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East Kentwood hosts qualifying tournament for robotics competition on March 29 and 30

(Courtesy, East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Building LEGOs as a child jump-started East Kentwood junior Eva Mei into the world of robotics.

“I became interested in robotics and these competitions because I was really into building LEGOs as a kid, and when FIRST LEGO League started at my elementary school I was really interested,” said Mei, a Project Lead on Red Storm Robotics 3875 team. “That eventually led me to joining FIRST Tech Challenge (middle school) and FIRST Robotics Competition (high school). 


Eva Mei, project lead on Red Storm Robotics 3875 team. (Courtesy, East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics)



“I have learned how to cooperate as a team and be really communicative with others, as well as learn how to go through the engineering process of brainstorming, prototyping, setting priorities, and building a robot. I find it really cool to belong in a team that I could find a community in.

Mei will compete with her team this weekend at East Kentwood’s eighth FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics qualifying tournament on Friday and Saturday, March 29 and 30 at the high school (6230 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood). The competition is free and open to the public.

We expect 40 teams from across Michigan to compete, and 2,000 people to come to this fun, free, open to the public event,” said Wendy Ljungren, event coordinator of FIRST Robotics Competition and founder of Red Storm Robotics in 2010. “This year’s competition theme is CrescendoSM. Two alliances of three teams each compete against each other to shoot foam rings into an overhead bin or a smaller slot earning the alliance points. At the end of each match, the robots climb onto the stage chain to earn additional points.”

Opening ceremonies for Day 1 begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 29 and on Day 2 at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 30 at East Kentwood High School. The complete agenda and more details on the competition can be found here.

Back in 2015, Ljungren volunteered to start and lead the competition with a game called Recycle Rush. She has been the Red Storm coach from Day 1 up until last year, when Trista Vandervoord took over. 

Now a team mentor for Red Storm, Ljungren has been in the aviation business for 40 years, working in high profile roles in engineering for GE Aviation and AiRXOS. After funding was cut at GE, she formed a company called Anzen Unmanned in 2021 with three others.



Photo from a previous FIRST competition. (Courtesy, East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics)



“Get more girls passionate about engineering”

“I got involved in robotics as the leader of GE women in technology group,” Ljungren said. “We wanted to get more girls passionate about engineering, so adopted the FIRST robotics program for not just Kentwood, but all schools in the area. Red Storm has grown to two high school FIRST Robotics Competition teams, eight middle school FIRST Tech Challenge, and 32 elementary FIRST Lego League teams.

“It is very satisfying to see the difference we have made in student’s lives.”


Similar to playing on a sports team?

“FIRST was started to encourage students, and parents, to be as excited about STEM as they are about sports,” Ljungren explained. “Unlike sports, most FIRST students can go professional.”

New head coach and longtime mentor Trista Vandervoord said the robotics model of FIRST directly emulates a sports model, with district competitions, regional championships and a world championship event celebrating the best of the best. 

“Under the guidance of volunteer professional mentors, students create a robot from nothing in a short span of two to three months. Students practice skills in design, manufacturing, assembly, programming, marketing and teamwork to get the job done.”



Red Storm Robotics Coach Trista Vandervoord. (Courtesy, East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics)



The FIRST Robotics website states, “Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. We call FIRST Robotics Competition the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High school student participants call it ‘the hardest fun you’ll ever have.’”

Vandervoord began as a volunteer mentor

Unlike Ljungren, Vandervoord had a career non-related to robotics.

“My education was in statistics and psychology, and I worked doing statistical reporting for an insurance company directly out of college until my children were born and I became a full-time at-home parent,” Vandervoord explained. “I started my involvement with Red Storm Robotics eight years ago as a volunteer mentor with my son’s middle school robotics team. I enjoyed it so much that when he moved on to the high school robotics team, I stayed with the middle school program volunteering as mentor, then eventually became program coordinator for that level.

“Two years ago, it became a mission of Red Storm Robotics and Kentwood Public Schools to grow the program across the district, and I proposed the position of Red Storm Robotics Program Coordinator K-12 (the role she’s currently in).


There are over 600 FIRST Robotics Competition

high school teams in Michigan this year

Photo from a previous FIRST competition. (Courtesy, East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics)



From 75 to 350 members in just two years at EK

When Vandervoord began two years ago, there were 75 students involved across the district. This year, some 350 Kentwood Public School kids participated on a robotics team.

There are 56 Red Storm Robotics East Kentwood high school students participating in the East Kentwood Competition this weekend broken down into team teams:


East Kentwood’s two high school teams: Red Storm Rookies 9566 (left) and Red Storm Robotics 3875. (Courtesy, East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics)

Red Storm Robotics 3875: 10th through 12th grade students who specialize in an aspect of robotics which began 14 years ago. Led by Team Captain Nate, who manages the day-to-day aspects of the project and motivates the team to do its best under the guidance of Coach Alyssa Luna. Project Leads Eva, Ethan and Kailey are all experienced mechanical students who lead the design and building of different functions of the robot (intake, hopper, shooter, climber). Programming Captain Lindsay works with the programming subteam to make sure all programming tasks are completed. Marketing Captains Emma and Zander make sure their subteams complete all award submissions, prepare a presentation for judging, manage all branding and maintain the team’s relationship with their sponsors.

