Category Archives: 3-bottom

In Kentwood, shared goals bring churches and police department together on National Night Out

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, WKTV Projects, Woodland Mall,
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood’s National Night Out community celebration this week had police and other city personal at more than 15 locations throughout the city, but events at three local churches clearly showed a shared desire to engage the community after a long period of pandemic distancing.

On the evening of Aug. 3, at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue — which along with Faith Baptist Church and Pentecostals Church on 44th Street hosted special large scale events — Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts and Ada Bible pastor Jason Ross talked to WKTV about their shared focus on the community.

Kentwood police Chief Richard Roberts and Ada Bible Church Pastor Jason Ross, at the church’s National Night Out event. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“What we share, is we desire to connect with the community in a positive way,” pastor Ross said. “We can do that as a church. We can also do that with the people, within Ada Bible Church, as well as in the community. … We want you to feel like you are welcome here.”

Pastor Ross also talked about his and his church’s appreciation of the Kentwood Police Department. (See a WKTV video here for an expanded discussion.)

Chief Roberts also talked about the shared focus and the great opportunity of interacting with the community at local churches.

“We are privileged to be invited to Ada Bible Church … This just gives us a great opportunity, especially given this past year, for us to all come out and celebrate in a special way on National Night Out,” Chief Roberts said.

(For an expanded discussion with Chief Roberts, see a WKTV video here.)

McGruff and a future Detroit Lions fan had a moment at Woodland Mall. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The City of Kentwood was truly bustling with block parties, neighborhood events and other activities — including a special presence at Woodland Mall — on National Night Out, a nationwide annual event that “promotes community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer.”

Kentwood police officers, firefighters and city leaders joined residents, who had the opportunity to explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles at events, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics.

“Positive interactions with residents are invaluable for fostering strong community relationships and safer neighborhoods,” Chief Roberts previously said in supplied material. “National Night Out creates a wonderful opportunity to bring officers and community members together in a fun and relaxing setting. Members of our department always look forward to getting to know residents better and encourage more open lines of communication.”

National Night Out was created in the 1980s through an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. It began with a goal to promote safer, better neighborhoods by uniting community members and police against neighborhood crimes.

 

Hey, Wyoming residents, what time is it? Time to purge

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Recycling,
One of the events the City of Wyoming hosts is its annual Community Clean-Up Day. The city will not be accepting hazardous waste at this year’s community clean up set for Saturday, Aug. 7. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

After a year and half of lockdown, we probably all need to do a little purging so the City of Wyoming has brought back its popular Community Clean Up Day which is set for Saturday, Aug. 7, at Grand Rapids First. 2100 44th St. SW. The event will be from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Started five years ago by employees, the event has become one of the most popular in the city. Before the annual clean up, the city would place dumpsters in certain neighborhoods where residents would be able to discard unwanted items. In 2016, city staff decided to host the community clean-up day which had more than 300 cars come through the site and 33 20-yard roll-offs of trash. The event has continued to grow every year since.

“We hope to have a great turnout for this event as we have had in the past,” said Mayor Jack Poll.

Residents should enter Grand Rapids First on the right lane of eastbound 44th Street. (WKTV)

Of course with the COVID pandemic, the event was cancelled for 2020. City officials made the commitment to have the event this year. City Manager Curtis Holt, at the Aug. 2 City Council meeting, noted that this year the city will not be collecting hazardous waste. For those looking to dispose of hazardous waste such as rechargeable batteries, needles, or garage and automotive products such as coolant, visit the Kent County site reimagetrash.org for drop off locations.

Other items not accepted at the Wyoming Community Clean-Up day are kitchen garbage, liquid latex paint, yard waste, TVs, vehicles batteries, sealed drums, liquid, biological, radioactive waste, propane tanks, refrigerants, and explosives.

Liquid latex paint can be dried and placed in residential waste disposal. For details on doing this, search “drying paint for disposal.”

For yard waste, the city does have a yard waste drop-off site at 2600 Burlingame Ave. SW. Wyoming residents, with proof of residency, may bring sorted yard waste from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Ties and mattresses or box springs may be brought to Community Clean-Up event, however there is a fee for those items. Whole tires are $10 each and mattresses or box springs are $15 each.

Poll said residents also may bring gently used items as the Salvation Army will be on hand to collect as well.

Residents must bring proof of residency such as a photo identification, utility or credit card statement within the last 90 days, bank statement from the last 90 days, mortgage, lease, or rental agreement, insurance policy, a license, or Michigan vehicle registration.

Participants should enter the site using the right lane of eastbound 44th Street. Participants also must be in line by 1:30 p.m. in order to drop off items.

For more information about the event, visit wyomingmi.gov/cleanup.

In Love and Health: Back to School

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Health, , ,
Dr. Johnson adjusts one of his younger patients. (Supplied)

By Dr. Erik Johnson
Love and Health Chiropractic

For many American families, back to school means back to waking up early, stressful schedules, and junk food. All three of these can wear down children’s immune systems, leaving them more vulnerable to colds, the flu, and, these days, COVID-19. What can parents do keep their kids’ immune response strong? The answer is a lot!

Sleep, the great healer

As the new school year approaches, start encouraging kids to wake up and go to bed a little earlier each day. That way, the 6 a.m. alarm won’t be such a shock on the first day of school. According to the Mayo Clinic, when we don’t get quality sleep we are more likely to get sick when exposed to a virus. And, when we do get sick, we might not recover as fast.

When we sleep, our immune system releases cytokine proteins, which not only help promote sleep but help our bodies handle infections and stress. When kids don’t get enough sleep, their bodies may make fewer cytokines. Lack of sleep also reduces our bodies’ production of the antibodies that fight off infections.

Over-scheduled and overwhelmed

Another hallmark of the school year is the full calendar. Between schoolwork, sports, clubs, music lessons, and other appointments, many families rarely have time to enjoy some good old-fashioned downtime. One lesson we learned during the COVID lockdowns was how to be with our families. Resist the urge to step back into overbooked routines amp up stress and reduce quality family time.

 

On its website FamilyDoctor.org, The American Academy of Pediatrics advises, “Finding a balance between school, activities, and play can mean the difference between a well-adjusted child and a stressed-out one. Finding this balance is different for every child. It’s up to you, as the parent or guardian, to find the mixture of scheduled time and play time that works best for your child.”

Try to arrange your schedules so kids have free time every day and a day every week with nothing to do.

Overfed and undernourished

Back to school too often means back to junk food. We cave into sugar cereals at breakfast to get them to eat something. If kids eat hot lunch at school, they may eat the sugary treats and throw the real food. In the trash. And, when school activities dominate the calendar, it’s way too easy to serve them a fast-food dinner.

Plan ahead

Make a list of healthy breakfast, lunch and snack items that your child will eat and stock your pantry accordingly. Look for items without added sugars or chemicals and 100% whole grains. Stock up on fresh fruits and veggies—bring baggies of carrots, celery and green pepper with you when you go to pick the kids up. Keep them on the table for munching. Serve them alongside meals. Instead of chips and cookies, stock up on nuts, seeds, 100% whole grain cracker snacks. Don’t forget the cheese and peanut butter! Pop some popcorn the old-fashioned way–in a pan on the stove where you control the additives.

Plan healthy dinners, too. Put that crock pot to use or cook two portions and keep one for the next day to cut your prep time in half. As you cook dinner, relax. The simple act of preparing healthy food can bring solace to the soul as well as health to the body.

A well-adjusted child

You may not have realized that chiropractic care is for kids, too. Many spinal problems seen in adults begin at childhood. Children experience bumps, falls and accidents almost daily. These incidents can cause their spine to misalign the same as they do in adults. Chiropractic care keeps children’s spines and nervous systems healthy, too! Chiropractic adjusting techniques are modified to fit a child’s size, weight and unique spinal problem. Parents of children, who are regularly adjusted, report that their children seem healthier than other children their age.

It’s good to see schools opening and kids getting back to normal. Let’s all do the best we can to support the kids in our lives with good sleep, good times, good food, and good care!

Dr. Erik Johnson DC is a chiropractor at Love and Health Chiropractic in Wyoming at 1586 44th Street SW.

Slippin’ and slidin’, food and fun, Wyoming’s National Night Out brought out the community

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, ,
  • Mayor Jack Poll meets up with residents and officers.
  • The Grace Christian University National Night Out organizing group with officers.
  • A member of the Wyoming tactical team helps a student try on gear.
  • A student tries lifting a shield.
  • Tents with goodies and surprises were open to the public.
  • K9 Chase with Officer Ryan Patterson (right)
  • Wyoming K9 Chase waiting for his audience.
  • Members of the community visited at the Grace Christian University event.
  • Officer Pam Keen talks to a resident.
  • Some area children have fun on the slip-n-slide
  • Cooling off on the slip-n-slide
  • Lots of laughter at the slip-n-slide
  • The nine-square game was popular
  • Wyoming Public Safety Chaplin Rick Pilieci and Officer Pam Keen wrap hot dogs
  • Wyoming Public Safety officers at Grace Christian University.
  • Chris Kowalski, the children’s director at Clyde Park Church of the Narazene, makes cotton candy
  • Police cars at Grand Rapids First
  • Residents visit with officers at Grand Rapids First
  • Some local children get an inside look at a police car.
  • Residents checked out the police vehicles.
  • Grand Rapids First also hosted a National Night Out event.
  • Wyoming Public Safety had booths with information and prizes
  • K9 Max makes a new a friend
  • The newest addition to the force: K9 Max
  • K9 Max, with the department for two months, meets the residents
  • Officers help residents check out the motorcycles
  • Always a big hit are the motorcycles

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Police cars, K9 officers, food, and a slip-n-slide were all part of the Wyoming National Night Out event which took place Tuesday, Aug. 3.

This year, the city had two main National Night Out events, one at Grand Rapids First and the other at Grace Christian University. Sgt. Brian Look said the department wanted a location in the northland of the city and one in the south to make the event as accessible to as many residents as possible.

“We love the engagement with the community,” said Rick Pilieci, Grace Christian University pastor and chaplain for the Wyoming Public Department of Safety. “We have a strong partnership with the department because officers do come into our criminal justice program.

“We believe in the message that the city is focused on for this event, communicate safety. It is just a great opportunity for us meet our neighbors and the community.”

At the Grace Christian University event, there was hot dogs, popcorn, and donuts from Marge’s Donut Den. Also on site was the Clyde Park Church of the Nazarene, which provided cotton candy and snow cones. Activities included the game nine-square and a slip-n-slide. The Wyoming Department of Public Safety had police cars, motorcycles, the tactical truck and K9 Chase was wowing the crowd.

