🌱 Grand Rapids Patch: What You Need To Know Today (Wed, Jan 25)

Hey, friends! It's me, Celeste "Pirate Queen" Wetzel, your host of the Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days. In today's briefing, we have these stories and more:

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But first, today's weather:

Periods of wet snow, 1-3 in. High: 34 Low: 30.

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Here are the top stories in Grand Rapids today:

1. Emmanuel Hospice focuses on person-centered care (WOODTV.com)
2. EGR, GR police investigate shooting death (WOODTV.com)
3. Hospitals battle caregiver burnout (Grand Rapids Business Journal)
4. Jeff Lambert buys second Grand Rapids office as Detroit tech startup grows (Crain's Detroit Business)
5. Forest Hills Northern student wins 2023 State of the State art contest (FOX 17 West Michigan News)
6. Daughter, fellow officer delivers father's Final Call for Service (FOX 17 West Michigan News)
7. East Kentwood High School students are champs in We The People program > Grand Rapids Legal News (Detroit Legal News)
8. The Heritage Restaurant is now serving lunch (The Collegiate)
9. Signs of human trafficking to watch for (WOODTV.com)
10. Man pleads guilty to murder charge in woman’s Christmas Eve 2021 slaying (MLive.com)
11. Hope for Single Moms is empowering women to thrive (WOODTV.com)
12. Grand Rapids parks looks to add more full-time employees amid seasonal labor shortage (MLive.com)
13. After student found with loaded gun at school, Grand Rapids leaders want to hear parents’ concerns (MLive.com)
14. ‘FULL CIRCLE’ | Michigan man returns to the place that helped him overcome addiction (WZZM13.com)
15. The Green Well restaurant to close temporarily for renovations (MLive.com)
16. Expert: Shop around while gas prices rise (WOODTV.com)
17. St. Cecilia Music Center brings the All-Female Jazz Super Group "Artemis" to the Royce Auditorium on February 16, 2023 (The Rapidian)
18. Local shelters working to address overcrowding, longer stays (FOX 17 West Michigan News)
19. Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce (WGVU NEWS)
20. Kent Country Club renovating clubhouse, adding new dining area (Grand Rapids Business Journal)

Today in Grand Rapids:

From my notebook:

