Wyoming: Delilah Dewylde’s Rockabilly sounds at Lamar Park on June 12
Delilah DeWylde (Photo by Tyler Steimle)
Delilah DeWylde and her band the Lost Boy brings a high-octane rockabilly sound to the next Wyoming Concerts on Tuesday, June 12, starting at 7 p.m., at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. The performance is free.
Kentwood: Adams Family will kick off summer concert series June 14
The Adams Family (Facebook)
The Adams Family will be the first of a summertime full of music as the City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series offers free concerts and family entertainment on select Thursday nights from June to August. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Road SE.
WKTV Voices: You love Marge’s donuts, and you will love her and her sisters stories
The WKTV Voices trailer is at Marge’s Donut Den the second Saturday of each month. In March of this year, Marge and her sister Marilyn sat down to record their oral history. Hear what these marvelously mischievous siblings had to say about the various pranks they pulled during their childhood.
Wyoming: More new faces in public safety as Brian Bennett named as fire chief
The Wyoming Fire Department has a new fire chief.
At its regular Monday meeting, the Wyoming City Council unanimously approved a contact to hire Brian Bennett as the city’s new deputy director of fire services or fire chief. Bennett replaces former Fire Chief Chuck Lark who retired.
Kentwood: Local business an example of energy cost savings program
Rishi’s International Beverage.
One part of a Consumers Energy’s EmPOWERing Kent County package of programs, are efforts to assist small businesses to save money on their energy bills. And one local company, Rishi’s International Beverage, located just across 28th Avenue from Kentwood, is a case in point.
WKTV on YouTube: Meet the City of Wyoming’s newest city councilor
Sheldon DeKryger, the City of Wyoming’s newest city councilor, who talks about his efforts of service to the city was and why becoming a councilor was the right thing for him to do at this time in his life.
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
Possible Michigan legislative action driven by probable fall ballot measures on prevailing wage and recreational marijuana use was a key part of the discussion Monday, May 14, as part of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meeting held at Kentwood City Hall.
After the topic was raised as to which ballot measure proposals were likely to be approved for public vote this fall, a representative of the Michigan Secretary of State’s office confirmed that the ballot proposal to legalize recreational use of marijuana was approved and a proposal to eliminate current prevailing wage laws was likely.
(A proposal to change the way state voting districts are drawn — which is driven by a petition drive led by a group called Voters Not Politicians — has enough signatures to be on the ballot but is currently facing opposition in the state’s courts.)
State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District) then took center stage when discussing possible state legislative action that could impact the ballot measures.
Sen. MacGregor said there is currently discussion in Lansing on the idea of the legislature (both the state Senate and House of Representatives) voting to approve the recreational marijuana proposal, an action which according to state law would then allow the legislature to impose certain rules (and possible restrictions) on the state’s recreational marijuana laws with a simple majority vote in the two chambers and without the signature of the governor.
He — and State Rep. Steven Johnson (R-72nd District) — explained that if the proposal went to the voters and passed, it would require a 3/4 majority of the legislature to change it.
“I have voted against every marijuana proposal,” Sen. MacGregor said. But “if we pass it, we can come back and revisit it.
“I want to make it clear that if the legislature decides to vote on any of the citizens’ initiated ballot proposals, we must vote and accept the language as written, within 40 days of certification,” he later said to WKTV. “We can’t change anything until it becomes a statute. Both accepting language and any future changes can be done by a simple majority vote.”
A more detailed discussion on the issue, along with discussion on other issues such as the federal deficit, funding problems with Kent County’s mental health programs, and business news from Kentwood and Wyoming were also part of the latest Government Matters meeting.
The monthly meeting brings together government leaders of all levels to discuss issues of importance and presents those discussions through WKTV’s live, delayed and on-demand broadcasts.
The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other regional, State of Michigan and Federal elected officials. The next meeting will be June 11 at Kentwood City Hall.
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 Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktvondemand.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
In Oscar-fashion, nominees and guests arrived in ballgowns, suits, and bowties as they were escorted to their tables for the 2018 Eclipse Awards which took place Thursday, May 3, in the Ballroom at Mckay Tower in downtown Grand Rapids.
The Eclipse Awards has aimed to celebrate achievements in the growing film industry across Michigan for the past seven years. Filmmakers submitted their work to a board of past Eclipse Award winners in order to narrow down to more than 100 nominees across 21 categories. Past winners then casted their votes, and winners were announced at last nights event.
Guests mixed and mingled at the 7th Annual Eclipse Awards.
Sara Hogan along with Eric Schrotenboer won for Promotional Segment in Television or Online. “[The Eclipse Awards] are a wonderful celebration of what’s happening in Michigan,” Hogan said.
“Small films with good stories, they do impact people,” said first-time filmmaker Bryce Cameron. His film Kid Brother won this year for Narrative Feature and Screenplay Feature Length. “This was the little movie that could. It had such humble beginnings, it’s hard to believe that we’re here.”
Peter Harold, winner for Acting in a Supporting Role, felt the moment was very surreal. “Anybody who is foolish enough to make film in Michigan doesn’t necessarily do it for the accolades,” Harold said. “For an event like this to be put on that’s so immaculately curated and so much care is clearly put into it means a lot. It’s very humbling and I am honored.”
Roy Wallace was the winner of Sound Editing for his film Frankie. He said his win also came as a surprise. “I’ve been doing this for a long time so just getting the validation from my peers has been great.”
Mark Adler received the 2018 Hyperion Award.
To continue with validation from the Michigan film industry, for the past four years, the Hyperion Award was presented to an individual within the Michigan film industry that has continually made strides to maintain high standards in their craft while inspiring others to do so as well.
The 2018 Hyperion Award was presented to Michigan Production Alliance founder and director, and author of “Production Algebra: A Handbook for Production Assistants” Mark Adler. Adler has been working in the industry since 2003. During this time, he has contributed to the growth and professional status of the state work force by improving performance standards as well as by providing an access path for working in the industry.
“I had no idea that I was in consideration for [the Hyperion Award] so it came to me as quite a surprise,” Adler said. “I’ve just been keeping on because it’s important and I guess people recognized that.”
With honoring both veterans of the awards along with newcomers, Bryce Cameron says its never to late to start in the industry. “You never know creatively when you’ll turn a corner and find something worth showing to the world and being proud of.”
Congratulations to all of the 2018 Eclipse Award winners!
Sound Design Roy Wallace — Frankie
Direction in a Narrative Short Scott Magie — Four-Ninety
Cinematography in a Narrative Feature Matthew Von Dayton — Thaw of the Dead
Acting in a Supporting Role Peter Herold — Kid Brother
Television and Online Programming Verify — Eric Schrotenboer, David Bailey, Emma Nicolas, producers
WKTV Community Media coverage of the 7th Annual Eclipse Awards, honoring Michigan’s creators in film and television, will be broadcast live on WKTV cable channel 25 and on online at TheEclipseAward.com, on Thursday, May 3, starting at 7 p.m.
The annual Eclipse Awards are made possible by Sony, Key Code Media, Ferris State University, Compass College of Cinematic Arts and WKTV Digital Cinema.
The Eclipse Awards seek to elevate content creators throughout Michigan by honoring their works through regional, national and international voting on entered works in film, television and on-line production. The Eclipse Award is given for story telling and production excellence in the production community.
Winning film work may be shown both as part of the live award ceremony in clip form and in its entire form on WKTV cable television after the ceremony.
The Eclipse Awards, and other sports and community events, are cable broadcast either live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99. See WKTVjournal.org for complete feature event schedules.
Many of WKTV’s feature coverage events are also available on-demand at wktvondemand.com.
WTV Government 26 will be broadcasting two special live events next week, the launch of ISS Progress 69 Cargo Ship and a spacewalk from the International Space Station.
On Sunday, Feb. 11, NASA will cover the launch of the Russian ISS Progress 69 Cargo Ship. The unmanned Progress 69 cargo craft will launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Coverage will be begin at about 3:30 a.m. with the launch scheduled at 3:58 p.m.
Coverage will continue with the docking of the ISS Progress 69 Cargo Ship at 6:30 a.m. with the docking scheduled for 7:24 a.m. The cargo ship will be delivering food, fuel, and supplies.
On Thursday, Feb. 15, NASA will be showcasing the ISS Expedition 54 U.S. Spacewalk #48. This was the spacewalk that was scheduled to take place in January. Astronauts Mark Vande Hei and Norishige Kanai will stow and reposition a pair of Latching End Effectors (LEEs). The LEEs are robotic hands attached to the tip of the Canadarm2 that grab and release cargo ships and external station hardware.
According to NASA, during the 6.5-hour excursion, the spacewalkers will first move an older LEE from a bracket on the Mobile Base System on the truss to the Quest airlock. It was removed from Camadarm 2 during a spacewalk last October. Next, a degraded LEE detached from Canadarm2 during the lat U.S. spacewalk on Jan. 23 will be moved from an external stowage platform to the Mobile Base System.
Coverage will being at 5:30 a.m. and the spacewalk will start at approximately 7:10am.
For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, log on to www.nasa.gov. NASA TV can be seen on the WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and on AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99.
With the second weekend of ArtPrize in full swing and people casting last-minute votes for their favorite works of art, Wyoming-Kentwood Community Media’s VOICES: a community history projectpowered by WKTV rolled out the red carpet and welcomed scores of visitors to tour our renovated 1958 Airstream® mobile studio and learn more about the oral history project.
VOICEScollects, preserves, and shares the stories of West Michigan people from all backgrounds and beliefs, with a focus on Wyoming, Kentwood and the greater Grand Rapids area.
VOICES is a free public service, offering a comfortable video recording studio with a relaxed atmosphere. High-tech video and audio equipment records the stories of our neighbors, friends and family — any story from anyone — that make up the fabric of our lives and our community. Participants tell their stories of hardships and successes, of what shaped them and their families into the kind of people they are today. Our lives, experiences, joys, sorrows, triumphs and tragedies are what make us all human.
Interviews usually take place between two people who know and care about each other. They can be friends, family or mere acquaintances. At the end of each 40-minute recording session, participants receive a complimentary DVD of their interview. Each recording is also archived with the Library of Congress.
