Category Archives: Hard News

Wyoming continues investigation into armed robbery

September 13, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard Newsarmed robbery, Silent Observer, suspect, Wyoming Department of Public SafetyJoanne

The Wyoming Public Safety Department continues its investigation into the report of an armed robbery at the New Life Thrift Store, located at 4339 S. Division Ave.

Wyoming Public Safety officers responded to the robbery report at around 5 p.m. Sept. 12. Witnesses stated that a black male, in his 20s, skinny build, wearing black a baseball cap, black hoodie, black jeans and black shoes threatened an employee with a knife and demanded money.

No one was hurt in the robbery. The suspect did leave with an undisclosed amount of cash. K-9 officers tracked the suspect to the unit block of Murray SW where witnesses stated that the suspect got into a new model white Chrysler 300.

Wyoming Public Safety personnel are asking the public’s assistance for information that may lead to the identification of the suspect and vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wyoming Public Safety Department at 616-530-7300 or to contact Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

Investigation continues on Sept. 7 shooting in Wyoming

September 8, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard NewsKent County Sheriff's Department, police, shooting, Wyoming, Wyoming Public Safety DepartmentJoanne

Wyoming Public Safety today (Sept. 8) provided an update with additional details about yesterday’s shooting by a Wyoming Public Safety officer.

The suspect who was shot has been identified as Sadiq Bishara-Abaker Idris. Idris is 25 and a native of Sudan. He is believed to have been living in Grand Rapids. No additional details about Idris are available at this time, according to a release from the City of Wyoming Public Safety Department.

An autopsy was conducted this morning but is not yet complete pending results from a toxicology screen. The department confirmed that Idris died from a single gunshot wound but are not releasing additional details at this time due to the investigation being conducted by the Kent County Sheriff’s Department.

A portion of the incident was captured on dashcam, which is being reviewed by Kent County investigators and will not be released publicly at this time.

Kent County investigators continue to talk with witnesses and encourage anyone with information about the shooting to call the Kent County Sheriff’s Department at 616-632-6125 or to call Silent Observer at 616-744-2345 or toll-free at 866-774-2345.

As reported by the department in release last night, the incident began at a Wyoming gun store at approximately 5:24 p.m. when Idris, who had been looking at firearms, allegedly took a semi-automatic pistol, ran out the door and jumped on a bicycle. Wyoming Public Safety called in a canine unit, which tracked and found the abandoned bike.

Police searched the area and the canine unit continued to track Idris, but was unable to pick up the scent. At approximately 7:15 p.m., a witness called Wyoming Public Safety to report a man walking on 32nd Avenue SE near Eastern Avenue SE with what appeared to be a gun in his back pocket.

A Wyoming Public Safety officer was the first to make contact with Idris, who was on foot. The officer exited his patrol car and confronted Idris, who reached for his gun and pointed it at the officer. In defense of his own life, the officer fired his weapon, striking Idris.

Responding officers provided emergency medical aid to Idris, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Wyoming Public Safety Department protocol, the officer remains on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. To protect the integrity of the investigation, additional details about the suspect, the weapon involved and other information will not be shared at this time.

“This was an experienced officer who is a trained and seasoned professional,” said Wyoming Public Safety Director James Carmody in statement released last night. “We are grateful that he and other members of the public were not harmed [last night.]”

“We are following our protocol for an officer-involved shooting and are cooperating fully with the Sheriff’s Department, which is overseeing this investigation.”

Two years later, little impact felt from Michigan’s Right-to-Work law

September 2, 20163-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Hard NewsBureau of Labor, Department of Labor, Labor Day, Right-to-Work, Teamsters, UAW, unionsJoanne

It was unions versus politicians while labor leaders picketed outside the Capitol building as inside lawmakers voted on Michigan’s Right-to-Work law. More than two years later as Michigan, and the nation, get set to observe Labor Day, the question lingers: has the Right-to-Work law really had any impact on Michigan’s economy, jobs, or residents?

Michigan became the 24th state to pass a Right-to-Work law which essential prohibited new contracts from requiring union dues as a condition of employment. Supporters said the new law would help to kickstart the state’s economy by making Michigan more attractive to businesses and create more jobs to for the state. Opponents said it could have a major impact on labor organizations which historically have protected the working and middle class.

“To be honest, it is has little effect on us,” said Stasia Savage the business agent for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 26. A smaller union compared to the Teamsters and the United Auto Workers (UAW), IATSE represents stagehands and craftspersons in the entertainment industry. Founded in 1893, the IATSE’s practices on jobs and other issues are fairly well established with the Right-to-Work law having no changes on those procedures, Savage said.

“What really impacted us was when the film industry left,” she said. Michigan ended its film incentive program in 2015. But even the loss of those film incentives has not affected IATSE’s numbers which saw a 2,000 membership growth from 2014 to 2015.

In fact, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, Michigan unions saw an increase in membership in 2015 with 621,000 members, a 36,000-member increase over 2014’s numbers of 585,000, which are the lowest union numbers in 10 years. In 2005, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Michigan union membership at 880,000 which has been slowly declining from there.

The 2015 increase actually defies what some predicted in that people would opted out of unions once contacts expired. Some of the biggest labor contacts involving the UAW and the Teamsters were up for renewal in 2014 with neither group reporting a membership decline. In fact in its filing with the Department of Labor, the UAW reported a 1.3 percent increase in national membership for 2015 according to The Detroit News. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that union membership national wide rose by 219,000 to about 14.8 million in 2015 but that the percentage of the U.S. workforce in a union remained the same at 11.1 percent.

“I believe there is a huge discount between the policy makers and the voters,” said Bill Black, director of Legislative and Community Affairs for the Michigan Teamsters Joint Council #43. Black reported the Teamsters went through contract negotiations in Michigan for UPS and SpartanNash with no decline in membership. “Workers in the state aren’t feeling secure.”

Ari B. Adler, director of communications for the executive office of Gov. Rick Snyder said Michigan’s Right-to-Work law was about keeping Michigan’s economy competitive. It was pro-worker, not-anti-union, he said.

“The law gives workers a choice about whether they want to belong to a union or not,” Alder said. “Whether the numbers increase or decrease is based on how workers feel about the value that unions provide them and the ability of unions to successfully serve the employees they represent.”

Alder said they are not surprised that union numbers are up since given the growth in manufacturing jobs. He noted that Michigan ranks number one in the nation for new manufacturing jobs created since Dec. 2010.

Supporters of the law have touted the fact that since its enactment, that unemployment has consistently gone down. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, unemployment in Michigan spiked in 2009 at a high of 13.9 percent. Since then, it has steadily been going down to where it has been hovering around 4.8 percent.

Michigan has remained below the national unemployment rate. In a report released today, the Bureau of Labor statistics showed an increase of 151,000 jobs in August with the unemployment rate at 4.9 percent.

“Michigan’s economy is back on track and while there is still much more to do to fully recover from the Lost Decade, it is great to see that more than 450,000 private-sector jobs have been created in Michigan since Gov. Snyder took office,” Alder said.

But Black warns that not all those jobs come with health insurance and pensions but are lower wage, lower skill jobs. Nationally, employment areas that were trending for August are mostly service-providing industries such as food and drinking places, social assistance, professional and technical services, financial activities and health care employment. Areas with little change in August were construction, manufacturing wholesale trade, retail trade, transportation and warehousing, temporary help services and government.

“This Right to Work law is not about Michigan citizens and Michigan businesses,” Black said. “It is about a few and their political agenda.”

Black said he feels it is the unions and employers who are working together that will help to build the healthiest middle class in the country and that in the long run, Michigan’s Right to Work law “will hurt the people who pushed it through.”

Still it has only been two years since the Right-to-Work law went into effect and only time will tell if it will have any impact on Michigan’s economy, and we might never get an answer. In a 2012 Michigan Economic Competitiveness Study done by the Michigan Chamber, economists indicated it is hard to separate the Michigan Right-to-Work law from other factors, such as cost to relocate, incentives, and population, all of which have an impact on whether a company decides to stay, come or leave Michigan.

Wyoming Public Safety attempts to locate missing Wyoming man

August 29, 2016City of Wyoming, Hard Newsmissing man, Silent Observer, Wyoming Public Safety DepartmentJoanne

Tyrone Victor Harding — Tyrone Victor Hardin

UPDATE: Aug. 30, 2016 – The Wyoming Public Safety Department released a statement this morning that Tyrone Victor Hardin has been located.

The Wyoming Police are asking the public for assistance with locating a man who has not been seen by family in several days. Tyrone Victor Hardin is a 61-year-old black male who is 5 feet, 7 inches and weights 100 pounds. He has a goatee and walks with a cane. The family cites no medical condition but describes Hardin as “confused at times.” He may have been walking from a relative’s home on Adams St SE in Grand Rapids heading toward Wyoming on August 25.

Police are asking anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Tyrone Victor Harding to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

Public Q&A on landfill gas leak is Aug. 31 at Kentwood City Hall

August 29, 2016Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Education, Hard News, Our Cities, Recycling, Upcoming Eventsdar baas, kent county department of public works, kentwood city hall, Q&A, south kent landfill, United Methodist Community HouseJoanne

Landfill1 — Aerial view of the old South Kent Landfill — Kent County oversees cleanup activities at this site (photo courtesy of accessKent.com)

By Victoria Mullen

WKTV

The old South Kent Landfill — formerly known as the Paris Township Dump — has been closed since 1976 but 40 years on, the community is still dealing with the consequences of waste disposition during an era with no environmental protection standards in place. The 72-acre landfill is one of 65 sites in 30 Michigan counties that are designated as Superfund sites — sites that were polluted decades ago and are now eligible for federal funding for cleanup.

The closed Kentwood Landfill is under regular monitoring by the Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) with oversight by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (The City of Kentwood owns the property; Kent County manages it pursuant to a consent agreement between Kent County and the EPA.)

Recently, testing at the site at 4900 Walma SE in Kentwood — off Breton Road north of 52nd Street — found methane gas underground at several depths to the west of the landfill site; it has spread farther beyond the landfill boundary. Eleven monitoring wells detected methane in the ground at depths of 5 feet to 50 feet. Concentrations of the gas are high above flammability levels and could cause an explosion if not vented and flared.

