Category Archives: 3-bottom

Wyoming-Kentwood chamber urges local restaurants — and breweries — to take advantage of Restaurant Revitalization Fund

3-bottom, Beer, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Food, Going Local, Local Business, Local Food, Restaurants, ,
Before the pandemic, and its resulting restrictions, at Wyoming’s Two Guys Brewing. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Much news was made of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan’s federal-government economic stimulus effort resulting from COVID-19’s negative economic impact, which was recently signed into law by President Joe Biden. But a possibly little-known portion is the current roll-out of the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund administrated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

In brief, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) will provide small, independent restaurants — and similar small businesses including breweries and bars —  with funding “equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023,” according to an announcement from the SBA.

As part of the SBA announcement, local business leaders and business groups were urged to disseminate RRF information to their business communities, and the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce was more than happy to do so.

“The new SBA program for restaurants is long overdue,” Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the local chamber, said to WKTV this week. “As we all know, the restaurant industry is one of the hardest hit by COVID-19. I am glad to be able to get this information to our chamber members.”

Jessica Ann Tyson (center) of The Candied Yam, at the Kentwood restaurant with visitors in late 2020. (The Candied Yam’s Facebook)

The RRF plan also is designed to provide assistance to communities and businesses “underserved” by previous stimulus efforts, including Black-owned businesses.

“In addition to historically having less operating liquidity and revenue than almost any other small business demographic, Black-owned restaurants received significantly less stimulus funding during the COVID-19 pandemic, heightening challenges and leading to disproportionate closures,” Ron Busby, Sr., president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., said in supplied material. “The USBC believes this initiative and collaboration with the SBA will bring needed resources and relief to these often underserved businesses to aid in stabilization, recovery and ultimately, strengthen our economy.”

Have a beer while application process is rolled-out

While details on application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide are now available in English at www.sba.gov/restaurants or in Spanish at www.sba.gov/restaurantes, program application will be rolled-out in a staggered eligibility process to allow for ease of application and an initial focus on certain businesses.

After the SBA conducts a “pilot period” for the RRF application portal, the application portal will be opened to the public. And, according to the SBA announcement, for the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will “prioritize reviewing applications from small businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.”

Railtown Brewing Citra Warrior IIPA. (Supplied)

Following the 21-day period, all eligible applicants can submit applications.

And local breweries will be among those able to take advantage of the program.

“Small and independent craft breweries are vibrant community gathering places that can be found in nearly every congressional district in the U.S. and contribute to manufacturing, hospitality, retail, tourism, and agricultural industries,” Bob Pease, president and CEO of the national Brewers Association, said in supplied material. “We are pleased to work with the SBA to promote the Restaurant Revitalization Fund … and assist the breweries hit hardest by COVID-19 secure much needed additional relief to help them survive the pandemic and prepare for the restart of the economy.”

Snapshots: Things to do this weekend

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

In spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside 24 hours.

Author and humorist Mark Twain



Wyoming’s annual Spring Carnival will open this weekend at Lamar Park. (Supplied)

Carnival Days

Wyoming’s Spring Carnival is taking place through May 2 at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. The carnival, which is operated by TJ Schmidt & Company, features a host of games and rides. Health and safety measures are in place for guests, employees, and vendors. Masks must be worn at the carnival. Hours of operation are 4 – 8:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 2 – 8:30 p.m. Friday; and noon – 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“Bee” in “Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGOs” at the Grand Rapids Public Museum through May 2. (Supplied)

Last Call

Visitors have a limited time left to explore the popular Under the Arctic and Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks exhibitions at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM). Under the Arctic’s last date to visit will be Sunday, April 25 and the last date to visit Wild Connections is Sunday, May 2. Explore larger-than-life sculptures made with more than 2 million LEGO® bricks in Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks! The sculptures teach about animal endangerment, ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature. Included with GRPM admission tickets, Under the Arctic addresses climate change through the lens of a thawing Arctic environment to educate visitors about permafrost’s fascinating characteristics and its greater implications. For more information, visit grpm.org.

