Category Archives: Education

WKTV has Wyoming, Kentwood high school sports schedules, featured game coverage

Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, Upcoming Events
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The Featured Game coverage schedule for January includes the following:

Tuesday, Jan. 21 — Boys Basketball NorthPointe Christian at Godwin Heights

Friday, Jan. 24 — Boys Basketball Zion Christian at Tri-Unity Christian

Tuesday, Jan. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Grand River Prep at Zion Christian

Friday, Jan. 31 — Girls/Boys Basketball Caledonia at East Kentwood

Want to be a television sports announcer?

If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! We are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.


 
Where and when to see the game

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

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


For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.


 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, January 20
Boys/Girls Bowling
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Tri-Unity Christian @ Muskegon Orchard View
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Wayland

Tuesday, Jan. 21
Girls Basketball
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee
Kelloggsville @ Belding
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Zion Christian @ Holland Black River
Boys Basketball
East Kentwood @ Rockford
NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Tri-Unity Christian @ Martin
Belding @ Kelloggsville
Middleville T-K @ South Christian
Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary
West Michigan Lutheran @ Barry County Christian
Zion Christian @ Holland Black River
Boys/Girls Bowling
Wyoming @ Byron Center
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Christian

Wednesday, Jan. 22
Boys/Girls Bowling
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Potter’s House @ Godwin Heights
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee
Wyoming @ Wayland
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
Middleville T-K @ South Christian
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Wyoming @ Hamilton
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
Boys Wrestling
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Orchard View
Kelloggsville @ Muskegon Orchard View
Wyoming @ Christian
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ Lowell/Caledonia

Thursday, Jan. 23
Boys Swimming/Diving
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
South Christian @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Boys Bowling
Potter’s House @ Tri-Unity Christian
Girls Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian
Boys Basketball
Barry County Christian @ West Michigan Aviation

Friday, Jan. 24
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation – OK Red Tourney @ Georgetown
Pauda @ South Christian
Girls Basketball
East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Wayland @ South Christian
Potter’s House @ Holland Black River
WMAES @ West Michigan Lutheran
West Michigan Aviation @ Algoma Christian
Boys Basketball
East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Zion Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian – WKTV Featured Event
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Wayland @ South Christian
Potter’s House @ Holland Black River
WMAES @ West Michigan Lutheran

Saturday, Jan. 25
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation – OK Red Tourney @ Georgetown
Walsh Jesuit @ South Christian
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Wyoming @ Hamilton
Kelloggsville @ Hamilton
Boys/Girls Bowling
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Wyoming @ Rockford
South Christian @ Rockford
Boys Wrestling
Godwin Heights @ Northview
Kelloggsville @ Northview
Wyoming @ Montague
Wyoming Lee @ Reed City

Monday, Jan. 27
Boys/Girls Bowling
@ East Kentwood
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
FH Eastern@ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
Christian @ South Christian

Senior led but sophomore heavy Wyoming Wolves girls basketball team ready for tough conference schedule

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Sports, WKTV Featured sports,
The Wyoming high girls basketball team used a balanced scoring attack, good defense and some clutch free-throw points down the stretch to score a 73-63 win over Wayland Jan. 14. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The second game of a long OK-Conference schedule may have been too early to be called a must-win game for the Wyoming High School girls basketball team, but the Wolves Tuesday, Jan. 14, home-court win over then undefeated Wayland was a really good win.

Wyoming (4-5 overall and 1-1 in OK Gold) used a balanced scoring attack and some clutch defense down the stretch to score a 73-63 win over the Wildcats (8-1 overall, 1-1) and give the Wolves a little momentum in conference play.

“Our conference is so tough, Wayland was 8-0 coming in … East Grand Rapids is one of the top teams in the state … anytime we go into our conference, it is a battle,” Wolves coach Troy Mast, now in his fifth year at Wyoming, said to WKTV after the game. “It was early in the season, but we play every game as if it were the last game of the year.”

In the Wayland win, the Wolves were led by 20 points — including six 3-pointers — from senior McKenzie Ruppert and 15 points from fellow senior Mikayla Petree. But they also got 12 points each from junior Taejah Cross and sophomore Michelle McGee, eight points from sophomore Mikayla Marzean and six points from sophomore Marissa Menard.

“Our kids were ready tonight,” Mast said. “I am so proud of how they performed and took care of each other and played so hard.”

Wyoming high coach Troy Mast talking to his team during a win over Wayland Jan. 14. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

That balanced scoring, from experienced upperclassmen and still-developing sophomores, has been a strength of Wyoming so far this season.

“We do not have one girl we can count on … but we feel like we have five, six, seven girl who can score on a given night,” Mast said. “We just want to win. It doesn’t matter who scores.”

In addition to seniors Ruppert and Petree, the Wolves are also led by senior Aniyah Jones. Other juniors on the squad include Charde’ Fudge, Naomi Goodson and Delfina Hernandez-Key. In addition to McGee, Marzen and Menard, other youth on the team include sophomores Jenna VanderPloeg and Avery Jirous, and freshman Treyah Cross.

“We have senior leaders … Mikayla Petree has been on the varsity for four years … and each year she has taken on more and more responsibility,” Mast said. “But we also have some young kids who can play. We feel like that, as we go though the season, if we can balance those two together, we’ll be alright.”

While Wyoming lost four of seven non-conference games, Mast said there were lessons learned from close, early-season losses to the likes of Forest Hills Central, Grandville and Rockford.

“We felt like we played a tougher (non-conference) schedule than most teams in our conference,” he said.

The Wolves will be at Grand Rapids Christian (7-1, 0-1) for another conference game Friday, Jan. 17.

The Wolves were 8-13 last season and were 5-7 in OK-Conference Gold play. This season the coaching staff includes assistants Julian Goodson (the junior varsity head coach) and Eric Brown.

The Wyoming vs. Wayland girls and boys games were a WKTV Sports Featured Games and is available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

WKTV has Wyoming, Kentwood high school sports schedules, featured game coverage

Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team, from an early season game, will be a WKTV Featured Game this week. (Curtis Holt)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The Featured Game coverage schedule for January includes the following:

Tuesday, Jan. 14 — Girls/Boys Basketball Wayland at Wyoming

Friday, Jan. 17 — Girls/Boys Basketball Hudsonville at East Kentwood

Tuesday, Jan. 21 — Boys Basketball NorthPointe Christian at Godwin Heights

Friday, Jan. 24 — Boys Basketball Zion Christian at Tri-Unity Christian

Tuesday, Jan. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Grand River Prep at Zion Christian

Friday, Jan. 31 — Girls/Boys Basketball Caledonia at East Kentwood

Want to be a television sports announcer?

If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! We are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.


 
Where and when to see the game

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

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


For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.


Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Jan. 13
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Belding
Wyoming @ Zeeland East
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Sparta – Boys
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Unity Christian

Tuesday, Jan. 14
Girls Cheer
@ East Kentwood
Girls Basketball
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Belding @ Godwin Heights
Wayland @ Wyoming – WKTV Featured Event
Muskegon Orchard View @ Tri-Unity Christian
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids
Potter’s House @ Martin
Muskegon Catholic Central @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Lutheran @ GR Homeschoolers
Hudsonville Libertas Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Boys Basketball
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Godwin Heights @ Belding
Wayland @ Wyoming – WKTV Featured Event
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
East Grand Rapids @ South Christian
Martin @ Potter’s House

Wednesday, Jan. 15
Boys Wrestling
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Montague @ Godwin Heights
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ Muskegon Catholic Central
Kelloggsville @ Muskegon Catholic Central
Boys/Girls Bowling
NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights
East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
FH Eastern @ South Christian
Girls Cheer
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
Boys Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Lansing Christian
Girls Basketball
WMAES @ West Michigan Aviation

Thursday, Jan. 16
Boys Swimming/Diving
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Boys Bowling
Tri-Unity Christian @ Wellsprings Prep

Friday, Jan. 17
Girls Basketball
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming @ Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Fruitport Calvary
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Unity Christian
Holland Black River @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Lutheran @ Algoma Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ West Catholic
Boys Basketball
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming @ Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Fruitport Calvary
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Unity Christian
Holland Black River @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Lutheran @ Algoma Christian
Zion Christian @ Holland Calvary
West Michigan Aviation @ West Catholic
Boys Hockey
South Christian @ West Ottawa

Saturday, Jan. 18
Boys Wrestling
East Kentwood @ Holt
Godwin Heights @ FH Central
Wyoming @ Jenison
Kelloggsville @ Christian
Boys Swimming/Diving
East Kentwood@ Kalamazoo Loy Norrix
Boys Hockey
Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation
South Christian @ Rockford

Monday, January 20
Boys/Girls Bowling
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Tri-Unity Christian @ Muskegon Orchard View
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Wayland

Junior-led Godwin Heights girls basketball team has bright present, and future

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Faces, Sports, WKTV Featured sports,
Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team in action against Wyoming Tri-unity Christian on Jan. 7. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The Godwin Heights High School girls basketball team (5-1) closed out their early non-conference season schedule Tuesday, Jan. 6, with a convincing, if at times sloppy, 58-38 non-conference home win over Wyoming Tri-unity Christian.

And while the Wolverines’ schedule will get more challenging now as it enters OK-Conference Silver play Friday, Jan. 10, at Hopkins (3-3 in early season action), head coach Cassie Medina likes what she has seen from her team of nine juniors and one super freshman.

And she really likes what she thinks the team could become this season and next.

“I’m excited, because I had half of them (the juniors) on varsity last year, so we are still building,” Medina said to WKTV after the Tuesday game. “I feel like this year is the year and next year is the year.”

Medina is now 82-59 overall at Godwin, but is 77-44 without a losing season after going 5-15 in 2012-13, her first year leading the varsity.

Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team before a game Jan. 7. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

In the Tri-unity game, the Wolverines had seven players in the scoring column, led by center Jakaya Lay’s 15 points and freshman guard KaShari Babb’s 12 points. Guard Lashay Lee added nine points and forward Anika Clark eight.

Other juniors on the team include guards Lanaja Polk-Craig, Diamond Johnson and Hannah Barns, forward Shantil Johnson and center Jaida Walls.

Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team head coach Cassir Medina talks during a timeout in a Jan. 7 game. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

And while coach Medina feels she can and will get scoring — and tight defense — from just about anybody she puts on the court, Lay has been very impressive on both offense and defense in the paint, and Babb was is just beginning to show why she was too good to not play point guard/off guard on varsity.

Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team had nine juniors and one freshman, guard KaShari Babb, right. (WKTV)

Babb’s “basketball smarts is just too good, there is just no way she should be JV,” Medina said. “If you watch her, her basketball IQ, she sees layups inside, she sees open players. She is just too good.”