It’s important to note that residents don’t face any higher risk than they have been in the past, according to Kristi Zakrzewski, the DEQ’s project manager for the landfill.

If you are one of the 150 households located within 1500 feet of the west edge of the old South Kent Landfill, you should receive — or have already received — a letter from Kent County about arranging testing for methane gas. You’ll be able to request quick, on-site testing for methane through the Kent County Department of Public Works at no cost to you.

“Safety is our priority as we move forward with this investigation,” said Dar Baas, Director of the Kent County Department of Public Works.

garbagetrucklandfill — Action shot of trash disposal at the current South Kent Landfill

“We are hiring an engineering consultant and have already started investigating methods to resolve the gas migration. We also have been in contact with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the EPA.”

Methane, caused by the natural breakdown of organic materials — such as paper, cardboard, branches and wood — normally forms in landfills. Escaping methane is flared (burned) at gas stand wells on the site to prevent the gas from reaching the atmosphere, where it is detrimental to the ozone layer. An alternative to burning it is to convert it to electricity, and Kent County is looking into the feasibility of doing so, but there is no way of knowing how much methane is trapped under the landfill and whether it would be economical to build an electrical facility there.

Although the migration of methane beyond the landfill boundary is concerning, the DPW did not detect methane inside any neighboring buildings. They are working with the Kent County Health Department; if methane is found at the outer edge of the landfill, they will expand the gas stand wells.

Methane gas likes to spread upward. When it can’t, it seeks alternative ways to travel — horizontally — which is why it may be found outside the perimeters of the dump site. Any leaks are most likely to occur in crawl spaces and cracks in a building’s foundation, any place where methane gas can get through.

We’ve come a long way since the 1800s when people simply opened their back doors and threw their trash out. The Pantlind Hotel once had a piggery where people dumped their organic matter to feed the pigs.

Baas said that the South Kent Landfill dates back to the late 1940s when dumps had no environmental standards for the waste that was deposited there.

“The Baby Boomers started these dumps after World War II,” Baas said. “There’s a little bit of everything here.”

In the early 1950s, the area was the town dump, then became a licensed solid waste facility in 1966. The City of Kentwood operated the landfill from 1968 to 1970; Kent County operated it from 1971 to 1975. It was closed in early 1976 and capped in 1995 with several layers of clay — 6-inch layers creating a 2-foot cap — after which it was covered with topsoil and seeded with grass seed to keep the methane gas trapped. The site is mowed regularly to keep plants and trees from taking root and contributing to the methane problem.

In addition to organic materials, the site contains industrial waste.

“We used to have to treat the leachate waste water after the dump closed in 1976,” said Baas. “Forty years later, we are still dealing with the ramifications of this landfill, but we no longer have to treat the leachate as it’s a lot cleaner.”

compactor — Business as usual at current South Kent Landfill

Cleanup, operation and maintenance activities and groundwater monitoring are ongoing.

“We will always have to watch over it,” Baas said. “Today, it looks like a meadow, but we have no way of knowing how long it will be before it can be used for other purposes.”

The public is invited to attend a Q&A session presented by the Kent County Department of Public Works on Wednesday, August 31 at 7 pm at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Officials from the City of Kentwood will also be at the meeting to answer questions.

If you have questions, contact the Kent County Department of Public Works at 616.632.7920.

Wyoming works to clean up after Saturday’s tornado

August 22, 20163-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Hard NewsCity Hall, debris, Jack Poll, National Weather Service, Saturday's tornado, Tornado, trees uprooted, WyomingJoanne

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It’s the Monday after and residents and city officials of Wyoming continue to assess the damages left after Saturday’s tornado passed through the city.

The National Weather Service teams are currently surveying the damage caused and have confirmed tornado-related damage in Van Buren, Allegan, Ottawa and Kent counties. In its preliminary review, the National Weather Service has the tornado in Wyoming listed as an EF-0 which is weakest rating with winds between 65 to 85 mph. The tornados in Van Buren, Allegan and Ottawa were listed as EF-1 with winds 86 to 110 mph in the preliminary findings. The 2014 tornado that hit Wyoming was classified as an EF-1.

There were no related deaths or injuries from the storm just trees up rooted hitting homes and blocking roads along with a lot of debris.

“The teams at City Hall have been working through the weekend, answering residents’ questions, connecting them with the Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.,” said Mary Ann Sabo with Sabo PR, the city’s public relations firm.

In fact, shortly after the storm, Mayor Jack Poll, in a video on the city’s Facebook page, was talking to residents and mentioned he was among the city officials going door-to-door in affected neighborhoods checking on residents. Other city staff was out clearing debris, inspecting structures and responding to medical emergencies.

In a statement released today, Poll said “Our Public Safety teams have done a tremendous job handling first response calls, and we so appreciate the support from Kent County and neighboring jurisdictions. Public Works, Inspections, Parks & Recreation, along with our Administrative team, have done an incredible job meeting the needs of our residents. Storm cleanup is well underway, with neighbors helping neighbors.”

Wyoming received helped from several departments from Byron Township, Caledonia, Cutlerville, Dutton, Kentwood, Georgetown, and Grandville.

Because of commitments to help clean up, Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce President Bob O’Callaghan said they have lost a few volunteers for this weekend’s Metro Cruise, but the event is expected to take place Friday, Aug. 26, and Saturday, Aug. 27 as scheduled.

“The city has a crisis response plan that was immediately put into play,” Sabo said. “The process is to focus on immediate needs first, then turn attention to areas like parks.”

Due to damage and safety concerns, five of the city parks are close until further notice. Those parks are Pinery, Lemery, Prairie, Ferrand and Buck Creek. The Parks & Recreation team is contacting those with park reservations to see if events can be relocated or rescheduled. Reservations canceled by the storm will be refunded unless the reservation was relocated to another park or facility. For reservation questions, call 530-3164.

As of today, Consumers Energy has restored power to all but a few homes in Wyoming. Working with the American Red Cross, a resource center has been set up at Gladiolia Elementary School, 3500 Gladiola Ave. SW today through 5 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents may coordinate tree removal help and other issues at the center. The Red Cross will have disaster kits available as well.

Debris removal is probably the biggest item facing residents with the city’s yard waste center at 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW, being opened 24 hours a day through Saturday, Aug. 27. The city received kudos on its Facebook page for this with Kathy Walcott posting “Can’t say enough good things about [City of Wyoming]. Friends were amazed we dropped off over eight trailer loads of debris without paying! Thanks for stepping it up when it was needed.”

The yard waste center will be closed Sunday, Sept. 4 through noon Thursday, Sept. 15. Public Works crews are working on picking up debris. If you need the crew to come through your street or to make arrangements for a drop off at the yard waste center after Aug. 27, contact the Public Works Department at 530-7260. City officials are asking that all storm debris be placed behind the sidewalk and not in the public right-of-way.

Also the City of Wyoming is waiving the fees for building or electrical permits for storm-related repairs. Residents still must secure a permit before making those repairs.

Wyoming residents who need assistance that is not related to debris removal or have other storm-related questions may call call 530-7226 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Have storm debris? Self-serve yard waste facility is open Sunday, Aug. 21 from 9 am-6 pm

August 21, 2016Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Hard News, Our Citiesdebris, National Weather Service, Tornado, tornado damage, Wyoming/KentwoodJoanne

@hvillewxman Blake Harms — Scene at Wilson & 68th in Grandville shortly after the tornado. Photo courtesy of Blake Harms @hvillewxman

By Victoria Mullen

WKTV

If you have branches, limbs and brush to dispose of after Saturday’s storm, you may bring them to Grand Rapids’s yard waste facility at 2001 Butterworth Street SW from 9 am to 6 pm on Sunday, Aug. 21. The facility is self-serve, so you’ll have to bring the storm debris yourself.

At least four radar-reported tornadoes downed trees, damaged homes and snapped power lines on Saturday, August 20. Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Wyoming sustained most of the damage, and at least 25,000 Consumers Energy customers lost power in Allegan, Barry, Kent and Ottawa counties since the storm.

Because the tornados were wrapped in rain, they were not visible to viewers. There were no reported injuries.

The National Weather Service said that damage surveys will be conducted on Sunday to determine the number, wind estimate and severity of the tornadoes.

Wyoming approves agreement with Loeks for 28 West Place project

August 16, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard News28 West Place, City of Wyoming, Loeks Theatre, new street, Roger Brown, Rogers Plaza, Wyoming City CouncilJoanne

https://youtu.be/d4KLAT5QHK4

Take one last good look at 28 Street and Michael Avenue because it could change in a matter of weeks.

Last night, the Wyoming City Council approved the last piece in the 28 West Place project as it accepted a purchase agreement with Loeks Theatres for around $278,000. The agreement was the final piece for the city to construct a new road from the current Wyoming Mall entrance off Michael Avenue to 28th Street across from Hook Avenue where Applebee’s is located.

Adopted in 2013, the 28 West Place is a reimagining of the south side of 28th Street between Clyde Park and Burlingame avenues into a mixed-use town center utilizing form-based code. A form-based code provides for flexibility to developers, according to Wyoming Deputy City Manager Heidi Isakson who has been working on the 28 West Place project.

A key element to the 28 West concept is the construction of a curving slip street which would become the center’s new “main street.” The street is proposed to run from the south side of 28th Street across from Hook Avenue to Jenkins Avenue, which runs next to the former Klingman/Rogers Department Store building. Before the city could move forward, it had to have the property owners on board with the project. Earlier this year, owners of the Wyoming Mall approached the city with some redesign plans for its facility and city officials knew now was the time to move forward with the west portion of the street.

“It has been a nail biter,” Isakson said as city staff pulled together the several elements that needed to be coordinated for the project. This included working with Wyoming Mall officials and Loek Theatre representatives to acquire the necessary right-of-ways.

“We believe that the city investment of public utilities and improving public access combined with the private investment will yield greater results,” said City of Wyoming Assistant City Manager Heidi Isakson.

In June, the Wyoming City Council accepted a $1.6 million agreement with Wyoming Mall, LLC. Total cost to the city will be about $1.2 million for the relocation of city services and construction of the road. At its Aug. 1 meeting, the council awarded the construction of 28 West Place street and utility improvements to Kentwood Excavating which had the lowest bid of $1.74 million. The bid, which was one of five, came in about 11.34 percent below the engineer’s estimate. The total cost for the project, which includes right-of-way acquisition, is estimated at $2.8 million.

