Category Archives: City of Wyoming

Snapshots: Things to do this weekend

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I’m not afraid of werewolves or vampires or haunted hotels, I’m afraid of what real human beings do to other real human beings. 

American writer Walter Jon Williams

Wyoming’s First Public Market

Well after months of anticipation, the City of Wyoming’s first Public Market is this Saturday. The event is set for 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at HOM Flats, 1401 Prairie Parkway SW. The event is free to attend and will feature a number of local artisans and a selection of food trucks. No sweat if you miss this Saturday’s event as a second Public Market is scheduled or Sept. 25 at Wyoming City Hall.

Retired Chaplain John Hooglund, from Holland Home at Breton Woods, produced this work as part of veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)

It’s back

After two years, partly due to COVID, ArtPrize returns with artists taking over downtown Grand Rapids. There is sculpture. There is paintings. There is a lot to see, so spend the weekend — with weather reports all showing it to be beautiful — checking out some amazing art and get boned up on the new voting system.

Executve Chef Josef Huber at Gun Lake Casino shows off the popular burger, which comes with two 4.5-oz. patties. (Photo by John D. Gonzalez)

Now Open

WKTV Contributing Writer John D. Gonzalez gives us the inside scoop on the new restaurants at the Gun Lake Casino. Located just off the US 131, the restaurants include the SHKOÉ Chophouse, CBK, and the 131 Sportsbar & Lounge, which offers floor-to-ceiling LED video walls and 180-degree panoramic views For more, click here for John’s story.

Seattle’s Great Wheel (Wikipedia)

Fun Fact: Ferris Wheels

“Pleasure wheels” as Ferris Wheels were called date back to the early 1600s, however the one we are most familiar with is George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.’s creation for the 1863 Chicago’s World Fair. Designed to rival the 1,063-foot Eiffle Tower that was the center piece of the 1889 Pairs Exposition, the “Chicago Wheel” was 264 feet and the tallest attraction at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. After the fair, the wheel was rebuilt on Chicago’s North Side, near Lincoln Park, where it rain from 1895 to 1903. It was then shipped to St. Louis for the 1904 World’s Fair and destroyed after that event. The Ferris Wheel returned to Chicago in 1995 at the Navy Pier and in 2016, the Navy Pier opened the Centennial Wheel as part of its 100th anniversary celebration. Today Ferris Wheels are more commonly called Observation Wheels, pre the one in England. The tallest Ferris Wheel in the world, the High Roller, stands at 550 feet and is located in Las Vegas.

Wyoming seeking input on city’s most northern park, Marquette Park

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Local History, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Continuing on its pathway of park improvements, the City of Wyoming is requesting input from residents about what they would like to see at the city’s most northern park, Marquette Park.

 

“The park’s current development is considered outdated and needs to be updated to address the evolving needs of the City and the immediate neighborhood,” said Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt.

The playground area at Marquette Park. (WKTV)

The 40-acre Marquette Park, which is located at 1414 Nagel Ave. SW, is one of the city’s oldest parks. The eastern section, which includes Kimble Field and the Dog Park area, was originally purchased in 1938 when the city, which was a township at the time, paid $2,800 for sewage disposal site from the estate of William F. Keeney. The western portion of the property, which currently features soccer fields, the Grand Rapids Rifle and Pistol Club, and a playground, was added to the park in 1946. Marquette Park was officially designated as a city park in 1971.

According to Rynbrandt, the park is nestled in a culturally diverse, densely populated residential area that is located to along the park’s southern and eastern boarders with industrial properties to the north and west.

The 15-question survey, which is in both English and Spanish, asks how often a person visits the City of Wyoming Parks, how often they have visited Marquette Park, and lists a number of activities, such as basketball, a community garden, gathering places, splash pads, tennis and walking paths, that survey participants might be interested in seeing at the park. Rynbrandt said the goal is for about 2,000 survey responses noting that the city received 1,800 survey responses for Jackson Park when that project was in the planning phase.

 

Because the community near the park is largely Spanish speaking, Rynbrandt said they wanted to make sure that residents were able to provide input which is why the survey is in both English and Spanish. There also will be Spanish interpreters available at the upcoming master plan meetings for the park which are Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. at Godfrey Lee Early Childhood Center, 961 Joosten St.; and Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW.

 

The City of Wyoming’s park system was predominately built between 1950 and 1970. Over the last 15 years, the city has made great strides in developing park properties such as Ideal, Frog Hollow, Jackson, Ferrand, Lamar, Battjes, Prairie, and Oriole parks into contemporary facilities.

“We strive to ensure each park has its own character and, to the extent practicable, based upon proven resident demands, limiting duplication of facilities,” Rynbrandt said, adding that to foster unity and social connections while leveraging its limits financial resources, the city’s park system has moved away from pocket parks to regional parks that have unique identities but serve all of the city’s residents.

Currently the city is working on Gezon Park which is located in the panhandle between Gezon Parkway and 52nd Street. The first phase of construction has started at Gezon with it expected to be reopen next spring.

Decriminalization of magic mushrooms introduced in State senate

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State law makers are considering a bill that would decriminalize psychedelic plants and fungi. (pxfuel.com)

By Cameryn Cass
Capital News Service

As Ann Arbor readies for a one-year anniversary celebration of  its decriminalization of psychedelic plants and fungi, state lawmakers are considering a similar move that would apply to the entire state.

It would drop the punishment for possessing and using entheogenic plants and fungi that contain  naturally occurring psilocybin, mescaline, ibogaine, psilocyn, dimethyltryptamine and other hallucinogenic compounds. 

Sens. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, and Adam Hollier, D-Detroit, recently introduced the legislation. The bill would be the first step in encouraging research and understanding about these controversial substances that have medicinal and religious value and a low propensity for abuse, Irwin said. 

“To me, it makes a lot of sense to focus on these substances and decriminalize them because locking people up and spending police time and resources trying to ruin people’s lives over use of these substances makes zero sense,” he said. “We need to end the war on drugs.”

Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville (Supplied)

In 2016, Michigan spent $860.3 million to enforce drug control, according to the Cato Institute. Irwin said he wants to refocus this effort on helping people with programs and therapy, a strategy for drug control that a handful of other cities, states and countries have followed.

 

Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville, who chairs the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, has not scheduled it for a hearing.

 

“It’s not on my radar screen,” he said. “There’s a lot to consider.”

 

There is more research and clinical testing to do, said Victory, who wants to review scientific studies before taking it up. 

  

Michael Williams, the co-director of Decriminalize Nature Michigan, an advocacy group that lobbied Ann Arbor to decriminalize entheogenic plants, said that any substance carries a risk. 

These substances are largely non-addictive and safe, said Williams, who credits them with helping end his drug addiction.

“You just need to weigh the risk with the benefit,” he said.

Psychedelic drugs have been used with therapy to help patients suffering from depression, anxiety and substance abuse, according to Decriminalize Nature.

Especially helpful are psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocybin, which binds with several serotonin receptors, according to a study in the Mental Health Clinician.

With these substances being illegal, people are “constantly having to make that choice about whether or not to take a product that helps relieve their pain or their stress and breaking the law,” Irwin said.

 

But critics worry about the impact on impaired driving.

 

As there is no set chemical test to give someone suspected of being under the influence of a hallucinogenic drug, a certified drug recognition expert is required to make an arrest, said Robert Stevenson, the executive director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

 

There are only 100 certified drug recognition experts in Michigan, and certifying more is a lengthy process, Stevenson said. Drivers suspected to be under the influence of a hallucinogenic drug also require a blood test, which requires a search warrant.

After the legalization of recreational marijuana, there were similar concerns about an increase of drug driving.

“We haven’t seen the surge they had expected,” said Marquette County Sheriff Greg Zyburt. “Originally, everyone thought the sky was going to fall in, and we haven’t seen that.” 

Advocates of decriminalization argue it’s unlikely that impaired driving rates will increase, as it’s unlikely that recreational use will increase.

 

“If someone is impaired and they are unsafe to be on the road, that’s going to come out in the examination on the roadside,” Irwin said. “There’s a relatively small number of users, and people who do use usually use much less frequently.”

 

As Michigan is looking to decriminalize only entheogenic plants, Irwin said “part of the beauty of decriminalization, for its limitations, is that it doesn’t require any enforcement.”

Decriminalizing psychedelics has been on ballots around the country several times with varying success. Advocates are looking for a way to end former President Richard Nixon’s 1971 war on drugs.

 

“We need to end the war on drugs. The war on drugs is the granddaddy of all big government failures,” Irwin said.

Police seeking help in locating possible witness

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking assistance in locating a witness to an assault and possible robbery that took place on Aug. 4.

On Aug. 4, at about 3:40 a.m., Wyoming Police officers responded to the 1000 block of Burton Street SW on a report of an injured person stemming from an assault. Officers located an unconscious 38-year-old male from Wyoming. The male was transported to a local hospital for emergency surgery for serve, life-threatening head trauma. According to an official statement from the department, police revealed there was a female witness to the crime.

Wyoming Police investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the female witness. She appears to be a white female with long dark hair. The attached photos of the witness were provided to the police from an area business and separate witness.

Anyone who could identify the female witness in the photos or who has information on this case is asked to contact the Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

An effort to make 988 for suicide prevention means West Michigan will be dialing 10-digit phone numbers

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In preparation for the new 988 phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, starting Oct. 24, West Michigan residents will need to dial the full 10-digit number to make a local call. (pxhere.com)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

When phone numbers were first established in the late 1880s, they were just a series of three numbers. As the population grew, the number system expanded to seven digits locally with a three-digit area code for long distance.

Starting Oct. 24, in many areas of Michigan, it will not matter if you are making a local or long distance phone call, you will be required to dial 10-digits — one plus the area code plus the number.

The reason? The Federal Communications Commission has designated 988 as the abbreviated dialing code that can be used to reach the suicide prevention hotline. Officials expect the 988 dialing code to be active by July of 2022.

“In many area codes across the country, 988 is already used as a prefix, or first three digits after the area code of customer telephone numbers,” the Michigan Public Service Commission announced in a press release earlier this year. “In order for 988 to dial directly to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, any area code that includes 988 prefix must transition from seven-digit dialing (dialing without the area code) to 10-digit dialing (1 plus the area code with the telephone number.”

