Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 17th of November.
Good morning, Grand Rapids.
🏘️ Community
Local vendors worked on their stalls early this week at Downtown Market as they prepare for the Christkindl Markt event scheduled from Nov 19 to Dec 23 — more than 60 vendors will sell gifts, food, and drinks.
Organizer Audry West said the market will also feature live oompah bands, a curling area on the terrace, and a visit from Santa on Wednesday.
💼 Business
During the busy deer hunting weekend, Barb’s Deer Processing in Algoma Township stayed open past normal hours to process over 100 deer, while also offering 3D antler scans and accepting donations—more than 50 so far—to support local families.
This long-standing facility, which began over 70 years ago, remains a vital service from truck to table.
Stoney Ridge Vineyards in Kent City serves hand tossed pizza and wine made from grapes grown on 6.5 acres.
Mary and Dale Flanery opened a tasting room in 2020 and expanded to Montague in October with a seasonal menu—giving locals a taste of wine country close to home.
🎭 Culture
Tuesday marks 67 years since the SS Carl D.
Bradley sank on Lake Michigan—33 lives were lost during severe weather in 1958 while two crewmen survived by clinging to a makeshift life raft until Coast Guard cutters rescued them.
🎓 Education
Kelloggsville High School launched a new mentoring program that gives students guidance in workforce development, mental health care & anti-violence.
The initiative was unveiled at a pep rally featuring Grand Rapids Gold guard Bryce Willis & city commissioner Clarkston Morgan, who helped create the program.
🌲 Environment
Ottawa Sands park will be closed from Nov.
21–Nov. 24 for a deer management hunt aimed at protecting dune ecosystems, and visitors will need permission to enter or face a fine. Officials selected hunters through a lottery system to help restore balance in the park.
🏛️ Government
In Kent County, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services began providing first opinion forensic evaluations for criminal cases after receiving state approval in April.
This new service has cut wait times by up to two months and now handles 20 to 30 cases each week—speeding up the legal process.
🎉 Grand Rapids Events
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West Michigan Lutheran Science Day
9:30 AM – 1:35 PM — West Michigan Lutheran High School — Registration required — Engage in hands-on water-based science experiments for students in grades 5–8.
QuickBooks Online Training
1-5 p.m. — Grand Rapids Office — Cost not listed — Level up your accounting skills with hands-on training in QuickBooks Online.
Christkindl Markt 2025
8-9 p.m. — Grand Rapids Downtown Market — Free entry — Experience the magic of a traditional European Christmas village with artisan vendors and holiday cheer.
Charlotte Checkers vs Grand Rapids Griffins
7-8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Watch the action live on FloHockey as two top teams face off on the ice.
Made Market - Grand Rapids Holiday Market
10 AM - 5 PM — Goei Center — Free entry — Explore 60+ local makers and their unique, handmade goods this holiday season.
Postmodern Jukebox: Magic, Moonlight & Mistletoe Tour
8-9:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of vintage musical magic with genre-twisting covers and holiday classics.
TVBOO Live Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Intersection — Ticket prices vary — Experience electrifying bass music and high-energy performances from rising star TVBOO.
GR Turkey Trot 2025
8:10 a.m. — Van Andel Arena — Registration fee required — Celebrate fitness and community spirit with the 33rd Annual Grand Rapids Turkey Trot 5K run/walk.
Straight No Chaser Holiday Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets vary — Enjoy a festive evening filled with holiday cheer from the renowned a cappella group Straight No Chaser.
Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
6:30-7:29 p.m. — Wealthy Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed by the KalHaven String Quartet.
🏠 Grand Rapids Real Estate
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