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Residents return to nursing home after flood

GRANDVILLE, Mich. (WZZM) -- People living at a senior community in Grandville are returning home after they were evacuated during last month's flood.

Brookcrest Rehabilitation and Life Center held a welcome back party Thursday morning.

On April 18, heavy rains caused the nearby Buck Creek to spill into the complex, forcing all 122 residents to evacuate. Since then employees have worked around the clock removing carpeting, painting walls and restocking supplies.

The administrators say it's been an emotional time.

"Anytime anyone would go out and see a resident... we would all get a little choked up thinking about someone else taking care of our family," said Brookcrest administrator Christina Matzke. "And to have them coming back today or this week is very heartening."

Residents had a party to celebrate their return. They also received a green t-shirt to wear.

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Grand Rapids Beer City USA 2013 - the time to vote is now!

Grand Rapids Beer City USA 2013 - the time to vote is now!

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- There is no question 2012 was great year for Grand Rapids and beer.

A record number of breweries opened, including Eastown’s Harmony, Mitten Brewing, and Grand Rapids Brewing Company as well as both Pike 51 and White Flame in Hudsonville, Perrin in Comstock Park and Rockford Brewing Company. Additionally, Grand Rapid’s most successful brewery, Founders, celebrated their 15 year anniversary in style which included the release of their 15% Bolt Cutter Barleywine. But perhaps the defining moment in 2012 was the nomination and securing of the title Beer City USA in a tied vote along with previous year victors Asheville, North Carolina.

Read Article: http://www.imabeerhound.com/michigan-brewery-news/grand-rapids-beer-city-usa-2013-the-time-to-vote-is-now.html

City councilman joins race to replace Mayor James Buck

City councilman joins race to replace Mayor James Buck

GRANDVILLE, Mich.— A city leader is joining the race to replace Grandville’s longest-serving mayor.

Steve Maas announced his intentions to run for mayor Tuesday, May 7.  Maas is currently Mayor Pro-Tem and a city councilman.

In March, Mayor James Buck announced plans to leave office when his term ends in November.  Buck had been on the city council for a total of 42 years; he spent 29 of those years as Mayor.  In that time, Buck has helped develop seven city parks and the Rivertown Parkway shopping corridor.

Voters approve school millages, bond issues

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- All but a few millage requests and bond proposals passed as West Michigan voters went to the polls Tuesday.

WZZM 13 News followed the results of 31 different ballot measures in seven counties.  Here are the county-by-county results:

Kent County

Voters in the Godfrey-Lee Public School district approved a $2.2 million bond issue, with the money going to school repairs and construction, new buses, athletic facility improvements and better technology.  The measure passed 118-79.

Grandville Public Schools received voter approval for a $75.2 million dollar bond proposal, with the money going to school repairs and construction, new buses, athletic facility improvements and better technology. The measure passed 3,959-1,697.

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Music teacher killed in Ottawa Co. bike crash

WRIGHT TWP., Mich. (WZZM) -- A beloved Grandville music teacher was hit and killed by a car while riding his bicycle in Ottawa County over the weekend.

WZZM 13 is taking a closer look at whether there were enough signs for cars and bikers at the intersection of 24th Avenue and Musketawa Trail near Marne, where the accident happened.

There are stop signs for bicyclists on each side of the road, but investigators say often times they're overlooked.

"I always stop, I slow all the way down, I don't run through them," says bicyclist Bob Dykstra.

Dykstra sees fellow bikers blowing the stop signs all the time. "They'll fly right through, they'll look both ways and go, but if the sun's in your eyes or you miss it, the car could be right on top of you."

Sunday afternoon, investigators say 55-year-old Jeffrey Looman slowed down on his bike, but never stopped as a car was approaching.

Specialty beer on tap as Grand Rapids defends Beer City USA title

Specialty beer on tap as Grand Rapids defends Beer City USA title

 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Ten area breweries are teaming up to create a new beer, as Grand Rapids defends its title of Beer City USA.

The new rye IPA, called #55555513, will be available on tap starting Sunday, May 5.  The beer received its creative name because it contains 5.5% alcohol, 55 International Bitterness Units (IBU), and is being released on 5/5/13.   

Participating breweries include:

Outdoor Market opening Saturday features nearly 70 businesses (list included)

Outdoor Market opening Saturday features nearly 70 businesses (list included)

 

Grand Rapids’ long-awaited Downtown Outdoor Market opens Saturday, May 4, with the help of many businesses from West Michigan.

The 25,000 square foot site is the first LEED-certified market in the country.  When the market’s indoor space opens this summer, it will include a restaurant, brewery, farmer’s market, retail shops, commercial kitchen, rooftop greenhouse, and the country’s first hands-on kitchen for children.

The outdoor market will be open Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  It is located at 435 Ionia SW.

According to the Downtown Market’s Web page, this year’s vendors include: