Category Archives: West Michigan

The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra has shared a stage with Pearl Bailey, Randy Brecker and others

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, West Michigan, , ,

As part of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series, the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra will perform at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall. Admission is free. A variety of food trucks also will be on hand. (Courtesy)

By John D. Gonzalez, WKTV Contributing Writer

Jazz lovers bop to their own beat.

But when they’re surrounded by other jazz lovers, they take it to another level.

“Our show is lots of fun,” said Dr. James Sawyer, who is the 4th trumpet player for the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra and show announcer.

“It’s great to sit back and listen to or to get up and dance to. As announcer, I always do my best to draw the audience into the performance to make it fun.”

Kentwood Summer Concert Series

Local jazz lovers can see the group perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 28, as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series. The show is on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Admission is free. A variety of food trucks also will be on hand. Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs.


40 years in the works

The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra has been a staple of the Grand Rapids jazz community for 40 years as a group of educators and musicians who play original compositions and arrangements as well as traditional favorites.

According to their bio, “these musicians are some of the area’s best soloists, sidemen and educators. Many have jazz projects of their own yet dedicate  time to fostering the performance of live big band jazz.”

Shared a stage with Pearl Bailey, Randy Brecker and more

The group formed in 1976 by the late Bruce Early and has performed with many famous artists such as Pearl Bailey, Kenny Wheeler, Randy  Brecker and many others. It has performed before thousands of people at concerts, dances and festivals throughout the region.

The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra performs at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 28, behind Kentwood City Hall, as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series. (Courtesy)

The Kentwood Summer Concert Series continues through Aug. 11. See the schedule below. All of the performances will be recorded and aired on WKTV.

Along with playing a few outdoor events, the group has a regular gig at Creston Brewery, as well as at the West Michigan Jazz Society’s “Jazz in the Park” concerts at Millennium Park.

“In our performances every year we feature WMJS’s ‘Jazz Musician of the Year’ along with the WMJS Scholarship winners as part of our performance. As musicians and music educators we take great pride in our role as ambassadors of jazz education in the GR community,” Dr. Sawyer said in an email to WKTV Journal.

Influenced by Count Basie, Duke Ellington and others

Sawyer said the band is influenced by great big bands such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and the Buddy Rich Big Band, to name a few.

“We also have accomplished composers in our group who contribute pieces we perform as well,” Sawyer said.

As for playing “outdoors” in Kentwood, he said, “we don’t get to do it a lot. But when we do it makes for a swinging good time!”

Current lineup

James Hayward – 1st Alto Sax

Mike Lutley –  2nd Alto Sax

Greg Marsden – 1st Tenor Sax

Joel Klamer – 2nd Alto Sax

Gary McCourry – Bari Sax

Dave Wells – 1st Trumpet

Kerry Moffitt – 2nd Trumpet

Greg Wells – 3rd Trumpet

James Sawyer – 4th Trumpet & Announcer

Aaron Hettinga – 1st Trombone

Paul Brewer – 2nd Trombone

Dave Collee – 3rd Trombone

Paul Keen – 4th Trombone

Steve Talaga – Piano

Tom Lockwood – Bass

Eddie Eicher – Drums

Rob Mulligan – Congas

Other upcoming shows

July 31 – Creston Brewery 1504 Plainfield Ave.

Aug. 15 – West Michigan Jazz Society’s Jazz in the Park at Millennium Park.

Aug. 29 – A fundraiser event for the “No More Sidelines.” A non-profit organization, run by volunteers, committed to helping children and young adults with special needs in our community. The concert will be held at the Friesian Horse Farm, 10388 Kalamazoo Ave.

Sept. 4 – A special concert at the Creston Brewery 1504 Plainfield Ave. that will feature three of Grand Rapids’ favorite jazz artists, Mary Rademacher, Rick Reuther and Edye Evans Hyde. 

Learn more about the band at grjo.com or follow its Facebook page. The band’s latest CD is “Behind the Mask.”

Remaining Kentwood Summer Concert Series

July 28 – Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra

August 4 – The Moxie Strings

August 11 – Brena

All concerts will be live streamed by WKTV Community Media. Watch the events live at: https://www.wktv.org/live25.html. If you miss a show you can watch it here at WKTV On Demand.

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com

Kentwood to celebrate National Night Out Tuesday, Aug. 2

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , ,

Kentwood police officers, firefighters and city leaders will celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 2. (Courtesy)



By WKTV Staff

Kentwood police officers, firefighters and city leaders will help celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 2. The event will feature block parties, neighborhood events and more.

  

National Night Out is an annual nationwide event that promotes community-police partnerships and encourages residents to turn on their porch lights and come outside to connect with their neighbors, community leaders and local police and fire department personnel.

Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration will be held at various locations on Tuesday, Aug. 2. (Courtesy)

Kentwood police officers, firefighters and leaders will join residents at 15 gatherings, most of which will take place from 6-8 p.m. Residents can learn about a variety of safety topics and explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles at the events.

“National Night Out gives residents a chance to connect with our police and fire teams and learn how we can all be part of a community effort to make the City of Kentwood a wonderful place to call home,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “The city’s leadership team is excited to spend time with residents and enjoy an evening of camaraderie, community and connection.”

Several community-based events will be hosted throughout the evening and feature a variety of free activities, including appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog.

  • Ada Bible Church, 1640 East Paris Ave. SE, will offer food and activities from 5-8 p.m.
  • Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, will host a party from 6-8 p.m.

     
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin (shown when he was deputy chief). (Courtesy)

“National Night Out is a great opportunity for our department to spend time with community members in a fun, relaxed setting,” Police Chief Bryan Litwin said. “We always look forward to this event and value strong community relationships.”

National Night Out was created in the 1980s through an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the country. It began with a goal to promote thriving neighborhoods by uniting community members and police against neighborhood crimes.

For more information, visit kentwood.us/NNO

WOOD TV8 Meteorologist Terri DeBoer promotes her book about empty nesters on WKTV

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Health, Weather, West Michigan, , , , ,
WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer (right) stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book on a show called Grand Tap Media Business TV, hosted by Pamela Keim (left), which airs toward the end of August. (WKTV)

By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor

For more than 30 years, WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer has woken up West Michigan with her early morning weather forecasts.

In addition to her Storm Team 8 predictions, DeBoer also has co-hosted eightWest, a show that informs and entertains its viewers.

“I’m often one of the first faces many people in West Michigan see every morning,” said DeBoer, who’s also the meteorologist for many of West Michigan’s most popular radio stations. “I love having a challenging job; forecasting the weather in a complicated part of the country, and helping people relate the weather conditions to the lives of our viewers and listeners.”

Recording at WKTV

DeBoer stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book (published in 2021) on a show called Grand Tap Media Business TV, hosted by Pamela Keim, which airs toward the end of August. Keim has produced shows on WKTV since 2017.

Keim said the purpose of her WKTV program is to “introduce West Michigan to all the businesses, nonprofits, individuals that can help us thrive in our lives.

“I’m a cheerleader for West Michigan. I like to promote events, individuals, and talk about what’s new like Terri’s book. There are some wonderful people that live in our community in West Michigan.”

DeBoer said she wrote “Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest” in 2020 during the pandemic after decades of interest.

An emotional time

“For about 40 years I wanted to write a book and I wasn’t sure what to write about and when I made the transition into the empty nest it really hit hard,” DeBoer explained. “I wasn’t expecting to feel so sad and for things to feel so empty and so I reached out to someone and thought maybe I should write a book about that.

“One thing led to another and I wrote the book as the pandemic shut everything down.”

How did she do it with her busy schedule as a TV personality and mom?

What, turn off the TV?

“I’m going to tell you a secret,” she said grinning. “I turn off the TV. It’s amazing how much time we would find to do the things we say we really want to do if we just turn the television off and get started.”

“The book is 50 short chapters broken into multiple categories, highlighting the past, present and future of the life cycle of a parent. There’s a section on your physical health, mental health, your relationship with your adult kids, your friendships, and your faith is a big part of the book.”

WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book titled “Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest” (Courtesy)

Millions of empty nesters

According to recent US Census information, there are approximately 22.5 million empty nest households in the United States. 

DeBoer said it’s an emotional time and the overwhelming feelings of sadness, grief and emptiness can be common.

The book outlines her strategies for weathering the often stormy transition to an empty nest. DeBoer helps readers find hope, peace, comfort and joy in this next stage of life. 

Ginger Zee endorsement

Ginger Zee, chief meteorologist at ABC News, said the book is “a blast of sunshine full of wisdom, wit and inspiration for every stage of life.”

After the first round of edits, there was one chapter the editor felt needed to be taken out. The one about her relationship with her husband, Bill.

Enter her four-legged friend

She joked about replacing Bill’s chapter in the book with her daughter Jenn’s adopted dog, Hank, which was really due to not oversimplifying spousal relationships, which are unique from person to person.

DeBoer said her editor felt the chapter about her relationship with her husband isn’t as simple as she made it to be. 

“People’s relationships are complicated,” she and her editor determined. “Some people are married, some aren’t, some are divorced, widowed or in unhappy marriages. It’s not that simple.”

She admitted she wasn’t ever a pet person until Hank came along, and the answer was always “no” when her three kids asked for a dog. 

The Great Dane/mastiff-Lab mix, that she now calls her grand dog, however, has swayed her opinion. She now touts the great health benefits of having a dog and how they can expand your social circle at the dog parks, and recommends a pet for empty nesters.

She admits, however, that she can enjoy Hank as much as she wants, and “when he needs to go potty in the middle of the night, it’s Jenn who gets to take him out.”

She said she has been “blessed” along the way to have raised three wonderful children, “who are all hard-working followers of our incredible God; combining their talents with their ever-deepening faith. 

“They are all fun-loving and kind individuals; who are making strides through making the world a better place.”

Six seeking party nominations for Kent County Commission seats

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, West Michigan, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Through redistricting, there have been some changes for residents in both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming as they head to the polls for the primary vote.

All votes, in-person and absentee, must be cast by Aug. 2. Absentee votes must be received by 8 p.m. on Aug. 2. Those voting at the polls have from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to cast their vote. Remember to check your new voter card or contact your local clerk’s office for your precinct since redistricting may have changed where you vote.

A primary is when voters can indicate their preference for their party’s candidate. Therefore, a voter may only vote on either the Republican ticket or the Democratic ticket. A ballot where a voter has voted in both parties may be thrown out.

For the Kent County Commission, all the commission seats are up for re-election this year. The seats will be four-year terms.

In WKTV’s We the People, we only reach out to candidates who are running opposed for their party’s nomination. Out of the seven Kent County Commission seats representing the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, only three had more than one candidate running for a party nomination.

Note: In its We the People videos, WKTV invites all candidates to share why they decided to run and the issues the candidate feels are important. Below, are the candidates who participated.

10th District Kent County Commission Seat

Through redistricting, the 10th District is all of Gaines Township and a portion of the City of Kentwood that is bordered by Division Avenue to the west, Eastern Avenue to the east and 56th Street to the north.

Incumbent Emily Post Brieve is facing challenger Bill Hirsch for the Republican nomination for the 10th District.

Emily Post Brieve has been serving on the Kent County Commission since 2014.

Bill Hirsch is a longtime Kent County resident and farmer. He has served on the Kent County Commission in the past.

12th District Kent County Commission Seat

The 12th District encompasses a portion of the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood. For a map of the district, click here.

Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination: Adam R. Palasek and Lee White. 

Adam R. Palasek had no online platform.

Lee White is a graduate of East Kentwood High School and has served many community organizations such SKRA baseball, Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Michigan Jaycees and the West Michigan Veterans Branch.

13th District Kent County Commission Seat

The 13th District covers the remaining portion of the City of Kentwood. For a map of the district, click here.

The two candidates seeking the Republican nomination are Thomas McKelvey and Nick Prill.

Thomas McKelvey has lived in the City of Kentwood for 32 years. He is an educator and small business owner and a former Kentwood City Commissioner.

Nick Prill is a resident of the City of Kentwood.

Voters should return absentee ballots in person, via drop box

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, West Michigan, , , ,

By WKTV Staff

With less than two weeks remaining until the statewide primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 2, Michigan voters who have not returned their absentee ballot are encouraged to hand deliver it to a local drop box or their clerk’s office to avoid postal delays.

The City of Wyoming drop box (and usually drive-up) for absentee ballots. (WKTV)

“Drop boxes continue to be among the safe options that voters have to return their ballot securely this year, in addition to hand-delivering their ballot to their clerk’s office, voting early at their clerk’s office, or voting at their polling place on Election Day,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Eligible residents who have not yet registered to vote can do so in person at their city or township clerk’s office now through 8 p.m. on Election Day. They also can request and submit an absentee ballot at the clerk’s office in the same trip. Citizens who still need to register must do so in person at their clerk’s office if they wish to vote in the August primary, as online and mail registration is not permitted within 14 days of an election.

Voters can check the status of their absentee application or ballot online at Michigan.gov/Vote or by contacting their local election clerk. Voters who already received an absentee ballot should complete it, sign the envelope and mail it or drop it off at their clerk’s office or drop box as soon as possible.

Citizens also can vote in person at their polling place on Election Day, Aug. 2. Polls will be open 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

City of Wyoming

City of Wyoming Clerk Kelli VandenBerg said the city has about 5,700 registered voters and her office is working to do the best to serve all of them for the election.

For absentee ballots, her office has seen an increase since the change was made in 2018. For elections, the city is seeing about 62 percent absentee ballots with about 38 percent voting in-person.

VandenBerg said the city has mailed out about 6,000 ballots with 2,400 having been returned.

 

“While right now mail is feeling OK, but as we get closer to election day, I will be getting more and more inclined to encourage voters to come visit us,” VandenBerg said. The city has a dropbox located at City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, or bring the ballot to the clerk’s office in city hall.

 

The clerk’s office also will be hosting a public voting test at 9 a.m. July 26 in the council chambers at city hall. Area residents can see how ballots are tabulated and the process for counting ballots. 


City of Kentwood

If returning absentee ballots by mail, Kentwood City Clerk Dan Kasunic recommends putting it in the mail by Monday, July 25 to ensure a timely delivery for the August election.

Residents also can hand-deliver absentee ballots to the Clerk’s Office at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, during regular business hours or use one of the 24-hour drop boxes located outside City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.

The City Clerk’s Office, located in City Hall, will be open for voter registration and absentee ballot requests from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 30.

More information about the Aug. 2 election, absentee ballots and voter registration is available at kentwood.us/elections.

Michigan law regarding primary ballots requires voters to cast votes for only one party’s candidates. Votes for candidates in multiple parties on the same ballot will not be counted.

