On this episode pf WKTV Journal In Focus, State Sen. Winnie Brinks, a Democrat who was elected in 2018 as the first woman to represent Grand Rapids in the Michigan Senate since 1920. While the coverage area of her District 29 does not include Wyoming or Kentwood, the current vacancy in District 28 had left a void in local representation. So Sen. Brinks graciously offered to talk to us about what’s happening in Lansing this session.
WKTV asked her about two hot-button issues in Lansing, no-fault insurance and voting rights. With her serving on the Senate’s Health Policy and Human Resources committee, we talked to her about changes to part of the healthcare industry due to the continuing rollout of the state’s no-fault insurance law, as well as possible changes to the state’s voting laws.
But on the WKTV set, she also wanted to talk about an issue flying under the news radar this session — “attainable house”, sometimes known as “workforce housing”, a topic important to Wyoming and Kentwood as a large workforce housing project is in-progress on Division Avenue between the two cities.
“There is a bill, group of bills, we got it started in the senate and now it is making its way over to the house, we passed a group of bills that will help with attainable housing,” Sen. Brinks said to WKTV. “You hear a lot about government programing, particularly from the federal government, in terms of helping people with affordable housing — very important to do that. …
“But we worked on a set of bills, with local governments, to provide some tools to help people get into what we are calling attainable housing. And that would be available to those folks who don’t necessarily qualify for affordable housing but need a little bit of assistance, generally working (families). Some in the business community call it workforce housing. It is for people who are doing everything right but still can’t quite find something that works for them.”
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Heading to the store for a little shopping? Local law enforcement have a warning for anyone carrying a purse, keep an eye on it.
Over the past few weeks, several area agencies, including the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, the Kentwood Police, the Grand Rapids Police, and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, have reported several purse snatching incidents at large retail establishments in Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Kent County, and Kentwood. According to police, the suspects appear to be targeting females in the parking lot who are alone, over the age of 50, and have their purse in a shopping cart.
When the victim is not playing attention, the suspects will take the purse from the cart and flee. In one instance, according to the report, the victim had her purse in her hands and the suspects pulled it away from her. They victim attempted to chase after them and felt to the ground, receiving minor injuries to her hand.
“Make sure to secure your purse in your vehicle before offloading your groceries,” said Lt. Eric Wiler, from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. “Mostly, these suspects are waiting for someone to turn their back to load groceries, leaving the purse unattended.”
Along with securing their purse right away, Wiler said residents should be aware of their surroundings and if it is dark, make sure to park where it is well lighted.
Investigators from all four agencies have been working to identify the suspects involved in these incidents.
Anyone that can identify the suspects or has information these incidents, is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 616-530-7366; Kentwood Police Department, 616-656-6600; Grand Rapids Police Department, 616-456-3380; Kent County Sheriff’s Department, 616-632-6125; or Silent Observer, 616-774-2345.
Surveillance photo of the vehicles the suspects were seen fleeing the scene in. (Provided)
Other crime prevention tips:
Don’t carry a shoulder bag over your shoulder. This makes it easier for a thief to grab the bag and knock you down or injure you.
Shorten the strap so you can hold the purse tightly under your arm or lengthen it to wear diagonally across your body in front.
Never walk around with an open purse.
Don’t walk with your purse dangling or wrap the strap around your shoulder, neck or wrist. A strong tug from a thief could injure you.
Fanny packs are a safe alternative to the traditional purse as they are worn tight and close to the body making them harder to grab.
When possible, shop with a friend.
Only carry what you need. Leave extra money, valuable jewelry, and credit cards at home.
“The goal of many leaders is to get people to think more highly of the leader. The goal of a great leader is to help people to think more highly of themselves.”
J. Carla Nortcutt
Kent County Leadership: Wayman Britt retiring
Kent County Administrator/Controller Wayman Britt has been in the WKTV studio many times since he took the position of lead administrator in 2018. But the next time he visits he will have a new title as on July 30 he will be ending his service to the country, service which goes back almost two decades, to 2004. Go here for the story.
Al Vanderberg (Ottawa County)
Kent County Leadership: Vanderberg to take over
Kent County Board of Commissioners this week selected Al Vanderberg, currently Ottawa County Administrator but with a history of working for Kent County, as its choice for the next county Administrator/Controller. Go here for the story.
Deborah Prato, the new CEO of The Rapid.
The Rapid: Who is that new leader?
Deborah Prato, the new CEO of The Rapid, the public transit system for the Grand Rapids metro area, recently visited WKTV to talk about what drew her to West Michigan, some of the similarities of services and differences of scale she now faces at The Rapid, and what the pubic needs to know about the present and future of the local transit system. Go here for the story.
Fun fact:
27, sort of
The number of different bus lines operated by The Rapid (SilverLine, 1-19, 24, 28, 37, 44, LakerLine and 85 (combined 37 and 48). Source.
After hosting a community forum and conducting third round interviews today, June 24, at a Kent County Board of Commissioners meeting, Kent County announced today that the board has selected Al Vanderberg, currently Ottawa County Administrator but with a history of working for Kent County, as its choice for the next county Administrator/Controller.
According to the announcement, Board of Commissioners chair Mandy Bolter “will enter immediate contract negotiations with Vanderberg with the aim of presenting a final contract for board approval” at the commission meeting on July 22.
Al Vanderberg (Ottawa County)
“This has been an exciting, thorough and transparent process that culminated with the selection of a strong, visionary and highly competent individual,” Bolter said in supplied material. “Thanks to our dedicated search subcommittee, our board of commissioners and the high level of community engagement in the process, I’m confident that Al will be the kind of leader who reflects the community’s priorities and can leverage Kent County’s assets for sustained growth and innovative service to our residents.”
Pending contract approval, Vanderberg is expected to take over the local job later this summer. He has been the administrator in Ottawa County since 2003 managing 1,200 employees who serve a population of about 300,000 residents. Immediately prior to joining Ottawa County, he was the Deputy County Administrator/Controller in Kent County from 1999-2003.
Vanderberg will take over Kent County’s top administrative position from Wayman P. Britt, who notified the board of his intention to retire last October. Britt has been with the county administration for more than 17 years and has served in the top spot since January 2018.
According to supplied material, the process to select Vanderberg was “a multi-faceted market outreach campaign targeting highly diverse recruitment sites across the country.”
A county-hired recruiting firm identified over 140 prospects and contacted more than 100 potential candidates and sources. From this group, the firm identified 13 external and one internal candidate to present for search subcommittee consideration on May 14. The subcommittee selected five candidates for first round interviews at public meetings on June 9 and 10, and three were advanced as finalists.
In all, the subcommittee met 10 times over the course of eight months, with all meetings noticed and open to the public.
Vanderberg’s resume
At his current position, Vanderberg is responsible for oversight of administrative and other departments within Ottawa County and serves on boards, committees and workgroups for numerous Ottawa County and community agencies and organizations, according to supplied material. Those duties included chair of the County Brownfield Redevelopment Board, president of the County Economic Development Corporation Board, and membership on the Grand Valley Metro Council Board, Lakeshore Advantage Board and Housing Next Board.
He began his career in Lenawee County in 1986, and subsequently served in city management in Greenville and South Haven.
Additionally, Vanderberg was appointed in 2018 by the Michigan Civil Rights Department to serve on the Michigan Council for Local Government and Education on Equity and Inclusion. In 2017, he was appointed to the Michigan Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission by Governor Snyder and reappointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2019. He is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association and the National Association of County Administrators.
He was president of the board of the Michigan Association of County Administrative Officials in 2011 and of the Michigan Local Government Management Association in 2010 and retains membership in both organizations.
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, which operates seven branch locations in the Grand Rapids area including the SpartanNash YMCA in Wyoming, announced this week that it has been awarded $189,000 from the Michigan Department of Education to provide summer learning opportunities for children in summer programs.
The grant is part of a larger $2.3 million given to Michigan YMCAs to “deliver a coordinated program which supports children, families, and schools while they recover from the pandemic and prepare for a successful return to the school year,” according to the announcement.
“The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is excited to expand and enhance our existing day camp program,” Nicole Hansen, district executive director of community engagement and youth development, said in supplied material. “Through intentional math, science, literacy, and social-emotional curriculum, we will ensure the youth in our community have an engaging summer full of education and connection.”
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is still accepting registrations for day camp programs. To sign up visit grymca.org/summer-day-camps. (Camp leaders are also still needed to staff the day camps. Applicants can visit grymca.org/careers for more information.)
The YMCA’s summer programs will “focus on fun, keeping kids safe, active, fed, and engaged with other children and adults.” The funding from the Michigan Department of Education allows YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids to offer traditional camp programs that are “enhanced to address the unique academic needs created by the pandemic,” according to the statement.