Red Storm Rookies 9566: A new team of 8th and 9th grade students who have just graduated from the middle school robotics program in the fall. They learn all aspects of robotics: design, prototype, build, wire, program and compete. Team Captain Leah works closely with Coach Nick Baribeau to organize the students and manage the workflow of the project.

Leah Bernstein, team captain of Red Storm Rookies

“I became interested after receiving an email from our school in seventh grade that brought many people to introduce our community to our robotics program,” said Leah Bernstein, East Kentwood ninth-grader. “I stayed in robotics through the years because I loved the community, everything I learned from robotics and the amazing experiences and opportunities I got through robotics.”



East Kentwood ninth-grader Leah Bernstein, team captain of Red Storm Rookies. (Courtesy, East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics)



“I have learned many things through Red Storm Robotics like basic programming and building, how to be a part of a team, how to communicate with adults and ask for help better, as team captain I also learned how to lead the team.”

Red Storm generally top 25% in the state

Vandervoord said Red Storm generally finds itself in the top 25% statewide.


“Red Storm students traditionally design, build and program robots that are well-equipped to play the season’s game,” she explained. “We are especially proud of our growing number of female participants; currently 44% of the participants on our high school teams are women.”

Vandervoord said Robotics is an excellent application of STEM skills, and attracts students with an interest in evaluating a problem, proposing solutions, trying the solutions and creating a final product to solve the problem. 

“Our well-rounded students are involved in many extra-curriculars, including STEM-related clubs, but we are often delighted by the creative solutions that our artistic/musical students offer.”

College scholarships available as well

 As far as college scholarships go, Vandervoord said they are definitely available in Michigan.

“Red Storm alumni have received scholarships to Kettering University, Grand Valley State University and scholarships through FIRST sponsors,” she explained.

East Kentwood senior Nate Moxey, team captain for Red Storm 3875

“I became interested in robotics at one of Red Storm Robotics’ many demos at a club showcase,” Moxey said. “They had a robot much larger than I expected driving around quickly, so it was exciting to watch. Joining the team became very enticing to me, so I signed up shortly after.”



EK senior Nate Moxey, team captain for Red Storm Robotics 3875. (Courtesy, East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics)



“By being on the Red Storm Robotics team, I have learned effective communication and cooperation skills, while also improving my time management. RSR imitates the industry in many key areas, so I feel more than ready to succeed in college and beyond. It is genuinely awesome to belong to Red Storm Robotics because it feels like its own family.”

Vandervoord talked about the growth of the students.

“I love to see the personal growth in each student as they develop STEM skills such as manufacturing, building and programming as well as interpersonal skills like leadership and teamwork,” Vandervoord explained. “I’ve seen students decide a career path because of their involvement with Red Storm Robotics. It is truly a blessing to do something I love.”

Next Round: State Championship at SVSU

Every team’s goal is to advance to the FIRST in Michigan State Championship on April 4-6 at Saginaw Valley State University. From there, the best teams move on to the World Championship  from April 17-20 in Houston.

The Red Storm Robotics teams are sponsored locally by Dematic, GE Aerospace, Anzen Unmanned, Trane Technologies, Argosy, DTE Foundation, Members First Mortgage, NDIA Michigan STEM Sponsorship, Savant Automation, and Cascade Engineering.

For more information on Red Storm Robotics and FIRST Robotics Competition:
Website
Facebook
FIRST Robotics Competition

Mental Health: Rewriting the Narrative – Part 4

Four simple steps can save lives – find out how to BE NICE.

Christy Buck and Jessica Jones of Mental Health Foundation’s be nice. program reveal how to make mental health part of our every day conversation (Courtesy, WKTV)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about depression and suicide that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.


Christy Buck is changing the narrative on mental illness with her be nice. program (Courtesy, WKTV)

Christy Buck, Executive Director and Founder of be nice., is determined to make mental health a part of our everyday conversation.

Buck’s passion for transforming and saving lives through mental health education has led her through 36+ years of experience in the mental health field and the development of mental health and suicide prevention programs.

“I would challenge people to become more knowledgeable to have the confidence to talk about mental illnesses/mental health disorders,” said Buck to WKTV Journal.

Due to a 20% increase in mental health disorders, people are talking more about mental health than ever before. But Buck says we are still missing a vital piece of the solution.

Greater understanding breeds prevention

“What’s not being talked about is recognizing when somebody is struggling with an illness,” said Buck. “That, to me, is one of the biggest things that we owe the community and the nation right now: a better understanding of recognizing the onset of a mental health disorder.”

Buck continued to say that talking about mental illness/mental health disorders is going to raise a greater understanding of one of the most common illnesses in the world – anxiety disorder.

Normalizing conversations about mental illness combats stigma (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

And when we make it okay to talk about mental illness, we combat stigma.

“One way we can combat stigma is by listening to conversations, [and] correcting people when they might not be knowledgeable about mental illnesses,” said Buck.

