GRANDVILLE, Mich. – Grandville-based First United Credit Union backing the Kent District Library’s campaign to replenish its budget.

Through the Genre Derby, KDL hopes to raise $10,000 for digital and physical books. That’s just a fraction of the $300,000 that’s been slashed from the library’s budget since 2013.

“Our overall budget has been cut by over $2 million in the past three years from changes in tax valuation and personal property tax,” explained KDL Development Manager Linda Krombeen. 

Despite the cuts, KDL is using technology and restructuring to avoid laying off staff.

The Genre Derby allows patrons to direct donations to the type of books they read most. First United Credit Union is pledging to match 50 percent of all donor gifts during the Genre Derby, up to $1,500.

WYOMING, Mich.--    The City of Wyoming is asking for residents to help clear street drains and catch basins as rain moves into West Michigan. 

The drains need to be clear of ice and other materials so rainwater and melting snow can flow into them.  Blocked drains could lead to significant street flooding.

Catch basins are located along curb lines, most often near corners and low points on the street.  For more information, contact the city at (616) 530-7272.

WYOMING, Mich.—The Michigan Supreme Court is siding with a registered medical marijuana user who wants to have Wyoming’s medical marijuana ordinance voided.

The ordinance banned the cultivation and use of medical marijuana, threatening civil violations as punishment.

John Ter Beek wanted to grow and use marijuana for medical purposes in his home and argued state law protects people like him from punishment.   A lower court sided with the City of Wyoming, saying a federal law prohibiting marijuana usage preempted the state law allowing medical marijuana.  When Ter Beek appealed the decision, the Court of Appeals reversed the ruling.