Residents with the 616, 810, 906, and 989 area codes will have to make the switch to 10-digits for all local calls. As of Oct. 24, if a resident with that area code dials with only seven digits, the call may not be completed and a recording may inform the caller that the call cannot be completed as dialed. The caller will have to hangup and redial the 10-digit number.

Phone numbers will not change, residents only need to add the area code to the existing number. It is recommended that residents check contacts to make sure that the complete 10-digit number is stored in their devices. It is also recommend that businesses review devices that rely on numbers to assure all contacts’ 10-digit numbers have been stored.

Other three-digit numbers such as 911 for emergency and 221 for community services will not be impacted.

 

The new 988 number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline goes into effect on July 16, 2022. Until then, residents can cal the hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). Veterans and Service members may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing, chatting online at www.veteranscrisisline.net or texting 838255.

According to the FFC, since 2008, suicide has ranked as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide claimed the lives of more than 48,000 Americans in 2018, resulting in about one death every 11 minutes. An FCC staff report to Congress in 2019 proposed establishing 988 as an easy to remember three-digit code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Staff analyzed various options and determined 988 was the best option for increasing access to crisis resources and ensuring the fastest possible transition. Establishing the easy-to-remember 988 as the “911” for suicide prevention and mental health services will make it easier for Americans in crisis to access the help they need and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues, state FCC officials in a release about the new three-digit number.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of approximately 170 crisis centers. The centers are supported by local and state, and public and private sources, as well as by Congressional appropriations through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

At this point, it is probably a good idea for residents start using 10-digit numbers as some areas in the country have been forced to add second area codes due to running out of phone numbers. The FCC estimates there are more people than phone numbers. 

This week’s theme is get active, especially on your work commute

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Get active by walking or riding a bike to work this week. (pxhere.com)

BY WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Active Commute Week – a movement to promote more eco-friendly modes of transportation – is underway and runs through Friday.

“Active Commute Week is a great collaboration between individuals, organizations, and employers to promote healthy, sustainable modes of transportation around our region,” said Bill Kirk, spokesperson for The Rapid, and former participant in ACW. The Rapid and its commuter transportation program, West Michigan Rideshare, administer the technology utilized for Active Commute Week.

“Whether participants elect to ride The Rapid, hop on their own bike, take a walk, or utilize a scooter or bikeshare bike, that choice benefits our entire community by reducing emissions and improving public health outcomes,” said Kirk.

Kirk emphasized that the challenge is not just for work commute – participants can log a trip to the grocery store, restaurant, or library.

“Personally, I will be riding my bike or taking Route 5 to work and trying to make all my trips around my neighborhood by foot,” said Kirk.

The event will feature an employer challenge, designed to encourage friendly competition among organizations. Currently there are 25 Grand Rapids employers participating in the challenge.

 

Active Commute Week was postponed in 2020, but the event in 2019 was the largest yet. In a five-day period in June of 2019, a total of 393 individuals logged more than 4,000 green trips. The actions of those participating in the challenge reduced vehicle miles traveled by 19,293 miles, reducing pollutants by nearly 20,000 lbs, and saving commuters more than 900 gallons of gas. This year the event will take place across a seven-day period, in order to encourage participation on the weekend.

 

The Happy Hour recap event will take place on September 17 at Garfield Park. There will be an awards ceremony, and challenge participants will have a chance to win prize packages. It is not too late to sign up – Details on the event can be found at wmrideshare.org/acwgr

DTE grant and new masterplan a boost to City of Wyoming’s tree canopy

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Volunteers help plant trees in local neighborhoods. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming Tree Commission, “The Tree Amigos,” is celebrating some great news for the city’s tree canopy. For one, not only did the DTE Energy Tree Planting Grant Program approve their grant application, but the foundation is awarding an extra $1,000 above the requested $2,000. As The Tree Amigos has budgeted $1,000 of its own funds for the planting, $4,000 is now available for the purchase and delivery of up to 25, eight-to-ten-foot trees. The Tree Amigos has more than a dozen residents signed up to receive a tree but is still looking for a few more. Volunteers will plant the trees the mornings of October 2 and 16. Residents will receive a tree free of charge but are required to help plant it and commit to maintaining the tree.

 

In addition, the new City of Wyoming Master Plan calls for the city to set a tree canopy goal. City planner Nicole Hoffert asked for the Tree Commission’s recommendation. The commission requested Wyoming’s goal be 40%, the same goal as many cities have set, including the City of Grand Rapids. Currently, Wyoming has an approximate tree canopy of 13.5%, as determined by an iTree survey that looks at aerial photographs. 

The Master Plan also calls for a more rigorous tree survey to be done in the future. Having a comprehensive survey will provide the City with data needed to plan not only where to plant more trees, but also how to develop a maintenance plan that preserves the mature trees already growing here. The survey will also provide data on the economic value that Wyoming’s trees provide when it comes to stormwater retention, pavement life, energy savings, reducing carbon footprint, and removing toxins from the air. 

 

“Establishing the 40% canopy goal and having a comprehensive tree survey commissioned are two items at the very top of our wishlist. We are thrilled that the City is taking action on these,” says Estelle Slootmaker, chair, The Tree Amigos. “We also look forward to sharing insights with Nicole as the city develops a new tree ordinance that will better preserve the beautiful mature trees that we have and create a blueprint for planting more trees.”

Cities around the world are recognizing the important role of trees in mitigating climate change, maintaining storm sewer systems, making neighborhoods safer, increasing property values, and reducing health impacts of air pollution and stress.

 

“Wyoming’s slogan is ‘City of vision and progress.’ Only when we have a true vision of the important role trees play as part of our city’s infrastructure will we, as a city, be able to make sustainable progress environmentally and economically—and create a safer, healthier, happier place to live and work,” Slootmaker says.

Grand Rapids Auto Gallery, the Gilmore become a resource for movie cars for Metro Cruise

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The WKTV crew utilizes the Gilmore Museum as a 1930’s car showroom.

By WKTV Staff
tom@wktv.org

As part of its coverage for the 28th Street Metro Cruise, WKTV Community Media is creating three short films directed by regional filmmakers whose mission was simple:  take six minutes telling a narrative film story about classic cars and classic design. All three projects, which are now nearing completion in production and moving through various stages of post production, covered the breadth of some of the most fabulous steel and iron to roll off American assembly lines.

In the course of producing the films, WKTV was charged with sourcing many of the classics for the film productions. Those cars included a 1954 Buick Century convertible in daffodil yellow from the Grand Rapids Auto Gallery along with a 1938 Ford Cabriolet.

The GR Auto Gallery loans a 1938 red Ford Cabriolet for the proper setting in front of the Civic Auditorium.

“While the Grand Rapids Auto Gallery acts as a consignment dealer for classic cars, they were generous with loaning us three vehicles from their collection,” said Tom Norton, the series producer, including a 1958 white Corvette with a red interior that appeared on WKTV’s Metro Cruise coverage in 2019.

  
Another resource came from the Gilmore Car Gollection near Galesburg, Michigan.

“The Gilmore is such a treasure regionally and they were just wonderful,” Norton said. “When the script for one of the films called for an Auburn dealership from the 1930s, they were able to provide the entire set filled with shiny, gorgeous Auburn classics from the thirties.  Just…wow!”

Ella Campbell from East Kentwood High School participated in the production as a script supervisor.


One hurdle for the three films was arranging period wardrobe. WKTV called on two resources, the Grand Rapids Civic Theater and Wyoming High School’s theater department and both were able to assist in outfitting characters from the 1930s, 1950s and 1980s.

The crew films the eighties short film “Drive” for Metro Cruise.

The first film in the Metro Cruise series is called “Drive” and features a 1980s theme. The film takes place on a drag strip and, directed by WKTV volunteer Kyle Misak, stars from “American Idol” Margie Mays as a mechanic working on a drag strip with homage to all 1980s vehicles. The six minute music video took six days for Misak and his crew to shoot.

Margie Mays from “American Idol” stars in the eighties Metro Cruise film “Drive.”

The second film, directed by GVSU professor John Philbin called “No Trip for Biscuits,” takes place in the 1930s and follows the philosophy of legendary designer Gordon Buehrig of the great Dusenberg classics.  The short film features cameo appearnances by “Carol Lombard” and “Gary Cooper” and was filmed at the Gilmore Museum and in front of the 1930s facade of the old Civic Auditorium.


“What we loved about this project,” Norton said, “was that all of the filmmakers pulled out all the stops in terms of their creativity and resourcefulness to make these three period films happen. And of course, the classic auto community from GR Auto Gallery to the Gilmore provided serious lift as well.”

Grand Rapids Auto Gallery donated the use of this 1954 Buick Century for the Metro Cruise film “Horizon.”

The last of the films’ “Horizon” which takes place during the 1950s and combines the design of the classic fifties vehicles with the civil rights struggles of the day, is just going into post production. All three films will be available on WKTV and on the station’s video on demand service this fall.   

Group remembers well-known WW II veteran with birthday celebration

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David “Goldie” Goldsboro and Sid Lenger served on the same ship, the LST 651, during World War II. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Wyoming’s favorite World War II veteran, Sid Lenger, would have turned 103 on Wednesday, Sept. 8. Knowing that he will be with everyone in spirit, his friends and organizers of the Mr. Sid’s Video Series will be hosting a Mr. Sid’s Birthday Celebration at Marge’s Donut Den at 2 p.m.

The event will feature Legner’s family members and special guest Navy Commander Paul Chardoul. Commander Chardoul did not know Lenger but did serve on a Landing Ship Tank (LST) in Vietnam. Lenger served in the Navy during World War II on the LST 651 including the intense experience of fending off Kamikaze attacks on his 20mm gun during the Battle of Okinawa.

Music provided by John VanderMeer will feature Lenger’s favorite hymns. A short video presentation will tell some things about Lenger including the decision to start a Travel Agency (Lenger Travel), his and his wife’s work for Mission India and in his later years, Lenger’s decision to give tours of the LST 393 anchor at the Mart Dock in Muskegon. Birthday cake will be provided by Marge’s Donut Den.

Due to his work in the travel industry and then later with Mission India, Lenger began hosting travel film programs locally. Due to the interest in the films, Lenger revised the films and began showing his travel films every second Wednesday of the month at Marge’s Donut Den. After his death, at the age of 100, in 2019, his friends, with family support, decided to continue the video series.

