During a recent summer market, a Wyoming firefighter sends a message about safety. (WKTV)
Former Wyoming resident Nancy appreciated that her neighbors cared enough to come over and tell her that they saw people taking stuff out of her garage while she was at work.
“It turned out to be OK because I had given the charity group permission to do so, but I appreciated knowing that my neighbors were watching out for me,” she said.
Knowing your neighbors and being familiar with your neighborhood is a key component to fighting crime. Neighbors who are aware of each others activities, such as when they work or go on vacation, are able to identify when something or someone looks suspicious.
“It is not only nice to know your neighbors but it gives you a responsible feeling for your community,” said Lt. Brian Look with the Wyoming Public Safety Department. “With that connection to your community, you notice when things are out of place or when someone may need help.”
Getting to know your neighbors and building that connection to community is what National Night Out is all about. Always the first Tuesday in August — this year it is Aug. 2 — the annual event encourages people to “turn their porch lights on” and come out to meet their neighbors.
A rundown of activities
Give me five: A residents gives a Wyoming police officer a high-five. (WKTV)
Several of the Wyoming neighborhoods will have block party events, Look said. The Wyoming Department of Public Safety will be attending as many as possible Tuesday evening as well as several events that will be be open to the public.
The Department will join the Consumer’s Energy annual kick off event which starts at around 5:30 a.m. at Consumer’s Energy Grand Rapids Service Center Grand Rapids Service Center, 4000 Clay Ave. SW. Along with Wyoming, departments from Grand Rapids, Walker, and Kentwood will be in attendance. Consumer’s Energy staff will be handing out free energy efficient light bulbs to passersby. At 7:15 a.m., the mayors from Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming will present a proclamation to commemorate the day.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Wyoming Department of Public Safety will join the Kent County Sheriff’s Department at the RiverTown Celebration! Cinema, 3728 Rivertown Parkway, in the RiverTown Mall. There will be children’s activities and safety information.
From 5 – 7 p.m., officers and firefighters will be at Grace University, 1011 Aldon St. SW. This event is open to the public and will include food, games and an opportunity to check out the SWAT vehicle, firetruck, police vehicles and meet members of the K-9 unit. Bonus, there is usually a large waterslide as well.
Officers and firefighters will be traveling to other neighborhood parties throughout the city.
Mayor Jack Poll offers a few words about the 2021 National Night Out event and its importance to the community. (WKTV)
Rebuilding after COVID
National Night Out was introduced in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch and is now observed throughout the United States and Canada. The recent COVID pandemic did have a toll on the event as people were not able to host events, however several Kent County police organizations hosted National Night Out parades during that time to remind residents the importance of keeping in touch with each other.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety, which has been participating in National Night Out since the mid-1990s, hosted two public open houses. Due to interest in having neighborhood block parties, the department’s community resource division decided to do a hybrid event this year of open houses and attending neighborhood parties.
“Like many things after COVID, the program fluctuated as we dealt with pandemic,” Look said. “We are in the process of rebuilding.”
Learning about community resources
For the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, the annual event also gives residents the opportunity to meet the officers and learn what resources are available to the the community, Look said.
“It never hurts for community members to get to know who the police officers are out there patrolling your roads and the firemen who are out helping residents,” he said. “Learning more about who is out there in your community can help when there is a need and helps us be able to serve them better.”
For anyone who is hosting a neighborhood party on Aug. 2 and would like fire and police to stop by the event, email Sgt. Dave Hunt at huntd@wyomingmi.gov.
With prices continuing to skyrocket, Michigan residents and business owners search for the reason behind the perpetual inflation, and when it might end.
Global issue as well
Many economists and local business leaders say increasing costs for businesses are the driving force behind rising prices. And that continuing inflation is a concern not only statewide, but nationally and globally as well.
As the world emerges from the emergency status of the COVID-19 pandemic, business owners and consumers are fighting against ongoing residual effects, namely inflation. Due to supply issues during the pandemic and current labor shortages, prices for everyday goods have skyrocketed, with consumer prices up 9.1 percent over year end June 2022. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Exercise patience
Despite the economic concern, Keith Morgan, president and CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, advises community members to, “Temper your decisions…exercise patience. It’s not as bad as they make it seem…and it’s not as good as some people think it may be.”
Keith Morgan, president and CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy)
In regard to business owners, “The biggest impact right now that businesses need to be aware of, the key is, preparation,” said Morgan to WKTV. Most small businesses are not prepared for crises such as a pandemic. “A business is going to typically have a 6-month runway (also known as a reserve) if they are in a good position…some may have 12 months. Very few are going to have 24 months.”
With the pandemic lasting longer than businesses anticipated, several owners found themselves floundering.
“What a lot of people are experiencing,” continued Morgan, “is that they are having to pivot. They are forced to reevaluate their paradigm. The businesses that have done well are the ones that are finding ways to provide different services or provide different products…and finding avenues to be more efficient.”
Government help available
Morgan also revealed that government help is available for businesses, but that many organizations are hesitant to take advantage of different funds that are available, such as ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, due to not having information about those advantages.
Local Chamber of Commerce networks offer professional advisors and relationships business owners can take advantage of, and that can help them understand that information so they can make better decisions.
Some aspects of the inflation crisis, however, cannot be avoided.
Labor shortages
Labor shortages have had a large bearing on inflation. With fewer workers available for businesses to draw on, they are finding the need to offer incentives, such as higher pay rates and benefits. Something that will make a “significant difference” in employer expenses, Morgan said.
Tim Mroz, senior vice president of Community Development for The Right Place. (Courtesy)
Tim Mroz, senior vice president of Community Development for The Right Place, agrees that one of the prevailing struggles is “the ability for employers to stay competitive with wages, and employees to keep up with the cost of living.”
Offering such incentives, however, increases cost to the employer. “Companies just can’t eat that total cost,” Morgan said. “So that cost has to be passed on to the consumer who is buying your service or product.”
The company that offers that service or product now must raise that rate to be able to account for the additional cost to their business. Add in meeting profit margins and expectations from investors, and that cost increases exponentially.
Supply chain issues
Supply chain issues are also a large factor of inflation.
“The good news is that we are seeing progress,” Mroz continued. “I think we’ve gotten beyond the emergency situation we were in a year ago during COVID. The supply chain issues we’re seeing today are a little more targeted at certain materials.”
Those manufacturers who are still experiencing supply issues, however, are now finding the problem compounded by rising prices when they can acquire those materials.
“Steel prices are still a challenge, both for construction steel and coiled steel.” At local steel manufacturers, Mroz said, “There is very little inventory. What they do have they are moving as fast as possible.
“Since 2020 to current quarter, construction prices have just about doubled. If it’s not under control soon, we’re going to start seeing pullbacks in the construction and development industry. That’s concerning because we need housing.”
Jason Parsons, senior construction project manager for Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, told WKTV that “All of the materials I have delivered to site, they are all adding a fuel surcharge onto the bill, which didn’t used to be there. We are getting regular cost increases on windows, siding, roofing.”
Parsons says it is not any one thing causing the increase.
“I think it’s the supply chain problems, it’s the delivery chain and trucking costs, manufacturers are having a difficult time keeping enough labor. They aren’t producing as much as they were, so they are charging more for what they are producing.”
Compounding the problems brought on by a lack in available materials is a shortage of truck drivers. That shortage has cost site workers delays as they wait for materials to be delivered.
“It’s a synergistic type of system that one thing doesn’t just affect one other piece,” Morgan explained. “One thing can affect 17 other pieces down the road, and they all work together.”
A social aspect also comes into play due to a growing mentality that there is no better time to raise rates because people are expecting it. Morgan mentioned the current gas market, observing that prices are unlikely to decrease back to yesterday’s normal, even if cost improves for the buyer because “(consumers) are used to paying it, and willing to pay it, and are paying it,” thus increasing the buyer’s profit margin.
These thoughts are supported by a current podcast, Trend Talks with ITR Economics, specifically episodes from “The Consumer, Interest Rates, and Gas Prices” with Alan Beaulieu, March 18, 2022, and “Pricing at the Peak” with Connor Lokar, January 14, 2022.
Over the 12 months ended June 2022, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 9.1 percent. The 9.1-percent increase in the all items index was the largest 12-month increase since the 12-month period ending November 1981. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Will consumers see a decrease in prices?
Morgan says yes, but it will take time.
“Inflation will decrease due to what the market can bear,” he explained. “Prices are based off of what people will buy.”
Parsons agreed.
“It’s all supply and demand. If supply increases and demand goes down, the prices will come down. They have to.”
Federal Reserve taking action
The Federal Reserve has already taken action by purposely increasing their rates.
“The Federal Reserve has the most impact on the value of a dollar,” Morgan said. “They can change the numbers, which will tighten up the financial market and the base has to follow suit. If they (Federal Reserve) tighten up the economy, and people aren’t able to go out and get as many loans, they can’t do as many things, then that will typically drive the prices back down because you have a surplus in the market.”
No easy fix
Even so, Morgan believes it will be a minimum of a year to bring the economy back down from inflation, with economists saying it could be as long as 18 to 24 months. But Morgan cautions that a lot can happen in 24 months, and to “temper your plans and expectations. There is really no easy fix.”
Both Morgan and Mroz agree that Michigan is not alone in its struggles.
A global problem
“This isn’t a Michigan-specific issue,” Mroz said. “It’s a national issue, I would argue that it’s even an international issue. Everybody is dealing with this right now, with global finance as connected as it is.”
Close to retirement?
When asked how the average consumer can prepare or help themselves right now, Morgan said each individual and family situation is different and dependent upon their needs but did suggest that those close to retirement pull their money from the market now and put that money in a savings account with very low risk.
“Economists are saying that, unless you have a 2-year runway where you can stay in the market without making any change, you need to get your money in a place where you’re not going to earn much interest, but at least you’re not going to lose much either, because the markets have trended downward,” Morgan said.
Despite the difficulties many individuals and business owners face, Morgan offers hope.
“We are not in an economy where we don’t have money,” Morgan explained. “We are experiencing inflation and it’s a concern, but it’s not such a concern to the extent that we are going to change our buying habits or change our lifestyle.”
Dementia Friends works to help create a more friendly community for those living with Dementia. (pxhere.com)
More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s – members of our family, our friends and our neighbors.
We may not even recognize that these individuals have Dementia, as symptoms present differently from person to person. They may be experiencing challenges in problem solving, communicating, or making decisions. Some may have withdrawn from their social obligations due to embarrassment or shame.
Building a friendlier community
Educating ourselves on the disease can help us better support those living with dementia and their caregivers. Become a Dementia Friend and take a step towards making your community more Dementia Friendly.
Dementia Friends is a global social movement that focuses on five simple key messages. The goal is to change the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. By incorporating Dementia Friends into open, accessible communities, we enable those living with dementia and those who care for them to be active participants in their well-being.
“The default reaction to a diagnosis of dementia tends to be one of despair,” said Dementia Friends Michigan Program Coordinator Brandon Beck. “Dementia Friends works to change the narrative to one of hope. While it’s perfectly normal to grieve what has been lost, a focus on preserved abilities and interests will boost the self-esteem of the individual and create opportunities for meaningful engagement. This person-centered approach is essential for working with those with Dementia.”
COVID-19 has also had a significant impact on those living with dementia. Changes in daily routines, barriers to social engagement, and new fears associated with the pandemic have exacerbated many of the challenges already present. In addition to Dementia Friends, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) offers support groups, educational presentations presented by the Family Caregiver University, and many other resources for caregivers.
More information on Dementia Friends can be found at www.aaawm.org/dfmi – including upcoming sessions, how to request a session for your organization, and other ways to get involved. Sessions are currently being offered virtually via Zoom, so it’s never been easier for you or your organization to attend a session. Sessions can also be hosted in-person for your agency by request. You can also call the AAAWM at (616) 456-5664. There is no cost to attend a session.
Brena, a local favorite known for lively shows and Top 40 rock, performs on July 28 at Cutler Park and August 11 behind Kentwood City Hall. (Courtesy)
By John D. Gonzalez, WKTV Contributing Writer
I love late July. It’s like the sweet spot of summer.
You still have plenty of time to visit your favorite vacation spot. Maybe take in a West Michigan Whitecaps game. Go to the zoo. Or discover something new.
Fall and back-to-school shopping can wait.
Here are a few things to consider this week and early August.
Let’s support local, community events this summer as a couple of popular music series in the area are starting to wind down.
Wyoming Concerts in the Park
On Tuesday, July 26, the Wyoming series at Lamar Park continues with country singer Bernadette Kathryn, followed by Grupo Latin (Aug. 2). All shows begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free. More info: Wyoming Concerts in the Park Facebook page.
Kathryn, the self-proclaimed Detroit Country Rebel, is ready to light up the stage at Lamar Park.
