The news from March was diverse. There was a visit by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to Cherry Creek Elementary School, an announcement about an Ultimate Frisbee Club and the opening of a new clothing store downtown.
While all those stories were well-read, the top stories on Lowell’s First Look last month included a recap of a city meeting, a profile of a couple doing great things in the community and an update from the police department. We also had articles from two series make the top five, and we’ve combined them in the list below according to the highest-ranking article in each series.
Here’s a look at the most-read articles, based on website views, during March 2021.
5. The Lowell Riddler
Now nearly two months into the game, the riddles from The Lowell Riddler continue to be popular. Every Saturday morning, we publish a new riddle that will lead to a medallion hidden somewhere in town. In recent weeks, the medallion has been found within hours of the riddle being published, leading the Riddler to vow to try to make the clues harder to solve. The person behind The Lowell Riddler is an anonymous resident so we can’t tell you who they are…although we can say they are not Jeff Daniels.
4. Planning Commission Recap: Jimmy John’s Approved, Vote on Marijuana Business Delayed
The Lowell Planning Commission met for three hours in March to discuss four business plans. They spent a significant amount of time reviewing a towing business slated for the east end of town before approving an expansion of Dollar General and OK’ing the construction of a Jimmy John’s on W. Main Street. There was also a marijuana business application on the agenda, but that was tabled until April. The recap of their meeting was the fourth most-read story on Lowell’s First Look in March 2021.
3. Keeping Lowell Safe: Police Beat for February 2021
Police continue with grapple how to address ongoing concerns at a house in town that has been linked to multiple arrests and stolen property. Other than that, the police say the city was relatively calm during the month of February, and they are looking forward to getting new radios through a Kent County grant program. The Police Beat for February 2021 takes the number three spot among the March most-read articles.
2. Bob and Amanda Rogers: 2021 Lowell People of the Year
Each year, the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce selects a person or couple who exemplify the best of Lowell. This year, Bob and Amanda Rogers were named the 2021 Lowell People of the Year in recognition of their selfless generosity in supporting so many local organizations and activities. In a normal year, the couple would be feted at the Chamber’s annual Winter Gathering. The COVID-19 pandemic meant that event couldn’t be held this year, and that probably suits the Rogers just fine. As they told us in this profile, they prefer to work quietly behind the scenes rather than stand in the spotlight.
1. Furry (and Feathery) Friday
For years, Furry Friday has been read weekly by roughly the same number of people. Then, this year, its readership soared through the roof. Maybe it’s a result of the pandemic puppy craze or maybe people just wanted to look at adorable animals to lift their spirits during the cold winter months. Either way, multiple weeks of Furry Friday were among the most-read articles of the month, with the March 5 edition landing in the top spot.
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