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Disaster Response

Ryan Penny's
3707 Northridge Dr Nw, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Contractor's Bio

Water Damage Restoration in East Grand Rapids, MI

Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.

Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Aquinas College in East Grand Rapids to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in East Grand Rapids, MI is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.

Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in East Grand Rapids. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.

Disaster Review

What Our Clients Are Saying

Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:

insurance claim process
Navigating the insurance claim process

We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.

quality completion
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion

We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.

You might also be thinking about:

safety and health

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

assessment

Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.

expenses

Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.

structural

Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.

Protecting

Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.

You might also be thinking
might also be thinking
Minimizing

Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.

trustworthy

Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.

Ensuring

Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.

updates

Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.

involved

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

At Disaster Response

At Disaster Response, It's All About You

Like Meyer May House in East Grand Rapids, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in East Grand Rapids.

Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.

We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.

The Disaster Response Difference

number-one

Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes

In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.

number-two

Insurance Advocacy

Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

number-three

Satisfaction Guaranteed

We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.

Disaster-Response Difference
Disaster Owner

Ryan Penny's

Disaster Response

Disaster Response Introducing Disaster Response: The Premier Choice for Emergency Clean-Up**

At Disaster 911, we're elevating the standard with ( Disaster Response ), our trusted go-to contractor for emergency clean-up services. While others may settle for the status quo, ( Disaster Response ) takes an innovative approach to restoration.

From water and fire damage to mold remediation, ( Disaster Response ) doesn't just follow industry norms-they set new ones. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that ( Disaster Response ) exceeds expectations, delivering cutting-edge solutions for your emergency needs.

When you choose Disaster 911 and ( Disaster Response ), you're opting for a dynamic partnership that prioritizes effective, next-level recovery. Don't settle for the ordinary-when disaster strikes, choose the best in emergency response.

3707 Northridge Dr Nw, Grand Rapids, MI 49544

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Guide-Water-Damage.png

Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in East Grand Rapids, MI

Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.

As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Commonwealth Senior Living at East Paris in East Grand Rapids for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.

What Makes Our Water Damage Company in East Grand Rapids, MI, Different from Others?

One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in East Grand Rapids?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.

But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:

Investing-damage

Cost

Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.

specialized training

Technicians

Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to

disasters happen quicker

Time

Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at John Collins Park in East Grand Rapids. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.

significant investments

Tools

Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.

helping with water damage

Process

For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.

Reliable Water Damage

Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network

We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.

What Does Disaster Response Fix?

As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in East Grand Rapids, MI, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.

  • Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
  • Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
  • Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
  • Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Grand Rapids Public Museum in East Grand Rapids, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response Fix

Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.

What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?

We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the East Grand Rapids restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:

Infrared

Infrared Cameras

Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.

Moisture

Moisture Meters

We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.

Air Movers

Air Movers

This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.

Generators

Ozone Generators

These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.

Xtractor

Xtreme Xtractor

This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.

Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About

Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in East Grand Rapids, MI, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:

Clean Water Damage

Clean Water Damage

Clean

This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.

Gray Water Damage

Gray Water Damage

Gray-Water

Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.

Black Water Damage

Black Water Damage

Black-Water

The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.

If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:

Stop the Source of Water
  • Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
  • Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
  • Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.

Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in East Grand Rapids, MI

Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.

We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.

After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.

Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.

  • Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
  • Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
  • Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
  • Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
Disaster Response Fix

The Water Damage Company in East Grand Rapids, MI, You Can Trust

When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a The Chop House Grand Rapids in East Grand Rapids. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.

As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.

Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a East Grand Rapids rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.

Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!

Latest News in East Grand Rapids, MI

Zoe Macartney, Lindsay Duca provide stability for East Grand Rapids volleyball squad

EAST GRAND RAPIDS -- Even though the East Grand Rapids volleyball team is a work in progress, its leadership is getting it moving in the right direction.Senior Zoe Macartney has once again made an impact coming out of the middle, and junior Lindsay Duca is an all-around talent who hits from the left.The two captains have spent the season building their teammates into a unified force on the court.“This has been an unusual year so far,” Pioneers coach Chris Grunewald explained. “We have not had the same s...

