WALKER, Mich.--- A new person will be representing Walker and West Grand Rapids when the Kent County Board of Commissioners reconvenes April 10.

On March 27, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Patrick Szymczak to the seat previously held by Michael Wawee.  Wawee is charged with obtaining money under false pretenses for his own use from the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids and Holy Cross Cemetery, where Wawee works. He’s accused of taking between $1,000 and $20,000. In an earlier statement, Wawee said he resigned from his seat to focus his energy and time on family and proving his innocence.

Szymczak comes with a decade of experience as a local business owner.  He owns Jant Group, LCC, a visual graphics company based in Rockford.  Prior to that, he served as global account manager for SBC Global.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Looking for a job?  The list of West Michigan’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For is out.

The businesses are nominated by staff or community members.  Judges then whittle down the pool to 101 winners, based on communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, retention and other categories.    This year’s winners are:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Spring is just a few days away, but one local business is already looking ahead to 2015.

Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes is calling for photo submissions for its 2015 Grand Rapids Life Calendar.   Those who submit the winning photos will get a $50 cash prize.  Each local photographer can enter up to five photos taken after Jan. 1, 2010.  Each entry should come with a short story explaining the photo and how it relates to “Life around Grand Rapids.”

The winning photos will be selected by Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, local professional photographers and Ad Shop.

You can find the complete contest rules and information here.  To submit your entries, email Lee Karelse at leekarelse@lifestorynet.com