Category Archives: Area Education

EK’s Red Storm Robotics, ‘volunteer community’ make face shields to support COVID-19 frontline workers

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Some of the Red Storm Cares face masks were delivered to CareLink, fo them to use when dealing with customers. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

To say that the students in East Kentwood High School’s Red Storm Robotics program are ‘industrious’ would be a high-tech understatement. But the lessons they learn about robotics design and manufacture are only part of the curriculum.

Faced with a hiatus of the program in the light of COVID-19 school and social restrictions, one parent volunteer and Red Storm student looked around, saw a specific need for front-line medial workers, and realized they and the Red Storm community could be part of the solution.

A great first day. (Supplied)

The result, as of late last week, was the production and delivery of more than 1,200 protective face masks and ear guards (a comfort device for face masks) — at not cost to the users. The results are also another lesson for the Red Storm students about real-world applications for high-tech imaginations.

“It became clear early on that there was a shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment) in Michigan,” Trista Vandervoord, a mentor for the middle school program and parent to Red Storm student Ethan, said to WKTV. “We knew people were 3D printing PPE, and as a robotics team we have multiple 3D printers. It was an easy way to do our part. We borrowed five 3D printers from our robotics space, set up a print farm in the basement, and got to work. Once we identified the need, we felt we had to help if we could.”

The persons being helped include health care workers and other essential “front line” staff, almost all of them local in West Michigan but a few sent as far away as Tennessee.

A team effort to ‘do something good’

Trista and Ethan Vandervoord, getting a milestone delivery ready.(Supplied)

Trista and Ethan, an East Kentwood sophomore, started the project in early April by 3D printing themselves but also setting a community project with a dedicated website, a user request and distribution system, donation requests, and getting our drop site at the Kentwood Public Schools Administration Building.

Then the “Red Storm Cares: Operation Face Shield” 3D print army came charging in.

“More than a dozen Red Storm Robotics students are involved in a safe way, by punching holes in the transparencies, delivering face shields, writing emails to request support, writing thank you notes to our generous donors, and spreading the word,” Trista said. “It is a true team effort.”

The scope of production; shown are the ear guards (a comfort device for face masks). (Supplied)

The team effort is a coordination of volunteers, headed by team members of Red Storm Robotics, who are coordinating the effort independent of one another physically, “but united in spirit and drive to do something good,” according to supplied material.

“We are primarily providing face shields, which are composed of a 3D printed headband and a transparency sheet,” Trista said. “We have a 3D print army of individuals and robotics teams all over West Michigan who are printing in their own homes or businesses.

“To date, we have provided 1,200 face shields and 1,200 ear guards … and receive more requests each day. We have provided to hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, group homes, court bailiffs, pharmacists, community food distributors, COVID-19 test sites, and more.”

Some of the Red Storm Cares face shields were delivered to Rite Aid Pharmacy for use of the frontline workers. (Supplied)

The list of local places where the face shields have been put to good use include Cherry Health, Rite Aid Pharmacy, CareLinc Medical Equipment and Supply, and Pilgrim Manor Senior Living.

While their focus is in West Michigan, they also sent five to doctors at University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville, “due to special request from a friend,” Tristia said.

The production lines; the supply chain

As with any Red Storm Robotics project, there were so initial design and production work to be done.

Ethan Vandervoord. (Supplied)

“We are using five 3D printers … and they are in production around the clock (literally),” Ethan, who is in his fifth year with Red Storm Robotics, said to WKTV. “We are using a tested shield design from Operation Face Shield Ann Arbor, who got us started in this effort. My dad is our technician, and he has learned a lot about 3D printing through this project.”

The project’s “top need now” is for additional members to join our 3D print army, Trista said. “We have filament, we just need people to turn it into useful items using their 3D printers. Beyond that, we have an Amazon Wish list at redstormcares.com for the community to purchase filament and transparencies for this project.”

The Wish List items are mailed directly to the home shop, and they also have a material donations drop site at KPS Administration Building, 5280 Eastern Ave. But, Trista stressed, no cash donations can be accepted.

For more information about Red Storm Cares: Operation Face Shield, visit their website or their Facebook page.

County, City of GR, local agencies open a homeless women’s shelter at Catholic Central high

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The Catholic Central High School gym will be temporarily available to house homeless women. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Using a donated, temporary-use facility at Catholic Central High School, Kent County and City of Grand Rapids Emergency Management Divisions have partnered with the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, Mel Trotter Ministries, and The Salvation Army to create a “safe shelter” for women experiencing homelessness and who are presumed negative for COVID-19.

 

The facility, according to a statement Friday, April 24, from Kent County, will allow permanent shelters in the area to reduce their daily populations so individuals experiencing homelessness are better able to socially and physically distance.

Catholic Central High School (Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids)

“We are called as Catholics to care for our brothers and sisters, especially the most vulnerable among us,” Greg Deja, principal/CEO of Catholic Central High School, said in supplied material. “While we’ve all been sheltering at home for the past month, many of our Heartside neighbors do not have that same option … Our decision to open our gymnasium as a dormitory reflects one of our core values at Catholic Central to serve — through which we come to know and love Christ more fully.”

The Catholic Central gymnasium can hold up to 75 women and provides shower facilities, food services provided by The Salvation Army, and other essential services. It will be primarily staffed by Kent County volunteers, the City of Grand Rapids Homeless Outreach Team, and Mel Trotter Ministries staff.

“This is an example of the entire community coming together to care for some of the most vulnerable in our community and do all we can to keep them safe. We are truly all in this together,” Dennis Van Kampen, CEO, Mel Trotter Ministries, said in supplied material. “My hope is that after this pandemic we will have created connections and work groups that continue to work together to solve some of our communities most urgent issues.”

The announcement for the county stresses that the facility use is not intended to be a long-term solution, and there are still staffing needs for the daily operation of the shelter. Volunteers for all shifts are needed and will not be in direct contact with known positive COVID-19 patients. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit kcest.org/volunteer.

“All of us who are working at the shelter have been moved by the strength of these women,” Lt. Lou Hunt, Kent County emergency manager, said in supplied material. “It has truly been a blessing and our privilege to serve this vulnerable yet highly appreciative population.”

Kentwood, Wyoming public schools implementing remote learning options after state closes schools

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Local public school’s plans for remote learning differ, but all meet state guidelines and goal that “teaching and learning must continue.” (Public Domain)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, early this month, ordered all K-12 public school buildings to close for the remainder of the school year but urged the continuation of education through remote learning — in fact part of her order included funding the use of public school facilities by public school employees and contractors for the “purposes of facilitating learning at a distance.”

Many Wyoming and Kentwood school districts, along with the Kent ISD, anticipating the governor’s order, had already been working on remote learning plans. But the governor’s order set a deadline of this week for remote learning plans to be submitted and approved by the Kent ISD, and required “all schools to begin providing learning opportunities for all students no later than April 28, 2020. Districts who are able to begin their plans earlier are encouraged to do so.”

Most local schools districts are already “doing so.”

There was no easy answer, no cookie-cutter answers given individual district goals, needs and even the logistics of working to verify students’ ability to access the internet and to distribute the technology necessary to reach as many students as possible.

So every district’s plan is unique but, in the words of the Kent ISD Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plan Application instructions, “although schools are closed and not providing in-person instruction, teaching and learning must continue.”

To look at just one plan, after getting approval of the district’s plan from the ISD, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools this week shared their plans with their community, and WKTV.

“Today marked a new beginning for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools as the district responded to the suspension of in-person learning and shifted to distance learning for the entire district,” Kevin Polston, superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, said to WKTV early this week. “District staff have prepared for this reality over the past few weeks to provide students and families necessary supports to continue meaningful learning for the remainder of the school year. New student learning begins today and will continue through the remainder of the school year ending on May 29.”

Some of the highlights of the Godfrey-Lee remote learning plan include providing almost 1,500 computer/tablet devices and contacting families individually to check on internet access — the district reports 93 percent have such access. For more detailed information on the Godfrey-Lee plan, visit here.

To gain information on other Wyoming and Kentwood public school district’s remote learning plans, visit their district websites and/or Facebook pages, including Wyoming Public Schools, Godwin Heights Public Schools, Kelloggsville Public Schools, and Kentwood Public Schools website and Facebook page link.

“While the means of delivering learning has changed, the district’s vision, mission, and values remain constant,” Godfrey-Lee’s Polston said. “I am confident that our students will have an excellent experience during our Continuity of Learning Plan, and our staff stands ready to support any student or family member in need.”

Also like other school districts in the Wyoming-Kentwood area, remote learning is only one part of Godfrey-Lee schools’ efforts during a spring of closed schools.

“The district has also continued to support the basic needs of families, social-emotional wellbeing of students, and health and wellness of families through Kent School Services Network (KSSN) support,” Polston’s stated. “It is the expectation that each student will have contact with a district staff member every week. … (And) the district implemented a structure to target students that aren’t in contact to offer assistance and support.”

Godfrey-Lee, also undoubtedly like other local school districts, has also gained support in their remote learning activities.

“The district is thankful for the generous support of individuals, community partners, and philanthropy during this crisis,” Polston said.

Longtime WKTV partner Rose Hammond’s acclaimed documentary to air on station’s cable channel

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Historic postcard of Idlewild Lake dock and boat (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

“In Between the Trees”, Rose Hammond’s 2019 documentary film about the historic African-American resort towns of Idlewild and Woodland Park, was more than simply a community project supported by WKTV Community Media.

It is a prime example of a community-led project which WKTV prides itself in being an advocate for and a partner with. And the film will be on display next week as it begins a short cable-television run on WKTV Community Channel 25.

“As Rose went through he process of producing this documentary, we all found it fascinating that she was uncovering this amazing story of local history,” said Tom Norton, general manager of WKTV Community Media. “WKTV is happy and proud that she chose to use this facility to realize that storytelling goal.”

WKTV will air “In Between The Trees Monday, April 20, at 9:30 a.m.; Tuesday, April 21, at  7 p.m.; and Friday, April 24, 10 a.m.

Idlewild was started in 1912 by white investors who created a resort for black vacationers during the Jim Crow era — when most resorts would not allow blacks to book stays. Woodland Park came a few years later.

Rose Hammond at WKTV Community Media for the premiere of her film “In Between the Trees”. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The film about the history of the towns — produced, substantially filmed, and edited at WKTV by Hammond — is based on her 1994 book “Idlewild & Woodland Park, Michigan (An African American Remembers)”.

In a WKTV Journal interview when the film premiered at a special screening last year, Hammond talked about her labor of love.

“I was attracted to the story when coming home and our family went up north to visit our grandpa’s old house,” Hammond said to WKTV. “While in Woodland Park all I heard were the stories of how it used to be. I then decided that someone needed to put a collection of interviews together to maintain the historical value of the community.

“No matter what becomes of the two communities they will always be known as an outlet for thousands of African Americans to entertain and vacation like their counterparts. It will always be Idlewild and Woodland Park.”

For the complete WKTV Journal story, visit here. The trailer for the documentary can be viewed here and another here. For a WKTV video interview with Rose Hammond while the film was in process, visit here.

County health department launches home screening app to spot COVID-19 hotspots

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

In an effort to obtain information to track potential COVID-19 hotspots in Kent County, the county health department today launched a new web-based survey for residents — keepmihealthy.org.

The “secure, anonymous, web-based survey” — which does not required an app download — will provide health officials with “valuable data that could potentially identify future COVID-19 ‘hot spots’ in Kent County,” according to the announcement.

“Our ability to respond to this pandemic depends upon timely, accurate, and multi-sourced data,” Kent County Health Department Director Adam London said in supplied material. “The information gathered through this survey will provide us with an additional layer of data to make strategic decisions on how we use our resources.”

Local technology company OST, which started in Grand Rapids in 1997 but now has a worldwide footprint, actually came to Kent County with the idea.

