12+ hour, 46+ min ago (367+ words) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. " Fans of Valley Field are seeking additional donors to complete their fundraising campaign as Phase II construction resumes at Grand Rapids' historic 1937 ballpark. The renovation effort for Sullivan Field, formerly known as Valley Field, began four years ago with support from Grand Rapids voters through a parks millage approval. The all-volunteer organization has now raised more than $4.9 million, surpassing 90% of its fundraising goal with backing from the city, state and donors. The group is looking for at least two major donors and has launched a "Last Chance to Buy a Brick" campaign, allowing supporters to purchase an engraved brick for as little as $150. Individuals and small businesses can join the permanent donor wall for $1,000 and a limited number of park benches are available for sponsorship. Restoring the park has been a years-long undertaking for volunteers. But it's…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (228+ words) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. " A man has been charged nearly three years after a Grand Rapids father was shot and killed. 32-year-old Andrew Merriweather has been charged with first-degree murder, felony firearm and carrying a concealed weapon in the death of Jontell White, 30. The shooting happened Jan. 14 on S Division. Patrol officers heard shots fired in the area and found White at the scene, where he was pronounced dead. White was the father of two young girls. Back in 2023, investigators said the suspect ran off when officers showed up. The person was wearing a black coat and black pants." No suspects were arrested at the time. Grand Rapids detectives ramped up their efforts to locate the suspect this year, urging the public to come forward with information. In September, police shared surveillance video taken the night of the shooting. "These charges…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (276+ words) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. " The Kent County Prosecutor announced charges against the man accused of shooting at police earlier this week in southeast Grand Rapids." The 18-year-old, now identified as Yasir Lagrone, faces two counts of assault with intent to murder, two counts of resisting and opposing a police officer, two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony and one count of carrying a concealed weapon." Assault with intent to murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison." According to online court records, Lagrone previously pleaded guilty to an unrelated false informing charge in September and then pleaded guilty to a carrying a concealed weapon charge in another unrelated case in October." The situation began around 2 p.m. on Tuesday. It unfolded in the area of Adams Street SE and Blaine Avenue SE, near Kalamazoo Avenue. Grand Rapids…...

2+ week, 3+ day ago (325+ words) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. " If you were looking toward downtown Grand Rapids Friday evening, you may have seen drone art light up the sky. The nonprofit behind the light show says it's one of the largest in the region, and honors America's veterans. Nicole Steward was selling jewelry and rocks to the veterans and community members taking part in a celebration of service fundraiser in downtown Grand Rapids Friday night." "I have some stress rocks," Steward said. "I have some wishing rocks, fossils and petoskeys. And I just find a lot of joy in it." Her husband Jamal started this event as a way to honor the service of veterans in West Michigan." To honor the United States and America's veterans days ahead of Veteran's Day and the birthday of the Marine Corps, Jamal and his group, Creative Community Entertainment, are…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago (180+ words) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. " Kate Goldman's Halloween stash looks different than previous years. "We decided to collect some groceries and other home and healthcare needs," said Goldman. With SNAP benefits set to pause on Saturday, Goldman wanted this Halloween to be both helpful and fun. She put a makeshift pantry in her front yard with everyday items people may need at no cost. She said she also didn't want the effort to take away from the trick-or-treaters. "But the kids, they you know, this is a holiday still for them. Let's keep it fun. Why do we want to give them a can of beans? And I could see both sides, and that discussion inspired me to think, well, why can't we do both?" said Goldman. While Goldman helped organize the pantry, she said she's proud of her Michigan Oaks neighbors…...

3+ week, 5+ day ago (187+ words) FRUITPORT, Mich. " Shoppers crossed state lines"and even country borders"to attend Muskegon County's Costco grand opening." The store's ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed the hundreds of shoppers who were lined up around the store." Many shoppers told 13 ON YOUR SIDE they are excited not to travel to Grand Rapids to use their membership." "It'll be very convenient," said shopper Nick Mason. "To save some gas, and that's what you've got to do when you're retired. You've got to shop where you can shop and do what you can do." Shoppers who traveled all the way from Canada said they were hoping to snag alcohol deals and rare Pok'mon cards." In addition to perks for shoppers, the store is expected to help the area's economy. The store will offer more than 220 jobs in the Muskegon County area." "We're excited to see the…...