Wyoming Police seek assistance from the public in providing any information regarding the shooting death of Kane Coronado.
On November 1st, 2022, Kane Coronado was shot and killed while riding his bicycle in the 2200 block of Indian Mounds Drive Southwest.
In the year that has followed, investigators have followed up on numerous tips and leads for this case. Despite investigators’ best efforts, this case remains unsolved.
The suspect in this case was described as a white male who is approximately 30 years old and has a medium build. At the time of this incident, he was described as having a thin, “scruffy” beard and sunken cheeks.
A stock photo of the suspect’s vehicle (Courtesy, WPD)
This individual fled the scene, driving northeast on Indian Mounds Drive in a 2000 to 2005 gray or silver sedan, similar to a Chevrolet Cavalier. It should be noted that the suspect may no longer be driving this vehicle.
Wyoming Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward and contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Silent Observer is offering a $5000 reward for tips resulting in the suspect’s arrest.
A press conference will be held Nov. 1 in hopes of gaining additional information on 2022 homicide (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
By Wyoming Police Department
deborah@wktv.org
Wyoming Police detectives are seeking additional information regarding Kane Coronado’s homicide that occurred on Nov. 1, 2022.
A press conference will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 at the Wyoming Police Department.
Wyoming Police Department detectives will provide updates and seek more information regarding Kane Coronado’s homicide along Indian Mounds Drive in 2022.
A representative from Silent Observer will also participate and provide information about a reward and how to submit tips anonymously.
New care seat safety legislation developed by State Representatives John Fitzgerald (District 83) and Carrie Rheingans (District 47) works to increase child safety and educate caregivers.
On Sept. 27, bills titled HB 4511 and HB 4512 passed through the Michigan House of Representatives.
In a recent interview with WKTV Journal, Rep. Fitzgerald said these companion bills are “intended to work together to make sure that we not only have the law, but also the enforcement mechanism by which we can hold drivers, and parents, and guardians, and caregivers accountable to make sure children are traveling safely here in the state of Michigan.”
Constructed by Rep. Rheingans, HB 4511 builds a framework ensuring children are in properly fitting car seats. Enforcement guidelines and educational components are introduced by Fitzgerald in HB 4512.
Education vs. Punishment
Rep. John Fitzgerald is focused on saving children’s lives and educating caregivers. (Courtesy, Supplied)
“There is a lot that goes into safe travel, and now what we see is that there will be an educational component to this bill,” said Fitzgerald.
Previous Michigan law did not match federal law or manufacturer standards, creating confusion among parents and caregivers. This new legislation will provide one consistent message, eliminating that uncertainty.
A common area of confusion revolves around the age of a child versus height and weight. The most important factor in an accident is height and weight, not age.
“That’s where physics comes into play,” said Fitzgerald. “We want to make sure children are in the right position, meaning forward-facing or rear-facing, and that they are using the correct belts.”
Primary vs. Secondary enforcement mechanisms
An enforcement structure has been put into place with this new legislation. The legislation only allows police officers to check a child safety seat in a vehicle already pulled over for primary traffic violations such as speeding or broken taillights.
Fitzgerald tells Deborah Reed, WKTV Managing Editor, and our viewers that “The goal is to save lives, not punish caregivers.”(WKTV)
If a child is not in a proper car seat or position upon inspection, the caregiver can then be assigned a civil infraction fee. However, that fee can now be waived if the caregiver acquires the right seat and education provided by a car seat safety professional.
“We are not trying to punish someone for having the wrong information or the wrong seat,” said Fitzgerald. “We want to help you. We want to help guide you along this journey as your child ages.
“The most important part of that is getting educated on why the right seat was needed, and how that is going to help your child travel safely now.”
Strong bipartisan support
Rep. John Fitzgerald has seen strong bipartisan support for these bills. (WKTV)
Many voices were taken into consideration during the process of the new legislation. Firefighters, police officers, professionals versed in medicine, and community members were all consulted while developing bills 4511 and 4512.
“When you craft this legislation, you are taking into consideration expert testimony, expert input on the bill, and also those of your community,” said Fitzgerald.
“We saw strong bipartisan support on both of these bills in the House of Representatives,” Fitzgerald continued. “That was a great first test of the bills and whether or not we thought that this was something that could be deployed throughout the state and made law.”
As the bills move into the Senate, Fitzgerald is confident they will continue to see bipartisan support.
A theme of safety
Driver, public and traffic safety are of high importance to the legislature in Lansing.
Fitzgerald noted that recent legislation “has really pushed Michigan forward to consider good traffic safety laws that, I think, are responding to the twenty-first century nature of technology and driver safety.”
Michigan legislature is looking to increase traffic safety in all areas (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Among that legislation is the new Michigan hands-free law that took effect on June 30, 2023.
“This isn’t really new,” said Fitzgerald, stating that other states have had a hands-free law in effect for some time. “But it is something to cut down on distracted driver accidents.”
Michigan legislators are also looking to use traffic enforcement cameras throughout the state for the first time.
The House recently passed a law allowing for use of traffic enforcement cameras in work safety zones.
That law, however, includes specific qualifiers. Barriers between traffic and workers and a speed of 10 miles per hour over the posted limit are required in order to cite a violation.
Fitzgerald is currently developing another bill allowing for that same enforcement in school zones.
Contact your representative
Rep. Fitzgerald has standing drop-in hours at City Hall in Wyoming for those wishing to speak with him in person. Those hours are 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.
Thousands of Michigan children are at risk of lead poisoning (Courtesy, Midstory)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Thousands of Michigan children are at risk of lead poisoning, but will soon be protected at schools and childcare centers.
On Oct. 19, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law “Filter First” legislation. This legislation consists of three bills that require the installation of lead water filters in all schools and childcare centers. Costs will be offset by $50 million dollars currently set aside in the state budget.
“Michigan lawmakers have just enacted the nation’s strongest measures protecting kids from lead in school and childcare centers,” said Cyndi Roper, Michigan senior policy advocate for NRDC. “These bills implement a solution that actually gets lead out of drinking water while also realizing dramatic cost savings over other approaches.”
“F” ranking prompts immediate action
The legislation’s passage comes after a nationwide Environment America report gave Michigan an F grade for its efforts to remove lead from school drinking water. With “Filter First” legislation becoming law, the ranking would be boosted to an A.
Lead levels are harmful in many locations (Courtesy, Midstory)
Research by Elin Betanzo, president and founder of Safe Water Engineering LLC, revealed that 89% of the 114 schools and childcare facilities that voluntarily submitted water samples to the state had dangerous amounts of lead in them.
Lead stunts mental, physical and social development. Young children, whose minds and bodies are growing most, are especially at risk. No amount of lead is safe.
“There has not been a bigger moment in the lead poisoning fight since lead paint was banned 45 years ago,” said Charlotte Jameson, chief policy officer for the Michigan Environmental Council. “Momentum is on our side. We can make lead poisoning history, not current reality.”
The filters schools and childcare centers will install prevent lead found in fountains and taps from leaching into the water children and staff drink. Lead leaching is possible in water fixtures new and old, and is especially prevalent in those left unused for long periods of time. That makes schools and childcare centers, with their many breaks and weekend closures, especially prone to lead contamination.
More about the “Filter First” method
The policy within the legislation, dubbed “Filter First,” is more effective than replacing water infrastructure outright because even new plumbing contains lead. It is also hundreds of millions of dollars cheaper and much faster to implement, according to an analysis prepared by NRDC for the Filter First Coalition.
“Michigan school water data shows that 89% of sampled buildings found detectable lead in their water,” said Betanzo of Safe Water Engineering. “Since Birmingham Public Schools switched its drinking water to all filter stations, there hasn’t been any lead in any of their filtered water samples.
“The Filter First law ensures that all drinking water in Michigan schools and childcare centers will be filtered, improving water quality at more than 3,000 schools statewide and achieving results just like Birmingham.”
One person is dead and three injured after a crash in the 1700 block of Chicago Drive SW.
At approximately 7:20 a.m. on Oct. 23, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 1700 block of Chicago Dr. SW on a report of a head-on collision. Upon arrival officers located multiple subjects with injuries. Initial investigation indicates both vehicles were traveling on Chicago Drive, one eastbound and the other westbound.
The eastbound driver, a 43-year-old male from the City of Wyoming, died as a result of injuries sustained from the crash. Three occupants of the westbound vehicle were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
The Wyoming Police Accident Investigation and Forensic Science Units continue to investigate this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530- 7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Wyoming Police are looking for information that will help locate Anthony Scott Adrianse (Courtesy, Wyoming PD)
By Wyoming Police Department
deborah@wktv.org
UPDATE: Anthony Adrianse’s well-being was verified by Wyoming Police Investigators on October 11, 2023, he is no longer considered a missing person.
The Wyoming Police Department is asking for assistance in locating 36-year-old Anthony Scott Adrianse.
Anthony was last seen leaving his residence near Burton Street and Burlingame Avenue SW in the City of Wyoming on Sept. 22, 2023, at approximately 6:30 PM. He left in a Gray 2013 Honda Accord 4-door bearing Michigan registration EJH3217 and has not been heard from or seen since.
Anthony is a white male, approximately 6’ 0” tall and 200 pounds. He has dark brown hair which is long and usually in a ponytail.
Wyoming Police detectives continue to investigate this incident.
Attached are photos of Anthony and a stock image of the vehicle he was last known to be driving.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Wyoming Police Department (Courtesy, Deborah Reed, WKTV Staff)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
One person is dead after a crash in the 2500 block of South Division Avenue.
At approximately 12:55 a.m. on August 4, 2023, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to the 2500 block of South Division Avenue SW on a report of a crash involving a vehicle and a bicyclist.
The bicyclist, a 39-year-old female resident of Grand Rapids, was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The female later died at the hospital.
Initial investigation indicates the bicyclist was struck by a southbound vehicle. The driver remained at the scene to speak with investigators. Speed and alcohol are not believed to be a factor in this incident.
The Wyoming Police Accident Investigation and Forensic Science Units are continuing to investigate this crash. Wyoming Police were assisted by officers from the Grand Rapids Police Department.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530- 7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Left, Mayor Kent Vanderwood and Chief Kim Koster, chat in front of the city’s retired aerial fire truck. Through the millage that was passed Tuesday, the city will be able to purchase a new one. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kim Koster admits there is a lot of work ahead for her department — postings, recruiting, and the purchase of a new fire truck — and it’s thanks to the city’s residents who by 64% approved a public safety proposal on Tuesday.
