All posts by Joanne

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. 

A bucket list of things to do if you are heading to Charlevoix

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By West Michigan Tourist Association

Planning a trip to the Charlevoix in the near feature? Whether you are visiting for the first time, or are a seasoned Charlevoix guest, below is a list of things we highly recommend visitors see, do, and explore. Let us in on the fun and be sure to tag us in your pictures and videos by using #VisitCharlevoix.

1. Shop downtown Charlevoix
Charlevoix’s small-town charm and boutique shopping has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a great book, specialty food items, Charlevoix memorabilia, new clothing, artwork, and sweet treats- you can find it here. Check out The Mercado for many new additions to the vibrant downtown scene.



2. Family Friendly Zip Lining Experience
Wildwood Rush is a family friendly high ropes and ziplining course through the treetops of scenic Charlevoix. With over 7,000 feet of zip line courses, thrill seekers will love the fast-paced zip lines and great views of Lake Charlevoix.

3. Beach Goers Rejoice
It’s no secret that Charlevoix has great beaches on Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. You can easily access Lake Michigan Beach along the pier from downtown and making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Ferry Beach is family friendly, situated on the shores of Lake Charlevoix, offering a shallow swim area, playground, and large sandy beach perfect for building sandcastles. For info on the many other local beaches visit our website.

4. Find a Petoskey and Charlevoix Stone
One of our favorite pastimes is looking for Petoskey and Charlevoix stones. Two of the best places to find these stones is Fisherman’s Island State Park and Lake Michigan Beach. You can spend hours hunting for these iconic stones!

5. Skydive Charlevoix
Do you want to check skydiving off your bucket list? If so, you need to book a tandem skydive with Skydive Charlevoix. They specialize in first jumpers, making sure everyone is comfortable while creating exciting lifelong memories. While you soar over Charlevoix, you could see Beaver Island, Mackinac Island, Mackinac Bridge, and Lake Charlevoix.

6. Lake Living
Charlevoix is all about its fresh water! When you visit, we recommend you get out on the lakes with a kayak, sailboat, motorboat, or stand up paddleboard. Also, experience a paddle down the Jordan River. Choose to take it easy by having a guided raft or if you’re experienced go for canoes or kayaks. This is a fun activity for friends and families.

7. Mushroom House Tour
A trip to Charlevoix would not be complete without a tour of Earl Young’s mushroom houses. This self-taught architect designed houses out of large boulders and cedar shakes, creating whimsical designs. To learn more about the interesting history houses take a guided tour.

8. Step back in time at Castle Farms
Stop by Castle Farms to view the restored historic buildings, majestic gardens, large model train collection, and countless historic exhibits. Be sure to stop by 1918 Cellars to try a great selection of Michigan wine. Be sure to check out our events calendar to see what’s happening at the Castle.

9. Where will you go?
Whether you’re looking for trails along Lake Michigan’s shoreline or a scenic inland trail, Charlevoix’s got some great options. We suggest the Mt. McSauba Recreation Area, Charles Ransom Nature Preserve, and Fisherman’s Island State Park. Each of these natural areas has amazing views of Lake Michigan and miles of trails.

10. Watch the Drawbridge
This bascule drawbridge is a quintessential Charlevoix gem. During summer months, the drawbridge will go up every half hour when boats are present, so you can’t miss it! Be sure to capture of video or picture of this fun spectacle.

12. Catch a Lake Michigan Sunset
A Lake Michigan sunset is world-class, and the South Pier Lighthouse is the perfect place to capture a painted sunset. Every sunset is a unique kaleidoscope of colors, so be sure to see it every evening you are in Charlevoix.

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.

Ocean scourge: Flesh-eating bacteria

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Flesh-eating bacteria can be contracted when open wounds are exposed to brackish ocean water. Contaminated seafood can also result in infection. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


It’s a horrible fate: You take a cool dip in the ocean and become infected with flesh-eating bacteria.


Climate change is making this terrifying scenario more common in the northern part of the United States, one infectious disease expert says.


These infections are caused by Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. There are about 80,000 such infections each year in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


Most infections resolve within a few days, but there are about 500 hospitalizations and 100 deaths each year due to such infections.


There are a number of ways to protect yourself, according to David Cennimo, an infectious disease expert at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.


Vibrio bacteria can get into the body through open wounds. If you have any, it’s best to stay out of the water, especially brackish water. Cover the wound with a waterproof bandage if it’s likely to come into contact with water or raw seafood or raw seafood juices, Cennimo advised.


Cook all seafood thoroughly and wash your hands after handling raw shellfish, he added.


Most infections caused by Vibrio bacteria are gastrointestinal and cause food poisoning-like symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain and sometimes fever. Symptoms usually start one day after ingestion and last for three days.


Skin infections caused by the bacteria may be inflamed and red, with blisters. The site may also turn deep blue like a severe bruise. A fever may develop and confusion can occur in severe cases. Immediate emergency medical care is required because the infection can progress rapidly to death, Cennimo said.


For most people, the skin infection can be treated with antibiotics. However, necrotizing (flesh-eating) infections can be very serious and move very fast.


People especially at risk of severe and aggressive infection include those with a weakened immune system due to conditions such as liver disease, cancer, diabetes or HIV, and those who are on immune-suppressing therapy or are recovering from stomach surgery.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Wyoming’s Burlingame Family Fare one of several to offer free COVID-19 testing

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By SpartanNash

As part of its continued efforts to ensure the well-being and safety of its family of associates, customers and communities during the coronavirus pandemic, SpartanNash announced select Family Fare, which includes the Family Fare on Burlingame Ave. SW, and D&W Fresh Market pharmacies in West Michigan will offer free COVID-19 testing beginning on Monday, Aug. 3.

The company has partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide the free testing, which will take place by appointment only.

“Our pharmacies continue to adapt to best respond to our customers’ needs during these uncertain times,” SpartanNash EVP and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer Lori Raya said. “We are proud to offer this additional service to our customers and communities – free of charge – because we know how important testing is to our collective efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.”

COVID-19 tests are self-administered by customers using the drive-thru at participating Family Fare and D&W Fresh Market pharmacies, following CDC guidelines for testing criteria. SpartanNash pharmacists guide customers through the self-administered nasal swab, and results are shared within three to five days.