And Lay is not only developing into a scoring machine, but she rebounds and plays tough inside defense without drawing carless fouls — she did not have a single foul against Tri-unity.

“Her footwork is so good inside. For her size, she’s a little shorter (5-foot-9), her footwork is so nice,” Medina said. “The way she can get the ball and move … I’m amazed at the inside moves she has.”

But Medina knows that her team will need to get better, this season and next, starting with the conference opener this week.

“Tonight (against Tri-unity) was a little sloppy, we need to clean-up a lot of the turnovers,” she said. “But righty now we are doing a lot of things right.”

The Wolverines were 11-11 last season and were 4-6 in OK-Conference Silver play. They won two games in the state playoffs, including a 56-40 win over conference foe Kelloggsville, before falling to Grand Rapids South Christian in the Division 2 District 44 finals.

The Godwin Heights vs. Tri-unity game was a WKTV Sports Featured Game and is available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

WKTV has Wyoming, Kentwood high school sports schedules, featured game coverage

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, Upcoming Events, Volunteers, WKTV Featured sports
Tri-unity boys basketball is one of the many local sports teams WKTV’s Featured Game coverage team will be covering this season. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By Mike Moll
sports@wktv.org

The holidays are in the rear-view mirror as the calendar has turned over to 2020, and January is jam-packed with high school sports most every night of the month as the winter season goes into full force.

Be sure to get out and show your support for your local school and its student-athletes in person, but then watch the replay on WKTV or watch on-line at any time within a few days of the event.

WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The Featured Game coverage schedule for January includes the following:

Friday, Jan. 3 — Boys Hockey Portage Northern at East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation

Tuesday, Jan. 7 — Girls Basketball Tri-Unity Christian at Godwin Heights

Friday, Jan. 10 — Girls/Boys Basketball Kelloggsville at Wyoming Lee

Tuesday, Jan. 14 — Girls/Boys Basketball Wayland at Wyoming

Friday, Jan. 17 — Girls/Boys Basketball Hudsonville at East Kentwood

Tuesday, Jan. 21 — Boys Basketball NorthPointe Christian at Godwin Heights

Friday, Jan. 24 — Boys Basketball Zion Christian at Tri-Unity Christian

Tuesday, Jan. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Grand River Prep at Zion Christian

Friday, Jan. 31 — Girls/Boys Basketball Caledonia at East Kentwood

Want to be a television sports announcer?

If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! We are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.


 
Where and when to see the game

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

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


For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.


 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Jan 6
Boys/Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming @ South Christian
Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee

Tuesday, Jan. 7
Girls Basketball
Northview @ East Kentwood
Tri-Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event
Wyoming @ Rockford
Wyoming Lee @ Holton
Kelloggsville @ Wayland
Potter’s House @ Ravenna
Kent City @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Lutheran @ Hudsonville Home Schoolers
Holland Black River @ Zion Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Martin
Boys Basketball
Wyoming @ Rockford
Holton @ Wyoming Lee
South Christian @ Byron Center
Potter’s House @ Kenowa Hills
Kent City @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Lutheran @ Lansing Martin Luther
Holland Black River @ Zion Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Martin

Wednesday, Jan. 8
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Wyoming @ Zeeland West
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Unity Christian @ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Calvin Christian
South Christian @ Zeeland East
Boys Wrestling
Belding @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming @ Hamilton
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Ravenna
Boys Hockey
Rockford @ South Christian
Girls Basketball
West Michigan Aviation @ Wellsprings Prep
Boys Basketball
West Michigan Aviation @ Wellsprings Prep

Thursday, Jan. 9
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Union
Boys/Girls Bowling
Potter’s House @ Muskegon Orchard View
Girls Basketball
West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES
Boys Basketball
West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES

Friday, Jan. 10
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights Ottawa Hills
Girls Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
South Christian @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee – WKTV Featured Event
Covenant Christian @ Potter’s House
Hudsonville Libertas Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Fruitport Calvary @ Zion Christian
Boys Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
South Christian @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee – WKTV Featured Event
Bridgman @ Tri-Unity Christian
Covenant Christian @ Potter’s House
Hudsonville Libertas Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Fruitport Calvary @ Zion Christian

Saturday January 11, 2020
Girls Dance
East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills
Boys Wrestling
East Kentwood @ West Catholic – Dunneback Invite
Kelloggsville @ Fruitport
Wyoming @ West Catholic
Boys Swimming/Diving
East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ FH Central
Rochester @ South Christian
Girls Cheer
FH Eastern @ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ Allendale
Kelloggsville @ Allendale

Monday, Jan. 13
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Belding
Wyoming @ Zeeland East
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Sparta – Boys
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Unity Christian

Lecturers, on matters religious and secular, visit Calvin’s 2020 January Series

3-bottom, Education, Politics, Upcoming Events,
The annual January Series concert will be by the 5 Browns, on Jan. 16. The 5 Browns — Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra and Desirae — all attended New York’s Juilliard School. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The January Series, according to the series’ Calvin University website, “cultivates deep thought and conversations about important issues of the day in order to inspire cultural renewal and make us better global citizens in God’s world.”

It is also a safe space to engage in religious thought and debate on topics originating from America and around the globe. Including a discussion on creation vs. evolution, and reports on religious freedoms in China, the Middle East, as well as here at home in America.

This year from Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, through Tuesday, Jan. 28, the free-admission, 15-day annual lecture series will be held on the campus of Calvin University, and is also available via closed-circuit broadcast at more than 60 remote sites — in more than 50 cities throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe — or online for live audio streaming.

According to the university, the 2020 edition of the January Series features New York Times best-selling authors, Billboard-topping musicians, and a 41-year veteran of the White House press corps, and it includes issues ranging from poverty and hunger, the global water crisis, immigration, mass incarceration, to big data’s inequality and threat to democracy.

Najla Kassab’s lecture, “The Reformed Church in the Middle East: Hopes and Challenges”, will be Jan. 28. (Supplied)

Among the religious-themed lecturers, discussion titles and dates are: Todd Charles Wood and Darrel R. Falk, “Moving Beyond Label to a Christian Dialogue about Creation and Evolution”, Jan. 9; Bob (Xiqiu) Fu, “When Caesar Demands to be God: Religious Freedom in China”, Jan. 17; Karen Gonzalez, “The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to belong, Jan. 27; and Najla Kassab, “The Reformed Church in the Middle East: Hopes and Challenges”, Jan. 28.

Notable names, religious openness

A few of the more notable names in the lineup include Ann Compton, a television reporter who covered seven presidents; Mitch Albom, an author, columnist, radio host, and philanthropist whose books have sold over 39 million copies and been translated into more than 45 languages; and Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist at NYU whose last two books were New York Times best-sellers.

Jonathan Haidt’s lecture, “The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are setting up a Generation for Failure”, will be Jan. 13. Albom’s lecture, on Jan. 21, will be “A Little Girl, an Earthquake, and the Making of a Family. Compton’s lecture, on Jan. 22, will be “Up Close and Very Personal: My 41 years in the Whit House Press Corps”.

“Gaining knowledge is the first step to making a difference,” Kristi Potter, the director of the January Series. “If we don’t know about these topics, then we don’t know how we can actually make a difference.”

Potter says this work starts with listening, even to those with whom we may disagree, such as evolution.

“We have the opportunity to hear from two respected scientists who hold opposing viewpoints on the topic of origins,” she said. “One is a six-day creationist, the other a theistic evolutionist, and both feel strongly about their views. Both actually feel the other person’s view is harming the church. … And yet, the two have learned to talk to rather than past one another, using respectful dialogue with the understanding that they are both Christians.”

While Potter says the series will dig deep into some of the complex issues facing the world today, it will also highlight the great progress being made in some of these areas. One talk will be Johan Norberg’s, “Progress: 10 Reasons to Look Forward to the Future”, on Thursday, Jan. 24.

“It’s not all doom and gloom, positive things are happening,” she said.

Cathy O’Neil’s lecture, “Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequity and Threatens Democracy”, will be Jan.14. (Supplied)

Among the other lecturers, discussion titles and dates are: Longtime Calvin volleyball coach Amber Warners, “The Fierce Humility of Winning”, Jan. 8; Sandra Postel, “The Virtuous Cycle of Water and Prosperity, Jan. 10; Cathy O’Neil, “Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequity and Threatens Democracy”, Jan.14; Deborah and James Fallows, “Our Towns: A 100,000 mile Journey into the Heart of America”, Jan. 15; Alice Marie Johnson, “After Life: My Journey From Incarceration to Freedom”, Jan. 20; and Jeremy Everett, “Solving America’s Hunger Crisis”, Jan. 23.

The concert by the 5 Browns will be Jan. 16. The 5 Browns — Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra and Desirae — all attended New York’s Juilliard School. In fact, they became the first family of five siblings ever accepted simultaneously. The piano playing quintet have released three CDs that each went to #1 on Billboard Magazine’s Classical Album Chart. The New York Post has proclaimed: “One family, five pianos and 50 fingers add up to the biggest classical music sensation in years.”

The series runs from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Covenant Fine Arts Center on Calvin’s campus. No tickets required for the day or one evening events (but they do fill up quickly, so do not be late).

For more information about the January Series visit calvin.edu/january.

 

Exercise isn’t an excuse to pig-out

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, Food, Health, How-To's, ,
You need little more than a sensible portion of healthy carbs and protein before and after your workout. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Len Canter, HealthDay


A typical workout doesn’t give you license to eat whatever you want.


Even a full hour of vigorous skiing burns just 600 calories—less than the amount in a super-sized fast food sandwich. That’s why it’s important to think of exercise as just one part of a shape-up plan.


Exercise works the cardiovascular system and builds muscle, but it takes calorie restriction to also lose weight. Small diet tweaks that you can make when you’re building a healthier body through exercise will maximize your efforts.


Here’s what you need to know about nutrition when you work out regularly.


You don’t need to fuel up like a marathon runner, but give your body some nourishment about two hours before every workout to make exercise more effective. Have a small meal with healthy carbs and protein and some fat. If eating two hours in advance doesn’t work with your schedule, aim for a small snack about an hour before your workout.


It’s also important to eat a small meal with carbs and protein within two hours after your workout to give your body the nutrients it needs.


Keep in mind that “calories in and calories out” is a balancing act that varies from person to person.


So whether you’re trying to lose weight or maintain, keep a journal that records the amount of calories you get from food as well as the amount of calories burned off during workouts to see if your intake needs to be adjusted up or down.


Beware of so-called training supplements. These products aren’t regulated and their claims may not have any science behind them.


If you’re getting a good amount of whole foods in your diet—that is, unprocessed and unpackaged foods—you shouldn’t need any of these aids.


