Category Archives: 3-bottom

Annual chili cook-off heats up as weather cools down

September 29, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local History, Recreation, Upcoming EventsBaseball, chili-cook off, Dan Verhil, restoration, Valley FieldJoanne

By D.A. Reed
WKTV Journal Contributor

Aerial view of Sullivan (Valley) Field (Courtesy, Paul Soltysiak)

Even though temperatures are cooling off in West Michigan, competition heats up at the annual Grand Rapids cook-off recently renamed Chili Cook-Off at the Ballpark.

Historic Sullivan (formerly Valley) Field will host Grand Rapids’ annual chili cook-off on Saturday, Oct. 1, with all proceeds benefiting Fans of Valley Field and the organization’s renovation and restoration project of the ballpark.

Saving a historical gem

Called a historical gem of the West Side, Sullivan Field has been actively used often throughout the years, from ball games to concerts and symphony performances, and much more.

Baseball legend Jackie Robinson shakes hands with former Negro League player and Grand Rapids Black Sox manager Ted Rasberry. (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Public Museum Collections)

“It’s fallen into disrepair,” said Dan Verhil, former Cottage Bar owner and Master of Ceremonies for the upcoming chili cook-off. “It needs a lot of TLC (tender loving care) to bring it back.” Verhil said the purpose of the cook-off is to help “raise the funds to restore this classical West Side beauty.”

Cottage Bar had hosted annual fall chili cook-offs since 1981, but “hit pause” in 2018 when Dan and his wife Lisa decided to sell the restaurant. Cottage Bar cook-off proceeds were donated to several different charities, with donations reaching approximately half a million dollars over 36 years.

In an effort to raise funds to renovate Sullivan Field, Fans of Valley Field approached the Verhils in 2021 and asked if Dan and Lisa would be willing to resurrect the chili cook-off if Fans of Valley Field did the legwork.

Passing the torch

“(Lisa and I) met with them, and we liked their sincerity and their integrity and said, ‘Let’s do it!’” said Verhil.

Already having the rules and framework for the cook-off in hand from previous years, Dan and Lisa shared their information with Fans of Valley Field. True to their word, Fans of Valley Field has done the legwork for both the 2021 and 2022 chili cook-offs, allowing Dan and Lisa to simply help guide the cook-off committee.

“Lisa and I are pretty much Master of Ceremonies now,” Verhil said. “Which is great because we can walk around and talk to friends, have fun, and MC the event.”

The first revival of the cook-off occurred in November of 2021 and was a big success even though it was late in the season, and Fans of Valley Field expect a good turnout again this year. The Chili Cook-off of the Ballpark boasts four live bands, 40 cooks—and some unique recipes.

Verhil said that, though all ingredients must be commercially processed for safety reasons, unique ingredients such as rattlesnake have been incorporated into recipes.

Discovering Grand Rapids’ own ‘Field of Dreams’

Learning about Sullivan Field has been enjoyable for Verhil. Though Verhil grew up in Grand Rapids, he lived on the southeast side and admitted that he never attended a game at Valley Field or knew much about the ballpark. When he joined Fans of Valley Field, however, that all changed.

Visitors to last year’s chili cook-off look over memorabilia of Sullivan (Valley) Field. (Courtesy, Paul Soltysiak)

“I researched it and explored the stadium,” said Verhil. “It’s just full of so much history, I became enraptured with the history of the project. It’s like a mini Wrigley Field. It’s really old school, but it’s old school cool.”

Verhil continued, “It was built in 1937 and, over the years, 95 MLB players have come through the system through Valley Field.” Included in that count of MLB players are Kirk Gibson, Al Kaline, Dave Rozema, and Mickey Stanley.

Verhil admitted that there were a lot of facts he did not know before joining Fans of Valley Field, and those facts are widely unknown throughout the Grand Rapids community. The purpose of restoring and revitalizing Sullivan Field is to help people become more aware of the stadium’s presence and all it offers the community.

For years, Valley Field has been used for city league and high school baseball games. “It’s still an active baseball field,” said Verhil. “It’s the home field for Union High School.”

In the past, Valley Field was also the home field for the famous Sullivan’s Furniture amateur baseball teams which won four national titles in the 60s and 70s. Before that, it was home to the Negro Leagues’ Grand Rapids Black Sox in the 40s and 50s.

A love for everything baseball

Howard J. Houghton (1936-2011) of Sheridan, Michigan, played baseball on Valley Field several times in the 60s. His daughter, Betsy Klingensmith of Fenwick, Michigan, said baseball was definitely a passion for her father.

Howard Houghton’s player pass for Valley Field. (Courtesy, Betsy Klingensmith)

“He played in high school and played on several leagues over the years,” Klingensmith said. “He did a lot of coaching while he was still playing. He loved to share his love and knowledge of baseball. We still have people he coached tell us about how much he helped them.”

Houghton not only shared his passion for baseball with people in the community, but with his family as well.

“When my oldest sister was old enough for Little League and came home upset that she couldn’t play baseball, Dad and Mom started a girls’ softball league and ran it for 13 years,” Klingensmith said. “He went back to (coaching) boys so he could coach my brother. He came out of retirement from coaching to coach with my sister for her daughter’s age group a couple of years before he passed.”

Klingensmith herself was only a couple weeks old when she attended her first baseball game.

Sharing their stories

“It’s a classic West Side gem,” said Verhil. “The West Side people are so passionate about this place. Most of the small, locally-owned businesses are all contributing something (to the cook-off). Everyone is so onboard to renovate this stadium because it seems like everybody has a story about Valley Field.”

When asked about his own personal Valley Field story, Verhil responds, “You guys are creating my story.”

To learn more about Chili Cook-Off of the Ballpark, click here: Chili Cook-Off

D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author

Credit card fraud growing; how to protect yourself

September 29, 20223-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, West Michiganbanking, better business bureau, credit card fraud, economyCris Greer

Local law enforcement and the Better Business Bureau share tips on how to recognize credit card scams and how consumers can protect themselves. (Image Courtesy, pxhere.com)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

Since the inception of credit and debit cards, fraud has become more and more widespread.

And with the current culture of communicating and ordering online, scammers are getting creative — and consumers are scrambling to sort fact from fiction in an effort to keep their finances and identities safe.

“Be an informed consumer, that’s the best advice I can give you,” said Troy Baker, education foundation director of the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

As of June 30, 2022, the Federal Trade Commission received nearly 1.1 million consumer reports about fraud nationwide. Of this total number, 214,446 reported using some type of payment method, with 42,545 consumers reporting paying with a credit card for a total loss of $110.4 million. This puts the average consumer loss at $2,595.

Subscription scams

According to Baker, the BBB classifies credit card cons into four categories. The most common are subscription scams cloaked in offers of free trials. Hidden in the fine print of that free trial is the agreement to sign up for a subscription.

Year to date, the Federal Trade Commission reports credit card loss at $110.4 million. (Image Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Baker said consumers think they have been victims of fraud or that their card has been stolen, “but really, you had given them permission by doing this free trial. They hide the agreement in the fine print a couple pages deep on the website, and usually you have a very short window to cancel before that subscription kicks in and you get billed the next month.”

In other words, consumers have approved the use of their credit card without knowing it.

Phishing emails and text messages

Phishing emails and text messages also are popular among scammers, stating a credit card has been opened in the consumer’s name and to click on a link if they did not, in fact, open that card.

“We also see scams where someone is told they have some form of debt outstanding or have a warrant out for them and the caller will demand payment in the form of gift cards,” said Lieutenant Rory Allen, Wyoming Department of Public Safety.

This con plays on the fears of the consumer.

“The consumer thinks maybe I should click on this link to make sure they don’t bill me for something,” Baker explained. “That’s what the scammers want. They want you to feel that confusion and click on the link thinking your taking action to protect yourself when, in reality, the action you are taking is going to harm you.”

Computer repair scams

Both Allen and Baker have seen computer service cons where scammers tell consumers there is something wrong with their computer but the scammer can fix it for them. Once they have the consumer’s credit card number, they disappear.

Fraud reports by payment method, 2022 YTD. (Courtesy, Federal Trade Commission 2022)

Online holiday shopping scams

Baker said another issue is consumers buying items on websites they are not familiar with.

“We especially see this closer to Christmas,” Baker said. “Scrolling through social media, you see the things that really catch your eye and seem like a great deal. So you click buy and put your credit card in, thinking that you’re going to get this great deal, when it turns out the company isn’t real or doesn’t have the track record that you think it does, and they don’t deliver what they promised. But they’ll charge your credit card for it.”

Banks and credit unions have put security measures in place to protect consumers, but scammers still manage to get through.

A local consumer’s personal story

Kelly* (name changed at the source’s request), a Rockford resident, told WKTV that her husband’s card was used to make charges in Louisiana and Arkansas at gas stations and Walmart stores, with the charges anywhere from $40 to $300.

Adding to their confusion was the fact that the charges were happening in different places at the same time.

Kelly happened to see the charges on the credit card statement and called the bank to report them as fraud. The bank shut down the card and refunded their money, but the mental and emotional damage has remained.

“I’m paranoid now and check our bank account and credit card account every day — still all these years later,” Kelly said.

Kelly and her husband still don’t know how the scammers obtained their card number.

Corrections time-consuming

Allen said frustration and anger in the victim is normal.

“It can be a lot of work to correct the issue if a credit/debit card is used in a fraud,” Allen explained. “In addition to the financial burden, it costs victims wasted time correcting the issue, filing reports, etc.”

Another local resident’s account

Stacy* (name changed at the source’s request), a West Michigan resident, said her husband’s credit card was used for seven fraudulent charges totaling approximately $1,200 on Walmart.com back in December 2021 — and the issue wasn’t fully resolved until April 2022.

Stacy and her husband reported the charges as fraud to their bank, who said they would close down the account.

“Then we get a letter in the mail saying that unfortunately the merchant has provided us with proof that you have received said items,” Stacy said.

Stacy asked to see their proof and was provided with FedEx tracking numbers that stated the items ordered had been delivered to her address. The order contained Stacy’s address, her husband’s name, and phone number, but an unknown email for confirmation and delivery status. The email IP address was based in Holland.

“It’s still a mystery,” Stacy continued. “I don’t know the scam; I’d love to know the scam. It made me so mad that someone could do this and stick me with the charges.”

It was April 2022 before the bank finally took the charges off their credit card statements for good.

Allen said fraud can cost citizens thousands of dollars each and cause long-lasting effects on finances and credit scores.

The FTC received 10,926 identity theft reports from Michigan consumers, 2022 YTD. Of this total number, 3,853 reported credit card fraud. (Courtesy, Federal Trade Commission 2022)

How can consumers protect themselves?

“We advise anyone who believes they are a victim of fraud to contact the police as soon as possible to file a report,” Allen said.

“If you believe a credit/debit card is being used by someone else, then contact your bank or credit company as soon as possible to turn the card off to avoid further charges.”

Is it really free?

Baker advises being wary of anything offered for free where the consumer only has to pay shipping and handling.

“There will be a catch,” Baker said. “Usually, it’s a (hidden) subscription.”

Slow down and research

Baker also advises taking your time.

“Before you put your credit card in, before you buy something, make sure you’ve done your research on the company you’re buying from. Take your time before you make that purchase decision. That time is really going to protect you from a lot of these scammers.”

And — even with the amount of credit card fraud out there — Baker said consumers should still use their credit cards and that they are still the safest route for a consumer to go when making purchases.

“While there is certainly a lot of credit card fraud, our advice is to use your credit card when you make these kinds of purchases,” Baker explained. “At least with a credit card, there are some protections for you. You can dispute the charges, you can work with your bank if there is fraud. And in many cases, there is a mechanism to get some or all of your money back.”

To learn more about credit card scams and how you can protect yourself, visit the Better Business Bureau at Better Business Bureau and the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at Wyoming Department of Public Safety

*Name changed at the source’s request.

How one K9 left his mark on Kent County

September 29, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Kent County, Non-ProfitsAxel, K9, K9 Unit, Kent County Sheriff's Department, Krystal StuartJoanne

By Jodi Miesen
WKTV Contributing Writer

Kent County Sheriff Deputations Krystal Stuart with her former K9 partner, Axel. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

It was after a mom approached Kent County Sheriff Officer Krystal Stuart that she knew just how much K9 officer Axel had meant to the community.

Axel died of an undiagnosed heart condition while tracking a suspect in August of 2021. The mother tracked Stuart down in the sheriff department’s parking lot. She told Stuart that her nine-year-old son cried when he saw the news about Axel because he thought of Axel as “their dog.”

“And that just broke my heart because it wasn’t just me that was feeling it,” Stuart said. “It was all these other people that were upset and crying over my dog. You know, and when you have a personal dog, you have your friends and family and people that are sad about it.

“But on such a large scale. I could never have thought that that would have ever happened, that he touched so many lives.”

Not a match made in heaven

Because of her love for animals, Stuart was intrigued by the Kent County K9 Unit and joined in 2019. She had no idea what that was going to entail.

