News & World Report recently scored Grand Rapids at an admirable second place in its 2024–2025 rankings of best places to live in Michigan It’s easy to see why the area is a popular place to call home the picturesque setting on the Grand River and a robust health care industry as just a few of the city’s many draws Being known as a great place to live does mean more people — students and retirees alike — are flocking to the area The real estate market in West Michigan remains competitive and demand for housing continues to be strong so both buyers and sellers need to be nimble and they shouldn’t — not when there’s a highly qualified Real Estate All-Star just a phone call away One of the most important decisions anyone navigating this complex market can make is choosing the right real estate and mortgage professionals to work with Some buyers and sellers might be looking for a savvy no-nonsense agent to get the job done efficiently someone who feels like family and can walk alongside them for the entire process buyers and sellers need to find a partner who has the competence and connections to deliver the best results This special section introduces readers to some of the region’s top real estate professionals Read on to find just the right West Michigan professional to help you buy or sell your home For Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2025 Real Estate All-Stars we partnered with Professional Research Services (PRS) to conduct a comprehensive survey of Grand Rapids brokers and agents This survey identified the top-performing real estate agents based on sales volume and recognized mortgage professionals who received the highest recommendations from their peers The professionals featured in this list earned their place solely on merit — no one can buy their way in While Grand Rapids is home to many skilled real estate and mortgage experts these All-Stars stand out for their exceptional knowledge they have the insight to navigate the market and help you find the perfect home Real Estate All Stars 2025 Realtors 2025 Mortgage Professionals 2025 Amy AbareFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Roger AckermanKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Austin AdamsFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Tyler AddingtonRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Edward AlexanderFive Star Real EstateMuskegon Laura AlexanderFive Star Real EstateRockford Ingrid AnastasiuKeller Williams Grand Rapids East Donna AndersBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids Mary ApplehofFive Star Real EstateGrandville Matthew ArmstrongFive Star Real EstateGrandville Rachel AsialaCity2Shore Gateway GroupByron Center Pamela AverillFive Star Real EstateMuskegon Erik BagroskiKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Jamie BarendsenKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Brian BartholomewRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Ginger BaxterKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Kimberly Salvaggio BellerKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Judy BillingsFive Star Real EstateGrand Haven Jeffrey BlahnikFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Jim BlehmKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Justin BlevinsRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Justine BornRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Katherine BourgoisFive Star Real EstateRockford Mark BraceBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids Scott BradfordRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Daniel BradleyFive Star Real EstateRockford BradyBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids Larry BranscombeKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Robyn BrittonEnsley Real EstateCedar Springs Sheree BroussardGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids Pete BruinsmaGrand River RealtyGrand Rapids Tammy Jo BudzynskiKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Kaleb BurkeKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Dan BurrillFive Star Real EstateGrandville Juanita BuskardBuskard Group Real EstateWyoming Todd BuskardBuskard Group Real EstateWyoming Bruce BylsmaBruce Bylsma Real EstateGrand Rapids Robert CampFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Barry CapelFive Star Real EstateGrandville Tricia CarlsonFive Star Real EstateWhitehall Shannon CarpenterKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Drew ChamplinRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Micah ChildressFive Star Real EstateGrandville Shannon ClarkKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Abigail CorcoranGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids John CremerFive Star Real EstateGrandville Abby CribbsRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Andrea CrossmanColdwell Banker Woodland SchmidtHolland Richard DawdyFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Melissa DeBoerKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Mark DeeringRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Sandie DehamerBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids Drew DenhamKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Angela DevereauxFive Star Real EstateRockford Evan DeVisserGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids Corin DickersonCity2Shore Gateway GroupAllendale Mark DubridgeBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids Megan DuthlerFive Star Real EstateGrandville Danna DykemaKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Joel DykstraRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Lindsey DykstraFive Star Real EstateRockford Mary DykstraKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Laura EnsleyEnsley Real EstateCedar Springs Lindsey EppinkFive Star Real EstateGrand Haven Christine EstepGreenridge RealtyGrand Haven Delaney FaughtRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Laura FeatherstonGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids Gerald FeenstraRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Todd FencilRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Alex FernandezKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Chase FetterleyKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Brooke FinlanFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Rachel FortenbacherFive Star Real EstateMuskegon Will FriendRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Chuck GallagherGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids Michelle GaudreauGreenridge RealtyCaledonia Ashley GauthierColdwell Banker Sneller Real EstateAllegan Spencer GeisenFive Star Real EstateRockford Will GelderloosApex Realty GroupByron Center Rick GenzinkKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Jaclyn GettingsFive Star Real EstateGrand Haven Ami GiustiBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids Barb GlashouwerNovosad Realty PartnersGrand Rapids Justin GloverRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Cheryl GrantRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Elizabeth GrantRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Andrew GrashuisGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids Vaughn GreathouseFive Star Real EstateGrandville David GregoryKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Diane GriffinKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Jeremiah GruchowRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Michael HaanFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Tammy HaltermanFive Star Real EstateMuskegon Joe HamiltonFive Star Real EstateGrandville Scott HarestadGreenridge RealtyGrand Haven Mike HarigFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Sharon HarigRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Brenda HarrisFive Star Real EstateMuskegon Austin HilyerFive Star Real EstateRockford Jim HockingKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Fredrick HogleKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville John HolkeboerGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids HolwerdaBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids Cathy HoppoughKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Mark HoskinsBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateRockford Kelly HoverCity2Shore Gateway GroupByron Center Reed HrynewichFive Star Real EstateMuskegon Tim HrynewichFive Star Real EstateMuskegon Christian HuygePolaris Real EstateGrand Rapids Benjamin IwemaRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Lisa Jabara-NewellGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids Heather JonesFive Star Real EstateRockford Kristy JonesFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Nathan JonesEnsley Real EstateCedar Springs Alicia JoustraFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Patrick KaneKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Timothy KaterbergRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Maria KauffmanBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids Don KingBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids Keith KingBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids David KirchgessnerGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids Sue KirchgessnerGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids Randy KlingelFive Star Real EstateMuskegon Kevin KnollFive Star Real EstateGrandville Chris KonyndykRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Dave KooistraApex Realty GroupByron Center Heather KopecekGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids Mitchell KosterFive Star Real EstateAllendale Michael KuzawaFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Erik LarsonKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Joanna LasserFive Star Real EstateMuskegon Paul LeasonBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateCaledonia Anthony LewisRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Sara LewisCENTURY 21 AffiliatedGrand Rapids Jacob LietaertKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Kurt LoosenortKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Danielle LopezFive Star Real EstateAllendale Brian LorenzRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Marcus LoveKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Melissa LundebergGreenridge RealtyGrand Haven Giuseppe LupisGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids Charles Mahar Jr.Greenridge RealtyGreenville Rachel MajorKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville David MartinGreenridge Realty – East Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Wyatt MartinGreenridge Realty – East Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Larry MartinKeller Williams RivertownGrandville Christine MattsonFive Star Real EstateMuskegon Joshua MayRE/MAX of Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Kevin McCartyGreenridge Realty – East Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Joshua McCrackenGreenridge Realty – LowellLowell Jane McGregorFive Star Real EstateMuskegon Molly McManusGreenridge Realty – East Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Janet McNamara Five Star Real EstateHolland Christopher MendelsGreenridge Realty – Grand HavenGrand Haven Imaree MendezFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Karen MetchikoffBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices MichiganRockford Amy MillerFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Gabriel MillerGrand River RealtyGrand Rapids Travis MoelkerRE/MAX of Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Thomas MonetteGreenridge Realty – MuskegonMuskegon Denny MooreKeller Williams Grand Rapids EastGrand Rapids Kristine MoranFive Star Real EstateAllendale. Cheryl MorehouseBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateCaledonia MusserBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateCaledonia Mary NelsonCity2Shore Gateway GroupByron Center Zachary NewhofKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville James NewhouseEnsley Real EstateCedar Springs Bob NovosadNovosad Realty PartnersGrand Rapids Lisa NovosadNovosad Realty PartnersGrand Rapids Catherine NyboerFive Star Real EstateMuskegon Phil NykampKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Ana OhlmannBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids Nicole O’KeefeCity2Shore Gateway GroupByron Center Dan OttenFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Melissa PattersonFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Christopher PeelGreenridge RealtyGrand Haven Linda PellBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids Scott PerschbacherGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids Latisha PoelmanKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids John PostmaRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Tanya Powell-MayKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Brenda PrattKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Michele PrillKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Lisa QuistKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Daniel RabournRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Kelley RahillyRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Jody RibbensRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Christina RiceFive Star Real EstateRockford John RiceBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids Brad RichardsMidwest Properties ERA PoweredGrand Haven Janice RietemaFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Barbara RinckKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Nicole RinksCENTURY 21 AffiliatedGrand Rapids Melinda RobisonFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Lauren RockelKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Julie RockwellBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids Jamie RodriguezFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Mike RundhaugBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateGrand Rapids Kristin RutherRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Katy SchefflerKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids SchillmanBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateRockford Tony ScholtenRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Jason SchuringaFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Don ScottFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Jimmy ScottKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Rustin ScottFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Jared SebrightFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Doug ShenemanCity2Shore Gateway GroupAllendale Susan ShivelyFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Jim ShullFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Greg SimmonsBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateRockford Brooke SinesRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Lindsay SlagboomGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids Mike SmalleganKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Jacqueline SmartKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Cherie SmithKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Molly SmithFive Star Real EstateGrandville Carol SnellerColdwell Banker Sneller Real EstateAllegan Rebecca SniderCity2Shore Gateway GroupByron Center Kimberly SouthwickFive Star Real EstateAda Steven SpriensmaFive Star Real EstateGrandville Henry SteffesKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Erica StehouwerRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids James StephensKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Samuel SterkFive Star Real EstateGrandville Karen StormsRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Melissa StoryKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Andrew StraubFive Star Real EstateGrandville Stephen StuckeyGreenridge RealtyGrandville Marcy SwansonFive Star Real EstateGrandville Megan TefftCENTURY 21 AffiliatedGrand Rapids Emmett TerBeekFive Star Real EstateRockford Rodney ThissFive Star Real EstateGrandville Lisa ThomasPolaris Real EstateGrand Rapids Christopher TimmerKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville JoLane TomlinsonBuskard Group Real EstateWyoming Gerald Towner Jr.Five Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Alexandra TremainGreenridge RealtyKentwood David Van DamFive Star Real EstateGrandville Christopher VanderHoffFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Bailee VanderMolenFive Star Real EstateGrandville Leigh VanderMolenGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids Heather VanderVeenRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Ashleigh VanDuinen-LeistraRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrandville Lindsay VanDuinen-ScullyRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrandville Brad Van OostenbruggeRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Tyler VanWingenGreenridge RealtyGrand Rapids Nestor Vazquez-YanezRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Rachael VeldkampRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Amanda VolkersCity2Shore Gateway GroupByron Center Steven VolkersFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Bretton VredevoogdFive Star Real EstateRockford Marilyn WagnerRE/MAX Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Jacob WalterFive Star Real EstateGrandville Amy Jo WellerKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Peter WestersFive Star Real EstateGrandville Tanner WhitcombFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Michael WiechertjesKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Corrin WiersemaKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Arija WilcoxKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Steve WinczewskiGreenridge RealtyLudington Josh WiserKeller Williams Grand Rapids NorthGrand Rapids Bradley WiskKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Julie WoltilKeller Williams Rivertown CollectiveGrandville Nicole WrightFive Star Real EstateGrandville Timothy WrightFive Star Real EstateGrandville Thomas ZandeeFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Laurie ZokoeFive Star Real EstateGrand Rapids Greg ZollerBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesMichigan Real EstateCaledonia Jen AlderinkTreadstone FundingGrand Rapids Stephanie AxdorffMercantile BankGrand Rapids Chuck BaussLake Michigan Credit UnionGrand Haven Zac EllerbrooekLake Michigan Credit UnionGrand Haven John FitzgeraldMichigan First MortgageGrand Rapids Ryan GardnerSuperior National BankGrand Rapids Mike IzenbaardHeartland Home MortgageGrand Rapids Jason JenkinsCrossCountry MortgageGrand Rapids Steve KikLake Michigan Credit UnionGrand Haven Ben LangenauLake Michigan Credit UnionGrand Haven Rebecca MasckLake Michigan Credit UnionGrand Haven Mike MilanowskiCrossCountry MortgageGrand Rapids Jenna MitchellLake Michigan Credit UnionGrand Haven Dann MulderLake Michigan Credit UnionGrand Haven Brendan O’DriscollTreadstone FundingGrand Rapids Bryan PaulLake Michigan Credit UnionGrand Haven Becky SimsLake Michigan Credit UnionGrand Haven Dave StellinLake Michigan Credit UnionGrand Haven Mallory StrotheideTreadstone FundingGrand Rapids Luther TrookLake Michigan Credit UnionGrand Haven Keith WesthouseWest Michigan MortgageGrand Rapids Jake WilliamsLake Michigan Credit UnionGrand Haven With spring in full bloom and more hours of sunlight each day soon enough we'll be looking to ways to cool down Where do you take the kiddos for swimming and splashing when the temperatures are soaring Well, the City of Grand Rapids has multiple ways to keep cool in the summer time Find out when they'll open up in 2025 👇BELOW: TOP LAKES FOR SWIMMING NEAR GRAND RAPIDS The first official day of summer this year is June 20 — but you won't have to wait that long to take a dip! Grand Rapids city-run pools and splash pads are set to open June 6 There are three Grand Rapids City Pools at local parks: They all have open swim during the following days and times: Closed Mondays Open Tuesday through Saturday noon to 7p.m READ MORE: Looking for a Summer Job? City of Grand Rapids Hiring Lifeguards The last day of the season for city pools is August 16,2025 — so plan those pool days early Cost to swim in a city pool is $1 for residents 17 and under Residents over 18 are $3.  