A year-long analysis of the West Michigan economy by a Grand Valley State University economist points to a clear trend — growth is slowing.
Paul Isely, associate dean and professor of economics in GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, shared findings from his annual economic outlook during the Grand Rapids Chamber’s annual meeting on January 29, highlighting softer consumer spending, declining manufacturing activity and policy pressures weighing on businesses.
“What’s our word for the year? Slow,” Isely said. “The good news is that slow means we’re still moving forward. We’ll probably speed up as the year goes along, but it’s going to be a slow year.”
Isely cited several key data points that led to his team’s projections.
New orders for manufacturing firms have dropped to their lowest level since early 2024, contributing to job losses in the sector.
While other industries — financial, hospitality, construction, government, education and health care — have recorded modest to substantial job gains over the past two years, manufacturing firms in West Michigan have shed 5,000 jobs over the same period, Isely said. Statewide, Michigan has lost 27,000 manufacturing jobs in those two years, he added.
“This is an amazing number because this is some of the highest paid jobs that we have for middle income people, and it’s dropping really, really fast,” Isely said.
“A lot of this has to do with government uncertainty around regulations that go with cars and government uncertainty around tariffs.”
The report also identifies broader policy pressures on the West Michigan economy. Tariffs are squeezing profit margins as businesses absorb higher import costs.
“We’ve been told that other countries are paying the tariffs, so therefore we’re collecting money that isn’t hurting our economy, but this is simply not true,” Isely said.
More than half of surveyed firms cited state policies — the increase in minimum wage, the Earned Sick Time Act and other regulations — as barriers to growth.
“The government is slowing business in ways that we’ve never seen before,” Isely said.
“Businesses have always complained about regulation, hopping through things and government intrusion, but we’ve never actually seen it change how businesses invest.”
As profits shrink, Isely said, more firms are shedding middle management positions and investing in, and relying on, artificial intelligence to maintain productivity.
“AI investment is hiding weakness everywhere else,” Isely said. “In fact, the U.S. economy this year would have been in recession if we took out AI investment.”
Isely projects the region’s economy to see some resilience and slowly emerge this spring and summer. The tax cuts implemented with the Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” along with falling interest rates, could spur business investment later this year, Isely said.
“We have some good markers that there will be some help coming in the second half of the year, and as long as we don’t mess it up, that’ll be good news,” Isely said.
“Don’t expect great breakneck growth, and there are some substantial downside risks, but right now those don’t seem to be coming into play, and we’ll be watching for those.”
Consumers Energy delivered meaningful reliability improvements for nearly 2 million Michigan homes and businesses in 2025 even as the state faced some of the harshest and most destructive weather in generations.
Despite 20% more weather‑driven outage events, proactive work reduced customer impacts by 130,000 outages at their homes and businesses, and improved storm forecasting and planning generated $15 million in savings. These results highlight the impact of the company’s ongoing investments in a smarter, stronger grid and enhanced storm response through the Reliability Roadmap — performance that continues to prove itself as Michigan faces more bad weather in 2026.
“Recently, extreme weather has tried to test our grid in unprecedented ways,” said Greg Salisbury, senior vice president and president of electric distribution. “Even with some of the most intense ice, wind and tornado activity we’ve ever seen — and the extreme cold and heavy snow that has hit Michigan already this year — our system held strong. Our continued investments and our commitment to being prepared and ready to respond helped us deliver real, lasting progress for our customers when they needed it most.”
It was a record‑breaking weather year across Michigan, marked by historic storms and extreme conditions that tested communities statewide.
Two ice storms including one in late March that became Northern Michigan’s worst since 1922.
Michigan recorded 33 confirmed tornadoes, tying 1973 for the third‑highest total on record.
Seven thunderstorm-related wind gusts over 75 mph were reported, the greatest number of such extreme wind reports in two decades.
Even with significantly tougher weather in 2025, Consumers Energy delivered stronger reliability compared to before we launched the Reliability Roadmap in 2023. Outage events, a key indicator of system damage, rose nearly 20% yet customers experienced 130,000 less outages thanks to grid‑hardening efforts and increased system automation. Enhanced weather forecasting and outage predictions combined with strategic pre‑planning also produced $15 million in savings, reducing both outage duration and overall impact.
“These results reflect a year of learning, discipline and preparation,” said Norm Kapala, vice president of grid operations restoration and work management. “Our teams refined our storm planning approach, strengthened our forecasting tools and streamlined our response strategy. That work is improving reliability and importantly, it’s also saving customers money. It reinforces a simple truth: victory favors the prepared. When we plan, our customers benefit twice with fewer outages and lower costs.”
Throughout 2025, Consumers Energy accelerated grid‑modernization efforts, including targeted upgrades, enhanced line clearing, and advanced storm‑preparedness strategies. Crews installed more smart‑grid automation, used infrared and robotic inspection tools to detect issues early, and strengthened infrastructure to withstand severe ice, high winds and fast‑moving tornado outbreaks.
“Every mile of line cleared, every new pole or technology installed and every weather system monitored helps shield our customers from storms that would have caused far more disruption just a few years ago,” Kapala said. “Our teams are dedicated to strengthening this system day after day so that when the weather turns fierce, our customers can count on us.”
Consumers Energy remains focused on its long‑term reliability goals, including reducing outages during severe weather and restoring power to all customers within 24 hours. The progress made during 2025, despite historically extreme conditions, reflects a significant step forward.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport announced it once again surpassed its previous annual passenger record, with 4,303,696 guests choosing to fly through the Airport in 2025.
“We are proud to serve as a launchpad to the world for our community and welcome guests to West Michigan with world class service,” President and CEO Tory Richardson said. “The consistent growth we’ve seen over the past several years shows not only West Michiganders are on the move, but our region is a growing destination.
“Our team and partners are critical in the success we’ve seen. I thank them for their tireless work to create the best experience possible for everyone who flies through the Ford International Airport. I also thank our community – it’s your strong support that has allowed us to continue to grow and exceed our expectations.”
To celebrate this achievement, the Airport is hosting a variety of festivities throughout the terminal on Jan. 28, including an appearance from Airport mascot Jerry the Jet, free swag, and more.
In 2024, the Airport surpassed four million passengers for the first time.
The Airport has continued to develop and improve amenities over the recent years aimed at elevating the passenger experience. In June, The Club GRR opened, offering a premium experience for passengers with all-inclusive food and beverage service. Located in a private second-floor space on Concourse A, the lounge includes furnishings by MillerKnoll, quiet zones, restrooms and productivity areas with expansive airfield views.
(Photo Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
In 2024, the Airport also opened its Sensory Room, providing a therapeutic setting that helps individuals feel comfortable in their surroundings. The space is designed to minimize overstimulation and provide a calm and inclusive environment for individuals of all ages with cognitive and development disabilities. Additional capital improvement projects underway include the Terminal Enhancement Project, which will add ticketing space and improve baggage management, along with Michigan’s first consolidated rental car facility, or ConRAC.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority operates and manages the Airport with more than 100 team members who are responsible for the infrastructure and maintenance of facilities. Additionally, more than 1,300 team members from eight airlines, food and beverage providers, maintenance facilities and several other partners come together to offer air service and amenities to guests.
For more information about the Ford International Airport, visit FlyFord.org.
Three dogs died and one was rescued as the Wyoming Fire Department extinguished a house fire in sub-zero temperatures at 3:45 a.m. Friday at 2048 Flossie Ave. SW.
The first arriving fire units observed significant fire coming from the back of the house. All occupants were quickly accounted for; however four family dogs were still missing. While the fire department was extinguishing the fire, one dog was rescued and survived. Sadly, the three other dogs did not survive the fire. No other injuries were reported.
Neighbor called 911 after seeing flames
The fire department was notified of this house fire due to the actions of an observant neighbor who saw smoke and flames emanating from the rear of house. Their ability to notify 911 ensured a timely response from the fire department and quick extinguishment of the fire.
The Wyoming Fire Department would like to thank the partners involved with this fire including the Wyoming Police Department, Grandville Fire Department, Life EMS, DTE, Consumers Energy and The Red Cross.
The Fire Prevention Office would like to remind residents during this recent snowfall and cold temperatures keeping at least a three-foot clearance around fire hydrants will help firefighters gain easy access.
This fire is currently under investigation. Anyone with additional information regarding the fire is asked to contact the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office at 616-257-9764.
“We’re excited to introduce the six dynamic companies who will begin testing their air travel solutions at the Ford International Airport,” said Alex Peric, Chief Operating Officer of the Ford International Airport Authority. “These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to innovation and progress for the future of aviation, and we look forward to another round of pilot-testing.”
FLITE, a first-of-its-kind program in the aviation industry, is helping shape the future of aviation by providing grant funding and pilot-testing opportunities to companies developing air travel technologies and services. The six companies in this round include:
GoodMaps: Advances wayfinding and emergency alerts though AI indoor mapping to enhance accessibility for travelers.
Kodiak Technologies: Develops electric and hybrid-electric heavy-duty snow removal equipment to reduce emissions and strengthen airport operations.
Pratt Miller: Provides advanced engineering services and solutions across mobility, defense, and motorsports, including expertise in vehicle robotics.
TractEasy: Provides operational solutions using its autonomous tow tractor to improve safety and efficiency in airport ground operations.
Westwood AI: Enhances autonomous operations through AI-enabled systems that support security and critical infrastructure.
Airtrek Robotics: Advances aviation safety and reliability by streamlining the ground handling process through robotics and AI.
“As a Michigan‑based company, we are committed to strengthening the region’s aviation and technology ecosystem through local partnerships, workforce development, and pathways for domestic manufacturing,” said Dakoyta Greenman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Westwood AI. “This collaboration with FLITE reflects our broader commitment to delivering mission‑ready autonomous solutions that are easy to adopt, cost‑effective to operate, and built to meet the evolving needs of airports and commercial stakeholders across the country.”
As Michigan’s lead advocate for business development, job creation and community growth, the MEDC has played a key role in fostering innovation. Through the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), the MEDC has provided grant funding to support the companies participating in FLITE, to further the program’s mission and drive advancements in Michigan’s vibrant mobility and technology sectors.
The six companies will pilot their technologies at Ford International Airport this season:
GoodMaps will test a new smartphone-based emergency and safety alerts system to assess performance in real-world operations and refine the guest experience in alignment with ADA and FAA communication requirements.
Kodiak Technologies will validate hybrid-electric snow-removal performance in winter operations and conduct duty-cycle analysis to inform scalable fleet electrification strategies.
Pratt Miller will demonstrate a dual-use autonomous robotic platform that performs perimeter security monitoring and foreign object debris collection to enhance operations.
TractEasy will deploy its autonomous baggage tractor to demonstrate how autonomous towing can improve ramp safety and operational consistency.
Westwood AI will deploy its Runway Ranger airfield operations tool to test how to streamline runway safety, infrastructure readiness, and best maintenance practices.
Airtrek Robotics will demonstrate autonomous wingwalking robots to test in a real-world FBO setting.
“FLITE provides opportunities for us to test new and emerging technologies and gain early access to insights and knowledge,” said Joseph Meszaros, Vice President of Operations for Avflight. “Through this round of FLITE, Avflight is excited to host Airtrek’s autonomous wingwalking technology to conduct a proof-of-concept project at our Grand Rapids location, evaluating its real-world performance.”