“We would like to thank local technology developer OST for turning this community health screening concept into reality,” London said. “Without being asked, they identified a need, reached out to us and other community partners, and quickly developed an easy-to-use and effective screening tool.”

The survey questions are simple — as simple as “Are you experiencing any of the COVID-19 symptoms or not?”

To complete the survey, residents will be asked to answer four personal identification questions including year of birth, gender, county, and zip code.

All data will be kept confidential and housed in a secure database, according to the announcement. Under licensed agreements, health care professionals, hospitals, and local health departments will have access to the anonymous data to learn more about the community’s health in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID- 19.

To complete the survey, go to keepmihealthy.org/ and click “Get Started!”

Upon completion, residents can optionally provide their mobile phone number to receive a daily text reminder to take the survey.

“By taking the survey daily, it will ensure health officials are making decisions based on the most current information available,” according to the statement.

To learn more, review the frequently asked questions document at keepmihealthy.org/faq.

A Spanish version of the application will be released shortly.

Timely World Affairs Council April discussion series examines ‘Future of Work’

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In these days of COVID-19 restrictions, work from home has never been more common. (Public Domain)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

During the COVID-19 pandemic, two things have defined the American — and the world’s — job market: rampant unemployment and the explosion of work-from-home. That, and the already emerging changes due to interconnected world job markets and automation in the workplace, are profoundly changing the future of work.

 

So the World Affairs Council of West Michigan’s now virtual-only spring lecture series is perfectly timed as it looks at “The Future of Work” with three Tuesday evening lectures discussing the future workforce and workplace changes in a changing world.

“The Future of Work” series, presented in partnership with the Kent District Library, will start with the reality that “COVID-19 creates a ‘new normal’ in all aspects of our lives, including the economy and work,” according to World Affairs Council statement.

Set to start the series on Tuesday, April 14, Kristin Sharp, a partner with Entangled Solutions, out of Washington, D.C., will speak on “Global Trends Shaping the Future of Work”.

Following discussions will be April 21, as a panel led by moderator Attah Obande, “Director of Dream Fulfillment” at Spring GR, discuses “Entrepreneurs’ Experiences in the Changing Economy: Local Perspectives”.

Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink (GRCC)

Finally, on April 28,Dr. Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College, will discuss “Working Together for Growth in West Michigan: Industry and Education”.

The premier of each discussion will be 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Tuesday and can be attended for free via the World Affair’s Council’s YouTube page for an “interactive conversation” as there will be the ability to send questions during the live presentations. All the discussions will be available afterwards as archived videos.

“Globalization. Automation. Underemployment and the gig economy. What are the trends that have been shaping patterns of work?” the World Affairs Council states about the series. “How will government, industry, and educators respond to the new opportunities and challenges created by change? Just as importantly, how do people imagine new possibilities in their local roles as workers and citizens in a global and tech-driven economy, so that we can positively affect the future of work?”

Details of the discussion leaders

Kristin Sharp. (Supplied)

Kristin Sharp, as a partner with Entangled Studios, is “focused on building out the future of work, automation, and ed/workforce technologies portfolio,” according to her company’s webpage biography. Prior to joining the company, she co-founded the Shift Commission and launched the ShiftLabs and Work, Workers, and Technology projects at New America, examining the impact of automation and AI on the workforce. Earlier in her career, she worked in technology, innovation, and national security policy in the U.S. Senate, working in senior staff roles for senators and committees on both sides of the political aisle.

Attah Obande, of SpringGR. (Supplied)

Attah Obande works for Spring GR, “a grassroots business training experience that uses the business model canvas (think of it like a road map for starting a business) to help entrepreneurs develop their business idea or business,” according to the company’s website. Over the course of 12 weeks, the group brings people together in small groups, teach the business process, and provide coaching. … For two years following graduation, SpringGR “acts as a bridge to connect graduates to other resources throughout Grand Rapids to further grow and develop their businesses.”

For a WKTV story on SpringGR, visit here. For a WKTV video interview, visit here.

Dr. Bill Pink is the  tenth president of Grand Rapids Community College, starting in 2017. He has been an educator for over 25 years, including as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Oklahoma State University (Oklahoma City.) and he has taught and/or coached in Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Oregon. He has an Associate’s Degree from York College (Nebraska), a Bachelor’s from Oklahoma Christian University, a Master’s from the University of Central Oklahoma, and a Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma.

Kelloggsville, Godwin Heights school district voters to face ‘confusing’ ballot process in May

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The new State of Michigan Absentee Ballot return envelope. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org



Michigan’s Secretary of State’s office has announced that the coming May 5 ballot will “primarily” use a mail-in voting system by expanding the state’s existing absentee ballot process with all registered voters in areas set to vote being sent absentee ballot registrations.

In addition, according to a Secretary of State press release, it was announced that last week that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had issued an executive order that will close all but one polling place — typically the clerk’s office — in each election jurisdiction to be used for in-person voting.

The Kent County Clerk’s office, which is responsible for voting processes in the county, is putting plans in place for handling the changes but the admits the state’s plans may be “confusing to voters and could jeopardize election integrity,” Lisa Posthumus Lyons, Kent County Clerk/Register, said to WKTV today, April 8.

None-the-less, Posthumus Lyons said “we are moving forward in Kent County, working with local clerks to ensure we have enough workers to staff the election, adhere to the CDC guidelines for the health of the public and our workers, and protect the security and integrity of the election.”

School leaders in Kelloggsville Public Schools — which along with Godwin Heights Public Schools are the only entities in Wyoming and Kentwood with funding measures on the May ballot — are also unsure how the changes will impact the public vote.

“First off, all of our thoughts go out to the families that have been impacted by this pandemic and hope that they are healthy as possible and are making it through these difficult times,” Eric Alcorn, auxiliary services director at Kelloggsville Public Schools, said to WKTV. But “we think anytime there is a major world/national threat, pandemic, disaster, a change in the economic outlook, there is a huge impact on elections.

“I am not sure if we have ever done an election entirely through absentee voting — we will have to wait and see on what kind of impact it will have. It will for sure be a learning opportunity for us.”

The Kelloggsville Public School District has an approximately $4.2 million, 10-year sinking fund millage proposal. Godwin Heights Public Schools has a $13,975,000 bonding proposal on the ballot.

“All I can say is that we are going to do the best we can to get the word out about the sinking fund, its benefits, and the opportunities we want to provide for our students, staff and community,” Alcorn said. “We are adjusting our plan to meet the stay-at-home orders and social distancing placed on Michigan.

“We have a small community and usually like to do a lot of our marketing face-to-face and by word-of-mouth through inviting them into our facilities and talking about proposals at events and activities. At the end of the day, we are committed to providing the best educational environment for our students that we can. The revenue generated from the sinking fund will go a long way in helping us achieve that.”

Kent County Clerk has some concerns

And while the Kent County Clerk’s office is preparing as directed by the state, the county leader is not entirely comfortable with the process mandated by the state.

“My primary concern with the May 5 Election is the safety of our clerks, election workers, and of course, the voters,” Posthumus Lyons said to WKTV. “While it would have been ideal for the school districts take advantage of the opportunities they had to move their questions to the August ballot, seven have opted to continue for May.

“I understand we face a time that requires making difficult decisions, but I am admittedly concerned with the action taken by the Governor and Secretary of State to address this May election because the process they’ve put in place is confusing to voters and could jeopardize election integrity, and I do not want this to set a precedent for how we conduct future elections in Michigan.”

The Secretary of State’s office, however, sees a primarily mail-in ballot in May as the best way to handle the voting.

“Elections are the foundation of our democracy, and our nation has a long history of holding them even in times of crisis and uncertainty,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in supplied material. “All election work will be done in strict adherence to the protocols to prevent coronavirus transmission, including exercising social distancing, using sanitary equipment, and maintaining strong hygiene.”

To encourage everyone who can to stay home and vote by mail, the state will mail absentee ballot applications to all registered voters, and all new registrations will be treated like an absentee ballot application, prompting the issuance of an absentee ballot, according to Benson’s office.

“Voters like voting by mail because it is easy, private, and can be done on their own timing and while researching issues and candidates at home,” Benson said. “It also eliminates the possibility of coronavirus transmission for the voter and, with simple precautions like gloves and social distancing, the election workers as well. Finally, voting by mail is absolutely secure, as the signature matching requirement is a built-in security check.”

According to the latest Secretary of State’s office direction, local city and township clerks’ offices will remain open through Election Day, enabling same-day voter registration and voting in person, including for people with disabilities who wish to vote using assistive equipment, and others to drop off their ballots if they forget to mail it in time.

Voter registration can also be done by mail or online at michigan.gov/Vote through April 20. Between April 20 and May 5, new registrations must be accompanied by proof of residence, which can also be submitted by mail or electronically.

More information on school ballot measures

For more information on the Kelloggsville Public School District funding request, see a story by our media partner School News Network.

For more information on the Godwin Heights Public Schools funding request, see a story by our media partner School News Network.

Kentwood’s Streams of Hope gains grant to support tutoring of elementary school students

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In addition to it tutoring program, Streams of Hope offers a variety of programs to their community including a food pantry, after-school activities for middle and high school students, a community garden, and health & wellness programs. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Streams of Hope community center in Kentwood has received a $25,000 grant from HarperCollins Christian Publishing to support the center’s elementary student tutoring program.

Since the tutoring program begin in 2010, it has steadily grown to provide more than 100 hours of free tutoring each week by 10 certified teachers to 80 students, according to the center.

Kurtis Kaechele (Supplied)

“It’s a joy and a privilege to have HarperCollins Christian Publishing come alongside this tutoring initiative once again,” Kurtis Kaechele, Streams of Hope executive director, said in supplied material. “They have been a wonderful partner over the past six years, and their support empowers the students in this neighborhood to overcome barriers and succeed in school.”

During the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions, Streams of Hope has sent virtual tutoring resources to their students and provided printed versions to families that utilize the center’s food center drive-thru supplemental grocery system.

The combined population of three public elementary schools, each less than half a mile from the center, located at 280 60th St, SE, is over 90-percent eligible for federal assistance, according to Streams of Hope.

“Educational success is a significant factor for reducing poverty, and our prayer is that by impacting students we would see our neighborhood transformed for the better,” Kaechele said. “In 2018, 91 percent of students being tutored in reading achieved one grade level or more of growth. During the same period, 84 percent of math students raised their assessment scores.”

 

Kentwood’s Streams of Hope ministry serves children and families in several ways. (Supplied)

In addition to tutoring, Streams of Hope offers a variety of programs to their community including a food pantry, after-school activities for middle and high school students, a community garden, and health & wellness programs. It also serves as a campus for SpringGR entrepreneurial training.

The HarperCollins grant will also support the center’s summer soccer and reading camp in addition to their Nutrition, Education & Wellness program for diabetic clients.

“Year after year, HarperCollins Christian Publishing continues to be in awe of what Streams of Hope can accomplish for the Kentwood community, and greater Grand Rapids,” Casey Harrell, senior director of corporate communications at HarperCollins Christian Publishing, said in supplied material. “Not only have we built a relationship through monetary investment, but with their leadership, staff, and the children involved in their tutoring program.”


Streams of Hope is a community-based ministry in the Townline neighborhood of Kentwood that “exists to demonstrate God’s love and foster sustainable change through services that build relationships, meet family needs, and promote a healthier community,” according to the group. Its programs focus on creating healthier schools, neighborhoods, and families by utilizing local resources.

For more information visit streamsofhope.org.

State of Michigan reports: State puts teeth into COVID-19 related restrictions, orders

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The State of Michigan, like most governmental agencies, puts out press releases to media sources on a wide-range of issues almost daily. Some are important for the public to know; some are just routine governmental business. Some make the news and some do not.

