Wyoming Police seek assistance from the public in providing any information regarding the shooting death of Kane Coronado.
On November 1st, 2022, Kane Coronado was shot and killed while riding his bicycle in the 2200 block of Indian Mounds Drive Southwest.
In the year that has followed, investigators have followed up on numerous tips and leads for this case. Despite investigators’ best efforts, this case remains unsolved.
The suspect in this case was described as a white male who is approximately 30 years old and has a medium build. At the time of this incident, he was described as having a thin, “scruffy” beard and sunken cheeks.
A stock photo of the suspect’s vehicle (Courtesy, WPD)
This individual fled the scene, driving northeast on Indian Mounds Drive in a 2000 to 2005 gray or silver sedan, similar to a Chevrolet Cavalier. It should be noted that the suspect may no longer be driving this vehicle.
Wyoming Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward and contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Silent Observer is offering a $5000 reward for tips resulting in the suspect’s arrest.
The fifth annual Veterans Breakfast will be held at the Wyoming Senior Center (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Community members are invited to honor all veterans at the event (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
The City of Wyoming Parks & Recreation Department is honored to host the fifth annual Veterans Breakfast set for 9 – 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at the Wyoming Senior Center (2380 DeHoop Ave SW).
Sergeant Katelynn Y. Morrison will be the keynote speaker for the event.
Morrison enlisted into the United States Army Reserve in 2012, transferred to Active Duty Army in 2017 and completed Initial Entry Training at Fort Leonard, MO. She first served as an Army Internment/Resettlement Specialist, at Camp Humphreys, South Korea then served as a Team Leader and as the NCOIC for the Control Center at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Most recently, Morrison joined the US Army Recruiting Command in 2022 and was assigned to the Great Lakes Recruiting Battalion, Wyoming Station.
“The City of Wyoming is committed and proud to recognize those who have served and continue to serve our country in the armed forces and protect our freedoms,” said Krashawn Martin, director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Wyoming. “Our Veterans Breakfast and Memorial Day ceremonies are tributes to that service and protection.”
All veterans will be honored for their service at the Veterans Breakfast (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Pre-registration by Nov. 2 is required for the event. Register by calling 616-530-3164 or stopping by the Parks & Recreation office in Wyoming City Hall (1155 28th Street SW). Registration is free for veterans; all others are $5.
The Cities of Kentwood and Wyoming hope this Halloween is a fun, safe experience for community members who plan to trick-or-treat or take part in other activities on Tuesday.
Kentwood Trick-or-Treating is recommended from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
Wyoming has no designated time for Trick-or-Treating on Oct. 31 (check with your local neighborhood).
The Kentwood Police Department recommends that all children are accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating.
“We ask that motorists keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters due to the large increase in pedestrians outside during this time,” added Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin. “We also recommend that an adult checks all of the candy before a child eats it.”
Here are some other safety tips to keep in mind:
If you hand out candy, turn on your porch light at 6 p.m. and off at 8 p.m.
Only visit homes that have their lights on.
Make sure trick-or-treaters wear a bright-colored costume, headlamp or reflective tape so they are visible to drivers and other trick-or-treaters. Consider bringing a flashlight.
Go from house to house on the same side of the street and then visit homes on the other side on your way back. This will reduce the need to cross the street.
Walk on sidewalks. If you must walk in the street, walk on the left side facing traffic.
Don’t go into any stranger’s home or car even if you are offered candy.
Keep in mind Kentwood’s curfew ordinance: Unless accompanied by a parent or responsible adult, children who are younger than 12 must not be in any public place after 10 p.m., younger than 16 after 11 p.m. and younger than 17 after midnight.
Please observe activity in your neighborhood. Report suspicious activity and crimes while they are happening by calling 911.
To report crimes after the fact, call the Kentwood Police Department’s non-emergency line at 616.698.6580 or file an online report. You can also submit an anonymous tip through Silent Observer at 616.774.2345 or SilentObserver.org.
Thank you for doing your part to ensure the entire community enjoys a safe and fun Halloween.
A press conference will be held Nov. 1 in hopes of gaining additional information on 2022 homicide (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
By Wyoming Police Department
deborah@wktv.org
Wyoming Police detectives are seeking additional information regarding Kane Coronado’s homicide that occurred on Nov. 1, 2022.
A press conference will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 at the Wyoming Police Department.
Wyoming Police Department detectives will provide updates and seek more information regarding Kane Coronado’s homicide along Indian Mounds Drive in 2022.
A representative from Silent Observer will also participate and provide information about a reward and how to submit tips anonymously.
New care seat safety legislation developed by State Representatives John Fitzgerald (District 83) and Carrie Rheingans (District 47) works to increase child safety and educate caregivers.
On Sept. 27, bills titled HB 4511 and HB 4512 passed through the Michigan House of Representatives.
In a recent interview with WKTV Journal, Rep. Fitzgerald said these companion bills are “intended to work together to make sure that we not only have the law, but also the enforcement mechanism by which we can hold drivers, and parents, and guardians, and caregivers accountable to make sure children are traveling safely here in the state of Michigan.”
Constructed by Rep. Rheingans, HB 4511 builds a framework ensuring children are in properly fitting car seats. Enforcement guidelines and educational components are introduced by Fitzgerald in HB 4512.
Education vs. Punishment
Rep. John Fitzgerald is focused on saving children’s lives and educating caregivers. (Courtesy, Supplied)
“There is a lot that goes into safe travel, and now what we see is that there will be an educational component to this bill,” said Fitzgerald.
Previous Michigan law did not match federal law or manufacturer standards, creating confusion among parents and caregivers. This new legislation will provide one consistent message, eliminating that uncertainty.
A common area of confusion revolves around the age of a child versus height and weight. The most important factor in an accident is height and weight, not age.
“That’s where physics comes into play,” said Fitzgerald. “We want to make sure children are in the right position, meaning forward-facing or rear-facing, and that they are using the correct belts.”
Primary vs. Secondary enforcement mechanisms
An enforcement structure has been put into place with this new legislation. The legislation only allows police officers to check a child safety seat in a vehicle already pulled over for primary traffic violations such as speeding or broken taillights.
Fitzgerald tells Deborah Reed, WKTV Managing Editor, and our viewers that “The goal is to save lives, not punish caregivers.”(WKTV)
If a child is not in a proper car seat or position upon inspection, the caregiver can then be assigned a civil infraction fee. However, that fee can now be waived if the caregiver acquires the right seat and education provided by a car seat safety professional.
“We are not trying to punish someone for having the wrong information or the wrong seat,” said Fitzgerald. “We want to help you. We want to help guide you along this journey as your child ages.
“The most important part of that is getting educated on why the right seat was needed, and how that is going to help your child travel safely now.”
Strong bipartisan support
Rep. John Fitzgerald has seen strong bipartisan support for these bills. (WKTV)
Many voices were taken into consideration during the process of the new legislation. Firefighters, police officers, professionals versed in medicine, and community members were all consulted while developing bills 4511 and 4512.
“When you craft this legislation, you are taking into consideration expert testimony, expert input on the bill, and also those of your community,” said Fitzgerald.
“We saw strong bipartisan support on both of these bills in the House of Representatives,” Fitzgerald continued. “That was a great first test of the bills and whether or not we thought that this was something that could be deployed throughout the state and made law.”
As the bills move into the Senate, Fitzgerald is confident they will continue to see bipartisan support.
A theme of safety
Driver, public and traffic safety are of high importance to the legislature in Lansing.
Fitzgerald noted that recent legislation “has really pushed Michigan forward to consider good traffic safety laws that, I think, are responding to the twenty-first century nature of technology and driver safety.”
Michigan legislature is looking to increase traffic safety in all areas (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Among that legislation is the new Michigan hands-free law that took effect on June 30, 2023.
“This isn’t really new,” said Fitzgerald, stating that other states have had a hands-free law in effect for some time. “But it is something to cut down on distracted driver accidents.”
Michigan legislators are also looking to use traffic enforcement cameras throughout the state for the first time.
The House recently passed a law allowing for use of traffic enforcement cameras in work safety zones.
That law, however, includes specific qualifiers. Barriers between traffic and workers and a speed of 10 miles per hour over the posted limit are required in order to cite a violation.
Fitzgerald is currently developing another bill allowing for that same enforcement in school zones.
Contact your representative
Rep. Fitzgerald has standing drop-in hours at City Hall in Wyoming for those wishing to speak with him in person. Those hours are 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.
Without question, two players that helped the Lee football team make a statement this season are sophomore Aidan Merriweather and junior Anthony Blok.
Merriweather caught 48 passes for over 900 yards with 14 touchdowns, and Blok threw for nearly 2,500 yards with a school record 29 touchdowns.
Lee QB Anthony Blok. (Courtesy, Shafi Subhan)
Those impressive stats helped the Legends secure their first winning season (5-4 overall) since 2006, and clear a path for their next step of growth.
The 2022 Legends gave up 60 points per game, while scoring 17 en route to an 0-9 season. The 2023 Legends improved on both metrics, scoring 38 points per game and giving up 32.
Though they were ineligible for the MHSAA 8-Man playoffs due to enrollment limits, the 2024 Legends look to build upon the gains they made this season, returning many key starters like Blok and Merriweather, among others.
“Aidan is an outgoing kid; he’s vocal … he leads by example,” said Lee Coach Lamar Marshall, in his second year. “He comes in and puts in the work and doesn’t complain.
“Without a doubt, he will be the vocal leader next year. Players tend to get behind him, especially when he’s assertive.
“Anthony is more of a quiet guy … when he needs to be vocal, he most certainly is,” Marshall said. “He takes charge on offense and makes sure everyone knows what to do. He audibles when need be; he makes the right play when we need him too.”
Merriweather, who began playing football around 9 or 10 years old, said a relative got him interested.
“My uncle inspired me to play football,” Merriweather explained. “He said that I had the potential to be the best.”