Participating pharmacies are located at:

  • D&W Fresh Market – 2022 Apple Orchard Ave. in Grand Rapids
  • Family Fare – 6370 Lake Michigan Drive in Allendale
  • Family Fare – 2245 84th St. SW in Byron Center
  • Family Fare – 2900 Burlingame Ave. SW in Wyoming
  • Family Fare – 993 Butternut Dr. in Holland

Testing is available for both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in accordance with state and local plans for public health monitoring. Both customers and SpartanNash frontline associates are able to schedule COVID-19 testing appointments on either shopfamilyfare.com/covid-19-testing or shopdwfreshmarket.com/covid-19-testing, depending on their nearest pharmacy location. Participants are asked to first complete a short survey, then schedule their appointment date and time.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our company has maintained two top priorities: the well-being and safety of our family of associates, customers and communities; and supporting health officials and government leaders to contain the virus,” SpartanNash EVP and General Manager, Corporate Retail Tom Swanson said. “By offering free COVID-19 testing, we are reinforcing our commitment to keeping our associates’ and customers’ health at the forefront of all our efforts.”

Artist wanted for “Once Upon a Time: exhibit at Tibbits Opera House

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By Stephanie Burdick
Tibbits Opera House

From fairy tales, wings, and castles, to watches, clocks and more, the latest exhibit by Arts Alive, hosted at Tibbits Opera House, invites artists to submit artwork of all mediums inspired by the theme “Once Upon a Time.”

The exhibit runs Aug. 10 through Sept. 8 at Tibbits Opera House. Artists may submit up to three pieces at $5 per submission. Paintings, photographs or drawings should be ready to hang using hanging wire. Sculpture or other mediums are accepted and encouraged as well. “Once Upon a Time” is totally up to the artist to interpret the theme as he/she sees fit.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top artists based on audience votes. Artists can also sell their work on commission.

To be included in this art show, artists should drop off all pieces at Tibbits’ Administration Office on 93 W. Chicago St before Sept. 4 at 4:30 p.m.

The art gallery currently features artwork by area student artists who submitted pieces for the annual Kids Art Rocks contest. Even though the theatre remains closed for performances, by executive order the art gallery is open weekdays from 9-5 and by appointment. There is no admission charge for the gallery and visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite artwork.

The gallery shows rotate approximately every six weeks. After the “Once Upon a Time” show, the final 2020 gallery show will be “A Chair Affair” fundraiser in November and December. For dates and details of these exhibits, or to become involved in Arts Alive, call Steph at Tibbits at 517-278-6029, email artsalivecw@gmail.com or visit the Arts Alive facebook page at www.facebook.com/Arts-Alive-Coldwater.

Snapshots: WKTV stories about people making a difference in West Michigan

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day (for baseball opening day week)

“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.”

Maya Angelou

City of Kentwood firefighter Darryl DeVries (Supplied)

A sign of hope in time of need

A personal experience on the job for Kentwood firefighter and emergency medical technician Darryl DeVries drove him to start learning American Sign Language. Now, with the help of the local Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, he can speak to those who cannot speak in a time of emergency. Go here for the story.

Jill Wolfe is the new GVSU Military and Veterans Resource Manager (Supplied)

A ‘hand up’ for our veteran heroes

Grand Valley State University’s Jill Wolfe is the university’s first military and veteran resource manager, a role which will provide support to military-connected students and dependents while expanding Grand Valley’s visibility, partnerships and career pipelines within the community. Wolfe has been serving as a mentor for the GVSU Michigan Veterans Entrepreneur Lab (MVE-Lab) and is a founding executive committee member of GVSU’s Veterans Alumni Association. Go here for the story.

A voice for the often voiceless

Humanity for Prisoners started in 2001 when Doug Tjapkes formed the organization driven by his relationship with Maurice Carter, who had been behind state prison bars for 29 years for a crime he did not commit. Two decades later, with HfP now led by Doug’s son Matt, the issue of treatment of prisoners — and prison reform — is no less important. Go here for the story and video.

Fun fact:

26.6 percent

According to the federal National Service Agency, 26.6 percent of the state’s residents involved in “national service” and do some community service or volunteer work in some capacity. That ranks the state at 26th in the county. National service refers to the Corporation for National and Community Service programs Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, the Social Innovation Fund, and other programs and initiatives. Participants in these programs address community needs in disaster services, economic opportunity, education, the environment, health, and veterans and military families. Source.

Adopt-A-Highway clean up resumes, delayed due to COVID-19

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Recent Adopt-A-Highway volunteers were out in July helping to make the state’s highways nicer by picking up trash along the roadway. (Supplied/MDOT)

By Shallom Kimanzi
WKTV Intern

This summer, you may have noticed that the state highways had a little more trash along the sides than normal.

Because of COVID-19 and the lockdown that took place this past spring, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) had to cancel its normal Adopt-A-Highway clean up activities in April and May. 

However according to MDOT Public Relations Communications Representative John Richards, volunteers were able to head out on the roads in July to pick up trash. All volunteers were required to follow social distancing guidelines including wearing masks when in close contact with individuals who didn’t reside in their household.

The Adapt-A-Highway program was started in 1990. It involves more than 2,750 groups with volunteers collecting more than 60,000 bags of trash on 6,300 miles of highway. 

To participate in the Adapt-A-Highway program, you have to be at least 12 years old and in a group of at least three people. Each group is assigned a section of the highway and signs bearing the group’s name are posted along the adopted highway. There are no fees charged to participate and trash bags, safety vests, arrangements to haul the trash are provided by MDOT.

The final trash pick-up for this year’s Adopt-A-Highway program is scheduled for the fall, Sept. 26 to Oct. 4. 

If you’re interested in taking part in the program or finding out more, click here.

KDL adds online high school program to its offerings

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

For Wyoming resident Danielle Burzynski there was no pressing need for her to finish high school and get a diploma.

Danielle Burznski on her graduation day this past December. (Supplied/KDL)

“I left school and got a job and I had been at my job for 22 years,” Burzynski said. “So I do not have the need to finish or go back.”

It was something she thought about, but she became a single mother and between raising a family and working, there never seemed to be the time.

