Grand Rapids Press

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Sheriff’s deputies have identified Maria Venegas-Acevedo, 62, of Holland, as the woman who was killed Tuesday, Sept. 29, in a crash that critically injured her husband. The other driver, Rajinder Kaur, 36, of Holland, was charged with operating while intoxicated causing death, a 15-year felony. She was arraigned Wednesday in Holland District Court and released after posting a $2,500 bond.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — John Ball Zoo has earned another five years of accreditation after a national organization found it met rigorous professional standards for animal care, conservation, education, guest experience and operations, the zoo announced Wednesday. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or AZA, approved the accreditation following a multiday inspection in June, said interim CEO Rob VerHeulen.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A political newcomer is challenging an incumbent Grand Rapids city commissioner in the Nov. 3 race to represent the city’s northeast side. Voters will choose between real estate broker Bryan Cody and incumbent Commissioner Lisa Knight in the November election for the open 2nd Ward seat on the Grand Rapids City Commission. The winner will represent the ward alongside Commissioner Milinda Ysasi, whose current term expires in 2028.

GRANDVILLE, MI -- The Grandville Police Department will host its sixth annual Food and Basic Needs Drive on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in partnership with local faith-based food pantries. Residents can drop off donations from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at three locations: the Grandville Police Department at 3181 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville Family Fare at 3960 44th St. SW, and Grandville Target at 3130 44th St. SW.

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.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – An 18-year-old was sentenced to decades in prison for what prosecutors described as an “attempted execution” outside a liquor store. However, Cartiyae Pascal will remain housed in the Kent County Jail as he prepares for a murder trial next month in the killing of 15-year-old Amillier Penn. Pascal, dressed in orange jail-issued clothing, was sentenced Thursday, Oct. 1, to nearly 24 years to 40 years in prison for attempted murder.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Hope Network plans to train 5,000 people in mental health awareness and suicide prevention over the next three years after receiving a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The $600,000 Mental Health Awareness Training grant will help participants learn to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges, respond appropriately and connect people with professional care and resources.

KENT COUNTY, MI - Voters will soon get to pick between two candidates to represent West Michigan as the next 90th District representative in the state House. The Nov. 3 general election features Democrat Rachel Crowther and Republican Lynn Afendoulis. The winner will take the seat vacated by House Majority Floor Leader Rep. Bryan Posthumus, R-Rockford, who is not seeking a fourth term. Mail-in ballots have begun going out to residents who request one, and mandatory early voting begins Oct. 24.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — BISSELL, a family-owned manufacturer of vacuum cleaners and other home-cleaning products, has appointed longtime company executive Adam Madigan as its next CEO. Madigan will take over Oct. 1 at the Walker-based company, which was founded in 1876. He will be its first CEO from outside the Bissell family, according to the company. Madigan has worked at BISSELL for 14 years, most recently as president and chief operating officer.

IONIA COUNTY, MI – A man pleaded no contest to first-degree criminal sexual conduct for assaulting a 12-year-old girl who later died by suicide. Blake Kozan, 19, of St. Johns, entered the plea on Tuesday, Sept. 29, in Ionia County Circuit Court. He faces at least 25 years, and up to life, in prison when sentenced at a date to be determined. The no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but it is treated that way at sentencing.