Category Archives: Crime Prevention

Master Gardener Program teaches horticulture and changes lives

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Education, Local Faces, Recreation, Senior Living, , , , , ,
Photo of Daniel Miraval by Abbey Miller, Michigan State University Extension

By Abbey Miller, Michigan State University Extension

 

Twenty-seven years ago, the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Master Gardener Program changed Daniel Miraval’s life.

 

“I was an at-risk youth from the southwest side of Detroit and was given a scholarship to attend a Master Gardener Program, which I successfully completed,” Miraval said. “That program led me into an amazing 26-year-career in horticulture and arboriculture.”

 

“For me it was the first opportunity to actually engage in an advanced training related to my job which was in the green industry. I learned the basic building blocks and foundation of horticulture and arboriculture. Upon realizing that it was actually a learnable discipline, it was then I decided to stick with it as a career. It would be much later that I used that to make it a profession.”

 

The MSU Extension Master Gardener Program is an adult horticulture education and volunteer leader program committed to improving the quality of life in Michigan through horticulture-based volunteerism and beautifying communities throughout the state. The program provides instruction in basic, research-based horticulture science to motivated and active gardeners through an adult (18 years or older) educational program offered by MSU Extension. Once trained, Master Gardeners educate others in the community about environmentally and economically sound practices through horticulture-based volunteer activities.

 

In 1991 at 19 years old, Miraval did not have a clear picture of what he wanted to do. He struggled in school, eventually dropping out, and he had been in trouble with the law as a juvenile. Miraval needed a job and applied for a position at Marvin’s Gardens, a small landscape company, owned by Marvin Welch Jr.

 

“I’ve always said that the green industry saved my life,” Miraval said. “Had I not been given this opportunity, I may very well not have ended up as successful and accomplished as I have or be dead or in jail or prison.”

 

Shortly after starting at Marvin’s Gardens, Miraval realized that he had an affinity for and wanted to pursue a career in landscaping because as he says, “landscaping leaves a lasting mark.”

 

Welch showed an interest in Miraval’s progress and suggested Miraval take a Master Gardener class.

 

“He gave me a phone number for the Master Gardener Program,” Miraval said. “I called, they said the price and it was beyond my ability to pay.”

 

However, there was a hardship scholarship program. Welch advised Miraval to tell his story in a letter of application for the scholarship.

 

Miraval received the scholarship and attended the Master Gardener class. Looking back, Miraval recalls this class was one of the first major commitments he had ever made in his life.

 

“I was intimidated by Michigan State University in the title of the class,” Miraval said. “I didn’t graduate high school, but now was doing something with MSU.”

 

“The Master Gardener course provided me with the opportunity to explore the industry and guide me — it saved my life. I would not have put into practice follow-through and commitment. That was my first lesson. Taking the class opened doors for me. It also reaffirmed the fact that being broke is economic, but being poor is a debilitating state of mind. It taught me that when you do find success, you use it as a tool.

 

“I still refer to the Master Gardener curriculum from time to time,” he said. “The foundation of what I have learned as an arborist is in here [the Master Gardener curriculum] and whoever provided the funding that let me participate 27 years ago, when I had nothing, saved my life.”

 

Miraval credits the MSU Master Gardener program for helping people like him, who may not have succeeded in traditional education platforms, still attain levels of industry professionalism. He gives full recognition of his success today to where becoming a professional began for him in Welch’s class.

 

Following the class, Welch continued to serve as Miraval’s first mentor, but certainly was not his last mentor.

 

“Marvin said I should work for a nursery – a big one. Vidosh was one of those he suggested,” Miraval said.

 

During a job interview, Miraval recalled that Bruce White, Vidosh Landscape Center owner and operator and MSU horticulture graduate, asked what his 3- to 5-year plan was. Miraval told him he wanted to be like White. Miraval was offered the job where he continued to learn more about the green industry.

 

“Bruce was the one who recognized my passion for wanting to be a better person and to be part of a winning team,” Miraval said. “He was the one who taught me about hard work and following through with everything you set out to do. He really took me under his wing with the specific intention of recreating me. He became my mentor a month after I graduated from the Master Gardener class when I walked into his office, certificate and test score in hand, looking for more than a job but an opportunity. He served as a mentor for 19 years.”

 

Miraval then met White’s brother, Wayne White, owner of Emerald Tree Care LLC and MSU forestry graduate.

 

“Wayne has been a mentor of increasing involvement for the last 10 years, but his influence, commitment to my success and leaving a legacy has been an intense focus for the last 5 years. He is a true champion of mine and how my taking the steps and action to become a Master Gardener showed my passion for the green industry but more importantly it showed my determination to better myself by utilizing whatever means necessary and for me the first step was the Master Gardener Program.

 

“I think the bottom line is these mentors all taught me the basics of self-motivation, follow-through, work ethic and taking action,” Miraval said. “That seems to be what the Master Gardener Program scholarship contained. Being made available by some endowment I would imagine. I wish I could find out who those people were, and if they are still around, so I could personally thank each one of them. They believed in me without even knowing who I was. I want them to know that the program was a success for me and thank them. Every program needs metrics to prove its worth. I really don’t know what else to say other than thank you and the Master Gardener Program was like a magic carpet.”

 

Miraval continues to be surrounded by mentors that encourage his success and teach him lessons to live by. As he pursues Advanced Credentials in the Green Industry, he came in contact with Steve Martinko of Contenders Tree and Lawn, LLC from White Lake, Michigan. Steve has been a friend and mentor that has helped Miraval plan for the next ten years in his business.

 

Today, Miraval is a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and a co-owner of Green Extraction Technologies LLC, based near Chicago. They specialize in root collar excavation, corrective pruning and provide contract digging services for nurseries and specialized plant health care for residents, homeowner associations, municipalities and other organized properties. Among Miraval’s clients are Virginia farms Ingleside Plantation Nurseries, located on over 2,500 acres with 1,000 acres of nursery production, and White House Natives, LLC, dedicated to growing and harvesting 96 different species of native plant materials on their 25 acre site.

 

In addition to being a professional ISA member, Miraval serves on the Chicago Region Trees Initiative Tree Risk Management work group and is an Openlands TreeKeeper. He is also a member of the Tree Care Industry Association and the Illinois Arborist Association, of which he is a current board nominee. He is a certified tree safety person (CTSP), a certified Illinois pesticide applicator and an Illinois real estate agent.

 

“When I decided to become a an ISA–certified arborist, I reached back to the Master Gardener Program in respect to compartmentalizing how again this daunting advanced studying I wanted to do was similar to the Master Gardener Program. The information is there, it’s well presented and laid out, and all you have to do is apply yourself and inject your passion, and success is imminent.

 

“I hope my story inspires someone else or at least the people who make the policies that make these programs possible so they continue to fund them.

 

“The green industry is a very powerful industry in many ways. Trees are life. They saved mine and now I save theirs.”

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Kent County Board of Commissioners, Sheriff explain ICE contract 

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Our Cities, Politics

 

Kent County Board of Commission

 

At last month’s Board of Commissioners meeting, several community members and representatives of Movimiento Cosecha GR shared concerns about a contract between the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division, commonly known as ICE. Unfortunately, the meeting was temporarily suspended due to an interruption in the public comment process.

 

Representatives from the Administrator’s Office have invited Movimiento Cosecha GR leaders to meet about their concerns and hope to speak with them directly.

 

The Commission is committed to hearing public comments as it is an important element of our democracy that allows people to communicate directly with their government officials. In order to make sure all residents have an ability to participate, several years ago various rules were established that apply to everyone.

 

Since the June meeting of the Board of Commissioners, there have been several questions raised in the community about the ICE Contract with the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, including what the contract entails and the role of the Sheriff and Board of Commissioners. We believe it is important for the public to know the following:

 

Sheriff policy  and practice

 

Sheriff deputies do not make arrests on civil immigration charges. The Sheriff decided years ago not to seek the required, special authority to make these types of arrests.

 

Sheriff’s Department staff members working at the jail make no determinations regarding the validity of an arrest or the appropriateness of charges. They work to treat every inmate in a humane manner, with high levels of respect.

 

When an individual is arrested for an alleged criminal act and taken to Kent County Correctional Facility, fingerprints are submitted to the State and Federal government. Submission of fingerprints is not optional for the Sheriff Department or any local law enforcement agency – with or without an ICE contract. State and Federal laws require correctional facilities to fingerprint all individuals and send those prints to both databases to confirm their identification. When the FBI receives these prints, the Secure Communities Program (www.ice.gov/secure-communities) requires prints be shared with the Department of Homeland Security. It is this interplay between the FBI and Homeland Security that can trigger action by ICE.

 

In 2017, the Kent County Correctional Facility processed 23,455 people. In less than 0.8 percent of those arrests – 185 individuals – ICE submitted paperwork to detain individuals with immigration infractions that could, upon conviction, result in the individual serving jail time.

 

The scope of services under the ICE contract signed by the Sheriff in August 2012 is very limited, and includes:

 

The provision of temporary secure housing for persons who are facing federal immigration charges detained by and under the authority of the federal government at a current rate of $85 per day.

 

It also limits the housing of individuals held under the authority of the federal government to no more than 72 hours to make sure the federal government either takes custody of the individuals being held or removes the hold, so they can be released.

 

Board of Commissioners’ role

 

The Board of Commissioners has no direct oversight of or control over this agreement.

 

The Sheriff is a Michigan constitutionally-elected official, and pursuant to state law, the Sheriff has the authority to enter into and manage the contract because state law provides the office of County Sheriff with significant latitude in running the jail. The Board is prepared to receive comment on the contract and can facilitate discussion on the topic, but it does not have legal authority to either terminate or renew the agreement.

 

The concerns expressed by Movimiento Cosecha GR about the separation of families arise from Federal immigration law and the activities of Federal agencies including ICE. Federal immigration law can only be changed by federal lawmakers. Neither the County Board of Commissioners nor the County Sheriff can control or change these laws.

 

Wyoming public safety millage, state senate candidate on WKTV Journal: In Focus

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Election, Local Faces, Politics,

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV brings you two topics on the Aug. 7 primary ballot — City of Wyoming funding for its police and fire departments through its public safety special millage, and the City of Kentwood’s Republican voters selecting a candidate to run for the Michigan State Senate seat currently held by Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker.

 

The City of Wyoming is requesting to renew its existing public safety millage on the Aug. 7 primary ballot. Millage renewal approval would provide a permanent annual collection of 1.25 mills for the operation, maintenance and administration of city police and fire services. Discussing the details of the request is City of Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and Chief Kim Koster, Wyoming Public Safety Director.