Absentee ballot request data shows more than 1.1 million Michigan citizens have now requested their ballots, and the vast majority have already received them. A side-by-side comparison of current absentee ballot request numbers, compared to the same time ahead of the 2018 statewide primary, is below. A breakdown of the numbers by jurisdiction is available online.

 14 Days Before Election Day(July 18, 2022)14 Days Before Election Day(July 23, 2018)
Number of Applications Received1,167,369588,909
Number of Ballots Issued1,163,659589,042*
Number of Ballots Returned398,756260,017




The Michigan Voter Information Center at Michigan.gov/Vote provides important information for voters ahead of Election Day, including a sample ballot and information about how to use voting equipment, and how to contact your local clerk.

*The number of ballots issued is greater than the number of applications received as it represents all ballots issued, including replacement ballots for those who requested to spoil their first.

Nine candidates seek nominations for state house in primary

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, We The People, West Michigan, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Due to redistricting in the state, there have been several changes for House of Representatives and Senate races.

A primary is when voters can indicate their preference for their party’s candidate. Therefore, a voter may only vote on either the Republican ticket or the Democratic ticket. A ballot where a voter has voted in both parties will be thrown out. 

All absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Aug. 2. In-person voters have from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to vote in their precinct. Make sure to check your current voter registration card or verify your precinct through your local clerk.

Note: In its We the People videos, WKTV invites all candidates to share why they decided to run and the issues the candidate feels are important. Below, are the candidates who participated.

80th State House of Representatives

For the State House, all of the City of Kentwood is now part of of the 80th District which includes Cascade and East Grand Rapids.

Two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination: Lily Cheng-Schulting and Phil Skaggs.

Lily Cheng-Schulting is an attorney known for her disability rights advocacy. She is the founder of the Disability A-TEAM of West Michigan.

Phil Skaggs is currently the District 19 Kent County Commissioner serving southeastern Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids. He also was a city commissioner in East Grand Rapids for five years.

82nd District State House of Representatives

For the State House races, the City of Wyoming has been split between two districts. A portion of the City of Wyoming’s eastern border is part of the 82nd District, which falls in the Godwin Heights Public Schools area. For a map, click here.

Three candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination: Salim Mohammed Al-Shatel, Kristian Grant and Robert Womack.

Al-Shatel is a co-owner of My Barefoot Wedding, based in Spring Lake, and also a real estate investor.

Kristian Grant is born and raised in the Grand Rapids area and has spent the past 15 years in public service and community. She is a real estate developer and trustee on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education.

Robert Womack is currently the District 17 Kent Count Commissioner serving the southeast side of Grand Rapids and is CEO of 102.5 FM The Ride.

Republican candidates

Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination, William Alexander and Ryan Malinowski.

William Alexander is born in Whitehall. He has lived in the Grand Rapids area for the last 28 years and is entrepreneur.

Ryan Malinowski

83rd District State House of Representatives

Most of the City of Wyoming will be part of the 83rd District. For a map, click here.

Two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination, John Fitzgerald and Jose Flores. 

John Fitzgerald is currently a Wyoming City Council member. He is a commercial insurance broker and has served on several community boards such as Ele’s Place West Michigan and The Clark Foundation Board.



Jose Flores is a former educator who currently serves on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education. He also is the owner of La Familia Market.

29th State Senate

The 29th State Senate race, which includes both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming along with Grandville and East Grand Rapids, only has one candidate for each party nomination. The Republican candidate is Tommy Brann and the Democrat candidate is Winnie Brinks.

“Sugar” McLaughlin aims for FREE basketball camp at East Kentwood

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,

A photo from a past Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin All-Star Basketball Camp at East Kentwood. (Courtesy)

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

This year, camp is free!

At least that’s the goal of the Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin All-Star Basketball Camp, which takes place Aug. 2-4 at East Kentwood High School.

Giving back

“He’s always wanted to give back to the community,” said Bobbie McLaughlin, brother of the area’s biggest basketball star who set records in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s at Creston High School and Central Michigan University.

Nothing but net

Considered the best high school basketball player in Grand Rapids history, Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin averaged 33 points a game his junior and senior seasons at Creston High School in the late 1970s and then went on to score more than 2,000 career points at Central Michigan University. He is a member of the Central Michigan Athletics Hall of Fame and in 2005 was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame.

The camp has been shut down since 2019 because of Covid, and, with “all the crazy things going on for kids in the inner city,” organizers wanted to offer a chance to offer something at no cost.

“Everywhere he goes, the kids are asking about the camp,” said Bobbie, who attended Grand Rapids South High School back in the day. “They’re really thirsty. So we put our heads together and said, ‘Let’s give them a free camp.’ Let’s show them some love.”

Campers practice their skills at the Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin Basketball All-Star Camp at East Kentwood. (Courtesy)

A fundraising campaign is going on right now to help the McLaughlins raise money to make it happen. The goal through the social media platform Vertical Raise is $10,000. They are more than halfway there, he said, as local businesses such as Brann’s Restaurants have contributed, as well as individuals.

The three-day camp is for boys and girls grades 5-12.





Hours are 8-11:30 a.m. for grades 5-8, and from 1-4 p.m. for grades 9-12 from Aug. 2-4.

“All the area kids, inner city kids, just come out and have a good time… We’re just looking for people to help make this happen,” Bobbie McLaughlin said.

Guest speakers

Along with learning basketball skills with drills and instruction, Bobbie McLaughlin said camp organizers are arranging guest speakers to help educate and motivate the kids to learn more than just basketball.

“(Mel) said we need to show some positive love for the kids. Everything’s been a little crazy, not just in Grand Rapids, but all over. We just said, ‘What can we do to help these kids out?’”

The camp has been a staple of summers in Grand Rapids for about 25 years. It originally took place at Ottawa Hills High School, but moved to East Kentwood in 2018 when attendance swelled to more than 200 campers, said Bobbie McLaughlin, who lives in California but looks forward to returning to see old friends and relatives. (He was a pretty good baseball player back in the day.)

Some notable campers

The camp has produced some notable players over the years, including Kobe Bufkin (Michigan),  Marcus Bingham (Michigan State University) and Xavier Tillman (Michigan State, Memphis Grizzlies), just to name a few.

“We know it’s working, we know these kids are learning and having fun,” McLaughlin said.

“We’re so proud of them. A lot of the parents come up to us after the last day of camp and say,  ‘Where are you gonna be next week? This is such a good thing for these kids.’”

McLaughlin said he is in the middle of finalizing a gift bag each player will receive during the camp, which includes a T-shirt, wristband, hat and hopefully a book, which was written about his brother’s life.

Check out “Sweet Shot”

“Sweet Shot: The Basketball Life and Legacy of Melvin ‘Sugar’ McLaughlin,” which was released in 2021, looks at the player’s life on and off the court, from his early childhood in Ann Arbor to today.

“Sweet Shot,” a book about local basketball star Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin, was released in 2021. (Courtesy)

Author Vernon E. Wendt — a theology professor at Concordia University-Chicago, ordained pastor in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and East Grand Rapids native, is expected to be in attendance at the camp, Bobbie McLaughlin said.

“It’s a really cool book,” McLaughlin said. “We want to make an impact.”

In addition, players can compete in contests for trophies, he said. And camp organizers will present sportsmanship and MVP awards.

It’s all about spreading joy, and a message, he said.

“We teach them, sports is like life…you have to learn to play together, to work together, to be a team. Take that home. Spread it. That’s our concept.”

And don’t be surprised to see Sugar put his skills on display.

He still “balls,” his brother said. “He’s always doing something for kids.”

Sugar McLaughlin said in a video message that he wants kids to grow, learn and be the “best version of themselves.”

“Come and join us for this very beautiful and positive experience,” Sugar McLaughlin said. “This is something that is true to my heart and very special to me.”

Learn more about the camp by calling 616-222-6126.

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

GRAM on the Green returns this Thursday

Citizen Journalism, Recreation, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

Molly performs with After Ours on the first GRAM on the Green concert set for July 21. (Supplied)

Concerts return to downtown Grand Rapids this summer with the popular GRAM on the Green, a series that features some of the best local, regional and national acts.

The free summer concert series returns from 6-9 p.m. Thursday (July 21) in front of the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

“For over a decade, the Grand Rapids Art Museum has brought free summer concerts to the heart of downtown Grand Rapids,” said GRAM Communications Manager Elizabeth Payne in a release.

“In partnership with WYCE, we’re excited to continue our tradition of creating accessible arts experiences for our entire community to participate in and enjoy.”

The outdoor music events also include hands-on artmaking, food trucks and a cash bar.

Organizers added that you can “come for the music, and stay for the art, as the Museum is also open late for Meijer Free Thursday Nights.” Admission is free from 5-9 p.m.

2022 GRAM on the Green Lineup:

July 21: Molly + After Ours (Soul + Electronic Jazz)

July 28: Andrea Von Kampen + Brie Stoner (Indie Folk + Alternative Noir Pop)

August 4: The Music That Raised Us (History of Black Music – Spirituals, Motown and Modern Soul)

August 11: The Rachel Brooke Band + The Reverend Jesse Ray (Retro Rockabilly + Western Swing)

Artists are equally excited about the return of GRAM on the Green

“I have played at the art museum many times over the years with different groups, but GRAM on the Green has always had a special vibe to it because of the synergy between WYCE and the GRAM in getting people out to party on a Thursday night,” said Molly, who kicks off the series with mostly original tunes from her EP (available at mollymollymolly.bandcamp.com) and her forthcoming full-length record.

“We’re also thrilled to be sharing the evening of music with our South Bend, Indiana friends the very talented duo, After Ours.”

WYCE-FM (88.1), a non-profit, independent community radio station, is excited to partner with GRAM. And reps are excited to show off some great entertainment.

“The lineup this year offers up a diverse array” of talent, said WYCE music director and series curator Shane German.

“Whether it’s indie-folk, jazz, retro Americana, or a celebration of Black voices in music, we’re thrilled to welcome these incredible artists this year. There are really be something for everyone. We can’t wait to see everyone at the shows this summer!”

Learn more about the series at artmuseumgr.org/gram-on-the-green.

Learn more about GRAM at artmuseumgr.org.

Learn more about WYCE at wyce.org.

Kentwood pickleball enjoying robust growth

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Recreation, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
The courts were booming at Kentwood Parks and Recreation’s pickleball tournament held last Saturday at Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Dr. SE (Zack Fanko)

Zach Fanko
WKTV Contributing Writer

If you’re out taking a stroll in one of the many parks in West Michigan, you may notice a distinct popping noise, and it’s probably not the wildlife in your area.

More than likely, it’s the sound of the pickleball craze that has hit the United States within the past few years.

That noise is a small paddle hitting a yellow, plastic ball with holes in it, similar to a wiffle ball, and the sport has taken over many recreation parks throughout the area, including Kentwood’s Old Farm Park (2350 Embro Dr.)

Founded in 1965

Pickleball, described as a mix of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, had its humble beginnings in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Wash.

Fastest-growing sport

Now with more than 4.8 million players nationwide, and a growth of nearly 40 percent the last couple years, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport for two years running, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.

One of the reasons for its growth is its ease to learn and play for beginners, according to Larry Keefe, who helps run Kentwood’s tournaments and also is an ambassador to the United States Pickleball Association.

“Anyone could show up to the court and even without any experience could pick it up relatively quickly,” said Keefe, Kentwood’s main pickleball instructor who helped kickstart the program. “Most players are always willing to lend a hand when it comes to rules and tips on how to play.”

Keefe said the growth in the sport locally has led to many pickleball courts being overrun with participants.

Pickleball was the nation’s fastest growing sport in America two years running, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. (Zach Fanko)

“You could go to any park during the weekend here and you will find many players waiting to use the courts,” Keefe said. “Quite frankly, there is a need for more courts. It is that popular in the area.”

Youth growth during pandemic

Coincidentally, the pickleball program saw an increase in participation among the younger demographic during the Covid-19 pandemic as these individuals were seeking recreational activities to do outside.

“When we couldn’t go to restaurants or movie theaters I think young people gravitated toward the sport,” Keefe explained. “It really is more of a social sport at its core.”

Growth was the fastest among players under 24 years of age from 2020-2021 at 21 percent.

Kentwood’s pickleball program, which includes singles and doubles, began about four years ago, according to Shelby Henshaw, a recreation program coordinator.

“We have our beginner and intermediate lessons, as well as our monthly tournaments during the summer,” said Henshaw, who’s added three more instructors because of growth. “It is mostly adults and seniors, but we have seen an uptick in youth participation as well.”

With an official pickleball court measuring 20-feet wide by 44-feet long, one-third the size of a tennis court, the sport focuses more on agility and balance. This combined with other rules makes the game very inclusive.

Fun for all ages

“It’s a very good sport for people of all ages,” Henshaw said. “It is highly competitive, but you don’t need elite athleticism necessarily to excel at pickleball.”

While others were just enjoying a nice summer day at Old Farm Park last Saturday, Julian (28) and Murali (43) were one of the teams participating in the Kentwood tournament.

“I first started playing down in Florida while staying at my grandma’s condo,” Julian said. “After that I started playing here and Belknap. It’s amazing to see how many people have started playing recently and all the new courts that have been built.”

Murali said the environment sold him on the game.

“The social aspect of meeting all kinds of different people,” he explained. “It really is like our own community.”

Beer City Open: $90,000 in prize money

For some players, the Kentwood tournament on July 16 served as a warmup for the Beer City Open, one of the largest USPA-sanctioned events in the Midwest. When registration opened for the event, more than 900 participants signed up within 10 minutes.

Hosted by the Grand Rapids Pickleball Club, the Beer City Open runs from July 20-24 at Belknap Park in Grand Rapids and features $90,000 in total prize money.

For more information about pickleball or other programs, visit the Kentwood Parks and Recreation website or the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Facebook. 

High school sports participation up 6.6 percent after COVID-19 pandemic

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
Wyoming Potter’s House Christian’s Lezawe Osterink (left) was a state champion in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs at last spring’s Division 4 track and field finals, and was a member of the winning 3,200-meter relay with teammates Ian Palacios, Jackson Rodriguez and Logan Swiney. Osterink also won the D-4 boys cross country individual title last fall. The boys team placed third at the track and field finals and 12th in cross country. (Courtesy of MHSAA)

By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Participation in Michigan High School Athletic Association sports rebounded tremendously during the 2021-22 school year, despite a slight decline in enrollment among the MHSAA’s 750-member high schools.



Big decline during COVID-19

The onset of COVID-19 during the spring of 2020 was followed by a significant decline in participation in sports during 2020-21. However, participation for the most recent school year concluding last spring saw an increase of 6.6 percent from 2020-21 to a total of 260,542 participants across the 28 sports for which the MHSAA sponsors postseason tournaments – even as statewide enrollment fell nearly 1 percent to 440,728 students this past school year.



