May 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 May 1-31. The list excludes sports headlines, and includes a brief summary and link to the full article.
The most-read stories in May included new restaurant openings and inspections, breaking public safety news and an update on the closure of a busy road in Holland Township.
Jenison restaurant fined $600 for persistent build up of grime
A restaurant inspection report from Ottawa County revealed several significant violations at New Beginnings in Jenison. The restaurant had 11 total violations, including repeat offenses for grime and grease build up that resulted in a pair of fines totaling $600.
Hudsonville restaurant ‘unable to comply with basic food safety’
According to another weekly report from the health department, an inspection at Sara’s Pizza in Hudsonville resulted in 10 total violations. The inspector cited the restaurant for, among other things, being “unable to comply with basic food safety.”
Repp’s Landing shares opening date for oysters, smashburgers in Holland
Readers were eager to learn about the menu and opening date (May 20) of Repp’s Landing, a new restaurant at the former Tell-Tales Trattoria/Paisley Pig/Black Sheep Grill. The restaurant at 1642 S. Shore Drive is open 3-10 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Sundays.
Four shot, two struck by cars at post-prom gathering in Fruitport Twp.
Four people were shot and two struck by cars following a post-prom gathering and altercation at the Fruitport Township VFW on May 9. The party, according to school officials, included students from multiple districts near Muskegon. The investigation remains ongoing.
Woman ejected, killed in Overisel Township crash
A woman driving an SUV on 36th Street pulled into the path of a pickup truck May 13, according to the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office. She was ejected from her vehicle and died at the scene.
Here’s a list of food vendors and locations for Tulip Time 2026
On the first day of the 2026 Tulip Time Festival, organizers unveiled an updated map of food vendors — and our readers were extremely here for it.
Mendham argues she ‘deserved better’ from ZPS during medical leave
Brandi-Lyn Mendham, the former superintendent of Zeeland Public Schools, addressed the district’s board of education during a special meeting at the end of April. In her statement, she alleged actions taken by officials during her medical leave took a further toll on her health.
GDK plans retail space, apartments as ‘bookend’ to Eighth Street
Geenen DeKock Properties outlined a possible project on the southeast corner of Eighth Street and Pine Avenue during a study session of Holland City Council in May. The project would cap off the company’s transformation of West Eighth Street, which included buildings that now hold Sperry’s Moviehouse, Bondi Salon, Mezkla Taqueria and other businesses (including a non-public office for The Sentinel).
Knoll accused of assault from bench one month before suspension for DV
Ottawa County 58th District Court Judge Bradley Knoll, who was forced to retire early in March, has been charged with a misdemeanor after allegedly assaulting a man from the bench. The reported incident took place just a month before Knoll was suspended by the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission.
Knoll pled not guilty May 28, and a pre-trial hearing is scheduled for June 24.
How long will Lakewood Boulevard be closed in Holland Township?
Construction on Lakewood Boulevard between US-31 and 120th Avenue began May 4. One westbound lane remains open, but the eastbound lanes are fully closed. Construction is expected to last until August, while a second phase is set to run July-November.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: These were The Sentinel’s most-read stories in May 2026
Reporting by Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
