🌱 Grand Rapids Schools Backpack Ban + Coach Charged W/ Sexual Assault

Hey, everybody! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Grand Rapids Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right with a quick review of the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A bit of afternoon rain. High: 77 Low: 55.
• Saturday: Rather cloudy. High: 77 Low: 50.

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Here are the top three stories today in Grand Rapids:

1. Grand Rapids public schools have banned backpacks after a student brought a gun. This is the second district in Michigan to ban backpacks, with this being the fourth time this school year the district has had to confiscate a gun from a student. The most recent confiscation was from a third grader's backpack, where staff found the gun loaded. Many schools across the U.S. have struggled with ways to increase safety; some places have instated clear bag policies, and others have put metal detectors at the doors of the school. (Detroit Free Press)
2. Former Grand Rapids gymnastics coach Shannon Guay has been charged with allegedly sexually assaulting minors. Guay was arrested in Punta Gorda, Florida on Wednesday after an investigation that started in March led to his arrest. Police were informed of a gymnastics business that received voicemails alleging past sexual assaults, possibly involving a former employee, between 2006 to 2008. Guay has been charged with 13 counts of first and second-degree criminal sexual conduct in three different cases. The investigation remains open and police are asking anyone with information to contact Grand Rapids YWCA. (WWMT-TV)
3. The winners of Grand Rapids Donut and Beer Fest 2023 have been announced. It's been four years since the festival has been back in Grand Rapids, and many vendors and breweries showed up to give visitors a taste of their delicious baked donuts and special brews. Sandy's Doughnuts right here in Grand Rapids won the top spot for best donuts, with visitors and judges alike. (WGRD)

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Today and tomorrow in Grand Rapids:

Friday, May 12

• Working With Purpose: Career Development Workshop At Wedgewood Christian Services (10:00 AM)

Saturday, May 13

• Pancake Breakfast At Creston Brewery (8:00 AM)
• Second Saturday Workday At Dune Pines Nature Reserve (9:00 AM)
• AllArtWorks Sat Night Show Vol 22 At AllArtWorks Viewing Studio (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• According to recent data, the state of Michigan had the eighth-lowest rate of U.S. teen driver fatalities in 2022. Bumper.com reports that “young drivers are statistically more likely than other age groups to be involved in fatal accidents.” (Bumper.com)
• Ready to head out to the farmers market? Here is a guide to the Grand Rapids area farmers' markets for 2023. (MLive.com)
• The Grand Rapids Art Museum offers drop-in artmaking in their studio every Saturday. Artmaking in the studio is included with museum admission and all the materials you need to do the project are provided! (Grand Rapids Art Museum via Instagram)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (May 16)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll see you around!

— 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.