“The Y is prepared to work with schools to overcome the challenges facing students, families and communities,” Fran Talsma, executive director for the Michigan Alliance of YMCAs, said in supplied material. “To effectively combat COVID learning loss, in- and out-of-school learning needs to be connected and seamless.
“We have the capacity and expertise to support schools and help achieve positive outcomes for students. The Y is ready to meet the academic, social-emotional, physical, and nutritional needs of children and is committed to strong collaborations to improve the academic success and overall well-being of children.”
In addition to the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ branch locations, it also operates YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin, community outreach programs, and childcare sites. For more information visit grymca.org.
At the testing planned HIV testing site, certified test counselors will be onsite to answer questions and connect residents with additional services. (CDC)
In honor of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) and the Grand Rapids Red Project will hold a free HIV testing and education event on Thursday, June 24, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The event will take place in the parking lot across the street from the Kent County Sheldon Complex, 121 Franklin St. SE, Grand Rapids.
Certified test counselors will be onsite to provide testing, answer questions, and connect residents with additional services, according to a KCHDS announcement. There will also be music, food and free gifts.
HIV self-testing is also an option. Persons interested in self testing for HIV at home, visit here to find out how to order a free HIV testing kit.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the KCHD recommend everyone know their HIV status,” April Hight, KCHD public health program supervisor, said in supplied material. “This knowledge is essential for getting helpful therapy and for protecting others from the virus.”
More than 1 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and one in eight people are infected with HIV without realizing it, according to the CDC. Nearly 40 people are diagnosed with HIV in Kent County every year, according to the KCHD announcement, and “the only way for a person to know their status is to get tested.”
HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the cells that make up the body’s immune system. HIV can make it difficult for an infected individual to fight off diseases and, left untreated, it can develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome — AIDS — which can be fatal.
Individuals who are at risk for HIV infection can take PrEP, a daily pill that is 99% effective at reducing the risk for HIV infection. PrEP is available at the KCHD Personal Health Services Clinic. For more information about PrEP or if you would like to be tested, call 616-632-7171.
“I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.”
— Harriet Tubman (Freed Slave)
A view of a previous City of Kentwood Food Truck Festival. (WKTYV/2018)
Food Truck Rally in Kentwood
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks aren’t waiting until the end of summer to offer the annual Food Truck Festival this year – they’re kicking off the season later this month with the first to two planned food truck events. The “kick-off” of the Summer Food Truck Festival will take place Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Go here for the story.
Juneteenth celebration in Wyoming
In an effort to educate and build a bridge of understanding, the City of Wyoming is hosting its first-ever Juneteenth event Saturday, June 19, from noon to 4p, at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave. SW. The free event will feature an array of programs on such topics as history, hair and the CROWN Act legislation, COVID 19 and the black health disparities, the Black Freedom Struggle and discussion on the Emancipation proclamation and the 13th Amendment. Go here for the story.
Fun fact:
800, plus or minus
Kent County has a fair amount of food trucks, but arguably the home of the first food truck culture, Los Angeles, Calif., had a food truck population of more than 800 trucks before the pandemic. Source.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools recently announced that it was one of 15 districts across the State of Michigan selected to participate in the continuation of a state STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program, the MiSTEM Place, Project and Problem (3-P) Based Learning Playbook for the State of Michigan.
In return for participation in this program, the district will be awarded $10,000 for the enhancement of the districts current STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) programs.
“Innovating the student experience has been a focus of our district and this award is an affirmation to the hard work of our staff and students,” Kevin Polston, superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, said in supplied material. “We believe each child is brilliant and it is our mission to create conditions for student success. STEAM is one of many ways we accomplish this goal.”
The playbooks will be published for Michigan schools to utilize as examples of programs who exemplify outstanding implementation of 3-P Learning. Godfrey-Lee was recognized for K-12 STEAM, Senior Capstone Experience and recent project “Bilingualism is our Superpower!”
The MiSTEM award will go to support the further development of the K-12 STEAM program including vertical curriculum development, according to supplied material. It will also fund opportunities for student teams to share their STEAM experiences with surrounding communities such as representing Godfrey-Lee by speaking at the MACUL Student Showcase.
The MiSTEM organization is locally run through Grand Valley State University and is a longstanding partner with Godfrey-Lee schools.
In an effort to educate and build a bridge of understanding, the City of Wyoming is hosting its first-ever Juneteenth event this Saturday at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave. SW.
The free event will run from noon to 4 p.m. and will feature an array of programs on such topics as history, hair and the CROWN Act legislation, COVID 19 and the black health disparities, the Black Freedom Struggle and discussion on the Emancipation proclamation and the 13th Amendment.
“I wanted to create an intimate space that there could be an exchange of learning about the Black culture,” said Wyoming resident Dana Knight, who through the Wyoming Cultural Enrichment Commission, organized the Juneteenth event.
Juneteenth is an annual celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the day – June 19, 1865 – that a Union General issued an order announcing the end of the war and freeing enslaved African Americans in Texas. The order was signed in Galveston one day after the Union Army arrived in the western most Confederate state, two months after the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
The City of Grand Rapids has hosted a Juneteenth event for the past several years and Knight, who had lived in Grand Rapids, said she found herself heading to Grand Rapids to participate in cultural activities. After joining the Wyoming Cultural Enrichment Commission, she said discussed with the commission about hosting similar cultural events in Wyoming.
The Commission was open to the idea, according to Knight, and has planned several cultural events, including something for Black History Month and Juneteenth 2022, for next year.
“There was discussion that there was money leftover this year because of COVID and the fact that there were no concerts last summer,” Knight said. “I said, if you approve it, we still have time to have a Juneteenth event this year.”
The Wyoming Cultural Enrichment Commission gave the green light with Knight then looking for a location to have the event. It was a challenge, as COVID restrictions had not been lifted.
“I was driving past (Calvary Christian Reformed Church) and it just struck me that they are always doing something for the community,” Knight said. “They have food trucks. They have a community dinner. They are just very involved with the community.”
Calvary Christian Reformed Church agreed to be the host site and from there, Knight began lining up speakers and presenters to focus on different topics such as the CROWN legislation act, which is focused on helping to end hair discrimination. There also will be discussions on the Freedom Rides, Marvin Gayes “What’s Going On,” racism as a public health crisis, the 1972 Black political convention and poetry presentations along with exhibits and artifacts.
“This is a cross cultural, cross racial opportunity for people who don’t have the opportunity to be around each other to talk and learn, to see each other as humans, as regular people,” Knight said.
The event will be filmed by WKTV and aired at a later date. Wyoming’s Juneteenth event is Saturday, June 19, from noon to 4 p.m. at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500, Byron Center Ave. SW.
Wednesday, June 16, WKTV will be featuring the first of two scheduled International Space Station U.S. spacewalks.
NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough and astronaut Thomas Pesquet, from the European Space Agency, will venture outside the space station Wednesday morning for the Expedition 65 Spacewalk #74 to install the first IRPSA solar array on the P6 Truss fro the 2B Channel Power System.
The new type of Roll Out Solar Array, a lightweight, flexible power source, provides much more energy than traditional solar arrays at much less weight
NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough (NASA.gov)
Cover begins at 6:30 a.m, with the spacewalk scheduled to begin at 8 a.m.. Check the live footage of the astronauts as they continue with the overall upgrade of the space station’s power system. The spacewalk will last approximately six and half hours.
On Sunday, June 20, the second spacewalk to install an additional IROSA solar array will take place at 8 a.m. with coverage starting at 6:30 p.m.
For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, visit www.nasa.gov.
NASA TV can be seen on WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99.
The Kent County Plan Coordinator Gateways for Growth Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Samaritas, will be hire a Welcome Plan Coordinator to facilitate implementation of the Kent County Welcome Plan.
Grand Rapids/Kent County was one of 13 communities throughout the U.S. who participated in the national initiative, Gateways for Growth, with each community developing a localized plan. The community-led plan is structured around helping refugees and immigrants overcome barriers in five categories: civic engagement, economic development, safe and connected communities, education, and equitable access to services.
“Between 2016 and 2018, our immigrant community grew by more than 5,000 residents. With nearly $1.1 billion in spending power, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans is both the right thing to do and economically beneficial,” said Grand Rapids Chamber Vice President of Sales & Marketing Omar Cuevas. “These neighbors are making critical contributions to the local economy and adding to the rich cultural fabric that collectively creates a great community.”
The Steering Committee is now accepting applications for candidates to work with community stakeholders to implement the plan’s recommendations and strategies.
“The Welcome Plan Coordinator will play an integral part in executing initiatives geared toward making Kent County more welcoming to immigrants and refugees,” said Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer Teresa Branson. “We are excited to fill this important position and to work with community members to bring this plan to fruition.”
This part-time contracted position will be under the supervision of the newly established Kent County Inclusion Office with guidance and direction from the Welcome Plan Steering Committee. Additionally, the coordinator will collaborate with community stakeholders.
