Tag Archives: Mike DeWitt

Switch has its eyes on the old Steelcase Pyramid

Local Business, Our Cities, Tech Trends, , , , , ,

PyramidBy: Mike DeWitt

It’s truly a stunning facility. A seven-story, 670,000-square-foot, research facility shaped like a pyramid. Even the ancient Egyptians would be envious.

Much like the Egyptian pyramids, the $111 million building commonly known as the Steelcase Pyramid–it acted as the company’s headquarters since the building’s inception in 1989–has been a tomb since 2010. A massive slab of granite and architectural beauty sitting on 125 acres of property just looking for a purpose.

Enter Switch, a data company that intends to purchase the pyramid and build a $5 billion SUPERNAP data center on its campus.

Switch Pyramid campusThe 2-million-square-foot data center would be the largest in the Eastern United States. The inland location of the pyramid places the data center within millisecond protocols of major markets without the risk of natural disasters that come with having a facility on the coastline.

“SUPERNAP Michigan will be 2 milliseconds from Chicago and 14 milliseconds from New York,” said the company’s announcement. “The prime campus locations have low millisecond access to the largest people hubs in the U.S. without being burdened with the high power prices, taxes, and earthquake/hurricane risks associated with those cities.”

There’s one potential hangup here with Switch moving into the pyramid, and it has to do with taxes. No building has been sold, no one has been hired, and nothing has been signed until Michigan legislature is wiling to give data centers a tax break.

West Michigan legislators introduced three bills in the Michigan House and Senate last week. Rep. Ken Yonker from Caledonia is leading the charge.

Pyramid 3The purchase of the pyramid would be a huge boon for technology and information economic development in West Michigan. Switch not only brings a wealth of big name companies in its client base including Google, Amazon, eBay, Time Warner, Sony, Dreamworks, Shutterfly, and Boeing, but the new data center would also bring 1,000 new jobs within ten years.

If the purchase is finalized, jobs will be created, economic and technological development will be brought to the area, and one of West Michigan’s most unique buildings has a purpose once again.

“This is the most amazing building I have ever seen,” explained property manager Jim Faunce to WKTV back in August after moving from Colorado to head the project. “I am in total awe of it!”

So are we, and it’ll be an honor to see the building put to use once again.

Feeding West Michigan one Food Pantry at a Time

Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Volunteers, , , ,

By: Mike DeWitt

What comes to your mind when you think of Thanksgiving? Do you think of time spent with the family in front of the TV watching football? How about the food? Oh my goodness, yes, the food! Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and so much more. Thanksgiving is a time to carb-o-load and slip into a deep food coma.

For a holiday meant for giving thanks, it’s one that can easily be taken for granted.

Feeding America West MichiganOne in seven people in our region are affected by food insecurity, or an unreliable access to healthy food. Those who are considered food insecure regularly have to skip meals or buy cheaper, less nourishing food because of a lack of funds.

After 34 years and counting, Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank is looking to end that problem.

Feeding America West Michigan is a nonprofit organization that supplies food to more than 1,100 food pantries, youth programs, and other hunger-relief agencies in 40 of Michigan’s 83 counties. The food bank acts as the main supplier to the front lines of hunger all across West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

When it comes to food, Feeding America West Michigan can pack a punch – and a lunch! Last year, in 2014, the organization distributed over 26.5 million pounds of food. That food serves around 492,100 people, with at least 119,400 of them being children.

The majority of food donated comes from corporations, manufacturers, grocery stores, distributors, and farmers. In all, over 220 companies donate to Feeding America West Michigan. A handful of those companies donate over a million pounds a year.

In order to run efficiently and make sure all that food is delivered on-time and in good shape, the Food Bank makes fine use of its volunteers. On average, 40-50 volunteers help at the Food Bank each day. Volunteering opportunities include processing donated food, filling orders, cleaning, and re-packaging the food that arrives. If you can’t donate your time, there are other ways as well, every dollar donated provides four meals.

Volunteers repackaging cereal
Volunteers repackaging cereal

“The need is not going away. We still see more people needing help,” explained Feeding America West Michigan CEO Ken Estelle on the need for a food bank and food donations. “It’s a lot of working families. We see folks that have jobs, that are working trying to make ends meet but they just get to the point where at the end of the month there’s just not enough to pay all the bills.”

Year to date, Feeding America West Michigan is on pace to distribute more food this year than ever before.

The inability to pay the bills and afford healthy, nutritious food is a struggle for a large majority of the family that utilize the food pantries that Feeding America West Michigan supplies. Over 30 percent of client households had at least one adult member working for pay within the past four weeks before visiting a food pantry.

Here are some other numbers to chew on:

•    72% of client households choose between paying for food and utilities
•    72% of households choose between paying for food and transportation
•    65% of households choose between paying for food and medical care
•    58% of households choose between paying for food and their rent or mortgage
•    23% of households choose between paying for food and education

This Thanksgiving season, remember to give thanks for what you have and to give back to the communities you live in!

For more information on volunteer at Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank, click here.

