Grand rising, West Michigan. This is Lakeshore Current, your stocking stuffer version of local news & events. 🎅 

In today’s Lakeshore Current:

• Snow Squalls & Icy Roads ❄️ 

• Christmas Tree Route 🎄 

• Aldi In Grand Haven 🏬 

Let’s dive in

— Courtland Stansberry

THE DIGEST

Coast Guard Retraces Christmas Tree Route

The U.S. Coast Guard has continued the tradition of delivering holiday cheer by retracing the ill-fated route of the Christmas Tree Ship, bringing 1,200 Christmas trees from Northern Michigan to Chicago aboard the cutter Mackinaw. This journey honors the legacy of the Rouse Simmons, which sank in 1912 while carrying a load of Christmas trees for Chicago families. The crew took on the mantle of "The Christmas Tree Ship" during this delivery run, showcasing holiday spirit and remembrance for the lost ship and crew.

The Mackinaw crew showcased their ship in Chicago, offering tours and snacks while unloading the trees for families in need. The trip wasn't just about delivering trees, as the crew also conducted training and paid tribute to the Rouse Simmons captain and crew lost in the wreck. The tragedy of the Christmas Tree Ship remains a significant part of Great Lakes lore, with the wreck discovered in 1971 and stories of ghostly visits persisting to this day. The holiday tradition continues, carrying on the legacy of generosity and joy brought by "Captain Santa" and the original Christmas Tree Ship.

MI Dairy Farms To Turn Cow Manure Into Energy

The Michigan Strategic Fund is supporting the construction of two digesters that will convert animal waste into renewable natural gas at dairy farms in St. Joseph and Muskegon Counties. Freehold Energy RNG plans to build state-of-the-art facilities, seeking $46 million and $21 million in tax-exempt bonds to finance a significant portion of the projects, estimated to cost between $50 million and $60 million each. The digesters will process manure from thousands of cows, creating a small number of jobs and contributing to green energy production. While the projects are fully permitted and expected to begin operations in 2026, concerns remain about the environmental impacts of digestate management. The increase in digester projects in Michigan reflects broader trends toward low-carbon fuels, driven by state and federal incentives. The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved funding for various projects, including expansions at Howmet Aerospace and Detroit Diesel Corporation.

Snow Squalls & Icy Roads On The Lakeshore

A powerful winter storm hit parts of Michigan last night, bringing snow squalls, white-out conditions, and gusty winds. An Arctic blast will also bring temperatures plummeting to below zero by Thursday. Lake-effect snow is expected, with up to 6 inches possible near US-131 and several inches in the capital region. Roads will be slick and blustery, with wind chills ranging from -10 to 0 degrees.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Aldi Planning On Grand Haven Next

Plans are in progress for a new ALDI grocery store on U.S. 31, specifically at the intersection of Hayes Street and 172nd Avenue in Grand Haven Township. The proposed store would cover 20,673 square feet on a 4.25-acre site, with an optional 1,904-square-foot expansion area. The planning commission has not yet approved the project, citing issues with landscaping and dumpster enclosures that need revision. A revised site plan may be presented at the next commission meeting on January 6, 2025. The addition of ALDI is seen as beneficial for the local commercial corridor.

300 New Jobs Coming To Muskegon County

Howmet Aerospace plans a $107.5 million expansion in Whitehall, aiming to create up to 300 jobs with an average wage of $29.41 per hour. The Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $5.1 million grant to assist with costs, as Howmet considered out-of-state options for its project. The new facility will feature 107,000 square feet for manufacturing ceramic cores essential for jet engines and turbines, set to open by February. In addition, Howmet receives a 15-year, 100% exemption on Michigan’s State Essential Services Assessment, valued at $1.6 million. The company is collaborating with local education programs to build a skilled workforce.

