🌱 January Blood Drives + New Kent County COVID Guidelines

Hey, Grand Rapids! Let's get you all caught up to start this Friday, January 7 off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today in town.

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First, today's weather:

Very cold with a little snow. High: 20 Low: 8.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Grand Rapids today:

1. Hundreds of schools in West Michigan have been closed the last two days due to a winter storm moving through the area. The blizzard-like conditions brought heavy lake-effect snow and strong winds, prompting many K-12 schools, colleges, libraries, city offices, and other locations to close, including the entire Grand Rapids public school district. Some school districts south of Grand Rapids have made the decision to close today as well. (MLive)
2. Grand Rapids has two blood drives coming up on Jan. 13 and Jan. 24. Those who donate blood in January will be entered to win two tickets to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles, California. They'll also be entered to win a home theater system. (Grand Rapids Patch)
3. The Kent County Health Department is aligning its COVID-19 guidelines to advisement from the CDC. The new guidance reduces isolation and quarantine days from 10 days to five days for the general population. A person will isolate if they have tested positive; those who have had close contact with someone who has tested positive will quarantine. (WOODTV.com)

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Today in Grand Rapids:

• An American In Paris - Grand Rapids Symphony (8:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• There is still time to get your tickets for the Grand Rapids Police vs. Fire Department charity hockey game benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. All the information and tickets can be found here. (Facebook)
• The City of Grand Rapids reminds residents to follow odd-even parking where posted as Public Works crews work to remove snow from the city's streets and sidewalks. (Facebook)
• Due to inclement weather, the Grand Rapids Art Museum was closed yesterday. It is hoping to reopen for regular hours today depending on the weather. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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.