🌱 ‘Kindness Machine’ in Grand Rapids + Crews Put Out Office Fire

Rise and shine, Grand Rapids! Here's everything you need to know to get this Saturday started off right.

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First, today's weather:

Breezy with snow, 1-2". High: 26 Low: 15.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Grand Rapids:

1. A 'Kindness Machine' in Grand Rapids is sparking happiness in the area. Ange Zelenak filled the vending machine with acts of kindness — green is an easy challenge, yellow is medium, and pinks are harder to execute. The machine is part of World of Winter in Grand Rapids and will be out until Mar. 6. (Fox17)
2. On Friday, several departments were called to fight a fire at an office building east of Grand Rapids. The fire started at about noon on Friday at Cascade Executive Center on Old 28th Street. Everyone inside the building made it out safely. (WOODTV.com)
3. A Grand Rapids Police Officer was charged with carelessly firing a gun. Police say he fired a shot that accidentally damaged a home. Officer Gregory Bauer faces a misdemeanor charge, of which the maximum penalty is 90 days in jail and a fine of $100.(WOODTV.com)

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Today in Grand Rapids:

• And The Award Goes To... At Grand Rapids Symphony (7:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• West Michigan K9 is asking the important questions on National Hug Day: did you hug your dog yet? (Instagram)
• Kalamazoo State Theatre shared their condolences for the passing of the legendary Meat Loaf. Known for his iconic hits including Bat Out Of Hell, he sold more than 100 million albums worldwide over the course of his career. (Facebook)
• Grand Rapids Public Schools encouraged readers to check out the COVID Emergency Relief Assistance if they need help with rent and utilities this winter. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up 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.