Alina Hauter

Montana

Multimedia Journalist at WXMI-TV (Grand Rapids, MI)

Articles

'It's pretty bittersweet': Festival of the Arts absence felt in Grand Rapids

16 hours ago | fox17online.com | Alina Hauter |Kallista Cory

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — For the first time in 56 years, Calder Plaza is silent during the first weekend of June as the Festival of the Arts is no longer taking place. The event, which has been a staple of the city's cultural community, leaves a void for its longtime organizers. "It's odd," said Missy Bush on Friday. "It's kind of a hard thing to think about, not being downtown, not being with all of the friends that you have made over the years."Bush had been involved with the festival since 2010.
Holland High student supports marching band through Eagle Scout project

1 day ago | fox17online.com | Alina Hauter

HOLLAND, Mich. — Noah Castaneda, a soon-to-be senior at Holland High School, has spent a busy semester channeling his passion for scouting and music into an impactful Eagle Scout project. A decade-long member of the Scouts program, Castaneda decided to support an organization close to his heart: the Holland High School marching band. An old soul, music means to the world to the 17-year-old. "Band has been a huge aspect in my life. Music in general. I love music.
Holland Civic Center to host Mitten Vintage Market Sunday

2 days ago | fox17online.com | Alina Hauter

HOLLAND, Mich. — This weekend, the Holland Civic Center will come alive as the Mitten Vintage Market takes over the street with more than 40 vendors offering a unique shopping experience. The event, happening this Sunday, promises to give garments and accessories a second lease on life. From vintage jeans reminiscent of past eras to sneakers with a story, the market aims to offer something for everyone.
Holland native scoops his way to seminary dreams with pet waste removal biz

3 days ago | fox17online.com | Alina Hauter

ZEELAND, Mich. — Despite the high cost of seminary school, Holland native Justin Wolters is not letting that deter him from his aspiration of becoming a pastor. In the meantime, he's found an unusual way to finance his dreams. He's started a pet waste removal company called the "Poo Busters."Wolters, who graduated with a degree in theology in May, has always had a special relationship with God.
Cadillac man left in limbo as Job Corps program faces financial halt

4 days ago | fox17online.com | Alina Hauter

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The U.S. Labor Department announced a pause in the Job Corps program last week, citing financial challenges in its operating structure. The decision comes as the program, which provides free education and vocational training to young people ages 16 to 24, faces a $140 million deficit during the 2024 program year, expected to grow to $213 million in 2025.
Nonprofit works with churches to bring affordable housing to Grand Rapids

1 week ago | fox17online.com | Alina Hauter

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A new affordable housing initiative in Grand Rapids is set to transform a grassy lot next to Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church into much-needed homes. The project is spearheaded by ICCF Community Homes, a nonprofit organization that has been addressing affordable housing issues in the area for over five decades. Ryan VerWys, CEO of ICCF Community Homes, highlighted the pressing need for affordable housing in West Michigan at the nonprofit Wednesday.
Ada Township residents voice concerns over drain project in public meeting

1 week ago | fox17online.com | Alina Hauter

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Ada Township residents attended a public meeting Thursday at the Kent County Administrator's office to express concerns over a drain project that could route runoff water from the Knapp's Corner area into the Grand River. Previously, Ada Township had filed a lawsuit against the Kent County Drain Commissioner, alleging a lack of transparency regarding the project.
Affordable and family-friendly: Holland's annual tulip dig happening Saturday

1 week ago | fox17online.com | Alina Hauter

HOLLAND, Mich. — If you're looking for something that's affordable and family-friendly to do this weekend, check out the Tulip Dig in Holland. The dig is happening on Saturday at 9 a.m. at three different parks. You can participate at Windows on the Waterfront, Centennial Park, or Windmill Island Gardens. All diggers must pay $10 per five-gallon bucket and will have to provide their own tools but whatever you dig up, you can replant in your own garden.
West Michigan gas prices drop, residents still feel the pinch

1 week ago | fox17online.com | Alina Hauter

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Average gas prices in West Michigan are currently sitting at $3.24 per gallon, a drop from $3.69 at this time last year. Despite the decrease, residents are still feeling the pinch in their wallets. "We expect that over the course of the summer, gas prices this year will be quite a bit lower than last year," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy Tuesday. "The price of oil is quite a bit below where it was last year.
West Michigan family to launch line of Asian-inspired sauces in Meijer stores

1 week ago | fox17online.com | Alina Hauter

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Come July, West Michigan residents can bring the flavors of popular local eateries into their homes, as the Xiong family debuts their line of Asian-inspired sauces at 16 Meijer stores across Greater Grand Rapids. The Xiongs, who own multiple restaurants across West Michigan, including Toastn' Tea, Bangkok Taste Cuisine, Bliss and Vinegar, and KK Pepper Thai, have created a variety of sauces based on their culinary offerings.