The State of Michigan, like most governmental agencies, puts out press releases to media sources on a wide-range of issues almost daily. Some are important for the public to know; some are just routine governmental business. Some make the news and some do not.
We at WKTV have decided that in these times of COVID-19, of often-filtered news, we’d let the state departments say what they want to say to the pubic a little more directly. Following are links to State of Michigan releases from Thursday, April 2 — with a little emphasis given by our staff on what we found interesting.
https://www.wktvjournal.org/after-gov-whitmer-cancels-in-school-education-kent-isd-and-local-schools-exploring-options/For a special WKTV story on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer April 2 Executive Order 2020-35, which orders all K-12 school buildings to close for the remainder of the school year, follow this link.
Heath Department sets fines, other actions to enforce COVID-19 actions
In the wake of Thursday, April 2, reports that Michigan had recorded more than 10,000 cases of COVID-19 — with 417 deaths — the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an Emergency Order setting a civil penalty of up to $1,000 and a process for referral to licensing agencies for violations of Executive Orders 2020-11, 2020-20 and 2020-21. Criminal penalties for violation will remain an option for prosecutors.
“A person can have coronavirus without knowing it,” Robert Gordon, MDHHS director, said in the release. “They can spread the disease to others who can spread it to others. The only way to stop the spread is social distancing. A civil penalty and potential licensing actions send a strong message to Michiganders that social distancing is essential to saving lives.”
The State of Michigan, like most governmental agencies, puts out press releases to media sources on a wide-range of issues almost daily. Some are important for the public to know; some are just routine governmental business. Some make the news and some do not.
We at WKTV have decided that in these times of COVID-19, of often-filtered news, we’d let the state departments say what they want to say to the pubic a little more directly with COVID-19 related news. Following are links to State of Michigan releases from Wednesday, April 1 — with a little emphasis given by our staff on what we found interesting.
Despite rumors, medical professionals are allowed to cross into U.S.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, along with numerous other law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Michigan, are reporting that they are getting calls from concerned travelers that the border is shut down to medical professionals.
“These rumors that are currently circulating are false,” a state press release states. “The border remains open to all essential travel which includes medical professionals who are vital during these difficult times.”
Michigan National Guard on the job, helping FEMA in Detroit
Approximately 20 members of the Michigan National Guard assisted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with logistics support to establish a Federal Medical Station in Detroit this week.
“The Michigan National Guard stands ready to support Detroit in its fight against COVID-19,” Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said in the release.
WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us a little more connected.
So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life? What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at large?
Cory Dalton, high school sports announcer and sports show host
Cory Dalton on the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection. (WKTV)
“My job has not changed much as I am fortunate to still be working at this time. Just taking some extra precautions with social distancing, sanitizing, which I did a lot anyway. I’m spending my time just focusing on my family, my wife and two kids. We have been playing games, watching movies and conversing to past the time … also doing little projects together, which is always fun.”
And his words of wisdom:
“My advice to everyone during this time is to understand that this is real serious. This is a big deal. There are people actually dying behind this virus. Protect yourself. Sanitize your hands … stay home … only go out if it’s absolutely necessary. You don’t know if you are carrying this virus or not. This will past. Be patient and we will get back to normal living.”
Thank you Cory, for all you do.
Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with our volunteer community? Visit https://wktv.org.
Serita’s Black Rose comes to local stages in two styles — a big, brassy full band fronted by Serita Crowley and an acoustic duo when her beautiful voice really fills the sound-space. Both are perfect in their place, but there is no denying Crowley’s beautiful, soulful voice was made to be heard clearly.
WKTV caught up with Serita’s Black Rose, the stripped down version with only Crowley accompanied by Jon Hayes on guitar, on Feb. 20 of this year as part of our coverage of the City of Kentwood Winter Concert Series. And she did not disappoint.
If you’re feeling a little cooped-up by the COVID-19 restrictions — and who isn’t? — and longing for a community concert featuring local talent, catch Serita’s Black Rose’s concert on demand here as part of WKTV’s “From Your Couch” concert series.
Crowley proudly calls herself a “Funkateer”, and her big band does bring a “raucous mix of funk, rock, neo-soul and Americana,” she states on her website. But “as an acoustic duo, they play much of the timeless ‘feel good music’ from the 60’s and 70’s.”
We couldn’t agree more, as evidenced by the set WKTV has available.
Maybe it was just the crowd at Kentwood’s library, but she leaned heavily on her classic soft rock catalogue — Cat Stevens “Wild World”, for example — which does fit her “duo acoustic” voice perfectly.
Serita Crowley (WKTV)
But when she breaks out her harmonica and a little growl — on songs like the classic “Johnny b Goode” and The Doobie Brothers’ “Long Train Running (Without Love)” — things really get moving. And near the end of the set, she really shines on a great cover of one of my all-time favorites, the Steve Winwood (with Blind Faith) classic “Can’t Find My Way Home” … Oh, ya. It’s worth the wait.
For a great interview with Crowley and taste of her big band sound, check out a 2018 YouTube video created by Tracy Evans and Founders Brewery as part of a series called Founders Presents.
If your looking for more great “From Your Couch” concerts, WKTV has a bunch of recent concerts covered by WKTV Community Media and available on-demand at WKTVlive.org.
The State of Michigan, like most governmental agencies, puts out press releases to media sources on a wide-range of issues almost daily. Some are important for the public to know; some are just routine governmental business. Some make the news and some do not.
We at WKTV have decided that in these times of COVID-19, of often-filtered news, we’d let the state departments say what they want to say to the pubic a little more directly. Following are links to State of Michigan releases from Tuesday, March 31 — with a little emphasis given by our staff on what we found interesting.
More than 2,000 Michigan companies hiring now
There is a lot of businesses shutting down temporary and laying off workers. But, according to the state, Michigan companies need to fill thousands of critical, immediate vacancies to support work during the COVID-19 pandemic, including those in logistics, healthcare, manufacturing and agribusiness industries.
“Michiganders are tough and hardworking, especially in times of crisis,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in the release. “Tens of thousands of open jobs are available right now with more than 2,000 Michigan companies and organizations hiring to continue providing critical services.”
State denies craft store in-store operations are essential
What is essential business and what is not in these times of COVID-19 restrictions? You would probably get some argument from crafters, but Michigan’s Attorney General says craft stores are not an essential business, which allows them to be open and people to visit.
Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office on Monday sent a letter to JoAnn Fabrics indicating the business’s storefront operations should be temporarily suspended while Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order remains in place for non-essential businesses to close.
“I can appreciate the desire of businesses that want to remain open and provide their customers with the same products and services they have come to expect from these retailers, but there must be common sense protections in place during this global health emergency,” Nessel said in the release.
WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us a little more connected.
So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life. What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at large?
Bill Rinderknecht, volunteer cameraman and content contributor
“Thanks for asking about us in the midst of these life altering circumstances. Like all extroverts —and now many introverts — I’m a little stir crazy because of the stay-at-home restrictions during this COVID-19 season. However, spending time with my wife, Charlotte, has been wonderful.
Bill Rinderknecht. (WKTV)
“Also, we work from home at C Grace Productions (cgraceproductions.com) so not a lot has changed in our ‘day-job’ routine. Thankfully we have captured a lot of video, which needs to be edited so we can start providing content to WKTV. On the other hand, editing requires a lot of time sitting in front of the workstation, which requires a lot of mental gymnastics, concentration, etc. I’d frankly rather be in the field (with horses) and let someone else do the editing.
“One blessing we had was filming the Michigan Horse Expo March 6-8 in Lansing with (WKTV volunteer) Riley Zoet, just before social distancing was directed. It was a great learning and networking experience for us, and Riley proved his worth as a videographer! Speaking of teammates, I miss the regular interaction with other volunteers at sports events, concerts, and other WKTV filming opportunities.”
And his words of wisdom:
“To my teammates, fellow volunteers, now is a great time to go virtual with projects you may have initiated. If you started editing at WKTV but have no such software at home, you can download free, robust editing software called DaVinci Resolve (https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/). Black Magic also has a $300+ version, but the free version doesn’t lack much. I already have an Adobe account and am not inclined to learn a new GUI, but testimonials I have heard speak very highly of even the free version capabilities.”
Thank you Bill (and Charlotte), for all you do.
Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with our volunteer community? Visit https://wktv.org.
WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us a little more connected.
So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life. What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at large?
Mike Moll, high school sports director and announcer
“I am still working each day as we are considered to be an essential business … the hours are being cut way back though as there simply are not enough other businesses that remain open for us to service. As a result, it will be interesting over the next several weeks to see how we are affected.
WKTV’s Mike Moll.
“This is certainly a different time for all of us, not just in our lifetimes, but in the generations around us as well. Even as much as I enjoy watching, calling, and participating in sports, I think it’s a time where we have the opportunity to ‘re-focus’ and really look at what is ‘important’ in our lives, but more-so, what SHOULD be ‘important’ in our lives.
“I find it more than coincidental this all happened around the time of year where sports are at their highest in our world. Between college basketball and March Madness, but also basketball, hockey, and baseball being in the small window where all major professional sports seasons overlap for a period of time and became more of a daily routine in many lives. We turn on the television to watch or to get the results of the games, or listen on the radio for the same.
“I think this is giving us a chance to look elsewhere for the where, and the what, is the purpose of our lives and how we can show others around us as well.”
And his words of wisdom:
“We (he and wife Pat, also a longtime WKTV volunteer) have much more recognizance of what and who is around us, as well as how and what we do on a daily basis. As we see and read more of the daily struggles of so many, we lift our family, friends, communities, country, and world up in prayer knowing that they are all being held by much bigger and stronger hands than ours could ever be. May we feel that touch of those hands each day of our lives in some way, but then may we share that feeling somehow with someone else.
“Here is the hope that you all stay healthy and may we all change our focus point to be a little higher than what is in visibly in front of us each day. I know I’m trying!”
Thank you Mike — and Pat, for all you do.
Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with volunteer community? Visit https://wktv.org.
WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us a little more connected.
So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life. What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at large?
Becci Schumaker, cameraperson extraordinaire
“I, we, are doing well, I am stuck at home regardless of the stay-at home-rule. Just one week out from my foot surgery. Already going bonkers,” Becci said to WKTV in an email. “But I am making phone calls to people, encouraging them when needed. Also on Facebook, so I’m in contact through Facebook. Will be doing a short video for my second grade Sunday school class and posting it to our church Facebook page.”
And her words of encouragement:
“Stay safe everyone. Miss y’all.”
Thank you Becci, for all you do.
Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with volunteer community? Visit https://wktv.org.
If you’re feeling a little cooped-up — and who isn’t? — and longing for a community concert featuring local talent, we have good news and good news.
First, WKTV has been told that the people behind Cutlerville’s Sounds of Summer July concert series are already looking past the current COVID-19 restrictions and planning for 2020 summer series.
The Brena Band. (Supplied)
And if you can’t wait that long for a community concert, WKTV has a bunch of recent concerts in Wyoming and Kentwood covered by WKTV Community Media and available on-demand at WKTVlive.org. For example, check out the great August 2019 City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series concert by Brena. Don’t know the band? Check here for a 2019 WKTV story.
Patty Williams and crew. (Supplied)
“It’s a go,” Patty Williams, of P. Williams Productions, said to WKTV on March 26. Sounds of Summer series “music will fill the park … A variety of bands from country, rock, jazz, and Bluegrass, will be setting the stage to entertain the community.”
Williams, who is a longtime WKTV Community Media volunteer, said the concert series, at Cutlerville’s Cutler Park, has gotten the go-ahead to schedule concerts every Thursday night in July, starting July 2, with concerts starting at 7 p.m.
This popular concert series by P. Williams Productions, and LW Studios, has been entertaining the local community for more than five years at Cutler Park, located at 6701 Cutler Park Drive, just off 68th St., near Division Avenue.
To keep up on news of Sounds of Summer, visit their Facebook page @soundsofsummerculterville, or call P. Williams Productions at 616-818-9874.
WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us a little more connected.
So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life. What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at large?
Paul Kabelman, long-time high school sports announcer
“Being retired, not much has changed other than lack of flexibility of going somewhere and not having church on Sunday,” Paul said in an email. “Obviously one change is being more cautious about what you touch and constantly washing your hands, as well as avoiding getting close to someone.”
And his words of wisdom:
“My advise would be to continue to lift our country and its populace in prayer, especially those affected by the virus and those service personnel that are trying to help see us through this time.”
Thank you Paul, for all you do.
Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with volunteer community? Visit https://wktv.org.
Dr. Adam London, Administrative Health Officer for Kent County, right, and Brian Hartl, county epidemiologist. (Supplied/Kent County)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
There is a lot of information flying around the internet and the airwaves — if not in your household — about the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus), so the Kent County Health Department, led by Dr. Adam London, Administrative Health Officer for the county, continues to offer videos with up-to-date information.
In today’s video — travel. London and Brian Hartl, county epidemiologist, discuss what you need to know and how COVID-19 may impact your travel plans. To view the latest video, visit here.
For complete information from the Kent County Health Department on the local news dealing with the COVID 19 virus, and to view all the videos visit here.
According to the health department, public information will be distributed “as the situation warrants it.”
According to the county, here are some basic facts:
COVID-19 is caused by a new respiratory virus. In December 2019, the virus began circulating in humans. Health experts are concerned because little is known about this new virus and it has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia.
State level information is updated daily at Michigan.gov/coronavirus. Also available are the total number of people who may have been exposed to the virus who are referred to local public health for monitoring or assessment.
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus, and they include: fever, cough and shortness of breath Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.
Health experts are still learning about how this new coronavirus spreads. Other coronaviruses spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing; close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
The same steps you would take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold twill also help prevent coronavirus disease, including: wash your hands with soap and water, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing, avoid contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are sick and contact your healthcare provider.
This week’s photo of the week celebrates our amazing volunteers. WKTV Volunteer Dan xStevensxx made this cake especially for our recently Volunteer Appreciation Event which was at the WKTV station. Photos provided by WKTV Volunteer Mike Boorsma.
There are lots of volunteer opportunities at WKTV. If you are interested in learning more, call 616-261-5700.
Do you have a photo you would like considered for the photo of the week? Then email it to WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.
WKTV sports crew airs the annual Golden Gloves tournament each year. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
It’s Golden Gloves Boxing time!
WKTV has been covering the Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament for more than 25 years. Again this year, we will be at the Grand Rapids DeltaPlex Saturday, March 14, for the West Michigan Preliminaries, with replays of the bouts on our cable channels the next day as well as on select days and times, and they will also be available on-demand at WKTVlive.org.
We will continue coverage through the State Finals in April.
The Deltaplex Arena is located at 2500 Turner Ave NW, Grand Rapids.
The tentative coverage days/times and replay plan includes: West Michigan Preliminaries, Saturday, March 14; West Michigan Semi-Finals, Saturday, March 21; West Michigan Finals, Saturday, March 28; the State Semi-Finals, Friday, April 17; and the State Finals, Saturday, April 18.
WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse 99 will show with tape-delayed airings of each evening’s bouts on the following day. For future broadcast schedule, check out our On-air Schedule.
This past fall, Niels van Duin and Lukas Alofs crossed the Atlantic Ocean to intern for Alan Headbloom’s show “Feel Like You Belong.” (Photo by Alan Headbloom)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma joanne@wktv.org
The sky begins to turn a grayish black and just as the acknowledgment that a storm is coming, it begins to rain. Not a light, gentle rain, but harsh sheets as if someone is unloading dump trucks full of water from the sky.
However, when asked if they would like a ride back to their apartment from the WKTV station, Lukas Alofs and Niels van Duin, nicely, but firmly, say no.
“We are used to this type of weather,” Lukas said with a laugh. “We ride in all types of weather back home.”
Back home is the Netherlands. Both Niels and Lukas visited the United States last fall to intern for Alan Headbloom’s “Feel Like You Belong” television program. The show, which shares the life stories of immigrants, expatriates, and refugees to the United States, is filmed at the WKTV studio in Wyoming.
“There really was not any formal internship program,” Alan said, adding that the internship came about through a friendship. “Niels’ mother is a dear friend with my Dutch business partner Sandra Wormgoor.”
Alan and Sandra created a web app called English a Day (www.englishaday.com) for English language learners. A few years ago, Sandra was in the Grand Rapids area and came by to watch a taping of one of Alan’s shows, falling in love with the “Feel Like You Belong” program.
Fast forward to last year and Niels’ and Lukas’ school, Kandinsky College in Nijmegen, Netherlands, (which according to the boys is more like a high school), requires the students to do an internship outside of the Netherlands. This is part of the school’s International Baccalaureate program.
“When Sandra learned of this, she proposed the fellows come work for ‘Feel Like You Belong’,” Alan said. “I had fond memories of living abroad in my teen years; in fact, I’d say those early exposures influenced by future studies and ultimately my career choice.”
Niels, who had never been to the United States, admitted it was pretty exciting to have the opportunity to see and experience life in America.
“I expected the internship to be a lot of fun,” Niels said. “I did not expect a big ‘culture shock’ when coming to the United States because what I’d seen of American culture (on the internet, TV, etc.) was quite similar to our own customs.”
The biggest challenge? Well for Alan, it was changing his American cultural mindset to consider the needs of Europeans living in Grand Rapids — especially two young men who could not drive.
“In our country, you can only get your driver’s licenses when you’re around the age of 18, so neither of us were allowed to drive,” Niels said. “That along with the fact that public transportation was not great (at least not what we were used to) made it pretty difficult to go from A to B.”
Alan was able to get a couple of bikes for Niels and Lukas to get around, go shopping, and get to and from WKTV. He also said when securing a place for them to stay, he considered if it was a walkable neighborhood as well. Along with that, Alan said he looked for opportunities for Niels and Lukas “to see the area through their own lenses.” This included a tour of Grand Valley State University and a chance to attend a Lakers football game.
“Of course a terrific experience for any student, local or international, is the chance to work on set at a real television station,” Alan said, and Niels agreed.
“I learned a lot about communication and working together as a team,” Niels said, adding he and Lukas spent time recording and cataloging several of the “Feel Like You Belong” shows. “Our colleagues, the other interns and the staff at WKTV, were incredibly fun and nice to work with.”
And while he enjoyed the opportunity, Niels said he probably will do film and video more as a hobby. Recently he enrolled at Utrecht Conservatory in hopes of becoming a music teacher. He also hopes to one day come back to Grand Rapids, perhaps with his family to show them some of things he did.
Alan, who has been involved in international and intercultural communications his whole life, said the international internship opportunity reminded him of the importance of travel and meeting new people, referring to a quote from Mark Twain: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”
“I know how significant it has been to my life to have lived, worked, traveled, and studied across the globe,” Alan said. “ The only way for Americans to lose their xenophobia and fears is to go someplace else and live in someone else’s world. Lukas and Niels refreshed that appreciation for me.”
The new State of Michigan Absentee Ballot return envelope. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
The March 10 Presidential Primary ballots, both the crowded Democratic version and the less crowded Republican version, are already in Wyoming and Kentwood voters hands if they applied for absentee ballots.