Isakson said Loeks Theater officials plan to have the agreement signed by Wednesday with plans for construction starting soon. Wyoming Mall officials already have begun demolition work and are waiting for the city to being moving utilities, she said.

Isakson said she has been in touch with the owners of Rogers Plaza about the project but at this time there are no plans to move forward with the west portion of the new street.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport North Lot reopens

August 15, 20163-bottom, City of Kentwood, Hard NewsFord Airport, Gerald R. Ford International Airport, North Lot, resurface projectJoanne

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport's North Lot is now open. — The Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s North Lot is now open.

Expanded parking in a repaved lot is now available at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA).

The North Lot, located just north of the airport parking garage, has reopened to the public after a two and a half month closure that included the area being reconstructed and expanded with more than 100 new parking spaces. The project also added a covered entry canopy over the main lot entrance off of Gateway Drive. The entry canopy matches the architecture of the economy lot canopies, and will protect passengers from weather elements as they pull tickets to enter the parking lot.

Another noticeable new feature is the ability for visitors to transition directly from the parking garage to the North Lot. Previously, if guests had to exit the parking garage they had to go around the building.

“We are all about making things easier, safer, and more efficient for our passengers,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Acting President & CEO Phil Johnson. “The new lot also had minimal environmental impacts as our crews reused all of the existing pavement and aggregate base so no parking surface materials were removed from the site.”

The lot was closed in June to undergo a resurfacing treatment and included more than 9,200 tons of asphalt, an improved layout with new signs and paint directing passengers to the terminal, 25,000 square feet of sidewalk to improve pedestrian safety, the addition of emergency call boxes, and 60 energy efficient LED lights for nighttime safety.

Wyoming Police investigate shootings in 1900 block of Wyoming Ave. SW

August 3, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard Newslarcenies, shots, Silent Observer, Wyoming, Wyoming Public Safety DepartmentJoanne

The City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety is continuing its investigation into several shots being fired early this morning in the 1900 block of Wyoming Ave. SW.

According to a release from the department, units were dispatched to 1900 block of Wyoming Ave. SW in reference to several shots being fired today at approximately 5 a.m. A victim was on scene and stated he had encountered three subjects breaking into a vehicle while he was driving down the street, according to the release. One of the suspects became confrontational. The victim began driving away and then heard the gunshots and bullets striking his vehicle. He drove to a nearby business and called police. Officers located several shell casings in front of this address.

Officers checked the area and found multiple vehicle larcenies in the area. Officers came across several people in front of an address in the 1800 block of Wyoming Ave. SW. According to officers, a female handed an officer a purse stating someone showed up and said it was stolen. Officers secured the residence and took several uncooperative subjects into custody. A search warrant was executed resulting in a handgun and several stolen items being recovered.

Several individuals aged 16-18 were interviewed. Charges are pending. Although a firearm was recovered, officers are attempting to find the actual shooter. If anyone has knowledge of this incident they are asked to call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 616-530-7300, or Silent Observer, 1-866-774-2345.

Stelma wins Sheriff race in Primary

August 2, 20163-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Election, Hard News, Politics, Upcoming Eventsaugust 2 primary elections, Election Results, Kent County SheriffJoanne

WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well informed and more involved in local matters.

With more than a 20,000-vote lead, current Kent County Sheriff Lawrence Stelma secured his spot yesterday as the Republican candidate for the sheriff position in the November general election.

Stelma beat out three Republican challengers in yesterday’s primary election. He received 27,382 votes with the next closest candidates being Timothy Lewis with 6,539 and John Stedman with 6,464. Stacey Browe received 3,830 votes.

Stelma will face off against Democrat challenger Michael B. Scruggs in the Nov. 8 general election.

The remaining Kent County offices had uncontested races for both Republicans and Democrats. Those vying for spots in the November general election are Republican Chris Beck and Democrat Alida Bryant for prosecuting attorney; Republican Lisa Posthumus Lyons and Democrat Chris Reader for clerk/register of deeds; Republican Ken Parrish and Democrat Jody Betten for Treasurer and Republican Ken Yonker and Democrat Rachel Hood for Drain Commissioner.

For the 17th Circuit Court Judge, Curt Benson had the largest number of votes with 18,867. Joe Rossi had 16,923 and Thomas Murray, Jr. had 12,107. The two top vote getters, Benson and Rossi, will face off in the general election.

National Night Out a huge success in Wyoming, Kentwood

August 2, 20163-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Hard NewsConsumers Energy, Jack Poll, National Night Out, Stephen Kepley, WKTVJoanne

Mayors from the communities of Kentwood, Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Walker and Rockford attend the National Night Out kick-off event at Consumers Energy. Police officers from the various municipalities also were on hand. — Mayors from the communities of Kentwood, Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Walker and Rockford attend the National Night Out kick-off event at Consumers Energy this morning. Police officers from the various municipalities also were on hand.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The mayors and police officers from both Kentwood and Wyoming kicked off National Night Out activities in the wee hours of the morning at Consumers Energy, 4000 Clay Ave. SW.

Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley were joined by officials from Rockford, Walker, and Grand Rapids at the Consumers Energy location for the annual reading of the official National Night Out proclamation which all the participating communities’ governing boards have approved.

Established in 1984 with funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, National Night Out marks its 33rd year. The event’s goals are to heighten crime prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Wyoming Police Chief James Carmody and Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll are interviewed by WOOD-TV's Eva Aguirre for National Night Out. — Wyoming Police Chief James Carmody and Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll are interviewed by WOOD-TV’s Eva Aguirre for National Night Out.

“This is an opportunity for people to get to know their neighbors,” said Wyoming Police Chief James Carmody. “When I was young, your community and the people you knew were your neighbors as people spent time on the front porch.”

Today, people are more transient with individuals and families moving in and out of a community on a regular basis. Neighborhood groups are still the main “eyes and ears” of a community, Carmody said adding that Neighborhood Watch groups are helpful in preventing crime before it even happens.

National Night Out is administered by the National Association of Town Watch. The National Association of Town Watch officials have indicated that the 2016 National Night Out event could be the largest ever, involving about 38.3 million people in more than 16,700 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.

Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalyn Biss and Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley talk at the Consumers Energy's National Night Out event. — Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley talk at the Consumers Energy’s National Night Out event.

For 22 consecutive years, Consumers Energy has been recognized by the National Association of Town Watch as the recipient of the National Electric Utility Award.

The Wyoming Consumers Energy location has served as the early morning kick-off to the local activities with police cars from various municipalities on hand as early as 5 a.m. Two large Consumers Energy trucks also were on site with buckets extended above U.S. 131.

“We appreciate the support we receive from our cities and law enforcement agencies not only for this annual event, but during every day of the year,” said Guy Packard Consumers Energy vice president of electric operations. “We feel it’s very important to show our appreciation of police officers across our state.”

Breaking: 131 Closed at 44th Street

July 27, 2016Hard News44th Street, Motorcycle Crash, US131Joanne

Due to a serious motorcylce crash on 44th Street over US-131, the ramps and overpass will be barricaded off for crash reconstruction.

Make sure to seek alternative routes. WKTV News will keep you updated as more information is acquired.

Breaking news: Wyoming police seeking suspect in Kelloggsville High larceny

July 14, 2016Hard NewsKelloggsville High School, larceny, Silent Observer, Wyoming Department of Public SafetyJoanne

A picture of the suspect of a recent larceny at Kelloggsville High School.

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is asking for help in identifying a suspect involved in a recent larceny at Kelloggsville High School.

On July 5, officers responded to a report of the larceny at the school, located at 23 Jean St. SW. It is believed the incident took place sometime during the evening hours with the suspect being male and wearing a dark tank top and shorts. The suspect stole numerous hand tools and construction items from the school valued at more than a few thousand dollars.

Surveillance cameras were able to catch the suspect and the vehicle he left in.

Anyone with information about the larceny or the suspect are being asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

Wyoming City Council revokes abatements for Grand Rapids Plastics

July 13, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard Newsabatements, Chemical Bank, City of Wyoming, Grand Rapids PlasticsJoanne

Grand Rapids Plastics, 4220 Roger B. Chaffee Blvd. SW., Wyoming, recently announced it was laying off 85 employees. — Grand Rapids Plastics, 4220 Roger B. Chaffee Blvd. SW., Wyoming, closed its doors in April. The Wyoming City Council decided to revoke the company’s abatements at its July 5 meeting.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

After learning promises were not being kept, the Wyoming City Council decided to revoke a former business’s tax abatements a month earlier than planned in an effort to capture about $200,000 in taxes.

At its last council meeting, the Wyoming City Council unanimously voted to revoke the three tax abatements granted to Grand Rapids Plastics.

The company, with a home address of 4220 Roger B. Chaffee, closed its doors April 15. According to city officials, Chemical Bank seized the company’s assets after Fiat Chrysler ended its contracts with Grand Rapids Plastics with the city not being notified of the closure but staff learning through other means.

At a May council meeting, representatives from Chemical Bank and the former owner, Art Bolt, requested the city delay revoking the abatements as, according to bank officials, they were working to find someone to take over the existing business. The council agreed to table the action until its Aug. 4 meeting.

Since that meeting, City Manager Curtis Holt said staff learned promises to the city were not being kept in that the equipment had been tagged for an auction and an auctioneer had been hired. The city staff is not aware of anyone interested in the business and that bank officials acknowledged that they were aware of the abatements and that the money was owed.

Chris Meyer, an attorney representing Chemical Bank, presented a letter to council at the July 5 meeting stating that it is the bank’s position that the sudden lost of the Fiat Chrysler contract did meet the “unforeseen circumstance” requirement and that the city should not revoke the abatements. Meyer said if the city went through in the revocation process, the money would not immediately comeback but it would be considered an unsecured debt as it is a penalty that the company took out the abatements.

However Sandra Hamilton, from the law firm Clark Hill and who has worked with the city treasurer’s office and the state treasurer’s office on tax collection issues, said the city would have a super lien against the property which means the city would be given higher priority than all other types of liens including any liens Chemical Bank currently holds.