Interviews can be “life reviews,” conducted with people at the end of their careers. Or they can focus on a specific period or a specific event in people’s lives, as with war veterans or survivors of an earthquake, flood or hurricane.
VOICES is available year-round. Our mobile studio will be at ArtPrize Nine again, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-7 from 10am-8pm*. Thereafter, it will travel to other locations.
Monday-Friday, Oct. 16-20 — Wyoming Public Library (3350 Michael Ave SW, Wyoming, MI) from 10am-8pm*, and Monday-Thursday, Oct. 23-Oct. 26, from 10am-8pm*.
Monday-Thursday, Nov. 6-9 and Monday-Thursday, Nov. 13-16 — Kentwood Public Library (4950 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood, MI), from 10am-8pm*.
David Willer — who prefers to be called “Whitey” when he is behind the camera — is one of the newest WKTV sports coverage volunteers. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
By WKTV Staff
David Willer — who prefers to be called “Whitey” when he is behind the camera — is one of the newest WKTV sports coverage volunteers, occasionally working as part of the video crew for high school football games.
After his first night working with “the truck”, as WKTV’s mobile video unit is nicknamed, the Northeast Grand Rapids resident says his night as quite an adventure.
“I did not expect to do as much as I did (that first night), but it was a blast,” Willer said. “It was a great experience.”
Willer said he found out about sports volunteer opportunities on FaceBook. “I saw the station and responded and decided to do it. It is something I was always interested in, but never really pursued. But I thought ‘Why not now?’”
Part of the reason for Willer, an admitted sports fan, to become involved was his desire to get back into youth sports as well as to learn how to work cameras.
“I used to coach youth sports, back in Minnesota, where I grew up,” he said. “Came here and never had the chance. Fell into cooking, as a chef, and that is what I have been doing for the last 30 years. This (working with WKTV sports coverage) gets me back into sports. It has been a great experience.”
Persons interested in joining Willer and other community volunteers do not need any prior video camera or video production training. (But it helps!) For more information about volunteering at WKTV and becoming part of the stations sports coverage team, email Davin at davin@wktv.org or Bill at bill@wktv.org.
Music of all sorts came to the stage this summer as part of the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series. (City of Wyoming)
WKTV Staff
Tune in to WKTV Channel 25 on Labor Day, Sept. 4, for our all-day “Concerts In The Park” special. We will air the entire Wyoming Concerts In The Park series, featuring the bands in order of their appearance. Relive all the fun and excitement of the summer series starting at 9:30 a.m. and running all day long.
The concert times and performers are as follows:
9:30 a.m. — Detroit Circus
11 a.m. — Shelagh Brown Band
12:35 p.m . — Sweet J Band
1:55 p.m. — Brena Band
4 p.m. — Michatucky
5:30 p.m. — 6 Pack
7:15 p.m. — Toppermost
8:50 p.m. — Union Guns
10:25 p.m. — Tejano Sound Band
For a complete list of programming, visit WKTV.org and hit the programming guide tab.
In honor of the 20th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana, WKTV 25 will be airing a special half hour memorial tribute “Princess Diana: A Tribute To England’s Rose.”
The show will air Monday, Aug. 28, at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.; and Friday, Sept. 1 at noon.
“I did the special because I have always admired Princess Diana and wanted to honor her,” said producer and longtime WKTV volunteer Kim Johnson.
Princess Diana was born Diana Frances Spencer on July 1, 1961. The Spencer family was of British nobility. She married Prince Charles, the heir apparent to Queen Elizabeth II, on July 29, 1981. The marriage ended in divorce in 1996.
Princess Diana with John Travolta (By United States Federal Government – from the Ronald Reagan Library)
Diana remained the object of worldwide media scrutiny during and after her marriage during and after her marriage. he was celebrated for her charity work and for her support of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. She was involved with dozens of charities including London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital for children, of which she was president from 1989.
A year after her divorce, Diana was was fatally injured in a car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris on Aug. 31, 1997. The sudden and unexpected death of an extraordinarily popular royal figure brought statements from senior figures worldwide and many tributes by members of the public. People left public offerings of flowers, candles, cards, and personal messages outside Kensington Palace for many months.
Her funeral was Sept. 6, 1997. At the funeral, Elton John performed a rewritten version of his song “Candle in the Wind,” which he retitled “Goodbye England’s Rose.” Diana was laid to rest on on an island on the grounds of the Spencer Family home, Althorp Park.
WKTV will not only cover new Wyoming High School football coach Irvin Sigler first game, we will offer an exclusive interview with him. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
You want local high school sports in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas? Community television WKTV, and its high school sports crew and volunteers, have you covered this fall season and throughout the year.
Starting this week — Thursday, Aug. 24, when the Holland “Dutch” visit Wyoming High School for a football open season clash with the Wolves — WKTV will travel around the area for football and other fall sports coverage — including soccer, swimming, water polo and even youth equestrian.
“High school sports, youth sports, are a big part of our community,” said Tom Norton, general manager of WKTV community television. “And we not only get viewership for our sports programing, we also get many volunteers to help us provide this programming.”
Football game coverage will include WKTV volunteers Mark Bergsma on play-by-play and Ron Schultz on color commentary. (By the way, it is easy to volunteer for sports and other programs at WKTV. See related story here.)
The first part of WKTV’s fall football schedule, after this week, includes White Cloud at Wyoming Lee on Aug. 31, Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights on Sept. 8, Grand Rapids Christian at South Christian (at E. Kentwood) on Sept. 15, Grandville at East Kentwood on Sept. 22, and Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights on Sept. 29. Coverage games throughout October and into the state playoffs will be determined later so we can cover the most important games to the local area.
Football games will be cable rebroadcast the night of the game at 10:30 p.m. on WKTV LiveWire 24 (GRTV, Grand Rapids; BCTV, Byron Center; WCET, Jenison, Hudsonville and Grandville; and RCTV, Rockford). They will also be rebroadcast on WKTV Channel 25 on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
Above and beyond our coverage of football games, WKTV also has two special shows available on YouTube: an interview with new Wyoming head football coach Irvin Sigler is available at the end of this story, and an extensive OK Silver football conference preview co-produced and hosted by volunteer Rob Gee will be presented next week prior to coverage of the Wyoming Lee game.
In addition to football coverage, WKTV’s sports crews are tentatively scheduled cover youth equestrian on Sept. 9 at the Barry County Expo Center in Hastings; girls swimming on Oct. 5 at East Kentwood; boys water polo on Sept. 16 at the Falcon Tourney at East Kentwood, and on Oct. 14 at East Kentwood; and boys soccer on Sept. 25 when local rivals South Christian and East Kentwood take the field at East Kentwood.
For a complete schedule of local high school sports action each week, WKTV volunteer sports director Mike Moll writes a weekly listing, usually posted on WKTVjournal.org/sports each Monday. See the latest one here.
For the first time in 40 years, the North American continent will experience a total solar eclipse, where the moon is between the sun and earth casting its shadow on the earth.
And depending where you are on Aug. 21 will determine how much of the solar eclipse you will see, according to David DeBryun, the president of the Grand Rapids Amateur Astrological Association.
“Bad news is we are not going to see a total eclipse in Grand Rapids,” DeBryun said during a special interview with WKTV’s Bre Wilson. During that interview, DeBryun said that the Grand Rapids area will experience about an 85 percent of the eclipse.
Bre Wilson with David DeBryun
He also noted that the Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. SW, will be hosting a special Eclipse Day Party on Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event will include hands-on solar related activity booths, multiple shows on the half hour of “Eclipses and Phases of the Moon” in the Chaffee Planetarium, and a live stream of the total eclipse will be shown int he Meijer Theater. All Eclipse Party activities will be included with general admission to the Museum. For more, visit grpm.org.
While several members of the GRAAA will be on hand at the Eclipse Day Party, DeBryun will not be one of them. He plans to be part of a group heading to Nebraska to see the eclipse. In fact, he has travelled the world to experience solar eclipses, which are a rare occurrence. The next total solar eclipse is July 2, 2019 and will across southern Africa.
DeBryun’s first solar eclipse was in 1963, when he was a young boy. “Boy do I remember that because that was the most dramatic thing I had seen in nature at that point,” he said. “It was just overwhelming. And it was the impetus for me to travel the far corners of the earth in the time since then to witness five of these total eclipses of the sun.”
With the total solar eclipse happening only about 70 miles away from the Grand Rapids area and going through such major cities as St. Louis and Nashville, DeBryun encourages residents to make the trip to experience the phenomenon especially since the next time a total solar eclipse will travel across West Michigan will be in the year 2099.
“I know I won’t make that,” he said with a a laugh.
If you plan to check out the solar eclipse, DeBryun encourages people to use the safe viewing glasses available at the Public Museum or to make an eclipse box. For other tips and more discussion about the solar eclipse, check out the interview with DeBryun airing on WKTV channel 25 at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14; 7 and 11 p.m. Aug. 15; 11:30 a.m. Aug. 16; and noon and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18.
This month, the International Space Station Experiditon 52 will feature a Russian Spacewalk with WKTV airing the six-hour event on Aug. 17 on channel 26.
The coverage of the spacewalk begins at 10:45 a.m. and is expected to last approximately six hours.
Expedition 52 is the 52nd expedition to the International Space Station. It officially started on June 2. It includes two cosmonauts from Russia, Fyodor Yurchikhin, who is serving as commander of the expedition, and Sergey Ryazansky, a flight engineer. There is one astronaut from Italy, Paolo Nespoli, who is a flight engineer. Rounding out the crew are three Americans, all serving as flight engineers, Jack Fischer, Randy Bresnik, and Peggy Whitson, who is the first woman astronaut to command the International Space Station twice and holds the record for most total days spent in space by amu NASA astronaut.
For more information on the spacewalk or the expedition, visit www.nasa.gov.
On the debut episode of WKTV’s new public affairs show, “WKTV Journal In Focus”, Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons discusses the county’s new voting machines. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
On the debut episode of WKTV’s new public affairs show, “WKTV Journal In Focus”, we bring to the public a discussion with Lisa Posthumus Lyons, Kent County Clerk and Register of Deeds, who was elected to the position in November after serving in the state legislature.
Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons. (WKTV)
In the discussion, which will air twice a week on WKTV channels, she details what the public will notice — and not notice — about new voting machines scheduled to debut in Kent County this fall.
