🌱 Patch AM: How Grand Rapids’ new Deer Connection app could cut crashes and waste

Good day Grand Rapids! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How Grand Rapids' new Deer Connection app could cut crashes and waste
• What's next for the stalled Gaslight Village redevelopment in East Grand Rapids?
• Who's your pick for OK Gold football MVP this season?

Also on today's calendar: House of Heavy and 4 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 84 and low of 64 degrees.
• Wednesday: Pleasant with sun and clouds, temps: high: 79, low: 55.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 81 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'Deer Connection' app aims to curb deer overpopulation, connecting hunters with landowners (wzzm13.com) — Grand Rapids residents can learn how a new Deer Connection app will link hunters with local landowners at an open house in the city on Sept. 18. Launched by the Kent County Deer Management Coalition, the program aims to cut deer-vehicle crashes, reduce waste, and potentially route more venison to families facing food insecurity.
   

2. East Grand Rapids leaders discuss Gaslight Village development (woodtv.com) — East Grand Rapids officials are regrouping after a Kent County judge voided approval of the multimillion-dollar Gaslight Village redevelopment, effectively wiping out years of planning and a recently approved Phase 1 site plan. Residents packed Monday's commission meeting, celebrating the ruling, demanding a more transparent process, and urging leaders to craft a new plan with broad, 7–0 support.
   

3. Who will emerge as the MVP of the OK Gold football season? (mlive.com) — High school football fans around Grand Rapids are being asked to pick the OK Gold Conference's 2026 MVP, with voting open through late Thursday night. The poll highlights standout players from Unity Christian, Zeeland West and East, South Christian, Forest Hills Central, and Wyoming as they gear up for another strong season.
   

4. Study: Michigan among national leaders in 'child-free' adults (woodtv.com) — From a study reported out of Grand Rapids ranks near the top nationally for adults who say they don't want children, with about one in five residents considered child-free. Michigan State University researchers link the trend partly to cost of living and reproductive rights, but say personal factors like age and marital status matter even more.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Grand Rapids

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Wednesday August 19
• Rally on Reeds (EGR Volleyball on Memorial Field)
  Breton Downs Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49506
  4:00 pm
• Open House!/Casa abierta
  Burton Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49507
  4:30 pm
• Rally on Reeds (Memorial Field)
  East Grand Rapids High School Grand Rapids, MI 49506
  5:00 pm
Thursday August 20
• House of Heavy →
  Pyramid Scheme 68 Commerce Dr SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  8:00 pm
Tuesday August 25
• EGRHS Parent Forum
  East Grand Rapids High School Grand Rapids, MI 49506
  6:30 pm
Saturday September 5
• Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer →
  Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids
  6:30 pm
• Candlelight: Tribute to British Rock Legends →
  Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids
  8:45 pm

📣 Grand Rapids Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday August 18
• Staff Report - Welcome Back
  East Grand Rapids High School Grand Rapids, MI 49506
  7:30 am
• Freshman Smart Start Le-Ri
  Grandville High School Grandville, MI 49418
  7:45 am
• Freshman Smart Start (Last Name Le-Ri)
  Grandville High School Grandville, MI 49418
  7:45 am
• Senior Parking Lot Painting
  Northern High School (Calendar)-Northern High-Northern High Calendar
  8:00 am
• Tuesdays: Fit & Strong →
  Georgetown, MI Calendar, 7100 8th Ave, Jenison
  9:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• i lost my dog 930 saturday night .
  he is a baby grey hound grey and white has stitches in his right hip my number is 585 3695409 (Nextdoor Madison Area)
• Super sweet boy kitty, needs a home.
  This guy has been hanging around our street the last couple of months. Not microchipped or neutered and no apparent owner. He's really friendly and… (Nextdoor Midtown)

• Suburban Inns, Inc. posted a job opening for Housekeeper - Embassy Suites in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
• B & B Maintenance, Inc. posted a job opening for Part Time Evening Bank Cleaner in Grand Rapids. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Grand Rapids here.

Ok Grand Rapids! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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