Category Archives: 3-bottom

Roadwork, lane closures on 32nd Street west to Breton Avenue until at least Sept. 8

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Local Business, Travel, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
  • There was already roadwork being done Aug. 31 but there will be intermittent road closures during the next week in Kentwood on 32nd Street SE from the west city limits, just west of Pheasant Ridge Drive, to Breton Avenue while the section of roadway is repaved. (WKTV)
  • There was already roadwork being done Aug. 31 but there will be intermittent road closures during the next week in Kentwood on 32nd Street SE from the west city limits, just west of Pheasant Ridge Drive, to Breton Avenue while the section of roadway is repaved. (WKTV)
  • There was already roadwork being done Aug. 31 but there will be intermittent road closures during the next week in Kentwood on 32nd Street SE from the west city limits, just west of Pheasant Ridge Drive, to Breton Avenue while the section of roadway is repaved. (WKTV)
  • There was already roadwork being done Aug. 31 but there will be intermittent road closures during the next week in Kentwood on 32nd Street SE from the west city limits, just west of Pheasant Ridge Drive, to Breton Avenue while the section of roadway is repaved. (WKTV)
  • There was already roadwork being done Aug. 31 but there will be intermittent road closures during the next week in Kentwood on 32nd Street SE from the west city limits, just west of Pheasant Ridge Drive, to Breton Avenue while the section of roadway is repaved. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced Tuesday, Aug. 31, that intermittent road closures are expected this week on 32nd Street SE from the west city limits, just west of Pheasant Ridge Drive, to Breton Avenue while the section of roadway is repaved.

The street will be totally closed between Pheasant Ridge Drive and Breton Avenue on Wednesday, Sept. 1, and Friday, Sept. 3. Additionally, the street may be closed in one direction or fully closed intermittently during construction.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the work is expected to be completed by Wednesday, Sept. 8, according to the announcement.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and seek an alternate route or take the detour from Kalamazoo Avenue to 28th Street to Breton Avenue. Emergency, residential and business access will remain open. Area businesses and residents should utilize Breton Avenue or 32nd Street west of the project limits whenever possible.

Community members may sign up to receive biweekly updates on the City’s road construction projects by contacting Kentwood city engineer Brad Boomstra at boomstrab@kentwood.us or 616-554-0740.

More information about Kentwood city roadwork is available at kentwood.us/construction.

Construction set to begin this fall at Gezon Park

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Recreation, ,
The north entrance of Gezon Park, which is located off of 52nd Street. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Next summer, area residents could be enjoying a new splash pad as construction is set to start this fall on Gezon Park.

At its Aug. 16 meeting, the Wyoming City Council awarded the bid for the phase one development of the park to Katerberg Inc, which has worked on the redevelopment of Ideal Park and Jackson Park. The amount for the project is $2,091,500.

“The redevelopment of Gezon Park increases our ability to equitably provide for recreation and leisure services to a significant, highly populated area of our community,” said Director of Community Services. “We continue to work to invest in our community and our residents through projects like Gezon Park.”

The current playground at Gezon Park, located near the 52nd Street. (WKTV)

Purchased in 1966 for the city’s water system, Gezon Park is 94.04 acres located between Gezon Parkway and 52nd Street. The park has entrances on both streets. It borders a densely populated residential area of the community which includes multi-family and single-family homes. The southernmost portion of the park has been developed as an athletic complex featuring baseball, softball, and football fields. The northernmost portion has been developed with a small shelter, playground, and basketball court.

Through extensive input from the community, a master plan for the park was created and approved in 2018 by the City Council. This plan includes expanded parking on the south end and more modern recreational amenities in both the north and south ends. The total cost for the entire project is around $6 million.

In 2020, the council authorized an agreement for professional services with Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio and Fishbeck to prepare construction drawings and bid materials for the first phase of the expansion. That first phased will include a large-scale splash pad, expanded parking, restrooms, and shelter on the southend of the park located off of Gezon Parkway. These items will be placed closer to the existing trail head and gravel parking area with no impact on the current baseball and football fields. The first phase improvements also include walking and biking paths that will provide expanded pedestrian and bike connection to the Metro Health Village and the M-6 bike trails, which are both located across the street from the park on Gezon Parkway.


“We’re excited to bring the ideas of residents to reality,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “The redevelopment fo Gezon Park has been highly anticipated by our community.”

In the master plan. the central area of the park has generally remained unchanged. In a later phase, the north end of the park will have a play area, restroom, pickle ball and basketball courts.

 

The pedestrian and bicycle paths at Gezon Park will be expanded to the Metro Health Village and M-6 trails. (WKTV)

Funding for the Gezon Park is through the Library Maintenance Millage. In 2017, the city residents approved re-allocating about .16 of the .39 library maintenance millage to help with park improvements. The nearly $800,000 per year raised is used to pay a 15-year bond of $4.4 million. The bond money was dedicated to four parks: Ferrand, Ideal, Jackson, and Gezon.

 

Ferrand, a pocket park located off Byron Center Avenue, was completed in 2018. Ideal Park, the city’s oldest park which had sustained damage from tornadoes and flooding, was completed in 2020. Jackson Park, located next to Wyoming Intermediate School and also had a splash pad added, was reopen in 2021. 

The city is expected to open up the process for resident input on the future of Marquette Park, the city’s most northern park located at 1251 Marquette SW. Rynbrandt said the city is looking for information from residents on what they want to see at Marquette Park, whether they would like to keep it in its natural state or see a splash pad, pavilions or other amenities.

Local ALS Foundation hosts third annual PedALS event

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,
PedALS is Sept. 25 and 25. (Supplied)

By Nathan Slauer
Community Contributor

The nonprofit Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) care provider, the Susan Mast ALS Foundation, invites West Michigan residents to sign up for their “PedALS” bike ride and walk on Sept.25-26. Participants can register and pledge online at https://pedalsforals.com.

PedALS enables Susan Mast to provide critical support services and wheelchairs to nearly 100 ALS families across West Michigan. In 2020, the foundation offered 3,058 respite hours, $11,000 in meals, and 500 hours delivering medical equipment.

Susan Mast ALS Foundation Executive Director Julie Snelling believes that participation in the PedALS event will allow the organization to further extend its reach in the community.

“Our mission is to walk alongside families with loved ones experiencing ALS,” Snelling said. “PedALS gives us the chance to pay tribute to individuals with ALS, honor those who have meant so much to us, and make new memories in a fun, family-friendly environment.”

Cyclists will enjoy participating in one of a variety of rides. Options include a 25- or 50-mile road ride, 25-mile gravel ride, a 10-20 mountain ride, or a 10-mile fun ride. Runners and walkers can sign up for a 5K or 1-mile walk.

The third annual event, sponsored by generous local businesses, will feature live music from the Freddy Jones Band. Attendees can choose to attend the entire event or show up only for the concert afterparty.

 

Tribute signs honoring loved ones with ALS are available for a $100 purchase.

Participants are encouraged to sign up as a PedALS Pledger on the PedALS website. Pledgers commit to bringing in a specific donation amount and recruit a team to raise the funds needed.

Dr. Phil VanderLugt, an optometrist and PedALS committee member, will host the first day of the event at his home. Known affectionately as “Mr. PedALS,” VanderLugt said he is excited to celebrate the event’s best year yet.

For more information or to register or donate online, please visit https://pedalsforals.com.

The Grand Rapids-based Susan Mast ALS Foundation is named after Susan Mast who was the executive director of Faith Hospice. Mast passed away in 2014 from ALS.

The Rapid implements service enchantments, riders ride for free Monday and Tuesday

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,
The Rapid announced it will be implementing schedule changes on Monday. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Wyoming and Kentwood residents utilizing The Rapid for transportation will be able to ride for free Monday, Aug. 30, and Tuesday, Aug. 31.

The reason for the free rides is to get users acclimated to the new Rapid schedules which go into effect on Aug. 30. The schedules and service changes were recommend by the Mobility for All project, a two-year analysis and pubic outreach process that looked at ways to improve The Rapid transit system. Wave card users will still be asked to tap their cards to track ridership but no funds will be charged from their cards. 

“The service plan that will be implemented on Monday is the result of exhaustive study and public feedback, and we’re confident that the changes being made will provide better service overall to the residents of the entire six-city area,” said Max Dillivan, Senior Planner and project Manager for Mobility for All. “We’re excited to be offering two days of free rides to help customers transition to new schedules and adjusted routes.”

The service enhancements are focused on buses running more frequently on The Rapid’s busiest routes, improving the on-time performance of all routes, creating easier transfers between routes, and providing better connections to high-demand destinations.

Six of the Rapid’s busiest routes will run every 15 minutes on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. as part of these enhancements. These frequency improvements will translate into 136,000 more area residents and 67,000 more area jobs being located within 1⁄4 mile of 15-minute service, Monday through Friday until 6 p.m.

In addition, new connections to high-demand destinations will be created at the Plainfield Meijer store, RiverTown Crossings Mall, as well as Ivanrest Avenue and Gezon Parkway.

Routes in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas that will be impacted with the changes are:

Route 1, Division and Madison: will now travel to Metro Health on all trips and will loop around the the village to service the VA clinic. The route also will now include Madison between Franklin and Burton streets.

Route 2, Kalamazoo: will no longer go to Kentwood City Hall, but will continue on down Kalamazoo and end at the Gaines Meijer.

Route 3, Wyoming/Rivertown (formerly Route 16): will no longer stop at Metro Health, but instead will turn on 44th Street and end at RiverTown Crossings Mall.

Route 4, Eastern: will be streamlined by taking Cherry directly from Central Station to Eastern. The one-way loop will be eliminated to provide two-way service on 60th and Eastern avenues south of 52nd Street.

Route 5, Wealthy/Woodland: the route will remain unchanged but will include a one-seat ride from downtown to Cascade.

 

Route 6, Eastern/Woodland: inbound will be moved from Ottawa to Monroe to provide better transfers with outer routes. The route will be interlined with Route 44 on weekdays to improve operational efficiency.