EAST GRAND RAPIDS -- Even though the East Grand Rapids volleyball team is a work in progress, its leadership is getting it moving in the right direction.

Senior Zoe Macartney has once again made an impact coming out of the middle, and junior Lindsay Duca is an all-around talent who hits from the left.

The two captains have spent the season building their teammates into a unified force on the court.

“This has been an unusual year so far,” Pioneers coach Chris Grunewald explained. “We have not had the same six girls on the court at the same time all season for a variety of reasons: injuries and absences and sickness. So sometimes we’ve had two freshmen and two sophomores on the court. They are gaining good experience, but this team is so young.”

Luckily for the Pioneers, they do field a veteran middle. Macartney has seen the highs and lows of the past four years, and she brings a voice to the team.

“We rely on Zoe Macartney a lot to show consistency and to put the ball away,” Grunewald said. “She’s our kill leader and our block leader, so she can put the ball away. When she plays well, we do well. She’s also a very good communicator, and we need that on the court.”

The senior captain has really helped the team vocally as they work to come together.

“Zoe really talks a lot on the court; she’s a good communicator. She lets people know where they need to be or where the play is,” said Grunewald. “As a captain, she really tries to be encouraging and she works hard.”

With four years under her belt, Macartney has really grown and matured through the Pioneer lineup.

“Her freshman year, she was very quiet and a timid player,” Grunewald explained. “She has grown and definitely developed her court presence. She has learned to focus on the team and knows what needs to be done.”

A lead-by-example co-captain, junior Lindsay Duca has improved her back-row skills to the point where she is now one of two Pioneers to play the complete rotation. (Jeff Swainston | Advance Newspapers)

Similar to Macartney, junior captain Lindsay Duca also has matured from three years of progress.

“It’s kind of the same thing as Zoe, Lindsay started out on the team as a freshman in a very limited role,” said the coach. “Each year, she has progressed more and more. She developed from a role player into a key player.”

Duca’s biggest addition to the team has been her back-row skills. A long-time front-row attacker, Duca upped her passing ability and now travels all around the rotation.

“Lindsay is playing back row for the first time this year. That makes her and Ana Grunewald the only two in the lineup that do that,” Coach Grunewald stated. “Her back row is getting more consistent and she is getting stronger back there. She is a good lead-by-example player. She works hard to get better.”

With the oldsters developing their consistency and the youngsters gaining experience, the Pioneers have started the season 10-12. They aren’t ready to throw in the towel any time soon.

“We had a tough last five matches, but we are getting there,” the coach said. “With the lineup changes, it has been tough to get on the same page.

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“I think the team will play more together this second half of the season. We want less errors and to play more aggressive. We just have to be more fluid. It’s really coming down to experience.”

With Duca and Macartney leading the charge, the Pioneers are set to attack the second half of the season.

“Once we get the experience and they all get used to playing together, we will be more competitive and much more consistent,” Grunewald explained. “Everyone in the league is tough, so we have to play well. We are looking for a solid, consistent performance.”

See Grand Rapids-area boys soccer district tournament pairings, schedules

Michigan’s boys high school soccer playoffs begin with district quarterfinal action on Wednesday, and several Grand Rapids-area teams have their eyes set on deep playoff runs.Two local squads – GR Christian and Unity Christian – captured state championships last season, while Holland Christian and Rockford reached the state semifinals.This year, 10 Grand Rapids-area teams enter the tournament as state-ranked squads, including two in Division 1 (No. 13 Hudsonville, No. 14 Rockford), seven in Division 2 (No. 3 S...

Michigan’s boys high school soccer playoffs begin with district quarterfinal action on Wednesday, and several Grand Rapids-area teams have their eyes set on deep playoff runs.

Two local squads – GR Christian and Unity Christian – captured state championships last season, while Holland Christian and Rockford reached the state semifinals.

