boost

The new 270-foot pedestrian bridge over the Thornapple River in Ada Township is set to open July 16 after weather delays. Local businesses anticipate increased foot traffic and improved parking conditions downtown.

June 29, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
local

Grandville Boy Hospitalized After Car Strikes Him in Crosswalk on Wilson Avenue

A Grandville boy was hospitalized after being struck by a car in a crosswalk on Wilson Avenue SW on June 25. The driver remained on scene and is cooperating with police. The case is headed to the Kent County Prosecutor's Office.

June 28, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Walker Police Stop Wrong-Way Driver on I-96 Two Days Before Deadly Juneteenth Crashes

Walker police stopped an intoxicated driver traveling the wrong way on I-96 near Alpine Avenue on June 17. The arrest came just two days before two wrong-way crashes on Juneteenth killed five people in West Michigan.

June 28, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|4 sources
local

Kentwood Fire Department Responds to Structure Fire at Hearthside Food Solutions Facility on 32nd Street

The Kentwood Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the Hearthside Food Solutions manufacturing facility on 32nd Street late Friday night, June 26. Dispatchers confirmed crews arrived at 8:30 p.m. and extinguished the blaze.

June 28, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Wyoming Family Escapes House Fire After Smoke Alarms Warn Them Just After Midnight

A Wyoming family escaped a house fire on Rathbone Street early Tuesday morning. Fire officials say working smoke alarms gave the family critical time to get out safely.

June 28, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Grand Rapids: New Holland Brewing Secures 50% Rent Cut Amid Financial Struggles

New Holland Brewing Company has negotiated a 50% base rent cut at its Grand Rapids Bridge Street taproom. The move comes as foot traffic remains 35% below pre-pandemic levels.

June 25, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
Business

Comstock Park: Guatemalan Bakery Mi Bella Guatemala Brings Family Tradition to Alpine Avenue

Mi Bella Guatemala Store relocated from Grand Rapids to Comstock Park for better parking and expanded space. The family-owned bakery brings traditional Guatemalan breads, churros, and tamales to Alpine Avenue after 14 years of baking.

June 24, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Rockford Man Eric Byrnes, 60, Dies in Clinton County Crash Weeks Before Fraud Trial

Eric Byrnes, 60, a Rockford-area man accused of an Amazon fraud scheme involving tens of thousands of dollars, died in a Clinton County crash days before his trial was set to begin.

June 24, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
Local Government

Caledonia Township Residents Push to Extend Data Center Moratorium After Heated Planning Commission Hearing

Caledonia Township planning commission recommends extending data center moratorium after residents raise concerns about noise, heat, and property values.

June 24, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
crime

Police Respond to Traffic Collision at 68th St SW and Byron Center Ave SW

Police responded to a vehicle collision at 68th St SW and Byron Center Ave SW in Byron Township on Sunday afternoon. No injury or damage details were immediately available.

June 23, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
local

Cascade: Allegiant Air Cuts Routes From Ford Airport, Dropping Los Angeles and Savannah Flights

Allegiant Air is cutting routes from Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Cascade Township, dropping flights to Los Angeles, Savannah, and Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The airline cited rising fuel costs and market conditions.

June 23, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|4 sources
local

Ada Township: Neighbors Say Bullets From Conservation League Range Are Landing in Their Backyards

Ada Township residents say bullets from the Kent County Conservation League shooting ranges are landing on their property. Township officials are awaiting an NRA inspection report.

June 23, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
local

East Grand Rapids Man Bikes 15 Hours Around Reeds Lake to Honor Father with Alzheimer's

Adam Baiers of East Grand Rapids biked more than 15 hours around Reeds Lake on Father's Day to honor his father and raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease.

June 23, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
Crime

Grandville Man Faces $2 Million Bond After Crash Killed Two Young Parents, Left Infant Without a Mother or Father

Grandville man Brian Nowicki, 49, faces $2 million bond and 10 charges after a drunken driving crash killed two 17-year-old young parents from Lakeview and left their 5-month-old son without a mother or father.

June 23, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
local

Walker: Ethan Gunnett, 36, Killed in Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Crash on Wilson Avenue

Ethan Gunnett, 36, was killed in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Wilson Avenue in Walker Friday evening. The Walker Police Department is investigating the cause.

June 23, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Kentwood: Suspect Arrested After Road Rage Shooting and Assault on East Beltline Avenue

A suspect was arrested after firing gunshots at a vehicle and assaulting a motorist during a road rage incident on East Beltline Avenue at 28th Street on the Kentwood and Grand Rapids border. The victim was hospitalized with a wound to the chin.

June 22, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
business

Wyoming: Brunswick Moves Land 'N' Sea Marine Distribution to Lowell, Citing Millions in Savings

Land 'N' Sea, a marine distributor in Wyoming, is moving its distribution operations to Lowell in January. Brunswick Corporation says the move will save millions and improve efficiency while keeping Land 'N' Sea as a separate business.

June 22, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|2 sources
business

Grand Rapids Venues Split: Van Andel Arena Attendance Drops 17.5% as DeVos Place Grows

Van Andel Arena attendance dropped 17.5% in fiscal year 2026 while DeVos Place grew 12.5%. Venue officials say the shift reflects competition from Acrisure Amphitheater and a return to pre-pandemic convention activity in Grand Rapids.

June 22, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source
local

Brunswick Reconfigures Lowell Plant, Allocates 50,000 Square Feet to Land 'N' Sea

Brunswick Corporation announced operational updates at its Navico Group facility in Lowell, Michigan, including reallocating 50,000 square feet to Land 'N' Sea distribution operations in a move aimed at multi-million-dollar savings.

June 22, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|3 sources
local

Rockford Bus Driver Gets Probation After Leaving 3-Year-Old Alone for Over an Hour

A former Rockford Public Schools bus driver received three months probation and $420 in fines after leaving a 3-year-old boy alone on a bus for over an hour in November 2025.

June 22, 2026|Grand Rapids Press Wire|1 source