Meanwhile, the newest member of the K9 unit, Max, was busy meeting Wyoming residents at Grand Rapids First, which also had police cars and motorcycles along with a fire truck. Visitors enjoyed cool treats while checking out the vehicles and talking to officers about safety tips.

“It is an opportunity for our community to get together with our public safety people and show appreciation both ways, our public safety people for what our citizens do for them and certainly what they do for us in keeping us safe,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “It gets everybody talking and communicating and the more we know our neighbors, the safer our community is.”



Courtade, Huizenga set to face off Nov. 2 for 28th District Senate seat

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Election, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It was a nail bitter to the end for the 28th District Senate Republican Primary with Mark Huizenga narrowly defeating the other two candidates, Kevin Green and Tommy Brann.

Mark Huizenga (WKTV)

Huizenga received 9,531 votes with Green coming in second with 9,357. Brann, who had a two-to-one lead in the City of Wyoming and Byron Township, received a total of 9,272 votes.

The Senate seat became vacant last year when Peter MacGregor, a second-term Republican, left to take over as the Kent County treasurer.

Both Huizenga and Brann are currently serving as state representatives. Brann serves District 77 which includes the City of Wyoming and Byron Township. Huizenga serves District 74, which includes a portion of northern Kent County such as the townships of Tyron, Solon, Sparta, Algoma, Alpine and the cities of Rockford and Cedar Springs as well as the cities of Walker and Grandville.

The 28th District Senate seat includes both Brann’s and Huizenga’s areas along with the townships of Nelson, Spencer, Courtland, Oakfield, Cannon, Grattan, and Vergennes.

“I am humbled, and thank the people of the 28th Senate District for nominating me to be the Republican candidate for the November 2nd general election,” Huizenga said in a statement. “I pledge to represent you with honesty and integrity — always seeking and speaking the truth. Moving forward, we must all unite together to protect and promote our community’s shared values.”

Keith Courtade (WKTV)

At the Nov. 2 general election, Huizenga will face off against Democrat candidate Keith Courtade who won the Democrat nomination with more than 2,000 votes over candidate Gidget Groendyk. Courtade had 6,413 votes to Gorendyk’s 4,101 votes.

Courtade is a retired UAW Skills Trades worker and a former Kent County Commissioner. Huizenga, along with being a state representative, owns Mark Huizenga Systems Consulting, a consulting firm, and is the managing partner for Key Green Solutions, a software company. He also served as the City of Walker mayor.

Voter turn out for the primary was about 15 percent or 56,853 of the 381,291 registered voters in Kent County. There were only nine issues on exception of the 28th District Senate seat, most of the ballot issues were for a specific community and not countywide. In the City of Wyoming, the voter turnout for the primary was 11.85 percent or 6,531 of the 55,135 registered voters. The only item Wyoming residents were voting on was the 28th District Senate seat.

Kentwood votes: Tyson, VanderMolen to runoff, complete candidate field set for November

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Election, Going Local, Local Faces, Local History, Politics, Upcoming Events, We The People, ,
The City of Kentwood ‘s city complex. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

City of Kentwood incumbent Ward 2 commissioner Tom McKelvey finished third in a three-candidate primary election Tuesday, Aug. 3, with Jessica Ann Tyson leading the vote — but not enough to avoid a runoff — and Dan VanderMolen coming in second.

With 100 percent of City of Kentwood’s seven Ward 2 precincts counted, Tyson gained 986 votes, VanderMolen 711 and McKelvey 576, according to final unofficial results supplied by the Kent County Elections Office. Tyson’s total was not 50 percent plus 1 of the votes, which would have given her the Ward 2 seat outright.

Of the 19,867 registered voters in Ward 2, only 2,301 voters cast a ballot, or 11.58 percent, according to the county elections office.

“I am honored and humbled that Kentwood residents took the time to vote for me. To others who supported our campaign, I am thankful that you understand how passionate I am about my community,” Tyson, an owner of three local businesses, said to WKTV.

“Everyone is talking about ‘diversity’. Sad it has become a buzz word made popular to tingle ears to sound more WOKE. With more than 51,000 residents and over 80 different languages spoken, Kentwood is a beautiful melting pot. The people who live, work and play in Kentwood need an authenticity diverse representative who is already involved in the community.”

VanderMolen, who is a project coordinator for First Steps Kent, praised both McKelvey and Tyson as he looked forward to November.

“I want to thank everyone who turned out tonight in support of my unique vision for Kentwood,” VanderMolen said to WKTV. “I also want to thank Tom McKelvey for his dedication and service to the city these past four years, and Jessica Ann Tyson for the experience she’s brought to the campaign.

“The three of us might not agree on everything from a policy standpoint, but we all share a love for our community and desire to help Kentwood thrive. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue having a productive, issues-focused conversation with the people of Kentwood over the next three months as we build towards the future together.”

Tyson also commented on the low voter turn out.

“With low voter turn out, it is apparent the community has voter fatigue and is tired of politics,” Tyson said to WKTV. “This is a nonpartisan race. It is directly about the residents of Kentwood.  There is way too much at stake for our future, so we must not be weary now.”

Mayoral race tops ballot at November field is set

Mayor Stephen Kepley was out and about on Tuesday, primary election night — at Kentwood National Night Out events. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

In addition to the City of Kentwood Ward 2 runoff election set for the Nov. 2 non-partisan Kentwood ballot, city voters will also pick a mayor, two other council members, as well as vote on the city clerk and city treasurer positions.

Incumbent Mayor Stephen Kepley is being challenged by current City Commissioner Emily Bridson, incumbent Commissioner-At Large Betsy Artz is challenged by Leonica Riley Erwin, and two candidates will look to fill the Ward 4 seat vacated by Bridson, Clarkston Morgan and Meochia Thompson.

Running uncontested in the City of Kentwood elections is incumbent Treasurer Laurie Sheldon, and, now, incumbent City Clerk Dan Kasunic, will be unopposed as previous challenger Taylor VanderLaan is no longer on the ballot.

Mayoral candidate, and current Kentwood Commissioner, Emily Bridson was also out and about on National Night Out. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

All City of Kentwood seats are for 4-year terms. 

WKTV’s We The People available to candidates

As always, WKTV Community Media’s election season candidate coverage will include our We The People candidate videos. We The People gives all candidates the opportunity to record up-to-5-minute videos using their own scripts and unedited by WKTV.

For the November election all candidates (including unopposed candidates) will be invited to record videos in September for run and posting in early October.

 

Companies team up to support electric vehicle recycling

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Local Business, , , ,
Electric vehicle battery disassembly in action. (Battery Solutions)

By Chioma Lewis
Capital News Service

As electric vehicle demands grow, one focus of concern is how to make them more environmentally sustainable.

A new project by recycling company Battery Solutions and sustainability-focused group NextEnergy aims to make electric vehicle recycling opportunity recommendations to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy by February 2022.

The project is funded by a $50,000 grant from the state department as part of its NextCycle Michigan initiative.

A major part of the project is to build capacity in the state for repurposing and recycling electric vehicle batteries, said Jim Saber, the president and CEO of Detroit-based NextEnergy.

The six-stage project will involve cataloging, evaluating and analyzing Michigan’s electric vehicle battery supply chain and infrastructure.

The project will also analyze gaps in electric vehicle battery secondary use and recycling opportunities.

“When you identify those areas within the actual chain that are sometimes a challenge, it provides opportunity for Michigan to enhance its foothold within sustainability,” said Danielle Spalding, the director of marketing and communications at Battery Solutions in Wixom.

The downsides to not recycling those batteries are largely environmental, said Thomas Bjarnemark, the president and CEO of Battery Solutions, who said. people don’t want the stuff to be dumped in landfills or contaminate the environment.

Another downside is the reliance on natural resources extracted from the ground, said Matt Flechter, a recycling market development specialist at Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

Recycling and repurposing will be better for the environment and in how people best manage available natural resources, Saber said.

Bjarnemark said that during recycling, batteries are disassembled into components that can be used to manufacture new batteries or be repurposed for other industrial uses.

Other applications involve reuse of the batteries for renewable power or energy sources.

“So even if they don’t go into new battery manufacturing, they can be put to good use,” Bjarnemark said.

The more that people understand the opportunities in the size of regional markets, they can develop   circular economy applications, Saber said, “Where we use it locally, we repurpose it locally, and then we recycle or redeploy locally.”

Flechter said recycling is a system that depends on experts using their skills to inform residents and businesses about how, why and where to recycle.

There are many reasons peoplet want to recycle, he said.

“It’s not only an economic issue that moves materials back into manufacturing,” Flechter said. “It’s also an environmental issue where we can reduce greenhouse gases and save energy while supporting the environment and the economy.”

The NextCycle Michigan initiative provides grants that fund ideas and opportunities for recycling.

The partnership between Battery Solutions and NextEnergy strives to do that, he said.

“It’s also really important in that system, that we think about the entire lifecycle of that product,” Flechter said. “Once I’m done with it, who can use it next? And how can partnerships create opportunities for those materials once thought of as waste?”

Chioma Lewis reports for Great Lakes Echo.

Business Spotlight: Craig’s Cruisers Family Fun Centers

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Local Business,
Craig’ Cruisers offers both indoor and outdoor activities. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The fun never ends at Wyoming’s Craig’s Cruisers Family Fun Centers. Having been in the community for 22 years, Craig’s Cruisers provides a host of activities from mini golf to go-carts. In 2009, it added the 700-capacity seating restaurant – the largest seating capacity restaurant in Kent County – and a few years ago expanded again to add an inside roller coaster, laser tag, trampolines, and a Ninja obstacle course. Marketing Manager Cait Thrasher filled us in on some of the details about the popular family fun spot.

Name of business: Craig’s Cruisers Family Fun Centers

What is your business? (IE: Restaurant serving Italian specialities, gift shop, manufacture of auto parts): Family Fun Center / Amusement / Entertainment

How long has your business been operating? The business began in Silver Lake, Michigan, in 1979. We’ve been in Wyoming since 1999.

How did your business get started? In 1979 Craig Cihak and his parents Ron & Donna Cihak purchased property in Silver Lake, Michigan (formerly Bill’s Dune Rides). They started the first go-kart track with just eight go-karts. Each spring for several years, new attractions were added. Campers and seasonal tourists at the beautiful sand dune vacation spot patronized the first Craig’s Cruisers Family Fun Center. As patronage grew, so did the business. In 1990, a second location was built in Muskegon. In 1994, a third location was built in Holland, and in 1999, a fourth location was built in Grand Rapids (Wyoming).

