Today, we close the book not just on 2019 but on the 2010s as well. Before we turn over the calendar to a new year and a new decade, let’s take a look back at some of the stories that made the most waves in Lowell during the past 12 months.
We published 366 articles in 2019, and here are the top ten in terms of views on our website.
10. Editorial: All Questions Should Be Answered Prior to Approval of PUD
Fun fact: an article about the RiverView Flats condominium project was the 10th most viewed article in 2018 too. At that time, the story getting all the attention was an article unveiling the developer’s plans. This year, the 10th most-read article outlined our many questions with the project. Questions that were never answered and that have now been joined by new questions: What is the status of the developer’s lawsuit against the city regarding property adjoining the library? When will the section of building encroaching on High Street be removed? Why has everything about this project been so secretive? Maybe we’ll finally get answers in 2020.
9. Lowell Township Park Nearing Completion
One of the most positive stories to come out of 2019 was the completion of the North Grand River Riverfront Park. Although located on the border of the city, this park is in Lowell Charter Township. It’s been years in the making, and the township is proud to say that money for the park and its beautiful bridge came almost entirely from grants and private donations.
8. Liquid Contaminant Noticed in Flat River by Local Resident
The Flat and Grand Rivers are an integral part of Lowell’s identity so it’s not surprising you wanted to read about a possible contaminant in the waterway. An eagle-eyed resident noticed a white substance being discharged into the Flat River. Thanks to his quick report, the city was able to identify the source of discharge and take action to clean it up. In our follow-up with the Lowell Police Department, we learned the discharge apparently came from a swimming pool and action was being taken against the person responsible.
7. Twin Sisters Bring Their Design Skills to Lowell
It’s a homegrown success story. Twin sisters Kendra Steinhaus and Kerra Schroeder grew up on a Grattan Township farm, went their separate ways and eventually decided things are better when they’re done times two. The duo launched Times Two Design Company, and our profile of their business was the seventh most popular story on Lowell’s First Look for 2019.
6. Café to Open Where Employees with Special Needs are Welcome
In another feel good story of the year, Lowell teacher Jenny Cole launched Brody’s Be Café in Ada. She was inspired by her son Brody, who has Down syndrome, and wanted to create a place where all people of all abilities can find a sense of belonging. The café is now officially open, and a coffee cart is also bringing Brody’s Be Café to the halls of Lowell Middle School.
5. Scenes from Lowell: September Storms Edition
A fast-moving storm in September brought rotating winds and had the city’s tornado sirens sounding the alarm for 30 minutes straight. Officially, no tornado touched down in Lowell, but plenty of people reported seeing a funnel cloud in the sky. On the day after, we surveyed the damage and posted these photos. It was the fifth most viewed article on Lowell’s First Look for the year.
4. Burger King is Coming Back to Lowell
Can we talk for a minute about Burger King? Because we know from the Facebook comments that most of you say you’re not fans of Burger King, but yet, our website analytics show that you are really – and we mean really – interested in Burger King. This article was published in November 2018 after the Planning Commission ok’d the restaurant. It was the second most-read article in 2018 and is back for a repeat in the top ten for 2019.
3. Election 2019: Lowell Michigan Election Results
The third most read story in 2019 was the November election results. While it was a quiet election at the state and national level, there were some important races locally. All three incumbent councilmembers were elected in the City of Lowell, but both a city income tax and a Lowell Township millage proposal failed.
2. Exclusive Look Inside the New Lowell Burger King
And we’re back to Burger King. Actually, we have to admit we were pretty excited about this article too. We got the first look at the new restaurant and a chance to sit down with the owner. He promised fast service and good food and while the first few weeks were a bit rough, our most recent runs through the drive thru have been positive experiences.
1. Ambitious Road Plan Unveiled for Lowell
Our annual April Fools’ Day article is the only time you’ll find fake news on Lowell’s First Look. We get a kick out of writing these articles and hope they will always be taken in the good-natured spirit they are intended. Our outlandish road plan wasn’t as big a hit as last year’s story, but it still got enough views to take the top spot for the year.
What was your favorite article for 2019? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page. Have an article idea for 2020? We’d love to hear that too.
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