The Rapids Report

The Rapids Report is back with a full community update from Grand Rapids.In this episode, we recap the recent village council election and what the results mean moving forward. We also break down the Grand Rapids lawsuit that was officially resolved in November and what residents should know now that it’s settled.Plus, a look ahead to upcoming local events — including Light Up the Night Part Two and Grand Rapids’ New Year’s Eve Apple Drop, featuring community activities like a bake-off, chili cook-off, and the midnight apple drop to ring in the new year.Local news, local events, and what’s happening right here in Grand Rapids.

Josh recaps the 2025 Grand Rapids Applebutter Fest — one of Ohio’s biggest festivals — and talks about how great it was seeing everyone come together for the biggest day in town.With Halloween right around the corner, we’re talking spooky season in Grand Rapids! From Trick-or-Treat and the Witches Walk to the costume contest and the Escape Room at Town Hall, there’s plenty to get excited about.Plus, Josh runs through local election information and ends the episode with an encouraging message of unity and community spirit.

Josh runs through a busy season in Grand Rapids—Applebutter Fest, Halloween events at Town Hall, trick-or-treat times, and what’s on the ballot in the upcoming local elections. Plus, we take on the pointed criticism from our last episode, including concerns raised in recent emails, and set the record straight on where this show stands.

Downtown Grand Rapids is at a turning point. In this episode of The Rapids Report, local Chamber leader Joe Schroeder joins Josh to talk about the challenges facing our small businesses — and the missed opportunities that could be costing the village more than we realize.From a bold tourism proposal that fell flat at a recent council meeting to a DORA plan that’s sat untouched for over a year, Joe shares his concerns about the lack of urgency—and why residents need to pay attention now.If you care about the future of downtown, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Josh kicks off this special edition of the Rapids Rally Report by talking about the new 98.7 FM signal now broadcasting Towpath Radio. Then, Angie from Rapids Rally by the River Days joins the show to preview a weekend packed with music, food, and family-friendly fun in downtown Grand Rapids.

On this episode of the Rapids Report, Josh covers what’s going on in and around Grand Rapids—then sits down with Marty Raybon, lead singer of Shenandoah, ahead of the band’s upcoming show at Hamler Country Fest. It’s a short drive for local country fans and one of Josh’s favorite interviews ever. Hear what makes this concert special and get the latest on events in our area.

In this episode of The Rapids Report, powered by Towpath Radio, we cover Grand Rapids’ spring events like the Victorian Chocolate Walk, the Pop-Up Art Gallery, and Rally by the River Days. Plus, we dig into Village Council updates, the village lawsuit, and a look at downtown foot traffic. Catch up on everything happening around town — from trail cleanups to new businesses coming soon.