FLITE has supported more than 40 projects, awarding over $1.5 million in total grant funds across nine rounds.
Poweshiek skipperlings were once common throughout prairies in the Midwest, but are now found in only two locations: Manitoba, Canada and southeastern Michigan. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Ruth Thornton is a WKTV Contributor. She holds master’s degrees in journalism and fisheries and wildlife, both from Michigan State University. Before working as a journalist, she worked in conservation for many years in Michigan, Minnesota and West Virginia. Her work has appeared in many media outlets, including MLive, the Detroit Free Press, Bridge Michigan, Capital News Service and Great Lakes Echo. You can follow her work via her Substack newsletter, Nature Signals, and at ruththornton.com.
A small butterfly, once a common sight on the prairies of the Midwest, has suddenly vanished and is now the focus of an international partnership racing against time to save it from the brink of extinction.
“Just how quickly they disappeared is what’s really the alarming thing,” said David Pavlik, a research assistant with Michigan State University.
Pavlik is part of an international coalition of scientists and conservationists working to save the Poweshiek skipperling (pronounced POW-uh-SHEEK), an inconspicuous orange butterfly that was once so common in the prairies of the Midwest that collectors largely ignored it.
Now “there are more giant pandas in the world than there are Poweshiek skipperlings,” Pavlik said.
They were once found from the prairies of Manitoba through Minnesota, the eastern Dakotas, Wisconsin, Iowa and into Michigan. They have disappeared from all but two places at the extremes of their range – Manitoba and southeastern Michigan.
The partnership is working to raise the butterflies in zoos for release back into the wild and restore the natural habitats where they once thrived to ensure their long-term survival.
What happened to the Poweshiek skipperlings?
Cale Nordmeyer, a conservation specialist at the Minnesota Zoo, said the Poweshiek skipperling was common when he was growing up in Minnesota.
“As a tallgrass prairie specialist, it really thrived in the mesic prairies, in Minnesota and elsewhere here in the upper Midwest,” he said. Mesic prairie is a type of grassland that once flourished throughout the Midwest.
“If you were out in the right prairie at the right time of year, you were going to see Poweshiek skipperlings,” Nordmeyer said.
Cale Nordmeyer with the Minnesota Zoo is getting ready to release Poweshiek skipperlings raised at John Ball Zoo in 2024. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Decline began in 2000
That started changing about the year 2000, when researchers noticed they weren’t seeing them as much anymore.
“Sometime between 2009 and 2012, it looks like we lost all of our Poweshiek skipperling sites in Minnesota,” he said. They also disappeared from most of the rest of their range.
“Suddenly, these last couple of little populations, many of which were never that big here in far eastern Michigan, suddenly became incredibly important,” Nordmeyer said.
It isn’t obvious why they disappeared, he said. He and other biologists are still trying to understand what happened, what’s killing them and what the solutions might be.
Pavlik said it’s likely a combination of reasons, including habitat loss.
“Habitat loss historically is a huge one,” he said. “The species requires tall grass prairies and prairie fens here in Michigan.” Prairie fens are rare and unique grassy wetlands that are fed by groundwater instead of creeks or streams.
“Over 99% of that habitat is gone,” he said.
Additionally, he said widespread aerial spraying of insecticides has affected the last remaining strongholds of the butterflies, and climate change is probably contributing as well.
“The species overwinters as a caterpillar, and so they can be especially susceptible to changes in winter climate,” he said.
Adding to the difficulty, the butterfly disappeared so quickly researchers weren’t sure what exactly they need to survive, including what plants they feed on.
Learning what the Poweshiek skipperling eats
“They seem to have two major nectar sources,” Pavlik said, referring to the flowers adult butterflies feed on.
“And that’s black-eyed Susan – which seems to be their favorite – and then shrubby cinquefoil,” another relatively common yellow prairie flower, he said.
The butterfly’s caterpillars, on the other hand, have been found on prairie dropseed, a fairly common prairie grass, and on a rarer grass called mat muhly. Both occur in high-quality native prairies and in prairie fens.
When biologists realized how precipitously the Poweshiek skipperling was declining, they convened a meeting of researchers and conservation partners, said Tam Smith, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the national recovery lead for the butterfly.
The experts at the meeting “recognized that (the Poweshiek) was going down this spiral of extinction,” Smith said.
In 2022, the agency released a 50-year recovery plan for the butterfly, listing the actions scientists had determined were necessary for its full recovery. The cost for all activities over the five decades was estimated at just over $57 million.
One of the main proposed actions at the meeting was to start a captive breeding program.
Smith said the Minnesota Zoo stepped in first to start rearing the butterflies in captivity, using eggs that had been collected from females in Michigan.
But with so much uncertainty about the basic biology of the species, it was difficult going at first – they quickly found out how sensitive the species was to temperature and humidity, Smith said.
“One of the first years they started, the temperature was off,” Smith said. That caused the caterpillars to develop too quickly. But then the attempts were more successful.
Later a zoo in Canada, Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, joined the effort, and a few years after that John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, helped as well, Smith said.
Rearing baby butterflies at John Ball Zoo
“Our prairie butterfly program here at the zoo has just grown enormously since 2020,” said Bill Flanagan, the conservation director at John Ball Zoo.
The goal is to “make lots of baby Poweshieks so we can do releases and bolster those wild populations to the point where we can start to do reintroductions and start to recover the species,” Flanagan said.
The first caterpillars arrived in 2021 from the Minnesota Zoo, he said.
“We turned 32 caterpillars into somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 caterpillars” the next year, Flanagan said. “The next year, (in 2023,) we had something like 500 caterpillars in the program.”
A very close call
It was a close call – in 2022 only nine Poweshieks, the lowest number ever, were observed in the wild in Michigan, Pavlik said.
David Pavlik, research assistant with Michigan State University, is working with John Ball Zoo to raise Poweshiek skipperlings for release into the wild. Shown here are cages with grasses that hold the caterpillars. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
But given the success of the zoos’ captive rearing programs, biologists were able to release more than 100 butterflies that year, just in the nick of time.
The following year they saw more butterflies in the wild again.
In 2023 they had bred enough butterflies to release more than 500, and in 2024 and 2025 more than 1,000 each year.
Breeding butterflies: a year at John Ball Zoo
With a short flight period of only a few weeks, things get hectic at John Ball Zoo in July when the adult butterflies emerge and start laying eggs.
“We have one shot,” Pavlik said. “In three weeks we have to do all of the breeding, all of the releases. It’s a pretty crazy time.”
After the adults emerge, biologists pair up a male and female butterfly – first making sure they are compatible genetically – and place them in what they call a “breeding tent,” a sheer cloth-covered square frame about 12 inches to a side.
Bill Flanagan, conservation director at John Ball Zoo, shows off Poweshiek skipperling breeding cages in front of a hoop house with more caterpillar cages. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Then “we monitor them throughout the day to see if they do breed,” he said. “And if they do, we’ll release the male into the wild the next day, and then the female gets transferred to an egg laying enclosure, where she’ll lay the eggs that we’ll collect every morning.”
Almost every morning someone from the zoo drives the newly hatched butterflies to southeastern Michigan, a couple hours’ drive away, for release into the wild, Pavlik said.
Many species fly for a short time only
When people think about butterflies, they often picture the adults they see flying about. But many species fly for only a couple of weeks during the year, including the Poweshiek.
Each butterfly lives for only about four to six days in the wild, he said. “Most of the year, we’re taking care of the caterpillars.”
The caterpillars – also called larvae – feed on the host grasses and go through several “instars,” progressive stages where they shed their skin and grow. Eventually they enter what’s called a “diapause” and overwinter, resting head-down on grass blades.
A spring awakening
When they wake up in the spring, usually around April or May, they resume feeding and go through additional instars before finally turning into the familiar butterflies.
The zoo recreates the natural conditions as best as it can, transferring the caterpillars to a freezer during their diapause stage.
“When winter comes, we’ll take those caterpillars off of the plant and put them in a very special and highly controlled overwintering chamber where we can control the temperature and the humidity for exactly what the species needs to survive for nearly six months,” Pavlik said.
David Pavlik and Cinnamon Mittan, a postdoctoral researcher in Sarah Fitzpatrick’s lab, are preparing caterpillars to be placed in the overwintering chambers, located behind them. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
In the spring, when the host plants start growing again, zookeepers bring the caterpillars out of the freezer and put them back on their plants.
“From May until the end of June, we’re taking care of those caterpillars again until they become adult butterflies,” he said. “And then we repeat the cycle all over again.”
Protecting the butterfly’s remaining habitat
“It doesn’t matter how many butterflies we can produce here at the zoo, we could release 5,000,” Pavlik said. “But if the habitat is not there for them, or if the habitat’s been taken over by invasive species, it doesn’t matter how many we release, it’s not going to work.”
He said that’s why the international partnership is so important – various organizations working on different parts of the problem.
“I don’t think I’ve heard of a butterfly that has this big of a coalition of people working to save it from extinction,” Pavlik said.
Members include not only federal and state agencies from the U.S. and Canada, but also universities, nonprofit conservation organizations and land managers maintaining and restoring the natural areas the butterfly needs to survive.
In 2024 the researchers attempted the first reintroduction of the butterfly in Michigan at a site where they once occurred, but had disappeared from.
The site had become overgrown with buckthorn, an invasive woody species that quickly takes over grassy areas, including prairies and prairie fens.
Nordmeyer said land managers in southeast Michigan had spent five years removing the buckthorn and other invasive species from the area.
Secret locations help the butterflies thrive
The locations where the butterflies still occur and where they are released are kept secret, however, because of incidents in the past few years when people trampled the fragile habitat when the butterflies were flying.
With such low population numbers, Smith said, any trampling of eggs or caterpillars, or chasing away the adult butterflies, could be devastating for the species.
Cale Nordmeyer with the Minnesota Zoo releases Poweshiek skipperlings in an undisclosed location in southeast Michigan in 2024. (Video Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Signs of a larger problem?
The decline of the butterflies is a warning sign that the natural areas it occurs in could be in trouble.
“It’s a really good indicator species,” Pavlik said. “When we see these declines happening for a butterfly so quickly, we know that whatever is affecting that species is probably affecting a lot of other species.”
“It’s important to know that it’s not just Poweshieks,” he said. “Pollinator and insect declines are happening very quickly worldwide.”
A promising recovery amid an uncertain future
“If you plant native pollinator gardens in your yard, you’ll be helping so many other species. And don’t spray pesticides,” Pavlik said. “Those are two of the biggest things you can do to have a positive impact for pollinators across the world.”
While the Poweshiek skipperling is not out of the woods yet, preliminary results from this year’s field season are promising, Nordmeyer said.
“We were able to confirm survivorship of last year’s offspring at the (reintroduction) site,” he wrote in an email.
The situation for Poweshieks is still dire, he said, but this year biologists saw more butterflies than in recent years, and a similar number as before the 2013 population crash.
“It’s too early to declare victory,” he said, but thanks to the hard work of the partnership working together to breed the butterfly and restore its habitat, “the downward trend of the Poweshiek skipperling is tangibly reversing.”