But, she stresses in the discussion, while the voting machine process has changed a little, the overriding importance of security of the voting system is still the most important job for her and local city clerks’ offices.
Ken County’s new voting machines will look and operate much like the ones the public is familiar with — and they are never connected to the internet. (Supplied)
“The entire state is in the midst of transitioning to new election equipment and Kent County’s first election using the new machines will be in November,” Posthumus told WKTV in an on-air discussion. “Voters will take heart that they will continue to cast their ballot on a paper ballot that will be fed into an optical scan tabulator. The voters, I think, will not notice too shocking of a change … There will be a familiarity. … It is just more technologically advanced.
“Kent county’s voting process is absolutely secure,” she adds. “We will continue to operate our elections outside of an internet connection, which I think is very important in this age of making sure out elections are secure and safe.”
For more detailed discussion on the new voting machines, and Posthumus’ thoughts on voter security and integrity, check out “WKTV Journal In Focus”. Starting today, Tuesday, July 25, the program will air on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6:30 p.m., on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel. The video segment featuring Posthumus is also posted on YouTube at https://youtu.be/t7SRzV1JFjY
Also on the debut episode of “WKTV Journal In Focus” are park officials from the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming talking about summer events and activities.
As a thanks to its volunteers, WKTV will be hosting a picnic Saturday, aug. 5 at Palmer Park, 1275 52nd St. SW. The event starts at noon.
The event will feature a selection of food from a Moveable Feast food truck. Items include the Grand Rapids Cheesesteak that has grass-fed beef with grilled peppers and onions, Founders beer cheese sauce all on a pretzel bun; the Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap with grilled chicken, romaine, parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing in a flour tortilla; the Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sandwich with braised pork shoulder, Hula BBQ Sauce, bread and butter pickles on a Hawaiian sandwich bun; and the truck’s newest offering Grilled Citrus Chicken Taco with grilled chicken wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Pinkie’s Ice Cream will be serving up dessert in its vintage ice cream truck. An assortment of flavors from Sherman’s Ice Cream, based out of South Haven, will be part of the sundae bar that will include a variety of toppings.
There will be games, prizes, and volunteer recognition awards.
The cost is $10 per person, which includes the cost of food, and $5 for children 10 & under. To attend, all you need to do is RSVP to wktv.org by Friday, July 28.
Take a trip down memory lane as WKTV presents “All Aboard!: The Legends of the Rails” June 2 and 3.
The special will air on WKTV Channel 25 at noon on Friday, June 2, and 5 p.m., Saturday, June 3.
The production shows the story of passenger trains in America, taking the viewer on a coast-to-coast journey to re-live the history, color and fascinating story of some of America’s most popular passenger trains. From the earliest-steam locomotives to today’s streamlined Amtrak diesels, the viewer will be treated to spectacular cinematography as these legends of the rails glide through the mountains, valleys cityscapes and back country of America.
Featured locomotives include the Union Pacific 3985, 844, and E9’s, Nebraska Zephyr, Norfolk & Western 611, Frisco 1522, and Southern Pacific 4449. As a special treat, viewers will get to “sit” next to the engineer for ride on the Southwest Chief. Also part of the video includes exclusions, dinner trains, tourist lines, the Dever & Rio Grande Ski Train, and footage of Amtrak from coast to coast.
The evening of Monday, May 15 was balmy, and as the sun slowly sank over the Grand River at JW Marriot’s 616 Cabana in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich., the 6th Annual Eclipse Award nominees reveled in being recognized for their talent and hard work in filmmaking. The mood: shimmering anticipation.
WKTV spoke with 14 talented filmmakers — out of a total of more than 90 nominees — all of whom had one thing in common: being among the best talent in West Michigan.
Here is what they had to say.
Talon Rudel
Talon Rudel
Nominated for two awards — Best Narrative Feature and Best Direction in a Feature or Short — for his 8-minute film, Doorways, Talon Rudel hails from the east side of the state. He co-produced the nominated film last summer along with a talented team for a 36-hour film competition.
“It was surreal,” Rudel said of hearing about his nomination. “I’ve seen so many other people get nominated and they’re so good, so when I got nominated, I thought, ‘Wait, what?’ It felt like it was out of the blue.”
Rudel’s future plans are to write and direct features, and although he has no specific destination in mind, he does know that he wants to be where he can make his goal happen.
Johnny DeMarco
Johnny DeMarco
Nominated for Best Acting in a Lead Role for his portrayal of ‘Tommy’ in Confidence of a Tall Man, Johnny DeMarco has been acting for 6 years and nearly snagged a role on The Sopranos (yes, that Sopranos).
“It all happened on a whim,” DeMarco said. “I took a trek to New York and hung out in the bars where the series was filmed.”
The actor enjoys a bit of notoriety in his hometown of Lansing. In addition to acting, he’s been in real estate for 30 years and owns Paisano’s Restaurant.
“I wear many hats and the endeavors all blend together,” he said. “It’s very exciting to be nominated for this award. I am very humbled.”
Troy Randall-Kilpatrick
Troy Randall-Kilpatrick
Nominated for Best Acting in a Lead Role for his work in the short film, Beggar’s Remorse, actor, writer and producer (Crooked Limb Studio & Productions) Troy Randall-Kilpatrick has been acting on stage and in film, primarily in Michigan, for over 20 years.
In Beggar’s Remorse, Randall-Kilpatrick plays ‘John’, an extremely dark character, which prompted fellow actor and fianceé, Heather Fairbanks to say that she was both horrified and extremely impressed.
“He’s a gifted actor,” said Fairbanks, who is currently working with Randall-Kilpatrick on the film, Descending.
Of receiving the nomination, Randall-Kilpatrick said, “I thought it was wonderful. I’m pleased and happy. It’s a first-class awards show and a tremendous honor to be nominated.”
Heather Fairbanks
Heather Fairbanks
Written and directed by Rhodes Short, and co-produced by Short and Heather Fairbanks, Who Will Move the Stone is nominated for Best Narrative Feature. Representing the film at the event was Fairbanks, who has been acting since the age of 3.
“I grew up on the stage,” Fairbanks said. “I enjoy acting in diverse roles.”
Fairbanks said that she’s enjoyed traveling with the film to festivals throughout the U.S., and the film has won numerous awards along the way.
“I’m really honored that a faith-based film would be recognized in a secular film festival,” Fairbanks said. “It surprises people. It’s not a cookie-cutter Christian film.”
Sheri Beth Dusek
Sheri Beth Dusek
Nominated for Best Acting in a Lead Role for her portrayal of ‘Jayne Russo’ in Two Guns and a Body Bag, Sheri Beth Dusek said, “I was surprised. I’ve acted for 25 years — many years in theatre — and I’ve never been recognized. It’s nice to be recognized.”
Although acting is her first love, Dusek has been working on the producing end of the biz for the past two years and finds that aspect exciting and fun. She divides her time between Grand Rapids and Los Angeles.
“I’m absolutely loving it,” she said. “I wake up in L.A. and ask myself, ‘Is this my life right now? Meeting with producers?’”
Jason Ley and Ben Wilke
Jason Ley and Ben Wilke
Nominated for Best Local TV & Cable (30-minute time slot), Modern Ahabs is a travel beer show produced by Jason Ley and Ben Wilke. Ley is nominated for Best Writing in Produced Content (Documentary or Promo Piece) and Wilke is nominated for Best Sound Design and Best Direction (Documentary or Promo Piece) for the same project as well.
For those not in the know, Captain Ahab hunted the great white whale in Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. In a similar fashion, Modern Ahabs follows the hunt for the elusive craft beer.
“It’s a show for the craft beer enthusiast who is working on fulfilling a bucket list of beers,” said Ley, who admitted to not knowing how he wanted the pilot to be filmed. He put his full trust in co-producer Wilke, who has a ton of experience behind the camera.
Because craft beers can be fleeting, Ley and Wilke are at the mercy of a beer’s release. They had a quick, three-week turnaround time for filming the pilot.
“I was surprised that it was nominated. I had no idea it would turn into four Eclipse Award nominations,” said Ley. So far, the pilot has also won four Tellys and is nominated for an Emmy Award.
Jeff Morgan
Jeff Morgan
Hailing from Traverse City, Jeff Morgan co-produced Healing with Horses with Amber Elliott. The piece is nominated for Best Documentary (less than 20 minutes).
The documentary shares the journey of Kelsey Secor, who was partially disabled in 2015 after her car went off the road and hit several trees over the July 4th weekend. Secor’s rehabilitation included equine therapy at Karin’s Horse Connection and Legacy Stables in Caledonia, Mich., the setting for much of the documentary.
“I’m super excited,” Morgan said of being nominated. He plans on pitching the documentary to Netflix.
Angela Peavey
Angela Peavey
“It’s always an honor to be nominated,” said Angela Peavey, who produced Saugatuck Center for the Arts Theatre Promo, which was nominated for Best Online Programs, Segments or Promotional Pieces.
“I went on YouTube to see what the caliber of nominations was like and it’s amazing! Even if I don’t win, I can’t complain because the people are phenomenal.”
The project has been nominated for an Emmy award as well.
Peavey is currently busy with post-production on A Parent’s Worst Nightmare and recently became a full partner of Be Your Own Hollywood Production Company.
Peavey acknowledged that women are scarce in the male-dominated film industry.
“To be a woman filmmaker, you have to be tenacious and create your own magic,” she said. “You can’t wait for someone to open the door for you.”
David Huizingh
David Huizingh
Nominated for Best Cinema Trailer, David Huizingh’s project, Migration, began as a capstone project for a film class at GVSU.
“It felt wonderful to be nominated,” said Huizingh. “It’s a huge privilege to be here networking with others.”
Huizingh works in a “nerdy” field — virtual reality — at Steelcase, and he feels very lucky to be doing what he’s doing. He enjoys being active in the 3-D community, too.
Thom Bell
Thom Bell
Nominated for Best Local and Regional Segments and Promotional Pieces (under 20 minutes) for his work on WMFVA Sound Designer, Thom Bell is satisfied just to be in the circle of talent that make up the 6th Annual Eclipse Awards.
“Whether I win is not as important as navigating among these folks,” Bell said.
