Happy Monday, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — and we search for the most important news and interesting things happening around town so you don’t have to.

Over the weekend one of you informed me that our system was incorrectly flagging some people as inactive readers.

I found the issue and patched it up lickety-split. If you have no idea what I’m talking about great. Feel free to skip this next bit.

If you received any emails from Calder News saying you were going to be removed for inactive, disregard them.

I know you’re awesome and super engaged. So as long as you opt to stay, you’ve got a forever spot on our list. 🫶

Now for what you came here for…

In today’s issue, you’ll learn about the state of our schools, a historical building’s new use, our first fact of the week, and more.

I hope you enjoy today’s quick read. Have a great week. 😁 

LeQwane L.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Sports

Grand Rapids Sports Get Inclusive

Over the weekend, Grand Rapids’ Special Olympics Unified Sports Center hosted the Area 11 Basketball Tournament. Which brought 18 teams made up of people with and without intellectual disabilities together to compete in the state finals. The event brought hundreds to the city and had an “electric vibe”. | Read more about the event here

Education

The State of Public Schools

Late last week, GRPS celebrated major progress — with graduation and enrollment rates increasing for the first time since 2016. on Thursday, Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby highlighted these achievements during the State of Our Schools address at Ottawa Hills High School. 82% of 2023 graduates earned diplomas and enrollment rates climbed 88% since the previous year. | Read a full recap of the “State of Our Schools” report here

Housing

Historic Building Redeveloped for Senior Living

The historic Dominican Sisters of GR building has been transformed into 109 affordable apartments for residents aged 55 and older. The community named Academy Manor offers a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, while maintaining original features, like its chapel and terrazzo flooring. And although some of the building is still under construction, it’ll be fully open to residents in the coming months. | Learn more here

Have news to report? Click here.

Ask Grand Rapids

Ps. In case you missed it, over the weekend, TikTok was re-added to the Google and Apple app store.

Fact Of The Week

The log jam that almost bankrupted Grand Rapids.

Did you know that 37 million tons of timber caused a massive log jam in the Grand River back in 1883?

In 1883, the Grand River nearly caused a disaster that could’ve derailed West Michigan’s economy.

After two months of heavy rain, a massive logjam formed in the river, blocking bridges and threatening to flood Lake Michigan with millions of logs.

This could have suffocated shipping lanes, halted the lumber mills, and destroyed Grand Rapids’ booming furniture industry.

Read about how one man helped Grand Rapids avoid this major crisis.

What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Monday, February 17th

• Open Skate | Patterson Ice Center | 11 AM - 12:50 PM | $10 per person

• Karaoke Night | K-ROK | 5 PM - 11 PM | $30/hr

Tuesday, February 18th

• Drop in TCG | House Rules Lounge | 5 PM - 11 PM | Free

• GRABB & Go | 40 Pearl St NW | 6 PM - 7:30 PM | Free | An event designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs set financial foundations and achieve their goals in 2025

• Comedy Night | Garage Bar | 7 PM | Free | 18+ only

• Geeks Who Drink Trivia | Broad Leaf Brewery | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free

• Transcendence Artist Market | General Wood Shop | 7 PM - 10 PM | Free | Immerse yourself in creativity and community at the revamped Transcendence Artist Market

• Music Bingo | The Score | 7 PM - 10 PM | Free

• Trivia Night | Creston Brewery, Fulton Street Pub | 6 PM, 8 PM | Free

Wednesday, February 19th

• WoW: Art installation tour | Rosa Parks Circle | 6 PM - 7 PM | Free

• Silent Book Club | Sip Coffee & Cocktails | 6 PM - 7 PM | Free | RSVP Here | Unlike regular book clubs, there’s no assigned reading, no pressure to contribute, and no expectation to be social.

• Trivia Night | Stella’s Lounge | 6:30 PM | Free

• Flashlight Tour: GR Art Museum | GRAM | 6:30 PM - 8 PM | $15 tickets

• GR Griffn’s vs. Lehigh Vallery Phantoms | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $19

• Comedy Night | River City Saloon | 9 PM | Free

Events you can attend anytime this weekend…

• World of Winter | Free | View activities and art installations throughout the city

• Various family/ individual events | Free | Check out what recurring or one-off events are being hosted at your local public library this week

Live Music

Tuesday, February 18th

• Justin Timberlake | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM - 10 PM | Starting at $75

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

That’s All For Today…

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