🌱 Man Convicted Of Murder + Plane Made Emergency Landing

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

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First, today's weather:

Bitterly cold with low clouds. High: 15 Low: 6.

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Here are the top stories today in Grand Rapids:

1. On Sunday morning, a small private airplane made an emergency landing at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Authorities say the plane took off from the airport on Grand Rapids' southeast side and it was bound for Florida. However, the pilot found problems with the landing gear and headed back to the airport. (Fox17)
2. The Grand Rapids Parks and Recreations Department sponsored free sleds and warm clothes to people who came out to enjoy winter activities at Mulick Park. With getting plenty of snow this week, many residents spent Saturday taking advantage of the winter weather. The city plans to have other pop-up sledding events later this year. (WOODTV.com)
3. Michael Thigpen, 33, was convicted of first-degree murder on Friday in connection to the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Roosevelt Thompson in 2019. The Kalamazoo also convicted him of two counts of felony firearms, and a felon in possession of a weapon. The trial lasted two days. (WWMT-TV)

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Today in Grand Rapids:

• Ask A Realtor At Plainfield Senior Center At Northview Senior Citizens (9:30 AM)
• Parks And Recreation Commission Meeting At East Grand Rapids Community Center (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Grand Rapids Art Museum shared that the GRAM's Visionnaire series is back. Join them next Thursday, January 13, for a free talk with Peter Jacob, a local designer. (Instagram)
• Kalamazoo Institute of Arts shared that its first exhibition opening of 2022 is coming in two weeks. Africa, Imagined, Reflections on Modern and Contemporary Art will explore three key themes —escapism, social inquiry, and cultural reclamation. (Instagram)
• The Grand Rapids Public Museum thanked Art of the Table for making the GRPM the Charity of the Month. Five percent of all purchases made at the shop on January 11 will go towards supporting the ongoing renovations of the GRPM's 1928 Spillman Carousel. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! 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.