Wyoming’s New ‘Sinking Fund’ Will Keep School Infrastructure Afloat

Area Education, Education, Hard News, Our Cities, , , , ,

Wyoming Public SchoolsOn election day, the Wyoming Public School District was hopeful the citizens of Wyoming would vote to pass the funding request. The request was for a sinking fund, a shorter, smaller stream of money that acts differently from a bond issue.

“It was very hard to get a read on the way the public felt. It was very quiet,” explained Superintendent Tom Reeder. “We tried to be as informative as possible over social media and school news letters.”

The sinking fund request was passed by a vote of 1,445 to 978 and won every precinct.

The new funding will raise over $400,000 per year with little, if any, increase to the Wyoming tax payers. The sinking fund will help pay for infrastructure updates until the next bond proposal between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 school year. By that time, the District’s millages will be down to zero. Much like paying off a house mortgage.

How is a sinking fund different from a bond issue? Well, for starters, a sinking fund is for a much shorter period of time. On top of the duration, a sinking fund provides a little bit of money at a time instead of it all upfront. With a sinking fund, no debt needs to be repaid because a smaller amount of money is being brought in to pay for numerous projects. With a bond issue, the millages passed off to the taxpayer pay off the debt for the large lump sum taken upfront.

Wyoming Junior HighOn the whole, sinking funds are more economical for smaller projects because there is no interest paid on the projects; you pay as you go.

Now that we’ve covered the jargon on the difference between a sinking fund and a bond, it’s time to talk about the real meat of what was voted on – where is the money going?

Quick answer, it’s going towards small projects that need repair on a schedule. Things like roofs, parking lots, and mechanical equipment.

Longer – more detailed – answer, it’s going towards safety and security, efficiency, and infrastructure tune-ups district wide. The breakdown is below.

Replace and Re-key Doors: Doors are rusted and multiple keys are needed in one building. Re-keying allows for a master-key allowing access to multiple school buildings.

Emergency Lighting: Emergency lighting systems are outdated and need to be upgraded for increased safety in the event of an emergency or loss of power.

Upgrade heating and cooling units: Current system runs at high output all the time.

Install High Efficiency Heating System: New web-based control unit updated system will help with energy savings by allowing the heating system to run at lower output during mild weather.

WyomingExterior Lights: Provide better nighttime lighting for after school events.

Remodel Student bathrooms: Replace bathroom fixtures with energy-efficient fixtures and use low maintenance materials to reduce cleaning times and extend useful life.

Replace or Repair Roofs: Building roofs are past their 20-year useful lives. Recent inspections indicate that future leaks are only a matter of time.

Parking Lots: Lots are in need of resurfacing. Parking lot capacity would be increased to ease congestion of drop-off and pick-up areas.

Superintendent Reeder was very thankful to the public and adamant that the funds were needed, “We are very thankful to the public and we will stay transparent with where the money is going. Our buildings are 50 years old. They may look nice on the outside, but issues are starting to present themselves and they need to be fixed.”

Set Your Beer Down, It’s Cocktail Week

Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Upcoming Events, , , , , , ,

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By: Mike DeWitt

While Grand Rapids is known as Beer City, USA, it’s not the only beverage worth consuming around the city.

Experience Grand Rapids is celebrating Michigan craft spirits with the first ever Cocktail Week GR from November 11-22, and Ganders at DoubleTree by Hilton is ready for the opportunity to show off its newly remodeled restaurant, Michigan inspired menu options, and 3 specialty cocktails perfectly paired for the restaurant’s appetizers.

About that remodel, Ganders AppetizersGanders replaced the Spinnaker seafood restaurant with a new, causal dining flavor focused on Michigan based products and meals made from scratch. Find your spot at a table, a high-top, a booth, or pony up to the bar if you’d like!

While the inside renovation is inviting, the food will keep you coming back for more.

Ganders is offering two shared-plate appetizers during Cocktail Week to choose from. The first is a roasted red pepper hot sauce shrimp risotto. “All of the ingredients, from the arborio rice in the risotto to the bliss hot pepper sauce, to even the shrimp from a local farm in Okemos, is all locally produced,” explained Executive Chef William Read.

The second appetizer Ganders is offering is a twist on their specialty Ganders tots, with bacon and Michigan bleu cheese, and served with a beer-braised pork belly. Talk about delicious!

However, it’s not called Cocktail Week because of the food! Ganders has put together three specialty cocktails to go with their delectable appetizers.

Ganders CocktailsFirst up is the Michigan Mule, a take on a Moscow Mule. It starts with a copper mug – do not forget the copper mug! – some New Holland Dutchess Vokda, and a smooth ginger beer to wash it down nice and easy.

Next up on the list is a New Holland Zeppelin blend ol’ fashioned. If you like it strong, this is your drink.

Last, but certainly not least, is a Bloody Mary that pairs up well with the bacon Gander tots appetizer because they’re both bacon infused! That’s right, the Bloody Mary is made with bacon vodka from Chelsea, Michigan! This also happens to be the personal favorite of restaurant manager Tatiana Lamarr, “I love Bloody Mary’s, it’s always been a profile for me that I’ve enjoyed. I love the addition of the bacon vodka. I think people are going to be very pleased with it.”

