Danielle James

2 weeks ago | mlive.com | Danielle James

ROCKFORD, MI - Described as a “mini vacation retreat” for area families, the popular beach at Myers Lake Park in Rockford will now be able to accommodate more families on staycation. Open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the park at 7350 Hessler Dr. boasts two playgrounds, a fishing spot, picnic areas and a free public beach with swim areas and changing facilities. It’s now free to visit after a spring renovation that used approximately 500 tons of sand to double the beach’s size.

3 weeks ago | mlive.com | Danielle James

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Principal Daniel Morse parked in front of the North Park Montessori school last spring, like he did every day, when he noticed a plaque on the building with an establishment date - 1925. Morse knew the school, which he describes as tucked away in a north Grand Rapids neighborhood, deserved to be recognized. So the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) district threw it a 100th birthday party.

3 weeks ago | mlive.com | Danielle James

Elon Musk may have left his position heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) last week, but his name continues to dominate the news cycle after a public feud with President Donald Trump. Michiganders have voiced their own strong opinions about Musk - and his DOGE cuts to federal agencies - in an unscientific MLive survey.

3 weeks ago | mlive.com | Danielle James

HOLLAND, MI - The 178-year-old Van Raalte Farm Park property will get a million dollar makeover, part of a fiscal year 2026 budget recommendation approved in May. The city of Holland’s $216.6 million budget for 2025-26 includes $1 million to upgrade the 160-acre property’s trail system, along with the replacement of a washed out pedestrian bridge. During a May 14 city council meeting, City Manager Keith Van Beek said the overarching theme of this year’s budget is stability.

3 weeks ago | mlive.com | Danielle James

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - In one fell swoop, a group of Job Corps members had their lives upended. When Grand Rapids Job Corps members were informed during an assembly that their program was indefinitely paused, Kelsey May Fraser said the young adults lost their jobs, housing, future plans and communities. She described what she witnessed next during the Friday, May 30, assembly as “unimaginable confusion and heartbreak.”“Students sobbed in our meeting,” she said. Fraser has worked with the Gerald R.