Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How to make the most of Rosa Parks Circle skating season

Also check out Jurassic Quest - Grand Rapids on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar

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Sunday December 28th Patch AM
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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:

  • How to make the most of Rosa Parks Circle skating season
  • Why are Kent County juries struggling to reach murder verdicts?
  • What West Michigan first responders want you to change on local highways

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings and 5 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I’m trying to think of a new cloud joke. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Sunday: Cloudy with a bit of rain, with a high of 51 and low of 24 degrees.
  • Monday: Snow showers, 1-3", temps: high: 28, low: 19. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Tuesday: A little afternoon snow; cold, with a high of 24 and low of 22 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Beloved tradition returns to downtown Grand Rapids, offering winter fun for all ages (mlive.com) — Rosa Parks Circle’s ice rink is open again in downtown Grand Rapids, offering daily public skating through February 27 with admission that includes skate rental and 90 minutes on the ice. Families can check the city’s Parks and Recreation Facebook page for hours and weather updates, and even reserve spots or buy punch cards to save on frequent visits.
   

2. 'We're a reflection of society': Kent County saw four mistrials in murder cases in 2025. Why? (fox17online.com) — Kent County’s prosecutor is grappling with an unusually high number of mistrials this year, including the hung jury in former Grand Rapids officer Christopher Schurr’s murder case. He points to polarization, expectations for digital evidence, and jury hesitation in high-profile trials while outlining how other recent murder mistrials ended and what his office hopes to improve in 2026.
   

3. Roadworker safety advocates, officials speaking out after Hamilton Fire Chief dies from being hit on duty (wzzm13.com) — After Hamilton Fire Chief David Haverdink died when struck on M-40, West Michigan officials are urgently reminding drivers to slow down and move over for emergency crews. A Grand Rapids fire battalion chief and the father of a tow truck driver killed on M-6 near the city describe daily close calls and a stalled bill to rename part of M-6 in his honor.
   

4. Gun Lake Casino Resort provides $7.9 million in revenue sharing to state, local groups (mlive.com) — Just down the road from Grand Rapids, Gun Lake Casino Resort in Wayland has shared $7.9 million in recent gaming revenue with the state and local governments. Since opening in 2011, the Gun Lake Tribe’s growing resort has funneled millions to nearby schools, Allegan County communities and statewide economic development programs.
   

5. What is the most popular Michigan license plate design? (woodtv.com) — From a Grand Rapids dateline, Michigan officials break down which license plate designs drivers are choosing most, led by the white Pure Michigan plate. The story also highlights popular legacy, university, and specialty plates, and explains how extra fees help fund road work and charitable causes across the state.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Visiting my husband family in Saint George, Utah.
    Hot springs near Zion. Hiked Snow Canyon and Kolob Canyons. (Nextdoor The Crossings)
  • UPDATE: FOUND!
    Creston Area, College and Leonard he MIGHT follow another dog if he sees one. climbed my fence around 1:30 AM. when he saw me and my dog he paused… (Nextdoor Creston)
  • AtWork Group posted a job opening for Hi-lo Driver in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
  • Johnston & Murphy posted a job opening for Full-Time Stock Associate 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 haven’t the foggiest.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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