Girls participation increased 6.8 percent to 109,128 athletes, while boys participation was up 6.5 percent at 151,414. The overall MHSAA participation totals count students once for each sport in which they participate, meaning students who are multiple-sport athletes are counted more than once.



“We’re excited to see participation beginning to rebound, and in a big way in a number of sports,” said Geoff Kimmerly, MHSAA communications director. “Something reaffirmed during the months of COVID-19 shutdowns and delays was the value of sports in our school communities, and we expect those participation numbers to continue to rise as more families feel comfortable and we continue to learn more and more about best practices for living and competing while the coronavirus remains with us.



“Something else to consider is how our participation has begun to bounce back even as enrollment in our member schools has continued to decline slightly. Michigan generally ranks higher in participation nationally than for student-aged population, and while we may not be at our pre-COVID levels yet, we do anticipate our numbers to keep growing during 2022-23.”

The Forest Hills Northern girls tennis team won the Division 2 state championship last spring. (Courtesy of MHSAA)

Track and field, boys skiing lead way

A total of 23 sports saw increases in participation during 2021-22 compared to 2020-21. Ten sports saw double-digit percentage increases, led by boys track & field (27.2 percent to 22,120 participants), girls track and field (22.4 percent to 15,594 participants), and boys skiing (22.4 percent to 1,001 participants).



Wrestling (17.1 percent) and boys bowling (16.2 percent) also saw double-digit increases, along with girls tennis (11.4 tennis), girls bowling (11.2 percent), girls competitive cheer (10.6 percent), boys golf (10.5 percent) and girls lacrosse (10 percent).

Girls boost wrestling numbers

Wrestling’s major boost came in part because of a nearly 300-percent increase in girls participants with 620 taking the mat for the first season of the MHSAA offering a girls championship division at its Individual Wrestling Finals.

Also enjoying increases in participation during 2021-22 from the previous year were girls golf (8.1 percent), girls skiing (7.6 percent), boys basketball (6.4 percent), girls soccer (6.3 percent), boys swimming and diving (6.1 percent), boys lacrosse (5.8 percent), softball (3.6 percent), girls basketball (3.1 percent), baseball (3 percent), boys tennis (2.8 percent), football (2.4 percent), girls volleyball (2 percent) and girls swimming and diving (1.2 percent).

Decreased participation

Five sports saw decreased participation in 2021-22, including boys soccer (0.21 percent with 28 fewer participants), girls cross country (1.4 percent), boys ice hockey (1.2 percent), boys cross country (3.9 percent) and girls gymnastics (4.6 percent).

Football highest participation

Football, with a combined 33,284 participants over the 11- and 8-player formats, remained the most-played sport during the 2021-22 school year. Boys track and field (22,120) and boys basketball (20,017) were next for total participants, followed by girls volleyball (18,798), the most popular girls sport, baseball (16,528) and girls track and field (15,594).

Golf and skiing enjoy high participation

While the majority of sports are still building back to their pre-COVID participation totals, golf and skiing posted some of their highest totals in some time. Boys golf (6,829) had its most participants since 2012-13, and girls golf (3,875) its highest total since 2003-04. The boys skiing total (1,001) was its highest since 2002-03, and the girls skiing total this past season (837) was the highest for that sport since 1998-99.

The participation figures are gathered annually from MHSAA member schools to submit to the National Federation of State High School Associations for compiling of its national participation survey. Results of Michigan surveys from the 2000-01 school year to present may be viewed on the MHSAA Website


	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Gerald R. Ford International Airport awarded $8.7 million for improvements
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local Business, Politics, Travel, West Michigan, , , , , 					

	


		

		

By Cris Greer





WKTV Managing Editor





greer@wktv.org







The Gerald R. Ford International Airport will receive nearly $8.7 million in federal funding to install eight new passenger boarding bridges.







Gerald R. Ford International Airport to receive nearly $8.7 million for terminal improvements. (Courtesy)




The Federal Aviation Administration funding, announced by U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, was made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Signed into Law Last Year






“This funding will support eight new passenger boarding bridges in 2023 to further enhance the guest experience and provide growth opportunities for airline service in West Michigan for years to come,” said Torrance Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. ”We are thankful for the investment in community infrastructure by Senator Stabenow and Senator Peters, which allows the Gerald R. Ford International Airport to compete nationally for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding to invest in our passenger terminal.”






This funding is from the Airport Terminal Program. Senators Stabenow and Peters helped secure these funds in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.






“Having reliable and safe air service is crucial for tourism, commerce, and economic development,” Senator Stabenow said. “This funding is another critical piece of the infrastructure investments coming to our state and will improve customer experiences at our airports.”







Gerald R. Ford International Airport. (Courtesy)




The Airport Terminal Program is one of three aviation programs created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The law provides $1 billion annually for five years for Airport Terminal grants.






“Airports play a critical role in boosting Michigan’s economy by connecting communities and businesses to important destinations and resources,” Senator Peters said. 





“I was proud to help secure this federal support through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help Gerald Ford International Airport make necessary upgrades to critical infrastructure, ensuring it can continue to welcome and transport travelers safely and efficiently for years to come.”

The Airport also will receive a $3.6 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for infrastructure improvements. The funding will go toward expanding the airport’s snow removal equipment building, as well as reconstructing existing airport service roads, runway lighting systems and the aircraft rescue and firefighting building.











	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Training center helping more athletes through Midwest United Football Club
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local Business, West Michigan, WKTV Featured sports, WKTV Journal In Focus, , , , 					

	


		

		

By Philip Janowski





WKTV Contributing Writer





Local husband and wife business owners Daimond Dixon and Regina Russell-Dixon have landed a big win with their training company.


Alpha Human Performance, located at 3233 Eastern Ave., has been named the official Preferred Sport Performance Training Partner for the Midwest United Football Club. That’s the football that’s commonly known as soccer.






Alpha Human Performance co-owner Daimond Dixon stands alongside portraits of visiting athletes. (Philip Janowski)




Alpha Human Performance (Alpha for short) trains athletes from a variety of sports, including American football, basketball, softball, swimming and volleyball. 






“We are excited to get the opportunity to help so many soccer players reach their potential,” said Daimond, who was a walk-on member of the University of Miami 1991 national championship football team. “Our programs use various methods of training along with cutting edge technology while focusing on our Four Pillars: Mindset, Training, Performance and Recovery.” 






As Director of Operations, Daimond is responsible for training and Alpha’s fitness programs. Regina, a GVSU grad with a business degree, runs the administrative and business side of the company. The couple met in Michigan and has been together for nearly 20 years.






“Going into business with my wife was great; she’s very smart,” said Daimond, who played more than a decade of minor league football for several Midwest teams. “She set up the entire business side. I know training, I know performance. I’ve done it for two-and-a-half decades.






“So, we came together and crafted out an ideal formula for how we can take the training and actually make it into a business.”






Daimond began his training career in 1995, and since then has worked with teams and individuals at every level from high school to the professionals. Today, Alpha collaborates with local businesses such as Athleta, Clean Juice and Xtreme Cryo.






Becoming a Preferred Sport Performance Training Partner means offering direct training to Midwest United Football Club members. Alpha has become the standard for how Midwest United trains its athletes, and Midwest’s teams will be coming to Alpha to train.







Athletes train in Alpha Human Performance’s open turf area. (Philip Janowski)




Midwest United, which began in 1990 under the moniker GRASA (Grand Rapids Area Soccer Association), was the first youth select soccer club in Grand Rapids. The initial registration was 60 players from around the area and it was from these humble beginnings that it has evolved into one of the Midwest’s top clubs.






Alpha’s 6,500 square foot facility includes several options and opportunities for training. A Full Strength area includes up-to-date strength training and conditioning equipment. The open turf area is dedicated to movement-based training and sports performance. Upstairs is the recovery lounge, providing the latest tools for rest from the rigors of training and performance. 






Motivation and mindset are key parts of Alpha’s training. Alpha works with a journaling program called Win the Mental Game, a journal for athletes. Mindset involves building a competitive mindset, and being aware moment-by-moment during a game.






“It’s all about intrinsic motivation,” Daimond summarized. Alpha isn’t about traditional training where athletes are constantly given orders on what to do next. Athletes should be motivated to pursue better and better personal performance by their own energy.







Alpha Human Performance co-owner Daimond Dixon (lower right) trains athletes at his facility on 3233 Eastern Ave. (Philip Janowski)




Notable local athletes that Alpha has trained include NBA players Xavier Tillman of Michigan State and the Memphis Grizzlies, as well as Duane Washington Jr. of Ohio State and the Indiana Pacers. American Football player Mike Brown of the Minnesota Vikings has worked with Alpha, and in volleyball Aubrey O’Gorman of Michigan State.






Alpha offers programs for non-athletes as well, in Adult Performance Programs. Classes are similar to those that the pros follow, with an easier start, of course.






“It’s about human performance,” Daimond said. “Push, pull, rotate, squat, lunge. We train in things which every single person needs. Before you’re an athlete, you’re a human. We all do the same things.”






Daimond noted that he trained a lot of area trainers when they were kids.






“My wife says I should get a shirt that says ‘I trained your trainers’.”






For more information on Alpha, log on to alpha-hp.com






	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Meijer Gardens’ Holocaust memorial designed as a place to remember, reflect
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local History, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, West Michigan, , , , 					

	


		

		














By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributing Writer






Alissa VanderKooi said that her grandfather, Henry Pestka, would not often speak of his past life as a Jew in Nazi-occupied Germany.

 





“On that rare occasion that he would speak of this dark period of his life, his focus was never on the darkness but always on the light. His ability to see the light through the darkness is something that we pass on from generation to generation,” VanderKooi said. 







“Ways to Say Goodbye”by Ariel Schlesinger. (Photo by D.A. Reed)




One such story Henry chose to tell his granddaughter was of a paint store worker who would offer him a piece of bread when he was brought in by Nazi soldiers to buy paint. Even after a soldier threatened to kill her, the worker worked out a signal with Henry so she would know if, depending on who his guard was that day, it was safe to give him the bread.






“This memory that my grandfather chose to share with me was one of the kindness of a stranger during the darkest of times,” said VanderKooi.






In honor of Pestka and the millions of Jews who perished in the Holocaust the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park through a partnership with The Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids recently dedicated the Holocaust memorial Ways to Say Goodbye. The piece, which was made possible through a donation from Pestka family, was created by artist Ariel Schlesinger in 2019 and was originally on display in the United Kingdom.






“As time goes on and memories of the Holocaust fade, it is important to remember the barbarity human beings are capable of,” said Steve Pestka, son of Henry Pestka. “It is equally important to contemplate the strength of the survivors and their ability to continue and rebuild their lives. It is our hope that this work of art will promote an appreciation of our shared humanity and a reminder that hatred and intolerance continue to this day and the consequences of the ultimate dehumanization of human beings.”






Henry’s Story






During World War II, the Pestka family were prisoners of Auschwitz, a concentration camp in Poland. Both of Henry’s parents and all of his siblings perished during the Holocaust. Henry was the sole survivor of his family and attributed his survival to being given a job as a painter.







Henry Pestka’s son, Steve, speaks to the crowd during the June 30 dedication. (Photo by D.A. Reed)




After surviving the Holocaust, Henry lived for a short time in Paris before joining his only living relatives, an aunt and uncle who had moved to New York City before the war. He was not a fan of the big city and remembered one of his father’s friends, Sam Weissman, who had moved to America from Poland before the war and came to live in Grand Rapids. Henry wrote a letter to Weissman and asked if there would be any work for him in Grand Rapids. Weissman assured Henry he would be able to make a living in West Michigan.






It was in Grand Rapids that Henry found the family and community he previously lost.






“He felt embraced by the people here and the sense of community he so desired,” VanderKooi said. “He never spoke of the hardship of learning a new language or being an outsider. Instead, he always spoke of the warm embrace he received from his community and the opportunities made available to him.”






Henry married Weissman’s niece Beatrice Bergman and began a family. He built a very successful real estate development business becoming known as a pillar of the community. Henry passed away in 2013 at the age of 93, and the sense of belonging he found in Grand Rapids is what prompted the Pestka family to choose West Michigan as the place to honor his memory and those of the six million Jews lost in the Holocaust.






“We are deeply grateful for this gift adding such an important work of art to our permanent collection,” said David Hooker, President & CEO of Meijer Gardens in supplied material. “Our community will forever benefit from this extraordinary gift which serves to educate and promote peace.”






Saying Goodbye







Artist Ariel Schlesinger speaks to a guest after the June 30 dedication. (Photo by D.A. Reed)




Ways to Say Goodbye, a 20-foot-tall aluminum cast of a fig tree with shards of glass inserted among the branches, can be found in the Garden’s outdoor Sculpture Park and is considered an exceptional work of contemporary sculpture dealing with themes of profound loss and grief. Modeled after a living fig tree in northern Italy, Schlesinger chose this metaphor of the Jewish people and their history because of its symbolism of the Jewish struggle for survival both during and after the Holocaust. While appearing fragile and clinging to life, the fig tree is also representative of great endurance.






The shards of glass in the tree represent Kristallnack, or Night of Broken Glass, which took place on Nov. 9-10, 1938. On those nights, the Nazi regime encouraged Germans to riot against Jews and nearly 100 Jewish people died.






During the ceremony, Schlesinger, who is most known for his public sculpture outside the Jewish Museum in Frankfurt, posed the question: “How is it possible to relate to complete horror through artistic representation?” The artist admitted the weight of his task, “which is (to) acknowledge traumas, grief, and losses in the form of public remembrance.”






“While this is not an act of representation, but rather recognition…of an important aspect of our beings,” Schlesinger continued. “To celebrate humans’ resilience even after catastrophe. Here, people will come, look, and survey this dream. The images reflected in the viewer’s eyes will also include sky, clouds, the trees around. Everyone sees what their heart and soul see. With our past, imagining a better future for all.”






A place to remember, reflect







Frederik Meijer Gardens CEO David Hooker with Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids Executive Director Nicole Katzman (Photo by D.A. Reed)




Meijer Gardens and the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids see Ways to Say Goodbye as a gathering place for the Jewish community of Grand Rapids, offering a place to reflect, pray, and remember, while also being a teaching tool for educators both locally and nationally to address the Holocaust and its legacy.






“For our generation, (the Holocaust) is unfathomable,” said Pestka family friend, Shannon Gales. “So it’s wonderful that they are doing this and honoring the memory to continue to remember.”






David Alfonso, MD and JFGR Board Chair said, “It is incumbent upon us, as well as the generations that will follow us, to tell their stories so that we may embody the saying, ‘Never Again.’ We hope that this sculpture will serve as a beacon of light, a means of inspiration and education, for future generations that will view it and carry on its message of hope and remembrance.”






