Good Day
Grand Rapids
Wednesday, September 24th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Jack Van Stee celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday at New Beginnings Restaurant in Kentwood where he has met with friends every Monday morning for the past decade—he said his long life comes from his genes and he kept his celebration simple. The lifelong resident and veteran marked this milestone quietly among those close to him. FOX 17
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Veterans Memorial Park marked its fifth year as an official ArtPrize venue when it presented 26 art pieces on resilience—featuring new artist Rex Greenawalt’s debut entry that allowed visitors to interact with the works. WOOD TV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A new tech plan added 1,312 jobs this past year and 5,610 in four years, making Grand Rapids a growing hub for tech work—local firms like Array of Engineers are hiring residents and offering internships to students. FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Michigan Department of Education released 2024-25 M-STEP, SAT, and PSAT results showing most West Michigan students improved in math and English while third and fourth graders still scored below 50% proficiency. Grand Rapids Public Schools’ City High Middle School led high school social studies with 54% proficiency — state lawmakers may soon take steps to boost reading skills for younger students statewide. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was seeking furnished office space in Grand Rapids as part of a nationwide effort to boost immigration enforcement—lease terms were planned for 10 years. The General Services Administration named Grand Rapids among about 20 cities in its search. WOOD TV
- ➤ Grand Rapids will soon open its first new fire station in nearly 40 years. The city's 12th station is an 8 million dollar, 12600 square foot building on Kalamazoo Ave SE and will hold a ribbon cutting Friday at 10 a.m.—city leaders say it will improve response times and public safety. ABC 13
- ➤ Georgetown Township residents and business owners faced a 55% jump in water bills this summer with some bills exceeding $800—officials said the increase results from higher rates set by Ottawa County and the City of Wyoming. A board meeting on Oct. 13 may address the rising costs. FOX 17
- ➤ Kent County Administrator Al Vanderberg on Sept. 23 urged more community partners to invest in the county’s $58 million affordable housing revolving loan fund that has financed over 400 housing units since its launch in 2023, saying rising interest rates and inflation have made project financing harder—he stressed that more investment is needed to meet growing demand. MLive
- ➤ White House officials selected the official Christmas tree from West Michigan’s Korsons Trees Farm after the tree won the national contest. The 22 year old Concolor Fur, known for its citrus smell, will be cut the week before Thanksgiving and delivered to Washington & displayed in the Blue Room. FOX 17
- ➤ The Village of Sparta purchased and renovated a vacant building to lease to Sowing Seeds Child Care Center to ease the local childcare shortage. The public-private partnership will add 84 childcare spots and create 30 jobs—moves that earned the Village an Imagine More Award today—offering a model for other communities. FOX 17
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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.
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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'.
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Austin Snell Live Performance
8-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — $ — Experience the raw emotional sound of rising country star Austin Snell with hits and heartfelt storytelling.
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Starcrawler Live in Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Experience the explosive energy of Starcrawler's live rock performance with their electrifying frontwoman and talented band.
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Lecrae Live in Concert
7-9 p.m. — Elevation — Ticket prices vary — Experience Lecrae's unique blend of faith and hip-hop as he performs from his latest project, Church Clothes 4.
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Rock of Ages Musical Performance
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — VIP tickets available — Experience the electric atmosphere of the iconic Rock of Ages musical featuring classic rock hits.
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Ben Folds with Grand Rapids Symphony
7:30-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket info TBA — Experience the influential sounds of Ben Folds in a grand orchestral setting.
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Rock of Ages Musical Performance
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — VIP tickets available — Experience the classic rock musical with premium seating and hospitality options.
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Gordon Food Service Food Show 2025
Oct 7-8 — DeVos Place — Free entry — Explore a wide range of chicken products at the Gordon Food Service Show.
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White Reaper Live Performance
6:30-8 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy sound of White Reaper, blending glam and grit for an unforgettable night of music.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The most valuable thing you can make is a mistake - you can't learn anything from being perfect.
~ Adam Osborne
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