 

Also on the episode, In Focus is the only one of the three candidates in the Republican primary for 26th State Senate district, which includes the City of Kentwood, without history in state government. Don Wickstra is a Hamilton dentist and political novice, and while he is chairman of the Heath Township Planning Commission he admits to being,“ a name you probably haven’t read in news stories.”

 

In Focus host Ken Norris brings you Wickstra’s story, in his own words.

 

The entire episode of “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.

 

The episode debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, July 24, and will again air on Thursday, July 26, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of July 30. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

 

With election season — and security review — looming, state confident of cybersecurity readiness

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Election, Hard News, Politics, Tech Trends, ,
Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, left, with new voting equipment.(Supplied/SOS office)

 

By. K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

While the Michigan Department of State has recently been touting the state’s election security readiness, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and the state’s Bureau of Elections which she oversees recently announced that it would be hiring an outside firm to conduct the state’s first “extensive security-related review” of cybersecurity readiness.

 

The news of the planned cybersecurity review was first announced in late June when the state included in its 2018-19 budget $535,000 in state money to match a federal grant and making available a total of $11.2 million for enhanced election security.

 

“Regarding the $11.2 million in new state and federal money for election security,” Fred Woodhams, Michigan Secretary of State’s Office spokesperson, said in an email to WKTV. “The Bureau of Elections is seeking to hire an experienced firm with election administration and cybersecurity expertise to perform the security review with at least initial findings expected to be reported before the November general election.”

 

The outside firm will “conduct a security review of state, county and local election-related systems to identify potential vulnerabilities and methods to mitigate them,” he said. “The work will be the first time such an extensive security-related review will be performed but that is just the start of our plans to use the new money for election upgrades over the next few years.”

 

Currently, the state’s Chief Security Officer, housed in the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, oversees the state’s IT systems and has an office devoted to cybersecurity, according to Woodhams.

 

The Chief Security Officer “office works closely with our elections and IT staff,” Woodhams said. “The state has long-standing efforts to protect systems from malicious activity. In addition to those efforts, the new money will be allow us to hire an outside firm to search for vulnerabilities to the systems of the state and also local communities. It will be the first time that part has been done.”

 

The cybersecurity threat to local elections is an on-going debate in Washington, D.C., but the overall threat was made clear in February of this year when a Congressional Task Force on Election Security reported “Russia’s unprecedented assault on the country’s elections in 2016 – including targeting 21 states’ voting systems – exposed serious national security vulnerabilities to our election infrastructure – which includes voting machines and voter registration databases.”

 

There is no evidence that Michigan’s voting system was compromised by any entity in 2016.

 

“We are very confident in the state’s elections systems,” Woodhams said, “due to, among other reasons, the extensive and redundant accuracy and integrity practices that include a weeks-long, thorough canvassing process that verifies each precinct’s results, and ballot and voter numbers to make sure everything adds up.”

 

Voting machines in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood were upgraded last year. (Supplied)

Woodhams also pointed out the many election upgrades Secretary Johnson and the Bureau of Elections have put in place for the 2018 election cycle, including all new next-generation election equipment used in all 1,520 cities and townships, expanded cybersecurity training for local election administrators and post-election audits that include ballot validation.

 

(For more information on local use of the new machines, see a WKTV Journal story here and also another story here.)

 

Woodhams’ remarks echo a statement by Secretary Johnson, in previous Department of State press release, regarding why the state’s voters should be confident in election security.

 

“Most importantly, every voter across Michigan still will use a good, old-fashioned paper ballot to mark their choices,” Secretary Johnson said. “Then they’ll feed the ballot into a new next-generation voting machine designed with security in mind. But buying all new election equipment isn’t all we’ve done to safeguard our election system.

 

“We carefully reviewed and improved our systems, and we’ll be putting $11 million of federal security grants toward further strengthening them against attack. Plus, we’re adding required cybersecurity training to our local clerk education programs.”

 

After Kent County installed new voting machines in time for last year’s fall election, the Aug. 7 primary will be the first statewide election in which every city and township will use all new voting equipment that includes optical-scan ballot tabulators, accessible voting devices for voters with disabilities, and new election-management and reporting software.

 

Note: WKTV first heard discussion on the plan July 9 at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters meeting when the Secretary’s west Michigan representative spoke of the grant and its intended election cybersecurity use.

 

Kent County judge recognized for work in probate court 

3-bottom, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Local Faces,

 

Kent County Chief Judge David M. Murkowski

By Kent County

 

Chief Judge David M. Murkowski of Kent County Probate Court is highlighted in a recent report issued by the Michigan Supreme Court.

 

The report, “Success Stories: How Probate Courts Work to Protect the People of Michigan,” features Judge Murkowski and five other probate court judges from around the state, examining the problem of mental illness in the criminal justice system and a history of probate courts in Michigan.

 

Judge Murkowski shares a story of success involving a man severely injured in a car accident. The man had a history of suffering from mental illness, substance use, and was estranged from his family. Judge Murkowski assigned the man a public guardian from the Kent County Public Guardianship Program. In two years, the guardian helped the man secure medical and mental health treatment, turn his life around and find him housing.

 

When Judge Murkowski terminated the guardianship, the man had also reunited with his family and credited the public guardian and the court for his successes.

 

“We see individuals every day who are incapacitated, vulnerable, exploited, and mentally ill, or simply need some help,” Judge Murkowski said in the report. “To be able to provide a path to self-reliance, or safety, or stability is most rewarding to me.”

 

Judge Murkowski’s efforts gained notice.

 

“Within our judicial branch, it is imperative that we have in place an effective system for resolving a variety of deeply-sensitive legal matters, such as the probate of estates, the supervision of trusts, the administration of guardianships and conservatorships, and addressing the treatment of persons with mental illness,” Justice Kurtis T. Wilder stated at a news conference in Midland announcing the report. “Michigan’s probate courts have a lengthy and honored history of providing that very system and protecting vulnerable people all across Michigan.”

 

Judge Murkowski graduated from Marquette University and attended Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He was appointed to the probate court in 2006. The Michigan Supreme Court appointed Judge Murkowski to serve as the Chief Judge of the Kent County Probate Court in 2008.

 

In 2017, he was elected President of the Michigan Probate Judges Association (MPJA) and serves as a member of the Judicial Council of the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He also serves on the Diversion Legislation Subcommittee of Governor Snyder’s Mental Health Diversion Task Force. He previously served six years as a council member of the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Kent County Family and Children’s Coordinating Council.

 

In 2014, Judge Murkowski was the recipient of the Judicial Contributions in Law and Aging Award by Elder Law of Michigan and was elected as a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation. In 2015, he was selected as a Leader in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

 

Kent County’s first female judge, avoiding scams on latest WKTV Journal: In Focus

3-bottom, Crime Prevention, Senior Living, Volunteers, WKTV Projects, ,

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV volunteer host Keith St. Clair talked with WKTV Kent County Circuit Court Family Division Judge Kathleen A. Feeney, who took the bench in 2000 and was the first woman judge on the Kent County Circuit Court.

 

Judge Feeney talks about recent awards she has been given, including the Justice Marilyn Kelly Outstanding Judicial Service Award. She also talks gender equity in the legal world and new programs in the county’s family court.

 

Also on the episode, In Focus is Michigan State Police Trooper Martin Miller, a community outreach trooper stationed out of Rockford Post 61. Trooper Miller talked with In Focus producer and host Ken Norris about scams targeting our seniors, other common scams and how to recognize and avoid them.

 

 

The entire episode of “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.

 

The episode will debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, July 10, and will again air on Thursday, July 12, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of July 16. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

 

Kent County prosecutor, GR police chief questioned at ACLU community discussion

3-bottom, Crime Prevention, Hard News, Local Faces, Our Cities, , , ,
Criminal justice in West Michigan was the stated topic of the American Civil Liberties Union Michigan’s “In/Justice” expert panel and community discussion at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre Wednesday, June 28. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

 

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Criminal justice in West Michigan was the stated topic of the American Civil Liberties Union Michigan’s “In/Justice” expert panel and community discussion at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre Wednesday, June 28.

 

“Questions about the relationship between police, prosecutors and citizens continue to dominate the American consciousness,” stated the flyer advertising the meeting, which was attended by more than 200 persons. “The forum brings together community groups and public officials to discuss the causes and solutions to problems with criminal justice in Grand Rapids.”

 

But Grand Rapids Police Department Chief David Rahinsky and Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker, two of the forum panelists, fielded most of the questions from moderator and local attorney Anthony Green, and often had to defend the organizations they lead.

 

Responding to a question about the high number of persons who committed non-violent crimes  but end up in prison, Becker pointed out that 73 percent of Michigan Department of Corrections prisoners are violent offenders and that while the federal prison average is about 50 percent drug offenders, the percentage in Kent County is about 7 percent.

 

In addition to Rahinsky and Becker, other members of the panel included Kent County Commissioner Robert S. Womack (District 17; City of Grand Rapids) and ACLU Michigan Legislative Director Shelli Weisberg.

 

Weisberg set the tone of racial disparity in Michigan’s criminal justice system early on when she said: “We incarcerate to many people, but we incarcerate far too many black and brown people.”

 

Responding to another question from Green, this one on race relations between the police force and minority communities — “The perception is that nothing has changed,” Green said — Rahinsky agreed that a recent report on GRPD traffic stops does show a level of disparity and that his department is taking action to improve race relations and lessen racial disparity in criminal justice.

 

“We took that report to heart,” Rahinsky said. “We are in the midst of a battle … collectively, we are making progress.”

 

Womack, at one point, while agreeing that problems exist with the Grand Rapids police force’s criminal justice enforcement involving minority communities, did offer his support of the police chief.

 

“We are far from having the relationship we need to have,” Womack said. But “I believe we have the right police chief.”

 

Other topics discussed in the early part of the community meeting related to bail recommendations and the inability of some low-income persons to pay bail for non-violent offenses, the idea of prosecutors over-charging crimes to allow for easier plea bargains, and action by the ACLU to bring about a fairer criminal justice laws in Michigan.

 

Parents are reminded to talk to their children about gun safety

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention
Hunting households often have hunting rifles, if not other guns, in the house. Care needs to be taken with all guns.

 

By Michigan State Police

 

With thirty-three percent of U.S. households having a gun in the house, and half of the gun owning households not properly securing their guns, the Michigan State Police is seeking to educate parents, guardians and gun owners about the simple precautions you can take to keep children safe.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,337 American children under age 18 died as the result of a gunshot in 2010.

 

Incidents such as this may be prevented if gun owners take more precautions and parents and guardians talk to children about gun safety.

 

“Parents and guardians need to educate their children about what to do if they see a gun,” said Community Service Trooper Martin Miller, Rockford Post. “If a child finds a gun they must stop what they’re doing, do not touch the gun, leave the area and tell an adult.”

