Tag Archives: WKTV

County’s small business recovery grant program reports progress, more funds available

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Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce video.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Kent County and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, on Aug. 18,  announced the current status of the Kent County Small Business Recovery Grants fund, a program which intends to use $25 million in federal CARES Act funds to provide grants — not loans — to county small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a Zoom press conference, it was announced that the program has received 2,112 applications and 1,318 businesses have qualified for short-term economic relief grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Qualifying businesses are those which have suffered lost business and income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In June, the Kent County Board of Commissioners approved a plan to disperse the $25 million CARES Act dollars — a portion of the $94.2 million approved for allocation from the $114.6 the county has received for pandemic relief — to small businesses in the form of grants and technical assistance. The board also selected the Grand Rapids chamber to be the application, review and selection recommendation organization for the small business grants.

To date, 721 grant checks totaling $5.9 million have been mailed to small businesses throughout Kent County, according to information supplied during the Zoom press conference. Another $4.4 million will be distributed to approximately 597 businesses as soon as the required paperwork is complete. So less than half the total $25 million has been distributed or earmarked for distribution.

“Our small businesses are struggling through no fault of their own as a result of the pandemic,” Mandy Bolter, Kent County Board of Commissioner Chair, said in supplied material. “We worked quickly to get aid into their hands to help keep the economy moving and protect the jobs of our friends, families and neighbors. While we have more work to do, I’m thankful for the efforts of my fellow commissioners, business groups, community members, and county staff who successfully implemented the first round of grants.”
 

According to information compiled and released by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, overall and using the chamber designations, the list of 1,318 awardees is comprised of 36.6 percent White/Caucasian, 12.9 percent Hispanic/Latino, 21.4 percent African American/Black, 13.3 percent Asian, 1.4 percent Middle Eastern, 8 percent multi-racial, and .2 percent Native American businesses. Additionally, 6.3 percent of applicants did not indicate their racial or ethnic classification.

The fund is designed to support for-profit businesses with 0 to 25 full-time equivalent employees located in Kent County. It is also focused on businesses that have not been able to access to, or have been declined for, other local, state, or federal relief funds, or “need additional support to weather this crisis,” according to the chamber’s website.

“Our team at the Grand Rapids Chamber has worked purposefully to provide assistance to applicants to ensure business owners have a smooth application process,” Dante Villarreal, vice president of business and talent development at the chamber, said in supplied material. “The need for this relief is critical, and we are working to ensure this funding is allocated quickly and efficiently.”

During the Aug. 17 Zoom press conference, Villarreal said there are about 5-6 weeks remaining in program, and that the chamber is now focused on bars and restaurants to reach out to with information. He also said the average award was about $8,000, and that service based industry is largest grant recipients, at about 49 percent.

Villarreal also emphasized that not only is grant funding still available, but qualification verification and application assistance from chamber staff is available as well.

One local small business which has benefited from the grant program, and the assistance of the chamber, is Mod Bettie Portrait Boutique.

Elise Kutt, of Mod Bettie Portrait Studio, discussed the value of her gaining a grant from the Kent County Small Business Recovery Grants program. (from a GR Area Chamber of Commerce video)

“At the beginning, when COVID struck, I had no idea what we were going to do,” Elise Kutt, founder of Mod Bettie, said in a chamber-produced video. “Receiving this grant, for my business, allowed me the ability to take care of business … The unknown is the scariest part, and now I feel so much relief and I am able to put my time and energy back into what I am really good at.”

(WKTV profiled Mod Bettie Portrait Studio early this year in a feature story.)

Villarreal also said chamber staff is available to provide technical assistance, including cost-cutting measures, six-month cashflow projection, analysis with a business consultant, creditor recommendation review, and connections to other critical resources.
 

A full list of grant recipients is available on the Grand Rapids chamber’s website. For complete application information visit here.

Commissioner Harold Voorhees, soon to leave elected office, visits WKTV Journal In Focus

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

This fall the residents of the City of Wyoming will select a new 8th District representative on the Kent County Board of Commissioners. But before that happens, WKTV Journal In Focus sat down with Wyoming’s current commissioner, Harold Voorhees. But serving the local community on the county body is only latest of a nearly four decade career for the long-time public servant.

As he prepares to leave office — and we all find our what’s next in his public service life —  WKTV Journal In Focus sat down with Mr. Voohees. We talked about his last months of his nearly two-decade tenure serving Wyoming and Kent County, about his leadership work within City of Wyoming beginning in the late 1980s as a councilman and as the city’s mayor, and then his three terms in Lansing as a state representative.

While he will not be on the ballot this November, as he declined to seek reelection, he hinted about what’s next as we talked about his decision, his pubic service, and, of course, those cookies.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Woodland Mall teams with parent company’s ‘sMALL Surprises’ effort for unique back-to-school program

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One of Woodland Mall’s entrances. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The parent company of Kentwood’s Woodland Mall, PREIT, announced this week the launch of “sMALL Surprises”, a “first-of-its-kind curated shopping program from a mall owner/operator for the 2020 back-to-school season.”

Launched timed for the second busiest shopping season of the year, the curated packs will be customized for individual students — handpicking items from PREIT malls — to help students in grades K-8 prepare for school. The program is similar to subscription-based boxes from stand-alone retailers, according to the announcement.

“Woodland Mall is excited to offer this first-of-its-kind shopping program just in time for the back-to-school season,” Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, said to WKTV. “Each pack includes a delightful element of surprise with hand-selected products students need for whatever their schooling situation may be, making back-to-school shopping fun and easy for time-strapped families from the comfort of their home.”

The initiative offers shoppers the benefit of Woodland Mall’s collection of brands without going to the mall.

 

According to the announcement, sMALL Surprises marks PREIT’s first foray into the e-commerce space, “bridging online and offline shopping channels to better support both its customers and tenants.

“The blending of physical and digital in the modern retail environment has been critical to success, particularly as the industry continues to evolve and navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. While the 2020 back-to-school season may look different throughout the country, these curated packs are designed to offer goodies customized for any child — whether they’re in the classroom or learning from home.”

Each sMALL Surprise pack will contain a mix of items, according to the announcement, including “a selection of sensory toys/games, trendy accessories, sanitizing necessities, activity cards, stickers, and a few cool school supplies.”

Shoppers will visit SmallSurprises.Shop to select from two different pack options and then a short quiz that will help a professional stylist create a curated surprise pack. Once customized, the pack will be delivered direct-to-consumer anywhere in the United States.

Wyoming Public Schools set to offer in-person or ‘more rigorous’ remote learning after 2-week ramp-up period

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Wyoming High School. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Wyoming Public Schools Board of Education last week approved a Return to School Plan which details that students will begin the 2020-21 school year Aug. 25, but students of parents who choose that their children receive in-school classroom education will not be in school and in class until Sept. 8 at the earliest.

Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra. (Supplied)

“I am thankful for the many administrators, staff members, parents, and community members who worked together on such an important plan,” Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra said in an Aug. 10 letter to the community, shared with WKTV. “The WPS Safe Start Reentry Plan … is a result of much thoughtful planning and preparation that centers around the health, safety, and well-being of our students, staff, and families.

“We know that in this unprecedented time of COVID-19, providing families with the choice between in-person and virtual learning allows you to choose what you feel is best for your student(s) and family, while still supporting their academic progress. It is my hope that when you read through the plan, your questions are answered and you are assured we are committed to supporting your child(ren) academically, while taking necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.”

Last week’s letter also reiterated that the first two weeks of remote learning “are not intended to be a (remote learning) trial period,” echoing a letter from the Superintendent’s office which was sent to WPS families on Aug. 4, when parents were asked to select their choice for their students to begin the school either in-class or virtually by Aug. 10.

“What you select by August 10 is your intent for either the first quarter (K-4th grade), or the first semester (5th-12th grade) of the school year,” Superintendent Hoekstra said in the Aug. 4 letter. “Beginning September 8, students will participate in either in-person or 100 percent virtual learning based on what families chose when registering their child(ren).

 

The WPS plan is the result of the work of five subcommittees, working on specific areas, which made recommendations to the WPS Safe Schools Committee on how the district would meet Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s guidelines for a safe return for staff and students.

One of the specific items addressed in the Return to School Plan was changes from the quickly implemented spring 2020 remote-learning system to this fall’s remote-learning system.

“Although some aspects of remote learning will be similar to our students’ experiences in the spring of 2020 (following school closure in March), there will be meaningful differences in expectations, structure, and rigor of remote learning during the 2020-21 school year,” according to the plan document, also shared with WKTV.

Among the changes made for those students being taught remotely are, according to the plan document, increased accountability in areas such as attendance, grading and schedule — including a set schedule with more structure — as well as ongoing assessment and feedback, and a “single learning management system for instruction, assignments and communication.”

The plan document also details issues such as health and safety, including health screenings, the requirement for social distancing and face coverings, and personal hygiene. It also details some non-classroom facets of education such as technology availability, transporting via bus, food services, and safety during athletics and activities.

The district also set up a question and answer link on its website to deal with specific questions and concerns from parents.

For more information on the Wyoming Public Schools plan and its Q&A page, visit WyomingPS.org.

Additional food assistance for 350,000 Michigan families in response to COVID-19 extended through August

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Michigan gained approval for additional food assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced last week that, as a response to the continued COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 350,000 Michigan families will continue to have access to additional food assistance benefits during August.

Michigan previously approved the additional food assistance through July and now that is being extended for the month of August with approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, according to the MDHSS statement.

“COVID-19 and its impact on the economy of the nation and state has made it more difficult for many Michigan families to pay for nutritious food,” Lewis Roubal, chief deputy director of opportunity for MDHHS, said in supplied material. “The department wants to provide additional assistance to help them through this health care and economic emergency.”

