http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/Latest News & OpinionenTue, 14 Jul 2009 07:33:25 PDTMovable Type Enterprise 1.52 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/noLatest News & Opinionsoutheast_advancehttp://feedburner.google.comhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/TwgCnArxn0w/river_retreat.htmlSoutheast AdvanceAdvance NewspapersTue, 14 Jul 2009 07:33:25 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3231692 ]]>Brian FordeKevin Bloem, 32, of Alto, kayaks last week along the Thornapple River on his way to meet up with friends, who were tubing further upstream....http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/river_retreat.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/BP8u5-eSg9I/kentwood_school_district_adopt.htmlSoutheast AdvanceAliciaMarie BelchakTue, 14 Jul 2009 07:31:25 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3231680 ]]>Expecting big cuts in state funding, the Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education adopted a lean budget for the 2009-10 school year at its last meeting, preserving a fund balance of $9.5 million. The board also revised last year's budget...http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/kentwood_school_district_adopt.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/pbCC39MdcNA/church_finds_buyer_for_68th_st.htmlSoutheast AdvanceKeith EssenburgTue, 14 Jul 2009 07:23:04 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3231649 ]]>An official at Cornerstone Church in Gaines Township said the recent sale of the church to an Ada congregation is the last step in Cornerstone's plans to move to a new facility on 84th Street SE....http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/church_finds_buyer_for_68th_st.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/p7W_-r1HPuc/food_pantry_donations_go_down.htmlSoutheast AdvanceKristin DykemaTue, 14 Jul 2009 07:19:52 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3231634 ]]>Brian FordeVolunteer Don Smith packs boxes with food and other items at the Dutton Community Food Pantry, located in the lower level of Redeemer Covenant Church at 6951 Hanna Lake Ave. The Dutton Community Food Pantry has been serving area...http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/food_pantry_donations_go_down.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/vzXr5PNcxTg/barber_school_due_for_repairs.htmlSoutheast AdvanceKristin DykemaTue, 14 Jul 2009 07:11:40 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3231571 ]]>Caledonia Historic Commission members say the Barber School is in need of repair. Commission member Kris Apol recently asked the Township Board to allow the township building official to inspect the school and create a list of needed repairs and...http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/barber_school_due_for_repairs.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/6ZuH9TI3xvY/tower_of_flowers.htmlSoutheast AdvanceAdvance NewspapersTue, 14 Jul 2009 07:03:48 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3231514 ]]>Brian FordeYucca plants put in the ground about five years ago at Ascension Lutheran Church, 2627 44th St. SE, are making a climb to the heavens, with some of the flower stalks nearing 7 feet tall this summer. The plants...http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/tower_of_flowers.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/08WoUT2EqLg/caledonia_men_charged_in_may_h.htmlSoutheast AdvanceAdvance NewspapersTue, 14 Jul 2009 06:56:26 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3231422 ]]>Three Caledonia men were charged last week with home invasion after being identified through video surveillance....http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/caledonia_men_charged_in_may_h.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/vW_QwRxxjGA/celebrating_dutton.htmlSoutheast AdvanceAdvance NewspapersTue, 14 Jul 2009 06:55:32 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3231412 ]]>The community of Dutton recently held its annual Dutton Days festival, complete with a horse-drawn trolley, craft show, a full slate of bands and many activities for the families who attended. Above, the first Dutton Drive-in car show was a...http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/celebrating_dutton.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/RrOJ8pgyXb0/throwing_one_over.htmlSoutheast AdvanceAdvance NewspapersMon, 06 Jul 2009 12:54:25 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3174076 ]]>Casey Shillito, 19, of Kentwood, trains for her upcoming track and field season at Hillsdale College by throwing the javelin. She was training at Explorer Elementary School in Kentwood....http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/throwing_one_over.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/Y__w0x6RRmc/caledonia_families_seek_splash.htmlSoutheast AdvanceKristin DykemaMon, 06 Jul 2009 12:52:37 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3174051 ]]>Some Caledonia residents are hoping to see a skate park, water activities, and trail improvements included in the five-year plan for their parks and recreation facilities. Three residents recently suggested the addition of a skate park and public pool or...http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/caledonia_families_seek_splash.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/Ubjwywo_dOI/board_appoints_former_teacher.htmlSoutheast AdvanceAdvance NewspapersMon, 06 Jul 2009 12:48:41 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3173979 ]]>The Caledonia Historic Commission has a new member. The Township Board recently appointed resident Ken Gackler to fill a vacant seat on the commission. He replaces Betty White, who recently resigned after retiring from her teaching job with plans to...http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/board_appoints_former_teacher.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/Kfrs-KpjoV4/davenport_students_take_top_aw.htmlSoutheast AdvanceAdvance NewspapersMon, 06 Jul 2009 12:46:22 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3173949 ]]>Twenty-six Davenport University students recently attended the Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference in Dallas, with each student finishing the competition in the top 10 and some placing in multiple categories. Davenport University students recently earned nine first-place awards...http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/davenport_students_take_top_aw.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/WMvWJJxPH2E/kentwood_seeks_residents_input.htmlSoutheast AdvanceAdvance NewspapersMon, 06 Jul 2009 12:32:56 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3173841 ]]>The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking residents' opinions about parks and recreation options in the city. They are hoping to use the information to assist them in putting together a five-year plan to prepare for the future. Residents...http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/kentwood_seeks_residents_input.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/SfDyXnvZ4AA/church_honors_pastor_as_he_ste.htmlSoutheast AdvanceKeith EssenburgMon, 06 Jul 2009 12:30:50 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3173820 ]]>Keith EssenburgThe Rev. H. Calvin Patterson and his wife, Ruby, will be honored July 12 during special services at New Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church. Patterson has been a pastor for more than 30 years. The Rev. H. Calvin Patterson was...http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/church_honors_pastor_as_he_ste.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/s0cQAqnag8E/practice_makes_perfect_1.htmlSoutheast AdvancemsrusselMon, 06 Jul 2009 11:56:50 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3173609 ]]>Brian Forde Caledonia resident Emma Smith, 6, practices her tennis swing while her brother John, 8, watches during YMCA tennis lessons held at Duncan Lake Middle School last week....http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/practice_makes_perfect_1.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/southeast_advance/~3/0VUG2pJthyk/teen_with_leukemia_inspires_sa.htmlSoutheast AdvanceHerb WoerpelMon, 06 Jul 2009 11:55:06 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2009:/southeastadvance/index.ssf//2457.3173603 ]]>T.J. Bertjes Through her work as a clinical support associate at Spectrum Health, Mandy Crawford has dealt with thousands of patients in need of various forms of medical care. None has inspired her as much as 16-year-old T.J. Bertjes. Bertjes,...http://www.mlive.com/southeastadvance/index.ssf/2009/07/teen_with_leukemia_inspires_sa.htmlnonadult