WKTV has spent the last week getting decked out for the holidays. Pictured is WKTV Volunteer Tyler Bronsink as he puts the finishing touches on some holiday lights. Make sure to stop by and check out the festival display!
By Maggie Carey
WKTV Contributor
University of Michigan Health-West (UMH-W) recently announced that the medical facility have obtained an Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope to aid its neurosurgery team and further UM Health-West as an Innovative Healthcare Destination. University of Michigan Health-West serves the Grand Rapids metropolitan area with 18 outpatient centers and more than 500 physicians on staff.
Funding for this new microscope came from The University of Michigan Health-West Foundation. This foundation strives to make care more accessible, support professional development, improve patient experiences, and serve the people of West Michigan.
An Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope is a next generation, high resolution microscope that will be used in the operating room to assist doctors. It will aid with robotic-guided positioning of surgical tools, 3D imaging, and provide doctors with a microscopic view of the body during surgery. Another feature of this microscope is the fluorescence capabilities will help guide doctors by lighting up tumors, aneurysms, and tissues.
The Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope will provide ergonomic relief in the operating room for doctors. Due to the positioning of the microscope, surgeons will no longer have to hunch over microscopes for hours on end while twisting their bodies in uncomfortable positions in order to reach the brain, spinal cord, and nerves of patients during surgery. Procedures can last from six to eight hours long and having technology to help relieve some of the physical pain for doctors is a great advancement for the hospital and patient outcomes.
Dr. Ronald Grifka, Chief Medical Officer, said that this microscope will be a huge support for the surgical team.
“In traditional microsurgery, the surgeon might have to keep their head tilted at a 60-degree angle for hours at a time,” Grifka said. “We know they can perform better for their patients – and have greater job satisfaction – if they are comfortable and relaxed when performing these intricate neurosurgeries.”
Another advantage of the Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope is its application in education. University of Michigan Health-West is a teaching hospital with eight residency programs. Residents now have the opportunity to view exactly what the surgeon sees and learn from them during surgeries.
The Aesculap Aeos Robotic Digital Microscope has future applications in the world of microsurgeries.
“This is really the next generation of microsurgery,” Neurosurgeon Bryan Figueroa, MD said. “When we all can anticipate what needs to happen next, response time is faster, and we can stay perfectly in sync to optimize patient care.”
There is hope for its application in other surgeries in the future as well. Plastic surgery, ophthalmology (eye surgery), and even reconstructive surgery are areas where this kind of technology has potential.
If you are still interested in this new technology, you can view a video demonstration here!
By Sarah Atwood
Capital News Service
LANSING – As warmer-than-average growing seasons caused by climate change become more common, they bring new invasive species to Michigan.
“Insects that like warm weather are finding that Michigan is becoming more and more life-sustaining than ever before,” said Bruno Basso, a professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
And that requires new ways to fight them.
“These invasive species to Michigan are resistant to pesticides that farmers previously relied upon,” Basso said. “So farmers are looking for new ways to improve the ecology of their crops and improve their resistance.”
Two new threats are “tar spots,” in corn, and spotted wing drosophila, said Laura Campbell, a senior conservation and regulatory relations specialist at the Michigan Farm Bureau.
Tar spots are raised black dots on the ears of corn caused by a fungus called “phyllachora maydis,” Campbell said. An outbreak in a corn field causes production losses and economic disaster for the farmers.
Spotted wing drosophila is an insect that attacks soft fruits, a big problem for Michigan’s cherry orchards, Campbell said.
The female insects lay eggs inside the fruit, causing brown, sunken spots. As the larva eats the fruit it becomes rotten and non-consumable.
Farmers attack new insects with technology, Basso said. Drones can pinpoint where an insect or weed is on their farms. Then they spray the specific area before it worsens.
Another example of emerging technology is the advancement of Enviroweather, a Michigan State -based weather service that can help farmers anticipate threats to their crops, Campbell said. The site tracks invasion trends, warning farmers ahead of time if pests are headed their way.
“Preventative pesticide spraying is best, because it will deter the invasive insects and weeds from being able to attack the crops,” Campbell said. “This greatly reduces the amount of pesticides needed, which is good for the farmer and the surrounding land and water.”
Scientists are also making advances in the kinds of products used on farms, Basso said. Biodegradable plastic mulch is replacing synthetic mulch that does not decompose. More plant-based pesticides and herbicides are becoming available.
Heather Anderson, the owner of Green Wagon Farm, in Ada, uses all-natural products to combat insects and weeds on her certified organic farm.
“We are constantly vigilant for new threats to our crops,” Anderson said. “We don’t do preventative spraying, instead we scout the farm ourselves, and pick weeds by hand.”
At 18 acres, Green Wagon Farm is much smaller than the average U.S. farm size of 211 acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Removing weeds by hand becomes more difficult on large farms.
“It’d be nice if all farms could be fully biodegradable and have no waste, but sometimes synthetic products are unavoidable,” Basso said.
This is not to say that farmers aren’t looking for more sustainable methods.
“Pesticides are incredibly expensive, and it would be more cost-effective to spray one small area than to have to spray an entire field,” Campbell said. “There’s a notion that farmers want to spray pesticides everywhere, and don’t care about the impacts on the land and water. But the land and water is their livelihood.”
A challenge is the communication between farmers and scientists, Campbell said.
Scientists lack the hands-on experience of being a farmer, and this makes it difficult for farmers to trust that their advice is best.
Money is also a big factor, according to Basso.
“Farmers have historically been more conservative when it comes to implementing new practices,” Basso said. “They have a financial risk, because if they change a way of doing something and it doesn’t work out, they lose that money that they would’ve made before.”
But as the weather gets warmer, farmers understand that their practices have to change or they will not be able to survive, Campbell said.
“Farmers want to do the right thing,” Campbell said. “I’ve never met a farmer who said they don’t care when it comes to the environment.”
Sarah is a junior at Michigan State University double majoring in Social Relations & Policy and Journalism. She is interested in writing about how politics affects local communities and making information accessible for everyone. In her free time, she likes boxing, yoga, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog.
By Chris Knape
Grand Valley State University
West Michigan’s economy took an expected turn into a “shallow recession” as area manufacturers are reporting inflation-related headwinds and a slow-down in demand, according to an October survey of purchasing managers by Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.
Brian Long, director of supply chain management research at Seidman, said the downturn came as no surprise, with local results mirroring national ones.
“If we compare our statistics with those being collected at the national level, we see a pattern of economic erosion with higher interest rates around the world and the ongoing war in Ukraine,” Long said. “We can probably expect both our local and national statistics at the industrial level will probably continue to soften.”
The key new orders index made a turn into double-digit negative territory for the first time in 30 months, amid inflationary pressures, softening demand and uncertainty in the market.
Employment and purchasing indices also were in negative territory, with an increasing number of companies reporting investments in those areas were down versus the previous month.
Meanwhile, production, or gross output, grew during October as some manufacturers continue scrambling to meet demand in sectors like the auto industry, where supply chain issues have hampered business growth.
“Just like last month, the market for office furniture has continued to soften, but pent-up demand for new cars will most likely keep our West Michigan auto parts suppliers and the assembly lines running for the foreseeable future,” Long said. “The comments from our survey participants have now turned increasingly tenuous, and some firms are openly bracing for an impending recession.”
More information about this month’s survey results and an archive of previous survey data is available at the Seidman College of Business website.
By Renee Karadsheh
WKTV Contributor
On a pleasant day in September, the smell of warm tortillas and the music playing at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Street and Division Avenue probably left some drivers and pedestrians wondering what is being celebrated at the parking lot of Cisneros Tire Service. Then again, one look at the shop’s wall along Division Avenue and it did not taking much to figure out the reason for the celebration.
Sept. 3 was the unveiling of one of the newest pieces in The 49507 Project, which is a public art project coordinated by the non-profit The Diatribe. The 49507 Project is designed to bring together Black, brown, and LGBTQ+ artists to paint murals and emulate how underserved residents in the 49507 area are.
Redlining, the practice of denying a person a loan because the area they live in is deemed poor, is one of the issues reflected in Alynn Guerra’s piece, “Flight,” which is featured at Cisneros Tire Service, 800 Division Ave. S.
According to Guerra, the mural has a literal and metaphoric meaning. The red on the far left represents redlining, a practiced started in 1933 when the Home Owner’s Loan Corporation began redlining in major American cities. On the far right is a shade of green to represent green lining, an advocacy that seeks to advance and empower communities with people of color. In the center of the background is a sunny yellow tone with a grinning skeleton swinging forward on a swing as white birds fly the opposite direction over the red paint in the background. The birds represent white supremacy reversed as Guerra describes it. The skeleton is a traditional Mexican symbol of rebirth.
“We don’t need to glorify our struggles,” said as she presented her mural to the public. “We can look into the mural and be hopeful.”
Taking on this dynamic form of activism through art, Guerra is a believer her art can create change. Whether you are on the stuck in traffic on the busy street of Division or a customer who needs a tire changed at Cisneros Tire Service, you cannot escape curiosity when studying her mural. This vivid, humorous, and truthful work of art shows immense hope for Grand Rapids to think outside our redlines and educate ourselves on social injustice. What Guerra believes about public art is it communicates a message in a constant way in the present day and future generations to come.
The 49507 Project was launched in 2021 with seven artists completing pieces. For 2022, the project had eight artists complete murals in and throughout the area. Those locations are:
The project has been well received. In fact, as part of it, Peterson Research Consultants conducted a survey of the community attitudes both before and after starting to assess whether perceptions of the neighborhood might change. After the first year, that survey showed residents felt the art represented how “we see things – colorful, vibrant, and a beautiful side of our culture.”
