Our network

Business
Realtor vows to match donations during ...

Local artist turns s'more sticks into business

Submitted by WZZM13, News Staff
Thursday, December 19th, 2013, 6:16pm

ADA, Mich. (WZZM) -- A West Michigan artist has turned her homemade s'more sticks, into a business.

Geri Mateus got her start about 15 years ago, making clay gifts at home. "Three years ago it was getting out of control; dust everywhere, so we leased some space," says Geri, owner of Geri Mateus Studios. Her signature item, is her s'more Sweet Sticks, which she originally created for her children. The colorful handles don't get hot and each one has a fun message.

The products are all made in the back of Geri's studio off Fulton Street in Ada. About 11 employees help keep up with the orders. "What's really popular right now is our Michigan ornament. They love that we've connected the UP to it. They are selling like hotcakes."

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share:

Community Sponsors

Clever Ewe
Watch video
Fine Yarns for You!
Via Verde Farm
Watch video
Alpacas As Never Seen Before!
Buy one get one half off!
Milestones Child Development Center
Watch video
Children learning through interacting with their surroundings and daily experiences
NO Enrollment Fee!
All Community Sponsors

Area awarded $15 million for road projects

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Thursday, December 19th, 2013, 1:24pm

LANSING, Mich. (WZZM) - West Michigan drivers can expect a smoother ride, beginning next spring.

Thursday morning the state announced more than $15 million in funding for road and infrastructure projects in the region.  The money, which comes from the $115 million allocated to the Michigan Roads and Risk Reserve Fund, will be divided up among Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Ionia and Montcalm counties. 

"These projects will all take place within our state's current budget and without raising taxes, which is what our hard-working taxpayers deserve. By planning ahead and allocating these funds specifically for road and bridge projects, we are paving the way for a brighter future here in Michigan," said Cannon Township Representative Peter MacGregor in a statement released Thursday.

The list of road projects includes:

Kent County

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share:

SUV and salt truck collide in Cascade Twp.

Submitted by Bob Brenzing, Web Producer
Wednesday, December 18th, 2013, 12:51pm

CASCADE TWP., Mich. (WZZM) - No one was hurt when an SUV hit a Kent County snow plow Wednesday morning.

The crash happened before dawn on Spaulding Avenue near Burton Street SE.  Sheriff's deputies say that the SUV was heading southbound on Spaulding when it crossed over the center line and hit the plow.  Both vehicles then went off the road and into the ditch.

One lane of Spaulding was shut down as the vehicles were cleared from the scene.

 

View Comments | Post a Comment
Share:

Realtor vows to match donations during holiday food drive Dec. 19

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Wednesday, December 18th, 2013, 12:01pm
Realtor vows to match donations during holiday food drive Dec. 19

ROCKFORD, Mich.--  A West Michigan realtor is challenging community members to help fill the North Kent Community Center’s pantry by offering to match donations.

On Thursday, Dec. 19, donors are invited to visit the Five Star Real Estate office on East Beltline Avenue to drop off non-perishable foods and enjoy cookies, coffee and/or punch.  Realtor Sarah Cain says she will match all food donations collected that day, up to $5,000.

The holiday food drive runs from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Five Star Real Estate, located at 2900 East Beltline, Suite F.

View Comments | Post a Comment
Share:

Community Sponsors

Via Verde Farm
Watch video
Alpacas As Never Seen Before!
Buy one get one half off!
Clever Ewe
Watch video
Fine Yarns for You!
All Community Sponsors

Experience Grand Rapids launches personalized travel planning website

Submitted by mkennedy on Wednesday, December 18th, 9:28 am
Experience Grand Rapids launches personalized travel planning website

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.---Experience Grand Rapids, the official destination marketing organization for Kent County, recently announced the launch of its new personalized travel planning website, www.GRCityTwist.com.

The new interactive website targets 18 different interests, from “art lovers” to “thrill seekers”, allowing the visitor to customize their trip.  For example, craft beer enthusiasts can find breweries to explore, activities and nightlife related to craft beer, and accommodations for the weekend.

EXGR launched the new, mobile-friendly website on Dec. 17 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park with the hospitality community, business and political leaders, and its Certified Tourism Ambassadors.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share:

Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival accepting submissions

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Tuesday, December 17th, 2013, 7:00am
Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival accepting submissions

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Time is running out to register for the upcoming Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival.

The competition is designed for Michigan high school student filmmakers to showcase their talents.  Students are asked to produce a 30 second public service announcement promoting building character, healthy lifestyles or celebrating diversity.  Filmmakers are asked to target one of two audiences: kindergarten through 6th grade students or 7th through 12th grade students.  The winning work will be used in classrooms.

The deadline for submitting a PSA is Feb. 7, 2014 with a $10 registration fee; students who submit an entry by Jan. 17 pay only $5 for registration.  For more information on the Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival, visit the competition website here.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share:

Envision Ada plan up for vote Dec. 16

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Monday, December 16th, 2013, 11:26am
Envision Ada plan up for vote Dec. 16

ADA TOWNSHIP, Mich.—A plan months in the making could hit a milestone Monday.

Ada Township Clerk Susan Burton says the Downtown Development Authority will take up the Envision Ada plan during its regular meeting Dec. 16.  Burton says the DDA is expected to approve the plan ahead of the Board of Trustees meeting Monday night.  The Board of Trustees will be formally briefed on the Envision Ada plan, but will not vote on it.

Meetings for Envision Ada began back in June, after Amway purchased another 22 acres of mostly riverfront land.  The corporation teamed up with the DDA to ask the community for development suggestions.  Read our previous story here.

View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: