Ehren Wynder
Grand Rapids
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Articles by Ehren Wynder
Robotics manufacturer names new CEO amid West Michigan expansion
HOLLAND, MI — JR Automation on Wednesday announced the appointment of Yusuke Kazama as its new CEO. Kazama also serves as COO of the industrial solutions business unit and executive president of the industrial solutions business division for JR Automation’s parent company Hitachi Ltd. Throughout his career with Hitachi, he has held leadership roles across industrial solutions, engineering, business development and global operations in Japan and Singapore.
Whitmer announces 3 Michigan business expansions to bring 127 jobs, $91M investment
LANSING, MI — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday announced three business expansions in Kent, Ingham and Oakland Counties that will result in more than $90.6 million in capital investment and 127 new jobs. “Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in next-generation industries like data analytics and manufacturing,” Whitmer said in a statement. The business expansions represent growth in Michigan’s life sciences, agriculture, and mobility industries.
Grand Rapids board game restaurant celebrating opening with freebies, discounts
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — After quietly introducing itself to the Creston neighborhood this summer, Kobold’s Kitchen is hosting an official grand opening celebration Thursday, Oct. 1. The new board game restaurant and lounge at 2450 Plainfield Ave. NE will give out free coffee all day long. Customers will also be able to play any of the 800 board games in their library for free.
Walker residents to vote on new public safety millage in November
KENT COUNTY, MI — City of Walker residents will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve a 10-year public safety millage designed to expand police and fire services as the city’s population grows. City officials report that demand for emergency services has increased alongside population growth, putting pressure on current staffing levels and infrastructure. The fire department recently began transitioning to 24/7 operations, but only two of three stations maintain constant staffing.
50-year-old Grand Haven YMCA completes $10M renovation
GRAND HAVEN, MI — The Tri-Cities Family YMCA in Grand Haven has completed critical renovations following a successful $10 million capital campaign. YMCA leadership, donors and congressional representatives celebrated the newly renovated YMCA with a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday. The comprehensive overhaul updated the 50-year-old facility’s aging infrastructure and expanded its capacity to serve the community’s 12,000 members. “This facility was built in 1975.
Healthcare meets housing with new 56-unit development near Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Cherry Health and Woda Cooper Companies on Tuesday celebrated the opening of Shea Ravines, a 56-unit mixed-income housing community in Wyoming. The $18.6 million development at 2929 Burlingame Ave. SW, adjacent to Cherry Health’s Wyoming Community Health Center, includes 40 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom apartments priced to serve residents earning 30% to 80% of the area median income.
Muskegon brewery celebrates 7 years with week of concerts
MUSKEGON, MI — Rake Beer Project is celebrating seven years of business with a series of concerts showcasing metal, country and punk artists from around West Michigan and the U.S. “Seven years in the world of small business can feel like a lifetime and a blink of an eye all at once,” brewery owner Josh Rake said in a Facebook post.
Trade association nominates Acrisure Amphitheater for national award
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Downtown Grand Rapids’ new Acrisure Amphitheater has been nominated for National Amphitheater of the Year 2026 by the International Entertainment Buyers Association. IEBA is the trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals who buy, book and sell talent. Its nominees for Amphitheater of the Year were announced on Aug. 21, 2026, just three months after the official opening of Acrisure Amphitheater.
Tribally owned industrial campus in Holland welcomes 2 new tenants
HOLLAND, MI — Waséyabek Development Company, the economic development wing of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribe, on Friday celebrated the arrival of Priority Waste and BLDI as tenants of the Mshiké Industrial Complex in Holland. Priority Waste, a Metro Detroit-based waste service company, opened its first West Michigan location at the Mshiké Industrial Complex on Sept. 1.
Tribally owned industrial campus in Holland welcomes 2 new tenants
HOLLAND, MI — Waséyabek Development Company, the economic development wing of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribe, on Friday celebrated the arrival of Priority Waste and BLDI as tenants of the Mshiké Industrial Complex in Holland. Priority Waste, a Metro Detroit-based waste service company, opened its first West Michigan location at the Mshiké Industrial Complex on Sept. 1.