Finally, it can’t be stated often enough: Drink water as needed before, during and after exercise to stay hydrated, especially in hot and humid conditions.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Photos: Wyoming Wolves open boys basketball season with win over Jenison

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Education, Going Local, Sports, WKTV Projects,
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team opened the season Dec. 13 with an 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension. (Curtis Holt)

By WKTV Staff (Photos by Curtis Holt)
ken@wktv.org

The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team opened the season Dec. 13 with an 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension.

Curtis Holt, Wyoming sports fan and City of Wyoming City Manager, was there and sent WKTV some great photos.

In the game, the Wolves were led by a huge night from senior Menalito McGee, who scored 34 points including 9-of-18 from 3-point distance. Senior Diego Ledesma scored 15 points, while senior Marion Parks added 14 points and six rebounds.

The Wolves (1-0) play at Grand Rapids Northview Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Tip-off of the Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball season Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
Wyoming High School Wolves senior Diego Ledesma (1) in action Dec. 13 against Jension.
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team in action Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
Wyoming High School Wolves senior Monte Parks (20) in action Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball fans were into the team’s Dec. 13 home game, a 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension. (Curtis Holt)

WKTV has Wyoming, Kentwood high school sports schedules, featured game coverage

Area Education, Education, Holidays, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, WKTV Featured sports
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The tentative Featured Game coverage schedule for December includes the following:

Tuesday, Dec. 17 — Boys and Girls Basketball, Kelloggsville at West Michigan Aviation

Friday, Dec. 20 — Boys basketball, Sparta at West Michigan Aviation

Our featured gam crew will be on break until after the New Years Day week. Check back the first week of January for the complete featured game and weekly schedules.

Want to be a television sports announcer?

If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! We are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com


 
Where and when to see the game

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

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


 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.


 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Dec. 16
Boys / Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Christian @ Wyoming
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids
Tri-Unity Christian @ Orchard View – Boys
Girls Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Heights
West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES
Boys Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Western Michigan Christian
West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES

Tuesday, Dec.17
Girls Basketball
West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville — WKTV Featured Event
Wellsprings Prep @ Wyoming Lee
Northview @ Wyoming
East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids
Zion Christian @ Orchard View
West Michigan Lutheran @ Creative Tech Academy
Boys Basketball
Kelloggsville @ West Michigan Aviation — WKTV Featured Game
Godwin Heights @ Grand Haven
Sacred Heart of Jesus @ Wyoming Lee
Wyoming @ Northview
Ravenna @ Zion Christian
Grand River Prep @ Holland Black River
Boys Swimming / Diving
South Christian @ East Kentwood – Christmas Quad

Wednesday, Dec. 18
Boys / Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
South Christian @ Byron Center
Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian – Boys
Boys Wrestling
@ Kelloggsville – Quad
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Wyoming @ Unity Christian
East Kentwood @ Lowell
Girls Cheer
Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Wyoming @ Jenison

Thursday, Dec. 19
Boys / Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville @ East Kentwood
Wyoming @ Allendale
Girls Basketball
Wyoming Lee @ Ottawa Hills
Wellsprings Prep @ Grand River Prep
Boys Basketball
Sparta @ West Michigan Aviation — WKTV Featured Game
Wellsprings Prep @ Grand River Prep

Friday, Dec. 20
Boys Basketball
Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville
Godwin Heights @ Northview
Calvin Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Grandville @ Wyoming
East Kentwood @ FH Central
Caledonia @ South Christian
Zion Christian @ Galesburg-Augusta
Potter’s House @ Saranac
West Michigan Lutheran @ Battle Creek Calhoun Christian
Girls Basketball
Calvin Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Wyoming @ Grandville
East Kentwood @ FH Central
Caledonia @ South Christian
Zion Christian @ Galesburg-Augusta
Potter’s House @ Saranac
West Michigan Lutheran @ Battle Creek Calhoun Christian
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ Jenison
South Christian @ FH Eastern/FH Northern

Saturday, Dec. 21
Boys Wrestling
Kelloggsville @ FH Central – Kent County Championships
Godwin Heights @ FH Central – Kent County Championships
Wyoming Lee @ FH Central – Kent County Championships
Wyoming @ FH Central – Kent County Championships
East Kentwood @ FH Central – Kent County Championships
Boys Basketball
Wyoming Lee vs West Michigan Aviation @ GRCC
Boys Swimming / Diving
East Kentwood @ Holland
South Christian @ Holland
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ Hudsonville
South Christian @ Christian

Monday, Dec. 23
No Games Scheduled

Tuesday, Dec. 24
No Games Scheduled

Wednesday, Dec. 25
MERRY CHRISTMAS
No Games Scheduled

Thursday, Dec. 26
Boys Basketball
Godwin Heights vs Wayland @ Cornerstone University
TBA @ Wyoming Lee – Lee Basketball Tournament

Friday, Dec. 27
Boys / Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Catholic Central
Wyoming Lee @ Catholic Central
Wyoming @ Catholic Central
East Kentwood @ Catholic Central
Boys Basketball
TBA @ Wyoming Lee – Lee Basketball Tournament
East Kentwood @ Muskegon Reeths Puffer
Girls Basketball
NorthPointe Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Union @ Wyoming
Boys Hockey
South Christian vs Caledonia @ East Kentwood

Saturday, Dec. 28
Boys Basketball
Godwin Heights vs TBD @ Cornerstone University
Boys Wrestling
Godwin Heights @ Montague
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Boys Hockey
South Christian @ Grandville

Monday, Dec. 30
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Jenison – Curt Pals Invite

Tuesday, Dec. 31
No Games Scheduled

Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020
No Games Scheduled

Bigger than sports, Godwin Heights basketball game honored military veterans

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Education, Going Local, Local Faces, Sports, Veterans, WKTV Featured sports
From left, U.S. Army Sgt. Gregory Fugitt, veterans Ken McKenney and Pete Zimmer, and U.S. Marine Petty Officer Jordan Beemer. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

When the South Christian Sailors boys basketball team visited Godwin Heights High School Tuesday for the Wolverines 2019-20 season season opener, the score mattered a little — the Sailors won, 63-46.

But what really mattered that night, in a WKTV Sports Featured Game, which was recorded and available WKTV video on-demand, was that the game was also a special Salute to Soldiers game with two veterans honored in pre-game ceremonies.

The two special guests honored — by the school, the crowd and by the presence of two active duty military personal — were Ken McKenney, a 72-year-old U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, and Pete Zimmer, a 92-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who served during World War II.

“As an athletic program, we were excited to show our support to veterans and current military personnel for the day-to-day protection they provide for our country,” Godwin Heights athletic director Robert Hisey said to WKTV. “We understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by the families of our service members. This sacrifice allows our military personnel to fulfill their responsibilities and allows us to go about our daily events without worry.”

Godwin Athletic Director Robert Hisey, center, introducing the school’s Salute to Soldiers ceremony on Dec. 10. He is joined by active duty military and other veteran personnel. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The event had the two honored veterans first standing alone on each end of the gym floor, while in the middle were other veterans and active duty personal attending the game — most notably military service recruiter U.S. Army Sgt. Gregory Fugitt and U.S. Navy Petty Officer Jordan Beemer, both in uniform.

There was special music provided by students of Godwin Heights and then brief histories of the honored veterans, McKenny and Zimmer, were read by one player from South Christian and one by Godwin Heights. The players and coaches of each team then met the veterans one-on-one to shake hands and pay their respects.

Veteran Ken McKenney being honored by a South Christian student end athlete. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

McKenney, according to the introduction, was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1967. Following boot camp, and various stateside training, he went to Vietnam in 1968. During that deployment, he was awarded two Purple Heart medals (for being wounded in battle). During his two-year tour, in 1968-69, he served with the 5th Mechanized Infantry Division and with the 184th Ordnance Battalion.

McKenny wrote a book about his Vietnam War experiences, dedicated to “the many brave soldiers who were not able to return home.”

Zimmer joined the U.S. Navy at age 17, and served during World War II from 1944 to 1946 on three different ships in the South Pacific. He was recalled in 1950 to Fighter Squadron 821, to serve in the Korean War on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Essex. He was honorably discharged in 1952 and returned home to continue his education.

Zimmer remains “active and enthusiastic” serving our community in various volunteer capacities and is a member of the American Legion.

“It was a great honor to have both Ken McKenney and Pete Zimmer as our guests at our “Salute to Soldiers” event,” Hisey said. “Both Ken and Pete were an easy choice as Ken was the recipient of two Purple Hearts during the Vietnam War and Pete had experienced both WW II and the Korean War.”

  

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

Queen Quest: The search for overwintering bumble bees

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, How-To's, Pets/Animals, , , ,
A bumble bee queen foraging on purple coneflower. Photo by Jenna Walters, MSU.

By Jenna Walters and Rufus Isaacs, Michigan State University, Department of Entomology


Bumble bees are an important and well-known group of pollinating insects, but populations of some bumble bee species are declining across the globe, including those in Michigan. Many groups are developing efforts to help conserve these insects by planting attractive flowers, yet we know little about where bumble bees nest in the winter. Now there’s an effort to change that, and you can help.


A group of scientists have launched Queen Quest, a collaborative public science program to understand where queen bumble bees overwinter across North America. If you are interested in helping, just get a few friends together, develop a fun team name and go questing! This can be done in a few hours and could be in your garden, a park or anywhere you think there might be a nest.


The group wants to know where bumble bees are—and are not—found. Finding these nest sites will help conserve bumble bees by informing the development of improved conservation programs.

The Queen Quest website has all the information necessary to get involved, including literature resources, a step-by-step protocol and information on where to look. If you can’t do it this fall, your team could try in the spring once the snow is gone. Everyone is welcome to participate, so please help put Michigan on the Queen Quest map!

Pollinators & Pollination

MSU Extension’s focus on pollinators and pollination brings together educators and researchers who are working with experts around the country to provide the latest information through webinars, seminars, online resources and email newsletters.


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



South Christian, Godwin Heights boys open hoop season with new faces but (maybe) last season in mind

Area Education, Education, Local Entertainment, Sports, WKTV Featured sports, ,
Action from a 2018-19 season playoff game between Godwin Heights and South Christian. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Both the South Christian Sailors and the Godwin Heights Wolverines will open their 2019-20 season this week following successful 2018-19 campaigns, but with 0-0 records and a lot of new faces on the court.

And, by a quirk of scheduling, the two coaches may well remember the last time the two met: an opening round state playoff game last season when the Sailors sent the Wolverines home after a fine season and South Christian began a deep playoff ride.

The rematch between two defending OK Conference champions will be Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m., in a WKTV Sports Featured Game, which will be recorded and available on cable television and on-demand. The game is also a special Salute to Soldiers game with two veterans honored in pre-game ceremonies.

