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Judge rules against challenge to GR pot policy

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- A Kent County Circuit Court judge has ruled against Kent County Prosecutor William Forsyth's effort to challenge the Grand Rapids city charter amendment decriminalizing marijuana.

Judge Paul Sullivan issued his ruling Monday, five days after the city began enforcing the amendment, which has police giving people caught with small amounts of marijuana civil infraction tickets instead of arresting them.  Voters approved the amendment in November.

The prosecutor had sought to nullify the amendment, arguing that it went against state laws that consider marijuana possession a misdemeanor.

Judge Sullivan, in his ruling, writes, "The voters of Grand Rapids had the power to amend the city charter and plaintiff has failed to show that any section of the charter amendment necessarily conflicts with state law."

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Kissinger, Cheney in GR to honor President Ford

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger Monday called President Gerald Ford "a remarkable human being, a man who saved America in a very difficult period."

Kissinger was the first of several national figures to speak in day dedicated to honoring the legacy of the nation's 38th president. Events Monday and Tuesday are part of a year-long celebration of President Ford's 100th birthday, which will actually be on July 14, 2013.

Kissinger, 90, received a warm welcome to the packed luncheon of the Grand Rapids Economic Club. Kissinger said Ford "took over the presidency with an assurance and benevolence that was so uniquely American."

On a current topic, Kissinger received applause when he said, "I don't like it when we're jerked around by the North Koreans."

The Peoples Cider Company Batch #1 debuts at Hopcat and Georgio’s in downtown Grand Rapids

The Peoples Cider Company Batch #1 debuts at Hopcat and Georgio’s in downtown Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- The Peoples Cider Co. very recently has started previewing their European-style dry cider at local Grand Rapids bars and restaurants, and I took advantage of the opportunity to meet up with owner Jason Lummen at the near-downtown cider making facility and talk about the new and exciting venture.

For those looking for something a little different from the many sweeter tasting hard ciders that seem most abundant in the American market, Jason has been working on and developing his own brand of dry cider since his very first batch back in 2002. Recently obtaining a small winemaker’s license has allowed him the luxury and freedom to begin distributing at a much earlier stage than what it would take a small brewery to reach the same levels.

SUN AM Java Chat w/Jennifer & Alana: Wicked, Derby, WISE, Shelley Makeover

GRAND RAPIDS & KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WZZM)- WZZM 13's Jennifer Pascua & Alana Nehring talk about Wicked playing at Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo.

Plus, they share some viewer pictures from Derby parties.

And, they talk about W.I.S.E. and Project Forgive.

Finally, a look at WGVU's Shelley Irwin's makeover courtesy of West Michigan Woman.

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Specialty beer on tap as Grand Rapids defends Beer City USA title

Specialty beer on tap as Grand Rapids defends Beer City USA title

 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Ten area breweries are teaming up to create a new beer, as Grand Rapids defends its title of Beer City USA.

The new rye IPA, called #55555513, will be available on tap starting Sunday, May 5.  The beer received its creative name because it contains 5.5% alcohol, 55 International Bitterness Units (IBU), and is being released on 5/5/13.   

Participating breweries include:

Walk for Lupus at Rosa Park Circle

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - The Michigan Lupus Foundation is hosting the Grand Rapids Lupus walk Sunday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The fundraiser raises money for lupus support, education, and research to find a cure.  Oneof the programs the walk helps is the free lupus support group held in Grand Rapids every month.

Downtown Market opens Saturday

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- It's that time of year again. Farmers markets around West Michigan are opening for the season this weekend.

One of the most anticipated is the new Grand Rapids' new Downtown Market which is nearing completion. Earlier this week we got a sneak peak of the market during a guided tour.

Only portions of the outdoor market will open to the public Saturday. The entire market, including a new 2,000 square foot building will open later this summer, offering a lot more than fruits and vegetables.

"It is a traditional outside farmer's market, but in addition we also have the inside facility, which will have the market hall with 20 to 24 year-round vendors, two restaurants, a greenhouse education space, banquet rooms," said Claire Duthler, market manager and event coordinator. "There is a lot more to the downtown market than an outdoor market."