Since 2006, Buck and her staff have educated over 300,000 people in West Michigan about mental health awareness, bullying, and suicide prevention. And though Buck says she has seen a large shift over the last few years, there is still more work to do.

“When somebody is struggling with a mental health disorder, it’s very scary for those individuals,” said Buck. “Oftentimes there is self-stigma too…viewing yourself as unworthy, viewing yourself as defeated, that there is no hope.”

Dare to swim upstream

Conquering stigma requires knowledge and willingness to open conversations “upstream.”

The four-step be nice. action plan (notice, invite, challenge, empower) addresses all of these issues.

Be willing to “swim upstream” and have those open conversations (Courtesy, WKTV)

“It’s a simple tool,” said Buck. “Oftentimes we complicate mental health.”

The first step to unraveling that obstacle is to notice when something is different than the norm.

“It’s huge to have ownership of what I am seeing and what I am noticing,” said Buck. “Now I have this knowledge, and having a knowledge base is going to build my confidence to take action.

“Confidence is that tool to invite myself into a conversation.”

That conversation should begin with what is good and right about the person you are talking to. It allows that person to know you care and are concerned. Then acknowledge the differences you have noticed.

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Then give hope.

“[Hope] comes through language like: you can feel better, you can get better,” said Buck. “Because it’s the truth. It is huge to be able to give that person some hope.”

Also using the word(s) love and I care about you can instill hope in someone.

Protective/Preventative Measures

Ensuring access to services and usage of those services are two main protective factors for those struggling and/or at risk. Another protective factor is friends and family – having people you can talk to.

Eating right, getting sleep and exercising are three things that release chemicals in your brain that help a person feel better. Spiritual wellness can also help, whether in the form of church or meditation that focuses on positive thinking.

“These are all pieces of empowerment,” said Buck. “When somebody is struggling with a mental health disorder or mental illness, they can’t find those protective factors.”

Buck went on to say that inviting someone struggling into a conversation by asking how you can help guides that person toward self-awareness.

Anyone can be N.I.C.E.

“No one is too young to follow the [action] plan, no one is too old to follow the plan,” said Buck. “This can be for kindergarteners through senior citizens. I love it because it is so multi-generational.”


The be nice. program and action plan educates students, staff, and community members about mental illnesses and encourages them to exchange stereotypes for understanding, compassion and acceptance.

And it has been proven to save lives.

Be nice. is to go out and treat people with respect and dignity,” said Buck. “It is having that greater understanding that how we treat each other has an affect on someone’s mental health. On how somebody is thinking, how they’re acting, and how they’re feeling.”

Then, Buck continued, it turns into an action plan to change, improve, and save lives.

Notice the right and good of every individual you come into contact with, and invite yourself to share that good with them. Many times, the person may not have ever heard the good about themselves.

(Courtesy, be nice.)

By sharing that with them, you are “bringing about that greater understanding of how worthy they are,” said Buck.

Challenge other people to spread that kindness. Treat people with respect and dignity.

“Ultimately, it feels good,” said Buck. “That’s empowerment.”

Julie Gregory, mother of suicide victim Jessica Gregory, is an advocate for the be nice. program.

“As I have gotten to know some of the wonderful volunteers and people who are involved in this program, I have realized what a difference it could have made in Jessica’s life,” Gregory said on her blog, Picking Up the Pieces. “It could have affected the outcome of my daughter’s life.”

Gregory went on to say that, over the last several years, she has learned that how you treat people impacts the way they think, act, and feel.

“Be the change this world needs today,” said Gregory. “Treat people with love and respect, give them support when they are down, get involved, be positive role models and be nice.”

“We are here.”

Help others by educating yourself (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Knowledge surrounding physical illnesses has increased exponentially over the decades. Buck now challenges us to become more educated about mental illness.

Be nice. offers training on how to recognize mental illness signs and help those struggling. Training registrations can be found on their website.

“We are here,” said Jessica Jones, Communications Director for the Mental Health Foundation. “[We’re] ready to help people have those conversations.”

Resources

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential support, information and local resources.

You can also text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line: 741741, or text “nice” to the Crisis Text Line: 741741 to be connected with a be nice. crisis counselor.

Search for local treatment in your area: Local Resources.

Support for LGBTQ youth: The Trevor Project.

Help stomp out stigma regarding mental illness by joining the free annual be nice. Stomp Out Stigma 5K Walk event in May each year.


*Find more Mental Health: Rewriting the Narrative resources by clicking here.



Click here for full video: be nice.

Mental Health: Rewriting the Narrative – Part 1

A grieving mother gives voice to her daughter’s pain

Jessica Gregory’s journal and last letter to her mother (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about depression and suicide that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.


Jessica Gregory (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)

At approximately 3 a.m. on March 10, 2015, 28-year-old Jessica Diane Gregory silently ended the internal pain she fought to free herself from most of her life.

Jessica’s mother, Wyoming resident Julie Gregory, prefers to focus on Jessica and her struggles versus the act of suicide when talking about her daughter’s death.

“I lost my daughter to depression, bullying and bipolar disorder,” said Gregory when talking with WKTV Journal.