One of Deputy Krystal Stuart’s favorite photos of Axel. (Courtesy, Deputy Krystal Stuart)

Then came the 63-pound German Shepard named Axel. He was just 16-months-old at the time and what many would call a second-time handler dog, not one that a first-time handler such as Stuart should have been assigned. Axel was to be the first explosive detection dog for the Kent County Sheriff’s Department.

However the handler and the K9’s relationship was a rollercoaster from the start.

“The beginning was horrible,” she said. “I had not picked Axel. Axel was actually my third pick. I passed him up because he came into the testing site just digging his claws into the dirt and letting out this Banshee cry…I was like, ‘Wow, I don’t want to deal with that. I’m not gonna. I don’t have the patience to deal with that dog’. So, I passed him up.”

But in the end, Axel became her dog. She was stuck with him. Now came the part of figuring out how to work with each other.

Building the team

“He was a very dominant dog, a very aggressive dog,” she said. “We had to figure out how to respect each other. It wasn’t going to be me ruling over him or him ruling over me. We had to have this mutual respect and I didn’t know how to do that in the beginning. So, him and I battled for the first six months.”

Working dogs such as Axel come with a high drive which is necessary for police work. That drive also comes with its own set of challenges.

“We want dogs that are not going to give up,” she said. “Dogs that are going to continue working until basically we tell them to stop, or they are forced to ‘stop.’

“These dogs are constantly doing something. So, when they’re not working, they can get naughty, because they just want to be working.”

‘Not what I signed up for’

By December of 2019, things got so bad Stuart began questioning if she wanted to continue as a handler. She had experience with dogs, grew up with them and even had two at home before she added Axel to the mix. She also had a husband and two small children, ages 2 and 5, at the time.

“It was just a lot on my family,” she recalled. “It was a lot on me because he wasn’t a good house dog. He didn’t use too much energy to be around the kids. He didn’t get along with my husband very well. And I was like, ‘Yeah, this is not what I really thought I was signing up for.’”

Stuart said the two were living and working together, 24 -7. They were always together. Unlike with a regular partner, who gets to go home at the end of the day, they never got a break from each other. What made things worse is Axel identified Stuart with the job. He always wanted to be working and he didn’t know how to turn it off.

“We have some dogs on our team that when they come home, they can just be couch potatoes and just lay down and relax,” she said. “Axel was not one of those dogs. Because when he saw me, he was like, ‘What are we doing?’, and he was always on it. And I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, we are literally just going outside to go to the bathroom, like just calm down.’”

The turning point

But December also was a turning point as Stuart got some help from trained professionals.

“I talked to a trainer and it was kind of like a come to Jesus moment,” she said. “They really helped me understand how to work with a dog like that in a way that I understood. And once I started applying the things that he had taught me; had told me about. We started building from there.”

By the time Axel passed away, Stuart said the pair were coming together and neither had to think about what the other was doing. They were working as a team. Stuart acknowledged that Axel still tested her patience, but things weren’t as hard anymore.

He did what he loved

It was in August of 2021, while working the first call of an overtime shift, things went bad very quickly. Stuart and Axel had responded to a call in Sparta about a possible home invasion. The suspect had fled the scene and Axel with Stuart began to track.

“It was very hot out that day,” she said. “We found one shoe. So, I knew we were on it. I don’t know, a couple 100 yards and we found the other shoe and I’m like we’re still on it. (The suspect is) stripping clothes, you know, either losing them in the thick brush or just stripping down.”

The team made it to an open area of a lawn and Stuart could tell that Axel was hot. She got water from some people in the area. Recognizing that they were closing in on the suspect and knowing another dog was on its way to relieve Axel because of the heat, Stuart said she felt OK wrapping up the track. They were eight minutes into it.

“After he got water, he jumped back up and start tracking again,” Stuart said. “And I was like, ‘Hey’ I’m like, ‘We’re done.’ So, we had to get out to the field.He picked up the track again and started tracking up the field. And I was like, ‘Dude, we’re done like stop.’ So, I yelled at him and was like, ‘stop!’

“But these are those dogs. They want to finish the game and they want to keep working. So, after I told him to stop, he collapsed.”

An undiagnosed condition found to be the cause

Stuart didn’t know what had happened until a necropsy, an animal autopsy, was performed. She was later told he died of an undiagnosed heart condition. Axel was three-years-old and weighed 96 pounds when he died. He had grown into a strong, muscular, powerful German Shepard.

There was nothing that could have done to prevent it. Stuart said it was explained to her that it was similar to when an athlete dies unexpectedly after vigorous activity. In the end, Axel died doing what he loved.

Stuart says she took his passing hard. He was more than a pet. Axel was such a big part of her life and for that reason, there were no breaks from the grief.

“I was at home and then I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I feel him here. I want to go to work.’” she said. “And then I have an empty cruiser…I couldn’t get away from it.

“And so that was one of the hardest things I think I had to deal with.”

An outpouring of love from the community

Axel was connected to the community. Every morning in the field he could have been seen doing obedience training or just playing ball. A week before Axel’s death, Stuart was working as a school resource officer for the Cedar Springs School District for the district’s first week of school.

Kent County Sheriff Deputy Krystal Stuart stands with artist Kathie Van Hekken next to a portrait Van Hekken drew of former K9 officer Axel. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

Because of Axel’s connection to the community and being part of the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, the toughest part for her children was that Axel’s death was so publicized.

“When our personal dog passed away, it was hard because that was their dog,” she said. “But then when Axel passed away, everybody in the community knew. And so, teachers, principals, friends were all coming up to them.”

That outpouring included a Rockford artist, Kathie Van Hekken, who offered to create a 44- by 44- color pencil drawing of Axel, which is on display at this year’s ArtPrize at First (Park) Congregational Church, 10 E. Place Pl. NE. Part of the exhibit includes educating the public about the Kent County Sheriff’s Department’s K9 Unit, which is donation based.

A little about working dogs

There are currently 10 K9s covering all of Kent County for the sheriff’s department. Stuart said the department relies on the K9 Unit to make situations less dangerous and more hands on for officers. They can detect explosives, track suspects, secure buildings, or be used as a compliance tool with Stuart adding some people are more likely to comply when you get a dog out and they start barking.

“And it helps officers in different situations as well, especially with people who are trying to run or fight, you know, our deputies,” she said. “So they do a lot in the community. And I think with Axel passing, we really saw how much the people in the community recognize that.”

The new partner: Meet Kai

Stuart decided to stay on with the K9 Unit and this May a German Shepherd Belgian Malians, weighing in at 20 pounds less than Axel, named Kai became her new K9 partner. She started training Kai in July and he has been on the road with her since the beginning of August.

“He has more energy than Axel, which I didn’t think was possible, because Axel was crazy!,” Stuart said. “This dog is just as crazy! And both of them are bulls in a China shop.”

There is also a bit of resemblance.

“We just took pictures for our calendar fundraiser that we’re doing for 2023,” Stuart said. “I have a picture of Axel in the background and I have Kai on a table and they look oddly familiar, like similar. If you didn’t know, you would think it was almost the same dog,” then quickly adding, “Kai, he is his own dog.”

Axel left his mark, helping her to be a better handler for Kai, whose is progressing in his training. It usually takes about two years of training before a dog like Axel or Kai are solid work dogs.

“He set me up for success with my new dog,” Stuart said of Axel. “He taught me patience, how dogs tick. How they work. What to let them get away with and what not to let them get away with. He taught me all that and so I wouldn’t be the handler I am today without the experiences that I went through with Axel.”

Axel may not have been the dog Stuart wanted but he ended up being the dog that left his mark on the heart of his community as well as his handler.

Tribute to K9 officer part of this year’s ArtPrize

September 29, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Pets/Animals, West MichiganArtPrize, K9, Kent County, tributeJoanne

By Jodi Miesen
WKTV Contributing Writer

Artist Kathie Van Hekken and Kent County Sheriff Officer Krystal Stuart shown with the portrait of Axel created by Van Hekken. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

When Rockford resident Kathie Van Hekken learned about the death of Kent County Sheriff K9 officer Axel, it spurred her into action.

“I saw it on TV the day he died,” said the 76-year-old artist of Axel, who died from an undiagnosed heart condition while tracking a suspect in August of 2021. “And I love dogs. I love pets. I know I have the skill to draw them…And I thought you know what? I could take something so sad and I can do some good with this.”

Her something good was the creation of a 44- by 44-inch color pencil portrait of Axel that is currently part of the 2022 ArtPrize exhibit. The piece hangs at the First (Park) Congregational Church, 10 E. Park Place NE.

A late bloomer in art

Van Hekken discovered her passion for art later in life, after stumbling upon it about seven years ago. Her mother was an artist who dabbled in oil paintings. Van Hekken had inherited her mother’s art supplies when she passed away in 2005, but it wasn’t until years into her retirement that Van Hekken finally got them out.

Artist Kathie Van Hekken admits her passion for art started several years after she retired as an engineer. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

“I went to one of those wine and women kind of things,” she said. “I took my paintings and I showed them to the teacher, and I asked if he could teach me what I was missing. And that’s when I started learning.”

She shared her desire to be “good enough” someday to be an ArtPrize artist and with encouragement from that teacher it happened in 2015 when Van Hekken entered her hand drawn, nine feet tall sunflowers.

Making a connection

Through a mutual acquaintance, Van Hekken reached out to Axel’s handler, Kent County Sheriff Officer Krystal Stuart about getting permission to create the piece.

“She told me how big it was going to be and I was like, ‘What?’” Stuart said. “Like, I didn’t even know that was possible, especially for like color pencil, like a drawing, you know. I was like, ‘How is this even going to be a thing?’”

Van Hekken admitted once she got Stuart’s permission, the project was a little nerve wracking as she wanted to do “a really good job.” Stuart was with her every step of the way, coming over regularly to see the piece as it progressed in its various stages and to let Van Hekken know she was heading in the right direction.

“The first conversation we had, we talked,” Van Hekken said. “She told me stories. I’ve learned that I have to know what I’m drawing. If I have an emotional attachment, it will come out. You know, when people say that I captured Axel, that’s because she made sure I knew Axel, even though I had never met him.

‘Hi, Axel’

Through this process and utilizing one of Stuart’s favorite pictures of Axel, slowly he emerged through the drawing.

The portrait of Axel that artist Katie Van Hekken used for her piece. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

“I think I had his ears and a little bit of his face,” she said. “And I had sketched in his mouth and I could see him for the first time for me, other than a photograph. And it was like, ‘Hi Axel.’ And I cried for him. It was just really emotional. It still is.”

It took Van Hekken about seven months to complete the massive art piece and as soon as it was, the first person she had to see it was Stuart.

“She was quiet,” Van Hekken said. “She just stood quietly and looked at it. It was very, very touching.”

And for Van Hekken, Stuart’s reaction was payment enough.

“She did a phenomenal job capturing his essence,” Stuart said. “He had that, like I say, twinkle in his eye, which sounds so cliché, but he really did when he was not in work mode. He had this goofy, like ‘I’m a big doofus look in his eye.’ And then when he was working, it just went black.”

Celebrating Kent County Sheriff’s K9 unit

Van Hekken said she chose Axel not only to honor him, but to raise awareness and money for the donation-based K9 Unit. Currently, there are 10 Kent County Sheriff K9s covering most of the county. The animals are trained to detect explosives, track suspects, secure buildings, or may be used as a compliance tool. Axel was the department’s first explosive detection dog.

Van Hekken said she had cards made with Axel’s portrait on them that she handed out when people visit her exhibit. The cards include a QR code to make a donation directly to the Kent County K9 Unit.

“She wanted to tell Axel’s story,” Stuart said. “She wanted to explain what the process was of getting Axel, what happened to Axel, the work that we put in and how much these K-9s actually do for our community.

“Because it’s not just having them and showing off and whatnot. I mean, they find missing children, they find vulnerable adults, suspects in places that we won’t. They protect our officers in different everyday situations.”

Sharing with the community who loved him

After ArtPrize, VanHekken will give the piece to Stuart, who hopes to donate it to the Kent County Sheriff’s Department. Stuart said she wants to share Axel with the community since he was “everybody’s dog.” Stuart is hoping to get approval to have it installed in the new North substation, which is scheduled to open in 2023 in Cedar Springs. Stuart said the location is fitting since northern Kent County was their home base “and those are the residents that had seen him the most.”

Van Hekken said she’s proud to be a part of the project. For her, it was a labor of love.

“I never entered ArtPrize thinking I would win, she said. “I just wanted to do something good. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to call attention to the K9 Unit and Axel.”

And with a satisfied smile adding. “I’m already the winner.”

Kentwood Police Department to host recruitment event Oct. 13

September 28, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, West MichiganCity of Kentwood, Kentwood Police, Kentwood Police DepartmentCris Greer

Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE. (Courtesy, City of Kenwood)

By WKTV Staff

The Kentwood Police Department is inviting individuals who are interested in a career in law enforcement to attend its recruitment event on Thursday, Oct. 13.

The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. and include two one-hour sessions at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about KPD’s sponsored police recruit position and other employment opportunities, connect with current officers, tour the department and more.

Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

The informational sessions will be held at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., beginning with an overview about working for the department. Attendees only need to attend one of the sessions, which will cover the same information. Tours, networking and opportunities to learn more about specialized units at KPD will follow. Refreshments also will be provided.

“As a midsized police department, we provide both a family-like atmosphere and ample opportunities for growth,” Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said. “We’re seeking passionate, community-driven individuals to join our team. We look forward to connecting with potential recruits at this event and showcasing the great culture we have at Kentwood.”

The event will feature information about all department employment opportunities, with a special focus on the sponsored police recruit position. Selected police recruit applicants will receive a full scholarship from KPD to attend the Grand Valley State University Police Academy or another approved police training program in spring 2023.

In addition to the police academy sponsorship, recruits also receive competitive pay throughout the academy, comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, a 9 percent employer retirement plan contribution and continuing education and training. Individuals who successfully complete the academy and other required certifications and training will be sworn in as patrol officers with the Kentwood Police Department. No prior law enforcement experience is necessary to apply for this position.

“Our recruit position provides a path for individuals to become full-time Kentwood police officers with a full sponsorship to a local police academy,” Litwin explained. “This position has been an important part of our efforts to recruit both traditional and non-traditional students and to hire individuals who are representative of Kentwood’s diverse community.”

No pre-registration is required for KPD’s recruitment event and no prior law enforcement experience is necessary to attend. Attendees should plan to bring something to take notes with.

Individuals who are interested in working for KPD but cannot attend the event can receive more information by contacting Recruitment Officer Ryan Smith at smithr@kentwood.us. More information about the event can be found at kentwood.us/KPD2022. To find current job openings at the Kentwood Police Department and apply, visit kentwood.us/employment.

Kentwood Glow in the Park features Fun Run, Costume Party, and much more on Oct. 15

September 26, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, West MichiganCity of Kentwood, Halloween West Michigan, Kentwood Parks and Recreation DepartmentCris Greer

Be sure to check out Kentwood’s Glow in the Park event held on Oct. 15. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

Community members are invited to brighten the night with the City of Kentwood’s Glow in the Park event from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15.

Kentwood’s Glow in the Park 2021. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Taking place at Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE, the event features a variety of glow-themed activities, including light-up playground games, a dance party, costume contest, fun run/walk, food, and more.

Participants and supporters are encouraged to wear brightly colored and glow-in-the-dark clothes and accessories.

“We’re excited to get the community together and get our glow on at this special fall event,” said Shelby Henshaw, recreation program coordinator. “With an abundance of glow-in-the-dark materials and activities, it’s sure to be a fun night for everyone.”

Glow in the Park kicks off with check-in at 7 p.m. The lighthearted race will start at 7:30 p.m. Participants can choose either a 0.3- or 1-mile run/walk along a park path that will be lit with glow sticks and other colorful lights. There also will be a costume contest at 8:30 p.m.

Light-up playground games and crafts, music and snacks will be available throughout the event. The fun run will be followed by an after party with dancing. The evening will conclude at 9 p.m.

Two levels of registration are available online at kentwood.us/GlowInThePark. For entry to the event and glow supplies, registration costs $5. For individuals who also want an event T-shirt, registration costs $20 and includes a goody bag with glow materials. Participants selecting the $20 option should register by Sept. 30 to guarantee an event T-shirt.

How to avoid falls while staying active when aging

September 26, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, HealthJoanne

By Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

September 18-24 was Falls Prevention Week, a nationwide effort to raise awareness that falls are preventable. As we get older the chance of our suffering a fall increases, in fact according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA) 1 in 4 Americans aged 65+ falls each year.

To help with walking, find a good balance and exercise program. (pxhere.com)

Relying on your body to catch you and keep you steady, and then losing this ability, can be a serious downfall to your mobility and morale. Sometimes the fear of falling can be such an all-consuming worry that you may start retreating from doing the things you used to love. However, just because you are noticing a drop in your confidence, movement levels, and strength, does not mean that you can’t improve upon these things and live a fulfilling life. The key to fall prevention is that because we know which factors contribute to falls we can work to prevent them. The National Council on Aging recommends a number of steps you can take to prevent a fall and build your confidence along the way!

Exercise is the key

The first is to find a good balance and exercise program. This is vital because building up your body’s flexibility, strength, and balance enables you to avoid falling in the first place, and if you do happen to fall, you’ll have the ability to get up safely. The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) offers a variety of evidence-based falls prevention classes through its Healthy Aging partner programs such as A Matter of Balance and EnhanceFitness. There are a number of evidenced-based programs available throughout West Michigan, and you can learn more by calling AAAWM at 616-456-5664 or visiting www.aaawm.org. YouTube can also be a great online resource for finding free at-home exercise classes at a level that is best for you.

Advice from the expert

Talking to your health care provider is the second step to fall prevention. It is helpful to go over your medical history and if you’ve experienced falls in the past. Your provider also has the ability to assess your risk level for a fall and what can be addressed to lower this risk. The third measure you can take to prevent a fall can also be done with your doctor, and this is to regularly review your medications. Some medication’s side effects can increase your risk of falling, and of course, you should take medications only as they are prescribed by your doctor. Step four of fall prevention is to get your vision and hearing checked annually. Proper sight can help you avoid trip hazards and obstacles, and abnormalities in your inner ear can also negatively impact your balance. Treat your health as a top priority to fall prevention and check in with your doctor on these three steps to ensure your well-being.

It all starts at home

The fifth step that NCOA recommends to avoid a fall is to keep your home safe by removing hazards that are commonly overlooked, but easy to fix. A few things to look for: Do you have a clear pathway through your rooms? Look for rugs, cords and wires, and bulky furniture that may be in your way. Assess your stairs; if steps are uneven or broken this can cause you to fall, and make sure that your stairway is well-lit and has a handrail.

In the kitchen, it is best if items are not on kept high shelves, and that your step stool is sturdy if you must use it. In your bedroom, you should have a light close to the bed within easy reach, as well as a well-lit path to the bathroom. Lastly, your bathroom should have some sort of support for you to rely on when using the toilet and bathtub, and if you have a slippery shower floor, add a non-slip rubber mat.

Systems and programs that can help

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) can also bring peace of mind to individuals and can be a vital line of support. A PERS program often provides a cellular in-home unit in the form of either a necklace or wristband that can call dispatch at the press of a button. Users have the freedom to set who they would like to receive the emergency notification from dispatch to send help, whether family, friend, neighbor, or ambulance. Currently PERS are available in the region, you can call AAAWM at 616-456-5664 to learn more. All are helpful things to keep your home safe.

A little help from your friends

The last step in fall prevention is to enlist the help of your family and friends. Let them know that you are worried about falling and would appreciate their help in making your home a safe space. They can provide an extra set of eyes and hands to rid your house of obstacles. They are also likely to help you navigate talking to your doctor, checking your vision and hearing, and reviewing your medications. Having their help will make the process less overwhelming for you. Often those around you are eager and willing to help, you just need to ask.

These six steps come together to help you avoid falls, so you can continue to do the things that you love. Getting older doesn’t mean a loss of independence; it simply means adapting your environment to best fit your needs so that you can flourish. Be sure to use the resources around you; from your doctor to a family member or friend, to help you take these preventative measures.

Mobile device parts supplier moves near Kentwood, Ford Airport

September 23, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local Business, Tech TrendsJoanne

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Thursday afternoon, Mobile Defenders and eduPARTS held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their new building near Kentwood. (Courtesy, Mobile Defenders)

Thursday afternoon, Mobile Defenders and eduPARTS held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their new building near Kentwood. Mobile Defenders, which provides wholesale cell phone replacement parts around the world, and eduPARTS, which offers Chromebook and iPad parts for school districts, students and businesses, moved into the location this summer to handle growing demand and growing staffs.

The 89,430-square-foot structure was built by Veneklasen Construction and is located at 6155 East Paris Ave. SE, near M-6 and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Mobile Defenders and eduPARTS share ownership and employ more than 50 people total. Those employees were joined by leadership from both companies, Veneklasen Construction and representatives of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce at the ribbon cutting. Company ownership says the new space is perfect to allow them to serve their customers quickly and successfully.

“Having this new home allows our teams to efficiently and effectively work together to quickly meet our customers’ needs,” said Erich Baum, vice president of Mobile Defenders. “In our industry, speed is everything and our new location close to the airport allows us to have a workspace that people enjoy and get products out the door quickly.”

The building includes both office and warehouse space. The office space is setup to facilitate teamwork while having easy access to leadership. The workspace includes sound-masking artwork that hangs from the ceiling. There is also a modern, spacious break room and electric car chargers in the parking lot for employees and customers to use.

The new 89-430-square-foot building includes office space and a warehouse (pictured above.) )Courtesy, Mobile Defenders)

“It’s been exciting to work with Mobile Defenders on a building that gives them exactly what they need both now and in the future,” said Julie Byrne, president of Veneklasen Construction. “Our team was able to remain flexible during the construction timeline which allowed us to complete the work in a timely manner of a building we’re very proud of.”

“Serving schools and businesses locally and nationwide is our core focus at eduPARTS. This new facility has provided us with space to expand our warehouse to better provide them with the Chromebook and iPad repair parts they need. Since moving, I’ve seen an improvement in efficiency, enthusiasm, and teamwork, ” said Cole Manning, managing director of eduPARTS.

Construction on the $7.5 million project began in summer 2021. Mobile Defenders and eduPARTS currently occupy more than half of the space, with other tenants scheduled to move in later this year.

More Michigan communities strive to become age-friendly

September 23, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Senior LivingAARP, age-friendly, Grand Rapids, World Health Organization, WyomingJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
Janelle James
Capital News Service

Some Michigan communities are trying to accommodate aging residents – and it’s not just the gray-haired population that benefits, advocates say.

Age-friendly communities allow seniors to be independent and continue to do things they love such as shopping. (pxhere.com)

More than 18% of the state’s population is 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census. It ranks 14th among the states for the largest population of people over 65.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in June approved a plan to make the state age-friendly.

It focuses on communication and information, respect and social inclusion, health services and community support, social participation and transportation.

That comes after announcing an initiative in 2019 with the AARP and the World Health Organization to make Michigan an age-friendly state.

Building an age-friendly community

An age-friendly community is a place where people of all ages can live comfortably, according to AARP, a nonprofit organization that advocates for Americans who are 50 or older.

Since then, nine cities have come up with an age-friendly community plan.

Auburn Hills was the first in Michigan to join a national network of such communities in 2013. It was followed by Highland Park and Lansing in 2015; East Lansing and Southfield in 2017; Grand Rapids in 2018 and Royal Oak and Jackson in 2019. Oak Park joined just this year.

Age-friendly communities allow seniors to be independent and continue to do things that they love, like going to the grocery store and visiting their grandchildren within their community, said Paula Cunningham, the state director for AARP Michigan.

They offer benefits to others, too, Cunningham said. For instance, longer crosswalk times help seniors with walkers, but also help those using wheelchairs and parents pushing strollers, she said.

Grand Rapids focuses on making information available

The City of Grand Rapids started working on its age-friendly community plan in 2016, according to Jay Steffen, assistant planning director for the City of Grand Rapids. After meeting with more than 500 area seniors, hosting several meetings, and talking to leaders in the community, the city’s efforts culminated into The Grand Rapids Age-Friendly Action Plan that is focused on four areas: communications, housing, outdoor spaces, and transportation.

The accessible walking trails is one the amenities that makes the City of Grand Rapids’ Mackay-Jayvee Park an age-friendly park. (Courtesy, City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation)

Through the communication program, the city established a webpage designed to provide information on the four main topics along with connecting residents to services such as United Way’s 211, Network 180, and Senior Neighbors.

“It has been an interesting and challenging process because of the pandemic,” Steffen noted. “We do feel that the more readership we have along with working with the many other agencies that we are doing a fairly good job at getting the word out.”

The city’s parks and recreation department has contributed to the site by providing a list of 28 parks that are the most age-friendly based on a number of amenities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, parking, accessibility to walking paths, and seating.

Steffen said the city also has reached out to Senior Perspectives magazine, which focuses on providing information for seniors, to have the publication available in Grand Rapids.

City of Wyoming discusses age-friendly in master plan

While the City of Wyoming has not formally adopted an age-friendly community plan, its new [re]imagine master plan, does recognize that the city has experienced a “significant increase in the proportion of older adults aged 65 years and up…”

Under the Traditional Residential section of the plan’s Land Use recommendations, the master plan encourages expanding housing options for older adults seeking to age-in-place.

By providing such options, it makes it easier for a family to provide daily care to aging members as the family can moved closer to that member or have the member move closer to the family, said Nicole Hofert, the city’s director of planning and economic development.

What they are doing on the other side of the state

East Lansing community leaders strive to make the city accessible to young and old, said Thomas Fehrenbach, the director of planning, building and development for the city.

“Throughout the plan, we are very intentional on addressing not just seniors but people of all ages and all abilities,” said Fehrenbach, a member of East Lansing’s Age-friendly Community Committee.

