It’s good-bye July and hello August. In just a few short weeks, kids will head back to school. As we all wonder where the summer went, let’s take a moment to look back at the top stories from last month.
In July, we published 49 times on Lowell’s First Look and the top articles covered business, government and school topics. Here are the five most popular stories from last month, based on website views.
5. Wear Forward and Milo’s to Open in Historic Larkin’s Building
People have long wondered what would happen to the historic Larkin’s Restaurant building, and now we all know. Plans to turn the space into a new restaurant have been scrapped amid Lowell’s evolving – and increasingly crowded – dining scene. Instead, popular consignment shops Wear Forward and Milo’s will move into the building, making it convenient for people to shop for clothes for the entire family in one place.
4. Through Traffic to be Diverted Around Downtown Main Street for One Month
A major road and utility project is underway on Washington Street, and part of that project involves replacing utility lines at the intersection of Washington and Main. While the roadway is torn up and the concrete cures, thru traffic is being sent around town via Grand River Drive and Division Street. You can still get to downtown businesses though, and local traffic can use side streets to get around the closure.
3. Letter to the Editor: Lawsuit Will Cause Significant Taxpayer Dollars
Stefanie Boone has been a vocal critic of Lowell Area Schools for years, and she filed a lawsuit against the district earlier this summer alleging a litany of abuses by school staff. However, not everyone sees merit in the suit. In this letter to the editor – the third most-read item on Lowell’s First Look in July – a reader asserts that Boone’s concerns have already been addressed by the school district and that her complaint is filled with “political, anti-public education talking points.”
2. Bobbie Sue’s Roadhouse Restaurant Taking Shape in Lowell
Lowell loves a good restaurant, and many are stoked by the coming Bobbie Sue’s Roadhouse. Located just outside the western city limits, near Meijer, the restaurant won’t be a BBQ joint. However, the owners do have plans to serve up a mean brisket, and they say some menu items are Tex-Mex inspired. There isn’t a firm opening date for the restaurant yet, so stay tuned.
1. Hudson Street Blocked After Police Chase, Accident
One of our reporters noticed on a beautiful Wednesday morning that traffic heading into town on Hudson had been stopped for what seemed like hours. A quick check with the city uncovered the cause: a runaway car that caused an accident. When we published this article, we knew only the basics – that someone in a car reported stolen had taken off down the road and smashed into another car.
In the most recent Police Beat, we shared what we’ve learned since then: namely, that there wasn’t much of a chase since the officer simply turned around and the suspect sped down the street. After the accident, the at-fault driver – a 20-year-old Greenville man – ran from the scene and discovered that while he may be fast, the Kent County Sheriff’s K-9 unit is faster.
Love these type of articles! Just a suggestion…let’s put together a debate with Stephanie Boone and Rev.Langdon versus The LBGQT Lowell Mafia! Hold it at The Showboat Safeplace. ..charge admission and donate the money to cleaning up the river!