All posts by Joanne

An ancient building material could be the wave of the future

3-bottom, architecture, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Great Lakes, Local Business, Our Cities, Recycling, ,

By Cameryn Cass
Capital News Service

Michigan’s first mass timber building at Michigan State University, the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility, stores nearly 2,000 metric tons of carbon in its timbers, the equivalent of not burning more than 2 million pounds of coal. (Capital News Service/Cameryn Cass)

LANSING – Michigan businesses interested in reducing their carbon footprint are looking to build with large wooden panels instead of steel or concrete.

  

Nationwide, demand for what is called mass timber tripled between 2018 and 2021.

There are different kinds of mass timber, but the term refers to multiple wood panels either nailed or glued together and that are strong enough to replace concrete and steel, which contribute 8% to greenhouse gas emissions, according to Canadian architect Michael Green.

Mass timber is more sustainable, Green said.

 

Nearly half of America’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the building industry.

Why mass timber is a good option

Since a little more than a cubic yard of wood can store 1 ton – about the weight of the Liberty Bell– of carbon dioxide, mass timber is a great way to reduce our footprint, said Sandra Lupien, the director of MassTimber@MSU, a research and education group promoting mass timber in the Great Lakes region.

 

Half of the weight of a tree is from stored carbon in its wood, and the rest is water, oxygen, hydrogen and a mix of other elements. In other words, wood is a carbon sink.

Building with it can prevent or delay carbon from being released into the atmosphere when a tree dies or burns, Lupien said.

 

Last year, Michigan State University opened one of the first mass timber buildings in the state, the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility. Already there are two more mass timber projects underway in the state, one at a K-12 school in Kalamazoo and another at the Great Lakes Boat Building School in Cedarville.

 

Another 27 projects in Michigan on the drawing board plan to incorporate mass timber. One of those was in Muskegon where Grand Rapids-based Leestma Management was scheduled to constructe a mass timber building at Adelaide Point this summer.

The biggest hurdle: Getting it

At minimum, the building in Cedarville will have a roof made of mass timber, though those involved with its construction are hoping to build the whole building out of it, said Nikki Storey, the president of the Great Lakes Boat Building School.

The only thing stopping them is funding.

 

“That’s part of the problem with mass timber: I don’t know that the economy of scales exists yet to be able to get good pricing on it,” Storey said.

Since mass timber comes in sheets that are easy to put together – Lupien equates it to building with Lincoln Logs – there’s a major time savings with using it. But since there are no mass timber manufacturers in Michigan – the closest is outside of Chicago – it’s not always easy to get it.

 

Typically, mass timber products are made from softwood trees – think coniferous, like evergreens – which make up 30% of Michigan’s forests. The remaining majority of the state’s trees are hardwood, meaning they’re deciduous and lose their leaves, Lupien said.

Using Michigan’s resources

Researchers at Michigan Tech University are experimenting with making mass timber out of hardwood instead, a niche that might provide economic opportunity.

Mass timber advocates hope that Michigan State’s STEM Teaching and Learning Facility will be a place where contractors can learn to build with the more sustainable alternative. (Capital News Service/Cameryn Cass)

It is an untapped opportunity.

“Michigan is a forestry state,” said Conan Smith, the president of the Michigan Environmental Council. “If we can advance the construction materials that are rooted in wood, it’s to our economic benefit.

“It’s not just a great environmental opportunity, it’s a great economic opportunity for the state of Michigan.”

Each year, the state removes 30% to 40% of the forest’s growth, said Brenda Haskill, a forest marketing and outreach specialist at theDepartment of Natural Resources. That still provides enough capacity to harvest for mass timber and manage forests sustainably.

“We’re at a really interesting place in terms of moving the forest industry forward,” Haskill said.

Meeting the demands

Talks of attracting a mass timber manufacturer to the state are underway. However, an aging workforce and the rising cost of diesel fuel mean a decline in logging firms, Haskill said.

Making sure we have loggers to harvest trees and get them to the mill is really the biggest concern, Haskill said.

“I’m hopeful, but there’s a lot of pieces that need to be addressed,” Haskill said.

Michigan is in the same boat as the other Midwestern states. There’s more mass timber manufacturing and interest out west, Haskill said.

Looking at the building codes

Another challenge is the states outdated building codes, said Brian Craig, the board chair at the Michigan Forest Biomaterials Institute.

 

Michigan State University revamped a power plant and added two mass timber wings to create a hybrid structure in the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility. (Capital News Service/Cameryn Cass)

The most recent version of the International Building Code is from 2021 and offers more flexibility and clarity for how high you can build and how much wood can be exposed with mass timber, Craig said.

Right now, Michigan follows 2015 codes, making it two cycles behind the current thinking on mass timber and fire safety, Craig said.

 

But mass timber doesn’t behave like a 2 x 4.

Instead, it behaves like a tree.

 

Think of an unsplit log in a fire pit, and how it chars on the outside: That’s what mass timber would do in a fire, Lupien said.

Craig said that timber can be even safer than steel when it burns.

 

“Think about what happens when steel gets hot. It sort of turns into spaghetti, whereas mass timber’s surface chars and then protects the rest of the timber,” Craig said.

 

Lupien said that even with the outdated building codes, builders in Michigan are still able to use mass timber, and they should.

Bringing the beauty indoors

People using the buildings – at least the one on MSU’s campus– express the aesthetic benefits of bringing nature indoors, Lupien said.

“There’s actually a word for that. It’s called biophilia,” Lupien said.

That’s a Greek word that translates to “love of life. ” It taps into our inborn desires of being close to nature. Biophilic design – like incorporating wood into buildings – has even been found to promote human wellness and productivity, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Putting the more sustainable, attractive alternative into Michigan buildings is a question of price and supply.

 

“It’s been used in Europe for better than a decade now,” Smith said. “It’s a product that’s far better for the planet than concrete.

 

“Why we’re not using it more, I don’t know.”

A fresh look at whole life insurance

Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, Senior Living, , ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Service LLC

Whole life has a simple objective, to ensure your “whole” life, in other words, it will pay the benefits anytime during your whole life, regardless of how long you live. All you need to do is pay the premium.

Image from Pxhere.com

Life insurance is a contract between an insured person (the policyholder) and the insurer. The premium pays for guaranteed benefits in case of death, but there are other features that can provide additional protection as well.

In exchange for fixed premiums, whole-life policies offer life insurance protection and tax deferral on growth by accumulating cash value with competitive interest rates.

 

In exchange for fixed premiums, an insurance company promises to pay a set benefit when the policyholder dies but also offers additional benefits as well. Whole life insurance policies can build up cash value, effectively a cash reserve that pays a modest rate of return, and the growth is tax-deferred. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.

Borrowing still option

Most whole life insurance policies allow policyholders to borrow a portion of their policy’s cash value. Access to the cash value can allow you to pay for things like college expenses, a home down payment, or any other needs you may have.

 

When the policyholder dies, his or her beneficiaries receive the benefit from the policy. Depending on how the policy is structured, benefits are usually not taxable.

Whether whole life insurance is the best choice for you may depend on a variety of factors, including your goals or circumstances.

Considering options

Whole life insurance can be an excellent investment for those who want to be protected financially after death. The policies promise a fixed benefit but also offers additional benefits such as cash value – which can build up and provide returns tax-deferred in order of security against personnel losses caused by unforeseen events like accidents or illnesses, and guarantees based on claims-paying ability from issuing companies.

The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) does not insure life insurance. It is not insured by any federal government agency, bank, or savings association. Each state’s Department of Insurance regulates life insurance.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.  

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.

Wyoming fire welcomes new fire truck by giving it a little push

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Hard News, ,
Wyoming firefighters push one the city’s new fire trucks into the Gezon station. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

With the help of the community, the Wyoming Fire Department welcomed its newest truck Tuesday night by pushing it into the station.

The Wyoming firefighters who helped to push the new pumper truck into the Gezon station. (WKTV)

It is a tradition that dates back to the 1800s, according to Wyoming Fire Chief Brian Bennett.

“So the push-in started back in the days of the horse-drawn carriages,” Bennett said. “Every time the firefighters returned from a call, the horses could not back up and push the equipment into the station.”

The firefighters would have to disconnect the horses and physically push the equipment back into the station, he said.

As the equipment modernized and the need for horses lessen so did the need for the firefighters to push the equipment.

“It was a really cool tradition that they had done for years and firefighters wanted to figure out a way to continue that tradition,” Bennett said. “So it came to be that when a department received a new piece of equipment, the push-in still stayed there as the department would push that piece into the station to signify the equipment’s start of service.”

A little help from the community

In fact, the Wyoming Fire Department has done push-ins with all of its equipment over the years but what made Tuesday’s event special is it was the first time the public was invited to join the department for the push-in.

“The public needs to be involved in this too because you are just as much a part of this as we are,” Bennett said to those in attendance. “We get to play with the shiny new toys but without the support of the community none of this takes place.”

There was supposed to be two new fire trucks at the event but one was still having the final touches done in Kalamazoo.

A design that fits the community

The new trucks, which replace two older fire trucks that were sold in June, are smaller than the standard engines many residents are use to seeing. However, outside of the fact that the new trucks seat two people versus six, the trucks have all of the capacity of a larger engine at about half the cost, Bennett said, adding the trucks are able to pump water and have ladders. A fire truck that seats six is around $650,000 while the two-person vehicle is closer to $350,000.

Because of its versatility, the trucks are able to complete many different tasks that are needed in the city such as responding to a medical request or putting out a dumpster fire. The trucks also will be able to support the other vehicles in the fleet and vice versa.

“You really need to design your equipment by what you do in your community,” Bennett said. “It is not about the community neighbor who has the flashier, shiner truck. We design our trucks to help with what we do most in our city.”

Pierce Manufacturing, a manufacturer of custom fire apparatus, built the trucks at its Florida plant. The trucks were delivered to the city in August.

After the push-in, there was a community open house. (WKTV)
Left, Mayor Pro Ten Sam Bolt listens as Fire Chief Brian Bennett talks about the new fire truck. (WKTV)

Recent shooting has police reminding people to be aware

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Hard News, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is investigating two unrelated shootings that took place on Tuesday, Nov. 1 and providing some words of caution to residents.

The first incident took place at around 2:50 p.m in the 2200 block of Indian Mounds Drive SW.

 

An 18-year-old male on a bicycle was struck by gunfire resulting in a fatal injury. The male was deceased at the scene. The victim of this shooting has been identified as Kane Allen Coronado of White Cloud.

 

A vehicle was seen leaving the area immediately after the shooting and was described as a light-colored sedan with an unknown number of occupants. The vehicle was last seen traveling east on Indian Mounds Drive.

 

Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. According to a statement from the department, the department is appealing to the public to provide information regarding this case. Anyone who was in the area of Indian Mounds Drive on Nov. 1 between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m. is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.

Tips for those who are walking or riding

As a reminder to residents, Lt. Rory Allen, spokesperson for the department, said the department recommends that citizens take precautions when utilizing recreational areas such as bike paths and walking trails.

If possible, residents should not travel alone when walking, jogging, or bike riding. Residents should be aware of their surroundings and who is around them. They also should a phone with them to call for help or see anything that is suspicious or feels unsafe. Always call 911 in those incidents.