Come visit Ganders at 4747 28th St. SE during Cocktail Week GR and can delight in a wonderfully crafted appetizer and two Michigan inspired cocktails for only $25.

Proposals Passed and Incumbents Stand Strong after Votes are Counted

Hard News, Local Faces, Our Cities, Politics, , , , , , , , ,

VoteBy: Mike DeWitt

The results are in!

Steven Redmond
Steven Redmond

Kentwood and Wyoming residents visited the polls yesterday to cast their votes in the local elections and proposals. Between the two cities, there were two school district proposals and three city commission elections.

Kentwood

Commissioner At Large

Incumbent Commissioner-at-large Steven Redmond (appointed in March 2015) ran against Thomas Webb. Webb won the August primary by 46 votes, but both he and Redmond had to run again in November because neither candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote. This time, Redmond toppled Webb by winning 54 percent of the vote with a final tally of 2,147 to 1,855.

Robert Coughlin
Robert Coughlin
Commissioner (1st Ward)

Robert Coughlin ran for re-election against William Wenzel, and the voters decided to keep the incumbent in his chair. Coughlin won the race with 67 percent of the vote in a final tally of 1,293 to 637.

Commissioner (2nd Ward)

Michael Brown ran unopposed for his re-election. Brown pulled in all 1,715 votes.

Michael Brown
Michael Brown
Kentwood Public Schools

After voters initially said no to a $64.86 million bond proposal back in May (by only 353 votes), the Kentwood School District rededicated their efforts towards getting the word out on why the bond was needed. The new bond focused on building, security, and technology renovations and improvements. It was placed back on to the November ballot and passed by a vote count of 3,125 to 2,108.

Wyoming

WyomingWyoming Public Schools

Voters in Wyoming voted to pass a building and site sinking fund for Wyoming Public Schools that will raise about $400,000 each year. The sinking fund will go to infrastructure repairs like roofs, parking lots, doors, windows, and boilers. The fund should get the district to 2021, then a millage can be proposed to renovate all the schools in the district.

Trunk-or-Treat gets accessorized with the Fall Festival (Note: Location Change!)

Holidays, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

TrunkorTreat2Children in costumes, candy coming through their ears, and laughter and smiles that can be seen from space!

Trick-or-Treating is an annual tradition around the nation on Halloween, but the City of Kentwood adds a little twist, instead of going door-to-door, the children go trunk-to-trunk. Why trick-or-treat when you can just as easily trunk-or-treat?

Trunk-or-Treat has become a holiday staple for the Kentwood Parks and Rec Department. It gives children an opportunity to dress up in their favorite costumes and trick-or-treat in a safe environment. The event is also a chance for those children who don’t live in neighborhoods to have a neighborhood brought to them!

This year, with a whole new staff running the event, the Kentwood Parks and Rec Department decided to add a little more fun to Trunk-or-Treat. Don’t think of it as a face-lift or a makeover, it’s more along the lines of accessorizing.

“We are excited about the new addition of the Fall Festival in conjunction with the Trunk or Treat event!” explained Lorraine Beloncis of the Kentwood Parks and Rec Department, “We’ve added hayrides, games, a bouncy house, music, cider & donuts and face painting along with our sponsored trunks handing out candy.”

TrunkorTreatThe addition of the Fall Festival should only add more smiles to a fun-filled day that families and children of all ages can enjoy. On top of all the fun events previously mentioned, there will be pumpkin racing, Halloween Plinko, and pumpkin ring toss.

Oh! I almost failed to mention, the children aren’t the only ones who get to dress up and show off their creative side. It’s encouraged for all participants to decorate and vote on their trunks as well!

Don’t miss out on all the fun of the Fall Festival! This years event is Saturday, October 24 from 10am-noon. Because of the weather, Fall Festival has been moved from its original location at Veteran’s Park to the Garage at Kentwood’s Public Works Department. The address is 5068 Breton Road, between 44th and 52nd Street.

Kentwood Public Schools Seeking New Bond on November 3rd

Area Education, Hard News, Upcoming Events, , , ,

In May of 2015, the proposal on the Kentwood school bond narrowly failed. After months of gathering feedback and re-evaluating district needs, the bond is being resubmitted for vote on November 3rd.

The revised proposal calls for the residents of Kentwood School District to vote on a $64,860,000 school bond that will enhance safety, improve technology, and increase operational efficiency over a ten-year period. For a homeowner, the proposal would cost about 72 center per week (an increase from 3.5 mills to 4.25 mills) for every $100,000 in market value of your home.

Kentwood Public Schools High SchoolAs a Kentwood resident, here’s where your money will be going if the new bond is passed:

Safety and Security (27% of bond)

•    School entryways will be remodeled, ensuring a friendly lobby for our families, while providing limited access to our students and classrooms.
•    Enhanced security measures will be implemented in all schools. Cameras and ID monitoring will provide remote access for security purposes.
•    Pedestrian and vehicle traffic challenges will be addressed to create safe, more efficient environments for students and parents as they travel to and from the Kentwood facilities
•    Building-wide communications systems will be brought up to date.
•    Aging school buses will be gradually replaced, as need. The district currently has a fleet of 43 buses, but only 38 are operational. Bus purchases have been deferred for the last four years and has cost the District by doubling bus routes and maintenance expenses. If approved, bus replacements will begin during this school year.
•    Playgrounds will be updated to meet current safety standards.