 

All parents should talk to their children about the dangers of guns. Children should be told not to touch guns, and to tell an adult if they find a gun. Parents should also ask if guns are safely stored at places their children visit or play.

 

Additional safety tips for gun owners:

 

Store firearms in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault or storage case when not in use, ensuring the gun(s) is in a location inaccessible by children and cannot be handled by anyone without your permission.

 

Remove ammunition from the firearm and store the ammunition in a locked location separate from the firearm.

 

Store the key for the firearm case/cabinet and the ammunition in a different area from where you store household keys. Keep the keys out of the reach of children.

 

Use a gun-locking device that renders the firearm inoperable when not in use. A gun lock should be used as an additional safety precaution and not as a substitute for secure storage.

 

Gun-cleaning supplies are often poisonous, and should also be locked up to prevent access by children.

 

Educate everyone in your household about firearms safety.

 

Kent County Friend of the Court opens the Responsible Parent Program Center

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, ,
Information on how to sign up for MiChildSupport is one of the services of the Kent County Friend of the Court (Kent County Website)

By Kent County 

 

The Kent County Friend of the Court recently announced the opening of the Responsible Parent Program Center, located on the second floor at 82 Ionia Avenue NW, Grand Rapids. This new center makes it easier for participants in the program to meet with their case manager, see updated job postings, and apply for jobs on-line.

 

Launched in 2016, the Responsible Parent Program has established partnerships with over 30 agencies and employers to assist those who are having difficulties paying their court-ordered child support. Once in the program, a Friend of the Court case manager will meet with the participant to identify any barriers the person may be facing, make appropriate referrals for job placements and searches, determine whether a case qualifies for a support review to ensure the current order is based on ability to pay, and provide information about parenting time issues and services.

 

The goal of the Responsible Parent Program is to place 75 percent of those who complete the program into jobs. The Responsible Parent Program started in 2016 with 10 partner agencies and employers and has grown to 34 current partners. In its first two years, 53 percent of those accepted into the program reported employment following their initial appointment with the case manager; 41percent met their court-ordered obligation and 67.5 percent made some payment.

 

“These are cases where little to no payment was being made. Our primary goal is to make sure the children of Kent County are receiving court-ordered support,” said Friend of the Court Director Dan Fojtik. “We are here to help anyone who is sincerely interested in improving their financial position and getting their Friend of the Court case back on track.”

 

To qualify for the program, a participant must have a Friend of the Court case, no gainful employment, be able to work, have no pending child support related felony warrant, and be interested in participating. Enforcement actions such as show-cause hearings, bench warrants, and license suspensions will be deferred while the participant is in the program. The Responsible Parent Program Center has three designated computer terminals where payers can search for jobs, and the Center holds drop-in times when no appointment is needed on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons.

 

Anyone who is interested in this special 90-day program may contact the Friend of the Court for more information at 616-632-6888. Case managers are also available to meet in person without an appointment at Michigan Works, Urban Family Ministries, Strong Fathers, Hispanic Center, and Guiding Light Mission; call 616-632-6825 for days and times.

 

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Editorial, Hard News, Local Business, Local Faces, Our Cities, Politics, , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

 

City of Wyoming promotes Maguffee to police captain

Capt. James Maguffee takes over the position that was vacated by Chief Kim Koster upon her recent promotion.

 

 

Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates the opening of three businesses

Two new businesses open in Wyoming while a third opens its doors in Kentwood with the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce welcoming them all.

 

 

 

Wyoming’s ‘Chief’ Carmody, Republican house candidate on latest WKTV Journal: In Focus

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is the now retired Wyoming Director of Police and Fire Services Chief, as well as a candidate for a local state house seat.

 

 

 

 

City of Kentwood Police Department offers summer safety tips

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Crime Prevention, How-To's, Recreation, ,
The Kentwood Police Department wants you to keep cool this summer, and one was is to avoid crime and confrontations.

 

City of Kentwood

 

With summer soon upon us, the Kentwood Police Department is offering tips to help protect residents and their property. According to Police Chief Tom Hillen, crime incidents and arrests rise during the summer months.

 

Tom Hillen (Supplied)

“As the school year comes to an end and the temperature rises, we typically see an increase in criminal activity as more people spend time outside,” Hillen said. “We want to remind Kentwood residents of some precautionary steps they can take to deter crime and protect their families and properties.”

 

Because theft is a crime of opportunity, Kentwood police recommends residents stay alert and follow basic crime prevention measures. Unlocked doors, open windows and open garage doors all provide a temptation to steal visible valuables. By closing garage doors and windows, locking car doors and concealing valuables, residents can help eliminate opportunities for criminals.

 

The Police Department also experiences a rise in disorderly conduct calls and arrests, which are related to any behavior that creates a threat or disturbance to others, such as a loud argument or altercation. Hillen says the increase in this type of behavior could be related to how heat can affect irritability.

 

“When the temperatures spike, so can people’s tempers. Immense heat can add to people’s feelings of stress and irritability — and make them snap. A solution to this is simple: get cool,” Hillen said. “Residents can visit the mall or see a movie where they can relax in an air-conditioned space.”

 

If families seek to cool down from the summer heat in water, Kentwood police encourages them to keep water safety precautions in mind. Enclose pools, ensure pool gates are locked and do not let young children near any body of water unsupervised.

 

Other disorderly conduct incidents could be about loud noises or other nuisances.

 

While enjoying the warm weather, residents are reminded to be courteous of neighbors, and to be aware of curfew ordinances for children.

 

In the City of Kentwood, anyone under the age of 12 years old must not be in any public place after 10 p.m.; for children older than 12 and younger than 16, the curfew is 11 p.m.; and for minors ages 16 or 17, the curfew is midnight.

 

“As always, ‘If you see something, say something.’ Together we can help prevent crime, so all can have a safe and enjoyable summer,” Hillen said.

 

For more information about Kentwood Police Department, visit here.

 

Kent County judge named among 2018 Leaders in the Law 

3-bottom, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Local Faces
Kent County Circuit Court Family Division Judge Kathleen A. Feeney. (Supplied)

By Kent County

 

Kent County Circuit Court Family Division Judge Kathleen A. Feeney was recently named one of the Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2018 Leaders in the Law Class. This honor comes shortly after Judge Feeney was named Chief Judge Pro Tem of Kent County Circuit Court and the State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section named her as the recipient of its Justice Marilyn Kelly Outstanding Judicial Service Award.

 

This is the tenth year that MLW’s Leaders in the Law has recognized outstanding leaders and mentors within Michigan’s legal community. Thirty winners in all were selected from across the state for their efforts, including:

 

Significant accomplishments or achievements in law practice;

Outstanding contributions to the practice of law in Michigan;

Leadership in improving the justice system in Michigan;

Seeking improvements to the legal community and their communities at large;

Setting an example for other lawyers.

 

Judge Feeney is co-chair of the Family Law Committee for the Michigan Judges Association and has helped draft several significant amendments to the Michigan Court Rules. She serves on the Michigan Supreme Court Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions and is active in her church and community having spent 15 years on the Board of Directors for the Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA.

 

Judge Feeney took the bench in March 2000. She practiced family, employment, and insurance law and worked at the Court of Appeals in the first part of her legal career. She also is extremely accomplished in what was once a very male-dominated field.

 

“The biggest challenge I face in my legal career is being a woman,” Judge Feeney said. “I’ve competed with men in everything from swimming to basketball to softball to lawyering to judging. I’m the first woman judge on the Kent County Circuit Court and the first Chief Judge Pro Tem from the Family Division. I’m a woman who is a judge. I have been surprised and continue to be surprised, that litigants, lawyers, and sometimes judges still throw up barriers because of my gender. I do revel in overcoming these barriers.”

 

Judge Feeney’s approach is fair and honest, often providing counsel to those before her or pointing people in directions that may not be to their liking.

 

“I am trying to help them do what is best for them or their families but they do not always see it that way,” Judge Feeney told MLW. “Sometimes they take it to heart and reunify with their children and stay sober. Sometimes kids find their inner strength and succeed. We all celebrate! Every once in a while someone comes back and thanks me. In those circumstances, I know I have had a positive impact.”

 

While the last 18 years have brought much change and expansion to the Kent County Circuit Court, Judge Feeney believes that those within the courts should find opportunities to make the system better.

 

“That’s what drives me now; I am committed to improving the court system and continuing to find better ways to serve the families and children we see every day,” she said.

 

Artist donates ArtPrize Top 25 finalist ‘Let Go’ to Kent County

3-bottom, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Local Entertainment, , , ,

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By Kent County

When Pamela Alderman created “Let Go” for ArtPrize in 2017, she was looking to impact the audience with a large interactive piece. Alderman‘s work, an ArtPrize Top 25 finalist, is a beautiful seascape on five large wood panels that includes three Plexiglas figures that transform as you move around the artwork.

 

The creation includes an opportunity to write a note, crinkle it, then throw it “into the sea” – in essence, Let Go. Recently she found a way to continue the impact of “Let Go” – she donated the piece to the Kent County Courthouse, where it has a new life.

 

During her nine years of ArtPrize experience, Pamela’s interactive pieces included works on cancer, bullying, and autism. But it was her work on human trafficking that drew the attention of Judge Patricia Gardner.

 

“I first met Pamela when she presented her 2014 piece “The Scarlet Cord” to the Manasseh Advisory Group at Wedgwood two years ago,” Judge Gardner said. “Following that meeting, Pamela allowed her film about human trafficking to be used by probation staff when working with girls who endured sexual exploitation. She and I discussed my interest in working with delinquent girls and the formation of Girls Court and girl-specific group counseling experience called Girls Truth Group.” 

 

In September 2017, just months after the formation of Girls Court (a multi-disciplinary approach to serving female youth offenders), Judge Gardner took graduates of the program to the Amway Grand Plaza for a celebration dinner followed by a meet-and-greet with Pamela.

 

That meeting helped several participants, as they each wrote notes of what they wanted to let go — then threw the notes into the work. Some of the girls cried as they let go of something that hurt them in the past.

 

“All of the girls were moved by the power of the moment in listening to the artist and letting go of negative behavior and moving on from an intensive counseling experience to successful completion of probation,” Judge Gardner recalled. “It was honestly one of those moments that I thought would be a good educational experience, but it was far more meaningful than I could have imagined.”

 

The work was installed this month on the fifth floor of the Kent County Courthouse.

 

“The work we do in this Courthouse often addresses personal struggles or difficult circumstances faced by good people, families and children,” said Judge T.J. Ackert of the 17th Circuit Court Family Division.

 

Judge Ackert, who has known Pamela Alderman for many years, added, “Pamela’s work expresses a theme of healing and restoration, and this painting symbolizes the challenging work to restore their lives people engage in every day in this Court.

