🌱 GR Police Chief Candidate Forum + Hospitalized Kids With COVID

Happy Thursday, neighbors! These are the most important things happening around town today.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy; bitterly cold. High: 19 Low: 6.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Grand Rapids:

1. The top three candidates in the race for Grand Rapid's newest police chief participated in a public forum on Wednesday. The public event was held at the 9th Floor City Commission Chambers in City Hall, where Jim Blocker, Jutki Jackson, and Eric Winstrom were each given an opportunity to address the public and answer questions. The opening within the department followed the announcement of Chief Eric Payne's upcoming retirement in early 2022. (WWMT-TV)
2. Christian Brothers Automotive, a local business with a shop on Plainfield Avenue, is just one of many Grand Rapids businesses being impacted by global supply chain issues. While run-of-the-mill supplies like spark plugs, oil filters, and air filters, are still fairly easy to come by, snags in the global supply chain are impacting inventory ranging from steel to semiconductors. Given the 3 to 4-week delays, the business recommends drivers check their brakes, tires, and suspension components often, and get oil changes when needed. (Fox17)
3. Helen DeVos Children's Hospital is seeing a record number of COVID-19 patients as the Omicron variant continues to surge in Michigan. The hospital currently has 22 infected children, including 11 in the ICU, ranging in age from babies to 17 years old. Hospital President, Dr. Hossain Marandi, is urging the community to do what they can, wear masks, and get vaccinated. The state's latest data shows 86,009 new cases over five days as of Wednesday and 501 new COVID-19 related deaths. (WOODTV.com)

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Today in Grand Rapids:

• 2022 Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show At DeVos Place (3:00 PM)
• World of Winter | The Singing Tree At Grand Rapids Public Museum (All Day)

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From my notebook:

• The City of Grand Rapids invites the public to provide feedback on the police chief candidates. The online survey is live and available for comment through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 26. (Facebook)
• If you're getting married, stop by Grand Rapids Downtown Market for its free Wedding Showcase on Feb. 5. Tour beautiful event spaces, meet vendors, and sample food from the Market's preferred caterers. (Instagram)
• Planning a romantic Valentine's weekend here in town? The Grand Rapids Art Museum recently announced its Art, Love, and Chocolate Tour on Saturday, Feb. 12. Click for details. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. 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.