VanderKooi agreed: “History, the good and the bad, has a way of repeating itself and it is our responsibility, not just as Jews, but as a society, to educate ourselves about the bad in order to prevent it from being repeated or denied.”






Cantor Rachel Gottlieb Kalmowitz ended the ceremony with these inspirational words: “Let the pain of our memories and the love of those lost spur us to educate and inspire, to mourn and to hope, and to do all that we can to ensure the voracity of our words when we say, ‘Never Again.’”






To learn the stories of Henry Pestka and other West Michigan Holocaust survivors, visit West Michigan Holocaust Memorial, a Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids website made possible by the Finkelstein Brothers Endowment.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Support Sheldon House by donating your items for upcoming sale
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, How-To's, Non-Profits, West Michigan, , 					

	


		

		

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org  







Clean and usable items may be dropped off on June 25 and 26 at 2929 Ottawa Ave. SW, Grandville. (Supplied)




Have some unwanted items that need a new home? Cherry Health is looking for gently used or new items for an upcoming community thrift sale in support of the Sheldon House, a program focused on breaking the stigma of mental illness.






Cleaned and usable items may be dropped off from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26, at 2929 Ottawa Ave. SW, Grandville. Items that will not be accepted are mattresses, sleeper sofas, cribs/car seats, tube TVs, stuffed animals, and hazardous chemicals/waste.






If you are looking for assistance in cleaning out, Moxie Life Organizing, which is partnering with Cherry Health for the sale, offers serves from life consulting to full-service decluttering, organizing, and staging.






The sale will be at the same location, 2929 Ottawa Ave., SW, on Wednesday, June 29, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Half price items will be available starting at noon on June 30.






Sheldon House is a clubhouse model program that provides support, opportunity and resources to adults with mental illness in Kent County. With the help of personal staff, members attending Sheldon House have a place to feel accepted, needed and supported. Other benefits include gaining skills, obtaining employment, pursuing education opportunities and building a support system.






The upcoming sale proceeds will be used to support Sheldon House’s members who are aspiring to achieve their personal goals and contribute to the communities they live in. Cherry Health’s Sheldon House program is one of 47 Clubhouse Programs in Michigan and among hundreds of clubhouses worldwide. The accredited program provides strong outcomes, including improved physical and mental health, decreased hospitalizations, reduced incarcerations, greater employment opportunities, and increased overall quality of life for those living with mental illness.






For more about the Sheldon House project and the sale, visit the Sheldon House website.







Moxie Life Organizing helps turn this into…





…an organized space that looks like this.



	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Michigan law makes fight for municipal broadband an uphill battle
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Tech Trends, West Michigan, , , , , , , 					

	


		

		

By Sheila McGarth
WKTV Contributing Writer 







There are a number of reasons that a municipality may seek government-run broadband such as faster service at a lower cost, encourage economic development, and provide economic development. (pxhere.com)




For more than a decade, municipalities around the United States have been starting their own government-run broadband networks to bring high-speed internet to their residents. 






They might do so for a variety of reasons: to provide residents faster service at a lower cost, to encourage economic development, to provide high-speed internet to areas that private Internet Service Providers aren’t interested in serving, or to bring more economical connections to urban areas where residents can’t afford the service provided by private ISPs.






But due to laws on the books in Michigan, cities can face significant obstacles in starting their own network.






Michigan is one of 18 states that put restrictions on municipal broadband programs. Under the Metropolitan Extension Telecommunications Rights-of-Way Oversight Act of 2002, public entities can provide telecommunications services only if they have first requested bids for the services and received fewer than three qualified bids. They also must subject themselves to the same terms as those specified in their Request for Proposal.

 





Around the United States, measures regulating municipal broadband are enacted largely due to the influence of telecommunications companies wishing to be shielded from competition, according to MuniNetworks.org, a Community Broadband Networks Initiative of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.






According to the Common Cause Education Fund, which tracked the spending of telecommunications companies for the years 2019 and 2020, Comcast spent $13 million on lobbying in 2019 and $14 million in 2020. The company spent $15 million on political contributions and expenditures in the 2020 election cycle. AT&T spent $11.5 million on lobbying in 2019, $11 million in 2020, and $13 million in political contributions in 2020.






Some small cities in the Michigan, such as Marshall, have been able to start their own network because they sent out a Request for Proposal and no ISPs responded, according to the Battle Creek Enquirer.














The City of Holland is hoping to be the next Michigan city to have its own fiber network available to all residents. Holland plans to expand an existing downtown network to every address in the city if voters approve a millage in August that would pay for its construction. The city’s Board of Public Works would run the fiber network as a public utility.






Holland is exempt from the Metro Act provisions because their fiber system predates the Metro Act, according to Ted Siler, utility services director for the city. They started it in the 1990s to connect their public utilities.






But even though the regulations don’t affect Holland’s plans to build a fiber network in the city, there are still parties pushing to stop it.






In late May, Holland residents began getting a “push poll” text from G1 Research. While purporting to be an opinion poll, the questions aligned with talking points by conservative commentators who believe municipal broadband networks place a unnecessary burden on taxpayers.






Daniel Morrison, a broadband activist who leads the civic group hollandfiber.org, said he didn’t know who was behind the push poll. All he had were “rumors and suspicions,” he said.






But he believes the Holland community supports the plan.






“I think the community is behind this because we have such a well-respected utility that takes good care of us,” he said. “It’s very clear to residents why a community-owned broadband utility fits in really well and would be an improvement over what they have now.”






Telecommunications companies aren’t the only ones trying to halt municipal broadband networks. Conservative lawmakers routinely introduce legislative restrictions because they feel municipal networks raise taxes and are not a cost-effective solution.







Holland representatives believe there is support to have a government-run broadband within their city.




Some studies have shown that municipal networks don’t attract enough users to pay for themselves. Elizabeth Hicks, U.S. affairs analyst at the advocacy group the Consumer Choice Center, cites a 2017 study by the University of Pennsylvania Law School concluding that of 20 municipal fiber projects that reported results of their municipal operations, 11 generated negative cash flow, and only two were on track to break even.






“What happens if there’s not enough consumers who end up signing up for the municipal broadband services or network? If that does happen – and what we see happen across the country with other municipal broadband networks – is the taxpayers within that municipality are stuck holding the bag for this failed network. So not only do they have a network that doesn’t work, but now they’re paying for it with their own tax dollars.”






But according to MuniNetworks.org, several of the cities that were subjects of the University of Pennsylvania Law School study disputed the accuracy of the numbers used in the calculations. The authors of the study issued a correction to some aspects of their report. The University of Pennsylvania released an updated study in January this year which again found that the actual performance of municipal broadband projects fell short of their financial forecasts.






Hicks said she believes everyone should have access to high-speed internet at reasonable prices, but that municipal networks are not the most effective way to do that. She said she has seen public-private partnerships work in rural areas where it’s cost-prohibitive to bring fiber. Cable and satellite service could be other options to consider, she said, or government subsidies for broadband in areas where there are ISPs providing service, but it’s too expensive for residents.






“There are a lot of unique solutions – I just don’t think jumping to a municipal broadband network should be the first one,” she said, adding that more than 200 communities nationwide currently offer municipal broadband, but only a small percentage of them have been successful.






In Holland, if the ballot measure passes, city residents will pay a millage of about $12.50 per month for building the system. Those who choose to connect would pay about $42 per month for service of 1 gigabit per second. The cost will depend on the “take rate,” in other words, how many people sign up. The more people who sign up for the service, the lower the cost will go.






Holland leaders are confident they will have the numbers needed to ensure success. The City and its Board of Public Works surveyed residents in 2018 and found that the vast majority of residents were in favor of a community-owned solution that provides high-speed internet access.






Morrison said demand for fiber connection in Holland’s existing downtown pilot project area has been strong. They have more than 200 customers in 150 buildings, he said.






The Covid pandemic and the lockdowns that followed brought the need for high-speed internet into sharp focus, he said.






“Everyone understands now the value of a good, reliable internet connection. We look at our very reliable utility that has been lowering electric rates, and say ‘We want (internet service) to be a utility just like water, sewer, or electricity.’ That’s what we want. We want to be in control of our own destiny. Not leave that up to a big telecom company.”

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Holland to offer high-speed internet if Aug. 2 proposal passes
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Local Business, Our Cities, Tech Trends, West Michigan, , , 					

	


		

		

By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer 







On Aug. 2, the City of Holland could join a short list of cities that has broadband as a city utility. (pxhere.com)




When Holland voters go to the polls on Aug. 2, they will decide on a milage proposal that would give residents a benefit that’s relatively rare in the United States: a publicly funded, city-wide broadband internet network available to anyone living within the city limits.

 





The Holland City Council voted in April to take the measure to the voters. Now, the city is immersed in a campaign to educate voters about the benefits of the proposal.






If the ballot measure passes, Holland would join cities like Chattanooga, Tennessee; Sandy, Oregon; Cedar Falls, Iowa, and several others spread around the country that have a broadband network run by the municipality.






“Covid made it very clear that home internet is not a luxury,” said Daniel Morrison, a local broadband advocate who runs Hollandfiber.org, a civic group that has long championed the idea. “I’ve been banging this drum for years – that it’s not just people’s Netflix. It’s a utility. Covid changed the perception of that. It’s how you work. It’s how you go to school, it’s how you do everything, It’s not just entertainment. But even entertainment is important too.”






If the ballot measure passes, the funds raised by the millage will extend a fiber network that already exists in the downtown area to the rest of the city. The network will be owned and maintained by the Holland Board of Public Works and operated in the same way as other utilities, such as water or electricity.






“For the average family, we expect this would give them better choice in internet providers and lower – possibly significantly lower – prices,” Morrison said. “Better service at a lower price is what we’re seeing.” 







Downtown business in Holland already have been enjoying the faster upload speeds offered by the city’s fiber connections. (pxhere.com)




Residents would be able to choose between several different Internet service providers that offer service packages using the new fiber network, bringing a more competitive environment. 






Residents would pay to hook up to the service – $820  per address – but would be allowed to pay that off at a cost of $7 per month for 10 years, according to hollandcityfiber.org, the city website explaining the proposal. A sample internet service bill provided by the city shows an estimated monthly cost of $42 for internet service – $7 for the monthly installment payment for connection,  $7 for internet access and $28 for maintenance of the network.






The millage would levy up to 1.5 mills in its first year, and about 1.12 each year after that for the life of the 25-year bond, according to hollandcityfiber.org. The millage would cost about $12.50 per month for the owner of a $200,000 home with a taxable value of $100,000. If approved, the project to run the fiber throughout the city would start in 2023 and be finished two years later.






Morrison said that for businesses in Holland, the service would let them take advantage of high-speed uploads they may not have had before. Businesses in the existing downtown service area are already reaping the benefits, he said.






“There are some companies in town that do video work and they’re able to upload finished projects crazy fast over our current downtown service area,” Morrison said. “It’s unlocking so much potential of high-speed, high-availability options for businesses outside the downtown area.”






Pete Hofswell, Holland’s broadband services superintendent, said Holland first developed a fiberoptic system in the early 1990s  to connect, monitor and control the city’s public utilities.






That system has been growing slowly ever since, but expanding broadband access to the rest of the city has been a priority for many years, with ongoing discussions between the city council and the board of public works, Hofswell said.






“City Hall would get back to us and challenge us, saying ‘How can you get this service into more people’s hands?’ They see the value of it. They want to connect everybody in our town.”






A survey of residents taken in 2021 showed that 65% believed community investment was needed to ensure sufficient broadband access for all, and more than 72% agreed that community based broadband would benefit the community, according to hollandcityfiber.org.






Because Holland has had its fiber optic network for decades, the city is in a unique position to expand its network without being hampered by regulations that might affect other communities attempting to put a publicly funded fiber network in place.






The services are governed by the Metropolitan Extension Telecommunications Rights-of-Way Oversight Act, Public Act 48 of 2002, and Michigan Telecommunications Act, Public Act 179 of 1991. In Michigan, public entities by law can provide telecommunications services only if they have first requested bids for the services and received fewer than three qualified bids. And they have to abide by same terms and conditions as those specified in their request for proposals.






But Ted Siler, utility services director for the city, said that because Holland has been providing broadband service for more than 30 years and its service predates the Metro Act, “we’re exempt and grandfathered in.”






Morrison said he’s not worried about regulation popping up to derail Holland’s plans. But other communities might not be so lucky.






“The telecom companies have had their hands in legislation for decades to try to prevent cities from doing what we’re doing. We’re lucky that we been doing this for 30 years in Holland so we’re unaffected by that legislation now,” he said. “But I feel bad for other communities that won’t  have the same luxury we do. It’s going to be harder for them.”

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Annual Heritage Hill Weekend Tour of Homes is back and welcomes visitors
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Local History, Our Cities, Recreation, West Michigan, , , , 					

	


		

		

By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributing Writer






Jim Payne and Char Kruzich’s College Avenue home will be part of this year’s Heritage Hill Tour. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)





The annual Heritage Hill Weekend Tour of Homes is excited to welcome visitors May 21-22 after a two-year hiatus.






One of the country’s oldest urban historic districts, Heritage Hill has been heralded by “This Old House” as one of the country’s “Best Old House Neighborhoods.” The Heritage Hill Association encourages guests to explore seven homes of families who have courteously opened their doors, as well as two public buildings recently restored by Grand Rapids Community College.






More than 1,300 homes dating from 1843 compile Heritage Hill, and represent nearly every style of American architecture, from Greek Revival to Prairie. Since 1969, a varying line-up of seven to eight private homes and two to three historic buildings have been opened to the public each year with guides who share each building’s unique story and special features.






“This tour is a great opportunity to take a walk back in time,” Jim Payne, owner of Heritage Hill home located at 27 College Avenue NE, told WKTV. “Visitors get to experience different types of architecture and art and reflect on another era.”






The wood in the home is reflective of the original molding and floors. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)





Jim Payne and Char Kruzich opened the doors of their Heritage Hill home to this WKTV writer, willingly giving a tour of their well-loved and rehabilitated house. Built in 1882 and sporting the American Craftsman Style, 27 College Ave. is on the must-see list of homes on the Heritage Hill Tour.






Both freelance artists themselves, Jim and Char had a hand in every renovated detail, working closely for the more than 14 years with architect Mitch Witkowski and carpenter Tim Karsen and incorporating their own unique designs and artwork into their home. A distinctive integration into the residence are two art studios on the third floor, allowing the owners to “create while living in a work of art.”