We at WKTV have decided that in these times of COVID-19, of often-filtered news, we’d let the state departments say what they want to say to the pubic a little more directly. Following are links to State of Michigan releases from Thursday, April 2 — with a little emphasis given by our staff on what we found interesting.

https://www.wktvjournal.org/after-gov-whitmer-cancels-in-school-education-kent-isd-and-local-schools-exploring-options/For a special WKTV story on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer April 2 Executive Order 2020-35, which orders all K-12 school buildings to close for the remainder of the school year, follow this link.

Heath Department sets fines, other actions to enforce COVID-19 actions 

In the wake of Thursday, April 2, reports that Michigan had recorded more than 10,000 cases of COVID-19 — with 417 deaths — the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an Emergency Order setting a civil penalty of up to $1,000 and a process for referral to licensing agencies for violations of Executive Orders 2020-11, 2020-20 and 2020-21. Criminal penalties for violation will remain an option for prosecutors.

“A person can have coronavirus without knowing it,” Robert Gordon, MDHHS director, said in the release.  “They can spread the disease to others who can spread it to others. The only way to stop the spread is social distancing. A civil penalty and potential licensing actions send a strong message to Michiganders that social distancing is essential to saving lives.”

Read the entire release here.

The other April 2 release, listed by headline and with link, was:

After AG action, three U.P. businesses comply with ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ order 

After Gov. Whitmer cancels in-school education, Kent ISD and local schools exploring options

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Lee Middle and High School. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-35, which orders all K-12 school buildings to close for the remainder of the school year but urges the continuation of education through remote learning.

Gov. Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-35, issued Thursday, April 2, also guarantees school staff and teachers will be paid for the remainder of the school year, allows the sue of public school facilities to be used by public school employees and contractors for the “purposes of facilitating learning at a distance”, and assures that 2020 seniors will graduate this year.

As far as school-based standardized tests, the governor’s statement said that those previously scheduled for the remainder of the school year, including the M-STEP and the SAT, will be canceled. There will be a date in October for rising high school seniors to take the SAT and for other high school students to take the PSAT.

It also states that guidelines for “remote learning” for the remainder of the 2019020 school year will be issued, Friday, April 3.

While Wyoming and Kentwood school districts are looking to what those guidelines may be and how they may handle remote learning, the Kent ISD issued a statement detailing their actions.

“The Governor asked each school district and its staff provide instructional materials and opportunities for students to continue their education during this crisis,” Ron Caniff, superintendent of Kent ISD, said in a supplied statement following the governor’s order.  “We are working with our schools, their superintendents and staff to respond to the governor’s request as quickly as possible.

“Our team is reviewing instructional plans from states across the country to create the best possible experience for students and their families, who will be essential in helping their children learn during this difficult time. Local districts are doing the same and have been actively designing plans since the school closure went into effect.”

Kent ISD school districts are working together to develop distance learning programming for all students, according to the Kent ISD statement. Some will be served online, while others will receive packets of educational materials delivered much as food is being provided for students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals while schools are closed.

“While all of the details have yet to be worked out, parents should check their district websites and wait for communication from their individual school district to learn the details for their students,” according to the statement.

 

Districts have also een working to verify students’ ability to access the internet and to marshal the technology necessary to reach as many students as possible, Caniff said.

During this crisis, many of the necessary elements – internet hotspots and inexpensive laptop computers – are in short supply as employees in all fields work from home. To help member districts, Caniff said the Kent ISD this week purchased 1,000 Chromebooks “and will continue to monitor district needs and resources available to ensure schools can reach all students to the extent possible.”

Governor continues action to blunt virus spread

Gov. Whitmer said the decision was forced by the current need to extend COVIF-19 restrictions into June, which she has called for legislative leaders to approve quickly.

 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks during a 2019 event. (Air National Guard).

“For the sake of our students, their families, and the more than 100,000 teachers and staff in our state, I have made the difficult decision to close our school facilities for the remainder of the school year,” Gov. Whitmer said in a statement accompanying her executive order. “As a parent, I understand the challenge closing schools creates for parents and guardians across the state, which is why we are setting guidelines for schools to continue remote learning and ensuring parents have resources to continue their children’s education from the safety of their homes.”

The Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators and the Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers will develop “a Continuity of Learning Plan template application for schools to utilize in order to create their localized plan,” according to the announcement of the governor’s action.

“District plans will need to detail how districts will provide opportunities for students to learn remotely and how schools will manage and monitor their progress,” the statement continues. “It will also provide information on how parents and guardians can learn more about the local plan. Each district must have its plan approved by their regional Intermediate school district (ISD) before being implemented. Public school academies must have their plans approved by their authorizer.”

Districts can also partner with one another to create joint plans.

“There is no video chat or homework packet that can replace the value of a highly trained, experienced teacher working with students in a classroom,” Gov. Whitmer said. “But we must continue to provide equitable educational opportunities for students during this public health crisis.”

If the plan relies on some online instruction, the district should ensure every student who needs it has access to an appropriate device with an ability to connect to the internet. “Students and families will not be penalized if they are unable to participate in their alternate learning plan,” the announcement states.

Governor’s action also allows other public school action

Gov. Whitmer also announced that schools should continue to provide mental health care services for students “to the extent possible,” and should be ready and willing to help efforts to establish disaster relief childcare centers. School districts will also continue to provide meals for families who need them during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and Godwin Heights Public Schools systems, and other local school districts, have already been providing meals to students during the school closures.

Also, if any schools have unused personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies or other materials, they are allowed and encouraged to donate them to organizations that could put them to use.

Additionally, school districts will have the flexibility to adopt a balanced calendar for the 2019-2020 school year and/or to begin the 2020-2021 school year before Labor Day without having to seek additional approval. Student teachers will still be able to get a temporary certification and current teachers will still be able to get their certifications renewed, even if they can’t meet all the requirements due to COVID-19.

To view executive order 2020-35, click the link here.

With school year likely cancelled, Godfrey-Lee schools continue work by planning for ‘Legendary’ future

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Lee Legends Dragon and Crest (possible final design). (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

While all Wyoming and Kentwood area school district leaders are in a “wait and see” mode this week awaiting an expected order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, at Godfrey-Lee Public Schools district business continues.

At a remotely attended Godfrey-Lee Board of Education meeting Monday, March 30, a brief update by Superintendent Kevin Polston on the status of the school year was followed by the approval by the board of the rebranding of the high school sports teams to become the Lee Legends.

On March 27, Governor Whitmer said in a radio interview that it was “very unlikely” students would be allowed to return to school this school year. But Polston, on Monday, March 30, said to WKTV that his school district is waiting on final word — and guidance from the state — on the details of school cancelling the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.

“By all accounts it looks like the remainder of the school year will be canceled,”  Polston said to WKTV on Tuesday, March 31. “This is heart breaking news for our students, staff, and families. Our core values include community and relationships, both are predicated on interactions between individuals. Our team has been preparing for this possibility and when we receive official guidance from the Governor, we will have a plan ready for our students to continue learning during the school shutdown.”

A possible design for the Lee Legends football helmets. (Supplied)

At the Monday night meeting, however, district business continued as the board approved the months-long rebranding of the school district and its sports teams and extracurricular programs such as band. The name change from The Rebels to The Legends was known, but the images be used in a wide-range of ways was finalized. At the meeting the board was shown several possible versions of the the images.

“The Legends name will inspire the district and unify our community behind the aspirational goal to #BeLegendary,” Polston said in a March 31 supplied statement. “Students were at the heart of the decision making process, and the spirit of their artwork serves as the inspiration for the mascot design.”

Dragon and Crest in Spanish (possible design). (Supplied)

All athletic uniforms, district signage, murals, and the district’s digital footprint will represent the Godfrey-Lee Legends name beginning in August of this year 2020, according to the statement. The district also included the Spanish version of Legends, “Leyendas”, in the presentation for the potential to be used with apparel to “represent the rich Latinx cultural influence” of the district.

“We are thankful for our donors for supporting the district so that general fund dollars targeted for the classroom aren’t spent on this project,” Polston said. “In particular, we wish to thank the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Frey Foundation, and the Native American Heritage Fund for their generous support.  We look forward to full implementation in the fall with the start of the new school year, and the start of a new era in Godfrey-Lee.”

That new era will likely be the beginning of the 2020-21 school year.

On March 23, after the governor announced the “Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay Alive” order which called for everyone in non-essential businesses and organizations to stay home through April 13. Schools such as Godfrey-Lee Public Schools promptly temporarily closed. But that temporary closure was extended and schools are awaiting expected direction to stay closed for the remainder of the current school year.

“We are working diligently to come up with a plan to meet the needs of our kids,” Gov. Whitmer said in a public statement late last week. “Anyone who is watching what is happening globally with this pandemic knows it’s probably very unlikely they’re going to get back in school before the end of this year.”

The governor said the state is working on a plan for the cancelation of the remainder of the school year.

“It’s not something you develop overnight because we’ve got an inequitable system across the state of Michigan,” Gov. Whitmer said.

Whitmer’s orders apply to all public, private and boarding school buildings in Michigan.

Local school districts, however, are staying active and engaged with their students and their communities. Godfrey-Lee schools, for example, are encouraging remote learning and making food service for students available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with meals expected to be served throughout the duration of the closure, according to an earlier statement from the school district.

At this point, according the earlier statement, a waiver has been granted by the federal government to cancel state assessments for the 2019-20 school year. But final resolution of the issues of graduation and end-of-year events such as proms are unknown.

All district personnel with the exception of food service and limited maintenance and grounds staff are working remotely for the duration of the closure.

With the March 30 meeting, the Godfrey-Lee Board of Education began hosting Board Meetings remotely but live-streamed and accessible to the community.


Muskegon Museum of Art offers remote art projects for crayons, cameras

Area Education, Community Health, Education, Entertainment, How-To's, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation,
One of the Selfie Challenge artworks was “Fastball” (bronze, 1987) by Albert W. Wein (American, 1915-1991). (Supplied by MMA)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Muskegon Museum of Art may be closed to visitors due to the COVID-19 restrictions, but it doesn’t mean lovers of art can’t have some fun with art projects sponsored by the museum.

For adults — or tech-savvy children — with a love of cell-phone selfies, the museum is offering the MMA Selfie Challenge. For children — or children-at-heart — with crayons (or whatever is used these days) in hand, the museum is offering “Color our Collection” coloring book pages.

“Calling all selfie snappers! The MMA is hosting a “Selfies of the Best Kind” challenge,” the museum states in supplied material. “Every other day in March, we are posting a work of art from our collection on Facebook that we encourage you to replicate at home with a selfie.”

Check out the museum’s Facebook page for the artwork of the day, snap your selfie, post it to your wall, and tag the Muskegon Museum of Art. (Use #picturesofthebestkind or #muskegonartmuseum for tags.)

The remaining Selfie Challenge Dates are March 25, 27, 29 and 31.

Also, the museum is offering Color our Collection coloring book pages available for download and printing. In all there are seven images from the Muskegon Museum of Art’s permanent collection available, with information about the artist on the second page of the pdf files.

Among the paintings available for coloring are John Steuart Curry “Tornado Over Kansas”, Edward Hopper’s “New York Restaurant”, Dale Nichols’s “Footsteps in the Snow”, Roger Brown’s “Painter of a Birds Eye View”, Jacob Lawrence’s “The Builders: The Family”, Hughie Lee-Smith,’s “Apres-Midi” and Severin Roesen’s “Tabletop Still Life”

For more information and its many activities during and after the COVID-19 restrictions, visit muskegonartmuseum.org.

Kent ISD Adult Education programs, success story discussed on new WKTV Journal In Focus

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

On this episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we sit down with the director and a student of Kent ISD’s Adult Education Program, which helps adult students get their high school equivalency, gain skills in the English language, and connects them with various career and technical education programs.

Note: This WKTV video was recorded before the current COVID-19 social and business restrictions. Please visit here for more information on the present status of Kent ISD programs; visit here for specific information on the Adult Education Program.

