Wyoming police officers were the recipients of heartfelt appreciation and gratitude from community members on Thursday, Dec. 12.
While snow, wind and ice descended upon West Michigan – closing numerous schools and forcing many residents to work from home – Wyoming police officers donned uniforms and reported for duty.
As officers filed into the police station at 7 a.m. for a routine training session, they were met by 15 community members who took turns verbally expressing gratitude for the officers’ service to the community.
WPD officers listen as presentation participants share their personal ties to the law enforcement community (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
Coordinated by iCI Nation founder Jennifer Franson and sponsored by W2W Healthy You, the Christmas Connect presentation featured a hot breakfast prepared by Wyoming Police Chief Kim Koster, Captain Eric Wiler, and Captain Tim Pols, as well as over several dozen donuts from Marge’s Donut Den.
“In the spirit of the season, we get to lead with peace and goodwill,” said Franson in supplied material.
Voicing gratitude
In a show of love and support, local community members – including residents, pastors, media professionals, nonprofit leaders, and more – honored the gathered police officers by each voicing an individual thank you, sharing personal ties to the law enforcement community, and praying over the officers before leaving.
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
“All of these people came here, in this weather, because they understand and appreciate everything you do,” Franson told the WPD officers during the presentation. “We know that you all are going out and dealing with things every day that we don’t want to have to deal with.”
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
Franson went on to say that it is important for local law enforcement officers to know that the community recognizes and supports their work as they put their lives on the line each day to keep our community safe.
“We want you to know that we’ve got your back,” one community member told WPD officers during the presentation.
Strengthening our cities
iCI Nation has been building successful partnerships between community and law enforcement since 2016. The local nonprofit is dedicated to providing a healthy environment that brings citizens, police officers and organizational resources together to create a stronger and healthier city.
“ICI reignites police hearts and passion for the mission of protecting and serving,” says Wyoming Police Chief Kim Koster. (iCI Nation website)
Javon Sanders (front) of the GRPD talks with WPD officers (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
Tracy, W2W Healthy You Lead Education Instructor, explains to officers how their work positively impacts youth (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
Those connections are forged through monthly iCI Nation events for the community and police, including prayer gatherings for the faith community, presentations, and lunch and learns. The organization also builds collaborations through various local organizations and events.
Craig G. Founder of the PeaceWalker Project says, “The difference that iCI has made in this community is nothing short of extraordinary.” (iCI Nation website)
Learn more about iCI Nation and how you can help honor local law enforcement here.
Check out the exciting clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season featuring many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.
Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Tuesday! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
WKTV Truck Game of the Week Sked
Friday, Oct. 11: Godwin Heights at Kelloggsville
Friday, Oct. 18: Jenison at East Kentwood
Friday, Oct 25: Catholic Central vs. South Christian (at East Grand Rapids)
Don’t miss our WKTV Journal Chili & Cheers fundraiser from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, 4157 Division Ave. S, Wyoming.
If you enjoy reading the WKTV Journal, help us keep local journalism alive by attending our Chili & Cheers fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, 4157 Division Ave. S, Wyoming.
Enjoy delicious chili and local microbrews while supporting local journalism, the WKTV Journal, from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 21. Tickets are $20 apiece and will be available Aug. 8. They include unlimited chili from the different vendors plus one beverage ticket. To purchase tickets click HERE.
Our Chili & Cheers fundraiser is a chili cook-off between competing restaurants and individuals – with the best in microbrews from the area as well.
Project 90 to perform from 1-3 p.m.
“Project 90 is West Michigan’s 90’s Rock band – playing all of your favorite hits from the 90’s. Not just your average 90’s cover band, but a tribute to the 90’s. This all-star lineup band brings together combined decades of experience and a dynamic sound and light show to give audiences an unforgettable live event.” Click here for more info on Project 90.
Support the WKTV Journal while having fun
The Chili & Cheers benefit helps support the WKTV Journal, a non-profit community digital newspaper in Wyoming and Kentwood that averages nearly 11,000 views per month. As many people know, countless metro regions are now in a “news desert” where local newspapers with trained journalists have closed their doors or severely cut back. This leaves many people less informed about where they live and what actually affects their daily lives.
From local sports and city events to human-interest stories and diverse cultures
The Journal began publishing daily in 2014 just as the Advance Newspapers were closing their doors. We cover everything from local high school sports in Kentwood and Wyoming to mental health issues, entertainment, human-interest stories and education to police reports, cultural events, the successes and struggles of our communities, and much, much more. We believe this is all vitally important information for one reason: It’s about where we live and who we are.
Have fun and donate to a good cause
Please join us, and support the WKTV Journal at this crucial time. Plus, we’re not just asking for a cash donation, we’re making it fun! Chili & Cheers is a great opportunity to enjoy amazing chili and craft brews, meet neighbors and watch the community come together.
Be a part of the solution to local journalism surviving in an age when trained journalists are simply not there to report on a community and cover local events. Your support makes a real impact in the day-to-day operation and will help keep the lights on at the WKTV Journal. For more info, check out our Chili and Cheers Facebook page.
Kentwood Firefighters Andy Biederman (left) and Jeff Bouwkamp shared their stories with WKTV last year for Voices from the Front Line. This story features four highlight reels from that program. This clip’s topic: “Not always fires; medical calls as well.”
“When you’re young, you see the big red fire engines, you see the lights, you hear the sirens … and that’s what captures you,” said Kentwood Fire Department Lieutenant Jeff Bouwkamp, a firefighter for over 30 years. “You work here and you start to see the impact that you make, and it kind of gives you satisfaction. It makes you feel good.
“This is the greatest job in the world. I still feel that to this day.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: With the City of Kentwood voters to consider a dedicated millage increase to provide critical support for police and fire services on May 7, WKTV is posting excerpts from an important series from last year called, “Voices from the Front Line: A two-part look inside the life of a Kentwood firefighter.” WKTV spent an afternoon at Kentwood Fire Station 3 on Eastern Ave. as part of a documentary where we interviewed Lieutenant Jeff Bouwkamp and Engine Operator Andy Biederman. We talked about many details of their job as a firefighter … from the most routine calls to the most dangerous, and all things in between.
As the city of Kentwood has continued to grow, the demand for police and fire services also has risen. Since 2010, Kentwood’s population has grown by 11.5%, rising from 48,707 residents in 2010 to 54,303 residents in 2020. If approved, the dedicated millage increase would enable Kentwood’s Police and Fire departments to hire additional staff members and maintain response times to meet growing needs for police, fire and emergency medical services.
Kentwood Firefighters: “Helping people in need.”