Mental illness does not discriminate

Jessica had a family who loved her, was in the top 20 in her high school class of 2004, participated in sideline cheer and the competitive cheer team, ran track and had amazing friends.

Despite all of these things, Jessica was hounded by a darkness that led to physically harming herself and a suicide attempt in high school. Jessica’s internal struggle eventually spiraled into a loss of all hope.

Excerpts from Jessica’s journal and various other writings reveal the internal pain she battled daily:

Several pages of Jessica’s journal contained detailed plans of how she could end her life.

“I’m not ashamed or scared to talk about suicide or how my daughter ended her pain,” said Gregory. “We need to end the stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness. Redefine the way people talk about suicide and the way we think about suicide, and look at it as an effect of an illness.

“Why is it that the brain is the only organ in your body that will get judged for being ill?”

Gregory went on to say that those who die by suicide have lost a battle with a disease.

“They couldn’t hold on any longer,” said Gregory. “I feel it’s our job to help them hold on. Mental illness is treatable.”

I’m sorry, Mom. I love you.’

The last time Gregory saw her daughter alive was like a hundred others. There was nothing to indicate Jessica planned to end her life that night.

After having dinner with her family, Jessica and Gregory finished a jigsaw puzzle and began another.

Gregory had no idea Jessica purchased a handgun nine hours earlier.

Jessica’s journal and last letter to her mother (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

At approximately 10:30 p.m., Jessica helped her mother put the puzzle table away and went home to her apartment.

After writing one last letter to her mother in pink marker – her favorite color – Jessica silently ended the pain she battled daily.

Before you ask…educate yourself

Gregory said one of the hardest questions people ask her is: “How did she do it?” Gregory’s palms turned toward the ceiling, shrugging in disbelief and saying, “Does it matter?”

An entry from Jessica’s journal (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

What matters to Gregory is that her daughter is gone forever.

Another question Greogry repeatedly faces is, “Why didn’t you get her help?”

“We did get her help,” Gregory said vehemently. “She did go to the doctor, she was on meds, she went to therapy. She had a psychiatrist, she had a counselor, she had all these people. She had a team of people.

“You can put a mask on and show people what you want them to see,” Gregory continued. “It’s not always easy to see.”

Dr. Valencia Agnew of Adolescent and Family Behavioral Services agrees.

“Even when parents, and people in general, have noticed a lot of signs, it is also possible to miss signs,” said Agnew.

Jessica with her cat, Desi (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)

When Gregory went back and looked at specific dates in Jessica’s journal, she was stunned at how well Jessica hid her true emotions.

After one particular journal entry that conveyed Jessica’s wish to die, Gregory looked back at Facebook pictures, realizing it was the same day the family attended a birthday party. All pictures from that day portrayed Jessica as happy.

Gregory thought to herself, “She was happy. That was the mask she wore. And she was thinking all day about how she could die?”

Selfishness vs. Mentally Ill

Entry from Jessica’s journal (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Gregory shares her daughter’s struggle because she wants others to understand that the thought process of a mentally ill person is not normal.

“I am simply showing people how the mind of my mentally ill daughter was thinking,” said Gregory. “She wasn’t looking to hurt anyone. She was ending her pain and what she thought was a life that couldn’t get better.”

Suicide is not selfish, Greogry continued. “Suicide is a desperate way to end pain, physical or mental. It is a hopelessness that things will never get better. It is a feeling that family or friends will be better off without them.

Entry from Jessica’s journal (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“Those who are suffering don’t want to end their lives, they want to end their pain.”

Gregory also hopes to end usage of the term “committed suicide.”

“In 1964, it was a law that it was illegal to commit suicide – but they didn’t know anything about it,” said Gregory. “Now that we know more, we can talk more about it and we don’t have to use those ‘committed’ words.”

“We say ‘died by suicide,’” Gregory continued. “Instead of focusing on the act, we focus on the person and what was going on.”

Picking up the Pieces

Gregory and her family faced a lot of “firsts” as they learned to maneuver life without Jessica. Gregory credits their faith in God and having each other to lean on as the key to their survival.

Julie Gregory is dedicated to helping others navigate the pain she endures daily (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

The grieving mother’s main focus after losing Jessica was making sure her son, younger than Jes by 14 years, was okay. That everyone around her was okay.

And that included other people who found themselves enduring the loss of a loved one.

“I had hundreds of people send me messages,” said Gregory, adding that she welcomes those messages. “People can come to me.”

Gregory is a vocal advocate for the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan’s be nice. program. She encourages schools and organizations to take part in the program, take action, and save lives.

However, for Gregory, personal comfort and healing comes in the form of helping those enduring the aftermath of loss. She does this through the i understand love heals program.

“For me, helping people pick themselves up after – it just hit home.”

Grieving and healing

“I didn’t have time to grieve, and I still won’t take that time to feel sorry [for myself], because I need to be 100% to help all these other people,” said Gregory.

While Gregory admits that is not the healthiest approach, she has no plans to stop being that voice for Jessica and a source of hope for those grieving.