Qualifications for this position include:
Project management, budget management, and community engagement experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to effectively coordinate the implementation of long-term projects
Skills in organizing complex projects with multiple components and stakeholders
Demonstrated problem-solving skills
Ability to effectively promote and engage people during events both in the community and during interactions with key stakeholders
Ability to be creative and flexible
Ability to facilitate a consultative process with individuals, sub-teams, and large groups.
Demonstrated experience engaging diverse communities and cross-cultural experience
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms
Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field preferred
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
Grant writing experience preferred
“Our immigrant community has faced and overcome challenges and systemic barriers, but much remains to be done,” said West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Guillermo Cisneros. “We look forward to selecting a Welcome Plan Coordinator to help us implement the plan and bring meaningful change to our immigrant community.”
The Mr. Sid’s Wednesday Afternoon Video Series resumes this week at Marge’s Donut Den with a special program featuring the chaplain of the Ladies Professional Golf Association Cris Stevens.
Stevens will discuss her role in the LPGA and how she counsels, supports, and ministers to the world’s best professional golfers. She will present her program on Wednesday, June 16, at 2 p.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW. Stevens is in town this week for the Meijer LPGA Classic, which starts on Thursday and runs until Sunday at the Blythfield Country club.
“Not sure if Sid ever swung a golf club, but likely he would be interested in what the chaplain of the LPGA would have to say,” said Tom Sibley, one of the organizers of the Mr. Sid’s Wednesday After Video Series. The series is named after longtime Wyoming resident and World War II veteran Sid Lenger. Lenger hosted video and other programs every Wednesday at Marge’s Donut Den until he passed away 2019.
Lavoone Ritzema, Lenger’s daughter, met Stevens when she worked with the LPGA and said Stevens is looking forward to meeting the group as she has a special interest in veterans.
One of the Kent District Library’s beloved buddies, Curi, has decided to tour the local parks this summer. If you want to catch up to where he is, then you need to find him. KDL will provide clues to those participating in the Summer Wonder program a partnership between KDL and Kent County Parks Department. For more information about the Summer Wonder program, visit kdl.org.
Pollinators and POPnology
If the temperatures get too hot, then cool off at the Grand Rapids Public Museum which is featuring two new exhibits this summer, “POPnology” and “Amazing Pollinators.” “POPnology” combines pop culture and technology, showcasing how science fiction has become science fact. “Amazing Pollinators” is a maze that visitors follow taking 48 survival missions from eight different pollinator groups, including bats, bees, beetles, birds, butterflies, moths, flies, and wasps. For more on the exhibits, visit grpm.org.
Big and Small
OR wander through the John Ball Zoo to visit the animals and check out the zoo’s latest BRICKLIVE exhibit, “Supersized!” featuring some of the word’s smallest creatures in large-than-life proportions. Or put it on the calendar to check out the next Adult Night Out series on Thursday which features brews from Wyoming’s own Two Guys Brewing. For more on the zoo, visit, jbzoo.org.
Fun Fact: Hey, Little Sister
We know that sometimes it can take a while to have family join you in the United States after immigrating here. For the Statute of Liberty, it took 136 years for her sister to finally make the trip. Wishing to emphasize the importance of the bonds between the United States and France, a group of French craft people created the nine-foot replica of the 181-foot one on Ellis Island. The statue is set to board a ship on June 19 to come to the United States. It will be on display for a short-time next to her ‘big sister’ in New York before heading to Washington D.C., where it will be on display for the next 10 years at the French embassy.
Anybody who knows Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, who has been inside the walls of the middle/high school complex and its other schools, knows that the last four years have been extraordinarily good years under the leadership of outgoing Superintendent Kevin Polston.
But life, and the ‘legendary’ educational and facility advancement of the district, will continue its movement forward as Polston leaves later this month to take over leadership of the Kentwood Public Schools system.
Dirk Weeldreyer (Supplied)
And the first step in that continuing path is the June 11 announcement that the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Board of Education has appointed Dirk Weeldreyer to become interim superintendent effective July 1.
While Board of Education President Eric Mockerman had nothing but praise for the departing superintendent, he and the board see the district continuing to move forward, both in the interim and longterm.
“We have been blessed to have Kevin with us for the last four years and with his leadership we have gotten through some very tough times. Kevin has helped to build a very strong team and prepare us for a bright future,” Mockerman said to WKTV. “I am excited to have Dirk come on board with us and help us through this process. His experience and knowledge of our district as well as his other interim experiences will help to make this transition easier.”
Weeldreyer is expected to serve for six months to allow time for the district to complete a search process and appoint a full-time superintendent.
“We will take this time to establish a profile for who we want for our next leader and go through the process of searching for the right candidate,” Mockerman said.
Weeldreyer comes to Godfrey-Lee with nearly 20 years of educational leadership experience including nine years as the superintendent of Fennville Public Schools where he retired in 2017, according to supplied material. His more recent school district service includes serving as interim superintendent at both Caledonia Community Schools and Muskegon Public Schools.
He currently serves as the Executive Director of the School Equity Caucus, a statewide organization of approximately 200 school districts that seeks adequate and equitable school funding in Michigan.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity to serve the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools during this time of transition,” Weeldreyer said in supplied material. “The district has a well-deserved reputation for providing an outstanding educational experience for its students, and the many similarities between my previous district, Fennville, and Godfrey-Lee make me feel right at home.
“I look forward to building relationships with the staff, students, families, and community as we continue to provide an excellent education for our children.”
While there will still be plenty of work to do for a superintendent, in the short and long term, at Godfrey-Lee, the district has in the past four years accomplished much. It has cemented its reputation as a making its “minority majority” student population a strong and proud reputation, transitioned is sports image and district outlook moniker to become “The Legends”, and survived a partial collapse of the middle/high school building by, in part, getting passed a local bond measure to not only repair the damage but to fund massive facility and infrastructure improvements.
All of which were led by Superintendent Polston.
“I have been fortunate to serve the Godfrey-Lee community over the past four years,” Polston said to WKTV. “It is a truly special place because of the amazing people that call this district home. It will always have a special place in my heart and I will take the Legend spirit with me long into the future.”
Saturday, June 5, was a sunny, 80-degree day with humidity – the perfect day to open a splash pad, which is exactly what the City of Wyoming did as it officially opened its fourth at Jackson Park.
Before the ceremony, members of the Wyoming High School band, there to help celebrate the reopening of the park, were making plans to jump in the new splash pad as soon as it was open. The minute that City of Wyoming Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt announced the countdown to start the water, the students were quickly joined by area children on splash pad’s edge for the race on who would get wet first.
“It has been 13 years of planning and fundraising,” Rynbrandt said, adding that coupled with the fact that the park has been closed for about year due to construction, she was not surprised by the excitement of residents to finally be able to enjoy Jackson Park.
“COVID made it clear the importance of our park and recreation usage,” Rynbrandt said. “It is about being outside, connecting with families, making sure we have healthy lifestyles whether it is the joy of being in an environment where nature soothes the soul to being active and physically fit.”
One of the targeted parks on the city’s improvement campaign, the City of Wyoming approved a $1.4 million investment to Jackson Park last year. This allowed for several new features at the park, such as the splash pad and playground equipment, along with playground shelter, parking lot and lighting. The features, especially the splash pad, came from residents who were given the opportunity to provide input on what they wanted to see at the park.
For the official Jackson Park reopening, Rynbrandt was joined by city officials, Kent County Commissioner Dan Burrill, State Representative Tommy Brann, members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and Historical Commission, the Wyoming High School band, residents and, of course, lots of area children.
“This park really needed it,” said longtime Wyoming resident Gene Kurt who is on the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission. “They needed to bring the kids back to the park.”
Kurt, whose wife’s family has lived near the park for years, said Jackson Park has a long history. It was known as Lake Alexander, named after one of the first settlers in the area. According to Bill Branz, a member of the Wyoming Historical Commission, there were a number of lakes like Lake Alexander around the City of Wyoming, To eliminate each home having its own well, the city developed a water well system and eventually the water was drawn off and consumed, accord to the Wyoming history book “Wilderness to Wyoming.”
By 1966, due to a federal government mapping project, the name of the park had been changed to Jackson. With water from the lake decreasing, the city began to move dirt to the area to establish the park, Branz said.
From the splash pad, looking north past the new bathroom facilities, you can see signs of the water pumping station.
“I think this is great,” said Wyoming resident Chris Hall, who had students in the band and one running through the splash pad. Hall, who is on the city’s Community Development Committee, said it was wonderful that the city takes great care with its parks, which offer an array of activities for residents that are only walking distance away.
Funding for the Jackson Park project was provided through the City’s Capital Projects Revolving Fund, with staff support through the City’s dedicated Parks and Recreation Operational Millage.
