March 4, 2019
University presidents want more state aid
Education leaders in the state are working to develop a proposal to increase Michigan’s direct-to-student need-based financial aid. The proposal would provide “talented” students from families making up to $80,000 with up to $6,000 toward tuition at any institution in the state, according to University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel, who is heading the proposal. […]
Be aware of tax code impact and IRS penalty reduction
On Jan. 28, the tax season officially kicked off and, with it, the most significant tax code changes in the last 30 years. While the federal tax overhaul was signed in December 2017, it applied to 2018, the year we are now filing for. Many Americans are aware of the sweeping changes, yet many of […]
Going to college with no plan is a waste of time
I have been talking to several people lately about the value of a college degree. The value is not in the degree; the value lies in what you do with it. The choice of certain professions requires a college degree as a prerequisite to entering that profession. Law, public accounting, medicine, dentistry and education are […]
Public Record
BANKRUPTCY 19-00252 – FILKKINS, Brian A. & Michelle A., 927 9th St., Marc A. Talsma (Ch. 7) 19-00257 – CONDON, Bernie A., 5480 Alpine NW, Comstock Park, Michael M. Malinowski (Ch. 7) 19-00262 – DEMPSEY, Sharona M., 1016 Ardmore SE, Jacob T. Tighe (Ch. 7) 19-00264 – GREENE, Sarah A., 11099 Pine Island Drive, Sparta, […]
Street Talk: Courts go fee free
During March, some Kent County residents can settle outstanding court debts without further penalty or incarceration. The 62-B District Court in Kentwood and the county’s 63rd District Court are promising to waive late and warrant fees for those who take advantage, except for the $45 license suspension reinstatement fees, potentially saving some people hundreds of […]
Change Ups: Foster to helm GRAAHI
Micah Foster will helm the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute as the nonprofit’s executive director. Foster is a trained clinician and former education coordinator for GRAAHI. He holds a Master of Science from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and a Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Valley State University. Foster assumes the […]
Judge dismisses Muskegon County lawsuit
In the second ruling on a case involving Muskegon County and former Information Systems Intelligence owner Ryan Leestma, a Lansing circuit court judge dismissed a lawsuit against a former Muskegon County finance director. Judge Joyce Draganchuk granted a motion for summary disposition in favor of former Muskegon County employee Heath Kaplan, who was accused of […]
Bliss touts development in address
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss touted the achievements of the city, as well as the steps it needs to take to maintain healthy growth during her State of the City speech, held last week at the Intersection in downtown Grand Rapids. In opening her speech, Bliss touted the momentum of the city’s strategic plan. For […]
Furniture exec forecasts positive 2019
Haworth saw 5 percent revenue growth in 2018 and expects another year of cross-segment growth in 2019. Franco Bianchi is president and CEO of the Holland-based, privately held furniture manufacturer, which reported last month its global sales were at $2.14 billion in 2018, up 5 percent from 2017. The company marked 70 years in 2018 […]
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Inside Track: Pursuing a lifelong dream
When Ali Ghebleh moved from his home country of Iran in 1980 to obtain an MBA from Central Michigan University, he intended to return and open a business with his brothers. He finished his degree during the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the Iran-Iraq War. So, for his safety, his family asked […]
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Americans holding off on retirement
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Americans age 55 and older are remaining in or rejoining the workforce, the data show. In 2018, there were 176,608 jobs in West Michigan (all 13 counties) that were held by people over the age of 55, according to Economic Modeling Specialists International. In 2013, EMSI reported 153,984 […]
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Michigan House expands scouting collaborative
Michigan House, an experiential platform in its fifth year at South by Southwest, is opening its doors a little wider this year. Founded in 1987, South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Conference and Festival (SXSW) is a massive event held annually in Austin, Texas. Last year, 432,500 people attended, according to SXSW. This year’s […]
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Local moms start pet treat enterprise
Two local moms have found a way to use Founders Brewing Co. byproducts to empower people with disabilities. Leslie Hooker and Suzanne Wilcox, who met in school four decades ago, reconnected a few years ago when Wilcox moved back to West Michigan from Ohio. They bonded over each having sons with disabilities, Tanis Hooker and […]