WMFVA Sound Designer was a collaboration between WMFVA and Celebration! Cinema. The piece plays prior to the start of a feature film (at Celebration! Cinema).
“It was really well received,” said Bell. “People in the theatre really liked it, and they were surprised to learn that films were still being made in Michigan.”
Kevin Kammeraad
Kevin Kammeraad
Nominated for Best Music Video Original Performance, Kevin Kammeraad’s piece, Inquiring Minds, was a family affair — Kammeraad produced the video and did the original song and puppetry. His wife, children and cousins all worked on the piece, which is par for the course — his family is always involved in his endeavors.
“I am delighted,” Kammeraad said of being nominated for an Eclipse Award. “It’s always reassuring when someone recognizes your work.”
Working as an independent artist creating books, music and poetry, the project is all part of Kammeraad’s goal: to inspire kids’ creativity and spark ideas.
Kyle Misak and Don Chase
Kyle Misak and Don Chase
Receiving not one, not two, but 8 nominations, Kyle Misak said, “It’s cool to be nominated among your colleagues.”
Misak’s feature film, Another Brick in the Wall is nominated for Best Narrative Feature, Best Direction, Best Editing (Feature or Short), and Best Screenplay (Feature or Short). Co-produced with Don Chase, Misak’s short film, Crazy Carl, is nominated for Best Narrative Short, Best Direction (Feature or Short), Best Editing (Feature or Short), and Best Screenplay (Feature or Short).
Said Chase of the multitude of nominations, “It doesn’t surprise me — Kyle is creative, talented and passionate. I’ve worked with him five years. The whole team is solid. When you’ve got a good team, you get nominated for awards. It’s about our whole team, not just us.”
Right now, the two are working on Eden Theory, a psychological thriller. They plan on making more films.
“It doesn’t stop,” said Chase. “When one’s done, it’s time to do another.”
Erik Sebert
Erik Sebert
A May 2016 graduate of Ferris State University, Erik Sebert said, “I’m confident about my work, but it’s awesome to be nominated. I was surprised — it felt really good.”
Sebert’s piece, Space Scavenger is nominated for Best Animation.
Sebert works at Tech World producing spec graphics, and he’s on the lookout for a job as a 3-D model environmental artist.
“More and more, I’m becoming a 3-D generalist,” he said.
Ken Orlich
Ken Orlich
Nominated for Best Acting in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of ‘Teddy’ in Confidence of a Tall Man, Ken Orlich has 20 years of acting experience under his belt — in comedy, public access and voice work.
“This is the first time I’ve been nominated for an award,” said Orlich. “I really was surprised. Working with Mike (McCallum), you know what you do with him gets out there — he makes sure people see it. Win or lose, I’m definitely happy.”
Orlich wants to keep working with McCallum and is starting a new production company in Lansing. In addition to acting, he has a background in engineering and farming.
The Meyer May House is one of the homes feature in the “Grand Homes of Heritage Hill” series.
One of the area’s most popular home tours returns this month, the Heritage Hill 2017 Weekend Tour of Homes, and to help whet your appetite, WKTV will once again be airing “The Grand Homes of Heritage Hill” which includes a peek inside a home currently closed to the public.
“Grand Homes of Heritage Hill,” produced by WKTV volunteer Thomas Hegewald, kicks off Monday, May 15, with a 9 a.m. airtime for The Connors House, which is a privately owned home. On Thursdays, May 16, at 6 p.m., the next installment will feature The Meyer May House, which was restored and owned by Steelcase. Last the installment will feature The Voigt House, which is owned by the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Tours through the house were discontinued in 2009, making Hegewald’s show the only way for the general public to view the home. This show, which Hegewald received a 2007 Telly Award and a 2007 Festival of the Arts film award, will be aired Friday, May 19, at noon, the day before the Heritage Hill tour starts.
The Heritage Hill 2017 Weekend Tour of Homes is May 20 and 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 22 from noon to 6 p.m. Advance tickets are $18 and available through www.heritagehillweb.org or the Heritage Hill Association office, 126 College Ave. SE.; Martha’s Vineyard, 200 Union Ave. NE; Art of the Table, 606 Wealth St. SE; D&W, Family Fare, Forest Hills Foods and Lake Michigan Credit Union locations.
“The Grand Homes of Heritage Hill” episode feature The Voigt House won a Telly Award.
Tickets on the weekend of the tour are $25 and available only at GRCC DeVos campus, 435 E. Fulton.
On the ticket, there is a map of all the homes. You can see the houses in any order and on either or both days. Walk, bike or take the free shuttle buses that stop at each house on the tour. You can get on and off the bus at each house. If you are interested in getting a free ticket, volunteer. For more information to do that, email heritage@heritagehillweb.org or call 616-459-8950.
Houses for this year’s tour are: the 1874 the Italinate-style home at 71 LaFayette NE; the Amber House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright protégé Marion Mahoney at 505 College SE; the 1886 Queen Anne-style home at 521 Madison SE; the Victorian Gothic cottage at 264 Paris SE; the Stick Style home at 417 Crescent NE; the Craftsman Style home at 544 College SE; the 1903 Widdicomb furniture family home at 422 Fountain NE; Oakwood Manor at 547 Cherry SE; the Calkins Law Office at 237 State St. SE; Child Discover Center at 409 LaFayette SE; and the Women’s City Club at 254 E. Fulton St.
The launch and docking of the Soyuz MS-04 will be aired on WKTV Government Channel 26 on April 20.
This will mark the transition for the International Space Station Expedition 51 to 52.
At 2 a.m., There will be a showing of the crew’s launch day pre-launch activities. The crew heading to the station includes Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin and American astronaut Jack Fischer.
At 8 a.m., there will be video of the pre-launch, launch and post-launch interviews.
Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin and American astronaut Jack Fischer preparing to head for the International Space Station.
At 8:30 a.m., will be coverage of the docking of the ISS Expedition 51-52/Soyuz MS-04 to the International Space Station.
At 10:30 a.m., will be the hatch opening and the welcoming ceremony.
Expedition 51 is the 51st expedition to the International Space Station, which began upon the departure of Soyuz MS-02 on April 10 and is scheduled to conclude upon the departures of Soyuz MS-03 in June. Peggy Whitson is commander of the expedition and is the first woman to command two expeditions to the International Space Station, having previously commanded Expedition 16.
Along with Whitson, Yurchikhin, and Fischer, the crew includes Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy and French aerospace engineer Thomas Pesquet.
Whitson will be extending her stay through the 52nd Expedition with Fischer and Yurchikhin, returning home in September rather than June. Novitsky and Pesquet will return in June.
The reason for this is Roscosmos’ temporary decision to reduce its number of cosmonauts to two which left a seat open on the return flight. Whitson’s extension will ensure a full complement of six astronauts — rounding out the crew will be U.S. astronaut Randy Bresnik, cosmonaut Sergey Ryazansky, and Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli — on board the station and increase the amount of valuable astronaut time available for experiments.
“I love being up here,” Whitson said through a NASA press release. “Living and working aboard the space station is where I feel like I make the greatest contribution, so I am constantly trying to squeeze every drop out of my time here. Having three more months to squeeze is just what I would wish for.”
On April 24, Whitson will break the standing record U.S. record of 534 cumulative days in space. She also holds the record for most spacewalks by a female. To follow Whitson’s space station journey, go to http://www.twitter.com/AstroPeggy.
For more on NASA and upcoming missions, visit nasa.gov.
So while the weather may be a little iffy, with snow predicted for the end of the week, spring is unfolding with Easter only a couple of weeks away.
In preparation for Easter, WKTV will be featuring a number of Easter specials this week and next. Programs will be aired on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99.
Children’s Easter cartoons will be running at 3:30 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday this week and next.
This week’s Easter cartoon is “.” Springtime in New Bristol brings new adventures for Christopher, Korina and Alex. Buzz, a classmate of Alex, disappears while searching for his missing cat. It’s up to the young detectives to find the missing boy without their trusted friend and mentor, Tobias, who is rushed to the hospital. Join the Puzzle Club on its search for Buzz and discover, along with the trio, the message of hope that Easter brings.
For the week of April 10 is the children’s film “Easter Is.” How do you draw Easter? In this animated special Benji is chosen by his class to draw an Easter poster. Then Benji’s dog Waldo is kidnapped and they want a $5 ransom. Benji soon discovers how much he’s willing to give up just to get his dog back. Realizing the true meaning of Easter, Benji now knows what to draw for his school poster.
The Easter concert “Shout for Joy: An Easter Celebration” will air at 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, and 10 p.m. Saturday, April 15. There will be a special Palm Sunday Community Service program airing Thursday, April 13, at 12:30 a.m.
On Good Friday, April 14, the special “3 Days” will air at noon and 7:30 p.m. “3 Days” is a dramatic representation of events that might have transpired among the disciples during the time that was the utmost test of their faith. “3 Days” portrays the often-told Easter story with a “you are there” feel and is 30 minutes in length.
The 6th Annual Eclipse Awards are on their way to a record number of entries, and there are just three days left to enter: Deadline is 5 pm Monday, March 27.
Michigan is hopping with serious content creators and WKTV’s Digital Cinema Program, the WMFVA, Ferris State University, Compass College of Cinematic Arts and the West Michigan Film Office are all sponsors of Michigan’s only competition for film, television, online and the crafts that support them.
Sixty judges from a vast array of disciplines in Grand Rapids, Los Angeles and New York will see your work, whether or not you’re screening in any of these cities.
Viewing and voting begins March 30. The announcement of nominations is April 17 at 7 pm. Go hereto enter.
Calling the best and brightest producers, directors, actors, writers, and filmmakers to submit their entries for the 2017 Eclipse Awards! Entries are accepted until March 27th, 2017.
The Eclipse Awards honor content creators for Excellence in Craft in the disciplines of film, television, video, acting, sound, music and writing. Created by WKTV Community Television and Media as a means of empowering the West Michigan “voice” of content creators, the Eclipse Awards has become the “big event” for the creative community.
“There really are a large number of content creators here who are either fully established and enjoy the recognition or who are just starting out and have that spark of genius with a great idea,” said Tom Norton, General Manager of WKTV.
