The structure was quickly engulfed in flames (Photo courtesy of resident Kaylynn Dang)
Shortly after 10 a.m. on Dec. 18, the Wyoming Fire Department responded to reports of a school bus maintenance building on fire located at 2181 Prairie Parkway SW.
The fire was reported in the garage area used for servicing school buses for Wyoming Public Schools.
The first arriving fire units observed significant fire coming through the roof and the overhead doors of the building. The fire had already spread rapidly throughout the building causing significant structural damage. The fire was contained and extinguished preventing it from fully spreading to the nearby office structure.
There were minor injuries reported of smoke inhalation, however patients were treated at the scene and released.
An initial investigation conducted by the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire began while mechanics were performing maintenance on the buses. The garage sustained significant damage and total cost of damages is still being assessed.
Reducing fire risk
The Wyoming Fire Department would like to extend our gratitude to local and municipal partners involved with this fire either directly or indirectly to include Wyoming Police Department, Wyoming Public Works, Grandville Fire Department, Kent County Sheriff, American Medical Response (AMR), DTE and Consumers Energy.
The staff of Wyoming Public Schools was instrumental in assisting with moving buses and planning the timely pickup of all students during this incident.
First responders continue battling the Wyoming bus garage fire (Photo courtesy of Jen Baker)
In light of this incident, the Wyoming Fire Department would like to remind all business owners and residents of the importance of fire safety. Please ensure properties are equipped with working smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and clear emergency exit paths. Regular maintenance and adherence to safety regulations can significantly reduce the risk of fire.
Fire Marshal Contact
Anyone with additional information regarding this fire is asked to contact the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office Fire Investigator at 616-257-9764
Check out our first WKTV Friday Night Highlights show of the basketball season featuring many area Boys and Girls high school teams in action.
Every week, we’ll bring you several high school basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings.
Thanks for watching, and see you after the holidays!
The Sunday Night Funnies (SNF) second annual Ugly Christmas Outfit contest is this Sunday, Dec. 22.
“We had a lot of fun last year at our second annual Ugly Christmas Outfit contest, so I figure why not do it again,” says Brian B., MC and Founder of the SNF. “It’s our last show for 2024, so why not go out with a bang.
(Courtesy, Brian B./SNF)
“The winner received $25 in Woody’s/Spectrum Entertainment Complex gift cards. We’ll be using an actual decibel meter to determine who gets the loudest response and will win the gift card.”
Come out and show off your best ugly Christmas outfit!
Big events planned for 2025
The Sunday Night Funnies has an eventful year ahead with several events planned for 2025.
February 16 we’ll be doing our The SNF annual Black History month show featuring an all-black comedian lineup will take place Feb. 16, 2025. All women comedians will perform March 2 in honor of Women’s History Month.
The following Sunday, March 9, will be the annual Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids LaughFest SNF performance featuring an all-start lineup of comics. Closing that show will be Simon Carlson, winner of the 2024 Kingpin of Comedy competition.
May 4 will feature comics 50+ years of age to celebrate Older American Month. The Sunday right after, May 11, will see the launch of the SNF’s seventh annual Kingpin of Comedy competition which will run through Oct. 26, 2025.
The community is invited to come out for these eventings of fun and laughs!
Sunny with SNF car (Courtesy, Brian B./SNF)
About SNF
The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. The weekly live stand-up comedy performance is free admission and features a variety of local and national comics. Each show begins at 7:30 p.m. (fall/winter) and 8:30 p.m. (spring/summer) at Spectrum Entertainment Complex in Wyoming.
Feeding America West Michigan (FAWM) works to provide a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and baked goods to people in need of emergency food at no cost.
The Mobile Pantry schedule may be updated or changed at any time, so please check often for updates.
Unless otherwise noted, all Mobile Pantries are scheduled in Eastern Standard Time.
Information on additional food resources can be found in map form on the FAWM Resource Map. If you have questions about a specific Mobile Pantry, please contact the host agency.
Many Mobile Food Pantry sites will allow you to pick up food as a proxy (stand-in) for another household that cannot physically attend. You will need to be prepared to provide the name, address and household size of any other family you are picking up for. Most Mobile Pantry sites have a limit on how many households you can pick up for and should tell you that limit if you ask.
Wyoming police officers were the recipients of heartfelt appreciation and gratitude from community members on Thursday, Dec. 12.
While snow, wind and ice descended upon West Michigan – closing numerous schools and forcing many residents to work from home – Wyoming police officers donned uniforms and reported for duty.
As officers filed into the police station at 7 a.m. for a routine training session, they were met by 15 community members who took turns verbally expressing gratitude for the officers’ service to the community.
WPD officers listen as presentation participants share their personal ties to the law enforcement community (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
Coordinated by iCI Nation founder Jennifer Franson and sponsored by W2W Healthy You, the Christmas Connect presentation featured a hot breakfast prepared by Wyoming Police Chief Kim Koster, Captain Eric Wiler, and Captain Tim Pols, as well as over several dozen donuts from Marge’s Donut Den.
“In the spirit of the season, we get to lead with peace and goodwill,” said Franson in supplied material.
Voicing gratitude
In a show of love and support, local community members – including residents, pastors, media professionals, nonprofit leaders, and more – honored the gathered police officers by each voicing an individual thank you, sharing personal ties to the law enforcement community, and praying over the officers before leaving.
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
“All of these people came here, in this weather, because they understand and appreciate everything you do,” Franson told the WPD officers during the presentation. “We know that you all are going out and dealing with things every day that we don’t want to have to deal with.”
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
Franson went on to say that it is important for local law enforcement officers to know that the community recognizes and supports their work as they put their lives on the line each day to keep our community safe.
“We want you to know that we’ve got your back,” one community member told WPD officers during the presentation.
Strengthening our cities
iCI Nation has been building successful partnerships between community and law enforcement since 2016. The local nonprofit is dedicated to providing a healthy environment that brings citizens, police officers and organizational resources together to create a stronger and healthier city.
“ICI reignites police hearts and passion for the mission of protecting and serving,” says Wyoming Police Chief Kim Koster. (iCI Nation website)
Javon Sanders (front) of the GRPD talks with WPD officers (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
Tracy, W2W Healthy You Lead Education Instructor, explains to officers how their work positively impacts youth (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
(Courtesy, iCI Nation)
Those connections are forged through monthly iCI Nation events for the community and police, including prayer gatherings for the faith community, presentations, and lunch and learns. The organization also builds collaborations through various local organizations and events.
Craig G. Founder of the PeaceWalker Project says, “The difference that iCI has made in this community is nothing short of extraordinary.” (iCI Nation website)
Learn more about iCI Nation and how you can help honor local law enforcement here.
Heading into the new basketball season, the Wyoming boys basketball team was counting on shooting as being a strong point for the team. Like the weather, however, the Wolves have gone through some chilly spells at times in the early going.
Coopersville (2-0) beat visiting Wyoming 49-40 Tuesday. The Wolves fell to 0-3.
“I thought we did a lot of things really well,” said Wyoming Coach Thom Vander Klay. “I thought we executed pretty well. We’re a little concerned with our turnovers and our shooting percentage, but I thought that our guys worked hard for some second shots. We got some looks that we wanted and they didn’t go in and it kind of snowballed almost on us.
“I think we really do have some pretty good shooters, you wouldn’t guess it tonight, but give credit to Coopersville of course on that and their zone defense.”
