Latest news with #GrandValleyStateUniversity
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Laketown considers options for new beach stairs, including EZ Steps from local inventor
Laketown Township is examining multiple options for replacing a set of stairs leading to Lake Michigan, which were closed and later removed earlier this year. The municipality's Parks and Recreation Commission, according to meeting minutes from Wednesday, May 21, instructed staff to seek cost estimates for either new wooden stairs or adjustable aluminum stairs called EZ Beach Steps. EZ Beach Steps are adjustable and adaptable steps made of aluminum and PVC coating. They can be easily moved or adjusted to respond to changes in water levels or erosion along the water. They were invented by Lisa Spaugh of West Olive, who was inspired after seeing the stairs and deck at her Lake Michigan home destroyed during a storm. In her efforts to regain access to the water, Spaugh wanted something that would last. More: West Olive woman nets award for erosion-friendly EZ Beach Steps The steps earned Spaugh the title of 2023 Lakeshore Innovator of the Year from Grand Valley State University's Muskegon Innovation Hub. The Parks and Recreation Commission also asked staff on Wednesday to install fencing to protect dune grass along the path to the beach, according to a post on the township website. A set of stairs leading from the parking lot at Laketown Beach to the top of the dune remain. Volunteers from EagleEye Performance Vision of Zeeland recently helped clear those stairs of sand on Community Impact Day, according to the township. Without the other set of stairs, beach access is still possible, but more difficult. The township recommends taking the stairs up from the parking lot, then following the marked path down the bowl — a steep drop with a flat bottom amid the dune — staying on the trail and off the edges to avoid disturbing the dune and dune grass. Once at the bottom of the bowl, go over the small hill and to the lake, heeding no trespassing signs. To get back to the parking lot, visitors must walk back up through the bowl. The township advises this is 'a difficult walk' in the soft sand and there is no handrail or other assistance. The Parks and Recreation Commission is next scheduled to meet Wednesday, June 18. — Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@ This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Laketown Township considers options for replacing removed beach stairs
New York Post
19-05-2025
- New York Post
Michigan college student Connor Lotterman killed at house party in ‘intentional' shooting
A Michigan college student was killed when multiple gunshots were fired through the floor at a house party in an 'intentional' shooting, according to reports. Connor Lotterman, a 19-year-old engineering student at Grand Valley State University, was struck in the head by a recklessly shot bullet fired from an upstairs bedroom during the May 9 party, WOOD-TV reported. The tragic scene unfolded just after 11 p.m. in Tallmadge Township, MI, 6 miles east of the school's campus. Advertisement 4 Grand Valley State University student Connor Lotterman died after being shot during a house party in Tallmadge Township, Michigan on May 9, 2025. Langeland-Sterenberg Yntema Funeral Homes Officials say a 20-year-old suspected gunman unloaded several rounds from his own gun into the floorboards as 10-20 people were partying inside. 'The shooting was quite intentional,' Ottowa County Sheriff's Office Capt. Jake Sparks told the outlet. 'Multiple rounds were fired. It wasn't like as if it were a one-shot accidental discharge. This was numerous rounds discharged. Although the result of the shooting led to an accidental death, this shooting was intentional.' Advertisement Lotterman was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition but died on May 10, three days shy of his 20th birthday. The coroner's officer ruled Lotterman's death an accident, with alcohol suspected of playing a role. 'Encourage people to be smart, firearms and alcohol don't mix that's for sure,' Sparks said. 'I think this situation could've been avoided without those things mixing.' 4 The tragic scene unfolded just after 11 p.m. in Tallmadge Township, MI, 6 miles east of the school's campus. WOOD-TV Advertisement 4 Lotterman was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition but died on May 10, three days shy of his 20th birthday. Langeland-Sterenberg Yntema Funeral Homes The suspected gunman has not been publicly identified as police and prosecutors are considering criminal charges in the fatal shooting. Lotterman was the youngest of five and is survived by his parents, siblings, grandparents and nieces and nephews, according to an online obituary. His sister mourned her younger brother in a touching birthday message posted to social media. Advertisement 'Thank you for being the best little brother a girl could ask for,' Marielle Lotterman wrote in the tribute. 'I am so thankful to God for the 20 amazing years you had on this earth.' 4 Officials say a 20-year-old suspected gunman unloaded several rounds from his own gun into the floorboards on the second floor as 10-20 people were partying inside. WOOD-TV Lotterman was completing his second year at GVSU when he was killed. 'The Grand Valley community is saddened by Connor's tragic death,' Dean of Students Aaron Haight said in a statement obtained by WOOD-TV. 'On behalf of President Mantella, the Laker community extends our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
College Student, 19, Killed After Being Shot Through the Floor at a House Party: 'Quite Intentional'
A 19-year-old college student in Michigan has died after he was shot through the floor at a house party Deputies with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) said that Connor Lotterman was on the ground floor of a residential home when someone upstairs fired a gun through the floor several times "The shooting was quite intentional. Multiple rounds were fired. It wasn't as if it were a one-shot accidental discharge. This was numerous rounds discharged," said Jake Sparks, captain of the Detective BureauA 19-year-old college student in Michigan has died after he was shot through the floor at a house party. According to reports from local networks WOOD and FOX 17, Grand Valley State University student Connor Lotterman was shot at around 11 p.m. local time on Friday, May 9, during an incident at a home in Tallmadge Township, located west of Grand Rapids. Ottawa County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) deputies told the outlets that while the shooting is being considered accidental, investigators believe that a suspect, who was on the second floor of the home, fired a gun through the floor multiple times, and one bullet struck Lotterman in the head. The house party consisted of about 10 to 20 people, and deputies believe all of the people present knew each other, the outlets reported. "During that party, one of the subjects there ended up getting a hold of a firearm and fired multiple rounds from an upstairs bedroom down through the floor, through the ceiling," Jake Sparks, captain of the Detective Bureau at the OCSO told FOX 17. Sparks told WOOD that investigators also believe alcohol was a factor in the shooting. 