Funded by a coalition of nearly a dozen businesses, foundations, neighborhood groups and city organizations, The 49507 Project is scheduled to go through 2023.
WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this article.
By WKTV Staff
From Nov. 15 through March 15, parking is not allowed on any public street from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. in Kentwood. Additionally, parking is not allowed during times when street parking could make it difficult for, or prevent snow removal.
To file a complaint about a parking violation, residents can submit the complaint online, by phone 616-656-6574 or in person at the Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE.
Clear fire hydrants
Kentwood is asking residents to help keep fire hydrants near their homes or businesses clear of snow. It is recommended keeping snow and ice at least three feet away from hydrants on all sides. Keeping hydrants clear of snow and ice saves firefighters time when dealing with a fire.
Keep sidewalks clear
In Kentwood, it is the property owners responsibility to clear the sidewalk when there are two or more inches of snow.
By Sarah Atwood
Capital News Service
LANSING — Michigan saw a dramatic increase in funding for school board races for the Nov. 8 elections, election watchers say.
“Normally school board races fly under the radar,” said Jennifer Smith, the director of government relations at the Michigan Association of School Boards. “This amount of attention is unheard of.”
One reason: Nationwide, conservative groups have called for more “parental rights” over what schools are teaching their children, Smith said. These same groups donated thousands of dollars to Michigan school board races. These groups, or political action committees, do not normally pay that much attention to school board races.
For example, this is the first year that the Great Lakes Education Project has spent money on school board races, Beth DeShone, executive director of GLEP, told the Detroit News. The group spent about $100,000 this year across 20 races.
The group, formed by Betsy DeVos, a former U.S. Secretary of Education and prominent Republican donor, usually donates to statewide races, but is now involved in local races to “‘empower these citizens’ voices and take a chance to engage on these races to create a more transparent system,” according to DeShone.
GLEP could not be reached for additional comment.
“Previously, these races were community funded,” Smith said. “A candidate would fund themselves, or fundraise with other community members.”
More attention to school board races can be a good thing, said Thomas Morgan, a spokesperson for the Michigan Education Association.
“But this election, the attention we saw was largely spreading conspiracies and misinformation,” Morgan said. “Luckily, these candidates largely were not successful, and voters chose candidates who would be best for improving children’s education and collaborating with teachers.”
One of the biggest polarizing issues was the belief that schools indoctrinate children by teaching critical race theory and gender theory, he said.
Such beliefs can drive attention in local campaigns.
“Some parents are scared that schools are teaching their children things that they themselves do not believe in,” said John Lindstrom, a former publisher at Gongwer News Service Michigan, a news organization focusing on state politics.
“More money than ever before is going towards supporting these candidates,” said Lindstrom, a board member of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. “Now that people know these races matter, I don’t see an end to the increase in money.”
Although school board candidates are nonpartisan, the causes they may champion are not.
But school board members lack the power to do a lot of things candidates ran on, Smith and Morgan both said. Their main duty is to select a superintendent.
Curriculum standards are set at the state level, and enforced by curriculum directors at schools.
It’s unclear if political action committees funding school board candidates were aware that school board members have little authority over what schools teach children, Morgan said.
“These groups may have just been trying to get attention on fake issues in order to distract from real ones,” Morgan said. “However, the large majority of voters are focused on the truth and what’s best for their children, and that’s what we saw in this election.”
Tracking who finances a school board candidate can be difficult, according to Morgan.
While some county clerks post the information on their websites, that is less common in areas with fewer resources to do so.
“It comes down to how well-staffed a county clerk’s office is and what their IT department can do if these records can be searchable online,” Morgan said.
Improvements in finance tracking might be necessary if the trend of spending a lot of money on school board races continues, Morgan said.
But Smith says that this attention might not continue into the future, especially after how so few candidates funded by political action committees won. She argues that since these races are so local, local community members should be the ones financing them.
“I hope the attention goes away soon,” Smith said. “It’s a distraction and the hyper-politicization of schools is not what we need.”
Sarah is a junior at Michigan State University double majoring in Social Relations & Policy and Journalism. She is interested in writing about how politics affects local communities and making information accessible for everyone. In her free time, she likes boxing, yoga, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog.
By Sarah Atwood
Capital News Service
LANSING – Paramedics and emergency personnel are sharply divided over a plan that addresses the shortage of Michigan paramedics by creating a statewide certification program that would deviate from the national accreditation program.
A bill sponsored by Rep. Jeff Yaroch, R-Richmond, would allow the state to make its own requirements to be certified as a paramedic.
Yaroch previously spent 25 years as a firefighter and paramedic in Clinton Township. The bill recently passed the House, 102-6, and now goes to the state Senate, where it is likely to pass with bipartisan support.
To become licensed as a paramedic in Michigan, a person must be nationally accredited. The cost of becoming a licensed paramedic in Michigan can range from $1,400 to $12,000, according to Paramedic Training Spot, an online resource for those looking to become licensed paramedics.
With its own accreditation program, the state would no longer need to adhere to the national standards.
Paramedics would still need to pass an examination proctored by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
That agency estimates $2 million would be required to establish a training program, with yearly costs of $1.6 million. Michigan now spends $2.3 million per year on EMS funding.
“Right now, a person needs national accreditation to be a paramedic,” said Angela Madden, the executive director of the Michigan Association of EMTs, which supports the bill. “That costs a lot of money, and needing national accreditation makes it harder for small paramedic departments to pay for certification.
“This means that these small departments won’t have paramedics and will have to shut down, leaving the people in that area without that care,” Madden said.
There are more than 1,000 open positions for paramedics in Michigan, and two paramedic departments have had to shut down, Madden said.
One is in Mason, in rural Ingham County. The other is in Pickford Township, in Chippewa County. The people living in these communities now have to wait longer for emergency care, which could be a life or death problem, she said.
“There’s no real difference between what this bill would do and the national accreditation program,” Madden said. “Students will still need to pass the Michigan test to be accredited.”
“The goal of this bill is to get more people to become paramedics,” Madden said. “I believe that this bill will enable more people to become paramedics and benefit communities across Michigan.”
But not everyone agrees.
“I don’t think that, if passed, this bill will do much in terms of recruitment,” said Anthony Cerroni, a paramedic instructor coordinator in Dearborn Heights.
“It’s not an issue of money. It’s a generational issue. Kids aren’t choosing to become paramedics, just like they’re not choosing to become police officers or other public safety officials,” he said.
Cerroni said he is unsure if much can be done to encourage more people to become paramedics. Benefits have increased over the past five years, but not even the better pay is enough, he said.
“Another concern I have about the state having its own accreditation board is that a paramedic’s license might not be transferable to other states. A national requirement makes it so anyone can practice in any state without this concern,” he said.
Bryan Harmer, a full-time professor of emergency medical services at Lansing Community College who spent nearly 20 years as a paramedic, testified in a House committee hearing that the bill does not address the real causes of the paramedic shortage.
“This bill fails to address the root causes of our workforce shortage: low wages, bad working conditions and lack of professional advancement,” said Harmer. “It isn’t uncommon for EMS providers to work multiple jobs and well over 60 hours a week to make ends meet and feed their families.”
It would be a waste of taxpayer money to create a state accreditation program when a national one exists, he told the committee last May. A state accreditation program could put lives at risk if it fails to adequately train paramedics.
“The most egregious error I ever encountered in EMS resulted from a paramedic who had recently graduated from a paramedic program in Michigan, back when unaccredited programs were permitted in Michigan,” Harmer testified. “This error resulted in the death of a young mother with two children.”
The bill does not mean paramedics could practice without a license from an accredited program, Madden said. She disagreed that paramedics would receive subpar training.
“Paramedics will be held to high standards through the Michigan state accreditation program,” Madden said. “My agency would never support a bill that could put patient lives in danger.”
Bill cosponsors are Reps. Terry Sabo, D-Muskegon, Sara Cambensy, D-Marquette, Gregory Markkanen, R-Hancock and Kelly Breen, D-Novi.
Supporters include Lake Michigan College and the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union. Opponents include the Michigan College of Emergency Physicians and Michigan Health and Hospital Association.
By WKTV Journal staff
joanne@wktv.org
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety recently stated that detectives were able to locate and take into custody two suspects for a Nov. 1 robbery at a Division Street store.
The two suspects are allegedly involved in the 7:15 p.m. Nov. 1 robbery at 3530 Division Ave. Three suspects were involved in the robbery with one being shot during the incident by an employee at the store. The 15-year-old suspect who was shot was funday’s short distance from the business and transported to a local hospital for treatment. He currently remains under medical care at this time.
Police noted that the suspects arrived at the store in a Ford Fusion that had been reported stolen earlier that day. The vehicle was recovered at the robbery scene. In the original police report it stated that information found in that recovered vehicle provided leads regarding to the other two suspects who had fled the scene.
Both suspects were juvenile males ages 14 and 17. they were taken into custody without incident by investigators.
Once the investigation is complete, the Kent Count Prosecutor’s Office will review the circumstances in this case, including a review of the employee’s action in shooting the individual who was robbing the store.
Earlier on Nov. 1, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a shooting along Indian Mounds Drive that resulted in an 18-year-old male being struck by gunfire. The victim died at the scene.
At this time, the department spokesperson said the department does not have an update on the case.
The department continues to appeal to the public to provide information regarding this case. Anyone who was in the area of Indian Mounds Drive on Nov. 1 between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m. is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
By Cameryn Cass
Capital News Service
A new University of Michigan study aims to understand how environmental exposures in Michigan contribute to cancer.
The Michigan Cancer and Research on the Environment Study, or MI-CARES, is largely motivated by Michigan’s history of toxic environmental exposures and environmental injustice, said Sara Snyder, the project director.