Burzynski is not alone, according to Kent District Library (KDL) Librarian and Outreach Specialist Sara Magnuson. About 35,000 Kent County residents have not completed high school with most of them coming from underserved communities. It part of the reason that last year the KDL rolled out a new offering, the Career Online High School, designed for students to earn an accredited high school diploma as well as a workforce readiness certificate. 

“We were looking at ways to help build community financial stability,” Magnuson said. “One of the first steps is you can not achieve career advancement in work without a diploma.”

Wanting to give her daughter inspiration to finish her high school studies, Burzynski decided in 2019 to go back and get her diploma. She quickly discovered there were many options making her feel that is was “OK to go back and finish.” With the knowledge that she still could get that diploma, Burzynski began exploring those options, settling on the Career High Online School.

“It was wonderful,” Burzynski said. “I could do it online at my own pace and in my free time. It was about two weeks per semester and I was doing about a week per semester.”

Danielle Burzynski celebrates with KDL staff, family, and friends. (Supplied/KDL)

Started in 2007, the Career Online High School program, which is part of the nation’s first private, accredited online school district Smart Horizons Career Online Education, is 100 percent online. Students access course materials from anywhere at anytime. Also, as an accredited high school program, students can transfer previously earned high school credits.

 

The key aspect that KDL liked about the Career Online High School program was the workforce readiness certificate, Magnuson said.

“It gives the students several different options,” she said. “They could enter a home health care study (that would give them the background to successful enter the certified nurse assistant or CNA program0 or go into the office management career field. It gives them the background knowledge and helps potential employers who are considering hiring them that they have the knowledge in the field they are pursing.”

Each student accepted into the program is assigned an academic coach who works with the Career Online High School provider, Magnuson said.

 

While Burzynski already had a career, the program worked well for her needs of flexibility to complete the remaining 12 credits she needed to graduate, which she did in December 2019.

“I can’t even described the feeling when I finished, how proud I was of myself,” she said. “Now it is one less thing to be done.”

The Career Online High School program is around $99 a month; however, KDL is offering scholarships for up to 25 Kent County residents. To be considered, a candidate must be a resident of Kent County, have a KDL library card and fill out an online assessment on the KDL website. Prospective students will be contacted by their local KDL branch library and given a link to a two-week prerequisite course. Those who pass the prerequisite course with a score of 70 percent or above will then be interviewed in person by their libraries to determine if they will receive a scholarship.

Magnuson said scholarships are not guaranteed as the program has to be the right fit for the student. If it is not, Magnuson said KDL does try to work with the student to find the best option for them. KDL works with several organizations that offer GED and high school completion programs such as the Kent ISD which among its offerings has Project NorthStar. Project NorthStar works with both in-school and out-of-school students looking to become self-sufficient by getting a diploma or GED and gaining job skills. Some of the other organizations that KDL works with are Sparta Adult Education, Rockford Adult Education, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Jubilee Jobs and the Literacy Center of West Michigan.

“It has gone extremely well,” Magnuson said of the Career Online High School program, adding that there are about 17 students who have received scholarships and three that have graduated with several others almost done. Because of its success, she said KDL will be offering the program again this year and has 25 scholarships available.

For more about the Career Online High School program, visit the KDL.org website, click on Services and then Adult Services or click here.

MHSAA approves regular practices for certain ‘low risk’ sports but restricts full football, soccer and volleyball activities

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East Kentwood High School’s football team (shown at practice from the 2019-20 season) and other local football programs will have restrictions on how they practice in August due to the COVOD-19 situation. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Representative Council announced July 29 a continuation of its “phased-in practice and competition” schedule for traditional fall high school sports “in hopes of continuing to deter the spread of COVID-19.”

The Council affirmed that lower-risk sports — including Wyoming and Kentwood area high school girls golf, boys tennis, cross country, and girls swimming & diving — may begin practice on Aug. 12 and begin competition on their traditional start dates of Aug. 19 and 21.

However, moderate and high-risk sports — football, girls volleyball and boys soccer – may begin practice, with limitations, but not competitions until additional decisions by the MHSAA, expected to be made by Aug. 20.

In addition, recommendations on spectator attendance will follow before the start of competition, according to the MHSAA statement, and it is possible “spectators will be limited in accordance with Governor (Gretchen) Whitmer’s executive orders on large gatherings.”

According to the July 29 statement, practice for boys soccer and girls volleyball may begin on Aug. 12, but football will delay the start of practice with full player pads and equipment until Monday, Aug. 17. The week of Aug. 10 “may include football practice sessions consisting of conditioning, physical training and skill work with no other player equipment except helmets. This week of acclimatization is similar to allowed summer football activities that have been ongoing for schools since June.”

David Kool, the new South Christian athletic director, on the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection. (WKTV)

David Kool, athletic director at South Christian High School, told WKTV he welcomed the expanded clarity as to what his school’s teams and student athletes can and cannot do — “All in all, this was a very positive step for high school athletics in Michigan.”

“It is great to know that all fall sports will be able to begin practicing on time to a certain extent,” Kool said. “We are thrilled that golf, tennis, cross country and swimming can begin practice and competitions without delay. Soccer and volleyball are also able to begin practice without delay which is great news.

“Football, being in a helmet-only (practice restriction) for an extra week, is a great decision and made sense for our student athletes. The next step is getting encouraging news on August 20 that soccer, volleyball and football may begin competitions and we are hopeful that will happen.”

Limits also placed on scrimmages, tournaments and invitationals

Among the other actions announced by the Representative Council, the MHSAA’s 19-member legislative body, was the cancelations of scrimmages in all fall sports for this school year, and limitations on numbers of teams that may compete together at regular-season tournaments, invitationals and other multi-team events.

“The Council believed eliminating scrimmages emphasized the importance of keeping teams from mixing before the first date of competition, and the regular-season limitations may lessen opportunities for viral spread while still allowing meets to be conducted,” according to the MHSAA statement.

The expected Aug. 20 decision on competition for football, girls volleyball and boys soccer is “dependent on how the spread of the virus is trending statewide”, including  “sustained metrics measuring virus spread and/or progression by schools and regions across the state according to Gov. Whitmer’s MI Safe Start Plan,” according to the statement.