A 100-plus car pile-up, including dozens of semi-trucks, closed both directions of traffic on Interstate 196 Monday morning between Hudsonville and Zeeland while snow and heavy winds rolled across West Michigan.
UPDATE: Both directions of I-196 re-opened at 6:45 p.m. Thursday
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said the multi-car pile-up on I-196 began approximately at 10:19 a.m. Jan. 19, near 64th Ave. in Zeeland Township. Deputies were dispatched after receiving multiple reports of numerous crashes and slide-offs in the area.
As of 2 p.m. Monday, all injured patients were transported to area hospitals via ambulance. There were 10 total persons injured with non-life threatening injuries and 25 motorists were transported to a reunification point at Hudsonville High School.
Sheriff’s Deputies worked with area ambulance and fire services to treat the wounded and transport them to area hospitals. The Michigan State Police and Zeeland Police Department also assisted deputies on the scene.
The highway was closed in both directions between the Hudsonville exit of 196 (62) and the Zeeland exit of 1-96 (55). Motorists were encouraged to avoid this stretch of 196 and avoid travel completely, unless necessary.
Buses from Hudsonville High School (HHS) and Max Transit were used to assist OCSO with transporting stranded motorists from the scene to Hudsonville High School.
Kip Snyder was sworn in as the next Chief for the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
In his role, Chief Snyder will lead a team of nearly 167 full-time sworn and civilian personnel from both the police and fire department. Snyder will serve in this role until his retirement in 2027.
Snyder has dedicated his career to law enforcement and public safety, serving the City of Wyoming in a wide range of roles. He began his career as a patrol officer, where he developed a strong foundation in community-focused policing. He later served as a K9 handler and vice detective, gaining specialized experience in enforcement, investigations and proactive policing.
“Deputy Chief Snyder has been an exceptional and instrumental member of our public safety team.” said Wyoming City Manager John Shay. “He has gone above and beyond in his various positions, and I believe is a role model and trusted figure for our residents.
“We look forward to seeing him lead our public safety team in its ongoing mission to protect and to serve our community.”
Snyder served as sergeant, overseeing both patrol and support services, followed by lieutenant responsible for patrol and administrative services. He later was promoted to captain of police services, where he provided strategic oversight of departmental operations, and most recently served as deputy director, playing a critical role in executive leadership, organizational development, and long-term planning for both the police and fire departments.
Throughout his career, Snyder has led or helped establish several impactful initiatives designed to strengthen both employee wellness and operational effectiveness. These efforts include the creation of the peer support team, cadet program, and use of force cadre, as well as the development of the department’s K9 program and Community Services Unit (CSU). In addition, Snyder played a key role in developing succession planning within the Wyoming Fire Department, ensuring continuity of leadership and operational readiness.
Snyder’s service and dedication have been recognized through multiple honors, including a Life Saving Award, the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence, and numerous commendations throughout his career. Snyder has completed extensive executive-level training, including FBI-LEEDA, the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the Grand Rapids Leadership Institute, and the FBI National Academy class 236.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration, also from Ferris State University.
Snyder resides in Hudsonville with his wife Jill. He also has four adult children – daughters Elizabeth and Roda and sons Christian and Joshua and daughter-in-law Katelyn.
Snyder replaces Chief Kimberly Koster, who retired in early January.
Michigan State University’s Bug House, managed by the Department of Entomology, is launching Six-Legged Saturdays as a new addition to its public programming following a successful crowdfunding effort supported by a significant contribution from the Great Lakes Entomological Society.
The family-friendly events will take place on the third Saturday of each month and will run alongside the Bug House’s existing monthly open houses, both of which are free and open to the public. “With Six-Legged Saturdays, we are able to provide additional free opportunities for folks to visit the Bug House at family-friendly times,” said Amanda Lorenz, director of the Bug House. Programming will include an insect-themed story time led by Entomology Department Chair Hannah Burrack and hands-on, bug-inspired crafts.
The goal of Six-Legged Saturdays is to introduce young audiences to science in a fun and engaging way while fostering curiosity about insects. “The Bug House provides a welcoming environment in which to learn about insects with opportunities to safely interact with live bugs,” Lorenz said.
Live insect handling during Six-Legged Saturdays is completely optional, and participants may choose activities that do not involve close contact with the live insects housed at the Bug House.
Michigan State University Bug House 2026. (Photo Courtesy, MSU)
“Insects are a wonderful way to engage people in learning about nature and science because everyone has some feeling about them. Folks may be fascinated, fearful, or grossed out, and this helps drive them to learn more!” Burrack said. “My hope is that expanding Bug House programming to weekends will allow more community members to attend, particularly those who cannot attend our weekday and evening events.”
In addition to the new programming, the Bug House will continue to offer its regular monthly open houses on the second Monday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore live insects and arachnids and learn more about their ecological importance.
Michigan State University Bug House 2026. (Photo Courtesy, MSU)
The Grand Valley State University community will reflect on the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during a week of activities, January 19-24, in Grand Rapids and on its campuses.
A new West Michigan community event kicks off the week on January 19, the federal holiday recognizing King’s birthday.
The 40th Annual MLK Celebration: A Call to Courageous Community Action begins at 6 p.m. at Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy Street SE in Grand Rapids. The event is free and open to the public. It will feature artistic performances, a panel discussion and the presentation of college scholarships for local students.
A longstanding partnership among GVSU, Davenport University and Grand Rapids Community College has made it possible for Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, to visit West Michigan and deliver messages about how King continues to impact and inspire members of the nation’s largest civil rights organization.
Johnson kicks off GVSU’s MLK Commemoration Week on Tuesday, Jan. 20, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room. President Philomena V. Mantella will facilitate a conversation with Johnson. The event will be live-streamed. Click here to join the meeting and watch the presentation.
Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. (Photo Courtesy, GVSU)
A native of Detroit, Johnson has served as NAACP president since 2017. Prior to that, he was the vice chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors and state president for the Mississippi State Conference NAACP. A longstanding leader, Johnson has helped guide the NAACP through a period of re-envisioning and reinvigoration. Johnson attended Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, and earned a juris doctorate from the South Texas College of Law in Houston.
Robert Shorty, vice president for People, Equity, and Culture, said Johnson’s presentation and the week’s other events present opportunities for collective Laker impact and action. His division is leading the commemoration week activities.
“Dr. King’s beloved community is built daily through our own actions,” Shorty said. “This week is a call to every Laker to recognize that together, we have the power to bridge divides.
“While we learn from national leaders like Derrick Johnson, the true catalyst for progress is the courageous ways we show up for one another. I invite you to engage in these conversations and ignite your individual power to turn reflection into collective impact.”
Jan. 21: Silent March, Keynote Speaker Organizers will lead a silent march beginning at 4 p.m. outside of Zumberge Hall. Participants will walk through the Valley Campus and end at the Kirkhof Center in time for a presentation by Dar Mayweather ’07 and ’09 that begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Grand River Room. That event will be live-streamed. Click here to join the meeting and watch the presentation.
Mayweather is a leadership studies faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. In that role, Mayweather empowers college students to identify their unique talents and articulate those strengths to industry leaders, ensuring they secure jobs or graduate school placements before graduation.
In 2016, Mayweather founded Good Mayweather Consulting LLC and the #doingthegoodwork brand to channel his passion for speaking and curriculum development. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in education from GVSU, followed by a doctorate in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University.
Jan. 22: King In Conversation: The Spiritualities of Non-Violence The Kaufman Interfaith Institute will host a dinner and panel discussion focused on the spiritual frameworks for nonviolent resistance that influenced King or were influenced by him. Panelists are Carolyn White, Elliot Ratzman and Gail Presbey. Joe Jones will serve as moderator. RSVP for the event online and learn more details about the panelists.
Jan. 24: MLK Day of Solidarity and Service This annual event is coordinated by the Office of Student Life – Civic Engagement. Hundreds of students are expected to participate in the event that begins at 8 a.m. Damon Arnold, motivational speaker and GVSU associate athletic director, will give remarks before students board buses to volunteer at West Michigan nonprofit sites. Students can RSVP for the event. The registration deadline is January 14 or until filled.
GVSU students volunteering during the 2025 MLK Day of Service and Solidarity at Gilda’s Club in Grand Rapids. (Photo Courtesy, GVSU)
The Kentwood Police Department responded to a shooting with injuries at approximately 8:34 p.m. Thursday in the area of Ridgebrook Ave. and Carriage Hill Dr.
Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile victim with non-life-threatening injuries. First responders rendered aid, and the victim was transported to an area hospital. Shell casings along with damage to property also were located on scene. No suspects have been arrested at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-656-6580. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
Despite modest improvement across several key metrics, a report from a Grand Valley State University researcher indicates the West Michigan economy closed out 2025 continuing a softening trend.
Brian Long, director of supply chain management research at GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, said his December survey of the region’s businesses and purchasing managers revealed widespread uncertainty and concern among respondents.
“According to the data we collected in the last two weeks of December, the West Michigan economic softness that we reported in November has unfortunately carried over for another month,” Long said.
“But again, the word is soft, not collapsing. January is a back-to-work month and sometimes gives us a better clue where the economy is really going for the rest of the year.”
Long noted that performance within some of the region’s traditionally strong industries — including auto parts manufacturing and office furniture production — continues to weigh on the overall economy.
“Business planners are of course confused and frustrated because there’s simply too many moving parts to make an accurate assessment of exactly where we’re going,” Long said. “So, as a consequence, expansion plans and new hire plans have often been put on hold.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Long said ambiguity remains the defining theme.
“I guess ‘confused’ might be the best way to describe the 2026 outlook for West Michigan,” Long said. “Yes, we have some data that is continuing to soften, but almost every day there’s an announcement that can change the paradigm for the business environment.”
(Photo Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Here’s a look at the key index results from December’s survey of West Michigan purchasing managers:
New orders index (business improvement): -11 vs. -20 in November
Production index (output): -17 vs. -23 in November
Learning about hospice sooner rather than later gives caregivers a wider understanding of resources that can support them as their caregiving journey evolves. (Photo Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
For family caregivers, it’s easy to do when juggling caregiving for a loved one with jobs and other responsibilities, but not taking care of themselves can result in a snowball of negative effects, often unintended. Valerie Willock, a community relations specialist with Emmanuel Hospice, has seen it play out too often.
“If the caregiver is not taking care of themselves, that’s not helping anyone,” she says. “Caregiver fatigue and burnout are very real. There are a lot of layers of stress that begin to weigh on caregivers over time. There’s emotional and physical challenges, as well as a financial impact.”
Willock believes seeking support is an act of self-care and assures caregivers who are hesitant to ask for help that “people want to take care of people.”
“It’s important to find your community, whether it’s through your church, book club or a support group to help you get through difficult times,” she says. “Open up to people, and you’ll find others who are going through a similar situation. It really helps to realize you’re not alone.”
Equally important is taking time to learn about resources that can support you throughout your caregiving journey. Hospice care is one of those resources.
From Willock’s perspective, too few know how supportive hospice is – not only for patients but for caregivers, too. With hospice, she says caregivers and other family members gain “a whole support system” that allows them to focus on cherishing the remaining time with their loved one.
