GRAND VALLEY ADVANCE

The Latest News, Updates and Opinions

It seems no matter where you turn these days there is a plea for help. Locally and around the world, people are in need, and children of all ages are being challenged to do their part. Two Jenison students recently led their classmates in fund drives to relieve suffering in Haiti, and to help promote literacy in Muslim countries.... Full story »

Allendale resident Dwayne Thomas has submitted his intent to file a referendum petition with regard to the township board of trustees’ recent rezoning of property on the corner of Lake Michigan Drive and 48th Avenue. Thomas handed in his paperwork to Allendale Township Clerk Candy Kraker last Wednesday to challenge the rezoning of the University Park property owned by Stuart... Full story »

The Zeeland City Council recently appointed one new member and three returning members to the Zeeland Hospital Finance Authority. City Assistant Manager and Finance Director Karen Doyle was approved to fill the vacancy left by James Watt, who didn’t seek re-appointment. Her term will expire in January 2012. Officials also re-appointed City Manager Tim Klunder, Mayor Pro-Tem Sally Gruppen, and... Full story »

Neighboring communities are open to the idea of an Interpretive Center building at the Hudsonville Nature Center. City Manager Pauline Luben said about 20 letters of support have been received in response to her inquiry, sent to local municipalities in January. At least three charitable foundations have also expressed interest, along with Hudsonville Public Schools. The building will have space... Full story »

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A new piece of artwork hanging in Zeeland’s Creekside Middle School celebrates diversity but also how people are the same. The oblong needle-felting piece shows eight children holding hands, and three of the children have physical disabilities. Art teacher Tami Dykhouse created the piece, titled “We are all different, yet the same.” Dykhouse has taught art to middle school... Full story »

Wyoming Police Department Officer Rob Meredith raised his hand with two fingers up and led a handful of Cub Scouts in the Scout promise last week. The phrase, “I promise to do my best, to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people and to obey the law of the pack,” is a mantra he... Full story »

For everyone who complains that high school kids today don’t learn anything of practical use, take a look at how Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University is affecting teenagers. John Schwalm, business teacher at Grandville High School, began using a classroom version of Ramsey’s material last fall when he learned he could get materials at no charge from Macatawa Bank.... Full story »

Bob VanderLaan, administrator at Hudsonville Christian School, has announced he will retire in June 2010. VanderLaan has been with Hudsonville Christian School for 43 years. He has been head administrator (Administrative Principal) of the K-8 school for the past 13 years. VanderLaan, 67, said he would be taking things “one step at a time” upon leaving the school. “I think... Full story »

Jamestown Township firefighters could never catch up to an attic fire that spread through a home at 4308 Quincy Street in the early morning hours of March 1. Jamestown Fire Department Chief Tom Saladino said the fire started in the chimney, but unknown to the homeowner, quickly spread through the attic. By the time firefighters were called at 1:30... Full story »