“The Council, reflecting on the positive impact on their athletes this summer from taking part in offseason training, feels it’s of utmost importance to continue athletic activity moving forward,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said in supplied material. “If we take a month off, our students will find opportunities to compete through non-school entities that may not be as focused on safety. Our athletic directors and coaches can provide the safest-possible environment to return to sports, and this phased-in approach to competition will help schools continue building on progress already made”

The MHSAA also has posted sport-by-sport guidance documents outlining increased precautions designed to limit the viral spread, plus a four-page overview with precautions that apply generally for all sports.

Specific sport guidelines and the overview are available on the respective sport pages of the MHSAA website, at mhsaa.com/sports.

 

Krasl Art Center Summer Art markets on the Green resume through August

Entertainment, ,

By Matthew Bizoe
Krasel Art Center

Krasl Art Center (KAC) will continue hosting four local artists each Saturday in August at the Summer Art Markets on the Green. Markets are Saturdays, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Our annual Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff was just too large to safely hold this year but we still wanted to provide artists and our community members a chance to support each other,” said Dee Hodgson, KAC Art Fair Manager. “This summer we are thrilled to introduce our KAC faculty, ceramic guild, and Shop artists to the public – their work is incredible and it’s always a great experience to visit with the creator of your next favorite artwork.”

Aug. 1 Artists include:
Nicole Rimes, Jewelry & Fibers
Jeff & Theresa Heaton, Fibers
Bill Boyce, Sculpture
Eliot Schlaack, Drawing & Printmaking

Visit krasl.org for more information on future artists at the market.

KAC Galleries and The Shop will be open from 9 AM – 5PM on Saturdays and 11 AM – 5 PM Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays throughout the summer. Dex R. Jones: Storied Portraits is on view in the main gallery and sculptor Barbara Cooper is featured in the artlab.

The Markets will adhere to KAC’s COVID-19 safety policies. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the grounds and masks are required. Some artists accept credit cards, all accept cash. For more information visit krasl.org.

The Summer Art Markets on the Green events are underwritten by an Anonymous Patron who loves the Art Fair and The Livery Microbrewery.

GR Symphony now offers live at-home performances

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , ,

By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk
Grand Rapids Symphony

Grand Rapids Symphony is offering at-home live performances featuring the GRS musicians. (Supplied/GRS)

If you love live music, you already know that enjoying an evening’s entertainment means you first have to dress for the occasion and then drive to another location.

If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic or struggled to find a parking place, no doubt you’ve imagined about how wonderful it would be if, instead of going to a concert, the concert came to you.

Wonder no more. Grand Rapids Symphony unveils a brand new live musical experience in August – Sidewalk Serenades.

Enjoy a cozy concert just for you, in an intimate gathering of family and friends, as West Michigan’s finest musicians perform for you in the privacy of your own driveway.

An exclusive 30-minute concert of classical music, performed by musicians of the Grand Rapids Symphony, for you and up to nine guests can be yours for just $300.

A summer’s evening of beautiful, outdoor music is available at either 6:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20-22, and again the following week Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27-29.

Sidewalk Serenades are limited to an audience of 10. Masks are required upon arrival and during the performance. No food or drink will be allowed when musicians are present, and CDC-guidelines for social distancing are required.

Reservations are limited. Go online and fill out this form to enjoy Grand Rapids Symphony’s Sidewalk Serenades. For more information, call Julie Nystedt at (616) 454-9451 ext. 131 or email her at jnystedt@grsymphony.org

You’re sure to be the envy of your neighborhood when the musicians of the Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony appear at your home.

Mentors guided Erickson down the path to becoming Wyoming’s new public works director

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In May, Myron Erickson became the City of Wyoming’s fifth director of its Department of Public Works. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It was a former boss and mentor who once told Myron Erickson that he could “easily become director” of the City of Wyoming’s Department of Public Works.

“I was in my late 20s, early 30s and I really did not think much about it,” Erickson said during a recent phone interview. “I just really kept my nose to the grindstone, did a lot of different things, and one day realized I was pretty responsible for a lot.”

On May 14, Erickson officially assumed the role of director of Wyoming’s Department of Public Works.

“It was kind of a weird time,” Erickson said. “Bill [Dooley] was retiring on May 14 and we were meeting by Zoom just trying to keep our bare bones department together because we can’t just stop city services due to COVID-19.”

Originally from the east side of the state, Erickson was working on his master’s degree at Michigan State University when he landed a seasonal position at the City of Grand Rapids Wastewater Treatment Plant. When the position ended, his Grand Rapids manager said he thought his counterpart at the City of Wyoming could use Erickson’s talents.

“I did some lab work doing some experiments for the wastewater treatment process,” Erickson said. “That position ended and I needed something for my thesis and Wyoming was ‘this is something that we are interested in doing,’ so I ended up taking two six-month positions back-to-back.”

Erickson’s project was a study on the impact of the then new 1994 federal law that regulated the beneficial reuse of wastewater treatment residuals. The project was a success and resulted in operational changes at the wastewater treatment plant. More importantly to Erickson at the time, it provided him the three credit hours he needed to graduate.

With degree in hand, Erickson began looking for a job in consulting, but his friend, mentor, and the person who hired Erickson for the internship, Tom Kent, convinced Erickson to apply for an opening in the department’s industrial sewer use group.

“Tom was the guy who convinced me of what a golden opportunity working here was,” Erickson said. Not knowing how much this would impact his career, Erickson applied and got the job.

New Wyoming Department of Public Works Director Myron Erickson credits mentors in helping with his career. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

There would be other mentors who would also have an impact on the direction of Erickson’s career. Former Director of Utilities Joe Staph encouraged Erickson to become a registered professional engineer in the State of Michigan, which Erickson would need to become director, and former Public Works Director Bill Dooley, who Erickson said help him prepare for the directorship of both the utilities department and the public works department, provided “the wisdom and guidance” that has become invaluable to him, Erickson said.

So Erickson’s intention to stay for only five years, ended up being 26 as he worked his way through various positions from industrial waste monitor to depty director and finally director along with making West Michigan his home.

“I love two things about my career: the simple provision of public service and good local governance, and the ability to help and mentor others coming along behind me,” Erickson said. “More specifically, I love what Wyoming does with local government. the challenges of stretching a buck, doing more with less, finding and employing the best people who truly care about the community they serve, and solving the many technical and managerial trails we face as economically as possible all inspire me.”