For non-residents under 17 it's $3 and for those over 17 Get information on punch cards and season passes here Note that the City of Grand Rapids is offering free swimming for kids 17 and under this year but you'll need to register before June 6 City splash pads open up the same day as pools: June 6 There are 15 splash pads throughout the city of GR: If any pools or splash pads are unexpectedly closed, the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department will make an announcement on Facebook Beat the heat this summer in Grand Rapids! Affordable pool access and free splash pads are ready to cool down families starting June 6.\nRead More Well, the City of Grand Rapids has multiple ways to keep cool in the summer time There are three Grand Rapids City Pools at local parks: READ MORE: Looking for a Summer Job? City of Grand Rapids Hiring Lifeguards Get information on punch cards and season passes here Note that the City of Grand Rapids is offering free swimming for kids 17 and under this year If any pools or splash pads are unexpectedly closed, the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department will make an announcement on Facebook — A pedestrian was struck by a Michigan State Police cruiser Friday morning a pedestrian was struck at the corner of Ottawa and Lyons in Grand Rapids The pedestrian was transported to the hospital with minor injuries News Channel 3 will update this article with information as it becomes available — The jury in the trial of Christopher Schurr went home without a verdict on Monday after hours of deliberation The former Grand Rapids police officer is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Patrick Lyoya Per Judge Christina Mims' instructions to the jury Schurr may also be convicted of manslaughter jurors listened to closing arguments from the prosecution and defense before deliberating over whether Schurr is guilty of murder The case went into their hands around 12:45 p.m The jury's decision will conclude a trial that spanned two weeks, starting with jury selection on Monday While the facts of the case have never been in dispute — Schurr shot Lyoya in the back of the head as the two struggled over his taser during an April 2022 traffic stop — it's the jury's duty to decide whether Schurr acted within his role as a police officer when he fired the fatal shot Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker argued Schurr's use of force was not necessary he called to the stand a pair of expert witnesses on police use of force who claimed Schurr's actions — according to generally accepted police practices — were not reasonable as both of the cartridges on his taser had already been discharged when he fired the fatal shot from his gun Watch the prosecutor's closing arguments in full below That's what this case is about," Becker said during his closing argument Becker said Lyoya was "not a saint," but did not deserve to die Becker told the jury Schurr's decision to deploy the taser critical mistakes that occurred," Becker said "A reasonable officer wouldn't have made those decisions." Becker also referenced Schurr's written statement which the former officer provided to Michigan State Police shortly after the shooting as part of the agency's investigation into the incident "Patrick's trying to get away," Becker said "You don't get to shoot somebody because they're trying to get away." "How does a reasonable officer in this situation think [they're] going to die?" Becker added Video of the shooting was once again played for the jury "It's a shot in the back of the head for a guy who was trying to do nothing more than get away Becker's closing argument mirrored the testimony one of his experts gave last week "In order to justify a use of deadly force it's generally accepted in policing that there has to be an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm," testified Seth Stoughton Defense attorney Matthew Borgula argued Schurr rightly feared for his life in the struggle with Lyoya especially as they fought over control of the taser "No one is suggesting that someone should be executed because they were drinking and driving," Borgula argued "The issue is whether or not [Schurr] was in fear." Borgula said Schurr had a "valid reason" to initiate the traffic stop "The prosecutor is trying to make this case something it's not," Borgula claimed "You are not here to judge the GRPD policy You are not here to judge whether it was reasonable for [Schurr] to chase Patrick Lyoya," he added Continuing to describe the events of the traffic stop Borgula said Becker "failed miserably" to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt Lyoya grabs [the taser] and moves it to the side," Borgula said "Officer Schurr has a right to the taser and Mr The defense attorney also claimed the prosecution's expert witnesses disagreed with each other referencing the testimonies of Bryan Chiles and Seth Stoughton an expert witness on tasers and an expert witness on use of force "The issue is reasonable fear," Borgula added We put on substantial evidence that the prosecutor cannot show his fear is unreasonable." was a decision Schurr "never wanted" to make — the decision to pull the trigger "Christopher Schurr was at work and he was faced with the toughest decision of his life," Borgula said whether it was reasonable in that split-second for an officer to be in fear of that taser." "He did everything he could to avoid using deadly force." A number of witnesses called by the defense claimed Schurr acted in accordance with his training "[Police officers] don't have the luxury of having all the time in the world to make a decision." “A reasonable officer could perform the same way in that situation,” Siver said about the shooting Schurr himself took the stand Friday morning recounting his training and what happened the morning of April 4 Whatever decision the jury comes to will be made more than three years after the shooting For FOX 17's previous coverage of the trial of Christopher Schurr and the death of Patrick Lyoya, click here Follow FOX 17: Facebook - X - Instagram - YouTube — Jury deliberations began Monday in the trial for Christopher Schurr the former Grand Rapids police officer charged in the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya Schurr is charged with second-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole Watch our report in the video player below: Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker resumed his cross-examination of Lewis Kliem a witness called by the defense who is an expert in police practices Christopher Schurr testifies in his second-degree murder trial then the prosecution called one rebuttal witness to the stand Tubergen answered questions regarding Schurr's written statement to MSP provided to the agency as part of its investigation into the shooting Both Becker and defense attorney Matthew Borgula gave their closing arguments in the case Watch their closing arguments and Becker's rebuttal in the videos below Judge Christina Mims then gave the jury final instructions in the case before deliberations began Judge Mims said the jury must not consider the attorneys' statements arguments and any other commentary from them as evidence She said in situations where testimonies conflict with each other Mims also said the jury may convict Schurr of second-degree murder convict him of the lesser offense of manslaughter or acquit him Judge Mims said the elements of the crime include a death caused by the defendant intent to kill or cause great bodily harm and no justification for the defendant's action On April 4, 2022, Schurr shot Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese refugee, in the back of the head during a traffic stop. As seen through body camera and dash camera videos from the incident — as well as a cell phone video recorded by a bystander — the two had been struggling over Schurr's taser in the front yard of a residence in a southeast Grand Rapids neighborhood While the former officer's lawyers claim he acted self-defense, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker says Schurr's actions were not justified More than three years after the deadly shooting, a jury of Schurr's peers will now determine his guilt — or innocence — in the second-degree murder case This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information The jury in the murder trial of former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr has received the case and is now considering a verdict as attorneys wrapped closing arguments May 5 Throughout the trial in Kent County's 17th Circuit Court Schurr’s defense attorneys have argued self-defense saying Schurr followed his police training and was justified in fatally shooting Patrick Lyoya in 2022 Schurr faces a single charge of second-degree murder Schurr was patrolling the southeast side of Grand Rapids on the morning of April 4 when he pulled over Lyoya for a traffic stop who chased after him and tackled him in a nearby front lawn footage released by the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) and played in court shows Just before Schurr fatally shot Lyoya in the back of the head Jurors heard hours of testimony from witnesses law enforcement policy experts and Schurr himself It’s not clear how long the jury could take to deliver a verdict The jury instructions provided by Circuit Judge Christina Mims also include the definition of voluntary manslaughter If the jury were to convict Schurr of voluntary manslaughter His defense attorneys say self-defense is a defense to both murder and manslaughter Here’s a recap of some of the key points from the trial has been the focus of much of the defense’s argument Schurr said Lyoya grabbing the Taser made him fear Lyoya could deploy it on him has noted both the Taser's cartridges were deployed meaning that its effects could only be used in a "drive stun" manner where the end of the Taser is pressed up against a person Prosecutors argued that Lyoya would not have known how to perform a drive stun without training both with the GRPD and in a police academy prior to joining the department in 2015 indicated that being disarmed of a weapon meant a subject could deploy it against the officer Schurr said he feared Lyoya would have access to his firearm if the officer was incapacitated by the Taser Schurr also testified he only remembered deploying the Taser once and didn’t know the second probe had been deployed How jurors view the Taser could play a significant role in their ultimate verdict was under no obligation to testify in his own defense “I feel like it’s important to get my side of the story out,” he said when he took the stand May 2 Schurr testified he had followed the training he received upon joining the Grand Rapids Police Department in 2015 when he pulled Lyoya over — radioing in a traffic stop to dispatchers radioing again when Lyoya took off on foot and then attempting to use knee strikes to subdue Lyoya after tackling him he decided to escalate the amount of force he was using to try and subdue Lyoya It was after the Taser was ineffective that he shot Lyoya in the back of the head “I believed that if I hadn’t done it at that time Schurr’s defense has largely centered around self-defense Attorneys for the Lyoya family have disagreed — outside the courtroom attorney Ben Crump told reporters May 5 the shooting was unnecessary “It is so important that you look at the video never posing any kind of aggressive action toward the officer,” Crump said Both the prosecution and defense called witnesses to testify on policing practices although each side’s policing experts reached different conclusions on Schurr’s conduct during his interaction with Lyoya a professor of criminal justice at the University of South Carolina said Schurr put himself in “officer-created jeopardy” when he chased after Lyoya who was facedown at the time of the shooting was not in a position at the time to threaten Schurr Lyoya could do to threaten the officer in this position,” Stoughton said Prosecutors also called Nicholas Bloomfield who compiled a report with Stoughton on the shooting “Not in any time in any of the evidence we reviewed did we (determine) Patrick Lyoya attempted to harm the officer in this instance,” Bloomfield testified But witnesses called by the defense testified Schurr had followed his GRPD training (six defense witnesses called to testify were either current or retired Grand Rapids police officers) A reasonable officer could perform in the same way in that situation,” said Capt a GRPD officer who testified April 30 and May 1 members of the jury have been shown footage of the shooting from the time Schurr left his patrol car to the moments after Lyoya was killed Footage of Lyoya’s shooting had been publicly released in April 2022 by the Grand Rapids Police Department Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com Kick off the summer in style with an evening of food drinks at the second annual Best of Grand Rapids party at the Goei Center (818 Butterworth St SW) where we will celebrate the very best of our city as we honor the winners of Grand Rapids Magazine’s annual readers’ survey From top restaurants and bars to standout entertainment venues, shops, salons, and local personalities, our readers have chosen their favorites, and we’re throwing a party to celebrate them all! This is a 21+ event. Valid ID required for entry. Cocktail attire recommended. Cost: General Admission: $85 | VIP: $115. For event tickets and updates, click here. Griffins Playoff Game #2 * Home Playoff Game #2 * AHL Game #M2 Regular-Season Series: 3-3-2-0 Regular-Season Home Series: 1-2-1-0 Regular-Season Road Series: 2-1-1-0All-Time Regular-Season Series: 45-32-7-5 All-Time Regular-Season Home Series: 24-14-2-4 All-Time Regular-Season Road Series: 21-18-5-1 Playoff Series: 0-1 Playoff Home Series: 0-1 Playoff Road Series: 0-0All-Time Playoff Series: 2-5 All-Time Playoff Home Series: 2-2 All-Time Playoff Road Series: 0-3 Game 1 RecapThe Texas Stars rode Remi Poirier’s 29 saves to a 4-0 victory over the Griffins on Tuesday in Game 1 of the Central Division Semifinals at Van Andel Arena The Stars scored two goals in the first and second periods before coasting to victory in the third Sebastian Cossa got the start in net but after 15 saves on 19 shots in 28:57 minutes Jack Campbell replaced him and finished with 11 saves on 11 shots in 30:36 of ice time The Griffins had won Game 1 in each of their last three playoff series and in seven of eight series dating to 2017 but the Stars handed the home team its second straight postseason shutout dating back to Game 5 of the 2024 Central Division Finals at Milwaukee The Griffins have been shut out in two straight playoff games for the first time ever - including Game 5 of the 2024 Central Division Finals at Milwaukee - after suffering their first home playoff shutout since Game 1 of the 2006 Western Conference Finals versus Milwaukee Grand Rapids’ scoreless postseason drought now stands at 128:27 going back to the third period of its 4-2 win over Milwaukee in Game 4 of the division finals on May 24 the Griffins have rallied to win two of four best-of-five series when trailing after Game 1 The six-day gap between Games 1 and 2 is the largest ever between the first two games of a Griffins playoff series The previous high of five days was set during