Shooting on Division Avenue

A 7:15 p.m. on the same day of Nov. 1, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a hold-up alarm at 3530 S. Division Ave. A short time later officers responded to a report that a 15-year-old male with a gunshot wound had been located near the business in questions.

The investigation indicates that the individual with the gunshot wound arrived at 3530 South Division Avenue with two other individuals. It is believed that they arrived in the Ford Fusion that was stolen out of Grand Rapids earlier in the evening.

 

According the police report, these three individuals were involved in, what was reported to police as, a take-over robbery attempt at that location. The three suspects entered the business with masks covering their faces and surrounded the employee. A fight between the three suspects and the employee broke out and the employee fired one shot from a handgun that he legally had on his person.

 

All three suspects fled the store after the shooting. The 15-year-old is believed to be the only one who was injured during this incident. He was located a short distance away from the business and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. He is currently in serious condition. The other two robbery suspects fled the area on foot and have not been located yet. The stolen Ford Fusion was recovered at the scene.

Officers have clues to the other two suspects

Officers are still looking for the two other suspects. One is described as wearing a blue sweatshirt with a hood up, black sweatpants, and a mask covering his face. The second suspect is described as wearing a multi-colored zip-up sweatshirt with a red shirt underneath, black pants, and black shoes. Information located inside the recovered vehicle has provided leads regarding the suspects’ identities. These leads are being pursued by investigators. In the meantime, these individuals are encouraged to turn themselves in to the Wyoming Police.

 

Once this investigation is complete, the Kent County prosecutor’s office will review all of the circumstances in this case, including a review of the employee’s action in shooting the individual who was robbing his store.

 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.

Tuition help offered to aspiring teachers

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Our Cities, West Michigan,

By Janelle James
Capital News Service

LANSING – Michigan will offer a $10,000 annual fellowship to 2,500 students as an incentive to teach in the state.

Michigan will offer a $10,000 annual fellowship to 2,500 students as an incentive to teach in the state. (pxhere.com)

The awards, included in the state’s budget that began Oct. 1, are for college students on track to become educators and will be given to students once they are admitted into the college of education at their university. 

 

Some universities have a two-year program, while other programs run three years, beyond prerequisites. Students who participate are required to teach in the state for two years for every year that they receive the fellowship. They cannot receive more than $30,000 in total.

Another incentive to address the state’s teacher shortfall in the 2023 budget is a $9,600 stipend for every semester a student teaches. Previously, student teachers were unpaid, although they are required to carry out some of the same classroom responsibilities as teachers.

Student teachers can apply for this stipend each semester that they teach. At Michigan State University, students are required to student teach for one year, but at other institutions students are only required for one semester, said Gail Richmond, the director of the teacher preparation program at MSU.

 

Nearly three-quarters of the state’s schools are short of teachers, according to a survey by the Michigan Education Association (MEA), the largest union representing teachers and other school staff.

Among the reasons for the shortage is that the joy of education has been taken away, said Paula Herbart, the president of the union. But the pay is a big reason.

 

Nearly three-quarters of the state’s schools are short of teachers, according to a survey by the Michigan Education Association (MEA). (pxhere.com)

“The lack of financial stability as an educator has caused the educator shortage,” Herbart said. “Three out of four educators will tell their children not to go into teaching, and that’s a real problem. We’re telling kids not to go into education because they can’t make a living at it, and because of the things that impact your ability to provide for your family.”

 

For minority students, it can be even harder, said Doug Pratt, the MEA’s director of public affairs.

“We know from student loan data entry, as well as practice, that there’s this double jeopardy of having to pay to be a student teacher and not getting paid which is especially hard for minority aspiring educators,” he said.

 

All student teachers should be compensated just like in any other apprenticeship program, but people might see it take away the barrier that exists, especially for minority students, he said.

 

The Michigan Department of Education reports that in 2017, Black teachers made up 5.9% of the state’s teachers. Hispanic or Latino teachers accounted for 1.2 and Asian-Americans made up only 0.2%.  About 91% of teachers were white.

“I know most of my (classmates) that are doing the teacher preparation program have dropped out of it,” said Trinity Belcher, a fifth-year student in the MSU College of Education . “They don’t want to do their 5th year because the cost of it.”

Students in the college of education at MSU are required to pay for their internship as a student teacher, which can be a financial burden, Belcher said.

 

Belcher will finish the program and become a teacher because she says it would be better to have the experience of  teaching for a year with a mentor before she starts teaching by herself.

 

Another incentive is the $175 million Grow-Your-Own program which assists school employees who already work with children, like bus drivers, crossing guards and lunch aides to get their degree to become educators.

 

Richmond said, “Teachers often feel isolated and unsupported, so I think the things that have to be combined with some kind of financial system is support from the time they step into the classroom, across their entire careers.”

Janelle James is a senior at Michigan State University. She is pursing a double major in journalism and political science with a minor in Spanish. Janelle aspires to one day secure a position as an investigative journalist, White House correspondent or politician.

More days of rain, snow predicted for this winter

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Great Lakes, Kent County, ,

By Janelle James 
Capital News Service

Road commissions across the state are preparing for the winter months. (WKTV)

LANSING – Counties in northern Michigan are buying new equipment and hiring more full-time employees for an expected wetter-than-average winter.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently predicted that the Great Lakes region will have more frequent precipitation than usual this winter. This is caused by the phenomenon La Niña.

 

The same phenomenon means that the temperature in the Pacific Ocean is dropping, said Bryan Mroczka, a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Ann Arbor.

 

And lower temperatures in the ocean mean below-average temperatures in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions.

‘More will be coming from the sky’

“What we can expect is that there will be more precipitation than the long-term average,” Mroczka said.

In simpler terms, “over the whole winter period, more will come from the sky,” he said.

 

Although it is difficult to predict weather conditions for the entire season, during La Niña years “there may be more frequent days where you wake up and you have to brush the snow off of your car and more days where you’re driving to work in a little bit of snow,” Mroczka said.

Much of Michigan is expected to have average weather conditions.

 

But places like Sault Ste. Marie and Alpena are expected to have a severe winter, according to the accumulated winter season severity index by the Midwest Regional Climate Center in Indiana.

 

Some of the severe weather may be attributed to three consecutive years of La Nina conditions.

 

“This is kind of unprecedented,” said Austin Pearson, a climatologist at the center.

Expected conditions in the north

The National Weather Service has already reported snow near Marquette. Typically, the snow season spans from December to February, but it can come as early as October and as late as April, Pearson said.

 

Grand Traverse County, in the northwest part of the state, is already preparing.

“Our preparation for the next winter season happens at the end of the prior winter season,” said Jay Saksewski, the superintendent for the county’s road commission. County road workers began repairing equipment, ordering material and hiring personnel in April.

 

Last winter, the county lacked enough trained drivers to operate the snowplows, Saksewski said. It had only 26 drivers and relied on seasonal workers.

This year, it is going into this season with 30 full-time employees, he said.

 

The agency has also ordered three additional snowplows for the season.

 

“Typically we will bring three new trucks into the fleet,” Saksewski said. “At the same time, we’re obsoleting three trucks and putting those out for other agencies or private parties to buy.”

The UP is getting ready

Within the last three years, the Leelanau County Road Commission has had to order more salt because of how often it snowed.

 

“Our average snowfall is 120 inches and last year it was closer to 100 inches, but it snowed almost every day,” said Brendan Mullane, the managing director for the commission.

 

He is also hiring more drivers. The commission has 26 full-time drivers and six seasonal drivers. The amount of snow that is expected doesn’t affect those hiring decisions.

 

“It doesn’t really matter if we get a foot of snow or 2 inches of snow, we still have to drive the routes no matter what to get to all of the corners of our county,” Mullane said.

And here at home, what to expect

The Kent County Road Commission is warning drivers to allow more time for morning commutes, have good tires and watch the overnight weather forecast for severe snow, said Jerry Byrne, the superintendent for the agency.

  

“We work with our partners in law enforcement to help educate folks,” Byrne said.

The wintry projections aren’t all bad news. Tourists looking to go skiing or dog-sledding in the Upper Peninsula can count on La Niña to make it happen. 

The region’s economy is based on snow, said Tom Nemacheck, the executive director for Upper Peninsula Travel, a group that promotes tourism.

“It’s absolutely phenomenal for the U.P.,”  Nemacheck said. “It’s the best thing that happens for us in the wintertime.”

ABOUT JANELLE JAMES

Janelle James is a senior at Michigan State University double majoring in journalism and political science with a minor in Spanish. Janelle aspires to one day secure a position as an investigative journalist, White House correspondent or politician.

Museum celebrates Day of the Dead with exhibition

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Holidays, Kent County, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Local History, Recreation, , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Artist Margaret Vega’s ofrenda for her father, Francisco Vega. (WKTV/Renee Karadsheh)

Veronica Quintino-Aranda’s brother died before her younger sister was born yet her sister has a connection to him because of the family’s tradition of honoring the brother’s memory during Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).

“We remember who he was,” said Quintino-Aranda, a member of the Latino Community Coalition which has collaborated with the Grand Rapids Public Museum on a Day of the Dead exhibit. “We share stories. We share memories. We share his favorite food.

“Even though my sister has never meet him because he died before she was born, she still knows who he was and how important he was to our family.”

A tradition that dates back to the Mayans and Aztecs

Running through Nov. 27, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is featuring the Field Musuem’s “A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico.” Through 26 photographs, the exhibit explores the significance of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, a southern region of Mexico.

Traditionally observed on Nov. 1 and 2, Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos is an indigenous holiday that originated in southern Mexico and celebrates the remembrance of family members and friends who have died. Part of that celebration includes the creation of an ofrenda, or a home alter, honoring the deceased.

The tradition and symbols date back to the Mayans and Aztecs, who had a whole month dedicated to the dead, according to Quintino-Aranda. The expansion of catholicism in Mexico altered some of the symbols but the the focus on celebrating the dead remained.

Veronica Quintino-Aranda and Javier Cervantes (WKTV/Renee Karadsheh)

“On my home alter, and we have a catholic tradition, we have the candle that symbolizes we are the light of the world,” Quintino-Aranda said. “We have the arch toward heaven and incense that indicates that our prayers are going up to him. We also have soil that symbolizes that we are dust and are destained to return. We also have items that represent (my brother) and of course, his picture.”

Exploring local history and culture

Almost 600,000 Hispanics live in West Michigan with the Hispanic population making up about 16 percent, almost 16,000, in the Grand Rapids area. As the Hispanic community grew, many brought their traditions to the West Michigan area with the Day of the Dead having become a community celebration. In fact, the Grand Rapids Public Library for several years has hosted a Dia de los Muertos event (this year Oct. 30 – Nov. 3) that includes alters created by community members and activities.

The Latino Community Coalition’s Nuestra HERencia ofrenda. (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Public Museum)

Noting that the Grand Rapids Public Museum is not just about dinosaurs and artifacts but also history and culture, Dustin Tyler, director of marketing and customer service strategy for the Museum, said the Public Museum is excited to be able to partner with local organizations such as the LCC to present a Day of the Dead exhibition.

“Anytime we get the opportunity to include community partners to help paint a story, its a win for Grand Rapids, a win for the museum and a win for our members and visitors,” Tyler said.