Jackson Park is the third park in a period of four years to have been redeveloped. The pocket park Ferrand Park, located along Byron Center Avenue, was completed in 2018 with Ideal Park completed in 2020.
The city continues its work on the parks, turning its focus to Gezon Park with bids out for the next phase of work at the park which will include a larger splash pad. Also, Rynbrandt said the city will be opening up the process for resident input on the future of Marquette Park, the city’s most northern park located at 1251 Marquette SW.
“We are hoping for 2,000 responses,” Rynbrandt said the Marquette Park project. “We had 1,800 for [Jackson Park] and as you can see, it made it happen.”
As part of its Summer Wonder program, Kent District Library has teamed up with Kent County Parks to present “Where’s Curi?” Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt through local parks to find Curi, KDL’s Summer Wonder mascot.
Where’s Curi? is a fun opportunity to get outdoors and explore and learn this summer! Use clues to find Curi in five park sites throughout the county — Lepard Preserve in Caledonia, Palmer Park in Wyoming, Pickerel Lake Park in Rockford, Wahlfield Park in Comstock Park and Millennium Park in Walker.
Curi is on an adventure. Can you figure out where Curi is?
To get started, pick up a Summer Wonder workbook at any KDL branch or visit kdl.org/findcuri. Each time someone finds Curi and answers the coordinating question, they will be entered to win an outdoor fun basket!
“The Kent County Parks Department is so pleased to be partnering with KDL on this fantastic program,” said Cori VanderHart, Parks Operations Supervisor for Kent County Parks. “We can’t wait to be part of your summer adventure!”
KDL is the perfect place to keep summer learning alive and growing. Summer Wonder is the annual summer program from Kent District Library that helps prevent the “summer slide” that students often experience when they’re not in school.
Summer Wonder includes activities such as reading challenges, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) projects and entertainment for families and individuals of all ages. Summer Wonder is free and includes adventures and prizes for all ages. Visit kdl.org/summer for more information.
Deborah Prato is the new CEO of The Rapid, the public transit system for the Grand Rapids metro area — a large area and an equally large transit system. But Prato, who took the position early this year, has leadership experience in what can only be described as huge transit systems, including New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority.
Prato recently visited the set of WKTV Journal In Focus to talk about what drew her to West Michigan, some of the similarities of services and differences of scale she now faces at The Rapid, and what the pubic needs to know about the present and future of the local transit system — including how articulated busses and motorized scooters can and should co-exist on the streets of Kent County.
“We are consistently reviewing, conducting analysis — what do we need, where do we need it, how do we serve the most?” Prato said. “I think it is not just mass transit, there is interest in a transportation network, and that includes personal mobility.”
Among the topics discussed in detail were how two of the special lines provided by The Rapid — the SilverLine and the Laker Line — are really cooperative ventures with The Rapid working with regional entities to satisfy specific transit needs while also working for the general public.
In addition, she discussed personal mobility and how — as pointed out on The Rapid’s website — “Beyond its fixed routes, The Rapid also operates demand response services for people with disabilities, and for those living outside the fixed-route service area.”
Deborah Prato, CEO of The Rapid, with host Ken Norris, in the WKTV studios. (WKTV)
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
There is no part of the 49507 zip code that is in either the cities of Wyoming or Kentwood. On a map, it borders the two communities, but the 49507 neighborhood is located in the City of Grand Rapids.
But the borderlines can only be seen on a map with residents of the 49507 zip code as well as those from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood moving freely between their neighborhoods to live, work, play and even go to school.
“Every single morning, when I would drive in for our first classes at Godwin Heights High School, I would see students walking in from my neighborhood, from South Division and, even more south, to Godwin Heights High School,” said Marcel “Fable” Price, the executive director of The Diatribe, the organization that is working to change the narrative of the 49507 zip code through an anti-racist art project, which has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts along with a number of local organizations such as the Wege Foundation.
“When we were in the class and talking to students about where they live, there were students that lived by Kalamazoo and Eastern that were going to Godwin Heights High School,” Price said with The Diatribe teaching artist Foster “AutoPilot” chiming in “there were even students coming from as far as East Grand Rapids area to come to Godwin Heights.”
The result being is that there are many people who live in the 49507 zip code that are active in the Wyoming and Kentwood communities and who are directly impacted by what is taking place in the 49507 community.
Getting the conversation started for the 49507 Project was The Diatribe’s Writing to Right Wrongs program offered at various high schools including Godwin Heights. (Supplied)
“So although this project is called the 49507 Project and people might go ‘Oh no that is not necessarily me,’ I think once we start to zoom out and go oh but these are our kids, but this is our community,” Price said.
What is taking place is the launch of the 49507 Project, a combination of student responses and community input that will shape murals to be painted by Black, brown and LGBTQ+ artists on the sides of predominantly seven Black- and brown-owned businesses that are located in the 49507 neighborhood.
The 49507 program started with The Diatribe’s Writing to Right Wrongs program, a partnership with the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan that teaches students about gentrification and redlining in neighbors, something that has happened in the 49507 area, according to Price.
“A lot of people moved to Wyoming and Kentwood over time because the City of Grand Rapids started to increase rent so much that it became inaccessible,” Price said. “So people moved next-door so they could start anew, could raise their families and afford to do so and that is something Wyoming and Kentwood has done so well.”
The next step in the 49507 Project, which will be taking place over the summer, will be five listening sessions, one of which will be in Spanish, Price said, adding that the reason for this is they want as many different voices from the community to be a part of the process. Artists will be there to soak in what residents are saying and from the Writing to Right Wrongs and the listening sessions, produce works that reflect the neighborhood.
This is “100-percent centered on the voices of the people who have something to say but for far too long have been ignored, “ Price said.
The goal is to have seven to 20 pieces of art that are “truly a reflection of the vibrance of the community” and that “kids could drive by and say, ‘I helped make that. My thoughts went into that,” he said.
Organizers hope that the 49507 Project will have a positive reach and if all goes well, may extend into the Wyoming and Kentwood communities. (Supplied)
Foster added that through the process, a web is built so that everybody is connected, everybody can respond and everybody has a voice and stake in the project. To encourage involvement, The Diatribe is paying people to be part of the listening sessions because “intellectual property has value and people should be paid for that value,” Price said.
Billboards about the project are scheduled to go up in July with the first murals being completed toward the end of August.
Both Foster and Price emphasized that people can still get involved in the project, whether they have roots in the 49507 area or not. People will be needed to canvass the community about their ideas and opinions to those willing to help scrape paint off the buildings in preparation for the murals. Financial contributions are also welcomed. To support the 49507 project, visit thediatribe.org/support.
But the biggest thing people could do is “just come and see the art,” Price said.
The new playground at Jackson Park. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
This Saturday, the City of Wyoming will be hosting a reopening event for Jackson Park, located at 1331 33rd St. SW, right next to the Wyoming Intermediate School. The event will start at 10 a.m. and include the official opening of the park’s new splash pad. The park has a new playground, shelter area, bathrooms, and parking lot. Also taking place will be a free yoga class at 11:15 a.m.
Festival Returns
Festival of the Arts will be a little different this year.
The first weekend in June has always meant Festival of the Arts, which has returned this summer albeit a little different. Because of uncertainty in social distancing guidelines, the organization is offering Plein Air and performances this weekend. Artists will be out Friday, Saturday and Sunday with musicians performing on Saturday only on Monroe Center and Ottawa Avenue. Saturday is scheduled to be a beautiful day to walk around downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday and Sunday to soak it all in. Oh, and if you are out on Saturday, we recommend Total Eclipse of the Harp featuring Emily Smith, who will perform at 10 a.m., 3 and 6 p.m.
Splash Pads Now Open
The splash pad at Oriole Park.
Summer is here! How do we know? The splash pads in both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are now open. The City of Kentwood has two splash pads, one at Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Dr. SE, and Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE. Both are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The City of Wyoming has three splash pads, Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW; one at Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St. SW., and the third is at Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson SW. Wyoming’s splash pads are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. A fourth splash pad at Jackson Park is set to open on Saturday during the park’s reopening ceremony.
Fun Fact: I’m Your Venus
With NASA’s recent announcement that it is planning two missions to Earth’s other neighbor, Venus, we thought it might be fun to share a few facts about the second planet closest to the sun. Besides the fact that it is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty:
Venus is hotter than Mercury despite the fact that Mercury is closer to the sun.
A day on Venus is longer than a year on Earth.
Venus has about 90 times the atmospheric pressure of Earth, which is the same pressure at about 1 km depth in the Earth’s oceans.
It is believed that Venus had a celestial collision early in its history which caused the planet to get flipped upside down. This resulted in the planet rotating clockwise unlike the rest of the planets in our solar system which rotate anti-clockwise.