This year, 10 Grand Rapids-area teams enter the tournament as state-ranked squads, including two in Division 1 (No. 13 Hudsonville, No. 14 Rockford), seven in Division 2 (No. 3 South Christian, No. 4 Allendale, No. 7 Forest Hills Northern, No. 9 Unity Christian, No. 10 Holland, No. 12 Forest Hills Central, No. 14 Holland Christian) and one in Division 4 (No. 9 Calvin Christian).

The Division 2 district at Allendale promises to be one of the state’s best, as Unity Christian, Holland and Holland Christian will compete with the host Falcons for the first piece of playoff hardware.

The D2 district at Forest Hills Eastern also looks like a gauntlet, with Forest Hills Northern, Forest Hills Central and Cedar Springs among the favorites.

Follow along to see what’s ahead for all of the area’s boys soccer teams during the district tournament.

Division 1, District 2 at Hudsonville

Wednesday, Oct. 9 (district quarterfinals)

Grandville (1-15-3) vs. Jenison (9-6-2), 6 p.m. at Jenison

Thursday, Oct. 10 (district quarterfinals)

GR Union (0-15-1) vs. Grand Haven (9-8-2), 6 p.m. at Grand Haven

West Ottawa (6-6-4) vs. Mona Shores (4-14), 6 p.m. at West Ottawa

Monday, Oct. 14 (district semifinals)

Hudsonville (10-3-6) vs. Grandville/Jenison winner, 5 p.m.

Union/Grand Haven winner vs. West Ottawa/Mona Shores winner, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 16 (district finals)

Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.

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Division 1, District 3 at Byron Center’s West Athletic Complex

Wednesday, Oct. 9 (district quarterfinals)

Byron Center (13-4-1) vs. Wyoming (9-5-4), 6 p.m. at Byron Center’s West Athletic Complex

Thursday, Oct. 10 (district quarterfinals)

Northview (10-6-2) vs. Caledonia (13-3), 7 p.m. at Northview

East Kentwood (10-6-2) vs. Ottawa Hills (3-16), 6 p.m. at East Kentwood

Monday, Oct. 14 (district semifinals)

Rockford (9-3-4) vs. Northview/Caledonia winner, 5 p.m.

Byron Center/Wyoming winner vs. East Kentwood/Ottawa Hills winner, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 17 (district finals)

Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.

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Division 2, District 19 at Forest Hills Eastern

Wednesday, Oct. 9 (district quarterfinals)

Cedar Springs (14-2-2) vs. Ionia (2-13-1), 6 p.m. at Cedar Springs

East Grand Rapids (10-9) vs. Lowell (7-8-1), 6 p.m. at East Grand Rapids

Thursday, Oct. 10 (district quarterfinals)

Forest Hills Northern (13-4-3) vs. Greenville (2-13-1), 6 p.m. at Forest Hills Northern

Forest Hills Central (12-4-2) vs. Forest Hills Eastern (5-13-1), 6 p.m. at Forest Hills Eastern

Monday, Oct. 14 (district semifinals)

Cedar Springs/Ionia winner vs. EGR/Lowell winner, 5:30 p.m.

FHN/Greenville winner vs. FHC/FHE winner, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 16 (district finals)

Semifinal winners, 6:30 p.m.

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Division 2, District 20 at Fruitport

Wednesday, Oct. 9 (district quarterfinals)

Spring Lake (7-8-2) vs. Kenowa Hills (10-6-2), 6 p.m. at Spring Lake

Coopersville (6-9-1) vs. Sparta (3-12-2), 6 p.m. at Coopersville

Thursday, Oct. 10 (district quarterfinals)

Reeths-Puffer (9-8-1) vs. Muskegon (0-17-1), 6 p.m. at Reeths-Puffer

Monday, Oct. 14 (district semifinals)

Reeths-Puffer /Muskegon winner vs. Coopersville/Sparta winner, 5 p.m.