Lee WR Aidan Merriweather. (Courtesy, Shafi Subhan)
He went on to say the team’s season had to be “one of the best.”
“It was great to see the team get together in the summer practices, conditioning … and strengthen our brotherly bond,” said Merriweather, who also plays basketball. “It felt amazing going 5-4 this season because seeing all the hard work and dedication we put in this past summer pay off, making history for our school.”
As far as his stat-filled season, Merriweather said he’s “extremely proud” of himself.
“I pushed and worked hard for my team … our coaches pushed me to be the best version of myself. Being able to contribute and help this team grow means a lot to me. Overall, our team definitely deserved this praise and glory for all the hard work.”
Like Merriweather, Blok began football at an early age
“I started playing football around the age of 8 to 9,” explained Blok, who also plays basketball and runs track. “My dad used to coach our elementary football team, but I wasn’t old enough to have pads on, so I just practiced.
“I loved many sports, so football was just another one I was trying out, but along the way one of my coaches said I thought I would be a good quarterback, and that was always my favorite position when I was watching football.”
Blok said the Legends’ year was “amazing” coming off a winless season.
“It wasn’t just luck like some people thought,” Blok said. “We were putting in the work through the offseason to come in and make a statement. It felt great as a team and an accomplishment as a player to have that winning season.
“The next step for us is to turn it up even more and make a bigger statement next year. We need to get in sync as a team and get in the weight room.”
Lee QB Anthony Blok. (Courtesy, Shafi Subhan)
Blok said he was adopted at age 6 and his parents are his biggest supporters.
“They come to every game no matter how far, or cold it is,” he explained. “They inspire me to be my best and try hard at what I do.”
As far as his achievements on the field Blok said, “It was cool to know that I would be making a stamp at Lee High School. My coaches knew my strengths and weaknesses, so we improved those weaknesses and perfected my strengths.”
The Legends lose three graduating seniors: Clarence Lewis and defensive standouts Issac Delgado and Kameron Washington.
“Clarence was huge for us,” Marshall said. “He made plays when we needed him to. He was a vocal and emotional leader.”
Marshall also anticipates significant growth from freshmen Jayden Sanchez and Ziere Feast.
“I expect Jayden and Ziere to lead us on defense next year,” Marshall said of his young talent.
SNF’s Kingpin of Comedy competition enters its final round Oct. 29 with the final nine comedians (Brian B. SNF)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
The original lineup of 91 comedians is now down to nine as the Sunday Night Funnies Kingpin of Comedy competition enters its final round Sunday, Oct. 29.
“We have a good mix of comedians performing in the finals this year,” says Brian B., MC and founder of the Sunday Night Funnies (SNF). “The Grand Rapids metro area is obviously represented, but we also have a comic from Niles, Michigan, one from Detroit – even one from Canada!
Sunday Night Funnies presents Kingpin of Comedy competition (Courtesy, Brian B. SNF)
The lineup is diverse too. Not only in terms of race, but age-range as well with comedians in their 20s up to sixty years old.”
Along with the nine competing comics, comedian Seth Lee – the 2022 Kingpin of Comedy winner – will close the show while votes are counted.
“Seeing that Wyoming is the 14th largest city in Michigan, I thought that the eventual winner deserved a prize package worthy of the title Most Humorous Person In Town,” said Brian B. “The package includes prizes from local businesses including Craig’s Cruisers, LaughFest, Midtown GR, and from the host of the show Spectrum Entertainment Complex.
“The winner will also receive $500 cash, a tricked-out bowling pin trophy and a personalized Kingpin bowling shirt. The total prize package is valued close to $1,000.”
The SNF is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. A weekly live stand-up comedy performance, SNF features a variety of comics from Michigan and across the country.
SNF performances are a free admission shows beginning at 7:30 p.m. and performed at the Spectrum Entertainment Complex, 5656 Clyde Park SW, in Wyoming.
Mike Bacon sits with James Smither in the WKTV studio as he talks about his time as a Signal Corps Officer in the Army (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
Veteran Mike Bacon recently stepped into the recording studio with James Smither, Director of the GVSU Veterans History Project, to talk about his experience in the Vietnam war.
After receiving a notice from the draft board that he would soon be drafted into the war, Bacon chose to enlist in the United States Army so he could participate in Officer Candidate School (OCS).
Bacon began basic training in spring of 1966 at Fort Dix in New Jersey, then moving into Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort McClellan in Alabama before being assigned to Mannheim, Germany as a Signal Corps Officer with the 97th Signal Battalion of the 7th Army.
Founded by Major Albert J. Myer in 1860, the U.S. Signal Corps was a small organization with members scattered among the Army’s various posts. With the rise of telecommunications, signaling duties became increasingly complex and integral to military operations.
Today, the Signal Corps consists of approximately 68,000 men and women.
Assigned as a platoon leader of the 97th Signal Battalion, Bacon eventually became Headquarters Company Commander. After two years stationed in Germany, he was discharged at Fort Dix in 1969.
Life as a civilian consisted of various jobs that allowed the military veteran to travel throughout the U.S. Bacon’s travels eventually led him to Michigan where he served at East Kentwood High School as an English teacher until his retirement.
For Bacon, however, retirement does not require sitting still.
Owner of Loon Tracks since 1985, Bacon is still heavily involved in photography, videography, and writing.
In conjunction with WKTV Community Media, Bacon produces “Whittlin’ Time,” a show based around wood carving and related skills. He has also volunteered on countless WKTV productions as camera operator, audio technician, graphics engineer, technical director, director, and helped maintain computers and software in the editing bays.
Bacon said his time in the Signal Corps gave him confidence in himself and his abilities.
One person is dead and three injured after a crash in the 1700 block of Chicago Drive SW.
At approximately 7:20 a.m. on Oct. 23, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 1700 block of Chicago Dr. SW on a report of a head-on collision. Upon arrival officers located multiple subjects with injuries. Initial investigation indicates both vehicles were traveling on Chicago Drive, one eastbound and the other westbound.
The eastbound driver, a 43-year-old male from the City of Wyoming, died as a result of injuries sustained from the crash. Three occupants of the westbound vehicle were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
The Wyoming Police Accident Investigation and Forensic Science Units continue to investigate this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530- 7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
The 2022 edition of the Lee Legends gave up 60 points per game while scoring 17 en route to an 0-9 season.
The 2023 Legends improved on both metrics, scoring 38 ppg and giving up 32.
Lee football coach Lamar Marshall. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)
Second-year Coach Lamar Marshall stressed execution and growth from last season’s struggles in the off-season.
“Maturity, experience, and knowing how varsity football operates,” Coach Marshall said. “Every down is meaningful. Executing on all three phases of the game is crucial.”
On Friday night, the Legends secured their first winning season (5-4) since 2006 with a record-setting 62-0 win over Bloomingdale.
The Legends’ defense, led by defensive coordinator Damion Gregory, scored a school-record four touchdowns.
“My hats off to my defensive coordinator, Damion Gregory,” Marshall said. “He did an incredible job with that unit.”
Sophomore wide receiver Aidan Merriweather showed his defensive skills with two interceptions returned for a touchdown and a recovered fumble for a score.
Hybrid linebacker Jaden Potts also took an interception 75 yards for a touchdown.
The Legends set another record in the blowout win.
Quarterback Anthony Blok from an earlier game this season. (Courtesy, Shafi Subhan)
Lee QB Anthony Blok sets passing TD record in a season
Junior quarterback Anthony Blok went 4-for-7 for 154 yards and three passing touchdowns to set a Lee record for most passing touchdowns in a season with 29.
Senior running back Clarence Lewis finished his lone football season with 147 yards from scrimmage and two scores.
“Clarence was huge for us,” Marshall said. “He made plays when we needed him, too. He was a vocal and emotional leader.”
The Legends will lose three graduating seniors: Lewis and defensive standouts Issac Delgado and Kameron Washington.
The 2024 Legends will look to build upon the gains they made this season. Lee will return many key starters, including Blok and Merriweather, among others.
“Aidan set the confidence tone this December with his dedication to the weight room. He got stronger, and it motivated the team to follow suit.
“Without a doubt, he will be the vocal leader next year. Players tend to get behind him, especially when he’s assertive.”
Marshall also anticipates significant growth from freshmen Jaden Sanchez and Ziere Feast.
“I expect Jaden and Ziere to lead us on defense next year,” Marshall said of his young talent.
The Legends are ineligible for the MHSAA 8-Man playoffs due to enrollment limits and will finish the 2023 season with a 5-4 record.
Processed medications will be transported to Kent County’s Waste to Energy Facility and incinerated (Courtesy Photo)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
The City of Wyoming addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue by participating in the semiannual “Drug Take Back Day” event Oct. 28.
DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Days are designed to make communities safer and healthier by providing a way to turn in unneeded medications, removing them from potential harm. This reduces drug addiction, overdoses, overdose deaths, and drug-related violence.
Millions of Americans misuse controlled prescription drugs (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
Drug Take Back Day events are a joint effort between DEA, law enforcement, wastewater treatment facilities and government agencies to provide residents with safe, convenient access to proper medicine disposal.
“Medications collected in West Michigan are transported to Kent County’s Waste to Energy Facility, where they are incinerated,” the City of Wyoming website states.
In 2009, the City of Wyoming Clean Water Plant developed a new initiative called WyMeds designed to reduce the amount of medicinal waste from entering the wastewater system and our environment. The overwhelming success of this program led to its adoption by Kent County in 2010.
Now known as West Michigan Take Back Meds, the program serves the entire Kent County area as well as parts of Muskegon, Ottawa, and Allegan Counties.
Year Round Safe Medication Drop-Off
Drop off your unused medication all year round at one of these SafeMeds drop-off locations:
Wyoming Public Safety (2300 De Hoop Avenue) Takes: Controlled and non-controlled substances Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
CVS Pharmacy (5603 Byron Center SW) Takes: Controlled and non-controlled substances (No syringes, no inhalers) Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Meijer Pharmacy (5500 Clyde Park SW) Takes: Controlled and non-controlled substances (No syringes, no inhalers, no liquids) Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport earned the top spot in the USA TODAY Reader’s Choice Awards for best small airport.