Wyoming took the early lead in the game as the Wolves outscored Coopersville 12-8 in the first quarter. Senior Taeshon Wilson led the way for the Wolves early with a pair of first-quarter buckets.
Coopersville took a 17-16 lead midway through the second quarter and built a five-point lead before Wyoming closed the gap to 23-20 at halftime on a bucket by Wilson.
After halftime, the Wyoming offense was in the deep freeze for almost a full quarter. Coopersville upped its lead to 27-20 before a bucket by Wyoming’s Brayden Williams put the first points on the board for the Wolves at the 4:08 mark of the third quarter.
Coopersville outscored Wyoming 9-3 to close out the third quarter, taking a 36-25 lead into the final quarter.
Wolves claw back
The Wolves, however, began to heat up on the offensive end of the floor during the opening minutes of the fourth quarter as they began to mount a comeback. Trailing 42-29, Brayden Williams hit a three-point shot with 4:56 remaining in the game. That trey sparked a 9-0 Wyoming scoring run that cut the Coopersville lead to 42-38 when Avonte’ Wiggins scored with 3:21 remaining in the game.
Coopersville upped the lead to 44-38 on a bucket by Judah Bartels, but Wyoming cut the margin back to four points when Joshua Guevara scored on an offensive rebound putback with 2:23 remaining in the game.
The Wolves looked to have created a turnover that would’ve put them in position to make the game a one-possession contest, but the call on the play went Coopersville’s way. The Broncos then closed the door by scoring the final five points of the game.
Wyoming finished with balanced scoring as Brayden Williams led with nine points. Guevara added seven points, while Warren Williams, Brad Lewis and Wilson each finished with six.
The Wolves, who went 6-17 last season, have a core of veterans back from last year headed up by seniors Avonte’ Wiggins and Warren Williams and sophomore Brayden Williams, who is back after missing much of last season with a knee injury.
Senior Warren Williams splits a pair of Coopersville defenders as he drives to the basket. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)
Coopersville (2-0) was paced by Brooks Hadden with 15 points and Bartels with 12.
With the loss, Wyoming fell to 0-3 for the season. The Wolves opened the season with a 56-54 loss to Caledonia and then dropped a 61-47 decision to Grand Rapids Christian.
“The execution is going to be OK,” Vander Klay said. “It’s going to be the matter, in our heads, can we put the ball in the basket, so I think this is a lot of mental for us.
“I’m proud of our effort tonight and we did a lot of good things. Just not enough to beat Coopersville. We just have to get better to win some games.”
Wyoming’s Tarren Calvert (1) brings the ball down the floor against Coopersville. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)
Wyoming returns to action Friday when it travels to East Grand Rapids and then returns home to host Kelloggsville next Tuesday and Zeeland West the following evening.
Wyoming also is preparing to compete in a new division in the OK Conference this season. Instead of playing many schools along the lakeshore like they have the past few seasons, the Wolves are playing in the OK Gold this season. The Gold also is different from the OK Gold that the football team played in during the fall as football is the only sport in the OK Conference that has its own unique divisions.
During basketball season, Wyoming will play a more localized schedule with Northview, Grand Rapids Union, Grand Rapids West Catholic, Middleville, Wayland and South Christian, all members of the new-look OK Gold.
The start of the Lee Legends basketball season has been filled with overtime thrillers and valuable lessons. Still, the Legends are in search of their first win.
The early season schedule has had the Legends travel to crosstown rival Kelloggsville and D-1 East Kentwood. Lee also has hosted Grand Rapids Union, Forest Hills Eastern and Muskegon Heights.
The game at East Kentwood was a special one for Lee’s first-year coach and East Kentwood alumni Gerard Oray.
“EK was a great experience; it was a chance for our guys to experience playing in one of the biggest schools in Michigan,” Oray explained. “The atmosphere was exciting and not only being an alum, but currently working in the district, it was a great experience to be able to compete in that environment.”
The most recent game resulted in a 75-73 overtime loss to Muskegon Heights.
“It was a great atmosphere and a very exciting game to coach,” Oray said. “Experiencing multiple lead changes and overtime for the second time this year at home has taught this group of guys that we need to execute down the stretch to win ball games.”
Coach Oray emphasized to his team that the season can be divided into three phases: the non-conference schedule, the conference schedule and the playoffs.
“Our non-conference schedule is where we can experience all the lessons we need to grow and learn,” Oray said. “In Alliance League play, our goal is to take what we have experienced and continue the streak of conference championships. Finally, the postseason, in which we take all of our lessons from the first two phases and make a run at the state championship.”
Phase one has already showed areas for improvement, according to Oray.
“Our areas of improvement are definitely limiting our turnovers and making free throws late in ball games,” Oray said. “0 and five has been a challenging journey for sure. We have a lot of new guys getting real varsity experience and figuring out their roles. What I have liked a lot about this group is their determination to get better and compete no matter the score; our guys play hard until the clock says zero.”
The Legends have not been without their share of bright spots in the early going. Braylon Huff, Jaden Potts and Troy Fox have been key contributors so far this season.
Lee Legends Braylon Huff. (Photo Courtesy, Wyoming Lee High School)
“Braylon Huff has been phenomenal this season,” Oray exclaimed. “He’s taking on a big role offensively in the scoring column and defensively crashing the glass hard and defensively becoming a rim protector as well. Braylon is very coachable and spent a lot of time working on his game and competing at a high level.”
Huff filled the stat sheet against Muskegon Heights with 27 points, 15 rebounds and three blocked shots.
Lee Legends Troy Fox. (Photo Courtesy, Wyoming Lee High School)
“Troy Fox and Jaden Potts have been playing well for the Legends, helping out defensively and in the scoring column as well,” Oray added.
Fox and Potts have registered multiple double-digit scoring games so far this season.
Lee Legends Jaden Potts. (Photo Courtesy, Wyoming Lee High School)
The Legends (0-5) look to get in the win column on the road against Kalamazoo Phoenix (2-1) Friday at 7 pm.
Sgt. Shellenbarger decorates a cookie for a fellow law enforcement officer (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Reindeer, live music and cookie decorating were only a few highlights of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department’s second annual holiday event, Wrap Up Wyoming (WUW), that took place Friday, Dec. 6.
Not only did the holiday festivities help bring residents and neighbors together for an evening of fun at the Wyoming Senior Center, WUW also kickstarted a donation drive for local schools.
Attendees generously donated new warm clothing such as hats, gloves, scarves, coats and boots. The collected items will be donated to Wyoming area schools.
The free, family-friendly WUW event featured musical acts from the Wyoming Public Schools Jazz Band, as well as music from local music legend, The Reverend Jesse Ray. Cookie decorating, a hot cocoa station, crafts, games, a free photo station and live reindeer provided fun activities for all ages.
A WUW volunteer helps a young attendee with his craft (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Mayor Kent Vanderwood welcomed guests at the beginning of the event.
“Thank you for coming,” said Mayor Vanderwood. “We appreciate you coming, supporting the school, the band, and of course for the clothing items that you’ve given for the schools to hand out.
“Have a Merry Christmas!”
Donations accepted through December!
If you were unable to attend WUW but would still like to donate, donation bins are available at Wyoming City Hall throughout the month of December.
See WKTV’s Wrap Up Wyoming photo gallery below!