“I’m extremely grateful to our community for their support,” Koster said during a press conference at the city’s Division Avenue Fire Station. “They really looked forward and could see how an increase in personnel would have an impact on community safety.
She added that this is especially true for the fireside as increased personnel will help decrease response times and allow the city to fully staff its Division Avenue fire station, which has never been open on a regular basis.
Voters showed their support
In a vote of 4,987 to 2,803, Wyoming voters approved a 1.5 mill increase that would be dedicated to the public safety department. The millage would raise about $4 million annually allowing the city to maintain 17 public safety positions and add 10 more.
“I believe the key this time around is that we kept the message very simple,” said Mayor Kent Vanderwood, who recited his slogan throughout the campaign. “Ask the residents for only what is needed and for no longer than needed.”
Vanderwood said the city asked for the right amount making it clear it would be dedicated to the public safety department for staffing and the purchase of needed equipment. He also felt putting a time frame of five years on the millage gives residents the control over whether they see the need or not to continue with the millage. Vanderwood added that the five years gives the city time to explore other options for funding.
“I am grateful to the business community who came forward and supported this,” Vanderwood said. In fact many, such as the 36th Street Palermo Pizza, handed informational flyers.
As the vote rolled in on Tuesday, Vanderwood said the tallies came in two groups. The first was the absentee voters, which were around 4,800. Absentee ballots showed 68% in support of the millage.
A total of 7,700 of the city’s approximate 58,000 registered voters cast a vote in Tuesday’s election. This is about 15% of the city’s registered voters, which is on par for the entire county and usually the percentage for a May election.
Remodeling and Recruiting
The press conference was in front of the 1994 aerial fire truck that has been out of commission for about a year and half, Koster said. Through the new bond proposal, the city will purchase a new aerial truck, which she noted is needed as the city has more multi-floor buildings along with allowing firefighters to safely reach the roof of a home during a fire. Since the trucks are made to specifications, it will take about a year for the new truck to arrive.
Through the millage and for the first time in the city’s history, the city’s Division Avenue Fire Station will be fully staffed. This summer it will be renovated and updated. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Koster said postings for six fire positions went out the day after the election and that they will begin recruiting for the four police officer positions. Because it does take time to find the right candidates, Koster said they hope to have some of the positions filled by fall.
Through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the Division Avenue Fire Station will be remodeled which will include five bunk rooms for staff along with other updates. The station was primarily operated by volunteer/paid-on call and does not currently have sleeping quarters. This remodeling is scheduled to take place this summer, Koster said.
“I can only echo what the mayor and Chief Koster have said in that we are grateful to the community and we will follow through on the commitments we have made,” said Interim City Manager John McCarter.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Residents and community leaders show their support of the Wyoming public safety millage which is on Tuesday’s ballot. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
A group of Wyoming residents and community leaders came together on Sunday to show their support of the city’s public safety millage, which is on Tuesday’s ballot.
The city is seeking a millage of 1.5 mills for a period of five years. If approved, the millage would generate an additional $4 million in revenue each year. The revenue would help fund 27 public safety positions, 14 police officers and 13 fire fighters.
“I don’t know what would have happened if we hadn’t had Wyoming PD and Wyoming fire department there, because neither my husband or I had the tools nor did we have the expertise that the first responders did and that is something that I will forever be grateful for,” said Wyoming resident Lauren Gohlke, whose son Emmett suffered from a silent reflux instance on Jan. 10, 2022 that caused him to stop breathing. Through the first responders quick response, they were able to revive the infant.
Only a few days later, on Jan. 25, 2022, Lisa Postema received a call from her neighbor that her family home at 5335 Canal St. SW, where the press conference was at, was on fire.
A picture of 5335 Canal Avenue sits in front of the remains of the building. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“There was a snowstorm going, so driving home was crazy,” Postema said, adding that her brother was home at the time of the fire and was able to get the slider open so her animals, a cat and two dogs, could escape safely. “I actually found the cat a few days later in our barn. We thought we had lost him but he was there. His whiskers were all burned off but he was OK.”
The house had been built in 1968 and Postema remembers the family moving in when she was 9-years-old. The family was getting ready to sell the home when the fire broke out. It was determined that the electrical wiring was the cause of the fire.
Originally only the Wyoming Department of Public Safety was called that day in the early morning hours, but due to the fact the house was fully engulfed, fire departments from Grandville, Byron Center and Georgetown were also called. In 2020, the City of Wyoming had to rely on assistance from neighboring communities 140 times because the department’s staff was on other calls. In a Kentwood Fire Department’s 2022 Fire Report, under the mutual aid section, Kentwood responded to mutual aid calls in Wyoming 50 times, while Wyoming responded to mutual aid calls in Kentwood twice.
“Our public safety department is operating with fewer individuals than they were in 2000 and our population has grown 10 percent,” said Mayor Kent Vanderwood at the press conference, which was hosted by the Safe Wyoming Coalition. According to statistics, the City of Wyoming has 1.3 police officers for every 1,000 residents with the national average being 2.4 officers for every 1,000.
In 2022, Wyoming police investigative department was assigned 3,583 cases and the patrol division responded to 46,486 which included 2,005 traffic accidents. The Wyoming fire department responded to 7,090 incidents in 2022, which average 645 incidents per firefighter, Vanderwood said. Calls for service have increased by 8 % with the current average emergency response time being 5.16 minutes, he said.
“I am here today to remind us just how valuable and important it is to have fire and police available in less time,” said Pastor Rick Pilieci for Grace University and who serves as the public safety department’s chaplain. “Being the chaplain, I have been able to do ride alongs for the last five and half years and each of those ride longs I am just amazed to see how much need we have in our community.
“Quite often, we will find fire and police at the same scene. I have witnessed first-hand lives being saved right before my eyes and I have witnessed also where we were just a few minutes too late where something had happened.”
Vanderwood said that the funding would provide for 27 positions, help decrease response times, dedicated safety patrols, and would allow the city to staff all four of its fire stations. Currently only two are staffed full-time.
The renewal of the 18 mills will support Kelloggsville’s day-to-day operations . (WKTV)
Residents in the Kelloggsville Public School District are being asked to renew the district’s non-residential (non-homestead) operating millage, which would generate about $3.7 million or 13% of the district’s annual operating budget.
“The operating millage provides critical funds to support the day-to-day operations of our schools, including, but not limited to staffing costs, instructional programs, instructional materials, transportation and maintenance,” said Kelloggsville Assistant Superintendent Eric Alcorn.
The proposal would renew taxes on business properties and second homes. It would not cost the owners of a primary residence any additional taxes.
If approved, the proposal would allow the district to continue to levy its full 18 mills and restore millage lost by the reduction required by the Headlee amendment to the Michigan Constitution.
Headlee Amendment
Passed in 1978, the Headlee Amendment created a process for the reduction of mileage rates (the Headlee Rollback) to ensure that total municipal tax revenue could grow only at the rate of inflation, plus new construction.
In 1994, Michigan voters approved Proposal A that structured public school funding as six mills on all properties and 18 mills on non-residential properties, such as second homes and businesses. Voter approval is required for a district such as Kelloggsville to levy the full 18 mills on non-residential properties.
Failure to authorize the operating millage proposal would decrease Kelloggsville’s state School Aid Foundation allowance by an approximate $3.7 million dollars. The State of Michigan will not replace the lost funding due to a non-approval.
Kelloggsville voters reauthorized the non-homestead millage in 2021 for two years. The May 2 proposal would reauthorize the millage through 2025.
Residents are encouraged to line up by 1:30 p.m. as the line will close at 2 p.m. (WKTV)
There is something about when the earth tilts pushing the northern hemisphere closer to the sun that not only brings a freshness to the air that causes people to open the windows but also vacuum behind the furniture and clean out garages.
Spring cleaning has become a worldwide phenomenon and this Saturday, Wyoming residents will have the chance to get rid of their unwanted items in bulk during the city’s annual spring cleaning event set for Saturday, April 22.
“We are really excited to have this event,” said Nicole Hofert, the city’s director of community and economic development. “We have a wonderful group of volunteers who always help us every year and we are very thankful to have all of those people join us in this event.
“This really is an opportunity for Wyoming residents to clear out some of that stuff they have been thinking about all winter long. We are proud to offer it and hope we have another really great turnout.”
The event will be at Grand Rapids First Church, 2100 44th St. SW, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Plummer’s Disposal will provide the refuse hauling.
Guidelines for the Clean-Up Day
For participating in the annual spring clean-up, here are a few things you should know:
1. People may start line up at 7:30 a.m., doors open at 8 a.m.
Participants are asked to be in the right-hand lane of eastbound 44th Street. When arriving at the event, residents will enter the parking lot through Grand Rapids First’s northeast entrance off of 44th Street and follow the relevant signage.
2. Make sure to bring ID that shows you are a resident of Wyoming
Hofert said a water bill, a credit card statement that has your name and address, your driver’s license or your vehicle registration will work for proof of residency. “Just something to show that you are a Wyoming resident,” she said.
3. Be in line by 1:30 p.m. as the event does close at 2 p.m.
Unlike in years past, household hazardous waste such as paints, aerosols and other hazardous liquids will not be accepted. People wishing to dispose of those items should visit Kent County’s reimaginetrash.org, and under the Safe Home section, there is a list of sites and instructions on how to properly dispose of those items.
What to Bring
Other items that will not be taken are propane tanks and refrigerators. A completed list of items that will be accepted and items that will not be accepted is available at wyomingmi.gov/cleanup.
The City of Wyoming will be hosting its annual Community Clean-Up event on April 22 at the Grand Rapids First parking lot. (WKTV)
“We see a lot of furniture that comes through,” Hofert said. “If you have the broken recliner or a couch that you have recently replaced, bring it in.”
Construction materials are another good thing to get rid during the cleanup, Hofert said, adding that people often have done renovation projects during the winter with some materials left over that they need to dispose of.
Some items, such as tires and mattresses, will have a modest disposal fee of $12 and $22 respectively.
Yard waste will be accepted at the Yard Waste Drop-Off site, located at 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW, will be open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. There are no limits to size of branch or shrubs accepted at the site; however, residents must unload the yard waste themselves and all containers must be removed from the facility.
Event Info
Those who come to the event will get in line, an attendant will check your ID, you will come through the site to the dumpster location. Participants will get out to the car and attendants will instruct the person where what dumpster to dump you stuff in. Once done, the participant will get back into the car and then head back out through the exit.
For more information about the Wyoming Community Clean-Up Day, visit wyomingmi.gov/cleanup or call 616-530-7226.