Godwin Athletic Director told WKTV that the two special guests to be honored will be Ken McKenney, a 72-year-old U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, and Pete Zimmer, a 92-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who served during World War II.

Host Godwin Heights, out of the OK Silver, was 15-6 overall in 2018-19, 12-0 in conference and Silver champion. Coach Tyler Whittemore’s team lost 47-45 in opening round playoff game at South Christian.

South Christian, out of OK Gold, was 22-4 in 2018-19, 11-1 in conference and Gold champion. The Sailors won five playoff games before falling to Hudsonville Unity Christian in the state quarterfinals. Coach Jeff Meengs is 56-37 in four seasons at the school.

But the Sailors lost eight seniors, five who started, and only have two players back from that team: senior guard Tyler Buwalda and junior big man (6-foot-7) Connor Dykema. Both were a part of the team’s 8-man playing rotation last season, and both averaged about 4.5 points per game last year. Juniors Sam Meengs, Elliott Grashuis and Tyler Rynbrandt “will also play a lot,” Meengs told WKTV, while other seniors on roster will “contribute and have significant playing time.”

“While we do not have much experience, we do have good players that have had success at the freshman and JV levels the past few years,” Meengs said. (For a WKTV video interview with Coach Meengs, visit here.)

Godwin coach Whittemore, whose team also lost much through graduation, has averaged 20-plus wins in each of the last five seasons with the usual changing of players. So the Wolverines may just be reloaded again.
Coach Whittemore told WKTV that his expected starters will be seniors Cleveland (CJ) Baskin, Terrance (TJ) Moore and Savi Morris-Miller, as well as junior Jamontae Burrell and sophomore Jordan Norman.

Other players expected to contribute include junior RuQuan Buckley, freshman Jakhary Towns, and seniors Shadon Ewing and Milton Brown.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

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

WKTV has Wyoming, Kentwood high school sports schedules, featured game coverage

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Entertainment, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports
South Christian High School boys basketball, from a 2019 game. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The tentative Featured Game coverage schedule for December includes the following:

Tuesday, Dec. 10 — Boys Basketball, South Christian at Godwin Heights

Friday, Dec. 13 — Boys Hockey, FH Central at East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation

Tuesday, Dec. 17 — Boys and Girls Basketball, Kelloggsville at West Michigan Aviation

Friday, Dec. 20 — Boys basketball, Sparta at West Michigan Aviation

Want to be a television sports announcer?

If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! The tentative schedule for May follows and we are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.

 
Where and when to see the game

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

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

 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.


 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Dec. 9
Boys / Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville @ Grandville
Wellsprings Prep @ Godwin Heights
Wayland @ Wyoming
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Girls Basketball
Holland @ Godwin Heights
Boys Basketball
Fruitport Calvary Christian @ West Michigan Aviation

Tuesday, Dec. 10
Girls Basketball
Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville
Hopkins @ Tri-Unity Christian
South Christian @ Hamilton
Zion Christian @ Saugatuck
Hackett Catholic Prep @ Potter’s House
Barry County Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Boys Basketball
Kelloggsville @ Wellsprings Prep
South Christian @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event
East Kentwood @ FH Northern
Zion Christian @ Saugatuck
Potter’s House @ Kalamazoo Hackett
Barry County Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Grand River Prep @ Saranac
Boys Hockey
Christian @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation
Boys Swimming / Diving
@ East Kentwood

Wednesday, Dec. 11
Boys Wrestling
Kelloggsville @ Holland
Godwin Heights @ Unity Christian
Wyoming @ Unity Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Christian
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Girls Cheer
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
Boys / Girls Bowling
Wyoming Lee @ East Kentwood
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
South Christian @ Christian

Thursday, Dec. 12
Girls Basketball
Ottawa Hills @ Godwin Heights
Algoma Christian @ Zion Christian
Sparta @ West Michigan Aviation
Boys Bowling
West Catholic @ Tri-Unity Christian
Boys / Girls Bowling
East Kentwood @ Jenison
Orchard View @ Potter’s House
Boys Swimming / Diving
FH Central @ East Kentwood
Boys Basketball
Heritage Christian Academy @ Zion Christian

Friday, Dec. 13
Girls Cheer
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee – Elayna Durso Memorial Cheer Invitational
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee – Elayna Durso Memorial Cheer Invitational
Wyoming @ Jenison
Girls Basketball
Potter’s House @ Kelloggsville
Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian
Holland Christian @ South Christian
Lake Odessa Lakewood @ Grand River Prep
Boys Basketball
Hudsonville @ Godwin Heights
Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian
Wyoming @ Jenison
East Grand Rapids @ East Kentwood
Holland Christian @South Christian
Potter’s House @ Laingsburg
Sacred Heart @ West Michigan Aviation
Lake Odessa Lakewood @ Grand River Prep
Boys Wrestling
Wyoming Lee @ Tri-County
Boys Hockey
FH Central @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation – WKTV Featured Event
West Ottawa @ South Christian

Saturday, Dec. 14
Boys / Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville @ Cedar Springs
Godwin Heights @ Cedar Springs
Boys Wrestling
@ Kelloggsville – Dave Fleming Memorial Tournament
Godwin Heights @ Kent City
East Kentwood @ Big Rapids – Cardinal Invitational
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood @ Jenison
Boys Hockey
FH Northern @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation
Rockford @ South Christian
Boys Basketball
East Kentwood @ Ottawa Hills
West Michigan Aviation @ Detroit Southeastern

Monday, Dec. 16
Boys / Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Christian @ Wyoming
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids
Tri-Unity Christian @ Orchard View – Boys
Girls Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Heights
West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES
Boys Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Western Michigan Christian
West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES

Rebuilding Lee girls basketball team showing positive signs under 3rd-year coach Tasha Wilson

City of Wyoming, Education, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
Wyoming Lee High School’s girls basketball team suited up only five players for this 2017 game. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

In the third year of what is literally a complete rebuild of the Wyoming Lee High School girls basketball program, head coach Tasha Wilson and her staff are measuring success by the number of players in the program and the positive attitude of those players.

The wins will come.

The Lee Legends girls (0-1) will try to get their first win of the season when they host a non-conference game against Byron Center Zion Christian Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m., in a WKTV Sports Featured Game, which will be recorded and available on cable television and on-demand.

The Legends also return to an OK Conference Silver schedule this season after going 0-9 last season in a shortened independent schedule.

“At the moment I have a 16-player (varsity roster) — I know it sounds crazy but this is honestly the biggest team I’ve ever had in my career of coaching at Lee High School,” Coach Wilson said to WKTV. “Since I’ve been back its been a battle to pick the program back up. I started with 6 players my first year with some quitting, so we had to cancel our entire (2017-18) season.


“Then going into my second year blind, not knowing what was going to happen, we went with a independent schedule and successfully finished with 8 players. Now my third year I was overwhelmed with the amount of players that came out to play this year.”

While getting the girls basketball program back on the minds, and in the extracurricular plans, of the students at Lee has been an offseason priority, the in-season priority has been keeping the players positive about the program.

“Staying positive is huge for me. The score can be so ugly but all along my bench you hear positivity,” Wilson said. “My girls don’t look at horrible losses in a negative way, they look at them as learning experiences. They know that practice time is valuable and that’s when we need to work our hardest to get to where we want to be. We’re still putting together our puzzle here at Lee.”

The 2019-20 Legends will feature returning varsity players senior Taylor Weekly and junior Keanna DesArmo, and Coach Wilson pointed out junior Emily Martinez and freshman Mya Bruno as varsity newcomers she expects to contribute immediately.

“I’m so honored to have returning players like Keanna DesArmo and Taylor Weekley,” Wilson said. “They seen the program steadily grow now over the past years. Those two young ladies are huge pieces to the program, and I give them a lot of credit for helping me build this program back up as well. They were constantly getting the bug in everyone’s ear about basketball.”

Not only are numbers an issue to be overcome, but having players without much history playing the game is also something Wilson and her staff deal with.

“I’d say this year about 80 percent of my team has never played basketball before, so its been a struggle for me because I have to teach fundamentals for the first three weeks then we jump right into a game,” she said. “Which shows clearly from our first game final score. We weren’t able to get a set offense taught yet so I’m glad to say we’re finally getting there.”

Lee lost to Kentwood Grand River Prep, 67-4, to open the season.

Zion Christian, out of the Alliance League, lost at home to Ravenna, 40-37, on Dec. 3. In 2018-19, Zion was 8-12 (2-5 in league) and one of those wins was a 48-13 victory over Lee.

Lee Athletic Director Jason Faasse also sees progress in the program in terms of numbers as much as wins at this point.

“Coach Wilson … has a great ability to connect with students and make them feel a part of something special,” Faasse said to WKTV. “Year-round they are working to engage the elementary and middle school aged students in the Godfrey-Lee community with the sport of basketball. Her leadership and commitment have played a huge role in increasing the participation at the high school level and I look forward to seeing the development of the program continue in a positive direction for years to come.”

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

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

December’s high school sports schedule begins WKTV’s winter sports coverage

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Entertainment, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports
WKTV’s coverage of girls high school basketball continues this month. (WKTV)

By Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director
ken@wktv.org

Football teams were crowned champions Thanksgiving weekend inside Detroit’s Ford Field and the calendars were then rolled over to December. That means the winter sports open their schedules with tip-offs in girls basketball during the first week followed by the boys openers the second week.

Boys hockey, wrestling, boys and girls bowling, and boys swimming and diving began earlier, and to round out the winter sports teams, girls cheer and dance begin their seasons.

WKTV will bring one or two events each week to viewers, mostly basketball but some hockey.

The tentative Featured Game coverage schedule for December includes the following:

Friday, Dec. 6 — Girls Basketball, Zion Christian at Wyoming Lee

Tuesday, Dec. 10 — Boys Basketball, South Christian at Godwin Heights

Friday, Dec. 13 — Boys Hockey, FH Central at East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation

Tuesday, Dec. 17 — Girls Basketball, West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville

Friday, Dec. 20 — To be determined.

Want to be a television sports announcer?

If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! The tentative schedule for May follows and we are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.

 
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

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


 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.