Hamilton has stated that an unforeseen circumstance is usually associated with a natural disaster such as a fire or “act of God.” She said the state treasurer’s office has already filed jeopardy assessments agains the company for taxes. The city’s revocation would go to the State Tax Commission which has the authority to revoke a tax abatement certificate.

Mayor Jack Poill said he contends that a new business interested in the current site is going to want new abatements versus abatements that only have about six years left.

Grand Rapids Plastics had three abatements. One that was amended in 2007 for $1.2 million for personal property and another one that was for $1 million for personal property in 2008. Both of these were for 12 years. There also is a full abatement for $615,931 granted in 2011 for 10 years for personal property accusation. The total taxes owed to the city is about $212,000, $180,00 is the abatement taxes and around $33,000 is the personal property taxes for 2016.

Wyoming Police continue to investigate Fifth Third Bank robbery

July 12, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard NewsFifth Third Bank, robbery, Silent Observer, Wyoming Department of Public SafetyJoanne

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety continues its investigation into the robbery of the Fifth Third Bank at 62 54th St. SW that took place yesterday, July 11.

Picture of the robbery suspect at the Fifth Third Bank on 54th Street.

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the report of an armed robbery at the bank around 12:30 p.m. July 11. The suspect wore all dark clothing with a mask and green gloves and according to reports, had a handgun. Officers reported that no one was injured in the robbery.

After the robbery, the suspect was seen running west along 54th Street, jumping a fence and entering the Interurban Foot Trail.

The FBI also responded to the scene and is assisting in the investigation.

The Wyoming Pubic Safety is asking that anyone with information about the suspect or the robbery to contact its department at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

Breaking News: Fifth Third Bank on Division Avenue robbed

July 11, 20163-bottom, Hard NewsJoanne

According to reports, the Fifth Third Bank on 54th Street west of Division Avenue was robbed at around 12:30 p.m. today.

Wyoming Public Safety Department officers are on the scene with K-9 teams searching for the suspect.

Wyoming City Council approves reservation fee for Oriole Park shelter

July 11, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard NewsJoanne

If you are planning to have a private party at Wyoming’s Oriole Park, there will be a charge.

At its last meeting, the Wyoming City Council unanimously approved a fee schedule for public rental of the the Oriole Park shelter. The fee is $50 for a resident and $75 for a non-resident for a three-hour time block and $15 for an additional hour. The fee goes into effect Aug. 1.

One of the city’s oldest parks – acquired in 1955 – Oriole Park went through a major renovation with about $741,432 in grant money from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Access to Recreation Fund along with matching grants from the dedicated operational millage of Wyoming’s Parks and Recreation Department. Reopened in 2011, about the only original feature left was the bathrooms with the park receiving a number of new features, including a splash pad, that made Oriole Park accessible to all ages and abilities to use.

The park is beautiful, according to Barb DeCan, who is with the Oriole Park Neighborhood Watch and spoke to the council about the park in February. The problem is that once people discovered it was a free park, things started getting out of hand with people “squatting” at the park’s shelter starting at 7 in the morning and parties running until late in the afternoon, DeCan said, adding that those parties would be in excess of 100 people.

Because of the number of people at the park, the neighborhood children are coming home unable to use the splash pad or other amenities in the park, DeCan said. “They are being told that the splash pad is for their people’s use only,” she said.

DeCan said the neighbors would like some fairness in the use of the park by having a permanent or fee.

Rebecca Rynbrandt, Wyoming director of community services, said since Oriole Park is one of the city’s smaller parks, it can seem a little crowded when a good size group is there. Rynbrandt said the city does work with groups and tries to encourage them to utilize parks such as Pinery and Lamar, which can accommodate bigger groups.

Part of the reason the city had not place any fees on usage at Oriole Park was because of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund requirements that prohibit restrictions on general use of the park such as restricting it to residents only or charging an access fee. However, through a study, the city’s Park and Recreation Commission was able to determine that a fee on the Oriole Park shelter was allowed for reservations that excluded the general public from using the facility.

The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the city’s current reservation fees for its various parks. Because of the splash pad and other amenities at Oriole Park, it was decided to make the fee $50 for resident and $75 for non-resident. The fee is the same as Lamar Park’s shelter with the park also having a splash pad. The only park in Wyoming that now does not have a reservation fee is Frog Hollow Park

The reservation fee is only for Oriole Park’s shelter. All of the other amenities, including the splash pad, are open to the general public during regular park hours.

We the People: Gaines Township Office and Board candidates – 2016 Primary

July 8, 20163-bottom, Election, Hard NewsAug. 2, Elections, Gaines Township, primaryJoanne

At the Aug. 2 primary, Gaines Township residents will be heading to the polls to elect all of their township officials as every single office – supervisor, treasurer, clerk and trustees – are up for election.

Three of the offices have candidates running unopposed. Rob De Ward is seeking the Gaines Township supervisor position. Incumbent Crystal Osterink is seeking the position of clerk and Incumbent Laurie J. Lemke is running for township treasurer.

Current Gaines Township Supervisor Don R. Hilton Sr. is one of six people seeking the four township trustee positions. Also running are current township trustees Eric Fouch, Dan Fryling, Tim Haagsma, and Angela Burnside and newcomer Kathy Vander Stel.

Gaines Township is broken into nine precincts. Percent 1 and 2 will vote at the Gaines Charter Township Offices, 8555 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Precinct 3 is at Gaines Branch Library, 421 68th St. SE. Precinct 4 and 5 voters will head to Heritage Baptist Church, 1570 60th St. SE. Precinct 6 will vote at Hillside Community Church, 1440 68th St. SE. Precinct 7 is at Providence Christian Reformed Church, 7730 Eastern Ave. SE and Precincts 8 and 9 will head to Ada Bible Church, 2045 68th St. SE.

For each precinct’s area visit the Gaines Charter Township website and look for the precinct map under the Office of the Clerk in the category of Departments. All precincts are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport is ready to fly

July 1, 20163-bottom, City of Kentwood, Hard NewsAirport Authority, Dan Koorndyk, Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Jim Saalfeld, Kent County Board of Commissioners, Roger MorganJoanne

Kent County Board of Commissioners — Official on July 1, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority officially began operating. It will over see the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (GFIAA) is officially operating. The Authority transition was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Friday, July 1, with support from Kent County Commissioners and government officials.

For 60 years, Kent County owned and operated the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, through its Department of Aeronautics, with major policy matters decided by the Kent County Board of Commissioners through the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Board. The transition to an Airport Authority will transfer governance to a regional Airport Authority Board, appointed by the County Board of Commissioners.

“This is a historical day for our region, our County, and our Airport,” said Roger Morgan, GFIAA Board Chairman and Kent County Commissioner. “The transfer to an Authority has been a goal of our Board’s for several years, and to see the teamwork, the collaboration of organizations, and the FAA’s support has been truly remarkable. We had a smooth process along the way, and we are grateful to each and every person who assisted us in this transition.”

The transfer to an Authority creates an independent governing enterprise whose sole purpose is the future development of the Airport, greater levels of economic development and proactive commercial revenue development, a stronger regional focus to respond to air service needs, and a more entrepreneurial, business, and hospitality management focus – driven by customer service.

The Authority Legislation was signed by Governor Rick Snyder on June 30, 2015, the Kent County Board of Commissioners formed the Regional Authority and adopted the Articles of Incorporation on August 27, 2015, and Kent County and the Authority signed final operating and lease agreements on December 17, 2015. The final approval of the Authority came from the FAA, which granted and signed the Authority’s operating certificate today.

The transition came about with full support from the Kent County Board of Commissioners.

“Kent County prides itself on making decisions that are best for the entire community,” said Jim Saalfeld, Chair of the Kent County Board of Commissioners. “The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is a regional asset for all of West Michigan. In that regard, the County knows the best long-term move for the Airport is to be operated by a regional authority that includes representation from outside of the County. This is another great example of collaboration by Kent County at many levels.”

“Kent County Commissioner Dan Koorndyk was instrumental in this transition, and we sincerely appreciate all of his support, along with County Board Chair Jim Saafeld and the entire commission,” said Morgan. “We also would not have completed this changeover without our amazing employees. Each and every one of them keeps our Airport operating day in and day out, and we have far succeeded expectations in air service, customer service, construction, and safety because of their efforts.”

Wyoming police investigating crash on Byron Center Avenue

July 1, 20163-bottom, Hard NewsBayberry Drive, Byron Center Avenue, car accident, Metro Health, Wyoming Public Safety DepartmentJoanne

The City of Wyoming Public Safety Department continues to investigate a crash that resulted in closing down northbound Byron Center Avenue for several hours yesterday evening.

Kent County Dispatchers stated that the crash of a pick-up truck into a PT Cruise was reported around 3 p.m. yesterday. Wyoming Public Safety stated that the the pick up truck drove onto Byron Center Avenue from Bayberry Drive and ran into a black PT Cruiser. The occupants of the PT Cruiser were transported to Metro Hospital with significant injuries, police said. They are currently listed in serious condition.

Police are investigating the possibility that the driver of the truck may have suffered a medical condition while driving and sustained non-life threatening injuries, police stated.

The crash did result in traffic on Byron Center Avenue being diverted for several hours yesterday starting at the M-6 eastbound exit ramp onto Byron Center Avenue. The traffic was detoured through the Metro Health Village.

DRCWM wins $50,000 Steelcase grant for Wyoming schools Restorative Circles project

June 27, 20163-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Education, Hard News, Non-ProfitsDispute Resolution Center of West Michigan, DRCWM, Kelloggsville Middle School, Lee Middle School, Restorative Circles, Steelcase, Wyoming High SchoolJoanne

By Victoria Mullen

victoria@wktv.org

adam bird photo of Chris Gilman — DRCWM’s executive director, Christine Gilman (Photo by Adam Bird)

Thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Steelcase Foundation, the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan (DRCWM) will further develop its Restorative Justice Program for Lee Middle School in Wyoming, Kelloggsville Middle School and Wyoming High School over the next two years.

Spearheaded by its executive director, Christine Gilman, DRCWM began its restorative justice program at Lee Middle School in the fall of 2013. The services target students, staff and the community.

