1. One of your favorite places to shop could be the new place you work! Amazon is now hiring for its new fulfillment center in West Michigan.
The retail giant is looking to fill 1,000 new positions at its massive new fulfillment center in Gaines Township.
New hires can make anywhere from Amazon's $15 minimum wage, up to $16.50 an hour. Once they're in, new hires stand to benefit from some competitive perks including 20 weeks parental leave.
There's no exact word on when the center will be up and running, but it's expected in the next couple of months.
2. Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School has become the first STEM-certified high school in Michigan.
The accreditation comes from Cognia, the world's largest educational non-profit.
Fewer than 200 schools nationwide have received the honor.
The principal says it took years of work from developing new ways for students to learn, to teaming up with local colleges, and businesses to connect kids with STEM careers.
3. Students and staff at Davenport University will help people file their tax returns free of charge.
The school is offering appointments at nearly a dozen locations in Kent. Ottawa, and Barry Counties. All volunteers are IRS certified, and the service is only available for low to middle income households.
Organizers recommend making an appointment, but some sites will allow walk-ins.
For a list of location, visit the website.
4. A cruise ship currently being built in Norway will soon help people cruise around the Great Lakes.
The Viking Octantis is 665-feet long. The ship will launch in January 2022 with an itinerary called Niagra and the Great Lakes. It will shuttle between Toronto and Milwaukee, with stops including Niagara Falls, Detroit, Mackinac Island, and Traverse City.
A sister ship, the Viking Polaris is scheduled to launch in August of the same year.
5. In case you didn't know, it's National Peppermint Patty Day!
Crisp on the outside, yet soft and creamy on the inside. These minty chocolates have been a traditional favorite of many for decades.
The first peppermint patties in the U.S. were made by candy makers as early as 1900. Some of the most popular are York Peppermint Patties, originally made by the York Cone Company in Pennsylvania.
These days, there are plenty of peppermint-patty-flavored dessert recipes out there as well.
