April was a busy month for reporters at The Holland Sentinel, with dozens of stories on government, business, education, crime, public safety, community events and more.
For those who had trouble following along, we’ve compiled a list of the most-read stories published April 1-30. The list excludes sports headlines, and includes a brief summary and link to the full article.
The most-read stories in April included new restaurant openings and inspections and the closure of a decades-long staple along Eighth Street.
Hollanders can expect opening announcement soon from Shore by deBoer
Hollanders have been looking forward to Shore by deBoer, which is preparing to open in the former Jackie’s Place on 17th Street. In April, Mitchiel deBoer — co-owner of deBoer Bakkerij — said the brand’s third eatery will be opening soon. The restaurant’s menu is finalized and management secured, according to deBoer. Once open, Shore will offer breakfast and lunch 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays.
Zeeland restaurant cited for expired meat, grime and dust
A weekly restaurant inspection report from the Ottawa County Department of Public Health brought a handful of significant violations in April. The most significant was for a restaurant in Zeeland — The Gritzmaker — which faced 10 violations, including expired meat.
Frank’s Restaurant shares update after weekend fire in Zeeland
Frank’s Restaurant, a beloved community staple for over 100 years, sustained damage in a fire April 18. Although no one was hurt, the fire has disrupted operations. The eatery has since shared that restoration (and operational improvements) will take time, but the neighboring Frank’s East remains open with a limited menu and full bar.
Renderings show potential of new recreation center in Holland
The Holland Planning Commission reviewed new renderings for a recreation center planned on Fairbanks Avenue in April. The center, measuring roughly 83,000 square feet, could break ground this fall. The total construction cost is estimated at $26 million, with significant support via a $5 million donation from the Heeringa Estate.
Kirk and Julie Cousins Foundation donated $100K for Village Square Park
Saugatuck is preparing to make significant improvements to Village Square Park, aided by a previously anonymous $100,000 donation. That donation was revealed April 9 to have come from The Kirk and Julie Cousins Foundation.
Kirk Cousins, who recently signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, is a longtime NFL quarterback and a graduate of Holland Christian High School. Park improvements will include basketball court renovations, upgrading the tennis/pickleball court and adding a new shuffleboard court and additional seating.
VerHage Motors to close after six decades on Eighth Street
The Sentinel reported in April that VerHage Auto Sales will shutter after 60 years at 343 E. Eighth St. The property has been purchased by the Holland Board of Public Works, with the intention to lease to an area-friendly business until (and if) the BPW has a need for the space.
Holland coffee shop cited thrice for hard-to-clean counters
Another weekly restaurant inspection report from late March captured attention in April when a now-closed coffee shop was hit with a third violation for hard-to-clean countertops. Simpatico has since shuttered the location and reopened in a new construction at 975 Butternut Drive in Holland.
Holland man dead after reportedly walking into oncoming traffic
A local man, 62, of Holland, was struck by a vehicle and killed while walking across US-31 on April 9. According to the driver and witnesses, the vehicle had a green light, but the pedestrian crossed anyway.
New gas station, convenience store would demolish Gateway Spoon
Roughly a year after Gateway Mission announced the closure of The Spoon, officials from Meijer presented a tentative plan to the Holland Planning Commission that would involve razing the building to construct an mExpress store and gas station.
The Spoon opened in a brand-new building in 2023, but closed in the spring of 2025. According to renderings presented by Meijer, construction of the gas station would involve demolition of the existing building. Gateway has since said, should the project move forward, re-use of as many materials as possible would be a priority.
The Woodshed coming to former Christo’s Roadhouse in Douglas
In early April, The Sentinel reported The Woodshed will open in the former Christo’s Roadhouse at 2935 Blue Star Highway in Douglas. The Woodshed will be operated by Melanie Moorer, owner of Spectators Sports Bar and Grill in Saugatuck.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: April’s most-read stories included Shore by deBoer, Gateway Spoon
Reporting by Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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