Craig’s Cruisers has the largest capacity restaurant in Kent County. (Supplied)

Why did you decide to locate your business in the Wyoming/Kentwood area? Craig’s Cruisers wanted to be able to offer indoor entertainment for guests through all four of Michigan’s seasons. After much research and planning the doors to our fourth Grand Rapids (Wyoming) location opened in December 1999. The first offerings included: indoor electric go-karts, laser tag, video arcade, private party/meeting rooms, full kitchen and four outdoor attractions.

What has been the greatest challenge for your business? Recently, operating during the pandemic with the ever-changing restrictions and regulations. The covid restrictions have been very hard on the entertainment and hospitality industry.


What is the most popular product/item at your business/restaurant? Go-Karts


What is a Wyoming/Kentwood business you like to visit during your free time? Express Signs on 44th St. is a business that we use on a regular basis. On a personal note, nothing beats Marge’s Donut Den!


Hopes for 2021: We hope to see covid numbers and restrictions disappear so we can continue to host our customers. We hope to see the return of school field trips and corporate outings. Lastly, to continue to offer a safe, clean and fun space for guests to make memories!

One of the recent additions was the rollercoaster. (Supplied)

  

WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20: Local kid, college student, patient defender of Islam; the many roles of a young Muslim man

3-bottom, Going Local, Local Faces, Local History, Voices, WKTV Journal In Focus,
Loie Ghannam, In Focus. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Continuing WKTV Journal’s series “WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later”, Loie Ghannam was born locally and is a Grand Valley State University student studying supply chain management and non-profit administration. His family is of Palestinian heritage and his parents immigrated to American 25 years ago.

He, however, was born and raised in Grand Rapids — “My Palestinian heritage, very proud of my Palestinian heritage … (but) I really have known nothing but Grand Rapids,” Ghannam said to WKTV.

And all his life, it seems, he has needed to defend his religion and his heritage, and dispel the misguided perception of some that being Muslim is somehow akin to being a terrorist. But it has not always been easy.
 

“I was a baby when 9/11 happened,” Ghannam said. “It was something that really set the stage for Muslims, not just in the United States but, I guess, in the West. What I’ve been told, my whole life, is that because of this you are going to be put in certain situations that might be a little difficult. You are going to be, sometimes, confronted in public. You are going to have questions asked that might not be comfortable.

“It has always been ‘This (9/11) happened, but always make sure you distance yourself from it.’ And that is simply because it got to a point where, for the lack of a better term, your safety depended on it.”

Ghannam, however, says as he has grown he often welcomed the opportunity to discuss Islam, his heritage and why 9/11 must not define an entire religion. (See the video clip above.)

For the complete WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 interview, including Ghannam’s view of the historic and continuing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, visit WKTVvideos on YouTube.

 

Loie Ghannam, on set at WKTV Journal In Focus. (WKTV)

This special WKTV Voices project presents video interviews, and online/print stories, covering a range of personal stories of the 9/11 attacks and their impact over the following two decades. Following previous background interviews dealing with American Islamic history, global politics, and the current Islamic world, WKTV has presented the voices of Muslim community leaders and, most importantly, local Muslim American citizens, especially young people who grew up in the age of 9/11.

WKTV Journal’s “Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos. Online/print stories are available by searching “9/11 at 20” on WKTVJournal.org. You can also search Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the Hashtag #voices9/11at20.

Audie Blaylock ended the 2021 Sounds of Summer concert series with a bluegrass bang

3-bottom, Local Entertainment, WKTV Projects, , ,
  • Audie Blaylock & Redline perform at the Sounds of Summer
  • Audie Blaylock
  • Audie Blaylock on guitar and Reed Jones on bass
  • Evan Ward, from California, on banjo
  • Mason Wright on fiddle
  • Reed Jones on bass
  • Plenty of dancing at the last concert
  • They were even dancing on the playground.

By Patty Williams
P. Williams Productions

It was a bluegrass ending to the Sounds of Summer as headliner Audie Blaylock & Redline closed out the music series on July 29.

Cutler Park was filled with bluegrass fans ad local musicians from all over Michigan and the surrounding states. They were not disappointed as the consensus of the audience was that the last concert was a tremendous show.

 

The Redline musicians traveled from California, West Virginia, and Indiana to perform at the Cutlerville Sounds of Summer. The band features Reed Jones on bass, Evan Ward on banjo, Mason Wright on fiddle and Audie Blaylock on guitar. Audie opened with “Hello Michigan good to be back.”

This past year halted many touring musicians/bands including Redline. So, the group had a blast playing music to the packed park and live audience.

 

Audie opened with “Hello Michigan good to be back.” (Photos by Patty Williams

From start to finish, Audie performed bluegrass music from its roots. Mason Wright kicked off a hot fiddle tune and the audience knew this was going to be some “good ole” toe tapping bluegrass and the excitement resonated all evening.

 

The group played and sang many Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley songs and featured several requests including Audie Blaylock’s No. 1 song recorded on The 615 Hideaway Records, “Love’s Fleeting Fire.”

The music was exceptional and the bands tight harmonies were flawless. The concert ended with an encore standing ovation.

For more on Audie Blaylock, visit his Facebook page, www.audieblaylock.net.

All the Sounds of Summer concerts are recorded and can be watched on WKTV Channel 25. Check listings for times. The concerts are produced by P. Williams Productions and sponsored by Byron Township. To follow the Sounds of Summer, visit the Facebook page. Note that the series will be back in 2022 with the same schedule, every Thursday in July at 7 p.m. at Cutler Park.

No mere chance, The Accidentals very busy return to road continues with Kentwood summer concert

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
The Accidentals in private concert. (Special for WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Accidentals, talking to WKTV early this year, said they could not wait to leave their pandemic quiet places in their hometown of Traverse City and get back on the road — but they were productive in their time off.

“We found things that work for us and found things that didn’t work for us,” Savannah “Sav” Buist — who along with Katie Larson and Michael Dause make up The Accidentals — said to WKTV in May. “But I think it was just nice to have the time … We toured so consistently that when we come home Katie and I just tend to spit out songs within a week and then not really look back. It was nice to look back … I learned to take my time, to come back to a song.”

Back on the road with their usual hectic pace of concerts across Michigan and the region, the band will be making a stop Thursday, Aug. 5, at the outdoor Kentwood Summer Concerts free series hitting the stage at 7 p.m.

And songs familiar and new will be on the set list.

The Accidentals (Supplied/Courtesy Aryn Madigan)

“Might As Well Be Gold” is one of the new songs, included on the “TIME OUT (Session 1), which was released May 7. The EP is a collection of songs which includes the single “Wildfire”, co-written by Kim Richey  — who has worked with the likes ofTrisha Yearwood, Radney Foster, Brooks & Dunn — and which is getting The Accidentals a fair amount of national notice and airplay.

For more information on The Accidentals, visit theaccidentalsmusic.com. For a WKTV video interview of the band, with a special live version of “Might As Well Be Gold”, visit WKTVvideos on YouTube.

The Kentwood Summer Concert Series has one more Thursday night date, a rescheduled night with The Soul Syndicate on Aug. 19.

While most of the series of concerts have been livestreamed by WKTV, contractual restrictions by the band’s record label will prevent The Accidentals from being shown live or on-demand.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Snapshots: A busy Tuesday, Aug. 3, is coming — local elections and local National Night Out

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Election, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Politics, Upcoming Events, We The People, WKTV Projects, ,

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Democracy is about voting and it’s about a majority vote. And it’s time that we started exercising the Democratic process.”

Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow

Voters at the voting booth. (Photo by Jeff Miller/UW-Madison)

Voting in Kentwood and Wyoming

There will be contested primary elections happening in both Kentwood and Wyoming, with a Kentwood City Commission race possibly settled, and local Democrats and Republicans set to decide who from their part will be on the ballot for a State Senate seat up for final vote in the fall. Go here for the story.

National Night Out is all about getting people out and mixing with local public service employees including police and firefighters. (NATA.org)

Night out in Kentwood

The City of Kentwood will be bustling with block parties, neighborhood events and other activities as part of the city-and-community celebration of National Night Out, a nationwide annual event that “promotes community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer.” Go here for the story.

Night out in Wyoming

A change for this year’s Wyoming National Night Out event will be that the city will host two main sites — Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St. SW, and Grace Christian University, 1011 Alden St. SW. Both locations will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. Go here for the story.

Fun fact:

71

Number of cities in Michigan which have registered to be involved in National Night Out. Source.

Communication is key when attempting to prevent a home foreclosure

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Non-Profits, Senior Living
The extension on foreclosure and eviction suspensions ends Saturday with some residents facing the fact that the mortgage payments they paused during the pandemic will need to be paid back. (pxhere.com)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

With the federal extension on foreclosure and eviction suspensions set to end Saturday, representatives from Home Repair Services of Kent County says now is the time to communicate with your lender to work out a payment plan.

“What we’re seeing is a lot of people just hearing ‘call in’ and ‘pause mortgage payments’ without really understanding that eventually that money has to be paid back somehow,” said Rodrigo Ortiz, Housing Counseling and Education Program Manager at HRS. “It’s not something that’s forgiven.”

For example, a person who was making a $1,500 house payment but decided to ‘pause’ their payments for the last 12 months would owe $18,000 in back mortgage payments on top of the regular mortgage payments they now must pay. That hurdle, according to Home Repair Services Executive Director Joel Ruiter, can be challenging.

 

“It is important to be communicating with your lender and to start exploring possibilities and find solutions to avoid eviction,” Ruiter said.

Home Repair Services of Kent County is a non-profit program that works with homeowners to help educate them on their options before they lose their home along with providing classes on how to care for and improve a home. HRS is available to any resident in Kent County or counties that touch Kent County (Newaygo, Ottawa, Ionia, Barry, Muskegon, Allegan, and Montcalm). All of the HRS housing counselors are certified by the Housing and Urban Development to provide West Michigan homeowners a lifeline of counseling and education.

 

“We are willing to contact the lender and see what can be done,” Ruiter said, adding that in our example, HRS would see if the amount could be added on to the end of the loan. “You might go from paying on it for the next 25 years to 30, but you would still be in your home.”

Ruiter said they are not certain what the impact will be once the extension has expired. According to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, there where 342,000 Michiganders unemployed as of November 2020 compared to 190,000 the year before. About 21,500 residents are in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming area.

“In 2008 we had the tsunami of foreclosures,” Ruiter said. “It will be interesting to see what will happen next week and in the future. It will be a little different as it probably will not be as deep as 2008, but there are still going to be some folks who have gotten swept up in delaying those payments.

 

“It has been a challenging year and we know there are folks in the community who are facing the possibility of losing their home. When you lose your home your cost of living goes up because rents have gone up plus the upheaval of having to move. Then there is the amount of time it takes to get the credit you need to purchase another home and then the market barriers of just reentering the housing market. It really adds up which is why we just want people to stay in their homes.”

