Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Which US-131 ramps in Grand Rapids will close starting next week?

Coming up: Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 2nd Patch AM
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Coffee in hand, Grand Rapids? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which US-131 ramps in Grand Rapids will close starting next week?
  • Want to be Grand Rapids' next Poet Laureate for three years?
  • What the sudden Maggie's Kitchen closure means for West Side regulars

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer and 3 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Hot and humid with a t-storm, with a high of 93 and low of 70 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Clouds and sun with a t-storm, temps: high: 86, low: 69.
  • Friday: A stray afternoon t-storm, with a high of 85 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. MDOT to begin $1M US-131 bridge repairs in Grand Rapids next week, closures expected (wwmt.com) — Drivers in Grand Rapids should prepare for lane and ramp closures on US‑131 at I‑196 starting Sept. 8, as MDOT begins $1 million in bridge repairs. Single and double lane closures plus several key ramp shutdowns, including Pearl Street and Leonard/Turner, are expected through late October while crews work to extend the bridge's life.
   

2. Search begins for Grand Rapids Poet Laureate to lead the city in verse for 3 years (mlive.com) — Grand Rapids poets now have a chance to become the city's next Poet Laureate, with applications open through Oct. 31 for a three‑year, paid term leading community poetry projects. The Grand Rapids Public Library is seeking Kent County residents 18 and older who are passionate about engaging neighbors of all ages in writing, readings, and other creative programs.
   

3. Maggie's Kitchen announces closure after 43 years on Grand Rapids' West Side (mlive.com) — A longtime favorite Mexican restaurant on Grand Rapids' West Side, Maggie's Kitchen on Bridge Street NW, has closed after 43 years so the owners can focus on family. The team thanked loyal customers and says the closure is "until further notice," promising to share updates if circumstances change.
   

4. Veo on full charge as Lime's battery runs low in Grand Rapids (fox17online.com) — Grand Rapids is replacing Lime with Veo for its shared e‑scooters and e‑bikes, a move city officials say will lower per‑minute costs and expand low‑income access. Riders will need the Veo app, and the program will add seated bikes and tricycles, new safety measures, and stricter parking rules to keep devices out of the Grand River.
   

5. 'A gift': Families share impact of organ donations at John Ball Zoo (woodtv.com) — Families gathered at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids Tuesday night to honor organ donors during Donate Life Night, sharing powerful stories of lives saved by transplants. The event's Celebration of Life Trail now features hundreds of photos, highlighting the impact of donation as more than 2,600 Michiganders wait for life-saving organs, most of them kidneys.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Last night I had the opportunity to hear Josh Groban at the Amphitheater.
    I was blown away. I wasn't surprised. Like many 80+yo women we love Josh for keeping us connected to our forever loves and our memories of romance… (Nextdoor Briar Hills)
  • Hello one & all !
    I am looking for someone to haul & move furniture from New to You in Allendale for a family in need. The family is now residing in Allendale. Both… (Nextdoor Walker/Richmond)
  • Molly Maid posted a job opening for Professional House Cleaner - Vehicle Provided in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
  • Schreiber Foods, Inc. posted a job opening for Sanitation Technician (Night Shift, $27.25 Starting Hourly Pay (Shift Premium Included)) in Grand Rapids. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Grand Rapids here.

Ok Grand Rapids! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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