As new MLK Park lodge nears opening, one group unhappy
Weeks away from the grand opening celebration for the new community center at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Grand Rapids, one group of neighbors isn’t thrilled with how it all turned out.
‘Just a blast’: West Michigan woman helping at the Olympics
When Julie Warnke landed in Milan a little over a week ago, she was only a reserve volunteer. But after a couple days and a little persistence, she got the email that changed her trip completely.
GR city commissioner steps down to run for higher office
Grand Rapids’ 1st Ward Commissioner Drew Robbins announced his resignation and intention to run for Michigan’s 84th State House District at the Jan. 27 commission meeting. The district is currently represented by Rep. Carol Glanville, D-Walker, who is running for state senate.
LaBombard to leave City of Lowell for new role with Kent County
Lowell’s city council gathered for a regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, with all members present. For the first order of business, City Manager Mike Burns presented a water and sewer rate survey he prepared, showing Lowell’s quarterly rate compared to those of 68 other Michigan communities.
57 years later, double murderer will go free
Nearly 60 years after murdering two gas station clerks in Walker, a 78-year-old man will go free.
Case against mom accused of killing two of her children, abusing another bound for...
KENT COUNTY, Mich. — A court decided on Monday that prosecutors have a strong enough case to continue their legal actions against a mother accused of killing two of her children and abusing another. Court documents | Mom pleads not guilty to killing newborn son, abusing daughter. Cedar Springs...
These Hidden Italian Restaurants In Michigan Are Perfect For Cozy February Date Nights
I am a total, unrepentant sucker for a Michigan February, mostly because it provides the perfect, dramatic backdrop for my brand of pathetic, hopeless romanticism. There is nothing that makes you crave a soulmate quite like a sub-zero windchill, and I’ve spent these shivering months hunting for the kind of dim,...
City of Grand Rapids explains plowing system
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The city of Grand Rapids is reacting to residents' complaints about plowing in the city. On Sunday, 13 ON YOUR SIDE spoke to some residents who said they feel like the city has not plowed many side streets. In response, the city wants to inform...
Man convicted of Kent County 1968 double-murder to be released at age 78
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A man who spent 57 years in prison for a Kent County double murder at age 20 is expected to be released. A Kent County judge on Wednesday, Feb. 11, changed the sentence of Charles Ronald Martin, 78, from “life” to 40-60 years. Martin...
Feds: Hudsonville grad pleads guilty in gun switch case
A 19-year-old Hudsonville man has pleaded guilty to possession and transfer of a machine gun, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan announced Wednesday.