 

Upcoming programs are:

Oct. 13: Mr. Sid’s Germany video

Nov. 10: James Smither GVSU Veterans History Project

Dec. 15: Mike Martin’s Christmas “Extravaganza”

Snapshots: Pretty lights and Labor Day fun

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.

32nd U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt

John Ball IllumiZoo Hues (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Pretty Lights

John Ball Zoo’s IllumiZoo Wild Hues opens this weekend at John Ball Zoo. During a sneak peek, our group got to tour the grounds and check out some of the amazing lights that literally transform the zoo into a mystical, magical place. Make sure to check it out. The show is open through Nov. 14 and we learned that the light displays do change as the season moves closer to Halloween. (No scary staff.) Check out the story by clicking here.

Ready, set, write

Write Michigan has returned! Writers of all ages are invited to enter, with separate categories for youth, teens, adults and Spanish language (12 and younger). Winning entries will be published and receive cash prizes. Entries need to be submitted by Nov. 30. For more information visit www.writemichigan.org.

Labor Day in Belding

This weekend, especially Monday, is not just a three-day weekend but an opportunity to recognize the contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. This weekend, the community of Belding will be hosting a Labor Day celebration, Sept. 3 – 6. Centered around an eighties theme, the four-day event features parades, games, karaoke, fireworks, a talent competition and an 80s beer tent. For complete details, visit www.beldinglaborday.org.

Fun Fact: They Took a Seat

“I am confident that when it is all over with there will be a better understanding between employer and employee and better still conditions will be improved under which men and women labor and live.” Former Michigan Governor Frank Murphy

In 1936, GM employees at Flint’s GM Fisher Number One Plant lead a 44-day sit-in that would become the most important strike in American history because it changed the United Automobile Workers (UAW) from a collection of isolated individuals into a major union, ultimately leading to the unionization of the United States automobile industry. GM did not receive the support it had hoped from state officials including the governor with local officials unable to move the workers out. On Feb. 11, 1937, with GM’s production severely crippled, the strike came to an end with an agreement that gave birth to the UAW. 

Veterans Council seeks nominations for three awards

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Harold Mast discusses the three awards that the United Veterans Council of Kent County are seeking nominations for. Deadline is Sept. 14.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Recently, the United Veterans Council of Kent County expanded its annual awards from one to three.

 

The organization will continue with its Veteran of the Year Award but has also added two new awards, Association Member of the Year and Raising Up Veterans, which is a non-veteran award.The Council is seeking nominations for these awards with the deadline being Sept. 14.

The purpose for the expansion, according to Harold Mast, who is serving as the UVCKC spokesperson for the awards, is to recognize and show appreciation for what veterans have done and are now doing outside of the service to their country.


“I think it is a very important thing for our community to recognize veterans,” Mast said. “Particularly today and in the past couple of weeks or last several weeks, recognizing what the military has done, what the military is going through and how much our citizens rely on the military for.”

The Veteran of the Year Award is presented to a veteran who is dedicated to helping veterans and goes beyond what is expected. It is not what the veteran did during their service but rather what they have done after that service. Mast said, who used the the 2019 award recipient as an example. Bob Green, a veteran living in Kentwood, has done a lot for AMVETS and has been instrumental in recognizing veterans, especially those in nursing homes, through pinning ceremonies.

The new Association Member of the Year Award is similar to the Veteran of the Year, but focuses on the Council’s associate group’s such as veteran organizations’ auxiliary groups. The Raising Up Veterans is for those non-veteran residents who help with programs and other veteran-related activities.

Mast said the Council puts out a call for nominees and then the member veteran organizations of the UVCKC nominate candidates who are then blind judge by a panel. The recipient of the award is announced at the Council’s Oct. 23 banquet.

All nominees must be a resident of Kent County and need to be nominated by a Council member organization. Mast said many of the council organizations are willing to work with any resident interested in nominating someone for an award. To nominate a person, Mast said he recommends residents visit the UVCKC website, www.UVCKC.org, where the nomination forms are available along with a list of member organizations. Residents may also contact Mast at hamast@comcst.net.

 

TheUnited Veterans Council has been serving Kent County for more than 70 years by hosting such events as the Veterans Day and Memorial Day parades, supporting Gold Star mothers, and erecting and maintaining the monuments in Veterans Park. The Council is formed from groups such s the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Fleet Reserve Association, Marine Corps League, Order of the Purple Heart, and DAV, just to name a few. 

Wyoming Lee Legends, moving to 8-man football, in this week’s WKTV’s Feature Game

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  • Lee Legends head football coach Mark Smoes watching his team at practice prior to a Sept. 1, 2021 game. (WKTV)
  • Lee Legends head football coach Mark Smoes working with his team at practice prior to a Sept. 1, 2021 game. (WKTV)
  • Lee Legends head football coach Mark Smoes, right, with members of his coaching staff at a practice prior to a Sept. 1, 2021 game. (WKTV)
  • A Lee Legends football coach working with the team at practice prior to a Sept. 1, 2021 game. (WKTV)
  • Lee Legends football coaches working with the team at practice prior to a Sept. 1, 2021 game. (WKTV)
  • The Lee Legends team at practice prior to a Sept. 1, 2021 game. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Wyoming Lee High School football team will be embarking a new era with its Wednesday, Sept. 1, season-opening game hosting NorthPointe Christian — the era of playing 8-man football.

The late change to 8-man, made just before the season started, has head coach Mark Smoes, and his staff and team, doing a bit of audible game planning and play calling however.

Lee Legends head football coach Mark Smoes. (WKTV)

“We’ve had to adjust quite a bit,” coach Smoes said to WKTV this week. “It is the same game but we are adjusting our time because, as coaches, we are learning to adjust to this game.

“It is a faster pasted game. It allows you the opportunity to get skilled players on the field. That kinds of plays to our strength. We are adjusting a little every day, for the players and for ourselves.”

The Lee vs. NorthPointe game, which will be a junior varsity game for the visitors, will be this week’s WKTV Featured Game with coverage on cable television replay and on-demand. The game kick off will be at 5:30 p.m.

The change to 8-man was one of the first decisions made by new Lee Legends athletic director Tray Crusciel, after he took a look at a football program which has struggled in recent years, including going 0-4 and being outscored 193-41 in games played in its 2020 independent schedule season.

“After seeing the numbers we had out for the program, seeing the low numbers currently at 7/8th grade level, and the strength of the program over the last 10 years, we felt this was best for our kids right now,” Crusciel said to WKTV. “Our move to the Alliance (8-man) conference will definitely help across the board, give us more level competition and, I think, with the conference move and the move to 8-man, this community and school will benefit from it greatly.”

The program which Crusciel looked at, and which Smoes coaches, has its fair share of senior leadership, but with less than 20 players total in the high school program and on the school’s only team, almost half are sophomores and freshman.

But, Smoes said, the change to 8-man not only works with the numbers on his team but also on the talent on his team.

The 8-man game “is a little more offensive (and) we like to run the ball, we like to throw the ball. And we just have more area to work in,” he said. “We enjoy that and our players enjoy that. And we have players who are multi-talented on the field play, players who can catch, players who can run, players who can block. It just makes for a faster game. … It plays to our strengths.”

Among the Legends strengths, Smoes said, is a group to seniors and juniors who will likely play both ways in the 8-man system.

Smoes said senior quarterback Kemijion Reed, who did not play last season due to his family’s pandemic concerns, will be back and is expected to trigger the offense. Fellow seniors Rogelio Martinez, Shamaari Hill and Juan De La O are also expected to be key players.

Junior running back Elijah Beckwith, who rushed for 1,000 yards as a freshman two years ago, and slot back Ke’Ontae will also be key offensive players.

“Those players are going to handle a lot of the work for us this season offensively,” Smoes said. “We (also) have a very strong freshman class, and sophomores as well. And the nice thing about 8-man is that before, when your playing 11-man and you are short on players, you played players in positions which were tough for them to play in.”

But this season, with the 8-man format, many of those young players will be eased into the high school game.

This week’s game is one of four currently scheduled for Lee, with two being varsity 8-man and another JV game. (The Legends will be at Martin Sept. 20, hosting Gobles on Oct. 1, and at Dansville Oct. 21. But Crusciel said more games are likely to be added.)
 

WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of football and other fall prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.

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

From dogs to lemons, three KDL librarians ready to take on your questions in new podcast

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,
From the left, Courtney Moyses, Emily Bantel, and Jill Anderson, from the KDL Stump the Librarians podcast (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

What is the most popular dog breed? How do worms die if they can survive getting cut in two? What exactly is the hardest rock of them all?

These are just some of the questions that librarians Emily Bantel, from the KDL Tyron Township branch, and Courtney Moyses, from the KDL Gaines and Kentwood branches, tackle in the new podcast “Stump the Librarian.” They twosome get help from the librarian “behind the curtain” Jill Anderson, from the KDL Wyoming branch.

Check out the first Stump the Library podcast by clicking here.

“I was researching possible podcasts we could do to help showcase the KDL podcast,” Moyses said. “I wanted to do something more than just read a book.”

Moyses said she also wanted to find a way to engage the library users as well. From that, the group began to develop “Stump the Librarian” podcast.

In each episode, the librarians present two to three questions asked by users. In the inaugural podcast, the group tackles the questions “What is the most popular dog breed in all the different countries?” and “How do you best take care of a dog?” Along with being on the KDL website, the podcast episodes can also be found on Spotify and Podbean.

 

For those who want to learn more about the topic, they can head over to the KDL website and check out the blog post section. Also, WKTV will be posting “Stump the Librarian” episodes along with the book suggestions. 

Residents interested in trying to “Stump the Library,” can visit the blog site, kdl.org/stump, to send in a question or find forms at their local KDL branch.

So what questions have stumped the librarians? Well, none yet, but Moyses said she is certain it is only a matter of time.

New Lee Legends athletic director makes hard decision to move football to 8-man game

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Faces, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports, ,
Lee High School’s football team celebrating a win over Galesburg-Augusta in 2019 one of only three in the last two seasons. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

New Godfrey-Lee Public Schools athletic director Tray Crusciel, on his first day on the job, had  to help make a hard decision about the Legends football program — a program which has struggled mightily in recent years including going 0-4 and being outscored 193-41 in games played in its 2020 independent schedule season.

The decision made was to move the high school program to the 8-man football game, and to scramble to find games — any games — for head coach Mark Smoes’ players.