Below are excerpts from our detailed conversations last year with these two Kentwood Firefighters:
Andy Biederman, Engine Operator (a Kentwood firefighter for over five years):
What are your duties as Engine Operator?
Basically, I’m in charge of this whole engine behind me; I have to know everything that involves the engine. From the engine itself; the motor to the water pump to all the tools that are on it … how much hose we have on it. It’s a pretty extensive job and I have to get water supply for the firefighters in the fire. We carry 500 gallons on it, so it goes pretty quick. We have a 1,500 gallon-per-minute tank or pump. So it’s a pretty fast-paced job.
Jeff Bouwkamp, Lieutenant (a Kentwood firefighter for over 30 years):
Talk about your responsibilities as a Lieutenant and the shift breakdown?
As the lieutenant here, I’m assigned to Engine 53. We have five people at this fire station; two lieutenants, one equipment operator, two firefighters. I manage day-to-day operations. I make sure the calls get run appropriately, get handled, that we do our jobs, and everything’s done correctly … and that we have a good time and everybody goes home safe at the end of the shift.
We run three different crews through our three different shifts. Each shift consists of two lieutenants, one equipment operator and two firefighters. We work a 24-and-a-quarter hour shift starting at 6:45 in the morning and get done at seven o’clock the next morning, that gives us about 15 minutes to overlap and do a little shift exchange. And then we get 24 hours off. Our second day is another 24-hour shift and we get the fourth day off, and then we work the fifth day. So, we work three out of five 24-hour days, and we get four off at the end. It comes out to about 10 days of work a month.
Talk about the physical and emotional toll. How do you deal with the stress and anxiety?
ANDY:
Something that they’re trying to promote and push better is the whole mental health situation in the fire service. And with any kind of first responder or police officer they have seen a lot of suicides in this job, just due to the amount of stress and types of calls that we see, it starts building up. The older firefighters out there typically used to hold their feelings back, suppress them and not talk to anybody, when really that’s not beneficial. It’s easier to talk to somebody and get that information out to help you help other people. So it’s been a growing trend just to help talk to somebody and go that route.
JEFF:
We’re always watching each other … we’re that close. I pay close attention to the people that I’m working with because they’re very important to me. Because at one point or another we’re going to do something, we’re going to be out there together. I’m going to be relying on them, they’re going to be relying on me. We have to be there for each other. And I think the mental health aspect is a huge deal. So, I’m watching out for each one of the people here and each person is watching out for the other ones, because you may pick up on something and that’s huge, because yeah, that never used to happen. Or I can’t say never, but that really wasn’t in the forefront. People don’t talk about it.
Many youngsters dream of being a firefighter or police officer. What age were you when you thought of this as a career, and was there someone who sparked your interest?
ANDY:
I grew up in the Chicago area and I have a cousin that works for the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Department, and ever since I was a little kid I always wanted to do that. We also had some close family friends who were firefighters in our local department where I used to live in Evanston. I would go there after school and the firefighters would basically treat me like I was one of their kids. After school, when my parents were still working, I would hang out at the firehouse until they were done working. I was immersed in that whole environment, my whole childhood. And that’s something I never wanted to leave.
When you see a fire truck go by, you think they’re going to a fire, and you don’t necessarily understand that they might be going to a cardiac arrest, or they can go into something else that isn’t necessarily a fire. It kind of adds a different perspective because every time you do see it, typically they are going for a true emergency. So, with that kind of in the back of your head, it changes your perspective about how it’s not always with just the fires that we change lives. It’s also the medical calls that we go through as well. You want to make a difference.
JEFF:
This is all I’ve ever wanted to do is be on the fire department. I’ve never wanted to do anything else. I used to hang out with Brent Looman, we were buddies growing up, and now he’s the fire chief in Kentwood. His dad was on the fire department and we would see him going to calls and we’d hear about them and that just kind of caught me. As I grew up it never left me.
I’ve had a few different jobs; worked as a plumber, worked in a factory. Nothing beats the fire department. This is the greatest job in the world. I still feel that to this day.
Kentwood Firefighters: “5,000 calls last year: 13 per day.”
How does being a firefighter blend in with your family life?
JEFF:
Last year, we ran almost 5,000 calls, and two years ago we ran over 5,000 calls. If you break that down for all of our shifts, we have half a day where we don’t run a call, and we can just be crisscrossing all over the place. So, we always have to be ready. In the beginning, it was a little difficult because my family was … ‘Well, you coming over for Thanksgiving? … uh, you’re coming over here for Christmas, right?’ If you have to work, they don’t quite understand that because people have Thanksgiving off, or maybe they have Christmas off. They don’t understand the schedule right away. That’s a little bit of a work in progress.
When your spouse needs help with the kids or whatever, and you’re not around, and you’re not going to be around until the next day, it makes it a little different. But you start to learn to adapt to that. One of the nice things is that we have days off during the week where my kids have done things with school, and I’ve been able to go on field trips with them. I’ve done things that some other dads aren’t fortunate enough to do. If I do work on their birthday, we’re going out on another day for their birthday. We’ve done Christmas almost a week early and a half a week late.
Let’s talk about the dangers of being a firefighter. When I walk through the doors at my office I don’t have to worry about saving lives or putting out fires. How often are you and the team put into dangerous, life-threatening situations?
ANDY:
Every call we go to could potentially be life threatening or dangerous. We definitely don’t really know what we’re getting into once that alarm goes off. We’ve had times where we’ll get dispatched for a fall, and when we get there it’s a cardiac arrest. So, we have to be on our toes and be able to adapt to every different kind of situation. It’s no different if we get a burning complaint for somebody in the campfire in their backyard. And then when we get there, it’s a structure fire. Each call has its own different type of variables. It’s hard to pinpoint what’s going to be life threatening, or what’s going to be, you know, your run of the mill call, because I think these calls can turn into something that they’re not.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is pleased to announce the complete 2024 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens lineup, featuring 33 unique shows.
This lineup reflects our continued commitment since 2003 to bringing a diverse array of internationally renowned artists to the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater.
Black Pumas (Courtesy, Jody Domingue)
The Gardens and Sculpture Park, featuring works from internationally acclaimed artists, and lively acoustics create an intimate concert setting for guests of all ages. From its manicured general admission lawn seating to the ivy growing on the stage, the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater is the ideal summer setting for experiencing live music from world-class acts, right here in West Michigan.
Free and convenient on-site parking and the ability for concertgoers to bring a picnic or enjoy unique concessions offerings highlight the Meijer Gardens concert experience.