Tom Norton, General Manager of WKTV Community Television and Media
In the first round of voting beginning right after March 27th, voting members from Michigan select the nominees. Nominees are then announced at 7 pm EST on Monday, April 17th and streamed live on the WKTV Youtube Channels. A link will be available on The Eclipse Awards website, theeclipseaward.com. A second round of voting begins following the announcement and this time, voting members are joined by industry peers across the US and in Europe.
The tallies from those votes then decide from the list of nominees who will be the recipient of The 6th Annual Eclipse Award in each category and craft.
The Hyperion Award — a leadership award given to outstanding leaders in TV, Film and the Arts — is voted on by the Eclipse Awards Board of Governors. The name “hyperion” refers to the light that exists behind an eclipse and this is the leadership that The Hyperion Award honors; the individual in West Michigan who by example and leadership encourages others to excel and contribute to an already thriving community of content creators.
The 2017 Hyperion Award recipient will be announced on the day the Eclipse Nominations are announced and will be presented at the 6th Annual Eclipse Awards Ceremony televised live from City Flats Ballroom on Thursday, May 18th.
NEW to the Eclipse Awards this year, Los Angeles distributor FairwayFilm Alliance, through their Rogue Arts label, is offering a first look to the 6th Annual Eclipse Award winners in the feature film and documentary category. Following the night of the awards ceremony, when the winners are known, the connection between Fairway Film Alliance and the winner(s) in these categories will be arranged.
“We’re tremendously pleased to be working with all of our sponsors,” said Norton. “They really believe in the importance of West Michigan having regional awards recognition to help foster the creative spirit. The democratization of media over the last few decades has really given voice to a much wider array of creativity and WKTV wants to see it grow and expand.”
Here are the important dates:
Friday, March 27th at 5pm — Entry Window Closes
1st Round of Voting Begins
Nominations Announcement 7pm on Monday, April 17th
Hyperion Award Recipient Announcement Monday, April 17th 7pm
2nd Round of Voting Begins with National Judges
Nomination Certification Party, Monday May 15th
The 6th Annual EclipseAwards Excellence in Craft Award Ceremony, Thursday, May 18th 7pm
More information can be found on the website www.theeclipseaward.com or by calling 616.261.5700. Entries are $35 for content creators and $20 for students, however there is no student criteria for voting by the judges.
The 6th Annual Eclipse Awards is sponsored by WKTV Digital Cinema, the West Michigan Film Video Alliance, West Michigan Film Office, Compass College of Cinematic Arts and Ferris State University.
OnPoint focuses on host Nancy M. Roelfsema’s “Learning to Quilt” lessons. (Supplied)
By Thomas Hegewald
When OnPoint Tutorials, Tips & Tours debuted in 2015, the production team had no idea what the audience reaction would be to the show. While the team pledged to focus on all things creative, they didn’t know they would create a following which would look forward to a new tutorial, tip or tour every week.
From the start they have endeavored to demonstrate host lessons to a broader audience. By showcasing these lessons, the show has created a large “classroom” for viewers and novice quilters alike. OnPoint will complete these lessons in the course of the second season along with showcasing other crafts.
The OnPoint production team includes team Bill Roelfsema, Gina Greenlee, Karen Giles, Nancy Roelfsema, Athina Morehouse, Michelle Sheler, Eric Sheler, and Thomas Hegewald.
The OnPoint production team includes team, from left to right, Bill Roelfsema, Gina Greenlee, Karen Giles, Nancy Roelfsema, Athina Morehouse, Michelle Sheler, Eric Sheler and Thomas Hegewald. (Supplied)
Each month the production team records a number of segments for a half hour program. In addition to providing viewers with step-by-step tutorials on a particular technique, they also feature helpful tips and an insider’s view of local trade shows, quilt stores, quilt guilds and artist’s studios.
For this, the second season, they’ve produced additional episodes featuring demonstrations that were recorded in October at the 2016 Quilts on the Grand Show held at the DeltaPlex.
Season 2 of OnPoint Tutorials, Tips & Tours debuted last week on WKTV and will continue weekly with initial broadcasts on Monday at 6 p.m., with an encore broadcast on Friday at 10:30 a.m.
For more information on OnPoint, visit onpoint-tv.com or on FaceBook at OnPoint.
Imagine moving to a foreign country where you don’t know the language — or the culture and customs of its people. Now imagine starting a business or going to school there.
I can’t wrap my mind around that and yet, all of my grandparents emigrated here from Greece in the early 1920s, speaking little to no English and starting up candy shops and restaurants to support their families.
It is this experience that bolsters my profound respect for the folks who are daring enough to leave a familiar home to start anew in a strange land.
A couple with the same mindset, husband and wife team, Alan Headbloom (host) and Kim Roberts (creator and executive producer) have created a television show, Feel Like You Belong (FLYB), that shares the life stories of immigrants, expatriates and refugees to the United States. Now in its third year, FLYB celebrates its 100th episode, Anan Ameri: Love and Leadership in Arab America, on WKTV this month.
FLYB’s goal is to help immigrants acclimate to our community and learn colloquialisms of the English language, such as slang and humor. Since the program’s inception, people from Guatemala, Vietnam, the Middle East, Bhutan, the Dominican Republic and other places across the globe have shared their cultural experiences on-camera.
Paola Mendivil shares a laugh on set with the host. (Photo courtesy of FeelLikeYouBelong.com)
“Different is not bad,” said Headbloom, who teaches English as a second language and has an extensive background as an applied linguist and cross-cultural consultant. “Different is just different. White Americans — especially West Michiganders — need to get out and meet people who have accents and better tans than they do. That’s the only way we’re going to survive in this globally diversifying world.”
In addition to helping new residents acclimate to new surroundings, the show helps make a difference in how Americans perceive those who are beginning their lives anew in our country. With a few exceptions, most interviewees live and work in the greater Grand Rapids area.
“It’s a two-way street: Just as immigrants learn about our culture, we glean fascinating insights in our own culture and language, plus we’re exposed to other cultures. It’s a win-win,” said Headbloom.
The FLYB website archives the interviews as well as short educational segments for immigrants to learn from — including tips on culture and etiquette, lessons on American English grammar and slang, and examples of American humor (which is the hardest part of learning a new language). There’s also a blog for natives to educate themselves on issues of language, race/ethnicity and culture.
Alan Headbloom (Courtesy FeelLikeYouBelong.com)
Headbloom finds that the most challenging aspect of the show is having to train new crew every semester.
“We have no budget, so all crew members (production and post-production) are unpaid college interns.”
Roberts is a film/video professor at Grand Valley State University (GVSU). Headbloom has made a career of coaching international workers on how to live and communicate among Americans. He trains Americans how to work with local co-workers from overseas as well as their foreign-based counterparts around this shrinking globe. He also does training and facilitation around race, ethnicity, unconscious bias, respect in the workplace and diversity/inclusion. He finds the show rewarding on several levels.
Kim Roberts (Courtesy FeelLikeYouBelong.com
“It validates the immigrant experience and tells non-immigrant viewers that these stories, these humans are important too,” Headbloom said. “Everyone wants to be heard, be acknowledged. Many are honored to have a public forum for sharing their journey, both the challenges and the successes.”
And FLYB is making a difference in the community.
“I recently heard from a newer viewer, an 85-year-old conservative, white suburban male,” said Headbloom. “He told me he was unhappy about the country’s immigration ‘problem’ but found that watching our shows made ‘them’ seem like real people.
“In particular, I believe he was referencing Natanael “Nate” Krische’s story. Mr. Krische came here at age 18 without documents from Guatemala. He worked at odd jobs (often underpaid or unpaid) until he got his green card and then citizenship. Today, Mr. Krische employs seven area workers at his janitorial company. He is making jobs for — not taking them away from — other Americans.”
The crew of FLYB (Courtesy FeelLikeYouBelong.com)
Feel Like You Belongairs on WKTV Channel 25 (Comcast) and Channel 99 (ATT) Mondays at 8:30 pm and Wednesdays at 10:30 am. FLYB also airs on GRTV (Grand Rapids) and HCTV (Holland). Outside the area, folks can follow FLYB on its website, where the team archives all their interviews as well as the educational segments 24/7.
A group of local residents are part of a documentary on philanthropy which will air on WKTV 25 this month.
Grand Valley State University Associate Professor Salvatore Alaimo explores the concept of giving through the stories and perspectives of a variety of people from a group called the Caregivers Sewing Group who meet at Wyoming’s Gall Sewing and Vac Center to Emmy-nominated star of “M*A*S*H” and “Providence” Mike Farrell.
“What is Philanthropy?” will air at noon Wednesday, Dec. 7; 11:30 a.m.; Friday, Dec. 9; and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, on WKTV 25.
Also sharing their stories on philanthropy are U.S. Senator Charles Grassley, of Iowa, Newman’s Own Organics President and Co-founder Neil Newman, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, Estée Lauder Companies’ Evelyn Lauder, Civil Rights leader Dr. William G. Anderson and Indiana super volunteer Amber Kriech. Their comments are mixed in with some of the leading scholars in the field along with average citizens.
Emmy-nominated star of “M*A*S*H” and “Providence” Mike Farrell
According to Alaimo, his film, “What Is Philanthropy?,” enhances our understanding of the concept of philanthropy and its role in American culture and society. It seeks to broaden perspectives for giving, enhance understanding for philanthropy’s capabilities and shortcomings, and provoke us to reflect on our giving, he said.
“Philanthropy is not well understood by policy makers or the general public,” said Aaron Doorman for the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy. “This film helps address that problem. A thorough and honest portrayal of the strengths and shortcomings of philanthropy is just what the doctor ordered.”
The film has been shown in several universities throughout the United States including locally at Grand Valley State University, Aquinas College and Hope College. The film was an official selection to several film festivals including Queens World Film Festival, Bare Bones International Film Festival, Kingston Film Festival, Asheville Cinema Festival and was nominated for a 2015 Eclipse Award.
Alaimo, PhD, is an associate professor in the School of Public, Nonprofit and Health Administration at Grand Valley State University where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in philanthropy and nonprofit administration.
WKTV will present a new film by award-nominated writers/directors/producers Bayer Mack and Frances Presley Rice that is designed to help gain insight into the significance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s role in the civil rights movement and to develop a better understanding of the movement itself.