What do former U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer and current Kent County Health Department’s Administrative Health Officer Dr. Adam London have in common?
Both have seen first-hand the dangers of political polarization in today’s society. Both will be offering West Michigan Perspectives on Political Violence as speakers at the Progressive/Conservative Summit 2023 presented by Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University.
The Hauenstein Center event, presented as part of its Common Ground Initiative, will take place Wednesday, April 19, from 2-8 p.m. at GVSU’s Charles W. Loosemore Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public but reservations are required and available here.
Meijer and London will talk on their experiences as leaders working in our current divisive sociopolitical world, and likely the costs they paid for their actions on political flashpoint issues. Meijer, who was one of a few Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump, lost his his re-election bid for the Michigan 3rd Congressional District, which was won by Democrat Hillary Scholten. London received repeated verbal attacks and even personal threats for his department’s handling of COVID-19 restrictions.
Kent County Health Department’s Administrative Health Officer Dr. Adam London
“We believe that all elected, appointed, and professional government officials at all levels of government should be able to carry out their duties without threat of violence against themselves or their friends, families, and colleagues,” said Kahler Sweeney, Common Ground Initiative program manager. “While we all have public servants who we disagree with, we must advocate against violence as a means of political action.
“By sharing the stories of these elected officials, we hope to showcase the harm that political violence has on our political system and learn what can be done to promote a politics of nonviolence.”
In addition to Meijer and London, other speakers at the event include Professor Javed Ali, former Pennsylvania U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent and former Michigan State Rep. David LaGrand.
“Of course, there is the political divide we are all familiar with, that between Democrats and Republicans, progressivism and conservatism, but we also recognize the diversity of ideologies that our speakers and audience represent,” Sweeney said. “This event will offer insight on the topic of political polarization and political violence from various viewpoints, including practitioners and scholars, Democrats and Republicans, and a diversity of lived experiences.”
Schedule of speakers/topics/events
2-3 p.m. — Contemporary Political Violence & New Policy Approaches with Professor Javed Ali
3:30-4:30 p.m. — Public Service in Polarized Times with former Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA) (virtual) and former State Rep. David LaGrand (D-MI)
4:30-6 p.m.— Reception with hors d’oeuvres and beverages
6-7:30 p.m. — West Michigan Perspectives on Political Violence with former Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI) and Dr. Adam London
7:30-8:15 p.m. — Community conversations and dessert
Virtual attendance available
To attend a digital alternative for the summit visit gvsu.edu/hc for the livestream that starts about 30 minutes before the event or join via a zoom link, which is provided in the confirmation email after registering.
The Common Ground Initiative, according to its website, reinforces the Hauenstein Center’s mission to “raise up a new generation of men and women committed to the ethical, effective leadership and public service that Ralph W. Hauenstein exemplified throughout his life.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety were called to two homicides this weekend and an accident that resulted in its fire engine being hit.
Homicide, Suicide on March 31
On March 31, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a 911 call from a residence in the 3000 block of Buchanan Avenue shortly after 7:30 a.m. When officers arrived, they discovered two deceased males who both had gunshot wounds in the driveway of the residence.
Andrew Gil, 25, was located inside a vehicle parked in the driveway, and Louis Gonzales, 30, was found in the driveway near the car. A handgun was recovered from the scene.
According to a report released today, based on evidence collected at the scene and autopsy findings from the Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office, investigating officers have concluded that this incident was a tragic homicide followed by a suicide. It has been determined that Gonzalez shot and killed Gil before turning the gun on himself and taking this own life.
Gonzalez and Gil are related and evidence of a dispute between the two has come to light during the course of the investigation.
Shooting on 44th Street
On April 2, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a shooting in the 200 block of 44th Street SW at approximately 2 a.m.
When officers arrived, they located Isaia Mojica, 24, who had been shot. Mojica was given aid by first responders and transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Officers were then notified that another male suffering from gunshot wounds was dropped off at a local hospital. It is believed that this person was injured during the shooting on 44th Street. His injuries are non-life-threatening. The other occupants of the vehicle that dropped him off left immediately.
According to initial witness statements this incident began as a physical altercation involving several individuals. The shooting began during this altercation and multiple people fired shots. A handgun was recovered from the scene.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and would like to speak to anyone who has any information.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
Fire Engine Damaged in US-131 Accident
On April 2 at around 2:45 a.m., police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety was assisting the Michigan State Police Department on a rollover crash on US-131 south of 44th Street.
While at the scene, the Wyoming fire engine and a Michigan State Police car were struck by two separate vehicles. No one was hurt.
The accidents are being investigated by the Michigan State Police.
Officials from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety stated they are still assessing the extent of the damage to the engine. The department may not know anything for about month, but the preliminary damage does appear to be significant, according to the department officials.
Firefighter Matt Young, Fire Lt. Brad Deppe, residents Lauren and Andy Gohlke with their son Emerson, Police Sgt. Blair Shellenbarger and Police Officer Lee Aktinson at the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Employee Recognition Ceremony on March 23. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“I just remember thinking that I was watching my child die on the floor right now,” Lauren Gohlke said of Jan. 10, 2022, the day her son Emerson stopped breathing.
Through the quick actions of her husband, Andy Gohlke, and the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, Emerson’s life would be saved.
“I am so very, very thankful to our first responder and everyone at the hospital,” Gohlke said, adding she especially appreciated Officer Chad Lynn for assisting her. “How fast that they got there and that they truly cared about Emerson, even though they didn’t know who he is, which means a lot.”
Gohlke and her husband, Andy, were taking Emerson to his one-month check up on Jan. 10, 2022.
“I had been siting in the back with him and I noticed he was purplish-red in color,” Gohlke said. “We hadn’t even left the driveway yet and I said something to my husband, Andy, who got out of the car and immediately came around to the back.”
Andy Gohlke brought his son out of the car into the cold as the couple thought it might help to wake Emerson up. Realizing there was a problem. Andy Gohlke took Emerson inside and immediately began performing CPR. The couple had taken a class in infant CPR at Corewell Health a few months.
“He told me to call 911 and as I was on the phone with dispatch, I could him go “one, two, three…,” Gohlke said.
The Call No One Wants to Hear
“[It is] the call that no one wants to hear, an infant is not breathing” said Captain Timothy Pols, of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, during the department’s annual employee recognition ceremony on March 23.
Sgt. Blair Shellenbarger and Officer Lee Atkinson were first to arrive and observed Andy Gohlke performing CPR on his son, who was not breathing and did not have a pulse, Pols said. Shellenbarger and Atkinson worked together to resuscitate Emerson. Shellenbarger took over CPR and Atkinson prepared the AED (automated external defibrillator) machine.
Equipment Officer Steve Boetsma, Firefighter Matt Young, resident Andy Gohlke, with his son Emerson, Police Officer Lee Aktinson and Sgt. Blair Shellenbarger were recognized for their life saving efforts. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“The whole thing is still a blur,” said Gohlke, who by this time had been moved to the living room with Officer Chad Lynn. “[Lynn] told me that the reason there was so many people there is that they are all dads and parents and they understood what we were feeling.”
Gohlke heard the AED advise not to shock. Shellenbarger continued to perform CPR and heard Emerson make a slight noise and take a shallow breath, Pols reported. It was then that Equipment Operators Steve Boetsma and Tom Marsman and Firefighters Matt Young and Dan Rettig arrived and took over resuscitation efforts by administrating oxygen and continuing CPR.
“With the application of this treatment, Emerson’s color improved,” Pols said. “He regained a pulse and was breathing on his own.”
Gohlke said Officer Lynn let her know that Emerson had cried a little, saying “That is good. That is good.” Gohlke added that it did make her feel better.
Appreciative to all the First Responders
Emerson was taken to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, where after a series of tests, it was determined that he had silent reflux. After doing some research, Gohlke learned silent reflux does not usually go to the extreme of a life-or-death situation.
Looking back, Gohlke said if she hadn’t been siting in the backseat, she might of just thought Emerson was sleeping and he probably would not have survived the trip to the doctor’s office. She is also grateful that her and her husband took the infant CPR class, something she now recommends to all young couples. Pols noted that the quick action of Andy Gohlke to perform CPR on his infant son helped “avoid losing precious seconds while waiting for first responders.”
Sgt. Blair Shellenbarger, Officer Lee Atkinson, Fire Lt. Brad Deppe, Equipment Operators Steve Boetsma and Tom Marsman, and Firefighters Dan Rettig and Matt Young all received the Life Saving Award at the March Employee Recognition Ceremony. Andy Gohlke received a citizen citation for his quick actions in performing CPR. Pols noted they were all just happy that Emerson and his family were able to join them for the event.
“You know its more than a year later and we are are still dealing with the trauma of the event,” said Gohlke, who described it as the worst week in the couple’s lives. “These guys just went back to work.
“It means a lot to know we have people in our community such as those on the Wyoming police and fire who are there for our children and our love ones.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Construction on the intersection of 54th Street and Clyde Park will start next week. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Drive along 54th Street near Clyde Park and you can’t help but notice the orange barrels that are out along the street.
Road construction officially starts in the City of Wyoming on April 3 as contractors have been staging to prepare the reconfiguration of the corner of 54th Street and Clyde Park Avenue.
In the planning stages for the past several years, the city finally received approval from the federal government to allow construction of an entrance/exit from southbound U.S. 131 to the Meijer, said Russ Henckel, assistant director for the city’s Department of Public Works.
“The federal government has a policy on a freeway egress being used for a private business,” Henckel said, adding it took time for the U.S. Department of Transportation to approve the placement of the pylons placement needed to reconfigure the ramps on and off I.S. 131.
The layout of the street. (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Goal is to Improve Traffic Flow
The design features an egress that allows traffic from U.S. 131 to turn right or left on 54th Street or head straight into Meijer. Those exiting Meijer would have the option of going right on 54th Street or straight on to southbound U.S. 131. Those wishing to go left out of Meijer will have to exit on to Clyde Park and then turn left at the intersection light. There will be a traffic light at the southbound U.S. 131 and 54th Street intersection as there is now.
The current entrance and exit from Meijer to 54th Street will be eliminated. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The northbound U.S, 131 on and off ramps will not be changed.
The current turn-in to Meijer from the westbound lane of 54th Street will be eliminated. The left turn lane on westbound 54th Street to southbound Clyde Park will be extended to help reduce the traffic from backing up into the westbound lane of 54th Street, Henckel said.
Also part of the project will be the resurfacing of Gezon Parkway from Byron Center to Clyde Park and 54th Street from Clyde Park to Division Avenue.