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Mayor Vanderwood (second from right) talks with event attendees (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Capt. Eric Wiler (center) talks with event attendees (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Coloring pages were available for all ages to enjoy (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The cookie decorating station was a big hit for both children and adults(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Warm clothing donations were collected and will be distributed to local students (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Sgt. Shellenbarger decorates a cookie for a fellow police officer (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Wyoming Jazz Band performed several lively tunes (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
City Manager John Shay (left) talks with Capt. Eric Wiler (center) and another law enforcement officer (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A local first responder enjoys a WUW game (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Event volunteers take a cookie break (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
City Manager John Shay (left) talks with Councilmember Tommy Brann (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A photo station offered free festive pictures (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A first responder explains what he would like printed on his customized ornament (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Tommy Brann (left) talks with a local police officer (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Kent District Library and the KDL Board of Trustees are proud to offer a $5,000 KDL Community Impact Scholarship.
This scholarship will recognize high school seniors and adults returning to school who have worked hard to improve their communities and show potential to make long term impact. Both trade-bound and college-bound students are eligible to apply. All candidates must live within the KDL service area.
Making a difference
Strong candidates will be students who are passionate about making a difference, champions for inclusivity, innovators at heart and lifelong learners with a love for the library. These guidelines were shaped by those of the Library Journal Jerry Kline Award, an award KDL received in 2023 that afforded KDL the opportunity to begin this scholarship fund.
“Our mission at Kent District Library has always been to empower and uplift our community through education and opportunity,” said Andrew Erlewein, Chair of the Kent District Library Board of Trustees.
“By launching this Community Impact Scholarship, we’re thrilled to provide direct support to individuals in our area who are ready to pursue their dreams through college or trade school. We believe this scholarship can make a meaningful difference in the lives of recipients and in the community as a whole.”
Scholarship timeline
Applications will be accepted online at kdl.org/scholarship from Dec. 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025. Applications will include a form, two letters of recommendation, accepted enrollment letter, a library card number and optional supporting materials. Up to three scholarships will be given this year.
The scholarship recipient(s) will be chosen by the KDL Board of Trustees based on their overall impact on the community and alignment with the scholarship criteria as displayed in their responses.
Winner(s) will be announced May 1, 2025. The scholarship award in the amount of $5,000 will be disbursed directly to the recipient’s chosen college, university or trade school to be used for tuition, fees, books or other educational expenses.
iCI Nation founder Jennifer Franson (second from left) has spent the last decade building bridges between community and law enforcement (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
First responders connect with community members at Resurrection Fellowship Church (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
iCI Nation has been building successful partnerships between community and law enforcement since 2016. The local nonprofit is dedicated to providing a healthy environment that brings citizens, police officers and organizational resources together to create a stronger and healthier city.
Leading that mission is iCI Nation Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Franson.
“We’re building relationships and trust between cops and community to strengthen the city,” said Franson. “That’s our mission. We’re building the connections and we’re building the bridges over the shared value of how we protect and serve together.
“It’s really just a reframing of value,” Franson continued. “Our shared value of how we protect and serve together.”
iCI Nation board member BJ (Barbara) VanStee agreed. “We support the community, we support the officers, and we try to bring them together and show our appreciation for all that they do for the community.”
A way to do more
Though Franson does not have a personal family connection to law enforcement, she has always been aware of the officers who put their lives on the line each day to keep our community safe.
Kentwood police officers connect with youth in the Kentwood Young Life group (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
For years, Franson prayed for law enforcement officers whenever she heard sirens, believing that was all she could do for them.
A women’s church group discussion regarding community connections prompted Franson to suggest hosting a “thank you” event for law enforcement. Franson emailed police chiefs at several local departments, requesting participation. Thirteen officers from five different departments attended.
However, as Franson met the officers at the event venue, an unexpected complication arose as she explained what was about to happen.
A Kentwood officer talks with a Kentwood Young Life youth (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
“You’re going to go in to lights, music, and a standing ovation from the women,” Franson told the officers. “We’re going to tell you why we appreciate you, have kids do a song and dance, pray over you and have cookies and coffee.”
The officers asked what they needed to do.
Franson explained the process again.
Again, the officers asked what they needed to do.
Franson finally asked, “What aren’t you getting? Don’t you get invited by the community just to say thank you?”
The answer was a resounding no; law enforcement officers were only invited by communities to talk about neighborhood or policy issues.
Franson was stunned – and determined to launch a community-wide change.
Generating change – without an agenda
The church event became an annual occurrence, increasing from those original 13 officers to an average of 65 officers each year.
“Our biggest year we had 95 officers there from over 20 different departments,” said Franson. “Our normal average got up to about 65.”
During a Faith & Blue event, Grand Rapids SWAT and local youth connected during a basketball game hosted by Rev. Darryl S. Gaddy Sr. of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church (Courtesy, Pastor Gaddy)
The reason it grew, Franson continued, was due to trust.
“It built trust with the police community once they realized we didn’t have any agenda,” said Franson.
Though the women prayed over the police officers, the main event activity was presenting each department with a banner saying, Thank you to our protectors.
“All the women signed it and wrote personal notes on it,” said Franson. “And that was it. There was never any other agenda other than to thank them, and that really made an impact.”
Local youth keep the GR SWAT team on their toes during the game at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church (Courtesy, Pastor Gaddy)
The women began taking prayerful ownership of the police, and the officers began trusting the women.
“It was like a community becoming a family,” Franson said. “Somehow these ‘crazy church women’ made a difference.”
Franson became known as “Police Jen” by the community, often looked to for information about local law enforcement happenings.
For almost a decade, iCI Nation has provided a healthy environment for the community to build trust with law enforcement as they unite in their efforts to protect and serve local cities.
iCI Nation founder Jennifer Franson (left) prepares to spread good news on camera (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
iCI Nation hosts monthly events for the community and police, including prayer gatherings for the faith community, presentations, and lunch and learns. The organization also builds collaborations through various local organizations and events such as the national Faith & Blue campaign.
Franson then spreads the good news of these collaborations through a weekly email, social media and videos.
Building understanding through appreciation
Franson and VanStee both believe that showing appreciation for law enforcement is vital to officers understanding that the community knows and appreciates what they do.
First responders were treated to a Thanksgiving luncheon hosted by Pastor Gary Hankins at Resurrection Fellowship Church (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We pray for them quite frequently,” says VanStee. “I am thankful for all that the officers do in the community to keep us safe.”
Building credibility with the law officers is also essential.
“We build credibility that the officers sent to our event will feel safe,” says Franson. “I want to honor them for agreeing to be the venue for this [collaboration].”
Learn more about iCI Nation and how you can help honor local law enforcement here.
The WUW event will feature musical acts from Godwin Heights High School percussionists and Wyoming Public Schools Jazz Band, cookie decorating, a hot cocoa station, several crafts and live reindeer.
Crafts and musical performances will take place indoors at the WSC, with a staging area set up outside for the reindeer.
Help local school children
WUW will be the kickoff event to a donation drive that runs throughout the month of December.
Attendees are asked to donate new, warm clothing such as hats, gloves, scarves, coats and boots. The collected items will be donated to Wyoming area schools.
Warm Clothing Donations Wrap Up Wyoming (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“What a lot of the schools need more than anything are coats, hats and boots for their students,” said Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department Director. “Things that go well beyond the holidays into the colder months.”
Kick off the holiday season by having fun and giving back to our local school children.
Let the festivities begin!
WUW is open to everyone to attend, so come join in the spirit of giving and fun festivities.
WPD Officers Tyler Zbikowski and Jack Tromp joined in the fun at Wrap Up Wyoming 2023 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
If you are unable to attend but would still like to donate, WUW donation bins are available at City Hall now through the month of December.