Eligible clients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card by Aug. 30, with payments beginning for some households on Thursday, Aug. 20. Additional benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance provided earlier in the month.

Nearly 1.5 million people in Michigan receive federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through the state’s Food Assistance Program, according torte statement. Households eligible for Food Assistance Program benefits will receive additional benefits in August to bring all current SNAP cases to the maximum monthly allowance for that group size.

This change only applies to customers not currently receiving the maximum benefit amount. The 350,000 households that receive increased benefits represent close to 50 percent of the more than 700,000 Michigan households that received food assistance in June. The remaining households already receive the maximum benefit.
 

Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or talk to a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.

Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deaf/blind or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.

Kent County has community (and veteran) openings on boards, commissions and committees

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The Kent County Veterans Services Committee is one of many county boards and committees looking for community members. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Board of Commissioners announced Aug. 6 that it is seeking residents who are interested in serving the community through appointment to various boards, commissions, and committees. Most positions begin January 2021.

For example, the county Veterans Services Committee is seeking veterans who served honorably on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces to work to support the county’s veterans population.

Kent County residents may apply for the various vacancies by completing an online application on the county’s website at accessKent.com/boardappointments. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged and may be attached. The application deadline is Sept. 30.

Specific requirements for serving on each board, commission, and committee can be found here. All of the positions are voluntary, and members serve without compensation. Additionally, members are expected, at a minimum, to attend 75 percent of all respective meetings.

After the deadline, applications for the vacancies will be reviewed by the Legislative & Human Resources Committee, which will then recommend candidates to the full Board of Commissioners for final approval.

There are openings for terms effective Jan. 1, 2021 (unless otherwise noted) on the following:

Agricultural Preservation Board (openings for agricultural interest representative and township representative)

Community Corrections Advisory Board (openings for service provider and business representative)

Community Health Advisory Committee (openings for community-based organization representative, health care provider, and faith-based organization representative)

Community Mental Health Authority (Network180) Board (term begins April 1, 2021)

County Building Authority

Department of Health and Human Services Board

Fire Commission (openings for elected official and public representative)

Friend of the Court Citizen’s Advisory Committee (opening for custodial parent)

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRFIA) Authority Board

Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (openings for Kent County county resident and non-county resident (must live in Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, or Ottawa counties)

Kent County Community Action Advisory Governing Board (openings for consumer, private, and public sector)

Kent County Family & Children’s Coordinating Council (openings for advocates and private funding representatives)

Kent District Library Board (Region 3, a resident of Alpine, Plainfield Township, or City of Walker; and Region 7, a resident of Byron Township or City of Grandville). Applicants must live in Region 3 or 7.

Kent Hospital Finance Authority

Lakeshore Regional Partners Substance Abuse Oversight Policy Board

Officers’ Compensation Commission

Remonumentation Peer Review Group (must be a professional surveyor to apply)

Road Commission Board


Residents with questions about the appointment process should contact Natasha Karambelas in the Board of Commissioners’ Office at 616-632-7580 or natasha.karambelas@kentcountymi.gov.

Primary votes in, November general election races set for Wyoming, Kentwood voters

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Gerrid Uzarski, Elections Director for the Kent County Clerk and Register Department, center, assists members of the Kent County Board of Canvassers in the handling of August 2020 primary election results awaiting certification on Aug. 6. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

With the Aug. 4 primary votes in — and the election security verification process of the Kent County Board of Canvassers verifying and certifying the unofficial results in process — the Nov. 3 general election is set and will have a wide spectrum of elected officeholders for Wyoming and Kentwood voters to decide upon, from Kentwood’s District Court judge to President of the United States.

And with the addition of independent candidates (neither Republican nor Democrat) having filed with the Kent County Elections Office, the candidate field is set.

City of Wyoming City Council

City of Wyoming voters will have three seats on the City Council to be voted on in  November and two of the three future unopposed incumbents. Marissa K. Postler and Robert Postema are unopposed for the 2nd Ward and the 3rd Ward council seats, respectively. While Rob Arnoys and John Fitzgerald will vie for a Commissioner-at-large seat.

City of Kentwood district court

Kentwood’s 62 B District Court non-partisan judgeship, part of the Kent County Court System, will be contested by Amanda Sterkenburg and Joe Jackson, both of Kentwood.

Kent County Board of Commissioners

After Republican primary election voting for Kent County Board of Commissioner 8th District seat, current City of Wyoming City Councilor Dan Burrill will face off with Democrat Sarah Chatterly of Wyoming in the November general election.

In the 7th District (Grandville/part of Wyoming), Republican incumbent and Grandville resident Stan Ponstein will face off in November with Democrat and Grandville resident Jane Newton.

In the 9th District (Byron Twp./part of Wyoming), incumbent Republican Matt Kallman will be opposed by Keith Courtade (D) of Wyoming, while in the 12th District (Kentwood/part of Wyoming and Grand Rapids) incumbent Democrat Monica Sparks of Kentwood and Grand Rapids Republican Ryan Malinoski will face off in November.

State House of Representatives

Also Tuesday, Lily Cheng-Schulting won the Democratic primary race to challenge incumbent State Rep. Steven Johnson (R) in the 72nd District (which includes Kentwood). The 77th District (which includes Wyoming) will have incumbent Rep. Tommy Brann (R) of Wyoming running against Democrat Bob Smith of Byron Center.

Kent County-wide elections

In a Kent County-wide Democratic primary race for Kent County Treasurer, Beth White of Grand Rapids won the vote and will face off with current State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R) of Rockford in November.

Also in countywide general election news, the Kent County Election Department’s current November ballot lists several independent party candidates that have filed as candidates for Kent County Sheriff, Clerk/Register of Deeds and Drain Commissioner, as well as state and federal races.

Libertarian John Glen Stedman, of Wyoming, has joined the race for Sheriff which includes current Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young (R) add Democrat Marc Burns.

Libertarian Jamie Lewis, of Grand Rapids, will be on the ballot against current county Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus Lyons (R) and Wyoming resident Devin Ortega-Furgeson (D). And Libertarian Alex Avery, of Wyoming, is in the race for Drain Commissioner with incumbent Ken Yonker (R) and Democrat Elaine Isely.

Current Kent County District Attorney Chris Becker (R) is running for reelection unopposed this election cycle.

Wyoming’s and Kentwood’s federal elected positions 

In Michigan’s 2nd U.S. Congressional District (which includes Wyoming and Kentwood) incumbent Rep. Bill Huizenga (R) and Rev. Bryan Berghoef (D) are on the November ballot, as well as Libertarian candidate Max Riekse of Fruitport, US Taxpayers candidate Gerald T. Van Sickle of Wellston and Green candidate Jean-Michel Creviere of Holland.

Wyoming and Kentwood voters will in November also select between incumbent U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D), Republican John James, US Taxpayers Party candidate Valerie L. Willis of Gaylord, and Green Party candidate Marcia Squier of Sterling Heights.

And, of course, there is that presidential race to be decided.

President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will represent the Republican Party, and Joseph R. Biden and an as-yet unnamed vice president candidate will represent the Democratic Party. But there will also be other candidates on the Michigan ballots.

The Libertarian Party will have the team of Jo Jorgensen of South Carolina and Jeremy Cohen listed as president and vice president candidates. The US Taxpayers will have Don Blankenship of West Virginia and William Mohr. The Green Party will have Howie Hawkins of New York and Angela Walker.

COVID-19 testing of agricultural and food processing employees ordered by state health department

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Testing for COVID-19 of all migrant agriculture workers has been mandated by the state health department. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services this week issued an emergency order requiring COVID-19 testing for agricultural and food processing employees.

The order, according to an Aug. 4 statement from the state, “makes Michigan a national leader in COVID-19 safety protections for agricultural and migrant workers, building on Executive Orders from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer requiring workplace safety measures in meat and poultry processing plans and safe housing for COVID positive migrant workers.”

Go here for the complete emergency order.

“The men and women who work in our fields and food processing plants are at particular risk for COVID-19, and they need and deserve protection,” Robert Gordon, MDHHS director, said in supplied material. “Today’s order will help to reduce the spread of COVID in communities across Michigan and reduce the pandemic’s disparate impact on Latinos.”

In recent weeks, there have been 11 identified outbreaks in farms and food processing plants in Michigan, according to the state. In addition, Latinos are 5 percent of Michigan’s population but represent 11 percent of COVID cases in which the individual’s ethnicity is identified.

“The department will work with employers and housing operators to ensure timely reporting of testing data and access to PPE so that together we can prevent further viral spread,” Gordon said.

The order makes several requirements for migrant housing camp operators to provide COVID-19 testing, including testing of all new residents with 48 hours of arrival, with separate housing for newly arriving residents for 14 days and a second test 10 to 14 days after arrival.

In addition, employers of migrant or seasonal workers, meat, poultry and egg processing facilities and greenhouses with over 20 employees on-site at a time to are ordered to provide COVID-19 testing.

“Ensuring the health and safety of Michigan’s essential food and agriculture workers is paramount to keeping our food supply chain moving,” Gary McDowell, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said in supplied material. “These workers are our frontline staff who are a vital part of bringing our food from farm to plate.”

Employers and housing operators have several options for completing the required testing, including requesting state assistance. And the MDHHS also released a guidance document for employers providing step-by-step information on how employers can complete testing and highlighting resources like grant funding and insurance coverage through Medicaid that can provide financial support for testing.

COVID positive and exposed residents would be required to isolate or quarantine until meeting the return-to-work criteria from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MDHHS will be partnering with Community Action Agencies in impacted communities in order to provide food, housing, and economic support for workers who lose income due to testing.