Kentwood Public SchoolsTechnology (25% of bond)

•    Purchasing new computers and devices to replace outdated technology.
•    Upgrades to the District’s network infrastructure and modernizations at each school location to support and serve more wireless technology.
•    Remodeling media centers with technology updates.
•    The creation of flexible Collaboration Center spaces which will focus on state-of-the-art technology and large group instruction throughout the District.
•    Replacement of obsolete student technology devices. If approved, will begin during this school year.

Operational Efficiency and Building Renovations (48% of bond)

•    Plumbing, mechanical, electrical and building systems that require investment will be upgraded to extend their useful life and improve operational efficiency.
•    Aged doors and windows will be replaced where necessary to improve building efficiency.
•    Building finishes will be refreshed with new carpet, ceilings and other interior improvements, such as furniture.
•    Parking lots and paved areas will be improved and expanded as needed.
•    All elementary school media centers will be renovated, including new technology and furniture.
•    Collaborative, multi-purpose learning centers will be created in each school in order to support 21st century education practices.
•    A per-student allocation of funds for furniture upgrades and replacements for all elementary, middle school and high school students.
•    Meadowlawn Elementary renovations, including the addition of a gymnasium, that will bring it up to District-wide standard.
•    New community entrance for after-school and recreation programs (youth arts and athletics) will be built at Valleywood Middle School.
•    Locker room remodeling and upgrades will take place at Pinewood and Valleywood Middle Schools for use by students and community.
•    Fine arts classrooms at East Kentwood High School will be renovated.

Kentwood Public Schools BusThe previous bond came through on every project that was promised to the community and also did so under budget on 90% of the projects!

Three public information forums will be held at different locations leading up to the election on November 3rd. Those dates and locations are as follows:

•    Thursday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Kentwood High School in the West Wing Commons
•    Tuesday, October 20 at 9:00 a.m. at the KPS Main Office, 5820 Eastern Avenue
•    Thursday, October 29 at 5:00 p.m. at Challenger Elementary

Specific building project listings and renderings for each school are on display at kentwoodps.org.

More information can be found on the Facebook pages for Kentwood Public Schools and Kentwood Friends for Education.

Pinery Park Little League on the Right Track

Hard News, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Sports, , ,

PineryParkBy: Mike DeWitt

Following weeks of speculation about whether the Pinery Park Little League (PPLL) would exist after 60 years of operation, the PPLL and the City of Wyoming agreed on a new contract to keep the league in charge of youth baseball.

Pinery Park Little League was in jeopardy of losing its contract with the City of Wyoming and Pinery Park due to a lack of transparent bookkeeping and the loss of nonprofit 501(c)(3) status.

The League made tremendous progress ironing out those issues over the past two weeks.

“I guess it took some major deadlines in order to have this contract happen,” exclaimed Mayor Jack Poll at the October 5 City Council Meeting. “I think it’s a good agreement. It protects both the park and those involved with the PPLL.”

There is new leadership within the League as almost an entirely new board was voted in during the elections on September 30. Mayor Poll was in attendance and cast his vote for the League leaders.

It is clear the new board wants the new contract and agreement to work. The members are shouldering a large responsibility to meet the requirements of the contract. The new board will have to prepare and show financial statements to the fiduciary handling the league’s financials. The PPLL board will meet on a regular, scheduled basis to stay on top of happenings throughout the league.

One of the main hiccups was the loss of 501(c)(3) status for the League back in 2011. The IRS has received and is reviewing the PPLL’s application to reinstate that status. The League must now wait 60-120 days for an answer from the IRS.

“The Pinery Park Little League knows how to run a league, they’ve been doing it a long time,” said Mayor Poll.

Now the league, the City, the parents, and the players can focus on the most important aspect… PLAY BALL!

Gerald R. Ford Airport Keeps it Green

Local Business, , ,
An aerial photo of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Stormwater/Glycol Treatment System
An aerial photo of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Stormwater/Glycol Treatment System

Winter air travel can be a hassle for everyone involved. Flights are delayed or cancelled due to bad weather, travelers escaping to warmer weather need to not only plan their wardrobe for the trip, but also for incoming weather on the return trip home, and most importantly – planes need to be taken care of!

During winter, planes need to be deiced frequently and that process can get messy for the environment. Fortunately, our local airport has a solution!

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) just recently completed a $20 million Stormwater/Glycol Treatment System, the first of its kind in the state of Michigan. The system is designed to eliminate the environmental risks from aircraft deicing procedures that are mandatory for safe winter air travel.

As part of the Airport’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit required prevention of deicing runoff caused during the winter months.