Other Projects
Also starting on April 3 is the resurfacing of Eastern Avenue from 28th Street to 44th Street.
On Jordan, Calhoun, Opal and Loraine, a waterman replacement project will be started the first week of April.
Sketch released by the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety has released a composite of a person-of-interest in a Nov. 1 2022 shooting in the 2200 block of Indian Mounds Drive that resulted in the death of a 19-year-old.
The Department is again requesting assistance from the public with any information related to the homicide of Kane Coronado, who shot and killed Nov. 1, 2022, while riding his bicycle in the 2200 block of Indian Mounds Drive.
Investigators are interested in speaking to anyone who may have information about the suspect who was last seen driving an older gray model four-door car with normal wear and tear and minor body damage. Investigators believe the suspect may have abandoned or sold the gray sedan after the incident in November and may be driving a different vehicle at this time.
The suspect was described by a witness as a white male approximately 30 years of age. He had a thin, light or gray colored beard and was wearing some sort of hat like a beany or a stocking cap. The male was described as having a thin build and wearing “scruffy” clothing.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Wyoming Police, 616-530-7300, or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-888-774-2345.
There is a well-known financial planner, and you may have seen him appear on television and in print advertising, who has built his reputation by making this bold and controversial statement. “I hate annuities…”. The intent of this paper is not to bring attention to or to discredit this professional pitchman.
He has already done that by making irresponsible statements, such as this, in public while privately buying stocks in companies that sell them. My purpose is to state, “I love annuities…but annuities may not be for everyone or used for all purposes…especially if the purpose of your moneyis to leave part or all of your estate to your beneficiaries.” In cases like this, I recommend life insurance.
Following is a brief listing of reasons why I love annuities if the purpose of your money is to spend it while you are alive:
• Your money is safe in an annuity because your principal is protected. • Your money is secure in an annuity because it is protected by the strength of the insurance company that sells it. • Because annuities are tax-deferred, interest earned on your account is not taxed until you withdraw funds from your annuity. • The proceeds received from your annuity go directly to your beneficiary after your death and will avoid probate. • An indexed annuity earns interest on the income growth of the index but is not subject to market losses. • You may choose an income rider on your annuity that will guarantee lifetime income for you and spouse.
Following is a brief listing of reasons why I love life insurance if the purpose of your money is to provide for your beneficiaries after your death:
• Life insurance may be used to replace the policy owner’s lost wages after death. • Life insurance proceeds may be used to help pay for your children or grandchildren’s education. • Life insurance proceeds may be used to help pay off debts, and to protect your spouse’s financial independence. • Life insurance may be used to pay off a home mortgage, allowing your spouse to live in the family home without debt. • Life insurance may be used to support your favorite charities. • Life insurance may be used to pay funeral expenses. • Life insurance provides tax advantages to the owner and beneficiaries like no other product can. • Some life insurance policies may provide benefits to pay for nursing and home health care expenses.
In conclusion, I love annuities and you should too if the purpose of your income is to provide for you while you are alive. I love life insurance and recommend it to my clients if the purpose of your money is to leave it to your beneficiaries after your death.
What is the purpose of your money? What do you want it to accomplish?
I recommend you consult your trusted advisor to help answer this critical question for you and your family.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
On the anniversary of its inception, the Metro Pattern Crimes Task Force (MPACT) announced today that it has arrested 12 individuals believed to be involved with 22 burglaries throughout Kent County including the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
Since Jan. 30, MPACT has been investigating numerous business break-ins throughout Kent County. The suspects targeted marijuana dispensaries, liquor stores, and convenience stores that sold vape pens similar to the rash of break-ins that took place on Jan. 27 that included Wyoming’s D. Schuler. Officers did not state if the arrests was related to the Jan. 27 break-ins.
The investigation conducted three residential search warrants and recovered four stolen handguns and 12 stolen cars. It is believed that along with the cities of Wyomig and Kentwood, the cities of Grand Rapids, Walker Lowell and Cedar Springs and the townships of Solon, Cascade, Gaines, Plainfield and Byron has all been affected by these incidents.
“By having a unit like this that is under one roof representing several different areas, officers are able to identify developing behaviors and patterns and working together to solve significant crimes that stretch across Kent County,” said Lt. Andrew Koeller, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety public relations officer.
Focus on violent and serial crimes
The task force was created in February of 2022 to address not only violet crime, but also significant pattern crimes such as burglaries, purse snatchings and other incidents that often occur across multiple jurisdictions, within the county.
“The team runs under the radar but has helped with making a number of arrests in violent crimes such as homicides and shootings and serial crimes such as the stolen vehicles,” Koeller said.
Arrests for the business break-ins took place over the last several weeks with the last one on March 14. The adult and juvenile suspects have been arrested on charges ranging from Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Felony Firearms, Breaking and Entering with Intent, to Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Several cases are still open as MPACT investigates and is exploring charges of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony.
Case still under investigation
The suspects range from 16 to 21 years old spanning rom the cities of Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Walker, Coopersville and Alpine Township. According to a press release, it is believed that the group could be responsible for burglaries outside of Kent County. The task force is coordinating with area law enforcement partners as the case unfolds.
“This investigation unit is the Swiss Army knife of the county for crime,” Koeller said. “These guys are amazing and extremely dedicated, working long hours to solve significant crime that is committed in our county.”
The task force consists of personnel form the Wyomig Department of Public Safety, Kentwood Police department, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 16-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or at https://www.silentobserver.org.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is investigating two unrelated crashes involving pedestrians being struck by vehicles.
On March 14 at approximately 6:40 a.m., police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the area of 32nd Street and South Division Avenue on a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
When officers arrived, they located an unresponsive male lying in the roadway. This male was pronounced deceased at the scene. The initial investigation indicates the pedestrian was crossing South Division Avenue, outside of the crosswalk, when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene to speak with police.
The deceased is a 67-year-old Wyoming man, and his name is not being released at this time.
On March 14 at approximately 6:55 a.m., police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the area of 44th Street SW and Byron Center Ave SW on the report of a juvenile pedestrian struck by a vehicle. When officers arrived, they located a juvenile male with serious injuries. The juvenile was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The juvenile is a 13- year-old male and remains in critical condition.
Initial investigation indicates that the male was in the roadway on Byron Center when he was struck by a northbound vehicle. The driver of the vehicle remained onscene to speak with police.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety the Accident Investigation and Forensic Services Units are continuing to investigate both incidents. The southbound lanes of Division Avenue south of 32nd Street remain closed while officers investigate the fatal crash. The north and southbound lanes of Byron Center Avenue north of 44th Street remain closed while officers investigate the serious injury crash.
In light of these accidents, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety does encourage both motorists and pedestrians to follow Michigan’s traffic laws, which are put in place to assist both those on foot and in a vehicle in arriving to their destination safely.
“Michigan law does require if there is a crosswalk, the pedestrian should use it,” said Lt. andrew Koeller, Wyoming police’s public relations officer. “If pedestrians choose to walk before daylight hours I would strongly encourage them to wear a reflective vest. If there are pedestrian signals in place, they should be followed for the safety of all those on the sidewalk and roadway.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Residents listen to the presentations on the May 2 millage proposal for a 1.5 mill increase. (WKTV)
On Thursday, the City of Wyoming hosted the first of three public meetings on its May 2 millage proposal that would be dedicated to fund police and fire.
About 35 residents and community and city leaders were at the meeting which took place at the KDL Wyoming branch. The city is seeking a millage rate increase of 1.5 mills for a period of five years. For a $200,000 residential home, which has a taxable value of $100,000, the additional cost would be about $150 annually.
If approved on May 2, the proposal would generate an additional $4 million in revenue each year. The revenue would help fund 14 police officers and 13 firefighters.
Mayor Kent VanderWood, Chief Kim Koster, and Interim City Manager John McCarter discussed the number of factors, such as the 2008 recession, lost in revenue sharing, and the decline of paid-on call volunteer firefighters that have impacted the funding of police and fire. Koster noted the city currently has 1.3 officers for every 1,000 city residents which is below the national average of 2.4. If the millage passed, the city would be at 1.6 officers per 1,000 residents. Koster said the police department has handled 3,583 cases, which have doubled in the past seven to eight years, and that fire has responded to 7,900 calls, which is about 645 calls per firefighter.
McCarter pointed out that the city has not had a millage rate increase since 2010 when the current dedicated millage for public safety was approved. The city’s current millage rate is 11.89 mills. That millage was renewed in 2014 and made permanent in 2018. The city did seek a request to be able to use some of its library funds for park improvements in 2017 and sought an income tax in 2022 for public safety and park improvements, which failed.
Residents asked a variety of questions about the millage, what it will fund and how the additional funding would impact the city. Some of those questions are summarized below with the responses from city officials.
The state of Michigan has a $9 billion surplus, so does it have more money available to fund more firefighters and police officers for the City of Wyoming?
Interim City Manager John McCarter: The City of Wyoming receives funding from property taxes and state shared funding. Within state shared funding, there are two types: constitutional, which is money that always comes to the city and the state cannot touch it; and statuary, which has been cut over the years. Governor Gretchen Whitmer in her budget has a 7% increase on that statuary just for public safety. The amount is about $55,000 with it costing about $130,000 for a fully funded police officer.
We have reached out to the state to see if there is any other money available that we are not aware of and we have been told there is not. We are grateful for what we are receiving and we appreciate that increase but we really can’t rely on the state to get us to that $4 million-level that we are needing.
What about grants?
Interim City Manager John McCarter: The city utilized the United States Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program to hire six officers about a year and half ago. The trouble with grants is that they sunset. The COPS grant steps down. It is 75% the first year, 50% the second year, and then about 25% the third year, and then with that grant you not only have to cover all those costs but you have to retain all those officers one year after the funding is done. So the grant funding is temporary and it always has strings attached.
So we have sought grant funding and we continue to. We have sought out on the fireside as well. We haven’t been successful, but we are still trying.
To clarify on the (COPS) grant that is expiring: if this millage does not get passed, how many officers would the city be at risk losing?
Chief Kim Koster: It would be 10 officers. We have to maintain that staffing for at least two and half years and then that funding would be gone. The grant covers 50% the second year and about 25% the third year for those six officers and there is an additional four that the city is covering.
Mayor Kent VanderWood talks to residents after the meeting. (WKTV)
Interim John McCarter: In our general fund, we carry a fund balance for emergencies and we have a policy minimum, and we can go about two and half more years and support the staff that we have now, assuming that property values come back to earth and do not continue to climb the way they are. So we can support them that long but we have to seek other sources after that.