The Steelcase grant will also provide funding to have the three current facilitators become licensed by the International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP). Once licensed, the facilitators will be available to train “Introduction to Restorative Practices” and “Using Circles Effectively” to school administrators, teachers and others who wish to invest in the training so that they can join the paradigm shift away from punitive methods of discipline and towards restorative solutions to problematic behavior.

Chris and kids courtesy of Godfrey Lee Public Schools — Christine Gilman leads a restorative circle. (Photo courtesy of Godfrey Lee Public Schools)

Why restorative justice?

Bullying and out-of-control conflict at home or school have far-reaching consequences, with negative effects on communities and society. Without intervention and support, such negative exposure can inhibit youths’ emotional and cognitive development, prohibit healing, lead to serious health issues later in life and may perpetuate the cycle of violence.

“If you just get suspended, the fight is still going to be going on in your head,” said Gilman. “When you come back to school, you’ll probably be 10 times angrier than when you left.

In addition to quelling disputes and developing proactive plans to address misbehavior, restorative practices positively influence the school environment by teaching effective, non-violent ways to handle anger, frustration, and conflict. Restorative practices foster the development of empathy, which creates a more caring and safe environment.

According to the Council of State Governments, during 2012-2013, Michigan students with disabilities lost 190,036 days of instruction due to suspensions and expulsions. Students who are removed from the classroom as punishment are more likely to repeat a grade, drop out or enter the juvenile justice system. In monetary terms, every student who drops out is estimated to lose $250,000 in lifetime earnings, according to the Michigan Student Advocacy Center.

adam bird photo of circles — Photo by Adam Bird

What restorative justice does

A school-based restorative justice program provides an early intervention for youth who are beginning to demonstrate problematic or delinquent behavior. When students are suspended, they are not learning, and they are not resolving the issues that led to suspension.

Often the issues that led to suspension are exacerbated during the student’s absence from school. Further, students who are harmed by others are not typically addressed in school disciplinary measures; whereas in circles they can express their feelings, make suggestions for reparations, and learn more about why the incident occurred. Additionally, circles allow students to take responsibility for their actions, face up to what they have done, apologize and make amends—actions which are likewise not part of traditional discipline.

Restorative practices (including facilitative conferences and circles) offer a holistic approach to school discipline and problem solving. These practices been proven to decrease the number of suspension/expulsion days and disproportionately higher suspension days for non-white students and special education.

Circles are used in a wide variety of instances, including threats of fights; social media issues; bullying; vandalism; and to help restore relationships after suspensions. Circles can be used instead of suspension, to complement a shorter suspension, or to help reintegrate students into the school community following suspension.

Rather than look at which rule was broken and then doling out traditionally prescribed punishment, at-risk students may be sent to a circle for resolution. During a discussion led by the circle facilitator, the students come up with solutions to the issues raised. Circles help students look at what happened, determine the harm done, talk about how the harm can be repaired, and discuss how future harm can be prevented.

The facilitator draws up the restorative agreement in the students’ own words. When the students are satisfied with the content of the restorative agreement, they sign the document.

“Accepting an apology is almost as good as giving an apology,” Gilman said. “When you see that empathy, it’s really cool. I have seen the light go on. The best thing is while I’m typing up the agreement, they’re giggling, laughing and talking,” she said.

For more information on Restorative Practices, visit DRCWM’s website here.

Additional reporting from School News Network.

Wyoming’s 28 West moving from concept to reality

June 21, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard News28 West, 28th Street, City of Wyoming, Jack Poll, Wyoming MallJoanne

https://youtu.be/d4KLAT5QHK4

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming took a giant step forward on its 28 West project by entering into a development agreement with Wyoming Mall Monday night.

In a unanimous vote, the Wyoming City Council accepted a $1.6 million agreement with Wyoming Mall, LLC, to facilitate the mall owner’s construction and demolition projects, and the relocation of city water, sewer and storm water lines and construction of a new public street. The actual cost to the city will be about $1.2 million for the relocation of city services and construction of the road. The developer’s costs is around $113,000 with there being a 25 percent contingency, around $322,000, for the entire project.

“The Wyoming Mall approached us about doing some major reconstruction/demolition on their property,” said Mayor Jack Poll during Monday night’s council meeting. Mall officials indicated they were ready to allow the city to put in a public road since they were planning to teardown the north end of the mall where Once Upon A Child is located and add a new structure along the northwest side of the building, Poll said.

City Manager Curtis Holt said the city is in active discussions with Loeks Theatre Inc. which owns the Studio 28 property just to the west of the Wyoming Mall. It is the goal of the city to acquire property for the proposed road to continue through with an egress across from Hook Avenue located on the north side of 28th Street between Applebee’s and Anzah Sands West. Proposed land acquisition and construction of the road on the Studio 28 lot is estimated about around $708,000. The entire project from Michael Avenue to Hook Avenue is estimated to be around $2.2 million.

Holt said the city plans to put the project out to bid with the goal of completing the entire road project from Michael to Hook within the next few months.

Because of the Wyoming Mall owners’ decision to move forward with construction, it gave the city an opportunity to officially start its 28 West concept which is a reimagining of the south side of 28th Street between Clyde Park and Burlingame into a mixed-use town center with new complete streets and compact blocks. Part of that plan features a curving slip street to be the center’s new “main street.” That street is proposed to start on the south side of 28th Street across from Hook Avenue to Jenkins Avenue, which runs next to the former Klingman/Rogers Department Store building. A portion of the road runs straight through the Wyoming Mall property which is bordered by the former Studio 28 site on the west side and Michael Avenue on the east.

Adopted in December of 2013, the 28 West plan has a form-based code, which is a land development regulation that fosters predictable built results and a high-quality public realm by using physical form rather than separation of uses. Form-based codes address the relationship between building facades and the public realm, the form and mass of buildings in relation to one another, and the scale and types of streets and blocks. 28 West calls for an increase in retail space with a mix of office and residential space.

City officials have been working on the 28 West concept for the past couple of years acknowledging that they knew it would take several years for the plan to materialize. With Wyoming Mall officials’ announcement that they had decided to remodel its facility at 28th Street and Michael Avenue construction of the first part of the 28 West could begin, Poll said.

Plans for Wyoming Mall include removing the north end of the mall and adding a new building to the northwest side of the current facility.

City officials said this is a first good step on the project and they hope it will help encourage growth along the corridor and future development of the 28 West project.

Construction on the site should start soon, Holt said, adding that the city can not begin the road until the demolition at Wyoming Mall is completed . In fact, mall officials want construction to start on the new building so quickly that they are willing to build on top of existing utilities instead of waiting for the city to move those utilities. The council approved a second agreement with Wyoming Mall Monday night that mall officials assume any risk for doing this so that the mall could begin construction.

No local millage increase with Wyoming’s 2017 budget

June 16, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard Newsbudget, City of Wyoming, Curtis Holt, Jack Poll, taxable valueJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Through planning and controlling costs over the past several years, the City of Wyoming had good news with its 2017 budget: the city is recovering from the economic downturn the state experienced about six years ago.

The City of Wyoming, like many Michigan municipalities, faced challenging times when the housing market decline that caused the city’s taxable value to drop. Coupled with the fact that the State of Michigan has diverted state money away from Michigan municipalities since 2002 – about a $2 million lost annually for the City of Wyoming – city officials have worked to provide the same level of services to its residents with less income.

And the city has succeed in doing just that, according to City Manager Curtis Holt. The 2017 budget is about $105.4 million, a 4.7 percent increase over last year with no scheduled increases in the local millage and sewer and water rates. In fact, the city’s millage will remain the same as it has been for the past two years at 11.9073 mills.

“Compared to similar cities we maintain a very low cost per capita for the services we provide,” City Manager Curtis Holt said. “The leaning of the organization hasn’t stopped service delivery, though. We’re committed to investing in technology and training to continue to provide better service and greater value while ensuring the safety of residents and city employees. This year’s budget reflects our work to maximize every tax dollar we receive.”

In fact, staffing levels have decreased from 2006’s 402 to 345.5, but this does include the addition of five and half new positions to the city including a part-time firefighter program introduced in 2016, which continues to provide significant overtime cost savings, while improving response times and firefighter coverage.

Other positive factors impacting the city’s 2017 budget include the state’s 17 percent increase in road funding which will allow the city to spend down some of its reserves in its street funds; the relocation of the Wyoming’s public safety dispatch operations and the refinancing of two water bonds and the anticipated payoff of one water bond.

Residents will see an increase in property tax of about 1.97 percent, which is actually less than the 5.6 percent assessed value. The reason for this is that in 1994, Michigan voters approved Proposal A, which is designed to limit the growth in property taxes by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) until ownership in the property is transferred. The CPI is a statistic calculated by the State of Michigan that tracks the cost of living in Michigan.

Most property taxes are based on a capped value multiplied by the CPI or 5 percent, whichever is lower which has crimped how quickly Michigan municipalities such as Wyoming can recoup from when property values dropped in 2009. In fact, even with the slight property tax increase, making the city’s taxable value around $2.35 billion, the city’s overall taxable value is still about $338 million below the highs of 2009, when the housing market crashed. This represents a lost of about $1.6 million in revenues to the city, said Deputy Finance Director Rosa Ooms as she presented the council the 2017 budget at a meeting last month.

The lost of taxable value also has hit Wyoming’s Downtown Development Authority, whose budget was also approved by the council in May. While the council has adjusted the amount the DDA can capture, the current funding has limited what the authority has been able to do, Holt said.

Despite the fact that the city probably will not see its taxable values return to the levels of 2009 for about another 14 years, Wyoming residents will see several improvement projects taking place in the upcoming year such as work at several of the city parks including Palmer, Kelloggsville, Lemery and Pinery along with improvements at the Wyoming Senior Center, the reconstruction and widening of 56th Street from Ivanrest Avenue to Byron Center Avenue and upgrades to the Kent District Library Wyoming branch.

Mayor Jack Poll cited the City’s tradition of maintaining its fiscal stability and commended Holt for his work and commitment to balancing the budget. “Our city runs extremely efficiently thanks to the good work done by the city manager and our city employees,” Poll said. “They serve our community admirably while working to maintain a healthy and sustainable financial position.”