“We are delighted to present another summer of world-class live music in the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater,” said Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
“We’re extremely thankful to the entire Meijer family, Fifth Third Bank, Harvey Lexus of Grand Rapids, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids Symphony, the Steve and Amy Van Andel Foundation, and all our partners for their commitment in helping make this series possible and allowing us to welcome more people to experience the arts at Meijer Gardens.”
NEW ticketing provider
Meijer Gardens is also happy to announce AXS as the new ticketing provider for the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens series.
Orville Peck (Courtesy, FMG)
All tickets will be sold at AXS.com—and with AXS Mobile ID, your phone is your ticket. The move to AXS Mobile ID is designed to ensure a smooth purchasing experience, put tickets in the hands of our guests, and reduce ticket resale from unauthorized sites.
AXS Mobile ID is a digital ticketing technology that provides the flexibility and convenience of safely and securely managing tickets online or in the AXS mobile app.
AXS Mobile ID allows for convenience, flexibility, and security. Guests can manage tickets digitally, transfer tickets when needed, and remain assured that all tickets are authentic and secure. Guests are encouraged to set up an account at any time at AXS.com.
To help members and the public prepare for buying tickets, Meijer Gardens has created an Insider’s Guide to aid in making the ticket purchasing experience hassle-free.
Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens Lineup
Gate and show start times vary. Information and lineup subject to change. All shows take place rain or shine. Weather delays are possible.
Little Feat + Los Lobos (Courtesy, FMG)
Orville Peck with Durand Jones and Debbii Dawson, Wednesday, June 5: $57 presale | $60 member | $62 public
Greensky Bluegrass, Sunday, June 9: $68 presale | $71 member | $73 public
Tower of Power, Wednesday, June 12: $59 presale | $62 member | $64 public
O.A.R., Thursday, June 20: $82 presale | $85 member | $87 public Little Feat + Los Lobos, Friday, June 21: $75 presale | $78 member | $80 public Black Pumas with Abraham Alexander, Sunday, June 23: $80 presale | $83 member | $85 public Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Devon Gilfillian, Monday, June 24: $75 presale | $78 member | $80 public Bonnie Raitt with James Hunter, Wednesday, June 26: $99 presale | $102 member | $104 public Mat Kearney with Donovan Frankenreiter, Sunday, June 30: $54 presale | $57 member | $59 public My Morning Jacket, Monday, July 1: $77 presale | $80 member | $82 public Amos Lee with Mikaela Davis, Wednesday, July 3: $65 presale | $68 member | $70 public Old Crow Medicine Show with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Wednesday, July 10: $67 presale | $70 member | $72 public Bruce Hornsby with Grand Rapids Symphony, Thursday, July 11: $67 presale | $70 member | $72 public The Temptations + The Four Tops, Friday, July 12: $79 presale | $82 member | $84 public Jason Mraz, Wednesday, July 17: $95 presale | $98 member | $100 public The Wallflowers, Thursday, July 18: $45 presale | $48 member | $50 public Warren Haynes with Grand Rapids Symphony, Monday, July 22: $70 presale | $73 member | $75 public Charley Crockett, Wednesday, July 24: $60 presale | $63 member | $65 public Il Divo, Thursday, July 25: $69 presale | $72 member | $74 public Boyz II Men, Sunday, July 28: $130 presale | $133 member | $135 public Black Violin with Grand Rapids Symphony, Thursday, August 1: $65 presale | $68 member | $70 public Gin Blossoms + Toad the Wet Sprocket + Vertical Horizon, Monday, August 5: $78 presale | $81 member | $83 public Kansas, Thursday, August 8: $79 presale | $82 member | $84 public Andrew Bird + Amadou & Mariam, Friday, August 9: $63 presale | $66 member | $68 public Five For Fighting, Sunday, August 11: $53 presale | $56 member | $58 public Blues Traveler + Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Wednesday, August 14: $75 presale | $78 member | $80 public Grace Potter, Sunday, August 18: $55 presale | $58 member | $60 public Fitz and The Tantrums, Thursday, August 22: $55 presale | $58 member | $60 public Leslie Odom, Jr., Thursday, August 29: $70 presale | $73 member | $75 public Sierra Ferrell with Meredith Axelrod, Friday, September 6: $50 presale | $53 member | $55 public Michael Franti & Spearhead, Sunday, September 8: $65 presale | $68 member | $70 public Buena Vista Social Orchestra, Sunday, September 15: $50 presale | $53 member | $55 public Keb’ Mo’ + Shawn Colvin, Monday, September 16: $60 presale | $63 member | $65 public
Members presale
Members may buy tickets during the members-only presale beginning 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, through midnight on Friday, April 26.
Grace Potter (Courtesy, Adrien Broom)
Members save $5 per ticket during the presale. After April 27, members save $2 per ticket. There is a limit of six tickets per show.
To join or renew a Meijer Gardens membership before April 20, click here or call the Membership Department at 616-977-7689.
Tickets can be purchased online at AXS.com. A $5 fee per ticket and 3% credit card fee per order is added.
Public ticket sale
Sales to the public begin at 9 am on Saturday, April 27. There is a limit of six tickets per show. Tickets can be purchased online at AXS.com. A $10 fee per ticket and 3% credit card fee per order is added.
Ticket purchasers are encouraged to receive and manage their tickets via the AXS mobile app. A $15 processing fee will be added for those who wish to have their tickets mailed to them by AXS. There will be a $6 processing fee for ticket purchasers who choose Will Call as their method of delivery.
Details about the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Leslie Odom Jr. (Courtesy, FMG)
The 1,900-seat Amphitheater Garden features general admission tiered lawn seating. Concertgoers are welcome to bring a blanket or low-rise chair to sit on. Low-rise chairs are defined as 12” maximum from front of seat bottom to ground and 32” maximum to top of chair back in highest position.
These rules are strictly enforced. No other chairs will be permitted in the venue. A limited number of standard-height chairs located in designated areas are available to rent for $10 on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be removed.
A selection of sandwiches, snacks, water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available at the Eileen DeVries Concessions Center. Concertgoers are also welcomed to bring their own food, sealed bottled water and nonalcoholic beverages in their original sealed non-glass containers. Soft-sided coolers that do not exceed 25 quarts or 14″x14″x14″ are permitted.
Weapons are not allowed. All guests, bags and coolers are subject to search prior to entering the venue.
Concert series sponsors and career opportunities
The Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens series is sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, Harvey Lexus of Grand Rapids, Corewell Health, Life EMS and US Golf Cars. Media sponsors are Star 105.7 and FOX17.
Join our team! Meijer Gardens has a variety of career openings, both full and part time. Please visit MeijerGardens.org/careers for a full listing of opportunities.
Four simple steps can save lives – find out how to BE NICE.