 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Dec. 2
Girls Basketball
Grand River Prep @ Wyoming Lee

Tuesday, Dec. 3
Girls Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Kelloggsville
Orchard View @ Godwin Heights
FH Central @ Wyoming
East Kentwood @ Byron Center
South Christian @ FH Northern
Ravenna @ Zion Christian
Potter’s House @ Kenowa Hills
WMAES @ West Michigan Aviation
Saranac @ Grand River Prep

Wednesday, Dec. 4
Boys Hockey
South Christian @ Muskegon Reeths Puffer

Thursday, Dec. 5
Girls Basketball
West Michigan Lutheran @ Athens Factoryville Christian

Friday, Dec. 6
Girls Basketball
Kelloggsville @ Zeeland West
Godwin Heights @ Union
Zion Christian @ Wyoming Lee – WKTV Featured Event
Tri-Unity Christian @ Belding
Wyoming @ Comstock Park
East Kentwood @ Muskegon
Byron Center @ South Christian
Hopkins @ Potter’s House
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ Kenowa Hills

Saturday, Dec. 7
Boys / Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville – OK Silver Pre-Season Meet at Fairlanes
Godwin Heights – OK Silver Pre-Season Meet at Fairlanes
Wyoming – Tournament @ Eastbrook Lanes
East Kentwood – East Kentwood Kickoff Invite
Girls Dance
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Girls Basketball
East Kentwood @ Kalamazoo Central

Monday, Dec. 9
Boys / Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville @ Grandville
Wellsprings Prep @ Godwin Heights
Wayland @ Wyoming
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Girls Basketball
Holland @ Godwin Heights
Boys Basketball
Fruitport Calvary Christian @ West Michigan Aviation

Mentors as resources for career development

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Kids Activities, Local Business, ,
Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

By Frank Cox, Michigan State University Extension


A mentor has the ability to coach, guide and support his or her mentee for career development because they can teach more in-depth from their personal career experiences. A mentor can also share his or her network and connections to connect the mentee to other professionals in their career field of interest.


The article “Exploring Careers through Job Shadowing” on The Balance Careers states that job shadowing is a career exploration activity that offers an opportunity to spend time with a professional currently working in a person’s career field of interest. For mentoring, a mentee interested in the same career field as their mentor makes a good match for a job shadowing experience. If a mentee is interested in a different career field, a mentor has direct and indirect career connections to assist mentees for a job shadowing match. A job shadowing experience will allow the mentee to observe their potential career field of interest, get a sense of the work environment and learn about the level of education for that career.


To build on the job shadowing experience and depending on the level of education needed or desired by the mentee, making visits to post-secondary institutions is helpful. These visits allow the mentee to not only observe but also ask questions relating to his or her postsecondary plans or desires. On these visits, the mentee will observe the post-secondary learning environment, learn the requirements for admission, learn about financing their post-secondary education and visit with students and faculty.


In preparation for visits, mentors and mentees can work together to research the institutions. For example, to take a college visit to Michigan State University, they may go to the Office of Admissions webpage and search for scheduling a college visit. This type of educational activity can be a learning experience for mentors and mentees.


Michigan 4-H Youth Development with Michigan State University Extension utilizes caring adults to help youth become productive citizens in society. Two programs that help accomplish these goals are the Michigan 4-H Youth Mentoring Programs and Michigan 4-H Careers and Entrepreneurship Programs offered by Michigan 4-H Youth Development. With resources available for mentoring and careers, caring adult mentors can play a positive role in helping guide mentees to the career of their choice.


For more information or resources on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education, or entrepreneurship, contact 4-HCareerPrep@anr.msu.edu.


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).


WKTV’s 19th Annual Turkey Bowl cable channel fest returns Thanksgiving Day

3-bottom, Area Education, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports, WKTV Projects
Wyoming quarterback Matthew Berg (11) reacts to a Wolves touchdown in a game at Northview Sept. 6. (Curtis Holt)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

WKTV’s sports coverage crew was busy this fall, as our high school football Featured Game crew was all over Wyoming and Kentwood to cover local high schools’ American football teams — and one English ‘football’ game.

As every year, high school sports fans can get their Turkey Day football fix this year as we broadcast 13 hours of football (and two of soccer) on our cable Channel 25.

The special starts at 9 a.m., and highlights the best of our high school football games from the season. The schedule of games (with link to the games on WKTV’s On-Demand video internet channel, at WKTVLive.org ) is as follows:

9 a.m. — Caledonia at East Kentwood. On-Demand

11:50 a.m. — South Christian at Wyoming. On-Demand

3 p.m. — Hopkins at Godwin. On-Demand

5:25 p.m. — Forest Hills Eastern at Godwin. On-Demand

8:25 p.m. — Potterville at Wyoming Lee. On-Demand

10: 35 p.m. — Wyoming Lee at Godwin Heights soccer. On-Demand

Lee High School’s boys soccer team from an early season. (WKTV)

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government cChannel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are give the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26).

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

World Affairs Council to host national live-stream, local discussion on China

3-bottom, Education, Hard News, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, ,

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

World Affairs Council of Western Michigan (WACWM) invites the public to join communities across the United States in a national conversation on China as the local group hosts the 13th annual China Town Hall at the University Club in downtown Grand Rapids on Monday, Nov. 18.

The program is hosted in partnership with the National Committee on U.S. China Relations.

After refreshments and a social hour, from 5:15-6 p.m., the WACWM will broadcast a live-streamed interactive panel from New York City focusing on the current state of China-U.S. relations, moderated by George Stephanopoulos of ABC News, according to supplied material.

After the panel, at about 6:45 p.m., there will be a local conversation on the issue facilitated by Courtney Henderson from the Michigan-China Innovation Center.

“The local version of the town hall will focus on the bilateral relationship’s local impact on regional business, educational, and cultural interests,” the supplied material states.

“Our country’s relationship with China has a direct impact on the lives of nearly everyone in the U.S. — most certainly including Michigan. These national and local conversations provide an opportunity to discuss the issues that affect our community the most.”

For more information on the China Town Hall and to register, visit here.

The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan is located at 1700 Fulton Street E., Grand Rapids, For more information visit worldmichigan.org .

Kentwood city commissioner to host ‘Community Conversation’ on homelessness

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Going Local, Hard News, Health, Kentwood Public Schools, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, WKTV Journal In Focus, ,

WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

A part of her continuing Second Sunday community conversations, City of Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson will host a Community Conversation on Homelessness Sunday, Nov. 10, from 2-4 p.m., at Broad Leaf Local Beer.

The Keynote Speaker of the public event will be Judge William G. Kelly, the chief judge for Kentwood’s 62B District Court.

The panel will include Wende Randall, director of Kent County Essential Needs Task Force; Kent County Commissioner Stephen Wooden; James White of Cinnaire; and Cheryl Schuch, of Family Promise of Grand Rapids.

The event will be moderated by Bridson and Marshall Kilgore, Western Michigan Director for United Precinct Delegates. WKTV will record the discussion and post it on our WKTV Journal In Focus Podcast Channel.

“The more people I spoke with about housing, the more I realized we have several great community organizations working very hard in this area to make an impact,” Bridson said in her monthly community newsletter. “Homelessness doesn’t have a simple solution, but it does need a regional approach by various members of the community sitting down to compare our efforts, bring more awareness to all and work on more active solutions to keep chipping away at this issue.

“This issue is especially important to me because it disproportionately affects women, people of color and children.”

Bridson said in the community newsletter that she asked for information on homeless students in Kentwood Public Schools and found that, in 2018, Kentwood Public Schools had 283 students that were homeless, while Grand Rapids Public Schools had 671 students homeless.

She also states that Kentwood does not have a homeless shelter.

Broad Leaf Local Beer is located at 2885 Lake Eastbrook, Kentwood. For more information on the event visit here.

GVSU’s Health Forum of West Michigan brings medical, legalized marijuana health issues to light

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Education, Health, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
The Health Forum of West Michigan event hosted by Grand Valley State University last week included panelists, from left, Andrew Brisbo, executive director of the new Marijuana Regulatory Agency for the State of Michigan; Dr. Mandeep Bath, addiction psychiatrist for Pine Rest; Scott Rifenberg, deputy chief, Grand Rapids Police Department; and John Titley, partner and corporate attorney for Varnum LLP. (GVSU/Kendra Stanley-Mills)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org


A panel of experts on the medical and legal aspects of existing medical, and pending recreational, marijuana use discussed a multitude of issues at Health Forum of West Michigan event hosted by Grand Valley State University last week.


While the event was focused on the implications of legalized marijuana for the health care industry, a wide range of information was presented and topics discussed, including how police will deal with suspected driving under the influence of marijuana, the current medical-community research on the short- and long-term effects of marijuana use, and ongoing state regulatory actions in preparation for the pending legalization of recreational marijuana.


Adult-use retail sales of marijuana is set to start by the end of the first quarter 2020, and while many local cities and townships have opted-out of having legal marijuana sales within their jurisdiction — including both Kentwood and Wyoming — the state is busy establishing rules and regulations associated with its sales and use.


At the forum, Andrew Brisbo, executive director of the new Marijuana Regulatory Agency for the State of Michigan, discussed the state’s new recreational marijuana commercial licensing and regulatory program, including that there will be a 10 percent excise tax collected on sales to fund state and local regulation and enforcement costs, that there is an initial $6,000 application fee and that the actual license fee will range from 3,000-$50,000, and that there will be specific rules for consumption at temporary events and “designated consumption establishments.”


The Nov. 1 free-to-the-pubic event was part of a planned series of health-care related forms hosted by the university’s Office of the Vice Provost for Health in the DeVos Center, on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.


The Health Forum of West Michigan event hosted by Grand Valley State University last week included panelists, from left, Andrew Brisbo, executive director of the new Marijuana Regulatory Agency for the State of Michigan; Dr. Mandeep Bath, addiction psychiatrist for Pine Rest; Scott Rifenberg, deputy chief, Grand Rapids Police Department; and John Titley, partner and corporate attorney for Varnum LLP. (GVSU/Kendra Stanley-Mills)

Other panelists included Dr. Mandeep Bath, addiction psychiatrist for Pine Rest; Scott Rifenberg, deputy chief, Grand Rapids Police Department; and John Titley, partner and corporate attorney for Varnum LLP.


Bath detailed known and in-study health issues involving marijuana use, and included in his details were:


Approximately 2.6 percent to 5 percent of the global population (119-221 million individuals) use cannabis, with the rate of cannabis use in high-income countries almost twice the rate in low-income countries.
A 2013 survey reported 7 percent of 8th graders, 18 percent of 10th graders, 22.7 percent of 12th graders used marijuana in past month up from 5.8 percent, 13.8 percent and 19.4 percent survey results from 2008.


Medical studies suggest 8.9 percent of cannabis users would become dependent on cannabis at some point in their lives.


While most of Dr. Bath’s discussion contained dry if sobering information, one bit of medical data drew a humorous reaction:


“During intoxication, user’s sociability and sensitivity to certain stimuli like colors is heightened, perception of time is altered, and appetite to sweet and fatty foods is stimulated,” he said, reading from a powerpoint script, before adding impromptu, “… the munchies.”


The event was moderated by Susan DeVuyst-Miller is associate professor of pharmacy practice at Ferris State University and clinical pharmacist for Cherry Health Services.


