ARC West Michigan

08/27/2026

Much like the old factory at 225 Parsons Street, the guitar-making process at Heritage Guitar hasn’t changed much since the early 1900’s: https://bit.ly/3UawA7j

The factory was previously home to Gibson Guitar in Kalamazoo’s northside from 1917-1984. The Kalamazoo-founded company grew rapidly during its decades on Parsons Street, before eventually moving operations to a manufacturing plant in Nashville, Tenn.

Gibson executive Jim Deurloo and others stayed behind, banding together, and strumming up a plan for a new company on a placemat at a local restaurant.

“This is arguably one of the most famous guitar building locations in the world,” Pete Farmer, Heritage master builder, said.

Heritage was officially founded in the same factory that was once home to Gibson in 1985, just a year after Gibson’s move to the Music City.

08/27/2026

A year ago in August, a woman driving through Battle Creek stopped at a stop sign and heard crying. It was coming from a plastic bag tied shut on the shoulder of Morgan Road. Inside was a puppy, barely alive, that rescuers believe had been thrown from a moving car: https://bit.ly/4qG45Kz

That was Aug. 13, 2025. By the time he reached help, the puppy, soon named Ozzy, had maybe an hour left to live, according to rescuers.

Then, not long after, a second puppy was found dead along M-66. DNA testing has since confirmed what was suspected. The two pups came from the same litter.

One year later, no one has ever been identified in connection with the crime, according to Sophia DiPietro, co-founder and executive director of All Species Kinship (A.S.K.), the Battle Creek nonprofit that's cared for Ozzy since.

Michigan State Police data shows reported animal cruelty cases statewide climbed from 123 in 2017 to 913 in 2023.

Kalamazoo County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Getting, who has no connection to the Ozzy case, has said penalties for offenders can range from 93 days in jail to four years in prison, depending on severity.

DiPietro says what happened to Ozzy is the most visible example of the reality A.S.K. sees every week.

08/27/2026

Good Morning Minute📱

Meta reached a landmark $17 billion settlement Wednesday with 47 states over allegations that Facebook and Instagram harmed children and teens, ending a closely watched trial over social media addiction.

The proposed agreement, which remains subject to court approval, would require Meta to make wide-ranging changes to its platforms for users under 18. Those include a default two-hour daily time limit that only a parent can lift, a block on overnight use between midnight and 6 a.m., and restrictions on push notifications during weekday school hours and from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Meta said the two-hour cap would apply cumulatively across Facebook and Instagram, including for users the company detects have multiple accounts. The company would also send teens prompts after 15 minutes of continuous screen time and when their total use reaches 60 and 90 minutes in a day.

Your Morning Minute with Kirk Mason

08/27/2026

The floor of a church building collapsed Thursday morning after it caught fire Wednesday night: https://bit.ly/4cNQUBF

Grand Rapids Fire Department (GRFD) crews have been responding to a fire at a 141-year-old secondary building of Christian Reformed Church near southeast Sheldon Boulevard and southeast Oakes Street for about seven hours after it ignited Wednesday night around 11 p.m.

By 6 a.m. Thursday, GRFD Battalion Chief Kathleen Thompson said they contained about 90% of the fire. A total of 19 fire crews responded after multiple alarms came in just before 11 p.m., one person even going to GRFD to pound on the door and alert them.

The fire department is close by and crews responded within minutes of the alarms, Thompson said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

08/27/2026

According to MiDOCS, there is a primary care shortage in 74 of Michigan's 83 counties, with nearly one in three people lacking regular access, particularly in rural areas.

A new effort in the Michigan House seeks to bring more doctors to the state and put them in areas they're needed most, amid a growing primary care shortage.

08/27/2026

While Plainwell city leaders haven't yet approved Bex Farms' concrete plant construction at the corner of 8th Street and Miller Road, residents are raising concerns.

Neighbors have brought concerns to city council over the heavy industry close to their homes.

08/27/2026

Traffic stops may be routine for Michigan State Police (MSP), but troopers say they can quickly become dangerous for everyone involved.
So what should you do when you get pulled over?: https://bit.ly/4gEA1e1

08/26/2026

What was planned as a celebration of Dolly Parton’s music, career and philanthropy will now open as a tribute to her life.

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery in Grand Rapids is set to open its 2026 corn maze Sept. 1, featuring a design honoring Parton, who died Tuesday at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer.

MORE DETAILS: https://bit.ly/4y9AKLn

08/26/2026

The 15-year-old was shot in the leg at Candlewyck Apartments on Monday night, according to Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.
STORY: https://bit.ly/4y2QvDy

08/26/2026

Police released the name of a 30-year-old woman shot and killed over the weekend and are offering a reward for information about who killed her.