Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What’s replacing the historic Grand Rapids veterans home campus?

Make time for Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar

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Hello again Grand Rapids! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What's replacing the historic Grand Rapids veterans home campus?
  • Why a viral Grand Rapids arrest just lost its felony charge
  • Is Grand Rapids' gun violence now a 'state of emergency'?

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

Today's riddle: Where do math teachers go on vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Humid with a stray t-storm, with a high of 80 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Sunday: Sunshine; nice, less humid, temps: high: 79, low: 57.
  • Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 80 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Demolition to the old Grand Rapids veterans home is nearly complete (woodtv.com subscription) — Demolition of the old Michigan Veterans Home in Grand Rapids is nearly finished, clearing the Monroe Avenue NE site to become a green, park-like "clean slate" by early October. Grass seeding and the historic fountain's restoration are planned, while long-term redevelopment concepts still focus on better serving local veterans living at the nearby new facility.
   

2. Kent County prosecutor drops felony in viral Grand Rapids arrest over officers' 'bet' comments (wzzm13.com) — A Kent County prosecutor has dropped a felony charge tied to a highly publicized Grand Rapids traffic-stop arrest after bodycam audio captured officers joking about a "bet" to make numerous arrests. Officials say the stop and arrest were lawful under a city ordinance, but the comments undermined the case, while the defense is now calling for closer scrutiny of Grand Rapids police practices.
   

3. Pastor calls gun violence in Grand Rapids a 'state of emergency' (fox17online.com) — A Grand Rapids pastor is urging city and county leaders to treat recent shootings as a "state of emergency," after at least seven deadly incidents in six weeks and a spike in homicides this year. He and police officials are both calling for community action, with the pastor pushing for more neighborhood-level support and the chief urging residents to reject guns in disputes.
   

4. Stunning comeback headlines Friday's Week 2 Grand Rapids-area prep football action (mlive.com) — Grand Rapids-area football fans saw a wild Friday night, headlined by Lowell's 21-point fourth-quarter comeback to edge St. Joseph 35–34 and avoid an 0–2 start. Rockford also dominated Muskegon, while Grand Rapids Christian's late rally fell just short at Traverse City West, with additional scores reported from around the metro area.
   

5. Grand Rapids With Kids: A Midwest Road Trip Filled With Art, Adventure and Family Memories (indyschild.com) — A visiting family highlights how easy it is to enjoy Grand Rapids with kids, from staying in the walkable Cherry Hill neighborhood to exploring Frederik Meijer Gardens, the Public Museum, John Ball Zoo and Reeds Lake. They also praise local spots like Chartreuse Sisters, Donkey Taqueria and Downtown Market, calling Grand Rapids an ideal, hands-on Midwest getaway for Indianapolis-area families.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Grand Rapids

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I just wanted to take a moment to explain why I disappeared from here for a while and to sincerely apologize to anyone I may have left hanging.
    Not too long ago, I was in a very ambitious season of my life. I was unemployed and trying everything I could to build something for myself. I… (Nextdoor Garfield Park North East)
  • Lost pet
    Belknap lookout!! I am missing my black cat by college and Bradford street, he has a few white hairs on his chest and greenish eyes. He's 16 and… (Nextdoor Belknap Lookout)
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Stockroom Associate Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$36/Hr in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Meat/Produce Team Supervisor 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: Times Square (Thank you Jean K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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