All articles tagged with #west michigan
Denny Ellens, 70, longtime owner of Hudsonville Ice Cream and West Michigan community leader, died unexpectedly. He bought the company in 2003, served on its board, and appointed Tina Floyd as CEO in 2023. The Ellens family praised his integrity and commitment to the community, while Floyd called him an inspiring visionary; the family asked for privacy.
A 100-vehicle pileup on I-196 near Zeeland Township, west Michigan, injured 9–12 people (no fatalities) and closed the highway in both directions between Hudsonville and Zeeland. Authorities said hazardous conditions, including whiteout and squalls, contributed to the crash, with an estimated 30–40 semi-trucks involved. First responders needed up to 45 minutes to reach the scene. Buses were used to move stranded motorists to Hudsonville High School, where they can access further assistance. Motorists were urged to avoid driving today.
Several families across West Michigan welcomed their first babies of 2026 at different hospitals, celebrating new beginnings with healthy newborns and joyful families.
Howard Miller, a nearly 100-year-old family-owned clock and furniture manufacturer in West Michigan, is closing its operations due to economic challenges such as inflation, labor shortages, and a slowdown in the housing market, with production ending in 2025 but continuing support and sales until inventory runs out.
American Freight, a furniture and appliance store chain with multiple locations in West Michigan, is closing all its stores after its parent company, Franchise Group, Inc., filed for bankruptcy due to inflation and economic challenges. The closures, which began on November 5, affect over 370 locations nationwide, including 15 in Michigan. Franchise Group's other brands, such as Pet Supplies Plus and The Vitamin Shoppe, will remain open as the company undergoes a debt restructuring.
West Michigan will experience a solar eclipse on Monday, with peak coverage occurring between 1:50 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Various cities in the area will see coverage percentages ranging from 89.0% to 96.5%, with peak times around 3:10 p.m. The weather forecast looks favorable, with morning clouds expected to clear out by afternoon, providing good viewing conditions. NASA has an interactive map for specific coverage percentages and eclipse times, and WOOD TV8 will provide live coverage starting at 2:30 p.m.
Over 100 schools in West Michigan have closed due to a winter storm, with snow and wind expected across the region. The closures include districts in several counties, and the National Weather Service has issued winter-weather advisories. Motorists are urged to slow down on roads, as heavy snowfall is expected to continue throughout the day.
Late-season snowfall is expected to hit parts of West Michigan on Friday, with wet and heavy snow likely to impact the morning commute, especially north of I-94. Accumulation is most likely north of I-94, with areas along and north of Ottawa, Kent & Ionia counties potentially seeing more than two inches. School closings are possible, contingent on the intensity and timing of the snowfall. However, any snow that falls is expected to melt quickly with above-freezing highs and sunshine forecasted for the weekend.
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross the United States, with only Luna Pier in Michigan being in the path of totality, experiencing 34 seconds of darkness at 3:13 p.m. Other parts of Michigan, like West Michigan, will see a near-total eclipse with the sun about 95% obscured. ISO certified solar eclipse viewing glasses are necessary for safe viewing, and some local museums are offering them for free. The next coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in the U.S. won't occur until August 12, 2045.
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will sweep across North America, with West Michigan experiencing a 95% sun obscuration. Those seeking totality will need to travel south, where the moon's shadow will create a brief night and reveal the sun's corona. Eclipse viewers should use ISO certified solar eclipse viewing glasses and find a location without cloud cover for optimal viewing. The next total solar eclipse in the U.S. won't occur until 2033, making this a rare event to witness.
An elementary school in Jenison, West Michigan, will be closed for the rest of the week due to a "fast-moving" illness, prompting health officials to advise people to wash their hands and take preventative measures against an uptick in viral illnesses, including influenza and gastroenteritis. Dr. Kira Sieplinga of Helen DeVos Children's Hospital recommends staying hydrated and seeking medical attention if signs of dehydration are present, while emphasizing the importance of hand washing over hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of gastroenteritis viruses, which can live on surfaces for an extended period.
A Weather Alert Day has been declared for West Michigan as severe storms, including tornado and thunderstorm warnings, move across the region. The storms are expected to bring damaging winds, large hail, and a potential tornado, with temperatures dropping rapidly and gusty winds picking up on Wednesday. Residents are advised to stay alert and prepared for the changing weather conditions.
On April 8, a total solar eclipse will be visible across the United States, with West Michigan experiencing a 90% partial eclipse. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is hosting a viewing party and selling certified solar eclipse glasses for safe viewing. The last total solar eclipse in the US was in 2017, and the next one in Michigan won't be until 2099, making this a rare opportunity for Michiganders to witness this celestial event.
Due to icy road conditions during a winter weather advisory, numerous schools across West Michigan, including districts in Kent, Ottawa, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Allegan, Ionia, and Van Buren counties, are closed on Tuesday, Jan. 23. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the southern half of Lower Michigan until 4 p.m., warning of freezing rain, snow, and sleet. Motorists are advised to be cautious of slippery roads and drive slowly. A complete list of school closings in the region can be found on WZZM-13's school closing page.
Schools in West Michigan have announced closures for Wednesday due to ongoing lake effect snow and freezing temperatures, with an additional inch or two of snow expected to fall by Wednesday morning and another couple of inches throughout the day, accompanied by breezy conditions and highs in the teens.