“My first day in the office, I was tasked with helping make this decision for the district,” AD Crusciel said to WKTV this week. “After seeing the numbers we had out for the program, seeing the low numbers currently at 7/8th grade level, and the strength of the program over the last 10 years, we felt this was best for our kids right now.

“Our move to the Alliance conference will definitely help across the board, give us more level competition and, I think, with the conference move and the move to 8-man, this community and school will benefit from it greatly.”

After forfeiting a perviously scheduled 11-man game last week, the Legends will open their season by hosting an 8-man game against NorthPointe Christian’s junior varsity squad on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 5:30 p.m.

The game will be covered by the WKTV Featured Game crew, and broadcast on cable television and made available on-demand.

Lee Legends Dragon and Crest. (Supplied)

This week’s game is one of four currently scheduled for Lee, with two being varsity 8-man and another JV game. (The Legends will be at Martin Sept. 20, hosting Gobles on Oct. 1, and at Dansville Oct. 21. But Crusciel said more games are likely to be added.)

 

“We felt comfortable (scheduling both JV and varsity games) because half our team is freshman/sophomore, but the teams we are playing are all facing the same issues,” Crusciel said. “We are keeping our eyes open for more games but we might have to get lucky.

“For the future, my plan is to seek our 8-man leagues/scheduling agreements to give us full schedules or build numbers back up to transition back to 11-man. Our enrollment sits at 505, so that tells me we have a decent number to tap into. But, this is a huge soccer community and we have kids with various interests and obstacles to overcome.”

He also said a “bright side”  is that the district has 30 or so kids playing football in 5/6th grade. “Our goal needs to be getting engaged with those kids at the lower levels more and keeping them interested and engaged in football.”

Prior to last season’s 0-4 record in a season also impacted by the pandemic, coach Smoes first season leading the team, Lee was 3-6 under then coach Tom Degennaro while also playing an independent schedule.

AD Crusciel’s journey to Lee

New Godfrey-Lee Public Schools athletic director Tray Crusciel, with his wife and new baby. (Supplied)

Prior to coming to Lee, Crusciel had been an athletic director for eight years, including three at Covert, where he helped build the athletic department from 1 team to 13 teams, and to get the school back into an athletic conference. He then worked at Benton Harbor for one year. His resume includes stops at Jackson Lumen Christi and Battle Creek Lakeview.

“The reason I’m up here now (is) wife got a new job at Mercy Health (and) we have tons of family in the surrounding areas and we wanted to move closer to our family,” he said.

Crusciel holds degrees from Western Michigan and Wayne State universities, in for my physical education and sports administration. He played football growing up, he said, and has coached multiple sports.

Construction set to begin this fall at Gezon Park

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Recreation, ,
The north entrance of Gezon Park, which is located off of 52nd Street. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Next summer, area residents could be enjoying a new splash pad as construction is set to start this fall on Gezon Park.

At its Aug. 16 meeting, the Wyoming City Council awarded the bid for the phase one development of the park to Katerberg Inc, which has worked on the redevelopment of Ideal Park and Jackson Park. The amount for the project is $2,091,500.

“The redevelopment of Gezon Park increases our ability to equitably provide for recreation and leisure services to a significant, highly populated area of our community,” said Director of Community Services. “We continue to work to invest in our community and our residents through projects like Gezon Park.”

The current playground at Gezon Park, located near the 52nd Street. (WKTV)

Purchased in 1966 for the city’s water system, Gezon Park is 94.04 acres located between Gezon Parkway and 52nd Street. The park has entrances on both streets. It borders a densely populated residential area of the community which includes multi-family and single-family homes. The southernmost portion of the park has been developed as an athletic complex featuring baseball, softball, and football fields. The northernmost portion has been developed with a small shelter, playground, and basketball court.

Through extensive input from the community, a master plan for the park was created and approved in 2018 by the City Council. This plan includes expanded parking on the south end and more modern recreational amenities in both the north and south ends. The total cost for the entire project is around $6 million.

In 2020, the council authorized an agreement for professional services with Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio and Fishbeck to prepare construction drawings and bid materials for the first phase of the expansion. That first phased will include a large-scale splash pad, expanded parking, restrooms, and shelter on the southend of the park located off of Gezon Parkway. These items will be placed closer to the existing trail head and gravel parking area with no impact on the current baseball and football fields. The first phase improvements also include walking and biking paths that will provide expanded pedestrian and bike connection to the Metro Health Village and the M-6 bike trails, which are both located across the street from the park on Gezon Parkway.


“We’re excited to bring the ideas of residents to reality,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “The redevelopment fo Gezon Park has been highly anticipated by our community.”

In the master plan. the central area of the park has generally remained unchanged. In a later phase, the north end of the park will have a play area, restroom, pickle ball and basketball courts.

 

The pedestrian and bicycle paths at Gezon Park will be expanded to the Metro Health Village and M-6 trails. (WKTV)

Funding for the Gezon Park is through the Library Maintenance Millage. In 2017, the city residents approved re-allocating about .16 of the .39 library maintenance millage to help with park improvements. The nearly $800,000 per year raised is used to pay a 15-year bond of $4.4 million. The bond money was dedicated to four parks: Ferrand, Ideal, Jackson, and Gezon.

 

Ferrand, a pocket park located off Byron Center Avenue, was completed in 2018. Ideal Park, the city’s oldest park which had sustained damage from tornadoes and flooding, was completed in 2020. Jackson Park, located next to Wyoming Intermediate School and also had a splash pad added, was reopen in 2021. 

The city is expected to open up the process for resident input on the future of Marquette Park, the city’s most northern park located at 1251 Marquette SW. Rynbrandt said the city is looking for information from residents on what they want to see at Marquette Park, whether they would like to keep it in its natural state or see a splash pad, pavilions or other amenities.

Local ALS Foundation hosts third annual PedALS event

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PedALS is Sept. 25 and 25. (Supplied)

By Nathan Slauer
Community Contributor

The nonprofit Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) care provider, the Susan Mast ALS Foundation, invites West Michigan residents to sign up for their “PedALS” bike ride and walk on Sept.25-26. Participants can register and pledge online at https://pedalsforals.com.

PedALS enables Susan Mast to provide critical support services and wheelchairs to nearly 100 ALS families across West Michigan. In 2020, the foundation offered 3,058 respite hours, $11,000 in meals, and 500 hours delivering medical equipment.

Susan Mast ALS Foundation Executive Director Julie Snelling believes that participation in the PedALS event will allow the organization to further extend its reach in the community.

“Our mission is to walk alongside families with loved ones experiencing ALS,” Snelling said. “PedALS gives us the chance to pay tribute to individuals with ALS, honor those who have meant so much to us, and make new memories in a fun, family-friendly environment.”

Cyclists will enjoy participating in one of a variety of rides. Options include a 25- or 50-mile road ride, 25-mile gravel ride, a 10-20 mountain ride, or a 10-mile fun ride. Runners and walkers can sign up for a 5K or 1-mile walk.

The third annual event, sponsored by generous local businesses, will feature live music from the Freddy Jones Band. Attendees can choose to attend the entire event or show up only for the concert afterparty.

 

Tribute signs honoring loved ones with ALS are available for a $100 purchase.

Participants are encouraged to sign up as a PedALS Pledger on the PedALS website. Pledgers commit to bringing in a specific donation amount and recruit a team to raise the funds needed.

Dr. Phil VanderLugt, an optometrist and PedALS committee member, will host the first day of the event at his home. Known affectionately as “Mr. PedALS,” VanderLugt said he is excited to celebrate the event’s best year yet.

For more information or to register or donate online, please visit https://pedalsforals.com.

The Grand Rapids-based Susan Mast ALS Foundation is named after Susan Mast who was the executive director of Faith Hospice. Mast passed away in 2014 from ALS.

The Rapid implements service enchantments, riders ride for free Monday and Tuesday

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,
The Rapid announced it will be implementing schedule changes on Monday. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Wyoming and Kentwood residents utilizing The Rapid for transportation will be able to ride for free Monday, Aug. 30, and Tuesday, Aug. 31.

The reason for the free rides is to get users acclimated to the new Rapid schedules which go into effect on Aug. 30. The schedules and service changes were recommend by the Mobility for All project, a two-year analysis and pubic outreach process that looked at ways to improve The Rapid transit system. Wave card users will still be asked to tap their cards to track ridership but no funds will be charged from their cards. 

“The service plan that will be implemented on Monday is the result of exhaustive study and public feedback, and we’re confident that the changes being made will provide better service overall to the residents of the entire six-city area,” said Max Dillivan, Senior Planner and project Manager for Mobility for All. “We’re excited to be offering two days of free rides to help customers transition to new schedules and adjusted routes.”

The service enhancements are focused on buses running more frequently on The Rapid’s busiest routes, improving the on-time performance of all routes, creating easier transfers between routes, and providing better connections to high-demand destinations.

Six of the Rapid’s busiest routes will run every 15 minutes on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. as part of these enhancements. These frequency improvements will translate into 136,000 more area residents and 67,000 more area jobs being located within 1⁄4 mile of 15-minute service, Monday through Friday until 6 p.m.

In addition, new connections to high-demand destinations will be created at the Plainfield Meijer store, RiverTown Crossings Mall, as well as Ivanrest Avenue and Gezon Parkway.

Routes in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas that will be impacted with the changes are:

Route 1, Division and Madison: will now travel to Metro Health on all trips and will loop around the the village to service the VA clinic. The route also will now include Madison between Franklin and Burton streets.

Route 2, Kalamazoo: will no longer go to Kentwood City Hall, but will continue on down Kalamazoo and end at the Gaines Meijer.

Route 3, Wyoming/Rivertown (formerly Route 16): will no longer stop at Metro Health, but instead will turn on 44th Street and end at RiverTown Crossings Mall.

Route 4, Eastern: will be streamlined by taking Cherry directly from Central Station to Eastern. The one-way loop will be eliminated to provide two-way service on 60th and Eastern avenues south of 52nd Street.

Route 5, Wealthy/Woodland: the route will remain unchanged but will include a one-seat ride from downtown to Cascade.

 

Route 6, Eastern/Woodland: inbound will be moved from Ottawa to Monroe to provide better transfers with outer routes. The route will be interlined with Route 44 on weekdays to improve operational efficiency.

 

Route 8, Grandville/Rivertown: will take Wilson Avenue direct to Century Center rather than go down 44th Street. The route also will be extended to the RiverTown Target for transfers.