Jessica’s last words are tattooed on Gregory’s forearm (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“Just to know that I’ve helped others is healing to me, and so I don’t know any other way to grieve,” Gregory said. “I grieve sitting at that big table and having new people come to the group that literally just lost their family member two weeks ago.

“And I feel their pain, and I will grieve for that family and those lost, and for Jessica.”

A voice for Jessica

Gregory proclaims herself to be an open book, refusing to hide that her daughter ended her own life.

Instead, two years after Jessica’s death, Gregory chose to open both her own life and Jessica’s to scrutiny and possible ridicule in the hopes that even one person would see – and choose – hope.

Jessica with family and friends (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)

Picking Up the Pieces is a blog that unveils Jessica’s journey, her internal pain, bullying she experienced at her job, and the aftermath Gregory endures daily since finding Jessica in her apartment nine years ago.

Gregory does not hold back, laying bare the pain and darkness – and emphasizing the glimmer of hope she knows is always present, even if not always noticed.

Though Gregory has been pushed out of her comfort zone countless times over the last several years, she embraces each challenge so she can share Jessica’s story and be that voice for her daughter.

“If I reach just one person, letting them know they aren’t alone, it is worth sharing,” said Gregory. “Or, maybe someone reading these pages who doesn’t have a mental illness will be enlightened by what is in someone’s mind that does.”

#ThereIsAlwaysHope

Jessica applied for a new job before she took her life. A job at a hospital where she could help others and could carry out her personal life mission. Multiple interviews and a job shadow followed.

A Picking Up the Pieces blog entry (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)

The darkness Jessica fought against, however, overwhelmed her before she heard their decision.

“The day after Jessica’s suicide, there was a message left on her cell phone voicemail,” said Gregory. “It was a message from the hospital she had applied at.

“She received that call one day late…”

Julie and Jessica both have a tattoo symbolizing a mother and daughter and their love for each other (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

The timing of that voicemail is something Gregory encourages all who struggle to contemplate.

“There is always hope,” said Gregory. “No matter how bad today can be, things will get better. You can’t leave today, because tomorrow everything could change.

“Life is all hills and valleys, and for every valley that you’re in, those hills are going to be amazing.”

Monica Ruiz, in a personal place of mental health recovery for the past few years, echoes that message.

“I do believe that all suffering is temporary,” said Ruiz, adding that there will be moments of relief even in the lowest times. “So please hold on. There is help. It gets better.”

A radical resolve

Gregory’s resolve to eradicate stigma and live with hope is evident in each word of Picking Up the Pieces.

“I am determined to be more than just a survivor,” said Gregory on her blog. “I am determined to find the silver lining, I am determined to see my glass as half full, I am determined to keep talking about mental illness and the side effects that ‘Pain’ can cause some people.

“I am determined to help change the definition of suicide.”

Eradicating stigma 

“The stigma needs to be lifted about mental struggles,” said Gregory. “We need to talk about it, out in the open, and not treat it like a dirty secret – those days are past. We need to continue this conversation.”

Help stomp out stigma surrounding mental illness by joining the free annual be nice. Stomp Out Stigma 5K Walk event in May each year.

The be nice. program and action plan (notice, invite, challenge, empower) educates students, staff, and community members about mental illnesses and encourages them to exchange stereotypes for understanding, compassion and acceptance.

Resources

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential support, information and local resources.

You can also text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line: 741741, or text “nice” to the Crisis Text Line: 741741 to be connected with a be nice. crisis counselor.

Search for local treatment in your area: Local Resources.

Support for LGBTQ youth: The Trevor Project.

*Find more Mental Health: Rewriting the Narrative resources by clicking here.


Click here for full video: Lived Experience

43rd Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony Friday marks a milestone for Wyoming Kentwood Chamber as it transitions to South Kent Chamber





By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



The Wyoming Kentwood Chamber will hold its 43rd Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony Friday, a celebration that will not only honor outstanding businesses and individuals, but also mark a significant rebranding milestone.


This year, the Chamber is unveiling its new name, South Kent Chamber, a change that better reflects the diverse and thriving business community it represents.


“The annual dinner serves as more than just a celebration; it is a platform for fostering community engagement, networking and collaborations among local businesses. Attendees can anticipate an enjoyable evening filled with dinner, a cash bar, and the highlight of the evening,” said Keith Morgan, CEO of South Kent Chamber.

The awards to be presented at the event include:

  • Distinguished Service Award
  • Volunteer of the Year Award
  • Business of the Year Awards (Manufacturing, Retail, Service)
  • Committee of the Year Award

Attendees will get an exclusive sneak peek into the South Kent Business Journal, a comprehensive business publication designed for the modern professional. It offers exclusive interviews with area leaders, business trends, market insights, and thought-provoking commentary on current business landscapes. This year’s ceremony also will feature the introduction of new incoming board chairs and board members.

New South Kent Chamber of Commerce logo.

Kentwood Police respond to stabbing incident on 5800 block of Ridgebrook Drive SE; no further threat to public

(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org


The Kentwood Police Department responded to the 5800 block of Ridgebrook Drive SE on a stabbing that had occurred near the roadway. Officers located a 43-year-old male with multiple stab wounds to his body. First responders rendered aid and he was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

 A 17-year-old male suspect fled the scene on foot, and was later located at a local business after a search of the area. Deputies from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the apprehension of the suspect. The victim and suspect are family members, and there is no further threat to the public. No names are being released at this time. The incident is currently being investigated.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.