• Grand Rapids Police Department: "Yesterday was Officer Newton's final call for service after serving the people of Grand Rapids for 33 years. This traditional recognition before retirement is usually given by a dispatcher but yesterday's was unique. His daughter, follow..." (Grand Rapids Police Department via Facebook)
• EatGR Grand Rapids #1 FoodBlog: "A rare cross post Kum and Go! I know that several of you have been waiting for one of the four @kumandgo to open in town and one finally has. Alpine south of the freeway. They have a lovely, friendly staff. if for some reason you decid..." (EatGR Grand Rapids #1 FoodBlog via Instagram)
• Grand Rapids Ballet: "Grand Rapids Ballet Board of Directors had an extra special meeting last night where they had the opportunity to learn some of the sword-fighting choreography from our upcoming performance of Romeo & Juliet. With a little more rehearsal,..." (Grand Rapids Ballet via Instagram)
• Grand Rapids Downtown Market: "Spicy Saturday is back... with a volcanic vengeance! 🔥 January 28, escape the cold and spice up your Saturday with flaming flavors being served throughout the Market Hall. This is a one-day-only event showcasing fiery features, sizzlin..." (Grand Rapids Downtown Market via Instagram)
• Kalamazoo College: "Kalamazoo College L. Lee Stryker Associate Professor of Business Management Amy MacMillan and Sleeping Giant Capital Founder/Managing Partner Doug Lepisto '04, a K alumnus, are two of the drivers behind a distinct consulting project for ..." (Kalamazoo College via Facebook)
• Michigan Radio: "For the first time since the pandemic began, the federal government will require people with Medicaid to show income eligibility to keep their insurance. According to the Center for Health and Research Transformation, that could result ..." (Michigan Radio via Instagram)
• Grand Rapids Children's Museum: "🚚 A special delivery arrived yesterday...🤩 Our amazing team is hard at work unpacking & assembling a brand new exhibit!!! 🚨 Reminder: We are CLOSED this week. 🚨 GRCM will reopen on Saturday, January 28 for the grand opening of Molly ..." (Grand Rapids Children's Museum via Facebook)
• Grand Rapids Ballet: "Grand Rapids Ballet Board of Directors had an extra special meeting last night where they had the opportunity to learn some of the sword-fighting choreography from our upcoming performance of Romeo & Juliet. With a little more rehearsal,..." (Grand Rapids Ballet via Facebook)
• Opera Grand Rapids: "It’s a camel coat kind of day 🐫 #spice" (Opera Grand Rapids via Instagram)
• Kalamazoo Symphony: "It's concert week! KSO Music Director Julian Kuerti calls our Modern Marvels performance a collection of "music on the cutting edge!" Join us on Sunday, January 29 at 3 p.m. for these exciting works. Learn More at KalamazooSymphony.com" (Kalamazoo Symphony via Instagram)
• Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: "🚨🔎 Introducing The Rookie Detectives! Starting February 7 at 10 a.m., train for Art Detectives by joining the Rookies for an hour to read clues in a story, investigate the galleries, and create a case through material exploration. Stro..." (Kalamazoo Institute of Arts via Instagram)
• Battle Creek Chamber: "JOB POSTING: We are excited to share these two positions with you. New Holland Brewing (Battle Creek) is hiring! The Floor Manager and Sous Chef job descriptions are currently being recruited. These are both full time positions. We ask t..." (Battle Creek Chamber via Facebook)
• Michigan Maritime Museum: "If you love historic boats and sharing them with people, we've got the job for you! We're hiring captains for all vessels in our On-Water Fleet! Applicants must have their USCG merchant mariners credential (OUPV or masters). Contact Ca..." (Michigan Maritime Museum via Instagram)
• Grand Rapids Public Museum: "The GRPM has so many digital games hidden around our exhibits, you may have missed some on your last visit, like Sturgeon Excursion! 🐟 In this new digital game, users meet and raise their own mighty Lake Sturgeon. The game invites users..." (Grand Rapids Public Museum via Facebook)
• Kalamazoo State Theatre: "🌶️ THIS SATURDAY 🌶️ We may be biased, but you do not want to miss the brisket chili we are partnering with WMU Dining Services to serve at this year’s Kalamazoo Chili Cook Off. If you haven’t been to the chili cookoff before, you must ..." (Kalamazoo State Theatre via Facebook)
• Kalamazoo State Theatre: "💛 NATIONAL DAY OF RACIAL HEALING RECAP 💛 It’s hard to believe a full week has already passed since National Day of Racial Healing presented by TRHT Kalamazoo. Whether you were in the room or watching online, you’ll know this was a nigh..." (Kalamazoo State Theatre via Facebook)
• Friends of Grand Rapids Parks: "We all face mental health struggles at some point - sometimes it's hard to tell which side of the line we are on. Friends' Executive Director, Stacy Bare weighs in with some tips on how to keep our minds healthy. ⛰️🧠 Teton Gravity Resea..." (Friends of Grand Rapids Parks via Facebook)
• Grand Rapids Symphony: "*TICKET GIVEAWAY* In just over a week, we perform Rachmaninoff’s electric piano concerto No. 3 with Sergei Babayan. Share one of your favorite performances of this piece in the comments below for a chance to win 2 tickets to our concerts..." (Grand Rapids Symphony via Facebook)
• Kalamazoo State Theatre: "📢 NEW YEAR, NEW THREADS! 📢 Spice up your life and wardrobe by grabbing some of the latest KST Merch! From t-shirts featuring the icons of the theatre, to beanies, hoodies, and more—there’s something for everyone in our shop. https://ka..." (Kalamazoo State Theatre via Facebook)
• Grand Rapids Symphony: "*TICKET GIVEAWAY* In just over a week, we perform Rachmaninoff’s electric piano concerto No. 3 with Sergei Babayan. Share one of your favorite performances of this piece in the comments below for a chance to win 2 tickets to our concerts..." (Grand Rapids Symphony via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Ridgemoor: "I have been experiencing unsteady internet service with Comcast/Xfinity. - They sent 2 tech teams over and charged me $200+ without solving the problem. I learned that Comcast/Xfinity is the only internet service provider in the Ridgemoo..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Riverside Park: "Midwest Tree Service just ground up a tree stump out by our curb. - Anyone know if they have a cleanup crew or if the city removes all the mess? Lot of cleanup to do." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Oakleigh: "Looking for side jobs doing remodeling. - Have several years of experience. Call or text 616.930.5108" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Midtown: "Hello everyone I'm new to this site an joined because one of my clients mentioned there was a recent post with people looking for rides to an from the airport. - I work for metro cars an I would be happy to help any of my neighbors with ..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Dean Lake: "I know of a great comany called GO2 GUTTERS who install seemless gutters. - I know the family and they are very reputable. We are going to use them for our gutters, too. Their website is www.go2gutters.us. Their phone number is (231) ..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Beckwith Hills: "Registration is open for Northeastern Little League (NELL). - Baseball and softball programs for boys and girls ages 4-14. Home games are played at Huff Park. Register online at www.nellgr.com." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Thornapple River Dr SE: "If you like to support local business, and need an honest, hardworking painter, contact Dave Vankuiken with Vankuiken Painting! - Born and raised in Cascade, a family man with family values, who doesn't just see a job, but a job in your ..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Eastown: "I need to hire someone to install a ceiling fan/light fixture. - Please direct message me if you are available." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Belknap Lookout: "Hi Neighbors.. - I was out walking my dog past coit park this evening..a mother stopped me she was looking for her daughter who is 14yrs old..my dog and I walked extra hour around the neighborhood to see if we can help find her..if the m..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Beckwith Hills: "We are open! - Sprinkles Donut Shop has officially opened the doors at 1237 Leonard Street NE and the donuts are waiting for you! Our entire staff is thrilled to be in the neighborhood serving up fresh, delicious donuts daily. Hours ar..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Forest Hills: "What company has the best price for a new shingle type roof? - I want to get some quotes." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, GPNA South East: "Are you missing a bike? - … one was found abandoned on the bike trail. Message me a description and this may be yours..Alger area" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Heartside-Downtown: "50 Weston st SW , parking lot is not a free lot an people come downtown parking there all the time. - That lot belongs to the apartment building residents pay monthly for a parking spot an y'all taking spots from residents . Management d..." (Nextdoor)

That's it for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Celeste "Pirate Queen" Wetzel

About me: The original Pirate Queen and QA engineer for Patch. Did you know that this week I have worked at least two fourteen hour days? This sprint has been nuts and the engineering team has been keeping me hopping non-stop. I'm exhausted and very close to needing a vacation.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Grand Rapids Patch newsletter? Contact me at celeste.wetzel@patch.com