Head for the Trees

The popular high ropes course TreeRunner Grand Rapids is now open. Located behind Celebration! Cinema north, the adventure park features six trails of various skill, ranging from easy to hardest. If you go, remember to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Safety precautions are being taken at the course with limited tickets available. For more information, visit www,treerunnerspark.com/grandraids/.


Tulips are actually from China

We often associate the tulip with the Netherlands. however the unique flower’s origins come from Central Asia. The Turks cultivated the flowers as early as 10,000 A.D. and they named the flowers “tulip” which comes from the Turkish word turban. The tulip was introduced to the Netherlands in the late 16th century. According to the legend, a famous biologist Carolus Clusius, was working in the oldest botanical garden, Hortus Botanicus in Leiden. A friend from Turkey, sent Clusius tulip flowers for his garden in Leiden and thus started the Tulipmania craze. Check out the tulips at this year’s Holland Tulip Time festival taking place May 1 – 9.

Drug Take Back is Saturday with Wyoming, Metro Health teaming up

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The National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 24, with the City of Wyoming teaming up with the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. (WKTV)

By City of Wyoming

The City of Wyoming and Metro Health-University of Michigan Health will help households across the community dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications safely and properly on Saturday, April 24, as part of National Drug Take Back Day.

The City of Wyoming and Metro Health are partnering to provide two drive-thru drop-off sites for community members to bring unwanted prescriptions and over-the-counter medications 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The drop-off locations are Metro Health Hospital, 2122 Health Drive SW, and Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 2300 DeHoop Avenue SW. Staff will be on hand to anonymously accept medications, including controlled substances, with no questions asked.

National Drug Take Back Day is a biannual event promoted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Metro Health and the City of Wyoming continue to partner on this event twice each year to provide this service to the community. This past October, the Drug Take Back Day event took in 240 pounds of unwanted prescriptions and over-the-counter medications that were incinerated at the Kent County’s Waste to Energy Facility.

Both organizations recognize how community education can help protect the environment and reduce opportunities for prescription drug abuse, which continues to be a major public health concern in the country. Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

“The Drug Take Back Day event is near and dear to my heart,” said Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll. “During my career as a pharmacist, I saw the heartbreak that can occur when medication gets into the wrong hands. I encourage everyone to go through their medicine cabinets and bring any unwanted or expired medication to this event.”

The Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for community members to help prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.

“I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to clean out your medicine cabinets and bring your unneeded prescription drugs to be disposed of safely,” said Pete Haverkamp, Director of Pharmacy, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. “Something this simple can make our homes and community safer and help fight the opioid epidemic.”

There are four year-round SafeMeds drop-off sites in Wyoming, including the Department of Public Safety facility. Community members can drop off prescription and over-the-counter medications 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW.

For more information about Wyoming’s National Take Back Day event and a list of SafeMeds drop-off sites, visit wyomingmi.gov/SafeMeds.

Local state senate seat, Kentwood city positions to be voted on in 2021 election cycle

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City of Kentwood City Hall. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

With the passing of a filing deadline this week, the Kent County election office reports that there will be at least six candidates running for the open 28th District State Senate seat — including local state Rep. Tommy Brand — and there will be five contested elections in the City of Kentwood, including for mayor, city commissioners and the city clerk.

According to the Kent County Elections website, the 2021 elections cycle will include an Aug. 3 special election primary for the state senate seat, where there will be three Republicans and two Democrats running for a spot on the Nov. 2 general election ballot.

On August primary ballot to compete the term of ex-state Sen. Peter MacGregor in the state Senate’s 28th District are Democrats Keith Courtade of Wyoming and Gidget Groendyk of Rockford; and Republicans Kevin Green of Cedar Springs, Mark Huizenga of Walker and Rep. Brann of Wyoming.

The winners of the Republican and Democratic primaries will face off in November, with at least one independent candidate, US Taxpayers Party candidate Theodore Gerrard, of Kentwood, and possibly others.