“It is critical that we keep our workers and their families across the food and agriculture industry safe and healthy,” John Cakmakci, president of UFCW Local 951, said in supplied material. “I applaud Directors Gordon and McDowell for their efforts to protect the people of Michigan and our economy.”

In absentee-ballot dominated primary, Burrill wins GOP county commission race; Dem Cheng-Schulting to face state Rep. Johnson

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

With final unofficial Kent County Elections Office results in from the Tuesday, Aug. 4, primary election, Wyoming voters will have a familiar face — current City of Wyoming City Councilor Dan Burrill — representing the Republican party on the November ballot for Kent County Board of Commissioner 8th District seat.

Burrill defeated Denise Kolesar of Grandville in the Republican primary, 2,128 to 950, and will face off with Democrat Sarah Chatterly of Wyoming in the November general election.

State House of Representatives 72nd District voters (which includes the City of Kentwood) have selected Democrat Lily Cheng-Schulting to challenge incumbent State Rep. Steven Johnson (R). Cheng-Schulting of Grand Rapids defeated Cade Wilson of Kentwood, 4,723 to 2,708, in the Democratic primary.

Both Burrill and Cheng-Schulting visited the WKTV studio for We the People candidate videos during the primary campaign.

In county-wide primary contests, Beth White of Grand Rapids defeated José L. Reyna of Ada in the Democratic primary race for Kent County Treasurer, and will face off with current State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R) of Rockford in November. White gained 31,206 votes to Reyna’s 29,935.

Also of note from the primary election was the percentage of voter turnout, and the number of day-off, in-person votes cast compared to absentee votes cast.

In the county commission 8th District Republican primary won by Burrill, there was more absentee votes cast (1,604) than election day (1,483). In the state house 72nd Democratic primary won by Cheng-Schulting, there was even more of a majority voting absentee, 5,445 to 2,007.

Overall, Kent County wide, 97,835 absentee ballots were cast compared to 51,267 day of voting. Also county wide, just over 31 percent of the county’s 480,558 registered voter cast a ballot.

To finalize the county election results, the Kent County Board of Canvassers will meet Thursday, Aug. 6, beginning at 9 a.m., at the Kent County Administration Building, and will be meeting every weekday until Aug. 20, or until the canvass of the Primary Election is complete.

For compete election results, visit accesskent.com/Departments/Elections/

Gov. Whitmer proclaims August as Community Health Worker Appreciation Month

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Community health care workers have been helping keep everybody safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. ((U.S. Air Force)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed August 2020 as Community Health Worker Appreciation Month in Michigan and encouraged Michiganders across the state to take this opportunity to thank the community health workers who have worked tirelessly to fight COVID-19.
  

“Community health workers have risen to the occasion to protect Michigan residents and battle COVID-19,” Gov. Whitmer said in supplied material. “We are grateful for community health workers who continue to work hard to provide health services to communities across the state. I encourage each and everyone of us to show our appreciation to community health workers by taking steps to make their jobs easier by washing our hands frequently, practicing social distancing, and wearing a mask.”
  

According to a statement announcing the proclamation, COVID-19 has “shed a light on the inequalities felt by communities of color.” While African Americans represent 13.6 percent of Michigan’s population, they represent 40 percent of the deaths from COVID-19, according to supplied material.

“Community health workers are vital to reaching underserved areas to help promote and protect the health and well-being of their communities,” according to the statement.
  

Community health workers serve in all regions of the state to help prevent and manage chronic conditions, develop healthy lifestyles, improve maternal and child health, and improve rates of preventative screenings. They deliver health and social services to underserved communities across Michigan through outreach, enrollment and patient education. 

State website offers COVID-19 crisis displaced Michigan workers online certification and training assistance

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The State of Michigan now has a one-stop shop for online support of workers seeking to advance their career in this time of COVID-19. (Public Domain)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The State of Michigan recently announced the launch a digital hub for Michigan workers displaced by the COVID-19 crisis to allow them to connect to online certification and degree programs including free training and work readiness tools.

According to the July 28 announcement. “the Coronavirus crisis has created record unemployment across the country and a complicated employment landscape in Michigan. Now more than ever, Michigan workers who possess advanced skills will be better positioned to get and keep higher-paying and more stable jobs.”

So, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has developed a digital hub to connect residents with online learning opportunities and other training resources.

“Whether one is looking to return to work, explore in-demand careers, learn new skills, or take the first step toward a degree or certificate, the hub has information to help Michigan workers expand their opportunities in an evolving economy,” according to the statement.

The digital hub, Michigan.gov/SkillstoWork features a range of online learning and career exploration options — including free opportunities — for Michigan residents to consider while “navigating the COVID-19 economy in the coming weeks and months, when in-person learning opportunities may be limited.”

The virtual resource is a collaborative effort between LEO, the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA), Michigan Works! Agencies and others aimed at increasing opportunities for all Michiganders to explore online degree and certificate programs that could lead to expanded employment opportunities.

“With the economic disruption caused by COVID-19, it’s more important than ever that we help Michiganders improve their skills, explore in-demand career opportunities and jumpstart educational opportunities,” LEO Director Jeff Donofrio said in supplied material. “These online resources continue to expand opportunities for residents to connect with and succeed in high-demand, high-wage careers of the future.”

“The new website connects Michiganders to online programs offered by Michigan’s 28 community colleges,” Michael Hansen, MCCA President, said in supplied material. “As we navigate the challenges presented by the Coronavirus pandemic, Michigan’s business leaders and employers statewide are asking: ‘How do we get people back to work?’ This new information hub is a tremendous start toward solving that challenge.”

In addition, the site provides a new “Return-to-Work Playbook” that assists those preparing to enter the workforce, finding their next job or discovering another one in a national economy that has seen the highest unemployment rates in 100 years To help workers adjust to changing employer needs and work environments, the Playbook outlines available career and job-readiness resources, including step-by-step instructions for developing resumes, preparing for interviews, exploring new career paths and finding free or inexpensive job training opportunities.

It also provides industry or occupational-specific resources for in-demand careers and additional resources to assist specific individuals including veterans, individuals with disabilities, migrant and seasonal farm workers and adult learners.

Other available resources at Michigan.gov/SkillsToWork include career exploration, job search assistance and professional development opportunities.

Kent County expected to allocate $2 million in federal CARES Act funds to local schools for PPE

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A personal protective equipment (PPE) face mask. (Olgierd Rudak)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Kent County’s COVID Relief Subcommittee, drawing on a nearly $115 million federal CARES Act grant sent to the county earlier this year, approved a $2 million allocation to be used by county schools to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) “to assist schools in dealing with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.”

According to a July 30 county statement, the next step will be consideration and expected approval by the Kent County Commission’s Finance Committee, and then the full Board of Commissioners at its next meeting on Aug. 27. Most Kent County school districts are expected to be open by that date.

The funds would be allocated to public, private and charter schools, Board of Commissioners chair Mandy Bolter said to WKTV, and while allotment “details are still being finalized but in our initial discussions we would most likely use the last student count submitted by the schools to the state.”

The county COVID Relief Subcommittee members include commissioners Bolter, Stan Stek, Diane Jones, Emily Brieve, Roger Morgan, Jim Talen, Phil Skaggs, and Robert Womack.

“As schools consider how to reopen this fall, the safety and mental health of our children are the primary concerns of every parent I know,” Commissioner Bolter said in supplied material. “By allocating this funding, we can be part of the solution to keep our kids and teachers as safe as possible and help to bring back some normalcy in this crazy time.”

The Kent County Board of Commissioners has previously allocated CARES funding for other programs to assist specific segments of the county during the coronavirus pandemic, including funds being allocated to assist in small businesses recovery, for use by non-profit organizations services and shelter assistance groups, and a business PPE program.

For more information about the CARES Act and related Kent County efforts, visit accesskent.com.

Back-to-school plans: Kentwood schools set to begin fall with two weeks of remote learning, then …

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East Kentwood High School. (Supplied/KPS)

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of WKTV stories detailing local school districts’ fall 2020 back-to-chool plans.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Kentwood Public Schools latest back-to-school plans, announced in a district-wide letter July 27, includes a two-week remote/virtual education period for all students as the district prepares for a possible return to in-school learning and parents can have more information before making their decision on having their students attend school at home or in classrooms.

Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff, Kentwood Public schools. (Supplied/KPS)

“Kentwood Public Schools is bound by the directives from the Governor’s Office, the Michigan Department of Education and the various Health Departments,” Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff said in the letter from his office. “Since the guidelines from the Governor’s Office are yet to be finalized, KPS planning has to remain highly flexible.”

The district conducted several parent surveys over the past several months, according to the letter, and the “results identified a split perspective. Many families want school to start with ‘in person’ learning; while others want to start with remote/virtual learning.”

As of July 27, Kent County is labeled to be in “Phase 4” of the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s reopening plan, which means schools may open for in-person learning. with restrictions. But if the Governor moves to the county to “Phase 3” then schools must stop all in-person learning and go completely to remote learning.

According to the district letter, the current plan begins school on Monday, Aug. 24, with all students involved in remote/virtual learning for the first two weeks. On Sept. 8, the day after Labor Day, parents can choose to shift their student to the option of in-person learning.

The stated reasons for the two-week remote/virtual beginning of school include:
 

In addition to being introduced to the academic content that will be studied for the term, the first two weeks will be focused on training students and staff on the safety protocols and cleaning procedures for a safe in-person return. 

Students and staff will learn “positive habits and behaviors” for successful remote learning should in-person learning be shut down and virtual learning become the only option.
 

Those households intending to use the remote/virtual learning option will be able to have computers delivered to students needing a device, and families will have an opportunity to evaluate our new remote learning platforms and compare them, to “make an informed choice when in person learning becomes an option on September 8.”

“Kentwood Public Schools will also have time to observe and learn from those area districts that engage in person student learning immediately,” according the letter. “We can benefit from seeing what others do or fail to do.”