 

Route 8, Grandville/Rivertown: will take Wilson Avenue direct to Century Center rather than go down 44th Street. The route also will be extended to the RiverTown Target for transfers.

 

Route 10, Clyde Park: will take over the Division Avenue/68th Street loop from Route 1. The loop, which is south on Clyde Park to east on 54th Street, south on Division Avenue then west on 68th Street and then running north on Clyde Park, will be peak-only on weekdays from 6 – 9 a.m. and 3 – 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday.

Route 24, Burton: will be extended south on Ivanrest to RiverTown Crossings Mall. The route will go directly to Camelot from Woodland rather than deviating to 28th Street and Lake Eastbrook Drive.

Route 27, Airport Industrial: Route 17 and Route 5 peak extension will be merged into single circular route to supplement the Kentwood on-demand zone during high traffic times. The route will operate in the morning and evening weekday peeks every 30 minutes.

Route 28, West 28th: this route will be split into two routes, with Route 28 to be extended west to Fairlanes through Grandville.

Route 29, East 28th: will take over the route east of Woodland Mall with the loops to Acquest and the YMCA eliminated. Also, the route will only enter the Meijer on Kraft Avenue on the westbound trip.

Route 44, 44th Street: will enter/ext RiverTown Crossings Mall via the Potomac rather than Wilson Avenue due to the mall stop being moved to the east side of the building. Hourly Sunday service from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. will be added.

 

There are other route changes in the Grand Rapids area. For a complete schedule, visit  ridetherapid.org/mobility-for-all. There will be no increase in local operational funding to implement the service enhancements.

BISSELL Pet Foundation fights shelter overcrowding

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Cora, a one-eyed, 9.5-year-old dog was all to find her fur-ever home in the Empty the Shelters: Big Dog and Cat Crisis campaign. (Supplied)

By Brittany Schlacter
BISSELL Pet Foundation

More than 1,800 dogs and cats found forever homes over the course of six days through the emergency “Empty the Shelters: Big Dog & Cat Crisis” event with BISSELL Pet Foundation. The event was hosted in 97 shelters in 29 states. BISSELL Pet Foundation aided shelters experiencing overcrowding by sponsoring reduced fees for harder to place pets, including adult cats and large and senior dogs.

Approximately 808 adult cats and 997 large or senior dogs were adopted during the event hosted Aug. 16-22, 2021, including 33 cat and 49 dog “foster failures,” (when a foster family plans to adopt the pet) and a total of 1,887 animal lives were touched because of the effort.

Since Jan. 2021, BISSELL Pet Foundation has helped find homes for 12,427 pets and provided $927,100 in direct funding to the shelter partners through “Empty the Shelters.”

 

“With shelters struggling with overcrowding across the country, the adoptions through this emergency ‘Empty the Shelter’ have opened up space to help another 1,805 pets in need,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “We thank our partner shelters for the incredible work they did to help these pets find families, and of course a heartfelt thank you to all of the people who chose adoption and gave these pets a second chance at life.”

While thousands of lives were saved, here are just a few notable adoption stories from throughout the country:

  • Cora, a one-eyed, 9.5-year-old dog in Cummings, GA, found a fantastic home to live out her golden years after four months in the care of Animal Ark Rescue.
  • A diagnosis of kidney disease didn’t stop Sassy, the 14-year-old calico from Carsonville, MI, from securing her forever home during Sanilac County Humane Society’s event.
  • Houston Humane Society adopted out one of their longest residents during this emergency Empty the Shelters. Shelby, a six-year-old dog, found her family after 150 days at the shelter.

The next “Empty the Shelters” event is scheduled for October. For more information on adopting or donating to “Empty the Shelters,” visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters.

Snapshots: WKTV stories about interesting people you probably don’t know

3-bottom, WKTV Projects
George Keen, left, and Ralph Baker on The Racing Show, taped by WKTV in January, 2020. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Everyone has a story to tell, everyone is a writer. Some are written in the books and some are confined to hearts.”

Savi Sharma

George Keen, WKTV volunteer and racing enthusiast

WKTV general manager Tom Norton looks back at the many things to admire about recently departed George Keen, who volunteered at WKTV often, produced the long-running “The Racing Show” here, was a track announcer at Berlin Raceway — and always had a smile on his face. Go here for the story.

Gil Romeyn, a World War II veteran still flying high in his 90s

WKTV caught up with Gil Romeyn, a World War II veteran pilot and current resident of Kentwood’s Breton Woods of Holland Home, at the Sparta airport for a ride with the Dream Flights program. He remembers in great detail, and a bit of humor, his training to fly with the Army Air Corps in 1942. Go here for the story.


Loie Ghannam, local college student and quiet defender of his faith

Continuing WKTV Journal’s series “WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later”, we talk with Loie Ghannam, born locally and now a Grand Valley State University student. His family is of Palestinian heritage and his parents immigrated to American 25 years ago. All his life, it seems, he has needed to defend his religion and his heritage. Go here for the story.

Sobering fact:

325,574

Of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II, there are only 325,574 World War II Veterans still alive today. Source.

Upcoming NASA launch includes Girl Scout projects

3-bottom, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , ,
The Space X CRS-3 Dragon cargo craft will launch on Saturday and arrive at the International Space Station on Sunday. (NASA)

By Kelly Taylor
WKTV Program Manager

The Space X CRS-3 Dragon cargo craft will be carrying some very special supplies to the International Space Station this Saturday — experiments, essays and art from Girl Scouts.

The inaugural “Making Space for Girls Challenge” was a science competition presented by SpaceKids Global, a Florida-based, non-profit established to use space exploration to engage children in STEAM learning.

The call was put out through all of the Girl Scouts 111 councils with girls from 95 councils participating in three designated categories — science experiment, essays, and art. The competition has nearly 700 entries from across the country, as well as entries from Japan and Germany.

Some of the experiments include sending ants to space to see if they will still tunnel and build hills, while another looks at living micro-organisms processing carbon dioxide and waste on the International Space Station.

The Girl Scouts’ projects are part of several other new science experiments that will utilize a new research facility on board to study plants, ants, and brim shrimp in microgravity.

 

Live coverage of the launch will start at 3:15 a.m. with the launch scheduled for 3:37 p.m. on Saturday. The coverage continues on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for the rendezvous and docking of the cargo craft to the ISS. the docking is scheduled to take place at 11 a.m.

NASA TV can be seen on WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99. For more information on NASA or the International Space Station, visit www.nasa.gov. 

Holland Home expands with third assisted living building at Breton campus

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Health, Local Business, Senior Living, , ,
Recently, Holland Homes expanded its Breton Woods campus, located in Kentwood, to add a new 15-bed assisted living unit. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Demand for senior living services drove Holland Home to undergo a $5.5 million expansion project at its Breton Woods campus on 44th Street near Breton Avenue in Kentwood. Completed recently, the new facility will provide an innovative 19,000 SF, 15-bed assisted living unit and a 5,400-square-foot activity center with a gym and exercise area.

The privately funded single-story assisted living unit will be a much-needed addition to the two existing assisted living buildings on the Breton Campus. Each of the existing structures, built in 2015 and 2017 respectively, contain 15-bed units.

“The growth of our assisted living services at Breton Woods is part of Holland Home’s overall strategy to meet the needs of our aging population,” said Holland Home President & CEO Mina Breuker. 

The facility was designed by Post Architects with Erhardt Construction as the builder.

“We are thrilled to partner with Holland Home on their most recent addition to the Breton Woods Campus,” said Taggart Town, vice president, Erhardt Construction. “For over three decades, Erhardt Construction has been privileged to work with Holland Home as they provide independent living and continuum of care to the West Michigan senior community. The new expansion is another example of the top-notch senior living and care that Holland Home is known for.”

It’s expected that 10 to 15 new positions will be created to accommodate the increased capacity.

A peek into one of the living spaces at the new facility. (Supplied)

“We are excited to offer the additional assisted living building to our Breton Woods property, adding to our full continuum of care,” said Breton Woods Campus Executive Director Sara Heethuis, R.N., B.S.N.

The new assisted living building is a deinstitutionalized version of the typical assisted living facility and will afford residents the feeling of living in a real home with spacious private rooms and private bathrooms arranged around a communal dining and living area and a residential style kitchen.  The building will also house a den, a salon (staffed by professionals) a spa (with a ceiling lift to assist individuals), nurses’ station, staff office and clean and soiled linen rooms.

The new 15-bed unit is named “Water View” as the interior design offers various art pieces centered on serene water setting. Various photographs of water-based concepts by West Michigan photographer and artist Steven Huyser-Honig line the halls and rooms. Many of the rooms either face woods or ponds or an outside patio and walking path surrounded by wildlife.

The new building will be staffed by universalworkers along with nursing and social work support. 

 

“Staff will handle any necessary tasks whether it is dealing with personal care, doing laundry, or making the resident a snack,” adds Heethuis. “It has been shown that universal workers experience less job stress and spend more time engaging with residents.”

A study by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has shown that the small, assisted living model results in significantly improved quality of life and does not compromise care.  In fact, other studies have shown that residents maintained self-care abilities longer with the new model.

 

The Breton rehabilitation and living centers are rated five stars by Medicare Compare. The facility is part of Holland Home’s Breton Campus, which also features independent living facilities, rehabilitation and long-term care services. Learn more atwww.hollandhome.org.

For this Metro Cruise group, it’s not just about the cars — but the stories and the friendships, too

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Recreation, WKTV Projects
Deb Beek with her 1966 Chevy Stepside Pickup c10 (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Deb Beek’s interest in painting cars started because “I was told I couldn’t.”

So when her husband, Al (who was not the person who told her no), was getting ready to paint his 1964 Dodge Polara, she told him she wanted to paint it.

Al Beek with his 1955 Ford Panel Truck (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“I was like sure,” Al said. “We decided to do a red and I went with a DuPont paint which is an easy paint to use.

“When she was done, the paint job was just beautiful. It was as good as what the big body shops do.”