Researchers are recruiting 100,000 ethnically diverse, cancer-free Michiganders ages 25 to 44. It’s a statewide survey, but they’ll focus enrollment on what they’ve identified as six major environmental injustice hotspots: the Detroit metropolitan area, Saginaw, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Flint, Snyder said.
Environmental injustice refers to people who belong to groups that are discriminated against and are disproportionately exposed to contaminants and other health hazards.
June 1 marked the soft launch to test the website used to recruit candidates. People enroll every day, but the study’s full launch was earlier this fall.
“Nothing like this has been done in the state of Michigan before, which is almost shocking if you know about the levels of environmental injustice that have taken place,” said Lilah Khoja, a doctoral student at the University of Michigan on the MI-CARES team.
“There isn’t a community in Michigan that hasn’t been impacted in some way by environmental injustice,” she said.
It dates back decades: the PBB contamination of dairy products in the 1970s, the Flint water crisis, industrial pollution in Detroit and now PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment, Snyder said.
The project, funded by the National Cancer Institute and the University of Michigan, will track participants through annual questionnaires for at least six years, Snyder said.
They’ll be asked about employment and residential histories, race, ethnicity, major health and life events and overall lifestyle to gauge participant health and previous exposures to industrial chemicals or other contaminants, Snyder said.
Beyond cancer, the surveys might also shed light on how exposures to chemicals in the environment cause heart disease, asthma or even Alzheimer’s disease, said Dana Dolinoy, the principal investigator of biomarker evaluations for MI-CARES.
Such surveys have a proven track record. For instance, cancer rates are significantly higher in Flint compared to the rest of Genesee County and the state after lead contaminated the city’s water supply.
“My cousin, my aunt, my friend have all died of cancer,” said Arthur Woodson, a Flint resident and community activist. “People are dying in high numbers here of cancer.”
Such anecdotal reports can be reinforced by hard data produced by health studies from the Genesee County Health Department proving elevated cancer levels in the area.
A study recently published in JAMA Network Open found that 1 in 5 Flint residents have presumptive major depression and another 1 in 4 have presumptive post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“They fixed the water, but they didn’t fix the people,” Woodson said.
A large goal of MI-CARES is to give people access to data that will help them advocate for a cleaner environment and a healthier life, Khoja said.
“You can’t advocate for change if you don’t have the numbers to show that this is why it needs to change,” she said.
Cancer-centric studies like this one, whether linking it to smoking, a lack of physical activity or poor diet, played a role in a 29% drop in cancer death rates between 1991 and 2017, according to the American Cancer Society.
MI-CARES’ data will help improve Michiganders’ health while informing policy to reduce environmental injustices and harmful exposures, Snyder said.
Researchers looked at what was going on in the state and narrowed the study’s focus to the most prominent of the 80,000 chemicals in the environment: exposure to metals, like lead, chemicals in personal care products, air pollution and PFAS, Dolinoy said.
Michigan has the highest known PFAS levels of any state.
To measure some contaminants like lead, participants from the six environmental injustice hotspots will send in blood and saliva. These measurements, called intermediate biomarkers, show if a past environmental exposure changed the epigenome – the instruction book telling genes how to behave – to make them more susceptible to cancer and other diseases, Dolinoy said.
The study focuses on a younger population so that researchers might recognize any diseases before they manifest, Dolinoy said.
“This gives us time to intervene and treat individuals, because when the disease is already on board, it’s really hard to reverse it,” she said.
There’s evidence, though, that relatively easier things like changes in lifestyle and diet might reverse changes to that epigenetic instruction book, especially early in life, Dolinoy said.
The hope is to inspire policy intervention with MI-CARES findings, forcing industry and other institutions responsible for poisoning the environment to change. That is a challenge that the health survey hopes to meet.
“It’s very difficult to translate some of this science in a way that will directly change the economics of a company,” Dolinoy said. “But studies like MI-CARES can provide a weight of evidence that shows our environment can negatively contribute to disease status.”
To apply to be part of the survey, visit https://micares.health and click “Join the Movement!” Applicants must be 25 to 44 years old and cancer-free.
Cameryn Cass reports for Great Lakes Echo.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
The weather is turning colder and before it does, the Kent County Animal Shelter is reminding residents to make sure their pets have appropriate shelter.
While Michigan law does not prohibit dogs from being left outside in the cold, state law does require that all dogs who spend time outside have access to adequate shelter, fresh water, and dry bedding. The statute also stipulates separate shelter requirements for livestock.
“The best place for our pets is in our home but we know that is now always possible,” said KCAS Director Angela Hollinshead. KCAS is working in collaboration with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division to remind residents of the special care their pet needs during the cold weather. “We encourage all pet owners to take appropriate steps to protect those animals that may be left outside for long stretches of time.
“Many pets are not equipment to handle the effects of cold temperatures so we want to remind pet owners of their responsibilities to care for them during the winter.”
A few of the cold weather requirements in state statute include:
Maintain adequate shelter, which can be one or more of the following:
Inside the owners’ home
An enclosure or shelter with at least three sides and a roof that is appropriate for the size and breed of the dog.
A structure, including a garage, barn or shed, that is sufficiently insulated and ventilated to protect the dog from exposure to extreme temperatures, or if not sufficiently insulated and ventilated, contains a doghouse inside the structure.
Structures or natural features such as trees or topography for livestock
Provide dry bedding, such as straw when the temperature is or predicated to be below freezing. Avoid using blankets or cloth bedding as these materials will likely get wet and freeze.
Provide water that is safe to drink and suitable for age and species of the animal. Owners are encouraged to check every few hours to ensure the water is not frozen.
Although Michigan law does not directly address free-roaming cats, the KCAS encourages residents to also be mindful of their needs. Cats are typically well adapted for living in colder climates but they greatly benefit from having access to a shelter. Simple cat shelters made from a storage tote lined with foam and stuffed with straw make great places for cats to escape from the cold.
“It someone suspects an animal is being neglected or is in danger due to cold weather, we encourage them to contact Animal Control,” said KCSO Lt. John DeGroot. “The KCSO is prepared to investigate all reports of animal neglected throughout the winter.”
All reports of animals being kept outside for an extended period without adequate shelter, water, and bedding should be reported to Animal Control at 616-632-7310.
“Michigan winters are certainly beautiful but an be dangerous fo some animals if they do not have appropriate resources,” Hollinshead said. “If you cannot keep your pet indoors and need resources, please call the KCAS to see how e can help.”
A WKTV staffer couldn’t get his Coachmen motor home started a few days ago and then popped the hood to see what was going on. Apparently, a lot had been going on. An ambitious squirrel had stored dozens and dozens of black walnuts in every crevice of the engine. All he could do was smile.
By Kelly Taylor
WKTV Program Manager
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, WKTV will be featuring live coverage of the U.S. Spacewalk to install an IROSA (ISS Rollout Solar Array) modification kit on the starboard truss on the International Space Station.
Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. with the actual spacewalk scheduled to start at 8 a.m.
Following the spacewalk at 4 p.m., there will be live coverage of the cryogenic fueling of the Space Launch System for launch on the Artemis 1 mission.
Artemis 1 is the first integrated flight test of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, an un-crewed Orion spacecraft, and the ground systems at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida that will pave the way for a crewed test flight and future human lunar exploration.
The live coverage continues at 11 p.m. with the launch of the Space Launch System and the Orion spacecraft on the Artemis 1 mission. The actual launch is scheduled 1:04 a.m. with the post launch news conference tentatively scheduled for 4 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16.
Stay tuned for the Artemis/Orion outbound trajectory correction burn scheduled at 7:51 a.m., with the first imagery coverage starting at 10 a.m.
For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, log on to www.nasa.gov.
NASA TV can be seen on the WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99.
By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Services, LLC
What appears foreign will become commonplace, and you might as well prepare for it. Cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance are all the rage right now, and you’ve probably heard of things like Bitcoin or Ethereum. However, the real story lies in the mechanism that drives these new technologies and forever changes the digital landscape. This is where blockchain enters the picture, the novel technology that enables things like cryptocurrency to exist in the way they do.
Blockchain is a digital database used to catalog all kinds of information (e.g., money, goods, properties, and services). The power behind these databases lies in their ability to create blocks of data which are then chained together with timestamps attached for easier tracking purposes. This makes an unbreakable audit trail documenting every action taken on the platform – from transfer payments between users to how many calories were burned during your morning run! Digital databases are powered by a computer network that is either part of a centralized or decentralized network.
Bitcoin, for example, uses blockchain to record peer-to-peer transactions through a distributed database. This distributed database exists between the computers of all users of the cryptocurrency. The idea is that having the database distributed amongst all the users allows for greater transparency and enhanced security. It enables users to access, audit, trace, and verify digital assets without working through an intermediary. By cutting down on intermediaries, blockchain cryptocurrencies put the power to control data back into consumers’ hands.
The adage “don’t put all of your eggs in one basket” sums it up. Like banks and universities, many institutions with valuable and personal consumer information operate using a central database. This information is stored within a centralized computer network housed in one location. All that data is controlled by one entity and is more vulnerable to hacks because it would require only a single point of failure to gain access. For a potential attacker to compromise a distributed database like Bitcoin, they would have to gain control of at least 50% of the computers within that network. Even then, the other 50% can fact-check and sniff out discrepancies, making it very unlikely that a hack would ever occur.
· No third-party involvement
· Transactions of authenticated digital assets made via blockchain are typically available in 10 minutes, versus a traditional bank transaction that may take 24 hours or more to complete, not including weekends and holidays
· Blockchain technology guarantees the data’s integrity through cryptography and a distributed database.