Part of the project design was to re-route the storm water from the north basin of the Airport to the Thornapple River, and re-configuring the Airport’s west apron storm water system to consolidate runoff from all aircraft deicing areas.

airport logo 2“The airport is committed to environmental stewardship and continuously improving our operations,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks. “The centerpiece of our new storm water management program is a natural treatment system that will significantly strengthen the airport’s environmental performance, protect and improve water quality in the Thornapple River, and help sustain the river system’s water quality, aquatic life and natural beauty.”

The new storm water treatment bed is an environmentally friendly design that uses gravity, vegetated beds, and natural organisms to treat the storm water with essentially no power consumption or residual waste.

For those who want to see Thornapple River kept clean, don’t worry, GFIA’s storm water management ensures the storm water reaching the river will be well within the State of Michigan’s water quality protection standards.

After serving over 2.3 million passengers last year, Michigan’s second largest airport is ready to keep up with the demand and diligent on cleaning up in a green and healthy way!

Trader Joe’s is Open for Business in Kentwood

Local Business, , , , ,

TraderJoesBy: Mike DeWitt

There’s a new grocery store in Kentwood and its California roots and trading market atmosphere are going to make it one of the hottest places in town.

Trader Joe’s opened this past Friday on the south side of 28th street, across from Centerpointe Mall, and is the latest of Mayor Kepley’s ‘Fun Five’ to officially open its doors in Kentwood!

The 12,500 square-foot building possesses a Hawaiian theme with employees wearing Hawaiian shirts. The shelves and product presentation throughout the store give it a feel of your local ‘neighborhood’ grocer. Over 3,000 of the items on the shelf are Trader Joe’s own personal brand and it makes up around 80% of the store’s inventory.

What makes Trader Joe’s stand out, and a destination grocery store, is its original and unique food choices that can’t be found at other grocers. Trader Joe’s also hangs their hat on providing food that is GMO free and excludes other artificial ingredients. While trying Trader Joe’s unique food choices may be a little out of your comfort zone at first, don’t worry, it can be brought back for a full refund if you don’t like what you bought!

West Michigan had been starved for a Trader Joe’s until the recent grand opening. Michigan is now home to seven locations, but six of them are on the East side of the State! Their popularity bodes well for Kentwood.

“Trader Joe’s is a destination spot,” explained an excited Mayor Kepley, “It’s a store that customers will plan a trip around to fill out their grocery lists. It will bring a lot of business to Kentwood.”

Come check out what excitement is all about! Trader Joe’s is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Time is Running Out on Pinery Park Little League

Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, , , ,

By: Mike DeWitt

It’s every little leaguer’s dream, that perfect game-ending situation that runs through a ballplayer’s mind: At the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs, the bases are loaded with your team down a score. Three balls and two strikes, a full count and it’s do or die.

There’s nowhere to hide. It’s just you at the plate. A chance to be the hero.

For Pinery Park Little League (PPLL), the game is winding down and it’s time for the league to step up to the plate so that its contract with the City of Wyoming and Pinery Park isn’t terminated.

After 60 years of organizing youth baseball here in Wyoming, the PPLL is in jeopardy of losing its home.

PineryParkThe problems started back in 2011 when the PPLL lost its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status with the IRS due to a lack of transparent bookkeeping and financial information. Since the loss of 501(c)(3) status, the City of Wyoming has asked the PPLL to take the necessary steps to get the nonprofit title back with the IRS.

Four years later that still has not been accomplished. That’s just the tip of the iceberg for an organization that has proven to be run very inefficiently.

Electrical and maintenance bills haven’t been paid on time. Board meeting dates are flimsy with sometimes only a couple of days’ notice before a meeting. Board election positions are posted with the minimal amount of notice (two weeks) mandated by the league’s bylaws. Umpires are paid in cash out of the concession stand register with no paper trail to follow. And the League has been unable to present their financials at the request of the Wyoming City Council.

“This league is extremely, extremely unorganized,” exclaimed Mayor Jack Poll in a heat of passion and disappointment at the City Council Meeting on September 14. “And, if they can’t have the leadership to run this league on our fields with the requirements that we have, then it’s time to change direction.”

The Wyoming City Council had a very long discussion about what to do with the PPLL and whether or not the contract should be terminated. By the end of the meeting, they decided on a few next steps:

  • The PPLL must turn over all financials, bank statements and loose pieces of paper
  • The PPLL lawyer and the City lawyer will draw up a new contract that has some teeth
  • The new contract will designate the Community Resource Alliance as the fiduciary for the finances of the PPLL
  • The PPLL will form a separate committee to field complaints from league participants

The new contract must be submitted by September 30 so that it can be placed on the October 5 meeting’s agenda. If no agreement is reached, the contract will be terminated on October 5, and the Parks and Rec Department will charter youth baseball.

New Business Construction in Wyoming

Local Business, , , ,

By: Mike DeWitt

New buildings means new businesses, and new businesses signifies a pulsing economy and job opportunities. The 13 acres of land formally known as Majestic Towne Centre on Clyde Park Avenue south of 44th Street, are being transformed with construction of new businesses. A new hotel, a power sports dealership, and a gas station will be new additions to Wyoming.

Motel

A new 126-room, 4 story WoodSpring Suites Hotel is being built on the 13 acres of land. The chain operates 200 hotels in 31 states and already has locations in Holland and Kalamazoo.