Though almost all of the interior is new, Jim and Char kept the original floors of the home and even the original newel post to the staircase leading to the upper floors. “We kept the post and modeled the rest of the room and staircase around its original design,” Jim said.






A unique piece of history was found inside the walls of their historic home during the renovation. “There was a piece of trim from 1909, signed by the carpenter, inside the wall,” said Jim. “He had taped coins from that year to the wood.”






“Our carpenter did the same,” Char said with a smile. “He signed a piece of wood and then taped current coins to it before closing up the walls.”






While the inside of the home has been drastically altered, allowing better movement from room to room and improved airflow throughout the residence, the exterior has been restored to its original architectural design. Dormers and gables provide a complex façade and emphasize the Craftsman Style’s natural materials and fine craftsmanship.






When asked about restrictions for renovating their home due to the historic nature of the residence, Jim and Char said the only boundaries the Historic Preservation Commission, (HPC),  imposes on homeowners is in regard to the exterior of the homes.






“Color of paint is not restricted, but things that would alter the exterior of the home like windows, doors and railings, require HPC approval,” Jim said. “That way construction of decks and sliding glass doors, things that aren’t true to the era of the homes, are avoided.”






  • The exterior of the home at 27 College Ave. NE
  • The entrance
  • The dining area
  • The living room
  • Living space
  • Office space
  • Living area
  • An original post and molding





While there might be restrictions on outside renovations, Jim and Char said HPC has no boundaries on the interior of the home. This allows historic homeowners to preserve the exterior architecture while creating an interior that suits their personal tastes.






“They want you to be able to rehabilitate these homes,” Char said. “They want you to be able to raise families here. To live here, not just reside here.”






Jim agreed. “The Historic Preservation Commission was a great help during the remodel.”






The homeowners revealed that their neighborhood is like a second family. Moving to College Avenue in 1981, they rented a home for five years before buying their current home in 1986, giving them 40 years in their current community.






“Owners or renters, it doesn’t matter,” said Char. “We are all treated like family and are all close.”






The neighborhood even formed the North College Block Club, with families gathering socially many times a year. “Our own kitchen has seen a lot of action,” Char said as she tapped the counter next to her.






Jim and Char urge community members to come out and experience the masterpieces compiling Heritage Hill.

 





Advance tickets are $18 and can be found at www.heritagehillweb.org. To obtain tickets by check, send to the Heritage Hill Association, 126 College SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Tickets purchased on the days of the tour are $25.






Proceeds benefit the Heritage Hill Association’s programs that support the historic preservation of this unique neighborhood and assist with land use, planning, engaging neighbors and community resources, and crime prevention.






More information about the annual tour and the homes and businesses opening their doors can also be found at www.heritagehillweb.org or by calling 616-459-8950.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Caledonia Community Schools to honor beloved former orchestra teacher with concert tribute
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Education, West Michigan, , , 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org 






A memory board in the middle school’s orchestra room celebrates the contributions and impact former orchestra teacher David Sowerby had on the staff and students. (Supplied)





Caledonia Community Schools is honoring the district’s beloved former orchestra teacher by dedicating the middle school’s final orchestra concert, set for Tuesday, May 10, to him.






David Sowerby died on Nov. 13, 2021 after a long battle with Crohn’s Disease. Since Sowerby’s passing, students and staff at Caledonia Community Schools have rallied together to honor his memory. Sowerby is remembered as an amazing, inspirational teacher who made people laugh, and a loving husband and father.






The final Caledonia Middle School orchestra concert for this year will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 10 at Duncan Lake Middle School, 9757 Duncan Lake Ave., and the theme for the concert is “Inspired by Mr. Sowerby.” The concert will include several special performances such as “Fantasia on an Original Theme,” which Caledonia High School students have been invited to perform along with the middle school orchestra.






“When David passed, I knew we needed to do something to honor his memory and contributions to our music program,” said Megan Anderson, interim Intermediate and Middle School orchestra director. “I wanted to let the students grieve his passing but also remember all the wonderful things about him. We discussed as a class what we should do and determined a musical tribute to David would be most fitting.”






“When we heard about Mr. Sowerby’s passing, we decided to do something that will keep his memory alive in our school,” said Landry Hammond and Hannah Bennet, eighth-grade orchestra students. “We were sad together, and I think we were able to manage our grief by using music as an outlet.”






A portrait of David Sowerby by Caledonia art teacher Christine Cosgrove. (Supplied)





In addition to the concert, students and staff have installed memory boards in Sowerby’s former orchestra classroom, complete with photos, memories from students, and a drawing of Sowerby by a Caledonia Community Schools art teacher Christine Cosgrove.






“At that time the students approached me about creating a portrait of Mr. Sowerby to add to their collection,” Cosgrove said. “I felt very honored to be able to offer something that I love to do to remember Mr. Sowerby and it was such a great way to honor him while also unifying the arts.“

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Empowering messages through music, meet the Epitones
		

		
		

			Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , , 					

	


		

		

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer






The Epitones was one of three finalists in The Stray Cafe’s first Battle of the Bands competition held in March. (Courtesy/The Stray Cafe)





Original music should tell a story in a “unique way,” says drummer Matt DeRuiter of the Epitones.






“We strive to share empowering messages and love through our music, along with creating an environment for people to express themselves while listening,” he says in a recent email to WKTV Journal.






His band was one of the three finalists in a recent Battle of the Band competition at The Stray Café located in Wyoming.






Influenced heavily by Pink Floyd and Umphrey’s McGee, DeRuiter says the self-taught trio from Grand Rapids describe their sound as “Psychedelic Rock.” The group also includes lead guitarist/vocalist Chris Gill and bassist Colin Darling.






DeRuiter answered a few other questions about the band.






WKTV Journal: How did the band get its name?






DeRuiter:  We spent quite a long time trying to settle on a name and decided on this as both of our guitarists are tone junkies, continue to experiment with new techniques and tones, and are consistently refining their sound. We got the idea from “Epic Tones” and then combined it to be Epitones.






WKTV: How did you get together?






DeRuiter: We formed as a three-piece in 2018, though we have all been friends playing together on and off casually and in different projects since 2012.






WKTV: What are the band’s goals?






The Epitones formed in 2018. (Courtesy/The Stray Cafe)





DeRuiter: We hope to wrap up a few singles this year and to continue playing larger shows. This is our first year playing festivals such as Cowpie, so we hope to continue playing more festivals, new venues, and to work with bigger bands in the area.






WKTV: How do you describe the West Michigan music scene?






DeRuiter: Being relatively new to the scene it has been somewhat difficult to gain traction, especially during Covid. Though as we continue to play more shows we have gained a steady following and are starting to get some more recognition as a band. This Battle of The Bands was a great way to share our music and network with fellow musicians.






Upcoming Performances:






Playing at the Deck in Muskegon June 26 and July 24, playing Dunesville Music Festival, Cowpie Music Festival, and Walk the Beat in Grand Haven.






Learn more about the band on its Facebook Page.



















John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Paddle Antrim warns paddlers to take extra caution during early season outings
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Environment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, Weather, West Michigan, , , 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org 






Paddle Antrim warns paddlers to take precautions to protect themselves from heightened dangers of sudden, unexpected cold-water immersion while on early season paddling outings.





It has been a slow start to spring in Northern Michigan and the water remains colder than usual this time of year. While paddlers and boaters are itching to get out on the water, Paddle Antrim warns paddlers to take precautions to protect themselves from heightened dangers of sudden, unexpected cold-water immersion while on early season paddling outings.






While spring is in the air and outside temperatures are warming, lake temperatures are much cooler. When water temperatures are below 70 degrees, paddlers should wear a wetsuit or a full immersion dry suit with insulating layers. Sudden immersion in cold water can cause gasping and inhalation of water and hypothermia, resulting in unconsciousness or swimming failure as muscles become numb. Wearing a life jacket may keep your head above water and support your body should your swimming ability fail, or you become unconscious.






“We encourage people to get out and enjoy the water, but we also want to make sure people are safe at all times,” says Paddle Antrim Executive Director, Deana Jerdee. “Changing winds, stronger than usual currents, equipment failure – these are just a few unexpected elements that can cause paddlers to end up in dangerous situations. No one is ever expecting to fall in while paddling but it happens, and paddlers need to dress for being in the water, not for the air temperature.”






Cold water claims the lives of experienced and inexperienced paddlers each year. Please take the extra precautions to ensure your safety. Here are the five steps paddlers need to take before heading out on the water for any period:






  • Always wear a properly fitted life jacket. Simply stated, life jackets save lives;
  • Dress for the water temperature;
  • Avoid boating alone and always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Have a cell phone or VHF radio accessible, in a watertight bag, should you need to call for help;
  • Carry essential safety gear, signaling devices and whistles; and
  • Refrain from using alcohol.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Redistricting, retirements mean less clout in Congress
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Election, gov-order, West Michigan, , , , 					

	


		

		

By Eric Freedman
Capital News Service






LANSING – Regardless of which candidates win the November election for Michigan’s congressional seats and which party secures control of Congress, two important changes will be visible on Capitol Hill in January with serious implications for the state’s national clout.






First, Michigan’s delegation will shrink by one seat – from 14 to 13 – due to redistricting.






That’s because Michigan’s population stagnated during the past decade while the population of other states grew. In total, seven states are each losing one seat, including neighboring Ohio, with their reallocation to states in the West and South.






That grim reality sets a messy stage for the second major change: the departure of at least three familiar faces.






U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, Michigan’s longest-serving representative, will not run for another term.
U.S. House of Representatives: U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, Michigan’s longest-serving representative, will not run for another term.





Redistricting led U.S. Rep. Benda Lawrence, a liberal Democrat from Southfield, to retire rather than seek a fifth term. She’s the only African American in the Michigan delegation and a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee.






“As we have a new redistricting map, a new generation of leaders will step up,” Lawrence said in announcing her decision.






Redistricting also induced U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, the state’s longest-serving member, to withdraw from a contentious primary with fellow U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga of Zeeland. Redistricting put the two conservatives into the same district.






Upton, now in his 18th term, chaired the Energy and Commerce Committee when the GOP controlled the House.






But he faced a steep uphill battle to stay in Congress because of his vote to impeach then-President Donald Trump, who has endorsed Huizenga.






Announcing his retirement on the House floor, Upton said, “Even the best of stories has a last chapter.






“This is it for me. I’ve done the zillions of airline miles back and forth, have signed ‘Fred’ to over a million letters, cast more votes than anyone in this chamber while here and, by most accounts, have succeeded in making a difference accomplishing what I have set out to do with more unfinished work still yet to come.”






In suburban Detroit, liberal U.S. Reps. Haley Stevens of Rochester Hills and Andy Levin of Bloomfield Township are fighting each other in the Aug. 2 Democratic primary. Both chair subcommittees, Stevens in the Science, Space and Technology Committee and Levin in the Foreign Affairs Committee.






Only one will survive the primary.






Bill Ballenger, the publisher of the political newsletter “Ballenger Report” and a former state legislator and Cabinet member, said the changes will make it tougher for Michigan when it comes to federal appropriations, COVID relief and other aid from Washington.






U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence, D-Southfield, will not seek a fifth term after redistricting.
U.S. House of Representatives: U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence, D-Southfield, will not seek a fifth term after redistricting.





“It’s got to hurt the state’s ability to leverage influence in the Congress in the state’s direction,” said Ballenger, who once ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. House in a Republican primary.






He said the state’s clout is already much weaker than in the 1990s and early 2000s when the delegation contained long-serving members who chaired powerful committees and subcommittees, U.S. Reps. John Dingell of Trenton, Dale Kildee of Flint and John Conyers Jr. of Detroit.






Upton and Lawrence are far from alone in stepping down. As of April 6, 48 House members had announced they aren’t running again, according to Ballotpedia.org.






The average two-year election cycle sees 71 House members leaving, the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service said in a recent report.






“Members leave for a variety of reasons,” the report said. “Those could include resignation, death or chamber action,” a reference to expulsion for misconduct. The number includes defeated incumbents and ones who opted to seek other offices.






In addition, there’s no guarantee that voters will return all the state’s other incumbents to Washington.






Incumbent Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Detroit and GOP Reps. John Moolenaar of Midland, Peter Meijer of Grand Rapids, Tim Walberg of Tipton and Lisa McClain of Romeo all face primary opponents.

 





Neither of the state’s Democratic senators, Debbie Stabenow of Lansing or Gary Peters of Bloomfield Township, are up for reelection this year.











Eric Freedman is professor of journalism and former associate dean of International Studies and Programs. During his 20-year newspaper career, he covered public affairs, environmental issues and legal affairs for newspapers in New York and Michigan, winning a Pulitzer Prize for coverage of a legislative corruption scandal. He teaches environmental journalism and serves as director of the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism. He also teaches public affairs reporting, international journalism, feature writing and media law and serves as director of the school’s Capital News Service

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Building on last year’s success, The 49507 Project embarks on second summer
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Going Local, Local Business, Local Faces, Our Cities, West Michigan, , , , 					

	


		

		









By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer






Art will be in bloom again this summer on Grand Rapids’ south side.






The 49507 Project, launched in 2021, has lined up another summer of public art, education and listening sessions to change the narrative about the neighborhood in southeast and southwest Grand Rapids and help current residents claim it as their own.






Last summer saw the creation of seven new murals throughout the 49507 ZIP code, mostly at businesses with Black and Brown owners.






“Seven incredibly beautiful murals were brought to life by seven different Black and Brown artists,” said Marcel “Fable” Price, executive director of The Diatribe, the nonprofit that is spearheading the project. “We did mural unveilings for those, and the community really came out and showed up.”






Last year’s murals were painted at La Casa De La Cobija, Public Thread, Boost Mobile, 40 Acres Headquarters, The South East Market, Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses and The Old Goat.






“I think we all had our eyes opened to our neighborhood in a way  that we didn’t see before,” Price said. “More importantly, we showed people that projects like this are possible, and that we can make our neighborhoods look like we live here.”











The 49507 Project is being funded by a coalition of nearly a dozen businesses, foundations, neighborhood groups and city organizations. It is slated to run through 2023.






As part of the project, Petersen Research Consultants conducted a survey of community attitudes both before and after The 49507 Project began to assess whether perceptions of the neighborhood might change. According to a news release, a survey after the first year showed that residents felt the art represented how “we see things – colorful, vibrant, and a beautiful side of our culture.”






Business owners reported an improvement in perceptions of the neighborhood and saw increased foot traffic, the survey showed. Media results revealed an increase in positive news stories about the 49507 ZIP code within a year.