Grand Rapids’ last playoff series the 2024 Central Division Finals against Milwaukee (Game 1 on May 15 in MIL This Date in Griffins Playoff History2001: Three third-period goals – including unassisted tallies from Petr Schastlivy and David Oliver – break a 1-1 deadlock and propel the Griffins to a 4-2 win at Orlando tying the Eastern Conference Finals at one win apiece Keep the FaithThe last time the Griffins were shut out in the opening game of the playoffs or even Game 1 of a series Darcy Kuemper made 36 saves to lead the Houston Aeros to a 3-0 home win over Grand Rapids in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals with the Griffins claiming Game 5 at home by a 7-0 count on May 4 Calder Cup Playoffs DebutsDuring Game 1 last Tuesday seven Griffins made their Calder Cup Playoffs debut and Sandin-Pellikka (17th in 2023) are all recent draft picks of the Detroit Red Wings Setting the StageThe Griffins clinched their 19th playoff berth in 29 seasons with a 37-29-4-2 record and 80 points claiming the third spot in the Central Division ninth in the Western Conference and 18th overall in the AHL Grand Rapids matches up against second-seeded Texas Stars (43-26-3-0 who have reached the Central Division Semifinals for the third consecutive season The Griffins finished the regular-season series against the Stars with a 3-3-2-0 record including 1-2-1-0 at Van Andel Arena and 2-1-1-0 at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park After beginning the season series with a four-game point streak (2-0-2-0) the Griffins went on to drop three of the final four meetings (1-3-0-0) The Griffins and Stars have met just once before in the Calder Cup Playoffs as the eventual Calder Cup champion Texas defeated defending champion Grand Rapids 4-2 in the 2014 Western Conference Semifinals The Griffins are 2-2 at home and 0-3 on the road against Texas in the postseason Grand Rapids possesses a 103-87 ledger in the postseason and 21-16 series record which includes games in the IHL’s Turner Cup Playoffs from 1996-01 The Griffins have a 7-6 mark in a best-of-five series This will be Texas’ 11th Calder Cup Playoff appearance in 16 seasons as it has missed the postseason just three times in 2012 The Stars are 60-47 in postseason games and have a 13-9 series record having reached the Calder Cup Finals three times (2010 Texas defeated Manitoba 2-0 in the first round before being bested 3-2 by Milwaukee in the Central Division Semifinals the Griffins held at least a share of first place in the Central Division with a 25-15-3-1 mark (.628) in the first 44 games The Griffins tied their best start in franchise history with 13 points (6-1-1-0) through the first eight games Grand Rapids also began 3-0-0-0 at home for the first time since 2009-10 the team finished the final 28 outings with a 12-14-1-1 record (.464) and ended in third place in the division The Griffins faltered in the month of March as they showed a 3-7-1-0 ledger and allowed 4.00 goals per game after allowing 2.43 goals per contest from Oct.-Jan Grand Rapids ended April with a winning record and concluded the regular season with a 5-4-0-0 record (.556) in the final month the Griffins clinched their 19th playoff berth in 29 seasons with a 4-2 Springfield Thunderbirds victory over the Iowa Wild Grand Rapids returns to the Calder Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive season under head coach Dan Watson after missing the previous two postseasons in 2022 and 2023 The Griffins held at least a share of first place in the Central Division from Nov 7 with a 25-15-3-1 mark (.628) through the opening 44 games before finishing the season with a 12-14-1-1 record over the final 28 outings to end up in third place in the division.A Cut AboveThere have been 10 different Calder Cup champions since 2011 2023) being the only teams to earn multiple championships during that time Norfolk (2012) and Binghamton (2011).Prior HistoryThe Griffins and Stars will renew a rivalry that dates back to the 2009-10 season when Texas joined the AHL the teams have met a combined 89 times in the regular season with the Griffins possessing a 45-31-7-5 record (.573) Grand Rapids and Texas have met just once before in the Calder Cup Playoffs when the defending champion Griffins were defeated 4-2 in the 2014 Western Conference Semifinals to the eventual champion Texas Stars Current Griffins goalie Jack Campbell appeared in four games for the Stars during their cup run and totaled a 2-1 record with a 2.54 GAA and a .917 save percentage Current Red Wings netminder Petr Mrazek served as Grand Rapids’ goaltender in that series Current assistant coach Brian Lashoff played exclusively with Detroit that season and did not face the Stars in 2014 Stars captain Curtis McKenzie is the lone player from 2014 still with the team while current assistant coach Maxime Fortunus was a player at the time and general manager Scott White was in his fifth season leading the franchise Hard to Kill During the Griffins’ franchise-record run of seven straight playoff appearances from 2013-2019 twice lost to the eventual champion (Texas 2014 and twice lost to the cup runner-up (Utica 2015 lost to the eventual champion on four occasions and also lost to the other finalist four times Including their first five seasons as members of the International Hockey League the Griffins have qualified for the postseason on 19 prior occasions Bench BossSecond-year head coach Dan Watson has made his second straight Calder Cup Playoffs He is the sixth head coach in franchise history to reach the postseason in both of his first two full years as head coach Greg Ireland (2005-07) Jeff Blashill (2012-14) Watson led Grand Rapids to the Central Division Finals where it lost a winner-take-all Game 5 on the road to the division champion Milwaukee Admirals Watson was named the Central Division head coach at the 2025 All-Star Classic becoming the first Griffins coach to achieve an all-star honor since Todd Nelson in 2017 and the fourth head coach in franchise history to coach in an all-star game Watson has never missed the playoffs during his eight seasons as a head coach Watson went 51-34 (.600) over five postseasons reaching the Kelly Cup Finals twice (2019 and 2022) and leading Toledo to four Western Conference Finals berths (2017 From Friend to FoeThe Griffins and Stars share a couple connections on championship winning teams defenseman Brogan Rafferty reached the Calder Cup Finals with Coachella Valley alongside Texas’ Kole Lind Jack Campbell won the Calder Cup with Texas in 2014 with current Stars Curtis McKenzie assistant coach Maxime Fortunus and general manager Scott White Stars goaltender Magnus Hellberg competed for the Griffins in 2022-23 showing a 2-2-0 mark with a 2.50 GAA and a .932 save percentage in four games Texas equipment manager Charlie Kaser is the son of Griffins’ broadcaster Bob Kaser and served as Grand Rapids’ assistant equipment manager from 2018-23 Current Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill served as the Griffins’ GM for two seasons from 2011-13 Nill spent parts of 19 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings from 1994-2013 serving as the director of player development (1994-98) and assistant general manager (1998-13) before leaving for Dallas assistant coach Brian Lashoff (2013 and 2017 Grand Rapids) and Joe Snively (2024 & 2023 Hershey) are the Griffins’ previous Calder Cup champions Brogan Rafferty (2023 Coachella Valley) made a Calder Cup Finals appearance in 2023 assistant coach Maxime Fortunus and general manager Scott White all won the Calder Cup with Texas in 2014  Scouting TexasThe Stars are led by Matej Blumel who showed 72 points (39-33--72) in 67 games who garnered a spot on the AHL First All-Star Team ranked among the AHL leaders in goals (1st) Kyle Capobianco led all of Texas’ blueliners with 50 points (7-43--50) 72 penalty minutes and a plus-25 rating in 64 games He ranked among the AHL’s defensemen leaders in points (T5th) Remi Poirier and former Griffin Magnus Hellberg split time in net for the Stars Poirier compiled a 17-11-2 mark with three shutouts (T12th) a 2.50 GAA (13th) and a .908 save percentage (T18th) in 31 games Hellberg logged a 24-14-1 ledger (wins T4th) with two shutouts a 2.69 GAA and a .904 save percentage in 41 games (T8th) Justin Hryckowian was named the Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL’s outstanding rookie as he led all first-year players with 60 points (22-38—60) in 67 games Hryckowian’s 60 points were the sixth most in the AHL by an undrafted rookie since 2009-10 Texas had the second-best power play at 21.5% tied for fifth in the AHL with 3.33 goals per game and ranked ninth with 30.36 shots per outing Lord StanleyThe Stanley Cup Playoffs have begun with 12 of the 16 teams having a Griffins alum among their player or hockey operations ranks The Champs are HereThe Griffins’ roster is composed of numerous coaches and players who have either reached a playoff final or won a title for their respective pro Joe Snively won the last two Calder Cups with Hershey (2024 Axel Sandin-Pellikka won the 2024 SHL title with Skelleftea Shai Buium won the 2024 NCAA title with Denver and Gabriel Seger took home the 2024 ECAC title with Cornell University Regular Season Series NotesGrand Rapids finished the regular season series against Texas with a 3-3-2-0 record including 1-2-1-0 at Van Andel Arena and 2-1-1-0 at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park...After beginning the season series with a four-game point streak (2-0-2-0) the Griffins went on to drop three of the final four meetings (1-3-0-0)...The Griffins were held to one goal or less in two of the eight games being shut out on March 26…Six of the eight meetings were decided by two goals or more...Grand Rapids averaged 3.50 goals per game at Texas and just 2.00 goals against the Stars at home...The Stars’ power play which ranked second in the AHL during the regular season (21.5%) went just 2-for-17 (11.8%) against the Griffins...Joe Snively led Grand Rapids against Texas with seven points (2-5—7) and five assists in eight games while Matej Blumel paced the Stars against the Griffins with 11 points (6-5—11) and six goals in eight appearances...Blumel and Arttu Hyry tied for the team lead against Grand Rapids with five assists...Sheldon Dries led the Griffins with three goals in six games against Rockford...Leading each team in net were Jack Campbell who went 2-1-0 with a 2.68 GAA and a .905 SV% in three games a 2.15 GAA and a .916 SV% in six contests...Campbell secured his first win as a Griffin against Texas on Dec 17 (20 saves) and made a season-high 35 saves on April 11 versus the Stars...Antti Tuomisto registered his 50th pro assist on Feb 25 at Texas...Emmitt Finnie made his season debut on March 26 against Texas...Dries skated in his 300th pro game on Dec 22 versus the Stars...Snively appeared in his 300th pro game on Feb 26 at Texas and registered two-point nights against the Stars on Dec 25 (1-1—2)...William Wallinder recorded two assists on April 11 against Texas...Tim Gettinger suited up for his 300th AHL game on Dec 17 at Texas and his 100th game as a Griffin on March 26 versus the Stars...Ondrej Becher secured his first two-assist night in the AHL on Feb 25 at Texas...Captain Josiah Didier skated in his 500th pro game on Feb 25 at Texas...Amadeus Lombardi bagged two points (1-1—2) on Feb 25 at the Stars...Austin Watson logged two points (1-1—2) on Dec Tale of the TapeHere’s how the two rivals stacked up in key categories during the regular season: Team LeadersGames Played: Joe Snively (72) Michael Karow (71)Goals: Sheldon Dries (25) Matej Blumel (39) (led AHL)Assists: Dominik Shine (32) Blumel (72)Plus/Minus: William Lagesson (+13) Capobianco (+25)Penalty Minutes: Austin Watson (112) Lind (93)Power Play Goals: Snively & Watson (7) Arttu Hyry & Emilio Pettersen (2)Game-Winning Goals: Dries (7) Remi Poirier (3)Goals Against Avg.: Cossa (2.45) Poirier (2.50)Save Percentage: Cossa (.911) 2-for-17 (11.8%)Penalty Kill: 15-for-17 (88.2%) 19-for-22 (86.4%)Goals For: 22 (2.75 avg.) When he's not playing massive venues as the touring drummer for Justin Vernon and Bon Iver playing with breakout group Bizhiki and maintaining a prolific solo career with his most recent album Shadowlands arriving in 2023 Carey side gets pushed to the side a little bit which is something I probably need to work on," Carey said on Headwaters "But I feel super fortunate just to be able to do music for a career and I think in this day and age it's sort of important to be able to do a bunch of different things Carey takes the stage in Grand Rapids this Friday for the arts collective Fire in the Village's opening week celebration of their new Room 203 space albeit with support from Jeremy Boettcher on bass and Ben Lester on pedal steel and synth The performance will be an intimate "living room" style show something that Carey is drawn to for the connections it allows between performers Annie Humphrey and Shanai Matteson are hosting on behalf of the Fire in the Village art collective which is celebrating the grand opening of Room 203 karaoke on Thursday and the concert on Friday Listen to the full conversation above for more on Carey's production work and his role in the trio Bizhiki and surrounding areas can now apply for a grant package through the nationally recognized Comcast RISE program Comcast RISE is all about uplifting local entrepreneurs and our continued commitment to their success the program will provide 100 eligible small businesses in West Michigan with comprehensive packages that include a technology makeover Our West Michigan Comcast Business team knows how small business owners serve as the economic and innovation engines of their communities and directly supporting their success is critical According to a recent report from the Grand Rapids Chamber 74% of Muskegon small business owners cited rising costs as a cause for limiting their operations 53% of businesses also shared that rising costs as a major issue Bringing Comcast RISE to West Michigan is even more important in today’s competitive environment We’ve heard firsthand from previous Comcast RISE winners how the program gave them the resources to scale their business and reach more customers “Comcast RISE gave us much-needed tech that we still use today to hold telehealth sessions for clients across the state,” said Angelita Valdez of Services of Hope (Muskegon) we were able to expand our services to reach those who don’t have a Spanish-speaking mental health provider in their area and we became a trusted resource for many more communities.” and secure connectivity to power their technology and stand out from the competition the Comcast RISE program and Comcast Business services are delivering for small business owners “Comcast RISE allowed us to use technology to perfect our business model,” said Jessica Crosby of Delight in Designs (Grand Rapids) accurate cost estimates for our clients has helped us stand out from our competition and grow our business helping even more people love their homes.” Comcast Business is the leading provider to U.S we can continue to work together with business owners to not only boost their business ‘business is never personal’ – but we take the opposite approach,” said Christian Boyd of Body Builders Collision & Custom Cars (Kentwood) “We’re so grateful to provide a service to the community and I’m very grateful we were chosen to participate in Comcast RISE For any eligible business thinking about applying for Comcast RISE this year It’s an awesome opportunity you can’t afford to pass up.” A total of 100 grants winners will be announced this August. This year’s recipients will join the 14,000 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been supported through Comcast RISE with monetary and technology grants since the program launched in 2020 Launching Comcast RISE in West Michigan is like injecting rocket fuel into the small business community If you’re looking for support to grow your business I’ve been able to grow my business across Michigan and across the country,” said Reynelda Jones of A Solution B (Wyoming) “Having stable internet allowed me to get licensed in additional states and expand my services reach more people looking for holistic support for their mental health To any small business owner thinking about applying: go ahead and just give it a try we’re proud to reinforce our commitment to Grand Rapids and value to empower even more businesses to be successful today the company’s comprehensive initiative to create digital opportunity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities More information on the application, eligibility requirements and details on how to apply are available at www.ComcastRISE.com Apply now for a Comcast RISE grant package: www.ComcastRISE.com Applications are open for eligible small businesses through May 31 Staying current is easy with Crain's Grand Rapids Business news delivered straight to your inbox Click below to see everything we have to offer — Testimony from witnesses called by the defense is set to continue Monday in the trial of Christopher Schurr The jury is not able to reach a verdict before 5:00 p.m They will return to their deliberations at 8:30 a.m Judge Mims says the jury must not consider the attorneys' statements in situations where testimonies conflict with each other Judge Mims says the jury may convict Schurr of second-degree murder Judge Mims says the elements of the crime include a death caused by the defendant If the jury finds the defendant did not commit second-degree murder but instead acted out of passion or anger causing death with intent to kill or cause great bodily harm Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker begins his rebuttal of the defense's closing argument a company that trains police officers and attorneys how to