Christy Buck and Jessica Jones of Mental Health Foundation’s be nice. program reveal how to make mental health part of our every day conversation (Courtesy, WKTV)
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about depression and suicide that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.
Christy Buck is changing the narrative on mental illness with her be nice. program (Courtesy, WKTV)
Christy Buck, Executive Director and Founder of be nice., is determined to make mental health a part of our everyday conversation.
Buck’s passion for transforming and saving lives through mental health education has led her through 36+ years of experience in the mental health field and the development of mental health and suicide prevention programs.
“I would challenge people to become more knowledgeable to have the confidence to talk about mental illnesses/mental health disorders,” said Buck to WKTV Journal.
Due to a 20% increase in mental health disorders, people are talking more about mental health than ever before. But Buck says we are still missing a vital piece of the solution.
Greater understanding breeds prevention
“What’s not being talked about is recognizing when somebody is struggling with an illness,” said Buck. “That, to me, is one of the biggest things that we owe the community and the nation right now: a better understanding of recognizing the onset of a mental health disorder.”
Buck continued to say that talking about mental illness/mental health disorders is going to raise a greater understanding of one of the most common illnesses in the world – anxiety disorder.
Normalizing conversations about mental illness combats stigma (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
And when we make it okay to talk about mental illness, we combat stigma.
“One way we can combat stigma is by listening to conversations, [and] correcting people when they might not be knowledgeable about mental illnesses,” said Buck.
Since 2006, Buck and her staff have educated over 300,000 people in West Michigan about mental health awareness, bullying, and suicide prevention. And though Buck says she has seen a large shift over the last few years, there is still more work to do.
“When somebody is struggling with a mental health disorder, it’s very scary for those individuals,” said Buck. “Oftentimes there is self-stigma too…viewing yourself as unworthy, viewing yourself as defeated, that there is no hope.”
Dare to swim upstream
Conquering stigma requires knowledge and willingness to open conversations “upstream.”
The four-step be nice. action plan (notice, invite, challenge, empower) addresses all of these issues.
Be willing to “swim upstream” and have those open conversations (Courtesy, WKTV)
“It’s a simple tool,” said Buck. “Oftentimes we complicate mental health.”
The first step to unraveling that obstacle is to notice when something is different than the norm.
“It’s huge to have ownership of what I am seeing and what I am noticing,” said Buck. “Now I have this knowledge, and having a knowledge base is going to build my confidence to take action.
“Confidence is that tool to invite myself into a conversation.”
That conversation should begin with what is good and right about the person you are talking to. It allows that person to know you care and are concerned. Then acknowledge the differences you have noticed.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Then give hope.
“[Hope] comes through language like: you can feel better, you can get better,” said Buck. “Because it’s the truth. It is huge to be able to give that person some hope.”
Also using the word(s) love and I care about you can instill hope in someone.
Protective/Preventative Measures
Ensuring access to services and usage of those services are two main protective factors for those struggling and/or at risk. Another protective factor is friends and family – having people you can talk to.
Eating right, getting sleep and exercising are three things that release chemicals in your brain that help a person feel better. Spiritual wellness can also help, whether in the form of church or meditation that focuses on positive thinking.
“These are all pieces of empowerment,” said Buck. “When somebody is struggling with a mental health disorder or mental illness, they can’t find those protective factors.”
Buck went on to say that inviting someone struggling into a conversation by asking how you can help guides that person toward self-awareness.
Anyone can be N.I.C.E.
“No one is too young to follow the [action] plan, no one is too old to follow the plan,” said Buck. “This can be for kindergarteners through senior citizens. I love it because it is so multi-generational.”
The be nice. program and action plan educates students, staff, and community members about mental illnesses and encourages them to exchange stereotypes for understanding, compassion and acceptance.
And it has been proven to save lives.
“Be nice. is to go out and treat people with respect and dignity,” said Buck. “It is having that greater understanding that how we treat each other has an affect on someone’s mental health. On how somebody is thinking, how they’re acting, and how they’re feeling.”
Then, Buck continued, it turns into an action plan to change, improve, and save lives.
Notice the right and good of every individual you come into contact with, and invite yourself to share that good with them. Many times, the person may not have ever heard the good about themselves.
(Courtesy, be nice.)
By sharing that with them, you are “bringing about that greater understanding of how worthy they are,” said Buck.
Challenge other people to spread that kindness. Treat people with respect and dignity.
“Ultimately, it feels good,” said Buck. “That’s empowerment.”
Julie Gregory, mother of suicide victim Jessica Gregory, is an advocate for the be nice. program.
“As I have gotten to know some of the wonderful volunteers and people who are involved in this program, I have realized what a difference it could have made in Jessica’s life,” Gregory said on her blog, Picking Up the Pieces. “It could have affected the outcome of my daughter’s life.”
Gregory went on to say that, over the last several years, she has learned that how you treat people impacts the way they think, act, and feel.
“Be the change this world needs today,” said Gregory. “Treat people with love and respect, give them support when they are down, get involved, be positive role models and be nice.”
“We are here.”
Help others by educating yourself (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Knowledge surrounding physical illnesses has increased exponentially over the decades. Buck now challenges us to become more educated about mental illness.
Be nice. offers training on how to recognize mental illness signs and help those struggling. Training registrations can be found on their website.
“We are here,” said Jessica Jones, Communications Director for the Mental Health Foundation. “[We’re] ready to help people have those conversations.”
Resources
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential support, information and local resources.
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about depression and suicide that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.
Jessica Gregory (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)
At approximately 3 a.m. on March 10, 2015, 28-year-old Jessica Diane Gregory silently ended the internal pain she fought to free herself from most of her life.
Jessica’s mother, Wyoming resident Julie Gregory, prefers to focus on Jessica and her struggles versus the act of suicide when talking about her daughter’s death.
“I lost my daughter to depression, bullying and bipolar disorder,” said Gregory when talking with WKTV Journal.
Mental illness does not discriminate
Jessica had a family who loved her, was in the top 20 in her high school class of 2004, participated in sideline cheer and the competitive cheer team, ran track and had amazing friends.
Despite all of these things, Jessica was hounded by a darkness that led to physically harming herself and a suicide attempt in high school. Jessica’s internal struggle eventually spiraled into a loss of all hope.
Excerpts from Jessica’s journal and various other writings reveal the internal pain she battled daily:
Several pages of Jessica’s journal contained detailed plans of how she could end her life.
“I’m not ashamed or scared to talk about suicide or how my daughter ended her pain,” said Gregory. “We need to end the stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness. Redefine the way people talk about suicide and the way we think about suicide, and look at it as an effect of an illness.
