Matt Witkos

Fenton

Reporter at WXMI-TV (Grand Rapids, MI)

Matt Witkos is a local reporter who is covering impactful stories in West Michigan

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Articles

Federal emergency order delays closure of Michigan coal plant

2 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — A week before an Ottawa County coal plant was set to close, the federal government is stepping in. Consumers Energy was set to close the 1,560 megawatt J.H. Campbell plant at the end of the month. On Friday, the Department of Energy issued a 90-day emergency order to keep the lights on. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright says keeping this open is important for grid security.
'No justice, no peace': protesters react to decision not to retry Lyoya case

2 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Several dozen people gathered outside the Kent County Courthouse in Grand Rapids Thursday evening after learning Christopher Schurr will not face a second trial. Protesters chanted "Justice for Patrick" just hours after the Kent County prosecutor announced he will not pursue a second trial for Schurr, the former Grand Rapids Police officer who was charged with second-degree murder for the April 2022 death of Patrick Lyoya.
Mixed emotions felt after prosecutor moves to end criminal case

2 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Moments before the Kent County prosecutor announced he would not refile charges against former Grand Rapids Police officer Christopher Schurr, he called Patrick Lyoya's parents. “The Lyoya family is definitely broken by this decision. I also said at the beginning, we'd have to accept the jury's verdict, and thankfully, the system charged them, and it didn't stop before it got to a jury,” Kent County Commissioner Robert Womack said.
Christopher Schurr will not be retried in death of Patrick Lyoya, prosecutor drops murder charge

2 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Sam Landstra |Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker says he will drop the second-degree murder charge against Christopher Schurr. Schurr, a former Grand Rapids police officer, fatally shot Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old black man, in the back of the head during an April 2022 traffic stop.
Grand Rapids set to close popular downtown bridge for upgrades

2 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A cold, rainy day isn't a great day for a walk in downtown Grand Rapids. Still, a lot of people use the Gillett Bridge to get from one side of the river to the next. The city understands that - so they're giving this 110-year-old bridge a refresh. "The sidings and the railings are a little rundown, with a bunch of cracks and little rust," Christian Nguyen said, out walking on the Gillett Bridge. Nguyen uses the bridge to get to work.
Grand Rapids approves $735 million budget, adds 22 city positions

2 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids city commissioners on Tuesday unanimously passed the city’s $735 million budget for fiscal year 2026. The city is adding 22 employees to the city’s staffing roster. “To help with some of the basic services and public safety, water treatment, refuse just continuing, continuity of service delivery to our citizens,” City Manager Mark Washington said. The city's adopted budget increases by 6.5% year over year.
West Michigan group hits 100-in-100 housing goal after longer effort

3 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A goal has been met. A West Michigan group, looking to help the un-housed find permanent housing, set a mission: 100 people in 100 days. Almost a year ago, the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness set a goal: 100 in 100. It took longer than expected, but they finally hit their goal. "We're seeing progress, and we're also seeing the opportunity to do better," Grand Rapids Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Josh Lunger said.
NEW: Ottawa County's treehouses and yurts are now open to reservations

3 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — Tarzan meets Jane, where you’re able to understand what it's like to live up in a treehouse but have some really nice amenities. The Ottawa Sands Idema Explorers Camp is now open for reservations, and people are already picking out their days. "This is a really cool spot. This is a hidden gem for us," said Michelle Colace said. Those gems are these treehouses and yurts. "I was sending my kids pictures so they can come stay here instead of with us," Colace said.
Portage elementary school prepares for bittersweet farewell

3 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

PORTAGE, Mich. — Former students, teachers, and staff at Portage Central Elementary are saying goodbye to a building filled with decades of memories as they prepare to move into a new facility this fall. Jeremy Storteboom, who has taught at the school for over two decades, remembers making his classroom more of his own when he first arrived. "So this is a blue wall that I painted when I got in here. It was just kind of the basic, boring, off white.
Patmos Library closes after majority of staff resign

4 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos |Kallista Cory

OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — The Patmos Library in Jamestown Township gained national attention for facing tension over books featuring LGBTQ+ topics. And they faced potential closure because of a lack of funding. It took three separate millage votes for funding to finally be renewed. Now the local community spot is closed, but not for those reasons. The library's front doors were locked during scheduled open hours on Friday.