The local connection

As part of the exhibition, the GRPM joined with community partners to add ofrendas to the exhibition display. Local professor and artist Margaret Vega created one display honoring her father Francisco Vega (1922-2021), who was a leader in the Latino community of West Michigan and a grassroots organizer for civil rights.

The LCC’s offenda focuses on the organizations Nuestra HERencia project, which honors the history and legacies of women here in Grand Rapids.

“It is an immersive experience,” Tyler said. “it is kind of a window into how another culture does things different but also learning about the history of Mr. Vega and learning about our partners over at the Latin Community Coalition and what their mission and purpose is.”

Started in 2006, the LLC serves as a unifying force for the equitable advancement of Latinos in West Michigan.

“I chose LCC because at the time I was working for the infant health program at Cherry Street Health and so I wanted to learn more about what are the resources out there to help my clients and patients and the LCC was a great opportunity for me to network and learn what programs and classes other nonprofits were offering so I could give back and give those resources to my community,” she said.

Celebrating ‘HER’

The Nuestra HERencia project features women who have not necessarily received awards or been recognized but because of their values that they instilled in their family members, they have helped the Hispanic community grow through business and leadership.

 

“My aunt, who passed away last year, she owned a small chain of bakeries,” said Javier Cervantes, another LCC member. “She instilled in us hard work and dedication. I saw how she treated everyone with respect. That is what I will not forget.

“Todos parejos — everyone is equal.”

For both Cervantes and Quintino-Aranda, they hope through the exhibition and the LCC display to help residents understand the symbolism and why Day of the Dead is important to the Hispanic community.

“I want people to know that we have a presence here in Grand Rapids and we are not going anywhere,” Cervantes said. “Those Latinos have been able to be trailblazers and in a unique way transform the lives of families as well.”

“A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico” is included with general admission to the Museum and is free for Museum members. Kent County residents do receive a discount and Kent County children 17 and under are free. To reverse tickets, visit grpm.org. 

WKTV Contributor Renee Karadsheh contributed to this story.

Wyoming, Kentwood to participate in drug take back event

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Environment, Kent County, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Kentwood’s Drug Take Back Day event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. (WKTV)

The fall National Drug Take Back Day has been set for this Saturday, Oct. 29, with both the Wyoming Department of Public Safety and the Kentwood Police Department participating in the event.

The annual event is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back initiative. The event is held in April and October as part of ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug misuse and overdose deaths. For the April Take Back Day, the Department of Drug Enforcement reported that about 720,000 pounds of unneeded medications were collected. Since starting the program in 2010, around 16 million pounds of unneeded prescription medications have been collected.

“By taking advantage of this free and anonymous Drug Take Back Day, residents can help save lives,” said Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin. “Proper medication disposal prevents identity theft, accidental poisonings, drug addiction and overdose deaths. It can also help preserve the environment by reducing the amount of medications in landfills and sewer systems. Please gather unneeded medications from your home and join us Oct. 29 as we work together to keep our community safe.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, more than 107,000 people died as the result of a drug overdose last year. This figure means that someone in the United States is dying of a drug overdose every five minutes.

City of Kentwood

Residents may drop off unused, unwanted or expired prescription pills and patches from 10 a.m to 2 p.m at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Liquids, needles and sharp objects will not be accepted. For disposal of needles and other sharp objects, visit the Kent County Health Department’s reimaginetrash.org or click here.

The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.

City of Wyoming

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 2300 DeHoop Ave., has a SafeMed box at the station where anyone may properly dispose of medications throughout the year.

The department also partners with University of Michigan Health West, 2122 Health Dr. SW, on Drug Take Back Day. The event at UMHW will be a drive-thru from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. People are encouraged to stay in their car and a volunteer will come to the vehicle.

As with the Kentwood program, this program is free with no questions asked.

Play competition is about the ‘things that go bump in the night’

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

They are eerie, they are spooky and just might keep you up at night.

It is “Playbytes by Playwrights: Things That Go Bump in the Night.” Hosted biennial by LowellArts!, the event features 10-minute plays written by playwrights. All plays that were submitted for this year’s competition follow the theme of “things that go bump in the night.” From more than 60 entries that were submitted by playwrights from across the country and internationally, ten were chosen to be performed. The program was directed by Mary Beth Quillin and Laurel Conrad.

The ten original works performed for an audience will be judged by a panel of experts, and one playwright will be given a $500 cash award. A People’s Choice Award will be voted on by attendees. Awards winners will be notified and announced the week following the final production.

Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at LowellArts Gallery, 223 Main St., Lowell. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, visit www.lowellartsmi.org.

It’s a wrap for ArtPrize, a new initiative is planned

3-bottom, Hard News, Kent County, Local Business, Non-Profits, Our Cities, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

“Elephant Chunko” by Kristina Libby from ArtPrize 2022 (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

ArtPrize will make a catalytic gift of its creative, technological and communications platforms to a new partnership for a new experiment that will build upon the legacy of the international art competition, effectively “ArtPrize 2.0.” Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), the City of Grand Rapids and KCAD will collectively lead this new initiative.

In a statement today, the ArtPrize board of directors expressed deep appreciation to the entire community for 13 years of partnership and support as it winds down its operations.


 
“What started as an experiment in 2009 quickly became something more, and we have an entire community to thank for embracing the ArtPrize idea and taking it to amazing heights,” said ArtPrize Founder and Chairman Rick DeVos said in a press release. “Together, we were able to stimulate thought and creativity by celebrating art, supporting artists, exploring familiar and not-so-familiar venues, and starting entirely new conversations.


 
“While there are certainly mixed emotions, we know the time is right to conclude the original ArtPrize experiment and open up space for new energy and creativity. We are thrilled that the partnership of DGRI, KCAD, and the City of Grand Rapids is stepping forward to continue to produce an incredible fall event.”


 
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss echoed those sentiments.

From ArtPrize 2014. (WKTV)

“Every destination community has a destination event that captures the spirit and aspirations of that community. For us, ArtPrize has been a manifestation of the independent creative spirit that defines Grand Rapids, and has captured the imagination of people from around the world,” she said. “Rick DeVos and the ArtPrize Board have laid out a roadmap and a foundation that we’re grateful for and excited to build upon.”


 
ArtPrize has held 13 events since 2009 and awarded more than $6 million through a combination of public votes, juried awards and grants. Millions of people across the globe have participated in ArtPrize in some fashion – displaying their work, performing, opening their spaces, volunteering, or visiting and enjoying Grand Rapids each fall.

 
For 18 days each year, art was exhibited throughout the city in public parks and museums, in galleries and storefronts, in bars and on bridges. ArtPrize annually awarded $450,000 directly to artists.


 
Ran Ortner, with his “Open Water no.24,” was the original ArtPrize grand prize winner in 2009, as determined by public vote. He netted $250,000 for the honor, the largest monetary art prize at the time. In 2010, four juried awards were added to the competition and ArtPrize continued to evolve over the years to keep the experience fresh and surprising. A list of all ArtPrize winners can be found here.

For more information, visit ArtPrize.org/future.

Trick or Treat, is the market on wobbly legs?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, ,

By Dave Stanley
WKTV Contributor
Integrity Financial Service, LLC

October has always been a devilish month for Wall Street. Black Tuesday was Oct. 29, 1929. Black Monday was Oct. 19, 1987. And the crash of 2008 happened on October’s doorstep on Sept. 29, 2008, when the Dow dropped more than 777 points. The Dow notched a new low for the year and closed below 30,000 for the first time since June 17. The 30-stock index flirted with the bear market territory causing concern and stress.

These are the days of Chicken Littles! In this climate – despite historically low unemployment, robust GDP, and soaring consumer confidence – the stock market still has wobbly legs with no real end in sight.

The problem is not just the current concerns about high debt, trade wars, and rising interest rates; it’s the collective uncertainty and reactionary groupthink over which we have no control. It’s also the psychological traps, triggers, and misconceptions we humans fall prey to.

• Expecting to find high returns with low risk (I’ve got a Rolex watch I’ll sell you for $25.)
• Believing that good things happen to you and bad things only happen to others

The reality is you could be as cool as a cucumber, but if those around you think the sky is falling, your portfolio will still likely evaporate.

And history indicates it could take years, or even decades, just to get back to where you were. Everyone seems to run to safety at some time in their lives. Is it time for you to take a long look at safe and secure options?

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management

Chamber launches new initiative for BIPOC businesses

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Our Cities, ,
Wyoming Mayor-Elect Kent Vanderwood (far right) talks to members of the BIPOC Business Leader Advisory Council (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

One of the key missions of any business chamber is to serve as a connector and the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce did at a recent meeting designed to help launch a new initiative to serve minority business owners.

More than 20 members of the Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Business Leader Advisory Council discussed the needs of businesses and how those needs can be obstacles for BiPOC businesses owners. The discussion came to zoning ordinances and how difficult they can be to maneuver.

The discussion prompted Wyoming Mayor-Elect Kent Vanderwood to tell the group about the city’s need to fill several positions on its Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission.

“I would love to see those boards more diversified.” Vanderwood said and two of the members indicated they were interested in exploring those opportunities. Due to the response, Vanderwood said he would send an email with links to the the Chamber that could be forwarded to everyone.

Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley (second from the left) was part of the BIPOC Business Leader Advisory Council launch. (WKTV)

Known for being “open for business,” Mayor Stephen Kepley recognized that zoning ordinances can be difficult for anyone to understand and that the city works with people to help them navigate the ordinances including have access to a translator service to help English-as-a-second language speakers.

 

In fact, the biggest takeaway WKCC President and CEO Keith Morgan said he got from the meeting was that the Chamber has to continue to be that connector.

Focusing on the needs of business

 “I am pleasantly surprised at the level of influence and interest in a subject matter that can be easily overlooked in a large community,” Morgan said of the interest in developing the BIPOC Business Leader Advisory Council.

Morgan said his intention was to pull together a diverse group of individuals with varying backgrounds and businesses within in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood for the Council. His original idea was to have a small group meet at the chamber offices however the overwhelming response from invitees had him move the event to the WKTV Community Media Center, 5261 Clyde Park SW.

A partner with the chamber, WKTV General Manager Tom Norton stated the station was thrilled to share its space with the Chamber for the launch of this initiative.

The initial event focused on how the Chamber could better serve the BIPOC business community. Morgan called it the start of the conversation with advisory members helping to establish goals.

Discussions centered around what some of the needs the businesses hand which included such topics as the need for interpreters, workforce development, labor shortage, and the ability to take a business to the next level.

At the meeting, the BIPAC Business Leader Advisory Council identified six key goals:

Establishing a mentor program

Creating and distributing a vendor list

Providing best practices especially related to procurement 

Establishment of an advisory council 

Building connections

Providing educational information and resources

Morgan said the Council will continue to meet to work on goals that can be completed in the short term as well as in the future.

When trick-or-treaters should head out for the goodies

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Happy Haunting from the WKTV Journal. (pxhere.com)

With Halloween being on a Monday, the annual spooky season should be adhering to a pretty traditional schedule this year.

Most communities will be observing the holiday on Monday with municipalities encouraging trick-or-treating activities to take place on that day. For times, most communities are encouraging from 6 to 8 p.m.