“Candidates with no party affiliation, or minor party candidates who are nominated at county conventions rather than via a primary, (can) file by 4 p.m. on August 20,” according to a spokesperson for the Kent County Clerk’s office.

The winner of the state senate special election will finish out the remaining term and will need to run again in 2022.

City of Kentwood primary, general elections

The City of Kentwood will have just one seat up for vote in the August primary, the City Commissioner Ward 2 where incumbent Tom McKelvey has two challengers: Jessica A. 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).

Races already on the November non-partisan ballot for City of Kentwood have incumbent Mayor Stephen Kepley challenged by current City Commissioner Emily Bridson, incumbent Commissioner-At Large Betsy Artz challenged by Leonica Riley Erwin, and two candidates will look to fill the Ward 1 seat vacated by Bridson, Clarkston Morgan and Meochia Thompson.

Also, there will be a race for City Clerk as incumbent Dan Kasunic will be challenged by Taylor VanderLaan.

Running uncontested in the City of Kentwood is incumbent Treasurer Laurie Sheldon.

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.

Then-Kent County Commissioner Harold Voorhees during a previous election season’s We The People video series. (WKTV)

For the August primary special election, all of the candidates on the ballot will be invited to record the videos in late June and early July, and they will be run on our cable channels, Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel, and will be posted on YouTube at WKTVvideos about a month before the August election day. The videos are also provided to the candidates for their use.

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

 

John Ball Zoo mourns loss of beloved lion

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John Ball Zoo’s African Lion, Docha, passed away this week. He was 16 years old. (Supplied)

By Darci David
John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Docha, the Zoo’s 16-year-old male African lion. Docha’s care team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him due to progressive neurological issues, along with his declining health and quality of life on Tuesday afternoon.

“Many have a real connection to Docha and he will be greatly missed”, said Peter D’Arienzo, CEO of John Ball Zoo. “He brought joy to many, and created real connections between people and wildlife that have advanced our mission, but most of all, he had a big personality that brought delight to literally millions of people.”

Docha had many health challenges in the past 10 to 12 years after developing epilepsy. Recently, his keepers noticed gradual changes that led the Zoo’s veterinarian, Dr. Ryan Colburn, to consult with Dr. Jill Neiderhuth a veterinary neurologist. Their observations of Docha led them to believe he had a lesion on the left side of his brain.

Confirming this diagnosis would have required Docha to be taken off-site for an MRI. Considering his age, health, and the inability to treat the lesion, Dr. Colburn and the team chose to begin close monitoring, while also attempting to alter Docha’s medications.

In recent days, the Zoo noticed a drastic change in Docha’s balance, stability, and simple motor functions. Due to these factors and the decline in the health and quality of his life, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize Docha.

Docha was born at Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens on April 10, 2005 and joined the John Ball Zoo family in May 2007. (Supplied)

“Docha’s story is a great example of the advancement of zoo medicine and how we can use medical technology and the expertise of veterinary specialists to provide the best possible care for our patients,” said Dr. Colburn. “In June 2011, after experiencing multiple seizures, Docha was transported to Michigan State University where he underwent an MRI that ultimately led to his diagnosis of epilepsy. In the wild, Docha would not have survived but since his diagnosis we have administered anti-seizure medication, along with consistent monitoring and care that led to a long life for Docha.”

Docha was born at Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens on April 10, 2005 and joined the John Ball Zoo family in May 2007. The average lifespan of an African lion in human care is 16.9 years and 10 to 14 years in the wild.

From the first day Docha stepped onto his habitat in 2007, he quickly became a favorite with John Ball Zoo guests and volunteers. He was an impressive ambassador for not only lions but all wild creatures.

“This is always an extremely difficult decision, but is especially difficult with an animal as unique as Docha,” said Tim Sampson, Animal Curator and Docha’s care giver since he arrived at John Ball Zoo. “Docha impacted the staff with his aloof personality and his goofy excitement especially when seeing his favorite people. He will be greatly missed.”