Mask and busing policy detailed

If in-school education is available and chosen, the Governor’s current Return To School requirements are that students and staff in grades 6-12 must wear a face mask if they are attending in-person learning, and students in grades K-5 will be “strongly encouraged” to wear a face mask.
 

Kentwood Public Schools “has worked with our business partners and Spectrum Health to purchase many approved face masks for those who do not have one, forget to bring it to school or lose their mask,” according to the district.

And while busing will be provided for students who attend in-class school, “we will follow the requirements in the Governor’s Return To School regarding social distancing and face mask covernings. This will require us all to be flexible as there will be a limited number of students allowed on each bus run. Those bus runs will be published and communicated once we know how many families need transportation.”

While the exact mode of education for Kentwood Public Schools students is in flux, Superintendent Zoerhoff, in the letter, made clear the district’s ultimate goal.

“Kentwood Public Schools, together with parents and the community, will educate all students in a safe, secure environment,” he said. “We are committed to excellence, equity and diversity in education. Our goal is for each student to master and apply the essential skills to be a successful, productive citizen.

“These challenging times will pass, but the quality education that your children receive at KPS will serve them for a lifetime.”

For more information on Kentwood Public School’s back-to-school plans and other COIVID-19 related district communications visit kentwoodps.org/covid-info.

Kentwood firefighter meets longtime sign language goals thanks to local non-profit

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Going Local, Health, Non-Profits, ,

By Phil de Haan

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

For Kentwood firefighter and emergency medical technician Darryl DeVries, learning American Sign Language had been on his to-do list since he was a high school student in the 1980s.

But a little more than a decade ago, when he had already been working full time for the city of Kentwood for almost a decade, he decided ASL probably wasn’t in the cards for him anymore.

And then a chance encounter after a Kentucky church service got DeVries to thinking that maybe his high school hopes were still alive.

City of Kentwood firefighter Darryl DeVries (Supplied)

“I was standing alone,” he recalled recently, “not knowing anyone when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and was met by a guy, John, with a warm, contagious, ear-to-ear smile.”

Darryl reached out his hand and said hello. John replied by signing. And Darryl had two immediate thoughts.

“First, I thought ‘if only I had learned sign language’,” he said. “Second, I thought ‘go figure, I just cut it from my wish list.’ ”

But John had other ideas and ended up teaching Darryl the ASL alphabet that day.

“And I have been learning ASL ever since,” he said with a smile.

Kentwood non-profit helping out

For a few years he studied ASL on his own, using books and online resources and even attending a church which provided services in ASL.

Then driving past Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services one day, he saw a sign for ASL classes. He stopped in and met some of the staff, including Executive Director Deb Atwood.

“D&HHS has pretty much taken me under their wing ever since,” he said, “always supportive and encouraging.”

Part of that support and encouragement has been working with Community Education Coordinator Nancy Piersma, a Native Deaf Facilitator.

“Nancy has spent hours tutoring me in translating the questions we routinely go through with patients and teaching me signs unique to West Michigan,” he noted.

It’s what D&HHS does, said Atwood.

“We’ve been around for almost 25 years,” Atwood said, “and a big part of our mission has always been what I’d call the education and advocacy piece. We do cultural and sensitivity training around issues relating to the Deaf, we work and partner with other organizations and state agencies, we offer the ASL classes that Darryl took. It’s hard work, but it’s always gratifying to see when people have that ‘aha moment’ as Darryl did and as so many others have. That’s what makes it worthwhile.”

DeVries added that in his work, he has had several opportunities to use ASL.

“It is neat,” he said, “to see a patient’s reaction change from ‘This guy won’t understand me’ to ‘What? Wow! He’s signing!’ Just being able to say my name and something like ‘I help you’ makes a huge difference.”

A West Michigan native and University of Michigan graduate, DeVries said that ASL is one more way to break down barriers and eliminate differences, to “understand each other and find common ground.”

He added: “Kentwood is a very diverse community. I wish I could speak fluently with everyone I meet, but I have chosen to dive into ASL. ASL is amazing when you see a patient’s face light up when they realize you are communicating with them in their silent language which is often overlooked and avoided.  ASL is one of the most used, least-known languages in the United States.”

DeVries is eligible for the City of Kentwood’s Language Incentive Program which encourages employees to apply their language proficiencies in service to Kentwood’s diverse community.

New and current employees with excellent language skills who meet proficiency requirements earn monetary bonuses through the program and are tested in their non-English language of choice on an annual basis.

In addition to providing classes, tutoring and more for DeVries, D&HHS also worked with Kentwood’s Human Resources department to develop an ASL test that qualified him for language incentive pay and has worked with him each year on his retest.

For more information on the Kentwood-based Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, visit deafhhs.org.

Wyoming high to bid farewell to 2020 seniors with special live, WKTV livestream ceremony

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Wyoming Public Schools held a WHS Senior 11 Night Celebration Parade Monday, June 15, and WKTV was there. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

As part of its effort to recognize the Wyoming High School Senior Class of 2020 despite the COVID-19 school shutdown in the spring, Wyoming high will hold a special graduation ceremony on Tuesday, July 28.

While the ceremony at Wyoming High School will be accessible in-person for only 2020 seniors, and limited family and friends, it will be available on radio and on a Facebook livestream feed with video provided by WKTV Community media.

“We are excited to recognize and celebrate the Wyoming High School graduating class of 2020,” Josh Baumbach, Wyoming High School principal, said to WKTV. “Our seniors missed out on some pretty significant events this year as a result of the pandemic and it’s important to us to do what we can to provide a ceremony for our seniors and their families to attend.

“Although this ceremony will be different due to restrictions on gatherings and other social distancing protocols that will be in place, it will be an opportunity for the seniors to cross the stage and celebrate with their family and we hope this will provide some closure as the graduating class of 2020 moves forward to the next stage in their lives.”

WKTV was also on-hand when Wyoming Public Schools held its Wyoming High School Senior 11 Night Celebration Parade June 15. See a story and video here.

The planned July 28 ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. with welcome and opening remarks and speeches.

“Participants can listen to the speeches with their families in their vehicles on the radio or via live stream,” Baumbach said. “After the speeches, each senior will be able to walk into the stadium with their immediate family to cross the stage and pick up their diploma cover. Parents and family can capture the moment with a video or a picture.”

The ceremony can be viewed using this live stream link. The audio of the ceremony will also be available on 94.1 FM station.
 

The ceremony will include individual students walking across a stage in cap and gown to get a diploma cover. Once all student names have been called, and all students are in their cars, students will step back out of their car and the entire Wyoming High School graduating class of 2020 will be recognized and will be asked to flip their tassel.

Baumbach also said the event is also a great example of cooperation and collaboration within the Wyoming Public Schools system and with other school districts.

“We appreciate the collaboration with Grandville High School and Godwin Heights High School as we planned our event,” Baumbach said. “Additionally, special thanks goes out to our (WPS) Superintendent Craig Hoekstra and the many wonderful staff members that are part of our high school and district staff that helped step up to support this planning.”

 

Sen. Peters to tour Wyoming’s Total Plastics International to discuss federal COVID-19 business support

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U.S. Sen. Gary Peters will be in Wyoming this week to visit a local business. This photo is from a visit to another business in Traverse City this year. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) will visit City of Wyoming business Total Plastics International Friday, July 24, in a non-public event to “highlight work to support businesses adapting to challenges posed by COVID-19”, according to a July 22 statement form the senator’s office.

The senator, currently running for re-election, will also “discuss efforts to strengthen domestic medical supply manufacturing and production in Michigan, (and) reduce dependence on foreign countries,” including China, according to the statement.

Total Plastics International received a loan from the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as part of the federal CARES Act. More recently, Sen. Peters helped pass legislation that gave small businesses with PPP loans — such as Total Plastics International — more “flexibility in using the forgivable loans to maintain operations,” according to the statement.

Total Plastics International is a distributor and manufacturer of plastic sheet, rod, tube, film and tape that has operated in Michigan for over four decades, according to supplied material. Since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, Total Plastics International has altered their business model to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline health care professionals and essential workers throughout the country.

Independent music venues, local and nationwide, face ‘last opportunity’ to survive COVID-19 shutdown

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Darlingside at Seven Steps Up. (Seven Steps Up Facebook)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

West Michigan venues associated with the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), which was formed to try to save independent venues and promoters across the country, issued a call this week that they needed fan support of a federal bill which is hoped would rescue what has been a “first to close and last to open” industry.

The Restart Act — U.S. Senate Bill 3814 and U.S. House of Representatives House Resolution 7481 — “would ensure the survival of independent (music) venues, festivals and promoters across the nation,” according to a local NIVA statement.

Among other actions, both bills would allow small venues to apply for federal small business loans, something they are unable to do under current federal CARES Act provisions.

“The Restart Act needs your voice. This is it. For our industry it’s the last opportunity we will have to survive,” the management of Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up posted on their Facebook page this week. “If Seven Steps Up is the only survivor or even one of a handful, there is no music industry.

“Please contact your senators and representatives today!! Please. TODAY!! This isn’t about us. THIS IS ABOUT THE ENTIRE LIVE MUSIC INDUSTRY. Yes, we are shouting. We are begging. We are pleading for your help!!” (Punctuation directly from the Facebook post.)

Among the other local NIVA member venues are The Pyramid Scheme and the Wealthy Theatre. (For an early COVID-19 shutdown report on Seven Steps and The Pyramid Scheme, see a WKTV story here.)

Without support from Congress, 90 percent of NIVA’s independent venues, festivals, and promoters across America say they will be forced to close their doors forever, according to the local NIVA statement.