 

Route 10, Clyde Park: will take over the Division Avenue/68th Street loop from Route 1. The loop, which is south on Clyde Park to east on 54th Street, south on Division Avenue then west on 68th Street and then running north on Clyde Park, will be peak-only on weekdays from 6 – 9 a.m. and 3 – 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday.

Route 24, Burton: will be extended south on Ivanrest to RiverTown Crossings Mall. The route will go directly to Camelot from Woodland rather than deviating to 28th Street and Lake Eastbrook Drive.

Route 27, Airport Industrial: Route 17 and Route 5 peak extension will be merged into single circular route to supplement the Kentwood on-demand zone during high traffic times. The route will operate in the morning and evening weekday peeks every 30 minutes.

Route 28, West 28th: this route will be split into two routes, with Route 28 to be extended west to Fairlanes through Grandville.

Route 29, East 28th: will take over the route east of Woodland Mall with the loops to Acquest and the YMCA eliminated. Also, the route will only enter the Meijer on Kraft Avenue on the westbound trip.

Route 44, 44th Street: will enter/ext RiverTown Crossings Mall via the Potomac rather than Wilson Avenue due to the mall stop being moved to the east side of the building. Hourly Sunday service from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. will be added.

 

There are other route changes in the Grand Rapids area. For a complete schedule, visit  ridetherapid.org/mobility-for-all. There will be no increase in local operational funding to implement the service enhancements.

BISSELL Pet Foundation fights shelter overcrowding

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, Recreation, , , , ,
Cora, a one-eyed, 9.5-year-old dog was all to find her fur-ever home in the Empty the Shelters: Big Dog and Cat Crisis campaign. (Supplied)

By Brittany Schlacter
BISSELL Pet Foundation

More than 1,800 dogs and cats found forever homes over the course of six days through the emergency “Empty the Shelters: Big Dog & Cat Crisis” event with BISSELL Pet Foundation. The event was hosted in 97 shelters in 29 states. BISSELL Pet Foundation aided shelters experiencing overcrowding by sponsoring reduced fees for harder to place pets, including adult cats and large and senior dogs.

Approximately 808 adult cats and 997 large or senior dogs were adopted during the event hosted Aug. 16-22, 2021, including 33 cat and 49 dog “foster failures,” (when a foster family plans to adopt the pet) and a total of 1,887 animal lives were touched because of the effort.

Since Jan. 2021, BISSELL Pet Foundation has helped find homes for 12,427 pets and provided $927,100 in direct funding to the shelter partners through “Empty the Shelters.”

 

“With shelters struggling with overcrowding across the country, the adoptions through this emergency ‘Empty the Shelter’ have opened up space to help another 1,805 pets in need,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “We thank our partner shelters for the incredible work they did to help these pets find families, and of course a heartfelt thank you to all of the people who chose adoption and gave these pets a second chance at life.”

While thousands of lives were saved, here are just a few notable adoption stories from throughout the country:

  • Cora, a one-eyed, 9.5-year-old dog in Cummings, GA, found a fantastic home to live out her golden years after four months in the care of Animal Ark Rescue.
  • A diagnosis of kidney disease didn’t stop Sassy, the 14-year-old calico from Carsonville, MI, from securing her forever home during Sanilac County Humane Society’s event.
  • Houston Humane Society adopted out one of their longest residents during this emergency Empty the Shelters. Shelby, a six-year-old dog, found her family after 150 days at the shelter.

The next “Empty the Shelters” event is scheduled for October. For more information on adopting or donating to “Empty the Shelters,” visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters.

For this Metro Cruise group, it’s not just about the cars — but the stories and the friendships, too

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Recreation, WKTV Projects
Deb Beek with her 1966 Chevy Stepside Pickup c10 (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Deb Beek’s interest in painting cars started because “I was told I couldn’t.”

So when her husband, Al (who was not the person who told her no), was getting ready to paint his 1964 Dodge Polara, she told him she wanted to paint it.

Al Beek with his 1955 Ford Panel Truck (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“I was like sure,” Al said. “We decided to do a red and I went with a DuPont paint which is an easy paint to use.

“When she was done, the paint job was just beautiful. It was as good as what the big body shops do.”

It was so good, that the car even won a few awards, but after a few years of owning the Polara, Al decided he wanted a new project. So he sold it and picked up a 1955 Ford Panel Truck for himself and a 1966 Chevy Stepside Pickup c10 for Deb. This time he asked Deb to paint the cars with the couple working as team, he did the body work, she did the painting.

Collectors love their cars but they love sharing their stories even more and it’s the story like the Beeks that bring them together and before, during, and after Metro Cruise. One such group of ten that the Beeks are part of meet every Wednesday night at Frankie V’s, sharing stories about cars, cruises and life.

“It is a unique group of individuals,” said Alan Wright, the owner of a 1958 Thunderbird. Unique in that most of the people in this group have been attending the Metro Cruise since is started in 2005. That distinction earned the group a special honor, they are the cars and drivers who bring the Miss Metro Cruise contestants to the stage.

Jeff Lombard with his 1973 AMC Gremlin (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“I had one who came up and she was tall with high heels and she folded herself right into my car,” laughed Jeff Lombard, who owns a 1973 AMC Gremlin.

“It is kind of interesting to have people come check it out,” Lombard said of his car. “They always say something like ‘I use to have one of those’ or ‘I can’t believe you still have one.’”

Actually Lombard purchased his Gremlin brand new off the lot in 1973. Soon after he got married and acquired a company car, he put the Gremlin in storage.

“I never thought much about the car until we were moving to another house,” Lombard said. “I went into the storage shed, put a battery in and gas and the car started right up.”

Usually at Metro Cruise, Lombard parks his car next to his brother’s 1970 AMC Javelin that he too bought brand new off the lot.

Tim Lombard with his 1970 AMC Javlin (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“I think I paid about $2,500 out the door for it,” Tim Lombard said. “I actually wanted a Barracuda but I couldn’t find one. This was a great deal, so I decided to take it.”

It is not hard to find the group at Metro Cruise, they take up the first 21 spots at the Rogers Plaza, something Wright said the group was able to secure because of their long participation. Wander through and you’ll discover an amazing sampling of classics from Lombards’ AMCs to Joe Birgles 1967 Olds 442, Ray Doornbos 1960s Chevy Pickup, and Bill Dewing’s 1957 Chevy.

Nestled among those cars is Wayne Kester’s 1957 Chevy Belair. The Belair design is often consider an auto icon having been used in toys and other merchandise. A closer look at Kester’s and you are quick to discover that this is a two-door post car that does not have a hard-top. A rare find indeed.

“It was actually a barn find in Sparta,” Kester said. “The uniqueness is that it is an in-line straight 6, original motor with 250 horsepower.”

Wayne Kester with his 1957 Chevy Belair (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

It is the original motor, original color, original transmission and original rear-end with no Bondo or rust. In fact, due to its outstanding safety rating — Kester said he maintains the car to be road safe — it was invited to represent Michigan in a National Street Rod Association event in Louisville, Kentucky.

“I was looking for a convertible and I couldn’t find one,” Kester said. “I came across this car by accident. It is something that nobody else has.”

Of course, in every group there is that one car that that has the story you have to hear. That would be Terry Bush’s 1971 Chevy Nova.

“My brother-in-law gave it to me as no one else wanted it,” Bush said. “I don’t know if it was a deal, as I had to rebuild it.”

Bush’s work on the car was recognized as he earned a first place award. Unfortunately, on the way home, the car was in an accident. So Bush had the car redone and again went to a car show, receiving an award, only to have the car catch on fire on the way home. He again had the car repaired and again took it to a show, won an award only to have a friend back into it at the show.

“It is has had four complete paint jobs,” Bush said with the group laughing. “At this point, I tend to avoid getting any trophies at the shows.”

So if you are wandering through Metro Cruise this Saturday, make sure to visit spots one through 21. Check out the cars, listen to the stories, and feel free to share a few of your own.

Should Fido be allowed to visit Pinery Park? City of Wyoming would like to know

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Recreation
City of Wyoming residents have until Aug. 30 to complete the survey on dog restrictions. (pxhere.com0

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Walk around in a public area such as a park or outdoor mall and you are bound to come across a dog or two.

There is no doubt that attitudes toward dogs are much different than they were in the late 1990s, which has the City of Wyoming asking whether it should continue its restrictions on dogs at Pinery Park.

“About 24 years ago, we instituted a ban on dogs at Pinery Park,” said Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebeca Rynbrandt. “The history at the time was there were concerns over specific breeds perceived to be aggressive and people were fearful that dogs at a park would do something.”

Other dog-related concerns were allergies to dogs and the dander, pet owners who allow dogs to run off leash and were not under control by their handlers, and frustration with pet owners who did not pick up after their dogs. These concerns promoted the Parks and Recreation Commission to have public hearings that resulted in Pinery Park being pet free from May to October. 

Flash forward to today, where people tend to bring their dogs just about everywhere, parks, hotels, restaurants, etc. They can even be seen at Pinery Park.

One of the concerns raised in 1997 was pet owners and handlers not controlling their animals. (pxhere.com)

“There is the challenge of enforcement,” Rynbrandt said. “We have park rangers who would remind people and then we have to get public safety officers to help with enforcement. Still residents just don’t know the regulations or just don’t want to recognize it.”

So the Parks and Recreation Commission decided it would ask its residents through a survey on whether to lift the ban on dogs at Pinery Park. Residents have until Aug. 30 to fill out the survey with results being posted on the city website the week of Sept. 20. The Parks and Recreation Commission will have a public hearing on the matter Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW.

“We take pride in our parks and value the input of our community,” Rynbrandt said. “It’s important that we hear directly from people who visit our parks and care about our community on whether the need for a ban is still necessary.”

Engagement is a key component for the Parks and Recreation, Rynbrandt said. It was surveys and community engagement that was instrumental in the redevelopment of Gezon Park with the city planning to seek community input on Marquette Park next. Recently, the Parks and Recreation surveyed its residents about program offerings.

For more information about the Parks and Recreation programs and other activities, visit www.wyomingmi.gov, call 616-530-3164, or email parks_info@wyomingmi.gov.  