'The shooting was quite intentional,' Sparks said. 'Multiple rounds were fired. It wasn't as if it were a one-shot accidental discharge. This was numerous rounds discharged. Although the result of the shooting led to an accidental death, this shooting was intentional.' Lotterman was later transported to a local hospital, and an obituary states that he died one day later, on Saturday, May 10. Ottawa County prosecutors are considering pursuing criminal charges against the shooter, a 20-year-old, Sparks told the outlets. Grand Valley State University later spoke out about Lotterman's death, telling the outlets in a statement: "The Grand Valley community is saddened by Connor's tragic death." "On behalf of President Mantella, the Laker community extends our deepest sympathies to his family and friends," GVSU Dean of Students Aaron Haight said. "Students may utilize the Care referral process and the University Counseling Center for support and resources during this difficult time. Faculty and staff can access mental health services via the Employee Assistance Program." Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Sparks also told WOOD that the fatal incident should serve as a reminder for firearms owners to store the weapons properly. 'If you have firearms that are out, lock them away, separate them from the ammunition,' he said. 'Gun safes, trigger guards, trigger locks, all those things can be important to make sure nothing tragic happens.' Anyone with additional information about the incident is urged to contact the OCSO or report information anonymously by calling (745368). Read the original article on People
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
College Student, 19, Killed After Being Shot Through the Floor at a House Party: 'Quite Intentional'
A 19-year-old college student in Michigan has died after he was shot through the floor at a house party Deputies with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) said that Connor Lotterman was on the ground floor of a residential home when someone upstairs fired a gun through the floor several times "The shooting was quite intentional. Multiple rounds were fired. It wasn't as if it were a one-shot accidental discharge. This was numerous rounds discharged," said Jake Sparks, captain of the Detective BureauA 19-year-old college student in Michigan has died after he was shot through the floor at a house party. According to reports from local networks WOOD and FOX 17, Grand Valley State University student Connor Lotterman was shot at around 11 p.m. local time on Friday, May 9, during an incident at a home in Tallmadge Township, located west of Grand Rapids. Ottawa County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) deputies told the outlets that while the shooting is being considered accidental, investigators believe that a suspect, who was on the second floor of the home, fired a gun through the floor multiple times, and one bullet struck Lotterman in the head. The house party consisted of about 10 to 20 people, and deputies believe all of the people present knew each other, the outlets reported. "During that party, one of the subjects there ended up getting a hold of a firearm and fired multiple rounds from an upstairs bedroom down through the floor, through the ceiling," Jake Sparks, captain of the Detective Bureau at the OCSO told FOX 17. Sparks told WOOD that investigators also believe alcohol was a factor in the shooting. 'The shooting was quite intentional,' Sparks said. 'Multiple rounds were fired. It wasn't as if it were a one-shot accidental discharge. This was numerous rounds discharged. Although the result of the shooting led to an accidental death, this shooting was intentional.' Lotterman was later transported to a local hospital, and an obituary states that he died one day later, on Saturday, May 10. Ottawa County prosecutors are considering pursuing criminal charges against the shooter, a 20-year-old, Sparks told the outlets. Grand Valley State University later spoke out about Lotterman's death, telling the outlets in a statement: "The Grand Valley community is saddened by Connor's tragic death." "On behalf of President Mantella, the Laker community extends our deepest sympathies to his family and friends," GVSU Dean of Students Aaron Haight said. "Students may utilize the Care referral process and the University Counseling Center for support and resources during this difficult time. Faculty and staff can access mental health services via the Employee Assistance Program." Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Sparks also told WOOD that the fatal incident should serve as a reminder for firearms owners to store the weapons properly. 'If you have firearms that are out, lock them away, separate them from the ammunition,' he said. 'Gun safes, trigger guards, trigger locks, all those things can be important to make sure nothing tragic happens.' Anyone with additional information about the incident is urged to contact the OCSO or report information anonymously by calling (745368). Read the original article on People
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Deputies: GVSU student shot, killed through floor at house party
TALLMADGE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A teenager has died after being shot in the head at a party on May 9 in Tallmadge Township, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office. Deputies on Thursday identified him as Connor Lotterman, a 19-year-old from Tallmadge Township. He was a student studying at Grand Valley State University. It happened just after 11 p.m. Friday at a residence in the area of 2nd Avenue near Lake Michigan Drive. Deputies say that a 20-year-old male was in an upstairs bedroom at the house. Lotterman was downstairs with others at the party. 1 hospitalized following Tallmadge Township shooting The 20-year-old found a gun somewhere in the home, and shot multiple rounds through the floor, deputies say. They say those bullets traveled through the floor and one of them hit Lotterman in the head. Lotterman was taken to the hospital. He later died. The sheriff's office was notified that an autopsy was completed on May 14 and that the death was ruled as accidental. Alcohol is also believed to be a factor, deputies say. All of the people in the residence at the time of the shooting knew each other, according to deputies. Investigators are still working on gathering details and are working with Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office to review potential charges for the 20-year-old, whose name is not being released at this time. Anyone with additional information is urged to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office or Silent Observer at (745368). 'The Grand Valley community is saddened by Connor's tragic death,' GVSU Dean of Students Aaron Haight said in a statement. 'On behalf of President Mantella, the Laker community extends our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Students may utilize the Care referral process and the University Counseling Center for support and resources during this difficult time. Faculty and staff can access mental health services via the Employee Assistance Program.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