Wyoming Police Department teach dangers of distracted and impaired driving with new simulator

The Wyoming Police Department prepare to educate the community on the dangers of distracted and impaired driving with a new driving simulator (Courtesy, WKTV)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

A significant increase in traffic violations, crashes, and fatal traffic crashes in Wyoming prompts the Wyoming Police Department to acquire a new driving simulator to educate young drivers.

Through a generous donation made by General Motors, the Wyoming PD recently took possession of a distracted and impaired driving simulator to educate young drivers on the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.

Educating the community

A volunteer tries the simulator under the instruction of a WPD officer (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“The goal of the simulator is to let young drivers – any driver – get into it and see what those dangers are,” said Captain Eric Wiler of the Wyoming Police Department. “At the same time hopefully reducing some of our crashes, reducing our fatal crashes, and making our community more safe.”

Wiler added that the Wyoming PD has made it their goal to reduce the number of crashes they have recently seen.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that approximately 3,000 people die each year in crashes involving distracted drivers, and approximately 11,000 people die each year in alcohol-impaired driving crashes.

Among distracted driving crashes, a higher percentage of drivers between the ages of 15-20 were distracted than those drivers over the age of 21.

A survey conducted by the CDC found that 4 in 10 high school drivers reported that they had texted and/or emailed while driving at least once in the previous 30 days. Another CDC study showed that 5% of high school students surveyed reported that they drove after drinking alcohol within the previous 30 days.

General Motors partnership with Wyoming PD

The idea of a distracted driving simulator is appealing to the Wyoming PD because of the ability to transport it to schools and community events. They also like that it is a way to interact with younger drivers.

General Motors provided an opportunity for volunteers to experience the new simulator at their Grand Rapids operations plant (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“We’ve had a partnership with GM for several years where they give us a generous donation for traffic safety,” said Wiler. “This year, we were trying to think of something that we could interact more with the community, especially young drivers in our community, because distracted driving seems to be focused more around the younger drivers. They just don’t understand a lot of the dangers that are associated with it.

“They can look, touch, feel, have it be more interactive than just a classroom environment,” Wiler continued.

How the simulator works

The driving simulator engages two cell phones – an instructor cell phone and a student cell phone.

“As the student starts the driving simulation, the instructor can send them text messages,” said Wiler.

The messages can be pre-populated or freeform text messages.

There is also a component that allows simulation of impaired driving. Goggles worn by the simulator driver mimic being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The importance of removing distractions

Wyoming City Manager John Shay tries out Wyoming PD’s new distracted and impaired driving simulator (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

With the combination of the simulator and the hands-free law that went into effect June 30th, Wiler hopes people will see “why it’s such an important law, and why it’s so important that we put down our phones, [and] limit the distractions we have in the car.

“There is research that shows that when we are distracted, we don’t see 50% of what’s out in front of us,” Wiler continued. “Even if it’s a cell phone, looking down at your navigation, looking at your radio – anything you’re doing that is distracting is reducing what you are seeing out in front of you, which increases the likelihood of being involved in a crash.”

The Wyoming Police Department will use the driving simulator during school and community events, such as National Night Out, Metro Cruise, Concerts in the Park, and Police in the Parks.

“I am hoping it will have a really strong impact,” said Wiler.

Palermo Pizza celebrates 61 years of service to the Wyoming community in ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 12

Palermo Pizza celebrates 61 years of service to the Wyoming community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 12. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)


By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

Palermo Pizza owner Janice Vitale said making pizza is what she does, but serving the community is what she loves.


While the pizza store owner loves serving her community with some of the “finest authentic pizza around,” what Vitale really values are the relationships and connections she has made over the years with her customers.

Home of the 24” pizza, Palermo Pizza celebrated 61 years of its family-owned operation with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 12 at her Wyoming location, 735 36th St. SW.

“We have been serving the community for 61 years,” Vitale said. “My location is still family-owned and operated and the oldest location.”


Palermo Pizza owner Janice Vitale expresses her appreciation for community support and her love of community. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

A platform of community service

“My business provides me with a platform to do what I love,” said Vitale, who’s determined to continue the legacy set forth by Andrew Vitale with compassion and hard work.

“I never imagined that the roots planted by Andrew Vitale would allow me to set my dreams into action,” Vitale said. “Palermo is a staple in the community, but it has also given me the roots and foundation to be an activist in the community.”

She believes that her business is “above and beyond these four walls.”

A legacy of quality pizza

Several community business owners helped celebrate Palermo’s success (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Palermo Pizza opened on Grandville Avenue in 1962 by Andrew Vitale, with the 36th St. location opening a year later.

Janice Vitale has been part of the Palermo chain for 29 years and prides herself on the quality of their products.

“We don’t cut corners or chase deals,” Vitale said. “At Palermo, we choose the best ingredients in the industry to provide an outstanding product.”