Wyoming football ready for FH Northern, return to normal season in WKTV’s Feature Game opener

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Faces, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports, ,
Wyoming high head football coach Carlton Brewster, left, watches over practice Aug. 24, as the Wolves prepare for their season opener Aug. 26. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Wyoming High School football team will open its 2021 season Thursday, Aug. 26, hosting Forest Hills Northern in a game which not only marks the debut of head coach Carlton Brewster II leading the program but marks a return to near normal after a 2020 season radically altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

And WKTV will be there to begin its 2021-22 Featured Game coverage season and a season-long run of cable television and on-demand coverage of local high school football. This week’s game at Wyoming will kick off at 7 p.m.

For Wolves coach Brewster, who took over the Wyoming program in March after Irv Sigler Jr. resigned after four years leading the program, the opening night game against the Northern Huskies will be first and foremost chance to begin a normal season after a nearly lost year in 2020.

Wyoming played only five games, posting a 1-4 record in the team’s first season playing the likes of the Muskegon and Zeeland schools in the OK Green, and had several spring and summer restrictions on the program’s off-season activities. (Northern — out of the OK White — posted a 4-3 record leas year, and the two teams did not play as usual in early season action.)

Wyoming high football head coach Carlton Brewster II. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“Our first four games will still be challenging … You have to be ready every week,” Coach Brewster said to WKTV this week. “But it is good for our kids (to have the early season games). We can find out where our kids are at, early on, and as a staff we can come together and decide we need to build on these areas to prepare to go into the OK (Green).”

Not that Brewster and his staff do not already have an idea of the team’s strengths and weaknesses, particularly on offense — the side of the ball where Brewster has excelled playing and coaching in his career. (See a WKTV Journal story about coach Brewster when he took over the program, and see a video interview with him.)

“We got some good skill guys,” Brewster said. “And we are going to utilize the spread (offense) and we are going to utilize the guys we have and get the ball to those guys.”

Wyoming high assistant coach Aaron Berlin working with the team at a practice. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Brewster is also pleased with how the players have ‘bought into” the program since he took over — “Spring and summer has been great (for the program). We came in right away and lifted weights pretty much every single day. A lot of kids bought in.”

And he also pointed out senior leadership as being another strength of his new program.

Isaiah Clark “can play very position on the line, fullback, tight end,” Brewster said. “He’s a great kid. He’s 100 miles an hour and a 3.0 (grade) kid.”

Amani Hobson plays offensive and defensive line, and “does a great job where ever he plays. And Mateo Ledesma plays running back and safety, and will be one of those “skill guys” who will get the ball in his hands — a lot.

WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of football and other fall prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.

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

Cascade Township to host ‘Metro Cruise Warm-Up’ all-ages event on Thursday, Aug. 26

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Food, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
The 28th Street Metro Cruise takes place Aug. 27 and 28 in Wyoming and Kentwood. But Cascade will host a “Warm-Up” — with lots of fun and cars — on Thursday, Aug. 26. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

After being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up returns to Cascade Township where it will welcome classic car lovers and community members of all ages.

This year’s event will take place from 4:30-8:30 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 26, in the parking lot at Fowling Warehouse Grand Rapids, 6797 Cascade Road SE. The free-to-attend event will feature activities for car enthusiasts, music lovers, families and children, including classic show cars, music by The Soul Syndicate, and face painting and balloon sculpting for the little ones.

There will also be variety of dinner and dessert options available from local food trucks, including Patty Matters, The Grilled Greek, O’Hana Ice and Mexcellente.

“The Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up is a wonderful way for residents of all ages to get outdoors, have fun and connect with neighbors,” Sandra Korhorn, Cascade Township economic development director, said in supplied material. “We are beyond excited to return this year and gather with the community to listen to great music, grab a bite to eat and, of course, admire dozens of classic cars.”

The Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up leads into the 28th Street Metro Cruise, West Michigan’s premiere auto cruise and car show set for Friday, Aug. 27 through Saturday, Aug. 28, at Wyoming’s Rogers Plaza and Kentwood’s Woodland Mall.

Cascade’s Metro Cruise Warm-Up will also feature a silent auction that will benefit the Kent County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office will auction off two ride-alongs with the K-9 Unit. Each ride-along will consist of a six-hour patrol shift that will “give participants the opportunity to see the role of law enforcement from a unique perspective,” according to supplied material. Participants must be 18 years or older and pass a criminal background check. The K-9 Unit will also perform a live demonstration at 7 p.m.

For more information on the Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up visit the Township’s website or the event’s Facebook page.

County seeks applicants for boards and commissions, including a Wyoming resident to library board

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Our Cities, Volunteers, WKTV Projects,
The Kent County Board of Commissioners (from a previous meeting). (Supplied/Kent County)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking “qualified and interested” residents to serve the community through appointment to various boards, commissions, and committees.

Some positions require certain experience in select fields, while other simply require people to be interested in serving their community. Some, but not all appointments, require an individual to be a resident or a registered voter of Kent County.

All applications for appointment must be filed with the Board of Commissioner’s office by close of business, Friday, Sept. 30.

One open position which requires a citizen of Wyoming is on the Kent District Library Board, with an opening for a Region 8 resident member from the City of Wyoming. (Also available is the Region 4 resident member from either Bowne, Lowell,Vergennes Township or City of Lowell).

Other boards, commissions, and committees that have openings for terms effective Jan. 1, 2022 (unless otherwise noted) include:

Agricultural Preservation Board (openings for agricultural interest representative and conservation representative).


Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, Board of Directors (must be 60 years or older).

Community Health Advisory Committee (openings for at-large member, community-based organization representative, health care provider representative, and Kent ISD representative).

Community Mental Health Authority Board (Network 180) Board (Term begins April 1,2022).

County Building Authority.

Friend of the Court Citizens’ Advisory Committee (attorney who engages primarily in Family Law and one representative of the public).

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRFIA) Authority Board.

Housing Commission.

Jury Commission.

Kent County Community Action Advisory Governing Board (openings for one consumer sector member and one public sector member).

Kent County Family & Children’s Coordinating Council (private agency representatives, private funding representatives).

Kent Hospital Finance Authority (two openings for County Representative members).

Officers’ Compensation Commission (four member openings).

Remonumentation Peer Review Group (openings for four professional surveyor members).

Veterans Services Committee (openings for four U.S. armed forces veteran members).

Qualified residents may apply by completing an online application on the County’s website at accessKent.com/boardappointments. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2021.


For additional information on the boards and commissions visit the Kent County website here or contact the Board of Commissioner’s office at 616-632-7580.

Wyoming police seeking information on Aug. 23 assault

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming Police are seeing information on an assault that took place in the 4400 block of Herman Avenue on Aug. 23 at around 12:30 a.m.

The incident, according to police, stemmed from an altercation involving four individuals who were known to each other and resulted in all four of them receiving injuries requiring medical treatment at a local hospital. According to police, the injuries were sustained from being stabbed or assaulted with a blunt object. One of these individuals sustained life-threatening injuries and is in critical condition at a local hospital. One individual has been traded and released, one has been treated and then lodged at Kent County Correctional Facility on charges related to this incident, and one remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. 

The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are working to determine the role of each person involved in the incident. The individual who was lodged at Kent County Correctional Facility will be held pending review of changes by the Kent County prosecutor.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345. 

Metro Cruise, looking east for cruise extension and more exposure, partners with Woodland Mall

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, Woodland Mall, ,
Bob O’Callaghan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, talks about the chamber’s Metro Cruise expanding out to a second location in 2021, at the Woodland Mall.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

People who have a history of cruising with the 28th Street Metro Cruise know it once extended from Cascade to Wyoming, with Woodland Mall a good middle point turnaround for some.

Bob O’Callaghan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the hosting organization of the Metro Cruise, would like to see those days return.

But this year, just having the event extend its footprint and have a presence at Woodland Mall is a big step in the right direction.

“Woodland (Mall) has been an endpoint for a lot of folks going east,” O’Callaghan said to WKTV. “We are trying to get more people in Cascade, or whatever, doing events that go all the way, the full 13 miles. But at this point Woodland has been a great way to do that.”

The 28th Street Metro Cruise officially kicks-off Friday, Aug. 27, at 4 p.m., at its usual and main location at Rogers Plaza in Wyoming, and will continue Saturday, Aug. 28.

Rogers Plaza mall parking lot in Wyoming is always a focal point for the 28th Street Metro Cruise. (WKACC)

As in past years, the Rogers Plaza mall parking lot will feature food trucks and concessionaires, hundreds of collector cars, a kid’s entertainment area, a community awards ceremony, the crowd-favorite Miss Metro Cruise competition finals, live music on the Metro-Main Stage, and the popular Dynamometer car testing area where attendees can see cars rev up to 160 mph. (For more information and schedule of events visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.)

But at the second Main Event site, located on the off 28th Street at Woodland Mall, on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., will feature a wide array of collector, sports, and antique cars. It will also feature multiple food vendors including local food trucks, and official Metro Cruise merchandise.
 

“The good thing about this event here at Woodland Mall is that it is an opportunity for some of the folks in Cascade, Ada, who usually drive down to Rogers Plaza but don’t want to, have a closer venue,” O’Callaghan said. “We’ll have a lot of folks come into see the cars, and we’ll have a lot of folks just want see what it is. … It is a great opportunity for people to come in, park, look at the cars, and have a good time.”

O’Callaghan also expressed gratitude to the management of Woodland Mall for working with the Metro Cruise — “We are glad to have them be part of this for this year and hope it grows.”

And Woodland Mall is happy to be part of the festivities.

“We are looking forward again to welcoming the 28th Street Metro Cruise to Woodland Mall,” Mikia Ross, interim senior marketing director for Woodland Mall, said to WKTV. “In addition to providing shoppers and guests with an excellent selection of shopping, dining and entertainment offerings, we also host many free events and programs for the community to enjoy year-round. … Metro Cruise is one of many events we’ve been grateful to be a part of again this year to bring the West Michigan community together.”

Snapshots: Car talk and a look at what’s coming next

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

“As children, we all live in a world of imagination, of fantasy, and for some of us that world of make-believe continues into adulthood.”

Puppeteer and Muppets creator Jim Henson

You’ve Got a Friend

George Keen, left, and Ralph Baker on The Racing Show, taped by WKTV in January, 2020. (WKTV)

George Keen was a friend and mentor for many at WKTV. Known as the face of the popular “The Racing Show,” George would lend his natural broadcast talents to a number of WKTV projects such as DreamWheels at Metro Cruise and the sports show. General Manager Tom Norton writes “Something tells me that if Heaven has racing and they want the new guy to ‘call the race,’ everyone back here who knew George would recommend him highly.” WKTV thanks George’s family for sharing this man of many talents with us.