Taxes have never been suspended during the COVID pandemic as they pay for much of the local infrastructure and schools. (pxhere.com)

Property Taxes Were Never Exempt

Kent County Treasurer Peter MacGregor said he too wants people to stay in their homes which is why he works with Kent County residents who are delinquent on their property taxes. The county does not have anything to do with mortgages.

One thing many people do not realize is that property taxes were never exempt during the pandemic with people expected to pay the taxes as it goes toward funding local governments, schools and other millages such as the senior millage.

Kent County Treasurer Peter MacGregor (Supplied)

“What happens is when a property owner has been delinquent, the county then pays the local city or township the missing property taxes and then we become the enforcer to collect those taxes,” MacGregor said. The process can take up to three years before the county will foreclose on a house which means those who have not paid property taxes during the pandemic would face foreclosure in 2023.

“I often get calls just before the foreclosure is to happen asking for help,”MacGregor said, adding that people should not wait until then to reach out. “Communication is key.

“There are people who outright can’t pay their local taxes right now because they are struggling. Work with me to make an arrangement so that in two and half years I am not foreclosing on your home.”

Kent County residents who are delinquent on their property taxes can reach out to MacGregor, who is able to grant extensions however, MacGregor pointed out that he does have to follow statute and that there is interest that can accrue on delayed payments.

“I am here to help and I would much rather help than foreclose on a home,” MacGregor said. “To be honest the county does not want your house.”

In fact, MacGregor said his office has had about a 92/93 percent success rate in helping resolve delinquent property taxes.

For those in need of property tax assistance, contact the Kent County Treasurer’s Office at 616-632-7500. For mortgage assistance, Home Repair Services of Kent County, located at 1100 S. Division Ave., can be reached at 616-241-2601.

Mustang Band brings the country music for the final Wyoming Concerts in the Park

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The Mustang Band is set to close out the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series on Aug. 3. (Supplied)

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

In the 1990s, country music was changing to a more modern sound with such songs as “Achy Breaky Heart” leading the way. Coupled with the start of country station B-93 in Grand Rapids and local venues started looking for bands who could perform the new country style.

Already on the scene was Grand Rapids Mustang Band, which had been performing country classics since 1994.

“It was not difficult to change gears and move toward the modern sound,” said band founder Eric Vander Stel. From there, the Mustang Band carved out a niche in offering country music from the classics of Johnny Cash to the current artists such as Jason Alden.

“We play some rock ‘n’ roll,” Vander Stel said, “but mostly it is country, just about anything from now to the past.”

It will be mostly country music Tuesday, Aug. 3, as the Mustang Band wraps up the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series. The performance is at 7 p.m. at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.

Like many local bands, Mustang Band has been performing regulary since the start of summer when many of the COVID restrictions were relaxed.

“We are very responsive to our audience and people have just been very happy to have music,” Vander Stel said.

The band members, which are Wendy Allen on lead vocals, Steve Bouchard on bass, Stacy Hill on drums and Vander Stel on vocals and guitar, work hard to incorporate the audience in the show. Vander Stel mentioned at a recent show they had an audience member playing spoons with the group.

“With everything that has happened over the last summer, I think people are just making up and enjoying this summer,” Vander Stel said, adding the Mustang Band is happy to be part of the fun.

All of the Wyoming Concerts in Park are recorded by WKTV and rebroadcasted on Comcast Channel 25 at 5 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday. 

Haunted tales of Muskegon featured in upcoming book set to release in fall of 2022

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Some people believe that Muskegon founder Charles Hackley still walks the halls of Hackley library. (Public Domain)

By Wayne Thomas
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters

“Please keep an open mind about things that you might not easily believe, as we explore the mysterious.” The Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Podcast opens each show with this same declaration.

On episodes 26 and 41, we featured Marie Cisneros with an impressive resume of spookiness. Astrologist, numerologist, and ufologist tops her list of accolades. Cisneros was also an investigative reporter and journalist for Paranormal Muskegon on the Muskegon channel.

So what is next for a highly intelligent person who blends two science degrees, more than 10 years as a Michigan MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) field investigator, Tarot reader, wedding officiant, and CEO of Cygnus Research? She is getting ready to add published author to her resume. “Haunted Muskegon” by Marie Cisneros is scheduled for release in the Fall of 2022, to be followed by her first sci-fi novel, “Sequence 17.”

Marie Cisneros

What might be included as some of the chapters of a book entitled, “Haunted Muskegon?” No spoiler alert here, but as Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters we did investigate a brewery in Muskegon with ghostly activity. Out of respect for the people involved and in consideration of the emotions that can live forever in our hearts and homes, those names shall remain anonymous. Brandon Hoezee and Kent County Paranormal did investigate the Torrent House and we also interviewed at the Hackley Public Library.

 

On January 10, 2020, Cisneros interviewed Mallory Metzger, the Hackley library program and marketing coordinator. Often general managers and people in charge are more concerned with doing their jobs and it’s just easier to deny any paranormal activity. Metzger on that day offered straight forward answers to what must have been difficult questions. These reports are difficult to substantiate; unexplained sounds and voices, and multiple incidences of books flying off shelves. More sensational accounts describe an apparition of an elderly man dressed in Victorian style clothing, appearing and disappearing. The reflection of a face seen in the bathroom was later identified as the man who donated the library to the city, Charles Hackley, one of the founders of Muskegon.

Different reports have Hackley’s ghost haunting several locations in and around Muskegon. Why not? Hackley practiced a philosophy proposed by Andrew Carnergie, “Die rich…die disgraced.” In that respect, Hackley felt obligated to give back to the community “to improve the quality of life.” Hackley gave his heart and soul to the city, donating towards schools, hospitals, parks, museums, and the Hackley public Library. It is estimated he gave back more than one third of his acquired wealth. Not sure Cisneros included Hackley’s haunted adventures in her new book, but I am sure her attention to detail will define “Haunted Muskegon.”

Woodland Mall’s new theater tenant brings high tech, soft seats and a family business outlook to Kentwood

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, WKTV Projects, Woodland Mall, ,
Phoenix Theatres will be relaunching movie theater operation at Woodland Mall, as early as this fall. (Supplied graphic)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

At a special announcement at Woodland Mall this week, new mall movie-theater tenant Phoenix Theaters’ management team made clear that “big company” high-tech visuals, solid sound and premium seats will be the standard when the mall’s theater building reopens as early as this fall.

But Phoenix Theatres CEO Cory Jacobson also made clear to the small crowd at the mall Tuesday, July 27, that, in his “small” movie-theater company, families come first at Phoenix and in its theaters, and COO John Scanlan, talking to WKTV, made clear that Phoenix’s nimble “small” company structure is one of the reasons they were able to take advantage of the Woodland Mall opportunity.

Phoenix Theatres CEO Cory Jacobson. (WKTV)

The company is a 21-year-old independently owned movie theatre company that plans to invest $4 million to refurbish the 14-screen theatre, according to supplied material, a project which will expand a company which operates several theaters in Southeast Michigan as well as one each in Iowa and Massachusetts.

It is also a company which prides itself on having employees who have worked their way up from taking tickets and popping popcorn, to top-level management.

“All these people have something in common. They have all worked for our company for many, many years,” Jacobson said as he introduced his management team to the crowd at Woodland Mall. “All of the senior staff started out popping popcorn, ripping tickets, selling concession items.”
 

After Jacobson and others of the management team talked to the Woodland Mall crowd about his company’s “family” outlook, and his theaters’ amenities including plush twin seats that can be opened up for customer “families,” Scanlan also talked to WKTV about how being a now-not-so-small family-owned company allowed it to move quickly when the Woodland Mall opportunity presented itself. (See complete discussion in video below.)

“We are still nimble enough to pivot, and move, and we all work so closely together that we are  able to make these decision fairly quickly,” Scanlon said. “We have one owner (Cory Jacobson), we do not have to worry about having a group thought. … Cory can make decisions on the fly and that allows us to make decisions on the fly as well.”

Phoenix Theatres Woodland Mall outside view. (Supplied graphic)

Phoenix Theatres at Woodland Mall is the first major post-pandemic theatre investment in West Michigan, “signaling renewed confidence in the strength of this property and the regional economy,” according to PREIT, the mall’s parent company.

For Phoenix Theatres CEO Jacobson, the Woodland Mall expansion just felt right from the moment he first visited.

“Phoenix Theatres has always been a neighborhood theatre company, and that’s something we’re very proud of,” Jacobson said in supplied material. “After spending several weeks exploring the city, we felt very much at home in the culture of the community. Movie theatres are places where people come together to enjoy themselves. Creating an environment that celebrates community has always been our highest goal.”

After the renovations at the Woodland Mall location, the theater will be a 14-screen theatre within the 47,000-square-foot building, and will feature all-new premium reclining heated seating, 4K digital projection, Dolby Atmos, first-run movies and “family-friendly pricing.”

Wyoming plans two big events for this year’s National Night Out

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, WKTV Projects, , , ,
Ready to Ride: A Wyoming police officer helps a resident on a motorcycle. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

“It is basically our Super Bowl,” said Wyoming Officer Jenni Eby as she described National Night Out, which will take place Tuesday, Aug. 3.

“It is a nice opportunity for us to be able to focus on the people and the connection between the police and the community,” Eby said.

 

Give me five: A residents gives a Wyoming police officer a high-five. (WKTV)

Always the first Tuesday in August, National Night Out is a nationwide event that encourages residents to turn their porch lights on and come out and meet their neighbors. With last year’s pandemic, the event was cancelled.

“We are excited about seeing people especially since it has been more than a year,” Eby said.

 

A change for this year’s Wyoming event will be that the city will host two main sites, Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St. SW, and Grace Christian University, 1011 Alden St. SW. Both locations will be open from 5 to 7 p.m.

“Our community service officers work very closely with the neighborhood associations over the years and this is something they wanted to try on a trial basis this year.” said Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster during a recent council meeting. “They wanted to be able to bring all of our resources together and to have two big parties where people can come and enjoy all the services.

“Sometimes, say our K9 unit, they don’t have the time to make it to all 15 parties, so there are people who don’t get to see the K9 unit or get to see the motorcycle unit.”

By hosting the two larger events, it is the hope that these parties will have “a bigger splash,” allowing the Public Safety Department to have a greater reach and connect with more residents, Koster said.

Neighborhoods can still host individual events, she said, adding that if they reach out to the department, officers will see what they can do to have someone from the department stop by.

 

Eby said that the department’s resources will be split between the two locations.