Grand Rapids businesses ‘cautiously optimistic’ for ArtPrize 2026 turnout
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Downtown businesses are hopeful for a good turnout at ArtPrize 2026, even if the event won’t be at its pre-pandemic height. This year’s ArtPrize kicks off Friday, Sept. 18. The 16-day international art competition will feature 1,025 works from 1,142 artists at 159 venues throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Court denies motion to stop foreclosure of Adelaide Pointe mixed-use building
MUSKEGON, M — A court has denied developer Ryan Leestma’s attempt to keep a lender from foreclosing on Adelaide Pointe’s commercial building amid bankruptcy proceedings. Ludington-based West Shore Bank plans to foreclose on the multiuse building that houses Muskegon Brewing Company and Adelaide Events at 500 Adelaide Circle in Muskegon. The bank claims developer Ryan Leestma’s companies owe over $7 million in debt tied to the project. The foreclosure is expected to occur on Friday Sept.
Previously sold-out Protein Pints ice cream bars now at Target, Kroger
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Protein Pints has brought its new Protein Pops ice cream bars to Target and Kroger stores after the product sold out online within hours of its debut. Protein Pops are now available at both major retailers as of Sept. 13. The expansion places the popular product in more than 4,000 retail locations. The retail push comes after the company’s summer online launch exceeded expectations. Initial inventory sold out in less than eight hours, according to the company.
What’s being built near Hudsonville? It will have smoothies
HUDSONVILLE, MI — On the growing Quincy Street and 32nd Avenue intersection in Jamestown Township, near Hudsonville, crews are moving dirt to make way for a new retail plaza that will be home to a Tropical Smoothie Café and much more. The Jamestown Township Planning Commission granted special land use approval for the project on May 19, meeting minutes show.
After deadly Nepal floods, West Michigan volunteers bring clean-water tech to survivors
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Safe Water International Ministries (SWIM), a Christian ministry with leadership in Michigan, Iowa and West Virginia, is mobilizing a safe drinking water response for flood-affected communities in Nepal. Rich Grant, a West Michigan water engineer and longtime SWIM volunteer, has supported safe-water efforts in Nepal since the 2015 earthquake and has traveled to Nepal and India more than 20 times for this work.
Holland mom, inventor showing postpartum support documentary in West Michigan
HOLLAND, MI — Holland mother and entrepreneur Liz Hilton plans to screen a new documentary about the realities of postpartum life and the care mothers need beyond pregnancy. Hilton, a mother of four, is the founder of Holland-based KnitIt and creator of the Swaddelini, a 3D-knit baby swaddle designed to keep infants sleeping soundly. The product was conceived out of her own necessity.
Michigan’s Adventure celebrates record season under new management
MUSKEGON, MI — Michigan’s Adventure had a record year for season pass sales, signifying trust in the new management. While the park is now closed for the season, leadership says there is more in store for 2027. The popular amusement park at 4750 Whitehall Road in Muskegon ended the 2026 season on Labor Day, Sept. 7, capping 70 years in business and the first year with its new management company Enchanted Parks.
Steelcase names new CEO after HNI acquisition
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Steelcase on Wednesday announced Irene Tasi has been named the company’s next president and CEO. She will begin her duties on Sept. 14. “Steelcase has a rich, innovative history, with deep customer relationships, an extraordinary dealer community and a strong portfolio of solutions that help people and organizations work better,” Tasi said in a statement.
Small West Michigan city joins communities putting pause on data centers
OCEANA COUNTY, MI — Michigan’s data center boom has not yet come to Hart, but the small city in Oceana County is busy drafting regulations to get ahead of the controversial developments. Officials are drafting ordinance language regulating data centers and digital mining after the Hart City Council in May passed a six-month moratorium on applications for such developments, according to meeting minutes.