 

“Artistically, the placement of the painting outside our community room looking west over the city appropriately reflects the waves of the Grand River and the undulating architectural roof-line of DeVos Place — accentuating the peaceful movement from difficult times to a thriving existence!”

 

During ArtPrize, 70,000 visitors wrote their own “Let Go” notes and added them to the work.

 

“Artists create pieces for ArtPrize in hopes of speaking to a lot of people,” Pamela says. “This work is emotional. As an artist, my soul is rendered into that work. I hope people connect with the work because it’s relevant. It gives voice to people’s struggles and encourages healing.”

 

More about the piece can be found at Pamela Alderman’s website.

 

Ford airport leader welcomes Sen. Peters’ introduction of bill to fund airport security

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Hard News, Local Business, Politics

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org 

 

Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters last week joined with Republican Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado to introduce bipartisan legislation to “increase safety and security for airport passengers and visitors outside of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened areas,” according to supplied material.

 

The Secure Airport Public Spaces Act allows airports to use existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funds to update their security infrastructure to better protect public areas, including pick up and drop off areas, as well as baggage claim areas.

 

High profile attacks at Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Airport and Bishop International Airport in Flint last year demonstrated the vulnerabilities of unsecured public areas at airports, according to the statement.

 

Locally, leadership at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport said they both have high hope that the legislation will be approved and also will eventually be able to take advantage of the funding use changes.

 

Jim Gill, Gerald R. Ford International Airport CEO. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“We love the fact that the senators, our own Sen. Peters, stepped up to be forward thinking to address security issues,” James R. Gill, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, said to WKTV. “Certainly in light of the fact that this (federal action) is security related, we are likely to see support from all sides on that, not only political but from our partner airlines. Security and safety are always our collective Number 1 priority.”

 

And safety and security is also a priority for Sen. Peters.

 

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.)

“Millions of Americans travel through our nation’s airports every day, and we need to protect travelers and visitors from potential security threats in every part of the airport,” Sen. Peters said May 16, in supplied material. “In recent years, we’ve seen a rising number of attacks that take place outside of TSA-screened areas. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation will give airports flexibility to address security vulnerabilities in public areas and safeguard passengers, visitors and staff.”

 

The submitted bill, if passed, would allow airports to spend Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) dollars they have already collected on airport infrastructure projects that increase security. Under the bill, PFC funding could be used for projects to enhance perimeter security by adding fencing or barricades, or improve responses to active shooter threats by installing active shooter location technology and ballistic protective podiums that shield officers and store rifles to help counter an attack.

 

And, while Gill said the possible changes in funds-use would not have an immediate impact on the Ford Airport, it would be very valuable down the road.

 

“The (PFC) funds that we collect right now are committed out through somewhere around 2023, 2024. Those funds were used to fund the construction of the big runway … They were used for a number of public improvements in the airport,” Gill said. “So we do not have an immediate availability. What this piece of legislation would allow is expanded use of the existing availability funds.

 

“We do not see a short term ability to expand that use but it will be great to have that tool in our tool box. … So as we find opportunities to take advantage of that funding, when it is freed up, we will certainly take advantage of that.”

 

The bill also allows airports to use Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds on state of the art surveillance cameras in public areas such as baggage claims or pick up and drop off areas. Currently, AIP funds are limited to the installation of closed-circuit television inside of secure, TSA-screened areas of an airport.

 

“Security really begins beyond the front door for us,” Gill said. “But once you are on the airport (grounds) — there are a lot of things we are unable to talk about — but it begins with the perimeter of the airport, fencing, our (airport) police officers do a great job of ensuring safety. … In today’s day and time, we are always have to be more cognizant of security and safety. … any ability to push that is going to be great.”

 

Legislative reaction to ballot measures part of Chamber’s WKTV Government Matters discussion

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Election, Going Local, Politics, WKTV Projects,
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Possible Michigan legislative action driven by probable fall ballot measures on prevailing wage and recreational marijuana use was a key part of the discussion Monday, May 14, as part of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meeting held at Kentwood City Hall.

 

After the topic was raised as to which ballot measure proposals were likely to be approved for public vote this fall, a representative of the Michigan Secretary of State’s office confirmed that the ballot proposal to legalize recreational use of marijuana was approved and a proposal to eliminate current prevailing wage laws was likely.

 

(A proposal to change the way state voting districts are drawn — which is driven by a petition drive led by a group called Voters Not Politicians — has enough signatures to be on the ballot but is currently facing opposition in the state’s courts.)

 

State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District) then took center stage when discussing possible state legislative action that could impact the ballot measures.

 

Sen. MacGregor said there is currently discussion in Lansing on the idea of the legislature (both the state Senate and House of Representatives) voting to approve the recreational marijuana proposal, an action which according to state law would then allow the legislature to impose certain rules (and possible restrictions) on the state’s recreational marijuana laws with a simple majority vote in the two chambers and without the signature of the governor.

 

He — and State Rep. Steven Johnson (R-72nd District) — explained that if the proposal went to the voters and passed, it would require a 3/4 majority of the legislature to change it.

 

“I have voted against every marijuana proposal,” Sen. MacGregor said. But “if we pass it, we can come back and revisit it.

 

“I want to make it clear that if the legislature decides to vote on any of the citizens’ initiated ballot proposals, we must vote and accept the language as written, within 40 days of certification,” he later said to WKTV. “We can’t change anything until it becomes a statute. Both accepting language and any future changes can be done by a simple majority vote.”

 

A more detailed discussion on the issue, along with discussion on other issues such as the federal deficit, funding problems with Kent County’s mental health programs, and business news from Kentwood and Wyoming were also part of the latest Government Matters meeting.

 

The monthly meeting brings together government leaders of all levels to discuss issues of importance and presents those discussions through WKTV’s live, delayed and on-demand broadcasts.

 

The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other regional, State of Michigan and Federal elected officials. The next meeting will be June 11 at Kentwood City Hall.

 

The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktvondemand.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.

 

5 Local Things You Need to Know:  For the weekend, to start next week

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local History, Recreation
Wyoming’s annual Spring Carnival will open this weekend at Lamar Park. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Wyoming: City’s family-friendly Spring Carnival at Lamar Park opens 

 

It’s time to celebrate spring as the City of Wyoming hosts its annual spring carnival at Lamar Park, with the carnival opening on Friday, April 27 and running through Sunday, May 6, at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. Carnival times are Monday through Thursday from 4-8:30 p.m.; Fridays from 2-8:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8:30 p.m.

 

The carnival will feature entertainment for all ages, including games, prizes, and carnival fare favorites. Proceeds from the carnival support City of Wyoming parks and recreation services and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance or GWCRA.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Kentwood: Police department’s Drug Take Back day planned for Saturday

 

The Kentwood Police Department will be part of a region wide Drug Take Back day Saturday. (Supplied)

The Kentwood Police Department also will be offering Drug Take Back services Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at its department offices, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Only pills or patches will be accepted at this location.

 

Those looking to get rid of sharps — the term for medical devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin such as needles — should contact the Kent County Health Department about the Sharps program.

 

Kentwood’s event is part of a region-wide; for the full story, click here.

 

WKTV sports: Golden Gloves boxing, high school ball games, available

 

WKTV will rebroadcast its coverage Michigan Golden Gloves state finals this weekend. (WKTV)

If you are fans of local Golden Gloves boxing, WKTV will rebroadcast its coverage of this week’s action on Saturday, April 28, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.

 

But if you are more in the mood for something outdoors, we have your schedule of local high school baseball and softball action around the Wyoming and Kentwood area.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Grand Rapids: GRPM hosts annual cocktails and collections event

 

Grand Rapids Public Museum will host Collections & Cocktails May 2. (Supplied)

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will once again host Collections & Cocktails, a new annual fundraiser focusing on the museum’s collections, their stories and the preservation and education with these artifacts, on Wednesday, May 2.

 

This year, Collections & Cocktails will focus on the museum’s transportation collection, featuring dinner and signature cocktails to go along with the exciting stories of artifacts such as Grand Rapids’ own 1949 Herpolsheimer Child Passenger Train, the Austin Model 60, and a 1913 Indian Model E Motorcycle.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Lake Michigan: MSU study looks at recreation, climate change on lakeshore

 

According to scientists and some users, Lake Michigan is seeing an impact from global warming. (Supplied)

Coastal communities and sensitive coastal ecosystems experience a variety of weather-related impacts that are influenced by changing climatic conditions, but Michigan State University researchers have found that Michigan residents’ opinions about climate change vary for many reasons.

 

For example, the authors found that greater involvement in outdoor recreation activities, higher levels of education, and lower levels of income were key factors. And, males and older individuals tended to be more dismissive of or disengaged with climate change than their counterparts.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

5 Local Things You Need to Know: Headlines for the week

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Going Local, Health, , ,
Wyoming will hold its drug take-back day this week. (WKTV)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Wyoming: Drug take back day is this Saturday

The City of Wyoming has partnered with Metro Health-University of Michigan Health to provide Drug Take Back services between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the main lobby of the Metro Health Hospital, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, or to the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW.

 

Wyoming Public Safety officers will be on hand to anonymously accept medications, including controlled substances, with no questions asked.

 

For the complete story, click here.

Kentwood/Kent County: Ford airport continues to grow amenity options
The Gerald R. Ford Airport continues to grow its passenger and pubic amenities.

More food and beverage offerings are coming to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, this time in the pre-security area, as “Leinie Lodge” has now opened adjacent to Starbucks in the Airport’s Grand Hall.

 

Leinie Lodge will predominantly feature Leinenkugel’s wide range of award-winning German-inspired beers, as well as a selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and an assortment of snacks.

 

For the complete story, click here.

Kelloggsville: Retiree stays active as school-based community advocate 
Jane and Jim Ward meet the KDL elephant, Katie L.

Kent District Library’s Kelloggsville Branch, and community member Jim Ward, are all about getting books into children’s hands. Together they have made it happen inside Kelloggsville High School.

 

Ward, who is retired, was instrumental in planning the library, which opened this winter inside the high school. A Forest Hills Public Schools media specialist for 38 years, he had a strong interest in the concept of public libraries operating within schools, and worked with administrators, who tapped into his knowledge to make that happen.

 

For the complete story, click here.

WKTV programs: ‘Feel Like You Belong’ looks at mentoring minorities — in  golf
Alan Headbloom tapes his show here at WKTV.

This week’s “Feel Like You Belong” program — produced here at WKTV — tackles the subject of how do we change the notion that certain sports are just for white athletes or male participants? By mentoring females and youth of color in those sports. PGA professional Andre Pillow talks about his work with The First Tee of West Michigan and creating access to golf for all young people.

 

For the complete story, click here.

West Michigan: Bennett Prize ($50,000) for women figurative style artists
The Muskegon Museum of Art will host a contest for women painters.