That support system includes an interdisciplinary team of medical providers, along with a social worker, home health aides, spiritual caregivers, complementary therapy specialists, bereavement counselors and others to ensure all needs are met. In addition, hospice can help take care of all the “nitty-gritty,” as Willock likes to say, of day-to-day care, including medication, durable medical equipment and other supplies.
“We serve as navigators at the end of life,” she said. “For anyone hesitant about accepting outside help, let me reassure you we are not here to take over control. We are here to listen, support and answer questions. We meet you where you are and just give you extra cushion.”
Willock’s goal for every family member she meets is for them to have the opportunity to step out of the role of caregiver and “just be the daughter, son or spouse” of their loved one during whatever time they have left together. She says learning about hospice sooner rather than later is always best and encourages families to have open conversations about how they want to live at the end of life.
“Once a caregiver has that conversation, a weight is lifted because there’s clarity about their loved one’s wishes,” Willock explains. “They know who to call and what comes next. No surprises, just support.”
For older adults, the best New Year’s resolution may be to make regular health checkups a priority.
That’s because health risks increase after age 55, but with early detection and preventive health strategies, these risks can be managed. Laura Hall, a nurse practitioner and director of clinical services at Care Resources PACE, says a healthy lifestyle and consistent medical checkups are key for older adults, but one annual physical isn’t enough.
“In our primary care office at Care Resources, we see participants, who are 55 years or older, at least twice a year for physicals and assessments and often many times in between for acute concerns, such as cold or flu symptoms,” Hall shared. “If we make a medication change, or if they need to see a specialist, we will also follow up more regularly.”
Those checkups include screenings for various diseases as well as ongoing treatments for preexisting conditions. Screenings and assessments for high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, cognitive function, depression and anxiety are common for older adults due to their increased risk. The goal is early detection and prevention of further issues.
“Catching things early is so important,” Hall said. “In addition to screening for new issues, preventative health can also include treating those chronic diseases to prevent worse problems from happening in the future.
“Two big ones of concern are diabetes and high blood pressure because they can affect all other parts of your life. If they are not in good control right away, there are other risks and illnesses.”
Vaccinations also are recommended as part of preventative health to help boost immunity, prevent complications and reduce hospitalizations. More vaccines are recommended for older adults as their immune systems weaken with age.
“As it gets older, the body is under more stress and more likely to get an infection,” Hall said. “Older adults are more vulnerable to severe illness from common infections such as flu, pneumonia, RSV and shingles. Preventing that with a vaccine is critical.”
Beyond regular checkups and screenings, Hall says staying active, maintaining a healthy diet and socializing with others all contribute to long-term wellness and independence.
“Care Resources is a great place for that,” Hall said. “We do a little bit of everything when participants are here. They can enjoy a healthy meal and socialize with other adults at the day center, then go see the doctor on-site for any health concerns. They can also talk to a social worker, go to physical therapy and access a number of other great resources all in one place.”
The nonprofit’s locations in Grand Rapids and Lowell each have a full health clinic, pharmacy, rehab gym and activity rooms, in addition to providing after-hours medical services and technology to keep seniors safe at home and out of the ER.
“I like to compare our clinic to an urgent care because we can see people right away, but we get to know our participants so well,” Hall said. “By seeing patients as regularly as we do, we help them avoid needing to see other specialists or having surgery because we catch things sooner.”
Avoiding costly emergency care is another benefit of preventive health. Most major health insurance plans must cover essential preventive services, which reduce the need for more expensive treatments down the road.
“For PACE participants, everything is covered if their provider recommends it,” Hall said. “If we order it, it’s approved. That includes meds, testing, labs and regular screening. There is no extra rigamarole of Medicare and Medicaid to muddle through – and no copay.”
The City of Wyoming has approximately 250 miles or 600 lane-miles of streets. The most efficient way to manage snow and ice removal on these streets is to prioritize the streets according to their use.
First Priority: These are the major streets which carry the most traffic and have the highest speed limits. They are plowed and salted frequently so as to keep them as snow and ice free as possible.
Second Priority: These are the collector streets which have lower traffic volumes and lower speed limits. They are dispersed throughout residential neighborhoods such that everyone is within a reasonable distance from either a first or second priority street. These streets are plowed and spot-salted regularly but not as often as the major streets.
Third Priority: These are the remaining residential streets and culs-de-sac. They are plowed when the snow depth reached four inches, either from a storm event or snow accumulation. Our goal is to complete the plowing of all streets within 24-hours of a four-inch or greater storm.
Odd-Even Winter Parking Restrictions
Help keep our streets clear of snow this winter and avoid parking tickets by following the odd-even parking ordinance! The ordinance – in effect Dec. 1 through March 31 – requires people to alternate the side of the street they park on between 12 a.m. and 6 p.m. That’s so plows can keep both sides of the street clear of snow. It helps to keep roadways clear and accessible for you, snowplows, and emergency vehicles during the winter. Odd-even parking fines are $30 per violation received.
Odd-Even Parking at a Glance
No Parking Signs: Regardless of odd-even status, parking is never permitted in designated “No Parking” zones.
Helpful Tip: Between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m., make sure to move your vehicle to the side of the road matching the next day’s date.
Dates and Times: No parking on alternating sides of the street from midnight to 6 p.m., December 1 until March 31.
Snow or No Snow: This ordinance is enforceable even when there is no snow.
Odd Dates: On odd dates, park on the side of the street with odd addresses – those that end with 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9.
Even Dates: On even dates, park on the side of the street with even addresses – those that end with 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8.
Cul-De-Sacs: In a cul-de-sac, you may only park on the street on even-numbered calendar days.
Kentwood residents can recycle their real Christmas trees from Dec. 27 through Jan. 30 at the Department of Public Works drop-off site at 5068 Breton Ave. SE.
Hours of operation:
Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. to Noon Sunday: CLOSED Also Closed On: Dec. 31, Jan. 1 and 19
How it works:
*You must be a Kentwood resident – ID required
*You may only bring your Christmas tree to be recycled.
*Remove all decorations: lights, bulbs, tinsel, metal hooks, etc.
The Kentwood Police Department responded to a vehicle/pedestrian crash at 7 p.m. Monday in the 4200 block of 28th St. SE. Upon arrival, a 41-year-old female was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is believed that one or more vehicles involved left the scene, according to the Kentwood Police Department.
The Kentwood Police Department will release more information regarding these vehicles in the near future. Investigating Officers are asking for anyone who witnessed the incident to call Sgt. Carey at 616-656-6561.
Wyoming Police responded to a report of a person threatening construction workers with a rifle in the 4300 block of Thorndyke Ave SW (Courtesy, Wyoming Police Department)
One person is in custody after threatening construction contractors working on a neighboring house with a rifle and then barricading himself inside his residence.
On Dec. 21, 2025, at around 5:30 p.m., Wyoming Police responded to a report of a person threatening construction workers with a rifle in the 4300 block of Thorndyke Ave SW. While officers were on their way, the caller updated them, stating that a shot had been fired and the suspect had gone back into his home. After several hours of negotiations, the 60-year-old male suspect exited the house and was arrested without any further issues. No one was injured during the incident.
Wyoming Police Detectives and Forensic Services Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police Detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Former poet laureate of Grand Rapids, Patricia Clark, has written countless poems, published several volumes of poetry and received multitudes of accolades for her works (Courtesy, Chris Clark/Grand Rapids Press)
Former poet laureate of Grand Rapids, Patricia Clark, has written countless poems, published several volumes of poetry and received multitudes of accolades for her works. She is also one of the only poets to have a poem land on the moon.
Patricia Clark signs copies of her books for members of the Women’s City Club of Grand Rapids (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“Astronomy ‘In Perfect Silence’” landed on the moon with a NASA flight module in March 2025. The poem was part of The Lunar Codex project and was inspired by an astronomy class she took in 1972 as a University of Washington undergraduate.
Like her moon-bound poem, Clark’s other works are born of personal experiences and inner musings. Writing poems, Clark says, is a great way to introspect and think.
However, the poet and retired Grand Valley State University professor has found herself having to defend the poetry genre over the years.
“Poetry scares a lot of people,” Clark says. “The problem is that people always want to know what the meaning of the poem was, and I think that’s the wrong way to go about it. It’s partly just to give you pleasure, to read a poem, and to let the words roll around in your mouth like food.”
Clark thinks of herself as an ambassador of poetry, encouraging others to enjoy the process of reading and writing poetry, and often talking about the inspiration behind her poems when sharing them.
Bitten by books
Clark was “bitten by books” at a young age, and could often be found at the public library. Despite her love for reading and poetry, however, Clark majored in economics in college.
“I didn’t know you could choose to be a writer; that seemed outrageous,” says Clark. “Even in college I wasn’t writing much. But I loved poetry, and I loved reading. I would be in an econ class, and I’d have a book of poems behind my textbook.”
Clark is also an advocate of memorization. “I think memorizing is great because then you can possess a poem in a different way because you know it.”
Why poetry?
Clark says “there’s just something in the music” of a poem.
The works of poet Pablo Neruda helped Clark believe she could also write poetry. Neruda’s poems, Clark says, are “very simple, earthy kinds of things. When I pick those poems up and read them, immediately I think: I can write a poem. I can do that.
“You find other poets who do that for you too, and you pick up a book, read a few poems, and you want to rush to your desk and start scribbling things down.”
Clark has published three chapbooks of poems (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
When inspiration strikes
Clark often uses her past as inspiration for her writing. Writers end up writing about where they were, says Clark, because they have a better view of it from a distance.
Not surprisingly, Clark’s parents are often featured in her poems.
Clark admits her relationship with her mother was not always easy, depicting their volatile relationship in various poems. However, “Because What We Do Lives On” gives voice to her mother’s iron fierceness in defending Clark’s father when wronged.
“She could really defend my father when it came down to it.”
Clark often finds inspiration striking when she observes paintings and other artistic works. Some of those works even “haunt” her until she writes about them.
A taste of poetry…
O Lucky Day is Clark’s seventh volume of published poetry (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Readers of Clark’s poetry will find themselves drawn in by her eloquent prose and snippets of humor.
“36 Myopia Road” contains an imaginative and somewhat humorous depiction of Clark’s mother being startled into giving birth.
“…when my people left for the West Coast, an egg in my mother’s belly started to grow into me…Settling into the Puget Sound’s salt air, they awaited my birth like the Messiah. Stars aligned and Magi came on horse- and camel-back. Once, a blue and white parakeet appeared in a pine tree. My mother tried to catch it and then I was born…“
On a more serious note, Clark’s poem titled “Our Next Breath” bears hard truths.
“…sometimes the injustices stack up so high, tilting, they could topple and crash…We turn off the news because it’s terrifying, and there’s nothing we can do…we can’t give up joy…going on as we can, looking up and out, as uncertain as our next breath.“
It’s in the small things…
For those interested in writing poetry, Clark advises writing things down – even the small things.
“Sometimes with poetry, it’s the really small thing, it’s not the big thing,” says Clark. “Poets just go home, and they write things down.
“When you have these memories, if you write them down, it stimulates more memories. It’s amazing what you can remember.”
Walking is a great stimulator of memories and the imagination, Clark continues.
“Walking stimulates thinking. Pretty soon you’re in another year and another space. I never bring a notebook with me. If it’s important enough, I’ll remember when I get home.”