And it is not too late to apply for absentee ballots for the coming voting day, or for the entire and very busy 2020 voting calendar which includes the March 10 presidential primary election, a May 5 potential proposal or millage election, the Aug. 4 state and federal primary election and the Nov. 3 presidential, federal and state general election.
There will also be voting in the Wyoming Public Schools district for a millage renewal on the district’s March 10 ballot, and there will be voting for Kent County Sheriff and the 62 B District Court (Kentwood) judgeship, possibly in both primary and general elections.
For more information on the Wyoming Public Schools Operating Millage Restoration Proposal on the March 10 ballot, visit here.
But first, the presidential primary. And given the evolving list of political candidates in each party’s race, the ballot will show candidates who have already dropped out of the race.
“The list of candidates who will appear on the March 10 Presidential Primary is created, per statute, by the Secretary of State and the state chairpersons of the two political parties, based on whom they deem to be nationally-recognized candidates,” Robert J. Macomber, Kent County Chief Deputy Clerk and Register of Deeds, said to WKTV. “Because the candidate list was finalized in December in order to meet programming and printing deadlines, the ballots will include the names of several candidates whom have since ended their campaigns.”
While there are things for voters to watch out for on the presidential primary ballot, there are also things to know about the state’s new absentee ballot rules and envelopes.
Voters in both Wyoming and Kentwood can request absentee ballots, for specific voting dates or for the entire 2020 calendar, by contacting the city’s respective city clerk offices. For more information on Kentwood, visit here. For more information on Wyoming, visit here.
“With the passage of Proposal 18-3, Michigan voters now have the right to vote absentee without providing a reason, and the right to request to be placed on what is known as the Permanent Absentee List, and maintained by most city and township clerks,” Macomber said. “When on the permanent list, the voter will automatically receive an Absentee Ballot Application in advance of each election. On that application, the voter will have the option to request to receive the ballot for one election, or each subsequent election in that year.”
Absentee, not early, voting with new envelopes
While it seem to be a nuance, absentee voting is not early voting — and that particularly matters for the coming presidential primary.
“You may hear the terms Absentee Voting and Early Voting used interchangeably, however Michigan is has absentee voting, not early voting,” Macomber said. “In early voting states, ballots are immediately tabulated upon return to the clerk. In an election like a Presidential Primary, that distinction matters.
“In Michigan, whether they voted for a candidate who may have exited the race, or simply changed their mind prior to any election, voters who return an absentee ballot have the right to spoil their ballot and cast a new ballot at any time prior to 4 p.m. the day before the election. For the Presidential Primary, that would be 4 p.m. on March 9. Ballots cast for candidates that have dropped out will still appear in Election Night results, and how those votes are later allocated into delegates are determined by the political parties rules.”
There are also newly designed envelopes for absentee ballots, and some details on how they should properly be returned.
The new State of Michigan Absentee Ballot envelope sent to voters who request them. (WKTV)
“The Secretary of State has adopted a new design for absentee envelopes, and voters should pay close attention to their mail in light of that change,” Macomber said. “Previously, absentee ballots came in a dark yellow/golden envelope. The ballots are now mailed in a mostly white envelope with a blue strip on the left side, with ‘Official Absent Voter Ballot.’
“Normal postage requirements, or the timeframe to return the ballots has not changed — ballots need to be received by the voters city or township clerk’s office (not the polling location), whether mailed or hand delivered, by 8 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.”
For more Kent County election information visit here. For more State of Michigan election information, visit here.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Local state legislators, and leaders from the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, weighed in on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer plan to borrow $3.5 billion to rebuild the state’s deteriorating highways and bridges over a 5-year span, as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Feb. 10, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.
The Democratic governor unveiled the bonding plan during her second annual State of the State speech to lawmakers. It will enable the state Department of Transportation to do about twice as much construction on I-, U.S.- and M-numbered routes as it can now, she said in her speech. The funds would not be used to repair local roads.
But it was near unanimous opposition to, or at least serious questioning of, the Governor’s plan from local officials.
State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R), in part, pointed out that “bonding for the roads is not a solution” and compared such a plan to “financing the roads by putting it on credit cards.” While State Rep. Steve Johnson (R) said that when it comes to government financing “it is really easy to get into debt and really hard to get out.”
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and Wyoming Mayor Pro-Tem Sam Bolt also voiced their concerns.
Mayor Kepley said, in part, that “this is not long-term planning,” and Bolt pointed out that the increased state road work “doesn’t do any good for Wyoming” as it not have any funding for city roads.
Other discussion topics at the meeting included Kent County recycling efforts and the issue of drivers license documentation for undocumented immigrants.
The meeting, as always, was hosted by chamber member and moderator Kathy Batey and chamber president Bob O’Callaghan. The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
At the February meeting, state leaders also included Rep. Tommy Brann. On the federal level, the panel included Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, and Brian Patrick, communications director for federal Rep. Bill Huizenga (Michigan Congressional District 2).
The next meeting will be March 9, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Wyoming City Hall.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit WKTVjournal.org.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) opens its exhibition, A New State of Matter: Contemporary Glass Saturday, Jan. 25. The exhibition is on view until April 26 and features the work of 19 artists working in glass including Grand Rapids artist Norwood Viviano. Go here for the story.
Fruition is Jay Cobb Anderson, Kellen Asebroek, Jeff Leonard, Mimi Naja and Tyler Thompson (drums). (Supplied by the band)
Coming to Fruition
Portland, Oregon’s roots/rock band Fruition will be in town Sunday, Jan. 26, as the band, with opener The Mighty Pines, visit Grand Rapids’ Pyramid Scheme, with doors open at 6 p.m. show. Tickets are still available. Go here for the story.
British installation artist Rebecca Louise Law working on a previous work. (Supplied by the artist)
But time is running short
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s amazing exhibit, “Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb” — a site-specific exhibition that includes about 10,000 flowers and plants gathered from the Gardens’ massive gardens and strung together in delicate wire strings by local volunteers and staff, and then added to Law’s existing collection of approximately 1 million flowers and plant material — will close March 1. Go here for the story.
Fun fact:
1,000 … and on and on
The biggest named number that we know is googolplex, ten to the googol power, or (10)^(10^100). That’s written as a one followed by googol zeroes.Source.
“Signs, Signs, Everywhere there’s signs. Blocking out the scenery. Breaking my mind. Do this! Don’t do that! Can’t you read the signs?”
