Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Phil Dawson
Acrisure Amphitheater exceeds first-season expectations, draws noise complaints
“Ended up being a pretty good season for the Acrisure Amphitheater.” Convention/Arena Authority director Rich MacKeigan says they anticipated 30 to 35 events during the first season at the amphitheater and they had 49. They expected attendance around 300 thousand. “We are probably going to end up over 400,000.” And he says those visitors spent money before and after events.
Georgetown Township trustees deny proposed gun range near school, home with children
“A gun range, you have to be so focused on safety.” And Georgetown Township trustee Amy Grassman says she is not convinced the family in a nearby home or children in a Hudsonville school would be safe if a property owner builds a private gun range by 36th Avenue and Bauer Road. “What concerns me is there is a school nearby and a house nearby with five children.
State revenue-sharing cuts force Plainfield Twp. to raise property taxes
“We are not going to be able to fix our roads unless we find some additional revenue.” Superintendent Cameron VanWyngarden says Plainfield Township needs more money for road maintenance because to increase highway funding in the state budget lawmakers in Lansing reduced revenue sharing payments to townships.
Kent County medical examiner stepping back after 40 years of service
“After 40 years of service to Kent County Dr. Cohle is stepping back.” At the 2026 State of the County presentation, Kent County administrator Al Vanderberg thanked Dr. Stephen Cohle for his years of service as a forensic pathologist. “Solving Kent County’s most difficult mysteries. How and why people in our community die.” Dr. Cohle came to Grand Rapids in 1982. Took over as the county’s chief medical examiner in 2002.
Walker voters to consider 1.75-mill public safety tax in November
“Walker has experienced growth that has brought increased demand for emergency services.” And to pay for those services in a YouTube video, mayor Gary Carey says Walker is asking voters to approve a one-point seven five-mill property tax increase for public safety. “To keep pace with our community's changing needs.” The millage would raise about 3 million dollars next year, over its 10-year duration a total of 30 million or more.
Homeland Security says agents ended pursuit, protesters still blame ICE for fatal crash
“Justice for Mario.” During a vigil at the tree in Grand Rapids where 35-year-old undocumented immigrant Mario David Coronado Juarez crashed and died Sunday morning, Karla Barberi blamed ICE agents for his death.
Grand Rapids mayor adjourns city commission meeting early after disorderly behavior
“I’m here to speak out against the gentlemen running for our senate.” The disorder at Tuesday's Grand Rapids city commission meeting started with citizen Daniel Schutte’s comments about democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. “He is a devout Muslim. He wants to implement Sharia law. Sharia law believes that if you are caught stealing your hands are cut off.” That got a reaction from the audience and led to an exchange between city commissioner Marshall Kilgore and mayor David LaGrand.
Protesters blame ICE for fatal Grand Rapids crash as state police launch investigation
“Say his name. Mario David Coronado Juárez.” Gema Lowe with immigrant advocacy group Movimiento Cosecha GR says Mario David Coronado Juarez was killed about seven Sunday morning when he crashed his vehicle into a tree near US-131 at Century Avenue and McKendrick Street in southwest Grand Rapids. She says he was running from federal ICE agents after a traffic stop.
Toyota to film Grand Haven landmarks for 2027 ad campaign
“They just thought they could get a lot of really good clips out of the Grand Haven area for their commercials.” Grand Haven Waterfront Event Manager Brian Jarosz says the Toyota team originally planned to just feature the Grand Haven musical fountain in their marketing campaign.
Grand Rapids clerk moves ahead with 13 days of early voting for November election
“Looking forward to the November 3 election season. Not one day anymore, its over several days.” Grand Rapids clerk Joel Hondorp says election day is November third, but the November election extends over 2 weeks. “We are going to have 13 days of early voting. The constitution mandates we have nine. We are going to add 4 more days starting on Tuesday October 20 at four locations not three locations.” Hondorp says participation in the August primary was up 7 percent, many voting by mail.