“This is going to be a high-octane, full-throttle, audience engaging show that will leave them wanting more,” said Kathryn, who will perform with her Lonely Days Band. “We play new and old country, classic rock, and you might even find a few pop songs disguised as country. We call our genre ‘Hot Rock’n Country’ because we can ‘chicken fry’ anything.”
Kathryn said they’ll play Reba, Miranda Lambert, Gretchen Wilson, Luke Combs, “some of my originals, and many other songs that you can hear on the radio.”
Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn hold Bachelor of Music degrees in music performance and music education, which have given each the technical foundation to explore the limits of her instrument and helped the group build a reputation for musical excellence. Their new album, “Live & Plugged In,” just reached No. 1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Charts.
Lynn said the band’s polished, high-energy show continues to redefine strings’ role in contemporary music, and offers audience members a diverse, fun, musical experience.
“We use a variety of audio effects pedals. The Moxie Strings compose the majority of their pieces and arrange melodies from many countries, resulting in a genre-blurring blend of ear-catching, mainstream melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms.”
Brena Band is a one-stop-shop when it comes to wedding entertainment. Their six member band, featuring guitars, drums, horns, violin, keyboards and tight vocal harmonies, will keep your guests dancing all night long. Their wide variety of songs offer a little something for everyone; ranging from oldies, to current top 40 hits, classic rock to smooth R&B, country to high energy dance music, and everything in between.
All Kentwood concerts take place from 7-8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Admission is free. A variety of food trucks also will be on hand.
The 86th annual Byron Days Festival returns with an arts and craft show, 5k run, pancake breakfast, live music, kids zone activities, food trucks and more. (Courtesy)
Byron Days Festival (July 28-31)
Looking ahead to next weekend, the 86th annual Byron Days Festival returns with an arts and craft show, 5k run, pancake breakfast, live music, kids zone activities, food trucks, classic car show, fireworks and more. The festival runs July 28-31 in downtown Byron Center. More info at byrondaysfestival.org. Or check out the Facebook Event Page.
If you have something for me to consider for a Top 5 column, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com
WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer (right) stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book on a show called Grand Tap Media Business TV, hosted by Pamela Keim (left), which airs toward the end of August. (WKTV)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
For more than 30 years, WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer has woken up West Michigan with her early morning weather forecasts.
In addition to her Storm Team 8 predictions, DeBoer also has co-hosted eightWest, a show that informs and entertains its viewers.
“I’m often one of the first faces many people in West Michigan see every morning,” said DeBoer, who’s also the meteorologist for many of West Michigan’s most popular radio stations. “I love having a challenging job; forecasting the weather in a complicated part of the country, and helping people relate the weather conditions to the lives of our viewers and listeners.”
Recording at WKTV
DeBoer stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book (published in 2021) on a show called Grand Tap Media Business TV, hosted by Pamela Keim, which airs toward the end of August. Keim has produced shows on WKTV since 2017.
Keim said the purpose of her WKTV program is to “introduce West Michigan to all the businesses, nonprofits, individuals that can help us thrive in our lives.
“I’m a cheerleader for West Michigan. I like to promote events, individuals, and talk about what’s new like Terri’s book. There are some wonderful people that live in our community in West Michigan.”
DeBoer said she wrote “Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest” in 2020 during the pandemic after decades of interest.
An emotional time
“For about 40 years I wanted to write a book and I wasn’t sure what to write about and when I made the transition into the empty nest it really hit hard,” DeBoer explained. “I wasn’t expecting to feel so sad and for things to feel so empty and so I reached out to someone and thought maybe I should write a book about that.
“One thing led to another and I wrote the book as the pandemic shut everything down.”
How did she do it with her busy schedule as a TV personality and mom?
What, turn off the TV?
“I’m going to tell you a secret,” she said grinning. “I turn off the TV. It’s amazing how much time we would find to do the things we say we really want to do if we just turn the television off and get started.”
“The book is 50 short chapters broken into multiple categories, highlighting the past, present and future of the life cycle of a parent. There’s a section on your physical health, mental health, your relationship with your adult kids, your friendships, and your faith is a big part of the book.”
WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book titled “Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest” (Courtesy)
Millions of empty nesters
According to recent US Census information, there are approximately 22.5 million empty nest households in the United States.
DeBoer said it’s an emotional time and the overwhelming feelings of sadness, grief and emptiness can be common.
The book outlines her strategies for weathering the often stormy transition to an empty nest. DeBoer helps readers find hope, peace, comfort and joy in this next stage of life.
Ginger Zee endorsement
Ginger Zee, chief meteorologist at ABC News, said the book is “a blast of sunshine full of wisdom, wit and inspiration for every stage of life.”
After the first round of edits, there was one chapter the editor felt needed to be taken out. The one about her relationship with her husband, Bill.
Enter her four-legged friend
She joked about replacing Bill’s chapter in the book with her daughter Jenn’s adopted dog, Hank, which was really due to not oversimplifying spousal relationships, which are unique from person to person.
DeBoer said her editor felt the chapter about her relationship with her husband isn’t as simple as she made it to be.
“People’s relationships are complicated,” she and her editor determined. “Some people are married, some aren’t, some are divorced, widowed or in unhappy marriages. It’s not that simple.”
She admitted she wasn’t ever a pet person until Hank came along, and the answer was always “no” when her three kids asked for a dog.
The Great Dane/mastiff-Lab mix, that she now calls her grand dog, however, has swayed her opinion. She now touts the great health benefits of having a dog and how they can expand your social circle at the dog parks, and recommends a pet for empty nesters.
She admits, however, that she can enjoy Hank as much as she wants, and “when he needs to go potty in the middle of the night, it’s Jenn who gets to take him out.”
She said she has been “blessed” along the way to have raised three wonderful children, “who are all hard-working followers of our incredible God; combining their talents with their ever-deepening faith.
“They are all fun-loving and kind individuals; who are making strides through making the world a better place.”
Self-proclaimed Detroit Country Rebel, Bernadette Kathryn, takes the stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 at Lamar Park. (Courtesy)
By John D. Gonzalez, WKTV Contributing Writer
Funk, blues, rock and even a cello have been featured this summer at the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series this summer.
Now, it’s time for some kicking C-O-U-N-T-R-Y!
The self-proclaimed Detroit Country Rebel – a.k.a Bernadette Kathryn – is ready to light up the stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 at Lamar Park. Admission is free, as always.
“This is going to be a high-octane, full-throttle, audience engaging show that will leave them wanting more,” said Kathryn, who will perform with her Lonely Days Band.
“We play new and old country, classic rock, and you might even find a few pop songs disguised as country. We call our genre ‘Hot Rock’n Country’ because we can ‘chicken fry’ anything.”
The Tuesday night series continues through Aug. 2. All shows will be recorded and aired on WKTV.
In an interview with WKTV Journal, Kathryn said they’ll play Reba, Miranda Lambert, Gretchen Wilson, Luke Combs, “some of my originals, and many other songs that you can hear on the radio.”
County music is at the heart of everything she does. It goes back to when she was a child.
“I’ve been performing on stage since I was five and just get this incredible rush that just can’t be replicated with anything other than performing for a live audience,” Kathryn said in an email.
She channeled her passion when she was 14-years-old and started a band.
As a fan of Patsy Cline, “I knew that I wanted to name the band after one of her songs: Seven Lonely Days,” she said.
“I hired veterans of the music industry to back me up, and my lead guitar player has been in the band since the beginning,” she said of the band she formed in 2014.
Bernadette Kathryn, the Detroit Country Rebel, will appear at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 at Lamar Park. Free admission as always. (Courtesy)
Her current lineup includes Erik Blundell on lead guitar, Brendan Derey on bass and Jim Theide on drums. Kathryn plays rhythm guitar and sings. Derey and Theide are in their fifth year with the band, she said.
“Our band has a great chemistry and we bring something to the crowd that they don’t get anywhere else,” she added.
They’re all excited to perform at Lamar Park.
“The audience can relax in their lawn chairs or on a blanket and enjoy the show without having to worry about anything else,” she said.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Through redistricting, there have been some changes for residents in both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming as they head to the polls for the primary vote.
All votes, in-person and absentee, must be cast by Aug. 2. Absentee votes must be received by 8 p.m. on Aug. 2. Those voting at the polls have from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to cast their vote. Remember to check your new voter card or contact your local clerk’s office for your precinct since redistricting may have changed where you vote.
A primary is when voters can indicate their preference for their party’s candidate. Therefore, a voter may only vote on either the Republican ticket or the Democratic ticket. A ballot where a voter has voted in both parties may be thrown out.
For the Kent County Commission, all the commission seats are up for re-election this year. The seats will be four-year terms.
In WKTV’s We the People, we only reach out to candidates who are running opposed for their party’s nomination. Out of the seven Kent County Commission seats representing the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, only three had more than one candidate running for a party nomination.
Note: In its We the People videos, WKTV invites all candidates to share why they decided to run and the issues the candidate feels are important. Below, are the candidates who participated.
10th District Kent County Commission Seat
Through redistricting, the 10th District is all of Gaines Township and a portion of the City of Kentwood that is bordered by Division Avenue to the west, Eastern Avenue to the east and 56th Street to the north.
Incumbent Emily Post Brieve is facing challenger Bill Hirsch for the Republican nomination for the 10th District.
Emily Post Brieve has been serving on the Kent County Commission since 2014.
Bill Hirsch is a longtime Kent County resident and farmer. He has served on the Kent County Commission in the past.
12th District Kent County Commission Seat
The 12th District encompasses a portion of the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood. For a map of the district, click here.
Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination: Adam R. Palasek and Lee White.
Adam R. Palasek had no online platform.
Lee White is a graduate of East Kentwood High School and has served many community organizations such SKRA baseball, Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Michigan Jaycees and the West Michigan Veterans Branch.
13th District Kent County Commission Seat
The 13th District covers the remaining portion of the City of Kentwood. For a map of the district, click here.
The two candidates seeking the Republican nomination are Thomas McKelvey and Nick Prill.
Thomas McKelvey has lived in the City of Kentwood for 32 years. He is an educator and small business owner and a former Kentwood City Commissioner.
With less than two weeks remaining until the statewide primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 2, Michigan voters who have not returned their absentee ballot are encouraged to hand deliver it to a local drop box or their clerk’s office to avoid postal delays.
The City of Wyoming drop box (and usually drive-up) for absentee ballots. (WKTV)
“Drop boxes continue to be among the safe options that voters have to return their ballot securely this year, in addition to hand-delivering their ballot to their clerk’s office, voting early at their clerk’s office, or voting at their polling place on Election Day,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
Eligible residents who have not yet registered to vote can do so in person at their city or township clerk’s office now through 8 p.m. on Election Day. They also can request and submit an absentee ballot at the clerk’s office in the same trip. Citizens who still need to register must do so in person at their clerk’s office if they wish to vote in the August primary, as online and mail registration is not permitted within 14 days of an election.
Voters can check the status of their absentee application or ballot online at Michigan.gov/Vote or by contacting their local election clerk. Voters who already received an absentee ballot should complete it, sign the envelope and mail it or drop it off at their clerk’s office or drop box as soon as possible.
Citizens also can vote in person at their polling place on Election Day, Aug. 2. Polls will be open 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
City of Wyoming
City of Wyoming Clerk Kelli VandenBerg said the city has about 5,700 registered voters and her office is working to do the best to serve all of them for the election.
For absentee ballots, her office has seen an increase since the change was made in 2018. For elections, the city is seeing about 62 percent absentee ballots with about 38 percent voting in-person.
VandenBerg said the city has mailed out about 6,000 ballots with 2,400 having been returned.
“While right now mail is feeling OK, but as we get closer to election day, I will be getting more and more inclined to encourage voters to come visit us,” VandenBerg said. The city has a dropbox located at City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, or bring the ballot to the clerk’s office in city hall.
The clerk’s office also will be hosting a public voting test at 9 a.m. July 26 in the council chambers at city hall. Area residents can see how ballots are tabulated and the process for counting ballots.
City of Kentwood
If returning absentee ballots by mail, Kentwood City Clerk Dan Kasunic recommends putting it in the mail by Monday, July 25 to ensure a timely delivery for the August election.
Residents also can hand-deliver absentee ballots to the Clerk’s Office at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, during regular business hours or use one of the 24-hour drop boxes located outside City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.
The City Clerk’s Office, located in City Hall, will be open for voter registration and absentee ballot requests from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 30.
More information about the Aug. 2 election, absentee ballots and voter registration is available at kentwood.us/elections.
Michigan law regarding primary ballots requires voters to cast votes for only one party’s candidates. Votes for candidates in multiple parties on the same ballot will not be counted.
Absentee ballot request data shows more than 1.1 million Michigan citizens have now requested their ballots, and the vast majority have already received them. A side-by-side comparison of current absentee ballot request numbers, compared to the same time ahead of the 2018 statewide primary, is below. A breakdown of the numbers by jurisdiction is available online.