Women who paint in the figurative realist style are invited to apply for the $50,000 Bennett Prize, the largest ever offered solely to women painters. The winner of The Bennett Prize will create her own solo exhibition of figurative realist paintings, which will first be shown at the Muskegon Museum of Art and then travel the country.

 

The call for entries runs from April 13-Sept. 28, 2018. Details are at www.thebennettprize.org.

 

For the complete story, click here.

 

Kentwood Police Department seeks trail patrol volunteers

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Health, Kids Activities, Recreation, Volunteers
Kentwood’s public trails welcome not only public use but also public volunteers being watchful eyes and ears on the trail. (Supplied)

By Kentwood Police Department

 

The Kentwood Police Department is looking for volunteers to become part of the Trail Patrol Volunteer Program.

 

Trail Patrol Volunteers patrol parks and trails in the City of Kentwood by providing assistance to trail users and reporting problems — signs of vandalism, damage, and illegal/suspicious activity. Trail patrol involves observing and reporting issues on the trail including maintenance and ordinance violations.

 

Volunteers may choose to walk or ride a bike to patrol and set their own schedule. A minimum one-hour commitment per week is requested (weather permitting).

 

Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, have a friendly demeanor, undergo application and screening process, pass a background check, and attend a one-hour Department training.

 

You can make a difference in your community’s parks and trails and have fun while doing it!

 

For more information, contact Vicki Highland at 616-656-6571 or e-mail highlandv@ci.kentwood.mi.us.

 

Sen. Schuitmaker talking gun control, Godfrey-Lee millage request on latest WKTV Journal: In Focus

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Election, Politics,

State Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker on the set of WKTV Journal: In Focus.

 

WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, State Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, a Republican who currently represents the 26th District, which includes the City of Kentwood, talks with program host Ken Norris on a wide-range of topics, including the opioid crisis and her coming effort to become Michigan’s next Attorney General.

 

But in the wake of last week’s mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Sen. Schuitmaker also talks about her support of 2nd Amendment gun rights in general but also Senate bills she voted for in 2017 which, if approved by the state House of Representatives and Governor, would allow guns in gun-free zones such as schools and daycare centers.

 

“When you look at mass shootings, the good majority of them happen in gun-free zones,” Sen. Schuitmaker said to WKTV. “No amount of laws every really enforces these mass shootings from happening, because murder is against the law and we still see it every single day.

 

“I do support the 2nd Amendment and I am a CPL holder myself. I certainly believe I should be allowed to take precautions and protect myself, and my family and my home. As you saw, down in Texas, in that awful, terrible church shooting, it was a 2nd Amendment holder, a CPL holder, that actually stopped that gunman from more carnage. I certainly supported the legislation (Senate bills) that you referred to because I believe that if teachers that are certified and go through additional training, that they won’t be helpless in a classroom, and that in certain circumstances they might be able to prevent such carnage as what we saw there (in Florida), because our kids lives are at risk.”

 

Also on the episode, Kevin Polston, Superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, talks about his school district’s upcoming request for public support of an extension of an existing sinking fund millage — an effort to improve safety, security and technology while allowing more general fund dollars to be spent in the classroom.

 

 

The entire episode of “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.

 

The episode will debut on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m., will again air on Thursday, March 1, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of March 5. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.

 

At Godfrey-Lee ECC, One Wyoming Winterfest was all about the unique community 

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Education, Health, Kids Activities,
The Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center on Joosten Street SW was open for fun on Saturday, Jan. 27. (WKTV)

K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org 

 

Each of the many locations where the One Wyoming Community Collaborative’s second annual Winterfest community events took place on Saturday, Jan. 27, had unique offerings for the many unique communities which make up Wyoming.

 

And maybe there is no event, and no community, as unique as the neighborhood around the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center on Joosten Street SW — with its large hispanic population and its bilingual communication embraced as a community strength.

 

The weather was great — for January — at the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center’s Winterfest event. (WKTV)

So it was only fit that notice of events — from raffle winners, to food offerings, to games on a playground free of snow and the sun shinning bright on a January day — were all announced in Spanish as well as English.

 

But there were not only fun and games available at the event. In addition to a visit from police Officer Shad McGinnis of the Community Services Unit, and a  city firetruck, there were several community service groups represented.

 

“Here at Winterfest for the Godfrey-Lee community, we have various resources partners, resource services, non-profits in our area, people that serve our community,” Sydney Hanlon, am ECC staff member, said to WKTV. “It is an opportunity for our families, our community, to come out, look at the different opportunities that are available for them, to volunteer, to find resources, to get services from these partners — and to just have a good time.

 

“Here at Godfrey-Lee ECC, this is just one part of our school district, and Godfrey-Lee is a community school district — it is the only school district in Kent County that is a total community school,” she added. “What that means is that we try to provide services for our community so that we do not have to go outside the community but their (social and health service) needs can be met here.”

 

One Wyoming is made up of a collaboration of schools, businesses, local government, churches, nonprofits and residents to improve the quality of life in the community. It is best known for its successful 1-on-1 mentoring program.

 

Wyoming’s Winterfest is similar to National Night Out, which takes place in August. This years’s event had seven different locations in various neighborhoods throughout the city. Each location has activities that have been planned by churches, residents and businesses of that neighborhood. Each site will have its own slate of events, but all will feature food, family-friendly activities, health related information and activities, and giveaways from businesses and other local organizations.

 

The morning locations, included The Dock, located near Kelloggsville High School on South Division Avenue (actually Grand Rapids), Wyoming Junior High School on Wrenwood Street SW, West Elementary School (with Calvary Church) 38th Street SW, and Grace Bible College on Aldon Street SW.

 

The list of afternoon locations, in addition to the ECC, included North Godwin Elementary School, on 34th Street and Vanguard Charter School on 52nd Street SW.

 

For more information about the event or about One Wyoming, visit onewyoming.com.

 

For more information about the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center visit here .

 

Kentwood names first female police captain at Commission ceremony

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Crime Prevention
Captain Stephanie Morningstar took the Oath of Office on January 16 as she was promoted from sergeant to captain. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org 

 

The Kentwood Police Department has welcomed its first female police captain. Captain Stephanie Morningstar took the oath of office on January 16 as she was promoted from sergeant to captain. Morningstar joins Captain Michael Bockheim, who was promoted to captain in October.

 

“We are delighted to celebrate the well-deserved promotion of Stephanie to captain,” Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen said in supplied material. “Stephanie was one of my first promotions to sergeant after I stepped into the Chief’s role. I’ve seen her work hard and watched her come a long way in our Department. I’m confident she’ll continue to accomplish great things in her duties as captain.”

 

Morningstar graduated from Grand Valley State University in 1996 with a degree in Criminal Justice. She started her career in Canton Township before accepting a position with Kentwood in 2000.

 

During her time with Kentwood, Morningstar has served in the Patrol Unit and Detective Bureau. She has also served as a field training officer and an honor guard member. She and her husband have two teenage sons. Morningstar is also an adjunct professor at the police academy at Grand Rapids Community College.

 

Kentwood police Captain Michael Bockheim. (Supplied)

In October 2017, the department also swore in Captain Bockheim. Bockheim is a 23-year veteran of the Kentwood Police Department, whose father is a retired officer of 30 years from the Grand Rapids Police Department. Bockheim has served in the Patrol Unit and Community Services Bureau; he has also served as a field training officer, canine officer, and Special Response Team member.

 

Be neighborly: One Wyoming brings back Winterfest community-wide event to seven neighborhoods

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Entertainment, Food, Going Local, Health, Local Faces, Non-Profits,
Students participate at one of the 2017 Winterfest booths. (WKTV)

WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org

 

After a successful debut last year, the One Wyoming Community Collaborative will present the 2018 version of its Winterfest community-wide series of events on Saturday, Jan. 27, with events planned any seven different locations but with one goal: to get people out and talking to their neighbors.

 

One Wyoming is made up of a collaboration of schools, businesses, local government, churches, nonprofits and residents to improve the quality of life in the community. It is best known for its successful 1-on-1 mentoring program.

 

Wyoming’s Winterfest is similar to National Night Out, which takes place in August. This years’s event will have seven different locations in various neighborhoods throughout the city. Each location has activities that have been planned by churches, residents and businesses of that neighborhood. Each site will have its own slate of events, but all will feature food, family-friendly activities, health related information and activities, and giveaways from businesses and other local organizations.

 

Where things are happening

 

The list of morning locations, open from 9-11 a.m., include: The Dock, located near Kelloggsville High School at 4669 South Division Ave. (actually Grand Rapids);  Wyoming Junior High School, 2125 Wrenwood St. SW; West Elementary School (with Calvary Church), 1840 38th St. SW; and Grace Bible College, 1011 Aldon St. SW.

 

The list of afternoon locations, open from noon-2 p.m., include: North Godwin Elementary School, 161 34th St.; Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center, 961 Joosten St. SW.; and Vanguard Charter School, 1620 52nd St, SW.

 

For more information about the event or about One Wyoming, visit onewyoming.com.

 

State Sen. MacGregor, Migrant Legal Aid program featured on latest WKTV Journal: In Focus

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Election, Politics, ,

WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org

 

Michigan State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District, which includes the City of Wyoming) has a business background, being a former small business owner and having graduated from Michigan State University with a business degree. So one thing he hates is late payment for work performed, a problem often faced by the state’s foster care providers.

 

During a visit to the set of WKTV Journal: In Focus early this month, MacGregor talked with host Ken Norris about his work for efficient funding for the state’s foster care system as well as subjects ranging from the state’s term limits law to his volunteer work for “Volley for Mitchell”, a charity volleyball tournament which has raised more than $100,000 for Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy.

 

Also on the latest episode of In Focus, the Grand Rapids based Migrant Legal Aid organization, specifically director/attorney Teresa Hendricks and attorney Ben O’Hearn, discuss their group’s work to protect migrant workers’ legal rights and to give voice to a sometimes silent portion of our community.

 

The episode will debut Tuesday, Jan. 16 , at 6:30 p.m., and will again air on Thursday, also at 6:30 p.m., and again next week on the same days and times on WKTV channels but all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.

 

 

The entire episode of “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.

Making a difference: Local state legislators’ key public policy efforts in 2017’s

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Wyoming and Kentwood’s local state government representatives were busy in Lansing in 2017, often on legislative action they felt passionate about. (Michigan Municipal League)

By. K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

When it comes to working on public policy in Lansing, Michigan state legislators try to vote knowledgeably on wide range of issues. But they often have focal points for their efforts; legislative bills which they champion because they consider them uniquely important or, often, have a personal connection.

 

As 2017 comes to a close, WKTV asked the two state senators and two representatives who represent the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood to tell us about one of their legislative efforts that rose above the routine job of public policy and governance.

