🌱 Camera Catches Suspicious Activity + Metal Detectors At Schools

Hello all. Nicole Fallon-Peek here with your fresh copy of the Grand Rapids Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Humid with a t-storm in spots. High: 88 Low: 66.
• Saturday: Humid with a stray t-shower. High: 86 Low: 67.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Grand Rapids today:

1. Kerry Pangan installed a camera on his property that recorded two individuals exiting a vehicle with open doors, checking for unlocked doors before entering one that was open. Pangan believes this group has done this before and feels that neighbors should make neighbors aware if they see suspicious activity. The Grand Rapids Police Department reported 741 vehicles have been stolen or attempted to be stolen since the start of this year, with Kia's and Hyundai's accounting for 363 of those cases. They are asking drivers keep their doors locked and windows closed, and for those with Kia or Hyundai vehicles to use a steering wheel lock for protection. (WZZM13.com)
2. Grand Rapids Public Schools is considering using metal detectors in select schools after firearms were found on their premises four times in the past year. The decision on whether to continue a backpack ban will be made in August. The district aims to prioritize mental health in student safety and is exploring various solutions, including piloting metal detector systems with state funding. (WOODTV.com)
3. Kentwood man Chad Bruining, 43, will spend his life in prison for first-degree murder and second-degree arson for killing his friend, Todd Cappendyk, in October 2020 in northeast Grand Rapids. Bruining was sentenced Wednesday without the possibility of parole plus another 15-30 years for arson. His attorney plans to file an appeal. (WOODTV.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Grand Rapids:

Friday, June 30

• Grand Rapids Foodie Fest At Calder Plaza (3:00 PM)
• Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox At GLC Live (7:00 PM)

Saturday, July 1

• Red, White Blue, And You: A Salute To Independence Day At Frederik Meijer Gardens And Sculpture Park (10:00 AM)
• Grand Rapids Foodie Fest At Calder Plaza (11:00 AM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

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From my notebook:

• Public Service Announcement! Grand Rapids residents can start lighting off fireworks for Independence Day on Thursday, with city ordinance allowing consumer-grade displays from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on Jun. 29 through Jul. 4. Lighting outside designated times could result in a $1,000 fine. (WOODTV.com)
• Frozen: The Musical is coming to Grand Rapids from Jul. 11-23 at the DeVos Performance Hall, and Grand Rapid Kids is giving away two family packs of tickets! For more information on this event and to enter the giveaway, click here. (Grand Rapids Kids)
• The Grand Rapids Museum wants to thank all of those who joined them at the Creative Learning Center's ribbon cutting and opening day celebration. To learn more about the center, click here. (Grand Rapids Art Museum via Instagram)

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.