City of Kentwood, 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31

City of Wyoming does not set trick-or-treating hours, but is encouraging residents and neighborhoods to do so on Monday, Oct. 31. Residents should check with neighborhoods for specific times.

City of Grandville, 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31

City of Grand Rapids, dusk to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31

Gaines Township, no designated time, Monday, Oct. 31

City of Grand Rapids, dusk to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31

Byron Township, varies by neighborhood for date and time. Check with your neighborhood.

Village of Caledonia, 6-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31

Gerald Ford’s media relations calm compared to others

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Election, Hard News, Local History, ,

By Eric Freedman
Capital News Service

LANSING – When Gerald Ford became president in 1974, the nation was in agony.

His predecessor, Richard Nixon, had resigned from the Oval Office rather than face certain impeachment by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The previous year, the last American combat troops had withdrawn from Vietnam amid intense anti-war protests, dwindling trust in the federal government and the subsequent collapse of the corruption-riddled regime of U.S. ally South Vietnam.

Cover of “Clash: Presidents and the Press in Times of Crisis.”
Cover of “Clash: Presidents and the Press in Times of Crisis.” (Courtesy, Potomac Books)

Ford, the quiet Republican vice president from Grand Rapids, faced the challenge of helping the nation heal from the anguish of White House corruption and the trauma of a deeply unpopular war.

His first official act was to pardon Nixon, a decision that political analysts say doomed his chances of winning the presidency in his own right in 1976.

After that, Ford’s tenure in the White House was unspectacular as he wrestled with problems that are familiar to Americans today, such as high inflation, recession and international conflicts in Asia, the Middle East and elsewhere.

He endured no crises that rose to the level of creating major conflict with journalists and news organizations, unlike what the nation witnessed with presidents Donald Trump, Nixon and several others.

And thus Ford – the only president to come from Michigan – received only two brief references in Northwestern University journalism professor Jon Marshall’s new book, “Clash: Presidents and the Press in Times of Crisis” (Potomac Books, $36.95).

Bill Ballenger, the publisher of the political newsletter “Ballenger Report” and a former Republican state legislator, observed, “Generally speaking, I thought the press did a pretty good job covering Ford.”

“He wasn’t a polarizing personality by any means,” Ballenger said.

Ford had built good will with the press during his years as minority leader of the U.S. House, Ballenger said, and his selection as vice president was well received by the press.

“Ford had good connections in the traditional Washington press corps,” Ballenger said, and that’s where he turned to staff his press office rather than picking public relations practitioners or people who “were not really journalists, like you’ve seen in recent years.”

As president, he drew on veteran Michigan reporters, starting with Detroit News chief Washington correspondent Jerry terHorst, whom Ballenger described as “a big hitter in Michigan journalistic coverage.”

But a month later, terHorst, who also was from Grand Rapids, quit in protest of the Nixon pardon.

 

Ford then hired Detroiter Jack Hushen, also from the Detroit News, as deputy press secretary. 

Ford’s approach to press relations contrasts vividly with Trump’s.

As Marshall wrote in the new book, “Through his presidency, Trump encouraged hostility toward journalists. He called them ‘dishonest,’ ‘disgusting’ and an ‘enemy of the people.’’

“He referred to negative but accurate stories about him as ‘fake news,’” Marshall wrote.

Relations between reporters and other presidents have been ragged as well, to say the least.

John Adams, for example, sent editors to jail, Abraham Lincoln let critical newspapers be closed and Woodrow Wilson used “misleading propaganda” to advocate going to war.

Nixon directed his first vice president – the convicted felon-to-be Spiro Agnew – to skewer the press as a “treacherous enemy.”

 

Gerald Ford of Grand Rapids is the only president from Michigan.
Gerald Ford of Grand Rapids is the only president from Michigan. (Courtesy, whitehouse.gov)

Bill Clinton’s clashes centered on his sexual relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinski and Whitewater, the scandal involving his investments and financial dealings.

Marshall also detailed crisis-linked conflicts between the press and presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

What does it all mean?

Marshall wrote, “Since the founding of the United States, the relationship between presidents and the press has been inspiring and troubling, fragile and durable, pivotal and dysfunctional, often all at the same time.”

In Marshall’s view, “Although sometimes sloppy, partisan and sensationalistic, journalists have often courageously served the public while covering presidents despite formidable forces trying to stop them.”

And he warned of trouble signals for future Oval Office accountability to the citizenry.

“The truth about presidents may now be harder to know,” according to Marshall. “The declining economic health of the news business has weakened its ability to hold presidents accountable.” 

Eric Freedman is the director of Capital News Service and a journalism professor at Michigan State University.

Eight trees are added to Godfrey-Lee neighborhood

Citizen Journalism

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming Tree Commission was able to eight more trees to Godfrey Lee neighborhood bring the total of trees planted there to 35. (Courtesy, Wyoming Tree Commission)

The City of Wyoming Tree Commission, “The Tree Amigos,” planted eight, eight- to ten-foot-tall trees in front of homes in the Godfrey-Lee neighborhood of Wyoming on Oct. 8.

The oaks, Japanese lilacs, honey locusts are another small step in increasing the tree canopy within a neighborhood where too many mature trees have been lost to disease, storms, and development.This is the third planting that The Tree Amigos have completed in Godfrey-Lee, bringing the total to 35 trees planted here. The project was made possible by a grant from the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance.

“Neighborhoods without good tree canopy are deprived of the health, safety, and economic benefits that well shaded streets and spaces bring to people living there,” said Estelle Slootmaker, board member of The Tree Amigos. “Cleaner air, well managed storm water, safer sidewalks, increased property values, and mental health benefits have all been documented as benefits of street trees. The Tree Amigos are doing our small part to create shade equity within our city.”

Pending additional grant funding, The Tree Amigos hope to collaborate with Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in 2023 to plant 50 trees to shade the pathways and sidewalks where the district’s students walk to school. The City of Wyoming has set aside $10,000 in matching funds, which will make the planting possible.

Donations to The City of Wyoming Tree Commission are tax deductible. Volunteers are welcome. And the board is currently seeking two more Wyoming resident tree-huggers to join as board members.

“We are a group of volunteers who love trees, want to create a healthy environment, and enjoy getting our hands dirty planting trees—not just talking about it,” Slootmaker said. “We hope to assemble a more diverse board that can fully represent, educate, and serve all of the people who live and work here.”

For more about The Tree Commission, visit the organization’s Facebook page.

Shooting incident ends peacefully, no injuries

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Crime Prevention, Hard News, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Courtesy, Kentwood Police Department

On Oct. 20 at approximately 1:19 p.m. the Kentwood Police Department was dispatched to 5768 Hickory Hill Court for a “shots” fired complaint. After talking with the caller, it was determined that a single subject remained inside the residence and no persons were harmed during the initial incident. Kentwood Police surrounded the home and began making contact with the suspect. Local schools were notified of the incident and went into lock down. Kentwood Police were able to make contact with the suspect, and he surrendered peacefully at around 5 p.m. No injuries were sustained during the incident for any of the involved parties.

 

Kentwood detectives will be working with the Kent County Prosecutors office to determine necessary charges. Kentwood Police Department also would like to thank the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and Wyoming Department of Public Safety for their assistance in coming to a peaceful resolution.

  

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.

Organizations to offer some spooky family-friendly fun

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

As Halloween quickly approaches, some local organizations will be offering some Halloween fun that is designed to be spooky as well as family-friendly.

It’s the Monster Mash

The Salvation Army Kroc Center will be having a “graveyard smash” on Friday, Oct. 28, as it brings back its popular “Monster Mash” event. The program runs from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Kroc Center, located at 2500 S. Division Ave.

The free event features “trunk-or-treating” in the Kroc’s east parking lot which will include Kroc Center and other Salvation Army groups distributing candy and other information along with local businesses.

“Monster Mash is one of our biggest events of the year,” said Major Carol Huffman, senior officer for The Salvation Army Kroc Center. “We love giving families the opportunity to enjoy time together in a fun and safe environment, as well as showing our support for other neighborhood businesses and organizations. I’m not sure who is more excited the kids or our staff.”

While science suggest that outdoor events are generally safe, face coverings and social distancing are recommended for all participants. The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning.

Visit GrKrocCenter.org or call 616-588-7200.

It gets spooky at the Grand Rapids Ballet

With witches, mummies, and tricks and treats, the Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company is ready to fill the Peter Martin Wege Theatre with the special Halloween weekend performance “Spooktacular.”

The Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company presents “Spooktacular” Oct. 28-30. (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)

“Spooktacular” takes place Oct. 28-30 at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m Saturday and Sunday.

Directed by Junior company Artistic Director Attila Mosolygo, the story follows a young girl on Halloween night as her only wish is to go trick-or-treating with her older sister and friends. When they refuse to let the young girl tag along, she embarks on a mischievous plan to get their candy. Audiences will be able to follow the adventure with appearances by skeletons, martians, Frankenstein, and even the “Addams Family.”

“It is exciting to be able to bring this Junior Company production back to the stage this Halloween.” Mosolygo said. “The students have been working hard over the past two months to bring the audience’s favorite Halloween characters to life. This entertaining ballet is perfect for the whole family and everyone is encouraged to attend in costume.”

Those who do attend in costume will be entered into a special drawing to win tickets to the Junior Company production of “The Wizard of Oz” in March.

Tickets are $20 and available at grballet.com, by phone at 616-454-4771, ext. 110, or in-peson at GRB’s Box Office at 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW.

In death, the details become essential

3-bottom, Finances, Local Business, , , , ,

By Dave Stanley
WKTV Contributor
Integrity Financial Service, LLC

(Pxhere.com)

In my line of work, I have the unfortunate job of dealing with the passing of someone’s spouse, parent, or sibling. In these moments of grief, I know how, if the details aren’t thought of ahead of time, the pain can be compounded with the frustration of navigating through the messiness of financial matters not thought of ahead of time.

Recently, this aspect hit home recently when a close friend quickly passed away, leaving his spouse and friends to deal with the remaining chaos. Dealing with finances at the time of grieving adds another level of stress and confusion.

I advise my clients to keep a list of all their accounts (checking, savings, CD, annuities, life, mutual funds, etc. in their trust folder. If they don’t have a trust and own any property, that is the first thing they must do along with their advisors’ names and phone numbers for each of those accounts. For the checking, savings, CDs, etc., those accounts should have a POD (Payable On Death), and their passwords should be given to someone they trust.

The reason I say giving the password to someone they trust, you ask? What happens if the mortgage needs to be paid and yet the death certificate is not available yet? Even though the account may have the POD, until the death certificate is produced, only those on the account have the authority to access the accounts to take care of any necessities.

When it comes to a spouse having to deal with the financial decisions, the grief can cloud their choices, and that is why having a plan written out and discussed with the family and the advisor can take away one less decision to make since it has already been made. This is especially true when it comes to planning the funeral.

All the proper planning in the world will not be beneficial if the information cannot be found during the crucial days and weeks following the loss of a loved one or if not having a written-out plan and discussed with an unbiased advisor and attorney to help carry out those wishes. While the topic is maybe challenging to discuss, it is essential.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management

Kent County DPW hosting free tire collection event

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Environment, Recycling, Upcoming Events, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Kent County Department of Public Works is hosting a tire collection event Nov. 12. (Pxhere.com)

Community members can safely recycle up to 10 passenger tires for free during an event hosted by the Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW).

