EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—The search is on for a new judge to preside over Michigan’s 17th Circuit Court in Kent County.

Chief Judge Robert Redford is leaving his post to become the chief legal counsel for the governor’s executive office.  Governor Snyder chose Redford to replace Judge Mike Gadola, who was recently appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals. 

Snyder also named Rep. John Walsh his director of strategy.

“It’s essential to have such talented individuals who have a passion for helping the people of our state and the vision and expertise to craft policy and build relationships that will help us accelerate our state’s dramatic comeback and work to keep moving Michigan forward,” Snyder said. “I know I’ve found the right people in Rep. Walsh and Judge Redford.”

KENT COUNTY, Mich.—Kent District Library is ordering a second round of its popular series for beer lovers.

KD aLe will return Monday, Dec. 8 with a home brewing workshop by Edward Long from Siciliano’s Market.  Long will outline the basics of brewing during his visit to the Sand Lake/Nelson Township branch.  The home brewing workshop schedule is as follows:

WYOMING, Mich.—This week, community members will weigh in on new plans for a Wyoming park destroyed by a tornado nearly six months ago.

On July 6, an EF1 tornado carved a path through Byron Center, Wyoming, Kentwood and Grand Rapids, battering homes and businesses and causing catastrophic damage to Ideal Park.  City officials say the twister destroyed the park’s playgrounds and ripped apart nearly 98 percent of its trees. Since then, city workers have begun the long process of removing the debris and making repairs. Now city leaders are looking to community members to help shape a new master plan for the park.