Man charged in intoxicated driving crash that killed girlfriend

Submitted by John Hogan on Saturday, November 21st, 1:08 pm

LOWELL, Mich. (WZZM) -- A Lowell man has been charged with intoxicated driving causing death following an August crash on Vergennes Road SE that killed his girlfriend.

Brian Daniel Welch Jr., 22, was intoxicated when his Ford Taurus left the road on Aug. 19 and struck a tree, court records show. His front-seat passenger was killed.

A blood draw indicated the presence of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, in his system, according to records in 63rd District Court.Police said Welch does not have a medical marijuana card.

Welch appeared in court Friday for a probable cause hearing on the felony charge. A preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 30.

The crash on Vergennes near Alden Nash Avenue SE was discovered about 7 a.m. by a Grand Rapids police officer who happened upon the scene.

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Submitted by Cheri Mikowski, WZZM Receptionist & Community Blogger

Wednesday, November 18th, 2015, 5:42pm

The Flat River Outreach Ministries invites Lowell residents the opportunity to visit the Food-mobile this Saturday.

With the holidays just around the corner, Lowell area residents are invited to bring a box for free food, mostly produce. Flat River Outreach Ministries located at 11535 Fulton Street in Lowell will showcase the Food-mobile starting at 10:00am on Saturday, November 21 until the food is gone.

Call: (616)897-8260 for more information.

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Submitted by WZZM13, News Staff

Wednesday, November 11th, 2015, 3:10am

LOWELL, Mich. (WZZM) -- Lowell High School is among the top 100 finalists in a national competition for $100,000. It's sponsored by State Farm Insurance.

A portion of the money would be used to educate students on safe driving habits under a program called "Drive 2N2." The idea is to drive with two hands on the wheel and two eyes on the road.

District officials say any money not used for the driver safety program would be divided equally between the arts, technology, and athletics.

Teachers, coaches, and advisors at the high school are eligible to apply for grants in those areas. Two years ago, Lowell High School won $25,000, which funded 13 grants at the high school.

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Submitted by Cheri Mikowski, WZZM Receptionist & Community Blogger

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2015, 4:35pm

For the 6th year in a row, the community can come together for the annual Turkey Trot taking place at the beautiful Wittenbach/Wege Center in Lowell

Family members or individuals should register soon to lace up their athletic shoes and put one foot in front of the other this Saturday, November 7 starting at 9am.

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Submitted by Cheri Mikowski, WZZM Receptionist & Community Blogger

Tuesday, October 20th, 2015, 2:07pm

GRAAA offers Final Veen Observatory Public Night

The Grand Rapids Amateur Astrological Association invite the public to experience the amazing night sky for the last time until next April. This is the opportunity to view a close-up of craters on the moon, the rings around Saturn and other night sky objects through several large & fully equipped telescopes.

Don’t miss the final public observing night on Saturday, October 24 from 7:30pm – 10:00pm for the opportunity to see Uranus, Neptune & Gibbous Moon.

Public Observing Night takes place at the James C. Veen Observatory located at 3308 Kissing Rock Ave. SE in Lowell Township. These Observing Nights are brought to you by the Grand Rapids Amateur Astrological Association.

Note: The Parking area is at the bottom of a quarter mile uphill walk. Ask parking lot attendant about available assistance. Public Observing Nights take place only when skies are clear on Saturday evening.

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Submitted by Cheri Mikowski, WZZM Receptionist & Community Blogger

Friday, October 9th, 2015, 7:00am

GRAAA Offers Public Observing Saturday Night

The Grand Rapids Amateur Astrological Association invite the public to experience the amazing night sky the 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month through October 24. This is the opportunity to view a close-up of craters on the moon, the rings around Saturn and other night sky objects through several large & fully equipped telescopes.

The current public observing night is Saturday, October 10 from 7:30pm – 10:00pm with the opportunity to see Uranus, Neptune, Cluster’s & Galaxies. The 2015 Schedule is pictured below showing there is one remaining Public Observing Night left after this Saturday for the year.

Public Observing Night takes place at the James C. Veen Observatory located at 3308 Kissing Rock Ave. SE in Lowell Township brought to you by the Grand Rapids Amateur Astrological Association.

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Submitted by Cheri Mikowski, WZZM Receptionist & Community Blogger

Tuesday, October 6th, 2015, 1:10pm

Kent Harvest Trails through the Month of October

October is upon us and it’s that favorite time of year to experience the incredible flavors of fall. There are 20 farms throughout Kent County participating and it’s a great family opportunity to visit these farms & farm markets.

At The Barn - 8183 Herrington Avenue NE, Belmont, MI

Blok Orchard - 6365 4 Mile Road NE, Ada, MI

Bos Greenhouse & Farm- 1674 Spaulding Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm - 3025 6 Mile Road NW, Grand Rapids, MI