GRAND HAVEN

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Three people had to be rescued from Lake Michigan on Tuesday afternoon. Two Indiana women, 20 and 21, were struggling to stay afloat in Lake Michigan at Grand Haven State Park about 1:28 p.m. on June 28. The 20-year-old woman was able to make it to shore and call for help, the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety said. Park rangers and Grand Haven officers were able to save the boy and his father. Water access was closed at 2 p.m., after the rescues, Grand Haven State Park said on Facebook.

The Michigan high school boys volleyball season came to a close in dramatic fashion earlier this spring, as Hudsonville edged Grand Haven 3-2 in the state championship match. The Eagles claimed their second straight state title thanks to a loaded lineup of playmakers, while Grand Haven leaned on a variety of skilled varsity veterans to reach the state championship match and finish the season with a 34-6 record. FIRST TEAM Name School Pos. Grade Caden Hostetter Grand Haven OH 12 Tucker Kooi Grand Haven MH 12 Carson Bell Hudsonville MB 12 Jackson Palmitier Hudsonville OH 12 Landon Hamilton Lowell S 12 Kayden Hellman Mona Shores OH/S 12 Sam Mendendorp GR South Christian OH 10 Troy Jones Sparta OH 10SECOND TEAM Name School Pos. Grade Cole Lachmann Grand Haven OH 12 Tanner Warners GR Christian OH 12 Alex Maschke Holland Christian OH 12 Kavan Belmont Hudsonville S 11 Jake Lasceski Lansing Christian OH/DS 12 Donovan Russell Mona Shores MH 12 Ron Young Northville L 11 Nick Bultje GR South Christian MB 12

1: Abby Jeske, Grand Haven, 3BNo. 4: Mercedes Ybbarra, Grand Haven, 2B and PNo. 11: Emily Walcott, Grand Haven, SS and 3BNo. 23: Emmi Tinkham, Hesperia, 3BCoaches: John Hall (Grand Haven), Dave Sherman (Ravenna) and Harmony Bailey (Shelby)---BLUE TEAMNo. 18: Skyler Covelli, Grand Haven, OFNo.

GRAND HAVEN, MI - A newly-remodeled Victorian home just blocks away from downtown Grand Haven shops and restaurants and a mile walk to Lake Michigan beaches recently hit the market. This charming home at 411 Lake Avenue was built in 1880 and still boasts plenty of its original character to love, according to the listing.

The swimming area at Grand Haven State Park in western Michigan has been closed following several near drownings.

The swimming area at Grand Haven State Park in western Michigan has been closed following several near drownings.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – The Grand Haven State Park was closed after three separate near drowning incidents Tuesday night. The water conditions for Lake Michigan were at a red flag when the rescues happened, starting around 6:50 p.m., June 21, the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety said in a news release.

The Rockford baseball team took top honors in the OK Red Conference this spring with a 15-3 record in league action. Hudsonville finished runner-up in the final standings with a 14-4 record, while West Ottawa was third overall with a 10-8 record. Jenison and Grandville finished tied for fourth at 9-9, while Caledonia was sixth at 8-10, Grand Haven was seventh at 6-12 and East Kentwood was eighth at 1-17. The Hudsonville Unity Christian and Grand Rapids West Catholic baseball teams battled to a first-place tie in the OK Blue Conference this spring with a 17-4 record in league play. Below are the top performers from the 2022 OK Red Conference baseball season.

GRAND HAVEN, MI — Police in Grand Haven are saying after the arrest of seven teenagers from Grand Rapids, they were able to recover a stolen handgun and two stolen vehicles. Officers from the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety were sent to Grand Haven city beach shortly after 8:50 a.m., after reports that several individuals wearing masks left a stolen vehicle behind. Once on scene, nine police units — three with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s department, six with Grand Haven DPS — chased seven teenagers, all from Grand Rapids, on foot and arrested them on several charges. Grand Haven DPS officers say a firearm was recovered, as well as two vehicles that were stolen from the Grand Rapids area and several other stolen possessions or products. Names of the suspects have not been released because of their age, but police are working with their families.

GRAND HAVEN, MI -- A drawbridge malfunction has closed both directions of U.S. 31 in the Grand Haven and Spring Lake areas. Michigan Department of Transportation staff issued a notice just before 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, announcing the issue. The suggested detour route involves taking M-231 near Nunica to cross the Grand River and using M-45 and I-96 as routes to get there. More from MLiveFather to be charged in deaths of wife, three children in Mecosta CountyWyoming man accused of killing 2-year-old daughter not competent for trial

Michigan lighthouses have been shining a light on the Great Lakes for centuries. With more than 3,200 miles of shoreline, lighthouses greatly impact the water community.