This summer, eight more murals are in the works and should be completed by August, Price said. They will be painted at the following locations:






  • Samaria J’s Salon Suite, 701 Grandville Ave SW 
  • Load A Spud, 1721 Madison Ave SE 
  • Farmers Insurance, 2435 Eastern Ave SE 
  • Mr. B’s Party Store, 1216 Kalamazoo Ave SE 
  • Aleman Auto Repair, 1801 Division Ave S. 
  • Cisneros Tires, 800 Division Ave S. 
  • 1956 Eastern Ave. 
  • 1935 Eastern Ave.






Art is just one aspect of the 49507 project. Listening sessions for both adults and young people were held last year, and several more of those events have already taken place this spring.






Educational sessions at Ottawa Hills High School, the Southwest Community Campus and Grand Rapids Public Museum School taught young people about the history of their neighborhoods, including the history of redlining, and about their fair housing rights.






Organizers hope that the 49507 Project will have a positive reach and if all goes well may extend into the Wyoming and Kentwood communities. (Supplied)





“We encourage them to get involved civically in their neighborhoods and teach them about ways that they can create change, get involved in the community and really share their voice and opinions,” Price said.






He said one of the things they have learned from listening sessions is that young people are looking for more activities in their neighborhoods. They’d love to see an amphitheater for concerts, and just more things to do in general.






In the community listening sessions, Price said he hears elders talk about all the programming and activities available for young people in days gone by.






“Now, when it comes summertime and there’s violence, we’re so up in arms, like ‘Why is this happening?’” he said. “We’re not continuing to offer programs, solutions, outlets, and invest in the community in the way we have in different points in time.”






Anyone who would like to get involved in The 49507 Project can learn more about volunteer opportunities and events on the website at thediatribe.org/the49507project/.






Price also encourages people to spread the word about the project on social media, and visit the area often.






“Come and enjoy the art but also support the businesses,” he said. “There’s some incredible food and incredible culture in our neighborhood, so please, immerse yourself.”

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Kent County official praises plan to repair state bridges
		

		
		

			3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Great Lakes, West Michigan, , , 					

	


		

		

By Sydney Bowler
Capital News Service






LANSING – From 2017 to 2021, the number of bridges in poor condition in Michigan increased from 1,146 to 1,240, according to the National Bridge Inventory.






A recently launched bridge bundling program by the Department of Transportation (MDOT) will tackle those numbers and is expected to repair up to 78 locally owned bridges that are in serious or critical condition, according to Dan Weingarten, the MDOT Superior region communications representative.






The pilot program, which began early March, will start repairs for 19 bridges this year.






The bundling program covers multiple bridge locations under one contract and repairs are already underway at five of the 19 bridges in Jackson, Macomb, Lapeer, Clinton and Ottawa counties.






The other 14 are in Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Lenawee, Lapeer, Livingston, Luce, Jackson, Macomb, Muskegon, Ottawa, St. Clair and St. Joseph counties.






“Michigan has aging bridge infrastructure and we have faced decades of underinvestment. Basically, bridges have been deteriorating faster than we can repair or replace them. This has created a growing inventory of bridges in poor condition,” said Weingarten.






The 19 bridges in Phase I were deemed high priority, Weingarten said.






Repair work underway on the abutment for the Byron Road bridge over the Black River in Ottawa County.
Michigan Department of TransportationRepair work underway on the abutment for the Byron Road bridge over the Black River in Ottawa County.





According to Weingarten, bridges are inspected at least every 24 months, but complex, moveable and large bridges are inspected more frequently. Bridges rated “poor” may be inspected as frequently as every six months, depending on the condition and details involved.






“People should not worry when they cross over or under a bridge. Bridges are inspected regularly and, if the bridge is open, it’s safe. MDOT and local agency bridge owners close unsafe bridges,” he said.






The repaired bridges could last up to 50 years before needing to be fixed again and could potentially last even longer with maintenance projects, Weingarten said.






The second phase of the project could repair or remove up to 59 other bridges. This phase focuses on closed or weight-restricted bridges, according to MDOT.






“The pilot project is being funded by Federal Highway Improvement Program dollars. Then, late last year, $196 million in federal COVID relief funds were appropriated,” Weingarten said. “This will allow the state to execute Phase II of the bridge bundling program, beginning later this year.”

 





The program has been backed at all levels, from federal to state to local.






“This is the most supportive program from the state for local bridges that I’ve ever seen,” said Wayne Harrall, the deputy managing director for engineering at the Kent County Road Commission in a press release. “The MDOT Bureau of Bridges has engaged with local agencies from the beginning, before there was even funding allocated to the effort.”






The County Road Association says the program is a great concept and would like it to bear some fruit in cost savings, according to Ed Noyola, its deputy director. The association represents 83 road agencies and provides legislative, operational and engineering advice.






But its main concern is that the project may run out of funding before work on all bridges is complete.






“Costs have gone up exponentially, and it’s a problem,” Noyola said. “The cost of material and labor is just going through the roof, and bridge projects are probably the most costly of all the road work that’s done that’s gone up.”






Weingarten said federal COVID relief funding for Phase II requires the money to be allocated by 2024 and spent by 2029, and MDOT intends to finish Phase II by then.






According to the National Bridge Inventory, a U.S. Department of Transportation database, there are 11,284 bridges in the state.






MDOT estimates it would cost $2 billion to get all state-owned bridges up to good or fair condition, and an additional $1.5 billion to do the same for all local government-owned bridges.






Weingarten said that MDOT bridge staff and consultants are doing the design and construction administration work, as well as providing engineering and contract negotiation expertise.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Three seek Wyoming mayor position along county and state candidates
		

		
		

			3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Our Cities, We The People, West Michigan, , , , , , , 					

	


		

		

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org 






Tuesday, April 19, was the last day for candidates to file for the upcoming fall elections with the residents of both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming have several new faces, and a few familiar ones, to consider for federal, state, and local government positions.






City of Wyoming






Wyoming City Hall. (WKTV)





With Mayor Jack Poll’s announcement that he would be retiring at the end of his term, three candidates have put their hats in the ring for the City of Wyoming’s mayor position, which is a nonpartisan four-year seat. Two of the candidates are long-time council members, Kent Vanderwood and current Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt and the third is a newcomer, Cliff Tompkins, who owns the Wyoming business Hair by Cliff.






The top two candidates from the Aug. 2 primary will face off in the Nov. 8 general election. Also in November, Wyoming residents will be selecting two Council Members at Large, four-year terms, from three candidates, Robert A. Arnoys, Renee Hill, and Robert Kilgo. First Ward Council Member Sheldon DeKryer is running unopposed for his four-year term.






City of Kentwood






While there are no City of Kentwood seats open for this year’s election cycle, the city is seeking a permanent recreation and trails millage of one mill in the Aug. 2 primary. If levied, the additional 1.0 mill is estimated to raise $2,345,537 in the first calendar year of the levy.






Kent County Commissioners






The Kent County Board of Commissioners (from a 2019 meeting). (Supplied/Kent County)





Like the federal and state governments, the Kent County Board of Commissioners also completed a redistricting. 






The redistricting adds two new district to Kent County for a total of 21 districts. One of those new districts, District 20, would encompass the norther portion of the City of Wyoming (Godfrey-Lee Public Schools area) along with some southern portions of the City of Grand Rapids, such as Roosevelt Park, Black Hills, and Burton Heights. It has been indicated by officials that the goal was to create a largely Hispanic district (the area is more than 50 percent Hispanic) to provide a voice to the county commission of the area’s largest minority group.






There are five candidates vying for the 20th District spot, two Democrats and three Republicans. The Democrats are Ivan Diaz and Charles Howe. The Republicans are Elisa Rodriguez, Alan Bolter, and Walter Bujak.






Other Kent County Districts that will be on the Aug. 2 Primary will be the 10th District, which through redistricting now includes a portion of the City of Kentwood, will be Republicans Emily Post Brieve (incumbent) and Bill Hirsch. The winner of the Republican race will face Democrat Julie Humphreys in November.






In the 12th District, Republicans Lee White and Adam R. Palasek will face off in the primary with the winner then moving on to face Democrat Monica Sparks (incumbent) in November.






The other Kent County district races within the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood have only one Democrat and Republican which means all those races will go straight to the November ballot. Those districts are:






7th District, which includes a western portion of Wyoming along with Grandville. Candidates: Republican Stan Ponstein (incumbent) and Democrat Sue Merrell.






8th District, which covers most of Wyoming. Candidates: Republican Dan Burrill (incumbent) and Democrat Jennie Chatman.






9th District, which includes a portion of southern Wyoming along with all of Byron Center. Candidates: Republican Matt Kallman (incumbent) and Democrat Chip LaFleur.











For a look at the district map of state and county, click here. 











State House of Representatives and Senate






Both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming will be under the 29th District for the state Senate. (Supplied)





Redistricting has changed both the state’s Senate and House of Representative seats for the two cities.






For the Senate, both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood will be part of the 29th District state Senate seat which also includes Grandville and East Grand Rapids along with portions of Grand Rapids Township and Grand Rapids east of the Grand River and south of Fulton Street. Two Republicans have put in their names, Tommy Brann, who is terming out this year from the 77th District state House seat, and Andrew Kroll. The winner of the Aug. 2 primary will face Democratic incumbent Winnie Brinks in November.






For the state House, the City of Wyoming is split between two districts. Most of the City of Wyoming will be part of the 83rd District along with a north portion of Grand Rapids (the Roosevelt Park area) and the Cutlerville area. There are three Democrats and one Republican vying for the seat. In the Aug. 2 primary, the Democrats, John Fitzgerald, Jose Flores, and Keith Courtade will compete to advance to the November election, where the winner will then run against Republican Lisa DeKryger.






A portion of the eastern border of Wyoming is part of the 82nd District of the House of Representatives. There are three Democrats and two Republicans seeking nomination in the Aug. 2 primary. The Democrats are Salim Mohammed Al-Shatel, Kristian Grant, and Robert Womack. The Republicans are William Alexander and Ryan Malinoski.






The City of Kentwood will join Cascade and East Grand Rapids for the 80th District House of Representative seat. Two Democrats will be competing in the Aug. 2 primary, Lily Cheng-Schulting and Phil Skaggs. The winner will then run against Republican Jeffrey Johnson in the Nov. 8 election.






Voter Information





For more information on voter registration, absentee ballots, voting locations and how to apply to be an election worker in Kentwood, visit kentwood.us/elections or contact the City Clerk’s Office at elections@kentwood.us or 616-698-9610.






In Wyoming, visit click here or contact the City Clerk’s office at clerk_info@wyomingmi.gov or call 616-530-7296.






More election information is available at michigan.gov/vote.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Shoreline shipwreck viewing predicted to be excellent this summer
		

		
		

			Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Environment, Great Lakes, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local History, Recreation, Travel, West Michigan, , , , 					

	


		

		

By Jim DuFresne
Capital News Service






LANSING – Some trails break out of the woods at a lake. Some climb a dune to a sweeping view.






And many – more than you probably thought – lead to a shipwreck with a story on a beach.






This summer could be excellent for shoreline shipwreck viewing as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers predicts that the water level of lakes Michigan and Huron could be almost 2 feet below the record highs set in 2020.






Michigan’s fascinating maritime history is not limited to old lighthouses or restored life-saving stations.

 





Remains of the Francisco Morazan off South Manitou Island at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Jim DuFresne, MichiganTrailMaps.com.Remains of the Francisco Morazan off South Manitou Island at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.





The state is blessed with accessible shipwrecks that don’t require an air tank or a wetsuit to view – only a pair of hiking boots, a paddle or a snorkel and mask.






The heart of shipwreck territory is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, but there are others, including a wreck in Thompson’s Harbor State Park in Presque Isle County and more off the shore of the Upper Peninsula’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.






Michigan’s shoreline wrecks are constantly evolving, depending on wave action, shifting sand and Great Lake water levels.






High and dry for easy viewing this summer will be one of Michigan’s newest exposed wrecks, the Jennie and Annie.






The 137-foot schooner, built in 1863, was rounding Sleeping Bear Point in November 1872 when gale-force winds pushed it into the shallows and reefs of Lake Michigan’s notorious Manitou Passage. The ship, its 10-member crew and a cargo of corn were driven aground 9 miles south near Empire. Only three crew members survived.






Gone forever? Hardly. For the past two summers, a substantial piece of the hull has been visible on a Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore beach.






Here is a landlubber’s guide to other great Michigan shipwrecks:






City of Boston: Built in Cleveland in 1863, this 136-foot-long wooden steamer also featured a mast – and a history of bad luck.






In 1868, it collided with another steamer and sank in the Straits of Mackinac. When the steamship was raised 125 feet two years later, it was the deepest salvage ever attempted in the Great Lakes up to that time.






After being rebuilt in Cleveland, the ship returned to service as a stream barge, only to finally meet its end on Nov. 4, 1873, during a storm with blinding snow.






It was hauling flour and corn when it ran aground on a sand bar just off Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve in Benzie County. The raging surf quickly broke the hull, and the crew abandoned ship.
The ship’s remains are west of the preserve’s beach access stairway, 150 to 200 feet from shore, depending on water levels. It’s angled in 7 to 8 feet of water, with its stern buried in the sand bar and its bow occasionally less than 4 feet below the lake’s surface. It’s easy snorkeling, and visitors can see the outline of the bow in clear water from the preserve’s second observation deck.






James McBride: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a graveyard for shipwrecks, including this 121-foot brig built in 1848 and lost in October 1857. A November storm in 2014 washed up a 43-foot-long section of the James McBride, making it the largest shipwreck ever to appear on the park’s shoreline.






Francisco Morazan: On Nov. 27, 1960, this Liberian freighter left Chicago bound for Holland with 940 tons of cargo, a crew of 13, its captain and his pregnant wife.






Remains of a wreck at Lake Superior’s AuSable Reef as seen from a Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore trail.
Jim DuFresne, MichiganTrailMaps.com.Remains of a wreck at Lake Superior’s AuSable Reef as seen from a Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore trail.





The next day, the ship ran into 40-mile-per-hour winds, snow and fog that made for a virtual whiteout.






The captain thought he was rounding Beaver Island, more than 100 miles away, when he ran aground on the south side of South Manitou Island.






A Coast Guard cutter and helicopter rescued the 15 people, but left the wreck behind to be forever battered by Lake Michigan.






Today it’s the most popular destination for campers on the island. The wreck is also popular with kayakers who bring their boats over on the ferry.






American Union: This 186-foot, three-masted schooner was one of the largest sailing ships to work the Great Lakes when launched in 1862. Its size ultimately led to its demise when it encountered a fatal storm in 1894 that grounded it at Thompson’s Harbor State Park, northwest of Alpena. The crew was saved, and today the wreckage rests a quarter-mile from shore in 10 feet of crystal-clear Lake Huron water.






The remains of the hull offer viewing opportunities for snorkelers and kayakers.