The 20 finalists for the category were selected by a panel of experts and then voted on by the public. The panel consisted of editors from USA TODAY and 10Best.com, expert contributors and industry sources. The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards series highlight top-notch attractions and businesses, providing readers with trusted recommendations.
“We already knew our guests are the best in the country so it’s a real honor to know the feeling is mutual,” Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority President & CEO Tory Richardson said. “One of the unique characteristics of our airport is the incredible support we receive from our community, which we don’t take for granted. This award underscores how important our commitment to the guest experience is.”
The top ten winners in the best small airport category were:
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT)
Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV)
Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
Voting was open from Sept. 4 until Oct. 2 with the public being invited to cast one vote per person, per day. USA TODAY noted while the finalists serve smaller numbers of passengers each year than large hub airports, they excel with commercial flight offerings, easy access and amenities.
In 2022, 3.4-plus million guests chose the Ford International Airport for their travel needs, higher than the small airport industry average of 992,000. The Airport is managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, which has more than 100 team members who are responsible for the infrastructure and maintenance of airport facilities. Additionally, more than 1,300 team members from six airlines, food and beverage providers, maintenance facilities and several other partners come together to offer air service and amenities to guests.
“We thank everyone who took the time to share their vote for the Ford International Airport,” Richardson continued. “We also thank our entire team and partners who are critical in creating an engaging and comfortable guest experience.
“As we celebrate six decades of serving the West Michigan community, we look forward to continuing to provide world class travel in an accessible and convenient way for another 60 years – and beyond.”
Wyoming High School provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for five foreign exchange students (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
Five foreign exchange students representing four countries embarked on a journey that led them to Wyoming High School.
Alexandra (Italy), Edward (Germany), Daisy (Thailand), Linh and Hieu (Vietnam) have traveled thousands of miles to experience the American way of life.
Though not always easy due to cultural differences, all five students have expressed enjoyment of their time in the United States.
International Exchange Coordinator and Educatius Local Coordinator Sunflower Swan is determined to help the foreign students get the most out of their time in America.
“My job is to help them to achieve that experience of positive outcome,” said Swan.
Swan (left) helps the international students express their experiences, emotions and goals while in the United States (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Swan, raised in Korea, came to America as an exchange student when she was in college. Her experience inspired a passion for helping others find that same joy.
“I want this experience to be fun and engaging. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Swan.
Swan creates that fun environment through various interactive events and activities.
Upon the exchange students’ arrival, Swan hosted a gathering at a local park for the students and their host families. Cookie-eating contests, marshmallow-stuffing contests, and 3-legged races were among the planned activities.
But Swan said the games accomplished far more than just having fun.
“The [3-legged race] is a metaphor that they have to [coexist] in harmony with each other,” said Swan. “Because, to have a successful experience, they can’t do their own thing. You have to tie together.”
Exuberance for life and the American way
Swan’s passion for life was evident during a conversation with Swan and the foreign exchange students.
That conversation involved far more than a question and answer session to see how the students were faring at WHS. Props, signs, face mustaches, picture taking, dancing, and laughter were also part of the mix.
“I don’t do boring stuff,” Swan said as she tossed this reporter a flowered lei with instructions to put it on before she took a picture. “That’s fun, isn’t it? A celebration of life, I call it.”
Alexandra loves trying new things while in America (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Alexandra is also embracing life and several new experiences.
“I am making new friends every day, and I am not afraid to talk to [others],” said Alexandra. “I’m shy, but I’m trying to be more confident.”
Alexandra said she joined the WHS golf team because she had never tried the sport before. “I’m not good,” Alexandra said with a shrug. “But I don’t care.”
WHS English teacher and Alexandra’s host mother, Joslyn O’Dell, said Alexandra fit right into her family.
“As soon as we got the name Alexandra, Drake (O’Dell’s son) looked her up on social media and became friends with her,” said O’Dell. “So before she even got to the U.S. they were interacting. Weeks before she arrived, we had already started that relationship.”
Watching Alexandra seize every new experience has been fun for the O’Dell family.
“Just seeing her try the American school and see how that fits for her has been fun,” said O’Dell. “She’s had a lot of new experiences and she’s enjoyed a lot of them; she wants to experience everything.”
Daisy is also embracing new things, with music festivals, camping and learning a different genre of music among the Thailand native’s recent experiences.
Valuable lessons learned
Some experiences, however, are internal and more personal.
Daisy said that she is naturally shy but is learning to open up to people.
“Here, she has learned that exerting her opinion does not mean she isn’t humble,” said Swan. “[It is] gaining maturity and speaking when you need to speak.”
Hieu (left) and Edward discuss a question asked during the meeting (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Hieu (Vietnam) enjoys playing basketball, is making friends, and is also learning to be more confident.
“I used to be shy to talk to people, but now I am more open,” said Hieu.
Linh said that through the kindness she has seen at WHS, she “learned to be respectful to everyone.”
Edward says being in America has instigated more meaningful conversations with his parents back in Germany.
“I talked to my parents [before], but here I do more,” said Edward.
Making mistakes and overcoming obstacles
Though most of the exchange students’ experiences have been positive, some difficulties have emerged.
Differences in culture such as body language, difficulty level and concept of school classes, and homework are some of the most common obstacles for foreign students.
“Some students don’t do homework because in their culture, homework is optional, it is not part of their grade,” said Swan, adding that some of the students have had to realize homework is required in the U.S.
Edward enjoys the class activities WHS includes in the curriculum (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Daisy said that while she loves the freedom America offers, she struggles with students’ disrespect toward teachers.
Because of Swan’s own experience as an exchange student in college, she understands the hurdles these students face.
“I know what it’s like, adjusting,” said Swan. “Sometimes they are afraid to speak because they don’t want to mispronounce a word.”
But Swan said making mistakes is part of the learning process.
“You have to make mistakes to learn the language and assimilate,” said Swan. “Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. Mispronunciation is good. You don’t have to have perfect English to engage in conversation; that’s not reasonable.”
A few of their favorite things…
Increased freedom, friendly teachers and students, learning activities for students, and free food and refills on drinks were some favorite things mentioned by the group. ArtPrize was also a highlight this fall, with all five students exploring exhibits together.
30 countries, 20 years, and public diplomacy
Swan has spent 20 years and traveled to 30 countries while helping students experience other cultures.
“We are training future world leaders,” said Swan, adding that 200 out of 300 world leaders were involved in some kind of student exchange program.
Swan (left) said Linh (right) had very limited English when arriving in America and is a perfect example of how hard work and tenacity help students grow (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“This is called public diplomacy,” Swan said. “It’s one of the greatest, powerful public diplomacy the U.S. can have, having exchange students here, learning American culture, American way of life.”
But for Swan, it is about far more than diplomacy.
“I traveled the world, but I discovered people are all the same,” said Swan. “I am more compassionate as I meet people because they all need to be loved and appreciated.
“We are all the same. We have so much focus on skin or education or status but forget they are human.”
And where Swan goes, fun and new friends follow.
“For me, I live fully,” said Swan. “I want to enjoy it. Life is too short, and I want to celebrate life.
“It’s not easy to do what I do. It’s a lot of problem-solving, but I’m making a difference.”
Education money can’t buy
Swan says learning about new cultures reminds us that we are all human (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Swan encourages families to consider hosting an exchange student, saying it benefits families as well as students.
“In my experience, host family children become much more diverse and stronger,” said Swan. “You are providing education money cannot buy.”
To learn more about local exchange student hosting opportunities, visit Educatius.
Palermo Pizza owner Janice Vitale is holding a 50th Birthday Fundraiser on Oct. 14 at 735 36th St. SW Wyoming.
The fundraiser will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and consist of a bake sale, pop can drive and a portion (20 percent) of all orders that day will be donated to charity. Cake and refreshments will be served as well.
“Help me celebrate my birthday by doing what I love to do best; service,” Vitale said. “Together we can do more by giving back.
“Drop your pop cans off, maybe purchase some baked goods and have a slice of cake with me. Each year I sponsor a few graduating seniors. I pay for the cost of their caps and gowns, other memorabilia, and their senior all-nighter. I try to sponsor students in the foster care system, but never limited to. I know with your support we can help more students this year.”
A satellite view of Site 36 shows location of the forthcoming 36th Street Marketplace five-acre parcel of land (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
The City of Wyoming is making steady progress with plans regarding the forthcoming local marketplace at Site 36 Industrial Park.
“We’re very excited about it,” said Nicole Hofert, Wyoming’s Director of Community & Economic Development. “I think that we are going to be creating a really nice hub for families. Somewhere where they can feel safe and want to be.”
Formerly a General Motors stamping plant, Site 36 North is directly adjacent to the Godwin High School athletic field (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Site 36 Industrial Park is an 80-acre parcel of land with 75-acres on the south side of 36th Street, and an additional five acres on the north side.
The 36th Street Marketplace will be located on that five-acre parcel.
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.
“What’s also fortunate about this property is that Godwin High School sits just across the street, and their athletic field sits directly adjacent to the site,” said Hofert.
Hofert went on to say that the City has acquired a parking agreement with the school that will benefit both school and marketplace events.
Marketplace planning sneak peek
The marketplace design incorporates a long rectangular building with a flexible layout that will allow for up to 24 vendors.
Farmers markets have become increasingly popular and offer more than just fresh produce (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“You could have a farmers market one day and then maybe an artisan market later in the week that requires a slightly different layout,” said Hofert.
Garage doors on all sides can be raised or lowered as needed, allowing the market to function year-round.
Programmable outdoor space is also included in the design.
A designated food truck parking area will allow food truck and other similar events to proceed even when the market isn’t in operation. A smaller outdoor space on the front of the market will allow for music events and other outdoor activities.
