Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Nearly 50 widows and widowers gathered Tuesday night at Amore Trattoria Italiana in Comstock Park for the sixth annual Amore Heals dinner.

The event, funded by I Understand and Food Hugs, offered free meals, surprises & a chance to build new friendships.

Wyoming residents say local streets remain unplowed despite crews clearing major roads on Tuesday.

City Public Works said small, frequent snowfalls make clearing secondary roads harder and urged residents to follow odd–even parking rules.

Grand Rapids gas stations dropped prices by 13 cents in a week and now show rates in the $2.40s as drivers are advised to fill up soon before prices peak midweek with the upcoming summer blend transition.

Grand Rapids Public Schools is holding special interviews for an open trustee seat at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb.

18 at GRPS University (1400 Fuller Ave NE), where the board will vote on one of four candidates selected after former trustee Arick Davis resigned on Jan. 23.

Kent ISD plans to tear down the old Dutton Elementary building to create a new Career and Technical Education center for high school students.

The center will offer nearly a dozen hands-on programs to expand capacity and address long waiting lists, as part of CareerPrep 2030 goals.

Starting this fall, Michigan schools will ban smartphones during class for instructional time, except for medically necessary devices and basic phones after Gov. Whitmer signed the law on Feb.

10. Local districts, including Northview Public Schools in Grand Rapids, have already piloted similar restrictions to boost classroom focus.

Residents at a Blendon Township meeting on Tuesday, Feb.

10 urged officials to reject a proposed 100-MW battery energy storage plant near 88th Avenue. Planners said the project will go through a lengthy review process with conditions for safety and decommissioning.

Grand Rapids added Vaughan as its newest sister city when the City Commission approved the partnership Tuesday, with final approval expected later; the agreement will boost cultural exchanges & economic ties and was celebrated with an event at Brewery Vivant.

On Feb. 9, the Solon Township Board approved a moratorium that stops new data center proposals for six months at Frost Creek Church amid concerns over water and electricity use.

Local officials will gather more information before future plans proceed.

Blendon Township’s Planning Commission granted three exemptions to Key Capture Energy on Tuesday night, moving the project closer to a 100-megawatt battery energy storage system at a Zeeland site despite neighbor opposition — the next meeting to set project conditions is scheduled for March 4 at 7 p.m.

Michigan health officials and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development warn residents to avoid buying two online pesticides called Sniper and Nopest that lack EPA registration.

The products contain high levels of DDVP (dichlorvos), which have caused poisonings, so buyers should use only pesticides with proper EPA markings.

Bonnie is a 1.5-year-old pup available for adoption at Michele's Rescue during Pet Adoption Tuesday this week.

She loves watching kids play plus she is housebroken and crated trained with basic obedience skills, making her a great fit for a home without cats.

2026 World of Winter Festival

9 AM – 11 PM — Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. — Free entry — Experience the largest winter festival in the Midwest filled with stunning art, performances, and fun activities for everyone.

Comedy at the Club

8:00 p.m. — Gilda's Club Grand Rapids — $25 — The Family Improv Workshop offers an evening full of laughter for all ages.

Magic and Comedy Date Night

9:00 – 10:30 PM — AllArtWorks Viewing Studio — $25 — Experience a unique blend of magic, comedy, and poetry this Valentine’s night.

2026 World of Winter Festival

9 AM – 11 PM — Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. — Free entry — Experience a vibrant winter wonderland with light installations, performances, and activities for all ages.

SAS Vendor Exhibit & Trade Show 2026

12 PM – 6 PM — DeVos Place — Exhibit participation cost varies — Explore innovations in analytics and software at this vibrant industry trade show.

Trey Kennedy - The Relatable Tour

7-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Trey Kennedy's humorous storytelling and audience interactions.

The Lou Fighters and Blender

8-11 p.m. — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience high-energy rock from The Lou Fighters and unique 90's hits with Bender The Blender.

Kameron Marlowe Live Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Intersection — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening with country singer Kameron Marlowe known for his heartfelt performances and rich vocal style.

Manitoba Moose vs. Grand Rapids Griffins

7-9 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Tickets available — Celebrate the Griffins’ milestone season with an exciting match against the Manitoba Moose.

Ole 60 Concert

7-10 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — Tickets from $73 — Experience an unforgettable evening with Ole 60 in vibrant Grand Rapids.