Saugatuck to spend $30K to cull up to 60 deer at Oval Beach
“This is necessary. It’s not something we do with any pleasure at all.” City manager Ryan Cummings says it is time to reduce the deer population in Saugatuck. “For the health of the community as well as the gardens and landscaping that have been victims of the deer.” The city is budgeting 30 thousand dollars to hire Bergs Animal and Bug Control to cull the herd this winter. 495 dollars per deer. “495 dollars per deer.
Wyoming City Council keeps Flock license plate readers despite privacy concerns
“I will never be comfortable with this technology.” Third ward resident Coco does not support the use of flock automatic license plate readers in Wyoming. “I am not comfortable with the surveillance state.” Charles Snedeker thinks they are unconstitutional.
Grand Rapids amphitheater noise dispute continues after court ruling
“I believe the amphitheater is already contributing to a stronger downtown.” Kara Wood is executive director of Grand Action 2.0, the nonprofit economic development organization that assembled the private public partnership behind the Acrisure Amphitheater in Grand Rapids “The goal was create a long term economic and community asset that would attract visitors and contribute to the continued growth of downtown Grand Rapids.” And during comments to the city commission, she says sound from...
Allegan County ends 50-year agreement with Ottawa County prosecutors
“They terminated the contract, gave us 90-day notice.” Allegan County prosecutor Michael Villar says shortly after he took office last year, Ottawa County wanted to renegotiate and get paid more to handle crimes committed in the three City of Holland Precincts that are in Allegan County. “We had a contract that was signed just before I came into office. Within a year they had asked to renegotiate that contract.
ArtPrize returns as Kent County funding draws scrutiny
“My main concern is funding responsibility for ArtPrize moves farther and farther toward a public source.” Since 2022 when Kendall College of Art and Design, the city of Grand Rapids and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. took over ArtPrize from founder Rick DeVos, commissioner Steve Faber says Kent County’s role has expanded from logistical support to commitment of taxpayer dollars. “Our initial contribution to ArtPrize as a county was 75 thousand three years ago. The next year that went to 200 thousand.
Holland plans $22M recreation center as space for programs runs short
“Home for the recreation programming our department has provided for this community for decades and decades and decades.” City manager Keith Van Beek says Holland needs a recreation center because local schools are no longer able to rent or loan the city space to host their activities.
Investigators seek cause of destructive fire at vacant Grand Rapids church
“Damn, everything is gone everything.” Grand Rapids firefighters were still on the scene when Antonio Todd took a bicycle ride past the smoldering church on Oakes Street and posted what he saw on Facebook. “Everything is gone, yea everything is gone. There is no church left.” The fire was reported about 11 Wednesday night, but fire department captain Ryan Sparks believes it started much earlier.
Grand Rapids residents question Flock cameras as police tout crime-fighting benefits
“We have heard the concerns.” During a presentation to the city public safety committee, deputy Grand Rapids police chief Michael Maycroft said Flock automatic license plate readers help solve crimes. “Homicides, criminal sexual assault, human trafficking investigations, kidnapping, wanted subjects and stolen vehicle recovery.” “How many of these flock cameras do we have? 31.” The cameras take and save a picture of every passing vehicle.
Health officials retest Myers, Wabasis lakes after elevated E. coli levels
The Kent County Health Department says heavy rain, wildlife activity and other environmental factors can cause a temporary elevation in E. coli bacteria. A no-contact order was issued Tuesday after routine tests discovered E. coli levels above recreational water quality standards in Wabasis and Myers Lakes. Dr. Nipuni Rajapaksaha says exposure can make people sick. “it’s a relatively common cause of illness.
Grand Rapids DDA helps fund homeless storage program as COVID relief ends
“A place for persons experiencing street homelessness to store materials of value.” Grand Rapids director of community services Connie Bohatch says since the Personal Belongings Storage Program began in 2021 thousands of street homeless people have secured personal property in their bins.