“We’ve had a tremendous team working on it,” said Hofert. “We’ve been very lucky with our internal partners as well as our external partners, and they were very thoughtful in a lot of their recommendations.”
Hofert went on to say that the City did a large amount of market research leading into the planning process. They also traveled to several farmers markets, which led to the rationale for the garage doors.
36th Street Marketplace planning has involved large amounts of research, including on-location visits to similar venues (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
With West Michigan’s variant weather, Hofert said the question was how the City could “bring something to the community that they can ultimately embrace, and is available to them 365 days out of the year and not just a limited 3-month window.”
Conversations with local entrepreneurs provided feedback on what would be helpful for vendors. The City also sought support and feedback from the Division Avenue Business Association.
“Hopefully we’ve designed something that’s reflective of their needs to really maximize the benefit of this,” said Hofert. “There are opportunities to expand beyond just fresh fruit or vegetable offerings, and we really wanted to make sure that we were providing for those opportunities.”
Once the marketplace is built, leadership of design and vendor needs will pass to Krashawn Martin, director of the Parks and Recreation Department.
A family and community hub
The City’s goal is to make the marketplace a venue where people want to spend time and that is accessible from every direction.
Families and other community members will be able to access the marketplace from multiple routes (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
Marketplace planners hope that the south side of Site 36 develops quickly, creating a natural magnet that will draw people to the north side.
“It’s also an area of the community that still has a very tight grid system,” said Hofert. “We have a very walkable neighborhood surrounding it and we are hoping…it becomes part of the neighborhood’s aesthetic.”
The Silver Line runs along Division Avenue, creating broader access for neighborhoods. Site 36 and the Silver Line are only a quarter mile apart, allowing visitors to easily walk to the marketplace.
A reconfigured trail network will bring the non-motorized trail off of Buchanan to Site 36 and also around the site.
“Anyone using the trail is going to have to go through the marketplace,” said Hofert. “You now have families that can bike to the marketplace, get some fresh fruits, vegetables, some artisan goods, maybe a cup of coffee, and then head home.”
Timeline and extra perks
Farmers Market (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“I am hopeful that we will be breaking ground late this year, into early next year,” said Hofert. “We’re finishing up due diligence. We have to complete a Brownfield Work Plan, and then obviously construction will have to begin.”
Hofert is remaining conservative in the City’s expectations on project completion, however, knowing that there are often delays in the current construction industry.
A generous grant will provide an extra marketplace perk once construction is complete.
The City plans to solicit a local artist to place public art that will honor the site for what it is.
Community renewal and healing
Hofert said the loss of the GM stamping plant was significant for Wyoming and greater Grand Rapids families who worked there.
“It was a tremendous loss to the area when that plant left,” said Hofert. “To be able to bring something to the community, that’s for the community and not just a development asset for a private company, is something that we at the City are really excited about.”
Pharmacist Aaron Hoholik showing participant Carol a pill organizer for her medication. (Courtesy, Care Resources)
By Care Resources
greer@wktv.org
Everyone makes mistakes.
But when it comes to errors regarding the medications you take, the consequences can be serious or even deadly.
The good news is this: With attention to detail and being honest about how you use meds, it’s possible to safeguard yourself against blunders that can affect your health.
“Any kind of error can result in adverse effects,” says Aaron Hoholik, a clinical pharmacist with Care Resources in Grand Rapids. “That goes not only for prescription drugs, but over-the-counter products as well.
“In the pharmaceutical world, medication errors come in a wide variety – wrong medication, wrong dose, drugs with similar names, a drug not monitored correctly and even wrong patients receiving the drug.”
Be aware of drug interactions
He points out that mistakes also occur when patients aren’t aware of the risks associated with how a drug might interact with another they’re already taking, and that includes products labeled as “natural,” “herbal” or “supplemental.”
“One of my pharmacy school professors used to say that even arsenic is a natural product,” Hoholik notes.
When someone joins Care Resources, a community-based program for people 55 years or older, it’s crucial for them to share an accurate list of meds they’re taking, how often they’re taking them and where they’re getting them from.
“That’s a great way to start,” says Hoholik, emphasizing that such information can help medical providers like himself best serve patients going forward.
But it’s also vital that patients be honest in reporting how often they’re actually taking a medicine, since some people will intentionally or accidentally not take them as prescribed – anything from pain meds to insulin to what’s in their inhaler.
Taking a dose more or less often than a person is supposed to can result in adverse effects like low or high blood pressure, dangerous blood-sugar levels and more.
“We need to know exactly what they’re taking and how they’re taking it,” says Hoholik, “so they don’t experience any problems that are going to have them end up in emergency health care.”
Organize your medications
Of equal importance is organizing your meds, and there are a variety of ways to do so. While some people dispense meds from individual containers, many are resorting to “adherence packaging,” which relies on accurately marked pouches or blister packs to bundle meds so that patients get the right dose at the right time, every time.
“It’s becoming a common way to package meds for our patients,” he says of participants he’s been serving on behalf of Care Resources since 2009.
Additional tips on how to avoid errors include:
Never dump your old pill bottles into your new ones, even if the medication name and dose are the same.
Set alarms on your phone, an alarm clock or a smart device to help you remember to take your medications.
Call for a refill when you have about one week of medications left to avoid gaps in taking your medications.
Ask your pharmacist about getting all your medications lined up to fill on the same day each month.
Ask your pharmacist and primary care provider if there are ways to take your same medications, but with fewer daily doses (by combining medications, changing to extended-release formulas or other adjustments).
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you notice you’re missing doses.
“Organizing your meds and taking them as directed is always a process,” Hoholik says. “Being honest and accurate is key. And it can make all the difference when it comes to being and staying healthy.”
Wyoming Police are looking for information that will help locate Anthony Scott Adrianse (Courtesy, Wyoming PD)
By Wyoming Police Department
deborah@wktv.org
UPDATE: Anthony Adrianse’s well-being was verified by Wyoming Police Investigators on October 11, 2023, he is no longer considered a missing person.
The Wyoming Police Department is asking for assistance in locating 36-year-old Anthony Scott Adrianse.
Anthony was last seen leaving his residence near Burton Street and Burlingame Avenue SW in the City of Wyoming on Sept. 22, 2023, at approximately 6:30 PM. He left in a Gray 2013 Honda Accord 4-door bearing Michigan registration EJH3217 and has not been heard from or seen since.
Anthony is a white male, approximately 6’ 0” tall and 200 pounds. He has dark brown hair which is long and usually in a ponytail.
Wyoming Police detectives continue to investigate this incident.
Attached are photos of Anthony and a stock image of the vehicle he was last known to be driving.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Liz Brann-Stegehuis (left) and son Sean Stegehuis (right) continue the operation of Tommy Brann’s (middle) iconic Wyoming restaurant location (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
Tommy Brann opened a restaurant at age 19, becoming the youngest restaurant owner in Michigan. After 52 years of serving the Wyoming community, Brann handed Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille on Division Avenue over to his sister Liz Brann-Stegehuis and nephew Sean Stegehuis.
“A lot of people ask me, ‘Is it bittersweet?’ and it’s not,” said Brann without hesitation. “I would walk around the block and just escape my restaurant. It was to that point where it wasn’t enjoyable anymore for me, and it’s not because anybody did anything wrong. It was just time to move on.”
Continuing the family business
Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille in Wyoming remains open under the ownership of Liz and Sean Stegehuis (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Twelve years Brann’s junior, Stegehuis is no novice to the restaurant business, working at their father’s steakhouse and Brann’s Holland location as a teen.
After taking a break from the business to raise her family, Stegehuis returned to the family business 12 years ago, and has since partnered with another buyer for their Bay City location.
Stegehuis and her son took ownership of Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille at the beginning of September.
“Sean and I are partners,” said Stegehuis, adding that her son grew up in the business.
“With Brann’s, he is really driven to keep the legacy going,” Stegehuis continued. “We complement each other. He’s the back of the house and he loves the people. You’ll see him out front bussing tables and helping servers, but he also can jump behind that line and cook and hold up the back of the house too.”
Starting ‘em young
After Brann’s mother died when he was 12 years old, John Brann put Brann and his siblings to work. Brann said it was a blessing.
Tommy Brann at his restaurant in a historic photo (Courtesy Photo)
“My dad kept us out of trouble,” said Brann. “I called it John Brann’s Work Release Program because my friends were doing heavy duty drugs, and I wasn’t because I was working.”
Young Tommy Brann didn’t intend to make the family business his life’s work, planning for a career in law enforcement instead. But when the Division Avenue restaurant location became available, Brann took ownership of his own restaurant at age 19.
“[My dad] lent me $30,000,” said Brann. “I paid him back with interest, which is one of the best things he did for me. It made me my own person.”
Hectic days and new goals
Brann clearly remembers serving 97 dinners on his first day in business, July 5, 1971. He also remembers a one-of-a-kind encounter with a customer that day.
Tommy Brann hard at work (Courtesy Historic Photo)
“I remember a customer coming in and buying the whole restaurant a drink – which has never happened since then,” said Brann. “It was just to help me out, get me going.”
Having $5,000-a-month payments and being told by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission that he could no longer sign checks for beer at the restaurant were also memorable moments.
“I was only a 19-year-old kid, I wasn’t supposed to be buying beer,” Brann said with a laugh. “So I had to have my bookkeeper sign the checks for beer.”
Owning a restaurant was not always easy, with a hectic pace and unfavorable hours topping the list.
“You’re working New Year’s Eve, Mother’s Day, Christmas Eve,” said Brann. “I never missed one of those. You’re working when people are enjoying themselves, and then you’re asking other people to work too, so I made sure I was with them working.”
Brann, however, chose to focus on the favorable aspects of the business and his passion for serving.
Tommy Brann with his restaurant family in 2021 (Courtesy, K.D. Norris)
“My dad would always say you meet so many good people as far as customers and employees, and it’s so true,” said Brann.