The various ISD programs, according to its website, offer adult students, “Pathways to Success to help them build a brighter future.”

With us is Oogie LaMar, Kent ISD Director of Adult Education, as well as Kylan Tette, a student enrolled in the the Adult Education General Education Development, or GED, Program.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.


Kent ISD Adult Education programs, success story discussed on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

3-bottom, Area Education, Community Health, Education, Local Faces, WKTV Journal In Focus,

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

On this episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we sit down with the director and a student of Kent ISD’s Adult Education Program, which helps adult students get their high school equivalency, gain skills in the English language, and connects them with various career and technical education programs.

The various ISD programs, according to its website, offer adult students, “Pathways to Success to help them build a brighter future.”

With us is Oogie LaMar, Kent ISD Director of Adult Education, as well as Kylan Tette, a student enrolled in the the Adult Education General Education Development, or GED, Program.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

After breakthrough season, Kelloggsville girls basketball coach, team look forward to future

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Faces, Sports,
The 2019-20 Kelloggsville High School girls basketball team. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

In just his second season leading the Kelloggsville High School girls basketball program, Rockets head coach Bilal Muhammad appreciates his 2019-20 team’s 16-4 regular season record and the impressive milestone of the program’s first OK Conference title in more than four decades.

But with his team losing only two seniors — even though one, Trayana Starr-Thurman, was their best player — and a new buzz around the school about his program, Muhammad can’t wait to start working towards the future.

This season’s accomplishments “bode well for our program, just getting that experience, and being there before is going to help tremendously,” coach Muhammad said to WKTV. But “I’m excited to see what this off-season is going to bring … I’m looking forward to what the future brings.”

Kelloggsville tied for first in the OK Silver Conference with Calvin Christian, with a 10-2 record, giving the Rockets a share of their first league title since 1976, when the school competed in the OK White. The team’s season came to an end in a district semifinal game against Wayland.

The Rockets went 12-9, 6-6 in conference, last year, in Muhammad’s first season in charge.

The keys to their successful season, Muhammad said, was not only having two seniors leaders, but also a bunch of underclassmen who stepped up and provided points, toughness and work ethic.

Trayana Starr-Thurman, and her 1,000 point ball. (Supplied)

Starr-Thurman’s contributions were clear: she led the team with an average of 15 points per game and scored her 1,000th point this season. The team’s other senior, Zenaiya Gonzales, will be missed for other reasons.

“Trayana is a student of the game … she’s not afraid to ask questions, and she voices her opinion on certain plays … (she was) able to communicate, and offer that leadership,” Muhammad said. Gonzales “brought leadership as well, and toughness” to the team.

Gonzale “has been hurt all season, literally all season, and she’s been tough enough to tune it out all year. She brought that toughness and leadership in practice — (the team knows) that if she’s here, if she can do it, it makes everybody else’s moral come up and work hard as well.”

The returning players who their coach has so much confidence in includes two juniors — Nariah Collier and Jaden Wade — and super sophomore Brea’Ana Smalley.

Collier and Wade “are going to be important on and off the floor” next season, he said. “Some of the summer stuff we are going to be doing. Getting the girls to come out. …This is their first year actually working together. I’m looking forward to what the future brings.”

Collier, a center, averaged eight points, eight rebounds and four blocks a game this season. Wade, a forward, also gave the Rockets a strong inside force.

And Smalley, who fought through injuries to be the team’s second leading scorer, with 13 points per game, is only going to get better, her coach said.

“She did a great job. She was injured a few games as well this year. We had a lot of injuries this year. But those big, important games, when we needed her, she stepped up,” Muhammad said. “I’m looking forward to her for next year, She’ll work on her game over the summer and be even more dynamic next year.”

Coach also pointed out that junior Jazmine McCaleb will be a returning captain while freshman Malia Fields is a “hard worker, very hard worker,” and sophomore Yarlene Valdez “came to our team the second half of the season, but she is committed and ready to work over the summer.”


And after not having JV and freshman programs this season, having varsity returners who will “help with the new players”, along with work by he and has staff, Bo Garyson and Tiesha Stokes, Muhammad sees a good future for the Kelloggville program as a whole.

“I’m optimistic the number (of players in the program) will increase,” he said, pointing out that he’s been working with the middle school program as well. “I am hopeful and optimistic that we will be able to fill that void that we did not have this year.”

East Kentwood boys win in double overtime at Caledonia to advance in basketball Districts

Area Education, City of Kentwood, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Journal Sports Connection
The 2019-20 East Kentwood High School boys basketball team. (Supplied/East Kentwood)

By Mike Moll, WKTV Sports Director
sports@wktv.org

The boys basketball District opener for Division 1 played at Caledonia High School showcased the true meaning of March Madness. OK Red foes East Kentwood and Caledonia split their regular season meetings with a win apiece and Monday was just as even. So much so that it not only went into overtime, but double overtime before the Falcons would advance to Wednesday with a 68-67 victory.


Caledonia finishes the season at 9-12 while East Kentwood, now 12-9, will face one of the area’s top teams, the 19-2 Wyoming Wolves at Middleville T-K, after Wyoming defeated the host Trojans Monday, 93-49.


EK would score the first basket of the game, but the Scots then went on a 9-0 run, and finish with a 14-9 lead after the first quarter buzzer. The Falcons leading scorer on the season, Ja’moni Jones would lead all scorers with 5, followed by Caledonia’s Luke Thelen with 4, along with Koby VanderWoude and Carter Thomas with 3.


While the Fighting Scots would hit an early 3-pointer by Thelen to take a 17-11 lead, the Falcons would quickly come back with the next six, led by the combination of Jones and Jordan Jackson to tie the game at 17, which was the second of twelve ties on the night. Caledonia would outscore East Kentwood 8-6 the remainder of the quarter to hold a slim 25-23 lead. Jones would lead the way with 11 and Jackson had 8, six of which were in the second quarter, while Caledonia was being paced by Thelen with 9.


The intensity would continue after halftime, as East Kentwood would take their second lead of the night 32-30 following back to back offensive rebounds by Urim Sahitolli and his made basket at the 3:35 mark. However, the Scots would score the final five points of the stanza, with the last being another triple by Thomas to head into the fourth with a 35-32 lead. Jones was still the leading scorer with 13 and Caledonia’s Thomas had 10 followed by Thelen with 9.


Caledonia would open the fourth with a basket by VanderWoude, who would have twelve in the quarter by himself, but the parade to the charity stripe would begin for East Kentwood as they would hit four in a row to cut the deficit to just one, until Jackson would connect at the 6:10 mark to mark the fourth of six total lead changes on the night, 38-37 East Kentwood. That was the start of the Falcons trying to take control of the game as they would increase their lead to 47-40, but simply couldn’t shake Caledonia, who would keep fighting being led by VanderWoude and Andrew Larson. After a foul by Caledonia with just 10.7 seconds remaining, Jones went to the line for two shots that could have given EK a three-point lead, but he went 1-for-2 to make it 53-51. Caledonia had a shot blocked but was able to get the offensive rebound by Thelen who scored with 1.7 seconds remaining. On the ensuing in-bounds pass, Jones tossed a shot from half court that was no good to send the game into the first overtime.


The OT was controlled by EK early as Ja Shon Large, who had 5 points in regulation, scored the first four, but that lead was cut to one after a 3-pointer by Larson. After another Large score, the next three were scored by Caledonia’s Aaron Henry and VanderWoude, but he too missed one of two free throws. EK’s Kalil Strange would make it 61-59, but with 41.1 seconds left, Caledonia’s Thelen would knot it again at 61 where it would stay, and a second overtime was needed.


As so often is the case, free throw shooting is the difference in back and forth games and this was no exception in the second OT as EK would make 3-of-4, all by Strange, whereas the Scots would be 2-of-4 on their last two trips down the floor, but that was good enough to take a 67-66 lead with 21.5 seconds left. After a series of timeouts, EK’s Large would make a driving basket with just .9 seconds remaining, after which Caledonia could only get a shot off as the buzzer sounded trying to force a foul but to no avail.


Caledonia was led by VanderWoude with 21, Thelen 13, and both Thomas and Larson with 11, but the Scots were 7-of-15 from the charity stripe. The Falcons were led by Jones with 23, Large and Jackson 13 each, and Strange 9, but the victory went to them by hitting 15-of-21 from the strip on the night as a team.

Stella Royce, the person and the patron, honored at St. Cecilia’s Helen DeVos Legacy Award Gala

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Chuck and Stella Royce. (St. Cecilia Music Center)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The term “patron of the arts” is name-dropped often, but there are few people who it more aptly applies to than the late Stella Royce. With her late husband, Chuck, Stella spent decades generously advocating for and directly supporting arts and culture in West Michigan.

One of those arts organizations to benefit from the couple’s patronage was St. Cecilia Music Center — as evidenced by the beautiful renovated Royce Auditorium at the center, to name only the most obvious contribution.

So it is appropriate that St. Cecilia’s 2020 Helen DeVos Legacy Award will honor Stella at its 2nd annual gala, a sold-out event to be held at the music center Saturday, March 7, during Women’s History Month — also appropriate as St. Cecilia came into being in 1883 under the leadership of several local women.

Chuck and Stella Royce. (St. Cecilia Music Center)

“Stella was a vital force in the leadership and vision of St. Cecilia Music Center for over 60 years, and she and her husband, Chuck Royce, consistently promoted and supported St. Cecilia Music Center,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive director, said in announcing the award. “Stella and Chuck Royce also generously supported other arts organizations including the Grand Rapids Symphony, Opera Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Ballet, as well as many others. … Stella was truly one of the great patron saints of St. Cecilia Music Center and led a life of service to the arts.”

St. Cecilia held the first annual Helen DeVos Legacy Award Gala in 2019, honoring the first recipient and namesake of the award, the late Helen DeVos. The award is now presented each year during Women’s History Month “to a woman who has helped expand the cultural life of our community and has shown exemplary service to the arts.”

Hearing stories of Stella, both from Holbrook and Charlie Royce, one of several relatives of Chuck and Stella who will be in attendance at the gala, it is clear the woman appreciated the arts and enjoyed life.

“I believe that Stella immediately fell in love with St Cecilia from the first day she visited,” Charlie Royce said to WKTV. “Since she passed away, I have spent a lot of time discovering how Stella became an artist in the first place. Because of her childhood I do not believe music or art was even an option for her. Only in high school did she become exposed to music through singing in the choir at Greenville High School.

“I tend to think this opportunity was perhaps her first place to escape to from a turbulent past into something beautiful. By the time she got to St. Cecilia, she knew that music could provide this same beauty to others that maybe struggled like she did. Thus all the programs for children and support for anyone that wanted to pursue their talent. And to have the means to provide it at a place like SCMC made for a perfect match.”

Royces’ long history with St. Cecilia

Chuck’s history with St. Cecilia actually predates Stella’s.

“Chuck’s mother and grandmother had been involved at SCMC since 1913,” Holbrook said to WKTV. “Chuck grew up roaming the halls of the building while his mother and grandmother performed, went to committee meetings and helped organize various events. So, you could say that SCMC was in Chuck’s blood.

Chuck and Stella Royce, with Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive director, and visiting musician Frederica von Stade. (St. Cecilia Music Center)

“When Stella met Chuck, her own love of music naturally drew her to the organization that his family had been so involved in for so many years and she took up the cause as wholeheartedly as his mother and grandmother had done. Chuck and Stella were at all events and concerts (at St. Cecilia). In fact, as their health declined and they were not attending events at SCMC regularly any longer, it definitely felt like something was ‘missing’. … We all wished that she could be here to receive it herself but, both Charlie and Maria are musicians themselves and recognize the impact that their parents had on this organization.”

And Chuck and Stella’s “impact” on St. Cecilia goes far behind the perfect acoustics of the renovated auditorium.