A lifetime of accomplishments
Clark talks about life as a poet to the Women’s City Club (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
In addition to her seven volumes of poetry, Clark has also published three chapbooks, and various works have been featured in several notable national publications.
Awards for Clark’s work include a Creative Artist Grant in Michigan, the Mississippi Review Prize, the Gwendolyn Brooks Prize, co-winner of the Lucille Medwick Prize from the Poetry Society of America, the Poetry Society of Virginia’s book award, with Self-Portrait with a Million Dollars from her most recent volume of poetry nominated for Best of the Net. Her very first book, titled North of Wondering, won the Women in Literature Poetry competition.
Clark served as the poet laureate of Grand Rapids from 2005-2007, and was Poet-in-Residence and Professor in the Department of Writing at Grand Valley State University.
However, knowing that her works touch lives is most important to the poet.
“When someone says they enjoyed my work, I can live on that for days,” says Clark. “No need for money; I could live on those few words for days.”
A complete list of Clark’s works and accomplishments can be found here.
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org AND By Deborah Reed WKTV Managing Editor
Former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple has certainly experienced the highs and lows that life brings.
From playing in the NFL for 10 years to experiencing the tragedy of his son taking his life as a teenager, it has been a roller coaster ride for Hipple.
WKTV recently sat down with the former NFL quarterback for a Soundbites TV show to dig into his life and learn what now makes him tick many years away from the sport.
An unbelievable start
During his career, Hipple passed for over 10,000 yards with 55 touchdowns. His memorable start was back in 1981 against the Chicago Bears for a Monday Night Football game. He threw four touchdown passes and ran for two more in a big win over those Bears in an unbelievable start.
“It was a huge night,” Hipple remembers. “We had gone through the starting quarterback who had broken his hand and the backup quarterback played two games and just stunk it up really bad and they gave me my opportunity and they gave me the start.
“It’s a long day because in your head you’re going over and over and over what the first play is going to be, which is a pass play. You think of all the things that could possibly happen. When I finally got underneath the center and looked at the defense and recognized what they’re doing, and it’s going to be a pass, and I completed the first pass. It’s like a 40-yard bomb … the place just erupted. I came off the ground about three feet, just floated. I don’t think I came back down until the game ended.
“Everything just went right. We practiced really hard, we had a really good game plan. When the game was over it was like I had a hard time remembering playing, but it was fantastic. Kind of a big blur, but it’s also exciting, incredible.”
Former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple (No. 17) is now a mental health advocate. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Hipple)
An insider’s look
The life of an NFL player, Hipple admits, looks a lot different now than it did when he was in the League.
“It’s a lot different back then than it is today. The way they practice, even the way that players are treated because of the money issue. Back then you didn’t make a whole lot.
“Getting there, 140 guys come to camp and only 45 make the team. You made the team through attrition, really. You outlast everybody. They are carrying three quarterbacks, and I was the third one. You’re there and watch everybody else and get ready to go into this season, and your eyes are wide open. I was the holder for Eddie Murray, so I got to go on the field at least every game, and it was just a great experience.”
And training camp, Hipple says, was not easy.
“You’re throwing the ball twice a day for six weeks or whatever it is, and you’re hitting twice a day. It’s exhausting. And when we had our training camp, we were at Oakland University where there’s no air conditioning in the dorms, cinderblock buildings … and it was hot and hard and long. But I actually think that made us a little better because we were used to feeling uncomfortable.”
The comfort of structure
Because football is such an eyes-on sport, Hipple continues, the players feel pressure to do everything perfectly. Simultaneously, many things were taken care of for the players so they didn’t have to worry about anything but football.
Former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple (No. 17). (Photo Courtesy, Eric Hipple)
“They don’t want you to think about anything except for football. Your support system is the bus. When you get to the hotel, the keys are laid out on the table for you, you don’t have to talk to anyone. The whole structure of that, from practice to training camp, to games and the travel, it’s all like clockwork. It’s down to the minute. It reminds me of military stuff. Very supportive and very strict and oriented that way, which is great because it gives you a lot of support. Plenty of people to turn to – the training staff and coaches.
“The travel wasn’t so much going there and back, you are away from home and it is a little different, but you’re inside the bubble and the rest of the world doesn’t exist. The team is there and you know that, and so you just don’t think about it.”
The day it all began
The draft also was much different during Hipple’s time in the League, in large part because it was not televised. In 1980, Hipple remembers sitting in a 10-foot by 15-foot trailer waiting for the phone to ring and not having any idea what was going to happen.
“The one thing is, the Detroit Lions had never talked to me. It was the Rams, it was the Cardinals, it was New York. And I went to all those places beyond the combine to get tested out and everything. So I was expecting one of those teams.”
Hipple ended up the 85th overall pick in the fourth round of the draft.
“I ended up going the first pick in the fourth round. When the third round was ending up, I got a phone call. I picked it up and this guy goes, ‘Eric, this is Monte Clark, and we’re going to take you. You’ll be the first pick in the fourth round. We’re going to take you next pick.’
“I remember hanging the phone up and then this explosion, ‘YEAHHHHH, you’re there, you’re in it!’ But that’s just a piece of it because, as I said, when there’s not a lot of money that could be dished out amongst different players, when you’re in training camp you’re replaceable. That means you’ve got to work hard to get it; you have to do all the right stuff to make the team.”
The realization that he was expendable, Hipple continues, was always in the back of his head.
A life defined
Though he sustained several injuries throughout his 10-year NFL career, Hipple says he would do it all again.
“There’s so many positive things about playing. Working within the teamwork. If we don’t work hard, we don’t learn, and there are consequences because there are wins and losses. But that doesn’t mean you give up; you just try harder. So there’s so many positive things about it. It’s defined my life, and so I would [do it again].
“But there are a lot of things I probably would have done differently on a personal level. But you don’t know that until you’re there in that bubble. Once you’re in it, it is kind of an amazing place to be. That’s why when the time comes, when you’re outside the bubble, it’s a very tough adjustment.”
Concussions treated much differently these days
One football injury involved Hipple’s helmet getting knocked off during a game. When he shows that clip to present-day youth, their reaction is far different than that of older generations.
“It’s been about 15 years now since head injuries have really gotten into focus,” Hipple says. “Before that they didn’t count. You got concussed, it didn’t matter unless you’re flat on the field knocked out or something. Other than that, it wasn’t really a thing. In fact, guys actually wore it like a badge of honor.
“I’ll take that clip where I get my helmet knocked off in a game, and start playing it for groups, ages that would know me a little bit younger or my age because they knew what it was like back then. There’s a part in that clip that the announcers are saying, ‘Ohh, a great clean shot, knocked his helmet clean off,’ and I think it’s funny, and the announcers and people my age will laugh. But I talk to youth, high school and down, and they don’t know what that was like back then. In fact, they’ve been taught that a head injury is really, really bad, and for good reasons. So when they see that clip, they’re like, ‘UUGGGHHH, that’s horrible.’ That’s how it was back then. They made football follies out of those things.”
A traumatic transition
The ups and downs on the football field followed Hipple into his personal life as the NFL star battled depression during and after his football career.
“When I play, resilience to me was never a mental thing. It was, you get hit, you get back up again,” Hipple explained. “That’s what you do. It was always around the realm of physical.”
That physical resilience was evident as Hipple continually walked back onto the field after injuries such as a broken hand and broken ankles. When Hipple was cut from the team, however, his mental health took a hit – and he wasn’t sure how to recover.
“When I got cut it was like, what do you do now? I’ve been a football player since nine years old, and all of a sudden you can’t go back in, you can’t go hang out. You walk out the door and it shuts, and a couple things happen. One, is you realize that you always think you’re important. But the team goes on without you. The other part is, you’re so used that structure … and there’s a support system around you that’s gone. So what do you do?
“Also, you’re stressing because nobody back then could actually retire from the winnings. So you have to get a job and start focusing on that.”
Hipple dove into his new life by starting his own business. Six years later, the business was thriving, but Hipple was not.
Wrestling with life
“It’s about six years when all of a sudden all that stuff really hit and settled in. Is this all there is? It’s my identity now, and it’s insurance.”
Hipple wrestled with his new identity, while also missing the thrill of being on the field and playing the game he loved.
“I kind of lost my self-confidence, kind of felt like an imposter. I’d go to a dealership and want to talk insurance, sell it to them, and…it would be like, ‘Is this me? Really? Is this my identity?’ And they would give [me] funny looks too, like, ‘Didn’t you play football for 10 years? What are you doing here?’
“I started getting depressed and started to devolve.”
Though Hipple is now able to identify what he went through as depression, at the time he was confused about why he felt the way he did.
“I didn’t know what was going on with me. So I just kept going along, started self-medicating a little bit and then started getting more where it wasn’t going to work as much, and eventually ended up jumping out of a car that was going 75 miles an hour.”
That impulsive decision was born from thoughts that had tormented him for years.
“I’m not worthy. I’m not good enough for this family, they’ll be better off without me, and they can have insurance. Things that you never would think about when you’re healthy. And so it ended with me jumping out of the car and waking up in the hospital – not dead, thank goodness – but certainly scraped up.”
However, once Hipple recovered from his injuries, he “put the blinders back on,” never receiving help for his depression.
A life-changing tragedy
Those blinders were ripped away when his son Jeff entered his own battle with depression, eventually taking his own life at age fifteen.
Former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple and son Jeff Hipple. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Hipple)
“That’s when I really realized the seriousness of mental health. It’s not right, his death, and I realized: this could have been me. I could have died when I jumped. I will never do that again because I know what it feels like to be left behind, and it’s painful when you lose somebody to suicide – a family member especially. It’s so painful. So I took that off the table.”
But what Hipple did not take off the table was self-medicating. Craving an escape from the pain, Hipple continued drinking heavily and taking various medications. It finally caught up to him in the form of a DUI and 90-day jail stay. But those 90 days changed his life.
“I came out with a mission, which was to learn. I wanted to learn what happened not only to me, but to my mom, to Jeff, to anybody else who is suffering from this thing.”
Eric Hipple’s son Jeff Hipple. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Hipple)
A mission of hope
Hipple went to the University of Michigan Eisenberg Family Depression Center for treatment. It was there that he learned the science behind how depression works and medications that can help. It wasn’t long before the university invited him to develop programs as an outreach coordinator.
“That was my track for quite a while. I just wanted to inform people that there was treatment out there, you don’t have to go through what I went through.”
Though Hipple saw value in his treatment-oriented work, his reach only extended to those who were suffering. As suicide prevention and depression awareness increased, Hipple wanted to do more.
“All the stuff that we try and do mentally to keep us healthy, a lot of people don’t know what they are. Let’s talk about those. I can talk to everybody in the room, not just those that are suffering.”
Awareness of his own struggle with depression after leaving the NFL inspired Hipple to help fellow retired football players.
Hipple said research shows that 100% of former NFL players struggled with the transition into a new life after the NFL, experiencing a “down time” and even clinical depression right after retirement, or even years later.
“There was really nothing for anybody once you leave the door. NFLPA was kind of in its infancy. One of the things I wanted to get done was, we should start getting these guys, start educating them and treating them. So we did a program with the NFLPA at the university…and I was finding them help.”