And just like the mentors who encouraged Erickson along the way, he is now giving back to those coming up through the ranks.

“To young engineers and scientists coming behind me, I would advise: find a mentor, seek licensure and accreditation, give your best to your employer, treat every employee at every level with respect and recognize their contributions and never stop learning.”

Traffic Tuesday Answer: Burnouts in the parking lot

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Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety posts a question on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday. **Please do not post the answer in the comments, so that others have a chance to answer on their own** Note: the answer can be found on both the WKTV Journal website and in the community social media site Nextdoor.

For the next few weeks, we’re going to discuss law violations in parking lots. This week’s question: If you are doing burn outs in a parking lot, can you receive a citation?

  1. No, no citation
  2. Yes, citation for speeding
  3. Yes, citation for careless driving or reckless driving



Answer: Yes, citation for careless driving or reckless driving. The specific citation depends on the circumstances (are there people/other vehicles around, could anyone have been hurt or did anyone get hurt?)

On Tuesday, there will be a new question.

Separating fact from fiction: the longterm health impacts from COVID-19

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,
Dr. Conor Mullin

By Metro Health – University of Michigan Health

WKTV is committed to providing factual information about COVID-19. We have partnered with Metro Health – University of Michigan Health to present questions about COVID-19 and to help dispel the misinformation being spread through social media.

Dr. Conor Mullin, a physician at Metro Health Southwest, answers this week’s question.

Question: What long term health impacts are people experiencing who have had COVID-19? 

Mullin: The long term health consequences of this virus are unknown and we will have to wait to see with time. We can infer from other similar viruses that in 6-12 months, there is likely to be a surge in autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus and multiple sclerosis.

  

There is a specific debilitating disorder affecting younger adults called ADEM which causes permanent and irreversible stroke-like symptoms caused by brain tissue inflammation. In the pediatric world, we have seen in increase in a syndrome that is comparable to Kawasaki disease, where there is potential for damage to the coronary arteries around the heart, that may cause heart attacks or even death.

Personally, I have seen some patients, especially younger folks, who have continued to have lung and breathing issues two months after the initial infection. This is most likely caused by scarring damage to the lungs. Whether these patients recover is yet to be seen. These patients were young and healthy and did not have pre-exiting conditions.

One of my colleagues also had a younger patient die of a heart attack a few weeks after recovering from COVID-19. He also had no prior known cardiovascular disease.

The short answer is that there are some isolated cases of very severe outcomes and time will tell how widespread and severe the long term outcomes will be.

If you have a COVID-19-related question, please email it to WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.

Spanish version of zoo map now available at Binder Park Zoo

Entertainment,
Binder Park Zoo is most famous for the public being able to feed the giraffes. (Supplied/Binder Park).

By Leslie Walsh
Binder Park Zoo

Binder Park Zoo has announced that a version of the zoo map is now available for Spanish speaking visitors at the zoo. Guests can request a version of the full zoo map that has been translated into Spanish when they enter through the admission gate. The map is also available to view or download from the zoo website at www.binderparkzoo.org/map/

 “Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States, and we know that we have a strong and vibrant community of Spanish speakers who visit the zoo,” said Leslie Walsh, Manager of Marketing & Development.  “We’ve been aware of a need and desire for this, so we’re happy to offer what we hope will be a convenience and an opportunity for Spanish speakers to have a more complete and enjoyable zoo experience.

Binder Park Zoo now has maps in Spanish. (Binder Park Zoo)

New site maps are scheduled be installed in key spots of the East Zoo that display a Quick Response or QR code that can be scanned will a mobile device to access the map in both English and Spanish versions.

Binder Park Zoo opened to the public for the 2020 season on May 29. The zoo is open daily Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm. Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. Other important information about visiting the zoo can be found on the website homepage at www.binderparkzoo.org.

Popular local bluegrass group wraps up Sounds of Summer season

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Lare Williams with New Director performs “I Don’t Care” and “Old Guitar” in a 2008 Sounds of Summer performance.

By Shallom Kimanzi
WKTV Intern

Wrapping up the 2020 Sounds of Summer concerts will be bluegrass performers Lare Williams & New Direction (LWND).

The band will be playing for free at 7 p.m. in Cutler Park, 6701 Cutler Park SW, just west of 68th Street and Division Avenue this Thursday, July 30.

Lare Williams, a member of the band, grew up in a musical family band and decided to branch out and round up some of the best local pickers available to form LWND. The group then hit the road and played their music regionally before adding a few small national tours and making a name for themselves in the Bluegrass world.

Between his day job and touring, Lare has still found time to write songs and record four CDs, two DVDs, and release four singles to the world-wide markets. One of the band’s biggest achievements is when one of Lare’s original songs, “Old Guitar, co-written by Sara-Lee Rehkopf, reached a No. 1 spot which stayed on various bluegrass charts for six weeks.

The band has worked with some of the most well-known names in the bluegrass music world and this has helped shape LWND’s sound.

“Having the guidance and support of the pros is such a blessing and so very helpful in this business,” Williams said during an interview with WKTV.

Lare said he has called in some of his former bandmates and recording partners to join him for this evening of toe tapping Bluegrass tracks.

Sponsored by The Byron Township, the family-friendly event hosts its final concert in the series for this summer. The organizers will be observing public health guidelines such as requiring everyone to wear a mask and observing social distancing.

Catch previous Sounds of Summer concerts on WKTV Channel 25 at 8 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 p.m. Saturdays.

Short’s Brewing Co. announces two-week socially-distanced celebrations

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment,

By Christa Brenner
Short’s Brewing Company

Originally scheduled for Aug. 8, Short’s Brewing Company has decided to cancel this year’s Short’s Fest and replace it with a two week socially-distanced celebration instead.

Traditionally an outdoor event that draws more than 2,500 people to the brewery’s Elk Rapids production facility, Summer Fest coincides with Elk Rapids’ summer festival, Harbor Days, and ends the evening with fireworks over the water.

