Author

Paul R. Kopenkoskey

Paul R. Kopenkoskey’s career as a freelance writer spans more than 30 years. The Calvin University grad has written for many West Michigan publications and he has sat in the editor’s chair for three monthly magazines. His first historical fiction novel, Karl Beguiled: A Journey of Hope and Sacrifice, is available on Amazon.com. He’ll devour a Snug Burger at Snug Harbor restaurant in Grand Haven any time of the day. He can be reached at paulrk@hotmail.com

Paul R. Kopenkoskey's Latest Articles

Tom Sikkema is responsible for promoting Go MUVE’s tagging feature, which enables users to identify levels of accessibility within their community.
Transportation app redefines mobility for people with disabilities who don’t drive

The app comes on the heels of MUVE’s recent announcement of its partnership with the state of Michigan, with the launch of a new transportation ecosystem application redefining mobility for people of all abilities.

A Common Redpoll.
Birding programs have enthusiasts flocking to Ottawa County

Ottawa County caters to the growing base of bird watchers and enthusiasts with birding programs, a photo contest, scheduled bird walks and waterfowl field trips. Volunteers are needed for the Christmas bird count that runs from Dec. 14 to Jan. 4.

Mike Brokema of Shady Side Farms Inc. leads a discussion on soil health at his farm as part of the 2022 Cultivating Resilience Field Day.
$7M available to fund conservation practices

Owners interested in farmland, forest and water quality conservation have until Nov. 28 to contact the Ottawa Conservation District Regional Conservation Partnership Program to begin developing a no-cost conservation plan.

The 2022 Ottawa County DEI Forum was held on Oct. 28. (Nathan Bocks)
Highlights from the 2022 Ottawa County Diversity Forum

The county-sponsored forum focused on DEI as the cornerstone of a productive workforce and thriving economy, the county’s Welcoming Plan, businesses’ “triple bottom line,” and the vital role nonprofits and businesses play.

Coach Lee Montgomery was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Hall of Fame in 2015.
Lee Montgomery brings inclusive coaching style to adaptive sports

Coach Lee Montgomery has volunteered as the coach for the city of Kentwood Recreation Program’s wheelchair basketball team, a passion he continues in the same capacity with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital’s team. 

Allegan, Ottawa and Muskegon county leaders discuss plans for ARPA funds.
How Allegan, Ottawa and Muskegon counties plan to invest $113M in ARPA funds

Together, Allegan, Ottawa and Muskegon counties have more than $113 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Here is how they plan to invest those federal dollars.   

Lisa Stefanovsky, Ottawa County Public Health community health supervisor
Retiring health department leader considered ‘one of the best’

Lisa Stefanovsky embraced challenge and change during her 33 years leading Ottawa County Department of Health. One important benchmark Stefanovsky achieved was receiving accreditation for the Ottawa public health department from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The Momentum Center and Community Mental Health of Ottawa County are hosting separate events on Sept. 22 focused on socializing, networking and engendering a stigma-free society for those with mental illness, addictions, and disabilities.
Two mental health events focus on socializing, networking, building a stigma-free society

The Momentum Center and Community Mental Health of Ottawa County are hosting separate events on Sept. 22 focused on socializing, networking and engendering a stigma-free society for those with mental illness, addictions, and disabilities.

From left The Wood family at Celebration: Amy, Ellery and Aidan.
Theater chain finds ways to make more movies accessible to everyone

From Sensory Showtimes to closed captioning, Celebration Cinema is finding new ways to make movies and entertainment accessible to everyone.

This year marks the Grand Haven Musical Fountain’s 60th anniversary. The milestone will include a new set of water features debuting on Aug. 27.
Grand Haven Musical Fountain celebrates 60th anniversary

This year marks the fountain’s 60th anniversary. The milestone will include a new set of water features debuting on Aug. 27. Stories reflecting each of its six decades will unfold.

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