The retired restaurateur remembers several customers who became friends, especially Robert (Bob) Kibby.
“If I was having a bad day and [Bob] came in at 11:30, he’d make my day good just because of the joking and the comradeship,” said Brann. “That’s what makes this business good.”
Stegehuis agreed. “Tom couldn’t have said it better as far as the people,” said Stegehuis. “That’s the main part for me. They become your friends and family.”
A life of hard work and dedicated service
Brann’s passion for serving his community extended far beyond Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille.
State Rep. Tommy Brann (left) on the set of WKTV Journal’s “In Focus” public affairs show (Courtesy, WKTV)
“The reason I got into politics is because sometimes politicians don’t realize what small businesses go through,” said Brann. “It’s dangerous when a politician doesn’t have that small business experience…and they make rules against small businesses.”
Brann also earned a black belt in karate, was a Michigan Restaurant Association Distinguished Service Award recipient, partnered with a local songwriter to write a song, and published the memoir Mind Your Own Business that shares the ups and downs of running a successful small business.
A new focus for the Brann and Stegehuis families
Having accomplished many of his goals, Brann plans to focus on more personal pursuits, such as spending time with his wife Sue and supporting her work with the National Ski Patrol.
One thing Brann does plan to cross off his “bucket list” is a trip out of the country.
“I want to go to Liverpool because I’m a big Beatles fan, and walk Abbey Road,” said Brann. “That’s definitely a must for me.”
Brann’s Steakhouse is an icon in the City of Wyoming (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Brann has also considered writing about his experiences as a politician.
“One time at the State office, we had to compromise on something to get somebody’s vote,” said Brann. “I came back and wrote “I’m now a politician,” and stapled it on my wall while my staff laughed. So I could share my experience with being a politician, and the give and take of it.”
But relaxing after a lifetime of hard work is something Brann refuses to feel guilty about.
“It is hard for me to sit down, but when I do sit down I feel like I’ve earned it, so I don’t feel guilty about it,” said Brann.
Stegehuis says that, for right now, Brann’s Steakhouse is her focus.
“I am going to have the balance of my family,” said Stegehuis. “But really, this consumes you. You have to make the time [for family] when you’re in the industry, and that’s why Tom’s doing what he’s doing. At this point in my life, this is my focus. Keeping it Tommy Brann’s, carrying on his legacy.”
Stegehuis says she plans to keep the restaurant very similar to what it already is, and that the transition has been smooth. She does intend to bring back the salad bar, but considers that an addition, not a change.
The Brann family legacy
The Brann family business will continue to serve the community (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Brann says that he wants to be remembered for being a hard worker and giving customers a good experience while at his restaurant.
“I was a hard worker, and I would mop my floors…whatever it took,” said Brann.
But the retired restaurateur knows he is not perfect, saying he still remembers a customer complaint about a meal that arrived cold.
“That was probably 30 years ago, and I still remember that,” said Brann. “I just wanted to make sure that when they left here, they had a good experience and we didn’t fail them.”
Stegehuis says she wants the community to know that the reception customers receive at Brann’s is genuine.
“These people that I’ve had for coworkers over the years and the guests that I’ve met, I truly consider them friends and I truly consider them family,” said Stegehuis. “They are very special to me, and that’s what I would like to carry on, and carry on for Tom.”
In a rare, one-of-a kind event, the arm of St. Jude the apostle is coming to the Diocese of Grand Rapids on Monday, Oct. 9, specifically, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Parish.
“I feel very excited about this particular relic coming,” said Michael Tober, director of Religious Education for Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Parish, and a parishioner since 2003. “If my feeling of excitement were a number between 1 to 10 with 10 being the strongest, my feeling would be a 10. This excitement would be similar to what it would feel like just before meeting a family member again after being separated from them for a long time.”
Veneration of the relic begins at 1 p.m. with a mass in honor of St. Jude at 7 p.m, and the visit ends at 10 p.m. The relic will be in the main sanctuary of Sacred Heart, 151 Garfield Ave. SW, Grand Rapids. Parking is limited, so it’s expected that people will park on side streets around the Church.
Sacred Heart is the only Grand Rapids stop
From September 2023 to May 2024, the arm of Saint Jude Thaddeus will be on pilgrimage in the United States, making stops in 100 cities. Sacred Heart is the only Grand Rapids stop. (Source: The Apostle of the Impossible website)
First time leaving Italy
Sponsored by the Tour of the Relics of St. Jude the Apostle, this is the first time the arm has left Italy.
Michael Tober, director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. (Courtesy, Michael Tober)
“The Vatican does release certain relics from time to time so Christians around the world may venerate them,” Tober said. “However, these are always special occasions and not the norm. This relic has never left Rome, so in that sense given how long it has been there it is rare.”
Known as the Apostle of the Impossible, St. Jude is revered for his unwavering dedication and steadfast faith. Millions have experienced his intercession in times of adversity and need.
How many people is Sacred Heart anticipating?
“Our expectation is somewhere around 5,000 visitors between 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.,” said Tober, who holds a degree in theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, as well as a Master Certification in Catechetics in the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
Relics on display at Sacred Heart
Tober said other relics are on display at Sacred Heart throughout the year.
“Sacred Heart has relics of St. John the Apostle, St. Theresa of Avila, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Thomas Aquinas, to name a few,” Tober explained. “They are located in a reliquary in our baptistry. First class relics comprise of either bone, hair, skin or blood of a saint.”
This family-friendly, free event promises an afternoon filled with candy, costumes, face painting, music, bounce houses and more. Local businesses, clubs and organizations will be handing out treats as attendees stroll through the beautiful park.
“The Trick-or-Treat Trail was created to be a fun, safe event for the fall, providing an alternative to traditional Halloween events,” said Krashawn Martin, Director of Wyoming Parks & Recreation. “Trick-or-Treat Trail gives families an opportunity to interact with neighborhood businesses while enjoying all the amenities of Lamar Park and the beauty of the fall season.”
In previous years, the event has welcomed over 65 local businesses and organizations, and more than 6,000 attendees.
Interactive boards provided opportunities for residents to show their priorities for the parks system. (WKTV/Deborah Reed)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
Over 700 respondents have given feedback on the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department’s five-year master plan, and the department is requesting even more input from the community.
Director of Parks and Recreation Krashawn Martin talked to WKTV about the importance of community feedback regarding the future of Wyoming’s parks (Courtesy, WKTV)
“The park master plan is very important for our long-range visioning for the park system,” said Parks & Recreation Director Krashawn Martin. “We have a beautiful parks system already here in Wyoming, but these opportunities really help us to get community input, which is really the driver of everything that we do.”
Together, the City and engineering firm Fleis & VandenBrink are working to ensure every option is heard. Two public input meetings have been held with plans for more public opinion opportunities still coming.
“This process is meant to give everyone a voice,” said Rick Stout, Registered Landscape Architect of engineering and architecture firm Fleis & VandenBrink Engineering. “We want to hear your thoughts.”
“We really pride ourselves and do our best to be community responsive,” said Martin, adding that the input helps the department know how people are passively using the parks system for recreation, and also the things they would like to actively see in the parks system.
Input from the community is encouraged by the Parks and Rec Department (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The public input sessions provided three interactive boards that parallel the Parks & Rec online survey. The boards listed possible goals, objectives and priority elements.
During the public input sessions, community members were invited to place stickers next to their top three priorities in each section.
“What potential actions in the area of recreation do you see for the City of Wyoming,” Stout asked input session attendees. “What do they really need to focus on?”
There will be a final public hearing and then approval by the Wyoming City Council based on compiled community feedback. Once approved, the plan will be available for a 30-day review period before submission to the DNR.
The ultimate goal, said Stout, is to have a draft plan finished within the next month and start the public review process early.
Landscape architect Rick Stout (right) explains what kinds of feedback will be helpful for the 5-year master plan (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“Ideally, we would like to get this whole process wrapped up in December so we leave ourselves some room on the back end in case something does come up and it gets delayed,” Stout said.
Though a wide range of feedback has already been received from the public, Stout and Martin urge community members to continue involvement in the planning process.
“There will be multiple opportunities to get some more input as the plan gets developed, but in order for us to develop a draft plan and bounce some of these ideas off the recreation advisory committee, we need your feedback,” said Stout. “That’s why we want to reach out to you right now and make sure there is not an opportunity lost.”
Gaining perspective and meeting needs
Fleis & VandenBrink and the Parks & Rec Department have worked to create both broad and specific goals for the Parks plan. This, Stout said, will help them gain a more accurate perspective of what citizens and the general public want.
Aiming for a well-rounded process, the Parks department also plans to talk to youth at local schools since they are primary users of the parks.
Both broad and specific goals are included in the planning survey (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Many trends revealed from the community are fairly universal to all parks and speak to universal accessibility, featuring facilities that appeal to multiple age groups and a variety of activities.
As the City continues to grow, so does the number of people searching for quality recreational facilities.
“The younger generation wants quality of life,” said Stout. “They have high expectations of what their community has to offer for recreation.”
Recreation options can often be a tipping point in deciding whether individuals and families move into a community.
“Communities are known by their assets. Whether it be parks or public spaces or where people have a chance to socially interact, those things are key,” said Stout. “Those really define a community.”
Stout believes the City of Wyoming has made great efforts in defining a sense of place and striving to create those assets.
“I think the next 20 years are going to be really exciting for the City of Wyoming,” said Stout. “It’s a very diverse community, and it really wants to make sure it’s meeting the needs of everyone.”
How to submit feedback
The parks online survey is still available to receive feedback (Courtesy, Wyoming Parks & Recreation Department)
The online survey will continue to be open throughout the planning process and can be found on the City of Wyoming website and social media page.
Martin urges those unable to attend a meeting in person to fill out the online survey.
“We’re just excited to hear from the people,” said Martin. “Not just in this process, but anytime. We are always open to ideas for improvements or recreation programs that our community would like to see in the future.”