Revving up for Metro Cruise

It’s hard to believe that Metro Cruise is only a week away, but it is! The largest car show in West Michigan has a ton of events including a Wyoming versus Kentwood chicken wings challenge. Of courses, the cars will be the cente point with them lined up along 28th Street. Bonus: this year there will be two main locations, Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall. For more on this year’s event, click here. For a look at past events, click here. The Metro Cruise schedule is available at wktvjournal.org and 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.

Forward Thinking

Scenes form “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”, coming to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum this fall. (SEE Attractions)

ArtPrize is on the horizon for Sept. 16 – Oct. 3 but there are several other cool events coming into Grand Rapids this fall as well. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will be hosting “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition.” The immersive visual experience is set to open Oct. 22. The Grand Rapids Art Museum will be featuring the work of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish, members of the Gun Lake Tribe, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band. The two are renowned for their artistry in black ash basketry. And the John Ball Zoo recently announced it will bring back IllumiZoo Wild Hues this fall. Guests will be able to stroll through an illuminated landscape of nature drenched with lighting and sounds. IllumiZoo will run Sept. 3 to Nov. 14.

La Marquise, the oldest running car in the world. (Public Domain)

Fun Fact: 137 years old and still running

Currently holding the title of the oldest running car is the La Marquise from France. The vehicle was manufactured in 1884 by De Dion, Bouton, and Trepardoux. The car was built as a prototype named after De Dion’s mother, and it was based on a quadricycle design. In 1987, an Englishman bought the car from a French auction and brought it home. After working on the car, he was able to get it running and it was the oldest car in the 1996 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. The car was given the number “0” for the race. In a 2011 auction, the car sold for more than four and half million dollars. It is in a private collection.

Kent County now ‘high’ COVID risk, Wyoming, Kentwood schools issue mask mandates

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health
Kentwood Public Schools and Wyoming Public Schools have announced a mask mandate for the start of the school year.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised the level of COVID-19  infection to ‘high’ from ‘substantial’ for Kent County with the recommendation that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a face mask in indoors.

The CDC defines ‘high’ transmission as more than 100 cases per 100,000 people, or a positivity rate of 10 percent or greater in the past seven days. Kent County currently has a seven-day positivity rate of 8.4 percent and seven-day average for new caess is 103 per 100,000. 

“Vaccines remain our best tool for ending this pandemic so we continue to urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Dr. Adam London, director of the Kent County Health Department, “With the delta variant spreading quickly throughout our community, we must remain vigilant and take extra steps in protecting our friends, family, and neighbors.”

Yesterday, Kentwood Public Schools became the second school district in Kent County to issue a mask mandate starting in the fall. In an open letter to the community. Superintendent Kevin Polsten said that as of Aug. 17 (the date of the letter), 41% of students ages 17-12 have been vaccinated with 67% 16 and older in the Kentwood community having been vaccinated.

Following suit today was the Wyoming Public Schools which announced that based on the latest guidance by the KCHD and the CDC announcement, the district would be requiring masks for all ore-12 students and staff indoors in all district buildings regardless of age or vaccination status.

Grand Rapids Public Schools issued a similar mask mandate earlier this week. Forest Hills Public Schools announced earlier this week that students and staff not vaccinated will be required to wear masks.

London has not issued a mask mandate from the Kent County Health Department, but in a video released, he stated he “highly recommend” people wear masks in indoor places.

The Kent County Health Department with the CDC recommends the following guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

Get vaccinated

Wear a mask or face coverage in all indoor public settings, regardless or vaccination status

Practice good hand washing hygiene

Avoid large crowds and maintain social distance from people outside of your household

Get test if you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Due to the current risk classification and positivity rate, an eviction moratorium from CDC now covers Kent County. Tenants with high or substantial transmission who meet income requirements, face a loss of income, are trying to pay rent and submit a declaration form to their landlord, are covers by the moratorium through Oct. 3, 2021. However, residents should remember that there is no moratorium for property taxes.

WKTV’s commitment to, and coverage, of Metro Cruise runs decades deep; catch some highlights

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,
The 2013 Metro Cruise, filmed by WKTV. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Since 2005, the 28th Street Metro Cruise has been an annual event put on by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, but “cruising 28th Street” has been a “thing” long before then — people have grown up cruising up and down 28th Street, maybe first with their father and now with their children.

Cruisers have long considered 28th Street a memorable place for car lovers, particularly around the Rogers Plaza area in Wyoming, and “Bringing car lovers together to celebrate this long-standing tradition was the foundation for the current event,” the chamber states on their website.
 

And WKTV Community Media has been covering the 28th Street Metro Cruise since its inception.

“WKTV Community Media has for nearly half a century been part of the Wyoming and Kentwood community and, with Metro Cruise being one of largest gatherings of our community, we have a long history with the event,” Tom Norton, general manger of WKTV Community Media, said. “We have covered it in many ways over the years. Rain or shine. Big and smaller. The cars change but our commitment to coverage has not.”

For just a sampling of WKTV’s coverage, and some recent YouTube highlights, see the following links:

The History of Metro Cruise


Even in the COVID-19 year of 2020, WKTV got creative and still offered up a show.



In 2017, a car show met Hollywood premiere as WKTV brought classic vehicles to the red carpet.



In 2018, WKTV looked at what “classic sports and performance cars” might look like in the future.



2014 Metro Cruise Live



For more information and schedule of events visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.

Kent County Health urges residents to follow CDC guidelines

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

As both pro and against masks supporters protested in Kent County, Kent County Health Department Administrative Health Officer Adam London issued a statement announcing he had no plans at this time to issue a mask mandate.

 

Dr. Adama London’s full statement on COVID guidelines and masks. (Kent County Health Department)

“…I am not issuing a public health order mandating masks in the schools at this time,” London said in the three-page release. “This decision is due to the reality that not all options have been exhausted to prevent the danger before us.

“The schools and the parents have even a greater power than the health department to protect the children and the community in this instance.”

London said the challenge facing many communities across the nation is indeed severe. The Delta variant spreads many times quicker than the original form of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent has estimated that upwards of 83 percent of all new COVID cases in the U.S. are the Delta variant.

According to London, a person infected with the the Delta variant will, on average, spread that infection to between five and nine others compared to the original form which spreads to two or thee other people. The current surge in new COVID cases began in the southern states and is rapidly advancing across the nation.

“Sadly, there has also been a steep incline in the number of pediatric COVID cases reported over the past six weeks from about 8,400 per week to almost 94,000 last week,” he said, adding that pediatricians are also increasingly concerned about multi system inflammatory syndrome, which can be serious, even deadly inflammation of a child’s internal organs, and also the chronic effects of long-term COVID.

According to Kent County Health Department information, in Michigan, the new COVID cases has risen from 11 per day in early July to 86 per day this week. The rate of which COVID tests are found to be positive has increased from 2 percent to 7.3 percent during that same timeframe.

“At this time, I am presenting the community with the highest recommendation possible that schools and the parents require adherence to the guidance of the CDC, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Kent County Health Department,” London said in his statement. “Above all, I expect that the children under the age of 12, who are not yet eligible for vaccine, are protected through mask use and other proven prevention strategies.”

For up-to-date information on COVID and related issues, visit the Kent County Health Department’s website 

Large crowds expected at this year’s Metro Cruise

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, WKTV Projects, ,
Metro Cruise takes place Aug. 27 and 28. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

With the attendance at the Metro Cruise Dust Off and at the Miss Metro Cruise preliminaries almost double in past years, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce President Bob O’Callaghan is pretty confident that this year’s Metro Cruise will also have an increase in attendance.

Set for Aug. 27 and 28, the annual car show has previously drawn about 250,000 people city-wide to dozens of events along 28th Street. Because 2020 had no events due to the COVID pandemic, O’Callaghan said he has seen a huge interest in people wanting to get out and do something this summer. Not only has that been proven with the Metro Cruise’s earlier events but both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood have reported high attendance for the municipalities summer concert series.

 

“So we know people are ready to get out and show their cars,” O’Callaghan said. “We are hoping for a great weekend.”

In response to post-COVID surges seen at other events, Metro Cruise organizers have made some changes for this year’s event. More portable restrooms and hand wash stations have been added. Multiple stations along the main walkway will have hand sanitizer. Collector car parking areas have been shifted further from walkways. The number of vendors also have been decrease in an effort to increase spacing between attendees.

The event will not operate at reduce numbers, nor will mask wearing or six-foot distancing be enforced, unless any Kent County Healthy Department, state or federal mandates are put back in place before the Metro Cruise weekend. 

“We encourage all attendees to be smart,” said Event Manager Brandon Simmons. “If you’re sick with COVID-like symptoms, or have recently been exposed to someone who tested positive, please plan to visit us next year. If you do attend, wear a mask if desired and keep some space around you.”

As for the event, it is going to be bigger than last year with the addition of a second anchor location, Woodland Mall. which will be open on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. The Woodland Mall location will feature a wide array collector, sports, and antique cars along with activities.

A preview event is set for Tuesday, Aug. 24, 6 – 8 p.m. at Rivertown Ridge, 3555 Copper River Ave. SW. The main event will take place Aug. 27 and 28 at Rogers Plaza parking lot. Rogers Plaza will feature more than 20 food trucks and concessionaires, 400 collector cars, kids entertainment area, Community Awards ceremony and the Miss Metro Cruise competition finale, area bands, and the Dynamometer car testing area.

At the 2019 event, there was a donut challenge between the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming. The mayors of both cities have been encouraging another event this year, so Metro Cruise will be hosting the Duel of the Cities chicken wing challenge between Wyoming’s Brann’s Steakhouse and Kentwood’s Candied Yam, O’Callaghan said. The event is set for 11 a.m. Aug. 28 at Rogers Plaza.


But the main attraction of Metro Cruise is the cars, O’Callaghan said.

“We get [the cars] from all over the place and it is the whole 13 miles of 28th Street, It is not just our two locations,” O’Callaghan said. “A lot of folks are doing different events as the week goes on.”

The most important aspect of the Metro Cruise is having people support the local businesses, he said.

 

“So have a burger or purchase a t-shirt from the businesses that are along 28th Street,” he said. 