Five Man Electrical Band
Can you see this scene from “Rocky” and not hear the music in your head? Didn’t think so. (Promotional)
Fun music on a cold night
Stop and think about one of your favorite movies – it won’t be long before you start humming a few bars from the musical score. That’s the power of music in movies. Grand Rapids Pops says a big “Hooray for Hollywood” with Hollywood Hits with music from blockbuster films as Gone with the Wind, Ben Hur, Dr. Zhivago, The Way We Were and Rocky on Friday Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 17-19, in DeVos Performance Hall. Go here for the story.
No longer a death sentence
Currently, thanks to better screening and treatment, more than 17 million Americans who had cancer remain alive, the American Cancer Society says in a report. While this is good news, more good news may be coming. Go here for the story.
WKTV Journal In Focus’s audio only podcast of a Community Conversation on Homelessness featured Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson moderating along with Marshall Kilgore and, from left, panelists Hillary Scholten and Bo Torres. (WKTV)
Local immigration discussion
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal’s In Focus series of podcasts, immigration is the topic of speakers including City of Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson; Marshall Kilgore, Western Michigan Director for United Precinct Delegates; Hillary Scholten, candidate for the U.S. 3rd Congressional District; and Bo Torres, a Hispanic community leader. Go here for the story.
Fun fact:
7 percent and 1-in-12
Nearly 7 percent of Michigan residents are immigrants, while almost 1 in 12 residents is a native-born U.S. citizen with at least one immigrant parent. Source.
At the Jan. 13 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall were chamber member and moderator Kathy Bates, chamber president Bob O’Callaghan, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
Local governmental leaders — from the mayors of Wyoming and Kentwood, to a county commissioner and state legislators, to representatives of federal officials — looked ahead to 2020 as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Jan. 13. at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.
The meeting, as always, was hosted by chamber member and moderator Kathy Batey and chamber president Bob O’Callaghan. The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
At the January meeting, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll represented their cities. Kent County Commissioner Monica Sparks was also present. State leaders included Sen. Peter MacGregor and Reps. Tommy Brann and Steven Johnson.
On the federal level, the panel included Brian Patrick, communications director for federal Rep. Bill Huizenga (Michigan Congressional District 2), and Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Sen. Gary Peters.
The next meeting will be Feb. 10, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Wyoming City Hall.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit wktvjournal.org.
A scene from Emily Bridson’s Community Conversation on Homelessness (and WKTV podcast) at Broad Leaf Local Beer in Kentwood in late 2019. (Supplied)
WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
A part of her continuing community conversations, City of Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson will co-host a Community Conversation on Immigration, focused on America’s immigration policies, on Thursday, Jan. 9, from 5:30-7 p.m., at Broad Leaf Local Beer.
“The New Year promises to be a polarizing time in our country’s history and we need to find a way to work together,” Bridson said about the planned event. “Let’s gather for a candid community dialogue on immigration. We will discuss licenses for all, detainment, and health care, to name a few.”
The panel will include Hillary Scholten, Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, and Bo Torres, local Hispanic community leader.
The event will be moderated by Bridson and Marshall Kilgore, Western Michigan Director for United Precinct Delegates.
“As I research and learn more about immigration issues, I was fortunate to be invited to attend a large meeting last month where local organizations that serve immigrants gathered to create a plan to ensure that President Trump’s Executive Order 13888 (EO), which focuses on refugee resettlement in our communities, would be addressed by his established deadlines,” Bridson said.
On Dec. 17, 2019, the Kentwood City Commission voted to allow further resettlement in our city.
“It was a night of heartfelt personal stories where community members shared their memories of making Kentwood their home,” Bridson said. “We know Kentwood is a special place and it is because we embrace cultures and people from around the world in all of our neighborhoods.”
Bridson pointed out that in a recent study, the economic impact of foreign-born residents of Kent County contributed nearly $3.3 billion to the county’s GDP.
“The numbers speak for themselves on the continued positive impact immigrants have in our community,” she said.
“Our first community conversation was focused on discussing solutions to address homelessness,” Bridson said. Kilgore and Bridson “had over 50 interested community members join us. Bringing our community together to find solutions to pressing issues has been the driving force behind our efforts.”
Historic postcard of Idlewild Lake dock and boat (Supplied)
Rare Idlewild photos collected by Rose Hammond. (Supplied)
Idlewild’s Michigan State Historic Site sign. (Supplied)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
To say “In Between the Trees”, Rose Hammond’s 2019 documentary film about the historic African-American resort towns of Idlewild and Woodland Park, was a labor of love is only the first part of the story.
“I was attracted to the story when coming home and our family went up north to visit our grandpa’s old house,” Hammond said to WKTV. “While in Woodland Park all I heard were the stories of how it used to be. I then decided that someone needed to put a collection of interviews together to maintain the historical value of the community, but Idlewild came first.”
Idlewild was started in 1912 by white investors created a resort for black vacationers during the Jim Crow era — when most resorts would not allow blacks to book stays. Woodland Park came a little later.
Rose Hammond at WKTV Community Media for the premiere of her film “In Between the Trees”. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The film about the history of the towns — produced, substantially filmed, and edited at WKTV Community Media by long-time WKTV volunteer Hammond — is based on her 1994 book “Idlewild & Woodland Park, Michigan (An African American Remembers)”.
Hammond is from West Michigan and is retired as an Executive Administrative Assistant in the mental health field.
“In Between the Trees” had its initial screening at WKTV in December 2019 with Hammond discussing the film with an audience of special guests, friends and interested persons in attendance. She previously entered the trailer for the film, and three creative designs on canvas, in 2018 ArtPrize event.
“I began working on the book after completing the interviews for the documentary,” Hammond said to WKTV. “The documentary was (initially) put on the back burner.
“Some of the key interviews were Rita Collins, Steve Jones, Lillian Jones, Ann Hawkins, Sonny Roxborough. But, there were so many. We interviewed at least 12 people over a course of two summers, every weekend.”
The interviews with Steve Jones and Ann Hawkins were the key interviews, she said. “But all of them had historical stories of value.”
Rose Hammond at WKTV Community Media for the premiere of her film “In Between the Trees”. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“This probably is not a surprise, but all of the interviews that weren’t used … still told history. Locating the actual ownership to the utility company in Idlewild that brought the first lights to Idlewild. The second interview with Lillian Jones, Merrill Township first African American Township Clerk. Ole Man Tyson touring one of the first buildings right off the lake, telling us who all spent the night.”
And how much work does it take to nearly single-handedly produce at documentary film?
“Hard to count the hours and hours of editing, changing to work with two editors, just about everyday over the course of one and a half years. But the project began in the (19)90’s,” she said.