Lee quarterback Anthony Blok passed for 310 yards and four touchdowns, and rushed for another. (Courtesy, Shafi Subhan)
By Ty Marzean
WKTV Contributor
In front of a large crowd of alumni and fans, including 65 former homecoming kings and queens, the Lee Legends outscored Eau Claire 38-24 on Saturday afternoon in 8-player football.
Junior quarterback Anthony Blok once again led the explosive Lee offense, throwing for 310 yards and four touchdowns and adding another on the ground. He used his speed to extend multiple drives as well.
The Beavers strike first
Eau Claire opened the game with a score on its first drive to grab a quick 8-0 lead.
“We started off slow,” said Lee Coach Lamar Marshall, whose team improved to 4-2 overall, 1-2 in the Southwest Michigan 8-Man Football League – Blue. “They jumped out ahead of us early in the game.”
On the final play of the first quarter, Blok connected deep with sophomore Aiden Merriweather to get to the one-yard line. The Legends couldn’t capitalize as Blok’s pass was tipped and intercepted in the end zone.
The Legends used multiple defensive stops to stave off the Beavers in the second quarter.
“We were able to hold them until the offense could get going,” Marshall said.
Legends heat up near halftime
Lee’s Clarence Lewis in an earlier game this season. (Courtesy, Diego Jeronimo)
The offense showed signs of life near the end of the first half as Clarence Lewis ripped off big gains and capped the drive with a four-yard touchdown run to tie the game 8-8 going into halftime.
Lewis finished with 94 yards rushing, 85 yards receiving and two scores.
“He’s everything to us,” said Marshall, of his senior running back. “He’s our emotional and vocal leader. The guy we lean on when we need a play.”
Big second half for Lee
The Legends exploded for 30 points in the second half.
Sophomore Aiden Merriweather was the favorite target for Blok on the afternoon, reeling in five catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Charles Davis collected 74 yards and a touchdown.
Strong defensive stand to finish
The Legends needed a defensive stand late in the fourth quarter and stuffed the Beavers on a 4th and 1 with 1:31 left on the clock.
“The 4th and 1 stop was huge for us,” Marshall said. “I felt like we grew up in this game as a coaching staff and a team.”
The Legends travel to New Buffalo (4-2) next Friday.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Game of the Week truck films one game each week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, a field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
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. To watch the WKTV Game of the Week online, visit WKTVVideos on Youtube.
Check out our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights above, for clips of many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Game of the Week truck films one game each week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, a field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
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. To watch the WKTV Game of the Week online, visit WKTVVideos on Youtube.
WKTV Game of the Week Remaining Schedule
Friday, Oct. 6 (7 p.m.) TK at South Christian (EK Falcon Stadium)
Friday, Oct. 13 (7 p.m.) Holland at Wyoming
Friday, Oct. 20 (7 p.m.) West Ottawa at East Kentwood
“This was prompted by the recognition that our senior community in Wyoming is one that deserves to have attention provided to it, and services delivered right to their doorstep,” said Fitzgerald. “We really looked at what this community needs, and it is more direct services from the state. This is an opportunity for us to begin a tradition of providing these resources directly to the community.”
The Resource Fair included several community organizations that provided information, resources, goodies, and even lunch for attendees. The goal was to not only reach members of the Wyoming Senior Center where the event was held, but also the general community with resources specific to older adults in Wyoming.
“It’s very easy for older adults to slip through the cracks,” said Chad Boprie, WSC Director. “As people hit retirement age, they start to have these needs and they don’t know where to find help. By doing an event like this, [seniors] can get a lot of the resources in one place and be able to tap into those,” said Boprie.
A need for resources and compassion
The Senior Resource Fair is expected to become an annual fall event (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Resident Janet Thompson attended the Resource Fair for that exact reason.
Housing, transportation, and service providers such as plumbers and electricians were among Thompson’s top priorities.
“We want to stay in our homes as long as we can,” said Thompson. “We figured we would hire what we need done, but we don’t know where to go to hire it done.”
Where to get help – and help from providers experienced with the senior community – is not always clear, Thompson continued.
“I thought maybe the [vendors] who come here are used to dealing with seniors…and might be more patient and have more knowledge,” said Thompson.
Providing knowledge and expertise
Senior Real Estate Specialist Patti Grover Gabrielse (left) works to provide seniors with customized and fair expertise (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Senior Real Estate Specialist, Patti Grover Gabrielse, participated as a vendor at the Resource Fair to help provide that experience and knowledge.
“What we do is we focus on the senior adult community,” said Gabrielse. “Of course we want to stay in our homes as long as we can, but when the time comes that we have to sell, I make sure to protect that asset and get the most amount of money for them.”
Gabrielse went on to say that there are real estate agents out there who take advantage of people who don’t know the market.
“It’s a real area of elder abuse,” Gabrielse said. “That money, whether [seniors] are going to go to assisted living or if they are going to go to family and live, every dime matters to them.”
Health and wellness education
Tina Ezell (left) of Urban League of West Michigan chats with a senior resident (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Tia Ezell with Urban League of West Michigan participated in the Resource Fair to provide information on COVID-19 and tobacco reform.
“Today we are here with information about COVID-19,” said Ezell. “We have some resources, masks, sanitizer, and literature on the vaccine and that explains things you can do to help prevent the spread of COVID.”
The Grand Rapids Urban League is also looking to end the sale of all flavored tobacco in the state of Michigan, including menthol flavored tobacco.
“[We are] doing our best to engage and educate the community that we serve about the harms of tobacco smoke, and why there is a need for tobacco reform in the state of Michigan,” Ezell said.
Grand Rapids Urban League also provides resources in regard to health and wellness education, housing resources, employment opportunities, and the Cure Violence program.
“The communities we serve are under-resourced, marginalized, and we are aware that we need to do what we can to inform them and provide whatever resources are available,” said Ezell.
A community that cares
The Wyoming Senior Center offers resources for both physical and mental health (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Senior Center works to provide the senior community with care and resources for more than just physical recreation.
“We want to be a hub for recreational services,” said Boprie. “Within that recreation there are so many goals related to not only physical fitness and physical health, but also mental health.”
Boprie went on to say that the WSC staff often sees loneliness and depression in older adults and believes that being active and involved in social programs helps reduce that issue.
“We also offer Meals on Wheels here two days a week, so there is also the nutritional component that we can provide for people as well,” Boprie said.
“We are very fortunate to have a senior center like this in Wyoming,” said Fitzgerald, “where we can have a gathering place to have all these wonderful organizations and people who serve our senior community get right to the source, to the people who need their services most.”
Dedicated to a life of service
A member of Rep. Fitzgerald’s staff sets out complimentary lunches, provided by Meals on Wheels, for attendees (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Serving his first term representing the 83rd House District, Fitzgerald is dedicated to building policy that will solve everyday, real issues that impact West Michigan residents. His commitment to community service stems from his mother and grandmothers who devoted their lives to giving beyond themselves.
“My personal connection with the senior community began when I was a child,” said Fitzgerald. “Starting at the age of three, I delivered Meals on Wheels with my mom. I would go in there and begin to chat with those who we were delivering meals to, and hear how their day was going.
“In my teenage years, I played cards with a number of my church members who were older,” Fitzgerald continued. “Even today, I look to support our senior community in a number of non-profit ways as well.”
This reporter recently caught up to the band at Michigan Veteran Homes in Grand Rapids where they performed songs from their 2023 marching band show, Thriller, for residents and staff.
Student leadership was immediately evident as students unloaded instruments, assembled into sections, and began to warm up – all while the director stepped aside to talk with me about the band.
“We really thrive on a high level of student leadership,” said Shawn Gurk, Director of Bands at Wyoming Public Schools. “They have their responsibilities, they have their roles, and they are the ones who really make it happen.”
Redefining success
Led by directors Gurk and Kayla Cordell, the 70-member band regularly receives Division I ratings at marching, concert, and jazz festivals. But Gurk says those ratings are not what convey the band’s true success.
Drum major Chesson Oliver (second from left) steps in to play percussion during a song (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We measure success in excellence,” said Gurk. “We do perform competitively, but our goal is to win by performing excellently. If that means we get some awards and trophies, great. But I find, as a band director, the trophies are the ones who show up every day and do the work. And that is my students.”
And those students are stepping into roles of leadership with enthusiasm.
Gurk firmly believes that leadership is not always about having a personality for it or being prone to it.
“Leadership can be taught,” said Gurk. “They might be the shyest person, but get them behind an instrument and all of a sudden there is someone different. We are seeing kids thrive.”
But Gurk continued to say that thriving is not always easy for students because they tend to be hard on themselves. However, he works to help them focus on finding what they are good at and then improving upon those things.
“[It is] a self-acknowledgment of what we are capable of, what we are doing well without being arrogant,” said Gurk. “There is a sense of humility, but it’s humility in driving to make us better.”
Finding connections and community
Chesson Oliver, drum major and a junior at Wyoming High School (WHS), said that band participation is a family tradition, but the kindness she has seen from the directors and students is what kept her going in the program.
“The people are very supportive and kind and great friends, so it’s a great place,” said Oliver.
The Wyoming Wolves Marching Band prepare to perform songs from their marching band show (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Oliver continued to say that there is a definite level of care and community in the band program.
“I don’t know everyone’s name in the band, but I can say ‘hi’ to all of them and we know who each other are without knowing each other personally. We care about each other’s well-being,” said Oliver.
That care and connection are a hallmark of the WHS Band.
“We are a band family,” said Gurk. And like all families, “we go through our ups and downs.”
Isaac Zavala, bari sax player and a senior at WHS, works to ensure that there are more “ups” than “downs.”
Band members fill the veteran homes courtyard with music (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“I try to hype up the band and pick up the energy,” said Zavala with a grin. “They call me the Hype Man. I have a lot of energy every morning, every rehearsal.”
Zavala says he makes it a point at rehearsals to ask how other students are doing.
“I always try to engage and talk to everybody,” said Zavala.