The next Health Forum of West Michigan will be “New Discoveries in Genetics” on Friday, Dec. 6, with guest Caleb Bupp, M.D., a medical geneticist with Spectrum Health.


GVSU’s DeVos Center us located at 401 Fulton St. W.. For more information on planned health forums, visit gvsu.edu/vphealth .

Teens have the most valuable component to accumulating wealth

3-bottom, Education, How-To's, Kids Activities, , ,
Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

By Laurie Rivetto, Michigan State University Extension


How soon after securing their first job should a young person start investing? Immediately! Sound crazy? It’s not. 


Setting aside money for long-term goals is an uncommonly wise act for a teenager. In fact, teenagers have something every older saver and investor wants yet can’t get, and that is time. Michigan State University Extension has numerous resources that can help young people learn key personal finance skills including how to manage and invest money.


Perhaps when it comes to building wealth, time truly is much more valuable to increasing the investment than the actual amount invested or the interest rate earned. The sooner a teen begins to set aside money in a savings or investment account, the longer those funds will earn interest and therefore the more money that will accumulate.


A smart teenager will set aside a portion every time they receive money, including wages from a job, money received as a gift, an increase in allowance, etc.; even just $10 here or $20 there will add up. A wise young person will then invest the amount saved. Those investments and those earnings will compound over time; what starts out as a dribble of deposits and earnings will build over time to a substantial stream of money. The longer the funds are left in the account, the faster the funds will grow.


How does that happen? It is all thanks to the magic of compound interest. Even Albert Einstein was impressed by it, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it… [and] he who doesn’t… pays it.”


Compound interest can be explained by the following simplified scenario: Adrienne saves $20 a week in a savings account for a year. She then transfers $1,000 of those savings to an investment account that earns 6% interest per year. At the end of the first year, her account will earn 6% interest on the $1,000, so she will have $1,060.00. At the end of the second year, Adrienne will earn 6% on the $1,060.00; her account will be valued at $1,123.60. After five years, without any additional deposits, Adrienne’s initial investment of $1,000 will be worth $1,338.23. Adrienne earned $300 interest on her $1000 deposit; it was the compounding of the interest that earned her the additional $38.23.


If Adrienne is financially savvy and continues to save $20 each week over that same period, she will be able to deposit $1,000 into her account at the beginning of each subsequent year. At the end of five years, her $5,000 investment will be valued at $5,975.33. Adrienne earned $900 in interest on the $5,000 she deposited; the $75.33 was the result of compound interest. Adrienne has let compound interest work for her; she might well consider this free money.


The magic here is that Adrienne is earning interest on the money she actually deposited into the account plus the money that her account has earned for her. It may not seem like a lot of money initially, but with regular deposits and annual interest earnings, the fund will grow significantly.


Investing early in life delivers the most valuable component to investing—time. Teens interested in taking advantage of the time that is on their side can learn money management and investing skills through MSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Youth Investment Education Resources. A calculator from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission can help youth explore how compound interest can work in their lifetime.


Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. As a result of career exploration and workforce preparation activities, thousands of Michigan youth are better equipped to make important decisions about their professional future, ready to contribute to the workforce and able to take fiscal responsibility in their personal lives. For more information or resources on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education, or entrepreneurship, contact 4-HCareerPrep@msu.edu.


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).


Wyoming Lee football wraps up season with home game, something to show

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Wyoming Lee High School’s football team has had some ups and downs this season — the first season of a two-year hiatus from OK Silver conference play and into an independent schedule. But as the team prepares to end their season with a home game, the Legends have reason for optimism and accomplishment.

Lee (2-6 on the season) will host Potterville (0-7; 0-6 Central Michigan Athletic Conference) at Lee’s field Friday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. And WKTV will be there to record and broadcast the game.

Before the game, WKTV caught up with head coach Tom DeGennaro, who talked about what his team accomplished this season, players who have stepped up this year including a special freshman in the backfield, and how they are preparing for the season finale.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

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

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

WKTV Journal In Focus welcomes the West Michigan Veterans Coalition into our studio

3-bottom, Community Health, Education, Health, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Veterans, WKTV Journal In Focus, ,

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we continue our efforts to inform and support veterans — and their families and friends — through a discussion with Paul J. Ryan, Captain, US Navy Reserve (Retired) and a member of the West Michigan Veterans Coalition.

The Coalition is a group which describes itself as “a collaboration among local military-friendly organizations that provide support, information and resources to veterans and their families.”

Most recently, the Coalition was part of the West Michigan Freedom Cruise and Gold Star Family Honor Ride, held annually at the Fifth Third Ball Park in Comstock Park. But that is only one of the most visible activities of the Coalition.

We talk with Mr. Ryan about the direct services his group provides and how it works with other veterans support groups, how essential it is to bring employers into the discussion when we talk about supporting veterans, and about the Coalition’s mission including service to “anyone who served in the Armed Forces” and why that means more than honorably discharged vets.

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 (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news — the much-anticipated weekend edition

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Health, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.”*

Aristotle

*Aristotle probably would have said it this way: “Ποια είναι η ουσία της ζωής; Να υπηρετείς άλλους και να κάνεις καλό.” But in Ancient Greek and with waaaaay more accent marks.

Sounds like a dare

Ask Me Anything! is Nov. 2 at Kentwood Library. Learn about your community and your neighbors in a fun, relaxed environment. Visit the branch to “check out” different members of our community for a chance to learn from them and ask them anything. More info here.

In the ‘mark your
calendar’ category…

Courtesy Grand Valley State University

Zapatos Rojos | Red Shoes is an itinerant installation originally organized in 2009 by artist and architect Elina Chauvet in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Comprising 33 pairs of red shoes donated by the women of Ciudad Juárez — each pair representing a woman who had disappeared in that community — the piece is designed to draw attention to the fact that women were being killed without any consequences. Nov. 1, 2019-Feb. 28, 2020. Get the details here.

Do some good —
here’s how

The SpartanNash Foundation invites store guests to join the fight against hunger during its companywide fundraising effort, Oct. 23 to Nov. 3. The SpartanNash Foundation’s retail scan campaign supports more than 100 local food pantries and food banks, and 100 percent of dollars raised will support food pantry partners in eight states. Learn more here.

Fun fact:

Volunteering keeps you young

Volunteering not only engages your mind and body, but it can actually help you age well and reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.


Lee boys soccer team, walking hallways with pride, preps for Districts after sharing conference title

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
Lee High School’s boys soccer team preps for District tournament play. (Photo Credit: WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

After a 17-1 regular season, and being crowned co-champions of the OK Conference Silver, the Lee High School Legends boys soccer team is preparing for another run at a District title next week at Hudsonville Unity Christian and — hopefully — another shot at a Unity Christian squad which knocked them out in the District finals last season.

But first things first. As his team practiced this week, Lee coach Jaime Ramirez talked to WKTV about his team having a week off after a great regular season, detailed his top players, and his belief that this year’s team has brought their own bit of pride to the school.

Oh, and ya. There is that thing about “the kids” wanting a rematch with Unity Christian.

“It is a fantastic season so far, the kids are playing so good,” Ramariez said. “They earned this (conference co-championship) because they are doing the job on the field. … There is a little (school) pride in this team this year.”

Ramirez gives some of the credit for the school pride to Lee Middle and High School’s new principal, Candy VanBuskirk, who in addition to her impressive educational background played and coached basketball at the collegiate level — “This year the new principal is doing good job announcing (game results) every morning when we play, how we did.”

There was a lot of good news announced, as far as the soccer team’s season was concerned.

The Legends outscored their regular season opponents 81-12, with their only loss being a 1-0 setback to conference co-champion Grandville Calvin Christian, which the Legends beat early in the season, 2-1.

While scoring has not been a problem for the Legends this season, Ramirez still thinks they can do better and he is using the team’s 10-day layoff to “adjust” some things.

The long layoff “is kind of bad because the kids don’t get to play,” he said. “But it is kind of good too because the kids get to rest and I am able to adjust some things, what we’ve been struggling on, like targeting or scoring goals. That is my main thing right now.”

Lee High School’s boys soccer team huddles, from an early season game. (Photo Credit: WKTV)

Senior-led but but with plenty of young stars

The Legends are deep and talented with both offensive and defensive position players, according to their coach.

Senior co-captain and midfielder Raúl Montañez has 10 goals and six assists this season, junior co-captain and midfielder Gerardo Montañez has scored 10 goals and has eight assists, sophomore midfielder Edgar Vazquez leads the team in assists with 16 while adding five goals. But the team’s scoring leader is co-captain Michael Esqueda with 19 goals and five assists this season.

Senior forward Tristan Perez has played through injuries but still contributed nine goals and 10 assists.

On what has been a smothering defense, sophomore Alexandro Ruiz “improved so much and … (is a) very solid defender”, Ramirez said, while junior Gustavo Romero has also anchored the back line. Senior goalkeeper Jorge Montes blocked two penalty kicks, has 25 saves and six shutouts.

Two younger players who have contributed to the team’s success are junior Wili Diaz and Jacob Flores, who has played both on the field and in goal. “Definably he (Flores) will be my main goalkeeper next season, but he did an outstanding job as a defender,” Ramirez said.

District tournament outlook

Coach Ramirez said he and his team are not looking past their first game of the District 35 tournament, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15, at a time to be determined, when they will play the winner of an opening round contest between Grand Rapids Catholic and Grand Rapids West Catholic. But, should they win, they know which team they’d like to see in the District finals.

“We have to beat anybody that is going to be in our way, regardless of who it is,” Ramirez said. “If we come out and play a bad game, and they beat us up, then we don’t have anything to say. But if we play good, it doesn’t matter who we play, if we play good, we beat them.”

And as far as that rematch with Unity Christian — “The kids are looking for that rematch because they think they can do better this year than we did last year.”

Technology for seniors: 10 types of apps you can benefit from

3-bottom, Community Health, Education, Health, How-To's, Senior Living,
Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


Technology can seem overwhelming to those who didn’t grow up with it, and too often seniors give up on trying to understand new advancements. While it’s true that adapting to technology doesn’t come as naturally to seniors as it does to younger generations, there are a lot of benefits of technology that you should know about. One example is apps, a downloadable application that can be used on a phone or tablet. 

1. Healthcare apps

Seniors can use apps to access healthcare information faster. Many healthcare facilities and doctors use apps to create patient portals and upload your medical information for you to view. Doctors can also have chat lines to be available after office hours for emergency medical questions.


Some healthcare apps even allow you to fill prescriptions online, saving you a phone call or doctor’s visit when you need medications refilled on short notice. You can also use a health app to monitor symptoms of chronic conditions. 