“This event is a wonderful way to ring in the holiday season and spend quality time with friends and family,” said Martin. “It’s the perfect opportunity to talk to your little ones about the importance of lending a hand and giving back to your community.”
For more information about Wrap Up Wyoming, please contact the City of Wyoming Parks & Recreation team at 616-530-3164, parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or www.wyomingmi.gov.
Wyoming city officials reached a significant milestone as they broke ground at the future Godwin Mercado five-acre parcel of land on 36th Street.
“We are excited about this because it’s been in the works for so long, we weren’t sure it was going to come to pass,” says Wyoming Mayor Kent Vanderwood. “This is a great day.”
Formerly a General Motors stamping plant, the 75-acre parcel of Site 36 was sold to commercial real estate investment company Franklin and Partners (FP) with an agreement that FP would help Wyoming develop a community marketplace on the north side.
After years of community, vendor and market research, Godwin Mercado is now under construction.
The Godwin Mercado groundbreaking took place Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“This has been something that residents have been asking for for years,” says Nicole Hofert, Director of Community and Economic Development for Wyoming. “To be standing here today and seeing the dirt moving and knowing that in eight months we’re delivering a promise to the community, I’m so excited right now.
“I’m very proud of the City of Wyoming team, all our partners and the ability to bring this to fruition after all this time.”
A community asset
City Manager John Shay says Godwin Mercado is part of the City’s [re]Imagined Wyoming.
“Our goal is to prioritize investments in the community that contribute to placemaking and strengthen Wyoming’s sense of identity,” says Shay, adding that this marketplace answers residents’ call for a community space to gather and hold private events.
An outdoor rendering of Godwin Mercado (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
The 6,000-square-foot market space will provide year-round usage opportunities to support local vendors, seasonal farm and artisan markets, food trucks, community events and private events.
Market days will provide fresh and healthy food options with access to all food assistance currencies. This will fill key gaps in the area’s food system and help support the well-being of residents living in the Godwin Heights neighborhood and greater Grand Rapids area.
A rendering of the indoor event space at Godwin Mercado (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
The Mercado space will also accommodate food education demonstrations, health and wellness programs, and more.
The marketplace will be easily accessible due to its walkable neighborhood location, the City’s reconfigured trail network, and its proximity to the highway and Silver Line bus route.
Celebrating culture
The name Godwin Mercado comes from extensive community input that included residents, community members and business leaders.
“We landed on a name that really connects us to this unique neighborhood and celebrates the community here in Wyoming,” said Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Director of Parks and Recreation.
Godwin Mercado is a celebration of the neighborhood’s rich heritage and thriving modern culture (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Godwin Mercado not only serves as a gathering space and point of pride for the greater Wyoming community, it honors the rich heritage and thriving modern culture of the neighborhood where it sits.
The story of Godwin Heights is one of perseverance, ingenuity and grit. Beginning in a one-room schoolhouse in 1867, Godwin Heights has become a thriving destination shaped by its melody of cultures.
Mayor Vanderwood hopes Godwin Mercado will create strong community bonds.
“We’re such a diverse community, and we feel it’s time we start giving recognition to that diversity,” says Mayor Vanderwood. “By naming it as part of this proud neighborhood of Godwin, and giving it the Hispanic market name of Mercado, we think it will draw from all across the city.”
True community development
Krawshawn Martin (left) visits with guests before the groundbreaking ceremony (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“This project is really an example of true community development,” says Don Shoemaker of Franklin Partners. “We purchased this site from the City knowing that it was going to take a real community effort to get to this point.
“We’re really glad to be part of the team, and the City of Wyoming should be very proud of what they have accomplished here today because it really was a great community effort.”
“This placemaking project with the market is going to help improve the quality of life of tens of thousands – if not hundreds of thousands – of people all across the region,” says Thelen.
“The partnership that brought this all together is powerful, and it allows for big things to happen. Our team is pleased to be a partner on this project throughout.”
It’s all about the people
State Rep. John Fitzgerald (left) greets Deputy City Manager Patrick Waterman (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
Martin says the reaction from the community has been the driving force behind Godwin Mercado.
“The genuine excitement that Wyoming has about this project, it’s carried us through it,” says Martin. “People are just thrilled to see something happening after there being nothing here for so long.
“Feeling their excitement feeds our excitement and gets us where we need to go to make it happen. That’s what it’s all about – it’s about the people.”
Godwin Mercado
Godwin Mercado is funded in part by a $1.5 million contribution from real estate development firm Franklin Partners, assistance from The Right Place in securing a $450,000 RAP 2.0 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a $50,000 grant from Consumers Energy, and city funds from sale proceeds of Site 36.
Randy and Gayle Vaartjes are retiring after three decades helping customers disguise themselves year-round through The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Gayle and Randy Vaartjes have served their community for 30 years (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A popular Wyoming icon will close its doors at the end of the year, concluding a 30-year adventure while ushering in a new chapter.
Randy and Gayle Vaartjes have spent over three decades assisting customers from all over the United States and Canada disguise themselves year-round through their family-owned costume retail store, The Kostume Room.
The Kostume Room provided costumes, professional makeup, wigs, and accessories for almost every event, including: Halloween, school and church plays, museums and the film industry.
But, to Gayle and Randy, costumes were more than just a business. It was fun.
“I enjoyed every single customer that came through our door,” said Gayle, adding that it was fun to help customers pick out their costumes. “It’s fun to help them create what they’re looking for.”
Many times, after seeing all The Kostume Room had to offer, customers would change their mind about what costume they wanted and walk out the door with a completely different ensemble.
When asked why people enjoy dressing up so much, Gayle said, “I think, personally, because they can be someone else, and they can act differently.”
“Disguise Yourself”
Randy and Gayle called their store “an adventure of a lifetime” that opened its doors in 1993 with a mission to help customers disguise themselves all year long.
Fun and daring wigs can spice up an ensemble (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The adventure began when Gayle and her sister decided to sell Halloween costumes they had made for their kids. When that endeavor met with success, the sisters continued making children’s costumes and selling them on consignment at a local thrift store.
“Back then there really wasn’t much [for costumes],” said Gayle. “Not only that, we didn’t even know where to get costumes – and we weren’t going to pay retail for them. So we put them in the thrift store.”
A hat for every occasion! (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
As the costumes continued to sell, the women became aware of a Halloween show for costume creators to buy goods. That discovery elevated their business to new heights. After the first year, the sisters found retail space in Rogers Plaza.
“We kept growing each year. After the sixth or seventh year, it was time to find a home,” Gayle said, gesturing around their current location.
The next year, they offered adult costumes as well. Gayle received special requests for costumes and made a few for the store as well – “but really not as much as I would have liked to.”
Gayle’s wish had been to spend time sewing costumes in the back room of the store. However, she was needed at the front of the store and much of the sewing fell to her mother and sister.
During retirement, however, Gayle will put her sewing skills to good use.
“My plans are to use my skills and make historical costumes, or whatever people would like me to do,” said Gayle, adding that she plans to sell them on eBay or Etsy.
The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Kostume Room (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A unique business
Though the couple planned to sell the business within the next few years, their timeline was accelerated when they received an unexpected offer for the building. They decided to accept.
“Now we’re looking for a buyer to buy the business side of it, move it out and relocate it someplace else,” said Randy, adding that their wish is for the business name to continue on.
But that is not as easy as it sounds.
The Kostume Room has thousands of costumes and accessories (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The business, said Gayle, is extremely unique. Many people do not understand how much work is put in behind the scenes.