For further information, call the City of Wyoming at 530-7272 or click here.

Learn about who’s running: Primary Candidate Forum is June 16 at Wyoming Public Library

June 15, 2016Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Hard News, Our Cities, Politics, Upcoming Events2nd ward, 3rd ward, 77th district representative, august 2 primary elections, election, primary, wyoming city council memberJoanne

It’s your voice. Your vote. And it matters.

Attend the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce’s Primary Candidate Forum and become an informed voter! Learn about who’s running for City Council and the 77th District State Reps in the Primary Election on August 2.

Running for 77th District Representative (one position, Term ending 2018) are:

REP Tommy Brann
REP Frank Murin
DEM Dana J. Knight

Running for Wyoming city Council Member 2nd Ward (one position, Term ending 2020 are:

Jeremy Bakken
Richard Kent Pastoor*
Marissa K. Postler

Running for Wyoming city Council Member 3rd Ward (one position, Term ending 2020) are:

Tamara L. Lopez
Robert D. Postema
Rusty Richter

Event Location: Wyoming Library

3350 Michael Ave. SW
Wyoming, MI 49509

Date/Time Information Thursday, June 16
6:00 – 8:00 pm

Contact Information

Michelle 616.531.5990

For more info, go here.

Wyoming grants deferral on revocation of abatement for Grand Rapids Plastics

June 15, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard NewsChemical Bank, Fiat Chrysler, Grand Rapids Plastics, Mayor Jack Poll, tax abatementJoanne

Joanne Baiey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

A Wyoming business which was forced to close after Fiat Chrysler pulled its contract will have until Aug. 15 before the city will revoke its existing tax abatements.

Grand Rapids Plastic, with a home address of 4220 Roger B. Chaffee in Wyoming, closed its doors April 15. The decision came after Fiat Chrysler sent notice it would end its contracts with the company. Those contracts made up more than 50 percent of the company’s business. Chemical Bank took over the company’s buildings, equipment and other assets and is currently seeking a buyer.

“[Chemcial] Bank has control and is actively seeking a buyer for the business and is hoping that any buyer will qualify for the tax abatements that the city has for the business and property,” said Tim Hillegonds, from Warner, Norcess and Judd, the law firm representing Chemical Bank. The bank, Hillegonds said, believes in the economic development of the City of Wyoming, “which is why it is seeking a buyer that will actually reopen the business.”

By having the existing abatements revoked, both representatives of Chemical Bank and the former owners of Grand Rapids Plastics felt that it could chill any potential sale, Hillegonds said.

Tax abatements have become a common tool for cities to attract and maintain businesses. Through a tax abatement, taxes for an industry can be forgiven or deferred depending what the business is requesting. Most businesses seek abatements for new plants, expanding existing plants, renovating aging plants or adding new machinery and equipment. The maximum length for an abatement is 12 years. There are specific guidelines for the business outlined in the abatement that can include the addition of employees and staying within the city for the length of the abatement.

City Manager Curtis Holt said the city, like many other municipalities, began to put clawback agreements in the abatements in the mid-2000s. A clawback allows the city to collect on taxes deferred from an abatement if a business did not meet what was outlined in the abatement agreement.

A municipality could forgive an abatement if there was an unforeseen circumstance which Hillegonds said they felt Fiat Chrysler pulling its contacts fit that criteria. However; Sandra Hamilton, from the law firm Clark Hill and who has worked with the city’s treasurer’s office and the state treasurer’s office on tax collection issues, said that an unforeseen circumstance is not necessarily a financial crisis but is often associated to something like a fire or natural disaster.

Hamilton said that as of the May council meeting, where the abatements were considered, there had been no indication or written interest in the business. She said the state treasurer’s office already has filed jeopardy assessments against the company for taxes. Her office recommended that the city revoke the current abatements and then if a new business does take over the facility, grant new abatements based on that business’s needs and requirements.

Holt said the city has not been contacted by anyone about the property. He also noted that a business has up to six months after starting to seek an abatement with the process taking a minimum of 45 days. Holt noted that the buildings are at a premium and the city has been quite liberal in working with businesses on abatements.

“The opportunity for a buyer here I think is rather high, but what they will do, I can’t tell you,” Holt said.

Mayor Jack Poll said the new business has to match the blueprint exactly to Grand Rapids Plastics. He added that the 16 years he has been on the council, the city has never turned down a business for an abatement once all the numbers came in.

After determining that that there was no time frame required for the city to revoke the abatement, several of council members expressed that they were not ready to vote on the matter and were willing to give Chemical Bank the 90 days. The motion to revoke the abatements was deferred until Aug. 15 with the city maintaining access to the buildings to check that the equipment remains in the facility.

Larry DeHaan from Chemical Bank said the bank is only asking for the 90 days. If a buyer is not found within that time, DeHaan acknowledged the bank realizes it would be in the same situation that it is now. If a buyer is not found, the bank probably will put the equipment up for auction and sell the buildings.

Construction work scheduled for 44th street, near airport

June 8, 20163-bottom, City of Kentwood, Hard News44th Street, Broadmoor Avenue, Ford Airport, Kentwood, Patterson AvenueJoanne

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Those heading to and from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport might want to add a few extra minutes to their travel time. Starting July 5, the City of Kentwood will be working on 44th Street between Broadmoor Avenue (M-37) to Patterson Avenue.

“Forty-fourth Street is the entrance way to Kentwood and the region,” said Kentwood’s Assistant City Engineer Dan VanderHeide, who noted that anyone who has driven on that section of road recently would have noticed it was in poor condition. “We want it to be welcoming to folks to the area.”

VanderHeide said one lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained at all times with patrons having access to the airport during the entire construction project. The project is scheduled to be completed in September.

The almost $1.9 million project will include milling out the full eight inche of asphalt and replacing it with a new concrete surface. An extended right-turn lane will be added on westbound 44th Street at Broadmoor Avenue and irrigation will be added to the existing median islands. VanderHeide said irrigation will help to green up the medians and there are plans in the future to add trees.

The project also includes improving the entrance way to Hearthside Food Solutions. The company applied for and received a $64,444 in Category A Transportation Economic Development Funds (TEDF) from the Michigan Department of Transportation.

“Because we oversee 44th Street, we are the ones who will handle the work for Hearthside,” VanderHeide said. “It is just a coincidence that both projects [Heartside Food Solutions and the 44th Street rehabilitation] came to be at the same time.”

About a million dollars of the project will be funded through the FHWA in Surface Transportation Program Fund with the City of Kentwood paying for the remaining $758,283. Kentwod-based contractor Kamminga & Roodvoets was awarded the work by MDOT.

“I am proud of our team and our community partners who successfully gained the necessary capital which will allow for a major corridor within our community to be greatly improved,” noted Mayor Stephen Kepley.

Forty-fourth Street was made a boulevard in 1979. It was last rehabilitated in 2004.

VanderHeide said other than the 44th Street project this summer, the city does have scheduled the replacement of four traffic lights at the intersections of 32nd Street and Shaffer Avenue; 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue; 44th Street and Kalamazoo Avenue; and 44th Street and Breton Avenue.

Kentwood just completed a rehabilitation project on Walnut Hills Drive from 44th Street to Pffeiffer Woods Dr. SE.

City of Kentwood continues to manage the bumps in the road of finances

June 7, 20163-bottom, City of Kentwood, Hard NewsCity of Kentwood, Joanne Bailey-Boorsma, Kentwood Budget, Mayor Stephen KepleyJoanne

xxxx — Kentwood City officials presented its 2016 – 2017 budget to residents showing the city to be on solid financial ground.

By: Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

All budgets – whether personal or business – have challenges. The City of Kentwood’s budget is no different, however; through good planning, Kentwood officials have been able to weather many challenges leaving the city on solid financial ground.

City officials presented the City of Kentwood’s 2016 – 2017 budget last month during a special presentation to residents with WKTV scheduled to rebroadcast that presentation on the WKTV Government Comcast 26 and AT&T U-verse WKTV Government 99 at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, June 8 and 10, and noon Sunday, June 11.

Or to see the entire program, click here.

Kentwood Finance Director Tom Chase said the city has a strong track record for being financially well run with city officials being good stewards of the city’s money. By planning ahead, officials have been able to keep good on promises to its citizens while balancing the always changing financial environment.

“We have safe infrastructure, clean water and the highest rated quality-rated roads in West Michigan,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley. Add to that a AA bond rating and 96-percent funded pension plan, all of which demonstrate how well city officials have been able to navigate the challenges that over the years have impacted the city’s funding sources such as property taxes.

The city’s fiscal year starts July 1. City staff and the commission work on the budget over several months with the City Commission approving it in the spring.

The city projects to break about even with revenues coming in around $30,813,100 and expenses slightly lower at $30,786,800.

Most of the revenue generated for the city comes through taxes. The city of Kentwood levies a 9.6066 mills with two-thirds of it going towards police and fire. Since the city is mostly service oriented, most of its expenses is in personal, Kepley noted. In fact 72 percent of the city’s budget, a little more than $22 million, is on personal.

What staff has worked toward, according to Kepley, is to make sure that the millages levied cover the city’s expenses. When determining a millage, officials try to project out enough to cover expenses for several years, Kepley said. Eventually expenses will exceed what is raised by a millage, he said.

The good news for Kentwood residents is that city officials have done a good job in keeping expenses low by managing health care expenses and the city’s pension funds and through strategic staffing. In return, staff has been able to move back when the lines between millage revenue and expenses will cross.

Kentwood’s Depty Finance Director Lorna Neniarini said part of this is because the city takes a “five-by-five” approach when preparing a budget. This is a process where officials try to look into the future to see where there might be trouble and how best to help the city save.

“When we are looking at savings, we are not looking at savings in one year, but really looking at what is the savings in five years,” Kepley said. “So if you are able to save $50,000 a year that is good, but in five years that is $250,000. If we are able to save $100,000 in a given year, in five years, that is half a million.

“So we are looking at five years ahead, so that when we save money that pushes the crossing of the lines farther away. That is all we can do. That is all any municipality can do.”