Mayor Kent VanderWood: When we decided at the council level to accept that grant to hire those additional officers, we knew it would come time that we would have to fund those within our budget and not the COPS grant. It is kind of like when you buy something on a credit card, you know the bill is going to come. So that is kind of what we are facing right now.
So it is 17 public safety officers that are not being funded by the current public safety millage. These are being paid out of our general fund surplus right now. So what this millage will allow us to do is continue to staff at that level plus add 10 more public safety officers.
Are you counting those ones you may no longer have after the grant funding in the millage proposal?
Chief Kim Koster: Yes, so there are 10 current police officers and we would add four through the proposed funding. (For a total of 14 police officers.) On the fireside, it would be 13, seven are already hired and we would hire six additional.
How many total police officers and firefighters does the City of Wyoming have?
Chief Kim Koster discusses why the city needs to increase its police and fire staffing. (WKTV)
Chief Kim Koster: We have 99 sworn police officers, which includes myself, and with the additional four that would make 103. On the fireside, for those in fire suppression, meaning these are firefighters who go out and fight fires and are not assigned to other duties, we have 33 and it would be 39 if we hire the additional six.
So a total of 10 additional public safety officers (and seven firefighters) who are not funded by the current public safety millage who would be part of the 27 officers who would be funded under the proposed millage.
Can you describe what the dedicated traffic enforcement would look like?
We have a crime analyst that was part of the COPS grant. She would be able to identify high intersections for traffic crasheswhere we could deploy some of our community service officers there to run red light violations or radar in other areas where we get complaints. A lot of neighbors complain about speeding traffic. So if we receive many of those complaints around an area, we would respond.
Some of the response times and rates that you mentioned, if this passes and in a year, if we want to see how this is doing, are those response times listed anywhere?
Earlier in the meeting, Koster stated that the response times are 5.16 minutes when the first vehicle arrives on the scene. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the standard is four minutes, which the department hopes to achieve with the additional fire staff funded by the proposed millage.
Chief Kim Koster: We do an annual report so you would get to see it in the annual report which usually comes out at the end of February or March. Note: The report is also available at the city’s website, under the “Public Safety – Police” tab.”
The next meetings are March 27 at 7 p.m. at the Gezon Fire Station, 2300 Gezon Pkwy. SW, and April 27 at 7 p.m. at the Wyoming Police Station, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW. Koster said both events will be more meet-n-greets with opportunities for the public to talk with police officers and firefighters.
The Jeep recovered by Kent County Sheriff’s Department. (Courtesy, Kent County Sheriff’s Department)
Just before 1 a.m. March 8, deputies received information that a Jeep stolen out of Kalamazoo was in the area of Byron Township. Kent County Sheriff units closed in and attempted to stop the vehicle near 84th Street and U.S. 131.
The Jeep fled from deputies, but nearby units were able to use spike strips along U.S. 131 at 100th Street. The vehicle continued to flee until it stopped along U.S. 131 near the Dorr exit. The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Kent County Sherrif deputies in taking two suspects into custody.
More than 100 pieces of stolen mail were found inside the vehicle. This includes multiple credit and debit cards, checks, and other assorted mail. The mail was stolen from the Kalamazoo area, Ottawa County, and Byron Township.
Mail found in the stolen car. (Courtesy, Kent County Sheriff’s Department)
A 40-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman, both from Kalamazoo, are lodged at the Kent County Jail on charges related to the stolen vehicle, flee and elude, and possession of burglary tools. Kent County Sheriff detectives are still sorting through the mail to contact victims. Kent County Sheriff has been in contact with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for the possibility of a federal investigation.
Mailboxes are protected by federal law and crimes against mailboxes (and the mail inside) are investigated by Postal Inspectors. Mail theft is a serious crime; although it’s considered a lesser offense than mail fraud. Under federal law, mail theft is penalized by up to 5 years of imprisonment.
A police car and detective’s vehicle was hit by the suspect’s car as they tried to leave the scene. (Courtesy, Kent County Sheriff’s Office)
The Kent County Sheriff’s Department announced it had arrested seven individuals suspected to be involved in a series of purse snatchings in the Greater Grand Rapids area.
Just after 2 a.m. this morning a Kent County Sheriff sergeant on patrol in the area of 28th Street and 1-96 located a stolen vehicle, a Jeep, that had its to a recent purse snatching in Kent County. The Jeep was later located at a nearby hotel.
As more deputies arrived long with a KCSO detective assigned to the Metro Pattern Crimes Task Force (MPACT), units started to move in on the vehicle. The Jeep attempted to flee the parking space and struck a detective’s vehicle and a police cruiser.
Five people in the Jeep were taken into custody. As the investigation unfolded, two additional people in a hotel room were arrested along with other stolen property located. Stolen purses from recent thefts, a stolen handgun, and stolen merchandise were among some of the items recovered. All seven suspects have been arrested: a 19- and 16-year-old female from Grand Rapids, a 17-year-old and two 16-year-old males from Grand Rapids, an 18-year-old male from Plainfield Township, and a 17-year-old male from Gaines Township.
Sgt. Eric Brunner, the public information officer for the Kent County Sheriff’s, said the department is working with local law enforcement agencies to determine if the group may be related to other purse snatchings adding that the department does believe “they will find that there more involved than just these people.”
Wyoming Department of Public Safety public information officer Lt. Andrew Koeller said he was not certain if these individuals were directly related to any of the purse snatching cases in the Wyoming area. He said Wyoming detectives continue to the Wyoming cases.
The case has been sent to the prosecutor’s officer for review of charges to the stolen care, firearm, and stolen property.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proposed a new $160 million for school lunches to help close the hunger gap created when federal funding ended. (Pxhere.com)
LANSING – Michigan schoolchildren may be at risk of going hungry due to the federal government eliminating funding for free meals in public schools after the pandemic.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is now pushing a new $160 million proposal to close the hunger gap created when federal funding ended. If passed, Michigan would be the fourth state to offer free meals to all public school students.
“Regardless of the community, there are always hungry kids,” said Daniel Connors, the director of food and nutrition services at Chippewa Valley Schools in Macomb County.
Free meals were part of COVID relief
In July 2022, statewide free meals were no longer federally funded in Michigan. This school year, free and reduced meals programs are limited to families who cannot cover the costs.
The previous funding was provided through COVID-19 relief from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says families have to go back to the way things were pre-pandemic.
According to the Michigan League for Public Policy, around 715,000 kids in the K-12 public school system qualified for free and reduced meals in 2021, based on household income.
Access to all
Overall, about 1,443,456 children were enrolled in public schools in the 2021-22 school year, according to Michigan School Data.
Offering free meals for all students “removes the burden of worrying about paying for school meals, both for students and families. It also removes the stigma that may be associated with eating school-provided meals and removes the stress of filling out paperwork from parents,” said Mary Darnton, the food service director for Jenison & Hudsonville Schools in Georgetown Township, between Grand Rapids and Holland.
Connors said children who cannot afford a meal and don’t receive benefits may be given an alternative meal in some districts. When that happens, it may add to the stigma surrounding free and reduced meals.
“It is comforting at every level for teachers, parents, administrators and lunch workers. We just want to be able to feed our students and have that be the focus without worrying about paperwork and signatures,” Darnton said.
Connors said a lot of teachers keep snacks in their classroom cabinets. If children are getting school-provided meals, that weight is lifted off of teachers.
Not everyone meets the qualifications
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s guidelines use household size and gross income to determine eligibility.
Darnton said, “The thing with the guidelines is that they are set at the federal level. If a family is $1 over the income limit, we can’t extend the benefits. On paper, it may look as though the family does not qualify, but in real life the money for school meals may not be in that family’s budget.”
Whitmer has proposed that the state spend $160 million, which will cover free breakfast and lunch for 1.4 million students at K-12 schools, in the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.
If free meals become available to all public school students again, Darnton said the main challenge will be learning how to work within the new system.
Darnton said that providing free meals during the pandemic helped prepare school districts to do so again.
“Challenges for food service directors, like me, will be knowing participation will rise and making sure we can get supplies, staffing and training. We will have to learn how to feed students for free,” she said.
What is happening across the country
California, Maine and Colorado have moved away from traditional eligibility-based free and reduced meal programs and now offer free meals to all students.
According to the Food Research and Action Center, located in Washington, D.C., California and Maine passed legislation in 2021 to continue providing free meals even after the federal support ended.
In 2022, Colorado voters passed a proposal that raised taxes for incomes over $300,000. The added revenue will fund the Healthy School Meals for All Program to offer free lunch in public schools, said the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Michigan would become the fourth state with free school meals for all students if lawmakers adopt Whitmer’s proposal.
With rising inflation, grocery bills have been adding up, Darnton said, and enabling kids to eat breakfast and lunch at school five days a week will ultimately improve household financial situations.
Darnton said, “This is money that gets to stay at home and in the household.”
That means families can use that money for things like rent, utilities and everyday necessities, Darnton said.
“No matter what socioeconomic background, if it means smoother mornings, kids who are ready to learn and fewer discipline issues, schools are here and ready to feed those kids,” she said.
Sophia Brandt is a journalism major with a concentration in writing, editing and reporting. She expects to graduate from Michigan University in spring 2024. Her goals include publishing impactful stories and working for a newspaper in a big city.
Starting in March, City of Wyoming residents will have the opportunity to attend public informational meetings about the upcoming May millage proposal that would provide funding to support public safety needs including staffing.
In October, the Wyoming City Council approved a ballot proposal for a millage rate increase of 1.5 mills for a period of five years. For a $200,000 residential home which has a taxable value of $100,000, the additional cost would be about $150 annually.
If approved on May 2, the proposal would generate an additional $4 million in revenue each year. The revenue would help fund 14 police officers and 13 fire fighters.
“This would bring us back up to where the staffing was about 20 years ago,” said Chief Kim Koster. “While we have had an increase in population we have not kept up with that growth through our police and fire staffing.”
Various factors have impacted staffing
There are are number of factors that have caused this situation. About 20 years ago, the country faced the 2008 recession with the city reducing staffing across the board which included police and fire. During that period, the city also lost several major employers, such as Studio 28 and the 36th Street GM plant.
Chief Kim Koster (Supplied)
Another factor is the increased training requirements that have made it difficult for paid-on call firefighters to maintain required standards. The city has seen its paid-on-call staff go from 40 to 6. The Wyoming fire department also handles the highest number of calls in the area, around 265 per firefighter. The City of Grand Rapids averages 124 calls per firefighter while the City of Kentwood averages about 110 calls per firefighter. This sometimes means there is no city firefighters available to respond for calls for service with other cities such as Grand Rapids and Kentwood sending people to respond.
