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

Patmos Library closes after majority of staff resign

5 days 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.
'We are in pain': Lyoya family vows to keep fighting after mistrial declared

6 days ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos |Zac Harmon

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The family of Patrick Lyoya says it will continue to fight for legal justice after a jury could not come to a verdict in the trial of the former police officer who shot him. "We came here. We were fighting and we get to the end. We thought that we are getting to the close of this case and we'll go get the justice, but we came to realize that it was a hung jury.
Running toward better mental health: Local program helps participants build confidence through exercise

1 week ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A local bootcamp program is helping people improve their mental health through running and exercise, with people saying they’re seeing significant improvements in their confidence and emotional well-being. Carmelao O'Brien is among those nearing the end of a 10-week program that combines physical activity with mental health support. "I have a confidence now that I didn't have 10 weeks ago. I believe in myself when.
Allendale Public Schools bond proposal fails for the 2nd time

1 week ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — There are a number of elections being tallied Tuesday night in West Michigan. Voters weighed in on issues like school upgrades, public safety, and infrastructure. Allendale Public Schools lost its second bid to get a bond proposal approved by the community. With 100% of precincts reporting, the $88 million bond failed, with 2,392 voting no and 1,661 voting yes to the proposal. “We're disappointed that we won't be able to deliver on that to our kids.
Local restaurant owner expands with a new spot just down the road.

1 week ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The 616 universe is expanding. A Grand Rapids restaurant owner is expanding more than the items on the menu. 616 Batter Mix is now open. The business held a soft opening -- with people coming in non-stop. The owner says seeing this amount of support is why he decided to add a new location. "This neighborhood has been Great. 616 Kabob stop was just down the road. Another reason why we decided to open this, our wings got super popular," 616 Batter Mix owner Thaer Al-Abboudi said.
Spending green to make green in Grand Rapids

2 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — If you’re walking in Grand Rapids, you're going to see a lot of construction going on in the city parks right now. Crews recently put up fences around Canal Park, where construction is expected to start soon. Work is being done because of a park millage that was approved back in 2019. “Absolutely worth it,” Shaine Cartwright said. Cartwright, who lives across the street from Canal Park, checked out the renderings of what the park is going to look like a year from now.
New construction standards at question in multiple house fires in same neighborhood

2 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The investigation continues following a fire that broke out on the city's south side Monday. The fire appeared to have started near the back porch of the building on Dawes Avenue south of 28th Street, according to Captain David Marchinda with the Grand Rapids Fire Department. "It appears to be unintentional, however a final determination for cause is underway," said Fire Marshal Bill Smith.
Grand Rapids could add city staff as federal workforce is reduced

2 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids released its annual budget on Tuesday as it faced the changing landscape on the federal level. This proposal included hiring 22 positions for the city staff as the federal government continued to shrink its workforce. The new jobs included four new positions: 911 dispatch, fire inspector, and resources to meet state firearm background checks.
Citing team dysfunction, Thornapple Kellogg interim superintendent resigns

2 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

MIDDLEVILLE, Mich. — Tom Enslen sent an email Monday morning to the school board at Thornapple Kellogg Schools annoucing he was stepping down as interim superintendent effective immediately. "The current state of our governance team (school board and superintendent) is dysfunctional, and I don't feel supported enough to continue in this regard," Enslen wrote to the board. Enslen worked with the district for 17 years, six of which were as the superintendent. He retired in 2018.
Canceling student debt through trades

2 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

MONTCALM COUNTY, Mich. — Student debt can be a lot; for one man, it’s well over $200,000. Paying all that off is going to take time, but he’s taking a unique approach, so one day, he’ll be free of all that debt. “I have no credit cards, no personal loans, no car payments, nothing. All $219,279.82 all student loan debt,” Jake Croft told FOX 17. “It's a very heavy weight. It has halted any and all plans for my family.