🌱 NAACP Rejects Police Chief Finalists + Grand Rapids Ballet

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

---

First, today's weather:

Sunshine and quite cold. High: 22 Low: 14.

---

Here are the top stories in Grand Rapids today:

1. Grand Rapids NAACP had rejected support for all police chief finalists. According to the City of Grand Rapids, it has held more than 30 input sessions with stakeholders and the public to help determine the next police chief. The city is asking residents to fill out a web survey up until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 26 to determine the next steps. (WZZM13.com)
2. U.S. Marshals have arrested a key witness in a Grand Rapids homicide case. The Grand Rapids Police Department says that Shelton Williams is not a suspect, but he is a witness to the shooting death of 20-year-old Kendall Frost in October of 2021. (WZZM13.com)
3. The Grand Rapids Ballet is celebrating its 50th year of service! The company plans to celebrate with a series of special performances throughout 2022 and 2023. They will kick off at DeVos Performance Hall for "Cinderella" taking place February 25-27. (Fox17)

---

From our sponsor:

Tackling a big to-do list around the house to start the new year? Our partners at Thumbtack, the home services app, have made hiring trusted local pros for pretty much any job extremely easy and intuitive. In minutes, you can find a painter, plumber, roofer or someone to help with small jobs such as trash hauling or appliance repair. And Thumbtack's rating system can give you confidence that you're hiring a quality pro you can count on. Click here to get started.

---

Today in Grand Rapids:

• Battle Bots - Improv Comedy Show At The Comedy Project (10:00 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• City of Battle Creek, MI Government: "Important update from BC Transit - no services this Saturday, Jan. 22. The team will be back on regular schedules Monday, Jan. 24." (Facebook)
• Kalamazoo Institute of Arts presents "Africa, Imagined: Reflections on Modern and Contemporary Art, opening this Saturday! The show will explore how artists of varying cultures and perspectives have been inspired by the ideas, truths, and myths surrounding African art. (Instagram)

---

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

---

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you around.

— 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.