“We’ve been holding out as long as possible, and were inspired by the decreasing numbers of COVID, but we feel it is our responsibility to keep our community safe and not crowd such a large number of people into one space.” Says Scott Newman-Bale, CEO of Short’s Brewing Co. “While we can’t host our traditional event, we decided to take this opportunity and throw a celebration that extends for more than a single day and allows people to enjoy the Michigan summer with a delicious beverage in-hand six feet apart!”

Instead of a one-day festival, the brewery is planning a two week celebration starting Saturday, Aug. 8, and running through Saturday, Aug, 22. Every evening Short’s will have a DJ spinning tunes on the lawn or a live band as well as local food trucks. Thursday-Sunday festivities also include an additional 10 delicious beers, ciders, and seltzers on tap.

There is no cover charge for this summer celebration and it is also family friendly. Each day the Pull Barn will open at 11 am with entertainment from 5-9 pm. Short’s will enforce a 500 person limit and ask guests to wear masks when roaming the grounds and standing in line for food and beverage.

“We’ve been making a ton of upgrades to our Pull Barn beer garden space, including adding restrooms, coolers, and indoor seating. We’ve got a lot to celebrate, and feel that we can do it the right way, limiting risk and still providing the Short’s experience that our guests expect!” Newman-Bale stated.

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.

Local United Way and county non-profit COVID-19 grants on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Hard News, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, WKTV Journal In Focus, ,

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Late last month, Kent County allocated $9.5 million in federal CARES Act dollars to create the Kent County Non-Profit Organization COVID-19 Grant Fund. The group chosen to administer the grant applications and awards is, appropriately, the Heart of West Michigan United Way.

 

Heart of West Michigan United Way’s Shannon Blackmon-Gardner, vice president of community impact. (HWMUW/Adam Bird)

On the latest WKTV Journal In Focus, we talk with a Heart of West Michigan United Way’s Shannon Blackmon-Gardner, vice president of community impact, about the fund, how they were selected to administer the grant process, some of the qualifications and application process — and most importantly, why the grant fund is important to non-profits and to the community.

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.

Kentwood entrepreneur newest venture brings the benefits of Pink Himalayan salt to West Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, , , ,

By Shallom Kimanzi
WKTV Intern

When you have a sore-throat, you gargle with salt and water. When you need to flavor your food, you use salt. When you want to preserve food, you use salt. And for one local entrepreneur, when she wanted to start a new business, she started with salt.

Jessica Ann Tyson, owner of the southern cuisine restaurant The Candied Yam and JA PR Group, just opened The Pink Lounge: Dry Salt Therapy at the end of June with her daughter being the influencer behind this decision.

 

“I have a teenage daughter and she was telling me what was hot, what was happening and what was hip,” Tyson said. “When she told me about this concept, I started researching it and all the health benefits and I just had to bring this to our community.”

Dry salt therapy or halotherapy has been around for hundreds of years in Eastern Europe. It is purported to offer a variety of health benefits including relief from respiratory ailments such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, colds, cystic fibrosis, ear infections and sinusitis as well as skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and rosacea, according to the Salt Therapy Association. A 2017 issue of the Pediatric Pulmonology found that children with mild asthma who attend one or two halotherapy sessions per week for seven weeks gained greater improves in their bronchial hyperreactivity that a control group did.

 

The salt beds are great for care-seekers, according owner Jessica Ann Tyson. (Supplied/Pink Lounge)

The Pink Loungers offers three different types of therapy rooms. According to Tyson, the detoxifying and relaxation rooms are ideal for people with joint pain such as arthritis while the rooms with beds made of Himalayan salt are great for self-care seekers.

“You lay down in Pink Himalayan salt, and you will fall deep asleep because your body will be at a total peace and relaxation state,” Tyson said.

 

The last type of therapy room is the lounge room that is designed for relaxing with more than $300,000 dollars worth of salt.

 

“If you have seasonal affective disorder, this is the place you wanna come because it is peaceful, relaxing and welcoming and it gets to your mind, body and soul,” Tyson said.

 

The Lounge Room is designed for relaxing. (Supplied/Pink Lounge)

Because salt reduces the amount of water present it prevents the growth of bacteria. In fact, salt also is antiviral and anti-fungal making it a safe business to open amid the COVID pandemic, Tyson said.

“Salt is anti-everything. There’s so much science behind the Pink Himalayan salt and the wellness that it brings for the respiratory system,” she said. “I am certain that this spot will be a popular one.”

The Pink Lounge is located at 3105 Broadmoor Ave. For more information about The Pink Lounge, visit the business’s website pink-lounge.com. 

Traffic Tuesday: Burnouts in the parking lot

3-bottom, City of Wyoming,

Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety posts a question on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday. **Please do not post the answer in the comments, so that others have a chance to answer on their own** Note: the answer can be found on both the WKTV Journal website and in the community social media site Nextdoor.

 

For the next few weeks, we’re going to discuss law violations in parking lots. If you are doing burn outs in a parking lot, can you receive a citation?

  1. No, no citation
  2. Yes, citation for speeding
  3. Yes, citation for careless driving or reckless driving

Check back on Thursday for the answer!

Kellogg Bird Sanctuary offers programs on plant identification

Entertainment, ,
W.K. Kellogg Biological Station hosts a plant identification program. (Supplied)

By Cara Barnes
W.K. Kellogg Biological Station

How often do you notice a plant in your backyard or along a road, trail or stream, and wonder what it is? Take the guesswork out of identifying plants by joining the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary and local experts for a six-week, online course beginning Wednesday, Aug. 5.

The Field Botany course will feature a series of six workshops, held on Zoom, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. Presenters are:

  • Dr. Tyler Bassett, Michigan Natural Features Inventory
  • Erik Elgin, Michigan State University Extension
  • Shawn Kelly, Natural Resources Conservation Service
  • Dr. Danielle Zoellner, Idle Awhile Farm and Forage

The course is open to plant enthusiasts of all levels. Sessions will examine a variety of topics, including:

  • Basic botanical terminology
  • Trees of Michigan’s forests
  • The history and distribution of Michigan’s native plant communities
  • Wetland plants of the Midwest
  • Prairies and savannas of Michigan
  • Aquatic plants

Registration

Register for the course at bit.ly/kbs-botany2020 by 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1; space is limited. The cost is $55 for Sanctuary members and $65 for non-members. Participants are able to earn Master Gardener credits for attending.