“Why is it that the brain is the only organ in your body that will get judged for being ill?”
Gregory went on to say that those who die by suicide have lost a battle with a disease.
“They couldn’t hold on any longer,” said Gregory. “I feel it’s our job to help them hold on. Mental illness is treatable.”
‘I’m sorry, Mom. I love you.’
The last time Gregory saw her daughter alive was like a hundred others. There was nothing to indicate Jessica planned to end her life that night.
After having dinner with her family, Jessica and Gregory finished a jigsaw puzzle and began another.
Gregory had no idea Jessica purchased a handgun nine hours earlier.
Jessica’s journal and last letter to her mother (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
At approximately 10:30 p.m., Jessica helped her mother put the puzzle table away and went home to her apartment.
After writing one last letter to her mother in pink marker – her favorite color – Jessica silently ended the pain she battled daily.
Before you ask…educate yourself
Gregory said one of the hardest questions people ask her is: “How did she do it?” Gregory’s palms turned toward the ceiling, shrugging in disbelief and saying, “Does it matter?”
An entry from Jessica’s journal (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
What matters to Gregory is that her daughter is gone forever.
Another question Greogry repeatedly faces is, “Why didn’t you get her help?”
“We did get her help,” Gregory said vehemently. “She did go to the doctor, she was on meds, she went to therapy. She had a psychiatrist, she had a counselor, she had all these people. She had a team of people.
“You can put a mask on and show people what you want them to see,” Gregory continued. “It’s not always easy to see.”
“Even when parents, and people in general, have noticed a lot of signs, it is also possible to miss signs,” said Agnew.
Jessica with her cat, Desi (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)
When Gregory went back and looked at specific dates in Jessica’s journal, she was stunned at how well Jessica hid her true emotions.
After one particular journal entry that conveyed Jessica’s wish to die, Gregory looked back at Facebook pictures, realizing it was the same day the family attended a birthday party. All pictures from that day portrayed Jessica as happy.
Gregory thought to herself, “She was happy. That was the mask she wore. And she was thinking all day about how she could die?”
Selfishness vs. Mentally Ill
Entry from Jessica’s journal (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Gregory shares her daughter’s struggle because she wants others to understand that the thought process of a mentally ill person is not normal.
“I am simply showing people how the mind of my mentally ill daughter was thinking,” said Gregory. “She wasn’t looking to hurt anyone. She was ending her pain and what she thought was a life that couldn’t get better.”
Suicide is not selfish, Greogry continued. “Suicide is a desperate way to end pain, physical or mental. It is a hopelessness that things will never get better. It is a feeling that family or friends will be better off without them.
Entry from Jessica’s journal (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“Those who are suffering don’t want to end their lives, they want to end their pain.”
Gregory also hopes to end usage of the term “committed suicide.”
“In 1964, it was a law that it was illegal to commit suicide – but they didn’t know anything about it,” said Gregory. “Now that we know more, we can talk more about it and we don’t have to use those ‘committed’ words.”
“We say ‘died by suicide,’” Gregory continued. “Instead of focusing on the act, we focus on the person and what was going on.”
Picking up the Pieces
Gregory and her family faced a lot of “firsts” as they learned to maneuver life without Jessica. Gregory credits their faith in God and having each other to lean on as the key to their survival.
Julie Gregory is dedicated to helping others navigate the pain she endures daily (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The grieving mother’s main focus after losing Jessica was making sure her son, younger than Jes by 14 years, was okay. That everyone around her was okay.
And that included other people who found themselves enduring the loss of a loved one.
“I had hundreds of people send me messages,” said Gregory, adding that she welcomes those messages. “People can come to me.”
Gregory is a vocal advocate for the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan’s be nice. program. She encourages schools and organizations to take part in the program, take action, and save lives.
However, for Gregory, personal comfort and healing comes in the form of helping those enduring the aftermath of loss. She does this through the i understand love heals program.
“For me, helping people pick themselves up after – it just hit home.”
Grieving and healing
“I didn’t have time to grieve, and I still won’t take that time to feel sorry [for myself], because I need to be 100% to help all these other people,” said Gregory.
While Gregory admits that is not the healthiest approach, she has no plans to stop being that voice for Jessica and a source of hope for those grieving.
Jessica’s last words are tattooed on Gregory’s forearm (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“Just to know that I’ve helped others is healing to me, and so I don’t know any other way to grieve,” Gregory said. “I grieve sitting at that big table and having new people come to the group that literally just lost their family member two weeks ago.
“And I feel their pain, and I will grieve for that family and those lost, and for Jessica.”
A voice for Jessica
Gregory proclaims herself to be an open book, refusing to hide that her daughter ended her own life.
Instead, two years after Jessica’s death, Gregory chose to open both her own life and Jessica’s to scrutiny and possible ridicule in the hopes that even one person would see – and choose – hope.
Jessica with family and friends (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)
Picking Up the Pieces is a blog that unveils Jessica’s journey, her internal pain, bullying she experienced at her job, and the aftermath Gregory endures daily since finding Jessica in her apartment nine years ago.
Gregory does not hold back, laying bare the pain and darkness – and emphasizing the glimmer of hope she knows is always present, even if not always noticed.
Though Gregory has been pushed out of her comfort zone countless times over the last several years, she embraces each challenge so she can share Jessica’s story and be that voice for her daughter.
“If I reach just one person, letting them know they aren’t alone, it is worth sharing,” said Gregory. “Or, maybe someone reading these pages who doesn’t have a mental illness will be enlightened by what is in someone’s mind that does.”
#ThereIsAlwaysHope
Jessica applied for a new job before she took her life. A job at a hospital where she could help others and could carry out her personal life mission. Multiple interviews and a job shadow followed.
A Picking Up the Pieces blog entry (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)
The darkness Jessica fought against, however, overwhelmed her before she heard their decision.
“The day after Jessica’s suicide, there was a message left on her cell phone voicemail,” said Gregory. “It was a message from the hospital she had applied at.
“She received that call one day late…”
Julie and Jessica both have a tattoo symbolizing a mother and daughter and their love for each other (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The timing of that voicemail is something Gregory encourages all who struggle to contemplate.
“There is always hope,” said Gregory. “No matter how bad today can be, things will get better. You can’t leave today, because tomorrow everything could change.
“Life is all hills and valleys, and for every valley that you’re in, those hills are going to be amazing.”
Monica Ruiz, in a personal place of mental health recovery for the past few years, echoes that message.
“I do believe that all suffering is temporary,” said Ruiz, adding that there will be moments of relief even in the lowest times. “So please hold on. There is help. It gets better.”
A radical resolve
Gregory’s resolve to eradicate stigma and live with hope is evident in each word of Picking Up the Pieces.