African lions are vulnerable in the wild. While not immediately threatened with extinction, their long-term survival is far from assured. African lions once lived across the entire continent of Africa, but have lost more than 92% of their native range to habitat loss.

Docha’s role in the Zoo as an ambassador for his species created educational moments and lifelong memories, while helping raise funds for the Lion Recovery Fund whose goal is to double the number of lions in the wild by 2050.

The animal care and veterinary staff at John Ball Zoo worked incredibly hard throughout this process. Docha will long be remembered as a wonderful ambassador for his species, and the impact he made will not be forgotten.

For more information about John Ball Zoo, visit www.jbzoo.org or call 616-336-4301.

Michigan’s redistricting commission setting meetings, looking for input

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The timeline for the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Thirteen Michigan residents will be coming together to draw the lines — the lines for the state’s U.S. Congressional district and Michigan’s House or Representative and Senate seats.

The 13 members are part of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, a group that was formed when Michigan voters passed Proposal 2 in 2018. The proposal stated voters and not legislators would be responsible for nonpartisan redistricting. The result was the 13-member commission, most of whom hail from the east side of the state with the closest West Michigan person from Battle Creek. 

“Wow. We lost that lottery,” said Wyoming City Council Member Kent Vanderwood during the city’s April 19 Wyoming City Council meeting. “Kent County is a big place. This is the second largest part of the whole state and to have nobody west of Battle Creek is unfortunate.”

Edward Woods III

The council received the presentation about the Commission or MICRC from the MICRC Communications and Outreach Director Edward Woods III. Woods noted that the selecting of the 13-member commission was done by lottery performed by a third party. There was 9,367 applications received for the commission with 627 applicants from Kent County. The largest applicant pool came from Oakland County with 1,777. Wayne County had 1,450 applicants.

Woods said the selection process was completely random and that there was no consideration made for geographical and ethnicity representation. He said there has been comments made about the fact that there are no Hispanics or African-American males on the commission as well as geographical representation. 

The commission is made up for four Democrats, four Republicans and five Independents, all of who went through that random selection process. 

Redistricting is done every 10 years after the U.S. Census has been completed. The commission started its work in September, scheduling its required meetings to receive public input before any redistricting plans can be drawn, according to Woods. The commission is required to have 10 public meetings and is planning to host 16 in total which includes a July 1 meeting at DeVos Hall with a second meeting planned for Grand Rapids in the fall. The group also will host meetings May 13 in Kalamazoo and June 29 in Muskegon.

 

The MICRC is responsible for redistricting the U.S. Congressional districts, In 2010, the U.S. Congressional districts had about 711,000 people in each district. Currently, Michigan has 14 U.S. Congressional districts.

 

“It is being reported that Michigan may lose a seat for the fifth time in a row,” Woods said.

The commission also is responsible for redistricting of the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives. There are currently 38 state senate districts which have about 212,400 to 263,000 people in each district. There are 110 state House of Representative districts, with each having between 77,000 to 99,000 people.


 

“The concern is how do you want your lines drawn,” Woods said. “Obviously with the congressional district, those are a little bit bigger, but when it comes to the state house and the state senate, that is a little bit different. Are we keeping municipalities together? Are we keeping counties together? Do we split along a business district or an art district or on waterfront communities?”

This is the type of information that the commission will be seeking from residents, Woods said, adding the commission also will be sharing information about the redistricting process which includes the criteria for redistricting such as equal population, the Voting Rights Act, geographically contiguous, no disproportionate advantage to any political party, no favor or disfavor to an incumbent, elected officials or candidates, reflect consideration of county, city and township boundaries, and reasonable compact.

Woods said the commission encourages residents to present ideas, send questions and engage in the process by email redistricting@michigan.gov or mail to MICRC, P.O. Box 30318, Lansing, MI 48909.

Learn more about Michigan’s new redistricting process or to obtain more information about the upcoming public hearings, visit www.michigan.gov/MICRC.

The Commission must adopted the new election district maps by Nov. 1, 2021 with the maps becoming law Dec. 31, 2021. The new districts would be for the 2022 election.

