Made in Michigan: Comfort Research bean bags

Submitted by Peter Ross, Senior Reporter

Friday, May 17th, 2013, 5:00pm

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- Two Hope College fraternity brothers found a unique solution to repair their beanbag chair: Use foam from an old couch.

That was 1997. Since then, their inventiveness has thrived.

Chip George and partner Matt Jung have won numerous awards for small business success and entrepreneurship, as their company, Comfort Research, has grown to 100 employees. It ships seating products all over North America.

Comfort Research may be best known for beanbag chairs, but the company makes all kinds of comfy, collapsible chairs that are found in dorm rooms, rec rooms, and basements nationwide. Some of the best sellers are the "Big Joe" and "Fuf" chairs.

"Keeping it growing, that's our goal," George said in a recent interview at the company's Westside headquarters.

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Million Meal March 5K Hike for families and pets in need May 18

Submitted by Cheri Mikowski, WZZM Receptionist & Community Blogger

Friday, May 17th, 2013, 1:04pm

Million Meal March 5K Hike for families and pets in need May 18

HOLLAND, Mich.-- The Million Meal March 5K is the perfect opportunity to make a difference for families and pets that are less fortunate.

Make plans to put on your walking shows and visit the Outdoor Discover Center, located at 4214 56th Street in Holland to take part in this 5K hike on Saturday, May 18. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. Children and pets are invited too!

All donations will directly benefit the homeless pets and families in need that are served by Harbor Humane Society and Feeding America West Michigan’s food bank.

A summer fundraising luncheon will also take place on Tuesday, June 4 from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

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Prepare for a smoother ride down Lake Michigan Drive

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Friday, May 17th, 2013, 11:56am

Prepare for a smoother ride down Lake Michigan Drive

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- If you travel down Lake Michigan Drive, be prepared: more construction is on the way.

The city of Grand Rapids says a private contractor will resurface Lake Michigan Drive between Garfield and Seward avenues in August. Wheelchair ramps will also be added to sidewalks as necessary. The work will also include replacing a water main from National Avenue to Seward Avenue, and concrete repairs from Seward Avenue to U.S. 131.

Work on Lake Michigan drive from Garfield Avenue to U.S. 131 will be paid for by a federal grant.

While road closures are likely, all roads will remain open strictly to local and emergency traffic.

If all goes well, the project should be finished by mid-October.

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Sibley Elementary students fight invasive plant

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 3:23pm

Sibley Elementary students fight invasive plant

Students at Sibley Elementary are doing their part to help stop invasive plants from taking over Millennium Park.

On May 14, students removed Garlic Mustard from the park, replacing the invasive plant with native plant seed balls they formed themselves. Preventing the spread of Garlic Mustard helps keep the food supply intact for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

Last year, Sibley students built nesting boxes to support the wood duck population. A spokesman for the Grand Rapids Public Schools says activities like this teach students the importance of preservation and show them how they can make a difference.

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CEOs unveil Urban Core Collective

Submitted by WZZM13, News Staff

Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 1:29pm

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM)- Three years ago, the leaders of six local organizations came together to determine how they can help minority groups living in greater Grand Rapids.

Thursday, they unveiled their solution.

The "Urban Core Collective" streamlines services for those in need by opening the lines of communication between local organizations. The people behind the program say it will provide better health opportunities for community members and build resource awareness.

Thursday, the Urban Core Collective also introduced its "2013 Transformational Leaders, " a group of young professionals who will be mentored by the organization to become future community leaders.

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Standoff ensues after man hits teen

Submitted by Bob Brenzing, Web Producer

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013, 1:01pm

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - A man is in custody after striking a teen with a gun and leading police on a chase and standoff Wednesday morning.

The incident began about 7:30am at a house on Ionia near Shelby, when the 45-year-old suspect hit a teen with a gun. The gun did discharge, but no one was shot. Police responded to the area and surrounded the home.

A short time later, police found the suspect walking on Division Avenue. He ran from police and entered a house on Dickinson Street where he was known. Police were able to get everyone out the house and the suspect later came out and was taken into custody.

Campau Elementary was on lockdown for a short time while police sorted through the scenes.

We'll have more information when it becomes available.

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Annual Memorial Day Parade in Standale

Submitted by Kal Kamyszek, Part-time Blogger, Part-time Receptionist & Cook on "In the Kitchen w/Kal"

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013, 11:21am

Come one; come all to the Annual Standale Memorial Day Parade in the City of Walker. This parade is one of the best around and draws huge crowds of people.

The Parade begins at Noon on Monday, May 27th and travels west on Lake Michigan Dr NW through Standale. Questions or additional information may be obtained by calling 616-735-6286.

WZZM13 personalities plan to march in the Parade. Come see us!

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