14 Days Before Election Day(July 18, 2022)
14 Days Before Election Day(July 23, 2018)
Number of Applications Received
1,167,369
588,909
Number of Ballots Issued
1,163,659
589,042*
Number of Ballots Returned
398,756
260,017
The Michigan Voter Information Center at Michigan.gov/Vote provides important information for voters ahead of Election Day, including a sample ballot and information about how to use voting equipment, and how to contact your local clerk.
*The number of ballots issued is greater than the number of applications received as it represents all ballots issued, including replacement ballots for those who requested to spoil their first.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The current owners of The Pines Golf Course plan to operate the facility through the 2023 golfing season. (WKTV)
Impressed overall with a proposed development for The Pine Golf Course, the Wyoming Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend rezoning the site.
Illinois-based developer Redhawk Multifamily and Indiana-based Domo Development had requested a rezoning of 114.52 acres at the addresses of 2180 52nd St.SW and 5050 Byron Center Ave. SW, which is the current Pines Golf Course. The sites are currently R-1 for single family homes with the proposed zoning being a planned united development (PUD-4) for mixed use of residential and commercial.
“The Pines are a near and dear place to me,” said Planning Commissioner Robert Arnoys. “My parents built their house in ‘77. We lived by the fifth hole. Mike kicked me off the golf course many times on Sundays and various times, so I have a lot of sentimental and valuable memories related to the golf course.
“But it is going to be developed…Again, it pains me for the change but I do feel that this is something that we’ve talked about, best use, and the way this is laid out it is very well done.”
The Pines project
“A master plan, as developers, gives us guidance to the goals of Wyoming,” said Redhawk Multifamily representative Mark Avis. “We came here to design something that specifically matches almost word for word what is in the master plan.”
The proposed The Pines development is located northeast of the intersection of Byron Center Avenue and 52nd Street. (Supplied)
The project, named “The Pines” after the golf course, is proposed to be a mixed-use development that includes residential and commercial uses. The proposal calls for 604 units, which comes out to be about 5.27 dwelling units per acre. The residential proportion will be a mix of for sale and for rent units and includes a variety of housing types such as low-density like duplexes and lofts and medium density such as story apartment buildings and townhomes.
The site would include 22,000 square feet of office space, which would mostly be located off of 52nd Street and 7,500 square feet of commercial/retail, which would be off of Byron Center Avenue.
The Pines project also includes a 13-acre dog park that would be open to all Wyoming residents, sports courts for pickleball and bocce ball, fitness center, two clubhouses and two swimming pools.
Avis said when the company considers a property for development it is a process. It starts by meeting with the current owners and learning their vision and then identifying the natural features of the property including the trees, wetlands, natural grades and wildlife habitats.
The company also studied the city’s master plan, met with residents and staff and through that process felt it had developed a better plan than what the company had originally envisioned.
Planning Commission’s recommendation
Noting how well the plan was laid out and overall impressed with the design, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the plan to the Wyoming City Council.
For a PUD rezoning, the Wyoming City Council will have two readings before voting on the rezoning. The rezoning is expected to be introduced at the Council’s Aug. 1 meeting which is at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW.
If the zoning is approved, the Wyoming Planning Commission would need to review and approve the project’s final site plan.
Residents at meeting were opposed
Redhawk presented about 15 pages from residents about the project including 100 positive reviews along with letters of sport from Grandville Superintendent Roger Bearup and Walker Mayor Gary L. Carey Jr. Redhawk is working on converting the former English Hills and the Lincoln golf courses in Walker to a planned unit development similar to the one proposed for The Pines Golf Course.
About a dozen residents voiced their concerns about the project citing increased traffic, not wanting rental housing, and a strong desire to keep the zoning residential for single family homes.
“I want you to keep in mind that apartments are one component of this,” said Planning Commissioner Barbara VanDuren. “There are for sale condos. There are duplexes and townhouses and it is hard because we all come from an era where we were born and raised and wanted that single family home. Things are changing. These apartments are not low income apartments.
“I think if you give it an opportunity and take a look at it and when it happens, I don’t think it will be as bad as you are perceiving.”
Addressing the public concerns
City of Wyoming’s Planning Director Nicole Hofert noted in her presentation that a traffic study showed that Byron Center and 52nd Street would be able to absorb the projected growth through minor traffic improvements such as timing adjustments. She also noted that there would need to be further evaluation of the traffic flow to ensure efficient egress of the site and minimal impact to surrounding roadways.
As for the crime, Hofert reiterated what she said for the rezoning of the 12 acres at the corner of Byron Center and 52nd Street that statistically, where there are more people, there is more crime and it is not related to the type of housing in the area.
The Pines site will have 604 dwelling units with 7,500 square feet of commercial/retail along Byron Center Avenue and 22,000 square feet of office space along 52nd Street. (Supplied)
Meets the requirements
According to staff, the property met many of the city requirements including location, size, housing variety, units and residential density. It was noted by staff that a PUD of the size of The Pines could go up to 15 dwellings per acre, but the developer is only asking for about a third of that at 5.27 dwellings per acre totaling 604.
The city’s [re]imagine master plan calls for the parcels to be used as suburban residential and should be directed suburban residential growth primarily as planned unit developments that include higher density options, green space, and pedestrian infrastructure. In defining suburban residential, the master plan says that higher-density residential should be prioritized near major roadways such as Byron Center Avenue and 52nd Street and near neighborhood commercial centers.
The master plan considered the Pines Golf Course an opportunity site that should be considered for mixed use with commercial fronting the street and medium density housing in the interior, which the plan proposes.
Green space, mixed housing and parking
The project also includes a public benefit such as preserving the features and tree canopies of the existing golf course where possible as well as preserving the natural wetlands on the property.
Only 22.9 acres, which is 20 percent of the development, are required for open space with the proposed project providing 29.7 acres which includes an open park in the development’s central core, the 13-acre dog park and trail connections to the nature preserve that abuts the northern-eastern portion of the site. The trails provide connection to the George P. Tilma Preserve and the Kent Trails.
It also addresses the need of middle housing such as townhomes, duplexes and fourplexes and apartments in the Wyoming area as per the Housing Choice and Housing Needs Assessment. The developers also met residents requests to have four-sale property available as well.
Staff did have a concern about parking. Through an agreement with the developer, parking will be 1.72 per unit which is slightly higher than the 1.5 maximum allowed for the PUD.
Property owners looking to sell
The Pines opened in 1967. It is the third golf course in the Grand Rapids area to be sold for redevelopment since 2020.
In January of this year, Ron Zandbergen, president of the Pines Golf Course, sent out a letter to its neighbors announcing that the owners had entered into a purchase agreement for the Pines Golf Course with RedHawk Multifamily.
Zandbergan said the family had followed the Wyoming [re]imagined master plan discussions and noted that the Pines Golf Course was designated to be a high density multifamily. Since the family is looking to retire, they began to look at other developments in the area.
“…last year we became extremely intrigued with the multifamily development of the English Hills Golf Course in Walker, which was being sold by long-time owners like ourselves. We really liked the developer’s plan which preserved a vast majority of the land,” Zandbergen wrote in the letter. “For us, it was very important to have a developer that would enhance the neighborhood and follow Wyoming’s Master Plan.”
The owners plan to operate the golf course through the 2023 golf season with the development starting after that. The Pines development is scheduled to open in 2025.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Due to redistricting in the state, there have been several changes for House of Representatives and Senate races.
A primary is when voters can indicate their preference for their party’s candidate. Therefore, a voter may only vote on either the Republican ticket or the Democratic ticket. A ballot where a voter has voted in both parties will be thrown out.
All absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Aug. 2. In-person voters have from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to vote in their precinct. Make sure to check your current voter registration card or verify your precinct through your local clerk.
Note: In its We the People videos, WKTV invites all candidates to share why they decided to run and the issues the candidate feels are important. Below, are the candidates who participated.
80th State House of Representatives
For the State House, all of the City of Kentwood is now part of of the 80th District which includes Cascade and East Grand Rapids.
Two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination: Lily Cheng-Schulting and Phil Skaggs.
Lily Cheng-Schulting is an attorney known for her disability rights advocacy. She is the founder of the Disability A-TEAM of West Michigan.
Phil Skaggs is currently the District 19 Kent County Commissioner serving southeastern Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids. He also was a city commissioner in East Grand Rapids for five years.
82nd District State House of Representatives
For the State House races, the City of Wyoming has been split between two districts. A portion of the City of Wyoming’s eastern border is part of the 82nd District, which falls in the Godwin Heights Public Schools area. For a map, click here.
Three candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination: Salim Mohammed Al-Shatel, Kristian Grant and Robert Womack.
Al-Shatel is a co-owner of My Barefoot Wedding, based in Spring Lake, and also a real estate investor.
Kristian Grant is born and raised in the Grand Rapids area and has spent the past 15 years in public service and community. She is a real estate developer and trustee on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education.
Robert Womack is currently the District 17 Kent Count Commissioner serving the southeast side of Grand Rapids and is CEO of 102.5 FM The Ride.
Republican candidates
Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination, William Alexander and Ryan Malinowski.
William Alexander is born in Whitehall. He has lived in the Grand Rapids area for the last 28 years and is entrepreneur.
Most of the City of Wyoming will be part of the 83rd District. For a map, click here.
Two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination, John Fitzgerald and Jose Flores.
John Fitzgerald is currently a Wyoming City Council member. He is a commercial insurance broker and has served on several community boards such as Ele’s Place West Michigan and The Clark Foundation Board.
Jose Flores is a former educator who currently serves on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education. He also is the owner of La Familia Market.
29th State Senate
The 29th State Senate race, which includes both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming along with Grandville and East Grand Rapids, only has one candidate for each party nomination. The Republican candidate is Tommy Brann and the Democrat candidate is Winnie Brinks.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Earlier in the summer, the splash pad equipment was delivered to Gezon Park. (Supplied)
If you follow the tweets of Wyoming Director of Community Services Rebeca Rynbrandt, you know excitement is building for Gezon Park.
When construction started on the park, Rynbrandt noted that the opening of the park increases the city’s ability to provide equitable recreation and leisure services to one of its more populate areas. That reality comes true on Aug. 27 when the park will have a grand opening.
The redevelopment of Gezon Park is also one of the 2022 highlighted accomplishments of the Parks and Recreation Department, which Rynbrandt oversees, as the city marks National Parks and Recreation Month. Always in July, the month is designed to bring attention to how important parks and recreation are to a community.
The importance of parks
In fact, according to the National Recreation and Park Association’s 2022 The Economic Impact of Local Parks Report, local public park and recreation agencies in the United states generate nearly $218 million in economic activity and supported almost 1.3 million jobs that boosted labor income by more than $68 billion from their operations and capital spending in 2019.
In the city’s proclamation read by Mayor Jack Poll at the July 5 Wyoming City Council meeting, it was noted that the “park and recreation promotes health and wellness, improving the physical and mental health of people who visit parks increasing personal well-being, and alleviating illnesses such as depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer’s.”
The proclamation also notes how the park and recreation proves physical activities such as softball, baseball, biking, walking, hiking trails, playgrounds, and fitness trails along with the Wyoming Senior Center and the after school program TEAM 21. It also noted that “parks and recreation increases a community’s economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of local tax base, the attraction and retention of businesses and crime reduction.”
Lamar Park was one of four to receive new playground equipment this year. (Supplied)
What Wyoming offers
The Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department oversees 21 parks that contain almost 700 acres of property and a diverse array of recreational amenities, natural settings, wildlife, and plant life. In its 2021 Annual report, it was noted that about $575 million were directed toward the parks with almost half of the money, about $3 million, toward facilities, capital improvements, and maintenance.
Rynbrandt has noted in the past that parks are in a state of maintenance and repair with her team working to keep those parks in top-top shape for residents. In fact this year, four of the city parks, Pinery, Hillcroft, Frog Hollow and Lamar park, all received new playground equipment.
There is also the challenge of meeting the evolving interests of residents which is reflected in the decision by the Parks and Recreation Commission to allow dogs at all parks. In 1998, the city had made Pinery Park a dog-free park. In the spring, the commission, with the support of residents, decided to end that policy.
Expanding special events
Residents also have wanted more special events that engage the community with the Parks Department has heard that call adding a number of special events.
Wrapping up next week will be the Concerts at the Park at Lamar Park. Performing on Aug. 2 is Latin soul group Grupo Latin.
But the park events have expanded beyond the popular concert series, which have included a summer market and Chalk the Park at Pinery Park earlier this month, the upcoming Aug. 20 Food Truck Rally (from 11 a.m to 5 p.m.) and the Oct. 8 Trick of Treat Trail at Lamar Park.
“Each day, our team worked hard, smart, and more innovatively to deliver programs and services to the residents of the Wyoming community,” said Rynbrandt in the 2021 Park and Recreation Commission Annual Report. “From reopening parks to honoring veterans in annual celebrations, helping seniors with meals and everyday necessities, and keeping Wyoming youth active and engaged through virtual programs an academic achievement, our parks and recreation team strives to bring the community together.”