“In the Hour of Chaos” will air three times on WKTV Channel 25, noon Wednesday, Nov. 2; 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5; and 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8.
The main characters featured in the documentary “In the Hour of Chaos” are Martin Luther King, Sr (Daddy King), Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, Murray M. Silver and Malcolm X.
The story is presented in six parts and is set against a backdrop of sociopolitical intrigue, as well as racial and labor unrest, stretching from late 19th to early 20th century America,
The first part recounts the intriguing, but contentious relationship between Daddy King and Coretta, the woman his son (Martin, Jr.) chose to be his wife and who influenced his son’s decisions in the fight for black civil rights.
The second part brings to light Daddy King’s formative, impoverished childhood years in the violent backwoods of Georgia, which shaped his world view and forged his internal fortitude that served him well in his decades-long civil rights struggle. It also includes how he went from being a teenage runaway in the sinister rail-yards of Atlanta, as well as his efforts to re-invent himself through faith, education and his courtship and eventual marriage to Alberta Williams.
The third part features Daddy King’s activism in Atlanta and how his work with black church leaders sparked nationalism.
The fourth part details Daddy King’s involvement in national politics and how Communism taints the civil rights movement that’s also altered by the radical idealism of Malcolm X which conflicts with the approach of Daddy King and his protégé, his son Martin, Jr.
The fifth part documents how Daddy King was affected by the deaths of his two sons (Martin Jr. and Alfred) and his wife (Alberta), as well as the unintended consequences those deaths had on race relations in America.
The sixth part focuses on Daddy King’s joining forces with Murray M. Silver and destroying the political career of arch segregationist Lester Maddox, which ushered in a new day in the old South.
The idea for this documentary was conceived by Rice, executive producer of Block Starz Music Television LLC. Block Starz’s CEO Mack, joined Rice and they coordinated in the production of this historic documentary.
Block Starz Music Television LLC is an American independent film and television company based in Sarasota, Florida. The studio is best known for its documentary film “Oscar Micheaux: The Czar of Black Hollywood” that was nominated for a Black Reel Award as the “Outstanding Independent Documentary” by the Foundation for the Advancement of African-Americans in Film (FAAAF).
Three months ago we drew Daniele’s Pizzeria out of the Going Local hat and gave it the full treatment. There was a Facebook Live video of the drawing, an order of scrumptious pizza and cheesy bread, and a Friday write-up for the masses to consume.
However, something caught my eye three months ago while diving into the Daniele’s menu that caused me to pause and think “Is this love?” It was a masterful creation of carbs and grease called the ‘D-Burger’. A half pound slab of sausage topped with jalapeno and onions and sandwiched between two 7-inch pepperoni pizzas. A taste bud’s dream and an artery’s worst nightmare.
An executive decision was quickly made to add the D-Burger from Daniele’s into the hat. Fate would decide when the delicious monstrosity would make its humble abode in my belly, all I had to do was wait. So, you could imagine my excitement when the D-Burger was drawn out of the hat this week. While I tried to contain it, it was to no avail, Joanne and Victoria could see that I was smitten. My only question was, “do I call now or wait three days? I don’t want to seem needy or too available.”
Joanne made me wait until Wednesday per our ‘rules’ for Going Local. Rules don’t matter when love is in the air. Time is a physical construct that can’t measure longing. Does it really matter if it’s one minute or 48 hours? When one second feels infinite, it’s truly unbearable.
Somehow, through sheer will and grit, I made it to Wednesday.
After driving to Daniele’s Pizzeria – now at a new location located at 1429 60th Street, Grand Rapids – and picking up the goods, the sheer girth of the box caught me slightly off guard. A quick peek inside showed a greasy pepperoni pizza, what was underneath would stay a mystery until I returned back to WKTV to share with the staff.
As my teeth sunk into the burger, fireworks went off in my head. The pizza, sausage, pizza trifecta was a sensation with every bite. Juicy, salty, and carbo-loaded for the ultimate eating experience. The jalapeno added a slight kick of heat that triggered the taste buds and took them on an unexpected roller coaster ride of flavor.
The D-Burger was shared between five of us at the station as none of us wanted to keel over of a heart attack after eating too much. However, death by eating a D-Burger might not be the worst way to go…
In full disclosure, I have to state this upfront: I am not a fan of sausage on a pizza. I prefer my pizzas to be simple, usually with just pepperoni or, if making them at home, with green pepper, onion, ham, and pepperoni. Sausage just does not make the list.
With that said, when Mike talked about the D-Burger at Danielle’s, I assumed it was a burger — as in hamburger — between two 7-inch pizzas. Once I took a bite, I quickly realized it was sausage, which only made sense for a pizza-style burger. And the sausage was very good, very favorable, and even though sausage is not my thing, I have to give kudos to Danielle’s for thinking outside of the box in creating the D-Burger. I did try the pizza separate and it was amazing. The bread was fresh, the sauce was perfect and it was just the type of pizza I would enjoy.
So while the D-Burger won’t make it on my repeat list (I do encourage everyone to at least try it and make their own decision) I will be heading over to Danielle’s Pizza’s new location at 1429 60th St. SE for a pizza…or two, as I do need to share with the family.
Just in time for the hunting season, EP Adventures latest hunting video is set to air on WKTV
“Stars & Stripes,” is a video featuring 14 hunts, each of which is dedicated to a different member of the armed services, will air on the station Friday, Oct. 14, at midnight and Saturday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m.
The show spans across an entire year, so there is no one hunting season, but rather several. The military do not do the actually hunting, per se, but the hunts are dedicated to them.
According to EP Adventures’ website “The EP Staff would like to thank all of the men and women of our armed forces this hunting season, and we are dedicating each hunt to them. There would be no hunting without freedom, and because of our entire armed forces we have the privilege to enjoy great hunting in this wonderful country. This video is dedicated to all who protect this nation, both foreign and domestic.”
Archery season in Michigan is already underway, running through Nov. 14 with the second archery season running Dec. 1 – Jan. 1. Regular firearm season is Nov. 15 – 30 with muzzleloading running Dec. 2 – 18. For details on the various hunting seasons, visit the DNR’s website.
EP Adventures is made up of a group of hunting friends who include Scott Wiseman, Gina Wiseman, Michael Endres, Jacob Elliott, Bryan Lape, Brayden Lape, Mike Lucchesi, Scott Haney, Brandon Cunnihgha, Rick Karel, Rusty Ackley, Dough Vandewater, Aaron Albrecht, Mathew Schmidt, and Nate Brown.
EP Adventures has a series of videos, each focusing more about the hunting action with some tips offered from time to time. For more about EP Adventures, visit epadventures.com.
WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well-informed and more involved in local matters. Note: Wyoming City Council seats are nonpartisan.
2nd Ward
The City of Wyoming’s 2nd Ward Council area covers the northern portion of the City of Wyoming from Chicago Drive in the north to Prairie Parkway down Burlingame Avenue over 36th Street and up along 32nd Street on the south. The 2nd Ward western border is Wentworth and the eastern border is the city limits.
Richard Kent Pastoor – Incumbent
Occupation: Worked in sales and broadcasting. Has been on the Wyoming City Council since 2001
Residence: Wyoming
Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 2nd Ward?
“Well, I was appointed to the 2nd Ward back in March of 2001 and liked it, so I decided to run again in 2003. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had and I’ve met some great people. I try to serve the people and I love being able to help them.”
With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?
“Most of that area is in my ward and the people over there have always felt slighted and cheated that the City ignored them. That the business ventures stopped at Burlingame. I hope it’s something that takes off and benefits the businesses in the area. I would like to see all of 28th Street re-birthed.”
Marissa K. Postler
Occupation: Works at Costco Warehouse
Residence: Wyoming
Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 2nd Ward?
“I was frustrated with Millennials engagement into politics. I want to bring more people into politics in order to give a more accurate representation of the community. With a median age of just over 30, the City Council needs more diversity to properly represent the City of Wyoming.”
With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?
“I’d love it as long as we get the right types of businesses in. With young people taking advantage of the low housing market in Wyoming, we need to keep them here. A new 28 West has the potential to increase Wyoming’s appeal.”
3rd Ward
The City of Wyoming’s 3rd Ward Council area encompasses the city’s panhandle area that includes most of the western area of the city from Prairie Parkway on the north to 60th Street in the south. The 3rd Ward eastern border wraps around the city limits to Kenowa Avenue and its western border is Burlingame Avenue.
Rusty Richter
Occupation: Twenty-seven years as a commercial real estate broker and property manager Residence: Wyoming
Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 3rd Ward?
“I’ve lived in Wyoming my whole life and so have my parents and their parents. In order to keep the solid foundation the city is built on, you have to be involved to make sure it remains sound and sensible. I’m looking to dew attention to the issues in the 3rd Ward as some people in the 3rd Ward feel left out and not a part of Wyoming.”
With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?
“I think it’s an important project for Wyoming and will help Wyoming develop a downtown feel. It has to be competitive in growing business development and the project will help with that. It’s important to use the private sector to fill 28th Street.
Robert D. Postema
Occupation: Engineer / Part Owner of Richard Postema Associates PC, Architects & Engineers Residence: 36 years in Wyoming
Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 3rd Ward?
“I am running for election because I believe I have the experience and critical thinking necessary to properly guide the decisions made by the City Council. I have consistently shown in my work the desire to fully understand an issue and make a thoughtful, common-sense decision on how to proceed. I grew up in Wyoming, raised my own family here and own a business in Wyoming. I want Wyoming to continue to be a great place to live, raise a family, and run a business. I am committed to limited government, being accessible and accountable, fiscal responsibility, strong public safety, and smart growth.”
With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?
“The 28 West project is the catalyst that should help drive new development in Wyoming’s DDA. Redevelopment often is about momentum with new development driving more new development. The city needs to work promote the area and also needs to remain flexible enough to work with developers on concepts that may not have been envisioned in the 28 West plan but hold true to the plan’s ultimate goals.”
All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters.
WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well-informed and more involved in local matters.
City of Wyoming – 2nd Ward
The City of Wyoming’s 2nd Ward Council area covers the northern portion of the City of Wyoming from Chicago Drive in the north to Prairie Parkway down Burlingame Avenue over 36th Street and up along 32nd Street on the south. The 2nd Ward western border is Wentworth and the eastern border is the city limits.
