Daren Bower

Belmont

Reporter at WXMI-TV (Grand Rapids, MI)

Multiple Emmy winning Reporter/MMJ currently working at Fox 17

Articles

Summer tourism kicks off with the Rockford Start of Summer Celebration

1 day ago | fox17online.com | Daren Bower

ROCKFORD, Mich. — Michigan's crucial summer tourism season is underway, bringing significant economic benefits to the state. According to Pure Michigan, tourism plays a major role as an economic driver in the state. In 2023, 128.3 million visitors contributed $29.3 billion in spending to Michigan's economy and supported more than 364,000 jobs. In Kent County alone, tourism had a $1.8 billion economic impact. The Start of Summer Celebration in Rockford exemplifies this tourism boost.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital expanding to meet growing demand

3 days ago | fox17online.com | Daren Bower

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is undertaking multiple construction projects to meet increasing demand for its services, including completing the unfinished sixth floor of its West Patient Tower. The sixth floor's south half has remained unused for a decade since the west addition was built. According to Samantha Taylor, project manager at Mary Free Bed, the hospital has been operating at over 90% capacity in recent months, up from 86% last year.
New mental health hospital coming to West Michigan

1 week ago | fox17online.com | Daren Bower

BYRON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A new $46 million mental health hospital is set to open in West Michigan to address the growing need for inpatient psychiatric care in the region. Trinity Health Michigan and Universal Health Services have partnered to build Southridge Behavioral Hospital, a 96-bed facility designed to create a comfortable environment for patients seeking mental health treatment.
Boochie Bar: Bringing Kombucha Culture to West Michigan

1 week ago | fox17online.com | Daren Bower

ROCKFORD, Mich. — A fermented tea beverage with ancient origins is gaining popularity in West Michigan, where one local business owner has found success sharing kombucha with the community. Jennifer Makowski, owner of the Boochie Bar, opened her first location in 2023 after experiencing the health benefits of kombucha firsthand. "Kombucha was the one that was the most life-changing for me.
Patmos Library reopens under new leadership after staff resignations

1 week ago | fox17online.com | Daren Bower

JAMESTOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. — After closing its doors earlier this month, following mass staff resignations, Patmos Library in Jamestown Township reopened Tuesday with a new interim director. The library was forced to close on May 9 when staff members resigned, citing conflicts with the library board. "I was disappointed to see the former librarians leave. They were an integral part of the experience here at Patmos," said one library patron.
Gringo Dog's, a popular hot dog cart, opening its first drive thru restaurant

1 week ago | fox17online.com | Daren Bower

WYOMING, Mich. — Gringo Dog's, a popular Grand Rapids hot dog cart, planned a soft opening for its first drive-thru restaurant on Memorial Day, but the launch was delayed due to technical issues. Owner Roger Bouwman arrived Monday morning to discover their new drive-thru electronic menu screens had malfunctioned. "We came in this morning; we found when we turned on the menu screen that we were using, it had overheated and burned the screen," Bouwman said.
Paws With a Cause dogs undergo ambulance training for future emergencies

2 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Daren Bower

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Thirteen future Paws with a Cause service dogs participated in ambulance training at Life EMS Ambulance on Wednesday, preparing for potential emergency situations they may encounter with their future handlers.
Wolverine Worldwide expands, bringing Jobs to Rockford

2 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Daren Bower

ROCKFORD, Mich. — Wolverine Worldwide, which has called Rockford home since 1883, unveiled a major investment Tuesday with the renovation of a former factory into new headquarters for two of its most popular brands. The company officially opened "The Factory" at its global headquarters, which will house Merrell and Saucony Shoes. The project is expected to create up to 100 jobs paying at least $26.44 per hour. "This space was originally built in 1963.
Accessible housing project aims to meet critical need in Grand Rapids

2 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Daren Bower

A developer wants to build a new mixed-use apartment building in Grand Rapids that would provide affordable and fully accessible housing for people with disabilities. Gabriel Grant is proposing a mixed-use, four-story apartment building at the corner of Eastern and Burton Street in Grand Rapids. The $6 million complex, called The Heights on Burton, will feature retail spaces on the first floor and 27 affordable, fully accessible apartments.
Mudpenny to open new location at Hotel Rose, in downtown Rockford

3 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Daren Bower

ROCKFORD, Mich. — Construction on Hotel Rose in downtown Rockford continues to progress, with developers announcing Thursday that MudPenny, a popular restaurant, will open its third location on the hotel's ground floor. MudPenny owner Matthew Fuller toured the future restaurant space, which will seat approximately 100 guests and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. "At the front entrance, we're going to have a full-service coffee bar," Fuller said.