When asked why he feels compelled to make those connections each day, Zavala said his parents always taught him to be kind to others.
“They would always say, if someone feels down, pick them back up and try to give them the energy they need to have a better day,” said Zavala.
Time well-spent
The Wyoming marching band schedule begins the second week of summer to help build that family aspect (through games and bonding activities) and prepare students for the season.
But Gurk is always aware of how much time he asks the students to put into the program.
“We give the kids opportunities to be in sports, to have jobs, to spend time with their families, to rest,” said Gurk.
The directors encourage the students to focus on the time they do have in rehearsal and use it well.
A life-changing impact
A color guard member waits for the drum major to begin (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Symone Gray, color guard captain and WHS senior, enjoys the time she spends with the band.
“The people in band are the people I’m the closest to in the whole school,” said Gray.
Gray admitted that she was in a different place than usual in her life when she joined band.
“A lot of people would probably say that I’m really outgoing, but during my freshman year and beginning of sophomore year, I was very shy and kind of insecure,” said Gray. “The band helped me get to know different kinds of people in all grades, and it really put me out there more.”
Drumline captain and sophomore Rhiley VanDyken joined band in sixth grade because it helped calm her anxiety.
“It’s opposite of what it seems to be, but [drumline] really helped with my anxiety,” said VanDyken. “It was just calming, with beats and melodies of different instruments.”
VanDyken wasn’t sure about joining drumline at first. After meeting some upperclassmen in the section, however, VanDyken thought it would be a place where she could fit in.
“Last year I had the best year of my life,” said VanDyken. “I was in such a bad place before then, but drumline has been one of the biggest things that has helped me through everything.”
Giving back to the community
The veterans home is only one of many community performances from the Wyoming Bands.
Several veterans braved the morning chill to hear the band (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Visits to Vista Springs Nursing Home and Pine Oak Apartments, as well as annual performances at band camp, parades, school concerts and festivals, and local holiday craft shows are some ways the Wyoming Bands look to engage the community.
“Getting out into the community is super important,” said Gurk. “We think about those who society doesn’t necessarily care for, and about getting to older people who may not be visited.
“Music is a gift,” Gurk continued. “It’s not ours to horde, it’s a gift to the community.”
A Thriller of a show
The 2023 Wyoming marching band show is entitled Thriller, though Gurk explained the objective is a spooky narrative, not scary.
Featuring Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue”, the Halloween movie theme, “This is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas, “Spooky Scary Skeletons,” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” the Wyoming Wolves Marching Band show can be seen at home football games, the MSBOA Marching Band Festival on Oct. 10, and the Jenison and East Kentwood Invitationals on Oct. 21.
The Wyoming Police Department responded to reports of a shooting that left one Grand Rapids male hospitalized (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
By Wyoming Police Department
deborah@wktv.org
One person is injured after a shooting near the intersection of Marquette Street and Nagel Avenue SW.
At approximately 7:55 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2023, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the area of Marquette Street and Nagel Avenue SW on the report of a large fight. When officers arrived, they learned that a 24-year-old male Grand Rapids resident sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The male was transported to an area hospital in serious condition.
Wyoming Police detectives and Forensic Services 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.
On an unseasonably hot night, the Union Redhawks used five touchdown runs to pull away from Wyoming to grab a 47-23 win at the WKTV Game of the Week Friday.
Union started the scoring with a 60-yard strike from quarterback Ja’Quari Tyler to Christopher Murphy-Ware on its first drive.
Wyoming answered back with a long drive capped off by a two-yard touchdown run by Jack TerVeen, who missed last week’s game at Zeeland East with an ankle injury.
“He’s a blue-collar guy,” said Wyoming Coach Carlton Brewster of his running back.
Union running back Jesse Phillips led the charge for the Redhawks as he ran in four scores. Tyler ended the night with a pair of touchdown passes.
Wyoming (0-5) looks for its first win of the season as they travel to Mona Shores
Take a look inside at highlights from the Legends game with the Lakers, plus many more local clips. (Videographers: Hayden Passig, Eli Mutula, Jake Westbrook)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
The Lee Legends football team hooked up for a thriller with St. Joseph Our Lady of the Lake Friday in a contest that came down to the final play. That final play didn’t go Lee’s way, however, as the Lakers came away with a 38-36 victory.
“We had a chance to score from our 50 on fourth and six,” Lee Coach Lamar Marshall said. “They (Our Lady of the Lake) made a great play to stop us before the first down.”
Our Lady of the Lake took the initial lead in the game and managed to stay ahead of Lee the entire game.
“They were ahead the entire game,” Marshall said. “They onside kicked the opening kickoff and recovered it.”
Our Lady of the Lake stayed ahead of the Legends thanks to a big effort from their quarterback.
“Their quarterback was really solid,” Marshall said. “We did everything to stop him. We gang-tackled him and he just kept moving forward. He made plays when they absolutely needed it and ultimately scored the game-winning conversion late in the third quarter.”
Lee solid on offense
Lee stayed close to the Lakers thanks to a strong performance from its offense. The Legends, who entered the game averaging 43.5 points per game, put together a solid offensive effort. The onside kick by Our Lady of the Lake proved to be a big boost of momentum early.
“It’s an extremely disappointing loss,” Marshall said. “We felt like we had a great week of practice. The opening kickoff was huge for them. They were able to gain momentum early.”
Defensively, Lee faced a difficult challenge as the Laker offense came up big.
“I told my guys after the game, we have to put four quarters together,” Marshall said. “We have to get off the field on third down. We have to know the game plan and execute the game plan. All in all, I was happy with how we played.”
With the win, Our Lady of the Lake improved to 2-3 for the season. Lee fell to 3-2 overall after coming into the game off a 42-30 win against Grand Rapids Sacred Heart.
Lee returns to action next week against an Eau Claire team that has a 2-3 record. The Legends are looking to continue the steady improvement they are making this season in what should be a competitive contest.
“This was a learning experience for myself and my team,” Marshall said. “We’re still learning how to win, practice the right way and execute. I will say, we fought until the end. We played extremely hard even though we were down our starting corner (who was out with illness).”
WKTV Friday Night Highlights show is back!
Just like we did during basketball season, every Friday we’re bringing you many great high school football clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood area teams, highlighting some top performers and their stats, posting final scores, and giving a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute program.
As a bonus, we’ll have a reporter on the field at the Game of the Week to interview coaches for the show and occasionally have them come into our studio for a live interview as well.
You don’t want to miss all our great local coverage. Thanks for tuning in!
Over the years, Lee Middle & High School has grown from the single front wing built in 1923 (Courtesy, Lee High School)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
The district’s K-10 Godfrey Avenue School grew from two classrooms to 12 between 1894 and 1916, and was still overcrowded with classes meeting in stairwells (Courtesy, LHS and the Godfrey-Lee Parent-Teacher Association)
In November 1923, an excited band of students, led by Principal Francis W. Marsh, left the old Godfrey Avenue School and entered the halls of the new Lee Street School for the first time.
One hundred years later, on Saturday, Sept. 30, the community and alumni will celebrate Lee High School (LHS) with a Centennial Celebration event.
“[Lee High School] has such a rich history and traditions,” said David Britten, Former Superintendent and Alumni Representative. “Even though much of that has changed, I think it’s important that the people who live there, and the people who are involved with the school district, know what some of that is in order to better understand what is going on today and why it is what it is.”
A rich history
As Wyoming’s oldest high school, and the only school still occupying its original 1923 structure, LHS represents the entire district.
Lee High School in 1949, with original front section built in 1923, east wing addition (1925), and west addition (1930) (Courtesy, Lee High School)
“The tradition is more than the 100 years of Lee High School, but the school district itself, dating back to 1857,” said Britten.
Britten went on to say that the primary focus of the celebration is to help the current community learn about the depth of history of the entire area.
“People don’t realize [LHS]’s roots, its history, is really Wyoming’s history,” said Britten.
A member of the Wyoming Historical Commission, Britten is doing what he can to make people citywide more aware of the history and traditions of the city itself.
“I made it a point while I was there (at LHS), and even since I’ve left there, to make that history visible to people, either through Facebook or presentations,” said Britten. “It gives you clarity.”
Traditions – then and now
A full-size gym with regulation court was built in 1952 at the north end of the west wind along Havana Ave and was considered one of the best basketball courts in Wyoming (Courtesy, Lee High School)
As a freshman at LHS in 1969, then serving as middle school principal, conjoined middle and high school principal, and then superintendent of Lee schools until his retirement in 2017, Britten has seen traditions come and go.
“We used to be more social as a school,” remembers Britten. “Back in our day, we had dances after every home game. It didn’t matter if it was football or basketball.”
Britten also remembers another lost tradition – socializing at soda bars.
“You could walk from school over to Chicago Drive or to Burton, and one of the drug stores would have a soda bar,” said Britten. “Now, kids are more alone. Their connection is through their phones or online video gaming, but not so much the kind of social things that we did.”
Britten believes that is why the Centennial Celebration is so important.
“The more a school district or school itself or parents can put together these kinds of celebrations, whether it’s for a 100th anniversary or something else, and bring people together, the better,” said Britten.
What attendees can expect
Centennial Celebration activities will include an all-years alumni reunion, homecoming activities, and an open house to view the progress of the reconstruction, upgrade, and remodeling of Lee Middle & High School.
In 1938, an 11-acre athletic complex was completed on Godfrey Avenue (Courtesy, Lee High School)
The traditional homecoming parade, followed by a varsity soccer match that will begin at 5 p.m., will be held on the preceding Friday.
Saturday activities will commence at Lee Field on Godfrey Avenue at 12 p.m. with the traditional homecoming football game between the Lee Legends and Eau Claire Beavers. State Representative Winnie Brinks, a former member of the Godfrey-Lee staff, will welcome fans to the stadium just prior to kickoff.