It was so good, that the car even won a few awards, but after a few years of owning the Polara, Al decided he wanted a new project. So he sold it and picked up a 1955 Ford Panel Truck for himself and a 1966 Chevy Stepside Pickup c10 for Deb. This time he asked Deb to paint the cars with the couple working as team, he did the body work, she did the painting.

Collectors love their cars but they love sharing their stories even more and it’s the story like the Beeks that bring them together and before, during, and after Metro Cruise. One such group of ten that the Beeks are part of meet every Wednesday night at Frankie V’s, sharing stories about cars, cruises and life.

“It is a unique group of individuals,” said Alan Wright, the owner of a 1958 Thunderbird. Unique in that most of the people in this group have been attending the Metro Cruise since is started in 2005. That distinction earned the group a special honor, they are the cars and drivers who bring the Miss Metro Cruise contestants to the stage.

Jeff Lombard with his 1973 AMC Gremlin (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“I had one who came up and she was tall with high heels and she folded herself right into my car,” laughed Jeff Lombard, who owns a 1973 AMC Gremlin.

“It is kind of interesting to have people come check it out,” Lombard said of his car. “They always say something like ‘I use to have one of those’ or ‘I can’t believe you still have one.’”

Actually Lombard purchased his Gremlin brand new off the lot in 1973. Soon after he got married and acquired a company car, he put the Gremlin in storage.

“I never thought much about the car until we were moving to another house,” Lombard said. “I went into the storage shed, put a battery in and gas and the car started right up.”

Usually at Metro Cruise, Lombard parks his car next to his brother’s 1970 AMC Javelin that he too bought brand new off the lot.

Tim Lombard with his 1970 AMC Javlin (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“I think I paid about $2,500 out the door for it,” Tim Lombard said. “I actually wanted a Barracuda but I couldn’t find one. This was a great deal, so I decided to take it.”

It is not hard to find the group at Metro Cruise, they take up the first 21 spots at the Rogers Plaza, something Wright said the group was able to secure because of their long participation. Wander through and you’ll discover an amazing sampling of classics from Lombards’ AMCs to Joe Birgles 1967 Olds 442, Ray Doornbos 1960s Chevy Pickup, and Bill Dewing’s 1957 Chevy.

Nestled among those cars is Wayne Kester’s 1957 Chevy Belair. The Belair design is often consider an auto icon having been used in toys and other merchandise. A closer look at Kester’s and you are quick to discover that this is a two-door post car that does not have a hard-top. A rare find indeed.

“It was actually a barn find in Sparta,” Kester said. “The uniqueness is that it is an in-line straight 6, original motor with 250 horsepower.”

Wayne Kester with his 1957 Chevy Belair (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

It is the original motor, original color, original transmission and original rear-end with no Bondo or rust. In fact, due to its outstanding safety rating — Kester said he maintains the car to be road safe — it was invited to represent Michigan in a National Street Rod Association event in Louisville, Kentucky.

“I was looking for a convertible and I couldn’t find one,” Kester said. “I came across this car by accident. It is something that nobody else has.”

Of course, in every group there is that one car that that has the story you have to hear. That would be Terry Bush’s 1971 Chevy Nova.

“My brother-in-law gave it to me as no one else wanted it,” Bush said. “I don’t know if it was a deal, as I had to rebuild it.”

Bush’s work on the car was recognized as he earned a first place award. Unfortunately, on the way home, the car was in an accident. So Bush had the car redone and again went to a car show, receiving an award, only to have the car catch on fire on the way home. He again had the car repaired and again took it to a show, won an award only to have a friend back into it at the show.

“It is has had four complete paint jobs,” Bush said with the group laughing. “At this point, I tend to avoid getting any trophies at the shows.”

So if you are wandering through Metro Cruise this Saturday, make sure to visit spots one through 21. Check out the cars, listen to the stories, and feel free to share a few of your own.

Should Fido be allowed to visit Pinery Park? City of Wyoming would like to know

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Recreation
City of Wyoming residents have until Aug. 30 to complete the survey on dog restrictions. (pxhere.com0

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Walk around in a public area such as a park or outdoor mall and you are bound to come across a dog or two.

There is no doubt that attitudes toward dogs are much different than they were in the late 1990s, which has the City of Wyoming asking whether it should continue its restrictions on dogs at Pinery Park.

“About 24 years ago, we instituted a ban on dogs at Pinery Park,” said Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebeca Rynbrandt. “The history at the time was there were concerns over specific breeds perceived to be aggressive and people were fearful that dogs at a park would do something.”

Other dog-related concerns were allergies to dogs and the dander, pet owners who allow dogs to run off leash and were not under control by their handlers, and frustration with pet owners who did not pick up after their dogs. These concerns promoted the Parks and Recreation Commission to have public hearings that resulted in Pinery Park being pet free from May to October. 

Flash forward to today, where people tend to bring their dogs just about everywhere, parks, hotels, restaurants, etc. They can even be seen at Pinery Park.

One of the concerns raised in 1997 was pet owners and handlers not controlling their animals. (pxhere.com)

“There is the challenge of enforcement,” Rynbrandt said. “We have park rangers who would remind people and then we have to get public safety officers to help with enforcement. Still residents just don’t know the regulations or just don’t want to recognize it.”

So the Parks and Recreation Commission decided it would ask its residents through a survey on whether to lift the ban on dogs at Pinery Park. Residents have until Aug. 30 to fill out the survey with results being posted on the city website the week of Sept. 20. The Parks and Recreation Commission will have a public hearing on the matter Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW.

“We take pride in our parks and value the input of our community,” Rynbrandt said. “It’s important that we hear directly from people who visit our parks and care about our community on whether the need for a ban is still necessary.”

Engagement is a key component for the Parks and Recreation, Rynbrandt said. It was surveys and community engagement that was instrumental in the redevelopment of Gezon Park with the city planning to seek community input on Marquette Park next. Recently, the Parks and Recreation surveyed its residents about program offerings.

For more information about the Parks and Recreation programs and other activities, visit www.wyomingmi.gov, call 616-530-3164, or email parks_info@wyomingmi.gov.  

Cascade Township to host ‘Metro Cruise Warm-Up’ all-ages event on Thursday, Aug. 26

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Food, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
The 28th Street Metro Cruise takes place Aug. 27 and 28 in Wyoming and Kentwood. But Cascade will host a “Warm-Up” — with lots of fun and cars — on Thursday, Aug. 26. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

After being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up returns to Cascade Township where it will welcome classic car lovers and community members of all ages.

This year’s event will take place from 4:30-8:30 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 26, in the parking lot at Fowling Warehouse Grand Rapids, 6797 Cascade Road SE. The free-to-attend event will feature activities for car enthusiasts, music lovers, families and children, including classic show cars, music by The Soul Syndicate, and face painting and balloon sculpting for the little ones.

There will also be variety of dinner and dessert options available from local food trucks, including Patty Matters, The Grilled Greek, O’Hana Ice and Mexcellente.

“The Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up is a wonderful way for residents of all ages to get outdoors, have fun and connect with neighbors,” Sandra Korhorn, Cascade Township economic development director, said in supplied material. “We are beyond excited to return this year and gather with the community to listen to great music, grab a bite to eat and, of course, admire dozens of classic cars.”

The Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up leads into the 28th Street Metro Cruise, West Michigan’s premiere auto cruise and car show set for Friday, Aug. 27 through Saturday, Aug. 28, at Wyoming’s Rogers Plaza and Kentwood’s Woodland Mall.

Cascade’s Metro Cruise Warm-Up will also feature a silent auction that will benefit the Kent County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office will auction off two ride-alongs with the K-9 Unit. Each ride-along will consist of a six-hour patrol shift that will “give participants the opportunity to see the role of law enforcement from a unique perspective,” according to supplied material. Participants must be 18 years or older and pass a criminal background check. The K-9 Unit will also perform a live demonstration at 7 p.m.

For more information on the Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up visit the Township’s website or the event’s Facebook page.

County seeks applicants for boards and commissions, including a Wyoming resident to library board

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Our Cities, Volunteers, WKTV Projects,
The Kent County Board of Commissioners (from a previous meeting). (Supplied/Kent County)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking “qualified and interested” residents to serve the community through appointment to various boards, commissions, and committees.

Some positions require certain experience in select fields, while other simply require people to be interested in serving their community. Some, but not all appointments, require an individual to be a resident or a registered voter of Kent County.

All applications for appointment must be filed with the Board of Commissioner’s office by close of business, Friday, Sept. 30.

One open position which requires a citizen of Wyoming is on the Kent District Library Board, with an opening for a Region 8 resident member from the City of Wyoming. (Also available is the Region 4 resident member from either Bowne, Lowell,Vergennes Township or City of Lowell).

Other boards, commissions, and committees that have openings for terms effective Jan. 1, 2022 (unless otherwise noted) include:

Agricultural Preservation Board (openings for agricultural interest representative and conservation representative).


Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, Board of Directors (must be 60 years or older).

Community Health Advisory Committee (openings for at-large member, community-based organization representative, health care provider representative, and Kent ISD representative).

Community Mental Health Authority Board (Network 180) Board (Term begins April 1,2022).

County Building Authority.

Friend of the Court Citizens’ Advisory Committee (attorney who engages primarily in Family Law and one representative of the public).

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRFIA) Authority Board.

Housing Commission.

Jury Commission.

Kent County Community Action Advisory Governing Board (openings for one consumer sector member and one public sector member).

Kent County Family & Children’s Coordinating Council (private agency representatives, private funding representatives).

Kent Hospital Finance Authority (two openings for County Representative members).

Officers’ Compensation Commission (four member openings).

Remonumentation Peer Review Group (openings for four professional surveyor members).

Veterans Services Committee (openings for four U.S. armed forces veteran members).

Qualified residents may apply by completing an online application on the County’s website at accessKent.com/boardappointments. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2021.


For additional information on the boards and commissions visit the Kent County website here or contact the Board of Commissioner’s office at 616-632-7580.

