Good Day
Grand Rapids
Monday, September 29th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 29th of September.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ After Sunday's shooting at the Grand Blanc church, local LDS leader Neal Buckwalter said members of the Grand Rapids congregation are grieving as five people died and several were wounded when the suspect, Thomas Jacob Sanford, crashed his vehicle into the church and began shooting—local authorities are working with religious leaders to offer support. FOX 17
- ➤ Gov. Whitmer ordered all public flags in Michigan to fly at half-staff this week in memory of four people killed and at least eight injured when a man aged 40 rammed his truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township and then opened fire—deliberately setting the building on fire. WOOD TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Pulaski Days has begun in Grand Rapids as all 13 Polish halls join in celebrating local traditions. Diamond Hall hosted the flag raising with grand marshal Lisa Settle leading three generations of family on Sunday while festivities will continue through Oct. 5—featuring a kielbasa contest on Oct. 1, a parade on Oct. 4 and a polka mass on Oct. 5. WOOD TV
- ➤ A historic church built 150 years ago in East Hills is being restored into a community arts center by local preservationist Carol Moore who bought the rundown building. The nonprofit Hermitage at Diamond is raising $150k to finish the exterior work—installing a large rose window with two more planned—while the space hosts community services that bring back cherished memories. WOOD TV
- ➤ Ramon Corona’s oil painting Campbell Crossing Lake Michigan is on display at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids and reimagines Lions coach Dan Campbell — a heroic leader inspired by Washington Crossing the Delaware — as a figure guiding his team. The piece will remain on view through ArtPrize until October 4. MLive
- ➤ On Sept. 17th, an ArtPrize installation called 'Give!' by kindergarten teacher Mary Steenwyk was displayed outside the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to show Grand Rapids’ nature restoration work and native Michigan plants — she used recycled canvas and jelly printing to create a vibrant landscape with help from her son Ben. The piece reminded locals of nature’s cycle and the work underway to improve Plaster Creek. WOOD TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Jenison High School hosted over 20 marching bands from West Michigan who performed routines and received judges’ feedback as they prepared for the state championships at Ford Field in November — winners were named in five flight groups with Rockford High School earning first place in Flight I and Jenison’s exhibition scoring the highest of the night. This event gave students valuable performance experience and set the stage for the upcoming championships. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Zeeland Mayor Kevin Klynstra will retire after 14 years and hand his duties to council member Rick Van Dorp, who is running unopposed in November. Klynstra thanked his family and noted city improvements such as the new snow melt as the city will celebrate his retirement on Friday from 1 to 4 p.m.—with a tribute scheduled at 3 p.m. and snacks provided. FOX 17
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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.
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Rooftop Gas and Electric Training Class
9 AM - 12 PM — Young Supply Company - South Grand Rapids — Cost not specified — Dive into the intricacies of DDC and non-DDC control systems under expert guidance.
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Stand Atlantic Concert
6-10 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — All ages welcome — Experience the energy of Stand Atlantic live in Grand Rapids.
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Brandon Lake - King of Hearts Tour
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Van Andel Arena — Tickets from $94 — Experience an inspiring evening of worship and music with Brandon Lake.
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The Third Mind Live Performance
7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience a supergroup inspired by psychedelic improvisation with captivating vocals by Jesse Sykes.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only true failure is abandoning your principles.
~ Ryan Holiday
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