Special touches to service – such as re-curling Santa wigs after washing – combined with maintaining thousands of accessories and the 41 racks of costumes, is not for the faint of heart.
A desire to give back
Well, this seems like a hairy situation… (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
Randy and Gayle gave back to various local organizations throughout the years, including Kids Food Basket, American Cancer Society, Paws with a Cause and Whooriders.
The Kostume Room also offers assistance to cancer survivors through the Wig Bank.
“I’m a cancer survivor,” said Gayle. “And I decided that I was going to give back. I donate really nice wigs to women going through chemo or any hair loss.”
Gayle originally helped provide wigs through the American Cancer Society (ACS), but when the program ended, Gayle took up the mission. Instead of returning the wigs ACS donated to the store, Gayle continued the program through The Kostume Room.
When asked what inspires the couple to give back, Gayle shrugged. “Just wanting to help,” she said simply.
The next chapter
Luscious locks…for your face! (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
What’s next for the retiring couple?
“We’re going to travel,” said Gayle with a smile. The couple has always wanted to visit the Netherlands – and now they will. “That’s our big trip. The rest will be small trips; there are so many places we haven’t been to in the United states.”
The Vaartjes’ upcoming adventure, however, will be bittersweet.
“I didn’t realize how much we meant to the community, I really didn’t,” said Gayle. “I was just doing my job.
“Throughout the years I’ve made good friends with people, and I don’t like seeing them sad because then it makes me sad.”
A message from Randy and Gayle Vaartjes
“Thank you for being our customers,” said Randy, adding that he has enjoyed seeing the generations change over time. “We see kids that are growing up coming in with their kids. And they’re telling us that they were kids when their parents brought them in here.”
“It was our pleasure, more than they know,” Gayle said. “Our customers are Number One. If we didn’t have them, we would have been gone a long time ago. That’s what makes this happen. We’re just the directors.”
But wait – there’s more!
Here comes Santa Claus… (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Though The Kostume Room doors will close for the final time at the end of the year, they are not closed yet!
“I just want to make sure everyone knows that we were not closed yet,” said Randy. “There is still a lot of inventory to choose from!”
The Kostume Room hours are Monday-Friday from 12-7 p.m., and Saturday from 12-5 p.m. They are now closed on Sundays.
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host a Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS November Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, Nov. 25 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Resources
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.
Gadberry works to ensure veterans are recognized for their service (Courtesy, Hospice of Michigan)
Wyoming resident Ryan Gadberry served four years (2013-2017) in the U.S. Marines. While no longer on active-duty, the local veteran continues serving by bringing comfort and recognition to hospice veterans during their end-of-life journey.
Already serving as Property Manager for Hospice of Michigan, Gadberry stepped in to help when he heard Hospice of Michigan needed veteran volunteers.
For the past eight months, Gadberry has used his military experiences to make a meaningful impact.
“I am more than happy to give back,” said Gadberry. “It’s very heartwarming; it makes you feel like you’re doing something really important.”
Camaraderie and compassion
Hospice of Michigan strives to deliver the holistic, loving care veterans deserve. Veteran volunteers make a difference in the lives of others by sitting and visiting with fellow veteran patients.
Gadberry said there is a specific connection between veterans due to shared military training and history.
Wyoming veterans gather at an annual local breakfast (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
“You can meet a total stranger and, once you find out they are a fellow service person, there is an immediate connection,” said Gadberry. “You’re no longer a stranger.”
That connection has been frequently proven, but one instance made a lasting impact on Hospice of Michigan Volunteer Program Manager, Lauren Becker-Barkman.
A lifelong Marine within hours of the end of his life journey was restless, repeatedly reaching and calling out.
“There was no peace in this man’s world at this time,” said Becker-Barkman. “He’s uncomfortable, he’s restless.”
Veterans can make a difference in each other’s lives (Courtesy photo)
The hospice team asked a veteran volunteer to sit with the veteran in hopes of making a difference in his end-of-life journey.
“By the time [the volunteer] left,” said Becker-Barkman, “he was comfortable, he was at peace. He wasn’t calling out, he wasn’t reaching out.”
The veteran passed within a few hours – and what was said during that time together remains unknown.
“We don’t know what was said or what passed between these two veterans, but whatever it was allowed this man to find peace and to be able to go on peacefully,” said Becker-Barkman. “That’s the kind of connection you can’t make up. The impact is immeasurable.”
Gadberry personally cultivates that special connection with hospice veterans through empathy and understanding.
A desire to serve
Gadberry is thankful for his time in the Marines (Courtesy, Hospice of Michigan)
A first-generation serviceman in his family, Gadberry always knew he wanted to be a Marine.
“Even when I was a kid, that was the plan. Finish high school, join the Marines. That’s what I did.”
Gadberry served as an intelligence analyst, working with several overseas ops – and has no regrets.
“I love that I did it; it definitely turned me into the man I am today.”
And that man gets a visible bounce in his step when meeting fellow veterans.
An unexpected impact
“He gets a little pep in his step knowing that he’s going to meet a veteran,” said Becker-Barkman, adding that Gadberry is also asked to read poems or talk about the impact of veteran connections often. “He’s incredibly humble about being a veteran himself…so to know that he’s also getting some recognition and that he’s continuing to make an impact, it’s really cool.”
A local woman raises her voice in song at a vet pinning ceremony (Courtesy, Hospice of Michigan)
Gadberry said that volunteering has impacted him in ways he didn’t expect – especially the pinning ceremonies.
“What surprised me was the impact it has on the families,” said Gadberry. “It’s overwhelming to see. It’s important to make that veteran feel remembered and seen, but they’re on their end-of-life journey, they’re going to be gone soon. But that ceremony, and those memories, are going to be passed on and kept with the family members for many years to come.”
Though many veterans are recognized for their service through their communities, American Legion or VFW, there are just as many who never see recognition of any kind. Gadberry said giving that recognition to veterans during the last steps of their end-of-life journey is memorable for all involved.
“Every ceremony, every event is completely different,” said Gadberry. “Every time I do it, I take away something different and I learn a little bit more.”
Becker-Barkman said her time with Hospice of Michigan has also been life-changing.
“I’ve learned so much about end-of-life care and what that entails for us as human beings,” said Becker-Barkman. “I get to be surrounded by so many brilliant, loving, giving people that it’s changed my entire outlook on everything.
“It’s magical to be surrounded by people who are so willing to show up for people they don’t know at what can be the hardest time in their life; it’s rejuvenating.”
The value of serving in new ways
Hospice of Michigan is continually in need of compassionate veteran volunteers to provide that much needed support and camaraderie to hospice veterans. Regardless of how they served, the bond between veterans opens a door of trust and communication through mutual understanding.
“Veterans share a unique bond,” said Kathy Lietaert, Hospice of Michigan Statewide Volunteer Program Manager, in supplied material. “Through our veterans hospice program, every act of service by volunteer veterans brings comfort, connection and compassion to hospice veterans who need it most at the end of life.”
Volunteers can make a life-changing impact with a minimal time commitment (Courtesy photo)
Becker-Barkman said they are always looking for more volunteer support, in Grand Rapids and throughout the state – and their volunteering schedule is flexible.
“You could [visit] one patient a month, visit once a week, or whatever fits your schedule,” said Becker-Barkman. “We don’t have any rigid guidelines. We want volunteers to be able to fit this into their lives in a way that’s meaningful and not overwhelming for them.”
Volunteer orientations are hosted on an as-needed basis so prospective volunteers can learn in their own time. Training or previous volunteer experience is not needed. All veterans willing to donate their time and companionship to hospice care patients are welcome.