The calls for service are not just for fires, but for a variety of safety issues such as tree damage, wires down, vehicle crashes, gas leaks and medical calls.
On the police side, the city has about 1.3 police officers per 1,000 people which is below the national average of 2.4. This does impact response times. Koster also noted due to the volume, complexity and severity of calls for service, officers do not have the time for self-initiated, proactive activities. Just like the fire department, sometimes there are no officers available to respond to calls for service.
Increase staff = enhance crime prevention
The increase in police staff would enhance crime prevention and improve traffic safety, Koster said, adding that it also would result in faster police and fire response times to emergencies in the city.
There is about .36 of a firefighter for every 1,000 Wyoming residents. (Supplied)
The additional fire staffing would reduce the city’s dependence on mutual aid from other municipalities. In 2020, the city had to rely on other departments 140 times because its fire department was on another call. The additional staffing also would allow the city to fully staff its four fire stations 24/7, something that has not happened in a while, Koster said.
The city has seen some of those benefits with the hiring of 10 of the officers needed through the United States Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. Through the funding, which decreases every year over a three-year period, the public safety department was able to add an afternoon community police unit which has helped with safety of residents as well as problems in the neighborhoods and businesses, Koster said.
On the fire side, seven of the 13 firefighters have been hired, which has helped to reduce the city’s reliance — a little — on mutual aid and provide limited staffing to the stations that currently have none, she said.
Opportunity to meet those in the field
If the millage is passed, it would sustain those added positions along with adding four positions to police and six to fire.
According to City of Wyoming Communication Specialist Brianna Peña-Wojtanek, the first meeting, March 9, will be an informational format with Koster, Interim City Manager John McCarter, and Mayor Kent Vanderwood presenting information about the millage proposal and where the city is now for police and fire staffing. The other two meetings, March 27 and April 27, will provide information along with opportunities for residents to meet and talk to city police officers and firefighters.
For more about the millage, visit wyomingmi.gov/millage. At the information website site is a tax calculator for residents to determine how the proposed millage would impact their property taxes.
“Protector.” That is the one word that Santino Ysasi’s sister said would best describe her bother.
“He was the big brother of seven,” said Christina Mller, of Greenville, adding there were eight children in their family. “He looked out for us. He mostly taught us what life was about. He was the protector.”
Ysasi, 46, was killed on Oct. 19 at around 3:30 a.m. behind the now closed St. James Catholic Church on Bridge Street NW. Someone discovered his body around 9:45 a.m. The Kent County Meidical Examiner ruled the death a homicide but has not shared how Santino “Tino” Ysasi died.
Family man
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Ysasi worked for his grandfather, Martin Morales, who owned Little Mexico Cafe on Grand Rapids’ West Side. He also worked worked at Adobe, Beltline Bar, and Casa Martina. He was a businessman, running a business removing personal items after an eviction. He also worked at Fence Consultants, running a crew for the company, and eventually did roadside service.
Recently, Ysasi had fallen on hard times and was homeless, living behind the St. James Catholic Church.
“He was not one to ask for help,”Miller said, adding that most of the family were unaware that he was homeless. “Living in Greenville, I would see him at family events and he never said anything about needing help.
“If I had known, I would have had him come up and stay with me. He would not have liked it because he was city boy,” she said with a small laugh, “but he didn’t say anything and I think it was because he didn’t want to put any stress on me.”
Along with leaving behind his siblings and mother, Ysasi was the father of five and the grandfather of two. Family was important to Ysasi, Miller said, adding he did everything he could to support his family.
Reward raised to $5,000
His family is hoping that a recent increase to reward money for tips to the person or persons responsible for the death of Ysasi, will help bring closure. The reward money for tips is now $5,000.
“It is really hard to move forward because we don’t know why,” Miller said. “It is the reason I decided to add the $1,800 to put the award at $5,000. The economy is a little tough right now and I am hoping this will help encourage people to come forward.”
From WOODTV, the video released by the Grand Rapids Police Department on a person of interest in the Santino Ysasi homicide.
Earlier this month, the Grand Rapids Police released video of a person walking around the scene and are hoping people will take note of how the individual is dressed and other features to help identify who the person is.
“No one can figure out why,” Miller said. “We have talked to those in the homeless community and they have told us Tino always keep things cool and tried to work things out between people.
“For now the focus is on gettin justice for Tino and proving the family with some peace.”
Anyone with information about Santino’s homicide and who is involved is urged to contact the Grand Rapids Police Major Case Team at 616-456-3380 or Silent Observer, safely and anonymously, at 616-774-2345 or at silentobserver.org. State law protects Silent Observer’s tips and records which assures anonymity. Silent Observer will pay the enhanced $5,00 reward for information given to one of its tip lines that leads to the killer’s arrest.
Hoping to make a difference
Miller said while the family can not rollback time and prevent what happened to Ysasi, they do recognize they can make a difference to those living on the street. It is why they are giving back to the homeless community by hosting a hot dog event in March.
“Having the opportunity to talk to so many people in this community and hear their stories, especially during the candlelight vigil for Tino, it really has changed my perspective on when I see someone on the street asking for a dollar,” Miller said.
GVSU Board of Trustees approves a new Master Plan. (Courtesy, GVSU)
The Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees approved the university’s Master Plan at its Feb. 24 meeting at the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Trustees heard the plan is designed to embrace technology and create an environment for diverse learners and advance equity.
The plan envisions a more cohesive footprint at the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, providing more greenspace with a “campus quad” near the Seidman Center, a student center/dining hall and a new Center for Talent, Technology & Transformation known as Blue Dot, among other improvements.
“The approval of the campus Master Plan does not represent a commitment of capital, but does help focus the vision and anticipated capital projects for Grand Valley campuses and aligns them to support Reach Higher 2025,” said Trustee Elizabeth Emmitt. “It is exciting to imagine how the campuses will evolve and think about the impact on our community.”
Blue Dot would serve as a keystone component of a planned renovation and expansion of the Eberhard Center, which is located adjacent to the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids.
In Allendale, the plan shows a more pedestrian friendly layout with more modern living centers, a renovated and expanded Kirkhof Center and continued improvements of athletics facilities.
One major idea includes converting Campus Drive to focus on pedestrian and bus traffic while diverting most traffic to Laker Drive. The plan also calls for the phased replacement of Kistler, Copeland and Robinson living centers, which are the original living centers from the 1960s, with more modern facilities.
At the Health Campus in Grand Rapids, plans call for adapting and renovating classrooms and other areas for new technologies and to better accommodate nursing and health sciences curriculum.
The board also heard a presentation from Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Brandon DeHaan about safety measures and planning on campus in the wake of the shootings at Michigan State University.
The presentation followed a February 23 campus safety briefing DeHaan hosted with President Philomena V. Mantella and Sgt. William O’Donnell, Grand Valley’s emergency manager.
In other board action:
Jesse Bernal, chief of staff to the president and vice president for Inclusion and Equity, said Grand Valley is leading Michigan in advancing diversity and inclusion. Bernal presented highlights from the Division of Inclusion and Equity’s annual report, stating Grand Valley’s graduation rates for students of color and underrepresented students surpass rates of those cohorts at other Michigan public universities. Bernal said equity gaps on campus are closing due, in part, to the coordinated approach to inclusion and equity adopted in 2015.
Trustees approved the reauthorization of four public charter school academies, Chandler Woods Charter Academy, in Belmont; East Arbor Charter Academy, in Ypsilanti; and two Michigan Mathematics and Science Academy locations in Warren. Trustees also approved appointment or reappointment of charter school board members.
Trustees welcomed the return of Shelley Padnos and the new appointment of Ronald Hall to the board. Padnos, an attorney and the current executive vice president of PADNOS, a company known for its innovative recycling process, previously served on the board from 2007-2014. Hall, a Southeast Michigan business leader and attorney, is new to the board. Both were appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to eight-year terms beginning February 2.
The avian flu has not harmed Michigan’s commercial turkey farms to date. (Photo by Mikkel Bergmann)
LANSING – While avian flu has disrupted poultry flocks in Michigan and spurred higher egg and chicken prices, turkeys in Michigan – wild and farmed alike – have been spared from the virulent disease, industry leaders and government officials say.
Megan Moriarty, a wildlife veterinary specialist for the Department of Natural Resources, said the agency conducted surveillance for avian flu last spring and fall, finding the virus primarily in swan, geese, ducks, vultures and eagles and, on a lesser scale, hawks and falcons.
Moriarty said no cases of avian flu among wild turkeys were found.
Turkeys have less risk factors
Turkeys are at less risk of infection than many other bird species because of a handful of factors, Moriarty said.
Wild turkeys are not scavengers, so they don’t get sick from eating infected animals. They also don’t travel together in colonies, meaning mass transmission of avian flu is unlikely, she said.
No cases have been reported so far in 2023, according to the department’s communications director, Jennifer Holton.
Nancy Barr, the executive director of the Michigan Allied Poultry Industries, said avian flu has been spotted in one commercial flock of turkeys since the start of 2022, but turkey farmers have prevented its spread to other flocks since.
Barr said since that initial case in 2022, turkey farmers have implemented biosecurity measures like perimeter buffer areas that control which people and vehicles can enter a farm.
Not crossing the line
“They draw an imaginary line around the outside of the farm and they have certain restrictions for any vehicles or people that come across that line to make sure that they aren’t potentially bringing anything from the outside,” Barr said.
A more important biosecurity measure is the line of separation at a barn door, according to Barr.
That means only farmworkers can enter barns where turkeys are housed, she said. Those workers have had no contact with other poultry and change clothes and sometimes shower before going in.
“That’s probably one of the most primary things they do,” Barr said. “Equipment is cleaned or designated just for that house. So it’s thinking about every single thing that comes into that house to keep those birds healthy.”
Spring migration a concern
Barr said that turkey farmers are nervous about the upcoming northward migration of other birds from the South this spring.
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, symptoms of avian flu in birds include sneezing, coughing, diarrhea, nasal discharge, swelling in body parts, loss of energy and appetite, discoloration and sudden death.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2021, Michigan ranked 10th in the nation for numbers of turkeys raised, with 5.1 million annually.
Ottawa and Allegan counties are the only two counties with more farmed turkeys than human residents, according to the USDA. Ottawa County produces 70% of Michigan’s commercially raised turkeys.
Protecting the local turkey industry
Ottawa County Emergency Management Director Louis Hunt, who handles avian flu matters, said the county takes the disease seriously because of the threat posed to turkey producers in the area.