“I am determined to be more than just a survivor,” said Gregory on her blog. “I am determined to find the silver lining, I am determined to see my glass as half full, I am determined to keep talking about mental illness and the side effects that ‘Pain’ can cause some people.
“I am determined to help change the definition of suicide.”
Eradicating stigma
“The stigma needs to be lifted about mental struggles,” said Gregory. “We need to talk about it, out in the open, and not treat it like a dirty secret – those days are past. We need to continue this conversation.”
Help stomp out stigma surrounding mental illness by joining the free annual be nice.Stomp Out Stigma 5K Walk event in May each year.
The be nice. program and action plan (notice, invite, challenge, empower) educates students, staff, and community members about mental illnesses and encourages them to exchange stereotypes for understanding, compassion and acceptance.
Resources
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential support, information and local resources.
The Wyoming Kentwood Chamber will hold its 43rd Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony Friday, a celebration that will not only honor outstanding businesses and individuals, but also mark a significant rebranding milestone.
This year, the Chamber is unveiling its new name, South Kent Chamber, a change that better reflects the diverse and thriving business community it represents.
“The annual dinner serves as more than just a celebration; it is a platform for fostering community engagement, networking and collaborations among local businesses. Attendees can anticipate an enjoyable evening filled with dinner, a cash bar, and the highlight of the evening,” said Keith Morgan, CEO of South Kent Chamber.
The awards to be presented at the event include:
Distinguished Service Award
Volunteer of the Year Award
Business of the Year Awards (Manufacturing, Retail, Service)
Committee of the Year Award
Attendees will get an exclusive sneak peek into the South Kent Business Journal, a comprehensive business publication designed for the modern professional. It offers exclusive interviews with area leaders, business trends, market insights, and thought-provoking commentary on current business landscapes. This year’s ceremony also will feature the introduction of new incoming board chairs and board members.
City of Kentwood voters will consider a dedicated millage increase of 1.95 mills on the May 7 ballot that, if approved, would provide critical support for police and fire services.
As the city of Kentwood has continued to grow, the demand for police and fire services has also risen. Since 2010, Kentwood’s population has grown by 11.5%, rising from 48,707 residents in 2010 to 54,303 residents in 2020. If approved, the dedicated millage increase would enable Kentwood’s Police and Fire departments to hire additional staff members and maintain response times to meet growing needs for police, fire and emergency medical services.
Kentwood has grown from 48,707 residents in 2010 to 54,303 in 2020
“Our community has grown exponentially over the past 10-plus years, and with that growth comes a need for continued investment in our police and fire services,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “As our teams respond to more calls for service and support more residents, additional funding for our Police and Fire departments will ensure they have the necessary resources to protect and serve our community.”
Last police and fire millage passed in 2010
The last police and fire millage of 2 mills was passed in 2010, with nearly 62% of voters in favor. The millage was expected to maintain police and fire operations through 2020.
“We have been good stewards of the 2010 police and fire millage, leveraging dollars for four additional years than originally projected,” Kepley said. “We will be as effective and intentional with funds from this millage increase if approved.”
The proposed millage increase was approved by the City Commission on Jan. 9. If approved, it would be levied starting July 1, 2024. It is expected to generate more than $5.1 million in its first year.
“Our goal is to serve our community with excellence, and this millage increase will support that effort,” Police Chief Bryan Litwin said. “As our community continues to grow, we have seen a 14% increase in the number of calls for police service over the past decade, but our staffing levels have remained the same since 2000. It is critical for us to get our staffing levels up to where they have to be to meet our community’s needs today and well into the future.”
If approved, the dedicated millage is projected to support a variety of police and fire initiatives over the next seven years, including:
Addressing critical personnel needs, enabling police to add, train and support vital additions to the team, raising their minimum staffing level from three officers and a sergeant to five officers and a sergeant.
Adding another EMS unit for the Fire Department in the future when the demand for emergency services exceeds current staffing.
Funding the replacement of necessary police and fire vehicles and other equipment, which have seen significant cost increases in the past few years.
Creating a basic outdoor training facility for police and fire that will eliminate the need for travel expenses and overtime for training purposes, ensuring cost-effective and up-to-date training practices.
Supporting increased simulation-based training for police and fire personnel, helping team members build essential skills so they can make informed decisions in real-time that protect community members, property and fellow emergency personnel.
Updating technology and equipment to protect police and fire team members and community members.
Enabling both police and fire to focus resources on prevention and education and be more proactive in addressing community issues.
“We made a promise to our community to keep our average response time at or below 5 minutes and 20 seconds,” Fire Chief Brent Looman said. “To continue to meet this standard as we respond to 36% more calls than we did a decade ago, we need additional resources. Our ability to meet this response standard can mean the difference between life and death.”
Kentwood’s Engine 55 at Kentwood Fire Station 3. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
1.95 mills equals $195 per year for a residential home with a taxable value of $100,000
A mill is 1/1000 of a dollar, or 0.001 cents. If a tax rate or millage rate is 1.95 mills, a resident is taxed 0.00195 cents for every dollar, or $1.95 per $1,000 of the taxable value of the property. For example, for a residential home with a taxable value of $100,000, the cost of 1.95 mills would be $195 per year, equating to $16.25 per month.
The Kentwood Police Department responded to the 5800 block of Ridgebrook Drive SE on a stabbing that had occurred near the roadway. Officers located a 43-year-old male with multiple stab wounds to his body. First responders rendered aid and he was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
A 17-year-old male suspect fled the scene on foot, and was later located at a local business after a search of the area. Deputies from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the apprehension of the suspect. The victim and suspect are family members, and there is no further threat to the public. No names are being released at this time. The incident is currently being investigated.
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.
The Wyoming Police Department prepare to educate the community on the dangers of distracted and impaired driving with a new driving simulator (Courtesy, WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
A significant increase in traffic violations, crashes, and fatal traffic crashes in Wyoming prompts the Wyoming Police Department to acquire a new driving simulator to educate young drivers.
Through a generous donation made by General Motors, the Wyoming PD recently took possession of a distracted and impaired driving simulator to educate young drivers on the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.
Educating the community
A volunteer tries the simulator under the instruction of a WPD officer (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“The goal of the simulator is to let young drivers – any driver – get into it and see what those dangers are,” said Captain Eric Wiler of the Wyoming Police Department. “At the same time hopefully reducing some of our crashes, reducing our fatal crashes, and making our community more safe.”
Wiler added that the Wyoming PD has made it their goal to reduce the number of crashes they have recently seen.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that approximately 3,000 people die each year in crashes involving distracted drivers, and approximately 11,000 people die each year in alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
Among distracted driving crashes, a higher percentage of drivers between the ages of 15-20 were distracted than those drivers over the age of 21.