But she doesn’t regret a minute of her work.
“History has no percentage of value,” she said. “No matter what becomes of the two communities they will always be known as an outlet for thousands of African Americans to entertain and vacation like their counterparts. It will always be Idlewild and Woodland Park.”
Future screenings of the film are planned. The trailer for the documentary can be viewed here and another here. For a WKTV interview with Rose Hammond while the film was in process, visit here.
“It’s never too early or too late to work towards being the healthiest you.”
Anonymous
Seeing 2020 (health) in 2020
The quest for health and fitness can be a difficult challenge with the hectic pace of busy schedules and the bustle of the holidays. But January is a great time to start by making a resolution to strive for health.. Go here for the story.
Eating is part of healthy living
A typical workout doesn’t give you license to eat whatever you want. Even a full hour of vigorous skiing burns just 600 calories — less than the amount in a super-sized fast food sandwich. Go here for the story.
Healthy questions to ask the Doc
Even if your yearly physical isn’t scheduled for several months, there are questions you should ask your doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner during your appointment. Go here for the story.
Fun fact:
Be an ‘8 percenter’!
Less than 8 percent of people actually stick to their resolutions each year, according to some estimates, but whether you want to lose weight, get organized, or achieve anything else in 2020, it’s all about sticking to your goals. Source.
Not into college football bowl games on New Years Eve? Want to catch some great music concerts? WKTV will replay its entire 2019 Kentwood Summer Concert Series to ring in the New Year.
Starting at 5 p.m. and running until after midnight, WKTV Community Media’s Community cable channel will rebroadcast six concerts leading off with That Beatle’s Thing and ending with Hannah & The Gravetones.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown. WKTV can also be found on AT&T U-verse 99.
For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. The concerts are also available on-demand at WKTVLive.org.
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team opened the season Dec. 13 with an 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension. (Curtis Holt)
By WKTV Staff (Photos by Curtis Holt) ken@wktv.org
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team opened the season Dec. 13 with an 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension.
Curtis Holt, Wyoming sports fan and City of Wyoming City Manager, was there and sent WKTV some great photos.
In the game, the Wolves were led by a huge night from senior Menalito McGee, who scored 34 points including 9-of-18 from 3-point distance. Senior Diego Ledesma scored 15 points, while senior Marion Parks added 14 points and six rebounds.
The Wolves (1-0) play at Grand Rapids Northview Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Tip-off of the Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball season Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
Wyoming High School Wolves senior Diego Ledesma (1) in action Dec. 13 against Jension.
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team in action Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
Wyoming High School Wolves senior Monte Parks (20) in action Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball fans were into the team’s Dec. 13 home game, a 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension. (Curtis Holt)
“And what better way to celebrate a religious holiday than with a month of frenzied consumerism!”
Calvin, of Calvin and Hobbes
Admire the (cat) art
David Wiesner (American, b. 1956), Art & Max, 2010. (Supplied)
The Grand Rapids Art Museum has a survey of award-winning author and illustrator, David Wiesner, The Art of Wordless Storytelling, which features over 70 original watercolors from Wiesner’s most beloved books, including Caldecott Medal winners Tuesday (1991), The Three Pigs (2001), and Flotsam (2006). The story is here.
Dance with motivation
An earlier, slightly smaller version of May Erlewine and The Motivations. (Supplied)
Holiday escape? West Michigan singer/songwriter May Erlwine will take a break from her national tour promoting her recent alt-Americana release, Second Sight, to offer up some local holiday dance party gigs fronting The Motivations. This weekend it’s she’s in Grand Rapids. The story is here.
Visit your ‘inner” self
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) continues its Bodies Revealed exhibition, which features real, whole and partial body specimens that have been preserved through an innovative process, giving visitors the opportunity to view the complexity of their own organs and systems like never before. The story is here.
Fun fact:
Dec. 18
The last day to place orders on Amazon that will be delivered by Christmas is Dec. 18. … Maybe you can pay for a drone delivery?
The December Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
While local issues were discussed, the current governmental problems in Washington, D.C., took center stage as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Dec. 9, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall.
At the meeting, Brian Patrick, Communications Director for federal Rep. Bill Huizenga (Michigan Congressional District 2), and Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, both reported on their bosses’ efforts but also answered questions on the ballooning federal budget deficit and other issues.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The next meeting will be Jan. 13, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Wyoming City Hall.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit wktvjournal.org.
Wyoming quarterback Matthew Berg (11) reacts to a Wolves touchdown in a game at Northview Sept. 6. (Curtis Holt)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
WKTV’s sports coverage crew was busy this fall, as our high school football Featured Game crew was all over Wyoming and Kentwood to cover local high schools’ American football teams — and one English ‘football’ game.
As every year, high school sports fans can get their Turkey Day football fix this year as we broadcast 13 hours of football (and two of soccer) on our cable Channel 25.
The special starts at 9 a.m., and highlights the best of our high school football games from the season. The schedule of games (with link to the games on WKTV’s On-Demand video internet channel, at WKTVLive.org ) is as follows:
10: 35 p.m. — Wyoming Lee at Godwin Heights soccer. On-Demand
Lee High School’s boys soccer team from an early season. (WKTV)
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government cChannel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are give the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26).
A scene from Romeo and Juliet, as performed by the Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company. (supplied)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
WKTV later this month will offer three broadcasts of an August production of Shakespeare’s classic tale of love and loss, “Romeo and Juliet” as presented by the Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company, produced in partnership with the local Shadblow Theater, and performed at the Jenison Center For The Arts.
A video of the play will be presented Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 9 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 4 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 30, at 10 p.m., on WKTV Community Media Cable Channel 25.
The Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company is a Nonprofit Organization out of Grand Haven, with the motto “Live Shakespeare. Made in Michigan.” Shadblow Theatre is a theatre company based out of Jenison. The original live production of “Romeo and Juliet” at the Jenison Center for the Arts was performed Aug. 4.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government cChannel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are give the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26).
Kentwood city officials accompanied by carolers previously conduct the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. (WKTV)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood invites the community to begin the holidays with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade on Thursday, Dec. 5.
Centered around the Kent District Library’s Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, the event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening will be filled with festive activities, including live holiday music, hot cocoa, cookie decorating stations, carriage rides and pictures with Santa.
“ ‘Tis the season for peace and joy as our community comes together to celebrate the holidays,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “We encourage Kentwood families to join the festivities including Kentwood’s Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade where memories and traditions are delightfully made.”
