ALPINE TOWNSHIP, Mich.—A public hearing about  Menards' plans to expand in Alpine Township will take place this Thursday.

The retailer wants to build a 40,000 square foot warehouse and lumber yard at 4235 Alpine Ave., near its current store.  The expansion would be within the same complex as the future Tim Horton’s restaurant and drive through and Sleep Doctor mattress store.  Developers hope to begin construction on both of those businesses in spring 2015.

Community members may comment on the proposal during the planning commission’s meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--- Consumers in West Michigan are more optimistic about what 2015 will bring.

In fact, consumers in this market are the most optimistic in the region, according to a new study released by Huntington Bank.  The financial firm found local residents say they are much more likely to buy a new vehicle this year; 17 percent said they plan to purchase a new car, compared to just four percent in 2014.

Home improvement stores may also be busy; 47-percent of West Michiganders surveyed for the Huntington Bank Midwest Economic Index said they were planning some home renovations for 2015, compared to 32 percent in 2014.

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.