Apps to check out:

2. Rideshare apps

Ridesharing apps allow you to get a ride without needing a car yourself. These apps will share your location with a certified driver who will pick you up and take you where you need to go for a small fee. No parking needed!


These apps are great for seniors because if you don’t have a car or don’t feel comfortable driving someplace you can have a source of transportation.

Apps to check out:

3. Social media apps

Social media apps are some of the most popular among people of all ages. While you may have a Facebook account on your computer, it can be a great asset to have the app downloaded on your phone or tablet as well. Then you can easily see photos, posts, and updates from friends and family. 


Staying connected to people is an important part of senior health. Socialization is a big part of ensuring that your cognitive functions continue to operate healthily as you age. Social media apps can help you keep in contact with people, as well as sharing your own thoughts and events.

Apps to check out:

4. Learning apps

As mentioned above, finding ways to help keep your brain functions healthy is an important aspect of maintaining your cognitive and memory health. In order to help, there are apps specifically made to challenge your brain and improve your mental functions. You can learn new skills, thought patterns, and languages through apps, and most can be explored for free.

Apps to check out:

5. Food delivery apps

Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

Let’s face it: grocery shopping is a chore at any age. However, it becomes especially difficult as a senior to find the time and energy to drive to the store, find everything you need, get it up on the checkout line, carry your bags to the car, haul them all inside, and put everything away. So why not use apps to cut out some of these steps?


Grocery delivery apps like Shipt and other food delivery apps can take all the travel time out of finding the foods you need to stay energized and healthy. 

Apps to check out:

6. Reminder apps

From simple slips to more serious reminders, it’s important to have a system in place to help us remember when something important comes up. Apps can help with sound and vibration notifications that capture our attention. Different apps have features that may be better for your memory, so play around to find one that fits your needs!

Apps to check out:

7. TV and movie apps

It’s the Golden Age of Television, and you don’t want to miss a minute! There are so many different television and movie watching opportunities, so having the ability to watch your favorite programs from anywhere is a great benefit of app technology.

Apps to check out:

8. Reading apps

If watching television isn’t your go-to activity, there are still plenty of ways to find entertainment with reading apps. Whether you pay for a monthly subscription with Amazon Kindle, or want to borrow library books to read online, there’s an app for you! You can even listen to books through Audible, which reads books out loud so you can hear your favorite story while doing other tasks.

Apps to check out:

9. Gaming apps

Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

If you still want more entertainment, there are an abundance of gaming apps that you can try out. Some are puzzle based, which can help build cognitive functions, some are played against other people, and some are just great for passing time. 


No matter what type of games you like to play, there are apps available for you. These apps are so popular that they have an entire tab under your app store to search within! Take a look and see which apps are going to provide you with the most fun.

10. Music apps

Music is one of nearly everyone’s favorite pastimes, and is especially great for seniors. As with other forms of entertainment, there are more options available now than ever before. And, with the help of music apps, you don’t need to have any equipment beyond a phone or tablet to enjoy all your favorite songs.

Apps to check out:

For almost anything you can think of, there is an app that can help. While technology may seem overwhelming, getting some help from a younger family member or friend to really understand tools like apps can make technology a great addition to every senior’s life!


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.


Despite concerns, Godfrey-Lee student fall count above budget projection

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Going Local, Hard News, , ,
Lee Middle and High School. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Before the current school year started in August, Godfrey-Lee Pubic Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston publicly expressed concern that this summer’s partial collapse of a portion of the Lee Middle and High School building could drive parents to transfer their students out of the district.

Such a loss of student head count would add a reduction in state per-student funding to the losses in class space and district financial flexibility.

But, the district reported Wednesday, Oct. 2, that Godfrey-Lee Public Schools counted 1,824 students today during Michigan’s Fall Count Day, according to supplied information. The number is slightly above the 1,820 students the district based the 2019-20 budget on and would result “in a modest amount of additional funds for the district.”

The number represents a similar number from the spring count, and a loss of 21 students from last fall’s count.

Fall counts occur on the first Wednesday in October and represent 90 percent of state funding. Spring counts occur on the second Wednesday in February and represent 1 percent of state funding. According to state school funding records, Godfrey-Lee gained $10,807 per student in 2017-18. But the amount can change year-to-year and per student funding for 2019-20 is not yet finalized.

“The district is grateful for the support of our community during the past four months and the trust they have in the district,” Polston said. “We are honored to serve our community to provide an excellent educational experience for our students based on deep, meaningful relationships and rigorous learning.

“Our student count will allow the district to grow the vision into the future as we partner with a dedicated staff and loyal community partners to design innovative practices that prepare students for success well into the future.”

Seven classrooms and the psychologist’s office were destroyed during a roof collapse at the school building, located at 1335 Lee St. SW, on June 5. No one was injured. It was determined that corrosion of bar joists that supported the roof structure caused it to disengage from the exterior wall.

On June 23, the remaining structure of the affected area collapsed from the weight of the debris. With localized repairs, the remaining portion of the building was ready for opening day as planned on Aug. 19.

7 tips to avoid playground injuries

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, How-To's, Kids Activities,
Keep the play in playgrounds … and the tears away. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Rick Jensen, Spectrum Health Beat


Playgrounds are fun, but all too often result in injuries.


From kids falling from swings and monkey bars, to little tykes flying off the merry-go-round, hazards abound.


But that’s not a reason to avoid them altogether. If a playground has good equipment with soft landing surfaces, add in a bit of adult supervision and the risk is greatly reduced.


To make sure everyone has a merry time at the playground, keep in mind a few statistics.


Each year in the United States, emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children for playground-related injuries, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


Falls are the most common, accounting for more than 75 percent of all playground-related injuries, according to Jennifer Hoekstra, an injury prevention specialist.


Lack of supervision is associated with approximately 45 percent of playground-related injuries.


Check out some helpful advice from the Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention team for keeping your kiddos safe at play.

7 tips to avoid playground injuries:

1. Actively supervise children on playgrounds.

It won’t be hard—they’ll probably be calling for you to watch them climb, jump and swing.

2. Look down.

Take your kids to playgrounds with shock-absorbing surfaces such as rubber, synthetic turf, sand, wood chips or mulch.


If your child falls, the landing will be more cushioned than on asphalt, gravel, concrete, grass or dirt.


For swings, make sure the surfacing extends in the back and front, twice the height of the suspending bar. (If the swing set is 10 feet high, the surfacing should extend 20 feet.)

3. Dress appropriately for the playground.

Remove necklaces, purses, scarves or clothing with drawstrings that can get caught on equipment and pose a strangulation hazard. Even helmets can be dangerous on a playground, so save those for bikes.

4. Make sure your kiddos are kind.

Teach children that pushing, shoving or crowding while on the playground can be dangerous.

5. Focus on the littles.

Little kids play differently than big kids, so it’s important to have a separate play area for kids younger than 5.

6. Inspect equipment.

Check playgrounds for hazards such as rusted or broken equipment and dangerous surfaces such as sharp points or edges. Report hazards to the school or local office.

7. Look up.

If playground platforms (such as the top of slides) are higher than a few feet, there should be guardrails that little ones can’t slip through and fall.


All openings should also have gaps of less than 3 1/2 inches or more than 9 inches to avoid head entrapment.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Home and away: WKTV featured game is Wyoming, South Christian in early-OK Gold clash

Education, Local Faces, Sports, WKTV Featured sports, ,

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Wyoming High School’s football team will be at home this week when the visiting South Christian comes to Davies Memorial Field at Wyoming Junior High for a key game in both teams’ season goal to be a factor in the OK Conference Gold title race.

But will it matter that this week’s WKTV High School Sports Featured Game of the Week is on home turf for the Wolves with the Sailors facing a mostly opposing crowd?

Wyoming is 1-2 (0-1 in OK Gold in early-season action) while South Christian is 2-1 (1-0), with the Wolves only win coming at home, and the Sailors only loss on the road.

For all WKTV’s local high schools — including East Kentwood, Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville, Wyoming Lee and Tri-unity Christian — the football teams are 6-1 at home and 3-10 on the road.

WKTV talked to both head coaches — South Christian’s Danny Brown and Wyoming high’s Irvin Sigler — and while both agree that “they don’t call it home field advantage for nothing”, what happens on the field usually means more.

The coaches also talked about what their team has done well so far this year, and their respect for the opposing head coach and the opposing programs.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

With memories and, hopefully, tradition carried over, Wyoming high to honor Coach VerDuin with field ceremonies

City of Wyoming, Education, Going Local, Local Faces, Local History, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports, ,
Wyoming High School’s football team practicing at their soon-to-be ex-home field this week. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

When Wyoming High School’s football team plays its last game at Davies Memorial Field this week, at the current middle school but at what was once Wyoming Park high, those in attendance will have many memories of games and players on the field.

Jack VerDuin, in a historic photo from Wyoming High School Athletic Department Facebook page.

And the Friday, Sept. 20, game pitting the Wolves against the visiting South Christian Sailors will also be filled with memories of the late Jack VerDuin, who rolled up a 243-118-6 record with the Wyoming Park Vikings before the school merged with Wyoming Rogers into Wyoming high in 2012.

The Friday game will be the first part of a two-part, two-home game special event for Wyoming high as the Wolves will honor VerDuin during their last varsity football game at Davies field before moving to the new football stadium for a Oct. 11 home game.

One person who will have special memories, especially at this week’s game, will be Ted Hollern, Wyoming High School Athletic Director, who remembers VerDuin as an opposing coach, mentor and friend.

Ted Hollern, Wyoming High School Athletic Director. (WKTV)

“I can remember, as a high school student, playing against Jack VerDuin’s teams and how good they were,” Hollern said this week to WKTV. “They were well coached. What a machine they had operating.

“And then (later) … I was at Wyoming Rogers, when he was at Park … to be able to rub shoulders with him. At the time, I was a young football coach … you know, I could pick up on some of his ideas. I was the head football coach at Rogers and he was still coaching here. We shared a lot of time together.”

There will also be many memories by VerDuin’s family and many friends who will be in attendance at the game, set to start at 7 p.m. The Jack VerDuin family will be there as they will be announced as our Honorary Captains for the game.

VerDuin, who died in 2007, coached the Vikings for 38 seasons beginning in 1962. During the years, Wyoming Park won 19 conference championships and the Class B state championship in 1984, a 33-20 victory over Monroe Catholic Central. The Vikings were state runner-up in 1985, falling to Dearborn Divine Child 21-0.

VerDuin is a member of the Wyoming Hall of Fame, Grand Rapids Hall of Fame, Michigan High School Hall of Fame and the Michigan Football Hall of Fame.

Clearly Coach VerDuin and his “Mighty Vikings” built a tradition of excellence — a tradition which Hollern hopes can carry over from the “the house that Jack built” at Davies field to the new football stadium.

