🌱 New Grand Rapids Police Chief + Updates To Parks 5-Year Plan

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know around town today.

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First, today's weather:

Colder with snow. High: 29 Low: 15.

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Here are the top three stories today in Grand Rapids:

1. The City of Grand Rapids announces that the new Police Chief will be a commander from the Chicago Police Department. Eric Winstrom is a twenty-year veteran in the Chicago Department with experience in various tactical, investigative, and administrative positions during his tenure. Winstrom was chosen after an extensive national search process centered on community policing methods. (Grand Rapids Patch)
2. A pedestrian is in critical condition after being struck on US-131 by a vehicle. The victim was attempting to retrieve a couch that fell from his vehicle when the vehicle struck him. The incident shut down all but one lane on southbound US-131 with slow traffic being experienced. (Fox17)
3. The Grand Rapids City Commission announces that it has changed its five-year parks and recreation strategic master plan. The updates center around a new department mission, COVID-19 response, and considerations of the evergreen parks millage. The plan is required for Grand Rapids to be eligible for Michigan Department of Natural Resources funds. (grbj.com)

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Today in Grand Rapids:

• Virtual Family Time At The Grand Rapids Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Those that Serve At The Plainfield Senior Center (12:45 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Grand Rapids Police Department looks forward to the arrival of new Grand Rapids Police Chief Winstrom. (Facebook)
• Grand Rapids Downtown Market celebrates Michigan apples and Saigon cinnamon. Click to take a look at these tasty treats. (Instagram)
• Grand Rapids Art Museum wishes our community a happy Lunar New Year. Click to learn more about the Year of the Tiger. (Facebook)

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