 

The answers ranged from combating the state’s opioid epidemic to supporting foster care parents, from protecting people by protecting their pets to a deeply held belief in the sanctity of the unborn.

 

Sen. Schuitmaker seeking an decline in opioid abuse

 

For Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker — Senate President Pro Tempore, R-26th District, which represents the city of Kentwood and Gaines Township in Kent County — a chance meeting with a constituent who lost her child to opioid abuse led her to focus on the issue and to work on several fronts to combat what some call an epidemic.

 

State Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker (R-26th District)

First, Schuitmaker sponsored legislation to allow law enforcement and first responders to carry the life-saving Naloxone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. Then, in 2015, she was appointed to Gov. Rick Snyder’s Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force, which issued several recommendations including the use of the Michigan Automated Prescription System to deter over-prescription problems such as so-called “doctor shopping” and “pill mills.”

 

Senate Bills 166 and 167 are expected to be signed by the governor soon.

 

“Every community across our state has experienced the devastating effects of prescription drug and opioid abuse,” Schuitmaker said to WKTV. “My colleagues and I have heard from parents of victims, individuals who have suffered from addiction, medical specialists, law enforcement and many others.

 

“Though many tragedies have happened in recent years, Senate Bills 166 and 167 are a culmination of hard work from every end of the spectrum to help put an end to this crisis. … This legislation will put an end to pill mills and other illegal operations by creating a paper trail for every Schedule 2 through Schedule 5 controlled substance. A quick, three-second search gives health care professionals a complete outline of a patient’s controlled substance prescription history; allowing them to see if something doesn’t look right.”

 

Rep. Brann takes love of animals to legally protected level

 

Anybody who knows Rep. Tommy Brann — R-77th District, including the City of Wyoming and Byron Township — knows he often explains his stands on issues with stories about people in his community if not in his restaurant. In this, his first year working in Lansing, he says one of his “pet” efforts was the introduction of House Bill 4332 and House Bill 4333, which increases the penalties of animal cruelty.

 

“I call HB 4332 the ‘Howie Bill’ because it changes the definition of animals to reflect them as companions in law, which is how I saw my dog Howie,” Brann said to WKTV. But the bill really has more of a backstory than just the legislator’s dog.

 

State Rep. Tommy Brann (R-77th District)

“While clearing tables at my restaurant and I overheard at booth #99 customers talking about the best way to get revenge on someone was to kill their dog,” Brann said. “This had a major impact on me, because of how much pets mean to me.  Animal abuse should not be tolerated, and the proper, humane treatment of animals is good for society. According to multiple studies, there is a correlation between animal abuse and domestic violence.”

 

According to Brann, HB 4332 and 4333 make it a crime to knowingly kill, torture, or mutilate a companion animal, knowingly administer poison to a companion animal, or threaten to do any of those things, with the intent to cause mental suffering or distress to a person or exert control over a person. The bill also increases penalties for some existing animal abuse crimes, and expands some existing crimes. The legislation keeps some penalties against animal abusers the same but adds three tiers to the sentencing guidelines, and there is no minimum sentencing guidelines.

 

The House passed HB 4332 (92-15) and 4333 (90-17) and are currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee for review, he said.

 

Rep. Johnson follows his beliefs with anti-abortion effort

 

Rep. Steve Johnson — R-72nd District, which includes the City of Kentwood — is also in his first year in Lansing. And while he has had a busy year and been active on many issues, he was Christian conservative before he was elected and will be whenever he finally leaves state government. So his support of right-to-life issues are strong.

 

State Rep. Steven Johnson, left, talks with WKTV Journal: In Focus host Ken Norris during a 2017 interview. (WKTV)

“The first piece of legislation I introduced that I’m very passionate about is HB 4221, which would prohibit the state from sending money to clinics in Michigan that provide elective abortion services,” Johnson said to WKTV. “Protecting the sanctity of life is a responsibility I take very seriously. Our budget in Michigan should not be used to fund abortion clinics, whether directly through state-generated revenue or indirectly with money we receive from the federal government.”

 

HB 4221 is currently awaiting a vote in the House Appropriations Committee, he said.

 

Sen. MacGregor works to support child care efforts

 

As chairman of the Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, Sen. Peter MacGregor — R-28th District, which includes the City of Wyoming — has been working to reform the Child Care Fund for several years, most recently and specifically through Senate Bills 529 and 530.

 

State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District)

MacGregor has “worked closely with the Child Care Fund and the groups involved with taking care of this vulnerable population of children for over five years,” according to a statement from his office to WKTV. “What started out as a meeting to examine slow payments to counties and non-profit service providers from the state, eventually morphed into a two-year workgroup with the goal of changing the Child Care Fund payment system.”

 

Michigan’s Child Care Fund (CCF) provides financial reimbursement to counties for community-based programming and placement costs for youth with an annual budget of approximately $400 million. The workgroup included the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, county courts and other county representatives, and non-profit child placing agencies.

 

SB 529 and 530 amend the Social Welfare Act to improve the reimbursement process. The Child Care Fund pays for costs associated with foster care/child welfare and the juvenile justice services.

 

“Currently, it’s a convoluted system both in function and process where there is a 50-50 cost sharing between the state and counties,” according to the statement. “The goal of this legislation, which will transition to a state pays first system, is to make the system more efficient and to clarify the process relative to what is reimbursed.

 

“It’s been a delicate balance because separately each member of this group plays a different role in caring for the children and in how they use or oversee the fund.  However, the communication, commitment to work on solutions and the time put into the proposed solution has really been amazing.”

 

SB 529 and 530 had overwhelming support in the Senate and are expected to gain a positive the state House of Representatives vote January 2018.

 

Innovative new Kent County mental health court on latest WKTV Journal: In Focus

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WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org

 

There is no doubt that a large portion of the caseload of Kent County courts involves persons arrested with clear mental health issues, and that the system in which those persons are handled is burdensome for the courts, not constructive for the arrested, and — ultimately — often do not make the community safer.

 

Network 180’s director of network services Ross Buitendorp talks with program host Ken Norris. (WKTV)

But a new county Mental Health Court program — involving law enforcement, courts and the county’s pubic mental health and substance use disorder services provider,  Network 180, aims to change the system for the betterment of all.

 

On the latest WKTV Journal: In Focus, Network 180’s director of network services Ross Buitendorp talks with program host Ken Norris about a program that substitutes a problem-solving model for traditional criminal court processing.

 

Also on this episode, Katie Fahey, president and treasurer of Voters Not Politicians, a non-partisan ballot committee seeking to put before voters in 2018 a proposal to end gerrymandering in Michigan, talks about the state’s current system of drawing election district maps and how and why the plan Voters Not Politicians are advocating for would change the redistricting system.

 

The episode will debut Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m., and will again air on Thursday, and again next week on the same days and times on WKTV channels but all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.

 

For the video of Ms. Fahey at WKTV visit here.

 

The entire episode of “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.

 

Update: Kent County leaders approve $417 million budget for 2018

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Just in case you think Kent County’s budget planning process is not big news, consider that its approved 2018 budget of $417 million will be second highest in the area, behind only the City of Grand Rapids’ $528 million budget, and that the county funds the sheriff’s office and courts, social services, the county’s elections, and veterans services.

 

The Kent County Board of Commissioners voted this week to approve a plan for how the county government will spend more than $356 million in 2018 — with public safety programs gaining the lion’s share at nearly $87 million, followed closely by social services programs at just over $81 million.

 

The county total budget includes $61 million in “transfers out” funding, which is designated funds for programs such as the Friend of the Court program. And the county’s main discretionary fund for operating and capital expenditures, its general fund, will be about $172 million.

 

In comparison to the 2018 plan, the county’s actual 2016 total expenditures were about $339 million and its adopted (but not yet completed and actual) expenditures for 2017 were $371 million.

 

The 2018 General Appropriation Act is on the agenda for approval by the Board of Commissioners at its meeting scheduled for the Nov. 30 — and after a lengthy budgeting process and public hearings, it is expected to be approved.

 

Commissioner Harold Voorhees

“It was in some ways a bit easier than many of the budgets (from) previous years in that, especially from 2007, we went through years of declining revenue — property values (and the county’s tax base) were on the decline, thus our property tax revenues declined,” Commissioner Harold Voorhees said to WKTV. “This year that is not so. (But) did that make budget discussions easier? No.”

 

Voorhees represents county District 8, which is all within the City of Wyoming. This was his 14th year serving on the county’s Finance and Physical Resources Committee.

 

The other commissioners representing Wyoming and Kentwood include Harold Mast (District 12/Wyoming and Kentwood), Betsy Melton (District 13/Kentwood), Matt Kallman (District 9, mostly the Byron Township but also a small portion of the City of Wyoming) and Stan Ponstein (District 7, the City of Grandville but also a small portion of the City of Wyoming).

 

Tax millage rate down slightly this year; more coming?

 

While not successful in this year’s budgeting process, Voorhees also said he plans to continue his outspoken efforts to institute a reduction in next year’s county income from property taxes.

 

“I was out front in my support of the dedicated millage for the John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Public Museum,” he said. “This new revenue, and along with other savings and increases in revenues, caused me to seek a property tax reduction on Kent County families and all property owners. (But) I had to realize I had started my request for lowering taxes too late in the process for this budget year.”

 

The county tax millage rate, as proposed for the 2018 budget, is 6.0518 mills, which, according to the county, “is 0.0078 mills less than the millage rate levied for the 2017 budget due to the Headlee roll-back. As a result, Kent County’s total millage rate would be the 14th lowest in Michigan and the third lowest of the 13 counties in the West Michigan Region.”

 

Sheriff Department leads in increased expenditures

 

To break down the county’s general fund expenditures of about $172 million, which represents a 3.3 percent increase from the 2017 budget year, according to the county’s budget report. The budget includes operating expenditures of $134.0 million, including capital expenditures of $2.2 million, and $38.3 million to support the operations of other funded programs.

 

The Sheriff Department’s general fund budget will increase 5.2 percent, from $59.9 million in 2017 to $63.0 million in 2018. The personnel cost in the Sheriff’s budget is up $2.4 million, or 5.3 percent over the current year. This is attributed to general personnel increases and the addition of five correction positions, according to the county.

 

Some of the other highlights of the 2018 budget, according to the county, are: a Health Department appropriation of $29.2 million which represents a 3.6 percent increase over the 2017 budget; a total Child Care programs budget of $27.7 million that represents a 9.5 percent decrease; and a Circuit Court budget of $17.8 million that represents a 2.2 percent increase.