City of Wyoming – 3rd Ward
The City of Wyoming’s 3rd Ward Council area encompasses the city’s panhandle area that includes most of the western area of the city from Prairie Parkway on the north to 60th Street in the south. The 3rd Ward eastern border wraps around the city limits to Kenowa Avenue and its western border is Burlingame Avenue.
Kent County Commissioner – 8th District
Kent County Commissioner District 8 covers the eastern portion of the City of Wyoming, including the pan handle. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Kent County Commissioner – 12th District
Kent County Commissioner District 12 covers the western portion of the City of Kentwood and the eastern portion of the City of Wyoming. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Kent County Commissioner – 13th District
Kent County Commissioner District 13 covers the eastern portion of the City of Kentwood. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
State House of Representatives – 77th District
The 77th District includes Byron Township and the City of Wyoming. The seat is currently held by Thomas Hooker of Byron Township, who is vacating due to term limits.
WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well-informed and more involved in local matters.
7th District
Kent County Commissioner District 7 includes the City of Grandville and the northern portion of the City of Wyoming, mostly the Godfrey Lee area. For specific borders, visit accesskent.com.
Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 7th District?
“I have enjoyed serving on the various boards such as the Network 180 Board (Community Mental Health Authority Board), the Land Bank Authority and the Pension Board. They have really re-energized me and I would like to continue to work through on the projects these groups have to see them to their realization.”
What issues are a high priority to you?
“Taxation and the budget, obviously. Most of the county’s budget is flow through dollars designated by the state for certain projects. I think we need to consolidate where we can and generate new partnerships. The council has done a good job in building partnerships and we need to explore new ideas to foster other partnership opportunities.”
What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“The 911 dispatch is critical and we need to consolidate with the City of Grand Rapids as soon as possible. Having duplicates services is a waste of taxpayer money. As for adding more to the surcharge to pay for improvements. I am a no vote on that. We currently do not know if all of the current surcharge is getting to us. Why should we ask the taxpayers to pay more? 911 dispatch is a critical service and should be a priority in the Kent County general budget, not a ballot issue for the taxpayer. Taxpayers and businesses already pay enough in taxes.”
Logan Arkema – Candidate (D)
Occupation: Student at Georgetown University Residence: Grandville
Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 7th District?
“The last couple election cycles have seen only one choice on the ballot. I feel the voters needed at least one more choice. I also want the county to embrace technology to be as optimal as possible.”
What issues are a high priority to you?
“I think the Rapid could use some improvement as the city’s main form of public transit. I would want to make sure the Sheriff Department has the training necessary to have positive interactions with the community.”
What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“I’m glad the issue is on the ballot. I still think there’s room for improvement. I think we can invest more in our 911 dispatch and I want to make sure the technology we have is the best possible to save lives.”
8th District
Kent County Commissioner District 8 covers the eastern portion of the City of Wyoming, including the pan handle. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Harold Voorhees – Incumbent (R)
Occupation: Owner at Cookies Unique Residence: Wyoming Pan Handle
Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 8th District?
“To serve. I serve on the boards for the West Michigan Sports Commission and the John Ball Zoo.”
What issues are a high priority to you?
“I want mandated services to run in the most efficient way possible. I also want to continue to strengthen the quality of life on the cultural level here in West Michigan. I believe cultural aspects – sports, the zoo, Meijer Garden, etc. – boost the economy and quality of life for the residents in the area.”
What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“It’s a necessity! Public safety is necessary. There are places in the county where we can’t talk to each other. Our law enforcement and emergency services need to be able to talk to one another.”
Franklin Cornielle – Candidate (D)
Franklin Cornielle is the Democratic nominee for the 8th District Kent County Commission. He will be running against Harold Voorhees in the November 8 election.
9th District
Kent County Commissioner District 9 covers parts of southern Wyoming and also Byron Township. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Matt Kallman – Incumbent (R)
Matt Kallman is the Republican nominee for the 9th District Kent County Commission. He will be running against Keith F. Courtage in the November 8 election.
Keith F. Courtage – Candidate (D)
Keith F. Courtage is the Democratic nominee for the 9th District Kent County Commission. He will be running against Matt Kallman in the November 8 election.
10th District
Kent County Commissioner District 10 covers Gaines Township and the southern half of Caledonia Township. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Emily P. Brieve – Incumbent
Emily P. Brieve is the incumbent for the 10th District and is running unopposed in the November 8 election.
12th District
Kent County Commissioner District 12 covers the western portion of the City of Kentwood and the eastern portion of the City of Wyoming. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Harold J. Mast – Incumbent (R)
Occupation: Former Health Care Administrative at Pine Rest for 28 years. Ten years as executive director Genesis Non-Profit Housing. Residence: Kentwood
Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 12th District?
“I’ve been a city commissioner for 14 years and a county commissioner for 18. I have an interest as a servant and the capability to work with people and solve the issues that face them.”
What issues are of high priority to you?
“I think we need to be focused on helping seniors as they age. Along with that, we need to provide adequate care to those with mental and physical disabilities.”
What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“A central 911 dispatch would enhance 911 capabilities throughout Kent County. Having a central location would increase the speed and effectiveness of the response.”
Christian Allen – Candidate (D)
Occupation: Assembly fitter for a UAW Shop Residence: Wyoming
Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 12th District?
“I think there needs to be a change in Kent County as I believe some of the commissioners are becoming to comfortable. I think we need a more transparent Kent County Commissioner board and I think that I can make a difference.”
What issues are a high priority to you?
“My three key issues are to improve Kent County services, to progress the living wage, and to create a fair community for all.”
What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“I think that they are moving in the right direction with the central dispatch. I think that there are a couple of things that they could change. If I get elected, I would take a closer look at that and I think we could bring more technology and maybe a University to help organize it better.”
13th District
Kent County Commissioner District 13 covers the eastern portion of the City of Kentwood. For specific boarders, visit accesskent.com.
Jessica Ann Tyson – Candidate (R)
Occupation: Small business owner Residence: Kentwood
Why did you decide to run for the Kent County Commission 13th District?
“There is an open seat and I would like the opportunity to represent my city and community at the county level. I’m the state president of a political organization and ran before against an incumbent. I want to be able to affect policy.”
What issues are a high priority to you?
“Because there’s an open seat, I’d like to honor the past and keep Kent County at their Triple-A bond rating while also looking for new was to improve.”
What are your thoughts on a central 911 dispatch for Kent County?
“I’m all for advancing technology. I believe Kent County has done the homework to get the best price and technology for the residence.”
Betsy Melton – Candidate (D)
Betsy Melton is the Democratic nominee for the 13th District Kent County Commission. She will be running against Jessica Ann Tyson in the November 8 election.
All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters.
WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well-informed and more involved in local matters.
Kent County Sheriff
Lawrence A. Stelma – Incumbent (R)
Occupation: Been in law enforcement since 1972 and has acted as sheriff for 16 years. Residence: Cedar Springs
Why did you decide to run for Sheriff back in 2000 and continue to run today?
“It’s been a natural progression in my career that started as a corrections officer. We have many projects in the works like the 911 central dispatch that I want to see to completion.”
What are some of the benefits and challenges to the central 911 dispatch?
“Well, some of the challenges are funding and technology, but the benefits are very important. A central dispatch would make for greater efficiency for all the agencies and would create better communication for emergencies and big events.”
With national headlines centered around negative police-community relations, how would you continue to foster and strengthen the relationship between the Sheriff’s Department and Kent County?
“We work hard with the community and with community leaders. We build strong relationships so that we all work together. We work with organization like the Neighborhood Watch, with faith-based organizations, and also with the mental health community.”
Michael B. Scruggs – Candidate (D)
Michael B. Scruggs is the Democratic nominee for the Kent County Sheriff. He will be running against Lawrence A. Stelma in the November 8 election.
Kent County Prosecuting Attorney
Alida J. Bryant – Candidate (D)
Occupation: Staff attorney at the Kent County Defender’s Office. Criminal defense attorney for the past 22 years. Residence: Belding
Why did you decide to run for Prosecuting Attorney?
“I decided to run in order to validate the need for criminal justice reform. Accountability, productivity, safety, victim’s rights and fiscal responsibility are all goals which must be managed and balanced.”
As Prosecuting Attorney, what would be your main goal or focus?
“The main focus is finding a balanced approach to law enforcement. I want to move non-violent, victimless offenders from accountability to productivity.”
Chris Becker – Candidate (R)
Chris Becker is the Republican nominee for the Kent County Prosecuting Attorney. He will be running against Alida J. Bryant in the November 8 election.
Kent County Clerk
Chris Reader – Candidate (D)
Occupation: Software developer for Spectrum Residence: Grand Rapids
Why did you decide to run for Kent County Clerk?
“I believe it is the place I can do the most good. I have a decade of community service and I believe the clerk can be a partner to the community. I think I bring a unique set of skills that fit the position well.”
As Kent County Treasurer, what would be your main goal or focus?
“Compared to other offices statewide, Kent County can do a lot more online. I want to find ways for the clerks office to reach out to the community. Right now you have to go downtown to access the clerks office.”
Lisa Posthumus Lyons – Candidate (R)
Lisa Posthumus Lyons is the Republican nominee for Kent County Clerk. She will be running against Chris Reader and James Lewis in the November 8 election.
James Lewis – Candidate (L)
James Lewis is the Libertarian nominee for Kent County Clerk. He will be running against Chris Reader and Lisa Posthumus Lyons in the November 8 election.
Kent County Drain Commissioner
Rachel Hood – Candidate (D)
Occupation: Consultant for Chase Park Grants Residence: Grand Rapids
Why did you decide t run for Kent Country Drain Commissioner?
“I’m passionate about water and possess a skill set and experience that uniquely qualifies me to take the job into the 21st century. I’ve spent the last 10 years working on changing policy and investments in storm water in the greater Grand Rapids area.”
As Kent County Drain Commissioner, what would be your main goal or focus?