“Without inclusion in the next stimulus bill, this might be the last chance for your favorite independent venues, festivals, and promoters,” the statement continues. “Tell your reps that life support for independent venues and promoters must be included.”

The NIVA also urges that “even if you’ve written once, please make your voices heard now. It’s quick, easy, and free.  Ask your legislators to support and co-sponsor S. 3814/H.R. 7481, the RESTART Act, introduced by Senators (Todd) Young and (Michael) Bennet in the Senate and Representatives (Jared) Golden and (Mike) Kelly in the House.”

In each case, the co-sponsors of the Senate and House bills are bipartisan, meaning of each Democratic and Republican parties.

To get involved and to contact local federal legislative leaders, go to SaveOurStages.com.

“The form for the letter is already filled in, you just have to add your name.  It takes less than 30 seconds,” according to the localNIVA statement. “This link will automatically populate with your Senators and Congressional Representative based on your zip code.”

For more information on the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) visit NIVAssoc.org. For more information on Seven Steps Up, located at 116 S. Jackson., Spring Lake, visit sevenstepsup.com. for more information on Pyramid Scheme, located at 68 Commerce SW, Grand Rapids, visit pyramidschemebar.com.

Launch of cargo ship featured on WKTV Government Channel July 23

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Photo from nasa.gov

By Shallom Kimanzi
WKTV Intern

The launch of the Progress 76 Cargo Craft will be featured live on the WKTV Government Channel 26 on Thursday, July 23.

The coverage starts at 10 a.m. with the launch scheduled for 10:26 a.m. from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the International Space Station (ISS). A Roscosmos Soyuz-2 rocket will launch the Progress 76 Cargo Craft.

Live coverage continues at 1 p.m. following the rendezvous and the docking of the craft to the ISS which is set to take place at 1:47 p.m. 

The Progress 76 Cargo Craft is an unmanned Russian Cargo Spacecraft used to deliver supplies since 1978 originally to the Soviet Space stations and now to the International Space Station.

Photo from nasa.gov

NASA TV can be seen on the WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and AT&T U-verse Government Channel 99.

For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, log on to www.nasa.gov. 

Food assistance for Michigan families hit by COVID-19 issues extended through July

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Michigan previously approved the additional food assistance for March through June, according to the July 15 statement, and now that is being extended for the month of July with approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced July 15 that approximately 350,000 Michigan families will continue to have access to additional food assistance benefits continued during the month of July as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michigan previously approved the additional food assistance for March through June, according to the July 15 statement, and now that is being extended for the month of July with approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.

“Many Michigan families are still struggling to put food on the table as a result of this global pandemic,” Gov. Whitmer said in supplied material. “These additional payments will help many Michiganders as they continue to deal with an unprecedented public health and economic emergency.”

Eligible clients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card by July 30, with payments beginning for some households on July 20. Additional benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance that is provided earlier in the month.

Nearly 1.5 million people in Michigan receive federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through the state’s Food Assistance Program, according to the statement.

Households eligible for Food Assistance Program benefits will receive additional benefits in June to bring all current SNAP cases to the maximum monthly allowance for that group size. This change only applies to customers not currently receiving the maximum benefit amount. The 350,000 households that receive increased benefits represent close to 50 percent of the more than 800,000 Michigan households that received food assistance in May. The remaining households already receive the maximum benefit.

Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or talk to a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.

Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deaf/blind or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.

Kent County, local United Way announce non-profit COVID-19 grant process

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The Heart of West Michigan United Way offices in Grand Rapids. (HWMUW)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Heart of West Michigan United Way and Kent County this week announced a county grant fund to support local nonprofit organizations providing certain relief services during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Late last month, the Kent County Board of Commissioners allocated $9.5 million in federal CARES Act dollars to create the Kent County Non-Profit Organization COVID-19 Grant Fund.

Applicants must be a local 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) nonprofit health and human service organization located within Kent County and “serving individuals and communities within Kent County that have been directly affected by COVID-19 and continuing to provide services throughout the pandemic,” according to a July 14 statement.

 

According to the statement, grant requests ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $150,000 are being solicited from nonprofits seeking funding for provision of COVID-related services. Nonprofits can apply for amounts within this range deemed “appropriate to CARES Act expenses.”

Eligible expenditures include, but are not limited to, the following COVID-19-related expenses, according to the statement:

 

Expenses for food security, food access, and/or food delivery


Expenses for personal basic needs such as personal hygiene products, diapers, etc.


Expenses to cover transportation needs


Expenses for services specifically targeting at-risk youth


Expenses for academic and/or mentoring services to facilitate distance learning

among school-aged children/youth, including technological improvements


Expenses to cover physical health care access and services.

 
Applications will be accepted until the funds available are allocated or until Oct. 1, whichever occurs first.

For complete details and a link to the application, visit Heart of West Michigan’s website at hwmuw.org/kent-county-covid-19-grant-fund.

Consumers Energy Foundation delivers grants to local organizations to continue COVID-19 community support

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Meals on Wheels of West Michigan received a grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation. Shown is an undated photo of a Meals on Wheels prep kitchen. (Meals on Wheel)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Consumers Energy Foundation today announced $135,000 in grants to assist 14 Michigan nonprofit organizations, including several in West Michigan which serve Wyoming and Kentwood, to help the organizations “meet critical needs as they serve residents the COVID-19 pandemic has affected.”

The latest round of grants is part of more than $3.6 million in donations made since March, according to a July 13 statement from Consumers Energy.

Among the local groups to benefit from the grants are the Meals on Wheels Western Michigan of Grandville, the Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth of Grand Rapids, and the Women’s Resource Center of Grand Rapids.

“We want to do our part to help people, businesses and communities that will continue to feel the pandemic’s effects for months,” Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation, said in supplied material. “These nonprofits are meeting some of the most critical and urgent needs of Michigan’s people and communities hit hardest by the impact of COVID-19.”

The new grants will help nonprofit organizations in various ways, allowing them to “provide food and personal supplies to clients, buy cleaning supplies, and meet equipment and furniture needs as organizations change how they serve the public,” according to the statement.

Among the other statewide organizations gaining Foundation grants are: Family & Children’s Services of Mid-Michigan of Midland, Housing Resources Inc. of Kalamazoo,  the Foundation for Mott Community College of Flint, Bethesda Lutheran Communities of Frankenmuth, Charitable Union of Battle Creek, Muskegon Rescue Mission of Muskegon,  Clothing INC of Mount Pleasant, Ministry with Community of Kalamazoo, Eastside Community Action Center of Lansing, Family Counseling & Children’s Services of Lenawee County/Catherine Cobb Safe House of Adrian, and Love Thy Neighbor Grand Traverse Region of Traverse City.

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. For more information about the Consumers Energy Foundation visit ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation.

On Tap: Wyoming, Kentwood pubs make room outdoors; Bell’s joins Black is Beautiful initiative

3-bottom, Beer, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Food, Going Local, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Pets/Animals, Recreation, Restaurants, WKTV Projects, ,

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

When the State of Michigan allowed local craft brewing establishments — along with most Lower Peninsula restaurants — to reopen to inside seating in June, there were and still are some “socially distant” capacity limitations which make sit-down business hard to turn a profit on.

Thank God for beer gardens.

And, in some cases, thanks to various city leaders allowing parking areas and other outdoor spaces to become beer gardens, outside seating has become very important part of local businesses’ recovery plans.

 

WKTV visited three local craft brewers — Two Guys Brewing, Broad Leaf Local Beer and Railtown Brewing Company — to see how they were making the move outside.

Railtown Brewing is located at 3595 68th St. SE, in Dutton but just across the border with Kentwood. (WKTV)

For Railtown Brewing, an existing wrap-around deck area was already in place and required very little changes. For TwoGuys Brewing, they worked with the City of Wyoming to be able to use parking spaces until a new back deck area is finished and approved.

For Broad Leaf Local Beer, working with Kentwood city leaders allowed them to expand into a grassy area onsite and into their parking lot — but that is just the beginning of a cooperative effort, including making the place a little more dog friendly.

(For a video report on Broad Leaf Local Beer’s outdoor spaces, doggie-friendly attitude — and the assistance they have received from the City of Kentwood — see the WKTV YouTube video at the top of this story.)

Railtown andTwoGuys

Railtown’s fairy new facility was perfectly suited for the new rules, and both have continued to garner community/customer support in changing conditions.

“We’re not expanding our space in any way. We’re actually in a fairly unique position to have a lot of space as it is,” Railtown Brewing Company’s Justin Buiter said to WKTV in June. “Inside, we’ve removed many tables, chairs and bar seats to get everyone spaced out appropriately. Outside, our tables were already socially distant, so there wasn’t much change necessary out there.

“In general, the support has continued to be amazing. As most folks are experiencing, face masks are the hot button issue. We really haven’t had any issues to speak of and folks have been generally understanding.”

Two Guys is actually working to offer permanent outside seating while it utilizes temporary outside seating.

Two Guys Brewing is located at 2356 Porter St. SW, Wyoming. (WKTV)

“We have taken advantage of the ‘Temporary Outdoor Space’ and are able to use part of our front parking lot until October 31,” TwoGuys Brewing’s Amy Payne said to WKTV. “We have a permanent patio space in the back that is in the works and will, hopefully, have approval soon for that. … Inside we have reduced our number of tables by half and bar stools by just over half, making sure that all guests are a minimum of 6 feet from the next guest.

“Folks have been very understanding and have followed the rules fairly well. Support has been amazing with many of our neighbors and regulars making sure they come in at least once a week. They want us to be around when this is all over!”

Two Guys Brewing is located at 2356 Porter St. SW, Wyoming. For more information visit twoguys-brewing.com.

Railtown is located at 3595 68th St. SE, in Dutton but just across the border with Kentwood. For more information visit railtownbrewing.com.