evaluate use of force cases "Force Science is an advocacy group for police officers," Becker says "You want to talk about bias and prejudice in the experts," Becker adds Becker then comments on why the prosecution did not call to the stand any current or former officers from GRPD "There's a conflict of interest," Becker says "You can't ask somebody in-house to be completely unbiased." Regarding the lesser included offense of manslaughter Becker says Borgula did not correctly state the charge Becker says there was "no justification" for the lesser offense Defense attorney Matthew Borgula begins his closing argument "The prosecutor is trying to make this case something it's not," Borgula says You are not here to judge whether it was reasonable for [Schurr] to chase Patrick Lyoya," he adds Borgula says Becker "failed miserably" to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt "No one is suggesting that someone should be executed because they were drinking and driving," Borgula says Borgula says Schurr had a "valid reason" to initiate the traffic stop Borgula says Schurr asked lawful questions to Lyoya including whether he had a driver's license "What follows is a series of decisions by both of them," Borgula says Regarding the moment Lyoya began to walk away from the traffic stop leading to a foot chase between him and the then-officer "He doing exactly what we expect him to do," Borgula says Borgula says "intermediate force didn't work," leading to the deployment of Schurr's taser Lyoya grabs [the taser] and moves it to the side," Borgula says Borgula describes the moment Lyoya had "exclusive control" over the taser "This is the decision you have to judge," Borgula says Borgula says the decision was one Schurr "never wanted to make that morning." Borgula turns to discussion of the prosecution's expert witnesses "The prosecution's experts disagree with each other," Borgula says "The issue is reasonable fear," Borgula adds Borgula then comments on the defense's witnesses which included a pair of GRPD captains who "[The prosecution] didn't call a single GRPD officer Borgula says the "totality of all the circumstances" point to Schurr's decision to use deadly force Schurr's "bad" tactical position and the former officer's level of exhaustion Borgula says the "relevant consideration" is whether a "reasonable officer" could have believed they were in fear at the moment they made the decision to use deadly force "You have to be sure that he wasn't in fear of great bodily harm or death before you convict him of murder." Borgula adds Regarding the lesser included charge of manslaughter Borgula says the charge is evidence that the prosecution's case is "weak." "You absolutely cannot convict him of manslaughter if you convict him of murder." Borgula says the jury must acquit if they "have any sliver of a reasonable doubt." "We just ask that you judge him on the decision and not all this noise around it," Borgula says No one is saying Patrick Lyoya deserved to die This is not what it's about," Borgula adds Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker begins his closing argument That's what this case is about," Becker says "I hope you're not calloused," Becker continues Becker says Lyoya was "not a saint," but did not deserve to die Becker says Schurr has a "wonderful family" and grew up in Grand Rapids but claims these "great" details are irrelevant Becker defines the elements of second-degree murder which include a death caused by the defendant and a lack of justification on behalf of the defendant Becker discusses the level of exhaustion felt by Schurr during the struggle with Lyoya "He bit off more than he could chew," Becker says Becker turns to discussion of Schurr's taser Becker says Schurr's decision to deploy the taser according to the prosecution's expert witnesses critical mistakes that occurred," Becker says Becker also reference's Schurr's written statement which the former officer provided to Michigan State Police shortly after the shooting as part of the agency's investigation into the incident "Patrick's trying to get away," Becker says "How does a reasonable officer in this situation think [they're] going to die?" Becker adds Becker then plays video evidence from the shooting including the moment the second cartridge on Schurr's taser was deployed claiming the former officer was aware the taser had twice been deployed "Pain is not a reason to use deadly force," Becker then says referencing the threat posed by a drive stun from the taser "The pain of a thousand burning suns does not justify it." Prior to the jury's return to the courtroom she will not exclude voluntary manslaughter as a lesser included offense in the case Judge Mims also says her instructions on the standard of self-defense and use of force will be applicable to a police officer Judge Mims says she will read the standard instruction on expert witnesses as written rejecting a motion made by the defense to add additional language Judge Christina Mims dismisses the jury so the prosecution and defense can discuss jury instructions The prosecution calls to the witness stand Michigan State Police Det Tubergen answers questions regarding Schurr's written statement to MSP Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker resumes his cross-examination of Lewis Kliem a witness called by the defense who is expert in police practices Becker asks if a number of witnesses previously called by the defense the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Becker asks if GRPD's policies on foot chases are based on the "totality of the circumstances." Defense attorney Mikayla Hamilton asks follow-up questions Kliem says he has never met with Christopher Schurr in preparation for the second-degree murder case A juror asks about Lyoya's control of the taser: If Lyoya did not have "full control" of the taser would the former officer's actions no longer be reasonable Christopher Schurr arrives at 17th Circuit Court in Grand Rapids for his second-degree murder trial Grand Rapids gets the game show treatment with the Grand Rapids Game Show Experience The Grand Rapids Game Show Experience is a different kind of live entertainment compared to local trivia nights This experience is designed to feel like community members are stepping onto a real television game show set Contestants will engage in a night of challenges The Grand Rapids Game Show Experience occurs at the Rapid River Stillhouse on two nights: May 7 and May 21 Steve visited the Morning Mix and brought a little bit of the Grand Rapids Game Show Experience with him Watch the video above to see how Todd and Michelle fared in this unique experience Follow the FOX 17 Morning Mix on: Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok Jason Novotny is Vice President of Design at TowerPinkster TowerPinkster merged with Comprehensive Engineering and landscape architects on staff at Tower Pinkster which is headquartered at 4 Fulton Street East GR Magazine: I read about your firm’s recent merger What kind of an impact is that going to have on TowerPinkster Jason Novotny: Having engineering in house already and now bringing on more engineers allows us to be a self-sustaining firm We can do everything for a client from design to engineering to landscaping GR Mag: I suspect many clients are not well versed in design when they hire you How do you make design concepts more accessible to them lots of people have been forced to wear many hats at work The person who oversees a project from the client’s side doesn’t necessarily have a background in construction management We have a client on-boarding process we take them through We start off our projects by talking to them not about their specific project but what their experience is with construction and the process and flow of construction GR Mag: When figuring out what a space is going to be how do you determine the hierarchy of significance among different places within a setting we talk with clients about critical success factors and their vision and goals for a project The next step for us is figuring out which spaces we put into the building will enhance those goals We call those the moments in the building’s design I say moments with a capital ‘M.’ Meaning spaces where something special happens—collaborations or convergences or interactions among teams GR Mag: Can you point to a space in the Grand Rapids area where your firm has made its mark JN: The place I would start people off at is our current office location We think of our office as a testbed for different types of ideas about the built environment It’s like a showroom for how people can work and interact We intentionally have different types of workstations assigned or unassigned spaces or collaboration areas We bring our clients there and show them how they might work for them how do you balance making a space a comfortable one with making it conducive to productivity JN: That’s an area that’s had a lot more focus as of late Recognizing the differences and individuality of people Designing multiple spaces for head down work or creative we have spaces that are enclave spaces that are intended for three to five people to work together very intensely for a stretch of time It’s not any longer the office environment of having one person GR Mag: What makes Grand Rapids a great home for TowerPinkster JN: Grand Rapids and West Michigan has a draw to our team because it’s accessible enough for people to make personal connections in the community advancing your career through education often comes with a tough trade-off: time But earning an MBA doesn’t have to mean stepping away from your job With a 100% online MBA program designed for maximum flexibility you can gain the skills and credentials to move forward – without putting everything else on hold This online MBA is structured with busy professionals in mind offering eight specialized areas of study so you can tailor your degree to your goals Whether you’re looking to move into executive leadership or deepen your expertise in information systems you’ll find a path that fits your ambitions One of the most exciting features of the Master’s in Business Administration program is its new one-year completion option allowing them to focus on one course at a time and complete their degree in just 12 months This accelerated format is perfect for highly motivated individuals who want to earn their MBA quickly and efficiently – without sacrificing depth or engagement “The one-year MBA option was created with working professionals in mind,” says Dr focused courses help students truly engage with the material without the burnout of juggling multiple courses That’s why this program also offers the ability to switch to standard 8-week courses at any point Whether you need to slow things down temporarily or re-balance your commitments the MBA is also fully online – with no campus visits required – and affordably priced at just $600 per credit hour removing yet another barrier between you and your next career move Whether you’re looking to climb the ladder in your current field or pivot into a new industry altogether an MBA can open doors – and this program is built to help you walk through them on your own terms Finish in one year or take it course by course and a curriculum designed for immediate impact this online MBA helps you build a future that works for you – not the other way around Take your next step. Apply for free at baker.edu/apply The College of Business at Baker College has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please view our IACBE member status page at: iacbe.org/memberpdf/BakerCollege.pdf Each year, the community weighs in on what makes Grand Rapids great in our Best of Grand Rapids readers’ survey and we celebrate with a party. (This year, that party takes place on May 9. Find out how you can celebrate with us here.) It all started last fall when thousands of “write-in” votes flooded in from across the region the votes were narrowed down to the top finalists the public voted and the results were clear: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park emerged as the big winner Several other institutions also won in multiple categories Long Road Distillery earned accolades across the board Mitten Brewing stood out with top honors for Best Pizza and Best Beer and Max’s South Seas Hideaway and New Holland Brewing were each nominated in an impressive number of categories Chef Jenna Arcidiacono was once again recognized as Best Chef earning a win for her incredible culinary talents both individually Horrocks Market continued its tradition of excellence with wins in three categories such as Lake Michigan Credit Union and Warner Be sure to scroll down and check out the full list of honorees at the end of this article Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park This iconic venue not only earned six prestigious awards but also marks its 30th anniversary this year— a fitting milestone for a place that has become a cultural cornerstone in our city spanning categories such as Best Date Night Venue speaks to the institution’s continued commitment to excellence and its profound impact on Grand Rapids In an exclusive interview with Charles Burke President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens Grand Rapids Magazine had the opportunity to sit down with him and dive into the Gardens’ journey Burke has been at the helm of the Gardens since 2023 the Gardens has become even more of a vital part of the city’s fabric “We are thrilled to embark on our 30th year of creating unforgettable experiences for our community and visitors from around the world,” said Charles Burke President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Meijer Gardens offers something truly special for everyone We look forward to welcoming guests of all ages to discover the joy and inspiration that await around every corner.” With a clear vision of the future and a deep respect for the legacy of founders Frederik and Lena Meijer Burke is looking forward to more exciting “world-class” developments at the Gardens Stay “tuned” for an announcement in the area of food offerings that promise to enhance the visitor experience even further and for new additions (one that involves ice cream!) to the one of the country’s largest interactive children’s gardens As Frederik Meijer Gardens celebrates its “120 Seasons” milestone let’s dive into the six categories where it was recognized by voters for its exceptional contributions to Grand Rapids Best Date Night Venue— Romance Among Art and NatureFrederik Meijer Gardens provides the ideal setting for an unforgettable date whether you’re with someone new or celebrating an anniversary with your spouse bask in the peacefulness of the Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden or unwind in the lush tropical conservatory—each space encourages connection Add to that a romantic dinner at the Café (some exciting new offerings are on the horizon in the food department) or a live performance at the outdoor amphitheater during the summer and you’ve got all the elements for an outing that will leave lasting memories for years to come Best Museum— A World-Class Art ExperienceFeatures over 200 world-renowned sculptures and attracting over 850,000 visitors annually the Gardens has won “top sculpture park” in USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards for three years in a row.Best Museum finalists: Gerald R Best Wedding Venue— A Picture-Perfect SettingWhether hosting an extravagant celebration or an intimate ceremony the Gardens provides an ideal setting to say “I do.” With so much “eye candy” to choose from as a backdrop Best Live Music Venue— Music in a Natural ParadiseThe Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater has hosted over 470 concerts since 2003 As one of the region’s premier outdoor concert venues the stage is perennially set for world-class performers The lineup for the 2025 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts includes legends like Chaka Khan Best Live Music Venue finalists: 20 Monroe Live Best Local Music Series— A Soundtrack to Summer EveningsEvery Tuesday evening local and regional musicians take the stage offering a diverse mix of musical genres in a relaxed open-air setting at the Ayers Basement Systems Tuesday Evening Music Club concerts are included in the price of admission and all of Meijer Gardens is open to visitors until 9 pm on Tuesday concert nights Best Local Music Series finalists: Blues Jam at Chicago Beef Joint Best Tourist Attraction— A Year-Round DestinationWhether you’re exploring the “Butterflies Are Blooming” exhibit in spring or experiencing the dazzling “Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World,” the Gardens offers something for everyone throughout the year making it a must-see for both residents and visitors in every season Best Tourist Attraction finalists: ArtPrize Looking AheadThe future of Frederik Meijer Gardens is as bright as ever with a full calendar of exciting exhibits and events ahead 21 is BUSTED: Contemporary Sculpture Busts featuring unexpected busts of famous historical figures including some whimsical likenesses one might not expect Other events and programs that make up the vibrant lineup of events this spring include the Naturalist Walk on May 1 and the Michigan All-State Bonsai Show May 10–11 For an extra special tranquil and unique cultural experience the Japanese Teahouse will be open May 18 and June 22 from 1–4 p.m Farm Family Weekend on June 7–8 and Fridays at the Farm on June 27 offer immersive experiences of a bucolic nature the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden will host programs every Monday and Wednesday morning throughout June and July don’t miss the Great Gardens Gala presented by Northern Trust on May 16 and continued recognition as one of the city’s “Best” venues and a remarkable example