MILTON TOWNSHIP, MI – A Grand Haven teen drowned in a Northern Michigan lake over the weekend while vacationing with his family, WPBN/WGTU reports. The body of Sendy Grettenberger, 18, was found by police divers around 8:35 p.m. on Friday, June 10, under 25 feet of water in Elk Lake, police said. The victim was in a small rowboat when his sister heard him yell for help, the report said. First responders were called to the lake in Antrim County’s Milton Township around 3 p.m. When they arrived, Grettenberger was no longer visible.

Follow Josh VanDyke on Twitter51 Rockford takes on Grand Haven for Division 1 softball semifinal at JenisonMUSKEGON – Saturday marked the end of the road for four Muskegon-area softball teams, as Grand Haven and Ravenna both fell short in narrow contests and Hart and Grant struggled at the plate in their regional semifinal matchups. Below is a look at how each team performed in their respective regional brackets. DIVISION 1Regional 2 at JenisonSEMIFINALSRockford 3, Grand Haven 1 (9 inn.) Skyler Covelli finished with two hits to lead the Grand Haven offense, while Savannah Collins added one hit and one RBI and Emily Walcott, Kendall Pahl and Veda Vargas each added one hit. Maddie Kilbourne added two hits, Emma Herremans had a triple and Kara Postema and Ellie Solem each added one hit.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Grand Haven has taken a big step toward implementing paid parking for visitors to its beach and possibly downtown. The expectation is to finalize a parking plan by the end of the year, with an eye toward implementing paid parking along “the waterfront” in summer 2023. Lowe asked that parking at the Lake Forest Cemetery on Lake Avenue be reviewed for possible inclusion in paid parking since many beach-goers park there. This year, there is no charge for the weekend shuttles that run between Grand Haven City Beach and free parking lots in Grand Haven and Spring Lake. Muskegon implemented paid beach parking in 2020.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – A community composting site is now open for Grand Haven residents and businesses to drop off food scraps and pick up composted material. The composting site on Harbor Island accepts food scraps and some garden materials. The city will use the donated materials to make composted soil additives the public can pick up from the same Harbor Island site. It is in addition to a separate composting site in Grand Haven open to Ottawa County residents. The city’s composting site is separate from one operated at the Ottawa County Sustainability Center, 16850 Comstock Avenue.

