🌱 ArtPrize Returns To Grand Rapids + Police Chief Candidates

Morning, Grand Rapids! It's Thursday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in Grand Rapids.

---

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy with flurries. High: 35 Low: 17.

---

Here are the top 3 stories today in Grand Rapids:

1. ArtPrize, an art competition and festival, is slated to return to Grand Rapids in 2022. Craig Searer, leader of the festival, estimates that it drew close to 500,000 people last year, including volunteers, students, and artists. The 2022 festival will be held from Sept. 15 to Oct. 2. Artists will again have the opportunity to display their work and compete for prize money and other awards. (MLive.com)
2. Have you had a DIY home repair go wrong recently? Do you want to get better at making small repairs around the house? Home Repair Services is a nonprofit organization that offers services to those qualifying throughout Kent County and this weekend, they will be giving free lessons to homeowners at the Grand Rapids Remodeling & New Homes Show. (WOODTV.com)
3. The City Manager Mark Washington announced yesterday the three candidates named in the search for Grand Rapids' next Police Chief. Candidates include Battle Creek Chief of Police, Jim Blocker; retired Milwaukee Police Inspector, Jutiki Jackson; and Chicago Police Commander, Eric Winstrom. (Press Release Desk)

---

From our sponsor:

Hey Grand Rapids, are you looking to buy a house, refinance or just explore your options? Check out the new Patch Mortgage Center for all your home financing needs!

---

Today in Grand Rapids:

• Concerts Under The Stars at Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Grand Rapids Police Department congratulated Officer Mike Duke this week on his retirement. Officer Duke has been working for the Grand Rapids Police Department since 1991 in different departments, most recently with the Traffic Unit. (Facebook)
• There are many new cats, dogs, and other pets available for adoption at multiple Grand Rapids area shelters. If your family is looking for a furry friend this winter, consider helping out one of these pets in need. (Grand Rapids Patch)
• Harrison Park Academy in Grand Rapids made the decision to go virtual this week after a COVID-related staffing shortage. About 23 percent of teachers, 50 percent of paraprofessionals, 50 percent of secretaries, and 33 percent of school administration were out sick due to positive cases. (WZZM13.com)

---

Loving the Grand Rapids Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

---

That's it for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update!

— Erica Zenn

About me: Erica Zenn is a Masters Student in Applied Psychology at the University of Southern California who originally hails from Chapel Hill, NC. With a bachelors degree from Cornell University, Erica is an expert verbal and written communicator who brings extensive experience in employee engagement and customer experience of companies. Erica is passionate about community building, and loves using her writing and communication skills to bring people together.