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President declares disaster following spring floods

(WZZM)-- President Obama is declaring a disaster in 16 Michigan counties because of severe spring flooding.

The declaration frees up federal funding for eligible governments and non-profit organizations to repair damages caused by flooding from April 16 to May 14. Allegan County, Ionia County, Kent County, Muskegon County, Newaygo County and Ottawa County are all included in the disaster declaration. The flooding caused more than $3 million in damages to public property in Ottawa County alone.

Made in Michigan: MiraBella Confections

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- This week on Made in Michigan we head over to MiraBella Confections where you'll find some gourmet cakes. You may have seen some at large events around Grand Rapids.

Mixers, butter cream, and chocolate - Ken Stephens' work place is a slice of heaven, but that wasn't always the case.

"I seriously got tired of it. I didn't know what to do, so I closed down my practice."

Stephens was a therapist for years. Burned out, he wanted a change, but was lost. In his off time, he started watching cake TV shows and had an idea.

"I started watching the episode and said 'I can do that'. Everyone chuckled and said we haven't seen you do anything creative in your life -- ever."

It turns out baking was in his blood. He started making his cakes at home and his secret recipes became the talk of the town.

Library takes in old and damaged flags for proper disposal

Library takes in old and damaged flags for proper disposal

All of the Kent District Library branches are accepting old or damaged U.S. flags that can no longer fly.

Local Boy Scout troops plan to pick up the flags to properly dispose of them. The KDL Plainfield Township Branch even has a box in the lobby where you can drop off old flags.

Flags will be accepted through Saturday, July 6.  For library branch hours and locations, click here.

Man sentenced for selling counterfeit razorblades at Meijer Stores

A Florida man will spend 30 months in prison for trying to sell counterfeit razorblades at Meijer Stores.

As part of his punishment, 56-year-old Jeffrey Steven Telsey also faces three years of probation and must pay $400,506.17 in restitution, as well as a $25,000 fine.  

In January 2008, Homeland Security Investigations was notified that counterfeit Gillette Mach3 razor refills were being distributed through Meijer Stores.  Homeland Security began buying up the counterfeit razorblades from Telsey, who operated JCA Enterprises.  At the same time, Meijer Stores issued a company-wide recall for the counterfeit blades.

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Plainfield and Graafschap fire departments get federal funding for upgrades

Plainfield and Graafschap fire departments get federal funding for upgrades

Two West Michigan fire departments are getting federal grants to help pay for training and equipment updates.

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced grants for the Plainfield and Graafschap fire departments.  The funding comes from the U.S.

Spring storms: Share your photos and video

(WZZM) -- West Michigan may see some strong storms Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

You can send us your photos of the storms or the damage they leave behind by emailing news@wzzm13.com.

You can also track the storms from your home using our iControl Radar by clicking here or downloading the WZZM 13 app for your iPhone, iPad or Android phone by searching "WZZM 13" in the Apple or Google stores.

New construction projects start Monday

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- Construction season is in full swing, some current projects are causing back-ups and several more are about to begin on Monday.

Plainfield Avenue from I-96 to 5 Mile Road is smooth moving now but come Monday a resurfacing project will be underway. Leaving owners at A Davis Brown Salon worried about the bottom line.

"People's frustration rise with the construction we currently have," says salon owner Erin Brown.  "I think what it will do is effect our schedules, people are not going to want to come after work because the traffic is more heavy."

The corridior on 28th Street is almost half way through its season long project that has lanes shut down. Soon the eastbound lanes will be completed and traffic will be shifted onto those lanes. All the changes and back-ups have drivers like Michael Isabell avoiding the area.