Hipple found that engaging the former players through human connections and a form of teamwork made a positive impact on their mental health.
“When you’re ostracized, when you’re removed, when people ignore you, when they turn their back on you, it’s very painful. We started building little programs, eventually doing a 30-day stage for guys who are suffering.
“The feedback was fantastic from guys who we interacted with. It’s almost an eye-opening experience like what I had. ‘You mean this transition could cause psychological issues?’ Being rejected, your support system, duties changed, the relationships have all changed, all that stuff – I mean that’s traumatic, that’s a big change, and so it’s going to affect you.”
A heart for youth … enter ‘be nice’
While Hipple has done extensive work in the mental health field for the University of Michigan Depression Center, as an ambassador for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and as a board officer for VetLife Foundation, his heart lies with high school youth. Though there are many mental health programs available to youth, Hipple was drawn to the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan’s be nice. program because it is a student-driven program.
“You need to have professionals involved, but you also need to have people from the trenches. That’s what I love about be nice – it’s a student-driven program.”
“Things be nice is doing are simple, they’re the place where I want to be, all the things I thought were lacking about other programs. It’s hands-on, and it’s them, and to me that’s the best in the world.”
Now an outreach specialist for be nice, Hipple enjoys going into schools and listening to what youth say they need in their school and what they are not receiving from the world around them.
Over time, Hipple has seen a decrease in mental illness stigma within the schools.
“For students, the stigma has really lowered because they know the terminology, they talk about it, they’re much more open with their feelings. There’s still groups that get trapped and get ostracized or get pushed back or rejected, and that’s tough. So we start opening up be nice – notice, invite, challenge and empower. If you can do that, then you’re taking away that ostracizing moment and putting people together – because being connected is really important.
“One of the reasons why we did the peer-to-peer thing was to connect with somebody so they feel connected, and they’re not removed and spiraling down and all these negative things happen.”
Through be nice, Hipple also is working to connect with all athletes and coaches in Michigan with training formed in collaboration with the MHSAA. Hipple said the response from coaches has been positive because they realize their team will be strengthened through that training.
“More coordinated and understanding, each other plays harder for each other because they’re being real now. They are going to be better advocates in the schools too, and connected to the understanding.”
While Hipple will lead some of the training for coaches, several other people have come on board to help with training and presentations.
Real Men Do Cry
In 2008, Hipple published his book, Real Men Do Cry. In that book, Hipple shares his story of tragedy and triumph with unflinching honesty. Real Men Do Cry also features practical resources for families living with depression, providing information on symptoms of depression and suicide risk, as well as ways to ask for help if you or someone you love are exhibiting those symptoms.
Hipple hopes that anyone who reads his book or attends his speaking presentations walk away with an understanding that taking care of your mental health is vital for many reasons.
“The best gift you can give another person is your own mental health. That means you’re taking care of yourself. You understand your emotional content, but you also understand that you’re not going to have everything beautiful and great, and how you manage to navigate through those things. But if I can do that, that means I can be available then to a friend of suffering or to a spouse or even a stranger because I can be more in tune and connected, because I can better feel what they’re going through because I understand it and I might know the mechanisms behind it.
“I will now have the confidence to actually go up to somebody and say, ‘Do you need some help?’ or ‘Are you okay?’ There’s nothing they could tell me that’s going to scare me. It might be alarming, but I will know what to do; I’m armed with resources.”
Connection, Hipple continued, is also important.
“Being connected is really important because when we’re alone, that’s when the highest suicide rates are.”
Hipple said that it is essential that one of those connections is a person who understands mental health and the importance of being mentally healthy, thinking positively and having a growth mindset.
“I can make a mistake, but still come back from it. I can learn from it, I can grow. I can understand the different stresses that are out there and navigate through most of them. I can be productive.”
“Suicide prevention requires somebody to intervene, and the reason that people don’t intervene is because they’re afraid of the answer. If I ask you, ‘Are you thinking about suicide?’ and then you say, ‘Yes,’ then what do I do?”
Individuals who are mentally healthy can ask those questions confidently because they can offer hope in the form of resources that suffering individual can utilize.
Hipple went on to say that each tragedy and triumph throughout his life has molded him into who he is today.
“I feel really good about where I’m at right now, and I couldn’t have gotten here without going through all that.”
The Kentwood Police Department is excited to announce a community giving event, “Cram the Cruiser,” in partnership with Sam’s Club (4326 28th St SE, Kentwood) to benefit the Kentwood Little Free Pantry.
With demand running high, the pantry has been running low, and this event provides an opportunity for the community to help stock it for residents in need.
Community members are invited to help stock the pantry by donating non-perishable food items on the following dates and times:
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donation Location: Sam’s Club, 4326 28th St SE, Kentwood
Kentwood Police cruisers will be stationed out front, with officers ready to receive donations and connect with community members. All contributions will go directly to the Kentwood Little Free Pantry at 355 48th St SE, Kentwood, MI, providing support to local residents in need.
How You Can Help:
Bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Kentwood officers during the event.
Share the event with friends, family, and local groups to spread the word.
Encourage local businesses and organizations to get involved.
“Through the ‘Cram the Cruiser’ event, our community has the chance to come together and make a meaningful impact for residents in need this holiday season,” said Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin.
After lighting the Kentwood Christmas tree in front of a large gathering of residents last week, Mayor Stephen Kepley said there’s a hunger for community.
“There’s a hunger to get out and do things with family and your kids, even in the midst of being cold,” said Mayor Kepley, who’s attended the event as a public figure for 12 years. “We have such a diverse community that when we do these events, I think it just adds to the unity. I don’t know how many people I’ve talked to that I’ve seen at this event or the July 4th events, but I think it’s wonderful to do community events where people can gather. For a lot of them, this has become their family tradition. It’s really amazing.”
Kentwood Tree Lighting 2025. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting 2025. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting 2025. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
“I remember meeting one person who came as a little kid, and now he has his own family and kids that are coming to these events. So, I think it’s wonderful for unification, but also for just family tradition.”
The large crowd of residents huddled together on a frigid Thursday evening to celebrate the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and new Stationary Holiday Parade in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch.
The Stationary Holiday Parade featured floats and decorated vehicles. Other highlights at the event were a visit from Santa, food trucks, a snow globe photo booth, hot chocolate, crafts hosted by library staff, and a performance by the Michigan Ballet Academy.
“This holiday event is one of our favorites to put on,” said Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo. “Creating opportunities for the community to gather and celebrate is fundamental to our mission,”
The City of Wyoming has named Nicole Hofert as its new Deputy City Manager.
In this role, Hofert will oversee a variety of City functions. She will also be responsible for directing and monitoring City projects, acting as liaison between the city manager and department heads, community groups, boards and designated government agencies.
“Nicole will bring a diverse skill set to this role that will help us continue to grow as an organization that serves our whole community,” said City Manager John Shay. “Her experience here at the City has prepared her to lead us into the future and work seamlessly with our staff and community partners.
“We look forward to her leadership as we face challenges and opportunities together.”
Bringing progressive experience
Hofert brings 11 years of progressive experience in planning and economic development and strong management experience.
She most recently served as Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Wyoming, where she was responsible for overseeing and implementing the City’s master plan, Wyoming [re]Imagined. Prior to her seven-year career with the City of Wyoming, Hofert worked with architecture and planning firms supporting municipal projects for a variety of clients.
Hofert is a certified planner and a member of the American Planning Association. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Case Western University and a master’s degree in city design and social science from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
The Kentwood Police Department and Kent County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call of “shots fired” Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. in the area of 60th St. and Kalamazoo Ave.
One 18-year-old male and one 17-year-old male subject matching the description were located shortly after the call walking in the area. A stolen firearm and an unregistered firearm were located on their person during the investigation. Both subjects were lodged on related charges at Kent County Correctional Facility and the Kent County Juvenile Detention Center. There were no injuries reported and there is no continued threat to the public.
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.
State Representative John Fitzgerald invited members of the community to Community Conversation at The Stray on Division Avenue in Wyoming on Nov. 14 for an open and meaningful discussion about the concerns and priorities of the community (Courtesy, WKTV)
State Rep. John Fitzgerald, District 83 (Courtesy photo)
Each month, State Representative John Fitzgerald invites members of the community to Community Conversation at a local location. Each Community Conversation event provides an opportunity to discuss important issues, share thoughts and engage with your local representative.
On Friday, Nov. 14, Rep. Fitzgerald could be found at The Stray on Division Avenue for an open and meaningful discussion about the concerns and priorities of the community.
An investment of time and relationship
“Every three to six weeks we cycle through and go all throughout the district and find a place where we can have a casual conversation with constituents,” Fitzgerald told WKTV General Manager Tom Norton.
“It’s really important that I’m as much a listener as someone who takes action on things.”
Fitzgerald went on to say that people expect access to their government officials – and he intends to provide that access.
“Something that’s been ingrained in me is that people enjoy having that somewhat personal relationship with their elected official,” said Fitzgerald. “It’s important that people see me out and feel comfortable to come say hi and share that little bit of a nugget of information that might help inform my decision-making in Lansing for our community.”
Lauchpad for a renaissance
The positive impact of Fitzgerald’s investment of time and relationship with the local community throughout his tenure as a Wyoming City Council member, as well as State Representative of District 83, can be seen in the flourishing businesses of the Wyoming South Division corridor.
The Stray, Fitzgerald said, is an example of the South Division commerce resurgence.
Rep. Fitzgerald chats with constituents at The Stray (Courtesy, WKTV)
“We’re seeing more of that here throughout the Division Avenue corridor. I think that we’re going to see more businesses want to improve their own facades, their operations, and I think that we’re really again on the launchpad for a renaissance.
“Throughout this community, we’re seeing investment, we’re seeing business owners want to be community fixtures,” Fitzgerald continued. “This is a great time to be in Wyoming.”
“Your voice matters.”
Fitzgerald urges residents and business owners to engage in Community Conversation events in their neighborhood. Information on Community Conversation events can be found on Fitzgerald’s Facebook site.
From Dec. 1 – March 31, the odd-even ordinance requires people to alternate the side of the street they park on between 12 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Help keep Wyoming streets clear of snow this winter and avoid parking tickets by following the odd-even parking ordinance.
Odd-even winter parking restrictions
In effect from Dec. 1 – March 31, the ordinance requires people to alternate the side of the street they park on between 12 a.m. and 6 p.m. so plows can keep both sides of the street clear of snow. It also keeps roadways clear and accessible for drivers, snowplows and emergency vehicles during the winter.
Odd-even parking fines are $30 per violation received.
Odd-even parking at a glance
Helpful Tip: Between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m., make sure to move vehicles to the side of the road matching the next day’s date.
Dates and Times: No parking on alternating sides of the street from midnight to 6 p.m., Dec. 1 until March 31.
Snow or No Snow: This ordinance is enforceable even when there is no snow.
Odd Dates: On odd dates, park on the side of the street with odd addresses – those that end with 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9.
Even Dates: On even dates, park on the side of the street with even addresses – those that end with 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8.
Cul-De-Sacs: In a cul-de-sac, only park on the street on even-numbered calendar days.
No Parking Signs: Regardless of odd-even status, parking is never permitted in designated “No Parking” zones.