Fox Powersports
The site of Fox Powersports

Fox Powersports will make a new home in a 56,000 square-foot facility that will combine their Grand Rapids and Kentwood stores. The new facility will showcase watercraft, snowmobiles, ATVs, scooters, motorcycles, and UTVs.

J&H

The new J&H Mobil Station will have a Tim Hortons – complete with drive-through – attached. It’s an exciting time for business developers in Wyoming!

The Survival From Concept to Reality

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

mike_dewittIndependent film making is like taking a trip into the wilderness where the goal is survival. The big wigs aren’t there with seemingly limitless pockets to be a buoy when problems occur, actors and actresses are getting paid very little, if anything at all, and creativity is a must. The ultimate goal is completion, and it takes dedication and flexibility.

Survival isn’t a choice, it’s the only option.

For Dustin Bacon and David Scott Lopez – and their 2011 short film Hunting Trip – a trip into the wilderness built a friendship, and a survival instinct, that continues to create independent films. On October 29, their newest work, an idea transcribed back in April of 2014, will be released for public consumption.

It started as a 24-page script designed to pay homage to the 1985 film Return of the Living Dead. It has since grown into a film almost an hour and a half in length.

Filming began in June of 2014 and wrapped up a few months later in September. Although, the ending did need a re-shoot that was filmed just this past month!

Courtesy of Michael Thayer/Thayer Photography
Courtesy of Michael Thayer/Thayer Photography

With the filming completed, the work was far from over. 400 hours of editing and special effects were necessary to get the film up to the standards Dustin and David set for themselves.

Dustin and David have separate roles that makes their partnership, their friendship, work cohesively. Dustin likes to focus on the work behind the camera. The editing, equipment, and directing are his forte. Don’t write Dustin off as an actor though, he will dabble in front of the camera if the movie needs it.

David is the main talent on screen. Not only does he take on a large acting role, but he also acts a teacher to the other actors on set. While David’s IMDB page is littered with small, independent films, he recently had a speaking part in the future blockbuster Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Many challenges meet an independent film: money pitfalls and technological limitations are two big ones, but Dustin has discovered the biggest hurdle of all… time.

“It’s so difficult to find time for everyone to come together and film,” Dustin explains, “Everyone has busy schedules. You end up using all your weekends to get everyone together. We had one scene where we filmed a party and then staged a fight scene outside of the garage. We ended up filming until 3 a.m. the next morning because we had to get it done! We didn’t have time to per-choreograph the fights either.”

Return of the Dead 2Dustin and David made things easier on themselves by using equipment they already owned. No extra equipment was needed, so no sponsors had to be found. In all, the final cost for the movie ended up being what was spent on food for the cast, a whopping $600.

When Dustin takes a step back, he let’s the accomplishment sink in, “We made a feature film on a shoe-string budget. We took a concept we had and put it into reality.”

Return of the Dead will be premiering at Celebration! Cinema Rivertown on October 29 at 7 p.m. Click here to purchase your ticket!

Classic Cars and Renovations abound at Leadfoot Muscle Cars

Local Business, Local Faces, , , , ,

Leadfoot Showroommike_dewittWhat was once a night club, pumping the bass and serving drinks to thirsty patrons, is now a car showcase full of muscle and metal. Classic muscle cars and exotic Ferraris and Porsches fill a room teeming with energy. While the nightclub is no more, it’s impossible not to feel the thrill of rising heart rate upon entering, no loud music necessary.

The cars in the showcase are all road-ready. Some needed tweaking here and there, but they’re eagerly awaiting a driver – after all – cars are meant to be driven. Where they currently sit, it’s impossible to tell if any of them have had any work done. They’re all in tip-top shape and manicured to a ‘T’. The horses have all been stabled and primed, and now are ready to be unleashed!

Leadfoot Muscle Cars 2
A nightclub has been turned into a jaw-dropping showcase

Welcome to Leadfoot Muscle Cars, a classic car dealership located in Holland, with a little something for every car lover.

“It’s always fun working on these muscle cars. These are what I grew up with in high school, and now they’re classics!” Explains manager Marty Boysen, his passion revving up and hitting second gear. Before Leadfoot, Marty owned his own dealership in the 90’s. Some of his former employees came with him to Leadfoot when the dealership opened a little over a year ago.

For Marty and the rest of the crew at Leadfoot, to say cars are an important part of their life might be the understatement of the century – like saying the Titanic hit an ice-cube. Cars are so integral to their existence that if you cut them open, an engine might purr in place of a heart!

Leadfoot Muscle Cars 3
A warehouse full of classic cars awaiting renovation

Leadfoot started a little differently than most dealerships, with an initial purchase of an 80-car collection. Some were ready for sale while others needed a full renovation, which Leadfoot was more than happy to furnish in their full detail and body shop. A warehouse a mile down the road houses more classic beauties awaiting their renovations, in addition to those in the showroom.

In total, Leadfoot owns an astonishing 250 cars.

As a young company, albeit one ripened with experience, Leadfoot is gearing up for Metro Cruise this upcoming weekend to entrench their name in the West Michigan community.