Fruitport (17-0-1) vs. Spring Lake/Kenowa Hills winner, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 17 (district finals)

Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.

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Division 2, District 21 at Allendale

Wednesday, Oct. 9 (district quarterfinals)

Unity Christian (12-2-4) vs. Hamilton (0-14-2), 6 p.m. at Unity Christian

Thursday, Oct. 10 (district quarterfinals)

Holland (12-3-3) vs. Zeeland East (10-5-3), 6 p.m. at Holland

Holland Christian (11-4-2) vs. Zeeland West (3-14-2), 6 p.m. at Holland Christian

Monday, Oct. 14 (district semifinals)

Allendale (17-1) vs. Holland/Zeeland East winner, 5 p.m.

Unity Christian/Hamilton winner vs. Holland Christian/Zeeland West winner, 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 16 (district finals)

Semifinal winners, 5 p.m.

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Division 2, District 22 at GR Christian

Wednesday, Oct. 9 (district quarterfinals)

Wayland (11-7-2) vs. Otsego (7-6-3), 6 p.m. at Wayland

GR Christian (12-6-1) vs. Thornapple Kellogg (10-8-1), 7 p.m. at GR Christian

Thursday, Oct. 10 (district quarterfinals)

South Christian (16-1-2) vs. Hastings (10-8), 6 p.m. at South Christian

Plainwell (12-3-3) vs. Richland Gull Lake (3-12-2), 6:30 p.m. at Plainwell

Monday, Oct. 14 (district semifinals)

South Christian/Hastings winner vs. Wayland/Otsego winner, 6 p.m.

Plainwell/Gull Lake winner vs. GR Christian/Thornapple Kellogg winner, 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 19 (district finals)

Semifinal winners, 1 p.m.

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Division 3, District 37 at Comstock Park

Wednesday, Oct. 9 (district quarterfinals)

Wyoming Lee (10-2-3) vs. Covenant Christian (3-14-2), 5:30 p.m. at Wyoming Lee

Thursday, Oct. 10 (district quarterfinals)

GR Catholic Central (7-9-3) vs. Kent City (13-4-1), 6:45 p.m. at Catholic Central Athletic Complex

West Catholic (8-10-1) vs. Comstock Park (4-12), 7:30 p.m. at Comstock Park

Monday, Oct. 14 (district semifinals)

NorthPointe Christian (10-8-1) vs. Catholic Central/Kent City winner, 5 p.m.

West Catholic/Comstock Park winner vs. Wyoming Lee/Covenant Christian winner, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 18 (district finals)

Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.

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Division 3, District 38 at Belding

Wednesday, Oct. 9 (district quarterfinals)

Kelloggsville (7-13) vs. Belding (9-9), 6 p.m. at Belding

West Michigan Aviation Academy (16-2-3) vs. Grand River Prep (1-9-1), 5 p.m. at Brewer Park

Lake Odessa Lakewood (11-5-2) vs. Portland (7-12), 5 p.m. at Lakewood

Monday, Oct. 14 (district semifinals)

Godwin Heights (8-4-1) vs. Kelloggsville/Belding winner, 6 p.m.

WMAA/Grand River Prep winner vs. Lakewood/Portland winner, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 16 (district finals)

Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.

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Division 4, District 52 at Muskegon Western Michigan Christian

Wednesday, Oct. 9 (district quarterfinals)

Ravenna (5-10-1) vs. Muskegon Catholic Central (5-10-2), 5 p.m. at Ravenna

North Muskegon (12-4-2) vs. Wellspring Prep (3-5), 5 p.m. at North Muskegon

Thursday, Oct. 10 (district quarterfinals)

Wyoming Potter’s House (8-12) vs. Lakeview (4-15), 6:30 p.m. at Potter’s House

Wednesday, Oct. 16 (district semifinals)

North Muskegon/Wellspring Prep winner vs. Potter’s House/Lakeview winner, 5 p.m.