“There will be K9s at both locations, as well motorcycles and other vehicles,” she said. “The tactical truck will be splitting its time between the two locations as there is only one.”

Basically, residents attending either location, GR First or Grace Christian University, will be able to see all that the Wyoming Department of Public Safety has available.

 

Flashing lights: Residents check out a Wyoming police car during a past National Night Out event. (WKTV)

Eby said there will be tables at both locations providing information on a variety of safety programs, such as:

Smart 911: With landlines, it was easy to determine where a call was being made. Cell phones make it much harder to know the location of the emergency. Through Smart 911, residents can create a free, secure profile that dispatch operators can call up to help police and rescue personal get to a person faster.

OK2SAY: This is a student safety program that operates similar to Silent Observer in that students are able to confidentially report tips on potential harm or criminal activities.

Stop the Bleed: A program that teaches people how to help those who are severely bleeding while waiting for first responders. 

With serve storms heading to the area, Consumers Energy prepares crews, offers tips

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,
Serve weather is expected to hit the area around 10 p.m. tonight. (pxhere.com)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

With extreme weather predicted for tonight by local meteorologists, Consumer Energy crews are preparing for power outages, downed wires, and other safety hazards.

“We may experience some hurricane-type, typhoon-type winds tonight,” said WOODTV 8 Meteorologist Matt Kirkwood earlier today. “If not here, certainly throughout the region of the Great Lakes,”

More recently, the Greater Grand Rapids area has moved to a moderate risk, which is the second highest risk factor for storms by the National Weather Service. According to Kirkwood, the storm is expected come in around 10 p.m. and last through 7 a.m. Thursday. Wind gusts are expected to be around 60+ mph with about 2 to 4 inches of rain.

 

Consumers Energy provided these preparation tips for potential severe weather include:

·       Charge all electronic devices. It’s advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available for use during an outage.

Consumers Energy crews are preparing for outages and other safety hazards. (Supplied)

·       Have an emergency kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries, water, canned food and blankets. Be prepared with enough medication, baby supplies and pet food if applicable. A battery-operated radio is also a good idea.

·       Unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Turn power strips off.

Consumers Energy also urges the public to keep these important storm safety tips in mind:

·       Stay at least 25 feet away from downed wires, keep children or pets away, and report the issue by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. Consumers Energy crews are taking extra health and safety precautions because of the COVID-19 situation and asks the public to keep at least six feet of distance from its crews.

  • Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas.
  • Be alert to crews working along roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely can go past workers on roadsides.
  • Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, clean-up of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners.

Customers can report an outage, check the status of an outage and get useful tips what to do after a storm by visiting www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter. Customers can also sign up to get outage alerts and restoration times sent to a phone, email or text message, Text ‘REG’ to 232273 or visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts.   

Financial Perspective: Where can you find the money to build a safe, predictable retirement?

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Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Service, LLC

“You are likely to be retired much longer than you think. A recent study suggests that 50% of those born now will live beyond 100.”   Dave Stanley

For how long do you think you will live? Do you believe you’ll live into your late 70s? Are you confident you’ll follow in the path of your parents, who were alive and well into their mid to late 80s?

The average joint life expectancy (men and women together) is approximately 88 years for more than 49% of the population. A full 20% of Americans live to age 95!

Depending on your unique perspective, that’s either good news or bad news. It is good because many people want to live for as long as possible, provided they are in decent physical and mental health. However, a long life can be bad news when it puts you at risk of outliving your money in retirement.

Something else to consider is that these numbers are averages. There are many exceptions to the rule, especially if you are the beneficiary of excellent genes, have tried to stay fit and healthy, and have managed stress properly. More people are hitting triple digits, and you could very well be one of them.

Longevity is a possibility. Therefore, creating a portfolio to help you maintain your current standard of living in 30 plus years of retirement is challenging. Having less money in retirement is a concern for retirees and pre-retirees. Nearly all seniors know someone who has beaten the odds and has lived for a longer time than they planned.

Many retirees and pre-retirees had had someone in their own families who went through hardship and deprivation because they ran out of many at a time when they needed it the most.

The logical solution to not having enough money for retirement is to start earlier and save more. That is not always easy to do, however. Many people are barely making ends meet and do not have much discretionary money to create retirement income. You may fall into that category and worry that you will not have any money to build a retirement account.

How do you find money to finance a retirement plan?

Developing a saving and income-planning mindset is valuable at any age.

Understandably, you might have a tight budget due to where you are in your career track. Or, you might have family, medical, or debt issues that make saving a tough proposition.

Fortunately, there are some ways you can free up cash or find the money you never knew you had, to fund a retirement plan. Here are three things you can do right now to free up money for retirement.

1. Debt restructuring. Take a look at all your debt, including student loans and consumer debt. Perhaps you can negotiate lower rates or pay debt off more slowly. For example, instead of paying more than the minimum due on a debt, take that money and put into something like a dividend-paying whole life insurance policy, annuity (depending on your age), or dividend-paying stocks. When you pay your debt off TOO fast, you lose the opportunity to grow that money.

2. IRA or 401(k) Use every advantage to contribute the maximum amount of money allowed.  As you age, begin to move a higher percentage to assets that are not as volatile, such as annuities. Ask your financial expert and tax advisor to see if you might transfer your 401(k) funds to a self-directed IRA and purchase an income annuity.  Always consider this with the big picture in mind, make sure you seek licensed and authorized professional advisors.

  

3. Live a simpler lifestyle. Making your car, major appliances, and other big-ticket items last longer can add up to thousands of dollars you can use to fund your post-career life. Eat out less often, never pay full retail, and look for every bargain you can find.

No matter your current financial situation, you can and should set aside money for a time when you will no longer get a paycheck. Starting early and being consistent, along with small lifestyle changes, will help you avoid common mistakes and achieve a better retirement lifestyle.

Here is a word to the wise.  Before making any decisions about where and how you invest your retirement money, always consult a licensed and authorized professional.

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

City of Kentwood’s National Night Out return features community gatherings, public safety interactions

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
The Kentwood police department will again be present at the Woodland Mall for National Night Out. (WKTV/2019)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood will be bustling with block parties, neighborhood events and other activities Tuesday, Aug. 3, as part of the city-and-community celebration of National Night Out, a nationwide annual event that “promotes community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer.”

According to information provided by the city, National Night Out encourages people to turn their porch lights on and come outside to meet their neighbors, as well as community leaders, police and fire department personnel who will be out and about. The city also “encourages residents to continue to follow current public health guidelines.”

Kentwood police officers, firefighters and city leaders will join residents at more than 15 gatherings, most of which will take place between 6-8 p.m. Residents will have the opportunity to explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles at events, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics.

“Positive interactions with residents are invaluable for fostering strong community relationships and safer neighborhoods,” Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts said in supplied material. “National Night Out creates a wonderful opportunity to bring officers and community members together in a fun and relaxing setting. Members of our department always look forward to getting to know residents better and encourage more open lines of communication.”

The Kentwood Police Department will once again partner with Woodland Mall to offer community members an up-close look at police vehicles inside the mall, from 3-5 p.m. Shoppers will be able to learn about and explore a police cruiser and motorcycle and enjoy giveaways.

In addition, several community-based events will be hosted throughout the evening and feature a variety of free activities, including appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog. Among the major event locations are:

Ada Bible Church, 1640 East Paris Ave. SE, which will offer food and activities from 5-8 p.m.

Faith Baptist Church, 1412 44th St. SE, which will have food trucks, live bands and prizes from 7-9 p.m.

Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, which will host a party from 6-8 p.m., featuring a bounce house, food and games.

“National Night Out’s message of neighborhood connections and the importance of caring for one another is right in line with Kentwood’s community effort,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “The City’s leadership team is looking forward to a fun evening connecting with residents, celebrating community and learning about ways we can work together to keep Kentwood a wonderful and safe place to call home.”

 

More information about National Night Out events in Kentwood is available at kentwood.us/NNO.

National Night Out was created in the 1980s through an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. It began with a goal to promote safer, better neighborhoods by uniting community members and police against neighborhood crimes.

As courts come out of pandemic restrictions, trial backlog exists but jury numbers may also be an issue

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Hard News, Local Faces, Local History, WKTV Projects, ,
The Kentwood Justice Center which houses 62-B District Court and the Kentwood Police Department. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

All sides within the Kent County courts’ criminal trials system know that after more than a 18 months of a pandemic-related pause of in-person trials there will be issues as courts slowly resume a courtroom calendar — most especially a backlog of criminal and civil cases awaiting trial, a backlog that could take more than a year to clear.

All Kent County courts handing criminal trials — from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood’s smaller 62A and 62B district courts, to the larger countywide 63rd District and 17th Circuit courts — are now scheduling trials.

Kentwood’s 62B recently reported it held its first in-person trial in June and currently has a dozen or so scheduled through the end of the year — “We have a slight back log of cases waiting trial … All other hearings are current at 62B District Court,” a spokesperson for Judge Amanda Sterkenburg’s office told WKTV.

The 63rd District Court, however, will not begin criminal trials until mid-August, and their backlog could stretch out well into 2022 before a “sense of normal” returns, a situation most larger courts across the state are facing.

63rd district court Judge Sara J. Smolenski (Kent County)

“What is a sense of normal in the court system, that is a good question,” 63rd district court Judge Sara J. Smolenski said to WKTV. “Obviously, the pandemic has taken its toll on every aspect of our lives. Here at the Court,  we  are working daily to have things be more normal or resume to normal, but it is constantly evolving. A good guess would hopefully be by the end of 2021.”

While Judge Smolenski is, maybe, optimistic about the backlog, the leaders of the two criminal trial lawyer groups often in opposition in the courtroom — the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office and Kent County Office of the Defender — are not so optimistic.

“It will take at least a year to get back to ‘normal’ in my estimation,” Prosecutor Chris Becker said to WKTV. “There is such a backlog of cases, while adding new ones through all of this, there just is not an easy and fast way to catch up. It is going to take time to work through all of them.”

“Misdemeanors (in District Court) are a little better positioned for returning to normal sooner than felonies in Circuit Court,” Chris Dennie, Director, Kent County Office of the Defender, said to WKTV. “Even though there is quite a backlog, I can see getting close to usual in about a year.”

In general, the Kent County District Court system handles trials of civil suits involving $25,000 or less, and adult criminal misdemeanor offenses punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment. The Kent County Circuit Court is the trial court in all civil cases involving more than $25,000, in all criminal cases where the offense is a felony or a serious misdemeanor, as well as all domestic relations cases, and all child abuse, neglect, and delinquency cases.

