The Grand Rapids Press

A dozen area nonprofit groups will be offering locally produced cookbooks during the Community Cookbook Celebration. Full Story »

Despite the heavy snows that have closed many schools, retailers are keeping their doors open and parking lots plowed. Full Story »

Tonight, the Planning Commission will discuss proposed rules that would limit dispensation of medical marijuana to medical facilities and pharmacies. Full Story »

ALLEGAN -- Rescue crews were working to extricate a patient from an ambulance that overturned on snow-covered roads this afternoon on M-222 east of Allegan. Allegan County dispatch radio traffic reported the ambulance driver and another occupant managed to get... Full Story »

AP File PhotoA smoking ban in Michigan is on track for May 1.Michigan is on track to go smokefree on May 1, joining some three dozen states in banning workplace smoking, notably bars and restaurants, after years of debate and... Full Story »

GRAND RAPIDS -- It may be a conflict of interest to hire a competitor to run the city's parking lots and ramps in the evening, but city parking commissioners said today it should not prevent Ellis Parking Co. from bidding... Full Story »

The strong winds and heavy lake effect snow showers will continue. Full Story »

Transition to a public safety department, a 2-mill property tax increase, a 2.5-mill bump in the fire millage and police and fire job cuts are among the options laid out this morning as city leaders look to relieve a budget crisis. Full Story »

Take a free luminaria hike from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the Wittenbach Wege Center. Full Story »

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays with at least 6 inches of snow cover, Howard Christensen Nature Center will rent snowshoes for $4 a pair for trips on the trails. Full Story »

Other crashes are being reported due to slick roads around the area. Full Story »

We'll be following the online weather chatter all day, so bring out your A material. Full Story »

Wyoming task force met today to debate benefits of income tax vs. property tax increases. Full Story »

Grand Rapids, Holland, East Grand Rapids, Northview and Cedar Springs public schools are surrounded by closed districts, but made the call the remain open early this morning. Full Story »

OTTAWA COUNTY -- An Ottawa County sheriff's deputy escaped injury today when his cruiser was struck along I-96 in Crockery Township as he assisted another motorist who slid off the highway, authorities said. The deputy reported from his vehicle... Full Story »

The Board of Public Works will soon buy power generated by methane gas from a Berrien County landfill. Full Story »

ALLEGAN COUNTY -- A swine flu vaccination clinic set for today at Wayland Middle School has been canceled due to severe weather, county health officials said this morning. The clinic is rescheduled for Dec. 17 and appointment times slated for... Full Story »

Administrators recently said they won't tolerate a $37,000 deficit in food services. Full Story »

The forum is one of five being held as part of a Kent County Prevention Coalition project to reduce drunk driving. Full Story »

Plainfield Township cleared its "biggest hurdle" in obtaining the former Grand Isle golf course. Full Story »

Students at Dorr and Baker elementaries are making wish lists. Full Story »

The city has accepted bids from two companies in hopes that federal stimulus dollars will come through for water system work next year. Full Story »

State revenue loss is expected to create a $651,000 shortfall for the 2009-10 school. Full Story »

Counting students who attend the alternative school could put Comstock Park in a division with larger schools for athletic and band competition. Full Story »

Superintendent Dan Taken said most of the children who started the program could not afford preschool. Full Story »