WCSG News
December 1
Showspan says they are canceling at least the first few shows of 2021 at DeVos Place. That will include the Michigan International Auto show, the Remodeling and New Home Show, and Camper, Travel and RV Show. Organizers say due to COVID-19 restrictions and safety measures, they felt it necessary to cancel events that typically draw large crowds and where safe distancing is a challenge. Showspan typically puts on 14 shows each year.
December 1
A federal judge held a hearing yesterday and listened to one lawyer argue that Michigan’s dine-in ban is lawful while another said the ban in unconstitutional and restaurants aren’t the reason for the spike in cases. U.S. District Court Judge Paul Maloney said he will be issuing an opinion as quickly as possible. The three-week pause on indoor dining at restaurants is to last until December 8th. Meanwhile, three Michigan businesses have been issued citations and had their liquor licenses suspended after they continued to serve people inside. The three were located in Fremont, Newaygo and Fenton. In addition, citations […]
December 1
It’s Giving Tuesday. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is touted as an opportunity to give back and help other organizations that make a difference and could use financial help. Many groups have sent out emails or messages reminding us that it is Giving Tuesday and hope that we will consider giving a little extra. The day started back in 2012 in the United State but has quickly grown into a worldwide celebration of generosity. To date, Giving Tuesday activities have been tracked in nearly every country and territory.
November 25
LANSING, Mich. – Older adults experiencing social isolation this Thanksgiving due to the COVID-19 pandemic have a new opportunity to celebrate the holiday virtually. Through its partnership with the national education technology company GetSetUp, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Aging & Adult Services Agency is offering a series of Thanksgiving-themed social hours this week. The special classes will help older adults connect with family and friends this holiday season. This includes a special Thanksgiving social hour on Thursday. Nov. 26 at 3 p.m. “Older adults are at greater risk for complications related to coronavirus and have had […]
November 25
GRAND RAPIDS, MI (Mlive) — Enbridge Inc. is accusing Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of violating the U.S. Constitution by revoking an easement that allows the Canadian energy giant to operate a controversial oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. Enbridge asked a federal judge to block Whitmer’s order to shut down the Line 5 pipeline in an injunction request filed Tuesday, Nov. 24 in federal district court in Grand Rapids. “The attempt to shut down Line 5 interferes with the comprehensive federal regulation of pipeline safety and burdens interstate and foreign commerce in clear violation of federal law and the U.S. Constitution,” […]
November 25
BOCA RATON, Fla. (NewsNation Now) — Home appliance maker Sunbeam has recalled more than 940,000 of their 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cookers due to a burn hazard, according to the manufacturer. The products were sold in the U.S. and Canada at Walmart, Target, and other retail stores nationwide and online at Amazon and other online retailers from July 2017 through November 2020 for between $70 to $100. The recalled crock-pot can pressurize when the lid is not fully locked and may cause the lid to suddenly detach while the product is in use, posing burn risks to consumers from hot food and liquids ejected from the product. “Consumers […]
November 24
(9&10News) – – The election in Michigan is final. Monday the Board of State Canvassers certified the election results, officially giving Michigan’s 16 electoral votes to President-elect Joe Biden and the US Senate election to incumbent Gary Peters. It was not a quick process. “In politics there are no participation ribbons,” says Steve Liedel, election attorney from Lansing, “We have winners and we have losers. “ After local clerks approved ballots, the county canvassing boards certify results and then pass them to the state board to finalize the November 2020 election in Michigan. “It’s actually the State Board of Canvassers’ […]
November 24
NEWAYGO, MI — (Mlive) – The owner of a Newaygo bar and restaurant that has defied a state health order to stop in-person dining says his decision is meant to protect the livelihoods of his employees and his family’s legacy. “Because of the history here and the fact that I cannot put 30 employees out of work, it’s what’s right,” Jim Corey, owner of Jimmy’s Roadhouse, told MLive Monday of his decision to continue dine-in service. “I cannot in good conscience let 30 hard-working, good Americans suffer and let my family legacy whittle away.” Jimmy’s Roadhouse is located about 40 miles north […]
November 24
New York (CNN Business)– GM is recalling 7 million pickups and SUVs worldwide with airbags made by the same manufacturer whose airbags are linked to at least 17 deaths in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ordered a US recall on Monday, rejecting GM’s argument that this version of the airbags didn’t need to be replaced. The recall centers on a defect in airbags made by Takata, a now-bankrupt Japanese manufacturer, that caused the bags to explode, spraying shrapnel through the vehicle. In addition to the deaths, other drivers or passengers have been blinded or maimed. The decision comes more than six […]
November 19
As rates of Covid-19 continue to rise in Michigan, the Governor is encouraging us to think about our neighbors, family and friends. “We must do everything that we can to protect each other from this virus because this virus doesn’t care who you are.” Governor Gretchen Whitmer says that since anyone can contract the virus, there is a need to do what we can to protect ourselves and each other. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has officially requested that people not gather for Thanksgiving this year. In an effort to curb the spread as well as to not […]
November 19