The city’s plan focuses on housing, transportation, communications/information, social participation, respect and social inclusion, community support and health services, outdoor spaces and buildings, civic participation and employment. It was approved by the AARP in 2020.

The community plan for Southfield is similar.

The city has already achieved many goals, like placing more benches at bus stops and across the city, said Kendall Murphy, the immediate past chair of Southfield’s Commission on Senior Adults.

“With the rapid aging of baby boomers, we needed to make sure that we were prepared for that population to start being retired,” Murphy said. “We wanted to make sure that people were supported as they are aging. ”

Michigan was the first state in the Midwest and fifth in the country to join the network of age-friendly communities.

Janelle James is a sophomore at Michigan State University. She is pursing a double major in journalism and political science. James aspires to one day secure a position as an investigative journalist, white house correspondent, or politician. She is the state government reporter at The State News and has an internship with HOMTV, the government access channel for meridian Township. At HOMTV, James anchors live new shows, conducts interviews and covers local government.

How to get inspired by visiting this year’s ArtPrize

September 23, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Going Local, Recreation, Upcoming Events2022, ArtPrize, Blue Bridge, Gerald R. Ford President Museum, Grand Rapids, VeteransJoanne

Artwork submitted to the “Voices” project (WKTV/D.A. Reeds)
“Dreams” is the piece artists Pamela Aldern and Michael Hyacinthe submitted. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
A close-up of the ribbon wall in the “Voices” exhibit. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“Dreams” by Pamela Alderman and Michael Hyacinthe (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributing Writer

From aesthetics, to healing, to raising awareness of important global issues, ArtPrize 2022 offers something for everyone.

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

“It’s well known that (people) can create a piece of art and…speak through the art, tell the story, tell the emotion, tell the journey through the art. That can be a very healing thing,” Pamela Alderman, artist and 12-year ArtPrize participant, told WKTV.

Since its inception in 2009, the international art competition ArtPrize has drawn millions of people to Grand Rapids and sparked endless conversations about art and why it matters.

Through Oct. 2, visitors have a chance to experience art in ways they never have before. During the 18-day event, art is exhibited throughout Grand Rapids, from public parks and museums, to galleries and vacant storefronts, to inside bars and on bridges.

Taking a stroll to see what can be seen

This particular reporter spent an enjoyable afternoon scouring the streets and venues of downtown Grand Rapids for art and found much more than was expected.

During her walk, the tutor meet Desert Storm veteran Aaron Ball who is showing his piece at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

In a city already immersed in art, with performance halls, event arenas, and ground-to-rooftop murals decorating several outside walls of businesses and apartment buildings, ArtPrize enhances what Grand Rapids already has to offer.

As I walked from one end of the city to the other, gazing at incredible displays of art of every genre imaginable, I also tuned in to the people. Excitement dominated each venue and exhibit, with art enthusiasts alternating between intensity as they studied the exhibits and displays to gasps of amazement and delight. ArtPrize visitors ranged from young to old, and sported school groups, guests tightly clutching maps while trying to find their way, and others who were clearly natives to the area, striding with confidence and purpose.

But visitors are not the only ones to gain something from ArtPrize.

Using art to give people a ‘voice’

Veterans, led by artist and veteran wife Alderman, and veteran and entrepreneur Michael Hyacinthe, have found healing through art and community.

“Sometimes, when people are traumatized, they can’t put that trauma into words,” Alderman said, “but they can help work through that trauma through an art experience or creative opportunity.” Alderman went on to explain how stress is stored in the mind, but creative outlets can help release that stress.

“Art may not heal the whole person, but it certainly is instrumental in helping to begin that healing journey, or help to continue that healing journey,” said Alderman.

This collection of art by veterans can be found at Veterans Memorial Park and is titled Voices. Partnered with Kent County Veterans Services, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, and Hyacinthe’s non-profit Has Heart, Alderman and Hyacinthe’s Voices project is raising awareness for veterans while simultaneously providing a pathway to healing and creating a place for veterans to experience hope.

But Alderman and Hyacinthe wanted to do more. “We wanted to inspire dreams, to inspire kids to keep dreaming, keep thinking big, keep reaching for the stars,” Alderman said.

Inspiration knows no age

While venue curators of Voices, Alderman and Hyacinthe also entered ArtPrize as contestants. Their exhibit, Dreams, allowed children to send in drawings that the artists then turned into a large mural.

“The way children communicate also inspires adults. They’re so vulnerable, so honest, and so innocent that they also end up inspiring adults,” said Alderman.

It inspired this reporter. Veterans Memorial Park was my first stop, and I was not disappointed. Among the opportunity to view breathtaking artwork, I was able to meet and chat with Desert Storm veteran Aaron Bull, and also write a note on a yellow ribbon and tie it to a wall with hundreds of others that would later be distributed in care packages to active-duty soldiers.

Animals, quilts and more

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum hosts artist and mother Luba Sordyl, creator of Help Us. Sordyl created the acrylic painting containing 17 intertwined animals after learning about how chemicals in the water impacted the health of animals and the environment in general. She hopes to raise awareness about this important environmental issue with her artwork.

“United We Stand” by Andrew Lee at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

Also displayed at the museum were handmade quilts titled Shock and Awe & United We Stand by veteran Andrew Lee. In visiting with viewers, Lee said that he created quilts as a way to heal after his two deployments to Iraq. Each quilt is made up of hundreds of individually cut squares of fabric and then given away to veterans once completed.

All ages will find something to enjoy at ArtPrize, with several interactive exhibits that delight both adults and children. Among these are scavenger hunts, mailbox cubbies ready for exploration, large, chunky animal sculptures with colorful bodies called Chunkos, a 12-foot fort, and a display where visitors can write and share their dreams.

To learn more about ArtPrize and find tips to make the most of your visit, click here: ArtPrize 2022.

Michigan seniors want more in-home care, but funding is needed

September 22, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Hard News, Senior Living, Volunteers, West MichiganAARP, funding, in-home, Meals on Wheels, needed, seniorsJoanne

By Sarah Atwood
Capital News Service

Many seniors want to “age in place” with help from family and/or friends. (pxhere.com)

LANSING – Funding for in-home care and other state senior services is not increasing proportionally to the number of seniors in Michigan, according to Melissa Seifert, the associate state director of AARP Michigan.

“Michigan is one of the most rapidly aging states in the nation,” Seifert said. “But we’re also one of the worst states when it comes to adequately addressing the needs of our senior population.

“A large amount of taxpayer dollars go to nursing homes, but not enough go to at-home care,” she said.

Many seniors have a desire to stay at home

Most senior citizens want to “age in place,” staying at home and being cared for by family or friends, said Seifert, whose organization provides seniors with information and services. But that is impossible for most people with current funding.

The one-time federal funding under the American Rescue Plan Act offers the opportunity to better care for the state’s elderly population, she said.

Though the money is an important step, Seifert said ongoing support is needed. The goal is to bring about structural changes in at-home care funding that will make a positive difference without creating additional financial obligations for taxpayers, she said.

A growing senior population

The two most pressing issues for seniors are unnecessary institutionalization and overcrowded senior care facilities, Seifert said.

These problems are likely to get worse as more people get older and are no longer able to care for themselves the way they used to, advocates say.

The proportion of Michigan seniors is expected to reach 22% by 2050, said Cathleen Simlar, the communications manager for AARP Michigan. And the proportion of people 85 and older in Michigan is expected to reach 4.8% by the same year.

“We are incredibly unprepared for the amount of people who will be needing senior services in the coming years,” said Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, who is a member of the House Committee for Families, Children and Seniors.

The need for more funding

“We’ll need more funding for them, especially for their health care. Although there are options to help people with paying for health care, it should be expanded,” Pohutsky said.

Seifert agrees. “Not only is there a lack of government funding in health care, but there’s a shortage of direct care workers to serve those who want to stay at home,” she said.

Michigan needs 34,000 more home caregivers than the 165,000 it has, Seifert said. But “noncompetitive pay, low job satisfaction, unpredictable schedules and the absence of benefits” make it difficult to attract and retain them.

That turnover costs Michigan $684 million per year, she said.

Coming up with creative solutions

Services provided by the Tri-County Office on Aging have been strained during and after the COVID-19 pandemic as more people are choosing to age at home rather than move into a senior care facility, said Casey Cooper, the community engagement and fundraising director for the agency serving Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties.

“For example, we do a Meals on Wheels program for our seniors and community members with disabilities,” Cooper said.

“Our services were definitely strained during the pandemic, and we had to get creative in order to serve everyone. Although qualifications for who could request our services were expanded, funding was not,” Cooper said.

There was not enough funding for one hot meal a day for everyone, she said. So, instead, seven frozen meals were delivered once a week. Now, the program has gone back to one hot meal a day, but people can still request frozen meals.

More creative solutions will be needed as the population of Michigan’s seniors grows, Cooper said.

There is a need for volunteers as well

“Right now, we have a shortage of funding and volunteers,” she said. “If funding is not increased along with the increase of seniors, people will not be able to access all of the services we would be able to provide them.”

Seifert said the coronavirus pandemic highlighted many holes in services for seniors.

“These issues were overlooked before and, hopefully now, increased funding and resources will be allotted to us and allow us to serve our senior communities how they want to be served,” she said.

Sarah is a junior at Michigan State University double majoring in Social Relations & Policy and Journalism. She is interested in writing about how politics affects local communities and making information accessible for everyone. In her free time, she likes boxing, yoga, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog.

Kentwood offers fall leaf and brush drop-off to residents starting Oct. 15

September 21, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Environment, West MichiganCity of Kentwood, Kentwood Department of Public Works, Yard WasteCris Greer

Leaf and brush drop-off services will again be available to Kentwood residents this fall. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

The City of Kentwood will again offer leaf and brush drop-off services to residents this fall.

Beginning on Saturday, Oct. 15, residents may drop off loose leaves, brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs and grass clippings at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE.

Drop-off will be available from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 3. The sites will be closed Friday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day, as well as Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25 for Thanksgiving.

The services are available to Kentwood residents only, and proof of residency is required, via a a driver’s license, tax bill or water bill.

The following materials won’t be accepted

trash
paper and plastic bags
dirt
concrete
asphalt
tires
rocks
stones
construction materials
glass
metal

The drop-off services provide residents with a convenient way to keep their yards clear of leaves and debris as leaves begin to fall. The accumulation of leaves and debris on a property or in the right-of-way is prohibited in the City of Kentwood, as well as burning leaves and brush.

“Fall is a busy season for yard cleanup,” said Chad Griffin, Department of Public Works director. “We’re glad to offer these services to help residents keep their yards free of debris.

“It also helps us keep roadways and storm drains clear, which contributes to making the City of Kentwood a beautiful place to live, work and play.”

After closing for winter in December, both drop-off sites will reopen in the spring.

More information about Kentwood’s leaf and brush drop-off services is available at kentwood.us/BrushLeafDropOff

With help from a business owner, Wyoming adds new K9 to police department

September 20, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Hard News, Pets/AnimalsCity of Wyoming, K9, Kato, news member, Wyoming Department of Public SafetyJoanne

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

Pictured from the left, Sgt. Robert Robinson, Kato and Officer Logan Wieber, Tommy Brann, Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt, Amanda Clark from K911 Foundation, Lt. Brian Look, and Chief Kim Koster (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)

Through the help of a local business owner, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety was able to introduce its newest K9 member, Kato, at Monday’s Wyoming City Council meeting.

State Rep. Tommy Brann, who owns Brann’s Steakhouse in Wyoming, and the K911 Foundation, each contributed 50 percent of the total cost to purchase Kato. The City of Wyoming purchased Kato from the Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania for $4,450.

“For several decades now, Wyoming police K9 team has been an important part of our organization,” said Chief Kim Koster at the meeting. “These canines are part of our entire police family and they are speciality trained in enforcement activities such as clearing buildings, tracking suspects and searching for narcotics. They also assist officers enforcement actives such as searching for lost of missing persons.”

Koster noted one of the greatest benefits from the K9 program is the impact it has had on police and community relationships.

“Most kids love dogs and they ask their parents if they can come over and touch the dog,” she said. “They say ‘hi’ to the dog and from there, there have been many good conservations that we have had that have helped start and build upon on our relationships with our community.”

The new additions

The Wyoming police’s K9 unit is overseen by Lt. Brian Look and Sgt. Robert Robinson and consists of four handlers who live, work and train with the four K9 officers. In August, Officer Ryan Paterson received a promotion which lead to him moving on from his position as a handler. His partner, Chase, also retired from the unit after seven years of service.

Through a selection process, Officer Logan Wieber was chosen to fill the vacancy on the K9 unit. He is partnered with Kato, a 14-month old German Shepherd who was imported from Poland to the United States.

The newest member of the K9 team, Kato. (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)

“Although he is a green dog in the world of canines, as you can probably tell,” Koster said as Kato took in his new surroundings. “He will be trained by the staff.”

The importance of community support

Koster expressed her appreciation to Brann for his continued support of the Wyoming police department.

“Tommy has made serving people his biggest priority and the investment he made with our K9 team is another extension for that heart for service,” she said.

