local government

Different ways to deal with troublesome landlords and rental properties are being tossed around by city of Holland officials.The topic is not new: In 2011, Holland City Council issued a moratorium on rental certificates and construction near Hope College while officials dealt with a proposed 12-bedroom duplex geared at students who would pay per person.

ALBION - After a two-week delay, the Albion City Council has put its support behind a liquor-license request for the Bohm Theatre. "For us, it's making it a viable business and being able to rent the facilities for weddings, corporate functions, for all of those things," Elizabeth Schultheiss, chairwoman of Friends of the Bohm Theatre, said before the council meeting Monday.

Kalmaazoo Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley decried a string of shootings occurring during weekend that killed one and sent five others to the hospital when speaking before city commissioners Monday, but he made clear he feels the recent uptick in gun violence is a national issue, not just a local one.

After a 90-day trial run, Jim Blocker was named Thursday as Battle Creek police chief. Interim City Manager Susan Bedsole announced her decision to appoint Blocker to replace Jackie Hampton who retired in January. The appointment is immediate. "I believe Jim best meets the needs of the department, organization and community," Bedsole said in a prepared statement.

Food trucks can soon serve meals on Jackson Street after city commissioners brought an end to the months-long debate over whether they should be allowed to operate in downtown Battle Creek. "I think all the concerns may be valid," Mayor Dave Walters said after the commission's regular meeting Tuesday.