Follow Josh VanDyke on TwitterMona Shores senior Demitri Roberson won the boys long jump with a distance of 23 feet and 6.75 inches during the MHSAA division 1 track and field finals at Rockford High School in Rockford, Michigan on Saturday June 4, 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comMUSKEGON – The Michigan high school boys track and field season came to an emphatic conclusion over the weekend as hundreds of athletes competed at the same venue in hopes of capturing individual and team glory. The Muskegon area had a wide range of athletes who put together incredible performances in their respective events, including individual state champions and school-record breakers. Below is a look at all the Muskegon-area boys track and field athletes that finished Top 8 in their respective events and took home All-State honors for their performances. DIVISION 11,600 METERSSeth Norder, Grand Haven (4:07.99; 2nd place)Klay Grant, Reeths-Puffer (4:11.10; 5th place)3,200 METERSNolan Clark, Grand Haven (9:08.74; 4th place)DISCUSAshton Lepo, Grand Haven (159-00; 2nd place)LONG JUMPDemitri Roberson, Mona Shores (23-06.75; State Champion)---DIVISION 2200 METERSCody Nash, Fruitport (22.98; 7th place)400 METERSTrannon Aylor, Whitehall (49.39; 2nd place)800 METERSConor Somers, Fremont (1:57.03; 2nd place)Carter Phillips, Spring Lake (1:58.36; 8th place)1,600 METERSIan Hill, Spring Lake (4:16.99; State Champion)110 HURDLESJaxson Tober, Spring Lake (15.04; 2nd place)400 RELAYFRUITPORT – Sean Gieske, Cody Nash, Paschal Jolman, Camden Farrell (42.67; 2nd place)800 RELAYWHITEHALL – Nate Bolley, Lukas Palmer, Trannon Aylor, Malcolm Earvin (1:29.73; State Champions)1,600 RELAYSPRING LAKE – Jaxson Tober, Ian Hill, Tanner Guczwa, Carter Phillips (3:23.78; State Champions)WHITEHALL – Riley Buys, Malcolm Earvin, Trannon Aylor, Nate Bolley (3:25.13; 2nd place)POLE VAULTDavid Conrad, Whitehall (14-01; 4th place)---DIVISION 3800 METERSThomas Swanson, Kent City (1:59.19; 6th place)Wyatt Dean, Hart (1:59.29; 8th place)3,200 METERSClayton Ackley, Hart (9:33.50; 4th place)Samuel Martini, Kent City (9:42.86; 6th place)3,200 RELAYHART – Clayton Ackley, Seth Ackley, Noah Bosley, Wyatt Dean (8:14.29; 4th place)SHOT PUTAndrew Quinn, Mason County Central (61-01.50; State Champion)Kellen Kimes, Hart (58-08.00; 2nd place)DISCUSKellen Kimes, Hart (165-10; State Champion)HIGH JUMPQuentin Lange, Mason County Central (6-4; 3rd place)Jermiah Patterson, Mason County Central (6-03.00; 6th place)LONG JUMPJermiah Patterson, Mason County Central (21-03.50; 5th place)---DIVISION 4110 HURDLESJames Hunter, Holton (16.90; 8th place)400 RELAYMUSKEGON HEIGHTS – Omarion Mason, Anthony Floyd, Jakari Edwards, Ashton Smith (44.33; 2nd place)800 RELAYMUSKEGON HEIGHTS – Omarion Mason, Anthony Floyd, Jakari Edwards, Ashton Smith (1:32.55; 2nd place)3,200 RELAYMASON COUNTY EASTERN – Alex Tyndall, Eli Shoup, Nathan Wing, Dakota Matzen (8:33.48; 7th place)SHOT PUTJoel Bradley, White Cloud (48-00.00; 4th place)Jace Silverthorn, White Cloud (47-07.00; 5th place)DISCUSJoel Bradley, White Cloud (142-04; 5th place)HIGH JUMPBradley Richards, Fruitport Calvary (6-01.00; 5th place)---MORE MUSKEGON-AREA SPORTS COVERAGEVote for the MLive Muskegon Athlete of the Week for May 30-June 4Underdog Reeths-Puffer baseball team bites back to win second straight district titleAll-for-one approach carrying North Muskegon soccer in quest for D4 repeatMuskegon-area soccer roundup: North Muskegon, Newaygo claim district titlesMuskegon Sports Hall’s 2022 Student-Athlete Award winners displayed four years of dominanceMeah Bajt nets 11 goals in 48 hours to lift Spring Lake soccer to district crownMuskegon-area golf roundup: Evan McDermott shines as Spring Lake clinches regional titleWest Michigan All-Star track and field meet continues to serve as launching padDecorated Reeths-Puffer distance runner preparing for his final lapHow a trio of tragedies turned a Grand Haven softball player into a beacon of hopeMuskegon native Kalil Pimpleton realizes NFL dream with Detroit Lions

The 14th Annual Ring of Fire High School All-Star Games are back after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Davenport University is hosting boys and girls games Tuesday and Wednesday night, with the girls tipping off at 6 p.m. and the boys at 7:30 p.m. Players were selected and approved by their coaches, athletic directors and the Ring of Fire committee. Check out the rosters below:TUESDAY, JUNE 7Girls, 6 p.m. Team 1Coaches - Brad Wilson, Rockford; Casey Glass, HudsonvilleJaci Tubergen, HudsonvilleAlaina Diaz, HudsonvilleElle Irwin, RockfordSammie DeKuiper, RockfordClaire Gregwer, GrandvilleBella Vallone, SpartaChristina Maze, UnionMVP from June 7 gameTeam 2Coach - Nate Thomasma, Newaygo; Jenn Slot, Byron CenterJaxi Long, NewaygoEmmerson Goodin, NewaygoAvery Zeinstra, Byron CenterHannah Schroeder, AllendaleSydney Vis, South ChristianMaddie Schuur, Zeeland EastDeyonce Thompson, East Kentwood. MVP from June 7 gameBoys, 7:30 p.m.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Four people were rescued from Lake Michigan on Monday, May 30, including two who were part of a human chain working to rescue two others. Beachgoers at Grand Haven State Park formed a human chain after two swimmers began calling for help. Ottawa County sheriff’s deputies in a patrol boat were able to rescue the second swimmer and the two in the human chain. Those who were rescued were two 17-year-old Grand Rapids girls, a 29-year-old Grand Rapids man and a 42-year-old Oakland County man, Grand Haven Department of Public Safety said. The incident happened between areas 3 and 4 at the state park.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Getting to Grand Haven’s beach can be hassle-free this summer with regular weekend beach shuttles. The free shuttles that begin June 4 will take passengers back and forth between several parking locations and Grand Haven City Beach. Those routes on brand new trolleys that include beach stops also are being offered free of charge this year. Here are details on the Beach Express and Lakeshore Trolley routes:Beach Express ShuttleThe shuttle will run between the Grand Haven City Beach, near the restrooms, and three parking locations. Those locations are:- Grand Haven Meijer, 15000 U.S. 31- Parking lot at 803 Taylor Avenue in Grand Haven- Orchard Market, 17026 Lloyds Bayou Dr., Spring LakeBuccaneer Trolley LoopThe route on the blue Lakeshore Trolley begins at noon seven days a week at the Spring Lake Holiday Inn and runs until 8 p.m.