This is the evolution of our data future, and the future of all banks is being reshaped by new technology. Protecting and maintaining control of data is more critical now than ever. In the past few years, major companies like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Morgan Stanley have been impacted by massive data breaches affecting millions of users. Blockchain technology is making waves in the digital world by providing much-needed security measures and by giving them the power to control data back to consumers.
Yes, your bank is now 100% digital; it is now our future. Be informed.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Journal Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
In observance of upcoming Veterans Day, the University of Michigan Health-West has joined Kent County by changing its illumination of its hospital tower to green for this week.
The project is part of Operation Green Light, which runs through Nov. 13 residents, business and organizations are encouraged to change their exterior lighting to green. The new national initiative of the National Association of Counties is to show support of military veterans and to raise awareness about the resources available to them through the Kent County Veterans Services.
“There are nearly 40 thousand veterans in Kent County who deserve to be recognized and honored for their sacrifices and services to our country and community,” says Martha Burkett, manager of Kent County Veterans Services. “We want our veterans to know that their service mattered, and there are available resources to assist them and their families.”
There is a connection University of Michigan Health-West to veterans as it shares its hospital campus with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Wyoming outpatient clinic. The VA clinic provides primary care and specialty health services, including mental health services, treatment for hearing loss, cardiology, dental care, gastroenterology, pain management, physical therapy, podiatry, women’s health services, and more.
“We are proud to show our support for the many veterans we serve as patients — and those we work with as colleagues,” said Steve Polega, chief nursing officer at University of Michigan Health-West and a military veteran. “Respect for veterans runs deep in our culture.
“Our hope is that Operation Green Light helps raise awareness about services from the VA and others, including Kent County Veterans Services, just as we send a message of respect to all veterans.”
Many veterans struggle with the transition from military life to becoming a civilian. Kent County Veterans Services serves as a connector to programs and services that can help address everything from housing insecurity to applying for benefits to providing financial assistance in times of crisis. While every program has different qualification requirements, many veterans who honorably served qualify for programs after the completion of their service. Unfortunately, many veterans and their families do not know that the programs exist, or they have never inquired about them. Operation Green Light hopes to illuminate this issue and encourage more veterans to use the programs that best their needs. Green was chosen for the initiative because green is the color of hope, renewal, and well-being. The term “greenlight” is also commonly used to activate forward movement. The simple act of changing one light bulb signifies that movement.
Many of us realize that hospices are there to serve us.
But sometimes, it’s difficult to break the ice. How do you reach out – with a call or a click? And how do you express the need? With whom do you ask to speak? And what exactly do you say?
In a perfect world, there are protocols in place to accommodate all the above and more. And you should be able to reach out anytime – day or night, weekday or weekends, even on a holiday.
“At Emmanuel Hospice, we understand that life doesn’t stop when you have a need for hospice,” says Elizabeth Mangiapane, a patient access specialist there. “That’s why any time you call our main line, it’s going to be answered on a 24/7 basis. Easter Sunday? Middle of the night? It doesn’t matter. You will connect with someone who can help.”
Mangiapane emphasizes that a referral to Emmanuel can originate in more than one way. Often, a physician will make the connection. But sometimes, family members serving as caregivers become involved at the outset, and naturally they have questions about eligibility, timing and more.
While a physician’s order is required to perform a formal assessment, a representative from Emmanuel will welcome the opportunity to meet with a patient and/or their loved ones if they simply have questions.
In either case, “we do all the legwork,” Mangiapane says. If it’s determined someone qualifies, the hospice care provider will integrate the patient’s physician and medical history into the equation as needed.
“We’ll set up meetings. We’ll work with the doctors. We are glad to serve in any capacity that lessens the burden on that patient, on that family.”
Mangiapane notes that there’s never a “wrong time” to inquire about hospice. Too often, people will act on the misconception that hospice is only “for the last few days a patient has.”
On the contrary, “We’re trying more than ever to educate the community on how it can be for a much longer time period, so that we might focus earlier not on the quantity of life someone has left, but the quality of life that remains.”
For someone who lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility, that institution may have a working relationship with a preferred provider. But Mangiapane explains that a patient and their family have the right to choose any hospice, and shouldn’t feel pressured.
Mangiapane says it’s important you come away with a full understanding of the services a hospice provides. At Emmanuel, for example, a full slate of complementary services is available – pet visitors, massage therapy, music therapy, virtual reality and more.
Location of care is important to ask about, too. A common misconception is that hospice is a place you go to, but for most providers, hospice care can be provided anywhere. With Emmanuel, it can be in the hospital, a care facility or wherever a person calls home.
Cost is another consideration. Medicare and most commercial insurances will cover 100% of virtually everything provided by hospice – medications and visits, personal care, counseling and other services – but there are some limitations. A phone call can help you discover where you stand.
“Make your choices based on the needs of the patient and family,” says Mangiapane. “You want what’s right for you, and that can look different from person to person.”
For more information, visit EmmanuelHospice.org or call 616-719-0919.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
With Wyoming City Councilmember John Fitzgerald securing a state House of Representatives seat in the 2022 elections, it means there will be three new faces on the Wyoming City Council.
Fitzgerald, the Democratic candidate for the 83rd District, received 15,318 votes with Republican candidate Lisa DeKryger receiving 12,963 votes. He will be vacating his seat on the Wyoming City Council in order to fulfill his role as the 83rd District House Representative.
One of the tasks for the new Wyoming City Council, which will take office later this year, will be appointing a person to fill Fitzgerald’s seat.
At the November 2022 elections, residents did fill two vacant council member at-large seats and the first ward seat on the Wyoming City Council. Councilmember Sheldon DeKruger ran unopposed for the first ward seat. Three candidates sought the two council at-large seats. The top two vote getters for the race were Dr. Renee Hill, 12,045 votes, and Rob Arnoys, 10,462 votes. The third candidate, Robert Kilgo, received 8,600 votes.
As predicted by many, Kent County flipped blue as Democratic candidate Hilary Scholten was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives Third District seat. She was about 40,000 votes ahead of the next candidate, which was Republican John Gibbs. For full election results, click here.
For the 29th State Senate Senate, which included both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Democratic incumbent Winnie Brinks secured she would be returning to Lansing with 59,400 votes. Republican candidate Tommy Brann received 39,115 votes.
In the state House of Representative races, Democratic candidate Phil Skaggs with 23,762 votes secured the 80th District seat over Republican Jeff Johnson, who received 18,441. The district includes all of the City of Kentwood.
In the 82nd District, which includes an eastern portion of the City of Wyoming, Democratic candidate Kristin Grant took the seat with 23,972 votes to Republican candidate Ryan Malinoski’s 7,945 votes.
As mentioned earlier in this article, Fitzgerald won the 83rd District seat, which covers most of Wyoming, with 15,318 votes to Republican candidate Lisa DeKryger’s 12,963 votes.
In the Kent County Commission races, all of the incumbents took back their seats:
7th District, which covers most of the City of Grandville and a portion of the City of Wyoming: Republican incumbent Stan Ponstein received 7,312 to Democratic challenger Sue Merrell’s 6,053.
8th District, which covers a portion of the City of Wyoming: Republican incumbent Dan Burrill received 7,383 votes to Democratic challenger Jennie Chatman’s 5,994.
9th District, which includes a southern portion of the City of Wyoming: Republican incumbent Matt Kallman received 9,801 votes to Democratic challenger Chip LaFleur’s 4,664.
10th District, which includes a southern portion of the City of Kentwood: Republican incumbent Emily Post Brieve received 7,977 votes to Democratic challenger Julie Humphrey’s 5,230.
12th District, which includes both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood: Democratic incumbent Moncia Sparks received 6,037 votes to Republican challenger Lee White’s 4,034.
13th District, which covers a large portion of the City of Kentood: Democratic incumbent Michelle McCloud received 7,054 votes to Republican challenger Tom McKelvy’s 4,769.
In the newly created 20th District which includes the northern portion of the City of Wyoming (mostly the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools district), Democratic candidate Ivan Diaz will be the first to hold the seat as he received 3,565 votes to Republican candidate Elisa Rodriguez’s 1,977 votes.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools: Josephine Coleman and Lynn D. Velthouse ran unopposed for two six-year terms on the school board.
Godwin Heights Public Schools: There were four candidates seeking two six-year terms on the board. The top vote getters were Kathy Crow DeYoung, 1,367 votes, and Megan Erskine, 1,048 votes. Colleen Anderson was the only candidate seeking one of the two partial terms that will end on Dec. 31, 2024. The board will fill the remaining position.
Grandville Public Schools: There were five candidates seeking two six-year terms. The top vote getters were Bob Wondergem, 6,203 votes, and Trent Joseph Taylor, 5884 votes.
Kelloggsville Public Schools: Crystal Reidzas and Gladys Townsend ran unopposed for two six-year term seats.
Kentwood Public Schools: There were four candidates seeking three four-year term seats. The top vote getters were Sylvia A. James, 12,917 votes; Kim Taboada-Arzate, 9,505 votes; and Pete Battey, 9,404 votes. Tanya Powell-May was running unopposed for the two-year term seat.
Wyoming Public Schools: Jeff Norton and Audrey L. Zapata. Norton ran unopposed for the two six-year term seats. Two candidates were running for the four-year seat ending in 2026 with Lisa Manley taking the seat with 6,330 votes.
For more election results, visit the click here.
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
After getting a third-straight district championship last week with a 35-20 win over Unity Christian, South Christian faces undefeated Whitehall in a regional final Friday night at East Kentwood.
Both teams enter the contest with perfect 11-0 records and will have to perform at their best levels to advance to the state semifinals. Last Friday, Whitehall beat Fruitport 51-26.