“I will increase responsiveness and transparency by investing in technology and customer service tools. I want to ensure that we do more than just manage our infrastructure; we can leverage our drain dollars to attract federal and state investments that will help us bring more value to our drain dollars. We can use drain investments to achieve water quality improvements, or build recreational facilities that double as stormwater management strategies, like soccer fields that also store and slowly release stormwater underneath the field. Or using stormwater bioswales that double as traffic calming and place-making tools for neighborhood business districts.”
Ken Yonker – Candidate (R)
Ken Yonker is the Republican nominee for Kent County Drain Commissioner. He will be running against Rachel Hood in the November 8 election.
Kent County Treasurer
Kenneth D. Parish – Incumbent (R)
Kenneth D. Parish is the Republican nominee for Kent County Treasurer. He will be running against Jodi Betten in the November 8 election.
Jodi Betten – Incumbent (D)
Jodi Betten is the Democratic nominee for Kent County Treasurer. She will be running against Kenneth Parish in the November 8 election.
All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters.
WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well-informed and more involved in local matters.
U.S. 2nd District
The Second Congressional District includes: Lake, Oceana, Newaygo, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties in their entirety as well as portions of Allegan, Kent, and Mason Counties.
Why did you decide to run as the representative for the US 2nd District?
“I am running because I do not think our current representative is looking out for the real interests of the vast majority of citizens in our district. The district is effectively ignored and I don’t think Republican policies actually help most of the people in terms of jobs, civic improvements, infrastructure, etc. We need positive action from our government to effect positive change.”
What issues are a high priority to you?
“Social Security is my number one issue in that I want to make sure it stays funded and is not privatized. I also believe there needs to be a nationwide standard for elections. I am against Pipeline 5, especially after what happened with the Kalamazoo River. We don’t need oil bubbling up in the Straits of Mackinaw.”
When the national spotlight is on Michigan, it usually focuses on Detroit and the east side. How would you make sure West Michigan isn’t forgotten?
“Well, if I continue to do well in the campaign that will naturally bring attention to the west since this area is safely Republican. Michigan overall is primarily Democrat, so here, I am hoping to make my voice heard. I hope by hammering the issues I will make people understand they’re voting for the wrong person.”
Erwin Haas – Candidate (L)
Occupation: City Commissioner for Kentwood and semi-retired physician Residence: Kentwood
Why did you decide to run as the representative for the US 2nd District?
“I see the distorting influences of the Federal Government on small cities like Kentwood. I see taxpayer money going to small ‘free’ services we don’t need and our current representative not adhering to his conservative values.”
What issues are a high priority to you?
“I think there is a major problem with how we collect taxes. We should get ride of the IRS and instead institute a fair tax. I believe we should readdress our military to focus on our boarders here at home and not worry about what’s going on overseas.”
When the national spotlight is on Michigan, it usually focuses on Detroit and the east side. How would you make sure West Michigan isn’t forgotten?
“I would focus on keeping the government out of situations it doesn’t need to be in. People in West Michigan tend to be self starters. They aren’t as dependent on the government and its services.”
U.S. 3rd District
The 3rd District includes the counties of Barry, Ionia, and all but the southwest portion of Kent.
Doug Smith – Candidate (D)
Occupation: Sheet Metal Workers Local 7 Residence: Belmont
Why did you decide to run as the representative for the US 3rd District?
“I’ve protested in the past against unfair legislation and didn’t see results. To have a chance at changing politics, you need to do it from within. I wanted to give the people a politician who wasn’t corrupted.
What issues are a high priority to you?
“Overturning Citizens United and getting big money out of politics. I also want to get as many people as possible into the voting process by having open primaries and automatic voter registration when someone turns 18.”
When the national spotlight is on Michigan, it usually focuses on Detroit and the east side. How would you make sure West Michigan isn’t forgotten?
“Michigan as a whole needs reps who can focus on the state as a whole. Investments in infrastructure everywhere are important so that Flint doesn’t happen anywhere else. My construction background can help with infrastructure upgrades and better transportation.”
Justin Amash – Incumbent (R)
Justin Amash is the Incumbent and Republican nominee for the 3rd District. He will be running against Doug Smith in the November 8 election.
72nd District
The 72nd District includes the City of Kentwood and Gaines Township in Kent County and Leighton Township, Wayland Township, Dorr Township and the City of Wayland in Allegan County. The seat is currently held by Ken Yonker, who is vacating due to term limits.
Steven Johnson – Candidate (R)
Occupation: Four years in the Air Force and now campaigning as a full-time candidate Residence: Wayland Township
Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District Representative?
“I didn’t initially plan on running, but after seeing videos of Planned Parenthood selling baby parts while the government still chose to fund them, I decided to get involved. I called some local candidates to hear their stance and concerns with specific issues and didn’t receive a straight answer. I then chose to run myself.”
What issues would you address if elected?
“We need to repeal Common Core. It’s a one-size method that doesn’t fit everyone. I’m Pro-Life and support a life at conception act. I would also stop corporate welfare. Too often big companies, like Switch coming into Gaines Township, are given big tax breaks.”
Steve Shoemaker – Candidate (D)
Occupation: Worked for Steelcase for 25 years as a Skilled Trades Journeyman. Retired in 2005. Residence: Caledonia
Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District Representative?
“I saw some decisions that came out of Lansing that I didn’t agree with. The current 72nd district representative made some votes that I felt went against what he believed. As a leader its important to make tough decisions even if they’re not popular. I want to ensure the opportunities I had in the 72nd District – jobs, income, lifestyle, etc. – are available to every citizen.”
What issue would you address if elected?
“The government needs to be made more transparent. Right now, Michigan ranks dead last in transparency. I would draft a bill to repeal exemption for Freedom of Information Act blockage for government representatives. I want to keep government transparency at the forefront.”
77th District
The 77th District includes Byron Township and the City of Wyoming. The seat is currently held by Thomas Hooker of Byron Township, who is vacating due to term limits.
Tommy Brann – Candidate (R)
Occupation: Owner of Brann’s Steakhouse since he was 19-years-old.
Residence: Wyoming
Why did you decide to run for the 77th District Representative?
“I’ve always been interested in politics and admired the people who do it. I believe in free enterprise. There’s a lot of stories of entrepreneurs that I want to share not only with the government, but with children as well. I can help influence education.”
What issues would you address if elected?
“I would like to keep government simple. I believe the simpler, the better. Right now the state has $27.2 billion for teachers pension that is unfunded. The budget needs to be balanced, and that means no debt.”
Dana Knight – Candidate (D)
Dana Knight is the Democratic nominee for the 77th District. She will be running against Tommy Brann in the November 8 election.
All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters.
We finally made it into Hall H a little after 10am after camping out all night on Saturday. I planned on staying in Hall H all day because the line up was capital A-mazing!
Warner Brothers kicked off the day with a lineup that included Wonder Woman, Justice League, Suicide Squad, The Lego Batman, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, Kong: Skull Island, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. I would expect nothing less than the incredible lineup we got with Warner Brothers.
On top of the great lineup, the morning was hosted by none other than Conan O’Brien!
The presentation began with a fantastic trailer for Wonder Woman that was followed by O’Brien introducing the cast. Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, and Director Patty Jenkins were on the panel to talk about the movie. Gal Gadot summed it up nicely when she mentioned that it took “a lot of hard work and patience.”
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After Wonder Woman came a surprise guest, the cast for Justice League. While they couldn’t stay long – they were headed over to the film set – they stayed long enough to show the trailer and talk to the crowd. Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, and Director Zack Snyder were in attendance.
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Suicide Squad, which is currently in theaters, took time on Saturday to pay a visit to Hall H.
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After the Suicide Squad cast made their appearance, we were shown the trailer for The Lego Batman movie and we had the opportunity to see Chris Mckay and Will Arnett. Then we saw the trailer for King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Charlie Hunnam came and spoke for a little while. When asked how he prepared for such a role, Charlie Hunnam said he tried not to think about it too much.
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Next on tap was Kong: Skull Island! Tom Hiddleston (Loki!), Brie Larson, John Goodman (Roseanne and Speed Racer), Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchel and Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts appeared onstage. The movie was filmed in three countries and we were given the first glimpse of the trailer at Comic-Con.
And to end our morning in Hall H, we were shown the trailer for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The movie is a story inside the universe of Harry Potter. After the trailer, we were introduced to Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Miller, Colin Farrell, and David Yates.
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The first part of the morning certainly had an amazing line up of guests and trailers! “Your mission, should you choose to accept it…” is to stay tuned to see what happens the rest of the day in Hall H! As a spoiler I will mention Star Trek. Until next time…“Live Long and Prosper.”
Global Force Productions, a West Michigan-based international production company, specializing in CG animation, is bringing a new children’s educational program to WKTV. “Jake’s Safari,” was written by West Virginia actor/writer, George R. Snider, III. Global
“We fell in love with Mr. Snider’s story and its characters, so we attracted the production work to Grand Rapids,” said Randy Bassin, Force’s founder and executive producer of this show.
Together with talent from west Michigan and throughout the Midwest, along with the animation team at Global Force’s south India studios, under the direction of Terry Vanden Akker, TV audiences will experience a truly international safari for kids from pre-kindergarten through second grade. The show will air Mondays at 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. on WKTV channel 25.
Globe Force Productions Founder Randy Bassin with Chiku from the company’s animated children’s show “Jake’s Safari.”
“Jake’s Safari,” which was nominated for a 2016 Eclipse Award for animation, is a half hour children’s program produced with both live actors and CG animated characters. The show will attract an international audience of both girls and boys. It is the story of Jake, a photo-journalist with “Wild World Magazine,” who experiences new adventures with his wise Zulu guide, Jabali, and his two animated sidekicks — a precocious monkey named Chiku and an easy living tiger named Tahla. Throughout the episode, audiences will meet Maribel, the assignment editor for “Wild World Magazine,” and Jake’s animated email messenger Rasul (a cheetah). Along the way you’ll be introduced to a wide variety of CG animals from different countries.
On Safari with Jake and his friends, viewers will traverse the world meeting new cultures, exploring exotic locations, learning about wildlife, promoting healthy childhood development, good morals, and even sharing photography tips designed for children.
The WKTV Voices trailer is at Marge’s Donut Den the second Saturday of each month. In March of this year, Marge and her sister Marilyn sat down to record their oral history. Hear what these marvelously mischievous siblings had to say about the various pranks they pulled during their childhood.