Chase added that “…picture yourself driving your car. The idea is not to look at your hood ornament as you are almost certain to get into an accident, What we are trying to do is we are trying to raise our vision up so that we are looking further down the road, making sure to take in consideration what is coming at us.”

Flint pediatrician sees ripples of hope in water crisis

May 23, 20163-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, Entertainment, Hard News, Non-ProfitsACLU, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, flint, lead, water crisis, WKTV citizen journalismJoanne

Dr Mona and Kari Moss — Kary Moss, Executive Director, ACLU of West Michigan with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha

By Victoria Mullen

victoria@wktv.org

“When I first heard there was lead in the water, it was a call to action,” said Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, director of Hurley Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Residency Program.

The 39-year-old mother of two daughters shared her perspective on the Flint water crisis with a crowd of 400 at the ACLU’s third annual luncheon, ‘Standing Together For Justice’ on Wednesday, May 18, at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.

“Pediatricians–we know about lead, it’s a no-brainer,” said Dr. Mona. “We know what lead can do to our children, especially our most vulnerable children. It impacts cognition, it impacts behavior, it impacts the entire life-course trajectory.”

The Flint-based pediatrician sees many of the city’s poorest families, and it was Dr. Mona who raised the alarm about the harmful lead levels seen in Flint-area children after the emergency manager ordered a switch from treated Lake Huron water to untreated Flint River water in April 2014. The idea was to save $5 million in less than two years.

The extent of the problem came to light after a Virginia Tech researcher had discovered Flint River water to be 19 times more corrosive than water from Lake Huron. Dr. Mona compared Flint children’s blood tests with results from kids in adjacent Genesee County. What she found disturbed her: A shocking rise in lead levels between January and September 2015. She saw lead levels that were twice what they were a year before, and sometimes even three times higher, depending on the child’s location within Flint.

“We can’t take this away,” said Dr. Mona. “There’s no antidote, there’s no pill.”

When state officials refused to acknowledge the problem, Dr. Mona felt the urgency to share these findings with the public.

“We normally don’t release medical findings at a press conference,” said Dr. Mona. “But we had this ethical, moral and professional obligation to share this information with the public as quickly as possible, because it was so dangerous.”

The state still refused to acknowledge the issue.

maddow — Curt Guyette on the ‘Rachel Maddow Show’

ACLU investigative reporter Curt Guyette was one of the first reporters to uncover the story and try to get the state government to pay attention to the issue.

“I was hired to investigate and write about issues involving emergency management in Michigan, and I started going up to Flint because they were under the control of an emergency manager,” Guyette said. “It was the emergency manager who unilaterally made the decision to begin using the Flint River as the city’s water source.

“People were complaining about the qualify of the water, the way it looked, the way it tasted, the way it smelled. And so we did a short documentary about the problems people were experiencing.”

Said ACLU attorney, Jay Kaplan, “Nothing like this should ever happen in any civilized place, especially where the government is not being responsive. We’re concerned about communities and we’re concerned about people. We work to ensure that everyone is afforded their rights and their civil liberties, regardless of one’s economic status or where they live or what their race might be.

“Everyone is afforded those protections, and I think sometimes it can be selective in terms of the way the government will work.”

The irony of this tragedy occurring in a state that is surrounded by the largest source of fresh water in the world is not lost on Dr. Mona. Two years on, the water is still not safe to drink. But she wants people to know that something positive has come out of this tragedy.

“There are Flints everywhere,” she said. “There are injustices everywhere and there have been so many bright stories that have happened because of Flint. People across the nation are talking about lead, they’re talking about infrastructure, about democracy, about environmental injustice, about poverty, about forgotten people in forgotten places.”

Dr. Mona is working to actively flip the story. She directs the Michigan State University and Hurley Children’s Hospital Public Health Initiative, an innovative and model public health program to research, monitor and mitigate the impact of lead in Flint’s drinking water.

“We want the word ‘Flint’ to not mean disaster,” she said. “We want it to mean hope. So, we are working everyday to wrap these children around with interventions to promote their development.

“Flint kids are smart and they’re strong and they’re beautiful. We’re going to make sure they don’t slip through the cracks and that they get everything that they deserve.”

Wyoming residents certainly purged making city’s community clean-up day a big success

April 25, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard News, RecyclingCommunity Clean-Up Day, Godfrey-Lee, Nancy Stoddard, WyomingJoanne

Of those who came, most didn’t mind waiting to dump their trash and other items at the Godfrey-Lee Athletic Field this past Saturday. They were just happy that the City of Wyoming was hosting the Community Clean-Up Day event.

“We’re just appreciative that the City of Wyoming did this,” said Wyoming resident Michael Donavan, who also works at Godfrey-Lee. Donavan said his family recently helped his father clean out his garage and he came with a truck and trailer full of items.

“The wait is not that big of deal,” said Wyoming resident Melissa Digiovanna, who had her own vehicle along with a friend’s truck full of items. “It is just super awesome that the city is doing this.”

Early indicators showed that the Wyoming Community Clean-Up Day was to be a success as the original story on now.wktv.org had more than 425 Facebook shares. City officials said there was a line when the event opened at 8 a.m. this past Saturday with one of the four dumpsters completely full shortly after opening.

The line to get into the Community Clean-Up Day at one point was backed up to where Joosten Street intersected with Godfrey Lee Avenue.

Nancy Stoddard, who works in the city’s treasurer’s office and was part of the organizing committee, had hoped for about 300 cars. Final count was 332 vehicles – including some small U-Haul-style trucks. About 130 of those vehicles dropped off household hazardous waste and 33 20-yard roll-offs of trash were collected. Stoddard said she was still waiting on total tonnage collected.

Stoddard said the committee, which was the city employee group Looks Good Committee, already has begun thinking about next year’s event which includes checking with Godfrey-Lee about possibly having the same location. “I have been checking into grant opportunities,” Stoddard said. This year’s event was unwritten by grants. Also Stoddard said next year, organizers are planning to start with eight dumpsters on the ground to help move people through faster.

“The area that we had this year was so spacious, we really had room for more,” Stoddard said.

Megan Kretz, a resource recovery specialist from the Kent County Department of Public Works and who was helping with the event, said the way the Community Clean-Up Day had been organized and laid out, it really didn’t seem like a first-time event. Cars entered through Joosten Street into the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center’s west parking lot and curved around exiting on to Godfrey Avenue. There were several checkpoints where people could unload household hazardous waste, gently used items to the Salvation Army, recycle items and trash.

“It’s a wonderful event,” said Matthis Fields who was with the Salvation Army. “I love doing these type of events. It’s a beautiful day. Nice weather and I am just so glad to be here.”

As Fields talked, one of the volunteers walked by with a fireplace in an unopened box to put on the Salvation Army truck, which was about two-thirds full by noon.

“This just happens to be one of the good parts, events like these,” Fields said with a smile.

Late start, early closure of carnival puts a dent in city’s profits

April 21, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard Newscarnival, City of Wyoming, Rebecca Rynbrandt, shootings, weatherJoanne

Due to a late start followed by an early closure of its carnival, City of Wyoming officials expect its revenues to be “significantly” less than last year, coming in under $10,000, way below the $30,000 goal.

Wintry weather caused a delay in the opening of the spring carnival, moving the opening from Friday, April 8, to Monday, April 11. Despite the delay, city officials said if the weather cooperated, they felt they could make their goals.

The weather did turn warmer, but the city closed the carnival at various times on Thursday and Friday due to shooting incidents near the event. City officials officially announced the shutdown of the annual event at the former Studio 28 parking lot on the morning of April 16, about two days before the scheduled conclusion. City officials made the decision to close the carnival because of the shooting incidents. The first was on Thursday, April 14, when a 19-year-old man showed up at Metro Hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg. While witnesses to the shooting were uncooperative, Wyoming police officers believed the this shooting took place in the parking lot next to 1350 28th St. SW.

On Friday, April 15, officers heard a gunshot in a parking lot south of the carnival. The officers witnessed a vehicle leaving and made a traffic stop, discovering two guns and arresting three people on weapon charges. Both events are still under investigation.

“We are still working on the final numbers,” said Wyoming’s Community Services Director Rebecca Rynbrandt about the carnival, adding that the city is working with the carnival vendor on expenses he had to incur do to the early closure.

“We are expecting our portion to be significantly less than what we had hoped,” Rynbrandt said. She said that the estimated amount is less than $10,000. Last year, the city earned about $26,000. The money from the carnival is split between the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance (GWRCA). The Parks and Recreation Department uses the money to help with park needs. The GWRCA funds youth scholarships and youth and family programming through the Parks and Recreation Department.

Rynbrandt said officials will be reviewing park needs and funding along with meeting with GWRCA to assess funding and programs.

As for the future of the carnival, Rynbrandt said the city is still reviewing all of its options.

“One thing people should be aware is that carnivals themselves are not bad and provide wonderful services in the city of Wyoming,” Rynbrandt said, emphasizing that none of the incidents took place at the carnival. Rynbrandt added that city officials want to wrap up this year’s event and then take a step back to look at everything such as location and time of year.

“Our number one priority is public safety,” Rynbrandt said. “As sponsor of the event we hold ourselves to a much higher accountability in that regards.”

Captain Kim Koster, from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety echoed the city’s commitment to safety of its residents and visitors. With safety at the forefront, Koster said the department is working with other organizers on upcoming city events.

“Our Department of Public Safety has and will continue to worked with the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce and the participating businesses to determine and provide the appropriate level of police presence for the Metro Cruise, and we are always happy to work with other community organizations to plan for similar events.,” Koster said. “Similarly, public safety has worked with the Community Clean-Up Day [which takes place this Saturday] committee to determine the appropriate level of police presence for the day’s activities.”

Rynbrandt noted that the city does accept donations for its park and recreation programs. Anyone interested in donating, should contact the City of Wyoming’s Park and Recreation Department.

Grand Rapids Plastics announces it will cease operations on Friday

April 13, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard NewsJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

Despite an effort to expand sales to cover a major blow in the lost of contracts earlier this year, Grand Rapids Plastics has announced it would be closing its doors at the end of this week.

“Grand Rapids Plastics has made the difficult decision to end operations on Friday,” said Mary Ann Sabo who is with Sabo PR and is serving as spokesperson for the company. “While our management team worked to expand sales efforts, we were unable to compensate for contracts that ended earlier this year.”