A survey conducted by the CDC found that 4 in 10 high school drivers reported that they had texted and/or emailed while driving at least once in the previous 30 days. Another CDC study showed that 5% of high school students surveyed reported that they drove after drinking alcohol within the previous 30 days.
General Motors partnership with Wyoming PD
The idea of a distracted driving simulator is appealing to the Wyoming PD because of the ability to transport it to schools and community events. They also like that it is a way to interact with younger drivers.
General Motors provided an opportunity for volunteers to experience the new simulator at their Grand Rapids operations plant (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We’ve had a partnership with GM for several years where they give us a generous donation for traffic safety,” said Wiler. “This year, we were trying to think of something that we could interact more with the community, especially young drivers in our community, because distracted driving seems to be focused more around the younger drivers. They just don’t understand a lot of the dangers that are associated with it.
“They can look, touch, feel, have it be more interactive than just a classroom environment,” Wiler continued.
How the simulator works
The driving simulator engages two cell phones – an instructor cell phone and a student cell phone.
“As the student starts the driving simulation, the instructor can send them text messages,” said Wiler.
The messages can be pre-populated or freeform text messages.
There is also a component that allows simulation of impaired driving. Goggles worn by the simulator driver mimic being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The importance of removing distractions
Wyoming City Manager John Shay tries out Wyoming PD’s new distracted and impaired driving simulator (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
With the combination of the simulator and the hands-free law that went into effect June 30th, Wiler hopes people will see “why it’s such an important law, and why it’s so important that we put down our phones, [and] limit the distractions we have in the car.
“There is research that shows that when we are distracted, we don’t see 50% of what’s out in front of us,” Wiler continued. “Even if it’s a cell phone, looking down at your navigation, looking at your radio – anything you’re doing that is distracting is reducing what you are seeing out in front of you, which increases the likelihood of being involved in a crash.”
The Wyoming Police Department will use the driving simulator during school and community events, such as National Night Out, Metro Cruise, Concerts in the Park, and Police in the Parks.
“I am hoping it will have a really strong impact,” said Wiler.
Palermo Pizza celebrates 61 years of service to the Wyoming community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 12. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Palermo Pizza owner Janice Vitale said making pizza is what she does, but serving the community is what she loves.
While the pizza store owner loves serving her community with some of the “finest authentic pizza around,” what Vitale really values are the relationships and connections she has made over the years with her customers.
Home of the 24” pizza, Palermo Pizza celebrated 61 years of its family-owned operation with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 12 at her Wyoming location, 735 36th St. SW.
“We have been serving the community for 61 years,” Vitale said. “My location is still family-owned and operated and the oldest location.”
Palermo Pizza owner Janice Vitale expresses her appreciation for community support and her love of community. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A platform of community service
“My business provides me with a platform to do what I love,” said Vitale, who’s determined to continue the legacy set forth by Andrew Vitale with compassion and hard work.
“I never imagined that the roots planted by Andrew Vitale would allow me to set my dreams into action,” Vitale said. “Palermo is a staple in the community, but it has also given me the roots and foundation to be an activist in the community.”
She believes that her business is “above and beyond these four walls.”
A legacy of quality pizza
Several community business owners helped celebrate Palermo’s success (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Palermo Pizza opened on Grandville Avenue in 1962 by Andrew Vitale, with the 36th St. location opening a year later.
Janice Vitale has been part of the Palermo chain for 29 years and prides herself on the quality of their products.
“We don’t cut corners or chase deals,” Vitale said. “At Palermo, we choose the best ingredients in the industry to provide an outstanding product.”
From anchovies to cheese, Palermo Pizza uses only fresh products, several of them homemade.
“Our dough is made fresh daily using the same original family recipe,” said Vitale, noting that Palermo’s pizza sauce, dough and sausage are homemade as well.
Palermo’s staff also grinds their own cheese and slices their own meats and vegetables.
A family-oriented endeavor
Four of Vitale’s children work at Palermo’s with her. Taylor Vitale is the Operations Manager and Consultant, while Tasha, Mackenzie and AJ fill various roles at the store.
“Having my kids and family members work with me helps ensure that our customers will always experience the original taste of our secret family recipes,” Vitale said. “We are very family-friendly and pride ourselves on our kindness and generosity.”
Janice Vitale and her four children work together to ensure customers always receive quality products. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Giving back and making a difference
Creating connections and memories, celebrating special events with customers, working alongside amazing people, and sponsoring young athletes and students while continuing to grow the Palermo brand is an undertaking that Vitale describes as “rather incredible.”
“Having become a well-respected leader in the Grand Rapids area, I get to share my passion for serving and making a difference in the lives of many,” Vitale said.
Mayor Kent Vanderwood signs the cut ribbon at the Palermo Pizza ceremony. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
That difference comes in many forms, including donating residential air conditioners and helping to fund funerals and cancer treatments. These donations are underwritten by funds donated in exchange for marketing on her pizza box toppers.
But Vitale says she was never alone in her efforts.
“I can’t do what I do without the support of my customers,” Vitale adds.
“I am so proud and privileged to be a staple in this community,” Vitale continued. “It truly is businesses like Marge’s Donut Den, Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, and many others that stitch our community together. It is an honor to support, and be supported, by such an amazing community.”
Rylan and Matthias Granderson handle the left side of the offensive line. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)
By Zach Fanko
WKTV Contributor
The opening kickoff of the season didn’t go according to plan for East Kentwood, as Hartland returned it all the way back for a touchdown putting the Falcons in an early 7-0 hole on Thursday.
Definitely not how EK wanted to start their season, but the team remained focused and poised according to East Kentwood Coach Tony Kimbrough.
“I turned to our sideline and told the team it’s just one score,” Kimbrough said. “When something like that happens you have two options, let it bring you down or have it bring us together.
“To our credit we remained poised and confident in the game plan.”
East Kentwood quarterback Casey Joppie. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)
Senior QB Casey Joppie, in his third season as the starter, led the Falcons right back down the field to even the game at seven apiece.
EK’s defense was stout throughout, allowing just a field goal the rest of the half as the Falcons enjoyed a 28-10 advantage at halftime. Senior LB/RB Stellan Bowman, who previously committed to the University of Ohio, is expected to have a big year after earning All-State honors a season ago.
“He’s a big part of what we do defensively,” Kimbrough said. “His experience and never-ending motor is a huge asset for us.”
With severe weather effecting most of the state on Thursday, the EK-Hartland matchup was not immune to the storms rolling through Michigan as the game was postponed in the third quarter and later declared final in favor of the Falcons 35-10.