Wyoming police seeking information on Aug. 23 assault

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming Police are seeing information on an assault that took place in the 4400 block of Herman Avenue on Aug. 23 at around 12:30 a.m.

The incident, according to police, stemmed from an altercation involving four individuals who were known to each other and resulted in all four of them receiving injuries requiring medical treatment at a local hospital. According to police, the injuries were sustained from being stabbed or assaulted with a blunt object. One of these individuals sustained life-threatening injuries and is in critical condition at a local hospital. One individual has been traded and released, one has been treated and then lodged at Kent County Correctional Facility on charges related to this incident, and one remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. 

The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are working to determine the role of each person involved in the incident. The individual who was lodged at Kent County Correctional Facility will be held pending review of changes by the Kent County prosecutor.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345. 

Metro Cruise, looking east for cruise extension and more exposure, partners with Woodland Mall

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, Woodland Mall, ,
Bob O’Callaghan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, talks about the chamber’s Metro Cruise expanding out to a second location in 2021, at the Woodland Mall.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

People who have a history of cruising with the 28th Street Metro Cruise know it once extended from Cascade to Wyoming, with Woodland Mall a good middle point turnaround for some.

Bob O’Callaghan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the hosting organization of the Metro Cruise, would like to see those days return.

But this year, just having the event extend its footprint and have a presence at Woodland Mall is a big step in the right direction.

“Woodland (Mall) has been an endpoint for a lot of folks going east,” O’Callaghan said to WKTV. “We are trying to get more people in Cascade, or whatever, doing events that go all the way, the full 13 miles. But at this point Woodland has been a great way to do that.”

The 28th Street Metro Cruise officially kicks-off Friday, Aug. 27, at 4 p.m., at its usual and main location at Rogers Plaza in Wyoming, and will continue Saturday, Aug. 28.

Rogers Plaza mall parking lot in Wyoming is always a focal point for the 28th Street Metro Cruise. (WKACC)

As in past years, the Rogers Plaza mall parking lot will feature food trucks and concessionaires, hundreds of collector cars, a kid’s entertainment area, a community awards ceremony, the crowd-favorite Miss Metro Cruise competition finals, live music on the Metro-Main Stage, and the popular Dynamometer car testing area where attendees can see cars rev up to 160 mph. (For more information and schedule of events visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.)

But at the second Main Event site, located on the off 28th Street at Woodland Mall, on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., will feature a wide array of collector, sports, and antique cars. It will also feature multiple food vendors including local food trucks, and official Metro Cruise merchandise.
 

“The good thing about this event here at Woodland Mall is that it is an opportunity for some of the folks in Cascade, Ada, who usually drive down to Rogers Plaza but don’t want to, have a closer venue,” O’Callaghan said. “We’ll have a lot of folks come into see the cars, and we’ll have a lot of folks just want see what it is. … It is a great opportunity for people to come in, park, look at the cars, and have a good time.”

O’Callaghan also expressed gratitude to the management of Woodland Mall for working with the Metro Cruise — “We are glad to have them be part of this for this year and hope it grows.”

And Woodland Mall is happy to be part of the festivities.

“We are looking forward again to welcoming the 28th Street Metro Cruise to Woodland Mall,” Mikia Ross, interim senior marketing director for Woodland Mall, said to WKTV. “In addition to providing shoppers and guests with an excellent selection of shopping, dining and entertainment offerings, we also host many free events and programs for the community to enjoy year-round. … Metro Cruise is one of many events we’ve been grateful to be a part of again this year to bring the West Michigan community together.”

Snapshots: Car talk and a look at what’s coming next

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

“As children, we all live in a world of imagination, of fantasy, and for some of us that world of make-believe continues into adulthood.”

Puppeteer and Muppets creator Jim Henson

You’ve Got a Friend

George Keen, left, and Ralph Baker on The Racing Show, taped by WKTV in January, 2020. (WKTV)

George Keen was a friend and mentor for many at WKTV. Known as the face of the popular “The Racing Show,” George would lend his natural broadcast talents to a number of WKTV projects such as DreamWheels at Metro Cruise and the sports show. General Manager Tom Norton writes “Something tells me that if Heaven has racing and they want the new guy to ‘call the race,’ everyone back here who knew George would recommend him highly.” WKTV thanks George’s family for sharing this man of many talents with us.

Revving up for Metro Cruise

It’s hard to believe that Metro Cruise is only a week away, but it is! The largest car show in West Michigan has a ton of events including a Wyoming versus Kentwood chicken wings challenge. Of courses, the cars will be the cente point with them lined up along 28th Street. Bonus: this year there will be two main locations, Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall. For more on this year’s event, click here. For a look at past events, click here. The Metro Cruise schedule is available at wktvjournal.org and 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.

Forward Thinking

Scenes form “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”, coming to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum this fall. (SEE Attractions)

ArtPrize is on the horizon for Sept. 16 – Oct. 3 but there are several other cool events coming into Grand Rapids this fall as well. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will be hosting “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition.” The immersive visual experience is set to open Oct. 22. The Grand Rapids Art Museum will be featuring the work of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish, members of the Gun Lake Tribe, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band. The two are renowned for their artistry in black ash basketry. And the John Ball Zoo recently announced it will bring back IllumiZoo Wild Hues this fall. Guests will be able to stroll through an illuminated landscape of nature drenched with lighting and sounds. IllumiZoo will run Sept. 3 to Nov. 14.

La Marquise, the oldest running car in the world. (Public Domain)

Fun Fact: 137 years old and still running

Currently holding the title of the oldest running car is the La Marquise from France. The vehicle was manufactured in 1884 by De Dion, Bouton, and Trepardoux. The car was built as a prototype named after De Dion’s mother, and it was based on a quadricycle design. In 1987, an Englishman bought the car from a French auction and brought it home. After working on the car, he was able to get it running and it was the oldest car in the 1996 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. The car was given the number “0” for the race. In a 2011 auction, the car sold for more than four and half million dollars. It is in a private collection.

Num-num: Kentwood Farmers Market charcuterie challenge offered culinary skills, creative eye

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Food, Going Local, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, WKTV Projects, ,
The sights and sounds of the City of Kentwood’s Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Five contestants, including at least two from Kentwood, pulled out their cutlery and their eye for beauty recently as the the Kentwood Farmers Market held its first-ever Charcuterie Challenge, which had the entries given 30 minutes to first buy items from the market and then prepare a charcuterie plater for pubic vote.

The Aug. 12 challenge, eventually won by Lisa Hopkins, included contestants Amy Richey, Marne Becker-Baratta, Trang Wilbur and Joshua Knepper.

The competition took place during the Kentwood Farmers Market, located weekly behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, with the finished boards on display and market-goers able to watch the competitors build their boards and then vote for their favorite. The winner received a gift courtesy of the Kentwood Farmers Market.

In the French tradition, charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and meat products. The idea of charcuterie has evolved over the years to include an assortment of meats, cheeses, veggies and other items.

The market randomly selected five challengers out of a group of applicants to each receive $25 and 30 minutes to shop the market and assemble a one-of-a-kind charcuterie board using only those purchased ingredients.

“Charcuterie has become such a fun, popular way to display and enjoy a variety of food,” market manager Kristina Colby said prior to the event. “We are looking forward to seeing all the creative ways challengers showcase local foods found at the Kentwood Farmers Market and use the beautiful, handmade charcuterie boards Handcrafted by Fellow is suppling for the competition.”

For more information about the Kentwood Farmers Market visit KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

  • The Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, farmers market manager Kristina Colby, center, prepares the chefs for the challenge. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, contestant Joshua Knepper is out shopping at the market. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, contestant Amy Richey (of Kentwood) is out shopping at the market. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, the contestants start their work. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, contestant Lisa Hopkins — and eventual winner — prepares her plate. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, contestant Joshua Knepper prepares his plate. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, contestant Marne Becker-Baratta (of Kentwood) prepares her plate. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, contestant Trang Wilbur prepares her plate. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Kent County now ‘high’ COVID risk, Wyoming, Kentwood schools issue mask mandates

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health
Kentwood Public Schools and Wyoming Public Schools have announced a mask mandate for the start of the school year.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised the level of COVID-19  infection to ‘high’ from ‘substantial’ for Kent County with the recommendation that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a face mask in indoors.

The CDC defines ‘high’ transmission as more than 100 cases per 100,000 people, or a positivity rate of 10 percent or greater in the past seven days. Kent County currently has a seven-day positivity rate of 8.4 percent and seven-day average for new caess is 103 per 100,000. 

“Vaccines remain our best tool for ending this pandemic so we continue to urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Dr. Adam London, director of the Kent County Health Department, “With the delta variant spreading quickly throughout our community, we must remain vigilant and take extra steps in protecting our friends, family, and neighbors.”

Yesterday, Kentwood Public Schools became the second school district in Kent County to issue a mask mandate starting in the fall. In an open letter to the community. Superintendent Kevin Polsten said that as of Aug. 17 (the date of the letter), 41% of students ages 17-12 have been vaccinated with 67% 16 and older in the Kentwood community having been vaccinated.

Following suit today was the Wyoming Public Schools which announced that based on the latest guidance by the KCHD and the CDC announcement, the district would be requiring masks for all ore-12 students and staff indoors in all district buildings regardless of age or vaccination status.

Grand Rapids Public Schools issued a similar mask mandate earlier this week. Forest Hills Public Schools announced earlier this week that students and staff not vaccinated will be required to wear masks.

London has not issued a mask mandate from the Kent County Health Department, but in a video released, he stated he “highly recommend” people wear masks in indoor places.

The Kent County Health Department with the CDC recommends the following guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

Get vaccinated

Wear a mask or face coverage in all indoor public settings, regardless or vaccination status

Practice good hand washing hygiene

Avoid large crowds and maintain social distance from people outside of your household

Get test if you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Due to the current risk classification and positivity rate, an eviction moratorium from CDC now covers Kent County. Tenants with high or substantial transmission who meet income requirements, face a loss of income, are trying to pay rent and submit a declaration form to their landlord, are covers by the moratorium through Oct. 3, 2021. However, residents should remember that there is no moratorium for property taxes.

