Good Day
Grand Rapids
Tuesday, December 16th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Jenison nonprofit Love Your Neighbor’s Community Christmas is hosting a dignity-focused shopping event this weekend, where families choose donated toys, coats, and games as holiday gifts. Volunteers organize items to help address financial challenges in the community. FOX 17
- ➤ Mermaid Bay Kids Indoor Play opened at 968 28th St SW in Wyoming this month, providing an underwater-themed 6,000 sqft facility with obstacle courses, bounce zones and a live mermaid for kids ages 2-10. The center offers two-hour sessions, memberships and group packages, open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Sam Gautraud, an English teacher at Fruitport High School, received a Teacher of the Week honor when his students surprised him in the media center — a heartfelt moment recognized by Principal Lauren Chesney, who praised his commitment to his students. ABC 13
- ➤ Grand Rapids Public Schools approved a new contract on Monday, Dec. 15 that increases the overall teacher budget by 11.8% and moves teachers to annual raises instead of a four-year wait (a $10.4 million investment). MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Holland Hospital has expanded its Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Program with a new hyperbaric oxygen therapy suite that will let Lakeshore patients receive advanced wound care without long trips to Grand Rapids. Patients requiring treatment now avoid daily drives of 20 to 40 miles. FOX 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids voters can choose the first-ever 13 On Your Sidelines MVP of the Week from Dec. 8-13 by voting for standout athletes before the vote closes Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. (Nominees include West Catholic’s Asekomeh, Covenant Christian’s Gritters, Muskegon’s Sain, and NorthPointe Christian’s VanderKodde.) ABC 13
- ➤ A 19 year old angler, Colten Dickerson (a Zeeland native), returned from South Africa with gold as he led the U.S. Youth Bass Team to win the Tri Nations Bass Fishing Tournament at Loskop Dam. He set personal records by landing nine fish, including a largemouth bass weighing 8.5 pounds. FOX 17
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Christmas Reflections Service
7:00-8:15 p.m. — Messiah Lutheran Church — Free entry — Reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ with Scripture lessons and carols, plus cookies and beverages afterward.
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A Christmas Story Musical
7 p.m. — Matthews Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved tale of Ralphie's quest for the ultimate Christmas gift with a delightful musical score.
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Grand Rapids Ballet - The Nutcracker
7:30-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting journey of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in this timeless holiday ballet filled with magic and unforgettable music.
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Mega 80's - The Ultimate 80's Retro Party
8-11 p.m. — The Intersection — Ticket info not provided — Experience the vibrant sounds and styles of the 80’s with live music and retro flair.
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Tuba Christmas 2025
3-4 p.m. — Grand Rapids Public Museum — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a festive concert featuring a charming ensemble of tubas and brass instruments.
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Chris Casello Trio with The Venturis
6-10 p.m. — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — 21+ — Enjoy live rockabilly and surf rock tunes from the talented Chris Casello Trio and The Venturis.
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Great Lakes Invitational
3:30-5 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Watch top college hockey teams clash for the MacInnes Cup in this exciting tournament.
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AFTERGLOW: New Year's Eve Celebration
7-10:30 p.m. — The Intersection — Ticket prices vary — Experience Big Gigantic's genre-blending sound of electronic dance music and live instruments this New Year's Eve.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Grand Rapids
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