(Scott DeCamp | MLive.com)(Scott DeCamp | MLive.com)MUSKEGON – The Michigan high school track and field season entered the final stretch this past weekend as teams competed in their respective regional meets with a shot at qualifying for the state finals. For many Muskegon-area girls track and field athletes, the bigger stage proved to be a catapult into career-best performances as they captured individual regional championships or surpassed the requirements to move on to the final meet of the 2022 spring season. Below is a recap of how all the Muskegon-area girls track and field athletes performed over the weekend and who will be headed to the state finals on June 4. ---MORE: See Muskegon-area boys track and field athletes headed to the state finals meet---NOTE: Asterisks (*) denote event winnersDIVISION 1Regional 2 at Grand HavenRockford took top team honors with a score of 185 points, while West Ottawa finished runner-up with 103 points and St. Joseph was third overall with 74 points. Elk Rapids (76), Grand Traverse Academy (47), McBain (46), Leroy Pine River (37.5), Manton (26), Lake City (19), Kalkaska (11), Mason County Central (6), Evart (6), and Reed City (1) rounded out the rest of the team scoring.

(Scott DeCamp | MLive.com)(Scott DeCamp | MLive.com)MUSKEGON – The Michigan high school track and field season entered the final stretch this past weekend as teams competed in their respective regional meets with a shot at qualifying for the state finals. For many Muskegon-area boys track and field athletes, the bigger stage proved to be a catapult into career-best performances as they captured individual regional championships or surpassed the requirements to move on to the final meet of the 2022 spring season. Below is a recap of how all the Muskegon-area boys track and field athletes performed over the weekend and who will be headed to the state finals on June 4. NOTE: Asterisk (*) denotes event winnersDIVISION 1REGIONAL 2 at Grand HavenThe Zeeland West boys track and field team captured the team regional title with 101.5 points, while St. Joseph finished runner-up at 89 points and Grand Haven was third overall with 83.5 points. Spring Lake (66), Hudsonville Unity Christian (64), Holland Christian (63), Fremont (44), Coopersville (39), Sparta (39), Hamilton (33), Fruitport (29), Orchard View (17), and Oakridge (5) rounded out the team scoring.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Relief is in sight for Grand Haven area motorists enduring ongoing bridge construction. Work on the U.S. 31 bridges will be suspended for the season on Thursday, May 26, according to John Richard, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation.

GRAND HAVEN, MI -- Unexpected repairs have caused a lane closure for northbound traffic over the U.S. 31 drawbridge in Grand Haven. Grand Haven’s Department of Public Safety announced the closure on Saturday afternoon. The lane closure will continue until sometime on Sunday, May 22. During repairs, there will only be one left turn lane instead of two off of Jackson Street to merge onto the bridge, according to the department’s news release. Drivers are encouraged to use M-231 or 68th Avenue through Eastmanville as an alternate route during repairs.

Michigan Boys Volleyball conference and district champions have been crowned, and plenty more is to be decided next week. But first, get caught up to date with conference standings below along with next week’s postseason schedules. WESTSchool Conference Overall 1. Grand Rapids Christian 9-5 14-6 5. MOREHigh school boys volleyball takes off in Michigan: ‘It’s here to stay’Boys high school volleyball a MHSAA sport?

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Ottawa County and Kent County are among the top 15 healthiest counties in Michigan, according to an annual study by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. Ottawa County was ranked second out of the state’s 83 counties and Kent County was ranked 12th, according to the national report released last month.

Follow Josh VanDyke on Twitter48 Division one boys volleyball district championships at Grand HavenGRAND HAVEN – Tucker Kooi was the first member of the Grand Haven boys volleyball team to sprint over to the district championship trophy Wednesday night. The Buccaneers swept Reeths-Puffer (25-18, 25-16, 25-13) to advance to the district championship match, where they faced a scrappy Mona Shores squad. Grand Haven advances to face Sparta in the state quarterfinals on Monday from Hudsonville High School. They played really hard and kept a lot of balls alive that a lot of teams don’t usually get to. “We’ve never really played (volleyball) with each other before the past couple of years.

