Good Day
Grand Rapids
Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of October.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Her Daily Bread Cookie Shop and Studio, opened by locals Meg and Sean Hamilton, is launching today at Downtown Market at 435 Ionia Ave. SW and will offer a hands-on cookie decorating bar, custom cookie orders, and decorating classes—sample cookies and gift bags are available for the first 25 customers. MLive
- ➤ JR Automation received a $1.6 million grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund Board on Sept. 30 to help finance its $72.8 million global headquarters in Zeeland that will create at least 150 new jobs with starting wages of $25 an hour—construction began on Sept. 17 and the project will be completed by late fall 2026. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Two local men played chess in the Grand River in September after low water levels allowed them to stage a unique game— they waded in wearing soaked suits while sipping wine, and their video quickly went viral downtown. The friends used a table from a local fisherman and chairs found on Facebook Marketplace to complete the stunt. FOX 17
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, gas prices dropped below $3 a gallon as more stations switched to the winter blend and GasBuddy advised drivers to check tire pressure, replace clogged air filters, and maintain proper oil levels to boost fuel economy — drivers were also reminded that faster speeds can reduce mileage. FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Today, teachers and administrators across Michigan take attendance carefully as the state counts students to set nearly half of each district’s funding—districts urge prompt reporting of absences so that all scholars are marked as present. WOOD TV
- ➤ A new mentorship program has launched at Kelloggsville High School to support students and families with mentoring from the GRACE program and Meaning in Colors (18 community organizations are involved) and to provide assistance with food, clothing, and housing. The initiative will include monthly financial literacy classes and a family outing with the Grand Rapids Gold later this season. FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City and community leaders broke ground on Tuesday for a $9 million project to renovate and expand Oxford Trail on the Southwest Side—adding a small performance amphitheater, grills, picnic tables, bike repair stations and playground equipment while linking the trail to the 85-mile Grand River Greenway. MLive
- ➤ Michigan lawmakers are still finalizing a budget deal—aimed at preventing a partial state government shutdown—as the new fiscal year begins today, though details on road funding and a proposed marijuana tax remain unresolved. Leaders in the House, Senate and Governor Whitmer plan to vote on Tuesday to finalize the spending plan. WOOD TV
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Holland Home will begin construction in early 2027 on a $215 million senior housing project at The Averden in Ada Township—designed for adults 60 and older with 136 independent living residences and 15 assisted living units. The community will offer amenities such as indoor pickleball courts, a wellness center, social areas, and dining options with entrance fees starting at $750,000 plus monthly fees near $5,000. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Local high school football teams named four 13 On Your Sidelines MVP nominees after week five plays and ask fans to vote for a candidate to join a live in-studio interview. The nominees include Brandon Holman from Zeeland West, Cam Payne from Byron Center, Ca'Mari Reese from Orchard View, and Breckton Meeuwsen and Eldon Grover from Grand Rapids Christian — with votes open until Thursday at noon. ABC 13
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Maddox Batson Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Elevation — Check website for ticket prices — Experience the remarkable songwriting of a young talent who navigates the music scene with wisdom beyond his years.
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
If the path ahead of you is clear, you're probably on someone else's.
~ Joseph Campbell
About Good Day Grand Rapids
Welcome to the Good Day Grand Rapids, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Grand Rapids, Michigan community. If you like the Good Day Grand Rapids, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Grand Rapids.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Grand Rapids and across Michigan. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Good Day Grand Rapids
A free Grand Rapids community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://gooddaygrandrapids.com/sitemap