Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of July.
Good morning, Grand Rapids.
Atwater Brewery will vacate its Grand Rapids taproom in the Rowe building at 201 Michigan St NW by the end of July after operating there for ten years.
Bradley Company has listed the space for lease and noted its spacious indoor and outdoor layout.
Food truck owners in Grand Rapids battled extreme heat today as metal kitchens can reach temperatures twenty to forty degrees above the outdoor air & vendors rotated breaks and provided electrolyte water to keep staff safe.
Some operators even closed earlier to combat the risk.
Notions Marketing, a family-owned craft supply wholesaler (established in 1938) on Crofton Street SE, canceled orders and laid off 181 workers after a fire damaged products on June 28.
The company said the damage halted shipments while it sorted out smoke penetration, as noted on a labor notice.
Cascade Hills Auto has seen a surge in car repairs during this summer heat wave, with foreman Matthew Marsiglia noting that high temperatures are causing early AC failures and advising drivers to check problems before they worsen (repair costs for newer vehicles have nearly doubled due to increased freon prices).
Gas prices in Grand Rapids average $3.91 per gallon today as Brent crude falls to $77 to $79 but refining limits and global tensions keep prices high.
GasBuddy advises drivers to refuel early to avoid further increases (county fuel prices range from $3.87 to $3.92).
Lowell Area Schools will ask voters to decide on two tax proposals on Tuesday, Aug.
4 to support school operations and improvements. The operating millage is set to raise about $5.2 million while the sinking fund may generate $1.5 million.
Byron Township is banning e-bikes, e-scooters, and other motorized vehicles from sidewalks starting today after neighbors raised safety concerns along busy corridors like 84th Street.
Non-motorized bicycles remain allowed while exceptions cover wheelchairs (with documentation), and violators may face citations.
State health officials confirmed 3,309 cyclosporiasis cases as of Tuesday morning from a spike in infections, following an increase from 2,640 cases on Monday.
They suspect lettuce or salad greens may be the source and are interviewing over 1,000 positive cases as the investigation continues.
The East Grand Rapids Planning Commission approved phase one site plans for the Gaslight Village project on July 14, which will add 40 residential units on two acres at 515 Lakeside Drive SE.
The plans now go to the city commission for a public hearing before construction can begin.
Shakey Graves Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Meijer Gardens — Tickets from $67 — Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of Shakey Graves at this beautiful outdoor venue.
Upheaval Festival 2026
13:00-21:00 — Belknap Park — $29.79 – $2,979.00 — Experience an epic two-day rock festival featuring top artists in Grand Rapids.
Upheaval Festival Featuring Papa Roach
12-9 p.m. — Belknap Park — Saturday Pass Only — Experience a day filled with exciting performances from Papa Roach, Bilmuri, and more.
Buddy Guy Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Meijer Gardens — Tickets starting at $129 — Experience the legendary blues artist Buddy Guy live in concert.
Johnny Mullenax Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience a funky country bluegrass good time with Johnny Mullenax, a genre-bending musician from Tulsa.
Grand Rapids Symphony: Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back In Concert
7:30-10:30 PM — Acrisure Amphitheater — Check event page for pricing — Experience the iconic score live as the classic film unfolds on the big screen.
The Format Live Concert
12-9:30 p.m. — Elevation — Ticket prices vary — Experience the musical rebirth of The Format as they debut new songs and celebrate their roots.
Grand Rapids Speed Dating Event for Singles in Their 40s and 50s
6-8 p.m. — O'Toole's Public House — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Little Stranger Live Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Intersection — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic alt indie hip-hop duo bringing their unique sound to Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids Ballet School: Adult Summer Showcase
8:15-11:15 p.m. — Peter Martin Wege Theatre — Cost not specified — Celebrate the artistry and dedication of adult dancers after a week of intensive ballet training.
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