AuSable Reef Wrecks: From Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s Hurricane River Campground, visitors can head east on the Lakeshore Trail and pass several wrecks, then end up at the AuSable Light Station built to protect the ships.






The first wreck, the Mary Jarecki, lies just outside the campground. The wooden bulk freighter was carrying iron ore and grounded on the AuSable Reef in July 1883. When other boats couldn’t tow it off, the ship was left to be battered by Lake Superior.






Its remains are just offshore and are challenging to see if there is a chop on the lake surface. 






But a hike further down the trail leads to timbers and ironwork from two wrecks half-buried in the sand.






The first is the Sitka, a wooden freighter that grounded and broke in half in 1904.






The second is the Gale Staples, built in 1881. The wooden freighter was loaded with coal when it beached itself on the sandy reef in 1918.






America: On June 6, 1928, this tourist ship was loaded with crates of fresh fruit and 48 passengers when it left a resort on Isle Royale National Park’s Washington Island and, within a half-mile, struck a reef.






It sank within sight of horrified hotel employees and guests back at the dock.
No deaths occurred, but bushels of fresh fruit washed ashore for weeks after the mishap.






Even more unusual, the ship sank in a vertical position, with one end lying less than 3 feet below the surface of Lake Superior.






Curious visitors can rent a canoe in Windigo and paddle out of Washington Harbor into the North Gap, where a buoy marks the ship’s location. Lake Superior is so clear it’s amazing how much is visible from a canoe seat.






Jim DuFresne is the editorial director at MichiganTrailMaps.com and an MSU Journalism School alum.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Real estate market still red hot, but could slow down
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Finances, Hard News, Local Business, West Michigan, , , 					

	


		

		

By Sydney Bowler
Capital News Service






 by Redfin, a full-service real estate brokerage, found that 68.8% of home offers written by Redfin agents nationally faced competition in February. (pxhere.com)





LANSING – “Pretty much every offer I put was a shot in the dark, where you’d just cross your fingers and pray and hope that it gets accepted,” said Corbin Holwerda of Grand Rapids.

 





Holwerda is a first-time homebuyer who has been looking for a house in Grand Rapids since mid-January.

 





“I’ve put in seven or eight offers, and it’s really tough because half of those I’m losing to all-cash offers,” he said. “I’m still a young adult. I don’t have $250,000 in the bank that I can just front and put up for a house.”






A recent study by Redfin, a full-service real estate brokerage, found that 68.8% of home offers written by Redfin agents nationally faced competition in February. That’s the highest share reported by its agents since at least April 2020.






“Even if we are able to go above asking (price), there are still people waiving inspections and going $50,000, $60,000 or $70,000 above asking in some cases,” Holwerda said.






According to a new Congressional Research Service report, the main factor causing record-high home prices is that more people are looking to buy houses than there are houses for sale.






Cash offers can help the sale of a home move more quickly. (pxhere.com)





It’s a question of supply and demand, the report said.






“We have people selling homes with 40 offers on one home,” said Shirley Smith, the executive officer of the Hillsdale County Board of Realtors.






“There is a huge amount of competition right now, and the reason for that is because inventory is low. House prices have been going up the last few years and inventory has not increased appreciably,” Smith said.






“I think we’re also seeing more cash offers because those are the offers that get accepted more quickly,” she said.






Sometimes offers are contingent on the sale of the buyer’s current home, a bank loan or inspections to be done, and that can take more time, she said.






But cash offers move the process along more quickly.






“Generally, when we have high housing prices like this, it doesn’t go on forever. I think I, and most Realtors, expect that in the not-so-distant future there will be a change in the trend,” she said.






According to Smith, projections from the National Association of Realtors say housing prices may increase 5% in the coming year, which is much lower than several years past.

 





“That might be a tapering off in the market,” she said.






According to the Case-Shiller Detroit Home Price Index, home prices in Detroit have gone up about 8.6% per year since January 2012. But from January 2021 to January 2022, prices rose 13.9%.






That can be compared with neighboring states’ large cities, like Cleveland, rising 13.3% and Chicago, rising 12.5%. Nationally, home prices rose 19.1% from January 2021 to January 2022, according to Case-Shiller’s national data.






“The interesting thing here (regarding the increases) is that in traditional years, only 3 to 5% of the housing on the market is actually new houses,” said Wayne State University economics professor Allen Goodman.






“As a result, most housing supply occurs kind of above the middle of the market. We don’t allow people to build new, low-quality houses,” said Goodman, who specializes in housing and health economics.






He said some new houses are resold multiple times and “as a result, the housing gets toward the upper end of the market, and what’s left there is sometimes said to filter down to other buyers.”






“A lot of this goes back to COVID, in part,” said Goodman. “To keep the economy growing, the federal government and Federal Reserve banks have had what were historically low interest rates. What it meant was that people who wanted to buy houses were faced with mortgage rates of like 3%.”






A combination of low interest rates and a smaller-than-traditional supply lead to increases in the price of housing. (pxhere.com)





“A combination of low interest rates and a smaller-than-traditional supply lead to increases in the price of housing,” Goodman said.






Monitoring estimates of the value of his own Huntington Woods home over the years, Goodman said it lost half its value from 2007 to 2009.

 





The value can vastly change by month. In one recent month, his home’s value was estimated to have increased around $30,000, but in a previous month it was estimated to have dropped $20,000.






“But really over the past year, it’s pretty much been the same, at least according to Zillow,” he said, referring to the online real estate-market national company.







Capital News Service is provided by the Spartan News Room located at Michigan State University. CNS reporters cover state government for member newspapers and digital media outlets across the state of Michigan.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			BHSH System and GVSU join forces to offer new nursing scholar program
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Local Business, Our Cities, West Michigan, , , , , , 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org






Grand Valley State University and BCSH Systems, which includes Spectrum Health, have partner to offer a Nurse Scholar program. (Supplied)





Two of Michigan’s largest institutions have created what they hope will be a model for the nation in addressing the severe talent shortage in nursing. Leaders from BHSH System and Grand Valley State University have announced a partnership with the creation of the BHSH Spectrum Health West Michigan Nurse Scholar program. The partnership is designed to increase the nursing talent pipeline by taking away financial barriers to college and smoothing the educational path to employment at BHSH Spectrum Health West Michigan.

 





The health system is investing more than $19 million to provide infrastructure, start-up costs and resources for increased clinical placements, training and other support for students in the program. This includes grant dollars for all BHSH Spectrum Health West Michigan Nurse Scholars. Grand Valley will increase infrastructure support for students in the areas of financial aid, curriculum enhancements, technology and equipment, student support services, simulation enhancements and clinical experiences.






The BHSH Spectrum Health West Michigan Nurse Scholar partnership will create an opportunity for nearly 500 additional students to pursue a career in nursing over the next six years. The university will assume all future infrastructure costs and maintain a permanent increase in the number of students admitted to its Kirkhof College of Nursing, creating a lasting impact for our community, state and region. More than 92 percent of all GVSU graduates within the health professions stay in Michigan.

              





A federal workforce analysis shows Michigan currently has a nursing shortage for its population, and that shortage has been exacerbated by the burnout and stress caused by the pandemic. Leaders at BHSH System and GVSU say the creative solution they’ve designed will build a stronger talent pipeline, and the partnership can serve as a model and inspiration to enterprises, universities, communities and governments to solve the nation’s talent shortages.






“We challenged ourselves to be bold: What can we do, together with GVSU, to permanently increase access to education, strengthen nursing education programs and invest in talented, compassionate people who want to become nurses?” said Tina Freese Decker, president and CEO, BHSH System (formerly Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health). “Our teams delivered a joint, innovative proposal that expands opportunities for up to 500 future nurses and can be the model for others to emulate. We are incredibly excited about the nurse scholar program and the impact this will have in health care, for individual learners and for future generations.”






Grand Valley President Philomena V. Mantella said the agreement is a perfect example of how educational institutions and enterprises can partner quickly and efficiently to address talent shortages.






“These talent gaps hold us back or put us at risk,” said Mantella. “We have many dedicated and talented students who want to pursue nursing, but we needed the creativity and support of our partners at BHSH System to make the expansion of nursing possible and affordable for more talented and diverse students. This program is a huge leap forward and a model for other high need fields. I applaud the ingenuity and willingness of our teams to bring it to fruition.”

                                                                                                       





After all approvals and accreditation, the BHSH Spectrum Health West Michigan Nurse Scholar program will be in place by January 2023. 

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Gonzo’s Top 5: Butterflies, baseball, classical music, and comic-con
		

		
		

			Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Kids Activities, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , , , 					

	


		

		

By John D. Gonzalez





WKTV Contributing Writer






Butterflies are back in the Top 5, and so is baseball, classical music and those who like to dress up.






Enjoy the spring-like weather on the horizon. It’s time for my weekly list of things to do, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal.






Here it is!






Chamber Orchestra of Grand Rapids performs at The Stray. (pxhere.com)





5. Classical Music at The Stray





Can’t wait for the next WKTV Voices Storyteller’s event at The Stray (7 p.m. April 15)? Well, it’s not quite a story, but another great opportunity to check out the local coffeehouse/event space. Come see members of the Chamber Orchestra of Grand Rapids perform 17th and 18th century works in smaller groups. The show is at 7 p.m. Saturday (April 9). Admission is free, but a $10 donation is suggested. More info on the event Facebook page.






Butterflies and flowers will be on display at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens)





4. Morning With The Butterflies Family Party





Didn’t get a chance to do something fun for Spring Break? The Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition at Meijer Gardens remains open through April 30, with extended hours until 9 p.m. through Friday (April 8). Looking for a party with snacks and activities? One is planned for members on Sunday (April 10). This is a good time to consider a membership for special perks like this. (We love ours in the Gonzalez household).






More info at meijergardens.org/calendar/butterflies-are-blooming/.






An array of gems and minerals will be on display at this year’s Gem & Mineral Show at Rogers Plaza. (WKTV)





3. 45th Annual Gem & Mineral Show





Another fun activity for the family is checking out the popular Gem & Mineral Show this weekend at Rogers Plaza. It features treasures for everyone from beginners to seasoned collectors where you will find minerals, fossils, crystals, gems, jewelry, beads, stone carvings, equipment, books, and more. Nearly 30 vendors, club dealers and artisans will be on hand. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday (April 7-8), and from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday (April 9). More info on the event Facebook page. Admission is free.






The Grand Rapids Valley Railroad Train Shows offer fun for kids of any age.





2. Greater Grand Rapids Train Show





It’s back for another show from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (April 9) at the Home School Building in Wyoming. The show features more than 200 vendor tables, offering what organizers said is “everything imaginable for even the most discerning model railroader.” In addition, they will have model railroad layouts in different scales and sizes with accurately detailed engines and cars running down their tracks. There’s even a Lego play area for kids. Cost is $5 for adults and free for those 12 and younger. It is presented by the Grand River Valley Railroad Club. More info at grvrrc.org.











1. Grand Rapids Comic-Con





Another sure sign of spring is Comic-Con! Who wants to wear a coat over a Power Rangers costume? This weekend you can experience seminars, panels, vendors, comic books and more. The event runs Friday-Sunday (April 8-10) at the DeltaPlex Arena. Hours are noon-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20 per day. Parking is $10 cash only. For more details on cosplay guidelines and more info, go to grcomiccon.com.






The West Michigan Whitecaps’ home opener is April 12. (WM Whitecaps)





Baseball





As for baseball, the Detroit Tigers are back in action for a new season beginning April 8 at Comerica Park against the White Sox. And our West Michigan Whitecaps open the season on April 8 in Midland, but return to LMCU Ballpark for the home opener on Tuesday, April 12. More info at whitecapsbaseball.com.






That’s it for now.






As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.






Have a great, safe weekend.












John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			West Michigan native, Kentwood favorite, singer/songwriter to perform in Kentwood’s final Winter series concert March 31
		

		
		

			3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local Food, Recreation, Restaurants, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, WKTV Projects, , 					

	


		

		

Nicholas James Thomasma will bring his VW van full of music to Kentwood’s Winter Concert Series this week. (He won’t actually bring the van into the library!) (Supplied)










By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer






Singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma, no stronger to the stage of Kentwood city concerts, will bring his family-friendly mix of Americana, folk, country, and rock music to the final Winter Concert Series show this week.






The City of Kentwood’s free-to-the-public concert is set for Thursday, Mar. 31, at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.






The songwriter, talking to WKTV, said he plans to combine stories and songs, creating an atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all ages.






“What we do, as musicians … everything centers around gathering people together for experiences,” Thomasma said. “My music is applicable to, and can appeal to, all ages.”






The concert will take place in the library’s Community Room, from 6:30-8 p.m., and guests are invited to bring their own beer, wine, or nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy during the show. Also available will be food from El Jalapeño, a local food truck featuring Mexican cuisine.






Though the singer frequently plays with a 6-piece band, The Bandwagon, Thomasma will be performing as a solo artist at the Kentwood show, incorporating acoustic guitar and harmonica into his performance, often playing both instruments at the same time.






Nicholas James Thomasma with his big band, Bandwagon. (Supplied)





A singer/songwriter’s journey





Thomasma’s journey into the music world began when the artist was in his twenties. Working as a radio DJ, Thomasma’s conversations with other musicians led him to the realization that he was on “the wrong side of the board.”






“What I really wanted to do was play music,” said Thomasma. “I started learning guitar. Almost as soon as I started learning how to play guitar, I started writing my own songs.”






When asked what inspires the songwriter and shapes his music, Thomasma said that he never forces his songs into a particular category.






“When I write songs, I try to treat them how they want to be treated,” he said. “Sometimes it’s a jazz song, sometimes it’s a folk song, sometimes it’s a country song, sometimes it’s a rock song. I just let that happen depending on what the song wants to be.”






Nicholas James Thomasma (Supplied)





Thomasma said he often jokes around at his shows that “This next song is a love song. Spoiler alert: they’re all love songs!”






Because of the emotions put into his work, Thomasma said there is a lot of love in all his songs.






“I’m writing songs from my heart, and whether they are love songs or not, they are often inspired by my real life.”





Keeping busy in unusual ways





Always looking for paying gig, Thomasma said he also creates custom songs upon request. And while he has written songs for various occasions, he said weddings are the most popular request.






“People will contact me shortly after they get engaged and say they want a song for their wedding,” Thomasma said, and that these songs create special moments that no one else has. “Other people can listen to it (the song), but the couple knows it is their song.”






Another unique service Thomasma offers music lovers and listeners are driveway concerts.






Nicholas James Thomasma, and his traveling VW van show. (Supplied)





“Driveway concerts are a pandemic pivot,” said Thomasma. “I’ve been playing house concerts as long as I’ve been performing, but during the pandemic we kind of switched to taking the house out of the equation.”






