Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Who’s taking charge of Grand Rapids parks, housing, and utilities next?

Spotted on the Grand Rapids calendar: Jurassic Quest - Grand Rapids

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Cheers Grand Rapids! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Who’s taking charge of Grand Rapids parks, housing, and utilities next?
  • How will Grand Rapids’ library system change over the next five years?
  • Are you one ticket away from Grand Rapids’ 1,000th parking violation?

Also on today's calendar: KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Grand Rapids and 4 more events.

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

Today's riddle: The world champion tongue twister just got arrested! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Tuesday: A little snow in the p.m., with a high of 24 and low of 20 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Lake-effect snow, up to 1", temps: high: 25, low: 12. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Thursday: Lake-effect snow, up to 1", with a high of 18 and low of 13 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Grand Rapids announces 3 new department directors (woodtv.com) — Grand Rapids has named new directors to lead its parks and recreation, community development, and utilities departments, shaping how key city services will run in coming years. The appointments come shortly after the city opened its new $98 million Public Service Center on Scribner Avenue NW, which consolidates 17 divisions to improve efficiency and support sustainability-focused infrastructure work.
   

2. Grand Rapids library seeks feedback on 5-year strategic plan to evolve beyond books (mlive.com) — Grand Rapids Public Library is asking residents to take a quick online survey that will shape its new five-year strategic plan and expand its role as a community hub. Leaders want feedback on how the library can better connect people with local partners, early literacy support, and other resources across its eight city branches.
   

3. 993 tickets for failing to follow odd/even parking days in GR (fox17online.com) — Grand Rapids drivers have racked up 993 tickets since November 1 for violating the city’s winter odd-even parking rules meant to keep plows moving. Residents must park on the odd side of the street on odd days and the even side on even days, with cars in place by 1 a.m. and restrictions lasting until 6 p.m.
   

4. Holiday party raises $6,100 for food pantry ahead of big move (wzzm13.com) — A Grand Rapids holiday networking party at Mammoth Distilling raised $6,100 to support SECOM Resource Center just as the food pantry prepares to move to 751 Burton Street SE on January 12. SECOM will keep Wednesday appointments at its building but start bringing food directly into nearby neighborhoods on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while continuing to offer its free community garden on Buchanan Avenue SW.
   

5. Gas prices in Michigan up an average 8 cents per gallon, AAA says (cbsnews.com) — If you’re filling up in Grand Rapids, you’re paying about $2.73 per gallon for regular gas, below many other Michigan cities. AAA reports the statewide average is $2.81, with prices still lower than a month and a year ago. The update helps local drivers gauge whether to top off now or wait.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • The high winds overnight have damaged trees and brought down power lines in Southeast Michigan.
    The windy conditions are expected to continue today and crews are working to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. Please remember to… (Nextdoor )
  • FOUND cat.
    Does this cat belong to anyone near 36th and Buttrick? This sweetheart has been coming around to the Hunters Way neighborhood for a few weeks now and… (Nextdoor Cascade)
  • Alliance Beverage Distributing posted a job opening for Merchandiser Part Time - WEEKEND in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
  • Pregis posted a job opening for Night Shift Material Handler 12 Hour Shifts 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 hear they’re giving him a really tough sentence.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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