GRCC mens hoop coach Fox visits WKTV Sports Connection to talk family ties, program goals

3-bottom, Area Education, Education, Local Faces, Our Cities, Sports, WKTV Journal Sports Connection, , ,
GRCC head mens basketball coach Joe Fox visits the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection to catch us up on his history and his program. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

On this latest episode of WKTV Journal Sports Connection, we talk with new Grand Rapids Community College head mens basketball coach Joe Fox — a coach with experience assisting on local college teams, a family where coaching basketball runs deep, and a passion for helping student athletes succeed on and off the court.

This summer, Fox was appointed GRCC head coach after serving as an assistant coach — twice — at the downtown Grand Rapids school, as well as at Calvin University and Lansing Community College. He also has been involved with the popular Gus Macker basketball tournament.

And, while it might be cliche, but coaching runs in Fox’s family as his father, Gary Fox, and grandfather, George Fox, both coached high school basketball in Michigan for 25 years. George Fox, in fact, won a state championship with Magic Johnson at Lansing’s Everett high in 1977.

It is Joe Fox’s goals for student-athlete success — in the classroom, on the court, and in life — where Fox says will be a focus of his Raiders program.

Success “on and off the field is a huge thing, not just at the community college level but all colleges,” Fox said to WKTV. “Student athletes, in general, tend to think of themselves through an athletic lens, first and foremost. It’s a big part of their identity, as students. It’s big part of their time. So we are really intentional about making sure they have the academic support they need as well.”

In the WKTV Sports Connection interview, Coach Fox also talked in detail about his experience, his coaching family, and not only what his 2021-22 team will look like but where his program recruiting focus will be.
 

WKTV Journal Sports Connection is a WKTV produced program dedicated to bringing you interviews and stories focused on local Wyoming and Kentwood area high schools sports. You can catch up on all our local sports coverage by visiting WKTVJournal.org/sports. But we also have a volunteer sports crew, both in studio and with our coverage truck. For more information email ken@WKTV.org.

This WKTV Journal sports coverage of high school athletic events and other sports is available at WKTVlive.org. It also airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule). Individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal Sports Connection are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

The George Keen I knew

3-bottom, Going Local, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local History, Recreation, Sports, Volunteers, WKTV Projects, ,
George Keen, left, and Ralph Baker on The Racing Show, taped by WKTV in January, 2020. (WKTV)

By Tom Norton, WKTV general manager

Whenever we receive news of the sudden passing of a colleague, friend or family member, it’s always a shock. All of us WKTV Community Media family were shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of George Keen Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021.

George began his decades of volunteering and creating television at WKTV in 1992. I remember first meeting George and knew instantly that he was a natural for broadcast work. His easy-going, affable  and conversational manner made him the perfect television host. We used to joke here that George was so good, he could give a play-by-play of paint drying. The ease from which George could take a guest’s answer and play it into the next question made his television appearances, not so much television, but more a conversation which is where television really shines. It seemed like it was an old acquaintance or friends talking and it was always a pleasure to watch.

And watch they did. In 1992 George and his team created “The Racing Show” to in George’s words, ‘give the racing fans something to talk about over the winter when they were at the races.” I asked him what they were going to talk about and he said, “racing, of course.” Within several months of its launch, “The Racing Show”, every Wednesday at 7 p.m., became appointment television for many in West Michigan. There was no internet or social media to push the audience (or divide it up), but the audience grew quickly.

The show sponsored sold out wintertime racing banquets at the K of C Hall and during a WKTV Buy a Brick telethon in 2002, we gave George and the racing community an entire night of the telethon. All night long the phones jangled with the sound of the racing community buying bricks to support WKTV. We knew, however, that they were really heeding George’s call and it showed that the racing community is a tight knit family.

George stayed with us through the early years of The 28th Street Metro Cruise, again providing that effortless style of good conversation when talking to any classic car owner. Gradually, though his talent led him to work more in radio and at Berlin Raceway and when “The Racing Show” went off the air in 2005 we were sad. For us it seemed an era had passed.

George returned occasionally to host a number of different shows including many years doing play-by-play for Golden Gloves Boxing. In February of 2020 George returned again to WKTV to tape the first  installment of the new “The Racing Show” which would’ve also featured a podcast. He just couldn’t stay away from making television and it was a comeback we were glad to have. When the pandemic shuttered productions, things never did come back together, but we have the one episode that will stay in our archive forever.

I never saw the man use notes. He ability to wing it effortlessly always impressed me and we’re sure much more will be said of George who had so many friends and colleagues across so many facets of life. Something tells me that if Heaven has racing and they want the new guy to “call the race,” everyone back here who knew George would recommend him highly.

God speed George Keen. Thank you for 29 years at WKTV.

WKTV’s commitment to, and coverage, of Metro Cruise runs decades deep; catch some highlights

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,
The 2013 Metro Cruise, filmed by WKTV. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Since 2005, the 28th Street Metro Cruise has been an annual event put on by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, but “cruising 28th Street” has been a “thing” long before then — people have grown up cruising up and down 28th Street, maybe first with their father and now with their children.

Cruisers have long considered 28th Street a memorable place for car lovers, particularly around the Rogers Plaza area in Wyoming, and “Bringing car lovers together to celebrate this long-standing tradition was the foundation for the current event,” the chamber states on their website.
 

And WKTV Community Media has been covering the 28th Street Metro Cruise since its inception.

“WKTV Community Media has for nearly half a century been part of the Wyoming and Kentwood community and, with Metro Cruise being one of largest gatherings of our community, we have a long history with the event,” Tom Norton, general manger of WKTV Community Media, said. “We have covered it in many ways over the years. Rain or shine. Big and smaller. The cars change but our commitment to coverage has not.”

For just a sampling of WKTV’s coverage, and some recent YouTube highlights, see the following links:

The History of Metro Cruise


Even in the COVID-19 year of 2020, WKTV got creative and still offered up a show.



In 2017, a car show met Hollywood premiere as WKTV brought classic vehicles to the red carpet.



In 2018, WKTV looked at what “classic sports and performance cars” might look like in the future.



2014 Metro Cruise Live



For more information and schedule of events visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.

Kent County Health urges residents to follow CDC guidelines

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

As both pro and against masks supporters protested in Kent County, Kent County Health Department Administrative Health Officer Adam London issued a statement announcing he had no plans at this time to issue a mask mandate.

 

Dr. Adama London’s full statement on COVID guidelines and masks. (Kent County Health Department)

“…I am not issuing a public health order mandating masks in the schools at this time,” London said in the three-page release. “This decision is due to the reality that not all options have been exhausted to prevent the danger before us.

“The schools and the parents have even a greater power than the health department to protect the children and the community in this instance.”

London said the challenge facing many communities across the nation is indeed severe. The Delta variant spreads many times quicker than the original form of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent has estimated that upwards of 83 percent of all new COVID cases in the U.S. are the Delta variant.

According to London, a person infected with the the Delta variant will, on average, spread that infection to between five and nine others compared to the original form which spreads to two or thee other people. The current surge in new COVID cases began in the southern states and is rapidly advancing across the nation.

“Sadly, there has also been a steep incline in the number of pediatric COVID cases reported over the past six weeks from about 8,400 per week to almost 94,000 last week,” he said, adding that pediatricians are also increasingly concerned about multi system inflammatory syndrome, which can be serious, even deadly inflammation of a child’s internal organs, and also the chronic effects of long-term COVID.

According to Kent County Health Department information, in Michigan, the new COVID cases has risen from 11 per day in early July to 86 per day this week. The rate of which COVID tests are found to be positive has increased from 2 percent to 7.3 percent during that same timeframe.

“At this time, I am presenting the community with the highest recommendation possible that schools and the parents require adherence to the guidance of the CDC, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Kent County Health Department,” London said in his statement. “Above all, I expect that the children under the age of 12, who are not yet eligible for vaccine, are protected through mask use and other proven prevention strategies.”

For up-to-date information on COVID and related issues, visit the Kent County Health Department’s website 

Snapshots: WKTV stories on health and medical news you might have missed

3-bottom, Community Health, Health

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.”

William Londen

A file photo of a Kent County technician testing mosquitoes for West Nile virus. (KCHD)

Another reason to keep the bugs away

The Kent County Health Department announced recently that the Jamestown Canyon virus has been detected in tested mosquitoes in Kent County. The virus is similar, yet different, than the West Nile virus, and is also carried by mosquitoes. WKTV asked a county health official to detail the similarities and differences — and how to protect yourself from both. Go here for the story.

Keep your mask close in close quarters

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently raised the risk level of COVID-19 infection from ‘moderate’ to ‘substantial’ for Kent County. The CDC recommends everyone in areas with a risk designation of ‘substantial’ or ‘high’ wear a face mask in indoor public places, regardless of vaccination status. Go here for the story.

Joining together for the community’s heart health

In late July, Metro Health (soon to be University of Michigan Health – West), Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, and Mercy Health Muskegon finalized the agreement to form the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan. Under this agreement, the network will be providing advance cardiovascular services such as coronary artery bypass surgery, cardiac valve repair or replacement, and repair for birth defects. Go here for the story.

(Not so) Fun fact:

20 per day

According to a 2018 survey by the Physicians Foundation, doctors on average work 51 hours a week and see 20 patients a day. Almost a quarter of their time is taken up with nonclinical paperwork. Source.

New to the job but not to successful college athletes, GRCC AD Ferullo visits WKTV Sports Connection

3-bottom, Area Education, Education, Local Faces, Sports, WKTV Journal Sports Connection,
Grand Rapids Community College athletic director Lauren Ferullo, the first female AD in these schools history, visits the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection to catch us up on her history and the school’s athletic programs. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

On this latest episode of WKTV Journal Sports Connection, we talk junior college sports conferences, preparing students for success both in athletics and in life, and the impact on female athletics of Title lX. With us is Grand Rapids Community College athletic director Lauren Ferullo, the first female AD in these schools history.