 

Nomination deadline for Silent Observer’s ‘Community Heroes Awards’ is Oct. 20

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Crime Prevention, Upcoming Events, ,

 

By Silent Observer

 

Do you know a crime-fighting hero that works tirelessly in keeping our community or their neighborhood safe? If you do, Silent Observer is giving you the opportunity to nominate them for one of Silent Observer’s Community Heroes Awards. This event was created to recognize both law enforcement and civilians who have made significant contributions to safety and crime prevention. The nominee’s efforts should be directed within the boundaries of Kent County. Winners will be celebrated and recognized at Silent Observer’s First Annual Community Heroes Awards Luncheon on December 7, 2017.

 

Award Categories are:

  • Law Enforcement Bridge Builder Award
  • Building Stronger Neighborhoods Award
  • Making A Difference Community Award

Click here to download the Nomination Application for a description of each award category and for the award application. Deadline for nominations is October 20, 2017. 

 

For more information, visit Silent Observer’s website here.

 

About Silent Observer:

Public Act 557 strengthens Silent Observer’s promise of anonymity to tipsters who call our tip line with information about crime. The law protects Silent Observer’s records from subpoena unless the information would clear a defendant of guilt. “The guarantee of anonymity is the most important element of Silent Observer and Crime Stoppers programs,” said Chris Cameron, Executive Director of Silent Observer. ” It is what makes our program a vital tool in obtaining leads to assist investigators in solving crime.”​

Silent Observer will pay a reward of up to $1,000 if your tip leads to the  arrest of an individual. The reward amount is based on the severity of the crime and how important the tip was to police. A reward is available for any serious crime solved with the help of a tip to Silent Observer. So if you have information about crime call the Silent Observer tip line at 616.774.2345.

 

​

Chamber’s August WKTV Government Matters meeting mixes city-to-federal voices

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City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, second from right, was one of several government officials at this month’s Chamber Government Matters meeting. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

The Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meetings brings together government leaders of all levels and a spectrum of topics, but often those attending the meeting — or watching WKTV’s rebroadcasts of the meeting — are given the rare opportunity to hear a wide-range of government voices on a single subject.

 

“There are really two things going on,” City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley told WKTV following the Aug. 14 meeting. “One is just to know what is going on at all the different government levels. I learn a lot just sitting with our leaders … The second is when there is a common problem, we hear about what other levels of government are trying to do to solve this problem. When we can come together … to do something, that is always good.”

 

Among the multi-level government discussions topics at the meeting were local and state work to control prescription opioid drug abuse, Great Lakes environment protection, and the funding crunch coming to local cities due to state funding policies.

The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other State of Michigan and federal elected officials. The next meeting will be Sept. 11 at Wyoming City Hall.

 

The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Cable Channel 25. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktv.viebit.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.

 

WKTV Journal newscast details National Night Out, Buck Creek Braille Trail 

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National Night Out offered neighborhood interaction with local police and fire departments. (WKTV file photo)

WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org

 

WKTV Journal’s biweekly video newscast premiers its newest episode today with segments on the Wyoming and Kentwood’s National Night Out events, the annual Metro Cruise, and Buck Creek Nature Preserve’s new braille trail.

 

WKTV Journal’s newscast premiers biweekly on Monday at 8 a.m., and then is broadcast at various times and dates on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T Channel 99 Community channel. This week, it will run on WKTV 25 Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the following times: 11:58 a.m., 4:55 p.m. and 5:52 p.m., and on Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 1:06 a.m. This week it will run on WKTV Channel 26 on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at 6:58 p.m. and 9:52 p.m.

 

Visit here for a YouTube video of the newscast. https://youtu.be/nobau0R9ppE

 

Grace Bible College student ‘part of solution’ to local human trafficking problem

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, ,
Grace Bible College’s Kate Shellenbarger, with Wyoming police Det./Lt. James Maguffee. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Many college students live in a sort of societal cocoon, inside the walls of their schools and surrounded by their friends and classmates. Some are barely able to decide what classes they want to take each year, let alone their career path. They often change their majors multiple times as they progress through their late teens and early 20s.

 

Grace Bible College’s Kate Shellenbarger is not your ordinary college student. No less a witness than Wyoming Police Det./Lt. James Maguffee would testify to that fact.

 

Soon after she arrived at Grace, the soon-to-be junior at the Wyoming college ventured off campus and waded into the murky midst of a possible local example of the nationwide problem of human sex trafficking — and her determination to “do something” about it has brought her recognition from the City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety.

 

She also has decided that combatting the problem of human trafficking is the educational and career path she is driven to by her small-town upbringing, her Christian-based morals, and her ever-expanding world view.

 

Shellenbarger already had some knowledge of the human trafficking issue, from her high school, having been involved with the “One Dress, One Month” idea, where someone wears the same plain dress for a month to invite people to open a discussion on the issue. She brought the “One Dress” idea to her new college, but then she amped up her advocacy.

 

“I come from a small town in Ohio, so it was different there than it is here, in a big city, like Grand Rapids,” Shellenbarger said in an interview with WKTV. “When I came here, I had a friend who I talked with, talked to her about human trafficking. She was the one who saw something and told me and we said, ‘Lets look up and see what this particular business is.’ It looks kind of sketchy to me.”

 

It was a massage parlor that attracted their attention — a business that can often be legitimate and operated by law-abiding persons, but can also be the location of illegitimate but hard-to-prove criminal activities such as prostitution. And where there is prostitution there is often human trafficking.

 

“I got kind of mad,” Shellenbarger said. “I knew it was right down the road. I didn’t understand why it was happening right in front of my face — right here and right down the road. So I called the police. … I was hoping they were already doing something about it. That was my hope.”

 

Working with local authorities; not just complaining

 

It was then that she began her discussions with the City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety, specifically Maguffee.

 

This story “is a 20-something college student cold-calling the police department and waiting until she got to the right extension to talk to somebody — there is patience involved even with that,” Maguffee said. “Really, it is just a willingness to call and have a discussion with your local law enforcement about your concerns, and see where that conversation goes. In this case, … [Shellenbarger] and I talked and we had mutual concerns, things we had both seen. But instead of her just making it a ‘I’m making a complaint, now go do something about it!’, she and I were able to say, ‘Hey, what can we do together?’. What can we do next? That’s when the conversation really can get going.”

 

Through Maguffee, and others, she learned more about the problem and local groups working on the problem of human sex trafficking. (For more information on the subject of human sex trafficking, including a WKTV Journal — In Focus discussion with Wyoming police department’s representative on two groups battling the problem and a link to an award-winning locally produced documentary, “Stuck In Traffic”, see related story here.)

 

Much of what Shellenbarger found out, many of the avenues she saw to get involved, frustrated her.

 

“I wanted to do something right now, and a lot of them were ‘You can do this when you get this degree’ or ‘You can do this when you turn this age’,” she said. “I was getting frustrated, but then I found S.O.A.P.”

 

Other groups working on the problem

 

Shellenbarger’s discussion with Maguffee led her to the Kent County Human Trafficking Taskforce, a Western Michigan victim-advocacy group which includes the local chapter of Women at Risk International (WAR). (For more information on an upcoming conference led by representatives of WAR, see related story here.)

 

And a seemingly small activity working with WAR during the 2015 run of ArtPrize led Schllenbarger to “do something now” — she decided to volunteer with WAR and other local groups working on the S.O.A.P. Project (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution), to deliver soap to area hotels and motels — soap wrapped in paper with the telephone number of a hotline to help victims report and escape trafficking crimes.

 

“There were a lot of people — men and women and kids, all helping to package soap,” she said. “There were a group of girls from Grand Valley (State University) helping me pass out the soap.”

 

Working with WAR’s S.O.A.P. project in 2015, inspired her to lead a can drive to raise funds for the 2016 S.O.A.P. project — both at her college and, with Maguffee’s help, throughout the City of Wyoming. That combined effort led to about 4,000 cans and about $400 to buy soap to be distributed to motels and southern Kent County.

 

It also led to Shellenbarger being honored this March at Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s annual award ceremony, and to her deciding to change her educational and career path.

 

“It boosted my confidence a lot. I showed me that I can do something right now, even being a broke college student, I can do whatever I put my mind to,” she said. “As far as my career, I wasn’t planning on doing anything associated with criminal justice — I was going to get into human services, to be a child psychologist. But that changed once I realized how passionate I was about this.”

 

She added that she hopes to work with Wyoming Police Department through a college internship, then, maybe, go to work with the FBI, or a nonprofit in the field, or doing research on the issue, she said.

 

As far as her continued work with the Wyoming Police Department, Maguffee said he would not be surprised by anything Schllenbarger does.

 

“To me, this is the important moral of this, especially for people like … [Shellenbarger] and other young people who are interested in getting started and making a change,” he said. “It is really patience over the long term.

 

“The cynic could talk about her and say that [only a little was accomplished] through a lot of effort — collecting $400 and buying toiletries with a hotline number on them and distributing them to hotels. That’s a great thing. And my hope is that some exploited individual will call one of those numbers and get some help.

 

“But even if that doesn’t happen, all of this is worth it because a group of young people at Grace Bible College are saying ‘Hey, there are some things going on that we can have an impact on’.”

Business leaders, WAR host human trafficking conference in Grand Rapids

3-bottom, Area Education, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Hard News
Women at Risk International (WAR) will lead a discussion July 20 on the dangers of human trafficking as well as provide resources to help combat this growing crime against women, children and others. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Tourism and hospitality industry leaders will be meeting with the local chapter of Women at Risk International (WAR) on July 20 for a day-long session to help educate the business community on the dangers of human trafficking as well as provide resources to help combat this growing crime against women, children and others.

 

But those interested in simply getting more information on the issue are invited to attend.

 

“The event is open to anyone who would like to attend, but much of the information will be focused in toward hospitality and tourism related businesses,” said Dianna Stampfler, executive director of the Kent County Hospitality Association. “Much of the underlying information and statistics however will be related to anyone interested in learning more about this epidemic.”

 

For a story on how one local college student became involved, see WKTV’s story here.

 

The event is Thursday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. at the downtown Grand Rapids Courtyard Marriott. The conference is sponsored by the Kent County Hospitality Association, Women in Lodging-Grand Rapids and Experience Grand Rapids.

 

According to supplied information, Michigan is one of the leading states for human trafficking — a modern-day form of slavery. It is defined but the U.S. Department of State as: the “recruiting, harboring, transportation, providing, or obtaining of a person for compelled labor or commercial sex acts through force, fraud, or coercion”.

 

Human trafficking affects over 20 million victims worldwide, according to the Polaris Project, with a total market value of over $32 billion. More than 1.2 million children are trafficked each year and this epidemic affects at least 161 countries worldwide. Between 100,000 and 300,000 underage girls are sold for sex in the United States every year.

 

According to WAR, in many instances, hotels and motels, in both rural and urban areas are prime locations for human trafficking activity. And, when there are major influxes of people — such as during major events like ArtPrize — cases often soar.