“There was a chance to finish the game, but we came to a mutual decision that it was best to call it a game,” Kimbrough said. “Very pleased with our team’s effort to open the season.”
East Kentwood (1-0) will have a stiffer challenge next week as they host Byron Center (1-0) in WKTV’s Game of the Week on Thursday Aug. 31 at 7 p.m.
The Bulldogs downed Battle Creek Central 55-14 in their opener. Byron Center finished the 2022 season at 7-3 and qualified for the state playoffs.
WKTV Friday Night Highlights show is back this week!
Just like we did during basketball season, every Friday we’ll bring you many great high school football clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood area teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute program.
As a bonus, we’ll have a reporter on the field at the Game of the Week to interview coaches and players for the show and occasionally have them come into our studio for a live interview as well.
You won’t want to miss all our great local coverage. Thanks for tuning in!
Video courtesy of Staff Sgt. Drake Chandler, 126th Theater Public Affairs Support Element, DVIDS
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Soldiers disembark at The Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing (Courtesy, Pfc. Erich Holbrook)
U.S. Army Soldiers of the 125th Infantry Regiment and Delta Company (MICO), Michigan National Guard were reunited with family and friends in Lansing and Grand Rapids on Aug. 16.
Soldiers of the Michigan Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment (125IN), including C Company of Wyoming, spent approximately one year deployed to Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) “advises, assists and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Daesh in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks,” according to the CJTF-OIR website.
Soldiers were reunited with family and friends Aug. 16 after a year-long deployment (Courtesy, Pfc. Erich Holbrook)
Though the territory occupied by Daesh has been liberated, Daesh continues to be a “persistent terrorist threat.” CJTF-OIR works continually with partnered forces to ensure defeat of any Daesh remnants.
“I’m very proud of the commitment, service and sacrifice of the Soldiers of the 125 Infantry,” said Col. Matthew M. LeaTrea. “The Soldiers of the 125 Infantry served honorably and with the highest traditions of military service, and their service reflect great credit and pride upon their unit and the Michigan Army National Guard.”
Returning Soldiers also hail from A Company located in Detroit; B and HHC Companies located in Saginaw; D Company located in Big Rapids; D Company, 83rd Brigade Engineering Battalion (MICO) located in Lansing; and H Company, 237th Forward Support Company located in Bay City.
About the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment
Family and friends were waiting to welcome the soldiers home (Courtesy, Sgt. Patrick Mayabb)
Headquartered in Saginaw and with companies located throughout Michigan, the 125IN is commanded by Lt. Col. Justin Bierens, and is a subordinate unit of the 63rd Troop Command located in Belmont and commanded by Col. Matthew LeaTrea.
The 125IN traces its lineage to the 1850s and, among other conflicts, elements have seen service in the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Since the Global War on Terror, Soldiers of the 125IN have been activated and/or deployed in support of several missions, with the most recent being Syria.
At approximately 5:35 a.m. on August 18, the Kentwood Police Department responded to a residence in the 5200 block of Kalamazoo Avenue on a report that a person had been shot.
Upon arrival, officers located a 29-year-old male subject with apparent gunshot wounds. Kentwood Police and Fire units rendered aid, and the individual was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he is being treated. No other persons were reported to be injured.
At this time, there are no suspects in custody, but there does not appear to be any further threat to the public. Kentwood Police Detectives continue to investigate this incident. 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.
Incumbent Maurice H. Groce and candidate Lily Cheng-Schulting have advanced to the Nov. 7 general election for the Kentwood City Commission At-Large Seat.
Groce recieved 2,046 votes (48.11%), while Cheng-Schulting tallied 1,718 (40.40%). JaWhan A. Jackson (President of UAW Local 330) finished third with 479 votes (11.26%).
If a candidate received 50% of the vote, they would have secured the seat during the primary election. The overall turnout was 10.53% (4,267 votes).
Groce has been involved with the City of Kentwood since 2007, and a City Commissioner At-Large since getting appointed in 2018. (See his WKTV We the People video below.)
He is currently the academy liaison officer for the West Michigan Aviation Academy, and previously served as a vice president and branch manager for Mercantile Bank, and a financial planner for Prudential Financial.
Cheng-Schulting is the co-chair of the Kent County Progressive Caucus, vice chair of the Progressive Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party, and Founder and President of Disability A-TEAM of West Michigan. She’s also a Board Member At Large, Michigan Department of Education’s Special Education Advisory Committee. (See her WKTV We the People video below.)
The winner of this non-partisan Kentwood seat will serve a four-year term as commissioner At-Large.
Wyoming Police Department (Courtesy, Deborah Reed, WKTV Staff)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
One person is dead after a crash in the 2500 block of South Division Avenue.
At approximately 12:55 a.m. on August 4, 2023, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to the 2500 block of South Division Avenue SW on a report of a crash involving a vehicle and a bicyclist.
The bicyclist, a 39-year-old female resident of Grand Rapids, was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The female later died at the hospital.
Initial investigation indicates the bicyclist was struck by a southbound vehicle. The driver remained at the scene to speak with investigators. Speed and alcohol are not believed to be a factor in this incident.
The Wyoming Police Accident Investigation and Forensic Science Units are continuing to investigate this crash. Wyoming Police were assisted by officers from the Grand Rapids Police Department.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530- 7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Kentwood and Wyoming celebrated National Night Out on Aug. 1 as police officers, firefighters and leaders joined residents at multiple gatherings throughout the two cities.
An annual event celebrated across the country since 1984, National Night Out seeks to promote community-police partnerships and encourage residents to connect with their neighbors, community leaders and local police and fire personnel.
Many community-based events were hosted throughout the evening and featured a variety of free activities, including food, games and appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog.
Wyoming and Kentwood residents had the opportunity to explore police and fire equipment and learn about a variety of safety topics at several local locations in both cities.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley
“National Night Out is an opportunity for us to continue to build and foster relationships between our residents and City leaders and police and fire personnel,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said.
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said the Department works hard every day to build strong community relationships.
“National Night Out gives us a chance to engage with community members in a more relaxed, casual setting so we can focus on that,” Litwin explained. “This event is a favorite for our department, and we look forward to spending time connecting with the residents we serve.”
Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema
“National Night Out is something staff and our community look forward to each year,” Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema said.
Wyoming Director of Public Safety Kimberly Koster
“Spending time and having fun with residents is important for all of our officers and firefighters as we work to build and strengthen relationships in our community,” said Wyoming Director of Public Safety Kimberly Koster. “National Night Out allows us to connect with residents in a positive and meaningful way.”