Western Michigan Christian (9-7-3) vs. Ravenna/MCC winner, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 18 (district finals)

Semifinal winners, 6:45 p.m.

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Division 4, District 53 at Byron Center Zion Christian

Wednesday, Oct. 9 (district quarterfinals)

Saugatuck (11-4-2) vs. Holland Black River (10-6-2), 6:30 p.m. at Saugatuck

Thursday, Oct. 10 (district quarterfinals)

Bloomingdale (10-6-1) vs. Bangor (9-8-1), 6 p.m. at Bloomingdale

Friday, Oct. 11 (district quarterfinals)

Zion Christian (10-6-3) vs. Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (1-7-1), 4:30 p.m. at Zion Christian

TBA (district semifinals)

Calvin Christian (11-4-3) vs. Saugatuck/Black RIver winner

Zion Christian/Tri-unity winner vs. Bloomingdale/Bangor winner

TBA (district finals)

Semifinal winners

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East Grand Rapids looks to build new walking pathway on popular Reeds Lake Trail

EAST GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The city of East Grand Rapids is looking to build a 10-foot walking pathway on the Reeds Lake Trail, a popular route for walkers, runners and cyclists in the area.This summer, the city applied for a grant to build a roughly 0.6-mile paved pathway on Reeds Lake Boulevard and Manhattan Road, which is on the north side of the 4.2-mile Reeds Lake Trail that includes a combination of paved trails, boardwalks and sidewalks.If approved for the ...

EAST GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The city of East Grand Rapids is looking to build a 10-foot walking pathway on the Reeds Lake Trail, a popular route for walkers, runners and cyclists in the area.

This summer, the city applied for a grant to build a roughly 0.6-mile paved pathway on Reeds Lake Boulevard and Manhattan Road, which is on the north side of the 4.2-mile Reeds Lake Trail that includes a combination of paved trails, boardwalks and sidewalks.

If approved for the Safe Routes to School Program grant, the pathway’s construction would be one of several projects aimed at improving city infrastructure for East Grand Rapids Public Schools students walking or bicycling between home and school, said City Manager Shea Charles.

The new 10-foot pathway would be built on the south side of Reeds Lake Boulevard, extending from El Centro Boulevard to Manhattan Road. Currently, there is a 5-foot sidewalk on the north side of the street, but users of the Reeds Lake Trail have to cross the street to get to it because there isn’t a paved path on the southern side, Charles explained.

“A lot of times, we’ll have runners, bikers and people on the road, just because of the lack of facilities in that area,” Charles told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. “What we would look to do, and what’s proposed to be funded by the grant, is extending that path and have it be a 10-foot pathway on the south side of the road all the way to Manhattan.”

In addition to the new trail construction, the city also plans to enhance two street crossings and upgrade several ADA ramps across the city if awarded the Safe Routes to School grant.

More information about the proposed projects can be found on page 70 of the agenda for the Sept. 16 East Grand Rapids City Commission meeting. The project appeared before the city commission on Tuesday so commissioners could vote to authorize Deputy City Manager Doug La Fave to act as the city’s agent for the project.

Safe Routes to School is a federal program administered by the Federal Highway Administration, with funds distributed through the Michigan Department of Transportation in partnership with the Michigan Fitness Foundation, La Fave told city commissioners in a Sept. 10 memo.

The program aims to fund infrastructure improvements and programs that make it safer for children, including those with disabilities, to bicycle and walk to school, according to the memo.

The city of East Grand Rapids submitted a grant application to the program on June 19, after receiving the green light from city commission in May. La Fave said he expects to hear back about the city’s eligibility by the end of the calendar year.

Under the grant program, the city could be eligible for up to $1,500,000 for various infrastructure projects, and up to $75,000 in non-infrastructure funds for things like new bike racks or educational/safety programing, La Fave said.

City officials came up with the projects outlined in the grant application after conducting a survey last spring of East Grand Rapids Public Schools parents and students. The survey, which had over 3,000 respondents, sought to determine what infrastructure concerns or barriers families faced when walking to and from school.