The Holiday Light Parade will start at 6 p.m., at the Kentwood Public Works, located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE, and travel north to the Kentwood Justice Center at 4740 Walma Ave. SE. Sections of both Breton and Walma will be closed from 5:50 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. for the procession.
City officials will conduct the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., followed by caroling. After the ceremony, community members will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa, go on carriage rides and enjoy live holiday music. There will also be activities for kids and refreshments available for purchase inside the library for the entirety of the event.
As with any large community event, the City relies on volunteers to ensure a safe and successful event. Individuals interested in helping with the evening festivities may sign up online.
There are also openings for the parade. Groups interested in participating can submit a parade entry form online. The cost to participate is $15.
More information about Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade is available online at kentwood.us/treelighting.
This Friday, Nov. 22, WKTV will be featuring the second of four spacewalks to repair the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer attached to the International Space Station. The walk will be aired on WKTV Government 26 and AT&T U-verse 99 Channel 99.
Coverage starts at 5:30 a.m. with the spacewalk scheduled to begin at 6:50 a.m. The spacewalk is expected to last at least six and half hours.
The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, known as the AMS, is a state-of the-art particle physics detector. The module is designed to measure antimatter in cosmic rays. the information is needed to understand the formation of the universe and search for evidence of dark matter.
Unlike regular matter, which emits or interacts with electromagnetic radiation, dark matter has never been observed directly. The existence of dark matter is inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter. The AMS has measured more than 100 billion particles and according to lead scientist Samuel Ting, a Nobel laureate with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, AMS has measured an excess of positrons, the antimatter counterpart to an electron but more data is needed to make sure these positrons are from dark matter.
Expedition 61 Commander Luca Parmitano from the European Space Agency and NASA Flight Engineer Andrew Morgan have spent many hours training for the complex spacewalks to repair the AMS.
For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, visit NASA’s website, www.nasa.gov.
NASA TV can be seen on the WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99.
The Veterans Day panel at the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s WKTV Government Matters discussion heard from veteran Travis Snyder and others. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
Federal, state, county and city government leaders and representatives listened to veterans telling their inspiring stories and express their concerns about government services Monday, Nov. 11, as the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum was fittingly held at Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23.
WKTV recorded the meeting, which also included some discussion on state government budget issues, and not is only rebroadcasting it on WKTV’s channels but also making it available on WKTV’s on-demand website (wktvlive.org).
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect local residents, businesses — and veterans and their families.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit wktvjournal.org.
Bell’s Brewery’s is “Goin’ Dark” as it honored veterans, active service military members and their families with a special beer release on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, as part of its Celebration Series of special releases.
Don’t know the term? Think what happens when you know something and tell only a select few others — like military secrets or a great new beer find.
Goin’ Dark is a 6.3 percent ABV Coffee Milk Stout brewed with bourbon barrel-aged coffee beans. The beer was conceived, written, brewed and packaged by a committee of more than 20 Bell’s employees who either served in the military, are currently enlisted or are military family members.
“Celebrating diversity has always been core to our company,” Larry Bell, founder and president of Bell’s Brewery, said in supplied material. “It’s an honor to recognize the men and women in our military as well as their families and extend that celebration to those who make that sacrifice.”
Goin’ Dark is the third release in Bell’s Celebration Series that highlights different groups within the company. Earlier this year, Bell’s employees brewed Unite Hibiscus Saison as part of International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day, and then Alliance Lemon Lager to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. And more celebration brews are being planned for 2020.
Goin’ Dark will be available on draft at the Bell’s Eccentric Café (355 E. Kalamazoo Ave. in downtown Kalamazoo), and 12-ounce bottles packaged in 6-packs are available at Bell’s General Store. (The group wanted to bottle the beer so it could be shared with family members when they return from deployment.)
As part of the event, Bell’s worked with Section Collection, a local nonprofit that provides direct support to veterans in need.
Kent District Library’s KDaLe schedule includes local events
TwoGuys Brewery’s tap room. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
You got to love Kent District Library’s continuing efforts to get readers out of the book shelves and into local brew pubs with their KDaLe series of programs, and in the next few weeks there will be several local pub stops.
Tops on the schedule will be events at Wyoming’s own Two Guys Brewing and Kentwood’s Broad Leaf Local Beer in early December.
On Dec. 10, from 6-7 p.m., there will be a “behind the scenes” tour at Two Guys Brewing, 2356 Porter St. SW. Then, there will be a Dec. 11 KDaLe Kick Off fundraiser, for adults 21 and older, at Broad Leaf Local Beer, 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd, during regular hours from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Broad Leaf will donate a portion of all revenues to KDL on that day.
Other local KDaLe events include: Nov. 21 (and Dec. 19), 7-8 p.m., KDaLe Book Club (combine your love of books with your love of beer) at Osgood Brewing, 4051 Chicago Drive SW, Grandville; and Dec. 9, 7-8 p.m., KDaLe Book CLub at Thornapple Brewing Company, 6262 28th St SE, Cascade Township.
New Holland Brewery’s Barrel Bash is coming back to their pubs Nov. 22 through Dec. 1. Over the course of 10 days, they will be rotating through 20-plus barrel-aged beers — “Some are ones you know and love, others are new beers that are not to be missed,” they say.
Among the planned releases are New Holland’s Cabin Fever Brown Ale (6.5 ABV), which actually came out on Nov. 1. (And none too soon given the winter weather we’ve been experiencing!) Also planned are releases of Ride Those Ponies Home pastry stout and You Serious, Clark? spiced stout.
Good news: The Michigan Brewers Guild recently announced a new rsing festival to be held on Saturday, May 16, 2020, from 1-6 p.m., in Traverse City’s Pit Spitters Park (333 Stadium Drive; US-31 South). Bad news: Tickets will not go on sale to the general public until March.
“Over the past 22 years, the Michigan Brewers Guild has prided itself on hosting the best beer festivals in the state,” Scott Graham, Guild Executive Director, said in supplied information. “We started with the Summer Beer Festival in 1998 and have grown over the years in terms of the number of events as well as participating breweries and attendees. Adding a festival in northern Michigan rounds out the geographical footprint for our events.”
In addition to this new festival, the Guild has announced its complete 2020 schedule of festivals – which include changing two events back to one-day festivals, including the local Michigan Winter Beer Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22, at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park.
For more on each festival, including ticket on-sale dates for Enthusiast Members and the general public, visit MiBeer.com/events.
What happens at the federal, state, county and city government levels are of importance to everybody, including veterans, so the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum will be fittingly held at Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23.