Humans have been studying Venus since the second millennium BC because it is one of the brightest objects in the sky and easy to spot with the naked eye. In the upcoming Venus explorations, which are scheduled to launch in 2028-2030, NASA aims to understand how Venus became an inferno-like world when it has so many other characteristics similar to ours – and may have been the first habitable world in the solar system, complete with an ocean and Earth-like climate.
This year, Kent District Library will take participants on a Summer Wonder journey of reading, learning and exploring through the great outdoors right here in Kent County. KDL has teamed up with Kent County Parks to bring patrons a spectacular summer of outdoor discovery, scavenger hunts, STEAM activities and lots of fun for everyone.
Participate in Summer Wonder by picking up a Summer Wonder Workbook at any KDL branch or signing up online at kdl.beanstack.org. It’s free and includes adventures and prizes for all ages. KDL is the perfect place to keep summer learning alive and growing.
“Summer Wonder is back with more outdoor adventures than ever before,” said KDL Branch Programming and Outreach Specialist Kris Vogelar. “If your kids think summer learning is boring, Summer Wonder will certainly prove them wrong!”
Summer Wonder is a great opportunity to limit the “summer slide” that negatively affects learning between the end and start of the traditional school year. Extensive research shows that children involved in summertime reading programs sponsored by public libraries are more likely to maintain their academic skills, and in many cases do better on standardized tests.
From June 20 to 30, The Rapid will host a Wave card appreciation event where people with Wave cardholders will get to ride the The Rapid for free. (Supplied)
Rapid riders that show a Wave card when boarding the bus will ride for free from Sunday, June 20 through Wednesday, June 30 as part of an appreciation event for Wave cardholders.
The event leads up to changes in how the Wave card will operate for riders beginning on Thursday, July 1, 2021.
On March 24, The Rapid’s Board of Directors approved changes to the Wave card, following staff analysis and public outreach. The main changes to the Wave card are as follows:
• “Fare capping,” the system that allows Wave card users to earn a daily or monthly pass as opposed to paying for the full cost of the pass upfront, will transition from a “rolling” system to align with the standard monthly calendar.
o All fare capping for Wave card users will reset on the first day of every month starting on July 1.
• The 7-day fare capping option will be eliminated.
o Historically, riders have been able to earn a 1-Day, 7-day, or 31-day cap via fare capping; as of July 1, only a 1-day and monthly cap will be available. • Wave cards will no longer be allowed to go into a negative balance.
o Historically, if a Wave card user had at least $ 0.01 on their Wave card, they could tap their card, ride the bus, and their Wave card would be allowed to carry a negative balance. With this change, if a Wave card does not have enough funds for at least one ride, the customer will not be permitted to board the bus, and their Wave card will not be allowed to carry a negative balance.
“These changes are intended to simplify and improve the riding experience for our customers,” said Brittany Schlacter, acting communications manager at The Rapid. “They were informed by feedback from customers, as well as industry-standard best practices.”
After introducing these proposed changes to the Board of Directors in January, The Rapid team conducted three virtual public meetings and posted information on buses, at Rapid Central Station, and to all digital channels to spread the word and gather additional feedback.
“In addition to all of the service adjustments made due to the pandemic, our customers have been wonderful through many other changes to the Wave card and fare payment in the last couple years, so this is a chance to show our appreciation as an agency by rewarding that resilience with free rides for all Wave cardholders from June 20 to June 30,” Schlacter continued.
Rapid riders that have a Wave card will simply need to show their card to the bus operator upon boarding during the appreciation event, and they will be allowed to board for free.
Customers who do not currently have a Wave card can purchase one at Rapid Central Station, a local retail outlet, or online. A list of retail locations and online purchases are available at wave.ridetherapid.org.
A sure sign of summer is when the City of Wyoming officially opens its splash pads, which is today.
As of June 1, the city’s three splash pads are open, according to city officials and the announcement made on the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Facebook page. The parks will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Wyoming has three splash pads, one at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW; one at Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St. SW., and the third is at Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson SW.
This weekend the city will open its fourth splash pad with a special reopening ceremony on Saturday at Jackson Park. One of the wishes of residents when discussing the redesign of the park was to include a splash pad, city officials said. The rededication is set for 10 a.m.
Current social distancing guidelines will be followed at all city splash pads.
Walk or drive past Wyoming’s Jackson Park and you can not help but notice that there has been a lot of activity over there.
One of the targeted parks on the city’s park improvement campaign, the City of Wyoming approved a $1.4 million investment to Jackson Park last year. This allowed for several new features at the parking such as a splash pad, playground shelter, parking lot, and security lighting. These are all features that came from resident input into the designs, said City of Wyoming Director Rebecca Rynbrandt.
After being closed for about a year due to construction, Wyoming residents are invited to celebrate the grand reopening of Jackson Park at a special event this Saturday at 10 a.m. at the park, 1331 33rd St. SW. The hour-long celebration will feature family activities and opportunities to play on the new constructed splash pad.
When the city talked to residents about what they wanted at Jackson Park, many stated a splash pad. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“We are excited to reopen Jackson Park for our residents”, said Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll, who added the redevelopment has been highly anticipated by area residents with the city happy to have the park complete.
Design work on the park started in 2015, with the city collecting input from residents, Rynbrandt said. But the economy and mother nature forced the city to reprioritize funds to Ideal Park which had been severely impacted by tornadoes and flooding, she said.
Last spring, during the pandemic, the city approved a $1.3 million contract with Katerberg Verhage for the work at Jackson Park. Katerberg Verhage also lead the redevelopment of Ideal Park.
Crews were able to keep working on the park through the pandemic with construction completed on time for the planned reopening this summer.
“We are pleased to celebrate the grand reopening of Jackson Park,” Rynbrandt said. “We pride ourselves on excellent facilities and know that the improved accessibility of Jackson Park will be a great asset to the families of our community.”
Also new at Jackson Park are the covered seating areas. WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Jackson Park is approximately 22 acres. It resides in a densely populated residential area of the City of Wyoming which is made up of single-family homes and borders the Wyoming Intermediate School.
Along with the new additions, Jackson Park has eight tennis courts, a basketball court and a play area located by the school. The park also hosts a large green space which provides for storm-water storage for the neighborhood during heavy rain events.
Funding for the project is being provided through the City’s Capital Projects Revolving Fund, with staff support through the City’s dedicated Parks and Recreation Operational Millage.
Jackson Park is the third park in a period of four years to have been redeveloped. The pocket park Ferrand Park, located along Byron Center Avenue, was completed in 2018 with Ideal Park completed in 2020. The city has a total of 21 parks.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them.”
— John F. Kennedy
The flags in front of the Michigan Homes for Veterans at Grand Rapids. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The City of Wyoming
The City of Wyoming will host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 31, at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden, in front of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 2300 DeHoop ave. SW. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Go here for the story.
The City of Grand Rapids
Due to pandemic precautions, a planned Memorial Day tribute at the Michigan Veterans Homes at Grand Rapids will be an invite-only event. But the public can pay their respect at the cemetery, where 5,000 small flags honor the fallen. Go here for the story.
The City of Hudsonville
The City of Hudsonville will have its annual Memorial Day Service May 31 at takes Veteran’s Memorial Park in Hudsonville. The service will begin at 10 a.m. Go here for the story.
Unfathomable fact:
593,000deaths
The the COVID-19 death toll in the U.S. topped 500,000 early this year, it matched the number of Americans killed in World War II, Korea and Vietnam combined. The number as of this Memorial Day is at about 593,000.
Local Boy and Girl scout troops and volunteers recently planted more than 5,000 flags at the “gravesites of fallen heroes” at the local veterans cemetery adjacent to the Michigan Veterans Homes at Grand Rapids. (Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs)
Due to ongoing pandemic precautions at the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, a planned Memorial Day tribute to America’s fallen heroes will be an invite-only event with a large turnout from the home’s members and their families.
The flags in front of the Michigan Veterans Homes at Grand Rapids. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
But the public can pay their respect with a walk around the veterans cemetery, now honoring veterans with small flags on the thousands of headstones, an effort made possible by the effort of local Boy and Girls scout organizations and well as other volunteers.
The Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids (MVHGR), previously known as the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, is located at 3000 Monroe Avenue, NE.The cemetery is adjacent to the veterans facility.
The state veterans cemetery was dedicated on May 31, 1886, 135 years ago this May, and hosts the graves of veterans dating back to the Civil War. according to supplied material. Formed in the shape of a Maltese cross, initially the cemetery was plotted for 262 graves with room for 1,048 but has grown to more than 5,000 gravesites today. The cemetery is open for visitation this weekend and visitors can access the cemetery through the main entrance on Lamberton Street NE.
Honoring veterans with flags of remembrance
The Michigan Veteran Homes, a branch of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, recently received assistance from local scout troops and volunteers to plant more than 5,000 flags at the “gravesites of fallen heroes” at the local veterans cemetery adjacent to the MVHGR.