“We’re looking to get exposure and present our cars out at Metro Cruise. We’re bringing our five-car trailer. Expect to see some Mustangs and Chevelles,” mentions Marty. “We’ve sold our cars all over the country, but our home is in West Michigan. Metro Cruise will only help us connect to our community.”

Leadfoot Muscle Cars and their trailer will be next to WKTV’s DreamWheels! red carpet event at the old Klingman’s parking lot.

A Man’s Passion Becomes a World Famous Collection

Local Business, Local Faces, Recreation, WKTV Projects, , , ,

Lingenfelter 1mike_dewittBefore the number could reach 250, it had to start at 1.

When Ken Lingenfelter thinks back to when his collection truly started, it began with a car he no longer keeps around. “They’re beautiful cars, although, they don’t tend to work very well all the time,” describes Lingenfelter as he reminisces on his old Jaguar XKE, “They’re pretty special, as you know. Made those cars in the 60’s and a little bit into the 70’s.”

Lingenfelter 2This is the beauty of Ken and the Lingenfelter Collection, if it doesn’t work, why keep it around? Cosmetics and aesthetics can only take you so far.

With 250 cars in the collection, 190 of which are housed in a jaw-dropping 40,000 square-foot garage in Brighton, Michigan, there’s enough variety to fill every appetite.

American muscle cars from the 60’s and 70’s fill 30 percent of the garage. Ken lived his teenage years with these cars, so they all have a special place in his heart. El Caminos, Cougar Eliminators, Mustangs, Shelby GTs, and Camaros are some of the muscle packed into a garage with more than enough horsepower to go around. A Pontiac Fiero – a car that seems out-of-place in one of the greatest car collections in the world – even makes an appearance! It helps that Ken owned one ‘back in the day’ and loved it.

Duntov Mule
The Duntov Mule – The first Corvette with a V-8 engine.

While the collection has a solid muscle foundation, the Lingenfelter name is synonymous with Corvettes. With 75 Corvettes, the Lingenfelter Collection could transition easily to a history museum.

The Duntov Mule, named after Chevrolet engineer Zora Arkus Duntov, may be the most historically significant car in the collection. It was the first Corvette to be outfitted with a V-8 engine, and the rest is history. Back in 1954, the Duntov Mule could reach speeds of 163 mph. A number that makes you cringe out of fear for the driver when taking a look at the vehicle. The Corvette hasn’t looked back!

LaFerrari
LaFerrari – An invite only purchase

The third and final area of the garage is filled with exotic cars. These cars are rare, limited, powerful, and carry massive sex appeal.

LaFerrari – Italian for The Ferrari – is currently the biggest draw in the collection. It wasn’t as simple as showing up with a check ready. No, Ferrari had to personally invite you to buy the car! According to Ken, “Ferrari liked the charity work we do and that we share our cars with the public at events.”

In the exotic garage also sits a Lamborghini Reventon (one of 20 made in the world), a Bugatti Veyron and all the horse power that comes with it, and the Ferrari Enzo. The last of which happens to be Ken’s personal favorite in the entire collection, and one of only 399 in the world.

“That Enzo is special to me because I set a business goal for myself, and I reached it,” recalls Lingenfelter with passion oozing from his pores. “I worked hard to achieve a goal, and the Ferrari Enzo was the final goal at the end of that road. I’m a Corvette guy, but that Enzo is very special to me.”

The Ferrari Enzo, Ken's favorite car in the collection
The Ferrari Enzo, Ken’s favorite car in the collection

For Ken, the collection has always been something special. However, it wasn’t until the Lingenfelter Collection started participating in charity events that Ken realized he possessed something the rest of the world thought was special as well. It’s the people who keep on coming back that remind Ken of the gift he possesses, and Ken wants to share it with the world.

“I just have a pure passion for cars, especially Corvettes!”

Ken will be sending two cars from his collection to showcase during WKTV’s DreamWheels! red carpet television event at the 28th Street Metro Cruise. It all takes place outside in the old Klingman’s parking lot across from Rogers Plaza. The show goes live on Friday, August 21 from 8 to 10 p.m. and again with new cars on Saturday, August 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. Best of all – admission is free!

Grand Rapids All-Star Team Eyeing National Tournament in Dallas

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Sports, , ,
The Grand City All-Stars after winning The Battle of Spartan Nation
The Grand City All-Stars after winning The Battle of Spartan Nation

mike_dewittA weekend filled with the thwack of shoulder pads and the smack of helmets culminated towards this, the end. The time when one team would rise from the gridiron as champions while the other stayed on the floor with the taste of defeat still fresh in their mouths.

 

The Grand City All-Stars rose to the challenge.

 

On this day, 35 young men from Grand Rapids stood united at the Battle of Spartan Nation. 35 young men who worked hard throughout the Rocket Football season and chose to come back for more. 35 young men who wanted to play more football and ended up playing their way into the National Tournament.

 

The Grand City All-Stars came together under the direction of Head Coach Uriel Tyler. It was an idea that’s been kicked around in his head for over 2 years.