$185M development with 20-story apartment tower proposed for North Monroe Grand Rapids
“Part of this is driven just by the growth in northern Monroe.” Representing Chicago developer Jay Johnson, attorney Jared Belka told the Monroe North Tax Increment Financing Authority the project between Bond Avenue and the 800 block of Monroe has three components. “A 6-story hotel. A 20-story tower with 342 apartments. Adjacent to that would be a 9-story parking deck with 500 parking spaces.” Belka estimates the investment at $185M “Hotel is around 35-million dollars of investment.
VEO could replace Lime as Grand Rapids’ e-bike, scooter provider in October
“We want to make sure we are getting the best services for our community.” And after comparing their proposal to the current deal with Lime Mobile, GR Strategic Initiative Manager Max Gilles says VEO is better. “VEO scored the highest. They currently operate in a number of US cities.” Gilles says VEO offers everything Lime currently provides plus some less expensive packages and a slightly cheaper base rental rate, “The standard rate currently is one dollar unlock and 36 cents per minute.
Bodycam shows rescue of 3 found alive after 3 days missing on Muskegon River
“Make some noise.” When they got to within shouting distance, D-N-R conservation officers say they knew they were on the right track. “Make some noise! They are just beyond that tree line. How many do you have with you? Someone else and a child.” Last Tuesday aboard inflatable tubes 30-year-old Sara Vida, her nine-year-old son Kayden Kovalcik and her 28-year-old cousin Jazman Hock pushed off from the Maple Island boat launch.
Wildfire smoke cost Michigan tourism billions, industry says
“There are real economic damages from these fires.” During testimony before the state house Oversight Committee Jack Trebtoske with the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association said many businesses were damaged by the dense Canadian wildfire smoke this summer. “Golf courses were closed for days. Concerts all around the state were cancelled.
GRPS opens superintendent search and calls for public input
“I’m hopeful community will join us in that process.” Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education Trustee Erika VanDyke says the first community town hall meeting to discuss the selection of the district’s next superintendent is August 11th.
Police say Grand Haven Twp father killed family of 8 in murder-suicide, investigators seek motive
“We will dig into some of the background motives to try to get answers of what happened leading up to the incident.” Captain Jacob Sparks with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s department says 47-year-old Kristopher Karolkeiwicz did not leave a suicide note but there were documents in the house that could help explain why he killed his wife Amanda, their six children and himself; “I don’t have any specific note that was left.
Police investigate possible murder-suicide after 8 found dead in Grand Haven Twp. home
“The family that resided in this residence are deceased two adults and six children.” Capt. Jacob Sparks with the Ottawa County sheriff’s department says Grand Haven Township firefighters called to the house on Riverside Trail Friday morning were investigating smoke in the residence when they discovered the 8 bodies. “Some of the victims inside the residence did have gunshot wounds to their bodies.
Grand Haven restricts e-bikes, scooters in pedestrian areas
“I’ve gotten more complaints about this than just about anything.” Grand Haven mayor Bob Monetza says electric bikes, scooters and skateboards don’t belong in areas full of pedestrians. “I haven’t seen anybody actually knocked down but I have seen close calls. It’s a bad mix.” At the suggestion of public safety director Nichole Hudson, the city is banning E- bikes, scooters and skateboards in the 10 block of Washington Avenue that is pedestrian only in the summer. “We have seen that area grow.
Grand Rapids police defend K-9 policy, say most review panel recommendations already in place
“I believe we have a strong k-9 policy.” So strong deputy police chief P.J. Baker said the Grand Rapids K-9 program is endorsed by the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
Ada Township seeks voter approval for parks tax increase
“For the purpose of funding parks recreation land preservation operations and capital improvements.” Director Wesley Deason says the Ada Township parks and recreation property tax would increase from point .62 to 1.2 mills. “For a period of ten years.” Township manager Julius Suchy says yearly parks and rec tax bills for property owners will go up about 48 percent. “If you have a taxable value of 300 thousand dollars your total increase is 172 dollars and five cents.