This week for the Mr. Sid’s Wednesday Afternoon series, Vietnam veteran and USS Silversides curator Don Kitchen will be the guest speaker.
The USS Silversides is located in the Muskegon Channel at the Pere Marquette Park. (WKTV)
The USS Silversides was one of the most successful submarines in the Pacfic Theatre of World War II with 23 confirmed sinking. The submarine and its crew were aware a Presidential citation an earned 12 battle stars.
The submarine and adjunct Naval Museum is located at the Muskegon Channel at the Pere Marquette Park.
Kitchen has given several lectures about the USS Silverside and the war in the Pacific. His presentation will be at 2 p.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW.
Up next for the series will be Terry Stevens, fountain engineer for the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. Stevens is scheduled to talk on Aug. 17. His presentation will be about the history o the largest musical fountain “of its kind” in the world and particulars about its operation.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
With the announcement that current City of Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll will be retiring from civic duty at the end of this year, three candidates have entered the election to be the city’s next mayor.
Poll has served the city as mayor for the past 13 years. Looking to fill his seat are current Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt, resident Cliff Tompkins, and council member Kent Vanderwood.
Along with council duties of adopting city ordinances, appointing members to boards and commissions, and approving an annual city budget, the mayor also serves as the the official head of the city, representing the city at various government functions on a local, state and national basis. The mayor position, which is a four-year term, is voted on by all registered voters in the City of Wyoming.
For information on voting in the City of Wyoming, click here.
Sam Bolt
Occupation: A retired finical advisor
Why did you decide to run in the position of mayor of the City of Wyoming?: I am running for mayor because I am very concerned with the financial future of Wyoming and with the other two people who are running.
In 50 word or less, please list up to two issues you wish to focus on as mayor: If elected, public safety will be my number one goal. I also will work to continue our progress on the 28 West project, and bringing jobs to the 36th Street property.
Why did you decide to run in the position of mayor of the City of Wyoming?: Per his website, “One of the reasons that triggered me into candidacy is that I could not believe what I was hearing and reading in the news. Our systems has lost control and our law enforcement is being seriously victimized. This will be a priority of mine, to help stabilize our Public Safety and work hard to bring in greater resources for our city, including stronger outreach programs.”
In 50 words or less, please list up to two issues you wish to focus on as mayor: Per his We the People video, Tompkins states that he would focus on public safety along with working to bring an e-government that is a full-time technology government that offers an array of services when the Wyoming City Hall is physically closed.
Occupation: I am semi-retired from my consulting company where I am still a partner. The Timothy Group provides fundraising consulting to non-profit organizations.
Why did you decide to run in the position of mayor of the City of Wyoming: This is a position being vacated by Mayor Jack Poll, but this vacancy is not the sole reason I am running. While Wyoming remains one of the preeminent cities in West Michigan, much remains to do. Born and raised in West Michigan, I have served the City of Wyoming for more than 16 years as council member-at-large. Every decision that I have made while in that role has been a result of my love for the city and desire to create an environment of good paying jobs and economic opportunity for our citizens. These decisions have always been based on the need for Wyoming to have modern infrastructure, a balanced tax and zoning environment, stable housing, low crime and quality schools.
In 50 words or less, please list up to two issues you wish to focus on as mayor: Maintaining our fiscal stability as a city, keeping our streets and neighborhoods safe, and supporting new business growth to fuel the economy and create jobs are issues that matter to all of us, and they are what motivate me to help lead Wyoming the next four years as your mayor.
Monte Pride is set to perform July 19 at the Wyoming Concerts in the Park. (Supplied)
By John Gonzalez WKTV Contributing Writer
Singer/songwriter Monte Pride has been inspired by some of music’s greats, including Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Gillian Welch, Townes Van Zandt and John Prine.
But he loves our Michigan musical heroes, too, saying artists such as Chris Bathgate, May Erlewine, Timothy Monger and Joshua Davis have been equally as important.
The music of Chris Bathgate, for example, is “unmistakable.”
“The atmosphere and ambience he creates in his songs, it’s … inspiring to my songwriting and song production,” Pride said.
From Erlewine’s “stage presence” and “strong sense of purpose and intention in her songs” to Davis’s guitar playing style have been inspirational to him.
He added that Monger’s songwriting, as well “creative branding and visuals he creates for promotion” also have made an impact on him.
“His song ‘Sleepless’ has become one of my favorites to cover in the last few years… I’ll likely share my version of it on Tuesday!”
By “Tuesday,” Pride is referring to his show as part of Wyoming’s weekly concert series, which is at 7 p.m. July 19 at Lamar Park. Admission is free.
The Tuesday night series continues through Aug. 2. See the list of shows below. All will be recorded and aired on WKTV.
A mellow approach
A 2014 graduate of Okemo High School, just east of Lansing, Pride said he’s looking forward to showcasing his original music.
Monte Pride is a folk singer-songwriter and finger-style guitarist from Lansing. (Supplied)
“I really enjoy having the opportunity to present original music, alongside my take on covers that work with my sound,” he said in an email to WKTV Journal.
“Over the years, I’ve leaned into my mellow approach to performance and song interpretation, always hoping to give folks something soothing that might help heal. I’ve also been expanding my sound into more ambient territory, incorporating it here and there to complement and serve the songs.”
Pride first dabbled into music when he played “Criminals” by The Tallest Man on Earth at his high school talent show, then ”began performing locally after that, having gained confidence in my voice and a taste for sharing music with people.”
He kept playing while attending Michigan State University, releasing two EPs in 2014 and 2015, and finally his first full length album in 2016.
“After college I began traveling more and performing in cities throughout Michigan and the Midwest, releasing my latest album ‘Even in Absence’ in 2020,” he said.
“The pandemic forced me into a much needed hiatus, but I returned to performing with a new appreciation for all of it in Summer 2021.”
Happy to be performing
Those who attend his show on Tuesday can expect “a mellow, soothing evening of fingerstyle guitar and folk songs.”
“I’ll be sharing a handful of original songs along with ‘60s, ‘70s and contemporary folk covers,” he added.
Most of all, he’s just excited to perform outdoors.
“I love being able to feel the energy of the environment and crowd. It’s always special to hear birds, other wildlife, and even street noise when performing,” he said.
“It always feels like collaboration. Last Summer at an outdoor show I was playing one of my tunes called ‘Michigan’s Song.’ There’s a line that says, ‘I heard a robin’s call yesterday in the morning…’ As I was singing it, a robin flew over and sang with me.”
Pride’s “Even in Absence” was released mid-pandemic in August of 2020, which he said “presents healing songs to remind that experience, relationships, lives, their love and light persist, ‘Even In Absence.’
August 2 – Grupo Latin – Latin Soul (13 piece band)
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Wyoming Potter’s House Christian’s Lezawe Osterink (left) was a state champion in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs at last spring’s Division 4 track and field finals, and was a member of the winning 3,200-meter relay with teammates Ian Palacios, Jackson Rodriguez and Logan Swiney. Osterink also won the D-4 boys cross country individual title last fall. The boys team placed third at the track and field finals and 12th in cross country. (Courtesy of MHSAA)
Participation in Michigan High School Athletic Association sports rebounded tremendously during the 2021-22 school year, despite a slight decline in enrollment among the MHSAA’s 750-member high schools.
Big decline during COVID-19
The onset of COVID-19 during the spring of 2020 was followed by a significant decline in participation in sports during 2020-21. However, participation for the most recent school year concluding last spring saw an increase of 6.6 percent from 2020-21 to a total of 260,542 participants across the 28 sports for which the MHSAA sponsors postseason tournaments – even as statewide enrollment fell nearly 1 percent to 440,728 students this past school year.
Girls participation increased 6.8 percent to 109,128 athletes, while boys participation was up 6.5 percent at 151,414. The overall MHSAA participation totals count students once for each sport in which they participate, meaning students who are multiple-sport athletes are counted more than once.
“We’re excited to see participation beginning to rebound, and in a big way in a number of sports,” said Geoff Kimmerly, MHSAA communications director. “Something reaffirmed during the months of COVID-19 shutdowns and delays was the value of sports in our school communities, and we expect those participation numbers to continue to rise as more families feel comfortable and we continue to learn more and more about best practices for living and competing while the coronavirus remains with us.
“Something else to consider is how our participation has begun to bounce back even as enrollment in our member schools has continued to decline slightly. Michigan generally ranks higher in participation nationally than for student-aged population, and while we may not be at our pre-COVID levels yet, we do anticipate our numbers to keep growing during 2022-23.”
The Forest Hills Northern girls tennis team won the Division 2 state championship last spring. (Courtesy of MHSAA)
Track and field, boys skiing lead way
A total of 23 sports saw increases in participation during 2021-22 compared to 2020-21. Ten sports saw double-digit percentage increases, led by boys track & field (27.2 percent to 22,120 participants), girls track and field (22.4 percent to 15,594 participants), and boys skiing (22.4 percent to 1,001 participants).
Wrestling (17.1 percent) and boys bowling (16.2 percent) also saw double-digit increases, along with girls tennis (11.4 tennis), girls bowling (11.2 percent), girls competitive cheer (10.6 percent), boys golf (10.5 percent) and girls lacrosse (10 percent).
Girls boost wrestling numbers
Wrestling’s major boost came in part because of a nearly 300-percent increase in girls participants with 620 taking the mat for the first season of the MHSAA offering a girls championship division at its Individual Wrestling Finals.
Also enjoying increases in participation during 2021-22 from the previous year were girls golf (8.1 percent), girls skiing (7.6 percent), boys basketball (6.4 percent), girls soccer (6.3 percent), boys swimming and diving (6.1 percent), boys lacrosse (5.8 percent), softball (3.6 percent), girls basketball (3.1 percent), baseball (3 percent), boys tennis (2.8 percent), football (2.4 percent), girls volleyball (2 percent) and girls swimming and diving (1.2 percent).
Decreased participation
Five sports saw decreased participation in 2021-22, including boys soccer (0.21 percent with 28 fewer participants), girls cross country (1.4 percent), boys ice hockey (1.2 percent), boys cross country (3.9 percent) and girls gymnastics (4.6 percent).
Football highest participation
Football, with a combined 33,284 participants over the 11- and 8-player formats, remained the most-played sport during the 2021-22 school year. Boys track and field (22,120) and boys basketball (20,017) were next for total participants, followed by girls volleyball (18,798), the most popular girls sport, baseball (16,528) and girls track and field (15,594).
Golf and skiing enjoy high participation
While the majority of sports are still building back to their pre-COVID participation totals, golf and skiing posted some of their highest totals in some time. Boys golf (6,829) had its most participants since 2012-13, and girls golf (3,875) its highest total since 2003-04. The boys skiing total (1,001) was its highest since 2002-03, and the girls skiing total this past season (837) was the highest for that sport since 1998-99.
The participation figures are gathered annually from MHSAA member schools to submit to the National Federation of State High School Associations for compiling of its national participation survey. Results of Michigan surveys from the 2000-01 school year to present may be viewed on the MHSAA Website
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Pinery Park will be the place to be this Saturday as there will be several activities including the city’s second summer market, the Chalk the Park event, and an opportunity to engage in the city’s branding project.
The city’s second summer market is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pinery Park, 2301 DeHoop Ave. SW.
“The first event went really well,” said Brianna Peña, communications specialist for the City of Wyoming. “At this event we will be having yard games, live music, engagement opportunities with our branding team and then the Chalk the Park will be going on as well.
“It will be just a great time for family and community to come out.”
The City of Wyoming is planning four summer markets this year, one in each month from June through September. At each of the markets there will be food trucks and artisan vendors offering an array of items such as handmade clothing, jewelry, keychains, and art.
The Saturday’s market has been coupled with an opportunity to meet with the city’s branding team, CivicBrand. For the past couple of months, CivicBrand has been meeting with residents, business leaders, and city officials to develop a community-wide brand that supports and elevates all city organizations, entities, businesses and residents.
“This is an opportunity for residents to share what they like to see in the city, what their thoughts are about the city, and how they see the city in the future,” Peña said.
While first there is a visual component, the branding project goes beyond just a logo design. Equally important is brand messaging, economic development strategies, how residents experience the brand in the environment and more. The goal is to capture the true identity that exists in the City of Wyoming and develop a brand platform and tools to help tell that story.
As a result, the key component in this process is engagement. The CivicBrand team has spent this week meeting with area residents and is cultivating its activities at the Summer Market to connect with residents, visitors and others to discuss such questions as:
What does Wyoming have to offer visitors?
What are the issues facing Wyoming in the next few years?
How do residents feel about living there?
What three words would you use to describe Wyoming?
Residents also can engage in the branding process at wearewyomingmi.com. At the site, community members may share thoughts through an online survey and/or recording a video responding to three questions.
Chalk the Walk
In addition to the market, from Friday through Sunday will be the Chalk the Park event at Pinery Park. Families and individuals are encouraged to come out and create masterpieces one the park walkways.