“We thought there was no better time to take our Government Matters forum on the road than Veterans Day,” Bob O’Callaghan, president of the chamber, said to WKTV. “We wanted to honor our veterans, and the AMVETS in Kentwood stepped up.”
O’Callaghan also thanked Harold Mast, longtime local public servant and veterans advocate, for arranging the visit to the AMVETS post.
AMVETS Post 23 is located at 98 52nd St. SE. The Government Matters meeting runs from 8-9:15 a.m.
The Government Matters meeting is rebroadcast on WKTV’s channels and on-demand website (wktvlive.com).
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents, businesses — and veterans and their families — in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit wktvjournal.org.
With unofficial final results in from the Nov. 5 election, Ron Draayer has defeated Bill Benoit for the City of Kentwood’s Ward 2 Commissioner seat currently held by Michael Brown.
Running unopposed and reelected to other Kentwood Commission seats were incumbent Commissioner at Large Maurice H. Groce and incumbent Ward 1 Commissioner Robert D. Coughlin.
Unofficial final results from the Kent County Elections office had Draayer with 1,335 votes, Benoit with 845 and 11 write-in votes for others. Groce totaled 3,246 with 59 write-in votes for the city-wide seat, and Coughlin gained 1,228 with 34 write-in votes for the single-ward seat.
“I want to thank the residents of Ward 2 in Kentwood for voting for me and electing me to the Kentwood City Commission,” commissioner-elect Draayer said to WKTV Wednesday morning. “I pledge to work hard and be available to people to help with their concerns.
“I want to ensure that Kentwood continues to be a city where people can come from all over the world to raise their families in good neighborhoods. I also want to thank my family and friends for supporting me in this campaign and working hard for my election. I appreciate it very much.”
Draayer was a classroom teacher at Davenport University for 40 years and taught classes in the field of technology and cyber security.
Benoit works for the Charter Township of Cascade as a building inspector and plan reviewer, and is currently on the City of Kentwood Planning Commission.
“I would like to congratulate Mr. Draayer and I look forward to continue serving the citizens of Kentwood on the Planning Commission,” Benoit said to WKTV.
Coughlin will also continue to serve the city and Ward 1.
“I would like to thanks the voters in Kentwood for their support in yesterday’s election,” Commissioner Coughlin said to WKTV. “As I begin my 5th term as City Commissioner, let me reiterate that it has been an honor to serve our community for the last 16 years and I am looking forward to another four.
“Kentwood is on the move and we have a lot of great things happening. I am thrilled to be a part of it and will continue to serve my constituents with the utmost integrity and productivity. I love this city, it’s residents, and it’s diversity and will work hard to maintain the great standards we have achieved.”
The Health Forum of West Michigan event hosted by Grand Valley State University last week included panelists, from left, Andrew Brisbo, executive director of the new Marijuana Regulatory Agency for the State of Michigan; Dr. Mandeep Bath, addiction psychiatrist for Pine Rest; Scott Rifenberg, deputy chief, Grand Rapids Police Department; and John Titley, partner and corporate attorney for Varnum LLP. (GVSU/Kendra Stanley-Mills)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
A panel of experts on the medical and legal aspects of existing medical, and pending recreational, marijuana use discussed a multitude of issues at Health Forum of West Michigan event hosted by Grand Valley State University last week.
While the event was focused on the implications of legalized marijuana for the health care industry, a wide range of information was presented and topics discussed, including how police will deal with suspected driving under the influence of marijuana, the current medical-community research on the short- and long-term effects of marijuana use, and ongoing state regulatory actions in preparation for the pending legalization of recreational marijuana.
Adult-use retail sales of marijuana is set to start by the end of the first quarter 2020, and while many local cities and townships have opted-out of having legal marijuana sales within their jurisdiction — including both Kentwood and Wyoming — the state is busy establishing rules and regulations associated with its sales and use.
At the forum, Andrew Brisbo, executive director of the new Marijuana Regulatory Agency for the State of Michigan, discussed the state’s new recreational marijuana commercial licensing and regulatory program, including that there will be a 10 percent excise tax collected on sales to fund state and local regulation and enforcement costs, that there is an initial $6,000 application fee and that the actual license fee will range from 3,000-$50,000, and that there will be specific rules for consumption at temporary events and “designated consumption establishments.”
The Nov. 1 free-to-the-pubic event was part of a planned series of health-care related forms hosted by the university’s Office of the Vice Provost for Health in the DeVos Center, on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
The Health Forum of West Michigan event hosted by Grand Valley State University last week included panelists, from left, Andrew Brisbo, executive director of the new Marijuana Regulatory Agency for the State of Michigan; Dr. Mandeep Bath, addiction psychiatrist for Pine Rest; Scott Rifenberg, deputy chief, Grand Rapids Police Department; and John Titley, partner and corporate attorney for Varnum LLP. (GVSU/Kendra Stanley-Mills)
Other panelists included Dr. Mandeep Bath, addiction psychiatrist for Pine Rest; Scott Rifenberg, deputy chief, Grand Rapids Police Department; and John Titley, partner and corporate attorney for Varnum LLP.
Bath detailed known and in-study health issues involving marijuana use, and included in his details were:
Approximately 2.6 percent to 5 percent of the global population (119-221 million individuals) use cannabis, with the rate of cannabis use in high-income countries almost twice the rate in low-income countries. A 2013 survey reported 7 percent of 8th graders, 18 percent of 10th graders, 22.7 percent of 12th graders used marijuana in past month up from 5.8 percent, 13.8 percent and 19.4 percent survey results from 2008.
Medical studies suggest 8.9 percent of cannabis users would become dependent on cannabis at some point in their lives.
While most of Dr. Bath’s discussion contained dry if sobering information, one bit of medical data drew a humorous reaction:
“During intoxication, user’s sociability and sensitivity to certain stimuli like colors is heightened, perception of time is altered, and appetite to sweet and fatty foods is stimulated,” he said, reading from a powerpoint script, before adding impromptu, “… the munchies.”
The event was moderated by Susan DeVuyst-Miller is associate professor of pharmacy practice at Ferris State University and clinical pharmacist for Cherry Health Services.
The next Health Forum of West Michigan will be “New Discoveries in Genetics” on Friday, Dec. 6, with guest Caleb Bupp, M.D., a medical geneticist with Spectrum Health.
GVSU’s DeVos Center us located at 401 Fulton St. W.. For more information on planned health forums, visit gvsu.edu/vphealth .