Local Girls Scouts are also involved in the annual flag-planting effort. (Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs)
While family, residents, staff and community members have been placing flags individually over the years, the massive volunteer effort to blanket the cemetery with flags began more than 30 years ago. Bob Porter, a former financial management supervisor for the local facility who helped formalize the effort in 1991, said it began with a promise of a soda, according to supplied material.
“Al Hulsapple and Bill Gerber, who were members of the Home and volunteer scouts, would enlist the help of 10-20 scouts to plant flags in the cemetery,” Porter, who himself was involved as a scout leader for Boy Scout Troop 230 in Grand Rapids, said in supplied material. “It would take the scouts a few hours to blanket the cemetery and Al and Bill would toss them a soda at the end of the day and say come back again next year.”
While the effort began with the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts have become involved in recent years as well.
“The Girl Scouts appreciate the opportunity to join the legacy flag-planting event at Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids,” Krystan Krucki, director of marketing and communications for The Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore, said in supplied material. “It really does help inspire girls of all ages to honor veterans, honor our troops and find their own way to recognize the sacrifices that have been made by these individuals for our country.”
The placement of each flag includes a recognition of the veteran. (Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs)
Scouts are given instructions on how to properly honor the veterans buried at the cemetery. The process begins with a scout placing a flag to the left of the headstone, followed by reciting the veterans name and rendering a salute. Flags are delivered each year by the United Veterans Council of Kent County with special care taken to replace any flags that are torn or tattered.
“The City of Grand Rapids and its employees have been instrumental in raising funds to supply flags annually to make sure an American flag is placed at every veterans headstone within the city limits for Memorial Day,” Eric Nelson, a Navy veteran and commander of the United Veterans Council of Kent County, said in supplied material. “Each year we replace on average, 3,500 worn or tattered flags at the cemetery at Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids.”
While this year’s effort lacked elements of years past, the home hopes to return to celebrating the contributions by the scouts and local community in 2022.
“We’ve had anywhere from 500-800 scouts join us in the past,” Tiffany Carr, director of relations for the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, said in supplied material. “Even with restrictions and concerns related to COVID-19, all 5,000 plus flags were planted by the afternoon on May 20 as planned to honor our fallen veterans.”
Kentwood chaplain part of private ceremony
The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Michigan Veteran Homes, Memorial Day event will include remarks by U.S. Army Brigadier General Scott Hiipakka, assistant adjutant general of the Michigan Army National Guard; Theresa Robinson, past commander of the United Veterans Council of Kent County; Bruce Johnson, DAV representative; Bruce Kalish, chaplain of the MVHGR; and Father Peter Vu, chaplain of the MVHGR and pastor of Saint Mary Magdalen Parish in Kentwood.
The ceremony will include a posting of the colors led by the MVHGR Member Color Guard, a rifle salute and Taps led by the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard and music by the Belmont Armory 126 Army Band and soloist Valerie Holstege.
Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce members meet in person for the first time at the May Third Friday Networking Luncheon. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
On May 21, the members of the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce did something they have not done in more than a year — they met in person.
“It’s exciting to see people sitting next to folks and talking,” said Keith Morgan, owner of All Clean Again and the host of the chamber’s 3rd Friday Networking Luncheon, which took place on May 21 at Kentwood’s Amped Reality.
Morgan said business leaders meeting face-to-face helps demonstrate what the community should do and hopefully help encourage people to move forward.
A chamber member checked out Kentwood’s Amped Reality’s virtual offerings. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The Chamber’s Friday Networking Luncheons are designed to give local businesses leaders the opportunity to connect with each other and build relationships. For more than a year, the luncheons have been taking place via Zoom.
“It is really great to be able to talk to someone face-to-face,” said Ashlynne Gibert, the office manager to her husband’s (Allen Gilbert) company Blue Frost It, a veteran-owned IT consulting and managed service provider.
Diane Druckenmiller, with Arrowaste, agreed.
“This is one of my first opportunities to be face-to-face with other business people,” Druckenmiller said.
For many of the business people attending the May 21 networking luncheon, they have all been out in the public, meeting with customers, so they have had some contact with people. But as Morgan said, it was nice to be able to meet and talk about the issues they are facing now.
At the five-member table I sat with, the discussion ranged from what people have been doing to the current employment crisis. There was also some discussion about the Whitecaps as Lake Michigan Credit Union Audrey Zapata was at the table handing out schedules. LMCU recently became the field sponsor with the Whitecaps now playing at the LMCU Ballpark.
A3-D printer owned by Amped Reality creates a miniature sculpture. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Every networking luncheon also focuses on a chamber business, this time Amped Reality, 2923 28th St. SE. Amped Reality offers virtual reality experiences as well as summer camps focused on STEM activities.
Wyoming Kentwood Chamber President and CEO Bob O’Callaghan said the chamber is planning for all of its events to be in-person. Next up is the Connected Chamber Women June 4 with the next Third Friday Networking Luncheon June 18.
Guest speaker is Jill Hinton Wolfe, GVSU’s military and veteran resource manager (supplied)
The City of Wyoming will most its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 31, at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden, in front of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 2300 DeHoop ave. SW. The event will begin at 7 p.m.
“The City of Wyoming is honored to recognize those who have served and those who continue to serve our country n the armed forces in order to protect our freedoms,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “The Memorial Day Ceremony is a tribute to that service and protection and we are grateful to continue the tradition of this ceremony in our very own Veterans Memorial Garden.”
This year’s guest speaker will be Jill Hinton Wolfe who is Grand Valley State University’s first military and veteran resource manager. Wolfe previously served as a member of GVSU’s Michigan Veterans Entrepreneur Lab (MVE-Lab) and is a founding executive committee member of GVSU’s Veterans Alumni Association.
In 2019, Wolfe was the national runner-up for the Military Sisterhood Initiative’s Excellence in Exemplary Achievement Award, given to women veteran’s who honor, empower, encourage and restore women of the military. She’s a lifetime member of the American Legion, Veterans of foreign Wars, and the Women Veterans Alliance.
The ceremony will also feature the Lee High School band led by Kevin Gabrielse and the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Honor Guard who will fire a rife volley salute.
The entire program will air on WKTV Channel 25 at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, May 31.
For more information about Parks and Recreation programs and events, contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation team by calling 616-530-3164, email parks_info@wyoming.gov or visit www.wyomingmi.gov.
Things are starting to get back to normal at West Michigan’s veteran-care facility, including last week’s small ceremony to raise a 30- by 50-foot flag just off Monroe Avenue NE across from Grand Rapids’ Riverside Park, as it has been raised annually for more than 20 years.
West Michigan’s veteran-care facility, last week, held a small ceremony to raise a 30- by 50-foot flag just off Monroe Avenue NE across from Grand Rapids’ Riverside Park. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
But with the near completion of several buildings that will make up the new veteran-care facility, there will also be a new normal for Michigan veterans in need of services.
Starting with the subtle but meaningful change of the title from the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans to the “Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids” — notice the plural of “home” — evidence abounds of not only the decentralization of the state’s veterans care system but also a functional modernization of the local facility, set to be fully opened by Christmas of this year.
A new of the old fountain and a new building at the Michigan Veterans Homes at Grand Rapids. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The new facility, located at 3000 Monroe She. NE, was described as being about 90 percent complete in late April when WKTV was invited in to accompany the first resident to tour the new main building.
The building has a huge common area and then separate wings providing individual pods of “homes” with private bathrooms for individual clients, small kitchens with food service staffs and dining areas for each pod, and a central wellness center for client medical and rehabilitation care as well as other needs.
And Tracy Nelson, administrator of local Homes for Veterans, also refers to the facility’s occupants as “members” — another bit of evidence of the change in service delivery model.
“When I started here about four years ago, we had well over 300 members,” Nelson said to WKTV. “The type of service we delivered for that many people was a bit different, because it is not a small home model.”
Now “we are about where we need to be, about 128 men and women, but we are accepting admissions, now and as we move into the new facility. We currently have some folks who are going to be transferring to Chesterfield Township, which is the home that is three months ahead of us.”
Prior to a complete review and redesign of the state’s veterans care program began in 2016 there was a single, large old facility in Grand Rapids. Now there will be three Homes for Veterans led by the Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority: one Chesterfield Township, one Marquette and the new one in Grand Rapids located adjacent to the existing facility.
“We plan for a soft opening which means we will bring in our first eight members, so we can get certified, in August,” Nelson said. “After that (certification from the state and the federal Veterans Administration) we will be moving everyone else over. By Christmas, we will be complete.”
And while many of the changes will allow for delivery of care, some are simply to make the members feel more comfortable during their stays, long- or short-term — to make it “a home instead of an institution.”
Tracy Nelson, administrator of local Homes for Veterans facility, and
“member” Lee Walton, tour the still-unfinished building. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“Over at the existing campus, at one time, there would be four men — or four women — who shared one room and one bathroom. And then there was a central shower — they would have to come out of their room, go down the hall to a central shower, and then come back,” Nelson said as she described the differences coming in new facility. “That was a traditional setting. This is state of the art. This is a home.”