 

Kent County residents can drop off their old tires from 8:30-11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Grand Rapids SafeChem location, 1045 Wealthy St. SW. DPW’s resource recovery specialists will be on hand to help unload vehicles and safely dispose of the tires for recycling.

“Whole tires are notoriously difficult to get rid of because they are not accepted by trash pick-up and cannot be disposed in a landfill unless they are shredded,” said Steve Faber, marketing and communications manager of the DPW. “We encourage Kent County residents to take advantage of this collection event to properly dispose of old tires.”

Tire disposal normally costs between $4-6 per tire depending on their size at Kent County DPW facilities. The last free tire collection event hosted by the DPW was in fall 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tires are often found in illegal dumping sites because they are difficult and costly to get rid of. Old tires also serve as breeding grounds for mosquitos and pose fire hazards. All the tires collected on Nov. 12 will be sent to a facility that will process and recycle them into new products, such as playground resurfacing material.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) recently launched a new state program to award grants for entrepreneurs looking to expand ways to reuse old tires. Information about the new Scrap Tire Market Development Grant can be found online.

Out and About: The Centenarian

Citizen Journalism

Recently, the Salvation Army of Grand Haven celebrated its 100-year-anniversary. The organization started its work in Grand Haven in December 1890 when two Irish girls started serving in Grand Haven. This is about 40 years after William Booth started the Salvation Army in England.

The Army’s first home was the old Armory on Second and Franklin streets in downtown Grand Haven. However, the doors closed before the end of 1891, after four commanding officers and six assistant officers had served in the community.

In 1922, the three-story Gray Block at 16 Washington Street was willed to the Salvation Army by Mattie (George) McBride. Through the years, the space at Washington was expanding upon as well as other facilities added throughout the city. The organization celebrated its 100th anniversary with a three-day event in September that included a celebration of its new expanded facility at 310 N. Despelder, Grand Haven.

To date, 47 officers and 20 assistant officers have served the Grand Haven post.

Wyoming looks for assault suspect, Kentwood makes theft arrest

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Hard News, Our Cities, , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking help to identify a person of interest in an assault case that took place at 800 Burton St. SW.

On Oct. 9, 2022, at 4:20 a.m. officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a report of an assault that occurred at the Citgo Station located at 800 Burton St. SW.

A female store employee was allegedly assaulted by a male customers in the store. The male arrived with numerous individuals in black “party” bus. The male customer engaged in argument with employees and began throwing items in the store and at employees. The female employee was attempting to get the male to leave when she was stuck in the head causing her to fall. The male suspect returned to the bus which then left the scene.

The female store employee had significant but non-life threatening injuries from being struck and falling to the floor.

The male involved in this incident is described a a black male, 20-30 years old, 5 feet, 10 inches tall with a skinny build and short hair. He was seen wearing a dark-colored North Face hoodie sweatshirt with dark-colored jeans.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.

Kentwood Police

Last week, the Kentwood Police Department was able to identify a 16-year-old male believed to have been involved in the theft of a vehicle in which a 2-year-old was inside. A juvenile petition was forward to the Kent County prosecutor’s office and the following charges were issued: child abandonment, unlawful driving away of an automobile, lying/obstructing police and malicious destruction of property under $1,000.

Courtesy, Kentwood Police Department

“I would like to commend our Kentwood Police officers and the officers from our neighboring communities on their tireless work to identify and locate this individual,” Kentwood Police Chief Byron Litwin said. “I would also like to thank the bus drivers form Kelloggsvillee Public Schools for their quick actions in locating the missing child and returning him to his parents.”

On Oct. 4 at around 8:10 a.m., the Kentwood Police Department was dispatched to a stolen vehicle with a 2-year-old child inside. The vehicle was stolen form the area of 48th Street and Marlette Avenue in Kentwood.

According to media reports, the parents were able to flag down a Kelloggsville bus driver. The driver alerted 911 and then got on the bus frequency radio and alerted the other drivers in the area. Another Kelloggsville bus driver realized she had just seen a 2-year-old child wrapped in a blanket. The driver went back, picked up the child and returned the baby to its mother.

The stolen vehicles was found in the city of Grand Rapids shortly after it was stolen. Multiple agencies assisted the Kentwood Police Department including the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Wyoming Department of Public Safety and the Grand Rapids Police Department.

New, familiar faces seek to fill school board positions

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, Kent County, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

During the mid-term elections, every school district within Kent County has board positions that will be up for election.

School board positions are non-partisan with terms either being four or six years. Several of the districts in the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming have partial term seats open as well. This means that a former board member had to leave their seat before his/her term has expired.

Both Godwin Heights and Kelloggsville each have a partial term seat that has no candidates running. In those cases, the district’s school board may appoint someone to fill the seat after the election, usually after Dec. 31 when the seat has expired. School boards have 30 days to fill an open seat.

Godfrey-Lee Public Schools

The Godfrey Lee Public Schools has two candidates running unopposed for two six-year terms on its board of education. The candidates are Josephine Coleman and Lynn D. Velthouse. Both currently are on the board. Velthouse is serving as treasurer and Coleman is a trustee.

Godwin Heights Public Schools

In the Godwin Heights Public School district, there are four candidates seeking two six-year terms for the district’s board of education. Those candidates are Adam Burley, Kathy Crow DeYoung, Megan Erskine, and Lee Ann Platschorre. Burley and DeYoung were appointed to the board in 2021. Platschorre is currently serving as vice president and has been on the board since 1991. 

Colleen Anderson is the only candidate seeking one of the two partial terms that end on Dec. 31, 2024. Anderson was appointed to the board to the board this year.

Grandville Public Schools

The Grandville Public Schools district area includes those living in Wyoming’s panhandle. In that district, there are five candidates seeking two six-year term seats. Those candidates are Erica Abel, Joe Steffes, Trent Joseph Taylor, Bob Wondergem, and Cameron Zbikowki.

Abel is a a teacher at Byron Center Public Schools and is a third generation Grandville graduate.

Steffes is a retired lieutenant from the Wyoming Police Department. He has had two children who graduated from Grandville Public Schools and has two children currently in the district.

Taylor is a 1989 graduate of Grandville High School and is a partner at Miller Canfield. Taylor has had one child graduate from Grandville in 2022 and has two in the high school.

Wondergem is the only incumbent running, having been on the board for 21 years. He has two children who have graduated from Grandville Public Schools.

Zbikowski is a 2004 Grandville graduate and a graduate of Grand Valley State University, He is currently studying for a his masters in public administration at GVSU and has served as a substitute teacher in Grandville Public Schools.

For more on the Grandville Public School Board candidates, click here.

Kelloggsville Public Schools

The Kelloggsville Public Schools has two candidates running unopposed for two six-year term seats and no one officially is listed for a partial term that ends in four years on Dec. 31, 2026.

The two candidates seeking the two six-year term seats are Crystal Reidzas and Gladys Townsend. Both Reidzans and Townsend are on the board serving as trustees. 

Kentwood Public Schools

For the Kentwood Public Schools, there are three four-year term seats and one two-year term seat that ends on Dec. 31, 2024.

Four candidates are seeking the three four-year term seats. Those candidates are Pete Battey, Sylvia A. James, James Lewis Jr. and Kim Taboada-Arzate.

Battey is currently serving on the board as the treasurer. He is the director of resident engineering at Steelcase and has two children in Kentwood Public Schools.

Website: http://www.pete4kentwood.com

James is currently on the board serving as a trustee. She is a senior human resources manager and has two children who have graduated from Kentwood Public Schools.

Website: None

Lewis is currently on the board serving as a trustee. He is in retail management and has one child attending Kentwood Public Schools.

Website: None

Taboada-Arzate is a life-long Kentwood resident and graduate of East Kentwood High School. She is a community advocate and caregiver who is the parent of four Kentwood Public School graduates.

Website: http://Kim4KPS.com or her Facebook page.


Tanya Powell-May is running unopposed for the two-year term seat. 

Wyoming Public Schools

For the Wyoming Pubic Schools, there are two seats for a six-year term and one seat to finish an existing term that ends on Dec. 31, 2026.

There are only two candidates running for the two open six-year term positions. Those candidates are Jeff Norton and Audrey L. Zapata. Norton is currently serving on the board as the secretary and Zapata is also serving on the board as a trustee.

Two candidates are running for the four-year seat ending in 2026. Those candidates are Andrew Hanselman and Lisa Manley. 

Other Election Coverage:

State Senate Race

State House Race

Kent County Commissioner races

City of Wyoming Council Member-At-Large

We the People 2022: Kent County Commission Seats

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, We The People, , , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

For the November election, City of Wyoming residents will be voting on five Kent County Commission seats while the residents of the City of Kentwood will be voting on three.

There are a total of 21 commission seats, all of which are up for election this year. All the seats are for two-year terms with the four-year rotation set to start in 2024. Through the redistricting, two new districts have been added to the board, increasing the total number of districts from 19 to 21.

The new districts are District 20, which was designed to represent the Hispanic community and encompasses the northern portion of the City of Wyoming (the Godfrey Lee Public School district) and a southern portion of the City of Grand Rapids. The other district, District 21, covers the southeast corner of the county include the Village of Caledonia up past the Gerald R. Ford International Airport into Cascade Charter Township.

All candidates running for county commission seats in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood were given the opportunity to do a We the People, where candidates may share why they decided to run, a little about themselves, and the issues the candidate feels are important.

All votes, in-person and absentee, must be cast by Nov. 8. Absentee votes must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 8. Those voting in-person at the polls have from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to cast their vote. Remember to check your voter card or contact your local clerks office for you precinct since redistricting may have changed where you vote.

 

7th District Kent County Commission Seat

The 7th District encompasses most of the City of Grandville and a portion of the City of Wyoming with Burlingame Avenue, south of 28th Street is the eastern border and Wyoming Avenue, north of 28th Street, the eastern border. For a map of the district, click here.

Incumbent Stan Ponstein (R) is facing first-time candidate Sue Merrell, (D). 

Stan Ponstein

Ponstein has been on the Kent County Board of Commissioners since 2008 and was recently elected to serve as president of the board of Michigan Association of Counties. He works for Costco.



Website: https://www.stanponstein.com

Sue Merrell

Merrell is retired from the Grand Rapids Press, where she worked for two decades.

Website: https://electsuemerrell.blogspot.com/

8th District Kent County Commission Seat

The 8th District is contained in the City of Wyoming and includes the area between Burlingame and Clyde Park avenues south of 28th Street as well as the city’s panhandle area. For a map of the district, click here.

Incumbent Dan Burrill (R) is running for his second term on the Kent County Commission. He is facing challenger Jennie Chatman (D).

Dan Burrill

Before joining the Board of Kent County Commissioners, Burrill served on the Wyoming City Council. His occupation is a residential real estate and builder.

Website: https://www.danburrillforkent.com

Jennie Chatman (D)

Chatman is the chair of the Michigan State Union Label & Services Trade Council.

Website: There is none.

9th District Kent County Commission Seat

The 9th District covers all of Byron Township and includes a section of the City of Wyoming between Clyde Park and Division avenues up to about Resurrection Life Cemetery, located north of 44th Street. For a map of the district, click here.