of what makes Grand Rapids truly exceptional *The finalists who received the most votes are in Bold Type Annual Festival:ArtPrizeBreakaway Music FestivalColombian Independence FestivalGrand Rapids Pride FestivalPulaski Days Band from Grand Rapids:BrenaThe 6 Pak BandBootstrap BoysCommon MollyDesmond JonesGR SymphonyGreat ScottMark LavengoodMustard PlugVerve Pipe Bowling:Clique LanesHudsonville LanesNorthfield LanesWengers Bowling CenterWoodrow’s Duckpin BowlingWoody’s Press Box/Spectrum Date Night Venue:Frederik Meijer Gardens& Sculpture Park20 Monroe LiveAllArtWorks Viewing StudioBattleGRBig Mini Putt ClubDr GrinsHouse RulesRapid River StillhouseStudio ParkThe Aroma LabsThe Comedy ProjectThought DesignLearning StudioTurnstiles Dancing:RumorsBack FortyBilly’s Blues BarEveHOME at the BobMojo’sThe Holiday Bar Social Dance Venue:Rosa Parks CircleMoveir Dance StudioSocial Dance StudioThe Studio by Benji Improv Troupe:River City ImprovBattle Bots – The Comedy ProjectPop ScholarsTiny Breakfast Karaoke Bar:Fulton Street PubCheer’s Good Time SaloonK-RokThe Holiday BarZ’s Bar & Restaurant Live Music Venue:Amphitheater at Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park GLC Live at 20 MonroeMidtown GRThe IntersectionThe Pyramid Scheme Local Music Series: Frederik Meijer Gardens Tuesday Night Local Music SeriesBlues Jam at ChicagoBeef JointGR Symphony Coffee MasterworksLowell ShowboatConcert SeriesThe Beat Suite •Movie Theater:Celebration CinemasAMC TheaterNorth Star CinemaPhoenix TheatersSperry’s MoviehouseWealthy Theatre Museum:Frederik Meijer Garden& Sculpture ParkGerald R Ford MuseumGR Children’s MuseumGrand Rapids Art MuseumGrand Rapids Public Museum Best Kids Event/Outing:John Ball ZooAccidental ArtBackyard Fun ZoneChildren’s MuseumCraig’s Cruisers Performing Arts Organization:Civic TheatreBroadway Grand RapidsDeos BalletGrand Rapids Ballet CompanyGrand Rapids Symphony Childcare:MilestonesBig Steps Little FeetBright horizonsCascade Christian ChildDevelopment CenterChildTimeDivine Providence Academy-Little WingsGuidepost MontessoriKatie’s Christian Family ChildcarePeacockThe Goddard SchoolWhistle Stop CDCWonderfully Wild Early Childhood Care &      Education Private School:Grand Rapids Catholic CentralAda Christian SchoolGrand Rapids Christian SchoolsNorth Point ChristianSouth ChristianWest Side Christian School Retirement Community:Holland HomeBeacon Hill at EastgateClark on Keller LakeCommonwealth Senior LivingGeorgetown Cambridge Manor Park:Millennium ParkCascade Township ParkHuff ParkRiverside ParkRoselle ParkThe HighlandsWilcox Park Hike Trail:Millennium ParkAman ParkGrand Ravines NorthHuff ParkProvin Trails Bike Trail:White Pine TrailCannonsburg Ski AreaDragon TrailKent TrailsLuton Park Golf Course:Egypt ValleyCascade Hills Country ClubScott Lake Country ClubThe MinesWestern Greens Hotel:Amway Grand PlazaAda HotelCanopy by HiltonEmbassy Suite DowntownJW Marriot Orchard:Robinette’s Apple Haus and WineryEd Dunneback & GirlsFarmhaus FarmsSchwallier’s Country BasketWells Orchard Rock Climbing Gym: Terra FirmaGrand Rapids Boulder ParkHigher Ground Sports Team:Grand Rapids GriffinsGR Rise VolleyballGrand Rapids GoldRampageWest Michigan Whitecaps Tourist Attraction: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture ParkArtPrizeBattleGRBoulder Ridge Animal ParkJohn Ball Zoo Wedding Venue: Frederik Meijer Gardens& Sculpture ParkGoei CenterHarris BuildingNew Vintage PlaceVenue 3Two Chiropractor:Westside ChiropracticActive Life ChiropracticChiropractic UnlimitedGreater Life ChiropracticiChiroKooistra Chiropractic Day Spa:Woodhouse Day SpaBengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic SurgeryBENJI Salon and SpaEthos Day SpaGlow Up AestheticsLeigh’sTanaz Dental Clinic:Great Lakes Dental44 West Dental ProfessionalsBander Dental GroupPersonalized Dentistry of West Michigan •Fitness Center/Gym: YMCA of Greater Grand RapidsCoachman Strength & ConditioningGrandville Tranzform Custom Fitness SolutionsMVP SportsplexPlanet Fitness Dermatology Clinic:Dermatology Associatesof West MichiganCosmetic Treatment CenterDermatology at MidTowneForefront dermatologyThe Derm Institute of West MichiganUrban YouWest Michigan DermatologyWolverine Dermatology Plastic Surgery: Bengtson Center for Aestheticsand Plastic SurgeryCentre for Plastic SurgeryPartners in Plastic Surgeryof West MichiganPartners in Plastic Surgeryof West MichiganPlastic Surgery AssociatesSteven Ringler MD – Center for Aesthetics     & Plastic SurgeryUrban YouVagotis Cosmetic Surgery + Skin Center Hair Salon:Benji Salon & SpaCheeky StrutCoiffeteria SalonHeidi Christine’sMeraki Salon Nail Salon:Posh Nails & SpaA-T NailsBenji Salon & SpaDream NailsPoshTLC Spa Tattoo Parlor: Screaming NeedleBalm TattooingHouse of Honor Tattoo StudioLighthouse Tattoo CompanyLightning Revival Tattoo CompanySparrows Nest Tattoo Studio Yoga Studio:Funky BuddhaAM YogaKula YogaThe Studio by BenjiTwisted Hot Yoga Bar:New Holland Brewing and Spirits (The Knickerbocker)Anchor BarHoliday BarMax’s South Seas HideawayPursuit of Happiness Beer Brand:Founders Brewing CompanyArchival BrewingBell’s BreweryCity Built Brewing CompanyMitten Brewing Co.New Holland Brewing and SpiritsShorts Bloody Mary:The WinchesterHoliday BarSan Chez BistroSteel Cat Brewery:The Mitten Brewing Co.City Built Brewing CompanyFounders Brewing CompanyNew Holland Brewing and SpiritsRailtown Brewing Company Cidery:Farmhaus CiderArchival BrewingPainted Turtle Hard CiderPeople’s Cider Co.Pux CiderRobinette’s Apple Haus & WineryVander Mill Craft Cocktails: Long Road DistillersBuffalo Trader’s LoungeDrip Drop Cocktail RoomEastern KilleMax’s South Seas Hideaway Coffee House:Madcap Coffee CompanyMorning Ritual Coffee BarRoots Brew ShopScorpion Hearts ClubSparrows CoffeeSquibb Coffee and Wine Bar Distillery:Long Road DistillersEastern KilleMammoth Distilling Cocktail LoungeNew Holland Brewing and Spirits (The Knickerbocker) Happy Hour:The Holiday BarArchival BrewingMax’s South Seas HideawayMeXoNew Holland Brewing and Spirits (The Knickerbocker) Margarita:Donkey TaqueriaCondado TacosEl CerritoLunaMeXo Sports Bar:The Score Restaurant & Sports BarBig E’s Sports GrillMonelli’s Italian Grill & Sports BarPeppino’sUccello’s Ristorante Local Alcohol/Spirits Brand:Long Road DistillersEaster Kille DistilleryNew Holland Brewing KnickerbockerRapid River BeverageWiseman distillery Whiskey Bar: Butcher’s UnionBuffalo Trader’s LoungeMammoth Distilling Cocktail LoungeNew Holland Brewing’s The KnickerbockerOne BourbonRapid River StillhouseStella’s Lounge Wine Bar:House of WineAperitivoChateauGood Good GoodPursuit of Happiness •Appetizers:San Chez BistroArchival BrewingHopCatLittle BirdMax’s South Seas HideawayNew Holland Brewing KnickerbockerOne BourbonPochis Colombian CaféRoam by San Chez Bakery:Nantucket Baking CompanyField and FireHall Street BakeryRise Authentic Baking CompanyWealthy Street Bakery BBQ:Two ScottsCity BBQMission BBQPit StopSweet Racks & Smokin’ Butts BBQ Breakfast:Anna’s HouseLucy’s CaféMorning BelleReal Food CaféWolfgang’s Brunch:Lucy’sAnna’s HouseBrunch House GRLittle BirdMorning BelleSan Chez BistroSocial MisfitsSpeakEZ Lounge Burger:Stella’s LoungeBlack NapkinButcher’s UnionThe Holiday BarLittle BirdPatty Matters Butcher:Sobie MeatsDelski’s Prime MeatsE A Brady’sFrank’s MarketLouise EarlSobie Meats Catering:Martha’s CateringApplause CateringDistinctive CateringKJ CateringMartha’s CateringPochis Colombian Restaurant and CaféSweet Racks and Smokin’ Butts BBQ Cake:NothingBundt CakesCakabakeryNantucket BakeryRise Authentic Baking Co.Sweet Details GR Chicken Sandwich: HancockBlack NapkinHop CatKitchen 67Little BirdNew Holland Brewing and Spirits’ KnickerbockerNonla BurgerOne Burbon Chili Dog:YesterdogBlue Dog TavernCorner BarMr Chinese Food:First WokGaslight KitchenGolden WokGrand LakesRed BowlTea Garden Cupcakes:Salted CupcakeArnie’s Bakery& RestaurantCakabakeryConnie’s CakesNantucket Baking Co.Rise Authentic Baking Company •Date Night Restaurant:Butcher’s UnionGin Gin’sLeo’s Seafood Restaurant & BarLittle BirdMax’s South Seas Hideaway Deli:SchnitzEastern DeliKingma’s MarketMartha’s VineyardTwo Beards Deli Desserts:Nantucket Baking Co.Chartreuse SistersPochis Colombian CaféRise Authentic Baking Co.San Chez Bistro Diner:76th Street DinerAnna’s HouseChoo Choo GrillMatchboxWestsider Café Donuts:Marge’s Donut DenBros DoughsCindy’s Donuts & Ice CreamRobinette’s Apple Haus and WinerySandy’s DonutsSprinkles Donut Shop Food Truck:Patty MattersCrepes by the LakePizza ParliamentStreet Chef ShawSweet Racks & Smokin Butts Fries:HopCatBlack NapkinLittle BirdNoodle PigPatty MattersVivant Brewery + Spirits Frozen Yogurt:The Pump HouseElsa’sFrosty BoyPeachWaveSweet Yo’s Hangover Food:Wolfgang’sBlue Dog TavernLogan’s AlleyNoodlepigThe Pita House Ice Cream:Frosty BoyBerry’s G Italian IceFurniture City CreameryJersey JunctionLove’s Ice Cream & Chocolate Indian Food:Palace of IndiaDesi SpiceIndian MasalaMithu and Sri LankanPal’s Indian CuisinePind Indian Cuisine •Kielbasa:Frank’s MarketLewandoski’s MarketNew Holland Brewing and Spirits (Knickerbocker)Roam by San ChezSobie’s Meats Late Night Dining& Drinks:Z’s Bar & RestaurantBob’s Sports BarDrip Drop Cocktail RoomGeneral Wood ShopGin Gin’sNew Holland Brewing and Spirits (Knickerbocker)TurnstilesThe Winchester Mac ‘n’ Cheese:Electric CheetahHancockHopCatSweet Racks & Smokin’ Butts BBQWest Side Social Mediterranean:SheshcoLe KabobParsleyPita House/Sami’s GyroZeytinZivio Nachos:Condado TacosArchival BrewingCantina Mexican GrillThe Friesian Gastro PubHoliday BarNoco ProvisionsSweet Racks n Smokin ButtsVivant Brewing + SpiritsWest Side Social Pasta:Amore Trattoria ItalianaBistro Bella VitaLittle BirdMyrthTesta RosaUccello’s RistoranteVitales Pizza:Mitten Brewing Co.Andrea’s PizzaFratelli’s PizzaHarmony Brewing CompanyLicari’s Sicilian Pizza KitchenNew Holland Brewing and Spirits (The Knickerbocker)Peppino’sVitale’s Poutine:Vivant Brewery & SpiritsBob’s Sports BarFireRock GrilleGlass HouseKaffeineLogan’s AlleyMax’s South Seas HideawayOne BourbonRoam Restaurant Service:Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & BarAnna’s HouseGin Gin’sLittle BirdMax’s South Seas HideawayNew Holland Brewing (The Knickerbocker)One BourbonPochis Colombian Restaurant and CaféSan Chez Bistro Rooftop Dining:MDRDKnoopMertens PrimeOlive’sRapid River StillhouseRixRockwell Republic •Outdoor Deck/Seating:The Score Restaurant& Sports BarArchival BrewingHoliday BarKnoopNew Holland Brewing and Spirits (The Knickerbocker)Rose’s on Reeds Lake Sandwich:Two Beards DeliArchival BrewingLittle BirdSweet Racks & Smokin’ Butts BBQThe Pita House- Sami’s GyroToasted Pickle Seafood Restaurant:Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & BarCarolina Low CountryReal Seafood Co.San Chez Mexican Food:Tacos El CuñadoCantina Mexican GrillDonkey TaqueriaLuna GRMeXo Steakhouse:Chop HouseBowdie’sButcher’s UnionGin Gin’sLeo’s Seafood Restaurant & BarRuth’s Chris Sushi:Maru Sushi & GrillGinza Sushi & Ramen BarJaku SushiJu Sushi & LoungeTokyo Grill & Sushi Tacos:Tacos El CuñadoCondado TacosDonkey TaqueriaLuna GRPoncho’s Tacos Tater Tots:Blue Dog TavernAnna’s HouseBobcat Bonnie’sLogan’s AlleyNew Holland Brewing and Spirits (The Knickerbocker) Thai Food:Little BangkokAngel’s ThaiBangkok TasteLai Thai KitchenThai FusionThai Table Vegan/Vegetarian Menu:Gaia House CaféAnna’s HouseLittlebirdStella’s Lounge Veggie Burger:Stella’s LoungeAle Bird TaphouseBlack NapkinBostwick Lake InnLittlebirdMax’s South Seas HideawayPapa ChopsThe Holiday Bar Wet Burrito:Beltline BarAdobe Mexican KitchenAnna’s HouseBeltline BarCantina Mexican GrillVillage Inn Pizza Wings:Wing DoozyBig E’s Sports GrillMax’s South Seas HideawayMike’s WingsSweet Racks & Smokin Butts BBQ LLCThe Holiday BarThe Score Restaurant & Sports BarWing World of Sparta Bartender:Cassie Heuton/ Pursuit of HappinessAdam / Brass Ring BrewingAustin ForsheeBryan Gomez / Archival BrewingDustin Lantz / One Bourbon •Chef:Jenna Arcidiacono  (Amore Trattoria Italiana)Chris Wessely (Noodlepig)Kevin Vander Meer (KJ Catering)Oscar Moreno  (MeXo)Paola Carlson (Pochis Colombian Café) Comedian:Jen FrissinaBen GlazeHayden MiedemaMike LoganStu McCallister Radio Personality:Free Beer & Hot Wings (Gregg Daniels and Chris Michels)Michelle MckormickRachael GreySamantha JacquesShelley Irwin Female TV Personality:Rachel RuizJanice AllenJuliet DragosLori “Maranda” CookMichelle DunawaySamantha Jacjues Male TV Personality:Tom HillenElliot GrandiaJosh BerryRick AlbinTodd Chance Meteorologist:Bill SteffenBlake HarmsEllen BaccaSamantha JacquesTerri DeBoer Local TV Station:Wood TV 8Channel 8FOX 17WGVUWZZM 13 Dog Park:Grand RavinesCambridge ParkCascade Dog ParkHillcrestThe Pack Doggie Daycare: Whiskers Resort and Pet SpaAtaraxia Pet CareCamp Bow WowDogtopiaNature of the DogPaw Paradise LLCPaws and UnwindPet VillaRogue Valley Veterinary HospitalThe Pack Dog Groomer:Whiskers Resort and Pet SpaBrady’s Groom RoomCascade Hospital for AnimalsFido & StitchSplash & Dash Grand RapidsWash & Wags Pet Grooming •Pet Care/Supplies:Chow HoundFido & StitchPet Supplies Plus GrandvilleWatercolors Aquarium GalaryYour Pets Naturally •Animal Clinic:Cascade Hospital for AnimalsFamily Friends Vet ClinicKelley’s Animal ClinicPlymouth RoadAnimal ClinicReactive Referral Center Antiques Dealer:Pinky’s PlaceBluedoor Studio Inc.Century AntiquesElevated Grand RapidsLost and Found Treasures of Old and New NueveWally’s Castle Vintage Collectibles & UniquesWarehouse One Antiques & Collectibles Automobile Dealer:FoxBettenBorgman Ford/MazdaSerra HondaSharpe CollectionToyota of Grand Rapids Beer/Wine Merchant:Martha’s VineyardCrushed GrapeRishi’sSiciliano’s MarketTotal Wine Bicycle Shop:FreewheelerAda Bike ShopRebel Bike ShopRockford Bike ShopSwitchback Gear ExchangeVillage Bike & FitnessWest Michigan Bike & Fitness Bookstore:Schuler BooksArgos Books and ComicsBooks & MortarEpilogue BooksOrchard House Books& CaféPlumfield Books Bridal:Renee Austin WeddingJenna in WhiteKhloe Mae BridalMagnolia BridalRC Caylan Ateliér Comic Book:Vault of MidnightArgos Comics andUsed BooksTardy’s Collector’s CornerThe Comic Signal Consignment Shop:Urban ExchangeGild The LilyRock Paper Scissors Consignment BoutiqueRunway Angels Luxury Resale Boutique Cannabis Dispensary:LumeAscend CannabisCookiesFluresh Cannabis Grand RapidsNOXXOlswell Cannabis Co.Pharmhouse Florist:Eastern FloralBlooms All Things FlowersKennedy’s Flower ShopSouthside Flower MarketStem’s Market Furniture Store:Talsma FurnitureDesign QuestHuizen’s FurnitureNorthwestern Home FurnishingsWest Elm Garden Center: Horrocks MarketCountrysideEverett’s GardensFlowerlandKingma’s MarketKnapp Valley GardensKoetsier’s GreenhouseMotman’s – LakeMichigan DriveRomence Gardens Gift Shop:Rebel ReclaimedCommuneGather-dKennedy’s FloralOh Grocery: Horrocks MarketHarvest HealthKen’s Fruit MarketKingma’s MarketMartha’s Vineyard Hardware Store: Rylee’s Ace HardwareGemmen’s Ace HardwareGrand Rapids Ace HardwareKingsland Ace HardwareModern Hardware• Home Décor:Kennedy’s Flowers & GiftsCommuneCounting HouseGather-dStoffer Home Jewelry Store:DeVries JewelersDime & RegalEngel’s JewelryEngels Jewelry CompanyKesslers DiamondsMetal Art Studio Men’s Clothing:Fitzgerald’s Men’s StoreBetter Aged Vintage ClothingBill and Paul’sEverywearGrammotonesJohn 3:16 Style HouseJurgen and HoltvulorRC Caylan AtelierRewind Place to buy local art:WoosahAllArtWorks Viewing StudioCocoon Art SpaceGrey RabbitLaFontsee GalleryThe 12th House Specialty Grocer: Horrocks MarketArt of The TableGR Russo & SonsHarvest HealthKingma’s MarketMartha’s VineyardSobie MeatsThe Cheese Lady Women’s Clothing: Lee & BirchGather-dLee & BirchLeigh’sLennon & Willow BoutiqueRC Caylan Atelier Automotive Services:Ed & Dave’sArie Nol Auto CenterCascade Hills AutoCommunity AutoWest Michigan Transmissions Bank:Lake MichiganCredit UnionFifth ThirdHuntington BankMacatawa BankMercantile Bank Credit Union:Lake MichiganCredit UnionAdventure Credit UnionCommunity West Credit UnionConsumers Credit UnionMSUFCU Home Automation System Provider:TKS SecurityAmerican Dream IntegrationEco Smart Home ProsGrand Home AutomationVerPlank Electric Cleaning Services: Clean Bee Home ServicesFiner Things Cleaning ServicesFish Window CleaningPinnacle Cleaning ServicesSparkly Spaces LLCThe Cleaning AuthorityTop Care Cleaning Service Courrier Services (local):Same Day DeliveryAmerican ExpeditingDaily Run Delivery & CourierErrands 2 RunProfessional Courier ServiceReliable DeliveryWest Michigan Delivery Service Estate Planning: Warner Norcross & JuddAlles LawCoonen Law Family Law:Warner Norcross & JuddCoonen LawCunningham DalmanJason RopJennie BryanKendra OrtegaReeder Plachta Murphy P.CRhoades McKeeRodenhouse Law GroupSherlund Faber & Van Meter PLLCTeeples and TeagueTom SaxeWillis Law Interior Design:Jean Stoffer DesignDesign PhaseFuchsia DesignKatelynn ScottKathryn Chaplow Landscaping Services:Harder & WarnerAlfresco LandscapesDeHamer LandscapingKaterburg LandscapingSummit Landscape Management Real Estate: Zokoe Team- Five Star Real EstateBaragar RealtyKyle Visser – ResideRustin Scott – Five Star Real EstateSteve Venlet – Full Circle Properties | Five Star Real Estate Leaders•Drinking water supplier:Gordon Water SystemsAbsopureBayesCulliganGodwinHydrozIce Mountain Grand Rapids — A Kent County jury deciding the fate of an ex-Grand Rapids police officer who fatally shot a Black motorist after a 2022 traffic stop will resume deliberations Tuesday morning after deliberating for roughly four hours Monday Christopher Schurr is on trial for second-degree murder in the death of 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya over for having a license plate that didn’t match the car he was driving Schurr attempted to place Lyoya under arrest but the motorist ran away and Schurr chased him the two were wrestling over Schurr's Taser before Schurr shot Lyoya in the back of the head as he was face down on the ground testifying that he feared for his own life as he