“I think of all the players and coaches who have played here, at what was Wyoming Park. How many championships they won. The tradition they had,” Hollern said. “I just think it will be great to remember some of their past, and some of their accomplishments, and then hope that tradition, those accomplishments, kind of springboard into the new place.”

For a story on the new football stadium, and how students and staff at Wyoming high are anticipating its opening, see a School News Network story here.

The South Christian vs. Wyoming Community Night Football Game at Wyoming Junior High will be the WKTV High School Sports Featured Game of the Week, with on-demand video replay available at WKTVLive.org.

(For a WKTV video preview of the game, visit here.)

The game will have a 7 p.m. kick-off, but, among many special events, will have a Jack VerDuin Family Night pregame with a hospitality tent opening at 5:15 p.m. in the north end zone, with all family and friends welcome.

Local football wrap: East Kentwood survives Caledonia; Godwin, Lee and Tri-unity gain first wins

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, WKTV Featured sports,
The Sept. 13 East Kentwood vs. Caledonia football game is available on-demand at WKTVlive.org. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

At East Kentwood High School Friday, the Falcons rallied for 13 points in the fourth quarter — on a 30-yard touchdown pass from Christian Tanner to Josh Ledesma and a 4-yard run by Ledesma — to overcome a 14-10 Caledonia advantage and gain a 23-14 win.

The East Kentwood win Sept. 13 pushed the Falcons to 2-1 on the season and began their OK Conference Red slate with a home win over the Fighting Scots (1-2). East Kentwood had posted a 10-0 first half lead on 25-yard field goal by Tanner and a 51-yard pass from Tanner to Colton Emeott. Tanner was 13-of-23 passing for 198 yards while Drapher Cribbs led the team in rushing with 56 yards on 15 carries.

The Caledonia at East Kentwood game was the WKTV High School Sports Featured Game, with on-demand replays of the game available at WKTVlive.org. This week’s featured game will be South Christian at Wyoming high.

South Christian also pushed their record to 2-1 with a 42-0 win at home over Wayland to open the Sailors’ OK Gold schedule. In the game, short runs by Daniel Possett and Chase Bradman, with extra point kicks by Jeff Heerema, staked South Christian to a 14-0 first half lead. Two more rushing touchdowns by Possett, the second a 29-yard scamper, and a short run by Eli Smith pushed the score to 35-0 to enter the fourth quarter.

Also on Sept. 13, Wyoming high (1-2) lost at Grand Rapids Christian (1-2), 54-14.

In other local football action, Godwin Heights (1-2) and Wyoming Lee (1-2) both gained their first wins of the season. The Wolverines defeated Wyoming Kelloggsville (0-3) 36-14 in the OK Sliver opener for both teams. (Due to three teams in the conference playing non-conference football schedules, the two teams will meet later in the season at Kelloggsville.) For more information on the Lee Legends win, see a story here.

Tri-unity Christian won a 8-Man Midwest Central conference game at Lawrence, 40-28.

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

Lee Legends ride big plays, tough defense to first win of independent season

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Sports,
Lee High School’s football team celebrating a win over Galesburg-Augusta, 18-12, at home Sept. 13. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Lee High School — after opening its non-conference season with two competitive losses when the offense scored but the defense struggled — defeated Galesburg-Augusta, 18-12, at home Friday as the Legends rode a big-play offense and a bend-but-not-break defense to the team’s first win while playing an independent schedule.

The visiting Rams actually out-gained the Legends in total yards, 258-230, and ran 81 offensive plays compared to Lee’s 39. But the Lee defense limited the Rams to just two scores and came up big in the fourth quarter.

“It was a huge test on the defensive side if you look at time of possession and number of snaps we played,” Lee defensive coordinator William Hollstein said to WKTV. “Over the first two games, we gave up big plays which put us in a tough spot. Going into Friday night, we really stressed limiting those big plays through a simplified scheme and getting pressure on passing downs.”

Lee High School freshman Elijah Beckwith had 97 yards and a touchdown in the win over Galesburg-Augusta on Sept. 13. (Supplied)

In the Legends’ win, freshman running back Elijah Beckwith scored on a 36-yard run and Ke’ontae Taylor caught a 45-yard scoring pass from Niko Mena in the first half. Beckwith totaled 97 yards on 12 carries to lead the Legends ground game.

After Galesburg-Augusta tied the score, 12-12, at the half, Taylor and Mena again hooked up, this time for a 47-yard pass in the third quarter, and the Lee defense made that score hold up for the win.

Senior Gumer Rodas was one of the stars on the Legends defense. (Supplied)

“During Galesburg’s final offensive possession, I was able to speak with the defense during a timeout,” Hollstein said. “It was all smiles in the huddle and I told the kids that this is why we play the games, for moments like this. They were fired up to play on 4th down and you could feel their confidence. As a team, our theme has been to ‘win the next down.’  As a coach, it’s rewarding when you see the kids come together and play for each other like that.”

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

Godfrey-Lee ‘Legends’ rebranding takes two (big) steps forward with grant awards

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Going Local, Non-Profits, Sports, ,
While the Lee High School teams are still wearing old uniforms this season, they are already Legends. (Note: This football team t-shirt, worn here by head coach Tom Degennaro, is not the new official logo for Godfrey-Lee school district or its sporting teams). (WKTV)


By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Godfrey-Lee Public Schools announced this week two major donations for the rebranding of the district and high school’s mascot to become the Legends — including $98,000 from the Native American Heritage Foundation to “rebrand the current mascot from ‘Rebels’ to a new mascot and nickname that is culturally responsive.”

“Godfrey-Lee Public Schools is proud to share the announcement of $120,000 in donations to support the district with the change of our mascot to the Godfrey-Lee Legends,” Kevin Polston, Superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, said Sept. 17 in supplied material. “The support of our community through the transition has been critical to the success of the project.

“Financial contributions will ensure that operating expenses will be spent in the classroom to support our students. The donations will offset costs for a new logo design, athletic and performing arts uniforms, signage, murals, the electronic footprint of the district, and more.”

The grant from the Native American Heritage Foundation (NAHF) adds to a grant made by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, as well as other smaller donations.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation was established in 1922 and is Kent County’s philanthropic leader, according to a statement by the Godfrey-Lee district. “The Community Foundation creates partnerships to overcome inequities in West Michigan, supporting racial, social and economic justice for all.”

“We are committed to providing opportunity, prosperity and belonging for everyone who calls West Michigan home,” said Diana Sieger, president of the Community Foundation, said in supplied material. “A new Godfrey-Lee mascot will unify the school community and help students shift their focus to using their talents and creativity to fuel our shared future.”

The official receipt of the grant from the Native American Heritage Fund will take place at a check ceremony on Monday, Sept. 30, at the FireKeepers Casino-Hotel in Battle Creek.

The Native American Heritage Fund, established in 2016 as part of the Second Amendment to the Tribal-State Gaming Compact between the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) and the State of Michigan, allows for a portion of NHBP’s annual state revenue sharing payment to be distributed by the NAHF.

According to the NAHF, the fund “serves to promote positive relationships between public and private K-12 schools, colleges, universities, local units of government and Michigan’s federally recognized Native American Tribes. The NAHF provides resources to help improve curricula and educational resources related to Michigan Indian history, as well as to replace or revise mascots and imagery that may be deemed as offensive to or inaccurately conveying the culture and values of Native Americans.”

The district is still soliciting donations and individuals or organizations that want to contribute toward the district reaching its’ goal of $200,000, Polston said in supplied material.

Those interested can make a tax deductible contribution online via the District’s PayPal account (the link is found at the bottom of the district’s homepage (godfrey-lee.org) or by sending a check to the district’s administration building, 1324 Burton St. SW, Wyoming, MI, 49509.

For more information on the Native American Heritage Fund, visit here.

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood tips for parenting

3-bottom, Area Education, Community Health, Education, Health, Kids Activities

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Parenting is hard, especially trying to be patient with little versions of impatient you.”

Anonymous
Parenting is work, but there are some tools to help.

Parenting ain’t easy

Sometimes, parents can send their children mixed messages by the ineffective commands they give them and lack of consistency with routines and household rules. Go here for more info.

Soft lights and light reading helps.

Sleeping ain’t easy

Exposure to bright light in the hour before bedtime can make it difficult for kids to fall asleep, family health experts warn. Go here for more info.

Kids carry the weight too.

Lugging books ain’t easy

Thousands of children each year suffer from a variety of backpack-related injuries, including back and neck pain, shoulder pain, muscle strains and spasms, nerve damage and headaches. Go here for more info.

(Not-so-) Fun fact:

As much as 7 pounds

Hardcover textbooks weigh between 2 and 7 pounds … a burdensome load of information that students have to haul around school five days a week. Source.

East Kentwood, lessons learned, returns home for key OK Red game against Caledonia

City of Kentwood, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Faces, Sports, WKTV Featured sports,
East Kentwood High School’s football team at practice this week. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

There was no shame in East Kentwood High School’s season opening game loss at Muskegon Mona Shores — a team that went 12-2 last year, losing only to state power Muskegon high during the regular season and then in the Division 2 state playoff finals.

There were some lessons to be learned in the loss, however. And those lessons were evident last week when the Falcons rolled to a 39-6 road win at Grand Ledge Sept. 6.

East Kentwood football coach Anthony Kimbrough working with the team at practice. (WKTV)

“I always say you learn more from a loss than you do from a win. We did some things uncharacteristic of ourselves (against Mona Shores), but we got back to basics and tightened up some things, and it showed against Grand Ledge,” Falcon head coach Anthony Kimbrough said to WKTV. “We had a better overall execution on offense and defense. Just doing the little things.”

But coach also knows his team will face another challenge this week against OK Red Conference foe Caledonia — the Fighting Scots.

“It is right in their name, the Fighting Scots,” Kimbrough said. “They fight you, man. They play hard, they play physical, they run around. They do some good things and they are well coached. … We really have got to come to play.”

For the complete interview with Coach Kimbrough, see the video here.

East Kentwood football team at practice. (WKTV)

In last week’s win, the Falcons (1-1) jumped out to a 25-0 first half lead on a 40-yard run by Josh Ledesma and a 13-yard pass from Christian Tanner to Colton Emeott in the first quarter, and then a 39-yard run by Willie Berris and a 22-yard run by Tanner. They did not let up much in the second as they ran the score to 39-0, on an 82-yard touchdown pass from Tanner to Jamoni Jones, and a short run by Carter Selby.

The Fighting Scots (1-1), last week, also had an impressive win, defeating Cedar Springs (10-2 last year) at Caledonia by the score of 19-12, after falling on opening night at Holt, 35-17. Caledonia was 2-7 last year, 1-5 in conference play.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.