Charles noted that the Safe Routes to School grant can only be used to build new infrastructure. While some families have asked for the city to improve sidewalks or traffic signals closer to the schools, Charles said this grant funding cannot be used on any of the city’s existing infrastructure.

“This program will not fund those type of projects, so that’s something that we’ll look to our existing resources to continue to update and improve as we move forward,” he said.

Charles said the proposed pathway has been met with significant pushback from some residents living along Reeds Lake Boulevard, who have expressed concerns about the need for a pathway when the street already has a sidewalk on one end, and few students use that route to walk to school.

Seven residents shared their opposition to the project during public comment at the Sept. 16 city commission meeting. Several people spoke about the potential harms of building a new pathway, including the loss of greenspace and safety concerns if people use motorized bikes on the pathway.

One mom said she was concerned that the pathway could create a “false sense of security” for kids who could forget to look both ways when crossing the 14 driveways that the proposed pathway would intersect.

“One doesn’t just design something because you can, or because a few people think it’s a good idea for the image of the neighborhood or whatever the reason, because you run the risk of going to great disruption and expense without actually solving any problems at all and possibly creating new problems in the process,” she told commissioners at the Sept. 16 meeting.

Breweries and bike stores: East Grand Haven is more than just auto shops now

ByGRAND HAVEN, MI - New businesses in Grand Haven’s East End neighborhood are proving there’s more going on in the city besides downtown, while local officials are working to spur economic growth outside of the tourism industry.Kurt Knoth said he and his wife Wendy are enjoying the reception they’ve gotten since opening Off The Chain Brewstillery, a joint brewery and distillery built out of a disused auto shop on the corner of Beechtree Street and Colfax Avenue.He said their customers always thank him f...

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GRAND HAVEN, MI - New businesses in Grand Haven’s East End neighborhood are proving there’s more going on in the city besides downtown, while local officials are working to spur economic growth outside of the tourism industry.

Kurt Knoth said he and his wife Wendy are enjoying the reception they’ve gotten since opening Off The Chain Brewstillery, a joint brewery and distillery built out of a disused auto shop on the corner of Beechtree Street and Colfax Avenue.

He said their customers always thank him for opening there, which is kind of weird because he should be thanking them for supporting the business.

“Our customer base is just very excited with everything that’s going on in the east side,” Knoth said. “It’s nice to see we’re getting some investment on this side of town.”

RELATED: Brewstillery has ‘off the chain’ test launch in Lake Michigan beach town

Off The Chain has been busy embedding itself in the business community. The new drinking establishment hosts a food truck on Tuesdays when the Unicorn Tavern across the street is closed, so locals can still find a place to grab a drink and a bite to eat that’s close by.

“There’s just a sense of community around here,” Knoth said, noting every other day the business has a “bring your own food” policy and tags other area restaurants on social media.

The brewstillery also lends its support by purchasing grain and hops from regional farmers and donating spent grains from the brewing process to a local chicken farmer.

Some of Knoth’s business family are part of his immediate family. His daughter and son-in-law run Loose Spokes Bicycle Shop in the same building as Off The Chain at 1434 Colfax Ave.

Loose Spokes has been a part of Grand Haven since 1989, but it’s a recent addition to the East End corridor. The shop’s new owner, Christian Miller, is on a mission to “get butts on bikes” in the rapidly transforming neighborhood.

Miller started working at Loose Spokes when he was 14-years-old, back when the store was located at the old Sunny Side Dairy Farm just outside of Grand Haven proper. He quickly realized he wanted to one day to purchase the business from former owner Jack Crawford.

“Shortly after I started working there, he was talking about selling – not super serious – and I was like, ‘I’ll buy it,’” Miller said.

“He was like, ‘no you’re not. You’re 14!”