Below is a look at how all the Muskegon-area girls track and field athletes stack up leading into a pivotal stretch of the spring sports season. Valerie Beeck, Grand Haven 59.642. Isabella Padula, Spring Lake 1:02.767. Eden Smith, Grand Haven 1:02.788. Kyla Meyers, Spring Lake 2:27.558.

Below is a look at how all the Muskegon-area boys track and field athletes stack up leading into a pivotal stretch of the spring sports season. Demitri Roberson, Mona Shores 22.824. James Held, Grand Haven 51.533. Carter Phillips, Spring Lake 51.704. Tanner Guczwa, Spring Lake 51.915.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Grand Haven’s airport is hosting a family-friendly open house complete with free plane rides. The open house will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 4 at Grand Haven Memorial Airport, 16446 Comstock Street. Visitors will be able to view local aircraft as well as skydiving. Free airplane rides will be offered to children ages 8 to 17 through the EAA Young Eagles program. A guardian must be present for children to participate.

GRAND HAVEN, MI — Anthony Johnson, a 39-year-old Grand Haven resident, has been charged with assault with intent to commit murder for allegedly stabbing a 17-year-old in the chest late Thursday night at a home in Grand Haven Township, police say. When deputies arrived at the home, they found the victim, suffering from a stab wound to the chest, and Johnson was there as well. The news release said Johnson knew the victim, but further details were not provided. The victim was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition. Johnson was arraigned today in 58th District Court and charged with intent to commit murder and habitual offender 2nd notice, according to the release.

Around 30 electric vehicle charging stations are going to be installed at some state parks in Michigan.

PORTAGE, MI -- Portage’s next city manager is coming from Grand Haven. The Portage City Council chose Patrick McGinnis, the current city manager for the city of Grand Haven, as the next leader of Portage, pending contract negotiations and a background check. McGinnis has worked as city manager in Grand Haven since 2003. Former city manager Joseph LaMargo stepped down from the role to relocate to be closer to family in Illinois. Deputy City Manager Adam Herringa has been serving as acting city manager.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – John Waite, the Spin Doctors and Ambrosia are among the artists performing at Grand Haven’s waterfront stadium as part of a concert series that had its debut shortened by COVID three years ago. Grand Haven’s Summer Sessions Waterfront Concert Series is returning with four dates this summer, beginning on June 20. Two concerts were hosted at the Lynne Sherwood Stadium in 2019, the series’ inaugural season, before the pandemic shut everything down. Courtyard Concerts, a nonprofit agency that raises money for the promotion of the musical arts in the Tri-Cities, is the promoter of the concert series. The family-friendly Summer Concert Series shows begin on June 17 and are at 6:15 p.m. every Friday, except July 29 and Aug. 5, through Sept. 2.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Grand Haven is transforming a block of its main street into an outdoor dining and social district hub of fun this summer. Outdoor dining that became popular – and necessary – as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic proved popular with dining establishments and their customers. In February, the Grand Haven City Council agreed to completely close Washington Avenue between Harbor Drive and First Street this summer. The Kirby House, Long Road Distillers, The Grand and Anna’s House will be setting up outdoor seating on the closed street, Grand Haven Main Street Executive Director Jeremy Swiftney told MLive. In addition, Grand Haven Main Street is setting up a “social zone” on the closed section of Washington between Harbor Drive and First Street, he said.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Grand Haven held their prom at Trillium Events in Spring Lake on Saturday, May 7. The prom’s theme was “Mediterranean Midnight” at the venue located at 17246 Van Wagoner Road. You can order prints of any of these prom photos by clicking the “Buy photo” button in the caption of every photo. Subscribers click the “Get photo” link to download high-resolution images right to their device for free as part of their subscription. To see all of MLive’s prom coverage, click this link.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Ottawa County has launched a program for residents and businesses to compost their food waste. Ottawa County officials say the composting program is the only local, public health-led one in West Michigan. The health department identified a need for a composting program in spring 2021, after seeing more public interest in such programs. John Miner, a Park Township resident who is taking part in the composting program, said composting is the latest step in his family’s journey to reduce the material they send to the landfill. “When we learned the Environmental Sustainability Center had a program of collecting food waste for composting, we signed up.

