Grand rising, West Michigan. Grand Haven state park has been rated top 25 beaches in the country once again, and I think we are all well aware of the reasons why. The genie is out of the bottle, and there’s no putting it back in. Let's be thankful for the chance to live in such a stunning environment and seize the summer days that lie ahead.

Happy early Mother’s Day shoutout to all of you moms out there! ❤️ 

In today’s Lakeshore Current:

• Portage Tornado

• Craft Beer and Trout 🍺🐟️ 

• West Michigan with modest growth

• Live Music Low Down

Let’s dive in

— Courtland Stansberry

THE DIGEST

Clean up continues after tornado in Portage area

Cleanup efforts are underway in Pavilion Township, Michigan after a tornado struck the Portage area, destroying buildings and knocking down power lines and trees. Despite significant damage, no fatalities were reported. Around 15 to 17 homes in the Pavilion Estates mobile home park were destroyed, with 16 to 20 people sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.

West Michigan economy continues modest growth

A survey conducted by Grand Valley researcher Brian Long shows modest economic growth in West Michigan, with key metrics ticking upwards for the third straight month. Despite the positive trend, some respondents approached the second quarter with caution. The survey revealed that new orders and production indices rose in April, indicating continued momentum in industries like auto parts suppliers and office furniture manufacturers. More info here.

Ottawa County voters approve operating cash proposals for 5 school districts

In a special election on May 7, voters in Ottawa County approved operating millage requests for five school districts to fund day-to-day operations. Michigan school districts must levy 18 mills on non-homestead property to receive full per-student funding from the state. Hudsonville, West Ottawa, Zeeland, and Grand Haven districts in Ottawa County, along with Hamilton schools in Allegan County, passed measures. More info on proposals and school districts here.

@LAKESHORECURRENT

LOCAL BUSINESS

Saugatuck Brewing partners with DNR

The DNR will use the funds raised from Rainbow Rodeo IPA to support water conservation efforts, invasive species control, fish population growth, and sustainable fishing. The beer was chosen for its emphasis on water quality, as reflected in the cowgirl riding a fish on the packaging. The brewing company, retailers, and distributors will lead the donations, but the campaign is open to contributions from the public until Sept. 30 by texting "RODEO" to 80888. Now let’s figure out how we fry some pan fish in Rainbow Rodeo beer batter!

Beefy’s Burger Shack in Spring Lake to close

Beefy’s Burger Shack in Spring Lake has announced its plans to close at the end of this week. “It is with great sadness that we announce the closing of Beefy’s Burger Shack at its current location,” the restaurant owners posted on Facebook on Monday. I’m going to miss that Mighty Mac-Kinac Burger. More on it here.

Erica June Baking to open in Saugatuck this weekend

Erica June Baking Co. is debuting a new storefront in downtown Saugatuck at 435 Water St., showcasing a delectable array of baked goods and specialty coffees starting at 8:30 a.m. Owner Erica White has honed her recipes in a commercial kitchen in Fennville, now ready to serve customers daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with extended hours on Wednesdays for Music in the Park celebrations.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN

Muskegon

5/9 Music Trivia night at Wonderland Distillery 7-9pm

5/9 & 5/11 Muskegon Farmers Market 8am-2pm

5/10 Comedy night at The Lotus Room 7pm

5/10 & 5/11 Rhapsody in Blue at Frauenthal Center 730pm

5/11 Lakeside Shop Hop 

5/12 Lake Bluff Grille Mother’s Day Buffet 

Grand Haven

5/10 Yoga & Live music at Wildflower Yoga Studio 6-7pm

5/10 Friday Matinee at Loutit Library 6-830pm

5/11 Farmers Market 8am-1pm

Holland

5/7-5/10 Tulip Time Flower Show at the Holland Armory

5/7-5/12 Tulip Time Carnival at Civic Center Lot 4pm-10pm

5/11 Spring Market at Fellowship Reformed Church 9am-3:30pm

WEATHER

Thursday

59 🌡️ 47 | 🌧️  | 91% | 💨 ENE 13 mph (11 knots)

Friday

59 🌡️ 50 | 🌤️ | 9% | 💨 NW 12 mph (10 knots)

Saturday

58 🌡️ 46 | ⛅️ | 25% | 💨 NW 15 mph (13 knots)

Sunday

62 🌡️ 54 | 🌤️ | 20% | 💨 SSW 8 mph (7 knots)

Monday

66 🌡️ 53 | 🌤️ | 62% | 💨 SW 9 mph (8 knots)

LIVE MUSIC

Thursday

Central Wesleyan Church I The Texas Tenors I 7pm

Lucy’s I Kyle Brown I 7pm

Hiway Inn I Dave Burel I 6-9pm

Grand Armory I Brian Fedenoa I 630pm

Friday

The Starlight Room I Samuel Nalangira Band I 7:30pm

Lucy’s I Tommy Pancy I 7pm

Eagles 925 I Boomerang I 8pm

Oddside Ales I Grant Milliren I 8-11pm

Grand Armory I Reverend Jesse Ray I 6:30pm

Itty Bitty Bar I After Party I 9pm

Central Wesleyan Church I Scotty McCreery I 7pm

Saturday

Pincrest Bar & Lanes I Roger Gonda I 7pm

The Starlight Room I Earth Radio I 7pm

Rake Beer Project I eRoy, Floppy Drive & Arcadian Sound I 8pm

Lucy’s I John Voelz I 7pm

Eagles 925 I Group Therapy I 8pm

Grand Armory I Sweet Lou & The Savages I 630pm

Kirby House I Jake vs Jayk I 9pm

Village Inn I The BOM I 730pm

Itty Bitty Bar I Trixy Tang I 9pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I Decades I 8pm

Sunday

Rad Dad’s I “Mom”osas, Bouquets, & Music 11am-6pm

Lucy’s I Sax Sundays I 5-7pm

Oddside Ales I Scott Pellegrom I 5-730pm

SPORTS

5/10 Houston Astros at Detroit Tigers 5:40pm

5/11 Houston Astros at Detroit Tigers 5:10pm

5/12 Houston Astros at Detroit Tigers 12:40pm

5/13 Miami Marlins at Detroit Tigers 5:40pm

Past results

5/8 Detroit Tigers lost 4-5 to Cleveland Guardians

THANKS!

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