“During the renovation in the (19)70’s, the decision was made to make the auditorium handicap accessible,” Charlie said. “My folks turned this into an opportunity by suggesting the Great Artist Series. The series featured world renowned artists and opened with Izsak Perlman, who was at the time the most recognized violinist in the world who also happened to be handicapped.

“Also, after my folks retired and moved to downtown, they became a kind of welcoming committee of two for whomever just moved to Grand Rapids to head a corporation or take over as a president of a bank or college,” he said. “Through casual conversation my folks would learn of their interests, be it in architecture, the arts, cultural history, education … (and) every tour involved a stop at St Cecilia … Chuck and Stella totally recognized the importance of connecting people with something they could participate in and since they were new in town, St. Cecilia became the first place they connected with”

Proceeds from the Helen DeVos Award Gala honoring Stella Royce will help support St. Cecilia Music Center’s artistic performances, its varied music education programs for youth and adults, as well as preservation of the center’s historical building.

St. Cecilia Music Center is the oldest performing arts organization in West Michigan, according to supplied material, began in 1883. Nine women, led be Ella Matthews Pierce, gathered that year to form a society to promote the study and appreciation of music in all of its branches, and to encourage the development of music within the community. They chose to name the new organization after Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music.


In the late 1880’s the members began planning for a building of their own, designed by prominent Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb, who was a protégé of Carnegie Hall’s architect, William Burnet Tuthill. The building, which currently stands at 24 Ransom Ave., in downtown Grand Rapids, opened to the public in 1894, and is the only building in the United States built by women and has operated solely for the purpose of music.

For more information about St. Cecilia Music Center visit scmc-online.org.

WKTV’s girls basketball district coverage begins at East Kentwood, moves to South Christian

Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Entertainment, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports, WKTV Journal Sports Connection
East Kentwood High School girls basketball in January 2020 District action. (WKTV)

By WKTV Sports Staff
ken@wktv.org

With the local high school girls basketball regular season completed, WKTV has jumped into our prep March Madness featured game coverage this week as the state playoffs begin with girls District tournaments across the state.

WKTV’s Featured Game crew will be following the Division 2 District tournament at South Christian High School starting Wednesday, March 4, and continuing with that districts final on Friday, March 6. To read about the Monday game at South Christian featuring the Sailors, see Mike Moll’s story here.

But the best Monday, March 2, opening-round game involving area teams was the Division 1 clash with Byron Center at East Kentwood, so WKTV was there.

Byron Center entered the game at 19-1 overall and 12-0 in OK-conference Green with a title in hand. East Kentwood was 17-3, 11-1 in OK Red with a shared title with Hudsonville, and on a 10-game winning streak. The two teams met to open the season; EK won on the road 48-43.

In the Monday game between the two, the Falcons (now 18-3) won by almost the same score — this time winning 50-43 — as three East Kentwood players scored in double figures: sophomore Deyonce Thompson led with 15 points including three 3-pointers, while juniors Alexis McCully and Kabriana Hallman each added 12.

“That was one of the better high school basketball games we’ve seen in a long time,” WKTV Featured Game announcers Ron Schultz said after the game. “These teams … match up really well and the played really well. … Kentwood dropped some threes when they had to have them.”

The East Kentwood game will be available on WKTV Community Television Channel 26 (for complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule) and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.

WKTV also has a special video discussion on local teams playing in District tournaments with WKTV Sports Director Mike Moll and WKTV sports announcer Cory Dalton on the inaugural WKTVJournal Sports Connection program. See the YouTube video here.

As East Kentwood game will now travel to Caledonia for the District semifinals, starting March 4, the WKTV Featured Game crew will move to cover a doubleheader at South Christian.

In one game at South Christian, Wayland (13-8, 5-7 OK Gold and the winner of Monday’s game Hopkins) will play Kelloggsville (16-4, 10-2 and a shared title in OK Silver).

In the other game at South Christian, the Sailors (11-10, 7-5 OK Gold and the winner of a Monday game against Kentwood Grand River will play West Michigan Aviation (7-13, 1-6 Alliance).

Other local teams playing in District tournaments

In Division 1, Wyoming (7-14, 3-9 OK Gold) won a Monday opening round game against tournament host Caledonia and now will challenge the tournament top seed, East Grand Rapids (19-1, 12-0 and a title in OK Gold), on Wednesday.

In another Division 2 tournament involving local teams, Godwin Heights (10-11, 4-8 in OK Silver) played Monday at the Forest Hills Eastern District tournament but lost to Grand Rapids Christian (18-3, 9-3 in OK Gold) to end the Wolverines season. On the other side of the same tournament bracket, Wyoming Lee (0-19, 0-12 OK Silver) will open play on Wednesday against Catholic Central (7-14, 4-8 in OK Blue) and the winner of a Monday game with Wellsprings Prep.

In a Division 4 tournament hosted by Wyoming Tri-unity Christian, Wednesday games will have Tri-unity (6-14, 2-5 in Alliance) playing Martin (19-1, 9-1 and a title in Southwestern Athletic Conference Lakeshore), and Wyoming Potter’s House Christian (8-12, 5-2 Alliance) against Byron Center Zion Christian (9-11, 3-4 Alliance). The winners will play for the district title Friday at Tri-unity.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

South Christian opens girls basketball district play with win over Grand River Prep

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, Sports, WKTV Featured sports,
South Christian High School girls basketball, game preview graphic. (From South Christian Facebook page)

By Mike Moll, WKTV Sports Director
sports@wktv.org

The Michigan High School Athletic Association tipped off March Madness girls-style Monday, as district play opened throughout the state. A pair of WKTV’s local teams met at South Christian where the Sailors entertained the Titans from Grand River Prep.


When the final buzzer was heard, the Sailors advanced to Wednesday night’s semi-final matchup after their 49-28 victory.


The game plan for the Titans was to get the ball low and they were able to do that multiple times early, but the shots were simply not falling for center Shaelyn Robinson nor guard Gabby Koon.

The first points were scored on a pair of free throws early in the game by Robinson and, after a tying basket and a made free throw by South Christian, the floor leader for Grand River Prep, senior Shaniah Jones, who would later leave the game with a shoulder injury, scored her only two points on the night to give Grand River Prep a 4–3 lead.

The Sailors then began their dominance and would continue it through the end of the third quarter as they would outscore the Titans 8-0 during the remainder of the first, 13-2 in the second to take a 24-6 lead at the break, and then 14-6 in the third quarter to have the game well in control, 38-12 heading into the final stanza.

Grand River Prep came to life in the final quarter from long distance as Abigail Rivera-Sosa, Jasmyn Koon, Kiara Walter, and Tiarra Weddle all connected to help the Titans outscore the Sailors 16-11 to close the game. Jasmyn Koon led the Titans with 6 points on the night as they had nine different scorers, but the Sailors had 11 players score, including fourth-quarter 3-pointers by both Taylor Newhof and Josie Vink.

The Sailors were consistent the entire game on both ends of the floor, between their rotation of players and how they scored when playing together by putting up between 11 and 14 points in each quarter.

Sophomore Sydney Vis was the game’s leading scorer with 11, all in the first three quarters, followed by Maria Schrotenboer with 8, and Kinsey Brinkert with 6.


Coach Josh Bouma’s Titans finish the season at 10-7, while Kim Legge’s Sailors improve to 11-10, and will face 7-13 West Michigan Aviation in the second game of Wednesday’s double header.


The other side of the district bracket will pit 13-8 Wayland, after their 56-40 win over 12-9 Hopkins on Monday, against O-K Silver champion Kelloggsville and their 16-4 record. The two winners will meet in the championship game Friday at 7 p.m., also at South Christian.

Author Shanika Carter, library inclusion conversation, at KDL Kentwood on March 5

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Shanika Carter’ will discuss her new book “To Lead or Not to Lead” and will sign books Thursday, March 5, at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Kent District Library. (Supplied by the Author)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Author Shanika Carter’s new book “To Lead or Not to Lead” has the appropriate subtitle of “Breaking the Glass Ceiling Using Lessons from Your Past Experiences”.

In the book — which she will be speaking on and signing copies of at the Kentwood KDL Branch Library March 5 — Carter makes the case that while people can be helped on their personal and career journeys by other people, the best help may well be understanding and learning from one’s own positive and negative experiences.

Shanika Carter. (Supplied)

“I share not only my experiences, but those of others who have emphasized a lack of mentorship and encouragement to move up the ladder in their fields,” Carter said to WKTV. “For me, though, although I did experience a lack of the mentorship along the way, I learned quite a bit about myself and how to overcome obstacles I encountered.”

Carter’s discussion and book signing will take place Thursday, March 5, starting at 5:30 p.m., at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Kent District Library, 4950 Breton SE, Kentwood. The event is free and open to the public.

Carter’s talk, and book signing with snacks, will be followed at 6:30 p.m. by a library equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) community conversation. And while the author will not be directly involved in the discussion, she strongly supports the inclusion efforts.

“I plan to support and participate in (the EDI conversation) on the 5th,” Carter said. “When I lived in Grand Rapids, before starting my writing/editing business … and getting back into teaching, I was employed part time in KDL’s circulation pool, rotating to the various locations to assist.

“That was over five years ago, so my relationship with KDL began then, and continued as I got my writing up off the ground, having participated as a guest speaker for one of KDL’s annual writing conferences … I appreciate everything that they have done with me on this journey.”

Carter’s journey includes graduating from Muskegon Heights High School, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising from Michigan State University and her Master of Science degree in communications from Grand Valley State University.

Carter has worked as an adjunct instructor at ITT Technical Institute and Jackson College’s Prison Education Initiative program. She currently works in the writing center at Muskegon Community College, also teaching for the Communications and College Success Center departments, and is also an adjunct instructor at Montcalm Community College, where she teaches interpersonal communications and speech.

Carter is also a big supporter of the need for all persons — students, reformed prisoners, everybody — have the ability to communicate to be successful in life and careers.

“It is highly important to be able to communicate both verbally and in written form, particularly in a time where we, and so many of our youth, are in a social media world where even the communication is so different,” Carter said. “I’ve heard from teachers (and) parents over the years about how basic handwriting was no longer a requirement, like it was when I was growing up. Also, with social media, we find more people communicating in other ways outside of face-to-face contact and even using a more condensed language to exchange messages.

“As an instructor at this level of education, I am amazed at how many students I do encounter who do have difficulties with basic writing and grammar, let alone social and interpersonal skills. With the combination of losing some of the basic writing and communication requirements that were available in the past, and then dealing with those who allow their social media interactions to lapse over into their regular, face-to-face or written communications, the importance of communications and writing is just as relevant and important to continue in education.”

For more information on Shanika P. Carter’s book “To Lead or Not to Lead: Breaking the Glass Ceiling Using Lessons from Your past Experiences”, visit here. For more information on her The Write Flow and Vibe project, visit here.

For more information on the KDL Kentwood event, visit here. Follow the Kent District Library on various social media platforms — Facebook: facebook.com/KentDistrictLibrary and Instagram: @kentdistrictlibrary and Twitter: @KDLNews.

Meijer Gardens to open annual Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition on March 1

Area Education, Entertainment, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, Volunteers,
Kids of all ages and butterflies mix at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition — reportedly the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation — will bring more than 7,000 tropical butterflies to West Michigan beginning Sunday, March 1.

This year’s exhibition highlights Nathaniel Ward and the invention of the Wardian Case.

In 1827, Ward accidentally invented terrariums while studying caterpillars and moths by placing them in jars. He noticed that plants were flourishing in these sealed jars and discovered that plants and insects better survived the harsh conditions in London, a city known for heavy pollution at the time, if they were enclosed in sealed containers. This discovery led to horticulturists being able to transport items around the globe and these early “fern cases” paved the way for modern terrariums, greenhouses and conservatories.