Broad Leaf Local Beer is located at 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd., Kentwood. For more informant visit broadleafbeer.com.

Bell’s Brewery to join Black is Beautiful initiative

Bell’s Brewery recently announced it has joined the Black is Beautiful initiative, an effort to help “bring awareness to the injustices many people of color face daily,” with the planned August release of a special brew.

The Black is Beautiful initiative originated with Marcus Baskerville, founder and head brewer at Weathered Souls Brewing based in San Antonio, according to supplied material. Originally planned as a Weathered Souls-only release, Baskerville was encouraged to expand his reach and make the recipe and label artwork available to more craft brewers — and so Bell’s plans to step up to the bar.

“We all have some work to do, Bell’s included, and we are committed to that,” Larry Bell, president and founder of Bell’s Brewery, said in supplied material. “It starts on an individual level. We all have a responsibility to do what we can to continue this conversation and help drive real change.”

There are currently more than 700 breweries from across the globe committed to this initiative.

Bell’s version of the Weathered Souls Imperial Stout recipe will be released in 6-pack bottles exclusively at Bell’s General Store in downtown Kalamazoo and Upper Hand Brewery Taproom in August. Upper Hand Brewery is a division of Bell’s Brewery and is located in Escanaba.

As part of this initiative, Bell’s will make donations to two local Black-led organizations, the Kalamazoo NAACP and Face Off Theatre.

This collaboration brew, “while sharing some of the same values,” is not part of Bell’s Celebration Series, according the Bell’s statement. That series, which empowers different groups within the company that makes Bell’s what it is, will continue later this year with another beer designed and brewed by Bell’s employees. That next release, which will come from and celebrate Bell’s Black and African American employees, will be released in the fall.

Previous brews have celebrated International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day, the LGBTQ+ community and veterans.

For more information on Bell’s Brewery visit bellsbeer.com.

Virtual summer camp for deaf — and hearing — kids available this summer

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Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services community education coordinator Nancy Piersma, left, with Kenny in background, at John Ball Zoo. (D&HHS)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS) in Grand Rapids didn’t want to cancel an annual summer camp that deaf kids have been part of in person, but then COVID-19 happened.
 

So a summer camp for both deaf and hearing kids will happen virtually in 2020 — “a week’s worth of excitement and education,” according to a statement from the organization.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services community education coordinator Nancy Piersma, left, with Kenny in background, at John Ball Zoo. (D&HHS)

Recently, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services’ community and partnerships manager, Erica Chapin, was out and about in Grand Rapids with community education coordinator Nancy Piersma (a native deaf facilitator who uses sign language to communicate) and a film crew, plus some special guests, filming at John Ball Zoo, Blandford Nature Center, HOPE Gardens community garden and The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.

“Through these videos, kids will be able to learn and experience something new,” Chapin said in supplied material. “Each day Nancy teaches new signs related to the theme, making Kids Kamp videos a great opportunity for children to have increased exposure to language. Every video is in ASL, with English interpretation and closed captioning, to offer accessibility to anyone who wants to watch.”

From July 13-17 those videos will be rolled out for free on the D&HHS YouTube channel. But kids who buy a Kenny’s Kids Kamp Kurious Kit for $30 will be able to complete a number of crafts and activities at home as they watch the videos, according to the statement.

“Kenny is our Kids Kamp friend who is coming along with us for our adventures,” Chapin said. “He is a stuffed animal monkey. Throughout our videos you can see him playing in the background. Sometimes he is easy to find; other times he is hidden away. The kids have to keep an eye on him and at the end of the week we will announce how many times he was seen.”

Each Kenny’s Kids Kamp Kurious Kit will include a 2020 Kids Kamp t-shirt, snacks and drinks for each day, ASL vocabulary related to the video adventures, crafts, a children’s book and other fun activities to promote learning. In addition, according to the D&HHS statement, the purchase of a Kurious Kit enters each purchaser into a daily drawing for bonus prizes from the video locations that include fun for the whole family.

D&HHS will also be offering scholarships and seeking donors to underwrite kits. Anyone who would like to apply for a scholarship for a kit can contact Deb Atwood, executive director, at datwood@deafhhs.org.

Also, on the Kids Kamp sign-up page, people can purchase a kit for a child directly, said Chapin. For more information visit here.

Questions about Kids Kamp should be directed to Erica Chapin, Community & Partnerships Manager, at 616-732-7358, x211 or community@deafhhs.org.

Kent County Community Action to hold food distribution in Grand Rapids on Thursday

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Food distribution to those in need are happening across the county. (Feeding America WM)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Kent County Community Action (KCCA) will hold another in a series of food distribution events in Grand Rapids, but open to the “general population with low income,” on Thursday July 9, from 9 a.m. to 1p.m., at 121 Franklin SE.

The KCCA and the Grand Rapids Police Department are asking residents to enter southbound on Jefferson Street from Wealthy Street. The GRPD will be barricading all other entrances and side streets to ensure an orderly operation, according to a Kent County statement Monday.

Residents need to remain in their vehicle and have their trunks open and ready to accept more than 50 pounds of food.

 

There will not be walk up service in an effort to adhere to social distancing requirements for the protection of residents, volunteers, and staff.

“This distribution is our way to respond to those households with food insecurities in an effort to alleviate the causes of poverty,” Susan Cervantes, KCCA director, said in supplied material.

 

The event is projected to assist 900 households “that are struggling to meet their food needs during the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the statement.

There will be more than 20 food items in the packet including but not limited to fresh apples and oranges, canned vegetables and fruits, rice, beans, and meats including pork and beef.

 

New ‘Michigan Restaurant Promise’ initiative promotes health and safety during COVID-19

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

A group of 86 Michigan restaurant and bar owners last week announced the launch of “Michigan Restaurant Promise”, a new initiative to ensure the health and safety of their employees, customers and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 has had a significant impact on West Michigan and many businesses — particularly bars and restaurants — have suffered,” Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said in supplied material. “It’s great to see this group rally together to protect the health and safety of their employees, customers and our community.”

Among the local restaurants and craft breweries involved are Mitten Brewing, Brewery Vivant (parent company of Kentwood’s Broad Leaf Beer) and Long Road Distillery.

“As restaurant owners and managers, we feel a sense of responsibility for the health and well-being of our employees, our guests and the community at large,” Kris Spaulding, owner of Brewery Vivant, said in supplied material. “That’s why we started this initiative — to show our communities we are taking this seriously and are committed to protecting their health and safety.”

There is also a concern about those establishments not as committed as others.

“It’s frustrating to see bars and restaurants not enforcing the health and safety guidelines laid out to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” Chris Andrus, owner of Mitten Brewing, said in supplied material. “Those establishments threaten to undo the many sacrifices our community and industry have made and undermine the hard work of establishments like mine committed to keeping the public safe.”

The effort could also serve as a model for the state.

“Small businesses are the heart of West Michigan and it’s great to see this group of local restaurant and bar owners be leaders in putting people first,” Hanna Schulze, president of Local First, said in supplied material. “The Michigan Restaurant Promise can serve as a model for other communities to hold their local businesses accountable and encourage them to prioritize the health and wellbeing of their employees and customers above all else.”

Learn more about the initiative by visiting MiRestaurantPromise.com.

Kent County: West Nile Virus found during health department mosquito surveillance

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(Too) close-up of a West Nile mosquito. (U.S. Air Force)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Health Department announced last week that ongoing surveillance and testing conducted by the health department has revealed three presumptive positive instances of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in the county.

The discovery comes after testing pools of mosquito remains that were trapped in the 49504 and 49525 ZIP Codes in the City of Grand Rapids. But, the county statement advises, “It is important to note that these are not human cases.”

“Discovering these cases in mosquitoes should serve as a reminder to everyone who lives in West Michigan that West Nile Virus season is upon us,” Brendan Earl, supervising sanitarian at Kent County Health Department (KCHD), said in supplied material. “It is important for people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites as much as possible.”

West Nile Virus is spread primarily by infected Culex mosquitoes. Only about 20 percent of the people infected will notice symptoms that may include headache, body aches, joint pains and fatigue. Most people with this type of West Nile virus completely recover, but fatigue may last for weeks or even months.

About 1 in 150 people infected develop severe illness that can affect the central nervous system. Recovery from this type of West Nile virus may take several months. Some damage to the central nervous system can be permanent. In rare instances the disease can lead to death.

 

Since there is no vaccine or cure for West Nile, the best treatment is prevention, according to the county statement. KCHD recommends wearing a mosquito repellant that contains 10–35 percent DEET, wearing light colored clothing and staying indoors during dusk.

Residents can also help stop mosquitoes from breeding by removing or refreshing water in bird baths, children’s wading pools, water bowls for your pets. Empty other small containers that can collect water in your yard and keeping your lawn and shrubs trimmed also help.

More information about prevention can be found at accesskent.com.

Rail crossing work to close Breton Avenue between 29th and 32nd starting July 7

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(WKTV video/K.D. Norris)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced July 1 that beginning Tuesday, July 7, Breton Avenue will be closed for at least two days between 29th and 32nd streets while CSX Railroad repairs a railroad crossing.

Drivers are asked to plan ahead as the work will require a full closure with a posted detour from 29th Street to Shaffer Avenue to 32nd Street and back, according to the city’s statement.

Due to the deterioration of the crossing, CSX will be replacing the entire concrete crossing, ties and repaving the asphalt at that intersection.

The work is expected to be completed within two days with the road reopening on the evening of Thursday, July 9, but a third day of work may be necessary for unforeseen circumstances, according to the city.

Local back-to-school plans well underway as Governor announces ‘roadmap’ guidance

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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at a press conference. (Official Facebook page)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Some people may have been waiting, if not eagerly anticipating, the June 30 release of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap”, which outlined a number of safety protocols for schools to implement in each phase of the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan.