Brann said he his appreciative of all the support he has received in the past 51 years as a restaurant owner.

“I own a bar, and so when you have bar fights, who comes? The police,” Brann said, adding that he supports the police and the work they do and plans to continue doing so in the future.

Kent County has seven roads on the best Michigan roads for color list

September 19, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Environment, Great Lakes, Kent County, West Michiganbest routes, County Road Association of Michigan, Fall colors, Kent County Road Commission, MichiganJoanne

By Liam Jackson
Capital News Network

As Michigan enters peak color season, local officials across the state have nominated the best roads for motorists to enjoy the changing foliage.

Peak Michigan colors were predicted to start last weekend in the Upper Peninsula and end at the state’s southern border Oct. 29. The County Road Association of Michigan compiled the statewide list of “don’t miss” local roads.

For a complete list of the fall color list, click here.

The more than 120 roads span the state.

The County Road Association named more than 120 routes as best for fall color, including the Fallasburg covered bridge in Kent County. (Courtesy, Kent County Road Commission)

There are plenty to choose from.

Michigan has the nation’s fourth-largest local road system. County roads account for 90,000 miles of roads and 5,700 bridges. Although the road association puts the list together, it relies on county officials for scenic road nominations.

All county road commissions were asked what county roads they would recommend to people who are interested in breathtaking fall views, said Dustin Earley, the manager of communications and engagement with the County Road Association of Michigan.

The association asks local commissioners to say, “Look, here’s my favorite road in my backyard,” Earley said.

Fallasburg a favorite in Kent County

“I just think as Michiganders we are really lucky because I’m not sure there is another state that is more beautiful in the fall,” said Maura Lamoreaux, the communications director for the Kent County Road Commission. “You can travel and just enjoy the colors of the season.”

Kent County has seven roads on the “don’t miss” list. Fallasburg Park Drive in Vergennes Township, 15 miles east of Grand Rapids, is one that stands out, Lamoreaux said.

“Fallasburg Park is not only a gorgeous ride, but it is also a beautiful park to take in the fall colors,” she said.

The Fallasburg covered bridge in Kent County sits on a route that made the list of best fall color roads in Michigan. (Courtesy, Kent County Road Commission)

The park’s covered bridge is a registered historical site that celebrated its 150th anniversary last year.

“You kind of feel like you are traveling back in time a little bit,” Lamoreaux said. “There is a sign that says ‘You will be charged $5 for speeding,’ which is a replica of the original sign that was posted on the bridge.”

Kent County promotes a local route with fall scenic views that is hundreds of miles long, Lamoreaux said. The county picks a few stretches of road to add to the statewide list.

Other roads in Kent County

Honey Creek Avenue from Pettis Avenue to Cannonsburg Road
Bailey Drive from Vergennes Street to Lincoln Lake Avenue
5 Mile Road from Lincoln Lake Avenue to Gavin Lake Avenue
Gavin Lake Road from 5-mile road to Belding Road
Wabasis Avenue from Belding Road to 12 Mile Road
Ramsdell Drive from 5 Mile Road to 11 Mile Road

Roads in Ottawa County

Lakeshore Drive from Grand Haven city limits to Ottawa Beach Road/Holland State Park
Hayes Street from M-11 intersection to Berlin Fair Drive/the Berlin Fairgrounds in Marne
Leonard Street from intersection on Leonard Street/S. Lake Avenue in Village of Spring Lake to Lamont
Mercury Drive/Green Street/N. Cedar Drive from Grand Haven to Riverside County Park

Pure Michigan lists peak color dates by region here: https://www.michigan.org/fallcolormap

Lakeshore Drive popular in the Upper Peninsula

Chippewa County in the northeast part of the Upper Peninsula has four roads on the list.

The all-star route is Lakeshore Drive that runs along Lake Superior through the Bay Mills reservation between M-123 and Brimley, said Stephanie Boileau, a road design engineer for the Chippewa County Road Commision. “It doesn’t matter what time of year, it’s gorgeous.”

The route features Lake Superior, a tree canopy, the Bay Mills reservation, the Point Iroquois Lighthouse and multiple access points to beaches.

“It’s fantastic,” said Boileau. “It’s a road that makes you think, ‘Yes, this is why people love the Upper Peninsula so much.’”

When suggesting roads for the “don’t miss” list, she thinks about people looking to do fall color tours, Boileau said.

“We are looking for those deciduous hardwood trees, the ones that do turn color,” she said. “I also look at what other scenic opportunities you have besides trees. Is there interesting topography? Are there places to pull off and access recreational areas like a beach or state park?”

She prefers more rural areas and avoids submitting commuter routes.

It’s all about getting the best views

“Peak color means that if you can make it to that area within that time frame, you are probably increasing your chances at getting the best views of that color,” Earley said. “Earlier, things are just coming on and near the end of that date the leaves are starting to turn brown and fall off the trees.”

The association lists the roads every year. It subtracts roads undergoing construction or if the county chooses to have it removed. But the list is growing, not shrinking, Earley said.

Tourists are not the only ones benefiting from scenic fall tours in Michigan.

“Most everyone benefits when we have a good fall color season,” said Tony Haller, the executive director of the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our restaurants benefit from it, our hotels benefit from it, all our convenience stores and gas stations get people filling up for gas while they make their tours.

“I couldn’t name a favorite, but that’s the beauty of this list. It’s really the experts of these areas that are helping us list these roads.”

ABOUT LIAM JACKSON

Liam Jackson is a journalist from Trenton, Michigan. He enrolled at Michigan State in 2018. His journalistic interests include feature stories and sports journalism. In addition to writing for Spartan Newsroom, Liam has also served as the News Editor and Sports Editor at Impact 89FM.

Kentwood teacher only one in state to receive NEA fellowship

September 19, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Education, Hard News, Local FacesEast Kentwood High School, Global Learning Fellow, National Education Association, only Michigan teacherJoanne

By Tim Hargis
Kentwood Public Schools

East Kentwood High School art teacher Olivia Miller works with students in class. (Courtesy, Kentwood Public Schols)

East Kentwood High School art teacher, Olivia Miller, is a lifelong learner and self-described explorer. She has a passion to experience other parts of the world, other cultures, and that passion spills over into her classroom. It is also taking her places.

Recently, Miller was named a 2023 National Education Association (NEA) Global Learning Fellow. She is the only teacher in Michigan to receive this honor. According to the NEA Foundation, Miller will join colleagues from states across the country to immerse themselves in a year-long study that involves online coursework, webinars, readings, and reflections. Eventually, the group will travel to South Africa this summer as part of this experience.

The goal, Miller says, is to return to the classroom, enriched from the learning, to create a global learning experience for her students. This work, she feels, also helps her to connect with her students.

Recently, East Kentwood art teacher Olivia Miller was named a 2023 National Education Association Global Learning Fellow. (Courtesy, Kentwood Public Schools)

“For me, the biggest way that I can learn is experiential, through traveling,” Miller explained. “It’s so different walking into a school in a different country and seeing how things are done there….It’s a different level of experience that I can connect with and then maybe better understand my students who come from different countries.”

This is not the first time Miller has been part of this type of opportunity. Prior to the pandemic, she was accepted as part of the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program. This enabled her to work with teachers from across the nation and to travel to Morocco as part of this learning experience.

Part of Miller’s motivation is rooted in her own heritage. Her mother’s family immigrated to the United States from Ukraine. Growing up in West Michigan, she says she did not see much of her own family’s history and culture represented in the school curriculum. This made her wonder about representation for the students she serves today.

This is Miller’s third year teaching in the Kentwood Public Schools and her tenth year of teaching overall. Kentwood is where she wants to be. “This has been my dream school to come to,” Miller says of East Kentwood High School. “There are so many layers and good things to our EK community and environment. This place is such a cultural hub that many people may not even know about. You can learn about so many different ways of life, different cultures, different people here in Kentwood.”

East Kentwood is definitely glad to have Miller on its team. “Ms. Miller is one of the most culturally sensitive and equity-minded teachers that I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” says EK Assistant Principal Lindsay Kimbrough. “She brings a perspective that goes much deeper than the beautiful art she elicits from her students. She promotes social emotional development, and through her whole-child approach, helps to mold true global citizens.”

East Kentwood art teacher Olivia Miller helps a student on an art project. (Courtesy, Kentwood Public Schools)

Kimbrough adds that the relationships Miller builds with her students are so important. “Her innate ability to build relationships with students is the bridge that leads students to taking academic and artistic risks, reaching heights they may have never dreamed of.”

The trip to South Africa this summer will be a rewarding culminating activity for Miller as part of her role as an NEA Global Fellow; however, there is work to be done between now and then. This work includes a trip next month to Washington, D.C. where she will collaborate with the other NEA Global Fellows from around the nation at a conference in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education.

While Miller is focused on her current students and how the NEA Global Learning Fellowship will positively impact them, she is also looking ahead, and dreaming about possibilities to benefit KPS students and staff in the future.

“I want to someday have funding to take KPS teachers to the countries that our students are primarily from,” Miller explains, “to do a teacher tour. To go into the countries and learn.” She adds, “I think that would really make a big impact. It would close a gap in the relationships between teachers and students because students would be like, ‘Oh my gosh. You cared enough that you went and traveled to where I’m from.”

Reprinted with permission from the Kentwood Public Schools.

New mobile app helps ID potential Lyme disease-carry ticks

September 16, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Environment, Great Lakes, Hard News, Health, Pets/Animalsidentifying, Lyme disease, The Tick App, TicksJoanne

By Genevieve Fox
Capital News Service

An adult black-legged (deer) tick. (By Photo by Scott Bauer. – This image was released by the Agricultural Research Service, the research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, with the ID k8002-3 (next)., Public Domain)

Picture this: You’re walking through the woods when you brush up against some tall grass, or maybe you wandered off trail momentarily. You head home, but the next day notice a black speck on your arm.

It’s a tick.

Beyond the gross-out factor, you wonder if it might make you sick. A new mobile app may help figure that out.

Emily Dinh, a medical entomologist with the Department of Health and Human Services, says encounters people are having with ticks are becoming more common.

That’s as the state’s tick population has been on the rise, including numbers of the American dog tick and the blacklegged tick, which can transmit the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.

“That blacklegged tick is something that we’re concerned about and seeing a greater distribution throughout the state of Michigan. That is the tick that can transmit Lyme disease,” Dinh said.

In 2021, the state health department reported nearly half of Michigan’s counties had a known risk of Lyme disease for people and animals.

Ticks like shady, moist areas

Ticks are typically found in wooded and brushy areas but can even show up in suburban yards.

“The most important thing to be aware of is where ticks are, so ticks like shady, moist areas in woody, grassy locations,” she said. “Especially in the warmer months of April through September, but sometimes into October as well because ticks can be active when the temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.”

Barry OConnor is a tick expert at the University of Michigan’s Zoology Museum. He cites a rise in temperatures as a possible reason for the increased risk.

“We’ve certainly seen changes in the distribution of several species of ticks moving northward over the years as temperatures have become warmer,” OConnor said.

According to the state, average yearly temperatures have increased two to three degrees in the past two decades.

The Tick App

Because of growing concerns about the pests, both in Michigan and across the country, a group of researchers from universities across the U.S. decided to create a mobile app, simply called The Tick App.

Michigan State University professor Jean Tsao said the app allows scientists to learn more about where ticks are and what people are doing to keep safe from them. She is in the Department of Fisheries & Wildlife and is part of the group that helped develop the digital portal.

“It’s a mobile health app that is both a research tool as well as an outreach tool,” she said.

When people download it, they’re prompted to fill out a 10-minute survey about potential risk factors.

“We really wanted to understand, if possible, when and where and what kind of activities people are doing to expose themselves to ticks,” Tsao said.

She said users are also able to take a picture of a tick and submit it to the app. The research team is then able to identify it within 24 hours.

“They have a lot of reliable information all collated into one area that can tell you about what a tick is, what the various species of ticks are that you’re likely to contact in the area that you live and what are prevention measures that you can take,” Tsao said.

Tips on avoiding ticks

To avoid ticks, Tsao recommends wearing bug repellent and long clothing outside.

After returning home, a full-body tick check and shower is also ideal.

Tsao said the research team is working to use artificial intelligence to make tick identification faster and more accurate.

She said she hopes that with this advancement, the app may one day be used by health care workers as a diagnostic tool.

Genevieve Fox reports for WKAR Radio in partnership with the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism and Capital News Service.

Wyoming to host last 2022 summer market on Friday

September 15, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Local Food, Upcoming EventsCity Hall, last one, Summer Market, WyomingJoanne

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

Wyoming's Summer Market Series concludes this Friday with the last one at Wyoming City Hall. — A customer looks over a flower arrangement from Wyoming-based Periwinkle. (WKTV)

Tomorrow, the City of Wyoming will host its last summer market for the season.

Set to run from 3- 7 p.m. in the parking lot behind Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St., the event will feature food and drink, local artists and vendors, and live music.

“While we’re sad to host our last Summer Market of the series, we’ve been happy to hear positive feedback from vendors, residents and community members,” said Nicole Hofert, the city’s director of planning and economic development. She also added residents should stay tuned for information regarding next year’s Summer Market Series in the City of Wyoming.