 

The conference will allow tourism and hospitality professionals to find out why such activity is bad for business, how to be on the lookout for this crime and how to report suspicious activity.

 

The cost of the conference is $35 per person, with registration available by visiting here.

 

GVSU to host cyber security groups real-time hacking contest

3-bottom, Crime Prevention, Non-Profits, Tech Trends, Upcoming Events,
Cyber security will be at the heart of a program at Grand Valley State University’s downtown campus next week.

By West Michigan Cyber Security Consortium

 

Much of today’s news seems to include a cybersecurity twist, but how do companies prepare for cyber incidents? They exercise or practice, as the West Michigan Cyber Security Consortium will at Grand Valley State University’s Pew Campus’s DeVos Center in Grand Rapids.

 

The 5th annual WMCSC Cybersecurity Exercise will take place Friday, July 14, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (followed by a Networking reception from 5:30-8 p.m.), at the DeVos Center, 401 Fulton St. W.

 

The cybersecurity event is free and open to the public, but space is limited and interested attendees should reserve their space by Friday, July 14, by visiting wmcybersecurity@kentcountymi.gov

 

The day-long exercise will include Purple Teams — typically, cybersecurity teams are Red (offense) or Blue (defense); working together, they are Purple teams. The exercise will use the Michigan Cyber Range’s “Alphaville” virtual devices.

 

Alphaville, developed by Merit Network in Ann Arbor, is a collection of virtual machines simulating information systems that are networked together and assigned varying security levels modeled on how real towns across the country are configured.  It exists as part of the Michigan Cyber Range, a secure test bed designed to enable cybersecurity attacks and defense methods in a realistic environment without impacting production network traffic.

 

At the July 14 exercise, nine Purple teams will be challenged to capture, secure and defend email servers, web servers, and file systems, using security and hacking tools comparable to the systems found in most businesses today. They will compete against each other hoping to be crowned the winners for “owning” the most systems for the longest time.

 

The West Michigan Cyber Security Consortium is a multi-jurisdictional, public/private partnership whose purpose is to enhance the prevention, protection, response, and recovery to cybersecurity threats, disruptions and degradation to critical information technology functions. Its membership includes individuals from government, healthcare, law enforcement and private businesses. The group meets quarterly to share information around cybersecurity issues.

 

The Michigan Cyber Range prepares cybersecurity professionals to detect, prevent and mitigate cyberattacks in a real-world setting. Like a test track or a firing range, the Michigan Cyber Range enables individuals and organizations to conduct “live fire” exercises: simulations that test the detection and reaction skills of participants in a variety of situations. The Michigan Cyber Range also offers certification courses for a number of cybersecurity disciplines, with instruction available on-site and live online. A full training schedule may be found at the Merit Michigan Cyber Range web site at merit.edu/cyberrange/
The Michigan Cyber Range is hosted and facilitated by Merit Network in partnership with the State of Michigan and with the sponsorship of Consumers Energy and DTE Energy.

 

Merit Network, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation owned and governed by Michigan’s public universities. Merit owns and operates America’s longest-running regional research and education network. In 1966, Michigan’s public universities created Merit as a shared resource to help meet their common need for networking assistance.

 

Since its formation, Merit Network has remained on the forefront of research and education networking expertise and services. Merit provides high-performance networking and IT solutions and professional development to Michigan’s public universities, colleges, K-12 organizations, libraries, state government, healthcare, and other non-profit organizations. For more information visit merit.edu/

 

Wyoming police work with WAR, other groups to battle human sex trafficking

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention
Wyoming police department Det./Sgt. Waters-Adams talks with Ken Norris of WKTV Journal In Focus (see the entire YouTube video here).

By. K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org 

 

According to the local chapter of Women at Risk International (WAR), Michigan is one of the leading states for human sex trafficking. In many instances, hotels and motels, in both rural and urban areas, are prime locations for such activity.

 

And, when there are major influxes of people — including during major Grand Rapids area tourist events such as ArtPrize — instances of trafficking increase locally as well, also according to WAR.

 

The U.S. Department of State defines human sex trafficking as the “recruiting, harboring, transportation, providing, or obtaining of a person for compelled labor or commercial sex acts through force, fraud, or coercion.”

 

Human trafficking affects over 20 million victims worldwide — according to the Polaris Project, a Washington, D.C., based group battling human trafficking — with a total market value of over $32 billion. More than 1.2 million children are trafficked each year and this epidemic affects at least 161 countries worldwide. Between 100,000 and 300,000 underage girls are sold for sex in the United States every year.

 

“The act of prostitution is not new … in ancient civilizations there was prostitution … and sex trafficking is not new,”the act just used to be called “pimping,” said Detective Sgt. Julie Waters-Adams, the City of Wyoming Department of  Public Safety’s representative on two groups combatting human trafficking in Western Michigan. “It is not a new crime, but as law enforcement we are looking at it differently. … As a society and law enforcement, we are looking at it differently. We are looking at the reasons why someone may engage in prostitution. And that is my not be their choice.”

 

Det./Sgt. Waters-Adams represents Wyoming on WEBCHEX, the West Michigan Based Child Exploitation team, as well as the Kent County Human Trafficking Taskforce. The first is a law enforcement focused group including federal, state and local agencies; the second is a local group generally more focused on helping victims escape the trade — part of the “different” way to look at the crime and battle it.

 

(For a YouTube video on Det./Sgt. Waters-Adams talking with WKTV Journal — In Focus, go here.

 

To view the West Michigan-based, Eclipse Award winning, docmumentary “Stuck in Traffic” by Rich Jackson and Lisa Zahodne, follow this link.

 

Another member of the Western Michigan victim-advocacy taskforce is the local chapter of WAR.

 

2011 Wyoming disappearance among cold cases highlighted by Silent Observer

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Hard News, ,
City of Wyoming police Lt. Mark Easterly talks about a missing persons case at a Silent Observer office Tuesday June 27. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Hearing him talk at a Silent Observer press conference Tuesday detailing four cold cases, you get the feeling that City of Wyoming police Lt. Mark Easterly, and the city’s detectives, take missing persons cases personally.

 

When discussing the case of Gerardo DeJesus Hipolito-Lopez, who went missing from a 28th Street bar nearly six years ago, Lt. Easterly did not call the missing person “Mr. Hipolito-Lopez”; instead repeatedly personalizing the man by calling him simply “Gerardo.”

 

“On November 20th, 2011, Gerardo had been drinking at a 28th Street bar with a family member,” Lt. Easterly said at the June 27 meeting at Silent Observer’s downtown Grand Rapids office. “When they exited the bar that night, their vehicle wouldn’t start. At that point, the family member he was with went to nearby home to get another vehicle. At that time, Gerardo was waiting at the bar, and when the family member returned, he was gone.”

 

And the Lieutenant also made clear why the Wyoming police department and other regional investigators are asking for the public’s help, for tips, for anything that can push a case forward.

 

“Hopefully with that one tip, it will lead to something else — that will lead to something else,” he said. “And, hopefully, we can bring some closure to this family. It is just heartbreaking to see a family waiting, three, four, five — in this case 6 years. … It is very important (to the family that the police are still investigating). It at least gives them the sense that, not relief, but at least we are still looking. This is not a cold case that just goes away. Our detectives are very invested in this process.”

 

Also at the Silent Observer event, the Grand Rapids Police Department and the Kent County Sheriff Department asked for the public’s help to either locate or determine why three other missing individuals went missing.

 

In addition to the case of Hipolito-Lopez, who was 56 years old when he disappeared, another case highlighted also had a Wyoming-area connection — the missing person case of Yvonne Renee Scott, who was 33 when she disappeared from 2900 block of Clyde Park Southwest in January 2004. The case is being investigated by the Kent County Sheriffs office.

 

Silent Observer is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the safe return of these missing people of, if a crime has been committed against them, the reward will be offered for information leading to the arrest of those involved in that crime.

 

“When the community is asked for help, in giving information, and help solve a crime, tips come pouring into the program,” Silent Observer Program Director Chris Cameron said. “We are hopeful we will receive some good leads from this initiative … tips to Silent Observer can help right the wrongs of others, and help the loved ones of those missing find answers, closure and possibly justice.”

 

Grand Rapids Chief of Police David Rahinksy also stressed the importance of the public’s assistance.

 

Grand Rapids Chief of Police David Rahinksy stressed the importance of the public’s assistance. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“People don’t just disappear,” Chief Rahinsky said. “These are four cases, four family members, you have the Kent County Sheriffs Office represented, Wyoming public safety and Grand Rapids police department. We have exhausted our ability to work these cases through traditional means. What we need is the public’s help. Somebody in the community knows what happened to these individuals. Regardless of how insignificant the information may be, it may be the piece that gives these families closure.”

 

To submit an anonymous tip to Silent Observer, call 616-774-2345 or toll free at 1-866-774-2345, or visit silentobserver.org. The City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety Detective Bureau can be reached at 616-530-7335.

 

July 4 and always, DNR stresses safe boating with Operation Dry Water

3-bottom, Crime Prevention, Holidays, Recreation, Sports

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

 

As the July Fourth holiday approaches, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers will focus on keeping boaters safe through heightened awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence laws.

 

The initiative is part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign, which runs June 30 to July 2.

 

The annual campaign is launched just prior to the July Fourth weekend, when more boaters take to the water and alcohol use increases. It is in coordination with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the U.S. Coast Guard and other partners. Through this stepped-up enforcement, the DNR is raising awareness of the hazards associated with boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and is working to decrease the number of accidents attributed to impaired boating and other unsafe boating practices.

 

“Alcohol and boating don’t mix,” said the DNR’s Lt. Tom Wanless, Michigan’s boating law administrator. “Using alcohol impairs reaction time and judgment, just as if you were driving a car. In fact, the effects of alcohol and certain medications are increased on the water due to added stress factors such as the sun, heat, wind, wave motion and engine noise. So be smart and stay sober when boating, and don’t put yourself and others at risk.”

 

In Michigan, operating a motorboat while under the influence of alcohol — which means the person has a blood alcohol content of 0.08 grams or more – or under the influence of a controlled substance is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $500, community service and up to 93 days in jail. It also can result in the loss of boating privileges for at least one year.

 

If a person is killed or injured due to a driver operating a boat while under the influence, the driver could be charged with a felony, punishable by fines up to $10,000 and up to 15 years in prison.

 

Boaters can do their part to stay safe on the water by: Boating sober — alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Wearing a life jacket — 85 percent of drowning victims in the U.S. were not wearing life jackets. Taking a boating safety course — the DNR recommends a safety course for anyone who plans to use a boat or personal watercraft.

 

For more information about boating regulations and safety courses in Michigan at www.michigan.gov/boating.