While local school district leaders undoubtedly will scour the governor’s roadmap for pertinent details and direction, they and their district staff were not idly awaiting the release — after all, Gov. Whitmer admits that different school districts will have different “return to school” situations depending on location within the state, physical building situation and their community make up.

“In Kentwood Public Schools we put together a Back To School Task Force consisting of administrators, teachers and parents that have been working on multiple plans for the reopening of our district,” Michael Zoerhoff, superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools, said to WKTV. “We also have been working closely with the Kent ISD reopening committees. Our plan is to adjust accordingly to ensure the safety of our students and staff per the Governor’s recommendations.”

Wyoming Public Schools superintendent, Craig Hoekstra, echoed his regional educational counterpart.

“The WPS team has been hard at work developing plans that will provide safe and accessible learning options for the fall,” Hoekstra said to WKTV. “As we prepare for re-entry, our district continues to plan forward with a focus on developing a robust online learning option as well as preparing for instructional re-entry for in-person learning. In doing so, it takes into consideration the unfinished learning from the spring. As soon as the Governor’s plan is released, we will review our plans and make the needed adjustments as we work towards finalization.”

The governor’s roadmap outlines a number of safety protocols for schools to implement in each phase of the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan — including guidance on personal protective equipment (PPE), hygiene and cleaning protocols, spacing in classrooms, athletics, and much more.

As far as fall high school sports is concerned, at a press conference announcing the governor’s back-to-school guidance, Gov. Whitmer said she is in discussion with the Michigan High School Athletics Association (MHSAA) to possibly move some fall 2020 sports to spring 2021.
 

Detailed guidance on fall athletics — including any possible shift of sports season — is expected to be announced in mid- to late-July by the MHSAA, which has been working with the governor’s office to guide summer and possible fall in-school athletic activities.

Also on June 30, the governor signed Executive Order 2020-142, which “provides a structure to support all schools in Michigan as they plan for a return of PreK-12 education in the fall,” according to a statement from the Governor’s office Tuesday.

(Links to the governor’s MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap and Executive Order 2020-142 are at the end of this story.) 

“Our students, parents, and educators have made incredible sacrifices during our battle with COVID-19,” Gov. Whitmer said in the statement. “Thanks to our aggressive action against this virus, the teachers who have found creative ways to reach their students, and the heroes on the front lines, I am optimistic that we will return to in-person learning in the fall.

“The MI SafeSchools Return to School Roadmap will help provide schools with the  guidance they need as they enact strict safety measures to continue protecting educators, students, and their families.”

In her statement, the governor also acknowledged the financial impact on schools not only to enact “safe return to school” in the fall, but the looming financial shortfalls in state school funding due to the economic impact of COVID-19.

“I will continue working closely with the Return to Learn Advisory Council and experts in epidemiology and public health to ensure we get this right, but we also need more flexibility and financial support from the federal government,” Gov. Whitmer said in supplied material. “This crisis has had serious implications on our budget, and we need federal support if we’re going to get this right for our kids.”

(To learn more about the possible financial impact on school funding of the COVID-19 economic downturn, see a WKTV story and Kent ISD videos here.)

Two local education leaders are part of the Return to Learn Advisory Council, including Kevin Polston, superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, and Nicholas J. Paradiso, vice president of government relations for National Heritage Academies.

“All of us on the Return to Learn Advisory Council share a commitment to marrying science and evidence, and practicality and local needs to ensure the health and safety of our students and educators,” Tonya Allen, President and CEO of The Skillman Foundation and Chair of the Return to Learn Advisory Council, said in supplied material.

The governor’s Executive Order 2020-142 requires school districts to adopt a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan “laying out how they will protect students and educators across the various phases of the Michigan Safe Start Plan.”

The MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap offers guidelines as to the types of safety protocols that will be required or recommended at each phase, according to the statement.

“In recognition that these protocols will cost money, the Governor also announced that she was allocating $256 million to support the districts in implementing their local plans as part of the bipartisan budget agreement the Senate Majority Leader, the Speaker of the House, and the governor announced” June 29.

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Executive-Order-2020-142-COVID-19-June-30-2020Download

Continuing service in time of COVID, Streams of Hope reopens food center, joins with CirclesGR

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The Streams of Hope Food Center will be reopening to visits by the public. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The nonprofit community center Streams of Hope announced June 29 that its client-choice Food Center will reopen its physical storefront beginning July 2. The Food Center serves more than 500 families in Kentwood’s Townline neighborhood with supplemental food assistance.

As part of its efforts to help “alleviate financial stress during the coronavirus pandemic,” the Food Center has remained active throughout the shutdown utilizing a drive-thru format, and in recent weeks saw a 50 percent increase in visitors, according to a statement from Streams of Hope.

To ensure safe shopping at the Food Center, visitors will make an appointment online and receive a health check before entering the building with a face mask.
 

In addition, Streams of Hope announced it had acquired CirclesGR to “invest in long-term solutions to poverty.”

“We are excited to re-open the Food Center and bring CirclesGr into our family of programs,” Kurtis Kaechele, Streams of Hope executive director, said in supplied material. “We are creating a healthier neighborhood together, alongside our community.”
 

Programs like the Food Center address urgent needs, while CirclesGR will implement long-term solutions to assist families, according to Streams of Hope. Other programs at Streams of Hope include SpringGR, from which 14 entrepreneurs will graduate this summer, and a reduced-cost health clinic in partnership with Exalta Health which will also re-open in July.
 

“Part of our purpose is to raise the poverty IQ of allies and of the community,” Julie Liske, CirclesGR director, said in supplied material. “Poverty is complex: root causes, systemic barriers, and the impact not only on the family but the whole community. CirclesGR offers a holistic way of looking at both poverty and prosperity, and how we might be able to empower more individuals to reach a place of economic independence.”

Liske will temporarily stay on staff with Streams of Hope “to ensure a smooth transition,” according to Streams of Hope.

Streams of Hope is a community-based ministry in the Townline neighborhood of Kentwood. For more information visit streamsofhope.org. For more information  on CirclesGR visit circlesgr.org.

City of Kentwood vehicles big and small to ‘parade’ through the city on July 4

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Many residents were colorful in their appreciation of a parade of trucks in late May. (City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced to WKTV this week that a dozen or so city vehicles will parade throughout the community on Saturday, July 4, as a way “to celebrate Independence Day safely in lieu of its traditional celebration activities this year.”

The city did much the same as a truck tour last month in celebration of national Public Works Week. See a WKTV video of the event here.

The July 4 parade will begin at 9 a.m. on the western border of the city, near the intersection of Division Avenue and Maplelawn Street, and travel toward the eastern border the city, ending about 11 a.m. near the intersection of Burton Street and Forest Meadows Court.

A small scale map if at the bottom of this story. The full parade route and tentative timeline is available online at kentwood.us/july4. The timeline is tentative as the parading vehicles will be traveling at a faster speed on main roads and at a slower speed on residential roads, according to the city’s webpage on the event.

Residents are invited to watch the parade from the nearest street to their home on the parade route but, according to the city statement, to practice physical distancing from others when they do so.

“The City of Kentwood is pleased to be able to offer a safe, alternate way of engaging with our community on the Fourth of July,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “It is our hope to inspire joy and celebration for America’s independence by bringing the traditional parade to residents throughout the Kentwood community.”

In early June, the City of Kentwood decided to join other communities in canceling this year’s annual July 4 celebration.

“Due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and restrictions on large group gatherings, the City Commission voted against hosting the event this summer out of an abundance of caution,” according to the city statement.

The fireworks show planned for July 4 has been postponed to the Kentwood Food Truck Festival this fall.

Gov. Whitmer signs executive order extending eviction suspension, creates new diversion program

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The State of Michigan is working to keep renters, and landlords, fairly protected in these COVIOD-19 related hard times. (Public Domain/pxfuel)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-134 on June 26 which extended the temporary suspension of evictions until July 15 and created the Eviction Diversion Program.

According to a statement from the state, the diversion program outlines a process for renters “to get fast rental assistance or establish a manageable payment plan” to keep residents in their homes. Rental assistance under the Eviction Diversion Program will be available beginning July 16.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (State of Michigan)

“No Michigander should have to worry about losing their home during a global health pandemic and, at the same time, landlords and management companies need rent from their tenants to sustain their businesses,” Gov. Whitmer said in supplied material. “This innovative new program will save lives, save money, and save businesses by keeping families in their homes and providing immediate financial relief to landlords for back rent they’re due.”

Under Executive Order 2020-134, $50 million of rental assistance will be made available in the form of lump sum payments to landlords in exchange for allowing tenants to remain in their homes, forgiving late fees and up to 10 percent of the amount due.

Tenants whose back rent is not completely covered by the Eviction Diversion Program will be entered into manageable payment plans facilitated by Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-17.

The program was created following the passage of Senate Bill 690, which passed unanimously out of both the Michigan House and Senate on June 17. The legislation appropriated $60 million in Coronavirus Relief Funding to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for the creation of a rental assistance program to assist tenants and landlords after the eviction moratorium concludes.

County offers free COVID-19 testing event today in support of African American, Latinx communities

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Kent County Health Department’s Wyoming Potter’s House School “walk-through” testing site. (KCHD)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Health Department is partnering with the Black Impact Collaborative and LINC UP to provide a free COVID-19 community testing today, Monday, June 29, from 2 to 7 p.m., at the Gallery at LINC UP located at 1167 Madison S.E., Grand Rapids.

The county announcement is also available in Spanish at the link at the end of this story.

In Kent County, members of the Latinx community account for 39.4 percent of the COVID-19 cases while comprising 10 percent of the population, while African Americans have 19.25 percent of the cases but make up 10 percent of the population.