“We expect when you get to this point in the season you gotta play good teams,” said South Christian Coach Danny Brown, after their win over Unity Christian. “If you’re chasing a state championship you want to beat good teams to get there.
“I know they have some athletes and are pretty big up front. It should be fun.”
Senior quarterback Jake DeHaan had five touchdowns against Unity, including 209 yards passing and 155 on the ground.
“You need your best players to shine in these moments,” Brown said. “Any big game we’ve had, he’s done it.”
Last year, the Sailors lost 28-14 to Edwardsburg in a regional final.
Check out our story right after the Sailors’ big game, including highlight videos and pictures on late Friday night on the WKTV Journal.
By Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
The world of Medicare/Medicaid can be an extremely confusing one. Each year, open enrollment occurs from Oct. 15-Dec. 7. This provides the chance for individuals to review and make changes to their Medicare Part D prescription plans and Medicare Advantage plans. Changes that are permittable include monthly premiums, yearly deductibles copays, prescription copays, prescription formulary (list of covered medications), and pharmacy network.
This process can be overwhelming—how do you know which option is the best fit for you? Here are a few tips for navigating the open enrollment season:
An important part of open enrollment is making the best choice for your healthcare needs. Being aware of scams, understanding your options, and getting support from the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program are all things that can help make your open enrollment season a smooth process!
By WKTV Journal staff
joanne@wktv.org
With the midterm elections tomorrow, the WKTV Journal offers a look at the local candidates running for seats on local school boards, Wyoming City Council, and state seats.
By Liam Jackson
Capital News Service
LANSING – Christmas trees are in Levi Dutcher’s blood.
His parents planted 2,000 while his mother was pregnant with him in 1988. Now, he is preparing for his first holiday season as the owner of a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm.
“It takes a lot of work and a lot of money to make a little bit of money in the end,” said Dutcher, of Old Grove Christmas Tree Farm in Caledonia. “But it’s definitely a lot of fun.”
Dutcher is one of nearly 500 Michigan Christmas tree farm owners benefiting this year from an exceptional growing season.
“It was pretty much the consensus of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association board that it was the best year they’ve had for growing in a long time,” said Amy Start, the executive director of the group that promotes Christmas tree farms.
Dutchman Tree Farms near Cadillac benefited from ideal weather conditions in northern Michigan.
“We had decent moisture throughout the summer and did not have any late-season frosts,” said Scott Powell, the nursery manager of Dutchman in Manton and president of the association.
A good growing season is a good sign, but when it comes to actually selling the trees, other factors come into play.
“Usually what affects the selling season is good weather,” Start said.
“A little bit of snow for atmosphere is always lovely,” she said. “But if not, we at least hope it’s not raining. Because nobody wants to go to a farm when it’s down pouring or muddy.”
Michigan is third in the nation for Christmas tree production, according to the tree grower group. Each year the state supplies two million trees nationally.
Choose-and-cut farms appeal to younger families who want to “make a day of it,” Start said.
“They feel as if it’s the freshest way to get a tree,” she said. “Because it is. You are cutting it down yourself.”
That experience is the culmination of nearly a decade’s worth of work for the farmer. It takes Christmas trees seven to 10 years before they are ready to cut.
Each growing season is critical and has lasting impacts for farmers beyond that. Drought during one season can delay growth, Start said.
“It takes a lot of work and a lot of care to get them to the full size to sell so the growers are really, really diligent about those trees,” she said.
Some new choose-and-cut farms are set to open to the public this year, but an opening is the completion of a project started long before – sometimes several decades.
Dutcher is opening his choose-and-cut farm this year, seven years after the trees were planted.
The events that led to the grand opening began before Dutcher was born. The 2,000 trees his mother helped plant in 1988 were nearly all wiped out by a drought.
When Dutcher was 8-years-old, his parents sold trees for one year. They never did it again.
“During that season I thought, ‘Wow, this is a lot of fun,’” Dutcher said. “The whole family was hanging out. I didn’t come from a lot of money, so anytime someone came up to buy a $20 tree, it was really exciting.”
About 20 years later, Dutcher bought property in Caledonia. His sister-in-law recommended planting Christmas trees so the family could gather each year and cut their own.
Dutcher took the idea one step further and planted 1,000 trees.
“It was a mixture of me remembering all the good times we had the one year my parents sold trees and my sister-in-law’s suggestion,” Dutcher said. “That’s how we’ve arrived at this.”
Dutcher’s family will still bond over the farm, including his aunt, who will fly from Oregon to help out.
Christmas tree farmers find other ways to make ends meet while the trees grow.
Photo ops with Santa and a fire pit to roast marshmallows are ways that Creekside Christmas Trees in Port Austin attract local residents during the Christmas season.
Creekside owner Lisa Szymanski planted trees two years ago. She anticipates that the choose-and-cut portion of the farm will open in 2027.
“We are doing things on the retail side to keep us relevant and keep people in the area knowing that we are here and getting in the habit of coming,” Szymanski said.
Liam Jackson is a journalist from Trenton, Michigan. He enrolled at Michigan State in 2018. His journalistic interests include feature stories and sports journalism. In addition to writing for Spartan Newsroom, Liam has also served as the News Editor and Sports Editor at Impact 89FM.
By Janelle James
Capital News Service
LANSING – More therapy dogs and tourniquet emergency training are among the programs Michigan hospitals are investing in to better serve patients, health officials say.
The state’s hospitals invested more than $860 million in community-based partnerships and programming in 2020, according to a recent report by the Michigan Health and Hospital Association.
“Michigan hospitals and health systems serve and care for any patient that walks through their doors,” said John Karasinski, director of communications for the association. “ We know that there are some patients with … challenges and burdens and we do not want to be a detriment to them receiving the care that they need.”
The report outlines six major areas of investment: health education and guidance, support services, community outreach, health professional, community building and clinical research.
Hospitals have invested $60 million in mental health services like counseling, support groups and family support, the report said.
One example: Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids is making tourniquets more accessible in public spaces as part of its Stop the Bleed campaign, the report said. The campaign started in 2012 in response to the increase in mass shootings across the country.
One goal is to put tourniquets in public places where mass shootings are likely to occur like in malls, schools and grocery stores.
“We were able to supply some tourniquets to schools in the area,” said Meaghan Crawley, senior improvement specialist with trauma services at the hospital.
The hospital also provides low-cost or free training on how to stop bleeding. The training is open to anyone who could be a bystander to an emergency – even children as young as 11 years old can receive training.
“We’ve taught at many different local schools … and local churches and that is still ongoing,” Crawley said.
Another example: McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital has expanded its pet therapy program after gaining success using it with geriatric psychiatric patients. Therapy dogs and their owners now even accompany doctors on their rounds to patients, the report said. They are also used in the Intensive Care Unit and the orthopedic hospital.
St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital in Pontiac has expanded to meet the need for dental care for people with disabilities. The dental office now has five rooms including one wheelchair-accessible room, the report said. The General Dental Residency program has expanded from three to four residents.
Michigan hospitals also provided $42 billion in financial assistance to patients with unpaid medical care costs, the report said.
The report is in response to the Affordable Care Act requirement that hospitals conduct a community health needs assessment at least every three years, Karasinski said. This assessment helps hospitals to accurately allocate funding where it is needed most.
The Michigan Health and Hospital Association represents more than 150 hospitals, including community hospitals, teaching hospitals, children hospitals, rural and urban hospitals and critical access hospitals.
Janelle James is a senior at Michigan State University double majoring in journalism and political science with a minor in Spanish. Janelle aspires to one day secure a position as an investigative journalist, White House correspondent or politician.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
In only a few days, the mid-term elections will be taking place which means many residents will be heading to the polls.
For those heading to the polls to vote in-person, Kentwood City Clerk Dan Kasunic reminds them that the state went though a redistricting. Some residents’ precincts or voting locations might have changed for that reason. Residents should have received a new voter information card from their municipality earlier this year.
Voters should review their voter card to make sure they are heading to the right voting location, Kasunic said.
Voters can also find their voting location and a sample ballot at Michigan Voter Information Center.
Voters do not need their voter card to vote. The resident must be registered to vote. If a voter has a photo ID, such as a state ID or driver’s license, he/she should bring it with him/her. Those who do not have such an ID will sign the affidavit on the back of the application to vote.
The election worker will verify your information matches the details in the e-pollbook. Once verified, the voter will be issues a ballot.
On the City of Wyoming’s website, it does state that residents should leave any political material at home. This would include political hats, shirts, masks, or brochures. These items are considered campaigning and it is illegal within 100 feet of the precinct location.
Poll locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on day of the election, Tuesday, Nov. 8.
It is past the time to get an absentee ballot in the mail. Residents may come to a city clerk’s office to get an absentee ballot. Registered voters have up until 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, to request an absentee ballot.
All absentee ballots must be returned to the person’s municipality by 8 p.m . Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Kasunic noted that those planning to mail their absentee ballot should have done so by Oct. 31. At this time, voters should hand-deliver their absentee ballot to the clerk’s office at the Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, during regular business hours or use the 24-hour drop boxes located at city hall and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 44th St. SE.
Wyoming residents can also hand-deliver an absentee ballot to the clerk’s office at Wyoming City Hall 155 28th St. SW., or use Wyoming’s 24-hour drop off box also located at city hall.
Residents can check on the status of their absentee ballot by visiting Michigan Voter Information Center.
Due to the 2018 changes in voting, residents are able to register to vote up to and on the day of election. In order to vote in a Michigan election, you must:
Be a U.S. citizen
18-years-old when you vote
Be a resident of Michigan when you register
Be a resident of the city or township for at least 30 days when you vote
Not currently be serving a sentence in jail or prison.