West Michigan filmmakers document rise of popular retro video store
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI — A short documentary about movie-lovers’ paradise Static Tape Video is premiering in Grand Rapids before touring the Midwest and overseas through September. “Mall Video Store” is a fun and nostalgic short documentary about Harrison Lange, owner of Static Tape Video, an independent video store located inside the Lakes Mall in Fruitport Township, just outside of Muskegon. The 23-minute documentary is directed and produced by filmmakers Nick Nummerdor and Andrew J.
Lakeshore town leans on current rules to keep out data centers
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — Ferrysburg officials have decided to take no action on drafting new data center rules and instead rely on existing regulations to keep them prohibited in the city. The Ferrysburg Planning Commission held a work session during its regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 3. Officials reviewed whether the city needed proactive ordinances to regulate or limit data center developments.
Muskegon organizations pitch in to help displaced mobile home residents
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI — Resources are available for residents affected by the abrupt closure of Mona Lake Mobile Home Park in Muskegon Heights. Public Health Muskegon County is hosting a resource fair from 2-6 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 3, across from the park at 3527 Hoyt Ave. Local organizations and businesses will be onsite providing information on topics such as housing options, moving services and supplies, school enrollment, legal assistance, senior services, referrals and more.
Adelaide Pointe battles brewery foreclosure amid second lender dispute
MUSKEGON, MI — The embattled developer of Muskegon’s Adelaide is disputing with another lender over a portion of the $85 million waterfront property. Ludington-based West Shore Bank is attempting to foreclose on the multiuse building that houses Muskegon Brewing Company and Adelaide Events at 500 Adelaide Circle. The bank claims developer Ryan Leestma’s companies owe over $7 million in debt tied to the project.
Hudsonville’s new distillery among 5 Ottawa County developments in August
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — Hudsonville saw a handful of new retail openings in August while it said goodbye to a longtime favorite. Meanwhile, in Coopersville, shovels hit the dirt on a $650 million factory expansion that will create 200 new jobs. Below is a roundup from MLive/The Grand Rapids Press of five developments in August in Ottawa County. Legacy Winery & Spirits After a lengthy permitting process, Legacy Winery & Spirits is now open in downtown Hudsonville.
EU leaders agree to open membership talks with Ukraine, Moldova
European leaders agreed Thursday to open European Union membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova, over dissent from Hungary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X he was glad to receive news of the EU's decision at the Brussels summit and congratulated Moldovan President Maia Sandu on the joint victory. "I thank everyone who worked for this to happen and everyone who helped," Zelensky said. "I congratulate every Ukrainian on this day ...
House committee grills Lloyd Austin over handling of hospitalization
← MILPLEX | Home MILPLEX by Ehren Wynder Washington DC (UPI) Feb 29, 2024 UPI A congressional committee challenged Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a tense hearing Thursday over his failure to notify President Joe Biden of his hospitalization in January. Austin faced the House Armed Services Committee to answer for his unexplained absence.
High winds temporarily halt Gaza pier construction
U.S. Central Command on Thursday temporarily paused construction of the pier in Gaza due to unsafe weather conditions. CENTCOM, in a release Friday, said construction of the partially built pier has moved to the Port of Ashdod in Israel after high winds and sea swells made for unsafe working conditions in the Mediterranean. U.S. troops have been constructing the temporary pier offshore to avoid the fighting in Gaza. Once complete, troops will install the pier in its intended location.
Ukrainian commander warns Russian attacks on eastern front escalating
Russia's offensive on the eastern front has escalated "significantly" in recent days, Ukraine's armed forces commander-in-chief said Saturday.
High winds temporarily halt Gaza pier construction
U.S. Central Command on Thursday temporarily paused construction of the pier in Gaza due to unsafe weather conditions. CENTCOM, in a release Friday, said construction of the partially built pier has moved to the Port of Ashdod in Israel after high winds and sea swells made for unsafe working conditions in the Mediterranean. U.S. troops have been constructing the temporary pier offshore to avoid the fighting in Gaza. Once complete, troops will install the pier in its intended location.