(GRAND RAPIDS) – In response to catastrophic capacity shortages in hospitals and health systems across the state, local churches across Grand Rapids and Kent County will further limit in person gatherings beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18, to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Participating churches will discontinue large gatherings such as worship services, weddings, and meetings of more than five individuals until Dec. 8. “Pastors have been moved by the pleas of front-line healthcare workers, as well as the ongoing suffering and loss of life of Kent County residents as a result of this virus,” said Rev. Khary Bridgewater on behalf […]
November 18
Mel Trotter’s annual Turkey Drop is underway and Executive Director Dennis VanKampen tells us the support from the community is exceptionally welcome this year. “You drive around the area, we’re seeing homelessness where we’ve never seen it before. And in numbers we’ve haven’t seen before. And that doesn’t even account for the significant increase of families in particular, that are on the verge of homelessness or not homeless yet, but they’re really close.” The donation of turkeys will help those families in the area who may need a little extra help to put some food on the table. VanKampen says […]
November 17
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan Nov. 17, 2020 — Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announces new nonstop routes to Newark, New Jersey and Destin, Florida from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). To celebrate, the company is offering one-way fares on the new route as low as $49.* The new routes to/from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) include: Newark, New Jersey via Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – beginning March 5, 2021 with fares as low as $59* each way. Destin, Florida via Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) – beginning March 5, 2021 with fares as low as $49* each way. “We are incredibly pleased Allegiant continues to […]
November 16
A new invasive species has made its way to Michigan, but the extent of the invasion is still being determined. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is asking freight carriers, warehouse workers and delivery drivers to be on the lookout for invasive spotted lanternfly after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed dead spotted lanternfly insects were found in Michigan in recent weeks. While the specimens found were dead, these cases demonstrate one of the many ways this insect could find its way into the state. There is no evidence of established populations of spotted lanternfly […]
November 16
Courtesy of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, along with Governor Whitmer addressed Michigan residents Sunday night. Due to the high numbers of positive COVID-19 cases, more restrictions are needed. Under the new order, indoor residential gathering will be limited to two households at a time and they are urging us to re-think our Thanksgiving plans and gathering with several family members. Those who are able to work from home are asked to do so. Child care facilities will stay open to help support working parents. The new restrictions will […]
November 11
Higher rates of Covid-19 have prompted Spectrum Health leaders to make some changes. “As we’re having increasing demand with so much positivity, and so many people with symptoms in our community, we are prioritizing those with symptoms. And so starting now, we will be prioritizing symptomatic patients for tests in the community and we will not be performing tests on people solely with exposure.” Dr. Darryl Elmouchi says Spectrum will also limit visitors to their facilities. Spectrum is seeing close to three hundred people hospitalized with the coronavirus. President and CEO Tina Freese Decker says the hospital system is facing […]
November 9
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching the Michigan PFAS Exposure and Health Study (MiPEHS) to learn more about the relationship between PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and health among residents who have been exposed to various levels of PFAS in their drinking water. The study will take place between 2020 and 2026 in Parchment and Cooper Township in Kalamazoo County and the Belmont and Rockford areas of Kent County. All eligible participants in Parchment, Cooper Township, Belmont and Rockford are scheduled to receive an enrollment packet in the mail from MDHHS by Nov. 30. If […]
November 9
HAVANA –(USATODAY) – A strengthening Tropical Storm Eta made landfall on Florida’s Lower Matecumbe Key on Sunday night, days after leaving scores of dead and over 100 missing in Mexico and Central America. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami declared hurricane and storm surge warnings for the Keys from Ocean Reef to the Dry Tortugas, including Florida Bay. Florida officials closed beaches, ports and COVID testing sites, shut down public transportation and urged residents to stay off the street. Several shelters also opened in Miami and the Florida Keys for residents in mobile homes and low lying areas. Broward […]
November 6
GOP leaders in Michigan are calling for an investigation. GOP chair Ronna McDaniel says some of their counting observers denied access to the tabulation room in Wayne County. “We call on Secretary of State Benson and Governor Whitmer to allow our canvassers, our watchers, to be able to have a meaningful presence in these canvasses. So that we can have assurity that this is a fair and free election.” McDaniel says hundreds of GOP observers report they were intimidated by Detroit area workers and were not allowed back into the observation area if they went to the bathroom. McDaniel also […]
November 5
US Senator Gary Peters stated the country needs a solution to the Coronavirus and needs it soon. Standing in front of the Goodison Cider Mill in Rochester, Peters applauded the effort of family and friends to help him win re-election. Peter’s says now his attention is turning back to work in the Senate to see the number one priority of the country is to to get through this pandemic. “Nothing is more important for our country right now or for the people of the state of Michigan, is to get through the pandemic. We’ve got to have a national strategy.” […]
November 5