For those who sign up, supplies will be provided. To sign up, click here.
Future events
Additionally, the city will be hosting two more Summer Markets. Those markets are:
Aug 19, 3-7 p.m., 28 West Parking lot, 1345 28 West Place, (near the former Lindo restaurant)
Sept. 16, 3-7 p.m., Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW
Kalene McElveen opened Tasteful Vegan Frozen Desserts, 2265 Porter St. SW, on Memorial Day. (Supplied)
Kalene McElveen has put a new twist on the neighborhood ice cream shop concept.
Tastefull Vegan Frozen Desserts, 2265 Porter St. SW in Wyoming, opened Memorial Day weekend at a site that has long served sweet treats to neighbors in the summertime. Most recently, it was home to Debbie’s Twist and Shake.
But at McElveen’s new shop, the products are all vegan and “Top 8 Free,” meaning there are no allergens like dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, tree nuts, or peanuts in her products. She also steers clear of refined sugars in her treats, opting for natural sweeteners instead. A binder on site lists all the ingredients in each item on the menu.
Families from far and near have been coming to the shop to give their kids with food allergies a true ice cream shop experience.
“The need is greater than I had anticipated,” McElveen said. “People from Muskegon, Holland, and all across the lakeshore are traveling to come to this shop. For parents who have children who aren’t able to do ice cream shops because of cross-contamination issues, this is the very first time their kids can get anything they want off the menu, and everyone can eat together.”
A place to build her business
Although the ice cream shop is new, McElveen has been in business since 2020 creating her Tastefull Vegan desserts. She started out selling freeze pops at the Fulton Street Farmers Market in Grand Rapids. After attending a Black Entrepreneurs Expo at Woodland Mall, she gained additional outlets to sell her products, including Harvest Health Food stores, the Bridge Street Market and Forest Hills Foods.
McElveen was creating her desserts out of a kitchen at the Downtown Market when she saw that the ice cream shop in her neighborhood was for sale.
“I thought it would be nice to be able to make my product right around the corner from our house. Knowing I could also own an ice cream shop in the neighborhood where I live was a double bonus,” she said.
Since the location had always been home to a typical dairy ice cream shop, she worried that neighbors wouldn’t be interested in vegan offerings. But that hasn’t been the case.
A historic spot
According to information provided by the Wyoming History Room, the tradition of serving ice cream from the 2265 Porter St. SW site goes back 50 years.
The Viking Cone Shop was at the Porter location from 1972-1974. (Wyoming Historical Room)
Although it hasn’t continuously served ice cream since then, the bulk of the last 50 years have been devoted to desserts of one kind or another.
The Viking Cone Shop operated at the site from 1972 to 1974, after which the building was vacant until 1976, when Jake’s Donuts moved in.
The building was again vacant in the late 1970s until the Duthler Insurance Company moved in and stayed until the mid 1980s. In 1986, Porter Junction Ice Cream operated there, and in 1990 it became Bill’s Kreamy Cone. In 2008, Porter Street Ice Cream was in operation at the site. Before being purchased recently by Kalene McElveen for her Tastefull Vegan Frozen Desserts shop, Debbie’s Twist and Shake was in the building.
The current building went up in 1928. The first business in it was Wilson & Chalmers real estate and if you on the north side of the building, you can see the original marker for the 1928 business.
Prior to that, a wooden structure had stood at the site since 1911, serving as both an office and an interurban railroad stop. The building once faced the interurban tracks on the north, but was spun around to face west in 1922.
Response has been positive
The shop is open three evenings a week – Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 9 p.m. – and in one month, she went through a box of 800 of the spoons she uses for flurries, one of the most popular items on the menu.
Kalene McElveen opened Tasteful Vegan Frozen Desserts, 2265 Porter St. SW, on Memorial Day. (Supplied)
Although people have been asking her to open up every day, she said she’s still learning every weekend, and wants to make sure she can adequately provide enough products before taking that step.
“I don’t want to overcommit myself and underdeliver,” she said.
McElveen said she and her family moved to Wyoming in 2013, and the shop she now owns is the one she took her kids to when they first moved to the neighborhood.
“It’s been kind of nice to be a part of keeping it going,” she said.
Being part of the community
McElveen serves on Wyoming’s Community Development Committee, and she’s proud to bring a business to the city that is the first of its kind in Michigan – a minority woman-owned vegan, allergy-free ice cream shop.
“I enjoy helping make decisions about different events and different organizations that help the city of Wyoming, and now I feel like I’m one of them. And that’s a good feeling,” she said.
West Nile virus has been detected in a recent mosquito trapping by the Kent County Health Department. (CDC.gov)
The recent news that West Nile virus has been detected in Kent County reminds everyone the importance of preventing mosquito bites.
The Kent county Health Departments (KCHD) Mosquito Surveillance Team has detected West Nile virus in mosquitos. This part of the ongoing tracking that takes place through the country every summer. The discovery comes after testing pools of mosquitoes that were trapped by KCHD in the 49519 zip code, which is in Wyoming.
“The discovery is important because it lets us know that this season’s mosquitoes are now carrying the virus and it could spread to humans,” said KCHD Public Health Epidemiologist Paul Bellamy. “It is important for people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites as much as possible.”
The Mosquito Surveillance Team traps large amounts of mosquitoes in various locations in Kent County. The team then collects the pools of mosquitoes and begins the process of testing the insects for presence of West Nile virus. The information the team gathers is shared with the municipalities where West Nile virus is found. Those agencies can then use that information to inform that mosquito mitigation strategies.
Tips for keeping safe
There is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus so the best treatment is prevention. KCHD recommends the following measures:
Cover exposed skin when able
Wear a mosquito repellant that contains 10 to 35 percent DEET (read and follow product directions)
Wear light colored clothing and stay indoors
Remove or refresh water in bird baths, children’s wading pools, water bowls for your pets, and empty other small containers that can collect water in your yard.
Repair missing, damaged or improperly installed screens.
Only about 20 percent of the people infected with West Nile virus notice symptoms that may include headache, body aches, joint pains, and fatigue. Most people with West Nile virus completely recover, but fatigue may linger. About one in 150 people infected develop severe illness that can affect the central nervous system. Recovery may take several months. Some damage to the central nervous systems can be permanent. In race instances, the disease can lead to death.
According to a 20 year review of the West Niles virus (it was discovered in the United States in 1999), a total of 51,702 cases of WNV have been reported to Center for Disease Control’s ArboNET, including 25,227 (48.8%) WNND and 2,376 (4.6%) deaths.
Zika Virus
The mosquito species that carry the Zika virus are not currently present in our area. However, the Zika virus is still a worldwide concern and can be contacted through out-of-state travel.
Kent District Library is accepting submissions for the KDL Coaster Art Contest with the theme “Library Love.” Entries are accepted at kdl.org/coaster-art through August 8. Artists 18 and older are encouraged to submit their original artwork online; one entry per person.
Five winners will be selected by a panel of judges within KDL’s Marketing & Communications Department. Each of the winning designs will be featured on 2,500 coasters that will be distributed to the KDaLe brewery partners. Coasters will be available at the breweries in September during Library Card Sign-Up Month.
“West Michigan has an almost embarrassing amount of artistic talent,” said Josh Mosey, KDL’s digital marketing strategist and creator of the coaster art contest. “Many of our libraries have art walls dedicated to display local artists. We wanted to tap into that spirit and showcase some artists who love the library like we do.”
A fun partnership
Justin Buiter, co-founder of Railtown Brewing Co., added, “We’ve enjoyed a great working history with KDL. Their group continues to come up with fun and innovative ways to highlight the amazing services the library has to offer. The Coaster Art Contest is going to be a wonderful complement to the already successful KDaLe program. We’re excited to see what we expect to be some awesome entries!”
KDaLe is a library series that encourages adults to interact with local brewers and learn about the industry while tasting some delicious beverages. KDaLe also includes a homebrew competition.
Just a few rules
Submissions must be original and can not copy someone’s else idea.
Entries should not contain copyrighted material.
Submissions must not contain material that is threatening, harassing or discriminatory and must not promote illegal activities.
All work must be submitted digitally.
KDL is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen work.
Judging will be based on several criteria such as creativity and originality of the theme, quality of artist composition and overall design based on the theme, overall impression of the art, color and image quality, and quality and completeness of written submission materials.
Winners will be noticed via email or phone within five days after selection.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
A total of 17 women participated in this year’s Miss Metro Cruise preliminaries. (WKTV)
Miss Annie Wilde had an outfit picked out for the Miss Metro Cruise preliminary competition, but as fate would have it, she ended up having to demonstrate one of the key traits of being a pinup: how to make lemonade out of lemons.
“I had two outfits picked out and well, I spilled coffee on my first outfit this morning,” said Miss Annie Wilde (Olivia Anne McCoy). “So I went with my second choice which I love because it is a romper and I love rompers because they are so cute and it has polka dots. I feel the whole outfit expresses my fun personality.”
In the back, the other contestants shouted and clapped in support as McCoy finished her question about how she selected her outfit for the preliminary event. About 17 women came out to the Wyoming Moose Lodge this past Saturday (July 9) to participate in the Miss Metro Cruise preliminaries, which narrowed the field down to the top 10 who advanced to the finals. Those finals will take place on the Metro Cruise main stage at Rogers Plaza Aug. 27.
This year’s top 10
Each contestant had the opportunity to show off her individual style by greeting the crowd and then answered a selected question presented by host Kent County 13th District Commissioner Monica Sparks. The judges included 2021 Miss Metro Cruise Dr. Jules Kelvin (Juliette Brown). The panel of three scored the contestants on a number of factors such as pose, interaction with the audience, and positivity.
“I participate in Miss Metro Cruise because it is a wonderful platform to spread messages of encouragement and strength for women and strength for education as well,” said Aurora Re’Belle (Erin Wiseman-Parkin). “Education and beauty can go hand-and-hand and we love that.”
Aurora Re’Belle is one of the finalists who will be at the Metro Cruise. The other contestants include BeBe Von Schweetz (Molly Sheehan), Miss Pusskatt (Cassie Truskowski), Teena Marée (Krystina McNamara), Gigi Martini (Sarah Gillman), Victoria Jean (Cathy Swanson), Fiona DeVille (Erin Sarber), Bunny Hopps Von Schweetz (Amy Holland), and Ms. Adella Mae (Alisha Metz).
Being part of the sisterhood
“This is actually my first time,” said Bunny Hopps Von Schweetz (Amy Holland). “I do this because of my best friend Molly, BeBe Von Schweetz. She has been having a great time and really enjoying the community and the sisterhood, so I thought I would give it a try because why not find some wonderful people and spend some great time with them.”
BeBe Von Schweetz (Molly Sheehan) said she enjoys being a part of a sisterhood that is so supportive towards each other and in people in general.
“We are all in this together. If are a little nicer to each other, give a little more smiles with a little bit of that sass and we will all do a little better,” BeBe Von Schweetz said.
While she did not make the top ten, Miss Annie Wilde found lots of encouragement after the competition. Other contestants, including Miss Metro Cruise 2021 Dr. Jules Kelvin, were there to offer tips and support, which Miss Annie Wilde said she appreciated. She also plans to return for next year’s competition.
“I did Miss Metro Cruise because I love the Grand Rapids area,” she said. “I have lived here most of my life. So coming back to the city and really being able to dive into something I love has really been a great opportunity for me.”
The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) was notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that the first probable case of Monkeypox was identified in Kent County.
The patient is currently isolating and does not pose a risk to the public.The KCHD is identifying and monitoring any close contacts for symptoms and no additional cases have been identified at this time. To protect patient privacy, no further case details will be provided.
Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious disease that has an incubation time of one to two weeks after exposure. Symptoms of monkeypox include headache, fever, muscle aches, and exhaustion followed by a rash and lesions often beginning on the face one to three days after the onset of illness. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks. The virus is spread from person-to-person by direct contact with bodily fluids or monkeypox lesions. Less common routes of transmission include respiratory droplets from prolonged face-to-face contact or contact with contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding. The KCHD recommends anyone experiencing monkeypox symptoms to contact their healthcare provider.
There are no treatments specifically for MPV infections. However, MPV and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat MPV infections. Most people don’t need a monkeypox vaccine right now. However, if you have had contact with someone who has the disease you should contact your healthcare provider.
So far, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported 767 cases of Monkeypox. there have been three other cases, besides the one in Kent County reported in Michigan, two in Oakland County and one in Detroit.
Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox”, the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) may harbor the virus and infect people.
The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Since then, monkeypox has been reported in people in several other central and western African countries. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, nearly all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs, or through imported animals.