and Lyoya wrestled over Schurr's Taser "I believed that if I hadn’t of done it at that time … then I wasn’t gonna go home,” Schurr said put experts on the stand who testified that Schurr made several tactical errors and the use of force wasn't justified The shooting has sparked national attention while highlighting a history of tense relations between the city of Grand Rapids its police department and the city’s Black residents The city of Grand Rapids fired Schurr in June 2022 testified on Friday and Monday that he felt Schurr acted appropriately and reasonably when he shot Lyoya contradicting expert witnesses who testified for the prosecution early last week that the officer made a series of tactical decisions that led to the unnecessary death of Lyoya described in detail his struggle with Lyoya after he ran from the officer and how he feared Lyoya would injure him as the two wrestled on the ground for control of his Taser moments before Schurr fired a single shot into the back of Lyoya's head Schurr admitted that his recollection of the incident relied on reviewing the video captured on his police cruiser dash cam and body cam as well as cellphone footage taken by Lyoya’s front seat passenger “I used the video to direct the statement,” Schurr testified Friday “There are definitely things I note more now.” “So you’re basing some of the stuff on the video and don’t remember all of it,” said Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker After Schurr’s legal team rested their case Friday morning After briefly discussing the points of contact Tubergen had with Schurr following the shooting Becker had Schurr’s written documentation of the incident entered into evidence both of which describe Lyoya’s actions that day as he “was trying to get away.” Becker said he wasn't going to paint Lyoya as a saint but he "didn't deserve to die." “What it boils down to is just a few elements," he said "Patrick died from a gunshot wound to the head I’m not gonna sit here and argue Patrick was a saint “There are critical mistakes that occurred — that a reasonable officer wouldn’t make these decisions,” he said Becker told the jury that they aren’t supposed to evaluate the case in terms of who is a better person “You’ve got to base your decision on the facts of the case (Schurr’s) a hometown boy who wanted to do good and (Lyoya’s) a bad guy who was drunk driving,” Becker said “It was reasonable to shoot Patrick because he had the Taser and Officer Schurr was exhausted — that was the excuse,” Becker said “You can’t take a life without a darned-good reason,” Becker said … How does a reasonable officer in this situation say: I’m gonna die?” Defense attorney Matt Borgula said the prosecution failed to meet its burden of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt “The prosecutor is trying to make this case something it’s not,” Borgula said “You’re not here to reasonably judge if he had a reason to chase (Lyoya) You have to find that beyond a reasonable doubt Officer Schurr had a legitimate fear of great bodily harm or death.” Borgula said the Taser is a critical component that factored into Schurr’s decisions that day “Patrick Lyoya grabbed it and never let go … and decides he’s not giving it back And Officer Schurr has a right to it and Patrick Lyoya did not.” Borgula said Schurr was simply trying to do his job “Christopher Schurr was at work and he was faced with the toughest decision of his life in half a second,” Borgula said “Was it reasonable in that split second that an officer could be in fear of the Taser He has no idea what Patrick Lyoya is going to do with it He has half a second to make up his mind.” Judge gives the jury optionsKent County Circuit Court Judge Christina Mims told jurors they could consider the second-degree murder charge brought in the trial but also said a charge of voluntary manslaughter could be considered second-degree murder differs from voluntary manslaughter primarily in the element of malice the intent to kill or cause great bodily harm Second-degree murder requires malice or reckless disregard for human life while voluntary manslaughter involves an intentional killing but the killing occurs in a state of emotional excitement caused by serious provocation Involuntary manslaughter carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison Second-degree murder is a potential life sentence you must decide what the facts of this case are to apply the law as I give it to you and to decide the case,” Mims said “You must decide what was in the defendant’s mind at the time of the killing.” Mims said jurors may find one of three possible verdicts and must be unanimous in their finding: guilty of second-degree murder guilty of voluntary manslaughter or not guilty “The crime of murder can be reduced to voluntary manslaughter if it was a crime of passion … and if the defendant didn’t have a reasonable amount of time to calm down The law doesn’t say how much time is needed — that is for you to decide.” The jury will resume deliberations at 8:40 a.m WISCONSIN RAPIDS – What’s happening with businesses in the Wisconsin Rapids area Streetwise has your answers. These roundups offer an easy way to stay up to date with what’s happening on the Streetwise beat. If you know of a new business, a development or a place that’s closing, send me a note at cshuda@gannett.com If you have questions about something opening This roundup features the opening day at The Food Truck Lot for the 2025 season the start of mini golf season for two local courses new food options at a local eatery and new owners for a family-owned auto center and that means planning out your favorite food truck meals for the season A few food trucks have already been set up at The Food Truck Lot at 940 Huntington Ave., but the official weekly events at the lot will start up again June 3 The Food Truck Lot will host various options on-site from 4 p.m Steph and Wyatt Randecker created The Food Truck Lot in 2024 as a way to utilize their parking lot at Premier Rental The food trucks can park and serve their menus at any time but the Tuesday events offered a specific time people could expect to find several trucks the season ran from June through October as the weather permitted For more information or to follow the lineup of food trucks at the lot, find The Food Truck Lot on Facebook What are the best local food trucks?: Readers share their favorites. Did you know National Mini Golf Day is May 10 both White Sands Ice Cream & Mini Golf and Newman's 1st St Newman's announced on its Facebook page April 28 the business is counting down the days until golf and ice will be be available at 2811 First St. S. in Wisconsin Rapids. For more information, find Newman's 1st St Miniature Golf on Facebook The restaurant stands in the corner of the Bud's Corner Mart building and has been serving pizzas and ice cream since Oct. 14, 2024 Customers can also add additional toppings For more information, find Grand Rapids Eatery on Facebook R&R Transmission is now Rapids Transmission at 821 Chestnut St Michelle and Adam Rogus purchased the business in January from an uncle maintaining the family business with the same mechanics Michelle Rogus said she and her husband have upgraded their invoicing system to better communicate with customers and offer financing options for those who qualify active military members and first responders Rapids Transmission will celebrate its new ownership with a special event from 11 a.m The event will also feature free facepainting and games with prizes Rapids Transmission is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, find Rapids Transmission & Auto on Facebook Contact Caitlin at cshuda@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @CaitlinShuda GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — The sport of hockey requires a lot of heart, but for almost three decades, the heart of the Grand Rapids Griffins has been right behind a door labeled Equipment Manager and belongs to Brad Thompson he's the heart and soul of this team,” Griffins' Captain Josiah Didier told me If you have spent any time around the Griffins “If you walk through the hockey world and you say who's Brad Thompson?" Thompson told me from his office at Van Andel Arena A name that was bestowed upon him in his second year with the team by former Griffin’s Captain Eddie Patterson because of Brad’s love of rap music - fo shizzle “It was in the 90s when Snoop Dogg was big.” Dogg has become a very fitting nickname for the now equipment manager who has been a loyal and loved member of the Griffins for 28 years and I've been friends ever since,” longtime player and current Assistant Coach for the Griffins Brian Lashoff told me when we redid our affiliation with Detroit but he cares about this community," added team President Tim Gortsema who celebrated his 2,000th professional game with the team back in November 2024 does more than just sharpen skates and tape sticks A fact that’s obvious by the amount of love from former players he has on display around his office and he makes every day a great day," added Didier "He's not just a guy that you come around the rink and work with," said Lashoff Providing a needed voice to anyone seeking his advice like I have that in me to show them that it's a game The people out there are the ones that let you do that by buying a ticket and to come to watch you "What I do is try to just make everybody as good as me so you can excel when you step your foot outside this door.” Read more stories from the FOX 17 Morning News team Do you have an idea for the Morning News team or maybe an idea for a guest segment or something for the gang to come out and try? Send them an email at mornings@fox17online.com or call 616-447-5252 and leave a message Follow FOX 17: Facebook - X (formerly Twitter) - Instagram - YouTube Plans are moving ahead for an eight-unit rental townhomes project targeting the missing middle income bracket after a first-time developer overcame a series of obstacles whose day job is senior advocacy manager for Walton Enterprises the family office for the Walmart founding family plans to build two residential structures on vacant lots he owns at 764 and 800 Powers Ave NW in the West Grand neighborhood of Grand Rapids The Powers Place project would have four rental townhome units in each structure south of Walker Avenue NW and north of Fifth Street Plans call for reserving two of the units for households making 80% of area median income while the rest will be set aside for renters earning 100% AMI That’s about $85,120 to $106,400 for a family of four in Kent County Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines The project is expected to cost more than $2.6 million The Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approved an $182,810 emerging developer grant on May 1 that will fund pre-construction consulting The city’s emerging developer grant program is funded by the Local Brownfield Revolving Fund fueled by tax captures from brownfield redevelopments across the city Keep up with all things West Michigan business. Sign up for our free newsletters today Rogalski’s partners on the project include Plainfield Township surveyor Roosien & Associates Grand Rapids-based Create 3 Architecture and Deidre Interiors on architectural and design services on civil engineering and Michigan Growth Advisors for financing support Rogalski said at the May 1 meeting that he has been a real estate investor in Grand Rapids since 2011 and has completed single-family rehabs and duplexes and managed investment properties He started working on this project a year ago but had to pause for unforeseen reasons “I experienced some real setbacks last fall including the passing of my architect unexpectedly and I also received feedback from some of the neighbors that the project that I envisioned didn’t align with what they saw as appropriate for the neighborhood.” who previously lived on the west side for several years and now resides in East Grand Rapids tabled his plans temporarily to incorporate feedback from the neighbors “One of the things that I’ve learned through this process is just because you’re allowed to build something on a lot doesn’t mean that that is what should go on that lot,” he said “We’ve scaled back — decreased the scale and the density of the project from 10 units to eight units He also reconfigured the design from more of an apartment-style unit to townhomes with separate entrances driveways and attached garages based on neighbor feedback He said while the project is geared toward renters he can sell the units to prospective homeowners The West Grand Neighborhood Association wrote a letter of support after Rogalski refined the project “He has shown considerable thought and care into the planning process of these units and we agree that all of the four planned garages are necessary in each building to mesh with the surrounding neighborhood,” the association’s board secretary Kennedy FitzGerald wrote it would put more stress on street parking and cause potentially burdensome surroundings for long standing residents.”  FitzGerald added Rogalski “has done his due diligence” in reaching out to neighbors “We welcome the opportunity for increased housing density on the West Side and look forward to these long vacant lots being used to house more community members,” she wrote Rogalski said he is grateful to the city for the emerging developer grant the economies of scale are not in my favor on this one especially with the feedback that I’ve tried to incorporate from the neighbors,” he said “That’s why this grant and these incentives are important to me especially since I don’t qualify for many of the state incentives I see a need for this product on this vacant site … and I appreciate the opportunity.” The project would be allowed without a rezoning. That is because it’s located in the Traditional Neighborhood-Low Density Residential zone district on a link residential street, and the city amended that zone district last year to allow multiple family dwellings by right Grand Rapids parking fees would increase again under proposed city budget Downtown group acquires property near riverfront to connect regional trail network Downtown Grand Rapids UICA building sells for $4.5M to Detroit coworking company There are thousands of flights that take off from hundreds of United States airport in any given day. They are going to various domestic and international destinations but what many people may not know is, every airline provides different services at each airport. This means that you may have to endure layovers and connecting flights to reach your final destination. Michigan has both small and large airports that see billions of people a year Grand Rapids is considered to be the second busiest in the state As someone who is a frequent Delta customer airline for domestic flights although they are quite expensive I don't mind paying a little more money for the comfortability and convenience that Delta is able to offer their customers I may like the amenities and other advantages that Delta has to offer but they aren't perfect I spend a lot of time flying out of Grand Rapids and the size, location, and options available at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) are perfect The only thing I don't enjoy about GRR is the restrictions on non-stop flights Just like many other small airports in America there are only so many places you can fly without having a layover The new non-stop flight service to and from Orlando will be on Delta’s Embraer ERJ-175 plane This announcement comes shortly after Avelo Airlines announced that they would be offering non-stop flights from GRR to both Orlando Gallery Credit: Scott Clow This announcement comes shortly after Avelo Airlines announced that they would be offering non-stop flights from GRR to both Orlando, Florida and Raleigh, North Carolina.