Incumbent Matt Kallman (R) is facing challenger Chip LaFleur (D).

Matt Kallman (R)

Kallman is the vice president of a Software Products at Compliance Systems, Inc.

Website: http://www.mattkallman.com

Chip LaFleur (D)

LaFleur is a marketing professional.

Website: There is none.

10th District Kent County Commission Seat

Through redistrict, the 10th District is all of Gaines Township and a portion of the City of Kentwood that is bordered by Division Avenue to the west, Eastern Avenue to the east and 56th Street to the north. For a map of the district, click here.

Running for the seat is incumbent Emily Post Brieve (R). She is facing first-time challenge Julie Humphreys (D).

Emily Post Brieve (R)

Brieve has been on the Kent County Board of Commissioners since 2014 and currently serves as vice chair. She currently helps manage her family’s small business, FastoolNow.com. 

Website: https://emilypostbrieve.com

Julie Humphreys

Website: https://www.facebook.com/kentcommissiondistrict10

12th District Kent County Commission Seat

The 12th District encompasses a portion of the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, which is mostly the Godwin Pubic Schools and Kelloggsville Public Schools. For a map of the district, click here.

Incumbent Monica Sparks (D) is seeking her third term on the board. She faces challenger Lee White (R).

Monica Sparks (D)

Occupation: Small business owner

Why did you decide to run for this seat? I love my community and I am not running to just sit in an office, however, I am running to continue as a servant leader; making sure all people living in Kent County have access to quality services and opportunities for a optimal future. I will continue to advocate for Veterans, Seniors, Children, Families and Individuals that live, work or play in Kent County.

What are a couple of issues you would want to address if elected? If elected by the people, I will continue as a servant leader to make sure the people that live work and play in Kent county have a quality of life and access to resources to reach their full potential with opportunities and resources everyone can access. I will continue to advocate for Veterans, Seniors, Children, Families and Individuals that live, work or play in Kent County. My priorities as a Kent County Commission are Mental Health care, Veterans and Senior Services and Early Childhood Readiness, Foster care and Adoption as well as Agriculture /  Food Security for the future. 

Website: https://monicasparks.com

Lee White (R)

Lee White is a graduate of East Kentwood high School and has served many community organizations such as SKRA baseball, Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Michigan Jaycess and the West Michigan Veterans Branch.


Website: https://www.leewhiteforcommissioner.com

13th District Kent County Commission Seat

The 13th District covers most of the City of Kentwood except for Districts 10 and 12 cover. For a map of the district, click here.

Incumbent Michelle McCloud (D) is seeking her second term on the board. She faces challenger Tom McKelvy (R).

Michelle McCloud

McCloud is an assistant dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Grand Valley State University and has volunteered with hospice, Meals-on-Wheels and on the board of directors for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Kent County.

 

Website: www.michellemccloud.com

Tom McKelvy

Occupation: President of a Small Business

Why did you decide to run for this seat? This was an opportunity to continue to serve the residents of Kentwood and to make sure their voice is heard at the county level. I believe that the role of a leader is to amplify the voices of the citizens and to find ways to empower them to improve their communities and their lives. I’m running to ensure that government isn’t the answer to the problems, but a resource to empower and support the residents of our communities.

What are a couple of issues you would want to address if elected? There needs to be a focus county-wide on improving safety in our communities. We need the leaders at the Kent County Commission to mobilize community leaders, citizens, and organizations to work in unison to address the increase in crime that all of us are witnessing. I also want to see a focus on long-term strategies that will prepare our young adults to be ready for the jobs of the future so that Kent County stays attractive to our youth for decades to come.

Website: https://www.mckelvey4commissioner.com

20th District Kent County Commission Seat

The 20th District is a brand new commission seat. It covers the northern portion of the City of Wyoming and a southern portion of the City of Grand Rapids. For a map of the district, click here.

The candidates are Ivan Diaz (D) and Eliza Rodriguez (R).

Ivan Diaz (D)

Diaz is a Grand Valley State University student who is from the Roosevelt Park neighborhood, which is represented by District 20.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ivan-Diaz-for-Kent-County-Commissioner/100078727971393/

Elisa Rodriguez (R)

Rodriguez is the manager for the recently opened Viewpond Banquet Hall.

Website: https://elisarodriguezforkent.org

Grief presentation, dealing with an illness focus of upcoming program at Marge’s

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, , ,

For the next Mr. Sid’s Video Series, Lorna Dobson will lead a discussion on dealing with grief Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Rev. Ed Dobson’s book “Prayers and Promises” will be available at the Mr. Sid’s Video Series this Wednesday.

Dobson’s husband, Rev. Ed. Dobson, who was the long-time pastor at Calvary Undenominational located on the East Beltline, died of ALS in December of 2015. ALS is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and sometime’s referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It is a neurological disease that primarily affects the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement such as walking or chewing.

While dealing with ALS, Rev. Dobson produced two short videos, “My Garden,” issues of grief and loss and “Ask Forgiveness.” Lorna Dobson will lead the discussion on the videos.

Also available will be Rev. Dobson’s book and audio CDs Prayers and Promises,” a 30-day devotional or morning and evening reflections when facing a life-threatening illness.

The program is at 2 p.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW.

Upcoming Mr. Sid’s Video Series presentations

Nov. 2: Traverse City resident, Vietnam veteran, and Silver Star recipient Tim Keenan snuggled with his wartime experiences while hiking the Appalachian Trail, Keenan wrote about his journey in “The Good Hike.”

Dec. 21: “I’ll be Home for Christmas” the group’s traditional celebration of the meaning of Christmas as well as the importance of what “I’ll be home for Christmas” means to veterans.

Blandford to host art show, sale to benefit The Highlands

Citizen Journalism, , , ,

WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

“The Highlands” by Kathy Mohl (Courtesy, Blandford Nature Center)

Blandford Nature Center and LaFontsee Galleries are partnering to present Art is Second Nature– an art show and sale to benefit the ongoing efforts to restore The Highlands to a natural landscape. Art is Second Nature will be hosted on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Blandford Nature Center located at 1715 Hillburn Avenue NW.

This show and sale will consist of pieces by more than 40 artists, all of who have been inspired by the beauty of The Highlands. Piece sizes will vary and prices will range from $200 up to $4,500. All exhibited work will be for sale and proceeds will go towards returning the 121-acre former golf course into a natural space the public can explore and enjoy.

Once a golf course, now a nature preserve

“Walking through the sea of native wildflowers that now covers The Highlands in the summer, it can be hard to believe that it was a golf course just four years ago,” said Blandford’s President and CEO Jack Woller. “This property has become a center of species diversity and a staple in our community for people to enjoy nature, but there is more work to be done.”

Blandford Nature Center and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan teamed up in 2017 to purchase the former golf course. Today, The Highlands features native grassland covering 75 of the 121 acres, eight wetlands, and three miles of trails, including segments of accessible paved and crushed gravel trail. The proceeds from Art is Second Nature will go towards continuing the restorative work at The Highlands, but also maintaining the land for years to come.

“A lot has been accomplished on the property in the last few years. From here, we’re hoping to improve public access through infrastructure at The Highlands while ensuring the area continues to support biodiversity,” Woller continued. “We’re so grateful for LaFontsee Galleries and the participating artists for contributing to an event that will help us achieve our goal.”

Artists will be present for the duration of the show alongside their work, expressing their vision of and depicting scenes of The Highlands.

“When I visited The Highlands for the first time scouting out what I was going to paint, I was struck by the light. It blew me away,” said artist Stephen Duren. “There is ‘California light’ where I grew up, there is ‘Michigan light’, and now there is ‘The Highlands light’. I used colors that I have never used before in my work. I couldn’t do just one piece, I had to return to do more.”

Sharing their vision

This art show and sale will include names such as Stephen Duren, Kathy Mohl, Justin Kellner, Jason Quigno, Rachael Van Dyke, and more. A full list of participating artists can be found on Blandford Nature Center’s website.

Admission to this event is free and no registration is required to attend, but guests will have the option of making donations in support of the conservation efforts at The Highlands. Light refreshments will be provided and all ages are welcome.

Anyone unable to attend on Oct. 22nd will be able to view and purchase remaining pieces through Blandford Nature Center’s online gift shop until sold out. In-person viewings at Blandford Nature Center can be scheduled during normal business hours (Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) by calling the front desk at 616-735-6240. For more event details or to visit the online gift shop, attendees can visit www.blandfordnaturecenter.org.

Griffins bobblehead released as team starts new season

Recreation, Sports, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Just as the Grand Rapids Griffins are set to start their 2022-23 season, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled an officially licensed, limited-edition vintage Grand Rapids Griffins bobblehead.

National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s vintage Grand Rapids Griffins Bobblehead. (Courtesy, National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum)

The bobblehead is part of the American Hockey League Vintage Bobbleheads collection that the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is releasing in conjunction with the start of the 2022-23 AHL season, which begins Oct. 14. This marks the first vintage bobblehead series featuring every AHL team, and each bobblehead is officially licensed by the AHL.

Standing on a circular ice-like base bearing the team’s name, the smiling Grand Rapids Griffins bobblehead is suited up in a black jersey featuring the team logo and holding a hockey stick. Each bobblehead is individually numbered to 500, and they are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in November, are $30 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order. A set featuring all 32 bobbleheads is $900.

Grand Rapids Griffins kick off season at home

Founded in 1996, the Grand Rapids Griffins started play as a member of the now-defunct International Hockey League before moving to the AHL in 2001. The team is currently an affiliate of the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and were an affiliate of the Ottawa Senators from 1999-2002. The Griffins opened as the third IHL affiliate in Grand Rapids history, after the Grand Rapids Rockets of the 1950s and the Grand Rapids Owls of the late 1970s. The Griffins won Calder Cup titles in the 2012-13 and 2016-17 seasons. In 2021-22, they finished seventh in the Central Division.

“We’re excited to be working with the AHL to release the first collection of vintage bobbleheads featuring every American Hockey League team,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “Van Andel Arena is one of the best venues in the AHL and the Griffins are sure to give the fans of hockey-loving Grand Rapids plenty of excitement in 2022-23.”

The Grand Rapids Griffins start its 72-game season at home this weekend with tonight’s 7 p.m. game against the San Diego Gulls. They plan the Gulls again at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. The team then plans the Milwaukee Admirals at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, before heading out on the road for two weeks.

Two girls remove a robot from the field during the Grand Rapids Girls Robotics competition

For local robotics event, its about showing girls they ‘can do it’

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools, Kids Activities, Our Cities, Recreation, Tech Trends, , , ,
Wyoming’s Demon Robotics and East Kentwood’s Storm Red battle during the Grand Rapids Girls Robotics Competition on Oct. 8. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

By Jodi Miesen
WKTV Contributor

It was an intense battle for bragging rights for two local all-girls high school robotics teams that took part in a competition that focused on their abilities in a very male-dominated field.

The 2022 Grand Rapids Girls Robotics Competition was held at Wyoming High School over the weekend. Most high school robotics teams are co-ed but for this unique annual STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) event, only the girls were allowed to compete. GRGRC event coordinator Mallorie Edwards said the event was founded in 2016, by Wyoming High School teacher Richard Budden. Budden taught STEM and noticed female students were not as interested in it.