From anchovies to cheese, Palermo Pizza uses only fresh products, several of them homemade.

“Our dough is made fresh daily using the same original family recipe,” said Vitale, noting that Palermo’s pizza sauce, dough and sausage are homemade as well.

Palermo’s staff also grinds their own cheese and slices their own meats and vegetables.

A family-oriented endeavor

Four of Vitale’s children work at Palermo’s with her. Taylor Vitale is the Operations Manager and Consultant, while Tasha, Mackenzie and AJ fill various roles at the store.

“Having my kids and family members work with me helps ensure that our customers will always experience the original taste of our secret family recipes,” Vitale said. “We are very family-friendly and pride ourselves on our kindness and generosity.”


Janice Vitale and her four children work together to ensure customers always receive quality products. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Giving back and making a difference

Creating connections and memories, celebrating special events with customers, working alongside amazing people, and sponsoring young athletes and students while continuing to grow the Palermo brand is an undertaking that Vitale describes as “rather incredible.”

“Having become a well-respected leader in the Grand Rapids area, I get to share my passion for serving and making a difference in the lives of many,” Vitale said.

Mayor Kent Vanderwood signs the cut ribbon at the Palermo Pizza ceremony. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)



That difference comes in many forms, including donating residential air conditioners and helping to fund funerals and cancer treatments. These donations are underwritten by funds donated in exchange for marketing on her pizza box toppers.


But Vitale says she was never alone in her efforts.

“I can’t do what I do without the support of my customers,” Vitale adds.

“I am so proud and privileged to be a staple in this community,” Vitale continued. “It truly is businesses like Marge’s Donut Den, Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, and many others that stitch our community together. It is an honor to support, and be supported, by such an amazing community.”

East Kentwood downs Hartland 35-10 in weather-shortened opener

Rylan and Matthias Granderson handle the left side of the offensive line. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)


By Zach Fanko

WKTV Contributor


The opening kickoff of the season didn’t go according to plan for East Kentwood, as Hartland returned it all the way back for a touchdown putting the Falcons in an early 7-0 hole on Thursday.

Definitely not how EK wanted to start their season, but the team remained focused and poised according to East Kentwood Coach Tony Kimbrough.

“I turned to our sideline and told the team it’s just one score,” Kimbrough said. “When something like that happens you have two options, let it bring you down or have it bring us together.

“To our credit we remained poised and confident in the game plan.”


East Kentwood quarterback Casey Joppie. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)

Senior QB Casey Joppie, in his third season as the starter, led the Falcons right back down the field to even the game at seven apiece.



EK’s defense was stout throughout, allowing just a field goal the rest of the half as the Falcons enjoyed a 28-10 advantage at halftime. Senior LB/RB Stellan Bowman, who previously committed to the University of Ohio, is expected to have a big year after earning All-State honors a season ago.







“He’s a big part of what we do defensively,” Kimbrough said. “His experience and never-ending motor is a huge asset for us.”


With severe weather effecting most of the state on Thursday, the EK-Hartland matchup was not immune to the storms rolling through Michigan as the game was postponed in the third quarter and later declared final in favor of the Falcons 35-10.



“There was a chance to finish the game, but we came to a mutual decision that it was best to call it a game,” Kimbrough said. “Very pleased with our team’s effort to open the season.”



East Kentwood (1-0) will have a stiffer challenge next week as they host Byron Center (1-0) in WKTV’s Game of the Week on Thursday Aug. 31 at 7 p.m.



The Bulldogs downed Battle Creek Central 55-14 in their opener. Byron Center finished the 2022 season at 7-3 and qualified for the state playoffs.

WKTV Friday Night Highlights show is back this week!

Just like we did during basketball season, every Friday we’ll bring you many great high school football clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood area teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute program.

As a bonus, we’ll have a reporter on the field at the Game of the Week to interview coaches and players for the show and occasionally have them come into our studio for a live interview as well. 

You won’t want to miss all our great local coverage. Thanks for tuning in!

Wyoming C Company soldiers of the Army National Guard’s 125th Infantry Regiment return home from deployment

Video courtesy of Staff Sgt. Drake Chandler, 126th Theater Public Affairs Support Element, DVIDS

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

Soldiers disembark at The Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing (Courtesy, Pfc. Erich Holbrook)

U.S. Army Soldiers of the 125th Infantry Regiment and Delta Company (MICO), Michigan National Guard were reunited with family and friends in Lansing and Grand Rapids on Aug. 16.

Soldiers of the Michigan Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment (125IN), including C Company of Wyoming, spent approximately one year deployed to Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.


Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) “advises, assists and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Daesh in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks,” according to the CJTF-OIR website.

Soldiers were reunited with family and friends Aug. 16 after a year-long deployment (Courtesy, Pfc. Erich Holbrook)

Though the territory occupied by Daesh has been liberated, Daesh continues to be a “persistent terrorist threat.” CJTF-OIR works continually with partnered forces to ensure defeat of any Daesh remnants.

“I’m very proud of the commitment, service and sacrifice of the Soldiers of the 125 Infantry,” said Col. Matthew M. LeaTrea. “The Soldiers of the 125 Infantry served honorably and with the highest traditions of military service, and their service reflect great credit and pride upon their unit and the Michigan Army National Guard.”