On Tuesday, those interested in driving for Dean Transportation can meet representatives at the Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront. (Supplied)
To meet the increased demand for safe, reliable and efficient school transportation services ahead of the upcoming school year, Dean Transportation is hosting a hiring event in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, July 12, to interview qualified applicants for school bus driver and school bus attendant positions supporting routes with Grand Rapids Public Schools and Kent Intermediate School District. The event will take place at Radisson Hotel Gran dRapids Reiverfront, 270 Ann St. NW.
“Dean Transportation is the perfect place for anyone looking for a fresh start with a great job opportunity where you can make a difference in our community,” said Victoria Hopkins-Speicher, hiring coordinator at Dean Transportation. “We’ll be holding on-the-spot interviews for qualified candidates to help safely transport students across Grand Rapids and Kent County, so please join us at Dean’s hiring event to learn more about rewarding jobs at our family-driven company.”
Attendees will learn about the culture of care, compassion and safety at Dean Transportation and its comprehensive benefits, paid training and flexible scheduling. For GRPS and Kent ISD positions, Dean is offering wages up to $21 per hour and a sign-on bonus up to $750 to qualified candidates.
For more information about the event or positions at Dean Transportation, visit deanjobs.com.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Looking to provide housing for young professionals, the Wyoming City Council, in a split vote of 4-3, approved the rezoning of the northeast corner of 52nd Street and Byron Center Avenue to allow for multi-family housing.
American Kendall Properties is looking to put a mixed use of commercial and multi-family housing on 11.79 acres located near the corner of 52nd Street and Byron Center Avenue. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
American Kendall Properties asked for the properties at 5160 and 5190 Byron Center Ave. SW to be rezoned from B-1 Local, which allowed commercial use, to B-2 General, which would allow for commercial use with multi-family housing. Mixed use is only allowed in the city’s B-2 zoning and through a planned unit development (PUD).
The project, called The Retreat, would be on 11.79 acres. Developers have proposed 6,000 square feet of commercial retail space with 178 dwelling units. The units would be housed in 15 buildings which includes two floors of apartments above the commercial space. The site also would include a pool for its residents, an expansive green space, and 372 parking spaces. The development would need a special use permit for the multi-family units and the entire project will need to have a site review and approval.
City Council decision
“It is consistent with the Wyoming [re] imagine master plan, the land use plan, the housing needs assessment,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “We are in the midst of a housing shortage in Wyoming, as well as across the country. Studies have shown the city has additional needs for thousands of rental units at various price points.”
Poll said this included the need for high-end apartments in the panhandle as proposed for the northeast corner of 52nd Street and Byron Center and felt this was an opportunity for the city to provide that.
Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt, and councilmembers John Fitzgerald and Marissa Postler joined Poll in approving the rezoning, citing they felt that it met the land use and adapted [re] imagine master plan criteria.
Council members Kent Vanderwood, Sheldon DeKryger and Robert Postema were opposed to the rezoning, stating they did not believe it fit the adapted master plan, especially the definition of a neighborhood commercial center as stated in the plan.
“The master plan calls for this to be neighborhood commercial with surrounding multi-family so we are not getting what the master plan called for,” Postema said. “It does not call for multi-family on the corner with a little sliver of commercial inside one of the buildings.”
Neighbors not in favor
Several residents with homes close to the project attended the July 5 council meeting as well as two Planning Commission meetings to voice their objection. Their concerns were increased traffic, increased crime, the upcoming possible development of the Pines Golf Course (located next to the property), the density, and that the proposed zoning did not fit the city’s current [re] imagine master plan.
The corner of Byron Center and 52nd was rezoned to B-1 Local in 2002 and has sat vacant since. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
At its April meeting, the Wyoming Planning Commission voted, 5-4, to recommend denying the rezoning because of density concerns, not fitting the land use or master plan, the B-2 zoning was not a good fit for the area, and concerns over the type of businesses allowed under the B-2 zoning.
“I believe the planning commission got this right,” Vanderwood said. “I believe there is no overwhelming or compelling reason to rezone the property from B-1 to B-2.”
Factors for rezoning
However, staff recommended approval of the rezoning. Nicole Hofert, the city’s director of planning and economic development, said when reviewing a rezoning request, staff considers several factors. Those factors include consistency with the current adopted master plan, compatibility with existing and future land uses, capability of property to be served by public utilities, ability of property to be used as currently zoned, and appropriateness of all uses allowed within the proposed district at the property.
Hofert said the adopted 2021 Wyoming [re] Imagined plan identifies the parcels as future neighborhood commercial with the proposed use consistent with the future envisioned use.
Conditions on the property
Hofert said the property has stood vacant since 2002 when it was rezoned to B-1 which indicates the zoning could be impeding the potential development. Also, B-2 fits the overall area with the developer agreeing to conditions that would restrict what would be allowed on the site.
American Kendall Properties’ conditions for rezoning would restrict such businesses as automobile gasoline and service stations, adult businesses, new or used mobile home sales or service, excavation, equipment sales or service, machinery or farm implant sales and automobile, truck, motorcycle, trailer, recreation vehicle or boat showrooms.
The need for diverse housing
Through the master plan process, one of the stated goals was to provide equitable, diverse, and geographically dispersed housing.
The proposed site plan for the northeast corner of 52nd Street and Byron Center Avenue. (Supplied)
“That included not only the distribution of single family homes throughout our community but also including multi-family that we also refer to as missing middle housing, the duplexes, the triplexes, the quad-plexes,” Hofert said.
According to theImpediments to Fair House Choice and Housing Needs Assessment, there is a demand for 2,010 units among high income renters earning 80 percent of area median income, which would be more than $50,000. The master plan also states that this is a shift in development pattern that may require increased density and a more varied housing stock on existing vacant sites than what has been historically accommodated in the city. The site’s density would be 15 homes per acre with medium density at 13-15, Hofert said.
“We have often heard, and we have had The Right Place come here and talk about not only the need for more housing units in our community but that we need housing units that attract young and talented workers,” Hofert said. “This is in order to bring, for example technical workers, high skill workers, etc. These are types of individuals who may not be ready to buy a home yet but need somewhere to live.
“Oftentimes what we see is that when a person is moving out of an apartment they are moving into the larger community when it feels really welcoming to them.”
Lifestyle change among young professionals
Representatives from The Right Place also have discussed with the Planning Commission how employers are looking for communities offering a variety of available housing for their employees. Currently the City of Wyoming has a ratio of 39.3 percent of single family detached homes, 4.3 percent of multi-family homes, and 1.6 single-attached homes.
“You can’t attract the people that you want to your community and the businesses you want to your community if there is no place for them to [live],” said Tim Mroz, senior vice president of community development for The Right Place.
Mroz said the desire to have a single-family home also has decreased significantly over the past several years. In fact, according to a rent.com survey, 85 percent of millennials, 18- to 34-year-olds, are renting for several reasons including being more mobile, changing jobs, and settling down later in life.
“I will admit that there is enough gray in my hair and my beard that I am still part of the single-family home generation and from what I have seen in terms of housing demand and what I have seen in terms of community, I am going the way of the dodo bird,” he said.
“My younger colleagues don’t want a lawn, they don’t want an acre and a half. They want that closer sense of community where their families can grow up together.”
Addressing the concerns
Other concerns raised were traffic, which Hofert said through engineering studies it has been determined that Byron Center Avenue could sustain the additional traffic. If a grocery store, similar to the Family Fare on Burlingame Avenue, was constructed on the site, which is allowed under the current zoning, it could have up to an additional 370 vehicles per peak time. A residential development would have about 64.
“Commercial developments generate higher traffic volumes than residential developments,” she said.
Several residents raised concerns about increasing student numbers for the school. Mayor Jack Poll said he learned that at The Haven, another American Kendall Properties located at 52nd and Wilson, there were only six additional students added to the Grandville Public Schools.
Grandville Public Schools Superintendent Roger Bearup sent a letter in support of the development stating “This project is tentatively scheduled for the Fall of 2022. This timeline fits well with the construction and reconfiguration within Grandville Public Schools as our new middle school will open in the Fall of 2023, our old middle school will be renovated for our fifth and sixth graders and open in 2024, which will create space within the district buildings to address any potential growth from this project. We should have plenty of space to welcome new families to our excellent schools.”
Concerns were raised about crime, which Hofert said statistically, where there is more people, there is more crime and it is not related to the type of housing in the area.
The site still needs to go through review for the special permit and site plans. If the project is not under construction by Dec. 31, 2023, the properties will revert back to the B-1 zoning.
Using GPS tracking on phones to recover stolen merchandise and vehicles. Pulling trace evidence from the inside of a driver door’s handle to identify a suspect. Risking their lives by entering into the flood waters of Buck Creek to save a civilian. Making sure a vulnerable resident has a safe place to stay at a local hotel.
These were the stories – the ones often not told – that were shared at the annual Wyoming Department of Public Safety Employee Recognition Ceremony last week as the department recognized about 80 officers and civilians for their actions in crime prevention, recovery, and rescue.
Office Brady Heckman was named the 2021 Office of the Year. (WKTV)
“In light of all the events that have taken place over the past few years that have impacted not only our profession but our personal lives, I think it is more important than ever that we celebrate each other,” said Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster. “It is imperative that we acknowledge all of the accomplishments of our fellow police officers and firefighters. We can not let the stories of our compassionate service and heroic actions go untold. The work we do matters and it does make a difference.”
An officer whose work certainly has made a difference is that of Officer Brady Heckman. A five-year veteran on the force, Heckman received a number of accolades, including a certificate of merit and individual commendation for his work in locating illegally possessed firearms, taking violent criminals off the streets, and his care for victims. For his dedication, Heckman, who is a field training officer, a tackle bike team member, and operator on the tack team, was named the 2021 Officer of the Year, which is chosen by a panel of sworn officers.
“Heckman has earned a reputation as an outstanding police professional with a keen ability for catching criminals and a heart for serving this community,” said Capt. Timothy Pols who with Fire Deputy Chief Dennis Vantassell served as master of ceremonies. “He is valued by co-workers and supervisors alike as a consistent teamplayer. He is an outstanding representative of the law enforcement profession in general and the Wyoming Police Department in particular.”
From his peers, it was noted that Heckman “makes being proactive a priority and sets an example for young officers to do the same,” as well as for his work in locating stolen vehicles, seeking out criminals and making arrests, and volunteering to help new recruits.
Celia Rhodes was named the 2021 Civilian of the Year. (WKTV)
The department’s civilian employees also form a panel to select a civilian of the year, which for 2021 is Celia Rhodes. Rhodes, who has served as a forensic science technician with the department for four and half years, has become an expert in evidence storage and operating the BEAST (Bar Coded Evidence Analysis Statistical Tracking) evidence management system.
“Celia is well known and respected for her upbeat attitude and true passion for helping others in need,” Pols said. “No matter what she is working on, Celia never turns away from aiding someone else, whether it be explaining policy or procedure to a fellow employee or talking to a citizen about their case. She always does so with a smile and genuine care for whomever she is working with.”
Another officer recognized for his investigation work on child sexual abuse was Det. Dan Vlietstra, who received the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence. For the past two years, Viletstra has been the department’s liaison with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County, where he works with a multidisciplinary team and coordinates the investigation of abuse allegations.
“Through his work, Dan has been able to stop the abuse, identify the perpetrators, hold them accountable, and support the victim and their family on a path of recovery and healing,” Koster said.
Also receiving the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence were Fire Inspector Brad Dornbos, Lt. Chris Velzen, Equipment Operator (EO) Brandon Travis, and firefighter (FF) Matt Frazee, for their work in recruiting, interviewing and training new firefighters.
Also honored was Mayor Jack Poll, who received the Chief’s Award of Excellence for his dedication to the Public Safety Department during the past 13 years he has served as the city’s mayor. Poll will retire from public service at the end of this year.
“I have lived in Wyoming now for 67 years and I can tell you that I have never gone to bed at night that I was concerned about my safety because we have such stellar leaders in our community,” Poll said.
Police officers receiving the individual commendation award. (WKTV)
Koster said what was presented at the recognition ceremony is only the tip of the iceberg as to what officers and firefighters have done.
“There is not a day that goes by that someone doesn’t tell me a story about a way a police officer or a firefighter has served them in a capacity that amazed them,” Koster said. “There are a lot of stories that officers don’t tell about what police officers do and firefighters who go above and beyond.”
Award Recipients
Life Saving Award
Ofc. Tony Jacob
Ofc. Russ Kamstra
Lt. Chris Velzen
EO Bradley Bennett
EO Brian Ilbrink
EO Tom Marsman
FF Ken Eppink
FF Matt Frazee
FF Jason Hanlon
FF Andrew Johnson
FF Michele Kelly
FF Jesse May
FF Alex Parsons
FF Dan Rettig
FF Jason Richardson
FF Dan Royce
Police officers and community members being recognized during the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Employee Recognition Ceremony. (WKTV)
Miss Metro Cruise 2021 Dr. Joules Kelvin was out encouraging people to participate in the 2022 Miss Metro Cruise competition during May’s Metro Cruise Dust-Off. (WKTV)
Dr. Jules Kelvin (Juliette Brown) admits when she is dressed up in her retro ’50s attire of a white dress accented with large pink flowers, attendees often are surprised to learn she is an actual doctor.
