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WAVE Award nominations open

WAVE Award nominations open

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- Experience Grand Rapids and the Kent County Lodging Association have opened the 6th Annual WAVE Award nominations.

The annual awards program recognizes outstanding service providers in the Grand Rapids and Kent County hospitality industry. Nominations will be accepted from employers and guests from April 30 to Oct.7, 2013. One award will be presented in each of the following categories: Transportation, Retail & Service, Attractions/Events, and Nightlife. New categories to the 2013 awards program include: Restaurants/Breweries, Lodging, and Volunteer in Hospitality.

Record-setting April rainfall for Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- It was a record-setting soggy April in Grand Rapids along with colder and cloudier-than-usual conditions.

Temperatures during April averaged 44.6°F, 3.4°F below average and 3.7°F colder than last year (48.3°F).  Eighteen days were colder than usual, nine were warmer, and three were considered average.  The highest temperature occurred on April 30 with 78°F while the lowest temperature occurred on April 2 and 3 with 22°F.

Rainfall set a new record for April, measuring 11.10", 7.75" more than usual, and 8.12" more than last year (2.98").  There were eighteen days with measurable precipitation, five days more than average (13).

Snowfall totaled 0.7" for April, 0.6" less than usual but 4.9" more than last year (2.8").

Audit critical of GR Home for Veterans

Grand Rapids, Mich. (WZZM) The State of Michigan's Auditor General's Office has released a report on the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.

The audit is designed to assess the Home's efforts to provide care to more than 500 residents. 

The audit found the home was 'moderately effective' at providing overall member care services.  However, it noted that it fails to provide an 'on-site board-certified psychiatrist for members with mental health disorders. The audit says "As a result, the home could not ensure that such members received needed services in a professional and timely manner..." 

The Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs says in the past it has tried to provide mental health services.  The most recent attempt was made in the spring of 2012 but it says it failed to recruit qualified candidates.

Gates Millennium Program picks up the tab for two college-bound students

Gates Millennium Program picks up the tab for two college-bound students

 

Grand Rapids, Mich. –  Two students from Grand Rapids Public Schools are getting up to $350,000 each for their entire college career.

Kaleab Mamo and Tonyea Brown are among the 1,000 recipients of this year’s Gates Millennium Scholarship. The scholarship provides opportunities for outstanding minority students in need of financial assistance.  The scholarship is valid at any college or university of their choice.

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A better doughnut coming to Grand Rapids

A better doughnut coming to Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- Doughnuts are available all over, including Meijer, Family Fare,  Marge’s Donut Den and Sandy’s Donuts, which are in the suburbs of Grand Rapids. 

The city of Grand Rapids, however, doesn't have a gourmet donut shop. Propaganda Donuts is hoping to change that, but they need your help.

Propaganda Doughnuts wants to be locally focused, community oriented gourmet donut shop, open in the morning for breakfast and brunch visits, and until after the bars close.  Right now they are a pop up store;  they will open for a day,  make doughnuts until they sell out, and then leave.  However, the owner of Propaganda Doughnuts wants to open a permanent location, which is why the business has submitted a proposal at Start Garden. 

Kalamazoo advances to final round of Beer City USA voting

Kalamazoo advances to final round of Beer City USA voting

 

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Kalamazoo is in the running to be named Beer City USA 2013.

The home of Bell’s Brewery received 2,008 votes before the primary poll closed April 26.  Ann Arbor, which garnered 736 votes,   was the only other city to advance to earn 400 or more votes to advance to the final round.

Humane Society hosts Spring carnival of savings

GRAND RAPIDS, (WZZM) -- The Humane Society of West Michigan held a 12 hour adoption event on Saturday.

The 'Spring Carnival of Savings' offered a number of activities including carnival games, zumba classes, and an appearance by Zeus, the world's tallest dog.

There were also reduced prices on all pet adoptions.