As part of a wide ranging discussion on GRCC sports with WKTV sports volunteer Greg Yoder, AD Ferullo points out that female athletic directors are more and more common these days — if still a small minority — but she still take great pride in being a role modern for young women on the playing field in the field of athletic leadership.

“It definitely matters to me because I am one of few. I actually looked up the statistics today and about 15 percent of (of college athletic directors) … are female. And then it is about 13 percent at the community college level,” Ferullo said to WKTV. “So I am one of very few and I take that very seriously.

“I think I can be a role model for female athletes, I am a product of Title lX. I had those opportunities. I was able to play sports growing up. I was afforded those opportunities and now I am an athletic director.”

The federal act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, in brief, prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. One result was a vast expansion of college athletic scholarships being given to females.

WKTV Journal Sports Connection is a WKTV produced program dedicated to bringing you interviews and stories focused on local Wyoming and Kentwood area high schools sports. You can catch up on all our local sports coverage by visiting WKTVJournal.org/sports. But we also have a volunteer sports crew, both in studio and with our coverage truck. For more information email ken@WKTV.org.

This WKTV Journal Sports Connection is available on-demand, along with WKTV coverage of high school athletic events and other sports, at WKTVlive.org. It also airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule). Individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal Sports Connection are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Kentwood’s brush drop-off site reopens for residents with storm damage

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Weather, WKTV Projects,
The City of Kentwood will accept brush and tree debris for a short time due to the recent storms. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood has reopened its brush drop-off site for residents to dispose of tree debris resulting from recent storms. Residents can also report debris on city streets to the Department of Public Works, according to a statement from the city.

The drop-off site typically is closed in the summer.
 

Beginning today, Aug. 12, and running through Aug. 21 city residents can drop off brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs, loose leaves and loose grass clippings from storm damage at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. The facility will be open from noon-8 p.m., Monday-Friday, and noon-6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

“Our crews are working hard to help clean up storm debris throughout Kentwood,” interim Public Works Director Jerry DeRuiter said in supplied material. “We’re reopening our brush drop-off site to help residents take care of the trees, branches and brush that have fallen on their properties.”

The service is available to Kentwood residents only. Staff will be on-site checking for proof of residency and appropriate materials. Materials that cannot be accepted include paper and plastic bags, trash, dirt, concrete, asphalt, tires, rocks, stones, construction materials, glass and metal.

Residents can report downed tree limbs and other debris obstructing city streets to the Department of Public Works at 616-554-0817 or 911. Non-emergency street or sidewalk concerns can be reported online at kentwood.us/psr/index.php.

Large crowds expected at this year’s Metro Cruise

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, WKTV Projects, ,
Metro Cruise takes place Aug. 27 and 28. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

With the attendance at the Metro Cruise Dust Off and at the Miss Metro Cruise preliminaries almost double in past years, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce President Bob O’Callaghan is pretty confident that this year’s Metro Cruise will also have an increase in attendance.

Set for Aug. 27 and 28, the annual car show has previously drawn about 250,000 people city-wide to dozens of events along 28th Street. Because 2020 had no events due to the COVID pandemic, O’Callaghan said he has seen a huge interest in people wanting to get out and do something this summer. Not only has that been proven with the Metro Cruise’s earlier events but both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood have reported high attendance for the municipalities summer concert series.

 

“So we know people are ready to get out and show their cars,” O’Callaghan said. “We are hoping for a great weekend.”

In response to post-COVID surges seen at other events, Metro Cruise organizers have made some changes for this year’s event. More portable restrooms and hand wash stations have been added. Multiple stations along the main walkway will have hand sanitizer. Collector car parking areas have been shifted further from walkways. The number of vendors also have been decrease in an effort to increase spacing between attendees.

The event will not operate at reduce numbers, nor will mask wearing or six-foot distancing be enforced, unless any Kent County Healthy Department, state or federal mandates are put back in place before the Metro Cruise weekend. 

“We encourage all attendees to be smart,” said Event Manager Brandon Simmons. “If you’re sick with COVID-like symptoms, or have recently been exposed to someone who tested positive, please plan to visit us next year. If you do attend, wear a mask if desired and keep some space around you.”

As for the event, it is going to be bigger than last year with the addition of a second anchor location, Woodland Mall. which will be open on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. The Woodland Mall location will feature a wide array collector, sports, and antique cars along with activities.

A preview event is set for Tuesday, Aug. 24, 6 – 8 p.m. at Rivertown Ridge, 3555 Copper River Ave. SW. The main event will take place Aug. 27 and 28 at Rogers Plaza parking lot. Rogers Plaza will feature more than 20 food trucks and concessionaires, 400 collector cars, kids entertainment area, Community Awards ceremony and the Miss Metro Cruise competition finale, area bands, and the Dynamometer car testing area.

At the 2019 event, there was a donut challenge between the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming. The mayors of both cities have been encouraging another event this year, so Metro Cruise will be hosting the Duel of the Cities chicken wing challenge between Wyoming’s Brann’s Steakhouse and Kentwood’s Candied Yam, O’Callaghan said. The event is set for 11 a.m. Aug. 28 at Rogers Plaza.


But the main attraction of Metro Cruise is the cars, O’Callaghan said.

“We get [the cars] from all over the place and it is the whole 13 miles of 28th Street, It is not just our two locations,” O’Callaghan said. “A lot of folks are doing different events as the week goes on.”

The most important aspect of the Metro Cruise is having people support the local businesses, he said.

 

“So have a burger or purchase a t-shirt from the businesses that are along 28th Street,” he said. 

Booths still available as Black-owned businesses to be showcased at Woodland Mall Aug. 14

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, Woodland Mall, ,
One of Woodland Mall’s entrances. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

More than 20 regional businesses will showcase their goods and services during the return of the Black-Owned Business Showcase at Woodland Mall on Saturday, Aug. 14 — and there are still booths available.

The event enjoyed a strong response from the local community at its debut in 2020, according to an announcement from the mall, and will again feature booths with Black-owned businesses offering fashion apparel, food, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, kitchen items, gifts, stationery and cards, financial planning, health and wellness items, photography, home services and goods, and more.

Shoppers will be able to browse, sample, buy and connect during the day-long showcase from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“In response to strong consumer demand, we are so pleased to offer this showcase for a second consecutive year,” Mikia Ross, interim senior marketing director for Woodland Mall, said in supplied material. “We appreciate the opportunity to open the mall’s doors to support Black-owned businesses serving our community. There will truly be something for everyone at this event, and we look forward to welcoming these entrepreneurs and their companies.”

Woodland Mall is owned by PREIT, which launched its Support Black-Owned Business and Brands 365 in February as part of an ongoing effort to spotlight Black-owned entrepreneurs and brands within its portfolio of top-tier and region-leading properties in eight states.

Woodland is one of 10 PREIT properties to offer a Black-Owned Business Showcase in August. PREIT properties have hosted activities throughout the year, including art exhibits, documentary screenings and food festivals, as a way to highlight the importance of Black-owned businesses and brands.

For a complete list of vendors, visit shopwoodlandmall.com. If your business is interested in securing a booth, complete the online registration.

After Dream Flight, local WW2 veteran pilot looks back with detail, humor on first airplane

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Local Faces, Local History, Senior Living, Veterans, WKTV Projects, , ,
Gil Romeyn, a World War II veteran pilot and current resident of Kentwood’s Breton Woods of Holland Home, talks to WKTV after a Dream Fight. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Gil Romeyn, a World War II veteran pilot and current resident of Kentwood’s Breton Woods of Holland Home, remembers in great detail his training to fly with the Army Air Corps in 1942. And he also remembers his first airplane with a bit of humor.

Romeyn was one of nine veterans from the local independent living facility who were treated to a flight in a restored 1940 Boeing Stearman biplane Aug. 6 as part of a Dream Flight event at the Sparta airport offered the non-profit Dream Flights program and Breton Woods of Holland Home.

A 1940 Boeing Stearman biplane in flight, at right, from another day of Dream Flights. (Supplied)

“That’s the type of plane I learned to fly in the United States Army Air Corps in World War II,” Romeyn, who served in the precursor of the U.S. Air Force from 1941-45, said to WKTV after his flight. “We started with that aircraft (the Stearman), then went to basic flight training — that’s the (Vultee) BT-13.

“Then we went to advanced, that’s an (Beechcraft) AT-10, a multi-engine (aircraft),” he said, going into great detail. “Then I went to a (Douglas) C-47 transport plane —  that’s where I flew in the war zone. North Africa, Italy.”

And while the flight “brought back pleasant memories,” Romeyn said, he also found a little humor in his being in the back in the cockpit — how low he sat in the seat this time. (For a video of Romeyn detailing why he sat lower, and why it was humorous, see video above and here.)

The restored WWII-era biplane stop is part of Operation September Freedom, a barnstorming event led by nonprofit Dream Flights.

 

Dream Flights pilot Marcus Smith, left, with veteran Martin Sharda, after a flight on restored 1940 Boeing Stearman biplane. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The Holland Home veterans are among the 100,000 members of the “Greatest Generation” — World War II veterans — still alive today, according to supplied material. They are also among the 1,000 or so WWII veterans located in more than 300 US cities that will be honored during Dream Flights’ 61-day tour that began Aug. 1.

According to supplied material, when Dream Flights was told that Holland Home has 11 WWII veterans, the organization said they have never had so many veterans participate from a single senior living community. The oldest veteran participating in 98 and the youngest is 95.

Holland Home bused the veterans, as well as spouses and other veteran residents to the airport, and families and friends are also invited to attend. In addition to the flights, there was also a noontime ceremony with a color guard, national anthem and lunch served.

History in the air

Flying the Stearman out of Paul Miller Airport in Sparta for each of the about 30-minute Dream Flights was pilot Marcus Smith, who works for Dream Flights, out of Carson City, Nevada.