Report violations of odd-even parking
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety works hard to address all calls for service as soon as possible. Reports of odd-even parking violations are important but they can often wait to be enforced when emergency calls are a priority.
Completing the Report an Odd-Even Parking Complaint Form helps DPS manage the enforcement of odd-even parking while allowing prioritization of emergency calls. As officers become available, every effort will be made to follow up with the report during the times and days listed. This helps manage workflow and address this safety violation.
KDL’s Let It Snow reading challenge provides a choose-your-own-reading adventure for adults and teens that will keep readers reading all winter long (Courtesy, KDL)
Local book lovers can now sign up for Kent District Library’s (KDL) annual winter Let It Snow reading challenge. Adults and teens (age 11+) who read or listen to six books between Dec. 1 and Feb. 27 earn a collectible Let It Snow mug.
Participants who would like to complete more than six books can log four more titles, for a total of 10 books, by Feb. 27 and be automatically entered into a drawing to win a gift card to a local indie bookstore.
“Let It Snow is the perfect choose-your-own-reading adventure for adults and teens,” said KDL Programming Specialist Amber Elder. “You can reread your favorite books, pick up the next one from your TBR pile, look at Let It Snow displays in your local branch until a book speaks to you, or find a book in any of the category suggestions that our adult and teen librarians have provided.
“It’s a challenge that will keep you excited for your next book and that will keep you reading all winter long.”
Reading challenge details
(Courtesy, KDL)
Participants can track their reading progress online using Beanstack or complete and turn in a paper tracking form. Brochures and tracking forms can be found at any KDL branch or can be downloaded and printed here.
All tracking sheets should be turned in at any KDL branch or on Beanstack by Feb. 27.
Let It Snow mugs will be available for pick-up at KDL branches beginning Jan. 2.
Questions can be directed to any KDL branch in person or via phone at 616-784-2007.
The City of Kentwood will host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and debut a new Stationary Holiday Parade on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. with the Stationary Holiday Parade, featuring floats and decorated vehicles staged in the library parking lot. Attendees may walk through the display and vote for their favorite entry. Do you want to show off your decorated float or vehicle? Parade participation is $10, and registration is required.
Additional activities include a snow globe photo booth, hot chocolate, crafts hosted by library staff, a performance by the Michigan Ballet Academy, and a visit from Santa. Dolce Mini Cakes and Dune Buggy food trucks will offer food and beverages for purchase. Non-perishable food donations will be collected for the Kentwood Little Free Pantry.
“This holiday event is one of our favorites to put on. Creating opportunities for the community to gather and celebrate is fundamental to our mission,” said Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo. “We look forward to welcoming residents to this annual tradition.”
Kentwood Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. (WMTD), a nonprofit organization providing pet-assisted therapy throughout West Michigan, is launching its “Unleash the Love” fundraising campaign on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2. WMTD hopes to raise $5,000 by Jan. 1, 2026.
The campaign aims to support the organization’s rapidly expanding programming and the growing need for trained therapy dog teams across the region.
Bringing comfort and joy
For nearly 25 years, WMTD has brought comfort, connection and healing to individuals facing emotional, physical and psychological challenges. With more than 200 volunteer teams serving over 100 programs and facilities across five counties, WMTD teams visit hospitals, schools, assisted living centers, libraries and community organizations, providing companionship, support and moments of joy for those who need it most.
As demand for pet therapy continues to rise, WMTD is seeking community support to strengthen operational capacity and ensure programs remain accessible and effective.
Therapy dogs bring comfort, connection and healing to individuals facing emotional, physical and psychological challenges (Courtesy, Cindy Bateson/WMTD)
“Each visit our teams make creates an impact that can’t be measured in dollars alone,” said Heather McCormick, Board President of West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. “But the resources required to train, equip and support our growing program are real.
“This campaign helps ensure we can continue bringing love, hope and connection to individuals throughout West Michigan.”
How funds will be used
Funds raised through Unleash the Love will support critical needs, including:
Securing dedicated storage space for wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, AV equipment, and classroom materials used during training and certification.
Offsetting training facility fees to provide volunteers with a consistent, safe space to learn and practice.
Covering essential operational costs that keep WMTD running smoothly as the organization grows.
Purchasing training and certification supplies, including therapy dog vests, badges, evaluation materials, and program resources.
The campaign runs Dec. 2 – Jan. 1, and community members are invited to support WMTD by donating online or by mail.
“With continued support from our community, we can train more teams, reach more people and continue the work that has defined WMTD for nearly 25 years,” said McCormick. “Together, we can truly ‘unleash the love’ this season and beyond.”
How to Donate
Donations can be made online at www.wmtd.org/donate or by mail at West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc., P.O. Box 2533, Grand Rapids MI 49501-2533.
More information about WMTD can be found on their website and social media sites (Facebook, Instagram).
Following a distinguished career with the City of Wyoming spanning three decades, Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kimberly Koster has announced her retirement (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Following a distinguished career with the City of Wyoming spanning three decades, Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kimberly Koster has announced her retirement, effective Jan. 2, 2026.
Chief Koster has served in her role since April 25, 2018, leading a team of nearly 167 full-time sworn and civilian personnel from both the police and fire department. During her tenure with the department, she built a strong foundation of community trust and led her team to serve and protect through violent crime incidents, medical emergencies, severe weather, two public safety ballot proposals, an unprecedented global pandemic, among others.
Under her leadership, Chief Koster:
Played an integral role in passing a public safety millage proposal – supporting the addition of 14 new police officers and 13 new firefighters, opened and renovated all four fire stations to provide quick and professional service to all districts in Wyoming, purchased a new platform fire truck to respond to multistory building fires and combat violent crime with proactive policing.
Worked to maintain and secure accreditation for the Department from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and was appointed to serve as a commissioner with CALEA.
Was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards to represent the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.
Developed strong relationships with the business community in Wyoming by implementing a second shift community services unit that provides proactive and overnight policing in the City’s business districts.
(Courtesy, Wyoming Police Department)
“Chief Koster has been a significant asset and leader not only within our City offices, but especially for our residents, whom she has built countless positive relationships with,” said Wyoming City Manager John Shay. “I’m deeply honored to have served with her and am incredibly proud of her accomplishments and contributions to improve Wyoming.
“I know that I speak for all of us at City Hall and the Department of Public Safety in wishing her and her family the best as she begins this next chapter.”
Exceptional professionalism and leadership
With three decades of law enforcement experience, Koster began her career with Wyoming as a school resource and community policing officer. In this position, she worked with neighborhood groups and organized community events to bridge gaps and build solidarity among neighbors.
Koster worked her way up through the ranks to detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain, a position she had held since 2010. In this role, she assisted with the formation of the Public Safety Department through the administrative consolidation of police and fire services, created a new staffing model, facilitated dispatch operation transitions and led a collaborative effort in the development of the department’s five-year strategic plan.
Wyoming Police Chief Kim Koster reads “Valenstiens” by Ethan Long on-camera at WKTV (WKTV, 2021)
Throughout her career, Koster has been recognized with several commendations, including the Life Saving Award, Chief’s Award of Excellence, Outstanding Young Public Safety Officer and Safe Driving Award.
She served as a 911 communications supervisor, during which time she led the consolidation of police and fire operations in multiple communities, including Wyoming’s move to Kent County.
She has also served as lead detective in homicide investigations and as a crisis negotiator, among other critical roles throughout her career.
“The departure of Chief Koster is tremendously bittersweet,” said Wyoming Mayor Kent Vanderwood. “During her tenure, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and leadership, along with remarkable energy, passion, and commitment to her profession, her city and her department.
“Wyoming City Council wishes her well as she transitions into retirement, and we thank her for her incredible service throughout the years.”
What the future holds
City Manager John Shay has appointed Deputy Director Kip Snyder to the Director role. Snyder has served with the Wyoming Police Department for 33 years as an officer, K9 handler, vice detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and most recently as Chief Koster’s Deputy Director. He will remain in this role until his retirement.
Chief Koster and her wife, Marie, will continue to make their home in Grand Rapids with their family.
In her letter to City Manager John Shay, Koster wrote: “The City of Wyoming is extremely fortunate to have police officers, firefighters, and professional staff who are filled with compassion, capable of heroic action, dedicated to justice and hard work, fair to everyone, and professional beyond measure.
“Being their Chief was one of the greatest gifts I was ever given…”
States have already begun dealing with the new SNAP restrictions in compliance with the federal government’s new guidance for the nation’s largest anti-hunger program.
These restrictions, in part, will raise the upper age limit for able-bodied adults from age 54 to 64, as well as lower the age of qualifying dependents from under 18 years old to under 14 years old for their parents or caregivers, and add new work requirements as well. (Snap Provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025)
Refugees, asylum seekers, human trafficking victims and other survivors of crises also will be losing these benefits.
Nearly 13% of Michigan households, approximately 1.4 million people receive SNAP benefits.
Food pantries as an alternative
It’s a tenuous time packed with uncertainty, but for the roughly 42 million Americans who use SNAP monthly, it may be time to look towards your local food pantries with grace (SNAP- Key Statistics and Research).
A Food Bank stores and provides millions of pounds of food to hundreds of different agencies, including food pantries, under the united goal of ending hunger in their communities. They utilize monetary and food donations from the USDA, retailers, distributors, farmers, manufacturers and a substantial 17% of that comes from the public.
“Food pantries are essential to the community,” said Nancy Cromley, executive director of the Green Apple Pantry. “They support the needs of all neighbors who face food insecurity. They also serve our communities by offering food that may otherwise end up in landfills. We are currently gleaning over 45,000 pounds of food each month.”
School nutrition assistance programs
In addition to the Food Pantry Model, there also are a handful of committed Michigan born companies that have been supporting local school children with nutritious take-home meals for decades.
Hand2Hand
Hand2Handpartners with local churches and schools to surprise over 13,000 students spanning across 45 school districts with a backpack filled with healthy food every week. These kids find a backpack in their lockers every Friday, in an attempt to prevent weekend hunger.
“We anticipate a growing need, especially as SNAP benefits are paused and the effects ripple into the upcoming months,” said Nicole Bosch, the Brand Marketing Manager of Hand2Hand.
“Families who were already stretching their budgets will now have even less margin. While the full impact is still unfolding, we know many families are already feeling the stress, particularly with the holidays approaching.”
(Photo courtesy, Kids’ Food Basket)
Kids’ Food Basket
Kids’ Food Basket is another school nutrition program that provides over 11,000 healthy evening meals for students daily. These are called Sack Suppers, and are delivered to 66 schools in four West Michigan counties. While they aren’t a food pantry, they help supply 18 food pantries with food from their two farms.
Effects of the SNAP cuts on pantries and recipients
Cromley said that the usage rate for the Green Apple Pantry increased by 60% during the SNAP shutdown. Also since 2022, they have seen a 100% increase in the number of families needing food support.
Austin Roelof, the VP of Programming for Kids’ Food Basket, attributed SNAP as the “nation’s largest food assistance program” and one of the “most effective tools to reduce food insecurity.”
When asked about the projection of how many more people will rely on the pantries following the SNAP restrictions, Roeloff pointed out that 1.4 million Michiganders rely on SNAP.