Past course participants appreciated the format of having a unique topic for each class as well as “learning the special features of the plants and interesting backstories of how plants have been used in history.”

For more information about the Sanctuary, visit birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu. Direct questions to birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu or (269) 671-2510.

Wyoming Police looking for four missing children

3-bottom, City of Wyoming,
The four children were last seen July 26, 2020 near the area of Prairie Park, 2250 Prairie Parkway SW.

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

UPDATE: The children have been found and have been safely returned to their guardian.

The Wyoming Dept. of Public Safety is requesting assistance in locating four children who are missing and considered endangered.

On July 26, 2020, a non-custodial parent of the children, Shannette Merriweather, a 25-year-old female, walked away with the children from their legal guardian during a supervised visit. Shannette and the children were last seen in the area of Prairie Park (2250 Prairie Parkway SW) around 3 p.m. on July 26, 2020. The investigation into the whereabouts of the children indicates that Shannette is not capable of adequately providing for them.

Descriptions of missing children:

Alana Burger – black female, 7-years-old, last seen wearing a gray t-shirt and blue jean shorts

Amina Burger – black female, 6-years-old, last seen wearing an unknown colored t-shirt and blue jean shorts

Aaliyah Burger – black female, 5-years-old, last seen wearing an unknown colored t-shirt and blue jean shorts

Skyler Merriweather – black male, 2-years-old, last seen wearing a multi-colored button-down shirt and beige pants.

Shannette Merriweather

Shannette is described as a black female, 5 feet, 4 inches tall, 115 pounds and was last seen wearing a black and pink floral shirt with black pants. Shannette does not have a vehicle and her current address is unknown.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the four children and/or Shannette Merriweather is asked to immediately contact 9-1-1 or the Wyoming Dept. of Public Safety.

Photo of the Week: In full bloom

Citizen Journalism

Summer is certainly in full bloom as these flowers show. This photo comes from the Metro Health Farm Market, which runs every Thursday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in front of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.

Do you have a photo you would like considered for photo of the week? Send it to WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.

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

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Health, Local History, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
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.”

 

5 interesting facts about life in assisted living

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Senior Living
Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


Assisted living communities have become an attractive option for older adults who are seeking some extra assistance but don’t want or need to lose their complete independence.


Communities like Vista Springs offer the care that’s needed while still providing a safe environment that fosters flexibility, comfort, and fun. Because so many older adults are making this move to assisted living, studies are showing that the world of aging adults is shifting significantly. Some examples of this include:

1. Assisted living is a more cost-effective option

A 2015 Genworth Financial survey revealed that the median cost for a single person to live in a private room in assisted living in the U.S. was $23,200 whereas the cost for a private room at a nursing home was $91,250.

2. Fewer older Americans live alone

The Pew Research Center reports that since 1990, the number of older Americans who are living alone dropped from 29% to 26%. This is partially due to the attractive option of living with a spouse in assisted living communities.

3. Nursing homes aren’t always the best option

When loved ones begin researching options for an aging family member, often times they assume a nursing home will be the end result. However, many times that isn’t what ends up taking place. In one study, 59 out of 100 people who were investigating nursing homes ended up determining that assisted living was a better option. (An assessment by a care professional can help you to identify what level of care is needed and if assisted living is the best choice.)

4. Memory care is possible with assisted living

A diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s can be difficult, and many might assume that finding quality care outside of a treatment center or nursing home might be challenging. But in reality, many assisted living communities offer advanced memory care programs that help to decrease agitation, wandering and other unfortunate side effects. As conditions advance, exclusive memory care areas help provide safe and comfortable accommodations.

5. Assisted living is the future of senior care

Assisted living communities first became available in the 1980s, and since then they have grown substantially. The National Investment Center reports there are now over 6,300 assisted living communities in the United States with about 500,000 occupied apartments.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.




Snapshots: Things to do in West Michigan this weekend

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , ,

Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

“The Karate Kid” is now showing at the Gettys Drive-In. (Columbia Pictures)

Movie Night

Have a hankering to go to the movies? While traditional theaters are still not open, Studio C’s Getty Drive-In! The oldest drive-in theater in West Michigan, operating since 1948, is offering an array of classics such as “Ghostbusters,” “The Karate Kid,” Jurassic Park,” “Jurassic World,” “The Rental,” and “The Amulet.” For complete listings, click here. Also tonight (Friday), the Ionia Drive-Up Theater will be taking place featuring the 1939 classic “Wizard of Oz” at 7 p.m. at LoNia’s World Center, 3810 Thornapple River SE. The Ionia showing is free.

Disc Golf

ZigZag Disc Golf Club, Grand Rapids’ own youth disc golf club, will be hosting a free youth disc golf tournament, Saturday at Garfield Park, located off of Burton Avenue and Madison Street. The free event is for students in 4th to 12th grade. Participants should meet at the gazebo around 12:45 p.m. The tournament will run from 1 – 3 p.m. No experience is necessary and discs will be provided, so there is no reason not give it a try.

Members of the Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan paid a special visit to the City of Kentwood Police Department last year. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

Play Ball!

The Detroit Tigers will play their home opener this Monday, July 27, at Fifth Third Ballpark. Tickets are free but only available for the first 500 fans, so snatch them up quick. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with the first pitch set for 7:10 p.m. All social distancing guidelines will be followed and masks are required. For more information, click here.

Fun Fact:
Dark Chocolate: A Heart Healthy Option

Like any of us need a reason to eat chocolate, but according to a recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that “chocolate helps keep the heart’s blood vessels healthy.” That is because chocolate is choc-full of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow and boost mood and concentration. This is not a license to pig out on chocolate, instead it is recommended that a one-ounce serving a few times a week has the best results..

Insurance helps cover lost of Wyoming police cars

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , ,
Officers look over the damaged police cars from the May 30 riots. Five Wyoming Police vehicles and two Grand Rapids police vehicles were burned. (Supplied/Wyoming Department of Public Safety)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming received some good news in that the cost to replace five police cars that were burned during the May 30 riots in Grand Rapids will be mostly covered by insurance, according to Wyoming Police Chief Kim Koster.