Thomasma said he doesn’t need a building to make music, traveling to outside venues and homes in his trademark orange 1973 Volkswagen Bus.






“I’ll pull up in your driveway, I’ll have the sound system, you invite your friends and your neighbors, and we’ll all sit in your front yard and have a good time,” said Thomasma, adding that the idea of driveway concerts has really taken off.






Finding various ways for community members to enjoy music isn’t the only way Thomasma honors his love of music. Future goals include helping other musicians find their footing in the music world as well.






Thomasma is currently enrolled in Grand Rapids Community College, working toward a degree in marketing.






“My goal is to help other artists survive similar to the way that I do,” he said. “I want to understand business and how the music business works so well that I can teach other artists how I do what I do in the hopes that they then can be successful on their own.”






To find out more about Thomasma and his music, visit nicholasjamesthomasma.com.






The public at Kentwood concerts are urged to follow current public health guidelines if attending the concert.


	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Gonzo’s Top 5: Big trucks, 80s music, pet, toys, and cottage living shows
		

		
		

			Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Recreation, West Michigan, , , , , 					

	


		

		

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer






Spring is officially here, and if you’re getting out of town soon, consider this the last weekend before you have to start packing.






In my Top 5, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal, you’ll find a perfect way to get ready for Spring Break and warmer weather.






What are you going to do?






Gonzo’s Top 5






Mega 80’s returns to Grand Rapids this Saturday. (Facebook)





5. MEGA 80’S






I’ve been singing the praises of Michigan’s top ‘80s band for more than a decade. The Mega 80’s is the premiere cover band of an era that is most remembered for colorful clothes, synthesizer rock and musc videos. Get dressed up, gather a group of friends and relive some of the biggest songs and videos from the ‘80s on Saturday (March 26) at The Intersection. The Detroit area band always puts on a great show. Guaranteed. Ticket information and more at sectionlive.com.






Take a walk down memory lane was the Grand Rapids Toy Show. (Facebook)





4. Grand Rapids Toy Show






Speaking of nostalgia, this weekend you can experience the GR Toy Show from 9 a.m,-3 p.m. Saturday (March 26) at the Home School Building; 5625 Burlingame Ave SW, in Wyoming. You’ll experience more than 200 tables with antique toys, collectibles, pedal cars, dolls, bears, furniture, movie posters and more. Admission is $5 and free for those 10 and under. More info at midmichigansupershows.com.











3. West Michigan Pet Expo






Where are my pet lovers? Me, I’m warming up to the idea of getting a pet in the near future. This might be a good time for me to check out the West Michigan Pet Expo, a two-day event (March 26-27) with fun activities for animal lovers and families. Along with 50 pet-related vendors, you can enjoy entertainment from The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, which was recently featured on America’s Got Talent, as well as a petting zoo, pony rides, a reptile and amphibian exhibit, and more. Learn more at deltaplex.com/event/west-michigan-pet-expo-3/.











2. Monster Jam






One of my favorite memories as a dad is taking the kids to see Monster Jam at Van Andel Arena. It’s a fun, family activity where you get to see these incredible machines race for a championship, do stunts and make jumps. Plus, you have to love names like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco and Monster Mutt! In addition, you’ll be entertained by Freestyle Motocross exhibitions, too. Check out this weekend’s show, March 25-27, which is at Van Andel Arena. For ticket prices and show times go to vanandelarena.com.











1. Cottage and Lakefront Living Show






We’re all ready for spring, right? That makes this the perfect weekend to think about summer getaways to a family or friend’s cottage. At the annual Cottage and Lakefront Living Show, those looking to make upgrades or some remodeling can talk to designers, lakefront builders and realtors. Maybe you’re looking for a new dock or boat. This is the place to be. The show is Friday-Sunday (March 25-27) at DeVos Place. Times and ticket information at  devosplace.org.






That’s it for now.






As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.






Have a great, safe weekend.













John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Wyoming Chief Koster appointed to state law enforcement standards board
		

		
		

			3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Local Faces, Our Cities, West Michigan, , , , 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org






Chief Kim Koster





Wyoming Director of Public Safety Kimberly Koster has been appointed to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.






Serving the residents of Michigan through the promotion of public safety since 1965, MCOLES provides leadership through setting professional standards in education, selection, employment, licensing and funding in law enforcement and criminal justice in both the public and private sectors.






Koster was selected to represent the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police on MCOLES for a nearly three-year term that ends Dec. 31, 2025. She succeeds recently retired Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne.






Wyoming Chief Kim Koster with former Kentwood Chief Thomas Hillen during a National Night Out event. (WKTV)





“I am honored to be appointed to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and to represent my fellow police chiefs on this esteemed board,” Koster said. “I look forward to continuing the exemplary work of MCOLES to ensure our communities are safe, our officers are well-trained and our criminal justice system is supported.”






Koster has been Wyoming’s director of public safety for nearly four years, leading a team of 151 full-time personnel that includes 99 sworn police officers and 29 full-time firefighters.






Before becoming chief, Koster served as a captain within the department for eight years. In this role, she assisted with the formation of the Public Safety Department through the administrative consolidation of police and fire services, created a new staffing model, facilitated dispatch operation transitions and led a collaborative effort in the development of the department’s five-year strategic plan.






Prior to that, she worked her way up through the ranks to detective, sergeant and lieutenant. A 26-year veteran of the department, she began her career with Wyoming as a school resource and community policing officer. In this role, she worked with neighborhood groups and organized community events to bridge gaps and build solidarity among neighbors.






Wyoming Chief Kim Koster reads “Valenstiens” by Ethan Long during the 2021 March is Reading Month celebration. (WKTV)





Throughout her career, Koster has been recognized with several commendations, including the Life Saving Award, Chief’s Award of Excellence and Outstanding Young Public Safety Officer.






She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has completed the Leadership Institute training hosted by Grand Rapids Police Department and the Police and Staff Command training hosted by Northwestern University.






Koster received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Grand Valley State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Ferris State University.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Final section of water trail along Grand River may become a reality
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Great Lakes, Our Cities, Recreation, Sports, Travel, West Michigan, , , , , 					

	


		

		

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org 






LGROW Director Wendy Ogilvie (far left) reviews a map of the Grand River with participants of a public meeting about creating a water trail along the river. (WKTV)





The young girl walked into the room at GVSU’s Seidman Center, looked at a map with her mother and then turned to Wendy Ogilvie and asked “Why should we designate a water trail along the Grand River?”






Acknowledging that it was a good question and one that was often asked, the Lower Grand River Organization (LGROW) director said “We often think of up north as full of nature and beauty when there is that beauty here in the lower peninsula as well. By designating it as a water trail we create a sense of place and a destination. “






LGROW, which is part of the Grand Rapids Metro Council and designated with addressing issues and opportunities for the Grand River and its watershed, is moving forward on a plan to create a state-designated water trail along the lower Grand River, which Ogilvie said might become a reality this year. 






A water trail is similar to a bike/walking trail. It is a designated route on a navigable waterway such as a river like the Grand River, or other waterways like a lake or canal. The trail is implemented and managed to foster educational and recreational experiences.






The upper and middle Grand River watersheds have already been designated by the state as water trails. The addition for the Lower Grand River, which runs from about Ionia west to Lake Michigan, would complete the 252-mile trek from its origination point at the headwaters of Hillsdale County to where to it pours out onto Lake Michigan in Grand Haven. Michigan’s longest river runs along the border of the City of Wyoming as it travels from the City of Grand Rapids to the City of Grandville and on to Ottawa County. 






A map of the many public and private access points along the Grand River. (WKTV)





“Water trails are becoming the new parks,” said Andrea Irland, an outdoor recreational planner for the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service. “You travel down a river and discover the untouched areas that are not easily seen from a trail or road.”






Irland was involved in the creation of the Cuyahoga River Water Trail which helped to change the reputation of the river, which was known to catch fire, to being a place to see wildlife. She said she could see the same happening for the Grand River, which was once used for logging to help get wood to the furniture factories in Grand Rapids.






“Water trails such as the one proposed and the one on the Cuyahoga River do not need to be in national parks,” Irland said. “They can provide a way to connect different communities that are along the river.”






A community also benefits in the creation of a water trail as it provides outdoor recreation, education, stewardship, quality of life, and conservation and protection.

 





To discuss the pros and cons of having a water trail, LGROW hosted a public meeting in February at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman Center seeking input from residents on what they would want to see to help encourage the development of a water trail. There was input on a variety of topics such as access points and amenities like signage, bathrooms, and other items that would be needed to help design and maintain the water trail. There also was discussion on water safety and the sharing of the waterway with larger boats and other river crafts. 






“This is an exciting opportunity for the public to provide ideas on how we can enhance access and recreational opportunities tied to one of our region’s most valuable natural assets,” Ogilvie said. “It will encourage tourists and outdoor recreation while promoting watershed stewardship and showcasing Michigan’s incredible water resources.”






There were six stations at the event that lead participants through learning about what a water trail is to amenities and what they thought would help to make such a plan successful. Another aspect of the meeting was to encourage tourism ventures such as canoe and kayak rentals along with restaurants and other possibilities to develop along the river to make the water trail a successful destination spot.






Through the development process, Ogilvie said LGROW has met with various stakeholders such as kayaking clubs, owners of access points, municipalities where the river has run through and other community members. In fact, the process has taken a couple of years but the recent Restore the Rapids movement to restore the lower river to a more natural state has made creating a water trail more of a viable opportunity, Ogilvie said.






The goal will be to have similar public input meetings in Ionia and Ottawa counties. From there, the group will review the plan and then submit it to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for approval.






To review the plan or learn more, click here. 

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			March is Reading Month: Toxic Charity and Women Who Run With the Wolves
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Books, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, West Michigan, , , , , , 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org 






In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March has been designated as Reading Month. To celebrate and encourage reading, we are asking local officials, residents and WKTV staff and volunteers to tell us about a book that they enjoy. Happy Reading!






Today’s reading selections comes from Starla McDermott, who for the past six years has been serving as the development director for Guiding Light Mission. Since 1929, Guiding Light has been serving the Greater Grand Rapids area with a focus on offering safe and secure shelter for men looking to engage with society. The mission offers the following programs: the Back to Work Program, a short-term housing facility for men who are working or looking for work so they can save for permanent housing; and New Life in Christ, a program for men who are suffering from addiction, homelessness, loss of employment and other issues and they are looking for a new way in life. For more on Guiding Light Mission, visit www.guidinglightworks.org.











Book: Toxic Charity: How the Church Hurts Those They Help and How to Reverse It
Author: Robert D. Lupton
Genre: Christian Literature






Book: Women Who Run with Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype
Author: Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Genre: Self-help











For a work-related book, “Toxic Charity” is a good one. Published in 2011, “Toxic Charity” takes a look at traditional charity models and new ways to help, not sabotage, those that charities are trying to help. My personal favorite is “Women Who Run with Wolves,”  which unfolds rich intercultural myths, fairy tales, folk tales, and stories, many from her own traditions, in order to help women reconnect with the fierce, healthy, visionary attributes of this instinctual nature.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			West Michigan Aviation Academy advances to state Science Olympiad competition
		

		
		

			3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Tech Trends, West Michigan, , , 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org






About 700 middle and high school students competed in 46 different events for the Regional 12 Science Olympiad competition which was at Grand Valley State University. (Supplied)





West Michigan Aviation Academy beat out 46 other teams to snag one of six high school spots to advance to the Michigan Science Olympiad state competition.






Around 700 middle school and high school students from Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa counties displayed their STEM-related work during the competition. at the Regional 12 Michigan Science Olympiad which was held Saturday, March 19, on the Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus. Six middle school and six high school teams qualified for the state tournament, said tournament co-director Chelsea Ridge.






Besides West Michigan Aviation Academy, the other five high school teams were Grand Haven High School, Hudsonville High School, East Grand Rapids High School, Allendale High School and Forest Hills Central High School.






The middle school teams that qualified were Grand Haven’s Lakeshore Middle School, Forest Hills’ Northern Hills Middle School. Hudsonville’s Riley Street Middle School, Grand Haven’s White Pines Intermediate School, Chandler Woods Charter Academy in Belmont, and Allendale Middle School.

 





“The team dynamic helps students to foster a community at their school where they can dig deeper in STEM areas they are passionate about that may not be covered in a traditional science class,” Ridge said. “The tournament is an opportunity for them to showcase all they have worked so diligently to master throughout the season.”






Hosted by the GVSU’s Regional Math and Science Center, the 46 scheduled events included competitions involving airplanes, indoor bottle rockets, vehicles and more.






The state competition is set for April 30 at the Michigan State University campus, which is located in Lansing. 

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Local YMCAs, including Wyoming’s, seeking lifeguards, offering training — and not just for young adults
		

		
		

			3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Local Business, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, WKTV Projects, , 					

	


		

		

  • YMCA lifeguarding training, and work, is for all ages. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)
  • YMCA lifeguarding training, and work, is for all ages. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)
  • YMCA lifeguarding training, and work, is for all ages. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)





By WKTV Staff






With many employment opportunities across the city and region, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids invites current and “future” lifeguards to join their team and launch a fulfilling career, according to a recent announcement.






And while most lifeguards are high school and college students, the ranks are also made up of professionals, retirees and stay-at-home parents.






Maybe the Y’s greatest lifeguarding success story is YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids CEO Scott Lewis. Lewis began his tenure at the YMCA as a lifeguard at a New Jersey YMCA in 1986 where the organization “invested in his leadership potential,” according to the announcement.






“The role of lifeguard is one that can launch a great career, and I know from experience,” Lewis said in supplied material. “Providing a safe and exceptional experience, working with a diverse customer base, problem solving, and having an exceptional attention to detail are all skills that serve professionals long term.”






YMCA lifeguard training at an outdoor, summertime venue. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)





The organization has increased wages, according to the announcement, now offering $14.61 to $16.44 per hour, opened free training opportunities, and “invested in creating year-round, flexible hours for these aquatic leaders to develop life-long professional skills.”

 





However, maybe the most rewarding work as a YMCA lifeguard is the satisfaction of knowing you actively make an impact in the lives of others, while working with and guarding a group of diverse individuals.






“Becoming a YMCA lifeguard provides you a support network to be successful from the day you decide to pursue the opportunity,” YMCA Human Resources Director Peter Reiff said in supplied material.  “What’s more is that at the YMCA you are part of a larger team of leaders and health and wellness service providers that work together to meet the needs of the community year-round, every year.”
  





For more on the Y’s four lifeguard training classes planned between now and May, visit https://www.grymca.org/aquatics-careers/#training. For those already trained and wish to apply, visit www.grymca.org/careers. For more information on the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids visit grymca.org.