World Cup watch party highlights Grand Rapids amphitheater's versatility
“We’ve actually got a booking team that is spending a good portion of their time taking a look at nontraditional utilization of those two facilities.” And Rich MacKeigan, director of the Grand Rapids–Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, says inviting fans to the amphitheater to watch the world cup final is a good example of using the venue for non-traditional experiences.
Mayor credits South Haven lifeguards with saving husband's life
“I want to thank everyone who was involved in saving the life of my husband” If it were not for the new lifeguards, South Haven mayor Annie Brown does not think her husband Jeff Filbrandtwould be alive after suffering cardiac arrest on South Beach. “Team of lifeguards immediately performed CPR and when that didn’t work, they used a defibrator to get Jeff’s heart started.” After a morning swim in the lake, the mayor says her husband collapsed while chatting with a trio of lifeguards on the beach.
Miss Oakland County is the new Miss Michigan
“Yayyyy” Although she wound up winning Grace Hanke of Hazel Park, says win or lose she was excited to be in Muskegon participating in the 87th Miss Michigan pageant, “I was just trying to soak it all in so I could remember it no matter what happened.” 19-year-old Hanke is a mechanical engineering student at University of Detroit Mercy. This was her second trip to Muskegon for the Miss Michigan Pageant. Last year as Miss St. Clair Shores she did not reach the semifinals.
Gas prices dip below $4, analyst says more declines may be ahead
“Certainly, some nice relief.” Gas Buddy dot com petroleum analyst Patrick Dehaan says gas prices are still significantly higher than before the U-S/ Israeli war with Iran, but down from recent highs above five dollars a gallon. “It’s fallen below the four-dollar mark for the first time since mid- April.
Neighbors voice concerns over noise from Grand Rapids amphitheater
“I don’t appreciate is having it in my living room with the windows open.” Hal Froot says he can see and hear Acrisure amphitheater concerts from where he lives in Grand Rapids and he wants quiet after the 11 pm curfew. “On May 27 concert ran long, ran until 11:15. Went to call GRPD and put a complaint in, a noise complaint. We don’t take noise complaints on the amphitheater.” City manager Mark Washington says the May 27th Kid Cudi concert had permission to perform past eleven o’clock.
Kent County gets $5M state grant to hire prosecutors, reduce trial backlog
“It’s fairly clear to me they do need additional positions.” Administrator Al Vanderberg says Kent County has needed additional assistant prosecutors for years. “We have been working hard for years to help the prosecutor get more funding for positions.” Because Kent is one of the 15 Michigan counties with the highest crime rate, the treasury department’s Prosecutor Support Grant Program is providing nearly $5M in grants to hire six assistant prosecutors, 2 victims’ advocates, and an investigator.
Muskegon Heights council removes interim city manager, names fire chief as replacement
“I move city council appoint Chief Shawnderick Roberson to interim city manager effective immediately while continuing to serve as fire chief.” Muskegon Heights Council member Lashae Simmons made the motion and council voted 4 to 3 to immediately replace interim city manager Pearlette Merriweather with fire chief Shawnderick Roberson.
Grand Haven investigates reports of racist harassment, theft at downtown business
“In Grand Haven there is an ugly undercurrent of racism and violence,” At the last Grand Haven city council meeting resident Jane Stocker described some of what happened on May 26th, when a group of teenage boys went into Mirthy Emporium.
Police: Comstock Park house explosion was attempted murder-suicide
“A domestic related situation at the home.” Kent County Undersheriff Bryan Muir says investigators believe the husband who lived in the Comstock Park home on Rollaway Drive deliberately turned on the gas, intending to cause an explosion to kill his wife and himself.
Grand Rapids initiative aims to spark small businesses along transforming riverfront
“Create opportunity on ramps. Right now, these opportunities are not visible to them.” Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. economic opportunity program manager James Peacock III wants to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into businesses along the Grand River.