The first member to get a look at his soon-to-be home was Lee Walton, an Air Force veteran who worked many years in the Fremont area in the construction field, and someone who was known to pay close attention to the construction of the new buildings.
“Its going to be wonderful, I’m excited,” Walton said to WKTV. “We’ll have our own room, our own bathroom — that’s a big plus. And having our own kitchen and dining area. They have really done a nice job here.”
A care and rehab facility as well as a home
While a huge part of the facility upgrades at the Michigan Veterans Homes at Grand Rapids will be in the member amenities offered, Nelson is equally proud of the upgraded medical and rehabilitation facilities, including each pod having a central wellness center and an unique outdoor facility that will aid persons regaining real world independent mobility.
A memorial and a new building at West Michigan’s veteran-care facility. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“The wellness center is really a home of our therapists — physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists — but in there they put all sorts of activities geared to get people to their maximum level of being independent,” Nelson said. “There is also an area back there for a physician. We are lucky enough to have a full-time physician, and a full-time nurse practitioner. And there are outside services that will come in — so dental, vision, other things. This (facility) has a distinct, separate place for those types of services to be rendered.”
And another element of the new facility will be an open-air, center-court area that looks a little like a big-person’s playground but has a very serious rehabilitation function.
“Most (mobility rehabilitation) facilities are not set up for all the different textures for walking, for them to get used to those different textures,” Nelson said. “When you go outside, there is cobblestone, there is pavement, there is gravel — it takes totally different skills to walk on those different surfaces. … It is designed for maximum success for our members who want to come to us for therapy and then go home.”
(During the WKTV visit, the feature was still under construction but some elements of it were visible.)
Moving forward during a time of pandemic
Facility upgrades, and some elements of change in member care, were in process before the COVID-19 crisis hit early last year, and the project was only sightly delayed from a construction standpoint.
The new facility was constructed on southern edge of the existing 90-acre property, at Monroe Avenue and Three Mile Road, with a price tag initially reported to be about $49 million.
And, the tightly controlled pandemic operational model adopted by facility leadership and workforce also gained praise from Nelson.
“The pandemic has really shifted the culture change rapidly,” Nelson said. “With this environment, you are doing multiple jobs based on the situation — as people became sick, we all pitched in and did what needed to be done to make sure our members needs were met.
“We had one office person who worked 20 hours of overtime one week and weekend, just to make sure our guys got outside for some fresh air and to walk. … We just wanted to maintain the best quality of life for our members that we could.”
“Did you think we were going to do this this year?” asked Wyoming High School teacher John Doyle to the school’s juniors seated in the high school gym.
“No,” the students responded.
“Did you think we were going to do anything this year?” he asked.
“No.” the students responded back.
The names on the wall: The 2021 Alpha Wolf recipients
The thing was the school’s annual Alpha Wolf celebration, which usually takes place twice a year: once in the fall and again in the spring. Started in 2014, the Wyoming High School students and staff would honor six exemplary students each semester with the Alpha Wolf 11 champion of Character Award — two sophomores, two juniors, and two seniors.
However, COVID — like it did for many events — but a halt to the celebration as the nation fought to stop the spread through social distancing. This resulted in the school placing a hold on the Alpha Wolf celebration in the fall, Doyle said, admitting it was not an easy decision to make.
But this spring has been a different story with social distancing guidelines easing and allowing more people in a room, which meant that the Alpha Wolf celebration was on.
“As Superintendent Craig Hoekstra said, we needed this for our soul,” Doyle said. “It was tough to let a lot of things go last year and this was an opportunity to celebrate the students and all that they have gone through.”
The celebration was a little different this year as the number of local officials and dignitaries had to be limited and instead of the whole school coming together to celebrate, there was three different assemblies for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Serving as this year’s guest speaker was Grand Rapids Community College President Dr. Bill Pink, who talked about kindness, compassion and grace in the face of the Oklahoma City bombings that took place in 1995, something that Pink experienced firsthand as he was a middle school teacher in Oklahoma City at the time.
The changes certainly did not damper the moods of the students who guessed the students being honored as the clues were given for each Alpha Wolf recipient. There was four for each grade level which totaled the annual 12 awards given for the year.
From the left, sophomores Liza LaMar, Alyjah Chandler, Cristian Diaz, and Alexa Hudson (WKTV)
Sophomore Alyjah Chandler (second from right) with his family. (WKTV)
Sophomore Cristian Diaz (third from left) with his family (WKTV)
Sophomore Alex Hudson (center) with her family
Sophomore Liza LaMar (second from right) with her family (WKTV)
Sophomore Alpha Wolf Recipients
Alyjah Chandler: Alyjah was described by peers as a person who works to lift others up. He projects positivity and has focused on the importance of mental health. According to staff, he puts others first in order for them to be successful with one teacher writing that “He has been an eleven since the first day I met him.”
Cristian Diaz: From his love of pizza to the honors chemistry class, Cristian was an easy one for the sophomores to name. His enthusiasm is contagious with Cristian always greeting everyone. Through his actions, he demonstrates that contributions matter and has made that known whether at school or on the Wyoming soccer team.
Alexa Hudson: Alexa also was described as a positive person and one of the “kindest persons you’ll have every met.” As one peer wrote, Alexa is a “great student and great friend.” According to teachers, she is a fantastic leader, leading by example and has become a source of pride for the high school band, where she plays the alto saxophone.
Liza LaMar: Liza was described as best exemplifying the last lines of Amanda Gorman’s poem “The Hill We Climb”: “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” Liza is the light setting a great example, helping out when she can, and encouraging others to participate.
From the left, juniors Rocco Albanese, Isaiah Clark, Mateo Ledesma, Lejla Nakic
Junior Rocco Albanese (fifth from the right) with his family and friends (WKTV)
Junior Mateo Ledesma (fourth from the right) with his family and friends) (WKTV)
Junior Isaiah Clark (second from left) with his family (WKTV)
Junior Lejla Nakic (fourth from left) with her family (WKTV)
Junior Alpha Wolf Recipients
Rocco Albanese: Rocco was described by his teachers and peers as a” rock solid foundation” who always puts people first. He talks to everyone and is known to stand up for the people who are not able to defend themselves. He essentially serves as a “rock” to his friends and staff.
Isaiah Clark: There is all kinds of strength according to Coach Irv Sigler. Isaiah demonstrates strength both on and off the wrestling mats. He leads by example, demonstrates kindness, and spreads positivity.
Mateo Ledesma: While unable to see it, it is Mateo’s fantastic smile that draws people in. He befriends everyone and makes them feel at ease, according to students and staff, who added that he genuinely cares about his peers. He is a good listener, leaving his peers feeling that their ideas and beliefs have value.
Lejla Nakic: Lejla is someone who makes you feel good about yourself, according to her peers. She always acts in kindness and is very willing to help students who are struggling. She is hardworking, very friendly with staff and peers agreeing she is “the sweetest person you could ever meet.”
From the left, seniors Taejah Cross, Zabiullah Najafi, Brandy Kehl, Eduardo Francis Estrada (WKTV)
Senior Zabiullah Najafi (third from left) with his friends and family (WKTV)
Senior Eduardo Francis Estrada (second from left) with his family (WKTV)
Senior Kaejah Cross (left) with her parents (WKTV)
Senior Brandy Kehl (center) with her family (WKTV)
Senior Alpha Wolf Recipients
Taejah Cross: Taejah is a shining example of graciousness as he always puts others first. One teacher noted that last year, he offered to clean up a mess another upper class left. His willingness to help has lead him to be a captain on the basketball, volleyball and track teams.
Eduardo Francis Estrada: Eduardo simply brightens up the room, accord to staff and his peers. He has a welcoming spirit and through his acts of kindness, compassion, and graciousness, is always trying to make the school a better place.
Brandy Kehl: The cloak of courage is perhaps one of the most important virtues and one that Brandy shows everyday. She demonstrates courage by standing up for other people and fighting for equality and justice all in her effort to bring more joy in the world.
Zabiullah Najafi: Doyle admitted is a special student. He spent several years locked in a detention camp and came to Wyoming where he grew and worked to help translate so as to help others be heard. He has plans to change the world and the staff and his peers said they know he will.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston, with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in the background, at a press conference when the formation of the Student Recovery Advisory Council of Michigan was announced early this year. (State of Michigan)
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office, today, released the MI Blueprint for Comprehensive Student Recovery plan, which offers “guidance to help districts and schools create recovery plans that provide every Michigan student with the resources they need to thrive post-pandemic.”
The recovery plan is the work of the Student Recovery Advisory Council of Michigan, formed early this year and chaired by Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston, which was tasked to “provide guidance and recommendations to ensure Michigan students have the tools and resources they need to get back on track.”
