GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—A new bike path will soon take shape in Grand Rapids.

The city is getting a $618,514 grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation to create the Seward Avenue Bikeway.  The 3.5 mile bike route will cut through the heart of Grand Rapids and connect nearly 190 miles of regional trails, including the White Pine Trail, Oxford Street Trail and Kent Trails. The path will run along Seward Avenue from Wealthy Street to the Riverside Park trailhead and include a bike shelter, bike lockers, bike signs and signals and an upgraded pedestrian bridge over Indian Mill Creek at Broadway Avenue.

The project is expected to cost just over $1 million.  Additional funding will come from the City of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Bikes Belong and Freewheeler Bike Shop.  The city commission will recognize all financial supporters during its meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.    

Kent County will be accepting household hazardous waste from residents Saturday, October 12.

Residents with proper ID can drop off items from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 2908 Ten Mile Rd. in Rockford. The county will also accept drop-off items on October 26 at 1500 Scribner Ave. NW in Grand Rapids.

Chemicals including weed killers, bug sprays, antifreeze, gasoline, oil-based paint, wood preservatives, paint thinner, pool chemicals, deck cleaners, fluorescent light bulbs, mercury thermometers and thermostats will all be accepted.  Latex paint, medical waste, prescription drugs, ammunition and fireworks are prohibited.

For more information, visit the Household Hazardous Waste Program website or call (616) 336-2570.

NORTHVIEW, Mich.—October is National Dental Hygiene Month and a group of students from Northview Public Schools is offering a new toothbrush for every one you recycle.

From October 1 throughout the school year, the Highlands Green Team will be accepting old toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes/containers and empty floss containers.  Students can drop off their recyclables from 8 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. 

The Toothbrush Swap is made possible by a grant from the Northview Education Foundation.