Dream Flights pilot Marcus Smith. (WKTV)

“It was a World War II trainer. … It was the original primary trainer, the first airplane that they flew,” Smith said to WKTV in between flights. “If they did not solo with the airplane within eight to 10 hours of flight time, they were washed out of the program. From there, they went into advanced training, after that they went into either bombers or fighters.”

And the history of this specific restored aircraft?

“This specific airplane was used by the U.S. Army Air Corps for training pilots. Then afterwards it as sold for surplus and in 1946 it was bought by the president of our foundation’s grandfather,” Smith said. “So this specific airplane has been in the family ever since. From then on, it was a crop duster — they put metal wings on it, they put 600 horsepower on it, and they dusted crops in Washington state for a long time. And then after that, it was restored to its original condition and now it is on the road with us fulfilling our mission.”

According to Dream Flights official webpage, the mission of the organization is “honoring military veterans and seniors with the adventure of a lifetime: a flight in a Boeing Stearman biplane.

“As we make these heroes wishes come true, our Dream Flights inspire them to share their stories. We collect, preserve and share those stories of how they survived through times of great strife to remind us of our shared humanity, our connection to each other and the value of listening. Our Dream Flights close the generation gap and open us up to a clearer understanding of ourselves and our world.”

For more information on Dream Flights, visit dreamflights.org.

A regular Marge’s Donut Den meeting group hosts event focused on Wyoming-based foundation

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Health, , ,
Father Peter Omogo with villagers celebrate the opening of a new well in 2020. (SOF)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Marge Wilson remembers watching a woman make the sign of the cross just before putting a cup underneath a fountain to get water.

Clean water is an essential need in many third world countries. Polluted water isn’t just dirty, it’s deadly, according to the Koshland Science Museum. Some 1.8 million people die every year of diarrheal diseases like cholera because they drink dirty water. Tens of millions of others are seriously sickened by a host of water-related ailments, many of which are preventable if these people had access to clean drinking water.

It is why Wilson, the owner of Marge’s Donut Den, in 2012 decided to start the Samual Omogo Foundation, which is dedicated to building water wells in villages in Southeastern Nigeria. The foundation is named after Samuel Omogo, a Nigerian man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of people in Nigerian villages. He was well known for his philanthropic deeds of visiting the sick, bringing food, clothing and school supplies to those in need.

 

“I think Samuel is a man who did so much for his people that I am grateful that his children can see all those wells and say ‘Daddy made a difference in everybody’s life,’” Wilson said in an interview for the foundation.

The Samuel Omogo Foundation will be the focus of the next Mr. Sid’s Video Series Thursday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW.

“Our Mr. Sid accomplished many things during his lifetime. Maybe what he was most proud of was he and Beulah’s many service trips to support John and Atts Devries and the work of Mission India,” said Tom Sibly, one of the organizers of the Mr. Sid’s Video program. Sid Lenger was a World War II veteran who loved to share his stories and video travelogues. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 100. Friends and family have continued the video series that have expanded to include special events.

Sibley said the Samuel Omogo Foundation seemed a natural extension to Mr. Sid’s passion of helping people.

Father Peter Omogo will be presenting at the Thursday program. Father Peter will talk about the creation of the Samuel Omogo Foundation, it’s work and his journey that has taken him from Nigeria to West Michigan. Coffee and cookies will be provided after the program.

The next event for the Sid’s Video Series will a Mr. Sid’s birthday program on Sept. 8.

Clean water is one the biggest essential needs in many third world countries. (SOF)

Great Lakes algae threaten air quality

3-bottom, Environment, Great Lakes, ,
Sediment and algae color the Great Lakes. (NASA Earth Observatory)

By Hannah Brock
Capital News Service

Toxins from harmful algal blooms are well-known as water polluters, but now researchers are looking at how they harm Great Lakes air.

And that could have implications for human health, they say.

Particles of water emerge into the air when waves break, said Andrew Ault, a chemistry professor and researcher of aerosols at the University of Michigan. Those particles sometimes contain toxins.

 

“This is one of the largest sources of particles getting kicked up into the atmosphere globally, but the Great Lakes are really different,” Ault said.

Scientists have studied particles emerging from the ocean for decades, he said. But freshwater aerosols, like those from the Great Lakes region, have been studied for only about a decade.

Aerosols are liquids or solids suspended in gas, said Haley Plaas, a doctoral student and aerosol researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For example, COVID-19 can be spread through aerosols, and that is one reason why people wear masks.

Plaas published a study about airborne toxins from algal blooms in the journal “Environmental Science & Technology.”

Her study’s most important takeaway is that evidence suggests harmful toxins and algae itself are found in the air, she said, and airborne algal toxins may be more of a threat in the Great Lakes than previously thought.

Scientists are unsure how much toxin is in the air, how weather and water quality affect it and how it can affect human health, Plaas said. Right now, more research is needed to understand what inhaling this toxin could mean for respiratory health.

“A main concern is for people who live near these bodies of water that experience the blooms, and also for people using it recreationally, like jet skiing, boating, fishing,” Plaas said.

The wake from a boat is especially troublesome because that’s a source of bubble-bursting that can make the toxins airborne, she said.

Ault has published several papers on aerosols and is working on one that shows that algae toxins in the Great Lakes are getting into the air.

 

He said he plans to work with engineers and modelers to develop a risk system to help people avoid poor air quality from algal blooms.

Then he’d like to work with epidemiologists to relate exposure to health, he said. “That’s kind of the trajectory of where we see this going.”

A lack of research about harmful algal blooms and air quality is in part due to insufficient funding, Ault said.

“We need to show that it’s important for people to get excited to fund it,” Ault said. “We’re going through that cycle, but I wouldn’t say that funding agencies have paid much attention to it yet.”

Funding has primarily come from local agencies rather than national ones, he said.

Algae blooms occur because of a warming climate and nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from activities like agriculture, said Judy Westrick, a chemistry professor at Wayne State University and a researcher who has worked with Ault.

In the Great Lakes region, algal blooms occur in inland lakes and the western basin of Lake Erie, primarily in shallow water, Westrick said.

Research focuses on water quality because of observations, Westrick said. When people became sick after swimming in toxic water, scientists began researching it.

However, now that water quality is better understood, scientists are branching out into understanding algae toxins and air, Westrick said.

“You’re probably going to see, in probably the next year, like 100 studies on aerosol,” Westrick said. “Aerosol has become a big thing because of a couple of factors.”

Those factors are part of climate change, she said. For example, heavy rainfall can cause waves and break up harmful algae, releasing particles that could be toxic in the air.

 

Westrick and Ault plan to study living algae being broken apart by waves and how they affect air quality, she said. Once algae breaks apart, it dies and may release toxins into the water.

 

The expert consensus is algae blooms will get worse as climate change and runoff worsen, Westrick said.

Algae essentially eat nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients from agricultural runoff.

“If you take care of the nutrients and you don’t have the nutrient load, then then they won’t get worse, but if everything stayed the same, the nutrient load, and it just gets warmer, we expect them to go longer,” Westrick said.

However, Ault said people shouldn’t panic about airborne algae toxins.

Still, it doesn’t hurt to be cautious, such as not walking in an algae bloom or participating in recreational activities near it, he said.

Hannah Brock reports for Great Lakes Echo.

Financial Perspective: Common Money Myths

3-bottom, Local Business, ,

Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Service, LLC

It is said: “If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth.”

Even in 21st Century America, you can find folks who believe that the Earth is flat, that George Washington had wooden teeth, or that a penny dropped from the top of the Empire State Building can kill someone.

 

It’s not surprising, then, that many money-related myths refuse to die, no matter how hard well-meaning financial advisors and educators try to drive a stake in them. Unfortunately, these myths and misconceptions can cause you to make serious mistakes with your wealth that could wind up costing you thousands in retirement dollars.

 

In the spirit of helping, you make better decisions with your cash, let’s debunk a few uncommonly bad pieces of money “wisdom.”

 

It’s always better to buy a home if you can. “You must always own your home” is one gem of wisdom that won’t go away. The reason this myth has stuck around for so long is in part because homeownership is considered necessary to achieve the American dream. However, if you are young and just starting your career, owning a home could be an albatross that keeps you staying in one place or with one employer too long. Maintenance, taxes, and other costs of homeownership can eat into your disposable income and savings.

But, if you’re dead set against renting, an alternative might be to purchase a duplex or small apartment building, live in one of the units, and rent the others out.

 

It’s not worth saving if you can only save a little. This is just not true, particularly if you start young. If you only managed to save 15-20% of your paycheck, and your employer matches your 401k, you could save enough to ensure a pleasant retirement. Plus, putting even a small amount away each month helps you develop a better money mindset and habits that will come in handy as you get older.

 

I need to put at least 60% of my money into stocks and 40% into bonds. There was a time when the “60/40 rule of investing had some merit. The idea was to invest 60% of your savings into securities and 40% into bonds. However, these days bond yields are anemic. Other safe money vehicles may give you better returns, along with flexibility and safety. Also, if you are within five years or less of retiring, having 60% of your money in the market is not recommended because any loss might be difficult to make up in such a short time.

 

You should never have credit card debt. Proving that you can use credit responsibly is necessary if you want a healthy credit score. A good credit score comes in handy later when you wish to purchase a home, rental property, or a new car. If you make an effort to pay off your balance in full every month, it’s perfectly acceptable to use credit cards. Be careful, though, to carefully track your spending and avoid emotional purchases. As most of us realize, it can be difficult and stressful to dig oneself out from under a mound of debt.

An emergency fund is unnecessary if you have credit cards If recent disasters such as the economic fallout from COVID-19 have taught us anything, it’s that having emergency funds set aside is essential. Even before COVID, it took people an average of four months to find new jobs after a lay-off. If you try and live on credit for that many months, you will have a considerable amount of debt that might prove difficult to pay off. That’s why experts say that everyone should have six months of emergency cash saved up.

