Grand Rapids
News Feed
Events
Local Businesses
Classifieds
Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Grand Rapids honored Gold Star families on the 25th 9/11 anniversary

And check out Bing Higbee on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar

Sunday September 13th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hi there, Grand Rapids! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Grand Rapids honored Gold Star families on the 25th 9/11 anniversary
  • See the Grand Rapids illusionist whose ArtPrize work wowed Ripley's
  • What will replace Grand Rapids' historic Stocking Elementary School?

Also on today's calendar: Mosaic Art Classes Grand Rapids: Turkish Lamp Workshop and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why are crows so alert and curious? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Not as warm; a p.m. shower, with a high of 75 and low of 48 degrees.
  • Monday: Nice with periods of sun, temps: high: 70, low: 60.
  • Tuesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 79 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Honor cruise pays tribute to Gold Star families on 9/11 (woodtv.com) — Gold Star families and local students joined a moving 9/11 anniversary honor cruise that launched from the American Legion Boat and Canoe Club in Grand Rapids and wound through Kent County schools. The motorcade and ceremonies, including an assembly at Comstock Park High School, honored West Michigan service members killed in action and offered families a chance to heal together.
   

2. 'Real magic': Artist who sold to Ripley's Believe It or Not! to be featured in ArtPrize again (woodtv.com) — Grand Rapids-area artist David Stricklen is back in this year's ArtPrize with a new 3D reverse-perspective painting, "Once In A Dream," set to be displayed at The B.O.B. downtown. After Ripley's Believe It or Not bought two of his earlier ArtPrize works, he's again drawing attention with optical-illusion canvases that seem to move as viewers walk by, this time featuring all four of his grandchildren.
   

3. $19M plan to turn former Grand Rapids school into 48 apartments approved (mlive.com) — A $19 million plan to turn Grand Rapids' former Stocking Elementary into 48 income-restricted apartments has cleared the city Planning Commission, but still depends on winning key tax credits. The project would preserve the historic school and gym, add two new buildings, and reserve units for very low- to moderate-income households, while neighbors push to keep green space and a basketball court on the West Side site.
   

4. 'Jovial, bear-hugger' killed on 9/11 would be shocked over division (8newsnow.com) — A Grand Rapids-area family is marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11 by remembering Barbara Edwards, a beloved teacher and frequent visitor who died aboard Flight 77. Relatives in West Michigan share stories of her joyful personality, ongoing grief, and hopes that her legacy of kindness can help bridge today's deep divisions. Their reflections connect national tragedy to a very personal local loss.
   

5. Fashion's past, present and future: Grand Rapids is home to the region's largest closet (mlive.com) — Grand Rapids residents can explore a special fashion-focused display at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, showcasing garments from the 1880s through the 1990s alongside creations by Kendall College of Art and Design students. Much of the 10,000-piece collection was donated by local families, including a beloved 1950s purple party dress that unexpectedly reconnected curators with its New York designer late in his life.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

Subscribe

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Grand Rapids

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Monday September 14
  • Bing Higbee →
    Edison Christian Health Center, 1000 Edison Ave NW, Grand Rapids

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 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!

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

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • DM me for his ###s OMG Brett & the boyz / Kum 2 U auto help…… has saved me… I am on the side of 96, and he came up here got the parts for my brakes and did them on the side of the ExpresswaY 🫣all in 45 minutes👍👍..
    and then still tried to undercharge himself because he felt bad that I had to wait on the expressway for so long…. Well, 100% higher this man for… (Nextdoor Oakdale)
  • Hello phamily,
    I need my lawn aerigated, without it costing 250.00. Any suggestions? (Nextdoor Kenowa Hills)
  • Entrematic posted a job opening for Assistant Distribution Center Manager in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
  • G.A. Richards Group posted a job opening for Shipping Clerk - 1st Shift 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: They start each day with a cup of caw-fee. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

More from Grand Rapids
News | Aug 27
News | Aug 13
News | Jul 28
See more on Patch >

Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Grand Rapids Patch

Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.

©2026 Patch Media. All Rights Reserved

Do Not Sell My Personal Information