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Check out this beauty in Holland

WHAT’S HAPPENIN

MUSKEGON

Thursday - Wonderland Distillery - Trivia Night 7pm

Free Thursdays at Muskegon Museum of Art

Lake House Waterfront Grille - Iron Fish Bourbon Dinner 6pm

Friday - Hackley Park - Holiday Movie Night 5-7pm

Saturday - Winter Farmers Market 9am-2pm

The Block - Bryan Eng Trio – A Jazzy Christmas Summary 4pm

Frauenthal Center - The Nutcracker : West Michigan Youth Ballet 3pm

Monday - Pigeon Hill - Trivia Night 7pm

GRAND HAVEN

Thursday- Grand Armory Live Music

Friday- Miracle on 34th Street the Musical 7:30pm

Odd Side Live Music 8-11pm

Saturday- Momentum Center - Santa in Centertown 11am-1pm

Coopersville and Marne Railway Santa Train 11am, 1:30pm, 4pm

Miracle on 34th Street the Musical 1:30pm

Sunday - Grand Armory - Sunday Euchre 2pm

Coopersville and Marne Railway Santa Train 11am, 1:30pm, 4pm

Monday - Odd side - Pub Trivia Night

HOLLAND

Thursday - Curragh Irish Pub - Trivia Night 8pm

Van Raalte Farm Park - Holidays On The Farm 5:30-8:30pm

Friday - Felt Mansion - Guided Candle Light Tours 5:30-8:30pm

Van Raalte Farm Park - Holidays On The Farm 5:30-8:30pm

Crane Orchards Lightshow 6-8pm

Holland Civic Center Place - Holiday 2024 Expo 4-8pm

Holland Civic Center Place - Holiday Kerstmarkt 3-8pm

Crisp County Acres - Live Nativity & Winter Wagon Ride 5-7pm

Knickerbocker Theatre - The Promise is Jesus 7-9pm

Saturday - Holland Farmers Market 9am-1pm

Downtown Holland Strolling Santa 1-4pm

Bowerman Blueberries - Donuts With Santa 10am-2pm

Holland Civic Center Place - Holiday 2024 Expo 8am-4pm

Holland Civic Center Place - Holiday Kerstmarkt 9am-6pm

Crane Orchards Lightshow 6-8pm

Knickerbocker Theatre - The Promise is Jesus 7-9pm

Sunday - Red Rock Grille - Brunch with Santa 10am-2pm

New Holland Brewing - Trivia Night 6pm

Monday - Curragh Irish Pub - Trivia Night 8pm

WEATHER

Thursday

21 🌡️ 17 | 🌨️ |

Friday

26 🌡️ 21 | ☁️ |

Saturday

38 🌡️ 37 | 🌧️ |

Sunday

44 🌡️ 36 | ☁️ |

Monday

47🌡️ 37 | ☁️ |

LIVE MUSIC

Thursday

Grand Armory I Jack Leaver I 6:30pm

Sandy Point I Kevin Murphy I 6pm

Friday

Grand Armory I Velvet Mushroom Syndicate I 6:30pm

Lucys I Soul Zynners I 7pm

Oddside I Kyle Brown I 8pm

Itty Bitty Bar I Electric Flower Co. I 9pm

Hops at 84 East I Carl Webb & Tom Hull I 8pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I Acoustic ShananigansI 8pm

Saturday

Red Rooster Tavern I The Jess & Joe Duo I 8pm

The Valkyrie I Dave Burel I 7pm

Lucys I Third Coast Swing I 6pm

Park Theatre I Headbangers Ball w/ Momz Attic, Georgeous Nightmare & Lord Deimos I 7pm

Hops at 84 East I Ten Peso Version + Ruben Resendiz Jr. I 8pm

Itty Bitty Bar I Barcode I 9pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I In The Grey I 8pm

Sunday

Odd side Ales I Scott Pellegrom I 5pm

Sandy Point I Rory McCallan I 5pm

SPORTS

Sunday - Detroit Lions vs Buffalo Bills 4:25pm

THANKS!

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