LANSING – The Michigan Court of Claims ruled today that a lawsuit filed by the Trump campaign against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson was unlikely to succeed on the merits and denied a request by plaintiffs for immediate relief to stop the counting of ballots. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s Press Secretary Ryan Jarvi released the following statement: “We are pleased with Court of Claims Judge Cynthia Stephens’ swift action in today’s hearing on Trump v Benson to deny the relief requested by plaintiffs. She identified the same defects in the campaign’s filings as we did, namely a complete […]
November 4
4:30PM Update Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden is not declaring victory but is stating that he believes when the counting is finished, he will be the next President of the United States. “So once this election is finalized, and behind us, it will be time for us to do what we’ve always done as Americans. To put the harsh rhetoric of the campaign behind us. To lower the temperature. To see each other again.” Biden, flanked by his running mate Kamala Harris, says it will be time to come together as a nation and heal. “I also know this as […]
October 29
LANSING, MICH. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) today revised and extended its epidemic order to contain the spread of COVID-19, as Michigan continues to see a surge in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Although most of the order is unchanged, new provisions target indoor gatherings where COVID has spread most rapidly. Michigan presently has 172 cases per million people and positivity of tests has increased from about 2% to 5.5% and both indicators have been increasing for over four weeks. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have doubled over the last three weeks while the state death rate has increased […]
October 28
The concern this time isn’t about voter turn-out. It’s about voter misinformation. Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson wanted to remind residents that voting is underway in record numbers. However, both stated that outside groups will try to discourage or mislead Michigan voters through and up to Election Day. Whitmer says Michigan has emerged as a leader in facilitating historic voting during the pandemic and the effort to inform voters has also required a historic effort to properly inform voters. One of the misleading messages being publicized is that the longer a vote takes to count, the […]
October 27
Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons calls it the largest influx of absentee ballot voting. 205,073 absentee ballots have been issued one week ahead of the November election. Compared to 2016, there were 70,779 ballots requested with a 90 percent return rate. Lyons says right now, around 30 percent of this year’s ballots have not been returned but she expects a very good return rate, based on historical precedent. With seven days to go, the deadline for an absentee ballot to be mailed out to voters is this Friday. Voters should return them to a secure drop box in the […]
October 26
-Presidential candidates view Michigan as a key state in the upcoming General Election. President Trump plans to return to Michigan for a rally on Tuesday. He will hold a 2 p.m. rally in Lansing at the Capital Region International Airport. This marks the third visit of the President to the state this month. Meanwhile, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will make appearances in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor today, as part of the Biden for President Michigan campaign. Gov. Whitmer has been scheduled on a four-day tour for the Biden campaign’s “Soul of the Nation” Early Vote Bus Tour . […]
October 23
Michigan State University plans to open up the campus a little more for the Spring Semester. In a letter to students, President Samuel Stanley announced more on-campus housing, around 400 in person classes with a focus on ones students need in order to graduate on time. Students living on campus must participate in a Covid-19 Early Detection program. Stanley credits the efforts of students and staff to adhere to protocols which have enabled them to make this decision. Among others: Spring semester for undergraduate classes will start as scheduled Jan. 11, 2021. Approximately 2,500 additional single-occupancy residence hall spaces will […]
October 23
Remdesivir, an antiviral treatment used in COVID-19 cases, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat hospitalized patients. President Donald Trump credited the treatment for speeding his recovery after testing positive for the novel coronavirus. Now that the FDA has given Remdesivir emergency authorization, it is now the first treatment approved for COVID-19 patients and, as of Friday, remains the only treatment. With hospitalization rates rising around the country and health officials warning of a new wave of outbreaks, now attention is what kind of impact the treatment will have on the fatality rate. Utah Governor Gary Herbert says state hospitals are […]
October 23
10/23/20 – Trump and Biden spar over health care, family ties and COVID in final presidential debate
Americans were given one last chance to hear President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden make their final pitches before the November 3 election. The debate took place at Belmont University in Nashville on Thursday night. Thursday, both candidates were more subdued and, besides a few interruptions, the debate went far more smoothly than the last. Still, the two traded barbs over a series of issues such as COVID-19, trade wars, the crisis at the border, healthcare, race and the Supreme Court. However, the most contentious moment was when President Trump and Biden sparred over their family’s records and spent a […]
October 21
One of the major philanthropists in West Michigan has passed away. Peter Secchia passed away at his home this morning. A spokesperson says the long-time businessman had recently contracted Covid and was being treated at home. Secchia’s family immigrated to the United States and settled in Michigan. After serving in the US Military, Secchia went to school at Michigan State University where he remained one of the schools biggest fans and supporter. After graduation, he went to work and later owned Universal Forest Products. He served as an ambassador to Italy under the George H.W. Bush administration and was known […]