Residents registering to vote must bring proof of residency
Those registering on the day of the election may either get an absentee ballot and vote at the clerk’s office or drive to their designated polling location to vote.
Only those residents registering to vote or changing their address may request and receive an absentee ballot on the day of election.
Both the Wyoming and Kentwood clerk offices will be open this Saturday to help with voting and absentee ballots.
The Kentwood city clerk’s office will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 pm. Saturday. Otherwise the Kentwood clerk’s office is open 7:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays; and 7:30 a.m. to noon Fridays.
The Wyoming city clerk’s office also will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The regular hours for the Wyoming clerk’s office is 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday and closed on Friday.
Both clerk offices will be open until 8 p.m. on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 8.
By WKTV Staff
The LowellArts Artist Market returns starting Friday, Nov. 4, and running through Dec. 24 at the gallery, 223 W. Main St., Lowell.
The event features giftable fine art and fine craft works by 40+ Michigan artists. The gallery space is transformed into a retail setting with unique, one-of-a-kind items available for sale at a range of price points. The annual market is a great place for people to purchase handmade items during the gift giving season. Gift items include: pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, textiles, glasswork, handbags, woodwork, metalwork, ornaments, soaps, and more.
The Artist Market is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The event will have extended houses during Christmas Through Lowell. Those hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Nov. 20.
For more information, visit www.lowellartsmi.org.
By Cameryn Cass
Capital News Service
LANSING – Michigan businesses interested in reducing their carbon footprint are looking to build with large wooden panels instead of steel or concrete.
Nationwide, demand for what is called mass timber tripled between 2018 and 2021.
There are different kinds of mass timber, but the term refers to multiple wood panels either nailed or glued together and that are strong enough to replace concrete and steel, which contribute 8% to greenhouse gas emissions, according to Canadian architect Michael Green.
Mass timber is more sustainable, Green said.
Nearly half of America’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the building industry.
Since a little more than a cubic yard of wood can store 1 ton – about the weight of the Liberty Bell– of carbon dioxide, mass timber is a great way to reduce our footprint, said Sandra Lupien, the director of MassTimber@MSU, a research and education group promoting mass timber in the Great Lakes region.
Half of the weight of a tree is from stored carbon in its wood, and the rest is water, oxygen, hydrogen and a mix of other elements. In other words, wood is a carbon sink.
Building with it can prevent or delay carbon from being released into the atmosphere when a tree dies or burns, Lupien said.
Last year, Michigan State University opened one of the first mass timber buildings in the state, the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility. Already there are two more mass timber projects underway in the state, one at a K-12 school in Kalamazoo and another at the Great Lakes Boat Building School in Cedarville.
Another 27 projects in Michigan on the drawing board plan to incorporate mass timber. One of those was in Muskegon where Grand Rapids-based Leestma Management was scheduled to constructe a mass timber building at Adelaide Point this summer.
At minimum, the building in Cedarville will have a roof made of mass timber, though those involved with its construction are hoping to build the whole building out of it, said Nikki Storey, the president of the Great Lakes Boat Building School.
The only thing stopping them is funding.
“That’s part of the problem with mass timber: I don’t know that the economy of scales exists yet to be able to get good pricing on it,” Storey said.
Since mass timber comes in sheets that are easy to put together – Lupien equates it to building with Lincoln Logs – there’s a major time savings with using it. But since there are no mass timber manufacturers in Michigan – the closest is outside of Chicago – it’s not always easy to get it.
Typically, mass timber products are made from softwood trees – think coniferous, like evergreens – which make up 30% of Michigan’s forests. The remaining majority of the state’s trees are hardwood, meaning they’re deciduous and lose their leaves, Lupien said.
Researchers at Michigan Tech University are experimenting with making mass timber out of hardwood instead, a niche that might provide economic opportunity.
It is an untapped opportunity.
“Michigan is a forestry state,” said Conan Smith, the president of the Michigan Environmental Council. “If we can advance the construction materials that are rooted in wood, it’s to our economic benefit.
“It’s not just a great environmental opportunity, it’s a great economic opportunity for the state of Michigan.”
Each year, the state removes 30% to 40% of the forest’s growth, said Brenda Haskill, a forest marketing and outreach specialist at theDepartment of Natural Resources. That still provides enough capacity to harvest for mass timber and manage forests sustainably.
“We’re at a really interesting place in terms of moving the forest industry forward,” Haskill said.
Talks of attracting a mass timber manufacturer to the state are underway. However, an aging workforce and the rising cost of diesel fuel mean a decline in logging firms, Haskill said.
Making sure we have loggers to harvest trees and get them to the mill is really the biggest concern, Haskill said.
“I’m hopeful, but there’s a lot of pieces that need to be addressed,” Haskill said.
Michigan is in the same boat as the other Midwestern states. There’s more mass timber manufacturing and interest out west, Haskill said.
Another challenge is the states outdated building codes, said Brian Craig, the board chair at the Michigan Forest Biomaterials Institute.
The most recent version of the International Building Code is from 2021 and offers more flexibility and clarity for how high you can build and how much wood can be exposed with mass timber, Craig said.
Right now, Michigan follows 2015 codes, making it two cycles behind the current thinking on mass timber and fire safety, Craig said.
But mass timber doesn’t behave like a 2 x 4.
Instead, it behaves like a tree.
Think of an unsplit log in a fire pit, and how it chars on the outside: That’s what mass timber would do in a fire, Lupien said.
Craig said that timber can be even safer than steel when it burns.
“Think about what happens when steel gets hot. It sort of turns into spaghetti, whereas mass timber’s surface chars and then protects the rest of the timber,” Craig said.
Lupien said that even with the outdated building codes, builders in Michigan are still able to use mass timber, and they should.
People using the buildings – at least the one on MSU’s campus– express the aesthetic benefits of bringing nature indoors, Lupien said.
“There’s actually a word for that. It’s called biophilia,” Lupien said.
That’s a Greek word that translates to “love of life. ” It taps into our inborn desires of being close to nature. Biophilic design – like incorporating wood into buildings – has even been found to promote human wellness and productivity, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Putting the more sustainable, attractive alternative into Michigan buildings is a question of price and supply.
“It’s been used in Europe for better than a decade now,” Smith said. “It’s a product that’s far better for the planet than concrete.
“Why we’re not using it more, I don’t know.”
By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Service LLC
Whole life has a simple objective, to ensure your “whole” life, in other words, it will pay the benefits anytime during your whole life, regardless of how long you live. All you need to do is pay the premium.
Life insurance is a contract between an insured person (the policyholder) and the insurer. The premium pays for guaranteed benefits in case of death, but there are other features that can provide additional protection as well.
In exchange for fixed premiums, whole-life policies offer life insurance protection and tax deferral on growth by accumulating cash value with competitive interest rates.
In exchange for fixed premiums, an insurance company promises to pay a set benefit when the policyholder dies but also offers additional benefits as well. Whole life insurance policies can build up cash value, effectively a cash reserve that pays a modest rate of return, and the growth is tax-deferred. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.
Most whole life insurance policies allow policyholders to borrow a portion of their policy’s cash value. Access to the cash value can allow you to pay for things like college expenses, a home down payment, or any other needs you may have.
When the policyholder dies, his or her beneficiaries receive the benefit from the policy. Depending on how the policy is structured, benefits are usually not taxable.
Whether whole life insurance is the best choice for you may depend on a variety of factors, including your goals or circumstances.
Whole life insurance can be an excellent investment for those who want to be protected financially after death. The policies promise a fixed benefit but also offers additional benefits such as cash value – which can build up and provide returns tax-deferred in order of security against personnel losses caused by unforeseen events like accidents or illnesses, and guarantees based on claims-paying ability from issuing companies.
The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) does not insure life insurance. It is not insured by any federal government agency, bank, or savings association. Each state’s Department of Insurance regulates life insurance.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
With the help of the community, the Wyoming Fire Department welcomed its newest truck Tuesday night by pushing it into the station.
It is a tradition that dates back to the 1800s, according to Wyoming Fire Chief Brian Bennett.
“So the push-in started back in the days of the horse-drawn carriages,” Bennett said. “Every time the firefighters returned from a call, the horses could not back up and push the equipment into the station.”
The firefighters would have to disconnect the horses and physically push the equipment back into the station, he said.
As the equipment modernized and the need for horses lessen so did the need for the firefighters to push the equipment.
“It was a really cool tradition that they had done for years and firefighters wanted to figure out a way to continue that tradition,” Bennett said. “So it came to be that when a department received a new piece of equipment, the push-in still stayed there as the department would push that piece into the station to signify the equipment’s start of service.”
In fact, the Wyoming Fire Department has done push-ins with all of its equipment over the years but what made Tuesday’s event special is it was the first time the public was invited to join the department for the push-in.
“The public needs to be involved in this too because you are just as much a part of this as we are,” Bennett said to those in attendance. “We get to play with the shiny new toys but without the support of the community none of this takes place.”
There was supposed to be two new fire trucks at the event but one was still having the final touches done in Kalamazoo.
The new trucks, which replace two older fire trucks that were sold in June, are smaller than the standard engines many residents are use to seeing. However, outside of the fact that the new trucks seat two people versus six, the trucks have all of the capacity of a larger engine at about half the cost, Bennett said, adding the trucks are able to pump water and have ladders. A fire truck that seats six is around $650,000 while the two-person vehicle is closer to $350,000.
Because of its versatility, the trucks are able to complete many different tasks that are needed in the city such as responding to a medical request or putting out a dumpster fire. The trucks also will be able to support the other vehicles in the fleet and vice versa.
“You really need to design your equipment by what you do in your community,” Bennett said. “It is not about the community neighbor who has the flashier, shiner truck. We design our trucks to help with what we do most in our city.”
