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State: Return high on 'Pure Michigan' ads

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- The city will be featured in its first ever national television travel promotion campaign. Experience Grand Rapids partnered with Pure Michigan, the state travel brand, to feature a :30 commercial played 3,000 times over the next three weeks on 10 cable TV networks.

The money will likely reap rewards with increased visitors, if past experience is any indicator. Pure Michigan says its campaign had its biggest impact ever in 2012. In a news release, Travel Michigan said the campaign attracted "3.8 million out-of-state visitors to the state, who spent a record high of $1.1 billion at Michigan businesses according to a just-completed report by Longwoods International.

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Lineup grows for West Catholic's 50th anniversary celebration

Lineup grows for West Catholic's 50th anniversary celebration

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—The concert lineup for West Catholic High School’s 50th anniversary is growing.

The lineup includes Academy 4, which is founded from one of the first singer-songwriter high school programs at Interlochen Arts Academy.  The talented teenage group plays 13 instruments.

SUN AM Java Chat w/Jennifer & Alana: Chili & Kielbasa judging, Kitchen Sage, & hair donations

GRAND RAPIDS, WALKER, & SPRING LAKE, Mich. (WZZM)- WZZM 13's Jennifer Pascua & Alana Nehring talk about judging a Veterans chili competition and the Kielbasa Idol.

Jennifer shares details of Kitchen Sage.

And they showcase a group of Spring Lake students who donated their hair to Wigs4Kids.

 

Griffins beat Barons, one win from AHL finals

(WZZM) - Three goals in a 4:14 span have the Grand Rapids Griffins on the brink of franchise history.

The Griffins' second period scoring barrage accounted for all of the scoring in a 3-0 shutout of the Oklahoma City Barons in Game 5 of the AHL's Western Conference finals.  The Griffins lead the series 3-2.

Tomas Jurco's breakaway goal 15 minutes into the second period turned out to be the game-winner, as Griffins goalie Petr Mrazek stopped 36 shots to record his second-straight shutout.

Mitch Callahan and Tomas Tatar also scored for the Griffins.  Joakim Andersson had two assists.

The Griffins can clinch the franchise's first ever trip to the Calder Cup finals with a win in Game 6 on Tuesday back at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.

SAT AM Java Chat w/Jennifer & Alana: Car & Chili Show, Kielbasa Idol, Cooking Club, Family link

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM)- WZZM 13's Jennifer Pascua & Alana Nehring talk about the Veterans Car & Chili Show.

Plus, they chat about Kielbasa Idol.

Some Grand Rapids studios take part in a cooking club.

And, Aaron's Adventure features a Weekend Morning News connection!

Family says good Samaritan believed in giving

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - The family of a good Samaritan killed while trying to help at a crash in Kentwood say they are not filled with anger and hate, just sadness.

"We are confused but not angry," says Adell Pittman. "Angry is not a word you can use about God's work."

Peggy Pittman, 50, was run over by an elderly woman involved in a two-vehicle collision on East Paris Avenue Thursday afternoon.

Pittman had stopped to offer assistance.

At their home on Turner Avenue in Grand Rapids, her husband and three daughters say they are not dwelling on the 76 year old woman who ran over Peggy Pittman with a pickup truck.

Instead, they are focusing on her generous, giving nature and taking some comfort knowing Peggy died the way she lived, trying to help others.

Exodus Place expands nursing internship program

Exodus Place expands nursing internship program

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Exodus Place is expanding its internship program for nursing students.

Exodus Place currently partners with more than 14 health organizations to provide clinical internship opportunities for students from as far away as the University of Detroit Mercy.  Interns take part in assessing residents with health issues, taking their vital signs, and teaching them how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Nursing students interested in a summer or fall internship should contact Helen Goeman at (616) 242-9130.

Exodus Place is a facility that offers shelter, meals and employment, health and spiritual resources to military veterans and other men.