He said when he has visited farms that have turkeys and other poultry, the precautions taken by the producers were “impressive.”
“First of all, you’re met with all the signs that these are biosecure facilities, and I guess that sounds intimidating,” Hunt said about his farm visits. “They have taken great pains to keep separated any potential vectors” of the disease.
On his visits, Hunt had to certify that he had no contact with any poultry in “multiple” days. He also had to be decontaminated and change his clothes.
He said owners of backyard flocks in Ottawa County have received information about what to watch out for and were ordered to immediately report any infection.
As for the upcoming migratory season, Moriarty said the DNR is preparing for a resurgence of cases in the spring and flu for wild birds, based on last year’s experience.
“Migration and large-scale movements of different bird species, it’s kind of a perfect scenario to have the virus be mixing and moving across the landscape,” he said.
Barr said Michigan is in the “Mississippi flyway,” a major bird migration route, producers will be watching their flocks diligently to ensure as little infection as possible.Most producers will assume the migrating birds are potentially infected.
Dan Netter is a journalist who started at Michigan State University in 2019. His interest in journalism includes policy reporting, identity reporting and a little bit of news design. Other places where Dan’s work has appeared include The State News and 101.9 WDET-FM. His favorite song is “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.
More than 58 million birds have been affected by the avian influenza outbreak countrywide, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. (Photo courtesy, pxhere.com)
By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributor
Extraordinary price hikes on eggs over the past year and continuing inflation costs have had consumers and local business owners concerned.
340 Million: Prior to the avian influenza outbreak in 2022, that was the number of laying hens across the United States. 15 million of those hens could be found in Michigan.
Those numbers average one hen for every consumer in the country.
“For every citizen in the United States, there was one laying hen,” said Ernie Birchmeier, Senior Relations Specialist with the Michigan Farm Bureau.
More than 58 million birds affected countrywide
Since the avian influenza outbreak, however, over 58 million birds were affected countrywide, creating a hitch in egg production that resulted in higher prices for one of the country’s main staples.
(Source: USDA Rural Development)
In January of 2022, the average cost of a dozen large Grade A eggs was $1.93. During the past year, consumers were hard pressed to find a dozen of those same eggs for under $5.
“We lost about 45 million laying hens across the country from that influenza outbreak. That has had an impact on the size of the laying flock in the United States and has decreased egg production,” Birchmeier said.
Various strains of avian influenza are an annual occurrence.
“Typically, when you have an avian influenza outbreak, it is spread during the spring and the fall when wild birds migrate back to the north from the south and vice versa in the fall,” Birchmeier said. “When you co-mingle those birds, they bring different sets of diseases and will typically cause an influenza outbreak.”
The number of birds affected by influenza is not normally so high. So why was the bird population hit so hard in 2022?
“In 2022, (avian influenza) lasted all year, during both seasons,” Birchmeier said. “So it’s continued to have an impact.”
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
When will egg prices decrease?
Birchmeier said there have been reports of consumers seeing a softening in egg prices, with many lowering to more normal levels. But he cautions that it will take time to see a significant change.
“It takes time for eggs to be set, then for those eggs to hatch,” said Birchmeier, relaying that birds are typically 5-1/2 months old before they start laying. “It’s going to take time to replenish those flocks.”
(Source: Bureau Labor of Statistics)
Labor, transportation and energy costs add to the price
Consumers are urged to remember that labor, transportation and energy costs also are up and that factors into the cost of food along with the influenza outbreak.
There was a general food inflation of around 20 percent in 2022. Add in the impact of a reduction in egg production, and it influences those prices even more.
Farmers replenishing flocks helps soften prices
“If we can get through spring without any major problems, and farmers can replenish those flocks, we should see a decrease, a softening, of egg prices back down to more normal levels,” Birchmeier said. “It’s just going to take time for supply to catch back up (with demand).”
(WKTV/D.A. Reed)
For many local businesses, eggs are a staple — one needed in abundance.
“It’s hard to be a breakfast place (right now),” said Delanie Haisma, a server at Anna’s House restaurant. “That’s a common thing that we supply.”
But Haisma also said that the post-pandemic general inflation is what has had the biggest impact on their business.
When asked if Anna’s House has increased prices due to rising egg prices, Haisma said, “Since the eggs have gone up, no, but about a month before that happened, we did raise our menu prices by 25 to 75 cents on a couple of items.”
Continuing supply issues also have had a large impact.
“It’s hard to keep stuff in stock, and sometimes we have to go through a third party,” Haisma explained.
Other local restaurants also have had to adjust menu pricing due to general inflation.
Real Food Café recently instituted a three-percent surcharge to all checks to offset fast-rising expenses, including rising employee wages, fuel charges, and the escalating cost of food and other goods.
Even though rising prices have stunned most consumers, Birchmeier urges buyers to consider the true value of a dozen eggs priced at $5. “That’s still a pretty good value when you consider the amount per egg. Forty cents per egg is still a pretty good value compared to a lot of foods.”
Perspective also plays a role in remembering the value of a product: “Five dollars for a dozen eggs versus $5 for that cup of coffee you stood in line and waited for,” Birchmeier said.
Michigan spared major avian flu outbreaks
Birchmeier went on to say that although the entire United States has been impacted by the influenza outbreak, Michigan as a whole has been spared any major outbreaks in our laying flock, and that other areas of the country are paying more for eggs than Michiganders.
“We are very fortunate in this country to have the food supply that we do,” Birchmeier said. “And we have choices. And we have the ability to shop around.”
Birchmeier encourages consumers to shop around for better prices than what they may find at their usual store.
“Very seldom do we ever have to worry about whether or not there is product on the grocery store shelf,” Birchmeier said. “We saw that for the first time in many people’s lives in our country during the pandemic. But our farmers are out there every day to make sure that we have a wholesome and abundant food supply in this country.”
Extra bio security measures in Michigan
Egg-laying facilities have tight bio security measures implemented by farmers that have been in place for many years. Because of these extra steps, Michigan has been spared major outbreaks in our laying flocks.
(WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Controlling traffic flow on and off the farm, regulating the number of visitors to the farm, and making sure trucks are cleaned as they enter and leave the farm, are all steps Michigan farmers have taken to diligently keep diseases from their flocks.
“Our farmers know they need to protect the birds inside those buildings,” Birchmeier said. “For their livelihood, but also to make sure that they are producing a (safe) product for the consumer.”
Conspiracy theories put to rest
With emotions running high and bank accounts running low, Birchmeier warns against incorrect theories about causes for the egg price hike.
“We have to be very careful about everything we read on the internet and social media and make sure that we are getting accurate information rather than potential theories.”
There are other factors as to why chickens may not be laying eggs. In the winter months, it is common for chickens to go into a molt, or molting process, during which it is typical for chickens to stop laying eggs.
Regardless of the reason, Birchmeier said it is important to remember that production and distribution systems are already set and in place no matter how much farmers produce in a year.
“If there is a chink in the armor, or a link in the chain that’s broken, that’s when we run into disruptions,” he explained. “A lot of our consumers don’t understand that because we never have to think about it. (Food) has always been there.”
‘It all comes back to perspective’
“Relative to the rest of the world, we are in a fantastic position here in the United States to have a wholesome, abundant, affordable food supply typically all of the time,” Birchmeier said.
He explained the importance of understanding that farmers are greatly impacted by all this as well.
“We’re feeling the brunt of high labor, high energy costs, as well, across our food production system. But farmers themselves can’t pass those costs on, they have to absorb them, versus other manufacturers and goods and services (that) typically add those costs on and pass them along to the consumer. We see our ups and downs in the agricultural department from an economic standpoint as well.”
Birchmeier strongly encourages consumers to know the facts before jumping to conclusions, and to ask farmers if they have questions.
“We are glad to share our information because we’re all together in this.”
D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is investigating two separate crashes involving pedestrians and vehicles.
At approximately 6:52 a.m. on February 9, officers and firefighters responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a semi-truck at 28th Street and South Division Avenue. The semi was turning from northbound Division Avenue to westbound 28th Street when it struck a 55-year-old male Wyoming resident who was crossing 28th Street at the intersection.
The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital for significant injuries. He was last known to be in serious condition.
At approximately 7:24 a.m., officers and firefighters responded to a report of a pedestrian struck near Chicago Drive and Nagel Avenue Southwest.
A 32-year-old female resident of Wyoming was crossing Chicago Drive when she was struck by a vehicle traveling westbound. The pedestrian was then struck by another vehicle traveling eastbound. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The name of the pedestrian is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. Wyoming accident investigators are currently investigating both crash scenes and the circumstances of the crashes.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Eliminating noncompete agreements would allow nurses to be better advocate for patients, according to some in favor of the ban on noncompete agreements. (Pxhere.com)
LANSING – The Federal Trade Commission’s recent announcement that it is considering a ban on noncompete employment contracts will improve wages of health care workers, as well as care for patients, according to a policy expert for the nation’s largest nurses union.
FTC Chair Lina Khan said such contracts are bad for workers and prevent wages from raising. In a press release announcing the proposed ban, it was estimated that the change would increase wages by $300 billion a year.
Noncompete contracts are agreements between employees and employers that typically bar workers who resign from taking new jobs in the same industry in the same geographical area for a set period.
The proposed ban, which would bar employers from entering or continuing a noncompete contract, is now in a question and comment period which will last until March 20.
Giving employees more flexibility
Economic Policy Institute President Heidi Shierholz said noncompete contracts are typically used to keep workers from a source of power: quitting and taking another job.
Shierholz said because noncompete contracts prevent people from resigning to work elsewhere, they keep wages low and contribute to a mismatch in the labor market.
“Noncompetes keep people locked in jobs that aren’t necessarily the best job for them,” Shierholz said. “Our whole economy works better when there are good matches between jobs and workers.”
Shierholz, whose institute is a liberal-think tank in Washington, D.C., said about 45% of jobs that require a college degree use a noncompete contract.
According to Bloomberg Law, 45% of primary care physicians are bound by noncompete contracts.
Local case heading to court
Last week, it was announced that Trinity Health Michigan and four surgeons have filed in federal court seeking to have noncompete contracts with Orthopedic Associates of Michigan (OAM). According to the lawsuit, the four surgeons, who worked for OAM, are being prevented from working at Trinity Health Grand Rapids (formerly St. Mary’s) due to noncompete contacts.
As reported by MiBiz, Trinity and the surgeons are alleging that “monopolistic behavior by OAM, which will seriously disrupt care for patients needing orthopedic surgery in Kent County,” and cost Trinity Health Grand Rapids millions of dollars, according to court filings.