“Step Into the glass house during this year’s Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition and discover how the invention of the Wardian case changed the world,” Lisa Roo, project manager, said in supplied material. “This year’s theme offers our community a sense of wonder with magical glass houses from four feet tall to our iconic fifty-foot-tall Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.

“We offer our guests the unique experience of stepping into glass houses to see butterflies soaring, caterpillars munching, and learn how the Wardian case paved the way for modern terrariums and greenhouses.”

A new Wardian case will be located in the adjacent Earl and Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor.

Approximately 60 colorful species of butterflies and moths journey from butterfly-rich regions of Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Philippines and Kenya to fly freely in the five-story tall, 15,000 square-foot Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. At 85 degrees and 70 percent humidity, this balmy environment mimics the tropical regions that the butterflies call home.

Butterflies and flowers will be on display at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens)

Species of butterflies expected to arrive include the blue common morpho, whose iridescence impresses in flight, as well as brushfoot varieties such as the Clearwing, Lacewing and Zebra Mosaic. Likewise, the longwings captivate with distinctive wing patterns as seen on the Small Blue Grecian, Doris, Postman and Tiger butterflies. Gliders like the Emperor, Ruby-Spotted and Orchard Swallowtails will also add to the diverse assortment.

More than 1,000 pupae arrive at Meijer Gardens weekly from around the world. Guests can watch as delicate chrysalides and cocoons are placed in the Observation Station, where these unique and fascinating creatures then transform and spread their wings for the first time.

The Caterpillar Room, located within the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse, features monarch caterpillars. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens)

The Caterpillar Room, located within the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse, features monarch caterpillars. Here guests will have the opportunity to learn more about how plants, butterflies and moths live in and under glass. Caterpillars hungrily feed on milkweed host plants mixed in with the flowering spring plantings and ferns that encompass the perimeter of the seasonal display greenhouse.

A docent will be present to help guide guests and enhance the experience. Volunteers are also “Wanted. Needed. Appreciated.” with various jobs and shifts. Contact Valerie Maciejewski at vmaciejewski@meijergardens.org or 616-974-5221.

There will be extended hours during Spring Break (Monday to Friday, April 6-10, 9 a.m. top 9 p.m.) and There are several special exhibition activities also set for the show. For more information visit meijergardens.org.

WKTV has Wyoming, Kentwood high school sports schedules, featured game coverage

Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The Featured Game coverage schedule for the last week of February includes Tuesday, Feb. 25, with girls and boys basketball featuring Tri-unity Christian High School at Grand River Prep; and Friday, Feb. 28, with girls/boys basketball with Tri-unity Christian again on the road at Wyoming Potter’s House.

WKTV’s girls and boys basketball District Tournament coverage to be begin March is still being determined, but should be announced by the end of this week.

Where and when to see the game

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.


For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.


 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Feb. 24
Girls Basketball
Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Aviation
Boys Basketball
Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Aviation
Boys/Girls Bowling
Wyoming Lee @ Potter’s House

Tuesday, Feb. 25
Boys Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Grand River Prep — WKTV Featured Event
Potter’s House @ Wellsprings Prep
Zion Christian @ Muskegon Catholic Central
NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
South Christian @ FH Eastern
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ Holland
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Girls Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Grand River Prep — WKTV Featured Event
Zion Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Potter’s House @ Wellsprings Prep
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights
South Christian @ FH Eastern
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ Holland
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Wednesday, Feb. 26 — no events

Thursday, Feb. 27
Girls Basketball
West Michigan Lutheran @ Holland Black River
Zion Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Fruitport Calvary Christian @ Grand River Prep
Boys Basketball
West Michigan Lutheran @ Holland Black River
Grand Rapids Adventist @ Grand River Prep
Boys Diving
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – Conference Prelims
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ West Ottawa – MHSAA Regionals

Friday, Feb. 28
Boys/Girls Bowling
Tri-Unity Christian @ TBA – MHSAA State Team Regionals – Boys
Wyoming Lee – MHSAA State Team Regionals @ Park Center Lanes
Godwin Heights – MHSAA State Team Regionals
South Christian – MHSAA State Team Regionals @ M-66 Bowl
Wyoming- MHSAA State Team Regionals
East Kentwood – MHSAA State Team Regionals
Boys Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House — WKTV Featured Event
Kalamazoo Phoenix @ West Michigan Lutheran
Covenant Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
Christian @ South Christian
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Girls Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House — WKTV Featured Event
West Michigan Aviation @ West Michigan Lutheran
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
Christian @ South Christian
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Hastings
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – Conference Prelims
Boys Wrestling
MHSAA Team State Finals

Saturday, Feb. 29
Boys/Girls Bowling
Tri-Unity Christian @ TBA – MHSAA State Individual Regionals – Boys
Wyoming Lee – MHSAA State Individual Regionals- @ Park Center Lanes
Godwin Heights – MHSAA State Individual Regionals
South Christian – MHSAA State Individual Regionals @ M-66 Bowl
East Kentwood – MHSAA Individual Regionals
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Hastings
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – Conference Finals
Girls Cheer
Wyoming – State Regionals

Kentwood Public Schools trustee Sylvia James appointed to Kent ISD School Board

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Kentwood’s Sylvia James, right, is sworn in to serve on the the Kent ISD School Board. James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. (Supplied/Kent ISD)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The Kent ISD School Board recently announced the appointment of Sylvia James to fill the opening on the board created when Bill Joseph retired. James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. 

According to the ISD statement, in addition to her service in Kentwood’s public school system, she has extensive professional experience in operational and strategic human resources practices and management at Pridgeon & Clay, Inc., and previously with Steelcase, Spectrum Health and Robert Bosch, LLC.


“We are pleased to welcome Sylvia to the Kent ISD School Board and look forward to enlisting her experience, passion and dedication to serve all students in the Kent County area,” Ron Caniff, Superintendent, Kent ISD, said in supplied material. “The board is grateful to Bill Joseph for his 18 years of service, countless insights and many contributions throughout the years.  We look forward to continuing this important work with Sylvia’s leadership and commitment to public education.”


James has lived in the Kentwood area for more than 25 years and is interested in expanding her reach to help meet the needs of students throughout the region, according to the ISD.

“I love how Kent ISD works collaboratively with all of the districts to provide programs and services to the residents of 23 public and non-public school districts.” James said in supplied material. “I am committed to ensuring that our students are well educated, as we provide for their safety and welfare.”


James was sworn in at the February Kent ISD School Board meeting.  She will serve until the June 2021 election, at which time she can run to serve the remainder of Joseph’s term, through 2025.


Kent ISD is a regional educational service agency “devoted to achievement for all students,” and provides instructional and administrative services to more than 300 schools, 20 public districts, three non-public districts, and many public school academies and non-public schools.

For more information on the Kent ISD, see kentisd.org.

WKTV has Wyoming, Kentwood high school sports schedules, featured game coverage

Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week.

The Featured Game coverage schedule for the remainder of February includes the following:

Tuesday, Feb. 18 — Boys Basketball Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee

Friday, Feb. 21 — Girls/Boys Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House

Tuesday, Feb. 25 — Girls/Boys Basketball Tri-unity Christian @ Grand River Prep

Friday, Feb. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Tri-unity Christian @ Potter’s House

Where and when to see the game

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.


 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.


 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Feb. 17
Boys/Girls Bowling
South Christian @ FH Eastern
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids
Kelloggsville @ Wellsprings Prep
Girls Cheer
Wyoming @ Comstock Park
Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park

Tuesday, Feb. 18
Boys Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Fennville
Algoma Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
West Michigan Aviation @ Zion Christian
Grand River Prep @ Fruitport Calvary Christian
Muskegon Catholic Central @ Potter’s House
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee — WKTV Featured Event
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Wyoming @ Hudsonville
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Girls Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Fennville
Algoma Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
West Michigan Aviation @ Zion Christian
Grand River Prep @ Fruitport Calvary Christian
Potter’s House @ Muskegon Catholic Central
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights
Middleville T-K @ South Christian
Hudsonville @ Wyoming
Belding @ Kelloggsville
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood @ Comstock Park

Wednesday, Feb. 19
Boys/Girls Bowling
Wayland @ South Christian
Byron Center @ Wyoming
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Boys Wrestling
East Kentwood – MHSAA Team Regionals

Thursday, Feb. 20
Boys/Girls Bowling
Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Boys Basketball
West Michigan Lutheran @ Kalamazoo Phoenix
West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian
Girls Basketball
Barry County Christian @ Grand River Prep
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Ottawa Hills

Friday, Feb. 21
Boys Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Black River
West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House — WKTV Featured Event
Holland Calvary @ Grand River Prep
Zion Christian @ Calhoun Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
South Christian @ Wayland
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Grandville @ East Kentwood
Girls Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Black River
West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House — WKTV Featured Event
Zion Christian @ Calhoun Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
South Christian @ Wayland
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Grandville @ East Kentwood
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ TBA — O-K Silver Post Season Tourney
Boys Hockey
South Christian @ Christian
Girls Cheer
Wyoming – TBA – MHSAA State Districts

Saturday, Feb. 22
Boys/Girls Bowling
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
South Christian – OK Green-Gold Tournament @ Park Center Lanes
Wyoming @ Christian
East Kentwood – Post Season Conference Tournament
Girls Cheer
Wyoming Lee @ Comstock Park – Districts
@ East Kentwood – MHSAA Districts
Boys Hockey
Catholic Central @ South Christian
Boys Wrestling
East Kentwood – MHSAA Individual Regionals

Monday, Feb. 24
Girls Basketball
Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Aviation
Boys Basketball
Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Aviation
Boys/Girls Bowling
Wyoming Lee @ Potter’s House

Vote 2020: Busy election season begins with absentee ballot availability for March 10 presidential primaries

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The new State of Michigan Absentee Ballot return envelope. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The March 10 Presidential Primary ballots, both the crowded Democratic version and the less crowded Republican version, are already in Wyoming and Kentwood voters hands if they applied for absentee ballots.

And it is not too late to apply for absentee ballots for the coming voting day, or for the entire and very busy 2020 voting calendar which includes the March 10 presidential primary election, a May 5 potential proposal or millage election, the Aug. 4 state and federal primary election and the Nov. 3 presidential, federal and state general election.

There will also be voting in the Wyoming Public Schools district for a millage renewal on the district’s March 10 ballot, and there will be voting for Kent County Sheriff and the 62 B District Court (Kentwood) judgeship, possibly in both primary and general elections.

For more information on the Wyoming Public Schools Operating Millage Restoration Proposal on the March 10 ballot, visit here.

But first, the presidential primary. And given the evolving list of political candidates in each party’s race, the ballot will show candidates who have already dropped out of the race.

“The list of candidates who will appear on the March 10 Presidential Primary is created, per statute, by the Secretary of State and the state chairpersons of the two political parties, based on whom they deem to be nationally-recognized candidates,” Robert J. Macomber, Kent County Chief Deputy Clerk and Register of Deeds, said to WKTV. “Because the candidate list was finalized in December in order to meet programming and printing deadlines, the ballots will include the names of several candidates whom have since ended their campaigns.”

While there are things for voters to watch out for on the presidential primary ballot, there are also things to know about the state’s new absentee ballot rules and envelopes.

Voters in both Wyoming and Kentwood can request absentee ballots, for specific voting dates or for the entire 2020 calendar, by contacting the city’s respective city clerk offices. For more information on Kentwood, visit here. For more information on Wyoming, visit here.

“With the passage of Proposal 18-3, Michigan voters now have the right to vote absentee without providing a reason, and the right to request to be placed on what is known as the Permanent Absentee List, and maintained by most city and township clerks,” Macomber said. “When on the permanent list, the voter will automatically receive an Absentee Ballot Application in advance of each election. On that application, the voter will have the option to request to receive the ballot for one election, or each subsequent election in that year.”