Edwards, who has been with the organization since 2017, said she’s passionate about the organization’s mission and was excited GRGRC could bring the competition back this year. This is the first time they’ve been able to hold the all-day event since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Turnout was lower this year than in the past with only 14 teams. The event is capped at 24 teams.

“I am hoping to grow the numbers that participate in the competition next year,” Edwards said. “A challenge I heard from many coaches that I reached out to was that they didn’t have enough girls on the team to compete. That is the exact reason why we are doing this event. To show girls that they can do these roles, be successful, and have fun.”

The key to success: the willingness to learn

The event drew robotics teams from high schools all over the state with two local teams, Red Storm (Team 3875) from East Kentwood High School and Demon Robotics (Team 858) from Wyoming High School.

Abby Strait stands next to her team's robot at the Grand Rapids Girls Robotics competition
Team Captain Abby Strait from Wyoming High School’s The Demons, stands next to the team’s robot. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

Through out the competition, teams form alliances with other teams to battled in complex two-minute games against other alliances. This all done with robots that the students have built and program. Wyoming’s The Demons and East Kentwood’s Red Storm ended up being on the same alliance and were fierce competitors, losing by just two points.

“You can do it! You don’t have to be super smart to be in robotics, you just have to be willing to learn,” said Abby Strait, a Wyoming High School senior and team captain. “Your team will teach you all that you need to know.”

Strait, who has been on robotics teams since 8th grade, was excited that her school was hosting an event that promotes girls to pursue science and math fields. She said she felt that far too often girls shy away from robotics thinking it will be too hard, but she hopes events like this will draw more female interest. 

“I’m hoping to go to college for some sort of engineering, something really hands on, as opposed to just math behind the desk,” Strait said as she reflected on what career she might want to pursue in the future. “But this has definitely made me more interested in the STEM career field.”

Taking STEM by storm

Red Storm team captain Sarah Shapin, a senior at East Kentwood High School, is in her seventh year participating in the robotics program. Shapin said she started in middle school and plans to continue her interest in the STEM field in the future.

Sarah Chapin shows off the shirt she designed for the Grand Rapids Girls Robotics competition
Team Captain Sarah Chapin from East Kentwood’s Red Storm stands by her team’s robot and displays the logo she designed for this year’s event. Casa Calvo Marketing designed the t-shirt. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

Shapin she too believes that women are under-represented in this area but said events like this can help bridge that gap.

“A lot of times women are on it,” Shapin said as she relayed an analogy told to her by her mentor. “And then a guy kind of takes a screwdriver out of her hands and doesn’t give it back. So, it’s not necessarily that women are blocked from it. However, it’s very male-dominated and so therefore, giving this opportunity like this competition allows for women to really get in there, get involved and push through.”

Shapin said she hopes to attend Michigan State University, double majoring in computer science and music. Her goal is to be a software engineer and continue playing the clarinet.

Breaking the stereotypes

According to Edwards, all that hard work pays off on competition day after seeing the students’ reactions and from the correspondence she receives after the event is over.

“The Grand Rapids Girls Robotics Competition is important to me, because of the letters I receive after the competition; expressing how happy they were to be able to participate in a role that usually a male teammate would be in,“ Edwards said. “And also, during the competition, I get to see the excitement exude from these kids. They love what they’re doing! They love STEM!”

The competition also featured a panel of guest speakers, “Ladies in Tech,” made up of women successful in the STEM fields. 

To learn more about the Grand Rapids Girls Robotics Competition go to it’s official website, www.girlsrobotics.org or by e-mail GrandRapidsGirlsRobotics@gmail.com.  They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GRGRComp/.

Girls move robot off field during Grand Rapids Girls Robotics competition
Wyoming Team Captain Abby Strait gets help moving the Demons’ robot off the field. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
Students gather together during the Grand Rapids Girls Robotics competition
The alliance of the Wyoming, East Kentwood, and Marysville teams gathers before the final competition. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

An idea sparks two to open newest vintage store on Division Avenue

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Entertainment, Recreation, , , , ,

By Maddy Visscher
ArtRat Gallery

Tom Short, co-owner Decaydence Vintage, works on a display. (WKTV)

Just a couple of months ago, Tom Short and Jim Long weren’t planning to become the owners of Heartside’s newest vintage store. Then a thrift boom on South Division Avenue and a beautiful storefront put the couple on the fast track to launch Decaydence Vintage in a scant three weeks.

“I told him that he should really just open a whole store,” Jim said from behind the counter of the spacious vintage store stocked wall-to-wall with second-hand treasures. Jim gestured to Tom.

Laughing, Tom agreed: “It just sparked something in me … And now we’re here! It’s like a dream come true.”

After Tom and Jim moved to Grand Rapids from Lansing in 2020, Tom began selling vintage posters, toys and clothing from a 100-square-foot booth. But a retail space at the corner of South Division and Oakes Street got them thinking bigger.

Earrings created by Tom Short, co-owner of Decaydence Vintage (WKTV)

“We had looked at other spots, but after seeing this space, we knew we would fit in here. We just loved the vibe; it’s right next to the beautiful Harris Building at 111 S. Division, and the record store Vertigo Music at 129 S. Division. We signed the lease, and within days we had keys. We couldn’t believe it.”

There wasn’t much time to bask in their success, though, as they only had three weeks to open before ArtPrize 2022 kicked off on Oct. 15. Tom told ArtRat that he just did what he does best: initiating a search for the perfect pieces and picking out the design elements they needed to dress the shop.

A brick-and-mortar store presented a whole new set of challenges, from repairing the AC and hand-painting the bathroom to finding the right furnishings to complement the spacious show floor. “I found the golden clothing racks and glass cases online,” Tom said.

Picking the team

Owners Tom Short and Jim Long hand selected the vendors that are part of Decaydence Vintage. (WKTV)

Now that Decaydence was looking more like a real store, Jim and Tom sought out vendors to fill the space Tom’s original collection couldn’t. Ultimately, they handpicked five local vendors who met their criteria for both passion and quality.

“We don’t even know how they find some of this stuff.” Tom walked me over to the first rack in the store, telling me excitedly, “… Like, did you see this? A vintage Christian Louboutin nightgown — it’s got to be from the ‘60s or something!”

“We worked hard to curate our vibe, and keep our energy up,” Jim said. “We only selected vendors that we know take great pride in finding the best pieces, and who want to succeed.”

“We really feel so validated,” Tom added. “Since the moment we opened, we’ve been elated by the amount of love we’ve gotten. It has been nonstop.” Between the excitement of ArtPrize and a Sept. 24 shop crawl along the avenue, “we haven’t even found time to have our grand opening!”

(WKTV)

“This is the place I wished I had when I was a teenager,” Tom said proudly. “If there’s anything we want people to know, it’s that we are constantly changing! We move things every day. You can buy almost anything, even things straight out of your childhood memories.”

Head over to Decaydence Vintage for an amazing selection of vintage clothing, toys and home goods from local vendors as well as Tom himself. And stay tuned: Tom and Jim promise they will find time for that grand opening.

Decaydence Vintage (71 S. Division) is open 12-8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. While you’re in the neighborhood, also check out vintage offerings at Second Vibess (13 S. Division), Zabház (222 S. Division) and OTONO (317 S. Division).

This article provided by ArtGallery, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.

How to capture a bat and avoid getting rabies

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Pets/Animals, , ,

By Jodi Miesen
WKTV Contributor

To date, the Kent County Health Department has received and tested double the number of bats than it did in 2021, which has local officials reminding residents about the dangers of bats and rabies.

The Kent County Health Department has received and tested 82 bats so far this season. (Courtesy, Kent County Health Department)

August through October are the busiest months for the department’s bat program as the mammals moved indoors to breed. The latest count for this year stands at 82 bats. In 2021, the department saw 41 bats which was about 20 less than 2020, which was 61.

Steve Kelso, a spokesperson for the Kent County Health Department, said county officials are not sure if the increase means there actually has been an uptick in numbers.

 

“It may just mean that people are more aware of the program and are bringing them in here,” Kelso said.

Bites and scratches from bats can go undetected

The concern over bats centers on the fact that they can transmit rabies to other animals and humans. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, rabies are mostly found in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. The Kent County Health Department and the Kent County Animal Shelter work with the State of Michigan to perform necropsies – autopsies on animals – to identify and track the  number of infected bats. This year, of the 82 bats brought to the Health Department, only five tested positive for rabies.

“I don’t know the status of those cases. If those people were bitten or scratched by that bat but there are five lives that we potentially saved through that program,” Kelso said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of human rabies in the United States is rare with about one to three reported annually. From 2009-2018, there have been 25 reported cases of human rabies in the United States. In Kent County, the last reported case of human rabies was in 1983.

While cases of rabies have been declining since the 1970s due to animal control and vacation programs as well as public outreach, the disease can be fatal if not detected.

Rabies is transmitted through bites or scratches. Because a bat’s teeth are very small, the animal’s bites can go undetected.

 

“You walk in the room and you see it for the first time, you likely haven’t been bitten or scratched, but if you wake up in the room and the bat’s in there, you don’t really know,” Kelso said, adding that if there’s even the slightest chance that you’ve been bitten, take it seriously.

 

What to do if you find a bat in your home

Guidelines from the Kent County Health Department recommend that if you find a bat in your home, you should try to capture it to get it tested, unless you are 100 percent sure you have not been bitten.

If you wake up and find a bat in your bedroom, it is recommended that you get the bat tested for rabies and you contact your health provider. (Courtesy, The Kent County Health Department)

To capture a bat, officials recommend wearing a layer of protective clothing, including leather gloves, to avoid being bit. Once you are prepared, place a box or coffee can over the bat and slide a piece of cardboard under the container. Kelso acknowledged he’s no expert at catching bats but he said the important thing is to take it seriously and limit possible exposure.

“If there were a bat in my house, I would be putting on an extra layer,  coat, jacket, something,” he said. “I’d be doing anything I could to not come in contact with that bat.“

Adding with a laugh that “…if it were in my house, I’d probably put on a full face motorcycle helmet just because I have one handy.”

Prevention is the key, but there is a treatment as well

When capturing a bat, it is important to not damage the bat’s head as that is what is needed to do the testing. Also, if the bat is dead, keep it cool but don’t freeze it.

“It’s really important that you do not smash the head of the bat…That you don’t crush the brain because that brain is what has to be tested in necropsy.” Kelso said.

If you’ve been exposed to rabies, it’s important to contact a doctor immediately, Kelso said, adding the earlier the treatment, the better. The CDC noted that there has been less than 20 documented cases of people surviving rabies.

 

The treatment for rabies is Post Exposure Prophylaxis which is a series of four shots. The shots are usually given in the arm for adults and in the thigh for children. A welcome change from the days when the shots were administered in the stomach.

 

To contact the Kent County Health Department, call 616-632-7200 during regular business hours, which are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Captured bats should be taken to the Kent County Animal Shelter, located at 740 Fuller NE. The shelter is open from 1 – 7 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday.

A life insurance policy is an asset you can sell

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business,

By Dave Stanely
WKTV Contributor
Integrity Financial Services LLC

(Pxhere.com)

Did you know that you have a valuable asset that is often overlooked and may not be included in conversations regarding your financial portfolio?  It’s your life insurance policy. Many people are not aware that a life insurance policy is an asset that can be sold with some of the terms being set by the owner.

