Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Grandville families are invited to Buck Creek EcoQuest today from 9 a.m. to noon at Wedgewood Park Pavilion where hands-on nature activities include a scavenger hunt, live animals from Blandford Nature Center, and guided stream walks.

The event features Art on the Creek activities — free plants or seeds are given to each family, and it will proceed rain or shine.

The 11th Freedom Cruise honored fallen Army Sgt. Steven Ganczewski by riding through Sparta, Cedar Springs and Kent City and stopping at Cedar Springs High School on September 12, 2025—remembering his sacrifice in Iraq on November 16, 2007.

Focus on Ferals, a volunteer-run cat shelter in Byron Center that has cared for cats for 20 years, is asking for food donations to support over 100 cats during the fall season.

The shelter uses 40 to 50 cans of food each day and faces rising medical costs for specialized treatments—making community help essential.

Smokey Bones on 28th Street near Patterson Avenue in Cascade Township closed permanently—its phone now plays an automated message indicating the location is no longer in service.

The closure follows the company’s recent decision to close 15 underperforming sites and convert 19 others into Twin Peaks.

ArtPrize will turn Grand Rapids into a giant gallery — with artwork in downtown places and neighborhoods — from Sept.

18 until Oct. 4. The event includes voting for winners, an opening ceremony at Rosa Parks Circle on Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m., a celebration on Sept. 26, and an awards show on Oct. 3.

Jeremiah Robinson, an 18-year-old freshman at Grand Valley State University, is starting college after battling leukemia—he still receives monthly treatments while focusing on classes and exams.

Kent County Sheriff's Office announced it will hire upwards of 12 patrol deputies as retirements and a budget increase spur new positions for special units and corrections roles.

Applicants must be MCOLES certified or already certified from out-of-state and selected deputies will start in January or May 2026—job pay begins at $30.81 per hour with benefits including pension, PTO and holidays.

Planned Parenthood of Michigan said a federal court ruling blocks Medicaid insurance nationwide — nearly 14,000 Medicaid patients in Michigan will be affected as the provider covers scheduled appointments through Sept 22.

The organization will help patients pay out-of-pocket or refer them to other providers for future care.

General Motors shut down an engineering facility in Warren after two employees reportedly tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease—and the facility will remain closed until Sept.

22 as tests continue to determine the source.

Registered dietitian Camille Adams said parents can teach healthy eating at home by including all food groups in school lunches—fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.

She advised using creative cuts and letting kids choose their meals to help build good habits and prevent health issues like Type 2 diabetes later.

This weekend, Walker will host the tenth annual Gus Macker basketball tournament at Kenowa Hills High School as hundreds of amateur players from nine states compete for prizes such as the unique Toilet Bowl trophy—proceeds support local student programs.

The West Michigan Whitecaps beat the Lake County Captains 4-0 on Thursday night as Hayden Minton threw six scoreless innings—drawing a playoff record crowd to secure the team's first championship series appearance since 2015.

They will face the Western Division champion in the Midwest League Championship series as they chase a seventh league title.

Scoochie Boochie & Groovebox

7-8:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Tickets start at $76 — Enjoy an unforgettable night with Scoochie Boochie and Groovebox in Grand Rapids.

Peach Pit Live

8-9:30 p.m. — The Intersection — Ticket prices vary — Experience the emotionally resonant indie rock sounds of Peach Pit featuring their latest album, Magpie.

Rock of Ages Musical Performance

6:30-9:00 PM — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — Tickets available — Experience the rock-n-roll musical set in the 1980s with iconic hits and a fun storyline.

Jon Pardi: Honkytonk Hollywood Tour 2025

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch country star Jon Pardi live in concert for an unforgettable night of honky-tonk music.

Wade Bowen Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — Elevation — Check for ticket prices — Experience an evening with one of country music's finest as Wade Bowen showcases his captivating songwriting and performances.

Luke Severeid: Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-9 p.m. — Ambrosia Theater — Ticketed event — Experience a night of laughter with the metal-loving stand-up comedian Luke Severeid.

Northlane Live Concert

7-9 p.m. — Elevation — Varying prices — Experience the dynamic heavy music of award-winning Australian band Northlane at their Grand Rapids show.

Leo Kottke Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Tickets starting at $71 — Experience an unforgettable performance by guitar legend Leo Kottke.

Rock of Ages

7:30-9 p.m. — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy rock musical featuring iconic anthems from the 80s.

Jack Van Cleaf Live Performance

6:30-9:00 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience the viral sensation Jack Van Cleaf as he performs tracks from his introspective new album 'JVC'.