Absentee, not early, voting with new envelopes

While it seem to be a nuance, absentee voting is not early voting — and that particularly matters for the coming presidential primary.

“You may hear the terms Absentee Voting and Early Voting used interchangeably, however Michigan is has absentee voting, not early voting,” Macomber said. “In early voting states, ballots are immediately tabulated upon return to the clerk. In an election like a Presidential Primary, that distinction matters.

“In Michigan, whether they voted for a candidate who may have exited the race, or simply changed their mind prior to any election, voters who return an absentee ballot have the right to spoil their ballot and cast a new ballot at any time prior to 4 p.m. the day before the election. For the Presidential Primary, that would be 4 p.m. on March 9. Ballots cast for candidates that have dropped out will still appear in Election Night results, and how those votes are later allocated into delegates are determined by the political parties rules.”

There are also newly designed envelopes for absentee ballots, and some details on how they should properly be returned.

The new State of Michigan Absentee Ballot envelope sent to voters who request them. (WKTV)

“The Secretary of State has adopted a new design for absentee envelopes, and voters should pay close attention to their mail in light of that change,” Macomber said. “Previously, absentee ballots came in a dark yellow/golden envelope. The ballots are now mailed in a mostly white envelope with a blue strip on the left side, with ‘Official Absent Voter Ballot.’

“Normal postage requirements, or the timeframe to return the ballots has not changed — ballots need to be received by the voters city or township clerk’s office (not the polling location), whether mailed or hand delivered, by 8 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.”

For more Kent County election information visit here. For more State of Michigan election information, visit here.

Alternatives in Motion’s holds mobility drive, plans 2020 GVSU ‘Wheel Run’ 5K

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Health, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, Volunteers,
AIM also invites the public to run, walk or hand cycle your way through Grand Valley State University’s campus in Allendale this Saturday, April 4, for its Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser. (Supplied/AIM)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The local non-profit Alternatives in Motion — whose stated mission is to “enhance independence through access to mobility equipment” — recently announced a successful mobility device collection drive put on by one of AIM’s board members.

AIM will also be the benefactor of the Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser, held at Gran Valley State University’s Allendale campus in April. And it is not too early to sign up.

Throughout December 2019, AIM board member Leigh Chick hosted a Mobility Drive at Ionia Intermediate School District’s Freedom Acres School.

Throughout December 2019, AIM board member Leigh Chick hosted a Mobility Drive at Ionia Intermediate School District’s Freedom Acres School. (Supplied/AIM)

“I was inspired to host a mobility drive to support AIM because they have given so much to the students and families of Ionia County and directly to Freedom Acres School,” Chick said in supplied material. “I knew there were families and community members holding onto old equipment that their child had outgrown and they didn’t know what to do with it. I wanted to give them a place to pay it forward. I also wanted to spread the word about how amazing of an organization AIM is.”

Chick thanked several people for help with the drive, including Jim VanBeek of Triangle Construction, who loaned an enclosed trailer to house and collect the equipment in until it could be delivered to Alternatives in Motion’s warehouse, as well as, at the school, Principal Angela Miller, maintenance supervisor Jeff Duell, and Brenda Brown, the school’s physical therapist.

Wheels, run, walk, whatever — for a good cause

AIM also invites the public to run, walk or hand cycle your way through Grand Valley State University’s campus in Allendale this Saturday, April 4, for its Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser.

All proceeds go directly to support the organization, which aids in donating and refurbishing wheelchairs to individuals and families in need.

The event will take place at 1110 Kirkhof Center, 1 Campus Drive, on GVSU’s Allendale campus. In addition to the run, there will be raffles, prizes, music, snacks, drinks, and more. The cost is $25 per person with events starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m.

Registration and additional race information can be found at the following Facebook link.

For more information on Alternatives in Motion, visit their website here.

WKTV has Wyoming, Kentwood high school sports schedules, featured game coverage

Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Recreation, Veterans, WKTV Featured sports
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week.

The Featured Game coverage schedule for the last week of February includes the following:

Tuesday, Feb. 11 — Girls Basketball East Grand Rapids at South Christian

Friday, Feb. 14 — Girls/Boys Basketball Christian @ Wyoming

Tuesday, Feb. 18 — Boys Basketball Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee

Friday, Feb. 21 — Girls/Boys Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House

Tuesday, Feb. 25 — Girls/Boys Basketball Tri-unity Christian @ Grand River Prep

Friday, Feb. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Tri-unity Christian @ Potter’s House

Where and when to see the game

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.


For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.


 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Feb. 10
Girls Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Wellsprings Prep
West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee
Boys/Girls Bowling
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
Zeeland East/Zeeland West @ South Christian
Wyoming @ Unity Christian
Rockford @ East Kentwood

Tuesday, Feb. 11
Boys Basketball
Morley Stanwood @ Tri-Unity Christian
Calhoun Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Grand River Prep @ Wellsprings Prep
Ravenna @ Potter’s House
Zion Christian @ Martin
Wyoming Lee @ White Cloud
Belding @ Godwin Heights
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids
Wyoming @ Wayland
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Girls Basketball
Battle Creek Calhoun Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Grand River Prep @ Wellsprings Prep
Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee
Martin @ Zion Christian
Godwin Heights @ Belding
East Grand Rapids at South Christian — WKTV Featured Event
Wyoming @ Wayland
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Wayland
Boys/Girls Bowling
Potter’s House @ Kelloggsville

Wednesday, Feb. 12
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ FH Northern
Boys/Girls Bowling
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights
Unity Christian @ South Christian
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K – Girls
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Boys Wrestling
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights – MHSAA State Team Districts
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming – MHSAA State Team Districts
East Kentwood @ Grandville – MHSAA State Team Districts
Girls Cheer
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K

Thursday, Feb. 13
Boys/Girls Bowling
Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House
Girls Basketball
Hudsonville Home School @ West Michigan Lutheran
Boys Swimming
East Kentwood @ Rockford

Friday, Feb. 14
Boys Basketball
Holland Calvary @ Tri-Unity Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Grand River Prep
Potter’s House @ Cedar Springs
Wellsprings Prep @ Zion Christian
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Covenant Christian @ South Christian
GR Christian @ Wyoming — WKTV Featured Event
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Girls Basketball
West Michigan Aviation @ Grand River Prep
Holland Black River @ Potter’s House
Wellsprings Prep @ Zion Christian
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Covenant Christian @ South Christian
Christian @ Wyoming — WKTV Featured Event
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ East Grand Rapids
Muskegon Reeths-Puffer @ South Christian
Boys Swimming
South Christian – MISCA Diving Meet @ EMU
East Kentwood – MISCA Diving Meet

Saturday, Feb. 15
Boys Hockey
East Grand Rapids @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation
Lake Orion @ South Christian
Boys Wrestling
Wyoming Lee @ Fremont – MHSAA State Individual Districts
Godwin Heights @ Fremont – MHSAA State Individual Districts
Wyoming @ Lowell – MHSAA State Individual Districts
Kelloggsville @ Lowell – MHSAA State Individual Districts
East Kentwood – MHSAA State Individual Districts
Girls Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park
Boys Basketball
Comstock Park @ Godwin Heights
Boys Swimming
South Christian – MISCA Swim Meet @ EMU
East Kentwood – MISCA Swim Meet
Boys/Girls Dance
Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills
East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood – Delta Plex Invite
Girls Dance
East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills

Monday, Feb. 17
Boys/Girls Bowling
South Christian @ FH Eastern
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids
Kelloggsville @ Wellsprings Prep
Girls Cheer
Wyoming @ Comstock Park
Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park

Kelloggsville boys basketball hosts Comstock Park in non-conference WKTV Featured Game

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The Kelloggsville High School boys basketball team will take a break from its OK-Conference Silver schedule to host Comstock Park out of the OK Blue Tuesday, Feb. 4, as both teams look to get back in the win column.

The Kelloggsville Rockets (4-6 overall, 2-4 in league) are coming off a road loss to OK Silver foe Godwin Heights on Jan. 31. Comstock Park (2-8 and 1-5) will be out to break a six-game skid including a home loss to Central Catholic also on Jan. 31.

The WKTV Sports Featured Game will be available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

WKTV will be busy in February with local high school sports schedules, featured game coverage

Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director
sports@wktv.org

February already brings the final full month of the high school winter sports schedules to the area. The opening rounds of MHSAA State tournaments are near the end of the month in several sports and others, such as girls’ basketball, close out the regular season to begin their state tournament to open up March.

With the change in basketball districts this year having the teams be seeded and matchups announced fifteen days before the opening games, updated schedules will be posted here as they are announced.

Once again, WKTV and its crews will be at two events each week throughout the month but show your support in person to your local schools whenever you can and then join the rebroadcast or watch on-line within a few days of the event.

The Featured Game coverage schedule for the last week of February includes the following:

Tuesday, Feb. 4 — Boys Basketball Comstock Park at Kelloggsville

Saturday, Feb. 8 — Boys Hockey Lowell/Caledonia at East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation

Tuesday, Feb. 11 — Girls Basketball East Grand Rapids at South Christian

Friday, Feb. 14 — Girls/Boys Basketball Christian @ Wyoming

Tuesday, Feb. 18 — Boys Basketball Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee

Friday, Feb. 21 — Girls/Boys Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House

Tuesday, Feb. 25 — Girls/Boys Basketball Tri-unity Christian @ Grand River Prep

Friday, Feb. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Tri-unity Christian @ Potter’s House

Want to be a television sports announcer?

If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! We are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.


 
Where and when to see the game

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.


For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.


 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Feb. 3
Boys/Girls Bowling
Calvin Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian – Boys
NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Byron Center @ South Christian
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Kelloggsville @ Hilcrest Lanes
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Girls Basketball
Lansing Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

Tuesday, Feb. 4
Girls Basketball
West Michigan Lutheran @ Hudsonville Libertas Christian
Holland Black River @ West Michigan Aviation
Grand River Prep @ Potter’s House
Muskegon Catholic Central @ Zion Christian
Benton Harbor @ Godwin Heights
Hudsonville @ South Christian
Boys Basketball
West Michigan Lutheran @ Hudsonville Libertas Christian
Holland Black River @ West Michigan Aviation
Grand River Prep @ Potter’s House
Potter’s House @ Tri-County
South Christian @ Calvin Christian
FH Central @ Wyoming
Comstock Park @ Kelloggsville — WKTV Featured Event
Northview @ East Kentwood

Wednesday, Feb. 5
Boys/Girls Bowling
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Belding @ Godwin Heights
South Christian @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Girls Cheer
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
Wyoming @ Wayland
Boys Wrestling
Muskegon Catholic Central @ Godwin Heights

Thursday, Feb. 6
Boys/Girls Bowling
Tri-Unity Christian @ West Catholic – Boys
Boys Swimming
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Friday, Feb. 7
Boys Basketball
West Michigan Aviation @ Tri-Unity Christian
Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Lutheran
Kalamazoo Heritage Christian @ Grand River Prep
Creative Tech @ Zion Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming @ South Christian
Girls Basketball
West Michigan Aviation @ Tri-Unity Christian
Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Lutheran
Creative Tech @ Zion Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming @ South Christian
Boys Hockey
South Christian vs Plymouth
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Hudsonville
Boys Wrestling
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Saturday, Feb. 8
Boys Hockey
Lowell/Caledonia @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation — WKTV Featured Event
South Christian vs Powers Catholic
Boys/Girls Bowling
Wyoming Lee @ Hudsonville
Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Wyoming @ Muskegon Mona Shores
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Boys Wrestling
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Godwin Heights @ Belding
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Girls Cheer
Wyoming Lee @ FH Northern
Wyoming @ FH Northern
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Hudsonville

Monday, Feb. 10
Girls Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Wellsprings Prep
West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee
Boys/Girls Bowling
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
Zeeland East/Zeeland West @ South Christian
Wyoming @ Unity Christian
Rockford @ East Kentwood

GVSU’s Veterans Upward Bound program featured on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

3-bottom, Area Education, Community Health, Education, Local Faces, Veterans, WKTV Journal In Focus,

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus is a follow-up with the Grand Valley State University Veterans Upward Bound program. In 2018, as the program was just started, we talked with its new director. Now we bring you two veterans working for and as part of the program — each with unique and moving stories to tell — to find out how it is working.