No shortcuts in criminal cases during pandemic

All sides in the county’s legal system also make clear that while judges and opposing lowers have been “creative” is handling cases during the pandemic, nothing has been done to simply push cases through.

“Every case is dealt with on an individual basis,” Judge Smolenski said. “The right to a speedy trial is very important, but no one has ever been through a pandemic like this where for many months you couldn’t bring jurors together for a case. Defense attorneys and prosecutors are working together to resolve the cases that can be resolved.”

Prosecutor Becker and Defender Dennie might argue that judicial point, however.

“The judges have tried to encourage resolving cases throughout the pause in jury trials,” Dennie said. “However, the prosecutors (both county and city) must be willing and the offices have made it clear they do not want to have what they call a “fire sale” on cases. There has been some work to resolve cases, but not enough to make a big difference.”

“I’ve told my staff to know and go over their cases and make the best possible offer they can, without violating the norms of what we do,” Becker said. “I’m sure if I offered a misdemeanor larceny $200-1,000 to someone charged with an armed robbery felony, they would take that deal. We could ‘catch up’ the docket pretty quick that way. We are not going to do that however; we still have to consider plea offers in relationship to long term public safety and the victims who were impacted by the crime.

“We have done things around the edges more, we have given more sentence recommendations perhaps, but nothing extreme. Judges have gotten involved more as well in this area.”

Backlog not only problem awaiting return to ‘normal’

Two other issues which could come into play with the resumption of jury trials after about 18-months is the as-yet resolved issue of defendants not gaining a “speedy” trial during and of a possible reluctance of citizen jurors returning to their civic duties live and in the courtrooms.

Becker, however, does not think the denial of a speedy trial will be a big issue, but he does hedge his bets a bit.

The idea “has been raised in other places, and I’m sure it will be brought up again. So I can’t say it is a settled part of the law at all,” Becker said. “I’m not sure how successful it will be however, when you had the (State of Michigan) Supreme Court saying trials were not allowed for a large portion of the pandemic. It is fairly unprecedented, but not sure how you can hold a trial when being told not do by the people who run the court system to some extent.”

However, when it comes to the issue of juror reluctance, Judge Smolenski, Prosecutor Becker and Defender Dennie each expressed concern.

“It has been the jury trials, wherein we were prohibited from having groups of jurors in the courtroom, that has become our biggest focus to resolve,” Judge Smolenski said.

“Not sure (but) hearing reports in other areas of larger amount of jurors not showing up when summoned when things re-started,” Becker said. There is “still fear out there, and people may not want to show up in a public area when ordered to. So it will be interesting to see how jurors respond when called to serve.”

And that possible lack of ‘a jury of peers” is particularly of concern to Defender Dennie.

“Defense attorneys have been very concerned about getting a fair and true cross section of the community for the jury pools,” Dennie said. “I’ve been told that in practice, so far, as they send out jury summons, very few people are asking to be released. So we remain concerned, but hopeful, that our clients are able to have fair juries.

Researchers seek volunteers to document coastal erosion in Michigan

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Manistee Beach in 2014. A team of Michigan State University researchers is working with volunteers in coastal communities to track erosion in the state. (McCoy Scribner)

By McKoy Scribner
Capital News Service

Although Great Lakes water levels are down, the risk of coastal erosion remains high, Michigan State University researchers say. Now, the researchers are enlisting “citizen scientists” to assist in helping better understand coastal change.

Funded by a $300,000 early concept grant from the National Science Foundation Coastlines and People Initiative, the Interdisciplinary Citizen-based Coastal REmote Sensing for Adaptive Management (IC-CREAM) project wants to work with multiple communities in the Great Lakes region facing impacts from record-high water levels.

 

The IC-CREAM team is developing a first-of-its kind citizen science program to equip and train volunteers to pilot drones and use other geospatial technologies to better monitor and understand coastal change and vulnerabilities.

The project, led by Assistant and Associate Professors Erin Bunting, Ethan Theuerkauf and Elizabeth Mack, aims to empower Michigan coastal communities to generate their own data on coastal changes and hazards by taking pictures of what is seen at beaches and uploading them to a web app.

“Take a picture with your phone. That photo has a geotag located, so all you have to do is upload that photo to the web app, and put in some information about like when it was collected, all that kind of stuff, and that helps us document it,” Theuerkauf said.

The team is working with citizen scientists to gather data in Marquette, Manistique, Iosco County, Chikaming Township, Manistee and South Haven.

 

Theuerkauf said getting scientists, citizens, and community decision-makers to work together is an important step in addressing coastal issues.

“We’re working hand in hand with those communities, we’re working hand in hand with the public, to provide information that we know is useful because we worked with them from the onset to decide what direction we need to take with this data collection and this processing.”

Planning is underway for additional proposals and partnerships with local, state and federal entities to expand project work and research.

This story is brought to you as part of a partnership between WKAR and Michigan State University’s Knight Center for Environmental Journalism.

Ford Airport announces return of Runway 5K

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Making a return is the Runway 5K at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

After a pandemic pause, the popular Runway 5K will return to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport on Saturday, Sept. 25.

 

Registration has already begun for this unique race, which is capped at 1,200 participants and gives walkers and runners the rare opportunity to compete on an actual airport runway. The course will begin north of the economy parking lot, looping on taxiway Juliet and runway 8L/26R, the Airport’s general aviation runway, before ending back at the parking lot.

Race-day registration and packet pick-up begins at 7 a.m., with the race starting at 9 a.m. A one-mile fun run will begin at 9:05 a.m. Awards for the top three overall males and females, as well as age groups, will be presented at 10:15 a.m.

The race is being hosted by Trivium Racing, with this year’s charity partner being the Family Hope Foundation. The Jenison nonprofit provides resources, activities, support and funding for therapies to families of children with special needs in West Michigan. 

“We are delighted to welcome West Michigan back to the Airport for this year’s Runway 5K,” said Torrance A. Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “While COVID forced the cancellation of last year’s race, we are back better than ever this fall – and looking forward to seeing our friends and neighbors for this race.

 

“We are also honored to support the good work of Family Hope Foundation, which provides therapy scholarships, family fun, advocacy, education and resources to families of children with special needs. We encourage runners and walkers of all abilities to come out and see the Airport from a perspective you will only get once a year.”

Registration for the 5K begins at $39, with prices increasing after July 31 and until the event is sold out. Registration for the one-mile fun run begins at $25, with prices increasing after July 31. Registration includes a T-shirt, post-race snacks and beverages, awards for top finishers and other giveaways.

 

In 2019, the Runway 5K raised nearly $14,600 for charity.

“The true impact of 2020 is beginning to come to light,” said Jane Eppard, executive director of the Family Hope Foundation. “Many children with special needs lost ground due to disruptions in school and routine in the past year. This was clearly evident in the 25% increase in scholarship requests we received this spring.

“We begin accepting applications for our fall scholarship cycle Aug. 1. The opportunity to be the charity partner for this year’s Runway 5K and the support it will bring to families in our community is deeply appreciated and gives the organization hope.”

  

The Ford Airport’s two commercial aviation runways will still be operational during the race.

With agreement in place, Metro Health begins work to offer new cardiovascular services

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Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, which will soon become University of Michigan – West, will be adding cardiovascular services with a new agreement between the health facility and Mercy Health Saint Mary’s and Mercy Health Muskegon. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Work is underway at Metro Health – University of Michigan Health Hospital campus in Wyoming to accommodate new cardiovascular services now that a joint operating agreement has been finalized.

Peter Hahn, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health (Supplied)

On July 21, Metro Health (which is becoming 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. The network also will utilize the clinical expertise of University of Michigan Health’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center, one of the nation’s highest-rated centers for cardiology and heart surgery, and the No. 1-rated program in the state. The services will be offered at Metro Health.

Dr. Peter Hahn, CEO of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, said the network is envisioned as the region’s leading program for open-heart, structural heart and advanced electrophysiology services.

“This will show what is possible through innovative regional collaboration, working in tandem with one of the highest-ranked heart programs in the nation, University of Michigan Health,” Hahn said.

Network partners have selected key leadership to advance their plans, which include expanding open- heart surgery availability in the Grand Rapids market, adding choice to the largest population center in the state currently with only a single open-heart program.

The network’s inaugural executive director will be Dr. Himanshu J. Patel, a U-M cardiac surgeon, Joe D. Morris Collegiate Professor of Cardiac Surgery and Section Head of Adult Cardiac Surgery at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center. The administrative director will be Kristine Todd, clinical service director for heart and vascular services at Mercy Health Saint Mary’s. The network also announced the appointment of two associate medical directors: Dr. Matthew Sevensma of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Dr. Eugene Chung of Michigan Medicine.

Dr. Himanshu J. Patel, executive director for the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan

Patel said the network builds on a strong history of cardiovascular collaboration each of the partners has established with University of Michigan Health.

“This initiative is based on each partner’s overarching goal of providing not only the highest quality care, but also choice for the patients we serve in west Michigan,” Patel said. “To accomplish this goal, for the fastest-growing part of our state we will also leverage the rich expertise already present at University of Michigan’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center.”

Physicians will confer on cases in a collaborative approach. This is similar to the tumor boards established by the Cancer Network of West Michigan, which the same partners established last year to provide broader regional access to advanced, state-of-the-art, comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and support.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services earlier this year issued a certificate of need authorizing open-heart procedures at the Wyoming site. Later phases of the network’s plans call for a dedicated facility.

All hospital providers and staff will remain employed by their respective health systems, and no staff reductions will take place as a result of this agreement.

Jaded 8 brought a little rock ‘n’ roll to the Sounds of Summer series

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  • Organizer Patty Williams hangs with the Jaded 8 band members.
  • Jaded 8 provided the music as many enjoyed picnics during the show.
  • Organizer Patty Williams helps record the show.
  • Having a swinging good time at last Thursday’s Jaded 8 concert.
  • Lots of dancing and fun taking place.
  • Mark Pawlak on lead vocals and guitar
  • Jeffrey Post on bass and vocals
  • Jeffrey Post on bass and vocals
  • The crowd was dancing up a storm last Thursday.

By Patty Williams
P. Williams Production

P. Williams Productions featured rock night at the Thursday evening free concert series Sounds of Summer held in Cutler Park last Thursday.

Picnic baskets lined the park tables as fans awaited the 7 p.m. show. The playground was filled with children and laughter with their front row swing seats enjoying the classic rock tunes.

Jaded 8 band had the audience singing and dancing along to the timeless hits by Kiss, Journey, Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams just to name a few. The three-piece band rocking the park was lead by singer/guitarist Mark Pawlak with Lee Nelson on drums/vocals and Jeffrey Post Bass/vocals.