Ottawa County commissioners could see pay raise to $35K under proposal
“Commissioner salaries, I believe they are dreadfully low.” Ottawa County Compensation Commission member Lynn Jansen says the 20-thousand-dollar base salary for county commissioners is not adequate. “For the significant time they spend working for the county.” And others on the Compensation Commission agree. Over the next two years they recommend county commissioners get a pay raise from $20 to $35-thousand a year. Member Mark Brouwer says it might attract candidates with new ideas.
GRPS considers bids for former Alexander, Stocking elementary schools
“We were really happy with the proposals we received at both sites.” At the former Alexander elementary school GRPS Communications Director Luke Stier says a committee recommends the district accept a one million dollar bid from Life Quest Urban Outreach.
Downtown Market pitches parking option ahead of Acrisure Amphitheater opening
“We have been hearing all about the parking struggles you may encounter when you go to the amphitheater.
Grand Rapids commission deadlocked on filling vacant 1st Ward seat
“This is an example where reasonable people can reasonably disagree.” And commissioner AliciaMarie Belchak says the disagreement is blocking the appointment of someone to fill the vacant first ward seat and give residents the representation they deserve. “The ward does deserve to have full representation.” “There are two candidates under consideration. Belchak and two other commissioners support Grand Valley State University professor Dan Cope.
Grand Rapids shooting leaves teen, woman dead after dispute over soccer game
“There was one subject down that was a juvenile and there was a second subject down that was an adult female.” During a briefing to reporters, interim Grand Rapids Police Chief Joe Trigg said the confrontation Tuesday evening outside of Southwest Elementary School started when the alleged shooter was not allowed to join a soccer game. “Bunch of kids were playing at the park here. The suspect approached, asked to engage in a game of soccer. For whatever reason he was turned away.
Walker plans day of remembrance for fire chief who died at 52
“This is a profound loss for our community.” When the medical emergency that ended the life of Walker fire chief Russel Shoultz was called in Friday morning Mayor Gary Carey says first responders from the Walker police and fire departments were dispatched. “These are individuals who train together, respond to emergencies together and rely on one another in the most critical moments. They are grieving the loss of one of their own.” Chief Shoultz was 52.
Grand Rapids launches citywide cleanup ahead of amphitheater opening
“The biggest clean up in Grand Rapids history.” There have been community clean up days every spring in Grand Rapids since 2009, but this year Mayor David LeGrand says they are particularly important. “With the new amphitheater opening up we really want Grand Rapids to look its best as new people are going to be coming into our city.” Friday the focus is on the Stockbridge and downtown areas, Saturday on the surrounding neighborhoods. And each day when the work is done, a party for participants.
GRPS board renews contracts of two administrators on paid leave
“Moving into the non-renewal resolution for employee two.” After a pair of 5 to 4 votes president Jose Rodriguez says the Grand Rapids board of education is renewing the contracts of Deputy Superintendent Brandy Lovelady Mitchell and chief area instructional leader Bridget Cheney.
No consensus reached on filling Grand Rapids commission seat
“It feels very deadlocked and I just want to acknowledge that.” Commissioner Kelsey Purdue said after 3 votes and not enough support for any of the finalists to fill a vacancy on the city commission: “We all need some time to sit with this to have conversations and not continue to waste our time.” 3 commissioners supported Kurt Reppart, a former commissioner who was defeated when he ran for reelection. Commissioner Melinda Yassi said he knows the job.
Former commissioner among three finalists for Grand Rapids City Commission seat
“To be a city commissioner, it was the greatest experience of my life.” Kurt Reppart was elected to the city commission in 2018 but lost his seat to Drew Robbins four years later. Robbins has now resigned to run for a seat in the state house of representatives. Reppart is a finalist to serve the remainder of Robbins’ term.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Phil
Contact Phil, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack