🌱 Church Lake's Toxic Water Environment + Doppler Radar Repairs

Happy Saturday, Grand Rapids! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

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First, today's weather:

Snow showers in the morning. High: 20 Low: 10.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Grand Rapids today:

1. Grand Rapids doppler radar will be temporarily down in preparation for new radar equipment. The disturbance in radar will likely last two weeks, starting on Feb. 14, according to officials with the National Weather Service. While Grand Rapids doppler radar is down, neighboring areas will provide reliable data for our area. (WOODTV.com)
2. Feyen Zylstra, an industrial technology firm located 15 minutes outside of Grand Rapids, is planning to open a "smart manufacturing center" this spring. The new center will be funded through a grant obtained from the U.S. Department of Energy totaling $250,000. Smart manufacturing uses automation, robotics, and industrial networking to drive reliable achievable results within the manufacturing process. (MLive.com)
3. Grand Rapids' Church Lake is at the center of a debate on winter road salt. Meters below the lake's surface, phosphorus, and road salt have created a toxic oxygen-deprived area that is dangerous to aquatic life. Church Lake is a dramatic example of what is happening across Michigan due to the state's reliance on rock salt to keep roads drivable during the winter. (Michigan Radio)

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Today in Grand Rapids:

• Rogue River Invasive Species Project At The Kent County Parks Department (9:30 AM)
• Black History Month Storytimes At The Grand Rapids Public Library (10:00 AM)

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From my notebook:

• To celebrate the achievements and contributions of the African American community as well as the important work underway to build a more just, inclusive, and equitable future for all, the City of Grand Rapids is highlighting Rev. Lyman S. Parks, our first and thus far only African American mayor of the City of Grand Rapids. (Facebook)
• The Grand Rapids Art Museum has shared a portrait of Leandro Lara's brother that is on display in Seen and Not Seen exhibit. Click to see the powerful image. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. See you all Monday for 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.