But Miller was persistent, and by his mid-20s, he and Crawford started making plans for succession. The only problem was Crawford sold the old location to a car parts manufacturer, and Miller now needed a new home for his business.

“I was just looking for some place to put the business,” he said. “I was not picky. I had no expectations whatsoever.”

Miller landed on the former auto shop on the corner of Beechtree Street and Colfax Avenue. He said the building was falling apart but cheap, so it was the perfect blank slate for the new bike shop.

He was also grateful to receive help from his in-laws, who had the idea to invest in the property themselves by establishing their distillery in the same building as the bike shop.

“They are part of the reason why I married their daughter, because they’re just that cool,” he said.

Loose Spokes and Off the Chain not only breathe new life into another former disused property on the East End, but they’re also a unique addition to the business sector as the first joint distillery and bike shop.

“We could have made this condos, like a lot of people do, or tore it down and built a Wendy’s,” Miller said, “but it is a unique business.”

Their neighbors, Garry and Kristal Boyd, who own the Unicorn Tavern across the street and have been living in East End since 2002, said they’ve noticed the neighborhood has grown to a point that visitors are starting to take notice.

“The East End has always been there for the East-Enders,” Kristal Boyd said. “The difference now is that the East End is growing, and we’ve become somewhere that everybody wants to check out, so instead of the East-Enders going downtown, we’re finding people are heading our way.”

Garry Boyd said the business landscape also has changed over the past four years, going from mainly auto shops to now include a more diverse range of businesses like East End Coffee Shop, 321 Wellness CrossFit gym and Sydekick Toys.

“It’s just becoming more and more of a neighborhood that feels purposeful instead of accidental,” Boyd said.

Boyd said Grand Haven city master plan has traditionally marked the East End as “to be determined,” but now, “people are working hard to make this a vibrant neighborhood so that the locals always have a place.”

“The city has been nothing but supportive and invited us to participate in sustainability stuff and looking at the master plan and making sure East End was involved, so they’re excited to see it too.”

Kristal Boyd said “once you’re here, you get a sense that there’s this community here that feels good, which is why businesses are coming here … the difference now is the growth, so the rest of the area is starting to pay attention.”

Brian Urquhart, Grand Haven city planner, said the growth in East End began a couple years ago with new business investments popping up along Beechtree Street.

“It’s a very eclectic group of opportunity for entrepreneurship and small business growth that’s geared toward the year-round resident and the one that doesn’t attribute Grand Haven just to the beach,” he said.

The city of Grand Haven in 2022 adopted a Commercial Rehabilitation District (CRD) covering nearly 50 parcels along Beechtree from Waverly Avenue to Fulton Street to encourage more commercial types of redevelopment.

The CRD would freeze the taxable value of those redeveloped parcels for a certain number of years.

Urquhart said the district’s proximity to city parks and major employers also makes it attractive to new business.

The Unicorn Tavern, which opened in an empty storefront in 2023, benefitted from brownfield redevelopment funding from the city. Both Loose Spokes and Off the Chain have a pending CRD application.

With growth, however, comes growing pains, and East End businesses have said parking congestion is a persistent issue. The city is investing in a public parking lot near Burzurk Brewing Company, another East End business, to help ease this problem.

Grand Haven has partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation since 2018 on its Redevelopment Ready Communities Program and has its own economic development corporation/brownfield redevelopment authority, but the city is looking to leverage even more tools to spur business growth beyond the tourism economy.

For example, the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act, which gives property tax exemptions for certain commercial redevelopment of disused properties.

“Obviously being a beach community, a summer resort town, that has its benefits, but there’s also some drawbacks, and being able to stabilize that has been our goal,” Urquhart said. “Grand Haven is not just a May through Labor Day town; it is a year-round destination.”

Going into the fall and winter, Knoth said he feels confident that Off The Chain also will be a year-round destination. Since opening nearly a month ago, the distillery has had many returning customers, and about 90% of their overall clientele are East-Enders.

“We’re starting to get a good base of locals that are coming in,” he said.

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