The July 29 Sounds of Summer Cutlerville grand finale show features national headliner Audie Blaylock and Redline bluegrass band. Show time is at 7 p.m. A food truck and beverages will be available at this week grand finale concert.

According to organizers, it has been such a great season with exceptional bands and large crowds in the park this year. The familiar faces at each week’s concert feels like family.

The Sounds of Summer is produced by P. Williams Productions and sponsored by Byron Township. 

David Gerald, and his ‘Power Trio’, set to bring Detroit power sounds to Kentwood summer concerts

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David Gerald (Courtesy of David Gerald)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

It is no coincidence that guitarist and vocalist David Gerald likes to call his tight, taught guitar-bass-drum group a “Power Trio” — seeing him on video, hearing him on vinyl, tells you he knows that his hometown Detroit blues, R&B and rock sound is all about bringing the power to the stage.

Which, we can assume, he and his trio will do, Thursday, July 29, as they visit the outdoor Kentwood Summer Concert free series for a 7 p.m. gig.

Gerald also knows all about the blues, coming from a family that lived it, and grabbing the power, from a father who grabbed it.

Gerald is the son of rural Mississippi born and raised parents, and while he was born in Detroit, the youngest of 11 children, six of his siblings were born and partly raised in Mississippi.

David Gerald. (Courtesy of David Gerald)

“Because segregation and racial discrimination were so bad in Mississippi at the time, my dad moved the family north to Detroit when he was 33, so we’d have a better chance at the American dream,” Gerald said in supplied material.

And Gerald’s version of the American Dream is playing his beloved Detroit-sound music — what he calls “blues-infused rock and soul hybrid” — with his lead guitar a central figure since he first pickup one up at age 14.

“I was lucky enough to have a neighbor who was a guitarist and gave me scrap guitars. I would piece them together and build ‘Frankenstein’ guitars,” Gerald said. “They were horrible to play and sounded bad, but I had to play music. It was and is my destiny. I finally scraped up enough money to buy an old amp and I was happy.”

After cutting his teeth and honing his guitar skills in the 1980s, he says he began to explore the music of blues guitar heavyweights like Albert King, ZZ Hill, B.B. King, and Stevie Ray Vaughan — and his sound “evolved and expanded to where it is today.”

His 2009 debut CD, “Hell And Back,” reached #1 on Roots Music Report’s Blues Chart for Michigan based artists and remained in the top 20 for many weeks in a row. His newest album, “N2U”, was released in April 2018.

“N2U” had “been a long time coming,” he said. “I put together these songs for myself, my friends and supporters. It’s all about new thoughts, new experiences and deeply felt emotions. I hope everyone who listens can find something that touches them. Something they can relate to.”

For more information on the David Gerald Band, visit davidgerald.com.

The Kentwood Summer Concert Series has two more Thursday night dates: The Accidentals on Aug. 5 and a rescheduled night with The Soul Syndicate on Aug. 19.

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home.

Before the music starts, get a little treat at Kentwood Farmers Market. (WKTV/K/D. Norris)

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Shapshots: Summer theater, beer pass, and keeping uninvited guests at bay

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“Have you really read all those books in your room?” Alaska laughing – “Oh God no. I’ve maybe read a third of ’em. but I’m going to read them all. I call it my Life’s Library. Every summer since I was little, I’ve gone to garage sales and bought all the books that looked interesting. So I always have something to read.”

John Green, “Looking for Alaska”


Circle Theatre presents “Cabaret” through July 31. (Supplied)

Head to the Cabaret

One way to beat the heat is to head into a cool theater. We don’t know how cool the Aquinas College of Performing Arts Center will be with the red-hot performance of “Cabaret” being presented by Circle Theatre, but it is worth a try. The timeless classic has been reimagined to tell the story of 1930s Germany through minority voices as it follows the story of American writer Cliff Bradshaw and his relationship with cabaret performer Sally Bowles. All of it is set against the backdrop of 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. with a 3 p.m. Sunday, July 25. Tickets for shows are available at circletheatre.org or call 616-456-6656.

Take a Pass

Now through Oct. 31, area residents can get the free digital pass, Craft Pass GR, to visit about 25 different local breweries and distilleries. The pass includes specials for each of those locations and when a patron checks in they have the opportunity to win prizes. The main purpose behind the Craft Pass GR, according to Experience Grand Rapids, is to celebrate the wide range of quality adult beverages offered by the Grand Rapids-based breweries, cideries, distilleries, and meaderies.

A mosquito’s bite could lead to infection with West Nile virus. (CDC)

The Uninvited Guest

Heading outside for the weekend? Then make sure to grab some mosquito repellant that contains 10 to 35 percent DEET. Why? Because those pesky uninvited guests, mosquitos are on the rise this summer according to the Centers for Disease Control. Mosquitos are known carriers of the West Nile Disease and Eastern Equine Encephalitis or Triple E. While for most people, illness is related to West Nile is rare, according to the Kent County Health Department, it is still advisable to take precautions such as where a mosquito repellant, going in at dusk when mosquitos are activity, and changing water in such items as pools and bird baths.

Leland Blue

Fun Fact: Michigan’s Leland Blue

Sounds like a reference to the color of Lake Superior’s water but it is actually the name of a stone, which really isn’t a stone. Leland Blue is slag. Northern Michigan was known for its iron ores and through the process of separating the metal from the ore, the slag (a waste product) was usually put into the Great Lakes. The result is some pretty stones. The most famous place to search for Leland Blue is in Leland, Michigan (which is off of Lake Michigan not Lake Superior), but it can also be found along other Northern Michigan beaches. There are different slag colors depending on the Great Lake and area the mining operation was located. For example, slag from Lake Superior can look green, purple or black.

Diversity, equity and inclusion In Focus as Kent County’s new chief inclusion officer visits WKTV Journal

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Faces, Local History, WKTV Journal In Focus, ,
WKTV Journal In Focus Teresa Branson, Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer, July 2021

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

On this episode pf WKTV Journal In Focus, the continuing effort of the Kent County Commission and administration to make diversity and inclusion — at all levels of the county workforce — a focus.

More than simply another focus, actually, the county has made a commitment to fully embed diversity, equity and inclusion in Kent County’s strategic priorities. Firm evidence of that commitment is the recent promotion of Teresa Branson to be the county’s first Chief Inclusion Officer.

On the WKTV set, Branson talks a little about her history, and a whole lot about what her position, its duties, and the county’s commitment means to area residents. Included in the discussion is how her job, in brief, will be working with “county leadership teams, employees and community partners to build on the work that has already been done and to implement meaningful change” in the future.

“It’s about the people I work with. It’s about the people we serve, we have what 650,000 people in Kent County,” Branson said. “At the end of the day, I want to know I have done something to make a difference. … doing something as important as ensuring people feel like they belong, in our workforce, and more importantly for every single person that comes in our door.”

Teresa Branson, Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer, on the set of WKTV Journal In Focus. (WKTV)

For the complete WKTV Journal In Focus interview, visit here.

Branson holds a Master of Health Administration from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education from Central Michigan University.

Prior to her new assignment, she worked as the Deputy Administrative Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department (KCHD). Prior to that, she held numerous public health education positions within KCHD, Child & Family Services of West MI, Inc., and Arbor Circle Corporation.

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

It’s all about the nineties at the next Wyoming Concert in the Park

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Lamar Park has been packed for the Wyoming Concerts in the Park. The next concert is Tuesday, July 27. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Hip-hop, rap, reggae, contemporary R&B, teen pop, and dance-pop — there is no denying that the music of the nineties was eclectic.

 

And while categorizing the era may be nearly impossible, it’s cross-pollination of sounds left a boundary-break legacy that remains today. One of which was grunge music, an alternative forum of rock music that bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains were most known for.

It was, according to West Michigan band PROJECT 90, “the last golden decade of guitar-driven rock” which is the reason the five residents came together in 2016 to form the West Michigan-based group.

The nineties rock tribute band performs at Lamar Park Tuesday, July 27, as part of the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series. The concert is at 7 p.m.

 

PROJECT 90 comes to Lamar Park on Tuesday, July 27. (PROJECT 90)

“I thought it was an amazing crowd for the first night out there and in fact, I think it is the biggest opening crowd that I have seen,” said Mayor Jack Poll as he commented to the council at its Monday night council meeting about the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series. “It seemed to kick off really well.

“They are only doing four or five of them this summer…I always wander before time and talk to a lot of the folks that were there and there was just real enthusiasm to have it back and some of it may be due to COVID, but everyone wants to be outside and communicating with other people. So I thought the attitude and the response there for (the first week) was wonderful.”

Part of the goal of the Wyomig Community Enrichment Committee, which hosts the concerts for the city, is to offer a variety of music, according to LeighAnn TeBos, chair of the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission. The second week featured the Yellow Brick Road Dueling Pianos with members performing an array of cover songs from such performers as Journey, Queen, Lady Gaga, and Elton John. This week is nineties music and the last concert, Aug. 3, will be country as local group Mustang Band performs.

In its five years, PROJECT 90s has racked up a number of awards including being named as best cover band in 2018 by “Revue” magazine. The group’s catalog includes an array of music from some of the leading nineties performers such as blink-182, Green Day, Bon Jovi, Radiohead, Smash Mouth, Cracker, Alice in Chains and 3 Doors Down. The five-piece rock band features lead vocals and corny jokes by Mark Gardner, guitars by Nolan Romzek and Brian Zeemering, bass and vocals by Matt Vail, and Stephen Legg on drums.

Lamar Park is located at 2561 Porter ST. SW. The concerts are recorded by WKTV and rebroadcasted on Comcast Channel 25 at 5 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday. 

44th Street bridge over U.S. 131 closed for maintenance

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The 44th Street bridge over U.S. 131 is temporarily closed due to maintenance.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The 44th Street SW bridge over U.S. 131 will be closed to through traffic staring today, July 23, through 6 a.m. Monday, July 26. The closure is due to maintenance.

U.S. 131 traffic will be allowed to turn right fro the freeway exits on 44th Street but will not be able to turn left and cross the bridge. Traffic on 44th Street will be directed to turn before the bridge and yes the next exit, either 36th Street or 54th Street.

 

All work is weather dependent. The project is being lead by the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Other road projects in the city include resurfacing work on Wilson Avenue, both northbound and southbound lanes. Currently, traffic is now routed to the outer lanes while the contractor performs concrete restoration on the median islands.

For more on road projects in the City of Wyoming, click here. 

After reports of dead birds, West Nile virus infected mosquitoes confirmed in Kent County

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Brendan Earl, Kent County Parks’ supervising sanitarian, further discussed the relationship between dead birds and the virus, and what to do if people find dead birds. (Kent County Health Department)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

It has long been known that dead birds can be a sign of West Nile virus infected mosquitoes in the area, and there has been reports in Kent County of dead birds with no obvious injury. But today the Kent County Health Department confirmed that West Nile virus has been detected in tested mosquitoes — not in an infected human — in the county.

