Reinventing the worker: Despite many unemployed in Michigan, some companies struggle to find qualified applicants
By Ted Roelofs | The Grand Rapids Press | November 01, 2009, 7:00AM
At $32 an hour, the position at Saint Mary’s Health Care pays well enough. And, in a brutal economy, one might expect the job posting to last about as long as a Detroit Lions winning streak. […] [Lori] Davis has two years at Central Michigan University in her resume, plus courses at Grand Rapids Community College. At the GM plant, she developed leadership and training skills as she conducted classes in safety, hazard management and forklift driving. (More)
Individuals honored for assisting victims of domestic violence
By MEGAN SCHMIDT | The Holland Sentinel | Posted Nov 01, 2009
Holland, MI — For Kent County District Court Judge Sara Smolenski, the murder of a colleague 20 years ago highlighted the injustice domestic violence victims face in the court system. When Judge Carol Irons was killed by her husband in 1989, the jury convicted her husband, a former police officer, of manslaughter, punishable by a maximum 15-year prison term. […] Deputy Christine VanDam, Allegan County Sheriff’s Office] is a graduate of Grand Rapids Community College and started her career with the Saugatuck-Douglas Police Department. After living for two years in China, she returned to the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office where she also worked road patrol. (More)
Nancy Crawley: Meet two laid-off Michigan workers who refused to be left behind
By Nancy Crawley | The Grand Rapids Press | November 01, 2009, 5:41AM
When you hear the stories of these former Grand Rapids factory workers, you are reminded of the old definition of courage: Grace under pressure. Rosie Jones and Dennis Rider were Steelcase employees in their late 40s when their panel-plant jobs were shipped out of the country. […] In 2007, he opted for automotive technician training at Grand Rapids Community College. At the time, dealerships were growing and mechanics were in demand, he said. No Worker Left Behind funds have to go toward training for jobs in demand. (More)
GRCC wins rematch against Harper College, advances to division finals
By Gary Bond | The Grand Rapids Press | October 31, 2009, 9:10PM
GRAND RAPIDS — The Grand Rapids Community College-Harper College sequel featured the same plot, and it led to the similar result Saturday at Houseman Field. The Raiders’ defense, which did not allow an offensive touchdown in last week’s win against Harper, kept the Hawks out of the end zone again Saturday to snag a 35-0 victory in the first round of playoffs. (More)
Rob Bliss attracts thousands of zombies: Zombie Walk event had appox. 10,000 participants
WOOD TV | Saturday, 31 Oct 2009, 3:23 PM EDT
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – The stormy weather Friday night didn’t keep thousands of zombies from taking over downtown Grand Rapids. (More)
Thousands of zombies march in Grand Rapids
Phil Dawson | Updated:10/31/2009 12:52:39 AM
GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WZZM) – The rain stopped just long enough Friday night for thousands of zombies to swarm into the streets of downtown Grand Rapids. Event organizer Rob Bliss hoped to get close to 5,000 participants to reclaim the world record for largest zombie walk. A count is not yet available. (More)
Rain unable to stop Grand Rapids Zombie Walk, estimated 8,000 invade downtown
By Rachael Recker The Grand Rapids Press | October 30, 2009, 10:38PM
GRAND RAPIDS — Rob Bliss’s zombies are no fair-weather Facebook friends. Despite high winds and whipping rain, an estimated 8,000 or so dedicated souls flooded Calder Plaza on Friday evening to limp around a city block, jump to thumping electronic music and attempt to secure the Guinness World Record for largest gathering of zombies. (More)
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