Pierce Manufacturing, a manufacturer of custom fire apparatus, built the trucks at its Florida plant. The trucks were delivered to the city in August.
By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributor
Designed to spark a love of science and biology in children, the new Kentwood Parks and Recreation Outdoor Explorers program offers a nature-focused curriculum.
Basic survival skills, plant identification, campfire safety and cooking are just some of the activities taught in the program.
“Our goal is to get kids outside and exploring nature,” said Cassie Wielard, Outdoor Explorers program leader.
Designed for children ages 6-12, the Outdoor Explorers meet Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. primarily within Covenant Park. The program offers many of the same skills and experiences kids may find through a scouting program, but with much greater flexibility.
Outdoor Explorers often focuses on the five senses, encouraging participants to investigate various textures of plants and other aspects of their surroundings through touch, exploring scent as they smell flowers and campfire smoke, and tasting s’mores and other treats.
The purpose, Wielard said, is to give children “experiences that maybe not every kid gets to have outside in nature.”
Along with experiencing nature, instilling a respect for the environment also is a central principal of Outdoor Explorers.
“This feels like an extension of things that I love to do, and it’s been really fun,” said Wielard, who has a background in elementary education.
Covenant Park has three color-coded trails located just outside the clubhouse, each offering approximately one mile of natural space to explore. The park also offers an optional “Hide and Seek” activity for each trail along with maps to help guide explorers.
Less than ideal weather doesn’t hinder the young explorers from trekking through the park.
“The rain doesn’t faze them,” Wielard said. “To them, it’s fun.”
If a planned activity is not possible due to weather, Wielard and her volunteers easily improvise and ensure explorers are still learning and having fun.
“Last week it was raining, so s’mores were microwaved,” Wielard said.
Simple crafts offered during each class highlight animals and other aspects of the environment. From building bird feeders, to creating owls and bats out of sticks and bark, participants are treated to a lesson about animals and the natural materials used in their creations.
Even though the fall Explorers program has wrapped up, plans are already in motion for a winter session with dates and activities in development stages.
“We are hoping to explore Covenant Park in all the seasons,” Wielard said. “Signs of nature (such as animal tracks) should be obvious with snow on the ground. And, of course, snow opens up a lot of opportunities for activities.”
The winter session is seeking participants for early 2023. To find out more about the program and its benefits, contact the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department.
D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is investigating two unrelated shootings that took place on Tuesday, Nov. 1 and providing some words of caution to residents.
The first incident took place at around 2:50 p.m in the 2200 block of Indian Mounds Drive SW.
An 18-year-old male on a bicycle was struck by gunfire resulting in a fatal injury. The male was deceased at the scene. The victim of this shooting has been identified as Kane Allen Coronado of White Cloud.
A vehicle was seen leaving the area immediately after the shooting and was described as a light-colored sedan with an unknown number of occupants. The vehicle was last seen traveling east on Indian Mounds Drive.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. According to a statement from the department, the department is appealing to the public to provide information regarding this case. Anyone who was in the area of Indian Mounds Drive on Nov. 1 between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m. is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
As a reminder to residents, Lt. Rory Allen, spokesperson for the department, said the department recommends that citizens take precautions when utilizing recreational areas such as bike paths and walking trails.
If possible, residents should not travel alone when walking, jogging, or bike riding. Residents should be aware of their surroundings and who is around them. They also should a phone with them to call for help or see anything that is suspicious or feels unsafe. Always call 911 in those incidents.
A 7:15 p.m. on the same day of Nov. 1, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a hold-up alarm at 3530 S. Division Ave. A short time later officers responded to a report that a 15-year-old male with a gunshot wound had been located near the business in questions.
The investigation indicates that the individual with the gunshot wound arrived at 3530 South Division Avenue with two other individuals. It is believed that they arrived in the Ford Fusion that was stolen out of Grand Rapids earlier in the evening.
According the police report, these three individuals were involved in, what was reported to police as, a take-over robbery attempt at that location. The three suspects entered the business with masks covering their faces and surrounded the employee. A fight between the three suspects and the employee broke out and the employee fired one shot from a handgun that he legally had on his person.
All three suspects fled the store after the shooting. The 15-year-old is believed to be the only one who was injured during this incident. He was located a short distance away from the business and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. He is currently in serious condition. The other two robbery suspects fled the area on foot and have not been located yet. The stolen Ford Fusion was recovered at the scene.
Officers are still looking for the two other suspects. One is described as wearing a blue sweatshirt with a hood up, black sweatpants, and a mask covering his face. The second suspect is described as wearing a multi-colored zip-up sweatshirt with a red shirt underneath, black pants, and black shoes. Information located inside the recovered vehicle has provided leads regarding the suspects’ identities. These leads are being pursued by investigators. In the meantime, these individuals are encouraged to turn themselves in to the Wyoming Police.
Once this investigation is complete, the Kent County prosecutor’s office will review all of the circumstances in this case, including a review of the employee’s action in shooting the individual who was robbing his store.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
By Janelle James
Capital News Service
LANSING – Michigan will offer a $10,000 annual fellowship to 2,500 students as an incentive to teach in the state.
The awards, included in the state’s budget that began Oct. 1, are for college students on track to become educators and will be given to students once they are admitted into the college of education at their university.
Some universities have a two-year program, while other programs run three years, beyond prerequisites. Students who participate are required to teach in the state for two years for every year that they receive the fellowship. They cannot receive more than $30,000 in total.
Another incentive to address the state’s teacher shortfall in the 2023 budget is a $9,600 stipend for every semester a student teaches. Previously, student teachers were unpaid, although they are required to carry out some of the same classroom responsibilities as teachers.
Student teachers can apply for this stipend each semester that they teach. At Michigan State University, students are required to student teach for one year, but at other institutions students are only required for one semester, said Gail Richmond, the director of the teacher preparation program at MSU.
Nearly three-quarters of the state’s schools are short of teachers, according to a survey by the Michigan Education Association (MEA), the largest union representing teachers and other school staff.
Among the reasons for the shortage is that the joy of education has been taken away, said Paula Herbart, the president of the union. But the pay is a big reason.
“The lack of financial stability as an educator has caused the educator shortage,” Herbart said. “Three out of four educators will tell their children not to go into teaching, and that’s a real problem. We’re telling kids not to go into education because they can’t make a living at it, and because of the things that impact your ability to provide for your family.”
For minority students, it can be even harder, said Doug Pratt, the MEA’s director of public affairs.
“We know from student loan data entry, as well as practice, that there’s this double jeopardy of having to pay to be a student teacher and not getting paid which is especially hard for minority aspiring educators,” he said.
All student teachers should be compensated just like in any other apprenticeship program, but people might see it take away the barrier that exists, especially for minority students, he said.
The Michigan Department of Education reports that in 2017, Black teachers made up 5.9% of the state’s teachers. Hispanic or Latino teachers accounted for 1.2 and Asian-Americans made up only 0.2%. About 91% of teachers were white.
“I know most of my (classmates) that are doing the teacher preparation program have dropped out of it,” said Trinity Belcher, a fifth-year student in the MSU College of Education . “They don’t want to do their 5th year because the cost of it.”
Students in the college of education at MSU are required to pay for their internship as a student teacher, which can be a financial burden, Belcher said.
Belcher will finish the program and become a teacher because she says it would be better to have the experience of teaching for a year with a mentor before she starts teaching by herself.
Another incentive is the $175 million Grow-Your-Own program which assists school employees who already work with children, like bus drivers, crossing guards and lunch aides to get their degree to become educators.
Richmond said, “Teachers often feel isolated and unsupported, so I think the things that have to be combined with some kind of financial system is support from the time they step into the classroom, across their entire careers.”
Janelle James is a senior at Michigan State University. She is pursing a double major in journalism and political science with a minor in Spanish. Janelle aspires to one day secure a position as an investigative journalist, White House correspondent or politician.
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
South Christian Coach Danny Brown said it best after his team beat Grand Rapids Christian 42-7 in a Division 4 playoff opener Friday night at East Kentwood.
“You need your best players to play the greatest when the lights are the brightest,” said Brown, of his standout quarterback Jake DeHaan. “He definitely answered the bell tonight; it was another stellar performance by Jake.
“I think at this point in the season you need your best players to step it up when the pressure’s on.”
Once again, DeHaan led the way for the Sailors with four touchdowns through the air and one on the ground, completing 12 of 18 passes for 216 yards and rushing for 84.
“You have to credit our receivers,” Brown said. “Our guys were just making moves and getting open and Jake was putting it in there. I think they were really putting a ton of focus on stopping Carson Vis, so other people were open and Seth (Ritsema) was the winner of that.”
Ritsema led with six receptions for 125 yards and three TDs, while Vis caught the other TD. Nate Brinks had 9 carries for 74 yards and one TD.
Coach Brown said his OK Gold champs have done a great job of settling into games quickly this year.
“Every game, we have played really well right from the beginning,” Brown said. “To be 10-0, you have to be talented.”
Grand Rapids Christian Co-Coach Rueben Riley said it came down to South Christian executing and being more physical and the score indicated that.
“We continue to build a culture of love, tenacity, pride and purpose, and hopefully it shows in the wins and losses column, but right now we’re just making sure that our culture is strong so these young men know that the things they learn in football will take them wherever they want to go and be bigger than football.”
Quarterback Alek Wickstrom led the Eagles in passing with 14 of 22 for 135 yards and one INT, while Noah Funk completed 3 of 6 passes for 92 yards and one TD to Dono Thames. Grand Rapids Christian finished the season at 3-7 overall.