When that happens, the 2021 Miss Metro Cruise cheerfully explains how it is possible to do both — be a scientist and a pinup.
“I have always been underestimated when I look pretty but that is unfortunately something that happens,” she said. “So, the nice thing about the pharmaceutical industry is that it is less judgmental in that way. People can be a little quirky and flashy and still be taken seriously. Ultimately, as a scientist we are judged on our body of work that we accomplish and so it is a little different in pinup, because people judge you on what you look like.”
This weekend, Kelvin will be doing the judging as she helps find her replacement at the Miss Metro Cruise preliminary contest, which will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW. The preliminary contest, hosted by Kentwood’s JA PR Group, will feature classic cars with the contest narrowing the contestants down to the final 10 who will compete at the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s 17th Annual Metro Cruise, set for Aug. 26 and 27.
“I love to plan an outfit and go through all the effort of getting everything just right in my appearance,” Kelvin said of participating in pinup contests like Miss Metro Cruise. “What I love most is sharing the experience with other pinups that I meet.
“I think it is a really accepting and inclusive group in a way that other things based on appearance are not.”
Participating in pinup contests was not even on Kelvin’s radar until a couple of years ago. She was working on doctorate in neuroscience at Michigan State University.
“To be totally honest I was sort of a late bloomer academically,” Kelvin said. “I had tried every different major you could think of except for science. I think I let it intimidate me when I was younger. It always seems scary and overwhelming like ‘That is a lot of math.’
Dr. Joules Kelvin, from Lansing, at the 2021 Miss Metro Cruise preliminary contest. She was named 2021 Miss Metro Cruise at last year’s event. (WKTV)
“As I had my daughter, it was time to be somebody’s role model so I decided to rip the bandage off and go back to school and take a chemistry class and it turned out I was really good at it.”
She earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Saginaw Valley State University because she wanted to go into the medical field. While attending grad school at Michigan State University, she met people in the pharmacology school and found they were “my people.” She earned a doctorate in neuroscience where most of her research has focused.
She also met some other people who connected to another side of her personality.
“I tend to be the more quirky one among the scientists,” she said. “I tend to be a little bit more fashionable then a lot of my colleagues. I like being flashy on the weekends and I have always enjoyed being kind of girlie.
“I think people think you can’t be both, which is just not true.”
It all clicked and after the workshop, Kelvin began to look for photo opportunities working with photographers and attending car shows.
“I have to say the people I meet during pinup are the most diverse, motivated and powerful group of women I’ve encountered,” she said, adding that the group represents different ages, body types, sizes, and aesthetics.
“I always say that my favorite part of the pinup is the sisterhood,” she said.
But the pageants were intimidating because, as Kelvin put it, “not only do you have to put it all together but you have to get up in front of people and be clever.”
In fact, Miss Metro Cruise is the second pageant title she has won in the couple of years of participating. She admitted that the event seemed overwhelming since it was in two parts and featured several well-established pinup artists.
“When I got there everyone was so kind and it was just really welcoming and nice,” she said. “Actually, I think it was lower pressure than other pageants because they do their best to make sure that everyone feels like they are included and they encourage new people to come and do it.”
The win encouraged her to participate in Detroit’s Autorama competition last February, where she again surprised herself by taking home the title.
Kelvin has her sights on a couple of competitions in March of 2023, but for now she is enjoying a break from competing.
There will be plenty of classic cars at the Miss Metro Cruise preliminary contest this Saturday. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“I just like going, being positive, and supporting other people who are competing, especially people who are newer,” she said. “And it is nice going and not competing sometimes because I am dealing with a little bit less pressure.”
Along with supporting those competition, she also hopes to have the chance to break the stereotype that scientists are not that interesting by talking to children and young adults about her career path.
“I would like to tell people that they shouldn’t let science intimidate you,” she said. “Scientists are in general very excited about science. If you are curious, come chat us up because we will tell you anything you want to know and some things you don’t.
“I love talking about what I do and how I got there but also the same goes for pinup. Pinup can seem intimidating and overwhelming from a distance, but if you just go talk to a pinup they will tell you their experience of getting there and how it scared them a little bit at first and if you are curious about it you should absolutely try it. We all support each other.”
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking information on a carjacking that took place on Thursday, June 30, in the early morning hours of the 3200 block of Woodward Avenue SW.
According to the public safety department’s press release, at approximately 5:53 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2022, officers responded to the 3200 block of Woodward Avenue SW on the report of a person who was assaulted by suspects attempting to steal her vehicle. When officers arrived on scene, they located a 41-year-old female with a head injury sustained during the attack. She was initially treated at the scene by medical personnel and then transported to a local hospital for her injuries.
Information obtained from the victim and witnesses aided the officers in quickly apprehending one of the juveniles, that ran from the scene. A male juvenile was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit. He was arrested in connection to the attempted stolen vehicle and felonious assault. The identity of a second suspect is unknown and the suspect that was captured is not cooperating by providing information on the second suspect. Wyoming Detectives and other members of the multijurisdictional Combined Auto Theft Team are actively investigating the incident to identify that person.
The suspect that police arrested is an 11-year-old male from Grand Rapids and was lodged at the Kent County Juvenile Detention Center for the carjacking. His name is being withheld due to his age.
The vehicle that was attempted stolen is a Kia Sorento. At this time, it is unknown if this incident is related to any other vehicle thefts of the same manufacturer.
Anyone with information in regards to this case are being asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 66-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
Tire your pets out by spending more time exercising them than normal to keep them calm. (pxhere.com)
With more pets running away on July 4th than any other day of the year, shelter intake rates are once again set to skyrocket after the holiday weekend. As Independence Day celebrations begin, BISSELL Pet Foundation is sharing tips to minimize fear and protect your pet from becoming lost.
According to 24Pet ShelterWatch data, July is consistently the highest month for intakes in our nation’s animal shelters. Shelters across the country are already in crisis with overcrowding and other significant obstacles such as longer length-of-stay for pets, seasonal high intake of puppies and kittens, lack of spay/neuter services during the pandemic, short staffing and slowed adoptions. BISSELL Pet Foundation is committed to fighting shelter overcrowding. One aspect of this is ensuring pet owners take all necessary precautions to keep their pets safe during celebrations to minimize the risk of a pet escaping and getting lost or ending up at a shelter.
“Shelters are full right now and space is limited. Please be proactive to keep your pet safe at home and ensure they are microchipped with updated information,” said BISSELL Pet Foundation Founder Cathy Bissell. “A microchip is not a GPS, but it will increase your chances of reuniting with your pet if they are ever lost.”
To keep pets safe during the holiday weekend, BISSELL Pet Foundation is encouraging pet owners to:
Keep pets indoors in a quiet place where they will feel comfortable. Give pets their favorite toy and check on them often to ensure they are calm.
Be sure your pet has a microchip with up-to-date information.
Always keep ID tags on your pet and ensure the collar and tags are secure.
Tire your pets out by spending more time exercising them than normal to keep them calm.
As our nation’s shelters face unprecedented overcrowding, BISSELL Pet Foundation is doing its part to take homeless pets from kennels to couches with the longest-ever Summer National Empty the Shelters event! From July 11-31, adopt a dog or cat for a reduced fee from one of hundreds of participating shelters throughout the country. A full list of participating shelters will be available soon at https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters/.
KDL is looking for local champions in literacy for its KDL Literacy Champion award.
Jeopardy! champion James Holzhauer openly admits that it was the children’s nonfiction section of his library that helped him bring home big winnings and, as a thank you, he donated some of those winnings to local libraries in his area.
Country singer and musician Dolly Parton has always believed that not being able to read was what kept her own father from accomplishing his goals in life and for that reason she started Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in East Tennessee.
Former First Lady Barbara Bush’s work as an educator carried over into her public life as she became an advocate for literacy which lead to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
Holzhauer, Parton, and Bush have been recognized as literacy champions, a person who has gone above and beyond to improve literacy within their own community.
The Kent District Library hopes to recognize and an individual and organization who have gone above and behind to improve literacy in the Kent County area through its newly created KDL Literacy Champion Award.
“Literacy is the foundation of all learning for our children and throughout life,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner. “There are many people and organizations who have exceptional passion for literacy, creating a profound impact on life in our community. The KDL Literacy Champion Award shines a light on and celebrates them.”
The award will be given to one individual and one organization who does or has done something exceptional to promote literacy. To find those individuals and groups, KDL has opened public nominations through July 31. Nominations may be submitted online at kdl.org/literacychampion.
Nominees should have demonstrated leadership and exceptional achievement in advancing reading. Individuals can be teachers, tutors, school librarians, authors, and others. Organizations can be schools, non-profit services, for-profit businesses, and government entities.
Nominations will be reviewed by a panel from KDL and its Board of Trustees. Winners will be publicly announced and celebrated on Sept. 15 at the eighth annual Literary Libations Gala. Each winner will receive $1,000 in cash, a crystal trophy and two tickets to the KDL’s Literary Librations Gala.
In an interview last year, the Diatribe Executive Director Marcel “Fable” Price and teaching artist Foster “AutoPilot” to discuss 49507 Project initiative. (WKTV)
By Sheila McGrath WKTV Contributing Writer
The Diatribe relies on funding of all kinds to do its work.
But a recent $75,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts will give the nonprofit Grand Rapids arts organization more than just a financial boost.
“The reason this is such a huge deal is historically, NEA grants have gone to pretty large, prestigious organizations in the city of Grand Rapids,” said Marcel Price, founder and executive director of The Diatribe. “The NEA opening funding like this to organizations that are our size really gives us capacity, and allows us to show national as well as local funders alike how well we can be responsible stewards of federal dollars.”
“Enjoying the Roots of Our Positive Struggle,” by E’lla Webber, is located at 40 Acres Consulting, 703 Eastern Ave. SE. (Photo by Leda Theres for The 49507 Project.)
The funds will go to The Diatribe’s 49507 Project, which is in its second summer of bringing beauty and neighborhood pride to an underserved side of Grand Rapids. Last year, Black and Brown artists with the project created seven large-scale murals on buildings around south Grand Rapids. In addition to the murals, the 49507 Project features programming for young people, community listening sessions, and a youth-organized community art unveiling.
The Diatribe was one of 51 organizations across the country to get an Our Town grant from the NEA. The funding is designated for projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, or social outcomes.
“The arts contribute to our individual well-being, the well-being of our communities, and to our local economies,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson. “The arts are also crucial to helping us make sense of our circumstances from different perspectives as we emerge from the pandemic and plan for a shared new normal informed by our examined experience.”
An NEA grant requires a higher level of bookkeeping and tracking than other types of funding, so The Diatribe’s success with this NEA grant will help them secure additional grants from large donors in the future, Price said.
“A lot of people in Grand Rapids, when it comes to art, they believe there’s only one view of what art can be or where it can be,” he said.
This year, the group is bringing eight more murals to the 49507 zip code. Price met with city officials on June 20 to get approval for the design of the murals.
A key component to the 49507 Project is community engagement. (Supplied)
“All of the buildings have been primed and are ready. All of the artists have been selected and all the paint has been ordered for their murals, so this is the last step and then they’re off and running,” he said.
The murals will tell the stories of the area’s people, neighborhoods and businesses at a time when tensions continue to exist there, particularly with the April shooting death of Patrick Lyoya at the hands of former Grand Rapids Police officer Christopher Schuur. Price said that this a great year to show that residents of the 49507 zip code have the capacity to build the kind of neighborhood they would like to see.
“People in our listening sessions have been saying, ‘My kids seeing artists who look like them painting in our neighborhoods is inspiring beyond words,’” Price said.
The participating artists and locations of this year’s murals are:
Samaria J’s Salon Suite, 701 Grandville Ave SW; artist Arturo Morales Romero
Load A Spud, 1721 Madison Ave SE; artist Edwin Anderson
Farmers Insurance, 2435 Eastern Ave SE; artist Wanda Morena
Mr. B’s Party Store, 1216 Kalamazoo Ave SE; artist Rryuhn Dotson
Aleman Auto Repair, 1801 Division Ave S.; artist Hugo Claudin
Cisneros Tires, 800 Division Ave S.; artist Alynn Guerra
Office of Mary Malone, 1956 Eastern Ave.; artist Mila Lynn
Earlier this month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (“MDHHS”) issued a Final Order granting Havenwyck Hospital, Inc., a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, certificate of need approval for 60 adult psychiatric beds, allowing Universal Health Services and Trinity Health Michigan, in a joint venture, to open a new freestanding inpatient behavioral health hospital in Byron Center, improving access to care for patients.