  

All too often, life insurance owners surrender their policy to the insurance company instead of getting a quote in the “secondary” market for what it’s actually worth. The market value of a life policy can be as much as eight times more than the surrender value. If you have a life policy that is unwanted, unneeded, or has become unaffordable, you can get a quote for the cash value in the open market.  Typically, you will have several choices as to the disposition of your policy.

  

One option is to settle for an all-cash offer and surrender any and all ownership of the policy. Another option is to take a reduced death benefit with a partial cash payout and never pay another premium.  This is the equivalent of owning a “paid-up policy” for a reduced death benefit which will still be paid to your beneficiary upon the death of the insured.

  

Older retirees can sometimes find themselves in need of a lump sum of cash later in life due to health circumstances (i.e., long-term care expenses), divorce, or even debt. These are some of the primary reasons why seniors opt to sell their policy and use the money for these needs. It’s your cash and can be used for any purpose. Other examples include investing the cash to generate monthly income, paying for college expenses of grandchildren, or perhaps funding a long-desired family vacation.

   

One other point to make about selling a life insurance policy in this manner is that this type of sale is not a “viatical settlement.” You may have heard this phrase before but not fully understood its meaning. A viatical settlement is where a person with a terminal illness sells their life insurance policy for less than its mature value to benefit from the proceeds (cash) while the insured is still alive. You do not need to be terminally ill to sell your life insurance policy in the open market. However, it is true that if you have impaired health or you are in your mid to late 80s or 90s, your policy can be worth more due to these factors. However, it is not necessary to be ill to take advantage of selling one or more of your life insurance policies. Do yourself a huge favor, get a quote from a qualified insurance agent, and know your options and the value of your policy before you surrender it to the life insurance company.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management

Three candidates vie for two spots on Wyoming City Council

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, gov-order, Hard News, Our Cities, We The People, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

This fall, the residents of the City of Wyoming will decide who will fill two open spots on the Wyoming City Council.

Current Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt announced he would not seek re-election to his at-large council seat. Current Council Member-at-Large Kent Vanderwood was elected mayor during the August primaries as he received more than 50 percent of the overall vote.

Three candidates, Robert Arnoys, Renee Hill and Robert Kilgo, are seeking to fill those seats. Also, Sheldon DeKryger is running unopposed for his First Ward seat.

Robert Arnoys

Occupation: A life-long resident of the City of Wyoming, Arnoys is the vice president of treasury management for Lake Michigan Credit Union. Along with having more than 30 years of banking experience, Arnoys has served on a number of community boards and is currently on the City of Wyoming Planning Commission.

Tell us a couple of issues you want to focus on if elected: If elected, Arnoys will focus on public safety, working with officers in providing them the resources needed to keep Wyoming safe. Because of his background in finances, Arnoys plans to help keep Wyoming fiscally responsible. He also will focus on planned development, ensuring the city has a strong master plan that will put the right uses in the right places as well as supporting an environment for small businesses to prosper.

Website: https://www.electrobarnoys.com


Renee Hill

Occupation: Hill has lived in the City of Wyoming for more than 27 years. She is a doctor of physical therapy. She does home care. She also served on the city’s Enrichment Commission.

Tell us a couple of issues you want to focus on if elected: Hill’s main concern is the wise use of citizen’s tax money and is dedicated to making sure every dollar honors the trust of the citizens. She also supports prudent property management and keeping Wyoming residents safe.

Website: There is no website for this candidate.


Robert Kilgo

Occupation: Kilgo moved to the City of Wyoming when he decided to attend Grace Christian University. He now is the assistant to the president of Grace Christian University. He also has served as a mentor to at-risk students in Wyoming.

Tell us a couple of issues you want to focus on if elected: Kilgo believes that the city is in a good position financially and he wants to continue that for the future. He also recognizes the need for a well-funded public safety initiative and safe neighborhoods and is looking to help add to the public safety department and reduce the city’s dependence on its neighbors especially for fire services. He also wants to work on addressing the housing shortage, expand access to city services and focus on maintaining the city’s parks.

Website: https://www.robkilgo.com

Economy flattens as GVSU expert predicts ‘shallow recession’ coming

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, gov-order, , ,

By Chris Knape
Grand Valley State University

Energy costs may offset lower costs in other areas. (pxhere.com)

The West Michigan economy appears to have flattened, but has not yet contracted into a recession, according to the latest monthly survey data released by Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

The September survey of purchasing managers conducted by Brian Long, director of supply chain research at GVSU, found steady demand among automotive suppliers offsetting more negative news about orders coming from sectors like the office furniture industry.

“Of our cyclical industries in West Michigan, our automotive parts producers are continuing to stay fairly busy, but not so much so with our office furniture companies and anything related to capital equipment where the markets are starting to soften — not collapse — just soften,” Long said.

Lower commodity prices for goods like metals and plastic resins will take months to find their way into consumer prices, while energy costs could offset lower costs in some areas, he said.

For the survey, released Oct. 10, the sales/new orders index was flat in September after going into negative territory in July and August.

Production levels were also flat, with a majority of survey respondents reporting output being the same as it was in August.

Long said he’s about 80 percent certain the region is sliding into a “shallow recession,” based on the national trends and feedback he hears from inside the region’s industrial employers.

“The confidence situation has clearly worsened the short-term business outlook index for September,” he said. “However, the long-term business outlook, which queries perceptions for the next three to five years, still remains positive, just not nearly as strong as it was six months ago.”

Kentwood’s Lacks to host career fair Oct. 18 and 19

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local Business, Our Cities, , , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The loading dock at one of Lacks Enterprises manufacturing facilities. (WKTV)

Lacks Enterprises Inc. is hosting a Career Fair where the automotive supplier and one of West Michigan’s largest family-owned employers plans to interview candidates to fill a variety of open positions.

Lacks’ Career Fair is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18, and from 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Lacks Enterprises Employment Center, 4949 Broadmoor Ave. SE in Kentwood.

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Lacks Enterprises provides interior and exterior plastic trim components and innovative wheel trim systems to the top global automotive manufacturers.

At its Career Fair, Lacks will conduct on-site interviews to fill a variety of general manufacturing, shipping and receiving, and skilled trades positions in its Grand Rapids and Kentwood facilities.

  

Applications will be available at the Career Fair, but attendees can expedite the process by submitting an application in advance at https://lacksenterprises.applicantpro.com/jobs/1850681.html.

Attendees are encouraged to bring documentation to complete an I-9 form should they be offered a position. I-9 Forms provide documentation to the employer to confirm their identity and authorization to work. The list of documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents.

Employment is subject to the successful completion of Lacks Enterprises’ pre-screening activities, which includes drug testing, a background check and a physical. Lacks Enterprises will coordinate the physical.

For more information, contact the Lacks Enterprises Employment Center at (616) 554-7812 or visit Workatlacks.com.

Lacks Enterprises is the fourth largest privately held employer in West Michigan and has more than 2,500 people at facilities in Kentwood and Novi, as well as Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea. Lacks business units—Lacks Trim Systems, Lacks Wheel Trim Systems and Plastic Plate, LLC—specialize in applying Lacks’ innovative décor finishes, production experience and testing capacity to the unique needs of its customers.

Seeking out the clues to the haunting of Belding’s library

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local History, Recreation, , ,
A little girl apparition has been reported at the Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library. (Wikipedia/Andrew Jameson)

By Wayne Thomas
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters
WKTV Contributor

Some areas and buildings seem to be more likely to be haunted than others. Places more often reported as haunted include battlefields, old houses and buildings, including hotels, especially former brothels, hospitals, schools, museums, ships, churches, castles, cemeteries, and libraries. Libraries hadn’t made my original list of possible haunted locations but research reveals haunted libraries across the United States and around the world, as well as right here in Michigan.

After discovering testimony of witnesses reporting seeing and hearing apparitions in the children’s section of Belding’s Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library, Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters decided to investigate. Clues going in were a little girl apparition seen in the children’s section and many witnesses hearing her laughing. Additionally, music and a girl’s voice were heard when nobody was in the library and people spoke of feeling a presence, and electrical/computer disturbances.

Alvah Norton Belding (Public domain/By Unknown author – The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography, Volume XVIII, 1922, pages 416–417, Public Domain)

The disastrous fire of 1893 swept Belding’s Main Street and burned out the library. After the library was temporarily relocated a couple times, Alvah N. Belding of the silk manufacturers Belding & Brothers Company decided to build and give a library to the city of Belding. On March 21, 1917, the Belding City Council accepted the offer and agreed to “maintain the building in like beauty and form as a library for all time.”

This unique contract as outlined creates a scenario of unfinished business ”for all time.” This majestic structure is made of brick, slate, marble, and limestone and stands like a castle along the Flat River. The kinetic energy of the flowing river water combined with the building materials creates a perfect storm to record and store residual energy. With a residual haunting, there is no spirit involved, simply energy stored in the fabric of its surroundings, being played over and over in a loop, same time same place. Apparitions do not acknowledge the living, they are emotional imprints locked in time. The majority of reported hauntings are of this residual type as opposed to contact with spirits.

During the first investigation of the Belding Library, our recordings were typical of most cases, faint and few with “Get out” and “Go” repeated. We heard both male and female voices and an interesting child’s voice say, “Mommy I’m scared.” More importantly these ghost voices seemed to be spirits that were interacting with our questions or what ghost hunters call an intelligent haunting. We returned the following year and learned of the 100th anniversary of the library and the opening of a time capsule that had been cemented in an outside wall.  Could spirits be attached to these newly discovered historic items?

During this second investigation we recorded a class “A” electronic voice phenomenon (EVP), of a very loud whistle that everyone present could easily hear with just their ears. Does Alvah N. Belding patrol the premises to ensure the building is being “maintained in like beauty and form as a library for all time?” While this castle of stone appears to be a trap to record both routine energy and traumatic events surrounding people’s everyday lives or untimely deaths, evidence points to an intelligent or spiritual haunting.

An article written in 2011 by Rich Newman in “The Ghost Hunter’s Guide” discussing the Belding Library states, “Most believe the haunting involves the land the library is situated upon, or perhaps a past building/home that resided in the location prior to the library’s existence.”

Newman also spoke of an apparition of a young girl that has been heard by many. To that, I say to the little girl ghost “Go in peace and be freed from your suffering, seek out the light.”

Pumpkin card at the Jack-o-Lantern World display

Out and About: It’s all in the pumpkins

Citizen Journalism
Jack-o-Lantern World at Millennium Park in Walker. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

For the month of October, Jack-o-Lantern World has taken over Millennium Park. About 17 different displays featured thousands of pumpkins that have all been hand-carved. It is about a 45-minute walk through the trail, which is well marked with lights.

There are only three Jack-o-Lantern World events taking placed in the United states. The other two are near Chicago and in Nebraska. The Grand Rapids “world” is open Thursday – Sunday. Times vary each day. Tickets are $15/$16 for those 3-12 and under, depending on day, and $22/$24 for those 13 and older, depending on day. For more information, visit jackolanternworld.com. Millennium Park is located at 1415 Maynard Ave. SW.