A regular Marge’s Donut Den meeting group hosts event focused on Wyoming-based foundation

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Health, , ,
Father Peter Omogo with villagers celebrate the opening of a new well in 2020. (SOF)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Marge Wilson remembers watching a woman make the sign of the cross just before putting a cup underneath a fountain to get water.

Clean water is an essential need in many third world countries. Polluted water isn’t just dirty, it’s deadly, according to the Koshland Science Museum. Some 1.8 million people die every year of diarrheal diseases like cholera because they drink dirty water. Tens of millions of others are seriously sickened by a host of water-related ailments, many of which are preventable if these people had access to clean drinking water.

It is why Wilson, the owner of Marge’s Donut Den, in 2012 decided to start the Samual Omogo Foundation, which is dedicated to building water wells in villages in Southeastern Nigeria. The foundation is named after Samuel Omogo, a Nigerian man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of people in Nigerian villages. He was well known for his philanthropic deeds of visiting the sick, bringing food, clothing and school supplies to those in need.

 

“I think Samuel is a man who did so much for his people that I am grateful that his children can see all those wells and say ‘Daddy made a difference in everybody’s life,’” Wilson said in an interview for the foundation.

The Samuel Omogo Foundation will be the focus of the next Mr. Sid’s Video Series Thursday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW.

“Our Mr. Sid accomplished many things during his lifetime. Maybe what he was most proud of was he and Beulah’s many service trips to support John and Atts Devries and the work of Mission India,” said Tom Sibly, one of the organizers of the Mr. Sid’s Video program. Sid Lenger was a World War II veteran who loved to share his stories and video travelogues. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 100. Friends and family have continued the video series that have expanded to include special events.

Sibley said the Samuel Omogo Foundation seemed a natural extension to Mr. Sid’s passion of helping people.

Father Peter Omogo will be presenting at the Thursday program. Father Peter will talk about the creation of the Samuel Omogo Foundation, it’s work and his journey that has taken him from Nigeria to West Michigan. Coffee and cookies will be provided after the program.

The next event for the Sid’s Video Series will a Mr. Sid’s birthday program on Sept. 8.

Clean water is one the biggest essential needs in many third world countries. (SOF)

Wyoming seeks input on recreation department programs

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Recreation, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wkv.org

Have an idea for a program you would like to see the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department offer? Cannot live without adult softball? Now is the time to share your opinions.

Do residents enjoy participating in pickle ball? The Wyoming Parks and Recreation is asking for residents’ opinions on what the city should offer. (Supplied)

This week, the city’s Park and Recreation Department has released a survey seeking input from residents on what type of programs they would like to the see the city offer.

“We really want to get a better idea of what residents love and can’t live without and what programs they would like to see the city add,” said the city’s Recreation Supervisor Krashawn Martin.

The survey is 19 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Questions includes what programs residents find valuable such as adult kickball, adult softball, youth dance, youth gymnastics, pickle ball, ceramics, line dance, tumble and play and special events such as Trick or Treat Trail, Daddy Daughter Dance, and the Candy Hunt. Other questions ask what programs residents would like to see for different age levels.

Martin noted the Parks and Recreation Department has not had such a survey in awhile with city officials wanting to learn what residents would like to see.

“Do they want the leagues or maybe they want more special events such as the Trick or Treat Trail,” she said. “This is to help us plan what we will be doing and where we will be going.”

Residents have until Aug. 16 to complete the survey, which can be found here. The results of the survey will impact the 2022-2023 season, Martin said, adding that the city is already in fall program mode.

In fact, registration for fall programs officially has open. For more information on fall programs, click here. 

Similar and different than West Nile, county health official details Jamestown Canyon virus found in Kent County

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Hard News, Health, WKTV Projects, ,
Paul Bellamy, Kent County Health Department (KCHD) public health epidemiologist, answering questions from WKTV. (KCHD)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Health Department announced Friday that the Jamestown Canyon virus has been detected in tested mosquitoes in Kent County. The discovery was made during ongoing surveillance and testing conducted by the health department in the 49504 ZIP code (westside Grand Rapids and Walker).
 

This is the first time the Jamestown Canyon virus has been detected in Kent County, and the county stresses that the finding was not a human case but in planned mosquito testing.

“Jamestown Canyon virus is similar to West Nile virus in a couple different ways: one is that they are both transmitted by mosquitoes and that they are both quite serious,” Paul Bellamy, KCHD public health epidemiologist, said to WKTV. “However, they differ in the amount that we see them here in the midwest. West Nile virus has been occurring, reoccurring for many years. Jamestown Canyon virus has only been seen over the last (few) years. … over the last decade, we have seen an uptick in the amount of mosquito-born viruses across the U.S. This is one of the symptoms of that (mosquito population increase).”

For a detailed discussion on how Jamestown Canyon virus was discovered, and why Bellamy believes it happened now, see video at top or here.

West Nile and Jamestown viruses can also have similar symptoms, but also are similar in the rarity of their causing serious illness, Bellamy said.

“Both have very similar presentations, as far as when people do become ill,” he said. “A lot of them are asymptotic, but those that do have … fevers, malaise, chills, like that. But it has the potential of becoming serious. … (But) Jamestown Canyon virus has a very low potential of having that happen.”

While the virus has been detected throughout much of the United States, most cases to date have occurred in the upper Midwest. Jamestown Canyon virus can rarely cause severe disease, including infection of the brain (encephalitis) or the lining around the brain (meningitis). There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Jamestown Canyon virus infection.

“Fortunately, the measures that people can take to protect themselves from other mosquito borne illnesses like West Nile Virus will work,” Bellamy said in supplied material. “This time of year, it is good to practice simple and proven steps that we already know work in preventing mosquito bites.”
 

The KCHD recommends the following prevention tactics: using a mosquito repellant that contains 10-35 percent DEET; wearing light colored clothing and long-sleeved shirts and pants; staying indoors during dusk hours; remove or refresh water in bird baths, children’s wading pools, pet water bowls; and empty other small containers that can collect water in your yard.

More information about prevention can be found at accesskent.com/Health.

Snapshots: A community clean-up, a history lesson, and butterflies

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Entertainment, Recycling, , , ,

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.

Poet Robert Frost

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

Wyoming: Time to Purge

This Saturday, Wyoming residents have the opportunity to participate in the citywide Community Clean Up Day. Residents, with proof of residency, may bring items, free of charge for most items, to Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St. SW. Hazardous waste will not be accepted this year. The site will be open from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and participants must be in line by 1:30 p.m to drop off items. For more information, visit wyomingmi.gov/cleanup.

Photo taken by Tom Schillaci of Muskegon (WMTA)

Make Your Vote Count

Voting is now open for the West Michigan Photo Contest hosted by the West Michigan Tourist Association. More than 1,800 photos were submitted to the competition with WMTA narrowing down the photos to the top 50. Now Michigan residents have the chance to vote on who will be the winners. The top 50 photo entries are posted in a photo album on the West Michigan Facebook page, also available at https://bit.ly/WestMIPhotoContest2021. Visitors to the photo album may cast votes for any photos by “liking” or “reacting” to each photo. Votes may be cast for multiple photos. The winners will be announced on August 16.

 

Gary E. Mitchell as John Adams and Mary Beth Quillin as Abigail Adams in “My Dearest Friend.” (Photo by Scott Baisden)

The Original Adams Family

“My Dearest Friend,” the story of John and Abigail Adams, will run this weekend and next at the LowellArts, 223 W. Main St., Lowell. “My Dearest Friend,” written by local playwright Mary G. Kron, is based on the letters between John and Abigail Adams, played by Gary E. Mitchell and Mary Beth Quillin from GEM Theatrics. Prolific letter writers, the couple’s story is told through flashback as they witness the American Revolution and the birth of a nation. For tickets, call 616-897-8545.

Fun Fact: The Butterfly Files

Every year, the Monarch butterfly makes the 1,900-mile trip from Northern America to Mexico. One of its stop off points is Peninsula Point in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Many of the insects make a pit stop there before taking the long journey across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin. The best time to see this “monarch madness”? Early September.

Hey, Wyoming residents, what time is it? Time to purge

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One of the events the City of Wyoming hosts is its annual Community Clean-Up Day. The city will not be accepting hazardous waste at this year’s community clean up set for Saturday, Aug. 7. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

After a year and half of lockdown, we probably all need to do a little purging so the City of Wyoming has brought back its popular Community Clean Up Day which is set for Saturday, Aug. 7, at Grand Rapids First. 2100 44th St. SW. The event will be from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Started five years ago by employees, the event has become one of the most popular in the city. Before the annual clean up, the city would place dumpsters in certain neighborhoods where residents would be able to discard unwanted items. In 2016, city staff decided to host the community clean-up day which had more than 300 cars come through the site and 33 20-yard roll-offs of trash. The event has continued to grow every year since.

“We hope to have a great turnout for this event as we have had in the past,” said Mayor Jack Poll.

Residents should enter Grand Rapids First on the right lane of eastbound 44th Street. (WKTV)

Of course with the COVID pandemic, the event was cancelled for 2020. City officials made the commitment to have the event this year. City Manager Curtis Holt, at the Aug. 2 City Council meeting, noted that this year the city will not be collecting hazardous waste. For those looking to dispose of hazardous waste such as rechargeable batteries, needles, or garage and automotive products such as coolant, visit the Kent County site reimagetrash.org for drop off locations.

Other items not accepted at the Wyoming Community Clean-Up day are kitchen garbage, liquid latex paint, yard waste, TVs, vehicles batteries, sealed drums, liquid, biological, radioactive waste, propane tanks, refrigerants, and explosives.

Liquid latex paint can be dried and placed in residential waste disposal. For details on doing this, search “drying paint for disposal.”

For yard waste, the city does have a yard waste drop-off site at 2600 Burlingame Ave. SW. Wyoming residents, with proof of residency, may bring sorted yard waste from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Ties and mattresses or box springs may be brought to Community Clean-Up event, however there is a fee for those items. Whole tires are $10 each and mattresses or box springs are $15 each.

Poll said residents also may bring gently used items as the Salvation Army will be on hand to collect as well.

Residents must bring proof of residency such as a photo identification, utility or credit card statement within the last 90 days, bank statement from the last 90 days, mortgage, lease, or rental agreement, insurance policy, a license, or Michigan vehicle registration.

Participants should enter the site using the right lane of eastbound 44th Street. Participants also must be in line by 1:30 p.m. in order to drop off items.

For more information about the event, visit wyomingmi.gov/cleanup.