The four markets, which were co-hosted by the City of Wyoming and HOM Flats, have been featured in different parts of the city, HOM Flats, Pinery Park, 28th West parking lot and city hall. Friday’s event will be located in the parking lot behind city hall.

Some of the vendors at Friday’s event are:

Food and Drink

Simple Sweet Confections which will feature an array of French macaroons

Sophrona Teas featuring loose leaf, hand-blended teas

Runyon House Roasts featuring air roasted coffees

Thornburg and Company offering a selection of gourmet foods such as fruit preserves, honey, and Michigan maple syrups

Equinox Pastries and Pops featuring cake pops and other goodies

Last Mile Cafe featuring coffees

Smoke N Ash‘s featuring barbecue and other items

Mapocho LLC featuring a selection of sandwiches

Shopping

Motherland Cultural Connections LLC featuring array of African jewelry and apparel

Blk Rose Self-Care offering a variety of self care items such as car scents, room sprays and a selection of oils for face, body and beard

Doterra Essentials of Eden featuring oils for improving health

Periwinkle Flower Company offering arrangements, cut flowers, and seeds

One Love

Isis Ropa tipica featuring clothing, jewelry and other items from Oaxaca, Mexico

Kiwi Custom Creations featuring custom-made logos and designs for a variety of items

Cross Creek’s new school song is made for speed

September 15, 20223-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Education, Kids Activities, Local FacesCross Creek, National Heritage Academy, school songJoanne

By Cory Olsen
National Heritage Academies

The band plays in unison as it marks its way through a staccato, ascending theme while their director guides them down a path, all the while envisioning the pinnacle of auto racing: Formula 1.

The piece titled “F-1” may not move as fast as the race cars, but the feel of the music portrays the sense of anticipation when played by the Cross Creek Charter Academy symphonic band, directed by David Steketee.

Check out the Cross Creek symphonic band performing “F-1” by clicking here.

Commissioned by Steketee for the school’s 25th anniversary, the song begins with the entire band building anticipation for the coming percussion breaks. Trumpets and woodwinds then pair for climbing runs, preparing for the song’s melody. It’s a noble and celebratory piece of music that promotes feelings of pride and security – themes held strongly by the school.

David Steketee directs the Cross Creek symphonic band. (Courtesy, Cross Creek Academy/National Heritage Academies)

“It’s the 25th anniversary, so I wanted to do something that’s unique,” Steketee said. “Commissions are done a lot but they’re expensive, so it’s not done often by any one school, so this is our one and only for a while.”

Composer Randall Standridge was hired to write the piece to fit the instrumentation and ability levels of the seventh/eighth grade symphonic band. The band debuted the piece during a performance in May. The $3,000 cost for the composition was quickly covered with a fundraising effort by school supporters.

“I was excited, our whole administration was excited, the Cross Creek family was excited, it was great,” Steketee said.

Band students experienced challenges because of COVID-19, not being able to play as freely due to most instruments requiring breath to make sounds. Steketee said the song provides a lot of room for his students to play together, which helps with their comfort levels.

“Anytime where they’re playing by themselves, the kids don’t like it so much,” he said. “COVID has really brought our ability level down, so when the music is fast and full instrumentation, it’s much better for their confidence.”

Being able to direct students through the song proved to be a joy for Steketee and being part of something that will live on into Cross Creek’s future adds to the director’s sense of pride.

“I just wanted to do something cool and having our name on the masthead of that piece is pretty rad,” he said. “It’ll be there forever.”

Cross Creek Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Byron Center, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes 98 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12thgrade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.

Police Blog: Kentwood investigates shooting on Bowen Boulevard

September 14, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Hard NewsKentwood Police, shooting, Silent ObserverJoanne

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

On Sept. 13, 2022, Kentwood police officers responded to the 4500 block of Bowen Boulevard in the City of Kentwood on the report of a subject shot.

Officers arrived and located a 17-year-old male white a gunshot wound to the lower chest/abdomen area. The victim received medical treatment on scene and was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Numerous shell casings were located on scene and several vehicles/buildings were struck during 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.

East Kentwood students earn honors from national program

September 14, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Education, Local FacesCollege Board, East Kentwood, National Recognition ProgramJoanne

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Left to right: AP Coordinator Yara Barbosa, Ebise Tarekegn, Kyle Sanders, Luisa Orozco, and Principal Omar Bakri. (Courtesy, Kentwood Public Schools)

Kentwood Public Schools recently announced that four of our East Kentwood High School students earned honors from College Board’s National Recognition Program, helping them stand out in college admissions. Congrats to the following students: Chisom Okogbue, Ebise Tarekegn, Kyle Sanders, and Luisa Orozco. The students were recognized as national awardees in two of the four recognition categories – the National African-American Recognition Program and National Hispanic Recognition Program.

The students earned this recognition by excelling on AP exams and in the classroom. Students who may be eligible: have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams.

Annually the College Board announces recipients of its National Recognition Programs for achievements in school and on College Board assessments. Students are invited to apply during their sophomore or junior years, and are awarded at the beginning of the following school year.

56th Street crossing set to get new pedestrian signal

September 13, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Hard NewsJoanne

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

In August, the City of Wyoming straightened the crosswalk on 56th Street and are planning to put in a HAWK beacon signal. (WKTV)

Those traveling east or west on 56th Street between Byron Center and Ivanrest may have noticed something different: the crosswalk for Kent Trails have changed.

In August, the City of Wyoming removed the median from the center of the road and straighten the trail’s crosswalk over 56th Street. With this change, the city also will install a HAWK (High-Intensity Activated crossWalK) beacon signal, which according to the Federal Highway Administration Research and Technology Department, have been proven to be effective in reducing accidents.

“There were numerous accidents at the crosswalk and quite honestly, it was confusing as to who had the right-away,” said Russ Henckel, Wyoming’s assistant director of public works and engineering. Henckel added it was the reason for the change.

Old System Created an Accident Zone

According to Michigan’s Uniform Traffic Code for Cities, Townships and Villages, under R 28.1702 Rule 702, when traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the half of the roadway the driver’s vehicle is traveling. A pedestrian shall not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and cross when the vehicle is so close that it would be impossible for the driver to yield.

The original crossing designed bent the trail at the intersection so pedestrians would have a clear view of traffic. For insistence, a person traveling north, the trail curved at 56th Street so he could see the cars traveling east and then cross to the median. The median then angled to the west so pedestrians would have a clear view of cars traveling west.

“What was happening is that pedestrians would cross to the median and drivers would see them there and try to quickly slow down or stop resulting in vehicles getting rear ended,” Henckel said.

Henckel noted that there are similar median mid-crosswalks set up at other locations. Wyoming has one on Division Avenue and there is one in Grandville on Wilson Avenue. Those medians have worked well to deter accidents. Henckel said he believes it is partly because those areas are heavy volumes of traffic on five lanes, where the cars are not going to stop forcing pedestrians to be much more alert.

As for the one on 56th Street, the road is only three lanes and currently does not have the traffic volume such as a road like Division Avenue has, Henckel said.

HAWK Signal Follow Traditional Rules of the Road

With the new HAWK beacon signal, it will be clearer to both pedestrians and drivers on who has the right–of-way. (WKTV)

With a HAWK beacon signal, a pedestrian will activate the light by pressing a button. The system then starts its cycle of a flashing yellow, then steady yellow and finally a red to indicate that vehicles need to stop. Similar to an intersection crosswalk, the signal will give pedestrians a walking person to indicate when they can cross, a flashing raised hand with a counter to indicate the crossing time is ending, and a sold raised hand for do not cross.

Henckel said with the signal, it should be clearer to both drivers and pedestrians on who has the right-of-way as the rules for crossing are now the same as those at an intersection crossing. Vehicles must stop when the lights are red and pedestrians should yield and wait for the signal to change to indicate when to cross.

City staff hopes to have the new signal installed by the send of September. The delay has been the contractor who needs to install the poles for the signal, Henckel said, adding that once the poles are placed, it will not take long for the city to install the signal.

Free lunch funding change worries some school officials

September 13, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, Health, Local FoodGrand Rapids Public Schools, MEA, school lunchesJoanne

By Sarah Atwood
Capital News Service

Michigan school officials are concerned about children going hungry or accumulating lunch debt after Congress recently ended federal funding for free meals for all students.

With the federal pandemic lunch program discontinued, parents must now fill out paperwork for their student to get a free lunch. (pxhere.com)

“Families are still struggling with the economic downturn during the pandemic,” said Thomas Morgan, a communications consultant for the Michigan Education Association (MEA). “It’s not over, and we need to make sure children are taken care of.”

During the pandemic, Congress passed funding to ensure all students got free meals. That ended in August, although children who would have previously qualified for free or reduced lunches will still be able to get them if their parents fill out paperwork.

Parents must fill out paperwork for free lunches

There have been instances where a parent did not fill out the paperwork, meaning a child could not get the food they need or goes into lunch debt, Morgan said.

Parents have to shift from automatically having access to free meals to having to fill out paperwork to ensure their children get what they need.

“Since paperwork was not needed for the past couple of years, some parents weren’t aware they had to fill it out for their children to qualify, ” said Tom Freitas, the director of food and nutrition services for Traverse City Public Schools. “There have been issues with not having paperwork in on time, which affects the amount of pre-ordering for meals.”

Trying to keep costs reasonable

Traverse City Public Schools are trying to make sure all children who need free or reduced lunches are able to get them, he said.

“We’re doing our best to serve all our children. Right now, our superintendent is focused on getting donations,” Freitas said.

“We’d never take away food from a child, but we do have policies in place to make sure we get the payment required. After a child is $10 in school lunch debt, the parents are contacted,” he said.

This could be a problem for parents who thought that their child was getting free meals and are suddenly confronted with lunch debt.

Other issues impacting the lunch line

Funding isn’t the only issue affecting free school lunches this fall. A shortage of administrators means delays in processing time for paperwork.

Morgan said, “There’s a lot of paperwork that goes into providing free breakfast and lunch. The federal waivers made sure every kid had a meal automatically, meaning the paperwork wasn’t necessary and so this burden was removed for administration.”

Others say the shift might not be too troublesome for schools.

“I don’t believe schools will necessarily have any real difficulty going back to the way free lunches were processed a few years ago,” said Jennifer Smith, the director of government relations for the Michigan School Board Association. “The waivers did make it easier for school administration, but it’s not as if the infrastructure wasn’t already in place.”

Schools could take it upon themselves to continue to provide free meals for all students, as several districts across the state do.

Grand Rapids Public Schools free breakfast and lunch program

Grand Rapids Public Schools have been providing free breakfast and lunches for all students for seven years.

“I think this has been extremely beneficial for our students,” said Jennifer Laninga, the nutrition services supervisor at Grand Rapids Public Schools. “All of the stigma with free or reduced lunches is eliminated. Students who would otherwise avoid using these services for fear of being judged are now on an equal footing with other students.”

According to Laninga, schools with over 60% of students using free lunch services can apply for Community Eligibility Provision, federally funded through the Department of Agriculture.

However, schools are not guaranteed funding unless over 80% of their students are a part of the free lunch program. A more universal approach would streamline the process and make sure all students have access to free and healthy lunches, Laninga said.

Working to get federal funding for free school meals

Congress is reviewing the Child Nutrition Reauthorization, said Alex Rossman, the external affairs director at the Michigan League for Public Policy, and there is a possibility that universal access for free lunches could come back.

However, that isn’t likely in an election year, he said. Additional funding would be hard to achieve.

The MEA’s Morgan agreed.

“I don’t believe it’ll go anywhere. It’s not a big priority, even though it should be,” Morgan said.

“It’s incredibly frustrating, especially when you realize that they’re literally taking food away from the kids who need it most.”

Sarah Atwood is a junior at Michigan State University double majoring in Social Relations & Policy and Journalism. She is interested in writing about how politics affects local communities and making information accessible for everyone. In her free time, she likes boxing, yoga, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog.

New Kent County Parks Department office opens

September 12, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kent CountyKent County, new office, opens, parksJoanne

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Kent County celebrates the opening of its new Parks Department office located at 1700 Butterworth SW. (Courtesy, Kent County Parks Department)

Kent County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for its new Parks Department office, located at 1700 Butterworth St. SW in Grand Rapids. The new office will provide administrative space for staff and improve public access to Parks operations.

This capital improvement project was approved by the Kent County Board of Commissioners in January of 2020. The $2.68 million facility was funded by the County’s Capital Improvement Program, which was established to reduce the size of debt associated with large capital projects.

“Our county parks are a pillar of our community,” said Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Stan Stek. “The Board of Commissioners is very pleased that we were able to build this new facility without raising taxes or issuing a bond.”

The new facility features more than 7,000 square feet of office space, replacing temporary modular offices constructed in 2002.

“This is an exciting time for the County and has been a long time coming,” said Kent County Administrator Al Vanderberg. “The opening of this facility brings closure to years of hard work and equips our Parks staff with the resources needed to maintain our public spaces for years to come.”