The news came as a surprise since, as reported by City Manager Curtis Holt at a June meeting, most insurance coverage does not provide for riot or civil disservice. 

Chief Kim Koster

A recent report from Koster showed the insurance would pay about 60 percent of the costs to replace the vehicles with no expected change in the departments insurance premiums. Total replacement costs for the five vehicles is $372, 585.99. Insurance will cover $219,940.99 with the city’s out of pocket costs around $152,645. The department does have a depreciation reserve for replacement of vehicles, with each of the departments 27 vehicles having its own replacement fund. There was about $140,000 available in replacement funds specifically for the five cars that were lost on May 30. This left the city with an unbudgeted net cost of $12,645. 

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s fleet services was able to get one new vehicle on the road fairly quickly with fleet services continuing to work on the remains cars. 

“It does take time to get the cars ready as they do not come fully equipped,” Koster said. 

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety has one of the few K-9 units, which assists other departments in the county. (WKTV)

A Cooperative Between Departments

The lost of the cars did create a hardship for the department, Koster said, adding that despite that, if faced with the same situation again, she would not hesitate to send the Wyoming officers out to help assist Grand Rapids or any other police department in Kent County.

“The cooperative we have [between police departments in Kent County] is unusual,” Koster said. “We hear it from other officers across the country and even from other parts of the state talk about how unusual it is.”

Some departments have specialized in certain areas. For example, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety is one of a handful of departments that has a K-9 unit as well as a forensics unit. There is also the Metropolitan Fraud and Identity Theft Team comprised of detectives from the Grand Rapids Police, Kent County Sheriff, Wyoming Police, and Kentwood Police departments. 

“I think it is important for Wyoming residents to know that we have relied on other departments as much as they have relied on us,” Koster said, adding perhaps one of the best examples of this cooperative has been the Metro Cruise.

“Many people just love coming down for Metro Cruise,” she said. “It is a a good family event and people have a good time. For us to assure the safety of residents, we have had to rely on other agencies.”

Just a year ago, a Grand Rapids protest came into the City of Wyoming, ending at the Secretary of State’s office. The Grand Rapids Police stayed with the protest as it moved to the City of Wyoming, working with Wyoming officers. Koster added “that there is some comfort in knowing that public safety doesn’t stop at a border.”

The services come at no cost to the city with only the understanding that when asked, Wyoming will return the favor. Such was the case on May 30.

One of the five Wyoming Police cars on fire the night of May 30. (Photo by Andris B Visockis)

The events of May 30

The first that any of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety officers learned that their cars were on fire during the May 30 riots was when it came over dispatch.

“Dispatch asked if there were any police cruisers on Pearl because they had just gotten a report of a police car on fire,” Lt. Eric Wiler said. “That was my car.”

The Wyoming officers, along with those from Walker, Kentwood, Kent County, and Ottawa County, came to Grand Rapids that night to help the Grand Rapids Police Department. About 10 officers, who were part of joint tactical bicycle brigade, had gone down earlier in the day with Grand Rapids Police Department requesting additional help around 9/9:30 p.m., Wiler said, adding about 20 Wyoming officers responded.

The Wyoming officers were first along Market Street but a call came that GRPD needed more officers at its station as people were attempting to break into the building, Wiler said. The officers relocated, parking the five Wyoming police cars on Pearl Street.

“When we parked, there was nothing happening on the street,” Wiler said. From reports, rioters moved away from the Fulton/Division area down to Pearl Street.

“I watched as they set fire to the prosecutor’s building,” Wiler said. “By that time, there was more of them than us and all we could do is try to keep people safe.”

Koster said as she heard how the events were unfolding in downtown Grand Rapids, her concern became more of the safety of the officers and the public. 

“I was relieved, happy, thankful that our officers were able to safely return to our offices,” Koster said. “I felt for the business owners who suffered the damage. I don’t think violence is ever the answer.”

The Wyoming Police cars from May 30. (Photo by Andris B. Visockis)

Understanding the anger

“First and foremost, I have to say that we are all in agreement in that what happened to George Floyd was disgusting and distributing,” Koster said, adding she understands the anger as she too was appalled by the arrest video of Floyd. “I believe those officers deserved to be criminally charged. They were a betrayal to the badge that we all wear.”

To the best of her knowledge, Koster said she is unaware of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety having an incident similar to that of George Floyd. She credits this in part to the accreditation the department received from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Considered the gold standard in public safety, CALEA requires departments to meet certain standards in such areas as accountability and transparency. This includes internal affairs and that these cases are handled in a proper manner.

In fact, in the Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s annual report, there is a section that reports the number of internal investigations that have taken place in the department. In the 2019 report, the department had 23 cases of which six allegations were deemed sustained. 

Koster noted that the department continues to review and update its policies and practices. 

The silver lining

Besides the officers returning safely, there was another silver lining from the May 30 incident. The department was looking to replace its current in-car camera system, which is outdate and not supported, Koster said. The five new vehicles will have the new in-car camera systems which the insurance company will cover fully as part of its payment. The cost for the new in-car camera system for the five cars is just below $50,000.

Ramsdell continues to add programming

Entertainment,

By Xavier Verna
Ramsdell Theatre

The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts (RRCA) opened its doors on July 7 with their free talk series. After positive reviews from patrons, the RRCA is looking to increase its programming. One patron expressed, “The RRCA was well prepared, following all guidelines. [We were] impressed with their plan and safety concerns. We’ll be back! Thank you!” The RRCA COVID-19 guidelines are available at RamsdellTheatre.org/COVID-19-Updates.

The RRCA launched its opening with the popular Midweek Mornings in Manistee, a collaborative effort between the RRCA, Vogue Theatre, and Old Kirke Museum to increase programming during the summer months. The RRCA has also booked an exclusive documentary series, Great Art On Screen, and recently added two performances of the Bolshoi Ballet.

The art gallery opens July 24 with works by Onekama residents Phil and Susan Joseph. “We’re moving forward and appreciate the positive response from our patrons.  More programming is being scheduled, including pre-recorded performances from the National Theatre and Met Opera.

At this time, all events will be at the Ramsdell and available to a live audience,” said Executive Director, Xavier Verna. A listing of events is available at www.RamsdellTheatre.org.