According to an health department announcement July 22, the  confirmation was made “during ongoing surveillance and testing” conducted by the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) The discovery comes after testing pools of mosquitoes that were trapped by the health department in the 49506 ZIP code (East Grand Rapids and area).

Brendan Earl, Kent County Parks’ supervising sanitarian, discussed with WKTV the relationship between dead birds and West Nile virus, and why the county is focused on testing live mosquitoes rather than dead birds.

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

“Generally it (the virus) goes from mosquitoes to birds, and then (mosquitoes) to humans,” Earl said to WKTV. “It used to be you brought in a dead bird and you tested the bird, because finding a dead bird is pretty obvious, right, and concerning for most people.

“Here at the health department, we like to look at the mosquito because it is a step before the bird. It is more preventive, it allows us to realize that West Nile is in the environment, in our county, so we can get the word out and take proper precautions to prevent the transmission into humans.”

Additionally, Earl said, finding positive tests in dead birds is a delayed indicator of the virus’ presence.

“When a mosquito bites and transfers the virus into a bird, they act as a host. Now any mosquito that bites the bird will now, itself, become infected. So that will amplify the number of mosquitoes the are positive. Unlike humans, who are dead-end hosts — so if we have West Nile virus and a mosquito bites us, we are not going to transmit the virus to the mosquito.”

(Earl further discussed the relationship between dead birds and the virus, and what to do if people find dead birds, in the video above. This is a link to to report dead birds to the state.)

West Nile and human infection

Humans may be ‘dead-end’ hosts, as Earl said, and rarely have severe consequences from infection unless the person is already immune compromised, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But that does not mean precautions are not advised.

A mosquito’s bite could lead to infection with West Nile virus. (CDC)

“This discovery is important because it lets us know that this season’s mosquitoes are now carrying the virus and it could spread to humans,” Paul Bellamy, KCHD public health epidemiologist. “It is important for people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites as much as possible.”

West Nile virus is spread primarily by infected Culex mosquitoes, according to KCHD. Only about 20 percent of the people infected will notice symptoms that may include headache, body aches, joint pains, and fatigue.

Most people with West Nile virus completely recover, but fatigue may linger. About 1 in 150 people infected develop severe illness that can affect the central nervous system. Recovery from West Nile virus may take several months. Some damage to the central nervous system can be permanent. In rare instances the disease can lead to death.

Since there is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus, the best treatment is prevention. KCHD recommends the following measures:

Wear a mosquito repellant that contains 10 to 35 percent DEET.


Wear light colored clothing and stay indoors during dusk to reduce your risk of being bitten.


Remove or refresh water in bird baths, children’s wading pools, water bowls for your pets, and empty other small containers that can collect water in your yard.

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

Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum, 2021 Primary Election: Kentwood City Commissioner Ward 2

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted candidate forums for elections in the Wyoming and Kentwood area. One of them was the City of Kentwood City Commission Ward 2 candidate forum. The forums were produced through the facilities of WKTV Community Media.

Kentwood’s Ward 2 includes voting Precincts 10-18, roughly the east and northeast areas of the city. For a precinct and ward map, click here.

The non-partisan candidates are incumbent Tom McKelvey and challengers Jessica Ann Tyson and Dan VanderMolen. The top two vote-getters will move on to the November general election (unless one of the primary candidates get 50 percent plus 1 vote in the primary, in which case they will win the seat).

Note: Commissioner McKelvey and Ms. Tyson were able to attend the forum via Zoom; Mr. VanderMolen was not able to attend.

Kentwood City Commissioner candidate forum will air on WKTV Government 26, Friday, July 23, at 8:50 p.m. (immediately following the rebroadcast of this week’s Kentwood Commission Meeting), on Wednesday, July 28, at 8 p.m.; Friday, July 30, at 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday, July 31, at 1 p.m. It is also available on demand at WKTVvideos on YouTube.

For more information on the candidates in the City of Kentwood City Commission Ward 2 primary election, see this WKTV Journal story on our We The People videos of the race.

 

Kent County Veterans Services set to recognize often overlooked female vets with special night

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Local female veterans at a “female only” retreat early this year. (KC Veterans Services)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Kent County Veterans Services recently, and quite literally, opened its office doors to all county veterans and families in need of support and services. And the office is making sure the “all” in “all county veterans” includes female veterans.

To that end, the office is hosting the first of what it plans to be annual Female Veterans Banquet, July 31, at the American Legion Boat and Canoe Club in Grand Rapids. RSVPs are requested by Friday, July 23.

The banquet, a semi-formal affair with the fun of dinner and dancing, and the distinguished speaking of the honorable Rosemary Aqualina, JD, and United States Air Force veteran; and Deborah Brown, DMD and MHS, and U.SA. Army Veteran. It will run 6-11 p.m.

It will also be a night to celebrate female veterans, an often under-celebrated group of veterans.

“The idea for the banquet came from former (Veterans Services Advisory Committee) chair Mel Bauman, and the committee … decided to go ahead with it as part of KCVS overall initiative to engage more female vets in activities and services that are available to them,” Martha Burkett, manager of Kent County Veterans Services, said to WKTV.

“This banquet is an opportunity to celebrate female veterans, to thank them for their service and to acknowledge them for the amazing people that they are and the sacrifices they have made.”

And while all veterans should be thanked for their service, and the sacrifices they have made, female veterans are often left out of the celebrations and recognitions. And the reasons are manyfold.

Female (and male) veterans at an art workshop. (KC Veterans Services)

“Women are less likely to publicly identify as veterans than their male counterparts, and the public does not make a great effort to engage them,” Burkett said. “Often in situations when veterans are being recognized, men will be noticed and commended — even in couples where the man and woman are both vets, the public assumes that he is a vet and she is not. If a woman is unaccompanied in such a situation, unless she is wearing clothing or patches /pins that identify her as a veteran, she is likely to be overlooked entirely.”

Another reason, just beginning to be recognized and addressed, is women in the military sometimes experience military sexual trauma, bullying, and marginalization, Burkett said.

“This is not to say that males to not have these experiences, but it happens less frequently and/or they are less likely to report. Women are also reluctant to report, fearing retaliation and invalidation by their superiors and peers. Often male colleagues will cover for each other, or the military will move the woman to another military base rather than sanctioning the man.

“They make the same sacrifices as men and often experience hostile work and or living environments. Some women have a wonderful experience in the military and are impacted very little by the concerns that I mentioned. Others are greatly impacted and often harbor un earned feelings of shame and guilt or failure about their ability or inability to cope in the environment.”

Female veterans attend an online workshop. (KC Veterans Services)

The bottom line is the a veteran is a veteran, regardless of gender, and the Female Veterans Banquet is addressing that fact.

“Women in the military are as essential and effective in their roles as men,” Burkett said. “Women in the military are smart, strong, capable, and courageous and should be recognized for their efforts accordingly.”

For more information on the Female Veterans Banquet, and to sign up, visit here.

Kent County Veterans Services is located at 836 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids. For more information visit kentcountyveteransservices.com or call 616-632-5722.

Dalmatian Stone, with a little stone soul rhythm, coming to Kentwood summer concerts

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Dalmatian Stone (Supplied/Dalmatian Stone)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

There are times when Dalmatian Stone, bringing their soulful blues sound to the Kentwood Summer Concert Series this week, wants (or needs) to be small and tight, and times when it wants to be big and brassy.

Either way, the group — whose members make up the core of the The Stone Soul Rhythm Band — will be offering up a mix of sweet Motown soul to today’s hot funk and dance “and a whole lot of recognizable fun in between,” according to Diego Morales, the leader of what he calls his “mad musical laboratory.”

And why the two bands and two band names?

“Dalmatian Stone is its own entity as an original recording band and for special events, etc., which allows us to keep a good mix of covers with our original music,” Morales said to WKTV. “As that entity we were finding it difficult to secure as many gigs as we had hoped for since the market here really calls for cover bands and original bands need to either play for very little money or travel quite a bit.

“So we decided to resurrect my old band, The Soulz of Rhythm, to pick up extra gigs but found it easier to consolidate into something new, The Stone Soul Rhythm Band, covering songs from Motown soul, R&B through 70’s disco funk, and horn bands like Chicago, Ides of March, Lighthouse and such. … In short we can come to any venue as either entity with or without horns.”

So, while it will be the smaller Dalmatian Stone beginning on stage Thursday, July 22, Morales said “As a special treat we were planning on inviting our horn section up for the last few songs. In essence converting into The Stone Soul Rhythm Band.”

The best of both worlds of music.

For more information on The Stone Soul Rhythm Band (and Dalmatian Stone), visit facebook.com/StoneSoulRhythmBand.

The Kentwood Summer Concert Series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 19, with David Gerald on July 29, The Accidentals on Aug. 5 and a rescheduled night with The Soul Syndicate on Aug. 19.

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Residents sought for subcommittees for Kent County’s improvement planning process

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The Kent County Health Department is looking for residents to join one for four subcommittees to help implement its three-year strategic plan. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Kent County Health Department is looking for partnering agencies, organizations, and residents to join in developing and implementing its three-year strategic plan 2020 Community Needs Assessment.

This is the next step in the Needs Assessment which was was started in August 2020 with a community-wide survey asking residents to identify the most pressing health issues impacting Kent County.  The survey results identified four areas – mental health, access to health care, discrimination and racial inequity, and economic security – as priorities for the community. Based on these results, an action-oriented and collaborative strategic plan will be developed and implemented to address these community concerns. 

“In order to address the health needs of our community, we not only need community input in identifying the areas of concern but we must have community participation in implementing the strategies to addresses those issues,” said KCHD Public Health Division Director Brian Hartl. “We encourage anyone who would like to be part of this process to join a subcommittee.”

Interested individuals should complete a survey by Monday, July 26. Subcommittee participation will require a one-year commitment and attendance at monthly subcommittee meetings and quarterly coalition meetings.

The Health Department is also seeking individuals to serve as subcommittee chairs. Individuals serving in this capacity must have previous or current affiliation with a community-based organization and be willing to facilitate.

KCHD has been in the business of providing health services to Kent County since 1931. The Health Department is home to nearly 260 employees including public health nurses, sanitarians, health educators, technicians, public health administrators, and specialized staff at the Kent County Animal Shelter. The Health Department operates one main clinic and three satellite clinics located in Kentwood, Rockford, and Grand Rapids. To learn more about KCHD services, visit www.accesskent.com/health.