Erica Francis
FOX 17
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Past articles by Erica:
Stella’s celebrating 9th anniversary Thursday
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Stella's Lounge is celebrating its 9th year in business Thursday. The company is celebrating its again like a fine whiskey by hosting a party to celebrate from 11 a.m. Thursday until close. You can play arcage games for free and get $5 off select burgers from 4-10 p. → Read More
Input sought on Grand River restoration plans
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be holding two community meetings Monday to get the public's input on plans to restore the Grand River. There are two different meetings planned at DeVos Place, one at 4 p.m. and another at 6 p.m. → Read More
A place where work is all play: A fun teaching technique
GRAND HAVEN, Mich. -- A local elementary school is changing the way kids learn in the classroom, as many parents focus on signing their little ones up for kindergarten. → Read More
DIY studio ‘Hammer & Stain West Michigan’ opens in Grandville
Grandville, Michigan; Hammer & Stain West Michigan, a new DIY studio, is celebrating their grand opening with a special ribbon cutting ceremony and open house Saturday, March 16th from 3:00-6:00 P.M. → Read More
LaughFest Blood Drive
Grand Rapids, Mich-- Michigan Blood, part of Versiti, is partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network to support Gilda's Club Grand Rapids and its annual LaughFest. → Read More
Crews working to clear roads across Kent County
KENT COUNTY, Mich. -- As another round of winter weather hits West Michigan, road commission crews are working around the clock to hit the road. Our Erica Francis visited the dome where salt is stored in Kent County to talk with road commission workers about how they are working to treat the roads. → Read More
How Bronson Hospital is changing the stigma of hospital food
KALAMAZOO, Mich-- A newly-opened grocery store is making it more convenient to buy fresh and locally grown food, but it's tucked away in a space you might not expect-- a hospital. There, you'll find color and quality. Not only in the people, but in what they eat. → Read More
Grand Valley student and cross-fit athlete recovers from stroke
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Lauren Ziegler is a 21-year-old college student who loves to work out and prides herself on living a healthy lifestyle. When she woke up Dec. 6 to get ready for class, the Grand Valley State University senior knew something was seriously wrong. → Read More
Ottawa County activates emergency operations center ahead of frigid temps
OTTAWA COUNTY. Mich. -- Officials with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office say they are activating their emergency operations center ahead of subzero temperatures moving in overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday. → Read More
Fewer young people are going to church, report says
TENNESSEE-- New research finds that young people aren't attending church as much as they used to and those who are still going are choosing a more contemporary feel. The trend is especially apparent among college students. Pastor, Sandy Mcclain, of Mt. → Read More
Free seminar planned to explore uses and benefits of CBD oil
HUDSONVILLE, Mich. -- Hemp-derived cannabidiol, or CBD, has been receiving a lot of attention for its benefits on human health as many are calling it a game changer when it comes to inflammation and stress. Even though its growing popularity, some are still not entirely familiar with it and are hesitant about its effects. → Read More
More than 15 million Americans have alcohol use disorder, study says
SEATTLE, Wash. --Millions of Americans--many of the seventy-percent who consume alcohol-- welcomed 2019 with a drink in their hand and for more than ninety-percent of them, the cheer can be managed. → Read More
Two life-long friends give back to community to earn Eagle Scout rank
FRUITPORT, Mich-- Two life-long friends are teaming up and giving back to their community. Last month, Xavier Oosterhart and Aaron Roup spearheaded a project to buy and build playground sheds for a Fruitport Elementary School to house toys for kids to play with. → Read More
Byron Center teacher honors students’ achievements in big way
BYRON CENTER, Mich. -- You don’t have to be a mathematician to know there is power in numbers, just as there’s great power in knowledge. A third grader in Byron Center is combining the two, studying hard to pass her multiplication facts. → Read More
Donut Conspiracy to host ‘Grinch Day’ this Saturday
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Grinch is leaving his home atop Mouth Krumpet for a day of donuts at The Donut Conspiracy. It's all part of "Grinch Day" this Saturday at The Donut Conspiracy on East Beltline in Grand Rapids. The shop says The Grinch will be visiting from 8:00 a.m. until noon. There will be Grinch and Whoville-themed donuts to mark the occasion. → Read More
Cancer survivor starts medical transport service, picks others up in a time of need
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A cancer survivor is helping others ride their way to a healthy life. Thomas Sikkema is providing a medical transport service to assist others on their own medical journey. We first brought you Sikkema's story two years ago. → Read More
Improbable journey: Man nominated for teacher of the year never graduated high school
HOLLAND, Mich. -- Brian Taylor was once a troubled student. Now he is now up for Michigan's Teacher Of the Year. Taylor has been teaching history and government at West Ottawa High School for 14 years. → Read More
Holland man using man-made animal kingdom to inspire others
HOLLAND, Mich-- Whether you love them or hate them, reptiles are a part of our ecosystem, and though it may seem unusual, a local man is using them to inspire others. → Read More
Medical Insurance: Open enrollment made easy (or at least easier)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Open enrollment is here for medical insurance (YAY), and that means it's time to get informed. But let's be honest, those big packets of information are enough for some of us to want to pull our hair out. → Read More
Is it okay to drink alcohol and breastfeed?
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich-- Every new mom is faced with a tough decision: Breast or bottle? But deciding to breastfeed could lead to even more questions, like: What should you eat When should you pump What do you do if you want an occasional drink of alcohol? "With any gift, you want t... → Read More