\nRead More There are thousands of flights that take off from hundreds of United States airport in any given day. They are going to various domestic and international destinations but what many people may not know is, every airline provides different services at each airport. This means that you may have to endure layovers and connecting flights to reach your final destination. Michigan has both small and large airports that see billions of people a year I spend a lot of time flying out of Grand Rapids and the size, location, and options available at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) are perfect The new non-stop flight service to and from Orlando will be on Delta’s Embraer ERJ-175 plane Grand Rapids — At least two captains with the Grand Rapids Police Department testified Thursday during the second-degree murder trial of former officer Christopher Schurr with at least one saying he followed his training and that using force is based "on the totality of the circumstances." Schurr is on trial for the death of Patrick Lyoya the two got in a struggle after Schurr asked for Lyoya's license and told him his car wasn't registered The two wrestled and struggled over Schurr's Taser before Schurr shot Lyoya in the back of the head as he was face down on the ground Prosecutors wrapped their case Wednesday after calling expert witnesses who testified that the use of force against Lyoya wasn't justified called several members of the Grand Rapids Police Department to the stand Friday “I think a reasonable officer would perform the same way in the same situation,” Siver testified late Wednesday The shooting sparked national attention while highlighting a history of tense relations between the city of Grand Rapids More: Prosecutors wrap case against former Grand Rapids cop accused of killing Black motorist Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker walked Siver through the training exercises Schurr went through in the department highlighting several use-of-force techniques and tactics available to officers that wouldn’t require using their service weapon which all officers learn about if they find themselves in hand-to-hand combat with a suspect “And your policy says to exhaust all other options before using force?” Becker asked Becker questioned Siver about the threat level of a Taser versus a gun “The Taser doesn’t do the same thing as a gun,” Becker said asked Siver if an officer is required to use lower levels of force prior to using deadly force How could we possibly expect to go down that ladder again?” The jury asked Siver if GRPD policies supersede nationally generally accepted police practices Siver said the department is accredited with multiple agencies which wouldn’t certify GRPD “if we had policies out of the norm.” “We pay attention more regionally instead of nationally because use-of-force laws are different in each state,” Siver said explaining that when reviewing a use-of-force incident department officials use internal policies the training the officer received and current state and federal law “Our policies do coincide with generally accepted practices,” Siver said Captain Chad McKersie testified that GRPD officers are taught that although a Taser is considered a less-lethal use of force it should be treated as “a dangerous weapon at all times.” Schurr voluntarily was tased using another model from a distance of 1-2 feet Officer Schurr learned that you can deploy the Taser at a shorter distance?” asked defense attorney Mark Doge referring to a training video where Schurr deployed a Taser on a dummy although both cartridges in Schurr’s Taser were deployed prior to the shooting the trigger mechanism would be able to re-energize the probes lying on the ground He said a “drive stun” — a direct-contact shock the device is able to deliver once its cartridges are used — is extremely painful “It’s like holding a blowtorch to the skin,” he said Doge asked McKersie if it was reasonable for Schurr to use deadly force in the situation with Lyoya based on his review of the video of the shooting noting that Lyoya had control of the Taser at the time of the shooting and that Lyoya was in the process of getting back up and turning toward Schurr “We don’t have to wait until someone hurts us to do something,” he said Becker asked McKersie if the act of taking the Taser alone justifies the use of deadly force “It’s based on the totality of the circumstances,” McKersie said Because just taking the Taser doesn’t justify the act,” Becker said said weapons can be drawn when officers feel they are in threat of great bodily injury or death Becker asked why Gady refused to meet with the Michigan State Police investigator assigned to work with the prosecutor’s office when preparing for the trial “You just decided to blow off opposing counsel?” When Schurr’s legal team objected to Becker’s line of questioning Becker said Gady’s refusal to meet showed evidence of bias in favor of Schurr The defense recalled video forensic analyst Robert McFarlane who showed the jury enhanced footage of the incident captured on Schurr’s body camera and a cellphone of Lyoya’s passenger The shots highlighted moments during the struggle where Schurr position were not stable as his weight and body position were in constant motion He also showed a still frame from the footage showing that Lyoya obtained control of Schurr’s Taser just prior to the shooting McFarlane said from the moment Schurr grabbed Lyoya while the two stood beside the motorist’s vehicle to the time the shot was fired Schurr’s defense team also called experts of their own to better explain his decision-making that day a physical training expert who builds training simulators for law enforcement noted Schurr’s labored breathing during the struggle and the physical exertion it would take to keep engaging in the fight with Lyoya “My opinion is that Officer Schurr was engaged in a long extended fight … that was indicative of exertion and exhaustion He has very little option other than to use lethal force to stop the deadly assault,” Bartel said Bartel noted that Schurr’s body position wasn’t ideal when he was atop Lyoya meaning he could not generate a significant amount of force and was in danger of being “dumped” to the side He said Schurr also had to battle the additional weight of his bullet-proof vest and his utility belt which would have added an additional 20 pounds He said that exhaustion also can affect decision-making ability “You have very few options to end this fight before it gets worse,” Bartel said Becker challenged Bartel’s conclusion that Schurr was exhausted to the point that he had no other option than to use deadly force who wear more than 60 pounds of gear when they respond to fires “We don’t have firefighters passing out all the time in housefires “There have been cases when other firefighters have to rescue their colleagues or throw up on the lawn,” Bartel said A Detroit-based firm is receiving a $1.25 million grant and $2.4 million loan from the state to renovate the former Urban Institute for Contemporary Art gallery and movie theater in downtown Grand Rapids into a coworking space Gretchen Whitmer announced that the $3.1 million renovation project being led by Bamboo coworking firm will receive funds from the Revitalization and Placemaking program Bamboo is also receiving a $2.4 million loan from the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to redevelop the building at 2 W “Grand Rapids continues to make strategic investments focused on revitalizing our neighborhoods and enhancing the quality of life for residents,” state Rep “The new Bamboo project is an exciting addition to our city’s growth providing valuable support for talent development and business innovation I’m grateful to the MEDC for their partnership and the grant that is helping bring this vision to life.”  Bamboo acquired the 39,418-square-foot four-story building on April 30 for $4.5 million from Ferris State University Founded in 2015, Bamboo plans to convert the former gallery building into a coworking hub to support entrepreneurs with private offices, flex spaces, conference rooms, and an outdoor venue. Bamboo executives announced late last year their intention to expand to Grand Rapids at the UICA building The state support will help with the renovation work to turn the gallery space into a new use “(The building) was designed for wall space which makes it a challenging switch for something more future-proof like coworking,” Lewan said Internal demolition work is starting this week Bamboo’s project was among three that Whitmer announced that will receive funding from the Revitalization and Placemaking grant program and Utica will add more commercial space in the heart of our downtowns for small businesses and make our cities and towns better places to live “The bipartisan RAP program helps us turn old or underutilized spaces into vibrant new places where people can live We will continue working together to pursue a comprehensive economic development strategy that helps us create jobs drive down the cost of housing and improve quality of life across our state.”  The other two grants were awarded to a project in downtown Holly that is receiving $433,770 and a project in downtown Utica that’s getting $951,075 Emerging developer plans rare fully accessible mixed-use project in southeast Grand Rapids — A reasonable Grand Rapids police officer in a situation similar to Christopher Schurr's would have fired their gun a current GRPD captain said during testimony in the former officer's murder trial a statement that contrasted with previous testimony in the case David Siver defended the actions taken by Schurr in the deadly shooting of Patrick Lyoya testifying as an expert in GRPD training and policy Schurr is charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting Lyoya in the back of the head as the two struggled over Schurr's taser during a traffic stop in April 2022 Siver said the then-officer followed department policy at the time when he chased Lyoya after the latter resisted arrest and attempted to run away from the traffic stop "We train people to chase and affect an arrest," Capt To let a suspect run away would pose "a risk to the community," he added prior testimony from one of the prosecution's experts on police use of force said Schurr put himself at risk when he ran after Lyoya disregarding a passenger in the nearby car The then-officer "created some tactical concerns," said Seth Stoughton READ MORE: A reasonable officer would not have fired gun, expert witness says Prior testimony from another expert on police use of force also claimed Lyoya did not attempt to harm the officer "at any time" during the traffic stop Lyoya's posture is always trying to create distance from the officer," said Nicholas G The captain disagreed with these statements saying Lyoya displayed "active aggression" and committed felonies during the incident including resisting arrest and assaulting an officer Regarding the struggle over Schurr's taser moments before Schurr fired the fatal shot Lyoya had control over the weapon with a "dominant grip" In situations where a suspect is attempting to disarm an officer Siver said GRPD policy tells its officers to "fight to retain that weapon at all costs." "We don't expect perfection," he said about how a GRPD officer is required to act in a use of force situation "[Police officers] don't have the luxury of having all the time in the world to make a decision," he added "They've got to make split-second decisions." Given the captain's expertise on policy and training specific to the Grand Rapids Police Department the defense asked if a reasonable GRPD officer in a situation similar to Schurr's would have fired their gun “A reasonable officer could perform the same way in that situation,” Capt Siver's answer contrasted with testimony from both Bloomfield and Stoughton Speaking to generally accepted police practices the expert witnesses on police use of force said a similarly situated reasonable officer would not have discharged their firearm They claimed Schurr could not have reasonably been in fear for his own life as both of the cartridges on his taser had been discharged there has to be an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm," Stoughton said Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker returned to a previous comment made by the captain: "We train people to chase and affect an arrest." Becker asked if any written GRPD policy regarding foot pursuits instructs officers to act in such a manner "You don't train them to be greyhounds chasing after rabbits "It's got to be dependent on the circumstances." Becker will continue his cross-examination of Capt Hospitality operators in northern Michigan hope Congress can fix a foreign labor visa program that was created to fill seasonal workforce gaps but is increasingly unreliable as demand grows and employer hiring is left to chance As the peak tourism season winds down each fall Up North hotel and restaurant operators begin recruiting seasonal labor for the following year in positions like housekeeping The need is driven by a lack of American workers to fill those jobs one of Michigan’s most popular tourist destinations that gets more than 1 million visitors per year and Mackinac County’s population numbers about 10,800 people Yet about 5,000 workers are needed to support the island’s peak visitor season from May to October “We have very low unemployment in the summer (in Mackinac County) so … that makes it really challenging for us,” said Mark Ware CEO and co-owner of Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island Mission Point has been a top five Michigan beneficiary of the visa program in recent years To fill staffing gaps, employers in tourism-reliant communities have long relied on the H-2B temporary non-agricultural visa program employers bring foreign nationals into the country to fill seasonal jobs Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security Its statutory cap of 66,000 visas per year hasn’t been raised since 1992 Because demand for H-2B workers has long exceeded the annual cap Congress began authorizing federal Labor and Homeland Security departments to award a certain number of supplemental visas annually which it has done for eight consecutive years !function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}(); An American Immigration Council analysis of federal data found demand for H-2B workers rose 46% over a five-year period with the number of certified workers increasing from 147,389 in 2018 to more than 215,217 by 2023 the number of certified workers rose by 109% Not all of employers’ H-2B worker requests are certified and not all certified workers are visa holders they must still compete to receive an H-2B visa and be approved by U.S The American Immigration Council report attributes the increase in demand for H-2B laborers to the aging baby boomer population and a younger generation that is both smaller and uninterested in entry-level labor roles Executives Up North also say the program is lumped into broader immigration issues in the minds of many Americans and therefore there’s been little will in Congress to increase the cap it gets mired down in being thought of as an immigration program and it really has nothing to do with immigration,” said Jennifer King senior vice president of human resources for Crystal Mountain Resort in Benzie County’s Weldon Township “These are not people who want to come and live in the United States,” King added and then go home and take care of their families They’re not looking for a pathway to citizenship.” president of Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island and owner of several Ryba’s Fudge Shop locations and various restaurants said four American jobs are supported for every H-2B visa worker that’s brought to the island the American workers wouldn’t have jobs either because we wouldn’t be able to open,” he said and it doesn’t put any American workers out of work.” Employers must prove to the Labor Department each year that they are unable to fill positions with domestic labor before applying for H-2B visa workers in various job categories H-2B allocations are made via a lottery system that was created in 2019 The Labor Department randomly assigns each petition to lettered processing groups Applications are then processed sequentially by letter group — A through G — beginning in January for the workers who will work the second half of the fiscal year Crystal Mountain Resort petitions annually for about 10 to 15 housekeeping culinary or groundskeeping H-2B visa workers for the summer season The resort is best known for its winter skiing but also offers golf mountain biking and water activities in the summer King described the lottery system as “wretched” because of its unpredictability Crystal Mountain’s petition for housekeeping visa workers was assigned letter grade G She ultimately decided not to rely on the H-2B program this summer but instead will use a combination of J-1 (exchange) visa holders and domestic workers She anticipates the year-round staff — including her — will also have to pitch in with housekeeping tasks It was the second consecutive year Crystal Mountain withdrew its petition because of its low assignment in the lottery “I determined back in January that by the time we would make it through the process and I didn’t feel that it was fair to any of our in-country workers to wait for an extension for that long if there was a possibility that their winter visas could have expired before our case was even looked at,” King said petitioned for a total of 89 H-2B visa workers this year out of the three properties’ overall workforce of 180 The firm was successful in getting just 52 workers approved as of April 25 chief development officer for Troy-based Hotel Investment Services described 2025 as a “pretty lucky” year for Hotel Investment Services and other island employers he’s talked to his resort has so far received 68 of the 157 H-2B visa workers it requested for peak season The Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau surveyed its members island-wide in early April and they had so far received about 1,300 H-2B visa workers this year of the approximately 5,000 workers needed Island businesses typically look to fill about 20% to 25% of positions with H-2B labor Barnwell said it costs about $3,500 to file each H-2B petition then there’s also the cost of workers’ airfare The latter is set by the Labor Department each year at above-minimum wage rates based on location “If there was a labor pool where we could hire Americans and had the workforce available we would never spend the amount of money.” as long as there’s a domestic labor shortfall it was a really well-designed program,” Barnwell said “The uncertainty in the program is what is really the problem and the frustration.” Northern Michigan hospitality operators say meaningful legislative solutions are needed to update and expand the program to meet current demand whose company manages five northern Michigan properties that use H-2B labor described H-2B as “a great program” that “gets lumped into the immigration fight.” there’s no “political win” in expanding it who represents Michigan’s 1st Congressional District in northern Michigan introduced legislation to amend the H-2B program It would have exempted rural and seasonal locations from the visa cap and linked the number of visas issued to the number of approved Department of Labor certifications The legislation was supported by nine industry groups including the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau the West Michigan Tourism Association and the Tourism Industry Association of Michigan Multiple executives who spoke to Crain’s said they would like to see similar legislation brought forward this session They would also like to see returning workers — those whose three-year H-2B visas have already been approved — exempted from the annual cap Such a provision existed starting in the early 2000s but expired in 2016 “That’s when this whole lottery system and everything else started to become a real issue,” Ware said Barnwell said he’d also like to see certified employers with no labor violations exempted from the cap This would also give new employers a better chance to compete for the limited number of visas “Having that certified employer language would provide us certainty to really expand and to grow knowing we’re going to have a workforce,” he said Grand Rapids-based startup incubator Start Garden Inc will serve as the anchor tenant of the former Urban Institute for Contemporary Art gallery that a Detroit firm has purchased and is redeveloping into a coworking space which hosts experiential events and started as a platform for groups from Michigan and the Midwest region at South by Southwest Festival will also have office space in the building recently acquired by Detroit-based coworking firm Bamboo “We’re very excited,” said Bamboo Co-founder and CEO Amanda Lewan “This is our first West Michigan location and largest location We’re thrilled to be part of the community and are especially excited to partner with Start Garden which has been an anchor in the entrepreneur community for years.” downtown on April 30 for $4.5 million from Ferris State University They plan to have renovations completed in late-fall this year at the nearly 40,000-square-foot Start Garden’s offices will be at the corner of Fulton Street and Commerce Avenue “We’ve known Bamboo for years and always recognized how our values for building community mirrored each other,” Paul Moore “The density and scale of this new center is much bigger than anything we’ve had before in Grand Rapids Not just an evolution in what Start Garden can offer but a milestone for the entrepreneur community of the city and their connectivity to Detroit Start Garden is currently located at the historic Trust building at 40 Pearl St plans to hold entrepreneurial events at the building “Midwest House is thrilled to be a part of such a visionary project we have been calling for a better connected and more collaborative statewide ecosystem and Bamboo Grand Rapids will be the embodiment of that idea,” Ted Viele “We can’t wait to start inviting our regional community to downtown Grand Rapids.”  