Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency confirmed that the remains of U.S. Army Technician Fifth Grade Ell T. Simantz from Grand Haven were identified using DNA testing and will be reburied in Grand Haven on Oct. 17—he was killed in World War II in Papua New Guinea and was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. WOOD TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Apple season in West Michigan is ending amid summer drought and early frost — Railside Orchards in Lowell reports that trees lacking full irrigation have smaller fruit and the harvest is nearly a week ahead due to late heat. The orchard uses fans to protect buds and runs a busy u-pick market that keeps spirits high despite the challenges. ABC 13
- ➤ Craig’s Cruisers in Grand Rapids debuted the new Super Blaster arcade—using an 85-inch 4K display, motion seats, wind effects and surround sound—to offer gaming for up to four players. The setup from Triotech added a fresh way for families to play at the center on Clyde Park Ave. SW. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids Public Schools broke ground today on its first new school in decades on the city's northeast side as part of its Reimagine GRPS with Us! plan (approved with a $305 million bond in 2023) and will serve 450 scholars when it opens in the 2027-2028 school year. The district is inviting community suggestions on a name (to reflect local input) for the new building. FOX 17
- ➤ At West Elementary, custodian Brett Davis transforms school hallways into art galleries by using a mop and marker (his work has inspired students and earned him 37 consecutive Employee of the Month awards). FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Plainfield Township is proposing water rate changes—citing rising summer demand and lost wells from PFAS—as officials and residents face water supply challenges amid local growth. Officials say a tiered rate system will encourage water conservation and delay a costly plant expansion, with the Board of Trustees meeting Monday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. at Township Hall. FOX 17
- ➤ Grand Rapids city officials are inviting community members and nonprofits to submit ideas to reduce gun violence by 5 p.m. Oct. 23 and pitch them on Oct. 28 at Pilgrim Rest Church—selected proposals will win $10,000 and work with the SAFE task force to implement their ideas. MLive
- ➤ Governor Whitmer joined legislators and restaurant workers in southeastern Michigan on Wednesday morning to celebrate signing a bipartisan $81 billion state budget that cuts state taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security—saving tipped workers up to $400 a year and overtime earners up to $500 annually. The move ended months of uncertainty and will reduce costs for hundreds of thousands of Michigan workers. WOOD TV
- ➤ On Wednesday, the Grand Rapids Fire Department warned about fire risks from damaged lithium batteries during Fire Prevention Week and the Public Works Department recalled that three truck fires had occurred from improper disposal — officials urged residents to handle and dispose of these batteries safely. ABC 13
- ➤ Advocates in West Michigan urge community members to know their rights when approached by ICE agents after a surge in DHS raids in other regions. Raquel Balderas of the Immigrant Assistance Center advises people to ask for a warrant and remain silent if proper identification is not provided—helping ensure both documented and undocumented residents can protect themselves. ABC 13
- ➤ The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association filed a lawsuit in the Court of Claims against the state, the Department of the Treasury and the state treasurer claiming that the new Comprehensive Road Funding Tax Act’s 24% wholesale marijuana tax is unconstitutional and exceeds the limits of the 2018 law. The suit argues that the tax misleads legislators by changing its stated purpose—shifting funds for roads—and may disrupt existing supplier contracts, with the tax set to take effect Jan. 1. WOOD TV
- ➤ The Kentwood Fire Department opened a new three-story training facility—costing over $600,000—that offers live fire simulations and practice on emergency techniques to help crews stay safe, and the building will later serve police and fire departments from nearby cities. Deputy Chief Michael Hipp said the facility improves training by eliminating the risks from using old structures. FOX 17
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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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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.
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Squeaky Feet Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Stache — $10 — Experience the electrifying fusion of progressive rock and jazz with a modern twist.
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TAUK Concert
7:00-9:30 p.m. — Elevation — Ticket prices vary — Experience an innovative fusion of sound and improvisation with the acclaimed band TAUK.
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Southeast Area Farmers Market with Friends of GR Parks Pumpkin Party
3 p.m. — Dean Lake Park — Free admission — Celebrate fall with local vendors and pumpkin-themed fun for the whole family.
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Cage The Elephant Concert
6-9 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — Ticketed event — Experience an evening with the uniquely self-aware and poignant sounds of Cage The Elephant.
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Neon Trees Live in Grand Rapids
8-9:30 p.m. — Elevation — Tickets available — Experience an evening of dynamic rock and heartfelt authenticity with Neon Trees as they promote their new album.
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Tate McRae Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices range from $132 to $218 — Experience an electrifying evening with Tate McRae live in concert.
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