Follow Josh VanDyke on TwitterGrand Haven softball player Savannah Collins connects on a pitch during a game against Traverse City Central. MUSKEGON – The Grand Haven softball team is off to a 13-6 start to the 2022 season thanks to a variety of playmakers and skilled bats in the lineup. The readers of MLive and the Muskegon Chronicle were impressed with Collins’ performance, as they voted Collins this week’s MLive Muskegon Athlete of the Week with more than 16,000 total votes cast for the Grand Haven standout. Collins took top honors with 16,340 votes to push past Spring Lake softball standout Avery Flynn, who earned 10,525 votes and Montague standout Ava Pelton, who received more than 5,825 votes. Mona Shores standout Addison Nellis was fourth with 5,353 votes, while Hesperia’s Emmi Tinkham gained 3,000 votes to round out the Top 5 of this week’s poll.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Voters in Grand Haven Township approved a fire and rescue millage in the Tuesday, May 3 election. The ballot request for the Grand Haven Township Fire and Rescue Department was for 1.9-mills over five years, 2022 through 2026. The township will collect an estimated $1.7 million from the millage this year. RELATED: Fire and rescue millage renewal on May 3 ballot in Grand Haven TownshipOfficials say Grand Haven Township is the only department to operate with a non-transport Advanced Life Support license in Ottawa and Kent counties. Voters approved a 1.9 millage in 2014 – the first increase since 1985.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Charges are pending against two Grand Rapids women accused of damaging the landmark lighthouse in Grand Haven. The suspects, a 17- and 20-year-old, await arraignment on malicious destruction of property charges in an Ottawa County courtroom.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Nearly 11% of surveyed Ottawa County residents said they don’t have broadband internet. That’s a threshold county officials say is outdated and much slower than a new recommended industry standard. Ottawa County officials say the recently-released survey confirms what they had known: that there are internet coverage gaps across the county. Nearly all of those without broadband internet, about 97%, said they would be willing to pay between $25-$101 for service if it was available. County officials say that speed is the minimum recommended standard from industry experts and the U.S. Congress.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – After several delays, the $1 million sale of the city’s historic “diesel plant” in Grand Haven has been approved for reuse as an event center. Related: Redevelopment of historic diesel plant in Grand Haven could be in peril, manager warnsThe old brick power plant is in a high traffic area on Harbor Drive near Sherman Avenue. A year later, in July 2021, the city council endorsed CL/Lakewood’s plans from among five submitted for the property. Council Member Ryan Cummins said that with the purchase agreement, the city is achieving the “ultimate goal” of preserving the old diesel plant. He said developers are willing to explore “creative ways” to provide parking, including parking leases, shared parking, remote parking and parking shuttles.

Now, it’s time to recognize the top performers of the past week with the fan vote for the MLive Muskegon Athlete of the Week. Readers of MLive and the Muskegon Chronicle can vote as many times as they want from now until 9 a.m. Friday. Coaches are encouraged to nominate an athlete from their team for next week’s poll by emailing jvandyke@mlive.com with stats and highlights. ---Saidee Raap, OakridgeThe soccer standout for the Eagles scored five goals during a 7-1 win over Hart earlier this week. ---Muskegon sophomore Destin Piggee (3) scores on a 32-yard rush against Zeeland West during the fourth quarter at Zeeland Stadium in Zeeland, Michigan on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – The U.S. 31 drawbridge near Grand Haven will close periodically during night time hours the week of April 25. The bridge, also know as a bascule bridge, will close for 15 minutes at a time between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Ongoing construction also impacts the southbound U.S. 31 bridge decks over Third Street and M-104 and the southbound U.S. 31 bridge approach over the south Spring Lake Channel. Street and ramp closures are in effect on eastbound and westbound M-104 and Seventh Street in Grand Haven. Also on MLiveRemains of Muskegon County man missing for 22 years identifiedTax warrant letters are a scam, Ottawa County Sherriff’s Office saysMost of Michigan’s 85 roadside parks will open this month, MDOT says

