Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Holland’s LAUP is hosting a Back to School Bash this Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (families can access 900 backpacks, free supplies, face painting, and other kid activities) to help ease rising school supply costs.

Pastor Chad Dejong learned at 4:30 a.m. Monday that Byron Center Bible Church caught fire after a call at 3:41 a.m. during storms (only the gym and classroom were lost).

The congregation will hold an outdoor service Sunday on the west hill.

Fire crews from Door Twp (plus teams from Byron, Leighton, and Jamestown) responded to a fire at Byron Center Bible Church before sunrise on Monday, arriving at 5:30 a.m. and fighting visible flames while officials investigate the cause (damage details pending).

On Friday, Aug. 7, a pig died unexpectedly at the Kent County Youth Fair, leading officials to close the swine barn, isolate sick animals, & advise anyone who contacted pigs to watch for flu-like symptoms for 10 days and call a healthcare provider if needed.

Construction has begun at the historic Ledyard Building at 125 Ottawa Ave NW — CWD Real Estate Investment and Orion Construction are converting office space into 40 apartments.

The $12.3 million project, aided by a $4.6 million tax incentive, will finish in June or July 2027.