EU leaders agree to open membership talks with Ukraine, Moldova
European leaders agreed Thursday to open European Union membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova, over dissent from Hungary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X he was glad to receive news of the EU's decision at the Brussels summit and congratulated Moldovan President Maia Sandu on the joint victory. "I thank everyone who worked for this to happen and everyone who helped," Zelensky said. "I congratulate every Ukrainian on this day ...
U.S. proposes revised Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal
The Biden administration has proposed new language for parts of the ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas after negotiations have stalled. The revised deal, first reported Friday by Axios, comes after Hamas proposed amendments to the original three-part plan, including a timeline for a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, which Israel refused.
2 companies planned nearly 900 Michigan layoffs in August
A French boat maker closed its Michigan boat plant after 50 years, while a U.S. beverage distributor announced plans to cut jobs across five Michigan cities amid a merger. Below are two Michigan employers that announced plans to lay off 880 employees in August. The list is based on Federal Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notices filed with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
West Michigan town adds 6 more months on data center moratorium
KENT COUNTY, MI — Solon Township has extended an originally six-month moratorium on data centers to a full year. The Solon Township Planning Commission on Wednesday unanimously recommended approval of a zoning ordinance amendment extending the township's data center moratorium until Feb. 10, 2027. Township Attorney Ross Leisman said the township board approved a six-month moratorium extension during its July 13 meeting.
Fruitport bookstore giving away free children’s books in memory of Dolly Parton
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI — Books for Friends, a new bookstore at the Lakes Mall in Fruitport, is honoring the memory of Country Music star Dolly Parton by hosting a free children’s book giveaway Friday. Friends of the Fruitport Library announced the giveaway Thursday in a post on Facebook. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library began in 1995 and has spent the last 31 years helping children build a love of reading,” the post reads.
West Michigan town adds 6 more months on data center moratorium
KENT COUNTY, MI — Solon Township has extended an originally six-month moratorium on data centers to a full year. The Solon Township Planning Commission on Wednesday unanimously recommended approval of a zoning ordinance amendment extending the township’s data center moratorium until Feb. 10, 2027. Township Attorney Ross Leisman said the township board approved a six-month moratorium extension during its July 13 meeting.
What to know about MDOT’s $59M upgrade to U.S. 131 in Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Frequent drivers of a busy stretch of U.S. 131 north of Grand Rapids got a preview of new flexible traffic lanes that will help alleviate rush-hour congestion. Michigan Department of Transportation staff hosted a public meeting to provide more information about the project on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the MDOT Transportation Service Center in Grand Rapids. Michigan plans to build a flex route on U.S. 131 from I-96 to Post Drive in Kent County.
Muskegon’s Honey Girl granola offers homemade recipe on store shelves
MUSKEGON, MI — After two years in the food industry, Emily Principe had an interest in food processing with healthier ingredients, which inspired her to create Honey Girl granola. “You can just go on the shelf and find these bizarre ingredients in cereal, Pop Tarts, chips and just say to yourself, why is that in there? There’s no need for that,” she said.
Tribe seeks development alternatives while Muskegon County casino is on ice
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI — The leader of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is pursuing other development opportunities on 170 acres near a long-stalled casino project in Muskegon County. The tribe for the past 15 years has tried to build a casino and 220-room hotel on a 60-acre property on Harvey Street at the U.S. 31/I-96 interchange in Fruitport Township.
Muskegon-area mobile home residents forced to leave on short notice
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI — Residents of Mona Lake Mobile Home Park in Norton Shores are scrambling to find a new home after they were given 30 days to leave last week. Bowen Hoogstra, the law firm representing the park, sent tenants a notice on Aug. 10 informing them that the owner has chosen to cease operations in order to sell the property at 3527 Hoyt Ave. Residents have until Sept. 15 to vacate the park or else they will be served a formal eviction notice.
LG Energy Solution starts production at $2B Lansing battery plant
LANSING, MI — Korean battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution announced the start of production Wednesday at its second Michigan facility in Lansing. A grand opening event for the Lansing facility was attended by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, and Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago Sangwoo Hong.
