Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Will Grand Rapids’ beloved Sligh Building antiques survive Monday’s court showdown?

Coming up on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Monday December 22nd Patch AM
Monday December 22nd Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Greetings Grand Rapids! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will Grand Rapids’ beloved Sligh Building antiques survive Monday’s court showdown?
  • How a discarded owl may become Grand Rapids’ next wildlife ambassador
  • How Johnson Park’s makeover will reshape your ride from Grand Rapids

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 windowsill say to the glass? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Monday: Drizzle; watch for ice early, with a high of 37 and low of 34 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Fog in the morning; cloudy, temps: high: 42, low: 29.
  • Wednesday: Cloudy, with a high of 41 and low of 37 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. What to know about future of historic Grand Rapids building and its beloved antique shops (mlive.com) — A key court hearing Monday will help decide whether the historic Sligh Furniture building near downtown Grand Rapids can stay open while its owner tackles serious roof, fire-safety, and tax issues. Three well-loved antique shops are fighting potential closure that could evict them, while a skeptical judge weighs a last-minute proposal to repair the building and resolve its mounting debts.
   

2. Great horned owl recovering after being tied up in bag, discarded on side of road (wwmt.com) — A rescued great horned owl received initial treatment at the West Michigan Wildlife Center in Grand Rapids and may eventually live at Blandford Nature Center as an education ambassador. Found cruelly zip-tied inside a feed bag in South Haven Township, she’s now recovering in Eaton Rapids with improving prospects despite permanent injuries and blindness.
   

3. State grant funds Kent County park project as part of 85-mile trail network (mlive.com) — Johnson Park in nearby Walker is getting a major $2.6 million upgrade to become Kent County’s trailhead for the Grand River Greenway, an 85-mile trail system linking Grand Rapids to Lake Michigan. A new state grant will help fund all-season restrooms, a modern playground, and expanded mountain bike trails, with most improvements expected by 2026.
   

4. Second nonprofit embezzler agrees to plead guilty (woodtv.com) — A former Grand Rapids nonprofit leader has agreed to plead guilty to federal fraud and tax charges after embezzling more than $1 million from the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative. Prosecutors say the scheme helped shutter the organization, costing 35 jobs and cutting off early childhood services for thousands of low-income families across Kent County and nearby communities.
   

5. The 8 biggest lottery wins in Michigan in 2025 (woodtv.com) — From a record $32.9 million Lotto 47 jackpot near Detroit to several $4 million scratch-off wins, Michigan players have scored some eye-popping prizes in 2025. With the story datelined from Grand Rapids, it also highlights just how long the odds are and where to get help if gambling stops being fun.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Grand Rapids

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

📣 Grand Rapids Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • What a sweet thing.
    So pictured here is my black kitty Fang. He was my very first " legit" foster. And then Luigi, one of my current fosters. Like a full circle. And… (Nextdoor Cutler Estates)
  • 49503 area.
    Lost a 50 lb female husky. Please don't approach. Elsa isn't mean just very timid. She'll run from you more than likely. Thank you for any help. She… (Nextdoor Highland Park)
  • Workbox Staffing posted a job opening for Paint Line Loader/Unloader in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
  • Suburban Inns, Inc. posted a job opening for Housekeeper - Embassy Suites 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 your pane.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Grand Rapids