“This puts thousands of Michigan families at risk of food insecurity,” said Roelof, “forcing many to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table.”
While SNAP fraud has been a contentious and valid point of concern for SNAP restrictions, as 120 people have been arrested for fraud since Nov 18, it’s important to remember there are still genuinely needy people who rely on the anti-hunger program.
“Many families receive Hand2Hand during a difficult season,” said Bosch, “such as a job loss, illness or other crisis, such as the pause of SNAP benefits. These are hardworking parents doing their best, who simply need support to make ends meet.”
Kids’ Food Basket hosting a community event. (Photo Courtesy, Kids’ Food Basket)
Who used to qualify for SNAP?
As new laws circulate and the standard changes, there used to be a genuine system for determining SNAP eligibility.
People only qualified for SNAP if they sat at or below 130% of the poverty line, and the calculations for this value is determined based on your household size and your net income, after accounting for reasonable deductions based on a person’s normal monthly expenses, including: earnings, child support, dependent care, excess shelter and medical (A Quick guide to SNAP Eligibility and Benefits).
“At a time when food insecurity was already high, this puts additional strain on families,” Roelof said. “Pantries and programs are working to fill this gap, but our community needs SNAP fully funded to nourish our neighbors in the long term.”
Roelof even went as far as to urge community members to reach out to their local legislator and stand up for the health and food security of our children.
About 60% of people who use SNAP are either seniors or children aged 17 and younger. Meaning that a majority of the people that receive the benefits of these programs are those who are financially dependent upon other people.
While the execution of Hand2Hand and Kids’ Food Basket may not be a pantry model, they both deliver food directly to the children through the school, the intent remains virtuous: the community is stronger in numbers, and no child should go hungry.
Hand2Hand and Kids’ Food Basket have already expressed having increased their normal allocations.
“This month’s food bag will include four extra items – a loaf of bread generously donated by Arnie’s Bakery and King Flour Company, individual peanut butter and jelly cups, and fresh apples donated by Wells Orchards,” Bosch said. “Looking ahead to December, we’ll be providing a 10-item booster bag filled with hearty, protein-rich foods to help families through the holiday season.”
Roelof also expressed that Kids’ Food Basket is increasing their supply in an attempt to “bridge the SNAP gap.” This is in addition to the astounding 11,000 Sack Suppers that they provide daily to West Michigan schools.
KFB Delivering more than 13,500 additional food bags
“We are mobilizing our resources and volunteer shifts to prepare, pack and deliver more than 13,500 additional nutritional assistance bags,” Roelof said. “These bags are similar to the Break Bags we serve in neighborhood schools ahead of school breaks, containing about 15 items each, including protein, healthy grains, fruits and vegetables.”
Roelof said their farms also are going to push for more productivity during the harvest season to stock up their pantry partners, adding that they are “prepared to collaborate with donors and partner organizations across West Michigan to plan for the sustainability of our community in the future.”
Food banks aren’t a foolproof substitution for SNAP, as the federal program still outpaces these volunteer-dependent local organizations with nine meals for every one provided by Food banks, according to Feeding America.
Here’s a list of local food pantries for West Michigan residents:
Baxter Community Center– 935 Baxter St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (616) 456-8593 (Mon,Wed and Thur 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tue 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Fri 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Community Food Club– 1100 South Division Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49597 (616) 288-5550 ($12-$18/30-day membership fee)
Family Network of Wyoming– 1029 44th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 885-9919 (Mon and Wed 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
North Kent Connect– 10075 Northland Drive NE, Rockford MI, 49341 (616) 866-3478 (Mon and Wed 9:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m., Thur 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
St. Alphonsus Parish– 224 Carrier St. NE Grand Rapids, MI, 49505 (Closed between Nov 16 – 30: Mon,Tue,Wed and Thur 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
The Green Apple Pantry– 4307 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 (616) 455-9411 (Mon and Tue 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Wed and Thur 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM)– 1311 Chicago Dr. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 241-4006 (By appointment only: Mon and Tue 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Thur 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Streams– 280 60th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 272-3634 (Tue and Thur 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thur 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
The Other Way– 710 West Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616) 451-4011 (Mon, Wed and Thur 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Tue 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Fri 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Buist Community Access Center 870 74th St Sw Ste B Byron center 49315 (616)-583-4080 (Mon,Wed,Thur 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Tue 12:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m., 2nd Sat of the month 9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM)11535 Fulton St E Lowell MI 49331 (616) 897-8260 (Tue 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Wed 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Fri 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Westminster Pantry 47 Jefferson SE, Grand Rapids, 49503 (616) 456-6115 (Thur 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
Byron Ministries 8250 Byron Creek Dr. Byron Center, 49315 (616) 878-6000 (Mon 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Wed 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Meals on Wheels Senior Pantry 1954 Fuller Ave. Ste. B Grand Rapids, 49505 (616) 459-3111 Option 3 (Mon 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wed and Thur 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Fri Appointment only)
Northwest Food Pantry 1224 Davis NW Grand Rapids, 49504 (616) 300-5079 (Mon, Wed, Fri 9:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.)
The Community Basket (Dutton) 3178 68th St. SE, Suite B, Caledonia 49316 (616) 536-0407 (2nd Mon of the month 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.) (2nd Sat of the month 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
A Michigan-based beverage co-packer is expanding with a new 300,000-square-foot co-manufacturing facility in Kentwood, Michigan. Proper Beverage Co., known for its hands-on, customer-first approach, is increasing its production capacity to broaden its capabilities and meet growing demands from beverage brands nationwide.
In addition to initially creating 100 new jobs, the Kentwood expansion marks a major milestone in Proper Beverage Co.’s growth and innovation. Expected to begin operations in mid-2026, the facility is designed to operate with a capacity of 225 million cans per year. The expanded production capacity reinforces the company’s continued investment in American-made manufacturing and local job creation.
Proper Beverage Co. has invested in U.S.-made machinery, which will allow for wider range of beverages, including alcoholic drinks, mocktails, sodas, energy drinks and better-for-you alternatives to be packaged at the facility. Operating at full capacity, the new facility will employ 400 individuals, further strengthening the region’s manufacturing economy.
“Choosing American-made equipment ensures we can uphold the highest production standards while supporting American manufacturers and jobs,” said Brian Hirsch, president of Proper Beverage Co. “It is an investment in both quality and community.”
The new facility also advances the company’s commitment to sustainability. One-way keg options that are recycled after use, is among the company’s new offerings. The kegs allow for reduced logistics and costs, while minimizing water and chemical use, for a more sustainable packaging alternative.
Founded on the belief that small and mid-size brands deserve the same care, quality and creative integrity as the industry’s largest players, Proper Beverage Co. has built its reputation on partnership and flexibility. “Our commitment to quality is paying off in a way that allows us to serve the fluctuating market more consistently,” said Kevin Clement, CEO of Proper Beverage Co. “We’re building for the future with the same focus on reliability, innovation and responsible growth that has guided us from the start.”
Customers remain the focus of the company’s growth. The new facility will feature a dedicated customer care suite, providing space for collaboration and on-site visits. This addition reflects Proper Beverage Co.’s ongoing commitment to partnership, transparency and providing an exceptional experience from concept to production.
The company’s existing Hudsonville, Michigan, facility remains open, continuing to serve start-up, small and mid-sized beverage brands with flexible, scalable production and support.
Planning a wedding, birthday party, family reunion or other celebration? Reservation info is now available for Godwin Mercado located at 301 36th St. SW in Wyoming.
Godwin Mercado’s community event space is bright, open and airy, allowing guests to transform dreams into reality. Lined with doors that open on each side, the space can bring the outdoors in during the warmer months. And with plenty of convenient parking on-site, guests will have no problem accessing the venue.
Godwin Mercado offers a variety of amenities for events (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Reservations are available Thursday-Saturday. All reservation fees are non-refundable. Max capacity is 200 people, and reservations will be accepted through Dec. 31, 2026.
Half Day (8 a.m. – 2 p.m. or 4 – 10 p.m.) Wyoming Resident $600 Non-Wyoming Resident $900 + Refundable Deposit of $300
Full Day (8 a.m. – 10 p.m.) Wyoming Resident $1,200 Non-Wyoming Resident $1,800 + Refundable Deposit of $300
Covered Entryway
Half Day (8 a.m. – 2 p.m. or 4 – 10 p.m.) Wyoming Resident $175 Non-Wyoming Resident $262.50 + Refundable Deposit of $100
Full Day (8 a.m. – 10 p.m.) Wyoming Resident $350 Non-Wyoming Resident $525 + Refundable Deposit of $100
Technology Fee $75
Farmers Market vendor details
The Godwin Mercado Farmers Market exists to connect the community with fresh, locally grown food while celebrating the diverse cultures and vibrant spirit of Wyoming.
Supporting local growers and makers fosters health, economic opportunity and meaningful connections in a welcoming space for all.
The Market will be held on Sundays during the months of May-October from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Those interested in becoming a Godwin Mercado Farmers Market vendor can apply here.
The Godwin Mercado community event space will provide year-round usage opportunities to local vendors, seasonal farm and artisan markets, food trucks, community events and private events (Courtesy, Matthew Reed)
The City of Wyoming invites families to celebrate the magic of the season at Wyoming Winter Wonderland, a free community event filled with holiday cheer (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
The City of Wyoming invites families to celebrate the magic of the season at Wyoming Winter Wonderland, a free community event filled with holiday cheer on Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 – 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Godwin Mercado.
Begin the holiday season with local festivities and cheer (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
The festive evening on Friday, Dec. 5 will feature performances from the Wyoming Honors Choir and Wyoming Jazz Band, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday train and an artisan market – perfect for finding one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
The celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. features a Holiday Artisan Market offering a wide variety of handmade goods.
The spirit of giving
As part of the spirit of giving, attendees are encouraged to bring new warm clothing items to donate to area school children in need. Hats, gloves, coats, and scarves are especially appreciated.
Warm clothing donations are appreciated (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Donations will be accepted throughout the month of December at the Parks and Recreation Office located in Wyoming City Hall.
Learn more!
Find event details and more information on all Godwin Mercado offers on their website.
Volunteers are collecting Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts at nearly 5,000 drop-off locations across the country during National Collection Week, Nov. 17–24 (Courtesy, Operation Christmas Child)
Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach 12 million children in 2025 (Courtesy, Operation Christmas Child)
Volunteers are collecting Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 17–24.
Nearly 5,000 drop-off locations will open across the country in November, and shoebox packers can find their local drop-off locations in Michigan here.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster.
Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach another 12 million children in 2025 with the hope of Jesus.
Participation details
Shoebox packing can be done by individuals, families and/or groups. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage.
Participants can receive a tracking label to discover their shoebox destination (Courtesy, Operation Christmas Child)
The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.
“Samaritan’s Purse works around the world to help people in need, but it’s not about good works— it’s about the Gospel,” said Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse.
“Please prayerfully consider packing a shoebox this year with Operation Christmas Child. These simple gifts open the door for us to share the true meaning of Christmas.”
Participants can find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation as they make plans to drop off their shoebox gifts. The online lookup tool is searchable by City or ZIP code. Signs at each location will identify the drop-off.
An on-going mission
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
Hours of operation:
How it works:
