1. A new amphitheater could be coming to Grand Rapids after a deal between the city and Convention Arena Authority.
The commission approved an agreement to sell city property at 201 Market Avenue Southwest.
CAA will pay about $25 million for 11 of the site's 17 acres. They want to build a 14,000 seat riverfront amphitheater.
The city will retain control of the actual riverfront, and part of the proceeds would go towards keeping the area clean.
2. If you've been wanting to do some ice skating this winter, you've got more time to do it. The City of Grand Rapids has extended the season at Rosa Parks Circle an extra week.
The rink will now be open through February 28, but you do need to reserve a time in advance.
Admission is $2 per person and includes the cost of skate rentals. The rink is open seven days a week, weather permitting.
3. Have a sledding hill? Well, a Kalamazoo family has a luge in their own front yard!
Ryan Baker built the luge for his two kids. They built smaller versions of it in years past, but the pandemic gave Baker the opportunity he needed to take it up a level.
He said it took them nearly 20 hours total to complete, but the overall process was pretty simple.
The structure, dubbed "The Kid Castle" is a neighborhood hit.
4. More than a dozen schools in Michigan are getting help with their meal programs.
In partnership with the Michigan Education Association, the "No Kid Hungry Campaign" is providing more than a half-million dollars in grants.
17 schools will benefit statewide, including four here in West Michigan.
5. McDonald's is bringing back their orange Hi-C!
The drink had been a favorite for about 60 years before the fast-food chain removed it four years ago.
Since then, Hi-C fans have made plenty of noise on social media. It finally worked in a big way.
McDonald's even created a special website where you can track when the drink arrives at a restaurant near you. The roll out is expected to be complete by June.
Then, McDonald's customers will be able to get a double dose of orange.