The game will include performances by the award-winning Lee High School band and other activities. At half-time, the traditional crowning of the homecoming king and queen will also feature on-field representation by several dozen past Lee High School royalty, extending back to the 1950s.
The Centennial Celebration community open house and alumni reunion will begin at 1 p.m. in the Lee High School gym on Havana Street. Aside from guided tours of the school, a substantial historical display will highlight the history of the Godfrey-Lee community since the first landowners of 1833.
David Britten and Thomas DeGennaro compiled 100 years of memories and history in a book and with all proceeds going to Lee High School (Courtesy, Lee High School)
Three hundred copies of a new 128-page book titled 100 Years at the Lee Street School by David Britten and Thomas DeGennaro will be made available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting Lee High School.
“It became a labor of love over a couple of years,” said Britten about the book. “We think it’s going to be a key part in this celebration.”
Several other activities will be ongoing until the open house/reunion ends at 5 p.m., and attendees will be encouraged to donate to a scholarship fund for Lee students.
Complimentary light refreshments will be available.
“A hundred years only comes once”
Britten urges community members to come out, enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and support LHS students by attending the football game, presentations, and performances.
“A hundred years only comes once,” Britten said with a laugh. “I’m not sticking around to plan the 200 year celebration.”
The Wyoming Police Department prepare to educate the community on the dangers of distracted and impaired driving with a new driving simulator (Courtesy, WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
A significant increase in traffic violations, crashes, and fatal traffic crashes in Wyoming prompts the Wyoming Police Department to acquire a new driving simulator to educate young drivers.
Through a generous donation made by General Motors, the Wyoming PD recently took possession of a distracted and impaired driving simulator to educate young drivers on the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.
Educating the community
A volunteer tries the simulator under the instruction of a WPD officer (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“The goal of the simulator is to let young drivers – any driver – get into it and see what those dangers are,” said Captain Eric Wiler of the Wyoming Police Department. “At the same time hopefully reducing some of our crashes, reducing our fatal crashes, and making our community more safe.”
Wiler added that the Wyoming PD has made it their goal to reduce the number of crashes they have recently seen.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that approximately 3,000 people die each year in crashes involving distracted drivers, and approximately 11,000 people die each year in alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
Among distracted driving crashes, a higher percentage of drivers between the ages of 15-20 were distracted than those drivers over the age of 21.
A survey conducted by the CDC found that 4 in 10 high school drivers reported that they had texted and/or emailed while driving at least once in the previous 30 days. Another CDC study showed that 5% of high school students surveyed reported that they drove after drinking alcohol within the previous 30 days.
General Motors partnership with Wyoming PD
The idea of a distracted driving simulator is appealing to the Wyoming PD because of the ability to transport it to schools and community events. They also like that it is a way to interact with younger drivers.
General Motors provided an opportunity for volunteers to experience the new simulator at their Grand Rapids operations plant (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We’ve had a partnership with GM for several years where they give us a generous donation for traffic safety,” said Wiler. “This year, we were trying to think of something that we could interact more with the community, especially young drivers in our community, because distracted driving seems to be focused more around the younger drivers. They just don’t understand a lot of the dangers that are associated with it.
“They can look, touch, feel, have it be more interactive than just a classroom environment,” Wiler continued.
How the simulator works
The driving simulator engages two cell phones – an instructor cell phone and a student cell phone.
“As the student starts the driving simulation, the instructor can send them text messages,” said Wiler.
The messages can be pre-populated or freeform text messages.
There is also a component that allows simulation of impaired driving. Goggles worn by the simulator driver mimic being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The importance of removing distractions
Wyoming City Manager John Shay tries out Wyoming PD’s new distracted and impaired driving simulator (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
With the combination of the simulator and the hands-free law that went into effect June 30th, Wiler hopes people will see “why it’s such an important law, and why it’s so important that we put down our phones, [and] limit the distractions we have in the car.
“There is research that shows that when we are distracted, we don’t see 50% of what’s out in front of us,” Wiler continued. “Even if it’s a cell phone, looking down at your navigation, looking at your radio – anything you’re doing that is distracting is reducing what you are seeing out in front of you, which increases the likelihood of being involved in a crash.”
The Wyoming Police Department will use the driving simulator during school and community events, such as National Night Out, Metro Cruise, Concerts in the Park, and Police in the Parks.
“I am hoping it will have a really strong impact,” said Wiler.
Check out our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights above, for clips of many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Game of the Week truck films one game each week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, a field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
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. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream.
WKTV Game of the Week Truck Schedule
Friday, Sept. 22 (7 p.m.) Union at Wyoming
Friday, Sept. 29 (7 p.m.) Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights
Friday, Oct. 6 (7 p.m.) TK at South Christian (EK Falcon Stadium)
Friday, Oct. 13 (7 p.m.) Holland at Wyoming
Friday, Oct. 20 (7 p.m.) West Ottawa at East Kentwood
Check out our WKTV highlights from host Tri-unity Christian’s 38-22 win over Our Lady of the Lake Catholic in 8-player football Friday.
WKTV Friday Night Highlights show is back!
Just like we did during basketball season, every Friday we’ll bring you many great high school football clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood area 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 program.
As a bonus, we’ll have a reporter on the field at the Game of the Week to interview coaches and players for the show and occasionally have them come into our studio for a live interview as well.
You won’t want to miss all our great local coverage. Thanks for tuning in!
CALEA offers agencies information to support continuous improvement and pursue professional excellence (Courtesy Photo)
CALEA Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence. The community and police department can take pride in their department, knowing it represents the very best in law enforcement.
Anyone wishing to provide comments regarding the agency’s compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status, may provide comments to CALEA through the following Public Comment Portal:
Comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns. The overall intent of the accreditation process is to provide the agency with information to support continuous improvement, as well as foster the pursuit of professional excellence.
All comments made through the portal will be sent directly to CALEA. Submitters will receive acknowledgment of their submission.
Anyone wishing to leave comments and have them sent directly to Wyoming Police should use the non-emergency number 616-530-7300, appear in person at the police department, or use the online Police Department Contact Form.
The 5th annual Kingpin of Comedy competition is in full swing and is packing the house (Courtesy, Brian B. SNF)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
The 5th annual Kingpin of Comedy competition at Sunday Night Funnies (SNF) is delivering weekly standup comedy routines and drawing large crowds.
From here, there, and everywhere
Located at Woody’s Press Box inside the Spectrum Entertainment Complex, SNF is a free admission weekly standup comedy show that is geared toward featuring comedians from around the Midwest. However, Brian B. has had several comedians travel from out of state to participate.
Kingpin of Comedy previous winners (Courtesy, Brian B. SNF)
Brian B. remembers comedians driving up from Alabama just to do the show. “They did it for the trip experience. I picked up a woman at the airport who flew in from New Jersey to do the show,” Brian B. added.
SNF regularly draws comics from Detroit, Chicago, and Toledo, with the Kingpin of Comedy competition featuring a comedian from Canada.
Brian B. said many comics are willing to do a routine “for the stage time and to perform before a good-sized audience. It’s a very low-key, low-budget kind of thing.”
Voting system encourages audience participation
A comedian himself, Brian B. opens each show and serves as emcee.
With only three more quarterfinal rounds, the competition will soon be moving into three weeks of semifinals, with finals taking place Sunday, Oct. 29.
Sunday Night Funnies’s 2022 Kingpin of Comedy winner Seth Lee holds his winnings (Courtesy, Brian B. SNF)
The Kingpin of Comedy winner will be determined with a voting system, so the audience is encouraged to participate.
Audience members are given a ballot at the beginning of the show – the only requirement is that they vote for three comics, “no more, no less.”
This helps ensure that the comics work to win over the entire audience, not just friends they bring along, Brian B. explained.
As for comedic content, Brian B. said adult situations and swearing do occur.
“It’s not a clean comedy show, and I don’t bill it as that,” said Brian B.
“I don’t censor the comics,” Brian B. continued. “That is a slippery slope and I won’t do that. [Content] is subjective – you don’t know what offends people and what doesn’t offend people.”
Filling a comedic void
Brian B. began SNF to fill a gap for local comedians.
“At the time, the only place local comics could get face-time was Dr. Grins, and that was only on Thursday nights,” Brian B. said. “They’d get three-minutes of time and could only perform every three months. There was a void that needed to be filled for local comedians.”
That void has been filled with approximately 1,200 different SNF comics over the years.
Sunday Night Funnies presents the 5th annual Kingpin of Comedy competition, now in full swing (Courtesy, Brian B. SNF)
The SNF stage has found a home at several different locations since its inception in 2008, with the first being in Douglas, MI. Shortly after, however, Brian B. wanted to bring the show closer to home.
He approached Bob Sullivan, who was owner of the Radisson Hotel on Ann Street in Grand Rapids at the time. A partnership was born, and SNF took the stage for eight years.
When the hotel changed ownership, all entertainment was disbanded and Brian B. was once again on the hunt for a stage.
While having lunch at Spectrum Entertainment Complex, Brian B. began exploring and found Woody’s Press Box. Thinking it would be a good place for a comedy club, Brian B. approached the owner and SNF resumed in February 2018.
Audience attendance was slow-moving at first, with a recent uptick in numbers as former audience members realize the show is still in Grand Rapids, just in a different location.
Comics are also flocking to the stage, with 91 comedians participating in the opening round of Kingpin of Comedy.
“I don’t want to leave anyone out who wants to be in it, so the opening round was 14 weeks long,” said Brian B.
Brian B. works to encourage novice comedians, especially those who are unsure about participating in competitions.
Brian B.’s response: “Just do it. It’s still stage time, so you still get to get up before an audience, and – who knows – you might hit right with the audience and advance.”
Don’t miss out – be “in the know”
SNF is located at 5656 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming (between Meijer and Craig’s Cruisers), and the show begins at 8:30 p.m. Doors open one hour before start time, and food and drinks are available for purchase.
Watch the SNF Facebook page for updates and announcements about start times, comedian participation, and competition results.
