1. Michigan native, Christina Koch, who spent 11 months in space returned home to earth early this morning.
Kock's stay at the International Space Station is the second longest trip to space ever, NASA says. She clocked 328 days in space, 5,248 orbits around the Earth, and 42 hours, 15 minutes outside the ISS during six spacewalks, including an historic one that was made up of all women.
Koch was born in Grand Rapids, but moved to North Carolina.
2. The Children's Healing Center is getting help with renovations, thanks to a $25,000 donation.
Members of the Commercial Alliance of Realtor's got a tour of the Grand Rapids Facility to see exactly where their donations will be going.
The Healing Center opened as a non-profit in 2015, offering a safe place to play for kids with weakened immune systems and their families.
The money will support renovations to the welcome area, as well as the parents lounge to make room for growth.
The Commercial Alliance of Realtor's selects organizations to support each year, and has been doing so for the last 15 years.
3. A local recycling center is closing down later this month to make upgrades. The Kent County Recycling Center will be improving its efficiency and quality by replacing parts used to sort paper.
County officials say some equipment is almost 10 years old and when these machines run almost non-stop, upgrades are needed.
The renovations will begin Monday, February 24 and take until mid-March.
While the facility will be closed and unable to accept recyclable materials, the city's recycling pickups will not be affected and will proceed on schedule during that time.
4. A popular summer event is having to move locations due to the erosion along the Lakeshore.
The Burning Foot Beer Festival usually has its home at Pere Marquette Beach every August, but is now seeking final approval to move to Heritage Landing until the beach comes back.
The festival has been growing each year, drawing in around 5,000 people.
For ticket details, head to their website.
5. An organization dedicated to helping local moms is hosting a crowdfunding launch part today in hopes of expanding.
Mom-Hive opened in Eastown off Wealthy Street this past summer. The organization offers shared space for moms who work from home, and an on-site childcare center.
They've set a fundraising goal of $150,000. The money will be used for renovations to better serve their members/
The crowdfunding launch party is happening from 12 to 1.
To learn more or donate, visit momhivegr.com.
