Happy Wednesday, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — the place to stay updated on what’s happening around town without the fluff.

All week, I collect links, articles, and any interesting information I come by to put into these emails. Yet when I sit down to write Calder News, I find myself researching what’s happening around town for at least 1 hour.

So before you move into today’s email, I’ve got a question for ya…

~LeQwane L.

In today’s news:

• ✏️ Gov. Whitmer’s drawing content

• 📚️ Walker Public Library gets a glow up

• 📸 Post of the week

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Creative

Gov. Whitmer’s state-wide drawing contest

Here’s a fun one — yesterday, Governor Whitmer started a state-wide Detroit Lions Logo contest to show “we’ve got their backs” during their playoff run… The contest is open to talented Michiganders who think they can free-hand draw the best Detroit Lions logo. What does the winner get? A chance to meet Governor Whitmer and feature on her social media. | Learn how to submit a drawing

Development

Walker Public Library gets a glow-up

The Walker Public Library is getting a glow-up. Starting this Saturday, the location is closing its doors to undergo an expansion that will triple its current size. The renovation is expected to modernize the space, add another floor, add more community space, introduce podcasting studios, e-sports lounge, and more. | Read more about the expansion here

City

GR Fire Department settled in at former East Leonard Elementary

East Leonard Elementary has a new lease on life. The Grand Rapids Fire Department has moved into the former elementary building, turning it into a new training facility under a two-year lease. Which will keep the building in operating condition while GRPS evaluates options for the future. | Read the story about the move

Business

RiverTown Mall retires its parking ramp

Earlier this week, the owner of RiverTown Mall announced it would be ripping out the building’s legendary parking deck. When the structure is gone, the land will be redeveloped into ground-level parking and two parcels for retail buildings. | Learn about its other upgrades

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Community Feature

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Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

🥶 The coldest day since 2019

If you thought it was cold, think again. Next week is projected to have some of the coldest weather since 2019 — check out this WZZM article.

Have something interesting happening at your business or company? Featured here in an upcoming email contact me.

What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Wednesday, January 15th

• Chicago Wolves at Grand Rapids Griffins | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $9

Thursday, January 16th

• Guided Walking Tour: The Chilly Challenge | JW Marriot | 12 PM - 1 PM | Free | WoW exclusive: Join Caroline Cook to learn GR’s stories

• Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show | DeVos Place | (Thurs - Sun) time varies | $12 adults, $5 kids, $18 multi-day

• Movies at the Museum | GRAM | 6 PM | Free | Join the GR Film Society for a screening of Opening Night (1977)

• Grand Rapids Gold vs. Raptors 905 | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $14

• Karaoke Thursdays | General Wood Shop | 8 PM - 11 PM | Free

Friday, January 17th

• Grand Rapids Griffins VS Cleveland Monsters | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $9

• Two live Fashion Shows | Gillet Bridge | 7 PM - 7:30 PM, 8 PM - 8:30 PM | Free | WoW exclusive: Watch two unique Winter Fashion Shows at an iconic bridge venue

• Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish | DeVos Performance Hall | (Fri-Sat) 7:30 PM | Starting at $19 | Watch cinematic views of Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, and more while live music brings the stories to life

• Justin Bieber Night | GLC Live | 8:30 PM | Starting at $18 | This event is 18+ only

• Davenport University vs GVSU | Patterson Ice Center | 8:35 PM | $8 adults, $6 students (5-18), $6 seniors | Watch a live game of ACHA Men’s D1 Hockey

Live Music

Thursday, January 16th

• Winter Concert Series | KDL | 6:30 PM | Free | Enjoy live Blues guitar and percussion from Big Daddy Fox and G-Man

• He Who Dwells + Mr Denton on Doomsday + Ghost Pipe + The Lithiums | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | Tickets starting at $10 | All ages welcome tickets

• Charlie Hoats Trio | AC Hotel Lounge | 7 PM - 10 PM | Free

Friday, January 17th

• God Bullies + Dog Skull + WolfBite | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $20

• Half Ton Band | Founders Brewing | 8 PM - 11 PM | Free

• Smokin' Dobroleles with Round Creek String Band | Tip Top | 8 PM | $12

• Funkle Jesse | Gippers Bar | 8 PM | free

• Vespa (Indie/Sax) | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM - 11 PM | Free

• TBD / Free Hat / Judge Holden | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM - 1 AM | Free

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

Post Of The Week

We’ve all done a donut or two in the snow before… But who thought this was a good idea?! 😆 

iprieta

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That’s All For Today…

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