Federal CDC-provided Coronavirus test kit. (KCHD)

“We know that COVID-19 has been disproportionately impacting the African American and Latinx communities, so the Black Impact Collaborative wanted to partner with Kent County to make sure that African Americans and Latinxs in our community have the opportunity to get tested,” Robert Womack, Kent County commissioner, said in supplied material. “This is such a needed resource for our community to allow anyone to get tested and we are thankful that the County put this testing day together.”

Any person, 6 months of age or older, can get tested, according to the county statement. Pre-registration for this event is encouraged by going online through this link or calling 616-632-7200 but walk-in testing is available.

The specific location of the free testing is based on county data.

“Our data is showing that 17 percent of our COVID-19 positive cases are located in the 49507 Zip Code and yet only six percent of Kent County’s population resides in this area,” Dr. Adam London, director of the Kent County Health Department, said in supplied material. “This type of data continues to inform our response to COVID-19 and ensures our resources are accessible to the most impacted neighborhoods.”
 

The county health department “will continue working to address the racial and ethnic health disparities by collaborating with community partners to offer testing in areas that are showing a higher prevalence of positive cases,” according to the county statement.

“We are excited to work with community partners like the Kent County Health Department, who recognize that racial health disparities exist and are actively working to address them by changing their practices,” Vincent Thurman, communications manager at LINC UP, said in supplied material. “COVID-19 has further revealed how stark these disparities are and how much needs to change.

“Partnering with KCHD is a great step forward to improving equity in healthcare. The data shows that Black and Brown communities are at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19 and we are happy to have free tasting available to residents in our neighborhoods.”
 

To learn more about Kent County Health Department services visit accesskent.com/health.

 

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East Kentwood robotics ‘real world’ project aids Kentwood police to become better, safer

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Video cover photo of Red Storm Robotics 2020 by Andrew C. Schallier.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The story of a 2019 cooperative project between the City of Kentwood police department and the Kentwood Public Schools Red Storm Robotics team, a robot that reached full operation in 2020, was a good news story early this year.

And despite Kentwood schools, and WKTV Journal, seeing big changes in how they did business starting in March due to the COVID-19 restrictions, it is still a good news story — a tool for Kentwood police to help them make better decisions in the field and an example of the high level of interaction between the city’s schools and city staff that Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley relentlessly advocates for.

“What I love about this is always investing in the next generation,” Mayor Kepley said in March when WKTV was producing a video project on the Red Storm Robotics project with the police department. “And this is just another opportunity, and really a great opportunity, to invest in the next generation. … The city working with the school, working with professionals, using technology, and more importantly investing in the very individuals who will be leading this community in the future.”

The police robot project is a prime example of not only engagement with the students but of also giving advanced students a lesson in real-world, on-the-job, design of robotic technology.

Of course, Red Storm was up to the challenge presented by the police department.

WKTV talked with Mayor Kepley, Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts and Sgt. Jeff Leonard, and instructors/parents of the Red Storm Robotics project, including Adam Veenendaal, Mark VanderVoord and Wendy Ljungern.

But most importantly, we talked with students of the program past and present, including Jason Gray-Moore, Kerim Puczek, Jacobi Thompson and Annalise Welch.

For more information on Kentwood Pubic Schools’ Red Storm Robotics program visit their website at redstormrobotics.com.

County education leadership group releases survey examining school reopening issues

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Kent Intermediate Superintendents’ Association, during a Tuesday, June 23, teleconference, released the results of a survey of more than 30,000 Kent ISD area parents asking questions related to the school reopening issues.

The bottom line of the extensive survey (link at end of story), according to a summary shared with media during the teleconference, is that while some parents seek continued distance learning for various reasons including their child’s safety, the majority desired “safe, in-school” education for their children.

“Most parents would like to see a return to school as normal in late August,” Ron Caniff, superintendent of Kent ISD, said in supplied material. “Our superintendents are working to ensure a safe opening, researching all information regarding the steps necessary to protect students and staff, and will remain connected with the health department and parents throughout the summer to ensure they are well informed about school re-opening plans.”

Kent ISD website photo. (Supplied)

The survey results come in preparation for the planned release June 30 of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Michigan’s Return to School Roadmap”, which is expected to set state directives for the reopening of schools in August.
 

The survey, commissioned by the Kent ISD on behalf of the superintendents’ association and administered by Gartner Marketing, was conducted from May 29 through June 10. The 30,000 responses represent parents from the 20 public school districts across Kent ISD but did not include any private or charter school parents, according to the Kent ISD.

The Kent Intermediate Superintendents’ Association (KISA) Future Learning Committee hosted the meeting. The speakers included Superintendent Caniff; Kevin Polston, Superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, KISA Future Committee Chair and member of the Governor’s Return to Learn Advisory Council; Sunil Joy, Data Scientist at Kent ISD; and Ron Koehler, Education Consultant and former Kent ISD Assistant Superintendent.

The Kent Intermediate Superintendents’ Association represents the superintendents Kent ISD and each of the 20 school districts it serves.

Survey summary results highlights

Among the key findings of the survey, according to the KISA summary (link at end of story), is that parents want to see school open in the fall, in a traditional face- to-face setting; continued parental concerns about safety will likely necessitate an online option; and a hybrid option has many of the same challenges as an online learning option and “It is also not highly preferred by parents.”

Part of the reason for a hybrid option — where students would spend part of their time in school and part of their time at learning remotely — is that there would be little cost savings on the part of the districts currently facing possible loss of state funding due to COVID-19’s economic impact. (See a WKTV story on the possible funding losses here.) And there would be little difference between the costs of an in-person or hybrid option.

Kevin Polston, Superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, KISA Future Committee Chair and member of the Governor’s Return to Learn Advisory Council. (Supplied)

“We know that hybrid and in-person costs are going to be very similar,” Superintendent Polston said during the teleconference, “because even though you may have fewer students back each day you still have your full compliment of staff the needs to be back each day.

“And, in addition, for a district like Godfrey-Lee, … we served more meals closed than we did open. That means for the students that aren’t at school each day are still going to need the nutritional services that schools provide. So we are going to need to allocate additional resources.”

The survey summary presented at the teleconference (link at bottom of the story) was, as explained by the Kent ISD’s Sunil Joy, a “stratified random sample of 800 respondents … (that was) … representative of the demographic makeup of our region.”

Sunil Joy, Data Scientist at Kent ISD. (Supplied)

“A random stratified sample just is a statistical method to ensure the respondents to the survey actually look like the county’s demographics,” Joy said to WKTV. “For example, if East Grand Rapids parents made up a significant percentage of all respondents — that wouldn’t be very representative of our county as only a small percentage of our county is from East Grand Rapids. So that’s why it’s a stratified sample — so it’s more representative of our districts as whole.”

The survey data was also “disaggregated by respondent groups (e.g. race/ethnicity, special education, income, etc.)”

“This simply means that I reported data not just ‘overall’ but also for different respondent groups,” Joy said to WKTV. “For example, in the question of whether childcare is an issue if school did not open 100 percent this fall, I included both what parents said overall, but also by different grade-levels. As no surprise, parents of younger kids had greater concerns with childcare if school didn’t open normally in the fall.”

In addition to the overall, county wide survey results released at the teleconference, each district has access to their own district-specific reports.

“Each district will share the results in the way they see fit with their constituents,” Joy said to WKTV. “The best way to get them is to contact the district directly, if it is not already available on their website or social media.”

School Re-entry Plan

At the teleconference, and using the results of the survey as part of their guidance, the superintendents’ association also released a School Re-entry Plan, in both English and Spanish. (See links to both at bottom of the story.)

Among the highlights of the plan are: a “desire” to return to full-time, face-to-face instruction, per state health requirements; the intent to provide a high-quality online learning option for students and families; districts will share best practices in virtual instruction to maximize efficiency and quality; families who choose an online option will have continued access to local district extracurricular and co-curricular activities.

The plan also makes clear that a a hybrid option — a mix of face-to-face and online learning — is “not preferred and will be implemented if it is the only way to have in-person instruction as mandated by state executive order.”

Superintendent Polston, in summing up the position school districts could be put in come June 30 and the result of the Governor’s “Michigan’s Return to School Roadmap” plan, said the best interest of the students must and will come first.

“Regardless of the model for teaching and learning, together we must be ready to meet the challenge that awaits,” Polston said. “And we will.”

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Safe shopping: as re-opening continues, Woodland Mall focused on safety, cleanliness protocols

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Woodland Mall recently welcomed the reopening of the Apple Store, joining the Macy’s, J.C. Penney and Von Maur anchor stores and dozens of other stores and restaurants.
 

And while the customer experience is now a little different from the time before the COVID-19 shutdown, the efforts of Woodland Mall management company PREIT make clear that safety and cleanliness is now an important part of that experience.

WKTV talked with Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, to detail some of those measures.

For the latest WKTV Journal story on the re-opening of Woodland Mall, including the Apple Store, visit here. (The Apple Store is now asking customers to make appointments for service at the store at apple.com/retail/woodland.)

Safety, cleanliness at the Mall

In order to comply with Michigan requirements, occupancy numbers are limited as the mall operates on reduced hours — Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. (Some stores may limit those hours.)

Woodland Mall asks guests to follow CDC recommendations, make use of the several hand sanitizer stations located throughout the mall, wear masks and practice physical distancing.

In addition to Woodland Mall carefully reviewing policies and procedures, and thoroughly cleaning the mall using CDC-recommended disinfectant, common area furniture and other elements where physical distancing cannot be enforced have been removed. While the play area also remains closed indefinitely, food court seating is now available at reduced capacity.

A complete list of venues open at the mall, as well as updates on safety and cleanliness protocols, can be viewed on Woodland Mall’s website.