South Christian (10-0) faces Hudsonville Unity Christian (6-4) in a Division 4 district final next week.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
Veronica Quintino-Aranda’s brother died before her younger sister was born yet her sister has a connection to him because of the family’s tradition of honoring the brother’s memory during Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
“We remember who he was,” said Quintino-Aranda, a member of the Latino Community Coalition which has collaborated with the Grand Rapids Public Museum on a Day of the Dead exhibit. “We share stories. We share memories. We share his favorite food.
“Even though my sister has never meet him because he died before she was born, she still knows who he was and how important he was to our family.”
Running through Nov. 27, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is featuring the Field Musuem’s “A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico.” Through 26 photographs, the exhibit explores the significance of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, a southern region of Mexico.
Traditionally observed on Nov. 1 and 2, Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos is an indigenous holiday that originated in southern Mexico and celebrates the remembrance of family members and friends who have died. Part of that celebration includes the creation of an ofrenda, or a home alter, honoring the deceased.
The tradition and symbols date back to the Mayans and Aztecs, who had a whole month dedicated to the dead, according to Quintino-Aranda. The expansion of catholicism in Mexico altered some of the symbols but the the focus on celebrating the dead remained.
“On my home alter, and we have a catholic tradition, we have the candle that symbolizes we are the light of the world,” Quintino-Aranda said. “We have the arch toward heaven and incense that indicates that our prayers are going up to him. We also have soil that symbolizes that we are dust and are destained to return. We also have items that represent (my brother) and of course, his picture.”
Almost 600,000 Hispanics live in West Michigan with the Hispanic population making up about 16 percent, almost 16,000, in the Grand Rapids area. As the Hispanic community grew, many brought their traditions to the West Michigan area with the Day of the Dead having become a community celebration. In fact, the Grand Rapids Public Library for several years has hosted a Dia de los Muertos event (this year Oct. 30 – Nov. 3) that includes alters created by community members and activities.
Noting that the Grand Rapids Public Museum is not just about dinosaurs and artifacts but also history and culture, Dustin Tyler, director of marketing and customer service strategy for the Museum, said the Public Museum is excited to be able to partner with local organizations such as the LCC to present a Day of the Dead exhibition.
“Anytime we get the opportunity to include community partners to help paint a story, its a win for Grand Rapids, a win for the museum and a win for our members and visitors,” Tyler said.
As part of the exhibition, the GRPM joined with community partners to add ofrendas to the exhibition display. Local professor and artist Margaret Vega created one display honoring her father Francisco Vega (1922-2021), who was a leader in the Latino community of West Michigan and a grassroots organizer for civil rights.
The LCC’s offenda focuses on the organizations Nuestra HERencia project, which honors the history and legacies of women here in Grand Rapids.
“It is an immersive experience,” Tyler said. “it is kind of a window into how another culture does things different but also learning about the history of Mr. Vega and learning about our partners over at the Latin Community Coalition and what their mission and purpose is.”
Started in 2006, the LLC serves as a unifying force for the equitable advancement of Latinos in West Michigan.
“I chose LCC because at the time I was working for the infant health program at Cherry Street Health and so I wanted to learn more about what are the resources out there to help my clients and patients and the LCC was a great opportunity for me to network and learn what programs and classes other nonprofits were offering so I could give back and give those resources to my community,” she said.
The Nuestra HERencia project features women who have not necessarily received awards or been recognized but because of their values that they instilled in their family members, they have helped the Hispanic community grow through business and leadership.
“My aunt, who passed away last year, she owned a small chain of bakeries,” said Javier Cervantes, another LCC member. “She instilled in us hard work and dedication. I saw how she treated everyone with respect. That is what I will not forget.
“Todos parejos — everyone is equal.”
For both Cervantes and Quintino-Aranda, they hope through the exhibition and the LCC display to help residents understand the symbolism and why Day of the Dead is important to the Hispanic community.
“I want people to know that we have a presence here in Grand Rapids and we are not going anywhere,” Cervantes said. “Those Latinos have been able to be trailblazers and in a unique way transform the lives of families as well.”
“A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico” is included with general admission to the Museum and is free for Museum members. Kent County residents do receive a discount and Kent County children 17 and under are free. To reverse tickets, visit grpm.org.
WKTV Contributor Renee Karadsheh contributed to this story.
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
Two teams in our WKTV viewing area, South Christian and East Kentwood, are playoff bound and in action on Friday night.
East Kentwood (5-4 overall, 4-3 in the OK Red) travels to Rockford for a 7 p.m. Friday game in Division 1. Rockford is tied for second in the state in D-1 with Macomb Dakota and boasts a 9-0 overall record. The Rams finished atop the OK Red at 7-0.
EK Coach Tony Kimbrough said he’s very proud of what his team accomplished with the strength of their conference and schedule.
In a 34-21 loss to Grandville last Friday, East Kentwood quarterback Ben Cash had 141 yards in the air and 93 on the ground. Stellan Bowman led with 17 tackles.
Getting back to the playoffs was a goal for the Falcons after a 2-7 season in 2021.
South Christian, No.1 in the state in Division 4, hosts Grand Rapids Christian (3-6 overall) at 7 p.m. Friday at East Kentwood.
The Sailors won the OK Gold Conference this year at 7-0, finishing one game ahead of rival Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Their last undefeated regular season was in 2004.
Check out our story on South Christian quarterback Jake DeHaan, who posted some incredible numbers this season, at wktvjournal.org
DeHaan has a total of 32 touchdowns this year; 22 through the air and 10 on the ground. He has completed 129 of 184 passes for 1,883 yards with six interceptions, and leads the team in rushing with 710 yards on 109 carries.
“Statistically, he is having one of the best seasons any QB has ever had at South,” said Coach Danny Brown, in his fourth year as coach. “His leadership and drive to be great is the thing that has impressed me the most.”
As far as the playoffs go, Brown said their goal is pretty simple; “We want to win a state championship.”
WKTV is sending a cameraman and reporter to both games to get highlights and interviews with coaches and players. Look for our stories late Friday night and Saturday morning on wktvjournal.org
Grandville (7-2) at Caledonia (8-1, sixth in state) (at East Kentwood) 1 p.m. Saturday
Muskegon Reeths-Puffer (6-3) at Forest Hills Central (9-0, fourth in the state) 7 p.m. Friday
Portage Northern (6-3) at Byron Center (7-2) 7 p.m. Friday
East Grand Rapids (4-5) at St. Joseph (8-1) 7 p.m. Friday
Lowell (6-3) at Zeeland West (8-1) 7 p.m. Friday
Sparta (6-3) at Muskegon (7-2) 7 p.m. Friday
Cedar Springs (5-4) at Coopersville (6-3) 7 p.m. Friday
Forest Hills Eastern (6-3) at Hudsonville Unity Christian (5-4) 7 p.m. Friday
Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep (5-4) at Grand Rapids Catholic Central (8-1) 7 pm. Friday
Watervliet (6-3) at Grand Rapids West Catholic (8-1) 7 p.m. Friday
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
The fall National Drug Take Back Day has been set for this Saturday, Oct. 29, with both the Wyoming Department of Public Safety and the Kentwood Police Department participating in the event.
The annual event is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back initiative. The event is held in April and October as part of ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug misuse and overdose deaths. For the April Take Back Day, the Department of Drug Enforcement reported that about 720,000 pounds of unneeded medications were collected. Since starting the program in 2010, around 16 million pounds of unneeded prescription medications have been collected.
“By taking advantage of this free and anonymous Drug Take Back Day, residents can help save lives,” said Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin. “Proper medication disposal prevents identity theft, accidental poisonings, drug addiction and overdose deaths. It can also help preserve the environment by reducing the amount of medications in landfills and sewer systems. Please gather unneeded medications from your home and join us Oct. 29 as we work together to keep our community safe.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, more than 107,000 people died as the result of a drug overdose last year. This figure means that someone in the United States is dying of a drug overdose every five minutes.
Residents may drop off unused, unwanted or expired prescription pills and patches from 10 a.m to 2 p.m at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Liquids, needles and sharp objects will not be accepted. For disposal of needles and other sharp objects, visit the Kent County Health Department’s reimaginetrash.org or click here.
The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 2300 DeHoop Ave., has a SafeMed box at the station where anyone may properly dispose of medications throughout the year.
The department also partners with University of Michigan Health West, 2122 Health Dr. SW, on Drug Take Back Day. The event at UMHW will be a drive-thru from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. People are encouraged to stay in their car and a volunteer will come to the vehicle.
As with the Kentwood program, this program is free with no questions asked.
By Dave Stanley
WKTV Contributor
Integrity Financial Service, LLC
October has always been a devilish month for Wall Street. Black Tuesday was Oct. 29, 1929. Black Monday was Oct. 19, 1987. And the crash of 2008 happened on October’s doorstep on Sept. 29, 2008, when the Dow dropped more than 777 points. The Dow notched a new low for the year and closed below 30,000 for the first time since June 17. The 30-stock index flirted with the bear market territory causing concern and stress.
These are the days of Chicken Littles! In this climate – despite historically low unemployment, robust GDP, and soaring consumer confidence – the stock market still has wobbly legs with no real end in sight.
The problem is not just the current concerns about high debt, trade wars, and rising interest rates; it’s the collective uncertainty and reactionary groupthink over which we have no control. It’s also the psychological traps, triggers, and misconceptions we humans fall prey to.
• Expecting to find high returns with low risk (I’ve got a Rolex watch I’ll sell you for $25.)
• Believing that good things happen to you and bad things only happen to others
The reality is you could be as cool as a cucumber, but if those around you think the sky is falling, your portfolio will still likely evaporate.
And history indicates it could take years, or even decades, just to get back to where you were. Everyone seems to run to safety at some time in their lives. Is it time for you to take a long look at safe and secure options?
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