The Veterans Upward Bound program aims to provide academic and other services to military veterans with the goal of supporting their enrollment and success in postsecondary education.

With us are two members of the Upward Bound staff, Air Force veteran and soon-to-be college student Russell Coon, and Army veteran Belinda Coronado, who already has a degree from GVSU but is not yet done with her higher education efforts.

And Coon’s story is more than simply a vet finding help with higher education — his story is one of a vet finding his way in the world thanks to veterans support programs.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Wyoming Wolves to ‘Howl for Hollern’ at Coaches vs. Cancer night Friday, Jan. 31

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Local Entertainment, Sports, Upcoming Events,
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team, from an early season game. (Curtis Holt)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Wyoming and Forest Hills Eastern high schools are friendly rivals, and one of the reasons is that Wolves athletic director Ted Hollern’s brother Tim is the assistant principal at Forest Hills Eastern.

And when Wyoming hosts its annual Coaches vs. Cancer Community Basketball night on Friday, Jan. 31, with the girls game first at 6 p.m, the night’s cancer awareness events and celebration of cancer survivors will also have a “Hollern” connection.

Set to be called the “Wolf Pack Howl for the Hollern Night”, one of the cancer survivors will be Tim Hollern.

“My brother Tim Hollern has colon cancer,” Ted Hollern said to WKTV. “So we are celebrating him along with all survivors.”

The community basketball night will have some great basketball played — the Wolves boys team (4-1 and 9-1 overall) will be fighting to stay with the leaders of the OK-Conference Gold as they host the Hawks (3-2 and 8-3) at 7:45 p.m. The girls game will have the Wolves (1-4 and 4-8) hosting the Hawks (1-4 and 2-10).

But there will be so much more than just basketball.

There will be an American Cancer Society table set up for information.

The members of the boys varsity squads will be autographing items during the first quarter of the girls game. And the girls team players will be autographing at the end of the girls game. And there will be “Howl for Hollern” t-shirts available for fund-raising, which will be perfect for autographs.

Game-time activities will include all elementary, intermediate and junior high principals, and their students, being honored at the halftime of the boys game. The Wolves Dance team, Pep Band and Honored Choir will also be honored.

There will also be a free raffle, souvenirs, free Wyoming Wolves water bottles, and other door prizes.

Finally, elementary, intermediate and junior high students will gain free entry to the game when accompanied by an adult.

For more information, visit the Wyoming Wolves Facebook page.

Grand River Prep visits Zion Christian in Alliance League showdown, WKTV Featured Games

Area Education, Recreation, Sports, WKTV Featured sports
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The Alliance League is still early in its boys and girls basketball league season, but the outcomes of Kentwood’s Grand River Preparatory High School’s teams visiting Byron Center Zion Christian Tuesday, Jan. 27, will likely go along way to shaking out the top of the standings.

The Grand River Prep Titans boys (6-1 overall, 1-0 in league) will seek to stay in front of also undefeated-in-league Tri-unity Christian (3-0) and Potters House Christian (2-0) as they visit the Zion Christian Mountaineers (3-6 2-3). On the girls side, Zion Christian is 4-6 overall and 1-2 in league, while Grand River Prep is 4-4, 0-0.

Both games will be WKTV Sports Featured Games, which will be available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.

While the games are important to both schools, Zion Christian protecting their home court may be have a larger impact on their Alliance League chances.

Mountaineers boys head coach Dan Does (49-65 overall at the school) has a team led by senior guard Julian Edouard, who is averaging 21.5 points, 15 rebounds, 2.8 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. He is shooting 55 percent from 2-point range and 38 percent from 3-point range.

Fellow senior Titus Baker is averaging 8 ppg., 4.4 rpg., and 3.4 assists per game, while hitting about 35 percent of his 3-point attempts. Senior Blaze Pasma is averaging 6.5 ppg.

On the Mountaineers girls side, head coach Derek Foltice (52-42 overall) fields a team led by two juniors and a freshman Junior Kelly Leep has per-game average of 15.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 5.3 steals and 2.5 blocks. Fellow junior Avery Hilton’s line is 3.7 ppg. and 6.5 rpg., and freshman Josie Doezema’s line is 6.3 ppg. and 4.7 rpg.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

WKTV has Wyoming, Kentwood high school sports schedules, featured game coverage

Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Kids Activities, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The Featured Game coverage schedule for the last week of January includes the following:

Tuesday, Jan. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Grand River Prep at Zion Christian

Friday, Jan. 31 — Girls/Boys Basketball Caledonia at East Kentwood

Want to be a television sports announcer?

If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! We are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.


 
Where and when to see the game

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.


 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.


 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Jan. 27
Boys/Girls Bowling
@ East Kentwood
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
FH Eastern@ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
Christian @ South Christian

Tuesday, Jan. 28
Girls Basketball

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Western Michigan Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Kelloggsville @ Tri-County
South Christian @ FH Eastern
Galesburg-Augusta @ Potter’s House
Grand River Prep @ Zion Christian – WKTV Featured Event
West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary Christian
Boys Basketball
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Kelloggsville
FH Eastern @ South Christian
Grand River Prep @ Zion Christian – WKTV Featured Event
Lansing Martin Luther @ West Michigan Lutheran
West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary Christian
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
Boys Wrestling
Kelloggsville @ Kent City
Girls Cheer
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

Wednesday, Jan. 29
Boys/Girls Bowling
Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ Christian
East Grand Rapids @ South Christian
Boys Wrestling
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Godwin Heights @ Shelby
Wyoming @ Hamilton
Wyoming Lee @ Lakeview
Girls Cheer
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Girls Basketball
Grand River Prep @ Holland Black River

Thursday, Jan. 30
Boys Swimming/Diving
@ East Kentwood
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Boys Bowling
Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian
Girls Basketball
Potter’s House @ Zion Christian
Boys Basketball
Potter’s House @ Zion Christian

Friday, Jan. 31
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood @ Chelsea
Girls Basketball
Caledonia @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
FH Eastern @ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Covenant Christian
South Christian @ Christian
Creative Tech @ West Michigan Lutheran
Boys Basketball
Caledonia @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
FH Eastern @ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Covenant Christian
South Christian @ Christian
Fruitport Calvary Christian @ Potter’s House
Creative Tech @ West Michigan Lutheran
Holland Calvary @ West Michigan Aviation

Saturday, Feb. 1
Boys Hockey
Anchor Bay vs East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ Chelsea
South Christian vs Northville
Girls Cheer
Wyoming @ Kalamazoo Central
Kelloggsville @ Northview
East Kentwood @ Northview
Boys Wrestling
@ Kelloggsville – Rocket Individual Tourney
East Kentwood @ Lakewood
Boys/Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville @ Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
Girls Dance
East Kentwood @ Jenison
Boys Swimming
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Boys Basketball
TBA @ East Kentwood

Monday, Feb. 3
Boys/Girls Bowling
Calvin Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian – Boys
NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Byron Center @ South Christian
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Kelloggsville @ Hilcrest Lanes
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Girls Basketball
Lansing Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

Godwin Heights boys basketball seeks to continue OK Silver streak in WKTV Featured Game

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
Godwin Heights boys basketball (shown from a 2019 game) is on the WKTV Featured Game schedule this week . (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

After a tough season-opening stretch of tough non-conference games, the Godwin Heights High School boys basketball team has started its OK-conference Silver schedule with wins over Belding and Wyoming Lee and a tight road loss at Hopkins.

The Wolverines (3-6 overall, 2–1 in conference) will seek to continue its conference roll as the team hosts NorthPointe Christian (3-5, 1-1) Tuesday, Jan. 21, in a WKTV Sports Featured Game, which will be available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.

So far this season, Godwin head coach Tyler Whittemore’s team has been led by seniors Cleveland (CJ) Baskin (6.5 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, 3 assists per game) and Milton Brown (5 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg). But the team’s leading scorers are both freshmen, Jakhary Towns (17 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg) and Demarie Thompson (8 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3 rpg).

“Baskin is a versatile player. He will handle the ball for us to initiate the offense, but is also good at slashing to the basket off the ball,” Whittemore said to WKTV. “He … is the only player with stats from last year. The other guys have very little to no varsity experience.”

Of his two freshman starters, Whittemore said Townes is an “explosive scorer from outside … (and) he is a very good shooter from the 3-point line.” While Thompson is “a tough and talented point guard. He has very good court-vision.”

Whittemore praised his other senior starter, Brown, as a “very tough player. He is a smart player that will help everyone around him be more efficient. He can guard multiple positions and will end up on the opposing team’s best player down the stretch.”

And the team other usual starter, junior Martine Bickety (3 ppg, 3rpg) is the “toughest defender we have,” his coach said.

First off the Godwin bench are junior Jamontae Burrell (4 ppg) and sophomore Jordan Norman (4.5 ppg), while junior Ru’Quan Buckley will return from injury in the Tuesday game.

Other players on the team (according to the team’s school webpage) include senior Sa’Viance Morris-Miller and juniors Jacob Horrell, Kyeshaun Hunnicutt and Jadyn Rodriguez.

Last season, the Wolverines were 15-6 overall and won the OK Silver with a 12-0 mark before falling to Grand Rapids South Christian in an opening round playoff game.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

East Kentwood boys basketball’s fast-paced game goal to be tested by undefeated Hudsonville

Area Education, City of Kentwood, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
The 2019-20 East Kentwood High School boys basketball team. (Supplied/East Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

So far this season, after five non-conference games and their OK-Conference Red opener earlier this week, the East Kentwood boys basketball team has had some success and some struggles executing coach Jeff Anama plan to have a team featuring fast-paced offense and defense.

The Falcons have two players scoring in double figures, several seniors playing key rolls, but have a modest early-season 2-4 record (0-1 in conference) as the team hosts Hudsonville (7-0, 2-0) Friday, Jan. 17, as part of a doubleheader of WKTV Sports Featured Games which will be available on cable television and, later, on-demand at WKTVlive.org.

“The kind of offense and defense we run, I think, is … transition, trying to push the ball quickly, look for opportunities to get easy baskets,” Anama said to WKTV in December as the team prepared for its first game. The team wants “to try to create pressure and turnovers an easier baskets with our defensive transition and defensive pressure.”

We need to “be able to push the ball from one end to the other and create opportunities for the depth that I think we have on this year’s team,” he said. “And with the defensive pressure to make the tempo uncomfortable for the team we are playing.”

Anama’s fast-paced philosophy has shown it sometimes takes a few games to click. Last season, the Falcons started 3-3, but ended up 16-10 overall and won five playoff games before falling to Okemos in the state Division 1 Quarterfinals.

This season’s Falcons, through six games, are led in scoring by seniors Ja’moni Jones (14 points per game) and Jordan Jackson (11.2 PPG), with three players averaging about six points per game: senior JaShon Large, junior Tyane Barnes and super freshman Jy’Air Harris. Jackson and Harris also lead the team in rebounds per game with just over four, while Jones is averaging just under four rebounds and leading the team in assists with about 3 per game.

The usual (and tentative Friday) starters are Jones, Jackson, Large, Harris and senior Urim Sahitolli.

Other players on the team (according to the team’s school webpage) include seniors Sean-Anthony Diggs, Deivi Martinez Abreu, Frey Nickson and Adonis Vashon; juniors Christopher Brown, Eric Cohill, Joshua Mayhue, Kellen Roelofs and Kalil Stimage.

“I would say our team is a team that loves to play basketball and they love to be together,” Anama said.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.