Kayla Penokie

Grand Rapids

Executive Producer at WXMI-TV (Grand Rapids, MI)

Executive Producer @FOX17📺 Travel enthusiast ✈️ ☀️ 🌴 Dog lover 🐾🐶❤️ Bookworm 📚

Articles

Operation Green Light to raise awareness of help available for veterans

Nov 5, 2023 | fox17online.com | Kayla Penokie |Josh Berry

KENT COUNTY, Mich — Starting on Monday, people in Kent County are being asked to put green lights on at their homes and businesses, all in support of our veterans. It's for Operation Green Light, which is meant to show appreciation for those who have served, while also raising awareness about the local services available to them. "This is I think, it's a life raft. I think it's a lifeboat for a lot of people," says Reginald Farrior, describing Kent County Veterans Services (KCVS).
School safety and housing among topics of focus during Kent County's State of the County address

Nov 2, 2023 | fox17online.com | Kayla Penokie

KENT COUNTY, Mich — Residents, officials, and other community members had a chance to hear successes and potential for areas of improvement during the 2023 Kent County State of the County Address. Remarks were delivered by Board of Commissioners Chair Stan Stek and County Administrator Al Vanderberg during an event at DeVos Place. One of the big areas of focus during Thursday night's address was public and school safety.
‘The Rapidian’ celebrates relaunch in Grand Rapids

Oct 25, 2023 | fox17online.com | Kayla Penokie

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A hyper-local news source that was around for ten years in West Michigan largely came to a close in 2019 when the site underwent a hiatus. But now, the Grand Rapids Community Media Center is giving The Rapidian new life by joining the nationwide Documenters Network. The Rapidian held an event at the Wealthy Theatre Wednesday to not only celebrate its relaunch, but also give people the chance to network and dive into what the Documenters Network really is.
City commissioners vote to further talks on Muskegon property purchase

Oct 24, 2023 | fox17online.com | Kayla Penokie

MUSKEGON, Mich. — Another stretch of land along the Muskegon lakeshore could become a public park after city commissioners approved a purchase option agreement Tuesday. This allows them to further talks regarding the purchase of ten parcels of prime real estate on the edge of Muskegon Lake. It’s where the old Sappi Paper Mill was located. The paper mill shut down in 2009 and, since then, the 122-acre site has been turned over to Parkland Properties.
Mary Free Bed holds open house of new 6th floor

Oct 19, 2023 | fox17online.com | Kayla Penokie

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Rehabilitation in Grand Rapids is being taken to new heights with the new 6th floor of Mary Free Bed nearly complete. On Thursday, a ribbon cutting and open house was held for staff and hospital partners to check out the new patient and therapy spaces. The addition is adding 28 private in-patient rooms, with 16 of them equipped with ventilator and dialysis capabilities. "We already have a waiting list for patients.
Nonprofit aimed at breaking gender stereotypes wins free marketing makeover

Oct 16, 2023 | fox17online.com | Kayla Penokie

KALAMAZOO, Mich — A nonprofit that helps educate middle and high school girls in things like science, engineering, and math is getting a boost. Girls Build Kalamazoo is receiving a free marketing makeover courtesy of Revel out of Muskegon. The firm accepted applications from across the state for the 24-hour marketing marathon effort, which will take place on Giving Tuesday in November.
Parents bring concerns to school board following son's suicide

Oct 16, 2023 | fox17online.com | Kayla Penokie |Kallista Cory

ZEELAND, Mich — Parents and loved ones of a 14-year-old in Zeeland took the podium at Monday night's school board meeting to demand answers and changes following the freshman's death by suicide last month. "We can't bring Max back and there will be a part of our hearts that will be missing forever. But I want to take this time to promote change. So no other family has to experience the horrific pain that we've gone through," said stepmom Amy Ver Beek during Monday's meeting.
Emergency Alert System test prompts concerns for those experiencing domestic violence

Oct 4, 2023 | wxyz.com | Kayla Penokie

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This Wednesday, you're going to hear a loud screech from your smartphone. The federal government is planning a nationwide test of the emergency alert system, and it's presenting a possible concern to those experiencing domestic violence. Specifically, the concern lies with those who may be hiding a phone from their abusers, so they can call for help.
Emergency Alert System test prompts concerns for those experiencing domestic violence

Oct 2, 2023 | fox17online.com | Kayla Penokie

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This Wednesday, you're going to hear a loud screech from your smartphone. The federal government is planning a nationwide test of the emergency alert system, and it's presenting a possible concern to those experiencing domestic violence. Specifically, the concern lies with those who may be hiding a phone from their abusers, so they can call for help.
Two hurt after vehicle leaves I-96, crashes into trees

Oct 2, 2023 | fox17online.com | Kayla Penokie

WALKER, Mich — Michigan State Police is investigating a crash that injured two people Monday evening. According to an online post by MSP, a 22-year-old male went off I-96 near the Walker exit and hit several trees. A 19-year-old female passenger was ejected during the crash. Both victims were taken to the hospital, the extent of their injuries are unknown. The crash closed the eastbound lanes in the area while police investigated.