Allendale and Grand Rapids, Michigan
city
'Ditch the Bed': Local salon provides safe alternative to tanning beds, campaigns for change
With no end in sight to Michigan’s winter weather, many people find themselves reminiscing on warmer days and missing their suntanned skin. This desire to look tan is particularly prevalent among college-aged women, many of whom turn to tanning beds to achieve that bronzy glow. However common tanning may be, there are many proven negative effects associated with using tanning beds.
READ MOREKent County Animal Shelter euthanasia rate among highest in state
The Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS) euthanized 2,002 animals in 2017. That number constitutes one of the highest euthanasia rates in Michigan. Year after year, KCAS's euthanasia rate continues to be two to three times higher than the Michigan state average, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
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Class of 2018 celebrates Toast with T. Haas
Grand Valley State University’s class of 2018 piled into the Richard M. DeVos Center on Wednesday, April 18, for the annual Toast with T. Haas celebration. Seniors celebrated their pending graduation by toasting with GVSU President Thomas Haas and catching up with friends. The Laker for a Lifetime program has been hosting the event since 2013.
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GVSU alumnus running for Grand Rapids Public School Board
A former Grand Valley State University student is running for the Grand Rapids Public School Board. Chad Patton is taking his desire for change to the next level, and he will be one of the youngest school board members if elected in November.
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Laker Effect Challenge winners selected
Grand Valley State University faculty, students and staff pitched ideas in the Laker Effect Challenge, where six teams gave presentations at the L.V. Eberhard Center Auditorium on Thursday, April 12. Five thousand dollars in prize money was split among the top presenters, and $500 was divided between the highest-voted poster presentations.
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Grand Rapids Public Library holding event on social media privacy
Nowadays, it is normal to share personal information extensively online, including pictures, work places and personal contact information. To teach Grand Rapids citizens about taking care of the information they post on social media, the Grand Rapids Public Library has organized a lesson for Tuesday, April 17, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Main Library.
READ MOREPanel breaks down mental health in West Michigan
Grand Valley State University continued its monthly panel on medical issues with the Health Forum of West Michigan panel Friday, April 6, which discussed mental health. Panelists met from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the DeVos Center Loosemore Auditorium to talk about the subject.
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Grand Rapids Mayor Bliss talks about leadership at GVSU
Grand Valley State University students had the opportunity to learn about effective leadership from the chief of the second-largest city in Michigan. Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss spoke at GVSU on Wednesday, April 4, for the Kenneth Venderbush Leadership Keynote. Bliss, who in 2016 became the first woman to become mayor in Grand Rapids, shared advice on believing in others, finding balance and making the most out of transitions in life.
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'March for Our Lives' an example of increasing youth activism, GVSU administrators say
Local members of the West Michigan community, including current students, came together at the "March for Our Lives" to call on representatives in Congress to address what they see as ineffective gun-control legislation. Mark Richards, chair of the political science department at Grand Valley State University, sees the student activism displayed in the "March for Our Lives" as an opportunity to get students more involved in politics and more civically engaged.
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