Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Do you know the closest free bike repair station to your home?

Also check out Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar

Friday August 21st Patch AM
Friday August 21st Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning Grand Rapids! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Do you know the closest free bike repair station to your home?
  • What changes will Kent County's new sheriff bring to local policing?
  • Did an alleged arrest "bet" influence this Grand Rapids court case?

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Times of sun and clouds, with a high of 81 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Saturday: A shower and thunderstorm, temps: high: 79, low: 57.
  • Sunday: Breezy with a shower in spots, with a high of 76 and low of 52 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Where to Find Every Bike Repair Station in Grand Rapids (wgrd.com) — If you bike around Grand Rapids, you've got a growing network of free public repair stations to keep you rolling, from Founders Brewing and the Downtown Market to GVSU's downtown campus and neighborhood parks. The city's push to become more bike-friendly also includes new bike lanes, signals, and easy rentals through Lime and select Kent District Library branches.
   

2. What appointee will focus on when he becomes Kent County sheriff (woodtv.com) — Kent County's incoming sheriff, longtime deputy Bryan Muir of metro Grand Rapids, is outlining priorities that will shape public safety for residents through at least 2028. He plans to emphasize safety, community engagement, transparency, accountability, and innovation, while tackling complex crimes and ongoing recruitment challenges across specialty units that serve Grand Rapids and surrounding communities.
   

3. Defense claims Grand Rapids police officers had a 'bet' when man was arrested (fox17online.com) — A Grand Rapids man's case over an arrest that left an officer with a broken leg is moving toward a key decision on whether it will go to trial. In 61st District Court, attorneys clashed over whether officers lawfully arrested him and whether an alleged culture of "bets" and arrest quotas influenced their actions. A ruling is expected September 22.
   

4. Here are the top 10 high schools in the Grand Rapids area, according to U.S. News (wzzm13.com) — Families around Grand Rapids can see how local high schools stack up nationally in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, with City High Middle leading the area. The list highlights graduation rates, college readiness, and enrollment for ten Grand Rapids-area schools, helping parents and students compare options as they plan for the coming school year.
   

5. Dolly Parton-themed corn maze coming to West Michigan farm in September 2026 (mlive.com) — Robinette's in Grand Rapids will debut a Dolly Parton-themed corn maze on September 1, with tickets at $10.50 and a portion of sales supporting the local Imagination Library. Visitors can explore Dolly-inspired photo spots, enjoy other farm attractions, and help expand free early-childhood book access for West Michigan families.
   


📸 Around Grand Rapids

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!


🗓 Upcoming Events in Grand Rapids

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

    Monday August 24
  • KF Open House 1st-5th- Last names A-L
    Knapp Elementary School Grand Rapids, MI 49546
    4:30 pm
  • KF Open House 1st-5th- Last names M-Z
    Knapp Elementary School Grand Rapids, MI 49546
    5:00 pm
  • Tuesday August 25
  • EGRHS Parent Forum
    East Grand Rapids High School Grand Rapids, MI 49506
    6:30 pm
  • Wednesday August 26
  • Senior Treats
    Northern High School Forest Hills , 3801 Leonard St NE, Grand Rap
    7:30 am
  • Thursday August 27
  • PTO New Parent Coffee; playground
    Wealthy Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49506
    8:15 am
  • PTO General Mtg; playground
    Wealthy Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49506
    8:30 am
  • PTO Back-to-School Bash
    Breton Downs Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49506
    4:00 pm
  • Tuesday September 1
  • Back to School Picnic
    Wealthy Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49506
    5:30 pm
  • Saturday September 5
  • Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
    Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids
    6:30 pm
  • Candlelight: Tribute to British Rock Legends
    Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids
    8:45 pm

📣 Grand Rapids Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!


🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday August 21
  • Free Friday Line Dance
    Georgetown, MI Calendar, 7100 8th Ave, Jenison
    9:00 am
  • Hymn Sing
    Georgetown, MI Calendar Jenison, MI 49429
    10:00 am
  • Spiritual Gathering
    Georgetown, MI Calendar Jenison, MI 49429
    10:00 am
  • 3rd Friday Networking Luncheon South Kent Chamber
    Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber-Commerce Tommy Brann's Steakhouse & Grille 4157 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
    11:30 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.


Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.


💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Have clothes to give away?
    Consider donating to a nursing home. I found out that some people come to the nursing home with just the clothes on their backs or maybe one extra… (Nextdoor Leonard Gardens)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
    FOUND on August 19, 2026 in Grand Rapids, MI 49505 near Coit Ave Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the finder, view… (Nextdoor Alpine Estates)
  • Meijer, Inc. posted a job opening for General Merchandise Clerk in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
  • City of Kentwood Michigan posted a job opening for Accountant- Parks & Recreation in Grand Rapids. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Grand Rapids here.

Ok Grand Rapids! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.


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