The council included dozens of school leaders, educators, public health practitioners, pediatricians, school board members, community and philanthropic leaders, legislators, parents, and students.
The Blueprint, according to the May 19 statement from the Governor’s office, “provides evidence-based recommendations to address challenges across wellness, academics, school culture and climate, family and community engagement and postsecondary education” across the state.
“Every recommendation is supported by leading research and designed to support Michigan students by those that know them best, leaders in education, health care, and child services from right here in Michigan,” Superintendent Polston said in the statement.
The plan also, according to Superintendent Polston, provides not just a return to normal but the path forward to a new normal for the state’s students.
“We believe recovery does not mean return, we believe recovery means let’s rebuild and redesign toward the reality that we want our children to experience in our schools,’ Polston said about the advisory council in a recent WKTV Journal In Focus interview. “The tremendous infusion of federal funds to support recovery efforts gives us the opportunity to make sure that each and every child has the resources necessary to thrive in our schools.
“We know the some students were not engaged with schools in the past year — some estimates were that 63,000 students were not coming to school or participating in remote learning. … So the guidance that we are providing for school leaders is how to provide this compressive recovery plan, in an equitable way, that the community can trust.”
Gov. Whitmer and state legislative leaders — several of which were on the council — will now work to push the recommendations forward.
“The most pressing challenges schools face aren’t new, but they have been exacerbated by the pandemic, resulting economic hardship, and social divisions,” Gov. Whitmer said in supplied material. “That is why I am so proud of the MI Blueprint for Comprehensive Student Recovery that the Advisory Council has created. It will not only help local education leaders comprehensively address immediate challenges, but it will also move us towards an education system that works better for all of our children.”
Since you can’t come to see the big trucks for National Public Works Week, the big trucks are coming to you.
May 19, the City of Wyoming will be hosting its first-ever public works parade, titled Fleets through the Streets. The event will take place from 5 – 7 p.m.
The City of Wyoming has annual celebrated National Public Works Week, which traditionally takes place the third week of May, with an open house at its facility. However, due to social distancing guidelines because of COVID, city officials decided to switch things up, according to Public Works Assistant Director Aaron Vis.
“Instead of the people coming to us, we are coming to them,” Vis said, adding that last May, the department had a couple of smaller parades for residents and decided to do something a little larger this year.
The parade also underscores this year’s National Public Works Week theme, which is Stronger Together. By having the parade through the city streets, it demonstrates how the city and the community worked together through the past year, Vis said.
The parade will be a big truck lovers dream as it will feature many of the vehicles that are used in the Public Works Department such as the gap vax truck. the street sweeper, a dump truck, the back hoe, a hot asphalt trailer, a plow truck, a leaf trailer, a value turner, and a salt truck.
North Route
A map of this year’s 2021 parade route for the City of Wyoming’s Department of Public Works parade. (Supplied)
Vis said the goal of the event is to help residents understand what type of services are provided by the Public Works Department and to remind people to help keep the staff safe when working on the roads by obeying construction rules and slowing down.
The parade will start at 5 p.m. at Sharon Avenue and 28th Street and will head south through city streets arriving at Lemery Park around 5:15 p.m. The parade will continue south on city streets and then turning to head north, arriving at Lamar Park at 5:30 p.m. The parade then continues north, going up Porter Street and Beverly Avenue and crossing Beverly Avenue and Burton Street at 5:45 p.m.
The route continues north up past Chicago Drive to Whiting Avenue and then back down through city streets passing Godfrey Lee Early Education Center and at Pinery Park at 6 p.m. The route then heads east through neighborhood streets and then south down S. Division Avenue. It heads back west on Bellevue Street jogging over to S. Division Avenue. It passes Resurrection Cemetery around 6:30 p.m. as it heads north again.
It loops through more neighborhood streets crossing Michael Avenue at 6:45 p.m. and finally heads towards Pinery Park, where the parade concludes at 7 p.m.
South Route
The south route starts at Gezon Park off of Gezon Court at 5 p.m. and heads east, then north through neighborhood streets of Chateau Hills and goes by Palmer Park around 5:15 p.m. It continues south and then east heading down 50th Street at about 5:30 p.m.
The route continues north up Walton Avenue and then turns to head south on S. Division Avenue to 56th Street and then back up to 54th Street by 5:45 p.m. The parade will continue down Gezon Parkway turning northing on Byron Center Avenue around 6 p.m.
The parade will make its way west and north staying south off 44th Street making its way on Golfbury Drive at 6:15 p.m. It continues south through neighborhood streets into the Bayberry Farms community and then comes to 52nd Street and Ivanrest Avenue around 6:30 p.m. It goes south on Ivanrest, turn west on 56th Street and weaving through neighborhood streets and finally ending at Resurrection Life Church at 7 p.m.
The Accidentials in private concert. (Special for WKTV)
A little entertainment by The Accidentals
If The Accidentals plan works the way they envision, Katie, Sav and Michael will be playing music off their just-dropped release, “TIME OUT (Session 1)”, live and in front of an audience in Kentwood and elsewhere this fall — that is, after all, where they felt most at home before the pandemic. Go here for the story and video.
Sophomore Wolves pitcher Bryce Bosovich went seven innings for the win against Mona Shores May 11. (WKTV)
A little baseball with Wyoming high
In a WKTV Sports Featured Game Tuesday this week, the Wyoming Wolves baseball team played small ball to perfection as they overcame a 2-0 deficit by stringing together four straight bunt singles, bracketed by swing-away singles, to score four runs in what ended as a 4-3 win in seven innings. Go here for the story and video.
Adrianne Rose, Director of Technology, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, on WKTV Journal In Focus set. (WKTV)
A good-new discussion about Godfrey-Lee schools
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools will be one of 13 schools and nonprofits across Michigan that would receive free mobile hotspots and internet connectivity with the specific goal of serving at-risk students … and the district is also in process of using a $17.8 million in bond measure funds for building and infrastructure improvements. Go here for the story and video.
Fun fact:
5 billion
Almost 5 billion videos are watched on Youtube every single day (as of January 2021). Source.
The Kent County Health Department announced Thursday, May 13, that in the light of this week’s announcement that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the use of Pfizer/BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine for 12-15 year olds, the county is moving to supply appointments.
The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) will start vaccinating this age group this Saturday, with appointment availability at the KCHD facility at 700 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, on Saturday, May 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and on Saturday, May 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
According to the KCHD statement, currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for anyone 12 years and older. Anyone under 18 will need a parent/guardian present or a permission note from parent/guardian and a driver who is at least 18 years of age.
Registration is required, no walk-ins will be accepted. Those interested in attending these clinics can register online here or call 616-326-6992. Residents can also call 2-1-1 for assistance.
Additional vaccine clinic locations, times and dates can be found at vaccinatewestmi.com.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking information on two suspects who robbed the Verizon Wireless store at 5811 Byron Center Ave. SW on Tuesday evening.
According to police, two males entered the store at approximately 6:25 p.m. One of the males grabbed the employee and escorted them to the back of the store. The two males then stole an undisclosed amount of cell phones and cash before fleeing the scene in a silver four-door sedan. No injuries were reported during the the incident.
The police descriptions of suspects are a black male, about 5-foot, 8 inches to 5-foot, 11-inches, unknown age, wearing a dark gray hooded sweatshirt, black jeans, black tennis shoes, black baseball hat and a blue cloth mask. The second suspect is described a black male, about 5-foot, 9 inches to 5-foot, 11 inches, wearing a dark blue zip-up hood sweatshirt with white draw strings, red sweatpants, black and white shoes, black stocking cap and a blue cloth mask with a surgical mask. (Supplied photos below.)
Anyone with information about the robbery or the identify of these individuals is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
Due to two water main reconstruction projects, the City of Wyoming will temporarily close Burton Street between Burlingame and Clyde Park the week of May 17. The street will be closed for seven days with all through traffic being detoured to 28th Street.
According city officials, the detour is necessary to complete work on two water main reconstruction projects along the neighborhood streets of Denwood and DeHoop avenues. Portions of these water mains cross over Burton Street. To reduce impact on the community, city officials said they planned the projects in unison to limit the cause to a single week. The closure is expected to last no more than seven days while construction occurs.
“We’re working with two separate contractors on this project to coordinate a closure that lessens the impact on businesses and people who travel on Burton,” said Wyoming Assistant Director of Public Works — Engineering Russ Henckel. “It’s important for people who use Burton for their commutes to find an alternative route during this short project. It keeps residents who live in the area and our workers safe.”
Local access to businesses in the construction area and residences will be maintained with detour through small neighborhood streets. Through traffic traveling across the construction zone will be detoured to 28th Street to avoid dangerous traffic volumes on small residential streets. Signage will be posted to direct traffic through the detour.
