Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Grand Rapids shops say these final holiday days matter most

Also, don't miss Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar

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Sunday December 21st 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:

  • Why Grand Rapids shops say these final holiday days matter most
  • What Grand Rapids drivers need to know about the I-196 ramp reopening
  • Grand Rapids family grieves two violent deaths and seeks community support

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings.

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

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Sunday: Colder; breezy in the morning, with a high of 25 and low of 21 degrees.
  • Monday: Drizzle; watch for ice early, temps: high: 39, low: 33.
  • Tuesday: Cloudy, with a high of 44 and low of 29 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Local retailers prepare for last-minute holiday shopping as Christmas approaches (woodtv.com) — Grand Rapids retailers are heading into their most critical sales stretch, with the Chamber saying many earn most of their annual revenue in these final holiday weeks. Local business advocate Richard App urges residents to shop local, consider gift cards, and hit stores early in the week and early in the day to avoid crowds and find the best selection.
   

2. Temporary fix reopens Grand Rapids I-196 to U.S. 131 ramp (mlive.com) — Key ramps between I-196 and U.S. 131 in Grand Rapids are back open after a Dec. 2 rollover crash badly damaged the S-curve bridge. MDOT installed a temporary fix much earlier than its original 2026 timeline, though officials haven’t yet detailed when permanent repairs or future closures might happen.
   

3. The Martínez-Ramírez family faces grief marked by two violent deaths (mundonow.com) — A Grand Rapids family is mourning two violent losses: a son killed in an unsolved 2024 shooting and a father fatally shot by police during a December 6 confrontation now under state investigation. Relatives are raising funds for funeral costs and receiving support from a Grand Rapids tamale sale and online donations as they navigate deep, ongoing grief.
   

4. Catholic Central students bring holiday cheer to those in need (woodtv.com) — Catholic Central High School students in Grand Rapids spent their last school day delivering nearly 200 gifts to 181 people through a decades-old “Christmas Family” tradition. Teens and teachers shopped, wrapped, and hand-delivered essentials and toys to families across the city, reflecting on gratitude and the impact of giving back locally.
   

5. Families, volunteers gather at Toys for Tots distribution days (wzzm13.com) — Hundreds of local families picked up free Toys for Tots gifts in Grand Rapids and nearby communities this weekend, as need nearly doubled at St. Peter and Paul Church. Volunteers and Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson in Hudsonville helped provide thousands of toys, food, and crafts to make the holiday brighter for struggling parents and kids.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • On my way to my work meeting this morning and if I can just give a public service announcement, the highway is complete Black ice.
    Multiple accidents and cars in the median. Try to avoid it all costs even getting on the roads if possible. Be safe everyone (Nextdoor North Stocking)
  • Lost cat 1000 block of Fairfield.
    Just got her yesterday, don’t even have a name yet. She is in heat and bolted when we opened the door to shovel. Pplease contact me at 616 481 4802… (Nextdoor Oakleigh)
  • Michigan Staffing posted a job opening for Ramp Agent - GRR Airport in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
  • Aramark Corporation posted a job opening for Custodial Services Worker - NHA-MI2-Custodial 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 feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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