 

“The season is so short for these guys with only 6 weeks of games. Practice starts just a couple weeks before games begin,” states Coach Tyler, “With these boys playing a High School season next year, I wanted to give them an opportunity to play a longer season. One that started after Rocket Football ended.”

GCAS Handshake line

 

The Grand City All-Stars play in the 14u bracket of the Football Championship Series, a club league that extends beyond the normal season for youth players. They only planned on playing in one tournament – The Battle of Spartan Nation – but after winning the championship, the Grand City All-Stars qualified for the national tournament on December 27-30 in Dallas, Texas!

 

“This is a special group of kids. They play so hard! We didn’t give up one point the entire tournament,” describes Coach Tyler with emotion swelling in his voice, “That shows how hard these kids play. They don’t give up!”

 

While winning is nice, the team has been a great way to bring kids together within the City League.

 

There is a lot of animosity between players and parents of different city league teams. When those teams play each other during the season, emotions run high. Players can build up ill-will towards players of other teams who will end up being their teammates at the high school level. Those issues have dissolved by playing together with the Grand City All-Stars.

“I coached at a High School where guys came together from different city league teams and still had hatred because of the city youth league,” explained Coach Tyler, “This All-Star team has been a great way for these kids to get to know each other and build friendships.”

 

Coach Tyler isn’t alone, offensive line coach Anthony McNeal also mentioned the positives the team has had off the gridiron, “These boys are spending time together, hanging out and posting pictures on Facebook with each other. They’re from all different backgrounds and coming together playing football and fundraising. It’s a great story!”

GCAS Trophy

 

In order to play in the National Tournament, the team needs to raise $20,000 by December 21. They’ve been selling cookies and popcorn, running pop can drives, and holding bowling and skating parties to raise the money! Right now they’re halfway there.

 

They have a bowling party this Saturday and would love for you to stop by! Bowling is at East Brook Lanes from 7-9pm and the cost is only $12 for unlimited bowling! The proceeds go towards the Grand City All-Stars trip to Dallas.

 

There are many ways to donate to the Grand City All-Stars. You can donate online at www.grandcitysports.com (just click the donate button!) or by going to their Facebook page, just type in “Grand City All-Stars” into the Facebook search bar.

 

If going on-line doesn’t work for you, send donations to P.O Box 68316 Grand Rapids, MI 49516.

 

Going to Dallas would be a dream come true for the players and their coaches. The Grand City All-Stars have yet to give give up a point, let’s see that streak continue down in Texas!

Tommy Brann Adds to Legacy After 43 Years and Counting

Citizen Journalism, ,

Marge Wilson Community

mike_dewitt43 years. 16 hour workdays. 9 restaurants. 2 franchises. Zero vacations.

 

That’s Tommy Brann by the numbers, and you can add one extraordinary work ethic on top of that impressive stack.

 

As the President of Brann’s Steakhouse, Tommy Brann has been integral to West Michigan and this fall he was awarded the Marge Wilson Community Leadership Award for his contributions and involvement within the community.

 

“Tommy was nominated because of his community involvement and his concern for our veterans,” stated Marge Wilson of Marge’s Doughnut Den.

Tommy Brann and Marge Wilson
Tommy Brann and Marge Wilson

 

Brann’s efforts include the GRCC Scholarship Fund, donating $15,000 to the Veterans Park in Grand Rapids, donating another $7,500 to the Wyoming Police Department, and ‘You Deserve a Break’ which provides meals to those in tough times.

 

On top of the charitable donations, Brann has created hundreds of jobs throughout West Michigan with his restaurants. His work ethic has built a business that allows others to show off their work ethic in order to make a living. Brann attributes all of his working acumen to his father, the founder of Brann’s Steakhouse.

 

“I started working for my dad in his restaurant when I was 15. When I was 17, I moved out of the the house and into an apartment above my dad’s restaurant,” Brann told WKTV, “I worked so much that I never used my car. I was either at the restaurant or asleep. My best friend, who was also my roommate, actually had my car key copied and would use my car without me ever knowing!”

 

While work has been his life, lately Tommy has been thinking about his legacy. How will he be remembered beyond Brann’s Steakhouse?

 

Running a business teaches a lot of lessons, and Tommy has written them all down in his first book titled Mind Your Own Business.

 

The book covers 13 of Tommy’s lessons about running a small business. Lessons range from managing the actual business to managing those inside, customers and employees both, who make the business run.

 

Tommy is also a proponent of free enterprise and would like to see it emphasized more in schools. His brainchild is a mentor system that would help at risk 12-13 year old kids by introducing them to free enterprise. The children would work a supervised 6-8 hours per week at $4.25 per hour during normal school time.

 

Brann’s eyes get big and the excitement picks up when he describes his idea, “When they receive their first paycheck, one that they earned, it will show them the benefits of hard work. That hard work does pay off.”

 

Tommy’s book Mind Your Own Business is available at Meijer and Schuler’s Bookstore.

 

For a man as successful as Tommy Brann, what’s his secret? “My biggest fear is letting somebody down,” Brann exclaims.

 

Well Tommy, you’re too busy picking everyone up to let them down.