Gadberry believes that veterans will step in to help once they are aware of the need.
“I was more than happy to help out,” said Gadberry. “I think that will be the case for other veterans out there. If they hear that another veteran needs some form of help, they will always step up.”
Learn more!
Prospective volunteers can contact Lauren Becker-Barkman at 616-250-9110 or lbecker-barkman@hom.org.
Learn more about Hospice of Michigan and submit an online volunteer application here.
Wyoming Police are investigating a bank robbery at PNC Bank, 220 28th Street SW.
At approximately 12:40 pm on Nov. 8, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to the PNC Bank in the 200 block of 28th Street SW on the report of a robbery that had just occurred. Upon arrival, officers found that a male suspect had entered the bank, demanded money, and subsequently fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was injured during this incident.
The suspect is not in police custody. There is no suspect description available at this time.
Wyoming Police Detectives and Forensic Sciences Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Lucy was last seen at her residence near Clyde Park Avenue and Blanchard Street SW in the City of Wyoming on Nov. 1, at approximately 10:30 a.m. She is believed to be driving a silver 2005 Toyota Corolla with Michigan license plate EWP3022, possibly on her way to California.
A stock photo of a silver 2005 Toyota Corolla (Courtesy, Wyoming PD)
Lucy is a white female with brown hair, approximately 5’2” tall, 195 pounds, and it is unknown what she was last wearing. Lucy suffers from multiple medical disorders that require medical care.
Wyoming Police continue to search for Lucy.
Anyone with information regarding Lucy’s whereabouts is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or 911.
At approximately 8 p.m. on Nov. 5, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to the 3300 block of South Division Avenue on the report of a carjacking that had just occurred.
When officers arrived, they located a male victim with his child. Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim’s vehicle was stolen with a child still inside. As the stolen vehicle fled the area, the suspect(s) removed the child, who was found safe and unharmed after being recovered by a parent.
Wyoming Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Volunteers of two local commissions will plant four redbud trees at the Wyoming Veteran’s Memorial Garden for WWII and Korean War veterans (Courtesy, The City of Wyoming Historical Commission)
Only one evergreen tree (not pictured) currently remains to the east of the monument. With funding from the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance, The Tree Amigos and Historical Commission plan to spruce up the memorial originally erected in 1945 at the intersection of Lee Street and Porter Street. Plantings adjacent to the monument will be updated in the spring.
(Courtesy, The City of Wyoming Historical Commission)
“The Wyoming Historical Commission is grateful to The Tree Amigos for beautifying the Wyoming Honor Roll Memorial dedicated to our veterans from Wyoming who served during WWII and the Korean Wars,” says Vicki Briggs, board member of The Historical Commission.
“This memorial was dedicated on May 30, 1945. The original plantings had been removed due to their age and now will be renewed.”
Tree dedication ceremony
A brief ceremony dedicating the trees and remembering the veterans named on the monument will take place at 12 p.m. on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.
Representatives from the City of Wyoming and the Historical Commission will say a few words, along with American Legion Post 154 Post Commander Keith Wakefield. The Tree Amigos will also make an announcement about future projects.
“That’s so exciting, and I appreciate what Tree Amigos is doing to beautify the neighborhood,” says Kalene McElveen, owner of Tasteful Vegan Ice Cream Shop, a business adjacent to the planting site.
Local history
Boyce Slootmaker lied about his age to join the Navy at age 16 (Courtesy, Slootmaker family)
Among those named on the memorial are family members of The Tree Amigos chairperson, Estelle Slootmaker: Boyce Slootmaker (WWII), Howard Joyce (Korean War), and Clayton Burkholder (WWII).
Lieutenant Commander Roger B. Chaffee was added to the memorial in 1967. Born and raised in Wyoming, Chaffee died on Jan. 27, 1967 in the Apollo spacecraft flash fire during a launch pad test at Kennedy Space Center, FL.
Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra delivers an important message to the community on the eve of national, state and local elections.
Read Hoekstra’s letter to the community below:
Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra (Supplied)
Dear Wyoming Public Schools Families and Community,
As we approach the upcoming national, state, and local elections, I want to highlight two important messages for our school community.
First and foremost, I encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote. This fundamental right is one of the most impactful ways we can shape our community, our state, and our nation. Voting not only allows us to have a voice in the decisions that affect us, but it also demonstrates to our children the value of civic engagement.
Secondly, as the election draws near and results unfold, it is vital that we, as a community, stay focused on our role as positive role models for our students. Regardless of the election’s outcome, our ongoing commitment must be to remain civil, respectful, and supportive of one another. Our actions and words will serve as powerful examples to our children on how to engage thoughtfully and constructively, even during challenging times.
Wyoming Public Schools is built on the strength of a supportive partnership between home and school. I am grateful for each of you and your dedication to fostering a positive environment for our students. Together, we can model the importance of kindness, empathy, and healthy discourse in all that we do.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping us create a positive and respectful atmosphere within our schools and community.
Sincerely,
Craig Hoekstra
Superintendent
Wyoming Public Schools
WPS Superintendent Craig Hoekstra’s letter to the community (Courtesy, WPS)
Marie was last seen near 56th Street SW and Byron Center Avenue in the City of Wyoming on Nov. 3, 2024 at approximately 5 p.m. Marie suffers from dementia and left this area on foot in an unknown direction. She has not been heard from or seen since.
Marie is a white female with gray hair, approximately 5’4” tall and has a thin build. She was last seen wearing a navy-blue scrub jacket, pink shirt, black sweatpants, black shoes, glasses, and walks with a cane.
Wyoming Police continue to search for Marie.
If Marie is located or seen, please contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or 911.
Carlson shows off his tricked-out bowling pin trophy (Courtesy, Brian B.)
Local comedian Simon Carlson was crowned the Sunday Night Funnies (SNF) 2024 Kingpin of Comedy on Sunday, Oct. 27.
“It was a tight contest with just a handful of votes separating the top four vote-getters,” said Brian Borbot (Brian B.), SNF creator and MC. “But Simon had a terrific set and deserves the crown.
“I was really happy with the turnout for the finals. We had a packed house – absolutely no seats left. The audience saw an amazing show from some talented comedians.”
Simon Carlson on winning the competition: “Thanks for giving comics a good room to get better at stand up. Also, I wish I got to keep the big check. When do I get the keys to the SNF mobile?”
The SNF mobile Carlson referenced is the SNF “Sunny” car that is wrapped in various shades of yellow and gold. “Sunny” acts as an advertisement for the weekly comedy show.
The “Sunny” car helps advertise the weekly SNF comedy show (Courtesy, Brian B.)
As the Kingpin of Comedy competition winner, Carlson receives a prize package valued at $1,000 from local businesses including Craig’s Cruisers, LaughFest, Midtown GR, and show host Spectrum Entertainment Complex. Carlson also receives $500 cash, a bowling pin trophy and a personalized Kingpin bowling shirt.
About SNF
The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. The weekly live stand-up comedy performance is free admission and features a variety of comics from around the Midwest. Each show begins at 7:30 p.m. at Spectrum Entertainment Complex in Wyoming.
Check out the exciting clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season featuring many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.
Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.
Thanks for tuning in!
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
One person is dead after a crash in the 3400 block of Burlingame Avenue SW.
At approximately 1:40 a.m. Oct. 25, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 3400 block of Burlingame Avenue SW on the report of an individual riding a skateboard that had just been struck by a vehicle. Despite lifesaving efforts, the victim, a 22-year-old male resident of Wyoming, died at the scene.