The $10.2 million total project will include an estimated $3.1 million in renovations. Bamboo received a $1.25 million grant and $2.4 million loan in state funding, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced this morning Grand Rapids-based Construction Simplified is the general contractor for the project which is being designed by Detroit-based Synecdoche Design Studio LLC The project will include reopening the rooftop patio space for events creating coworking space for drop-in work and private offices as well as space for corporate events and training Bamboo also will offer short-term memberships that people can use at any Bamboo location “It’s really helpful for a small business that doesn’t have to sign a long-term lease but you also can collaborate and conveniently bump into other investors and entrepreneurs which will accelerate other companies,” Lewan said Bamboo has about 1,400 to 1,500 members at its current locations that are made up of nonprofits Some members have expressed an interest in expanding to West Michigan and they’ve also worked to connect West Michigan-based companies expanding to the east side of the state “We’re excited about making it easier for Michigan-based companies to keep growing in our state,” Lewan said “Our communities are much more alike than I think people realize but Grand Rapids has a very impressive entrepreneurship community.” Bamboo considered expanding in Grand Rapids and gathered feedback from small businesses and community members on what they would want to see in the project activating that street corner again was very important to the community It’s such an important area that connects to the downtown corridor,” Lewan said “A lot of people also wanted to see the theater reopened Bamboo is still working out the details of how to re-open the theater to the public and aims to partner with another organization they plan to create a 4,000-square-foot rooftop patio space to host events that are open to the public spoke publicly about it for the first time since Lyoya's death when he took the stand May 2 to testify in his own defense Schurr told the jury in Kent County's 17th Circuit Court he was fearful for his life after a physical struggle with Lyoya a Congolese immigrant who was 26 at the time of his death He said Lyoya had attempted to grab his Taser “I believe if I didn’t do what I did when I did it Toward the end of Schurr's direct testimony was a Grand Rapids police officer when he tried to pull over Lyoya for a traffic stop due to the license plate not matching Lyoya's vehicle on April 4 who chased after him and tackled him on a nearby front lawn Schurr attempted to use a Taser on Lyoya but missed based on his training and based on how Lyoya attempted to get away from him as he pursued him that if Lyoya had gained possession of the Taser “I shot him because I believed he was going to use it on me," Schurr said Schurr did not have to testify in his own defense "I feel like it’s important to get my side of the story out," he said Schurr was fired from the department shortly after being charged in June 2022 Defense attorneys have argued Schurr was acting in self-defense the defense has called several current and retired GRPD officers to testify on how officers are trained Defense witnesses have testified Schurr acted within his training when he shot Lyoya A reasonable officer could perform in the same way in that situation," GRPD Capt an attorney representing the Lyoya family in a separate civil lawsuit against Schurr told media after Schurr's testimony that Lyoya was attempting to get away from the officer and that Schurr lacked justification in shooting Lyoya The family believes that nothing justifies him shooting Patrick Lyoya in the back of his head," Crump said Schurr was on the stand for close to three hours has allowed the jury to submit questions for witnesses including if Schurr would have been justified in deploying his Taser as soon as Lyoya tried running away Schurr testified he did not want to deploy the Taser while Lyoya was running because he could have fallen on concrete and suffered injury Outside the courthouse in downtown Grand Rapids which have become a common symbol of support for law enforcement Others held signs calling for justice for Lyoya a likely nod to the Black Lives Matter movement Lyoya's death sparked protests over police brutality and racial injustice in Grand Rapids including de-escalation training and emphasizing the "sanctity of life." "(Required)" indicates required fields Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" After wrapping up his spring tour with three nights at Cary, NC’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre Billy Strings used his time off between tours to give back by paying a visit to the young patients at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids “Blue Glass Studios became Blue Grass Studios yesterday as we welcomed [Billy Strings] and songwriter,” the hospital wrote in a social media post detailing Strings’ appearance welcomed their son last year who ended up in our NICU they knew they wanted to come back for a special visit “I really wanted to come play music to distract kids from going through a rough time,” Billy said He was a guest during one of the studios’ live shows hosted by our Music Therapists The visit was finished with mini-performances on each floor for taking the time to play some tunes and bring smiles to our patients Strings replied to the hospital’s post with gratitude of his own Hope to come back with the full band sometime 🪕 ❤️” Check out photos from Billy Strings’ visit to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids Strings is gearing up to help kick off Willie Nelson‘s traveling Outlaw Festival along with Bob Dylan, Sierra Hull, Lake Street Dive, and more. Find tickets and tour dates here A post shared by Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (@devoschildrens) Copyright © 2025 L4LM | Website by Computer Courage Grand Rapids’ first female mayor who served two terms in the city’s top position has been named assistant dean and chief external relations officer for Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Bliss will oversee communications and marketing government and hospital relations and industry partnerships for the college.“Rosalynn has a remarkable track record for partnership and using the mayor’s non-partisan position to improve the lives of people throughout the city and across the state,” said Aron Sousa Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Bliss will utilize the statewide relationships she built as mayor to lead the medical school’s external initiatives and further build upon hospital partnerships and community collaboration to enhance medical education clinical care and biomedical research throughout the state “The mission of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine aligns deeply with my personal values and lifelong work I understand the vital role the College of Human Medicine plays in shaping the future of health care and I am eager to contribute to further its impact,” said Bliss “Since the college opened in Grand Rapids I have had the privilege of collaborating with the college’s team and have seen firsthand their dedication to addressing health care disparities and improving community well-being,” she said “It will be an honor to contribute to this important work and be part of a team that shares a heart for service and a vision for transforming lives through education and community engagement." Before serving as mayor Bliss served as director of residential services at DA Blodgett-St providing emergency shelter and residential services for abused and neglected children She played a key role in the successful merger of St strengthening services and operational capacity and engaged with county and state leaders to promote legislative and systemic changes to help vulnerable youth and families Bliss is a native of Sault Sainte Marie and earned a master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University Bliss has served on many boards through the years including Downtown Development Authority National League of Cities Council on Youth She has been honored with several awards including U.S Conference of Mayors Small Business Advocate Award Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan West Michigan Public Relations Society of America’s Communicator of the Year Award and is a five-time recipient of Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty distinction."Rosalynn has a proven ability to work with community members and organizations in Grand Rapids and across the state with elected officials on both sides of the aisle,” said Sousa "Her work eliminating disparities to improve health outcomes - from lead poisoning prevention to affordable housing - resonates strongly with the college's mission If ever we moved from strength to strength as the baton passes from one person to the next we are witnessing that exchange now,” said Sousa Bliss takes over for Jerry Kooiman who is retiring May 1 Kooiman oversaw the transition of the College of Human Medicine headquarters to Grand Rapids and the opening of the $90M Secchia Center in 2010; the opening of new community campuses in Traverse City Southfield and Detroit; the development of the Grand Rapids Innovation Park; and the formation of the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health in Flint Kooiman served as an elected official from Grand Rapids (Kent County Commissioner and State Representative) for 12 years Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for 170 years One of the world’s leading public research universities MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery to make a better healthier world for all while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 400 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges Game 2: Texas Stars at Grand Rapids Griffins Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster The Stars picked up a win last Tuesday to kick the series off The Griffins had Sebastian Cossa in goal to start and he allowed all four Texas goals on 19 shots he faced Jack Campbell came in relief of Cossa and stopped all 11 shots he faced for Grand Rapids Blumel-Hughes-LindMcKenzie-Hryckowian-RomanoPettersen-Hyry-WheatcroftScott-Becker-SeminoffTaylor-KrysKarow-CapobiancoLooft-BergslandPoirierHellberg Soderblom-Danielson-WatsonDries-Lombardi-ShineSnively-Becher-Gettinger Finnie-Seger-Brandsegg-NygardWallinder-Johansson Rafferty-Sandin-PellikkaBuium-DidierCossaCampbell and Matej Blumel lead the Stars in points with two and Emilio Pettersen each scored goals in game one Hughes and Blumel lead in assists with two each Capobianco and Luke Krys are both plus-two entering tonight’s game two the Griffins don’t have anyone with any points and Dominik Shine are even in plus/minus after game one Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email Boston Bruins prospect Dans Locmelis has left the Providence Bruins to join Team Latvia for the World Championships in Sweden and Denmark Locmelis signed a three-year entry-level contract with Boston on April 1 and immediately made an impact with Providence by contributing three goals and nine assists in six […] – Playoff hockey returned once again to Van Andel Arena on Tuesday The Texas Stars made the trip up for their first postseason matchup to take on the Grand Rapids Griffins as both teams were ready to take to the ice it would seem that the Stars at night would be […] AHL Playoff Preview: Charlotte Checkers at Providence Bruins with Line Combinations 5/4/2025 As federal regulators move to review rules on independent contractors some state lawmakers in Michigan are pushing legislation to toughen state requirements and penalties for willful violations by companies using the workers Senate Bill 6 and 7 would limit the ability of employers to use independent contractors and increase penalties for companies that intentionally misclassify employees aims to address payroll fraud and protect workers in the state “I want to be very clear: This is to go after those who are misclassifying people as independent contractors here in the state,” Sen told the Senate Labor Committee during testimony last week and it’s about protecting Michigan workers and taxpayers alike every Michigander deserves to know that our economy rewards hard work and not corner cutting by bad actors,” Hertel said we all pay the price whether you’re a worker who’s having a paycheck that is shortchanged a contractor trying to fairly win a bid against someone who disregards the rules or a taxpayer who is forced to foot the bill for all of that at the end of the day.”  The legislation would require employers to disclose wage information for similar employees within 30 days of another employee’s request strengthen civil penalties for wage theft from the current 10% to 100% of the wages and benefits give employees triple their wages in damages The legislation also would increase misdemeanor and felony criminal penalties for wage theft with a tiered system that’s similar to the state’s embezzlement law The bills drew strong opposition from small business advocates in Lansing who worry that they would create a burden for employers who follow existing rules “NFIB and its members believe that employers should absolutely follow labor laws and pay their employees accordingly,” Amanda Fisher state director for the Michigan office of the National Federation of Independent Businesses said in May 1 testimony to the Senate Labor Committee we have to watch and make sure that we don’t make it even more difficult for them to follow the law by being confusing or unclear and that we also are actually just holding bad actors accountable rather than increasing regulations because if you’re a bad actor you’re going figure out how to get around those regulations All you’re going to do is really hurt people that are legitimately trying to follow the law.”  vice president of business advocacy at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce urged lawmakers to avoid unintended consequences with the legislation “We believe in a strong civil enforcement system (and) more public awareness about the state’s wage infringed benefit laws you’re talking about throwing business leaders in prison for upwards of 20 years and it isn’t clear who would be guilty of these violations,” Block said “I just really think that those provisions need to be rethought and to be more narrowly drafted.”  Hertel said the bills as presently written are a work-in-progress Proponents of the legislation have been “working on a substitute over the last few weeks with stakeholders,” Hertel said We are trying to make sure that we go after those who are actually bad actors and who are misclassifying people here in the state,” Hertel said “We’re going to continue those conversations in the coming days and I think we can get to a good product for all.”  Department of Labor last week issued new guidance for determining whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act The Department of Labor directed agency investigators not to apply a 2024 rule’s analysis in current enforcement matters The rule is presently under review and the subject of a federal court challenge “This guidance does not change existing regulations but reflects how the department is allocating enforcement resources during the review of the 2024 rule,” the Labor Department stated