It was about two months ago, Grand Rapids Plastics, which made auto replacement parts, had sent a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice to the Michigan Workforce Development Agency stating the company will begin permanently laying off a number of its employees. The reason for the layoffs, according to the letter, was that Fiat Chrysler (FCA), had ended contacts with Grand Rapids Plastics. Grand Rapids Plastics reached out to FCA seeking clarification and was told all orders would cease immediately. WKTV reached out as well to FCA, but there was no response from the company.

Accord to the notice, FCA was the main customer for Grand Rapids Plastics, which has an official address of 4220 Roger B. Chaffee in Wyoming. The layoff was to affect 85 employees.

Officials confirmed in February that 125 employees would remain with the company focusing on diversifying the company’s portfolio, according to a statement made at the time by Grand Rapids Plastics Chief Operating Officer Fred Cini.

Sabo said there are currently fewer than two dozen employees at Grand Rapids Plastics.

“We are especially appreciative of the employees who helped us complete final orders for our customers.,” she said.

Grand Rapids Plastics was started in 1976 by Arthur J. Bott, Sr., who received a 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, one of 10 Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards, for his work in the community. In 2001, Bott sold Grand Rapids Plastics, which had an estimated worth of $300 million with 300 employees at the time. When the company went into bankruptcy, he bought it back in 2003 and re-launched it. The Bott family still owns the company.

In 2015, the company was fined $558,000 for safety violations related to the death of a worker by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration. MIOSHA issued 32 serious citations, nine willful-serious citations, and 14 other-than-serious citations as a rule of the investigations.

Wyoming set to host annual fair housing seminar this month

April 8, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard Newsfair housing, Fair Housing of West Michigan, Liz Keegan, Wyoming Department of Public SafetyJoanne

The Wyoming Senior Center will be the host site for the upcoming fair housing seminar.

Up until a month ago, a person with a criminal record might have found it difficult to find a place to rent. But changes made by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has made it harder for landlords and home sellers to give a blanket “no” based solely on a person’s criminal background.

“It is a very competitive market out there,” said Fair Housing Center of West Michigan Director of Education and Outreach Liz Keegan, who will be one of the speakers at the City of Wyoming’s fair housing seminar set for April 25. Keegan said from what they have heard, houses have been selling before they even get on the market and with such a competitive market, it is important to make sure people are not being too particular in their choices that would impede fair housing.

For the past several years, the City of Wyoming Community Development Office has hosted a seminar for rental property owners and housing professionals to assist them in their daily compliance with fair housing laws and also provide information on local agencies and resources that address various housing-related issues. This year’s seminar is from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. April 25 in the Community Room at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW.

In fact, criminal background checks are just one of the many topics landlords and home sellers need to consider, Keegan said. Another is assistance animals, which covers not only trained service animals but animals designated for emotional support.

“We really view these seminars as more of a risk prevention opportunity,” Keegan said, adding its an opportunity for the Fair Housing of West Michigan to educate and provide resources on federal, state and HUD guidelines.

Along with the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan’s update on fair housing practices, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety will present “A Crime-Free Multiple Family Housing Program,” and The Salvation Army Social Services will discuss “Eviction Prevention Assistance.”

The Rental Property Owners Association, which is sponsoring the event with the City of Wyoming Community Development Office, and Wyoming building inspectors will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.

Keegan noted that the City of Wyoming has done a nice job of growing the seminar over the years with up to 90 people in attendance. Landlords, rental agents, property management personnel, real estate agents, residents and others are invited to attend the seminar. Each attendee will be issued a certificate of completion.

The seminar is free, and a continental breakfast will be provided to attendees. Registration is required by April 18. To register, call 530-3164.

The City of Wyoming, which has about 10,798 rental units within its limits, prohibits unfair housing practices through its adopted City Code Section 42-53 and also has certified to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that it will affirmatively further fair housing.

For further information, call the City of Wyoming at 530-7266, or visit the City website at www.wyomingmi.gov.

April is Fair Housing Month with the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan hosting its annual event, the 29th Annual Luncheon & Workshop Series with “Remember the Titans” Coach Herman Boone May 19. This event is at the Crowne Plaza, 5700 28th St. SE. For more information, visit the Fair Housing of West Michigan website.

WKTV’s new associate anchor falters big-time, then disappears

April 1, 20163-bottom, Beer, Editorial, Hard News, Local Faces, Senior Living, WKTV ProjectsAPRIL FOOL'S!, associate anchor, can-do attitude, grammar nazi, mascot, missing in action, temper tantrums, tirades, WKTVJoanne

[Obligatory April Fool’s story.]

In the beginning, he was WKTV’s mascot, always cheerful and unassuming. He often stayed into the wee hours of the night after everyone else had gone home. For months, we marveled at his always-sunny, can-do attitude, which is no mean feat in today’s dangerously depressing world. No matter what, Nigel was consistent in his utterances and deeds.

Lesser folk would have run chittering from the building, but Nigel put up with the station’s less-than-ideal working conditions like a champ. Our station director’s temper tantrums didn’t faze Nigel. He tolerated the bizarre antics of our managing editor. Even the newest CJ reporter’s grammar Nazi tirades didn’t crack him.

Ironically, it was a well-deserved promotion that did him in.

In his capacity as station mascot, Nigel thrived and excelled. His attendance was exemplary. When things got crazy around here, his easy-going manner and uplifting chirps kept the station on course. And he never got in anyone’s way.

Then we began taking him for granted. As often happens with mild-mannered folk in the corporate realm, Nigel was overlooked for plum assignments. He seemed happy enough. His chirps seemed genuine. But at WKTV, we do not stand for the status quo. We celebrate each team member’s strengths and help them overcome their weaknesses.

I believe it was on a Wednesday we first realized that Nigel’s talents were being wasted in such a limited role. The community needed to know about him, about what he stood for, about his very existence. Nigel needed to be celebrated and exalted for his simplicity and love for nature. It was sure to be a win-win.

And so we promoted him to broadcasting associate.

There is always a learning curve with any new position, and Nigel put up a brave front. He appeared to soak up new knowledge like a sponge, and we coached him in his new role. But it soon became apparent that Nigel, for all of his seemingly extroverted traits, was an introvert at heart. In his new, highly visible role, Nigel faltered. He couldn’t bring himself to attend meetings. I remember seeing him once by a pipe close to the window, but when I tried to talk to him, he quickly escaped down a tiny black hole.

No amount of persuasion could entice Nigel to contribute to our on-air broadcasts. He began wandering around the office, unseen. But we heard him. He chirped incessantly.

In any other situation, one might have considered Nigel mentally ill, but we knew better. Nigel was a unique individual, and at WKTV, we celebrate diversity. However, when someone’s happiness is at stake, swift action is required.

And so Nigel returned to the position where he was happiest, as our mascot. Two days later, he disappeared.

We believe a wolf spider sealed poor Nigel’s fate.

Click here to listen to an interview with Nigel. (Before he went missing.)

APRIL FOOL’S!

Post-script: Nigel was real. He was the office cricket.

Wyoming police continues investigation into 16-year-old’s death, community works to recover

March 23, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard Newshomicide, Lions Park, Michael White, Wyoming, Wyoming High SchoolJoanne

An image of Lions Park, where Michael White's body was found. — An image of Lions Park, where Michael White’s body was found.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety continues its investigation into the homicide of a 16-year-old Wyoming student as the community works on recovering from its second teen homicide in 2016.

Two 15-year-old suspects were arrested in the connection to the homicide of Michael White. White’s body was found on the west side of Wyoming’s Lions Park Saturday, March 19, by a resident walking his dog. According to reports, White had suffered head trauma. An autopsy was conducted on Monday to determine the exact cause of White’s death, but police are not releasing the results.

Today, Carlos Delgado, 15, of Kentwood, was arraigned in Wyoming District Court and was waived over as an adult to 17th Circuit Court Family Division. Delgado is scheduled to be back in court on April 13.

The other suspect, a 15-year-old from Wyoming is being held on an open murder charge as the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office determines if he will be charged as an adult or as a juvenile. Prosecutors have until Monday to make that decision. Both suspects have criminal records.

In a statement released yesterday, Wyoming Public Safety officials said “…detectives continue with their investigation into this homicide.” Anyone with information is being asked to contact the department at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Reeder said the district does have a plan in place to help students and staff deal with tragic situations such as the sudden loss of a student or staff member.

“White was not attending Wyoming High School, so we had small groups available and social workers were on hand to talk to students at anytime,” Reeder said. “On Monday morning, we made students aware of this and we have had students come down and talk and they have had a lot to talk about.”

Reeder said he didn’t know the names of the suspects and they were not attending the Wyoming High School. “If they were with us, they weren’t with us now,” he said, adding that there have been no reports of students missing from the school’s roster.

There has been an outpouring on Facebook for White, with most comments talking about the Wyoming teenager’s big heart. A vigil was held Monday evening at a skateboard park at Wyoming’s Prairie Park where White used to skateboard. Nearly 100 friends and family members attended. A memorial service for White is scheduled at Abundant Life Church, 4041 Byron Center Ave. SW, Friday, March 25.

The incident at Lions Park happened two months after 17-year-old Kelloggsville High School student Isaiah Blue was fatally shot Jan. 27 in a robbery attempt in the area of S. Division Avenue and 44th Street in Wyoming. Sixteen-year-old Daniel Benavides and 18-year-old Mitchell Savickas are both facing murder and armed robbery charges as adults. A preliminary hearing for both was earlier in March and a status conference between the judge and attorneys is set for April.

A vigil was held for Blue in February with more than 600 people coming to the Kelloggsville High School.

It has been about a year and half since the city of Wyoming has had to deal with a teen homicide. In August 2014, 17-year-old Godwin Heights student Ta’Carhri Richardson was killed after Marquis Kilgore was handling a gun in the back seat of a car that Richardson was driving when the gun went off. Kilgore was sentenced in February 2015 to two years for a felony firearm charge and two and half to 15 years for manslaughter.

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WKTV’s new associate anchor falters big-time, then disappears

APRIL FOOL’S!

Wyoming police continues investigation into 16-year-old’s death, community works to recover