Local News
Cancler Claus Is All About Community and Giving Back
Paulette and Bruce Cancler have been bringing the Christmas spirit to community members for the last four years. They have used resources such as Facebook to get out their message of caring for others and of giving back to the community.
Kwanzaa Celebrations in Grand Rapids, December 26 thru January 1st.
Grand Rapids — Kwanzaa is an original African - American event founded in 1966, by Dr. Maulana Karenga. He was finishing his last year of graduate school during the Watts riot and felt his people had lost touch with their African heritage.
After receiving his Ph.D., he studied ways that African Americans could help themselves and each other. Through the Kwanzaa Celebration, he wanted to unify his people and instill in them a sense of pride in their culture.
Ford Airport A COVID-19 Testing Site
To better serve travelers and the West Michigan community, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport has partnered with TACKL Health to host a new COVID-19 testing as of Thursday, Dec. 10 – one of the first airports in the nation to do so.
Fourteen Year Old Detained By Police Passes
On the same day that Honestie Hodges celebrated her fourteenth birthday, she also tested positive to COVID-19 and was hospitalized at the Helen Devos Children's Hospital.
Kent County Health Department Issues Public Health Warning
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. (November 20, 2020) – Administrative Health Officer at the Kent County Health Department, Dr. Adam London has issued a public health warning and strong guidelines aimed at curbing wide spread of the coronavirus in Kent County and preventing another economic shutdown.
Versiti Blood Centers Issues Urgent Plea to COVID Survivors to Donate COVID Convalescent Plasma (CCP)
Grand Rapids, Mich., – Nov. 11, 2020 – Versiti Blood Centers today issued an urgent plea to those who have previously been infected with COVID-19 to "pay it forward" by donating COVID convalescent plasma (CCP). With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations soaring to new levels, the organization is struggling to keep up with hospital needs. The need for COVID convalescent plasma at hospitals served by Versiti has doubled in the last four weeks and is expected to continue to increase very rapidly as COVID- 19 cases continue to surge.
Veruynca Williams Making The World A Better Place For Young People
In this issue, Veruynca Williams who is a long time active member of this community is the fifth local resident being honored in the GR Times Community That Cares series. The series highlights individuals who through the years have demonstrated that they do what they do for the benefit of the community and that they do what they do from the heart. The following is a GR Times interview with Mrs. Williams.
City Cohosts Your City, Your Vote Virtual Event
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Residents interested in learning more about the upcoming election are invited to an upcoming Your City, Your Vote virtual event, Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist Highlight Significant Reduction in Racial Disparities of COVID -19 Cases and Deaths
LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist today highlighted new data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services showing significant progress has been made toward reducing the disparate impact COVID-19 has had on communities of color. The State of Michigan has created the Rapid Response Grant program to help local organizations continue the administrations efforts to tackle racial disparities.
Grand Rapids Police Department Issues Strategic Plan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne on Tuesday will present his department's three-year strategic plan promises to transform policing in the city. The plan provides defined action steps with measurable outcomes using a neighborhoodbased policing model that will help the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) ensure all people feel safe and are safe throughout the community. Payne will formally present the final plan to the City Commission on Tuesday morning at the Committee of the Whole.
Cle Jackson Believes In The Power Of Community Volunteering
In this issue, Mr. Cle Jackson who is the president of the NAACP Grand Rapids Branch is the third local resident being honored in the GR Times Community That Cares series. The series highlights individuals who have through the years demonstrated that they do what they do for the benefit of the community and they do it from the heart. The following is a GR Times interview with Mr. Jackson.
Public Servant At Heart Laura Moody
In this issue, Mrs. Laura Moody is the first local resident being honored in the GR Times community that cares series. Over the next few months, the series will high light individuals who have through the years have demonstrated that they do what they do for the benefit of the community and they do it from the heart.
Mary Cancler Celebrates 93rd Birthday
A small gathering of friends and family gathered to celebrate Mrs. Mary Canclers 93rd birthday on August 8, 2020 to join in her birthday celebration. A special drive by that included family and friends waving, honking horns and wishing her a happy birthday.
