Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How an 8-mile trail could transform biking near downtown Grand Rapids

Also, don't miss Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids Extends Holiday Shopping Hours for Last-Minute Gifting on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Good morning Grand Rapids! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How an 8-mile trail could transform biking near downtown Grand Rapids
  • Which West Michigan employers just scored new state training dollars?
  • How one Grand Rapids senior stays independent thanks to weekly meal visits

Also on today's calendar: Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids Extends Holiday Shopping Hours for Last-Minute Gifting and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Grand Rapidsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Grand Rapidsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Windy with rain and drizzle, with a high of 45 and low of 23 degrees.
  • Friday: Morning snow showers, temps: high: 25, low: 22.
  • Saturday: Not as cold; a p.m. shower, with a high of 40 and low of 18 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. New West Michigan mountain biking trail expanding to 8 miles, needs $100,000 (mlive.com) — A new mountain bike trail taking shape near downtown Grand Rapids could grow from six to eight miles if organizers raise an additional $100,000. Built in Johnson Park in Walker with Kent County Parks and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., the feature-heavy trail will offer big downhill runs and options for all skill levels when it opens in 2026.
   

2. Michigan talent development: 61 Kent, Ottawa businesses secure state grants (mlive.com) — Grand Rapids-based West Michigan Works says 61 businesses in Kent and Ottawa counties have landed state Going PRO Talent Fund grants to train workers in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, agribusiness, and construction. Awards range from about $10,000 up to $267,000, supporting both new hires and current employees in building in-demand technical and leadership skills across the region.
   

3. Meals on Wheels provides connection to seniors (woodtv.com) — Meals on Wheels is helping Grand Rapids seniors stay in their homes by delivering weekly meals and much-needed human connection. An 87-year-old resident shares how the service lets her live independently, while a longtime volunteer describes checking on isolated seniors and delivering hundreds of meals alongside others across West Michigan.
   

4. West MI clinic preparing as ACA subsidies fate looms (woodtv.com) — A free clinic in Grand Rapids is bracing for a possible surge in uninsured patients if federal health insurance subsidies expire on December 31. Oasis of Hope Center’s director says they may need more volunteers and longer hours, while a longtime patient worries about families facing higher premiums and reduced access to care.
   

5. AI boom drives RAM prices to skyrocket, potentially impacting tech consumers globally (wzzm13.com) — Grand Rapids residents may soon feel higher prices on laptops, phones, and gaming systems as AI-fueled demand for RAM strains global supply. A local repair tech explains how memory prices have already jumped up to 100%, while some shoppers say they’re willing to pay more, expecting the market to eventually stabilize.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • What a beautiful sunny day!
    Do you want to hear something good? I was at the Dollar Tree on Plainfield (next to Lowe’s) around 4:30. This may sound simple, but the lady behind… (Nextdoor Beckwith Hills)
  • Need someone to take him in!
    We have cats ourselves and they don’t seem to get along and he is not neutered, he seems litter box trained the owners do not want him and keep… (Nextdoor Madison Area)
  • Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Cart Attendant in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
  • Jeld-Wen, Inc. posted a job opening for Manufacturing Associates 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: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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