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My Town: Judge Redford leaving 17th Circuit Court

Submitted by Anonymous on Friday, January 2nd, 10:45 am
My Town: Judge Redford leaving 17th Circuit Court

EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—The search is on for a new judge to preside over Michigan’s 17th Circuit Court in Kent County.

Chief Judge Robert Redford is leaving his post to become the chief legal counsel for the governor’s executive office.  Governor Snyder chose Redford to replace Judge Mike Gadola, who was recently appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals. 

Snyder also named Rep. John Walsh his director of strategy.

“It’s essential to have such talented individuals who have a passion for helping the people of our state and the vision and expertise to craft policy and build relationships that will help us accelerate our state’s dramatic comeback and work to keep moving Michigan forward,” Snyder said. “I know I’ve found the right people in Rep. Walsh and Judge Redford.”

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My Town: Thirteen local lawmakers post perfect voting record for 2014

Submitted by Anonymous on Monday, December 29th, 11:05 am
My Town: Thirteen local lawmakers post perfect voting record for 2014

LANSING, Mich.—State Sen. Mark Jansen tops the list of West Michigan lawmakers who missed the most votes this year, according to the Missed Votes Report compiled by Jack McHugh, editor of MichiganVotes.org.

Jansen missed 46 votes between January and December of this year. The District 28 Republican represents a large portion of Kent County, including Ada, Algoma, Alpine, Cannon, Courtland, Grand Rapids and Plainfield townships, as well as East Grand Rapids, Rockford, Walker and Wyoming.

State Rep. Jon Bumstead, who represents Newaygo, Lake and Oceana counties, had the most missed votes among West Michigan lawmakers in the House, with 21 this year.  

Three senators and three representatives missed 50 or more votes this year.  The top offenders were Rep. John Olumba of Detroit, with 233 missed votes, and Sen. Bert Johnson of Detroit, with 187 missed votes.

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My Town: Bottoms up! Kent District Library serving a second round of KD aLe

Submitted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 4th, 10:59 am
My Town: Bottoms up! Kent District Library serving a second round of KD aLe

KENT COUNTY, Mich.—Kent District Library is ordering a second round of its popular series for beer lovers.

KD aLe will return Monday, Dec. 8 with a home brewing workshop by Edward Long from Siciliano’s Market.  Long will outline the basics of brewing during his visit to the Sand Lake/Nelson Township branch.  The home brewing workshop schedule is as follows:

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My Town: Harvest on the Ridge returns Sept. 20

Submitted by Anonymous on Friday, September 19th, 7:00 am
My Town: Harvest on the Ridge returns Sept. 20

SPARTA, Mich.—  A celebration of West Michigan's agricultural Mecca returns to Sparta this weekend.

Harvest on the Ridge festival will unfold at Rogers Park Sept. 20. This year’s event includes a couch racing fundraiser, the Dirty Apple Obstacle Run, a cupcake baking contest, an apple pie eating contest, hay rides, corn mazes, kids’ activities and a farmers’ market.  Johnny Appleseed is kicking off the event with donkey rides and his tale of how  “The Ridge” became filled with apple orchards.

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WMU-Cooley Professor & Retired Brigadier Gen. McDaniel Participates in W. Mich. Day of Remembrance

Submitted by Tyler Lecceadone on Friday, September 12th, 2:30 pm
WMU-Cooley Professor & Retired Brigadier Gen. McDaniel Participates in W. Mich. Day of Remembrance

 

WMU-COOLEY LAW SCHOOL PROFESSOR AND RETIRED BRIGADIER GENERAL MICHAEL C.H. McDANIEL

PARTICIPATES IN WEST MICHIGAN DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

 

 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – To honor all those who sacrificed their lives during the terrorist events of September 11, 2001, the Gerald R. Ford Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and Museum hosted the 13th annual Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute from sunrise to sunset on September 11, 2014. WMU-Cooley Law School Professor and retired Brigadier General Michael C.H.

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My Town: Johnny Appleseed helps kick off Harvest on the Ridge Sept. 20

Submitted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 4th, 2:25 pm
My Town: Johnny Appleseed helps kick off Harvest on the Ridge Sept. 20

SPARTA, Mich.—Johnny Appleseed is on his way to Sparta to share his story of how “The Ridge” became filled with apple orchards.

Johnny will bring his trusted donkey, Levi for rides while entertaining children with his story and song.    His tale helps kick off this year’s Harvest on the Ridge festival in Sparta on Sept. 20.  This year’s event will include a couch racing fundraiser, the Dirty Apple Obstacle Run, a cupcake baking contest, an apple pie eating contest, hay rides, corn mazes, kids’ activities and a farmers’ market, all located in Rogers Park.

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My Town: New school opens in Alpine Township

Submitted by Anonymous on Wednesday, September 3rd, 10:45 am
My Town: New school opens in Alpine Township

ALPINE TOWNSHIP, Mich.—A new private school is now open in Alpine Township.

Late last month, the township planning commission unanimously approved Family of Christ Lutheran Church's request  to add a parochial school within its existing facility. The school serves grades 2-12.  The church, located at 1100 Henze Drive, plans to add kindergarten and first grade as demand grows, as well as an outdoor playground.

As of late August, the church had approximately five children enrolled.  The pastor's wife, Barb Bowditch, is a certified teacher.

Private schools and churches are both zoned for special land use in Alpine Township, so no rezoning was necessary.  However, developers are required to gain approval from the township before opening any private school.

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