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Celebrate Earth Day by helping clean up Grand Haven’s beach. Volunteers are sought to help clean up the beach at Grand Haven State Park on Saturday, April 23. Hosts of the beach cleanup are Aldea Coffee and My Barefoot Wedding. Here’s a list of some of them:-North Beach Park, June 12, 10 a.m. to noon, 18775 North Shore Drive in Ferrysburg. Hoffmaster State Park beach, June 19, 10 a.m. to noon, 6585 Lake Harbor Road in Norton Shores.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Voters in Ottawa County on Aug. 2 will narrow the field of Republican and Democratic candidates running for state, federal and local office in November. Now that the Tuesday, April 19 deadline to file for partisan candidacy has passed, here’s a list of all those running in the Aug. 2 primary. Gretchen Whitmer is the Democrats’ one choice, while Republicans have a crowded field of 10 candidates to pick from. This year, new districts created by the state’s independent redistricting commission are in play for the state House and Senate, Ottawa County Board of Commissioners and U.S. Congress. Related: See candidates in state, federal and local Aug. 2 primary races in Kent CountyCandidates listed as incumbent with an “i” are those running again for the same office, although the district may be slightly different.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Paid parking in downtown Grand Haven and at its waterfront starting in 2023 is being recommended by city staff. First proposed in 2019, the idea of paid parking was placed on hold with the arrival of COVID and its economic hardships. If paid parking is implemented May 1, that would cover just two months of paid parking since the fiscal year goes through June 30, 2022. A study conducted in 2016 estimated there were 2.2 million visitors to Grand Haven’s boardwalk, McGinnis told the city council. In reviewing the parking issue, the committee studied paid parking initiatives in South Haven, Traverse City and Petoskey.

---Reeths-Puffer sophomore Travis Ambrose (21) attempts a free-throw against Grand Haven during the MHSAA division 1 boys basketball district opener at Reeths-Puffer High School in Muskegon County on Monday, March 7, 2022. ---Grand Haven junior Harrison Sorrelle (12) attempts a free-throw against Reeths-Puffer during the MHSAA division 1 boys basketball district opener at Reeths-Puffer High School in Muskegon County on Monday, March 7, 2022. ---Spring Lake's Kaden George (12) is swarmed by Whitehall defenders during basketball district semifinal action at Spring Lake on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. ---Oakridge's Garrett Wever (10) drives against Montague's Tugg Nichols (21) during basketball district semifinal action at Spring Lake on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. ---MORE MUSKEGON-AREA SPORTS COVERAGEMeet MLive’s 2022 boys basketball Dream Team from MuskegonMeet MLive’s 2022 girls basketball Dream Team from MuskegonMeet the Michigan Associated Press Division 4 All-State boys basketball teamSee the Muskegon-area girls basketball players named to the Division 3-4 All-State teamsMeet the 2022 Michigan AP Division 1 All-State girls basketball teamMeet the 2022 Michigan Associated Press Division 2 girls basketball all-state teamMeet the 2022 Michigan Associated Press Division 3 girls basketball all-state teamMeet the 2022 Michigan Associated Press Division 4 girls basketball all-state team

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Ottawa County’s independent North Ottawa Community Health System (NOCHS) is in talks to merge with Trinity Health, a move that could be done without a vote of the public it serves under pending legislation. Trinity Health, a large Michigan-based health system stretching across 25 states, includes Mercy Health in Muskegon. The core of the health system is the 81-bed North Ottawa Community Hospital that was constructed in Grand Haven following a 1967 vote by six communities to create the North Ottawa Community Hospital authority. In 1996, residents voted to shift the hospital away from the community-owned authority to a private corporation, the North Ottawa Community Health System. Trinity Health is a nonprofit Catholic health system based in Livonia.

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – Kathleen Ann Varboncoeur, a second-grade teacher at Muskegon’s Moon Elementary School, died of injuries suffered this week in a crash on U.S. 31 near Grand Haven. Varboncoeur, 47, was the mother of twin girls, her obituary said.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Police say they found a 40-year-old woman dead inside a Grand Haven area home Wednesday afternoon after a nearly 24-hour standoff. Ottawa County Sheriff’s officials reported in a news release that the woman died from apparent self-inflicted injuries inside the home. There is no further threat to the neighbors or the public, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office reported Wednesday afternoon. The Michigan State Police also responded with additional equipment to assist the Sheriff’s Office Critical Response Team and Crisis Negotiators. Around 12:40 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, members of the Ottawa County Critical Response Team entered the home and found the woman dead.

Follow Josh VanDyke on Twitter30 Rockford boys basketball takes on Grand HavenMUSKEGON – The Rockford boys basketball team closed out the regular season as OK Red Conference champions with a 13-1 record in league play. Grand Haven finished second overall in the conference standings at 11-3, while Hudsonville was third overall at 7-7 against league opponents. Below are the top performers from the 2022 OK Red Conference boys basketball season, as voted on by the league’s coaches. FIRST TEAMFIRST TEAM Player Team Grade Jack Lamancusa Rockford Senior Caden Pokorzynski Rockford Junior Kyle Varady Rockford Senior Nic Stump Grand Haven Senior Bashir Neely Grand Haven Senior Harrison Sorrelle Grand Haven Junior Colin Shriver West Ottawa Senior Brady Bosma West Ottawa Senior Aden Zank Hudsonville Senior Brayden Gable Grandville Senior Nick Henry Caledonia Senior Marshaun Flakes East Kentwood Junior---HONORABLE MENTION

