Local Life

Our Community's Children director retires, looks back on public service

Submitted 01-14-2021 under LOCAL LIFE

Lynn Heemstra led Our Community’s Children since its inception in 1998. The office supports local young people through programs and community collaborations that better prepare them for college, work, and life.

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Ericka 'Kyd Kane' Thompson becomes Grand Rapids' new poet laureate

Submitted 12-15-2020 under LOCAL LIFE

As poet laureate, Kyd Kane will act as an ambassador of poetry for the city, creating programs that encourage the writing and reading of poetry among residents. She was named in the role this fall by the Grand Rapids Public Library.

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Local observatory sees steady turnout, interest in 2020 with in-person, online astronomy events

Submitted 11-18-2020 under LOCAL LIFE

Amid this year’s fluctuating restrictions on social activities in response to the pandemic, Lowell's Veen Observatory was able to stay open to the public for much of the summer and fall months.

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City commissioners to vote on funding for ShotSpotter in Grand Rapids, as resident input continues

Submitted 11-11-2020 under LOCAL LIFE

If approved, the gunshot detection system would encompass a three square-mile radius on the city’s southeast side and a one square-mile radius on its northwest side.

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Need help filling out your ballot? VOTE411 is here to help.

Submitted 10-19-2020 under LOCAL LIFE

Get help completing your ballot.

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Grand Rapids, Kent County leaders call for using COVID-19 relief funds toward anti-violence resources

Submitted 09-04-2020 under LOCAL LIFE

To curb violence in Kent County, community leaders advocate using CARES Act dollars to implement the Cure Violence program and invest in community organizations engaging local youth.

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2020 census enters home stretch with Grand Rapids' turnout goal still to be reached

Submitted 08-20-2020 under LOCAL LIFE

Some neighborhoods in the city have lower response rates than others. Much of the southwest side and neighborhoods along US 131 have rates closer to 50 percent.

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