Street view of the 3400 block of Burlingame Avenue SW (Courtesy, Google Maps)
Preliminary investigation indicates the male was riding a skateboard in the travel lanes of Burlingame Avenue when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene to speak with police.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
“We have a good mix of comedians performing in the finals this year,” says Brian B. (Brian Borbot), creator and MC of the SNF.
“The Grand Rapids metro area is obviously represented, but we also have two comedians from Detroit, one from Lansing and one from Kalamazoo. The lineup is diverse too. Not only in terms of race, but age-range as well.”
Along with the nine comics participating in the competition, former professional football player and comedian, Peter Cender, will close the show while votes are counted.
The competition winner will receive $500 cash and prizes from Wyoming businesses: Craig’s Cruisers, Spectrum Entertainment Complex, Midtown GR and Gilda’s LaughFest. The winner also receives a Kingpin bowling pin trophy, a customized bowling shirt and the opportunity to close the Sunday Night Funnies LaughFest show in 2025.
The total prize package is worth $1,000 in value.
“Seeing that Wyoming is the 14th largest city in Michigan, I thought the eventual winner deserved a prize package worthy of the title, Most Humorous Person in Town,” said Brian B.
(Courtesy, Brian B.)
About the SNF
The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. The weekly live stand-up comedy performance is free admission and features a variety of comics from around the Midwest. Each show begins at 7:30 p.m. at Spectrum Entertainment Complex in Wyoming.
Every week, WKTV brings you Friday Night Highlights featuring most of the local high school football action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, including the latest conference standings and analysis from our football game announcers Ty Marzean and Ron Schultz. Producers: Cris Greer and Davin Harsila, Director: Tom Conquest, Graphics and Videographer: Jake Westbrook
Check out the exciting clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season featuring many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.
Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Tuesday! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
The WAR Chest Boutique in Wyoming is inviting families to stop by the Boutique Oct. 26 – Oct. 31 for some Halloween fun!
Bring your costumed kids into the Boutique during regular business hours. Staff will be giving out treat bags to the kids and coupons to accompanying adults (15% off one regular-priced item).
Event details:
The WAR Chest Boutique is located at 2790 44th St. SW in Wyoming.
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host a Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS October Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, Oct. 21 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Resources
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.
This high school level robotics competition will showcase 18 Michigan teams battling in complex two-minute matches against highly skilled competitors in last season’s game, Crescendo.
Highlighting women in tech
GRGRC is a FIRST Robotics off-season event (Courtesy, GRGRC 2022)
The GRGRC is a FIRST Robotics off-season event. Michigan boasts the most FIRST Robotics teams in action, and the competition will be energized.
During this unique event female team members will be the primary drivers, operators and pit crew members of their team’s robot.
“I’ve really looked forward to the Girls Tournament every year since I’ve known about it,” said Emma Bustraan, #4967 That ONE Team – Our Next Engineers. “It’s kind of a neat experience, because there’s something special about being responsible for how you end up placing.
Female team members operate their team’s robots (Courtesy, GRGRC 2023)
“It’s a cool feeling to have the joystick in your hands and knowing that, if you break the robot, you have to fix it.”
The GRGRC will begin with a Ladies in Tech panel at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.
This panel is a great opportunity to connect and learn from female STEM leaders in our community.
The robotics competition begins with opening ceremonies at 8:45 a.m., concluding with the awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m.
Family-friendly and FREE
Mark your calendars for this family-friendly event and to learn more about STEM and FIRST Robotics. All events are FREE, open to the public and will be held at Wyoming High School, 1350 Prairie Parkway SW.
GRGRC is hosted by Demons Robotics #858 from Wyoming High School, Red Storm Robotics #3875 from East Kentwood High School, Red Storm Rookies #9566 from East Kentwood Freshman Campus, and community team That ONE Team #4967.
Stay up-to-date on competition details on the GRGRC Facebook page.
Benteler Automotive’s proposal to build a new battery components assembly plant on Site 36 was approved at a recent City Council meeting (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
The Wyoming City Council recently approved a $150 million investment project that will bring new life to the long-vacant former General Motors stamping plant.
The GM plant opened in 1936, closing operations in 2009. Over the years, the city worked to prep the land for redevelopment. Benteler Automotive’s proposal to build a new battery components assembly plant on Site 36 was approved at a recent City Council meeting. The plant will focus production of a battery tray, tray cover and charging modules weld vent for the V801 Ford Transit Van.
“We are really excited to have them,” said Nicole Hofert, Director of Community and Economic Development for Wyoming. “It’s a huge investment in the community. They already have a location in Wyoming, and it’s always great to see a local business grow.”
City documents show the project includes a 299,845-square-foot facility and an additional 17,120-square-foot single-story office area. Site plans include access off 40th Street and Stafford Avenue, a shared drive off Buchanan Avenue, and loading docks adjacent to the railroad.
City officials estimate the Benteler plant will generate 150-170 new jobs.
Benteler Automotive Rendering (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Benteler Automotive Rendering (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Benteler Automotive Rendering (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Benteler Automotive Rendering (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Benteler Automotive (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
But wait – there’s more!
The Benteler plant is one of three developments coming to the 75-acre parcel of land that was sold to commercial real estate investment company Franklin and Partners in 2022.
In March 2024, the Wyoming City Council approved Corewell Health’s proposal for a 296,515-square-foot consolidated service center.
“All of their medical supplies for all their hospitals throughout the region will have a centralized location, and that will take place here in Wyoming,” said Hofert.
The development project will provide space for Corewell Health’s supply chain offices, document and mail services, a 36,000-square-foot shell space and a dedicated parking area for lab courier fleet vehicles. EV charging stations will also be included.
This development will generate an estimated 240 new jobs.
Corewell Health will also develop a non-motorized path along the east edge of the property to provide residents a direct path to the new 36th Street Marketplace.
Corewell Health Rendering (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Corewell Health Rendering (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Corewell Health Rendering (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Corewell Health Rendering (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
The third and final section of Site 36 has garnered notice by other businesses.
“Franklin Partners still retains ownership of this third parcel, but they are in conversations with a business,” said Hofert. “We’re hoping that we’ll be able to hear some good news about that shortly.”
Turning the page…
City officials have seen an abundance of support for the Site 36 revitalization.
“It’s no secret that when the GM stamping plant closed, Division Avenue and that surrounding neighborhood suffered because a lot of the people who worked at the plant lived in that neighborhood and patronized the shops on Division Avenue,” said Hofert.
Hofert went on to say that when she spoke with city residents during the Wyoming master plan efforts, she noted enthusiasm and support for bringing more industry to Site 36.
“What we saw during the Corewell approval process and the Benteler approval process is that the community is really excited for these developments, and excited to be turning the page into something new,” said Hofert.
(Courtesy photo)
Hofert believes the infusion of Corewell Health, Benteler Automotive and additional area developments will also bring more business investments along the Division Avenue corridor.
“I see a very positive trajectory based on the types of development that we’re seeing in Wyoming,” said Hofert.
Though the former GM plant property sat vacant for 15 years, Hofert said city officials have never stopped striving to develop Site 36 and the City Center project. That dedication, she said, is the product of Wyoming’s city leaders.
“We really believe in this community and want to continue to see advancement,” said Hofert. “Some of these projects take time, but now we’re seeing something happen.
“We’re really lucky to be a community that’s a little bit more forward-thinking and wants to make sure that we’re making investments into our community.”