Welcome Back to School
It is back to school time! We are excited to have your student(s) back with us for a great year of learning and growing as we navigate through this unprecedented time. The COVID 19 pandemic has certainly altered many aspects of our lives and the health and safety of our students and staff are the most important factors in our decision making. As we prepare for the start of school on August 25, I want to ensure you have all the information you need so you and your student(s) are ready. The following is a list of important information regarding back to school: * 100% Virtual Learning for First 9 Weeks: We will start school virtually until the end of the first marking period on October 21. During this time, we will be assessing the COVID situation to determine if we continue virtual learning or transition to potential in-person or hybrid learning. * One-to-One Technology: To further strengthen and support our virtual learning, we are loaning one-to-one devices for all enrolled students. We will also provide internet access support based on need. Students must be enrolled before scheduling a time to pick up the devices. If you have not already enrolled your student(s), go to enroll.grps.org
Shani's Salon Is More Than Just a Hair Salon
Hair salon owner and stylist Dericee Hamilton is originally from Saginaw, Michigan and moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1996.
The Complete List of Cancelled Voters in Grand Rapids
This is a list voters who were cancelled at the voter's request, moved out of state, changed residency, or those who were cancelled after receiving a NVRA (National Voters Registration Act) notice in the last 10 years.
Grand Rapids Police Department Officer Mike Harris Retires
Grand Rapids Police Department Officer Mike Harris recently retired after twenty - five years of service. Young people in the community recognize him for his work at the Boys and Girls Club at the Seidman Center. In this interview with the GR Times, Harris talks about his work with the youth, becoming a police officer, the lack of diversity in the GRPD and more.
Grand Rapids Area Seeing High Rate Of COVID-19 Cases
The state announced that 446 more cases of the virus were confirmed in Michigan as of Wednesday and there were nine more deaths.
Grand Rapids Black Community Loses Strong Voice, Champion For Affordable Housing
When all of the children were in school, Katherine re - entered the workforce full - time. She served as Director of Housing at The Grand Rapids Urban League (GRUL) under the leadership of Paul I. Phillips, John Hall and Dr. Walter Brame.
Entrepreneurs, Owners Mogue, Inc. Add Shawty Wig To Their Line Up
Originally from Detroit, MI, Karmen Johnson was working as a bank manager at Fifth Third Bank when a client of hers, who happened to be an older White woman, told her that she was going to get into the hair business. To Karmen's surprise, the client asked her for her help with the accounting and book handling for the company.
UPREP High School Graduate Arieal Jackson
Arieal Jackson is Uprep High Schools top 10 Black graduating 2020 seniors class. She is hopeful towards her future and continues to keep a positive attitude in the mist of a pandemic that has altered very much what she envisioned her senior year to be. In this interview with the GR Times, she talks about her choice of college, field of study and future endeavors.
City Of Grand Rapids Announces Operational Changes To Improve Policing
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – City Manager Mark Washington, Police Chief Eric Payne and Oversight and Public Accountability Director Brandon Davis today announced a series operational changes to improve policing in Grand Rapids. The changes are a continuation of ongoing policy improvements made by the City following conversations with community members and they come in the wake of nationwide and local calls for police reform.
The Complete List of Cancelled Voters for Grand Rapids City
Download the complete list of cancelled voters for Grand Rapids City as a PDF.
GRAAMA Spared George Floyd Rally Vandalism
Saturday night as people met in Rosa Parks Circle downtown to celebrate the life of George Floyd and condemn his death by the hands of four Minneapolis police officers, a peaceful demonstration turned ugly.
CVS Health Opens COVID-19 Drive-Thru Test Site in Grand Rapids
Building on efforts to help slow the spread of Coronavirus, CVS Health will open a new COVID -19 test site in Grand Rapids today, on Friday, May 29, at the CVS Pharmacy drive - thru location at 1550 Lake Drive Southeast.
Brandon Davis, City's New Oversight And Public Accountability Director
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – City Manager Mark Washington today announced the appointment of Brandon Davis as the City of Grand Rapids' new oversight and public accountability director. The selection followed a competitive national search and digital town hall.
Michigan Senior Citizens Call Out Trump For Failed Leadership On Coronavirus
Older Michiganders, more vulnerable to COVID - 19, voice frustration with Trump's misguided push to reopen country despite health risks.
Stay at Home Collecting
Please help us build the community collection for the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives. As you stay inside your home to flatten the curve of Covid-19 infections, you probably will get around to cleaning out your closets, attics, or basements. DON'T throw anything away without checking with us first.
