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Crash on I-96 causes traffic backup

KENT COUNTY, Mich. (WZZM)- Traffic is backing up on eastbound I-96 just past the U.S. 131 interchange in Kent County.

WZZM 13 General Manager Janet Mason reports multiple vehicles crashed there around 8:30 a.m. She says emergency crews are responding.

There's no word on injuries.

Stay with WZZM13.com for updates on this developing story.

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Democrats bitter over Schmidt's GOP switch

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- Republican leaders say they are glad to see State Representative Roy Schmidt join their party for his re-election race in the 76th District, but Michigan and Kent County Democrats say his switch on the filing deadline day is "dishonest" and "desperate."

Schmidt, a long-time moderate Democrat who previously served as a non-partisan Grand Rapids city commissioner, announced his switch to the GOP late Tuesday. In an statement emailed to WZZM 13's Peter Ross, Schmidt said he will still be dedicated to serving Grand Rapids, not partisan politics.

"The simple truth is, extreme Democratic Party bosses like Mark Brewer are unwilling to listen to ideas or accept my positions on issues that matter to me and Grand Rapids," Schmidt said in the statement.

Brewer, who is chairman of the state Democratic Party, issued his own statement on Schmidt's switch late Tuesday, saying the move was a "desperate, craven deed."

Target gets a New Look

Target gets a New Look

Recently I noticed a lot of equipment in the parking lot adjacent to the Target store located in Greenridge Mall on Alpine Ave NW.

Today I spoke to Melissa, one of the store managers, and she told me the store is going through a complete makeover, both inside and outside and this store is the second one in the Grand Rapids area to have this done.

Once the renovations are completed at the end of June, the store will have a completely new painted look on the outside and the inside will have a new design. The store will be carrying a limited amount of fresh produce along with more coolers for refrigerated products and lots of new shelving designs throughout the store.

Awards Ceremony at Kenowa Hills High

Awards Ceremony at Kenowa Hills High

Friday, May 18th marks the date for the Awards Ceremony at Kenowa Hills High School.

This is an exciting time for both students and parents alike, to be rewarded for all the hard work that goes along being a good student.

The ceremony will be held in the Performing Arts Center in the High School at 7:45am.

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Man arrested for 2011 murder in Walker

WALKER, Mich. (WZZM) - Walker Police say that an arrest has been made in a murder from over one year ago.

Jamie Lee Powell was found shot to death in her Old Orchard Apartment on March 5, 2011.

Karl Corneilous Cotton, Jr. of Benton Harbor has been charged and arraigned on Open Murder in 59th District Court.  He is currently in the Kent County Jail.

We'll have more details as they become available.

UPDATE: Fire extinguished in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM)- If you saw a black column of smoke in the air in northwest Grand Rapids today firefighters say you can blame it on a glorified dumpster fire.

It happened around 5:30 p.m. at Enterprise Iron and Metal near Alpine Ave. and Ann Street.

Viewer David Gray says workers at the yard were pushing a pile of scrap metal when something exploded and caught fire.

Firefighters say the smoke came from the trash mixed in with the metal. The fire was out within 20 minutes..

K-9 Caberet benefitting the Humane Society of West Michigan

K-9 Caberet benefitting the Humane Society of West Michigan

News Release:

Thursday May 17 is the K-9 Cabaret!!

This brand-new event for Humane Society of West Michigan is designed to bring our community together to have fun and support the animals of West Michigan!

This year's event will honor the Grand Rapids Police Department's K-9 Unit. One of the K-9 dogs (and their handler) will be present at the event to accept the award signifying their work in the community!

We invite everyone to this event to bid on terrific auction items, enjoy fabulous food and learn how important animals are to our community! Auction items include autographed sports memorabilia, a Coach purse, a Brinkman 4-burner grill, U of M football tickets and more!!!

Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door.