Kent County contracted Progressive AE for Architectural and Engineering Services and JKB Construction as the General Contractor for construction.

The Kent County Parks Department manages over 6,800 acres of land including 42 properties and trails, offering a wide range of recreational opportunities. The new office will be open to the public Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Michigan’s connection to Queen Elizabeth II: Lamprey Pie

September 12, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Great Lakes, Hard News, Local HistorylampreysJoanne

By Douglas Tamru
Capital News Service

An odd tradition – sea lamprey pie – linking the Great Lakes to Great Britain’s Royals and is expected to continue with the crowning of King Charles III.

Lampreys are considered an undesirable invasive species in the Great Lakes. (By Fernando Losada Rodríguez – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lampreys are considered an undesirable invasive species in the Great Lakes. They devastate native fish by latching onto them with a sucker-like mouth filled with sharp teeth.

Great Lakes state, provincial and federal governments spend millions of dollars to control them.

But baking them into a pie is a longtime tradition in the United Kingdom.

A popular delicacy

Queen Elizabeth II, who died Sept. 8 after reigning 70 years, was served the eel-like sea lamprey in 2002 to celebrate her Golden Jubilee, or 50th anniversary of being on the throne.

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission made another shipment of the fish taken from the Great Lakes 10 years later in 2012 for the queen’s 60th anniversary, and once again in 2016 for her 90th birthday.

“We capture them and send them over to Gloucester, England, so that they can continue their long tradition,” said Marc Gaden, the deputy executive secretary of the fishery commission, a binational organization founded in 1954 to fight the parasite.

“With the coronation of King Charles III coming up, I can only assume I’m going to be sending a few more over there.”

Sea lamprey are protected in the U.K. because streams there are heavily dammed, and they cannot spawn as much as they do in the Great Lakes, Gaden said.

The lamprey pie is a tradition in the U.K., spanning hundreds of years. Serving it was discontinued except for coronations in 1836, due to its high cost, according to “What’s Cooking America,” a website that documents food history.

The lamprey is baked while coated in syrup, along with some wine and spices. It is then spooned out and served on sliced white bread.

In America, mixed reviews

In 1996, Wisconsin Sea Grant organized a sea lamprey taste test in hopes of spurring a commercial market for the fish instead of simply landfilling those that they trapped.

Taste ratings were high, but the plan fell apart when contaminant tests showed that the Great Lakes lamprey contained mercury levels that were too high to meet European Union standards.

How does it taste?

“Surprisingly good,” Bob Bennet, the owner, and chef of a Duluth restaurant that hosted the event said at the time. “Try selling it without telling people what they are eating. It would be better.”

But don’t ask Gaden.

“I can’t say I’ve tried the lamprey pie,” he said.

Fall predicted to be hotter, dryer than normal this year

September 12, 20223-bottom, Great Lakes, Hard News, LANDSCAPING & GARDEN CENTERS, Recreationdryer, Fall, hotter, weatherJoanne

By Genevieve Fox
Capital News Service

The National Weather Service predicts this year’s fall season will be 40% warmer compared to average mid-Michigan temperatures of 50 degrees from September through November. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

The National Weather Service predicts there’s a 40% chance the temperatures will average above normal this fall in mid-Michigan.

Meteorologist William Marino said warming fall temperatures have become more common in recent years.

That’s largely due to an ongoing La Niña, according to Marino, who is based in Grand Rapids.

That phenomenon allows for warm air to pass through the cool Pacific sea surface temperatures and enter North America.

Along with warmer fall temperatures predicted, low precipitation is also expected.

Jeffrey Andresen is the state climatologist for Michigan. He said roughly 30% of the state is experiencing some form of dryness, or even moderate drought.

With abnormal dryness, fall crops will reach maturity faster, lowering the quality of the crop, said Andresen, who is also a professor of meteorology/climatology in the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University.

“It’s good to have warm soils and so forth for that crop to germinate, but we do need moisture,” Andresen said.

To combat warming temperatures, Andresen said people should keep their eyes on long-term trends and plan as needed.

“We have to adapt to these changing long-term patterns,” Andresen said.

Genevieve Fox reports for WKAR in partnership with Great Lakes Echo and Capital News Service.

Police blog: Wyoming makes arrest, Kentwood investigates shooting

September 12, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Hard Newsarrest, Chris Becker, Kentwood, police, WyomingJoanne

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

Courtesy of Wyoming Department of Public Safety

The Wyoming Department of Public safety announced last week that suspect Yenly Garcia was found in Mexico and taken into custody.

Wyoming Police Detectives have been investigating the homicide of Mollie Schmidt since Aug. 30, 2022. The murder took place in the 1500 block of 44th Street SW inside an apartment belong to Garcia. On Sept. 2, 2022, the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office authorized an open murder warrant for Garcia associated with the incident.

Earlier this week, Garcia was taken into custody in central Mexico, north of Mexico City. He was arrested through cooperation between Wyoming Police, the United Marshals Service and Mexican authorities. Further details of his arrest are not available a this time. Extradition processes are being exorcized to return Garcia to Michigan to face his changes.

Anyone with further information on this incident is asked to contact the Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345 or to visit www.silentobserver.org

Kentwood investigates shooting

The Kentwood Police Department wants you to keep cool this summer, and one was is to avoid crime and confrontations.

On Sept. 9, 2022, officers of the Kentwood Police Department were dispatched to the area of Kelekent Avenue and 56th Street for a possible shooting that occurred. One subject showed up to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound which is believed to be related to this incident. Three subjects were taken into custody during this investigation for charges related to this investigation and outstanding warrants.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detectives Bureau at 616-656-6604 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345 or to visit www.silentobserver.org.

No charges in Burger King incident

Kent CountyProsecutor Chris Becker announced today that he would not be filing charges in the alleged Sept. 4, 2022 assault that occurred at the Wyoming Burger King located at 1313 28th St. SW.

According to a Sept. 4 report from Wyoming Department of Public Safety, a disorderly male customer who was unhappy with his service entered the store and climbed over the counter. He acted aggressively toward staff and assaulted two juvenile employees of the business during the incident before leaving.

Upon further investigation, Becker said that while he finds the suspect’s behavior “abhorrent,” the actions of the Burger King employees was “aggressive and that there is blame on both sides for the incident.

“By no means am I condoning (the person’s) behavior,” Becker said. “This could have been avoided if he would have simply just driven away after not getting the service that he wanted at this Burger King, but he didn’t do so and we have to deal with the facts as they are and there’s just not a basis to file charges for this incident.”

The suspect, who came through the drive thru, was unhappy about the soda coming down the side of his cup. Security footage, which was shown at press conference held last week, shows an employee wiping down a cup and returning it to the suspect who knocks it out of the employee’s hand. It then shows the suspect driving around and coming into the restaurant, jumping the counter, and grabbing a cup. He then went to the soda fountain pour a drink and poured soda on the floor. An employee then threw an ice-coffee at the suspect, who confronted the employee.

From there things escalated with Becker noting that as the suspect left the premises employees pursued him with one appearing to do a flying kick out the door.

Becker said because there was a fight with both sides being aggressive, there’s not enough evidence to charge the suspect with aggravated assault.

Food, fun and live music featured at Kentwood Food Truck Festival on Sept. 17

September 8, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local FoodCity of Kentwood, food trucks, Kentwood Parks and Recreation DepartmentCris Greer

The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 17 in the parking lot of the Kent District Library. Pictured is last year’s Food Truck Festival. (Courtesy City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks have again partnered to host a Food Truck Festival with more than 30 vendors to help the community support small businesses and make the most of the remaining summer season.

The event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 17 in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., features 32 food trucks, live music and a beer and wine tent.

The event, which is free admission, features 32 vendors, live music and a beer and wine tent. (Courtesy City of Kentwood)

“We have a day full of delicious food, great music and fun planned for this Food Truck Festival,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “We look forward to celebrating the last few days of summer with this community-favorite event.”

There will be a wide variety of sweet and savory food options available for purchase. Participating food trucks include:

Live music will start at 11 a.m. with the Decades Band, followed by DJ Snax, Rochelle and the Spoilers and King Possum. A tent featuring local craft beer and wine will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“Kentwood’s Food Truck Festival gives residents a unique opportunity to enjoy great food, build community and support local small businesses, all at one event,” said Alan Tomlinson, president of GR8 Food Trucks. “We encourage community members to come join the fun.”

The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks will host a Food Truck Festival with more than 30 vendors on Saturday, Sept. 17. (Courtesy of City of Kentwood)

The event also features a food drive to support Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation of canned goods to help restock the pantry shelves. A list of suggested donations and more information about the Little Free Pantry is on our website at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry

This year’s diamond sponsors are Macatawa Bank and NN Mobile Solutions. Entry to the festival is free. The cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.

For the latest event information, visit kentwood.us/FoodTruckFestival.

Kentwood adult beach volleyball leagues attract all experience levels

September 7, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Sports, West Michiganbeach volleyball, City of Kentwood, Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, volleyballCris Greer

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

From high school coaches and former college players to those looking for exercise and recreation, the Kentwood Adult Beach Volleyball Leagues offer something for everyone.

“We have a large age demographic, from people who are college age all the way to retirees,” Kentwood Site Supervisor Christina Dessauer said.

Four competition-grade beach volleyball courts, unveiled in 2019 and located at the Department of Public Works on Breton Avenue, have allowed the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department to expand its beach volleyball program by offering both recreational and competitive beach volleyball leagues to interested community members.

The Kentwood Parks and Rec Adult Beach Volleyball Leagues have enjoyed a great summer at their competition-grade courts at 5068 Breton Ave. SE. (WKTV)

“The incentive of building the courts at our Department of Public Works was to have more courts available so that we could really expand our program,” said Shelby Henshaw, recreation program coordinator for Kentwood Parks and Recreation. “We are the only facility that I am aware of that has four courts like that.

“The senior population just wants to get outside, they want to exercise, they have participated in our 50-plus fall league before — so they come here as just another way to get exercise. In the competitive leagues, I find that there are high school coaches who are currently playing, former college players — I see it all.”

Henshaw said the beach volleyball courts have allowed Kentwood to expand its program from a maximum of six teams to 12 teams that play doubleheader games each week for a total of 16 games per season.

The Kentwood Parks and Rec Adult Beach Volleyball Leagues enjoying a night of competition at 5068 Breton Ave. SE. (WKTV)

Kentwood currently offers three categories of beach volleyball leagues, ages 18 and above: a 2’s (two players per team) recreational co-ed league, a 4’s (four players per team) recreational co-ed league, and a 4’s co-ed competitive league.

Co-ed is defined by Kentwood Parks and Rec as having one male and one female on the court at all times. Participants form their own leagues, finding the required number of players needed and coming to the first league night with their team already in place.

Each team plays doubleheader games in 45 minutes on league night and is responsible for keeping score, giving scores to the site supervisor, and calling infractions as they occur.

Teams also are responsible for starting their games.

Four competition-grade beach volleyball courts, located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE near the Kentwood Department of Public Works facility, are home to the Kentwood Adult Beach Volleyball Leagues. (WKTV)

“If you don’t start within the first five minutes, you forfeit your first game,” Dessauer said. “If you don’t start within the first 10 minutes you forfeit all of your games, and the other team wins automatically.”

Scores and points do matter, as the season culminates in a tournament where points seed the tournament.

“We run the tournament like a basic volleyball tournament where it is the best two out of three games,” Dessauer added.

The first two games are played to 18 points, the final game to 15, with a stipulation that the winning team wins by two points.

Volleyball leagues run year-round, ensuring that there are always volleyball activities available for interested participants.

Indoor volleyball as well

Indoor leagues are held at Kentwood Activities Center, but they also have partnered with other facilities because Kentwood’s winter leagues are so popular that the number of players has increased beyond what the Activities Center can hold.

“It is a continually growing program,” Henshaw said. “This year especially, I saw a lot of new faces. We offer four different types of leagues, so getting new people, new faces to sign up and join is always a welcome addition.”

For more info on Kentwood’s beach volleyball leagues and upcoming indoor league options, visit Kentwood Sports Schedules and Standings

D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed

Economic indicators show softening economy, but brighter outlook

September 7, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Financeseconomy, factors, slowdownJoanne

By Chris Knape
Grand Valley State University

Strong hiring trends, lower commodity prices and high demand for automobiles continue to buoy the Michigan economy even as other indicators signal an economic slowdown.

That’s the conclusion of the August purchasing managers survey for the Institute for Supply Management released Sept. 6 by Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.
Brian Long, director of supply management research at GVSU, said this month’s survey serves as yet another mixed bag with respondents from local manufacturers taking business on a day-to-day basis.

“Locally, we certainly have some indications that our economy is beginning to slow, but we do not yet have evidence that we are now or are about to enter a recession,” said Long, who has been conducting the survey of West Michigan businesses for more than 28 years. “However, if our index of new orders continues to slide, we’re going to have to reassess our position.”

Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU

Some key findings from this months survey include:

The new orders/sales index in August slipped to -5 from -3 in August, indicating a further erosion in sales among those surveyed
The survey’s production index saw a positive swing from +7 to +17, as did the long-term business outlook index, which rose to +28 from +12.
The short-term business outlook index also swung back into positive territory during August, going from -2 in July to +2.

Long said commodity prices for key industrial supplies like copper, some forms of steel, lead, zinc and oil continued dramatic declines, but those decreases typically do not translate into near-term changes in the retail market, where prices remain elevated.

“Industrial deflation does not easily spill over to the consumer market,” Long said. “So the Federal Reserve is still going to have to raise interest rates considerably to control consumer inflation.”

Updated: Wyoming Police investigates possible homicide

September 6, 20223-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard Newshomicide, investigation, police, Silent Observer, WyomingJoanne

WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Sept. 6, 2022 UPDATE: Wyoming Department of Public Safety obtained an arrest warrant for open murder on Yenly Garcia in relation to the homicide of Mollie Schmidt.

Garcia’s location is still unknown at this time and detectives are still working to locate him.

Anyone with information as to Garcia’s locations is asked to call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345, 1-866-774-2345, or www.silentobserver.org.

On Aug. 31, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety announced it is conducting a homicide investigation in the 1500 block of 44th Street.

On Aug. 30, detectives from Wyoming Public safety and Kent County Sheriff’s Department served a search warrant at an apartment belonging to Yenly Garcia and located a female deceased from a gunshot wound. The female has been identified as Mollie Schmidt who was reported missing to Kent County Sheriff’s Department last week.

Detectives are investing this case as a homicide and are pursuing all leads .Garcia is a person of interest in this case. Garcia is 44-years-old, 5-foot, 10 inches tall, 200 pounds with dark hair and distinct tattoos on his face. Garcia was last known to be driving a black 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup with a Michigan plate of ELW6780. Garcia’s current whereabouts are unknown. Garcia current has an active warrant out for his arrest on an unrelated charge.

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 or online at https://www.silentobserver.org.

PR Public Museum participates in national free museum day

September 6, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Kids Activities, Recreation, Upcoming Eventsfree, Grand Rapids Public Museum, museumJoanne

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will be part of the 18th annual Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day on Saturday, Sept. 17. The initiative invites museums across the United States to open their doors for free to those who download an official Museum Day ticket.

The annual event allows museums, zoos, and cultural centers from all 50 states to emulate the spirit of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C.-based facilities, which offer free admission every day. This year’s event is sponsored by The Quaker Oats Company and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Participants must download free Museum Day tickets to receive free general admission to the GRPM. Museum Day tickets are available for download at Smithsonian.com/museumday. Visitors who present a Museum Day ticket will gain free entrance for two at participating venues on Sept. 17 only. One ticket is permitted per email address.

Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day goes beyond getting visitors through museum doors across the country—it acts as a springboard to empower and help advance the hopes and ambitions of the public, particularly school-aged children and those in underrepresented communities. It represents a national commitment to access, equity and inclusion. This year’s theme, The American Experience, shines a spotlight on wonderful arts, culture, sciences, innovation, and history exhibits throughout the nation.

On Saturday, Sept. 17, Museum goers to the GRPM can explore three floors of core exhibits focused on history, science, and culture, along with the GRPM’s newest traveling exhibit, A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico, as part of their admission.

Other Michigan museums that will be participating in the Smithsonian Museum Day are Little Traverse Historical Museum in Petoskey; Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven; Midwest Miniatures Museum in Grand Haven; Plymouth Historical Museum in Plymouth; and Rochester Hills Museum in Van Hoosen Farm in Rochester.

Role of hospice social worker is to listen, engage, fulfill

September 6, 20223-bottom, Community Health, Health, Senior LivingJoanne

By Emmanuel Hospice

Emmanuel Hospice patient Ruthe with hospice aide/certified nursing assistant Quincey VanKoevering getting ready to ride home after living out her wish of taking a trip to a favorite beach spot with her family. The photo was taken by Britt Fischer – capturing the experience was one of the ways she helped make the patient wish special. (Supplied)

For any social worker involved in hospice care, it’s all about meeting the needs of patients and their families. And that means listening intently and responding to clues that are both subtle and obvious.

“Just recently, I was sharing with a patient that they could tell me anything, because I’m there to listen and to serve, no matter the physical or emotional need,” says Britt Fischer, a medical social worker for Emmanuel Hospice. “I’m there to keep my ears and eyes open for anything, and if it’s a spiritual need or something else outside my realm, I’ll find the right person to address it.”

Fischer joined Emmanuel this year and brings nearly a decade of experience to the job tied to work she performed on behalf of adults with intellectual and developmental challenges.

“In hospice especially,” says Fischer, “it’s making sure folks have as many resources as possible as they make decisions about their final months and days. They may need assistance with exploring durable power of attorney and other legal questions. Maybe they’re at odds with a family member over final arrangements or have a strained relationship with a loved one. It could be any one of a number of concerns. It’s our job to help them and their family members sift through the options.”

According to Fischer, it’s important to honor the decisions a patient makes as they embark on what can be a difficult journey: “Sometimes it’s helping them deal with caregivers and friends and family. A veteran may have other concerns. And then there are people who don’t have a lot of support or others to lean on, and we become the last line of support.”

Sometimes, says Fischer, it’s a hard line to walk when the patient insists on one thing and a family member pushes for another. “We can get into some tough conversations, but the bottom line is to listen to all sides and respect those differing opinions in making those decisions for the patient.”

Fischer emphasizes that when a team approach is utilized – which is how Emmanuel provides its hospice care – it presents opportunities to cover all the bases: physical, emotional, spiritual and more. Social workers are especially attuned to anticipating the need for grief support, facilitating life reviews and educating patients and their loved ones about hospice care in a compassionate way.

It’s also important to attend to the details. “Maybe someone wants something as simple as an electric shaver. Or one more trip to the beach. To a social worker, job satisfaction is making those kinds of things happen for our people.”

The key, she says, is to establish and maintain open lines of communication with patients: “That’s the best way to ensure the patient is served in every way.”

By definition, says Fischer, social work “is all about constantly learning while on the job, and it’s always changing, because you’re working with people as the center of your universe. You’re never going to be 100% prepared for every question or concern, but you learn how to adapt, how to try to make wishes come true.”

International snack company to make Kentwood its US base of operations

September 2, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local BusinessCity of Kentwood, moving, The Right Place, UnismackJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

A Greece-based snack company has announced its plans to open its first North American manufacturing operation in the City of Kentwood.

The SnackCraft location will be at 4444 52nd St. SE. (Supplied)

Unismack, SA, a developer and manufacturer of high-quality crackers and other snack foods, will open its new location at 4444 52nd Street SE. The U.S. business will operate as SnackCraft, LLC with the website of www.snackcraft.com. The plant will add 185 new jobs and $41.7 million in capital investment over the next five years.

“We are honored SnackCraft has chosen the City of Kentwood as its first location in the United States, bringing well-paying jobs and a significant investment in our community,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “SnackCraft is positioned for success here with an engaged workforce and welcoming community. We are committed to supporting the company’s investment and growth with our solutions-focused team and streamlined development processes.”

Working with the State to Make It Happen

The Right Place worked closely with Unismack to bring this new facility to the Greater Grand Rapids region rather than other out-of-state locations being considered. With the approval of a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is supporting the expansion through the Michigan Strategic Fund. West Michigan Works! and Grand Rapids Community College will also be supporting the project with a $614,000 workforce training package.

“As we looked into another manufacturing location for our company, the Grand Rapids region seemed like an obvious choice,” said Dimitrios Stratakis, Unismack founder & CEO. “There is an abundance of talent and resources here in West Michigan to help us in the next phase of our journey and we’re thankful to the team at The Right Place and their partners at the MEDC for their support.”

The new Grand Rapids facility, led by CEO Joseph Riley, will be a co-packer/contract manufacturer of baked crackers, tortilla chips, single and twin-screw extruded snacks, and pellet snacks such as veggie chips and straws. The facility will include an innovation center to assist customers with research and development of new products to meet changing consumer tastes and demand. SnackCraft will also provide warehousing and some 3PL services for its customers.

“We’re very happy we were able to assist SnackCraft in finding the perfect environment to grow their operations here in the United States,” said Brent Case, vice president of Business Attraction for The Right Place and project lead. “With the amount of talent available and the previous successes of other food and beverage companies in the area, Kentwood has created a desirable location for global companies like SnackCraft to thrive.”

Ford International Airport to host Runway 5K on Saturday, Sept. 24

September 1, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Recreation, Sports, West Michigan5K race, Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Kids Food BasketCris Greer

Ford International Airport is holding its annual Runway 5K and one-mile fun run on Saturday, Sept. 24. (Courtesy)

By WKTV Staff

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport welcomes runners and walkers to participate in the annual Runway 5K and one-mile fun run on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Registration has already begun for this unique race, which gives walkers and runners the rare opportunity to compete on an actual airport runway. The course will begin north of the economy parking lot, looping onto taxiway Juliet and runway 8L/26R, the Airport’s general aviation runway, before ending back at the parking lot.

Race-day registration

Race-day registration and packet pickup begins at 7 a.m., with the 5K race starting at 9 a.m. The one-mile fun run will begin at 9:05 a.m. Awards for the top three overall males, females and individual age groups will be presented at 10:15 a.m.

Early packet pickup and registration will take place 4-7 p.m. Sept. 23 at The Runnery, located at 5361 Alpine Ave. NW in Comstock Park.

This year’s charity partner is Kids’ Food Basket. This West Michigan nonprofit exists to increase access to healthy food for children and families through its Sack Supper program, community-driven farming, family food provision and educational programming.

“We are delighted to host this community-favorite event,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “This race gives runners and walkers a unique experience, as the course is typically reserved for aircraft only.

“As an organization that values connections, this is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together to support Kids’ Food Basket, which fills a critical need for children across West Michigan.”

Registration for the 5K begins at $44 and $30 for the one-mile fun run. Registration includes a T-shirt, finisher medals for those who complete the 5K or fun run, post-race snacks and beverages, awards for top finishers and free finisher’s photos.

“We are so grateful to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport for hosting the Runway 5K,” said Bridget Clark Whitney, president and founding CEO of Kids’ Food Basket. “What an incredible way to gather our community together to nourish our neighbors. Your support helps to break down barriers to food equity for children and families in West Michigan.

“This school year, we are serving approximately 9,600 evening meals, or Sack Suppers, daily to children in 60 schools across four counties. Thank you for being community champions of this critical work.”

The Ford International Airport’s two commercial aviation runways will still be operational during the race.

The Runway 5K focuses on partnering with local nonprofits that support residents of the greater West Michigan community. In 2021, the event raised nearly $11,000 for charity. This year’s presenting sponsor is The Christman Company. The official nutrition sponsor is Meijer. Gold sponsors include Experience Grand Rapids, Northern Jet Management, Pioneer Construction and Ward Aviation. Silver sponsors include Ice Mountain and Macatawa Bank. Bronze sponsors include FastSigns and The Professional Group.

The race is organized by Trivium Racing and the Ford International Airport Authority.

KDL’s annual story contest returns for 11th year

September 1, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kids Activities, Recreation, Upcoming Eventsentries, KDL, Write Michigan, writingJoanne

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Kent District Library, Schuler Books and two other libraries from across Michigan announce the eleventh annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest, which drew almost 1,200 entries last year.  

Michigan writers of all ages are invited to enter, with separate categories for youth, teens and adults. Writers can enter in either English or Spanish. Winning entries will be published and receive cash prizes. 

“So many writers have the goal of getting their story published, and Write Michigan gives them that opportunity,” said Katie Zuidema, marketing communications specialist at KDL. “Not only do writers have the chance to win $500, but their story could also be available to the masses in a bookstore and on library shelves across the state.”

Laying Out the Rules

Stories can be submitted at writemichigan.org through Wednesday, Nov.30. Details include a 3,000-word maximum length; $10 entry fee for ages 18 and above, free for 17 and under; current Michigan residents only; all entries must be submitted online.  

There will be four cash prizes given in each of the three categories ― Judges’ Choice ($500), Spanish Language ($500), Readers’ Choice ($250) and Judges’ Choice Runner-up ($250). The top ten stories in each category will be reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of published authors, editors, professors and literary agents. A public vote will determine the winners of Readers’ Choice.

 
Winners will be honored during an awards ceremony in April and their story will be published in an anthology by Chapbook Press. Author Caitlin Horrocks as the Write Michigan keynote author for 2023. 

Those who enjoy reading stories are encouraged to sign up to be a volunteer story reviewer at writemichigan.org/volunteer. 

Getting Inspired

Traverse Area District Library and Canton Public Library are partners this year and will work to attract writers and volunteers from their part of Michigan.

New this year is a community of writers online through Facebook (facebook.com/WriteMichigan) and Instagram (@write.michigan). Also Kent District Library is offering a programming series geared towards writers and aspiring writers, covering topics like getting published, the art of description and developing strong characters. For more details, including dates, times and locations, visit writemichigan.org/writers-conference.

 

For more information on Write Michigan, visit  writemichigan.org.
   