According to the lawsuit, OAM, through mergers with other orthopedic groups, has about 64 percent of the market share. It is estimated that Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) has about a 23 percent share with the rest held by private groups.
Noncompetes limit advocacy
The National Nurses Association, which is the nation’s largest registered nurses’ union, opposes noncompete contracts and similar agreements that prevent nurses from more easily leaving their jobs.
The Michigan Nurses Association, based in Okemos, is its state affiliate.
Brynne O’Neal, a regulatory policy specialist for the union, said noncompete contracts have consequences for patient care because nurses won’t be able to work locally for a period if they resign for any reason, including to protest unsafe patient conditions.
“Nurses are patient advocates,” O’Neal said. “That’s a very core part of their role.
“When employers hold nurses hostage as debtors, nurses can’t speak out about unsafe working conditions and can’t exercise the professional judgment required to provide safe and effective nursing care. Ultimately, patients suffer,” she said.
Other changes FTC is considering
In addition, the FTC is considering banning “training repayment agreement provisions” (TRAP) that require employees to repay their employers for training they underwent to work at the company unless they stay there for a set period of time.
O’Neal said TRAP contracts are a common way for employers to discourage employees from quitting, calling them “de facto noncompete clauses” because employees could incur major costs for leaving their job.
John Karasinski, the Michigan Health and Hospital Association senior director for communications, said the organization has no position about the possible ban on noncompete agreements but would like to see policy changes that bring more health care workers to the state.
The American Hospital Association declined comment on a possible ban, but pointed to a letter cosigned with other business groups which asked the FTC to extend the question and comment period to late April.
Shierholz said that if noncompetes are banned, workers who were subject to them will, over time, see their wages go up because they will more easily be able quit lower-paying positions and take ones with higher pay.
O’Neal, of the nurses’ union, said that a ban will allow nurses to more easily encourage safe patient conditions and keep their jobs.
Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this story.
Dan Netter is a journalist who started at Michigan State University in 2019. His interest in journalism includes policy reporting, identity reporting and a little bit of news design. Other places where Dan’s work has appeared include The State News and 101.9 WDET-FM. His favorite song is “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.
Around 8:37 p.m on Jan. 31, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the report of a stabbing that occurred inside Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, 4157 S. Division Ave.
The initial investigation indicates that a physical altercation occurred inside the establishment between two patrons. One of the involved individuals, a 34 year-old male, was stabbed several times and transported to a local area hospital in a private vehicle prior to police arriving on scene. The individual is currently undergoing surgery and is in critical condition.
A person of interest in the stabbing, a 54 year-old male, was located a few blocks away from the restaurant and is being detained for questioning.
It is early in the investigation and detectives are working to learn the circumstances that led to the stabbing.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345
The Kent County Health Department has rung in the New Year with a partnership with the Grand Rapids Red Project to provide free access to life-saving Narcan in a vending machine at its main clinic in Grand Rapids.
The Grand Rapids Red Project is a nonprofit that provides health resources to prevent the spread of disease and save lives. They have partnered with the Kent County Health Department and Cherry Health to provide Narcan vending machines in four locations around Kent County.
What is Narcan and how does it work?
Naloxone, sold and marketed under the brand name Narcan, is a life-saving medication that reverses or reduces the effects of opioids. When a drug overdose occurs, Narcan can be given to reverse the effects of decreased breathing and help the patient regain consciousness. For a more scientific explanation from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Narcan is an opioid receptor antagonist which means it binds to opioid receptors and reverses or blocks the effects of other opioids.
Why is Narcan needed?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 92,000 people in the United States died from a drug-involved overdose in 2020. The State of Michigan reported in 2018, there were 2,809 deaths from drug overdoses in Michigan alone.
In Kent County, Rachel Jantz from the Kent County Opioid Task Force, said there is an increased need for Narcan due to the synthetic opioid Fentanyl becoming more pervasive in the community.
The opioid epidemic is one of the largest public health crises in United States history and Narcan is an available resource to help mitigate drug overdose deaths.
How do you administer Narcan?
The vending machines available in Kent County are stocked with intranasal Narcan, a spray that can only be applied into the nose to produce its desired effect. The Nasal Spray contains only 1 dose of medicine and cannot be reused. The steps of Narcan administration are as follows and cited by the official Narcan website:
Narcan vending machine located at Kent County Health Department, 700 Fuller Ave NE (WKTV/Maggie Carey)
Step 1: Lay the person on their back and support their neck.
Step 2: Remove Narcan Nasal Spray from the box. Peel back the tab with the circle to open the Narcan Nasal Spray.
Step 3: Hold the Narcan Nasal Spray with your thumb on the bottom of the red plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
Step 4: Tilt the person’s head back and provide support under the neck with your hand. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose.
Step 5: Press the red plunger firmly to give the dose of Narcan Nasal Spray. Remove from the nostril after giving the dose.
Step 6: Call 911 for emergency medical help.
Where can Narcan be found?
Narcan is now available for free to residents of Kent County at four locations thanks to the Grand Rapids Red Project and its partnership with the Kent County Health Department and Cherry Health. These machines have 24-hour access and to use them, just type in the slot that has an available pack and the vending machine will distribute the pack cost-free.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The search for a missing Wyoming man came to a sad end over the weekend as his body was discovered in a swamp area in Byron Township.
Raymond Tarasiewicz, 68, was reported missing by his family on Nov. 21, 2022. He was last seen at his home around 7:30 a.m. Nov. 21, 2022. According to a Facebook post in Wyoming Michigan Informed, he was seen on his driveway on Steff Court. According to family members, Tarasiewicz suffered from early signs of dementia.
On Friday, Jan. 20, a family searching for their missing dog found the body in a semi-rural area of Kent County near the intersection of Ivanrest Avenue and M-6, according to a release from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. According to reports, the family saw the dog in the area and went to search. The dog was later found a few miles away from that area.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office was called to the location at approximately 1:45 p.m. and worked with Wyoming investigators to identify the remains as those of Tarasiewicz. According to police, there was no obvious indications of foul play or self-harm. The circumstances surrounding Tarasiewicz’s death remain under investigation and an autopsy will be conducted by the Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety expressed its condolences to the family and there has been an outpouring from the community for the family on social media.
Shooting in Buchanan Avenue area
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a shooting in the 3200 block of Buchanan Avenue on Jan. 21 at 4:07 a.m.
A duplex residence was struck by numerous rounds of fired by unknown individuals. A 50-year-old female who was sleeping in the residence was struck in the arm by one round. She was transported to the hospital for treatment and is in stable condition at this time. Both residences in the duplex and a vehicle in the driveway were struck by gunfire. Other individuals were present in the homes, but no one else was injured.
A silver sports car was seen leaving the area shortly after the shooting and is being sought by investigators.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345. Tips can also be left at Silent Observer’s website.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Tommy Brann takes the oath of office from Wyoming City Clerk Kelli Vandenberg as his wife,Sue, holds the Bible. (WKTV)
Acknowledging it was a tough decision, the Wyoming City Council appointed former state House Representative Tommy Brann to fill a vacant council seat.
The seat was vacated by John Fitzgerald, who was elected in the fall to serve as the 83rd District State House Representative. Fitzgerald had two years left of a four-year term with the seat up for election in 2024.
At a special meeting on Jan. 16, each candidate had a 30-minute interview where council members asked a series of questions and candidates asked questions and gave a final statement as to why they should be selected for the open council seat. After a short discussion, each council member voted for the candidate they wanted to appoint. Brann received four of the six votes. De La Vega and Kilgo each received one vote.
The council then had a motion to appointed Brann to the vacant seat, which passed unanimously. Brann took the oath office after the vote.
Focusing on the needs of the city
“As I said when we got started, I knew this was going to be a challenge,” said Wyoming Mayor Kent Vanderoowd. “I knew two weeks ago that it was going to be a challenge with great, great applicants.
“We are looking at different strength sets and different skill sets and we have to decide which is best for the city right now because we can only appoint one.”
Wyoming Mayor Kent Vanderwood with recently appointed Council member Tommy Brann.(WKTV)
Looking at what the needs are of the city, Vanderwood said council needed to appoint the person who brought the “most to the table to serve our greatest needs.”
Several council members pointed to Brann’s long history with the city. He has lived in Wyoming for 51 years and is the longtime owner of Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, 4157 Division Ave. S.
Brann termed out of the state’s House of Representative, serving for eight years. In the fall, he ran for a seat in the state Senate, which Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks won.
Several council members noted that Brann is a strong advocate for public safety and faced with a May millage to help fund fire and police, Brann could be an asset in helping to expand the needs.
“I’m a small business man,” Brann said as he talked about the upcoming milage. “Do I want to pay more taxes? Of course not.
“Do I want the safety of my employees when they go out to their cars at 10 or 11 o’clock at night? Of course.”
A desire to serve
Brann made it clear that for him to be on the council, he wanted to be able to impact residents lives. He pointed to the 19 bills he was able to get passed while serving in the state House of Representatives. He said he is not afraid of being the dissenting vote and did not always side with his Republican peers in the state, which he demonstrated by supporting bills for the smoking age to become 21 and civil rights for LGBTQ and others.
“As a restaurant owner I am use to serving people…I serve my customers and I served my employees and it is just in my nature,” Brann said. “I want to continue to serve people. I believe as a city council member, it is just important as being a state rep. Actually it can be a little more important because you are one-on-one with people…”
From a state level, Brann said he has seen how cities like Wyoming that are financial responsibility loose out on state revenue sharing. On the state level, he has worked on the appropriations committee and helped solved financial needs.
A small business is similar to running a city in that you are dealing with people, payroll, paying taxes and making financial decisions to keep that city running, Brann said, adding he would use those skills to help connect residents, especially those in the Godfrey-Lee area, so that they feel welcome and comfortable to share their concerns and ideas.
“I think Wyoming is really underrated,” Brann said. “What I love about Wyoming is that we have starter homes and we have homes for your whole life. So you can start in Wyoming in a starter home and as your family gets bigger you can get a bigger house in Wyoming.”
The Kentwood Police is asking anyone with information on a Jan. 13 shooting in the 4600 block of Breton Avenue to contact the department or Silent Observer.
The Kentwood Police was dispatched to an apartment in the 4600 block of Breton Avenue for a subject who had been shot in the leg. Officers arrived on the scene and provided medical treatment for the victim along with the Kentwood Fire Department. The victim was transported to the hospital and the injury is not believed to be life threatening. The suspect is known to the victim and is not in custody.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-771-2345 or online at SilentObserver.org.