GRAND HAVEN, MI -- Authorities lifted a lockdown at the Ottawa County courthouse in Grand Haven about two hours after a phone threat was received. The courthouse, 414 Washington Ave., went into a “soft” lockdown about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 22 because of a “possible threat of violence” received during a phone call. Authorities called for a police dog from the Grand Valley Department of Public Safety to respond to the scene. Ottawa County sheriff’s deputies said that an investigation into the “source and purpose” of the threat is ongoing. Whitmer kidnap caseQ&A with Grand Rapids’ new police chief: Earning trust in neighborhoods and transparency are priorities

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Residents, visitors and others are invited to help guide the city of Grand Haven’s future development by participating in a brief online survey. The survey is part of the city’s efforts to update its master plan, which is a community’s vision for its future and covers such topics as development, economy and social growth. A community open house is planned for later this spring. Those who complete it are eligible for a raffle of $25 in “Dune Dollars” that can be spent at Grand Haven businesses. The master plan will include goals for the city and specific strategies to achieve them.

Fans in the Northview student section cheer as the final seconds count down in the fourth quarter of Division 1 boys basketball regional semifinal game against the Muskegon Big Reds at Grand Haven High School in Grand Haven on Tuesday, March 14, 2022. The Northview Wildcats beat the Muskegon Big Red with a score of 68-55. (Daniel Shular | MLive.com)Daniel Shular | MLive.com

A judge has ordered a western Michigan couple to pay $30,441 to their son for getting rid of his pornography collection.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer held a news conference Tuesday afternoon to announce a proposal to invest millions into state parks and recreational facilities.

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. – A man who sued his parents for getting rid of his pornography collection has won a lawsuit in western Michigan and can seek compensation. U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney ruled in favor of David Werking, who said his parents had no right to throw out his collection. He lived at their Grand Haven home for 10 months after a divorce before moving to Muncie, Indiana. “There is no question that the destroyed property was David’s property,” Maloney said Monday. Werking's parents said they had a right to act as his landlords.

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were rescued Saturday morning after being swept into Lake Michigan. The two Lake Orion teens were on a pier in Grand Haven when a wave struck them and dragged the two into the lake. Officials said they treaded water until someone was able to get a life-ring to them and pull them out of the water. The man was treated for a minor injury and is expected to be OK.WOODTV reports the pier has been shut down until lake conditions have improved.

FRANKFORT, Mich. – A dog treading water nearly four miles offshore in Lake Michigan has been rescued by a family out on a boating trip. The family was able to have the dog scanned for a microchip. The owners later were located and reunited with their dog. “I just hope that if this was my dog, somebody would do the same for me,” Wilcox said. “I would just be very grateful, happy because I know how rough Lake Michigan can be.”

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced Friday that Grand Haven State Parks Channel parking lot will reopen to the public on May 22. The parking lot -- also known as Fishermans parking lot -- was closed to traffic earlier this month due to public health concerns, after large groups congregated and failed to practice social distancing. Grand Haven State Park is one of Michigans most popular outdoor destinations, and we know many people love to return here year after year. Grand Haven State Park has remained open to the public amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. You can learn more about Grand Haven State Park here.

The unidentified man was jumping Saturday afternoon during the "Dink Dink Boogie" event at Grand Haven Memorial Airpark. (WDIV)GRAND HAVEN, Mich. - Authorities say a 33-year-old skydiver has been killed in Michigan when he abruptly fell after trying to avoid colliding with another jumper near the landing. The unidentified man was jumping Saturday afternoon during the "Dink Dink Boogie" event at Grand Haven Memorial Airpark. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

The unidentified man was jumping Saturday afternoon during the "Dink Dink Boogie" event at Grand Haven Memorial Airpark. (WDIV)GRAND HAVEN, Mich. - Authorities say a 33-year-old skydiver has been killed in Michigan when he abruptly fell after trying to avoid colliding with another jumper near the landing. The unidentified man was jumping Saturday afternoon during the "Dink Dink Boogie" event at Grand Haven Memorial Airpark. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. - Boaters are credited with rescuing a teenage girl who was swept off a pier and into Lake Michigan by high waves. WOOD-TV broadcast video of the girl tumbling into the water Saturday at Grand Haven in western Michigan. We were meant to be there.The rescue took place amid a dangerous summer along Lake Michigan. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project says at least 27 people have drowned in the lake this year, up 80% from 15 at the same point last year. The water safety nonprofit counts 51 Great Lakes fatalities from drownings, up two from the same point in 2018.