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📍 Popular GR restaurant changes forever

Plus, the city funds community projects, JBZ upgrades, and more

Author

LeQwane Lynch
June 04, 2025

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — coming in with your midweek update.

In today’s newsletter, you’ll read about otters, new community funding, businesses, Yesterdog, and more.

But before you dive in— if you didn’t know, it’s National Cheese Day.

So whether you’re a gouda person or more of a cheddar fan, this is your sign to add an extra slice to lunch. 🧀

What is your favorite cheese? 🧀

My vote is going toward colby jack ;)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

~LeQwane L.

Connect: Linkedin

Home Of The Week

Together with: Smallegan Real Estate 

Smallegan Real Estate

Lake life can feel out of reach, but this week’s Home Of The Week makes it possible. 

In Rockford’s Lake Bella Vista, you get private lake access, 21 parks and beaches, boat launches, trails, and even a volleyball court basically in your backyard. All without paying the typical lakefront premium.

The house has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, an updated kitchen, a finished basement, and plenty of space to stretch out. With recent updates throughout, it’s move-in ready and set up for easy living just steps from the water for $419,900.

Interested in advertising your business here next? Learn more about our audience.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Expansion

New Habitat Coming to John Ball Zoo

Construction is underway on a new otter habitat at John Ball Zoo. The expanded space is three times the size of their current home. The exhibit will sit near the zoo entrance and house up to five North American river otters. Featuring 21,000 gallons of water, fish-feeding cannons, and underwater viewing areas, the new space promises to make the otters more comfortable. It’s set to open in 2026. | Read about the project

Jobs

Electronics Plant in GR Plans to Close

Lacroix Electronics plans to shut down its Grand Rapids facility by the end of the year due to challenging business outlooks. The France-based company is seeking investment to keep the plant running, but if none is secured, ~115 layoffs could begin this summer. | Read more

Community

City Funds Community Projects

Grand Rapids is now accepting applications for its Neighborhood Match Fund, which supports resident-led projects that bring neighbors together. Grants range from $500 to $5,000 for events or programs happening between September and February. This year’s theme is “The Spirit of Generosity,”. | View applications through June 30

Have news to report? Click here.

Crew Highlights

This is our new section for reader-submitted shoutouts, stories, and opinions that lift up our community.

Got something good to say about Grand Rapids?

We’re launching Crew Highlights, a new section that’s my spin on “submit an article” that lets you share shoutouts, local wins, funny moments, or personal stories from around the city in Calder News.

No rants. No complaints. Just the good stuff.

Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

🎉 Celebrate Grand Rapids’ Birthday

Grand Rapids is celebrating its 175th birthday this weekend with a public party at Rosa Parks Circle. The bash will last from 2 PM to 5 PM on Saturday and will feature games, historical exhibits, live entertainment, free food, and complimentary cake and ice cream.

🌭 Yesterdog Has New Owners

After nearly 50 years of operating, one of Grand Rapids’ most popular hot dog shops now has a new owner. Local legend Bill Lewis (80 years old) sold Yesterdog to new owners.

Featured Event

Click the flyer for more details

Brunch and Learn

📍 Grand Rapids Downtown Market
📅 June 7th
⏰ 1 PM- 4 PM

NOWINCLUDED, powered by Acclinate, is joining forces with UCB for an upcoming Brunch and Learn series! In this series, we’ll be traveling all throughout the Great Lakes state, Michigan, discussing the topic of myasthenia gravis (MG), and learning more about how MG affects our communities. If you or a loved one are affected by this condition, this series is for you!

What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Wednesday, June 4th

Thursday, June 5th

Friday, June 6th

Live Music

Wednesday, June 4th

Thursday, June 5th

Friday, June 6th

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

That’s All For Today


⭐ If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, copy the link to the post and share it with a friend. Every new reader that joins our email helps.

📧 Get your business in an upcoming issue of Calder News. Let’s talk about how we can put your business in front of thousands of GR locals.

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