 

Many other money myths could impact your ability to make sound financial decisions. It’s always a good idea to sit down with an experienced, trusted advisor and get a second opinion before making crucial money decisions.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management

Wyoming seeks input on recreation department programs

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Recreation, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wkv.org

Have an idea for a program you would like to see the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department offer? Cannot live without adult softball? Now is the time to share your opinions.

Do residents enjoy participating in pickle ball? The Wyoming Parks and Recreation is asking for residents’ opinions on what the city should offer. (Supplied)

This week, the city’s Park and Recreation Department has released a survey seeking input from residents on what type of programs they would like to the see the city offer.

“We really want to get a better idea of what residents love and can’t live without and what programs they would like to see the city add,” said the city’s Recreation Supervisor Krashawn Martin.

The survey is 19 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Questions includes what programs residents find valuable such as adult kickball, adult softball, youth dance, youth gymnastics, pickle ball, ceramics, line dance, tumble and play and special events such as Trick or Treat Trail, Daddy Daughter Dance, and the Candy Hunt. Other questions ask what programs residents would like to see for different age levels.

Martin noted the Parks and Recreation Department has not had such a survey in awhile with city officials wanting to learn what residents would like to see.

“Do they want the leagues or maybe they want more special events such as the Trick or Treat Trail,” she said. “This is to help us plan what we will be doing and where we will be going.”

Residents have until Aug. 16 to complete the survey, which can be found here. The results of the survey will impact the 2022-2023 season, Martin said, adding that the city is already in fall program mode.

In fact, registration for fall programs officially has open. For more information on fall programs, click here. 

CDC moves Kent County to ‘substantial’ COVID-19 risk level, masks recommended for indoors

3-bottom, Community Health, Health,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised the risk level of COVID-19 infection from ‘moderate’ to ‘substantial’ for Kent County. The CDC recommends everyone in areas with a risk designation of ‘substantial’ or ‘high’ wear a face mask in indoor public places, regardless of vaccination status. The CDC data tracker can be viewed here.

The CDC defines ‘substantial’ transmission as 50-100 cases per 100,000 people, or a positivity rate between 8 and 9.9 percent in the past seven days. Kent County currently has a seven-day positivity rate of 6.68 percent. The current seven-day average for new cases in Kent County is 52.52 per 100,000.

With the move to ‘substantial’ risk level, masks are recommended for indoor activities.

The COVID-19 vaccine cannot prevent 100% of infections, but it does prevent many of them. Also, infections among vaccinated people are less severe than those who have not been vaccinated.

“The vast majority of people who are becoming infected with COVID-19 in Kent County are unvaccinated,” says Dr. Adam London, Director of the Kent County Health Department. “The vaccines that are available are effective, safe and available. They remain our best tool for ending this pandemic, so we encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

The CDC and the Kent County Health Department recommend the following guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

  • Get vaccinated – find out more here
  • Wear a mask or face covering in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status,especially now that the risk level has changed to substantial
  • Practice good handwashing hygiene
  • Avoid large crowds and maintain social distance from people outside of your household
  • Get tested if you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19

Similar and different than West Nile, county health official details Jamestown Canyon virus found in Kent County

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Hard News, Health, WKTV Projects, ,
Paul Bellamy, Kent County Health Department (KCHD) public health epidemiologist, answering questions from WKTV. (KCHD)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Health Department announced Friday that the Jamestown Canyon virus has been detected in tested mosquitoes in Kent County. The discovery was made during ongoing surveillance and testing conducted by the health department in the 49504 ZIP code (westside Grand Rapids and Walker).
 

This is the first time the Jamestown Canyon virus has been detected in Kent County, and the county stresses that the finding was not a human case but in planned mosquito testing.

“Jamestown Canyon virus is similar to West Nile virus in a couple different ways: one is that they are both transmitted by mosquitoes and that they are both quite serious,” Paul Bellamy, KCHD public health epidemiologist, said to WKTV. “However, they differ in the amount that we see them here in the midwest. West Nile virus has been occurring, reoccurring for many years. Jamestown Canyon virus has only been seen over the last (few) years. … over the last decade, we have seen an uptick in the amount of mosquito-born viruses across the U.S. This is one of the symptoms of that (mosquito population increase).”

For a detailed discussion on how Jamestown Canyon virus was discovered, and why Bellamy believes it happened now, see video at top or here.

West Nile and Jamestown viruses can also have similar symptoms, but also are similar in the rarity of their causing serious illness, Bellamy said.

“Both have very similar presentations, as far as when people do become ill,” he said. “A lot of them are asymptotic, but those that do have … fevers, malaise, chills, like that. But it has the potential of becoming serious. … (But) Jamestown Canyon virus has a very low potential of having that happen.”

While the virus has been detected throughout much of the United States, most cases to date have occurred in the upper Midwest. Jamestown Canyon virus can rarely cause severe disease, including infection of the brain (encephalitis) or the lining around the brain (meningitis). There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Jamestown Canyon virus infection.

“Fortunately, the measures that people can take to protect themselves from other mosquito borne illnesses like West Nile Virus will work,” Bellamy said in supplied material. “This time of year, it is good to practice simple and proven steps that we already know work in preventing mosquito bites.”
 

The KCHD recommends the following prevention tactics: using a mosquito repellant that contains 10-35 percent DEET; wearing light colored clothing and long-sleeved shirts and pants; staying indoors during dusk hours; remove or refresh water in bird baths, children’s wading pools, pet water bowls; and empty other small containers that can collect water in your yard.

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

Snapshots: A community clean-up, a history lesson, and butterflies

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Entertainment, Recycling, , , ,

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.

Poet Robert Frost

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

Wyoming: Time to Purge

This Saturday, Wyoming residents have the opportunity to participate in the citywide Community Clean Up Day. Residents, with proof of residency, may bring items, free of charge for most items, to Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St. SW. Hazardous waste will not be accepted this year. The site will be open from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and participants must be in line by 1:30 p.m to drop off items. For more information, visit wyomingmi.gov/cleanup.

Photo taken by Tom Schillaci of Muskegon (WMTA)

Make Your Vote Count

Voting is now open for the West Michigan Photo Contest hosted by the West Michigan Tourist Association. More than 1,800 photos were submitted to the competition with WMTA narrowing down the photos to the top 50. Now Michigan residents have the chance to vote on who will be the winners. The top 50 photo entries are posted in a photo album on the West Michigan Facebook page, also available at https://bit.ly/WestMIPhotoContest2021. Visitors to the photo album may cast votes for any photos by “liking” or “reacting” to each photo. Votes may be cast for multiple photos. The winners will be announced on August 16.

 

Gary E. Mitchell as John Adams and Mary Beth Quillin as Abigail Adams in “My Dearest Friend.” (Photo by Scott Baisden)

The Original Adams Family

“My Dearest Friend,” the story of John and Abigail Adams, will run this weekend and next at the LowellArts, 223 W. Main St., Lowell. “My Dearest Friend,” written by local playwright Mary G. Kron, is based on the letters between John and Abigail Adams, played by Gary E. Mitchell and Mary Beth Quillin from GEM Theatrics. Prolific letter writers, the couple’s story is told through flashback as they witness the American Revolution and the birth of a nation. For tickets, call 616-897-8545.

Fun Fact: The Butterfly Files

Every year, the Monarch butterfly makes the 1,900-mile trip from Northern America to Mexico. One of its stop off points is Peninsula Point in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Many of the insects make a pit stop there before taking the long journey across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin. The best time to see this “monarch madness”? Early September.

Kentwood Farmers Market seeks entries for ‘Charcuterie Challenge’ on Aug. 12

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Food, Going Local, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
Everybody bonds over food — at the Kentwood Farmers Market. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood Farmers Market is seeking five competitors for its first-ever Charcuterie Challenge, described in a city statement as “a food assembly showdown using only farmers market ingredients” and slated for Thursday, Aug. 12.

Individuals who are interested in the competition must submit an online application by Monday, Aug. 9. The market will select up to five challengers out of the group of applicants to each receive $25 and 30 minutes to shop the market and assemble a one-of-a-kind charcuterie board using only those purchased ingredients.

The beauty of food will be on display and the Kentwood Farmers Market’s “Charcuterie Challenge”. (WKTV)

“Charcuterie has become such a fun, popular way to display and enjoy a variety of food,” farmers market manager Kristina Colby said in supplied material. “We are looking forward to seeing all the creative ways challengers showcase local foods found at the Kentwood Farmers Market and use the beautiful, handmade charcuterie boards Handcrafted by Fellow is suppling for the competition.”

 

In the French tradition, charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and meat products. The idea of charcuterie has evolved over the years to include an assortment of meats, cheeses, veggies and other items.

The “friendly” competition will take place during the Farmers Market, from 5-5:30 p.m., behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, and the boards will remain on display until 7:30 p.m. Marketgoers can watch the competitors build their boards and then vote for their favorite. The winner will receive a gift courtesy of the Kentwood Farmers Market.

Handcrafted by Fellows, a husband-and-wife duo, will be on-site selling their charcuterie boards and other handmade wood decor items. An additional 20 vendors will be at the market, from 4:30-7:30 p.m., selling staples such as fresh produce, cheese, honey, jam, bread and more. Food trucks El Jalapeño and Ohana Hawaiian Ice will also be on-site. Live music entertainment by Just Jill will be available 6-7 p.m.

In its seventh season, the Kentwood Farmers Market provides the community weekly opportunities each summer to buy a variety of goods from local vendors. This year’s market is offered every Thursday, 4:30-7:30 p.m., behind Kentwood City Hall. In addition to exploring an array of items for purchase, marketgoers can enjoy free classes and special events tied into the market’s schedule.

Other special events planned in August include: On Aug. 19, Makers and Crafters Day featuring more than 40 vendors, with a free concert at 7 p.m. featuring The Soul Syndicate; and on Aug. 26, free yoga at 6 p.m.

The Kentwood Farmers Market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.
 

More information about the Kentwood Farmers Market is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.