Though Benteler Automotive has not revealed a construction timeframe for the new plant, they hope to break ground this fall.
Stay in the know
For more information on Wyoming happenings, visit the city website.
The contest began May 12 with its first of 14 qualifying rounds, followed by six quarterfinal rounds. Three semifinal rounds run Oct. 6, 13, and 20 with finals held Oct. 27.
Competition details
Kara Coraci performs during the SNF (Courtesy, SNF)
Seven comedians are given eight minutes to perform in each round. The line-up order is drawn as the show progresses, with comedians unaware of when they will be performing.
Audience members are given a ballot before the show begins. Following all performances, the audience votes for three out of the seven comedians they feel should advance to the next round. Once collected, the ballots are tabulated while a non-competing comic performs, with the three finalists announced at the closing of the show.
“We have a very diverse lineup of comedians going into the semifinal round,” says Brian B. (Brian Borbot), creator & MC of the SNF. “Of the 21 moving on, there are eight comics of color, four women and one senior citizen!”
Kingpin prize package
The competition winner will receive $500 cash and prizes from Wyoming businesses: Craig’s Cruisers, Spectrum Entertainment Complex, Midtown GR and Gilda’s LaughFest. The winner also receives a Kingpin bowling pin trophy, a customized bowling shirt and the opportunity to close the Sunday Night Funnies LaughFest show in 2025.
The total prize package is worth over $1,000 in value.
“Seeing that Wyoming is the 14th largest city in Michigan, I thought the winner deserved a prize package worthy of the title, Funniest Person in Wyoming,” said Brian B.
(Courtesy, SNF)
About the SNF
The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. The weekly live stand-up comedy performance is free admission and features a variety of comics from around the Midwest. Each show begins at 7:30 p.m. at Spectrum Entertainment Complex in Wyoming.
The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) has released its annual fall recycling guide, which shows residents how to properly dispose of common household items.
The fall recycling guide highlights items that are commonly used in the fall – like disposable coffee cups, soup cartons, jugs, foil and cans – that can be recycled, but are often thrown away and are placed in a landfill. It also shows items that are not recyclable but can still be disposed of in a way that avoids landfilling.
“Each year we are proud to help Kent County residents take steps to reduce their landfill waste with the Fall Recycling Guide,” said Dar Baas, director of the DPW. “We can all do our part to protect our land, air and water and have more sustainable fall season for the benefit of our whole community.”
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Online waste disposal resources
The DPW’s recycling guides are a helpful tool for Kent County residents to learn how to do their part to reduce landfill waste.
Beyond common fall items, the DPW has an online Recycling & Waste Directory that allows users to search virtually any item and find ways to dispose of it through donation, composting or the safe disposal of hazardous waste.
The Kent County DPW provides municipal solid waste disposal services to ensure the effective removal, storage and disposal of residential and commercial solid waste through various facilities and programs, including Waste-to-Energy, the Recycling and Education Center, North Kent Transfer Station and South Kent Landfill.
Lee Middle School has rekindled their partnership with Affinity Mentoring in a recent ribbon cutting ceremony at their newly renovated mentoring space (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
South Kent Chamber of Commerce presents Affinity Mentoring with a certificate at the ribbon cutting ceremony (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“I see you, I hear you. You are valued, and I know things you have to say right now are things that need to be heard by all of us.”
This is the value Affinity Mentoring provides youth in our local schools, says Lauren Enos, Affinity Mentoring Program and DEI Director.
Lee Middle School in Wyoming has rekindled their partnership with nonprofit Affinity Mentoring after a two-year hold due to necessary school roof renovations.
Focusing on schools facing disadvantages, Affinity supports students in K-8th grade by matching them with a caring adult role model and striving to create a safe space for local youth to utilize their voice.
Small commitment = big impact
Affinity mentors journey alongside students for one hour each week.
“All of our mentors have said it’s the smallest commitment they’ve ever made for the biggest impact on their life,” says Enos. “We have a 90% retention rate. Mentors come back year after year to work with the same student because they become friends. It’s a true relationship.”
Affinity Mentoring Executive Director Rocio Moreno (left) talks about their partnership with the Godfrey-Lee School District (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Holly Kroeze, mentor and Mars Hill Bible Church staff member, is entering her seventh year mentoring Lee Middle School student, Eternity. During that time, Eternity was adopted by her foster mother – and Kroeze has built a relationship with Eternity’s entire family.
“I have found that developing a relationship with [her] mom has been helpful because she gives me insight into things that are going on in Eternity’s life,” says Kroeze.
Kroeze went on to say that she has enjoyed partnering with other adults in Eternity’s life to give more extensive care and support.
“It’s fun to see kids like Eternity get care from multiple adults,” says Kroeze, adding that kids need support from five adults in order to thrive. “I’m grateful I get to be one of those people for her because she has grown a lot. It’s been so fun to watch her journey.”
Lee MS Principal Adrianne Rose speaks at the Affinity Mentoring ribbon cutting ceremony (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We’re really excited to be back in Lee Middle School,” says Enos. “We’re now able to follow the kiddos from early childhood into middle school.”
Lee MS Principal Adrianne Rose echoes Enos’ enthusiasm.
“We wanted to rekindle that partnership because this is an incredibly important piece to the whole child in our academics,” says Rose. “Our 6th graders, they’re excited to see their mentors. They ask about them, they want them to be here, and that to me tells me the mentors are doing what they’re here to do.”
A safe and inclusive space
While Affinity’s mentoring program has seen positive results such as increased school attendance and class engagement from students and a decrease in truancy, bullying and behavioral concerns – there are also personal benefits.
“We really hone in on our mentor centers to be a safe, inclusive space for our mentees to be able to share their difficulties,” says Rocio Moreno, Executive Director at Affinity Mentoring. “Some of it might be home-related or life-related, and we can tailor our program to that.
“Behavioral concerns tend to decrease because they’re able to engage in those hard topic conversations with their mentor as to why they might have made a particular choice throughout that time.”
Staff and mentors are excited for this opportunity to support Lee Middle School youth (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
An overall improvement in self-esteem comes from knowing that one-on-one support is available.
“[Students] feel more confident,” says Enos. “They’re willing to take risks and make mistakes because there’s someone there to say, ‘I was in that same place, and I made those mistakes too,’ normalizing all the everyday things they go through.”
That support can often go both ways.
Since beginning her journey as a mentor, Kroeze and her husband became foster parents.
“Eternity was the first person to give me the best advice about what to do and what things she liked,” says Kroeze.
“Our relationship has been mutually beneficial because I’ve learned a lot from her. Learned how to be a good parent, and learned how to relate to foster kids. For Eternity, she’s [gained] some stability and accountability in her life.”
100+ students are waiting…
Affinity Mentoring is always in need of new community volunteers who are willing to donate an hour of their time once a week.
“One hour a week eating your lunch, hanging out and making slime will go by so fast,” said Moreno with a smile. “But the need for volunteers is high as we currently have over 100 students on our waitlist that desire a mentor.”
Kroeze recommends joining the mentoring program with a spouse or partner.
“My husband and I do it together, and we’ve done it together since Day One,” says Kroeze. “It’s fun to put faces to names when you talk about what your day was like with your mentee.
“Mentoring together makes things a little bit crazier – but a lot of fun.”
Eventually, Moreno would love to expand Affinity’s mentoring program to Lee High School as well. “Because this is a middle school-high school, it would be an easy transition to continue for the students we currently work with.”
For more information about Affinity Mentoring services, click here.