Returning Soldiers also hail from A Company located in Detroit; B and HHC Companies located in Saginaw; D Company located in Big Rapids; D Company, 83rd Brigade Engineering Battalion (MICO) located in Lansing; and H Company, 237th Forward Support Company located in Bay City.

About the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment 

Family and friends were waiting to welcome the soldiers home (Courtesy, Sgt. Patrick Mayabb)

Headquartered in Saginaw and with companies located throughout Michigan, the 125IN is commanded by Lt. Col. Justin Bierens, and is a subordinate unit of the 63rd Troop Command located in Belmont and commanded by Col. Matthew LeaTrea.

The 125IN traces its lineage to the 1850s and, among other conflicts, elements have seen service in the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Since the Global War on Terror, Soldiers of the 125IN have been activated and/or deployed in support of several missions, with the most recent being Syria.

Kentwood Police respond to shooting, seek information

(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



At approximately 5:35 a.m. on August 18, the Kentwood Police Department responded to a residence in the 5200 block of Kalamazoo Avenue on a report that a person had been shot.

Upon arrival, officers located a 29-year-old male subject with apparent gunshot wounds. Kentwood Police and Fire units rendered aid, and the individual was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he is being treated. No other persons were reported to be injured.

At this time, there are no suspects in custody, but there does not appear to be any further threat to the public. Kentwood Police Detectives continue to investigate this incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.  

Unofficial Election Results: Groce and Cheng-Schulting advance to the Nov. 7 general election for Kentwood Commissioner At-Large



By Cris Greer

greer@wktv.org



Incumbent Maurice H. Groce and candidate Lily Cheng-Schulting have advanced to the Nov. 7 general election for the Kentwood City Commission At-Large Seat.


Groce recieved 2,046 votes (48.11%), while Cheng-Schulting tallied 1,718 (40.40%). JaWhan A. Jackson (President of UAW Local 330) finished third with 479 votes (11.26%).


If a candidate received 50% of the vote, they would have secured the seat during the primary election. The overall turnout was 10.53% (4,267 votes).


Groce has been involved with the City of Kentwood since 2007, and a City Commissioner At-Large since getting appointed in 2018. (See his WKTV We the People video below.)


He is currently the academy liaison officer for the West Michigan Aviation Academy, and previously served as a vice president and branch manager for Mercantile Bank, and a financial planner for Prudential Financial.


Cheng-Schulting is the co-chair of the Kent County Progressive Caucus, vice chair of the Progressive Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party, and Founder and President of Disability A-TEAM of West Michigan. She’s also a Board Member At Large, Michigan Department of Education’s Special Education Advisory Committee. (See her WKTV We the People video below.)


The winner of this non-partisan Kentwood seat will serve a four-year term as commissioner At-Large.



Wyoming Police Department investigates fatal crash

Wyoming Police Department (Courtesy, Deborah Reed, WKTV Staff)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

One person is dead after a crash in the 2500 block of South Division Avenue.

At approximately 12:55 a.m. on August 4, 2023, officers from the Wyoming Police Department
responded to the 2500 block of South Division Avenue SW on a report of a crash involving a
vehicle and a bicyclist.

The bicyclist, a 39-year-old female resident of Grand Rapids, was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The female later died at the hospital.

Initial investigation indicates the bicyclist was struck by a southbound vehicle. The driver remained at the scene to speak with investigators. Speed and alcohol are not believed to be a factor in this incident.

The Wyoming Police Accident Investigation and Forensic Science Units are continuing to
investigate this crash. Wyoming Police were assisted by officers from the Grand Rapids Police
Department.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-
7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.

Kentwood and Wyoming celebrate National Night Out; Check out our WKTV video



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org

deborah@wktv.org



Kentwood and Wyoming celebrated National Night Out on Aug. 1 as police officers, firefighters and leaders joined residents at multiple gatherings throughout the two cities. 

An annual event celebrated across the country since 1984, National Night Out seeks to promote community-police partnerships and encourage residents to connect with their neighbors, community leaders and local police and fire personnel.

Many community-based events were hosted throughout the evening and featured a variety of free activities, including food, games and appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog.

Wyoming and Kentwood residents had the opportunity to explore police and fire equipment and learn about a variety of safety topics at several local locations in both cities.

Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley

“National Night Out is an opportunity for us to continue to build and foster relationships between our residents and City leaders and police and fire personnel,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said.

Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin

Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said the Department works hard every day to build strong community relationships.

“National Night Out gives us a chance to engage with community members in a more relaxed, casual setting so we can focus on that,” Litwin explained. “This event is a favorite for our department, and we look forward to spending time connecting with the residents we serve.”  

Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema

“National Night Out is something staff and our community look forward to each year,” Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema said.

Wyoming Director of Public Safety Kimberly Koster

“Spending time and having fun with residents is important for all of our officers and firefighters as we work to build and strengthen relationships in our community,” said Wyoming Director of Public Safety Kimberly Koster. “National Night Out allows us to connect with residents in a positive and meaningful way.”