“Rock the Country” Festival, Furniture Retailer Closing, and Puppy Bowl Participants

Tuesday, January 13th, 2025

Good morning! Welcome to The Mitten, where we provide you a 5-minute rundown of all things Michigan every morning at 5 a.m., directly in your inbox!

Team Ruff and Fluff will face off in the “Puppy Bowl,” a special that will air at 2 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday and feature three dogs from Michigan. See the three puppies featured in the special here, and read more in Around the Mitten!

Branded Bills’ all new collegiate collection featuring both Michigan and Michigan State is now on sale! Shop the collection now to sport your favorite university with one of Branded Bills’ hallmark quality, breathable hats.

Music Festival Coming to Hastings for America’s 250th

Kid Rock and Jason Aldean were named the headliners for the “Rock the Country” music festival’s stop in Hastings in August to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday.

The concert in Hastings is one of eight stops across the country, with other stars joining the lineup including Brantley Gilbert and Uncle Kraker.

The festival will be held at the Barry Expo Center, with general admission starting at $144. You can see the full lineup here.

All Value City Furniture Stores to Close in Michigan

Nine Value City Furniture locations will close across the Mitten as part of a November 2025 bankruptcy filing by parent company American Signature Incorporated.

The nine Michigan locations shutting down are part of 79 Value City Furniture stores shutting down across 13 states nationwide.

According to court filings, the company’s shuttering came after a reduction of $150 million in net sales from 2024 to 2025, and an increase of net operating losses by $52 million.

You can read the company’s filing for bankruptcy here.

Hockeytown Sees No. 91 Hit the Rafters

In perfect Sergei Federov fashion, the Russian prodigy rolled into his retirement ceremony in a red Corvette, smiling all the way.

Federov’s jersey retirement ceremony included several former teammates including some of the “Russian Five,” and a heartwarming shoutout to his wife and children.

Addressing Hockeytown’s 22-year heartbreak after his departure, Federov said he made a “huge mistake” by leaving Detroit in his speech, to a roaring crowd.

You can see Federov’s iconic No. 91 being raised to the rafters here.

Branded Bills’ Collegiate Collection is Here

The company notorious for its flexible, silky-smooth hats that feel incredible now feature both prominent Michigan schools in their Collegiate Collection.

The "Michigan State Outline" Curved Elite XGen™ Hat

And for a limited time, Branded Bills is offering free shipping on orders of over $75, with easy returns on orders up to 60 days after purchase.

Shop Branded Bills today to sport your favorite team in style!

Around the Mitten

Statewide: Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist withdrew his name from the gubernatorial race and announced his candidacy for Secretary of State. (More)
Marine City: A week after the owner was pepper sprayed in a YouTube video, Zimmerman’s Meat Market reopened. (More)
Davison: Target confirmed the opening of a new store at the Northwest corner of S. Irish Road and Lapeer Road. (More)
Marquette: Northern Michigan University’s Lydia M. Olson Library reopened after a two-year renovation. (See Photos)
Millington: Army veteran and West Point graduate Briar Bearss announced his candidacy for Michigan’s 97th House District. (More)
Lansing: The library of Michigan released the 2026 Michigan Notable Books list featuring books set in the Great Lakes, in Michigan, or written by a Michigan author.
Statewide: Three puppies from Michigan are set to be featured in the “Puppy Super Bowl,” a special that will air on Super Bowl Sunday to promote adoptions. (See Photos)

Sports

Michigan State football transfer edge rusher Stone Chaney committed to Memphis on Monday. (More)
Lions Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is reportedly drawing interest from the Miami Dolphins in filling their head coaching vacancy. (More)
Andrew Copp’s “controversial” cross-check that wasn’t called led to the forward’s overtime winner against the Hurricanes. (See Goal)
Michigan Football landed a commitment from standout BYU linebacker Max Alford in the transfer portal. (More)

Michigan Enterprise

The General Electric Aerospace Foundation announced an expansion of its college and career readiness program into Michigan. (More)
Livonia-based Zeal Credit Union completed its acquisition of Ironwood-based Gogebic Range Bank. (More)
The Saginaw City Council voted to approve a six month ban on data center development. (More)

Would you have an issue with developers building a data center in your community?

Let us know why!

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Thank you for reading Tuesday’s edition of The Mitten! We hope you enjoyed today’s stories. We always welcome any reader feedback by simply responding to this email.

Founder & Editor of The Mitten — Joe S.