The new facility will be named Southridge Behavioral Hospital and will be located near Trinity Health’s current facility on 64th Street and Byron Center Avenue. Southridge Behavioral Hospital will accommodate up to 96 beds, including the 60 adult beds plus 24 geriatric beds previously approved by MDHHS. The new facility, to be located near the Trinity Health Medical Center in Byron Center, is anticipated to open in 2024. The hospital will employ approximately 170 full-time and part-time employees including physicians, nurses, therapists, mental health technicians, administration, dietary and housekeeping personnel.
“With CON approval of the 60 inpatient behavioral health beds, we are eager to start construction of the new hospital as expeditiously as possible,” said Diane Henneman, LCSW, Senior Division Vice President, Behavioral Health, UHS. “Trinity Health has a strong reputation as an anchor in West Michigan and we are thrilled to partner with them in bringing more accessible care to more patients – ultimately improving and saving lives.”
The design of the new hospital incorporates today’s modern, innovative, evidence-based care elements that focus on patient safety. Programming will be tailored to individual patient needs, with core psychiatric services and counseling supplemented by enrichment activities such as art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy and outdoor activity.
The new Southridge Behavioral Hospital will seamlessly tie into a growing network of affiliated behavioral health services in the area, including UHS-operated Forest View Hospital and Trinity Health Michigan’s new partnership with Network180 to open a Behavioral Health Crisis Center for the rapid availability of assessment services on a walk-in basis. Further, the new Southridge Behavioral Hospital will provide additional provider and patient choice in the market, specifically at an easily accessible location south of Grand Rapids.
“We look forward to working with UHS to enable the availability of more inpatient behavioral health options in our region,” said Matt Biersack, MD, President of Trinity Health Saint Mary’s. “It is a strategic imperative that we prioritize solutions for individuals in crisis presenting to local hospitals, including our Trinity Health emergency departments, as well as other referral sources. The new facility will be a receiving site enabling initiation of appropriate care, faster.”
In March 2022, an administrative law judge upheld an initial decision by MDHHS to award CON approval for development of the new behavioral health hospital. The Department issued the Final Order approving the project on June 6, 2022.
Clean and usable items may be dropped off on June 25 and 26 at 2929 Ottawa Ave. SW, Grandville. (Supplied)
Have some unwanted items that need a new home? Cherry Health is looking for gently used or new items for an upcoming community thrift sale in support of the Sheldon House, a program focused on breaking the stigma of mental illness.
Cleaned and usable items may be dropped off from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26, at 2929 Ottawa Ave. SW, Grandville. Items that will not be accepted are mattresses, sleeper sofas, cribs/car seats, tube TVs, stuffed animals, and hazardous chemicals/waste.
If you are looking for assistance in cleaning out, Moxie Life Organizing, which is partnering with Cherry Health for the sale, offers serves from life consulting to full-service decluttering, organizing, and staging.
The sale will be at the same location, 2929 Ottawa Ave., SW, on Wednesday, June 29, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Half price items will be available starting at noon on June 30.
Sheldon House is a clubhouse model program that provides support, opportunity and resources to adults with mental illness in Kent County. With the help of personal staff, members attending Sheldon House have a place to feel accepted, needed and supported. Other benefits include gaining skills, obtaining employment, pursuing education opportunities and building a support system.
The upcoming sale proceeds will be used to support Sheldon House’s members who are aspiring to achieve their personal goals and contribute to the communities they live in. Cherry Health’s Sheldon House program is one of 47 Clubhouse Programs in Michigan and among hundreds of clubhouses worldwide. The accredited program provides strong outcomes, including improved physical and mental health, decreased hospitalizations, reduced incarcerations, greater employment opportunities, and increased overall quality of life for those living with mental illness.
For more about the Sheldon House project and the sale, visit the Sheldon House website.
Moxie Life Organizing helps turn this into……an organized space that looks like this.
From being a dirt road to being a major thoroughfare, 28th Street is a roadway of history in the Greater Grand Rapids, especially for the City of Wyoming.
So much so, that the Wyoming Historical Commission has spent the last year compiling a new book “From Beals Road to 28th Street, a History of The Miracle Mile.” The book is being released this Saturday with copies available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wyoming Historical Room, located inside the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW.
“We like to think of ‘The Miracle Mile’ as a scrapbook that not only outlines the commercial history from South Division Avenue to Byron Center Avenue but will likely jog many found memories for our readers,” said David Britten, who headed up the project. “It should be a valuable addition to anyone’s local history collection.”
The project is the result of conversations held during Metro Cruise last August as visitors stoped at the Historical Commission’s booth in the Rogers Plaza area, Britten said.
Studio 28 was the first megaplex and one of the largest movie theaters in the world. It was located along 28th Street.
The result is 122-page, 8-1/2by-11 inch book containing more than 200 photos and dozens of advertisements and articles from the earliest years.
In “The Miracle Mile” book, there are three sections detailing the growth of the commercial corridor from 1946 through 1973. A section titled “The Early Years” outlines the changes over time in the road, itself, the Rogers School, and the first few businesses in what was then a rural, farming section of Wyoming Township.
During that time period, 28th Street has been called many names, Beals Road, the Sunset Strip of Grand Rapids and of course, The Miracle Mile.
For around 90 years, 28th Street has served as the southern gateway helping residents and travelers move east and west, serving as the southern border of the Beltline, a bypass route around the city. At one time it was the second busiest highway in the State of Michigan and home to so many hamburger joints, it was said you could have a different one every day and not eat at the same place for three months.
In 1957, US-131 was completed with direct access on and off of 28th Street. It immediately caused change along the roadway.
In the fifties, McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in the West Michigan area along the stretch of 28th Street in Wyoming. Rogers Plaza would open in 1961 followed by Southland (now 28th West Plaza). Rogers Plaza was the first major modern shopping center in Kent County and caused a tremendous change in metropolitan area shopping.
And just what Rogers Plaza did for shopping, Studio 28 did for movie attendance as Studio 28 was the first megaplex and one of the largest movie theaters in the world.
It was in the Rogers Plaza parking lot during the 2021 Metro Cruise that the idea for “The Miracle Mile” book came about. Rogers Plaza was the first shopping center in Kent County and it is located on 28th Street. (WKACC)
More stores sprouted up on 28th Street, which was widened to five lanes, and that was about the time the nickname “The Miracle Mile” was attached to the street. According to “A City of Wyoming – A History,” also produced by the Wyoming Historical Commission, Fred Eardley’s Trading Post at Burlingame Avenue anchored The Miracle Mile on the west, and Ben Duthler built a supermarket at Clyde Park at the east end anchor. Other new stores were Stone’s Shoes, Rogers Department Store (which would become the largest department store in the county), Feighner Drugs, TerMeer Hardware, Suburban 5 and 10 Store, Meijer, Eberhards food stores, Holiday Lanes, and several gasoline stations.
The book also includes a short biography of Abram J. Longstreet, a forgotten pioneer of Rogers Heights community. In fact, Fruit Basket/Flowerland is located on the original Longstreet farm and Clyde Park is actually named after the Clydesdales that were once located on the farm. The Wyoming High School football field is named after Longstreet.
Books are $20 and beside Saturday, will be available during Metro Cruise, Aug. 26 and 27, and during the History Room’s normal hours which are 9:30 a.m. – noon Tuesdays and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. the first and third Saturdays of the month. For more information, visit the Wyoming Michigan History Room’s Facebook page.
Grand Rapids African American Health Institute will host a program about Black Men and Mental Health tonight. (pxhere.com)
The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute will host the second in a series of community conversations focused Black Men and Mental Health on Thursday, June 16.
The event is from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Center for Community Transformation, 1520 Madison Ave. SE. The program will look at such issues as systemic racism, policing, health inequities, complex trauma, and a myriad of other struggles. The series of community conversations will equip youth, families, community members and other key support systems with information on how to address these issues in the Black community.
Trained professionals will present information and teach need skills from a place of health, wholeness, and strategy to help participants put into action the change they want to see in their communities and homes.
To register for this event or future Community Conversations, click here. The third Community Conversation — Black Women and Mental Health — will be on July 21. For more information about the program, visit GRAAHI.com.
The first of four Summer Markets will be taking place this Saturday at HŌM Flats at 28 West, 1401 Prairie Parkway SW. The event is from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
At last year’s event, a customer looks over a flower arrangement from Wyoming-based Periwinkle Flor Co. (WKTV)
“We are excited to bring this opportunity back to the city,” said Brianna Peña, communications specialist for the City of Wyoming.
Last year, HŌM Flats had approached the city about hosting a public market, which city officials were also considering. The two groups decided to partner hosting two fall events which met with success.
Building off of that, it was decided to host four markets, all through the same partnership of the City of Wyoming and HŌM Flats.
“It is in preparation for the community to host and establish a consistency for these local markets in Wyoming,” Peña said for the reason of expanding the number of markets to four this year.
One of the goals of city officials is to establish a public market within the city limits. Some discussion has centered on using the northern portion of the Site 36, which the city retained after the sale of the property to Franklin Partners.
At each the markets there will be food trucks and artisan vendors offering an array of items such as handmade clothing, jewelry, keychains, and art.
At this Saturday’s event, the food trucks are Curry in a Hurry, which will be offering food selections form India such as Butter Chicken and Traditional Curry with Rice, and Simply Sweet Confections, which will be featuring a selection of its popular macarons.
Also on Saturday, there will be free ice cream to the first 200 attendees and face painting.
The remaining Summer Markets are set for:
July 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.,. Pinery Park, 2301 DeHoop Ave. SW
Aug 19, 3-7 p.m., 28 West Parking lot, 1345 28 West Place, (near the former Lindo restaurant)
Sept. 16, 3-7 p.m., Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW
The Kent County Animal Shelter will become a stand-alone department answering directly to administration. (Supplied)
Following the nationwide best practices in animal welfare and public safety, Kent County has announced it will be restructuring its animal shelter and animal control operations.
On July 1, the animal shelter will become a stand-along county department report directly to the administration. It is currently under the Kent County Health Department. With that change, the animal control operations will be reassigned to a dedicated, special tailed team at the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.
“Best practices in animal welfare and animal control are Kent County’s top priority in restructuring these operations,” said Kent County Administrator Al Vanderberg. “We consulted subject matter experts and community members and commissioned extensive research into county-level animal shelter and animal control operations before recommending these changes. These decisions are data-driven and reflect nationwide best practices in animal welfare, as well as public safety.”
Kent County Animal Control
Animal control will be reassigned to the Sheriff’s Office because these operations are largely a function of law enforcement. The team will be led by certified law enforcement officers including a KCSO Enforcement Division lieutenant and two Enforcement Division sergeants who will oversee daily operations and staff. Staff will include a civilian animal control supervisor and civilian special deputies who will be supported by community outreach, media relations and training staff already at the Sheriff’s Office.
Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young
At a meeting on June 9, the Kent County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved recommendations from its Legislative and Human Resources Committee and Finance and Physical Resources Committee to create and fund the three full-time animal control unit supervisors at the Sheriff’s Office.
“For years, KCSO officers have worked cooperatively with Kent County animal control officers in response to calls and to carry out the law enforcement aspects of these operations,” said Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young. “With these changes, animal control operations will be led by sworn law enforcement officers trained to provide oversight and to protect due process in rapidly unfolding legal and civil rights matters.”
While the animal control officers will be civilian positions and will not have arresting authority, the certified Sheriff’s deputies in the animal control unit will have authority to make arrests when there is cause to believe a crime has been committed.
To prepare for these changes, the Sheriff’s Office is developing a new Kent County Animal Control Ordinance to replace the Kent County Health Department Animal Control Regulations that have been on the books for more than 20 years. Starting July 1, the new ordinance will apply anywhere in the county where local city, township or village ordinances are not already in place. Existing local ordinances will supersede the Kent County Animal Control Ordinance.
How and When to Contact Animal Control
If a Kent County resident encounters an animal emergency – an animal is attacking a person, or a pet is in immediate danger – they should call 911. Otherwise, residents should call the Kent County Sheriff’s Department dispatch at 616-632-7310 if they encounter a stray dog, in the case of a dog bite, or to report a suspected case of animal cruelty or neglect.
The primary focus of Kent County Animal Shelter will be the care and welfare of lost and abandoned animals. (KC Animal Shelter)
Kent County Animal Shelter
With the restructuring announced today, the Kent County Animal Shelter will maintain primary responsibility for the care, shelter and feeding of lost and abandoned animals in Kent County. The change in reporting directly to the administration will allow the Kent County Health Department to focus more exclusively on human health.
“Our mission hasn’t changed. We remain keenly focused on reuniting pets with their families and finding safe and loving new homes for animals when needed,” said Kent County Animal Shelter Director Angela Hollinshead. “We value the assistance that many community leaders and animal welfare agencies have provided in support of that mission and of the animals in our care over the past several years. We look forward to working with these leaders and organizations to formalize and increase community support in the months ahead.”
Following the restructuring, County administration and the animal shelter will explore the possibility of establishing a foundation and “friends group” to increase financial and volunteer support for the shelter.