In Memoriam Vincent Sheffey
Vincent Sheffey aka Marduke Bel, age 71, entered into eternal rest at his Detroit family home after a bout with liver cancer on Good Friday, April 10, 2020.
Search Is On for PROACTIVE Volunteers
In the midst of COVID-19, the local PROACTIVE Election Protection Coalition, is operating a Virtual Phone Bank for the 2020 Census. Volunteers are making calls from home.
Cherry Health Opens Drive - Through COVID-19 Testing Site In GR
Anticipating that individuals in poverty would be among the hardest hit by the COVID - 19 Crisis, Cherry Health began providing testing to some of the most vulnerable, at - risk patients in the community last month. Due to limited resources, testing could not be offered widely without the GRsupport from MDHHS as well as contributions from the community.
Governor Whitmer Extends, Expands "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order to Save Lives
Today, Governor Whitmer signed executive order 2020-42, extending her prior "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order through the end of April. As with the prior order, Executive Order 2020-42 limits gatherings and travel and requires all workers who are not necessary to sustain or protect life to stay home. Executive Order 2020-42 also imposes more stringent limitations on stores to reduce foot traffic, slow the spread of the coronavirus, and save lives.
Don't Forget… COMPLETE THE CENSUS!
I have heard so many reasons that our community does not think that it is important to complete the Census. As the Census Coordinator for the City of Grand Rapids, I was given the task to enlighten the historically hard to count communities on the importance of completing the 2020 Census.
Sallie Calloway Celebrates 90th Birthday
Sallie Calloway recently celebrated her 90th birthday with relatives from her hometown of Newark, New Jersey, and from other cities all over the country.
Ten Additional Cases Of Corona Virus Test Positive In West Michigan
Ten additional cases of coronavirus tested presumptive positive on Thursday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said. This brought the state total to 12 presumptive cases, which includes four cases in West Michigan.
Community Leaders And Youth Join City In Launching 'Don't Fake It' Campaign
Grand Rapids, Mich. – City Manager Mark Washington and Police Chief Eric Payne joined Wednesday with community leaders, local youth and other Grand Rapids officials during a media event to discuss the City's new weapons ordinance and launch a comprehensive educational campaign around it.
Terence Blanchard Headlines Celebration of Soul 2020
Terence Blanchard was born (born March 13, 1962) in New Orleans, Louisiana, the only child of Wilhelmina and Joseph Oliver Blanchard. His father was a manager at an insurance company and a part - time opera singer.
GRPS Board Selects Minnesota District Administrator As Next Superintendent
The Grand Rapids Board of Education voted February 25, 2020 to hire Leadriane Roby as its next superintendent to lead the district into the future.
Frank Thomas Celebrates 80th Birthday
Frank Thomas recently celebrated his 80th birthday. He was given a surprise birthday party on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Brown Hutcherson Hall, located at 1065 36th St. S.E.
Local History Maker Michael B. Johnson, Sr. Passes
Grand Rapids – Michael Bernard Johnson, Sr. departed this earthly realm after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 surrounded by loved ones.
A Black History Month Salute To Two GR Business Pioneers
As pioneering businessmen, Wilson Tate and Frank Thomas became co - owners of Madison Food Town, located at 1300 Madison SE in Grand Rapids.
With $1.5 Million Grant GRCCT Can Expand Its YouthBuild Program
Grand Rapids — The U.S. Department of Labor recently awarded $1.5 million to The Grand Rapids Center For Community Transformation (GRCCT) to extend its Youth- Build Program.
Local Attorney Faces Formal Complaint With The Attorney Grievance Commission And The Local GR Bar Association
Kevin Dengel has maintained his innocence since his arrest while working for the Grand Rapids Public Schools. He has stated several times, that Paul Mitchell, his November 2013 Trial Attorney, failed him by not submitting exculpatory evidence. Dengel was convicted in November 2013.
Entrepreneur Daryl Reece Introduces New Brand of Vodka
Daryl Reece and wife Deborah started Stock the Bar in 2010 at their home with about forty other people as a way to socialize with friends and family, while stocking his bar in his basement. The event eventually grew into something much bigger.
One Church Aims To Preserve The Legacy of Bethel Pentecostal Church
Pastors Jathan and Veverly Austin are announcing that One Church Empowerment Center, located at 3075 30th St. S.W. Grandville, Michigan, will now be known to this community as Bethel Empowerment Church.