6 new stores coming to West Michigan mall
GRANDVILLE, MI — RiverTown Crossings Mall plans to add six retail and entertainment destinations to its lineup, the shopping center announced this week. The new tenants represent national and local brands and span categories from international snacks to gaming collectibles and non-alcoholic beverages, according to a post on social media. The mall has not yet announced opening dates for the new businesses.
Lowell data center regulations still months away, officials say
KENT COUNTY, MI — The Lowell Township Planning Commission on Monday discussed the latest developments on a potential data center ordinance while Microsoft’s $1 billion project looms on the horizon. The township board on May 18 approved the formation of an advisory committee consisting of two board members, two planning commissioners and four township residents tasked with developing a data center ordinance.
Hudsonville distillery opening new tasting room after licensing delays
HUDSONVILLE, MI — After a long wait, Legacy Winery & Spirits is officially opening to the public later this month. Lance and Anjalie Wassink plan to host a grand opening celebration for Legacy Winery & Spirits’ new tasting room Friday and Saturday, Aug. 21-22, at 5400 School Ave. in Hudsonville. Originally planning to open in March, the husband-and-wife duo experienced licensing delays due to confusion between state and federal regulators.
Kalamazoo car crash sends bicyclist to hospital
KALAMAZOO, MI — A bicyclist was hospitalized after being involved in a car crash in Kalamazoo Thursday, police say. Officers were called to the scene of a crash involving a vehicle and a bicycle on at the intersection of East Main Street and East Michigan Avenue, according to a Thursday night post from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. The cyclist received medical aid on the scene and was transported to a local hospital for additional treatment.
Grand Rapids shooting leaves 1 dead, 1 critically injured
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Police are investigating a shooting that left one person dead and another in critical condition Thursday night in northeast Grand Rapids. Officers responded to a report of a shooting around 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, around Plymouth Ave. NE and Mason St. NE, according to a release from the Grand Rapids Police Department. Both victims were found in a vehicle. One was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other was transported to the hospital in critical condition, the release reads.
Lowell halts new water rate talks amid Microsoft data center controversy
KENT COUNTY — The Lowell City Council has suspended any discussion on new water agreements with Lowell Charter Township, complicating Microsoft’s $1 billion data center plan. Lowell Mayor Mike DeVore during the city council meeting on Monday, Aug.
Ottawa County voters say 'yes' to mental health millage renewal
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — Ottawa County voters on Tuesday, Aug. 4, approved a 0.30-mill renewal for mental health services over 10 years. The measure passed with 53,489 voting in favor and 30,448 voting against, with 100% of precincts reporting, according to the unofficial results from the Ottawa County Clerk's Office. If levied in its entirety, the millage would raise an estimated $5.6 million in the first calendar year after its approval (2026).
Voters renew millage for West Michigan's Patmos Library
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — Voters on Tuesday chose to renew funding for Patmos Library in Jamestown Charter Township. The measure passed with 1,817 votes in favor and 1,347 votes against, with 100% of precincts reporting, according to the unofficial results from the Ottawa County Clerk's Office. Patmos Library at 2445 Riley St. in Jamestown Township sought a renewal of its previously authorized rate, which expired in 2025, for another five years.
Ottawa County voters approve parks millage renewal
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — Voters on Tuesday, Aug. 4, reapproved Ottawa County's parks millage for another 10 years. The measure passed with 56,119 “yes” votes and 28,077 “no” vote, with all precincts reporting, according to the unofficial results from the Ottawa County Clerk's Office. The renewal request is from December 2027 through December 2036. The current millage is expiring this year, and the proposal includes restoration of the rolled back millage to 0.33 mills.
Fairlife begins $650M West Michigan expansion that promises 200 jobs
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — Dairy beverage maker Fairlife has officially begun construction of a $650 million expansion at its Coopersville plant. The expansion will add two new production lines, 245,000 square feet to the existing facility and approximately 200 new, full-time jobs. It is expected to be completed in early 2028, according to the company. Becca Kerr, Fairlife CEO, was joined by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to commemorate the milestone in an official groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
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