Kent County Treasurer’s office launches new online payment service for delinquent property taxes

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Our Cities, WKTV Journal In Focus, ,

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Kent County taxpayers now have easier access to pay delinquent taxes, after Kent County Treasurer Peter MacGregor this week announced the launch of a new online platform to provide residents with greater access to contactless services.

The service is available though a Kent County website and a free mobile app — myKentCounty — and will allow individuals to pay their delinquent taxes online.

“Over the past year we have seen how important it is to give our residents the option of contactless services,” Treasurer MacGregor said in supplied material. “This new electronic service will allow residents to view and pay their delinquent taxes from the convenience of their home or business.”

To access this new service, residents should visit payments.mykentcounty.com or download the free myKentCounty app in the iPhone or Google Play (Android) app stores. They can then create an account with the internet payment site PayIt, select Kent County Delinquent Property Tax, and then view and pay bills as well as printing or digitally storing receipts.

Kent County Treasurer Peter MacGregor. (WKTV)

“We are excited to launch myKentCounty as it will greatly improve our payment system while simultaneously saving taxpayers time and potential penalties,” MacGregor said. “This is another important step in how my office will serve county residents and we will continue to work with PayIt to add future services to the platform.”

See a WKTV Journal In Focus video interview with Treasurer MacGregor.


Taxpayers can also pay their delinquent taxes by going to accesskent.com/Departments/Treasurer/ and selecting the Pay Delinquent Taxes button.

Residents with questions can contact the Treasurer’s Office at 616-632-7500 or kctreasurer@kentcountymi.gov.

Interview schedule announced for finalists for Kentwood Public Schools new superintendent

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East Kentwood High School. (Supplied/KPS)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education will interview six finalists — including two in-house candidates and the current superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools — on April 28-29, to replace Michael Zoerhoff as superintendent, who will leave the position at the end of the school year.

The Board of Education, and the Michigan Association of School Boards, which is assisting the search, announced today, April 20, that the Kentwood Public Schools superintendent posting closed on April 6, “with considerable interest and 31 applicants,” and Board of Education has selected the six candidates for first-round interviews.

Scheduled to be interviewed on Wednesday, April 28, are Tracy Reed, chief academic officer at Fort Wayne (Indiana) Community Schools (at 6 p.m.); Marcus Davenport, Ph.D., superintendent of Beecher Community Schools (7 p.m.), and Kevin Polston, Ed.S., superintendent, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools (8 p.m.)

Scheduled to be interviewed on Thursday, April 29, are Evan Hordyk, executive director of secondary education, Kentwood Public Schools (6 p.m.); Nkenge Bergan, director of student services, Kalamazoo Public Schools (7 p.m.); and Jamie Gordon, executive director of human resources, Kentwood Public Schools (8 p.m.).

According to the announcement, interviews will be held in person, with appropriate social distancing, at the Kentwood Administration Building, 5820 Eastern Ave., in Kentwood. Community members, staff and students are encouraged to watch the interviews online as they take place. The district website (kentwoodps.org) will have viewing instructions and more information.

There will also be an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the administration building during the interviews. To accommodate proper social distancing, the Board of Education asks that interested persons RSVP to attend the interviews in person by emailing: interviews@kentwoodps.org.

Area residents get first look at proposed Division Avenue improvements

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After almost a year of collecting information, The Rapid will release the final report of the Division United project. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It has been months of work but this Thursday, the proposed transportation and development improvements for the Division Avenue corridor will be released to the public.

The Rapid, in partnership with the cities of Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming, will host two Virtual Town Hall meetings Thursday, one at 11 a.m. and the second at 6 p.m., to provide residents with an update on the final phase of the Division United project.

“This has been a very unique and an incredible example of the great work our communities can do together with the right partnerships and approach,” said Nick Monoyious, planning manager at The Rapids. “These virtual town hall meetings will provide an informative summary of plans for Division Avenue and will give anyone interested a chance to ask questions and provide feedback.”

In 2014, The Rapid launched the Silver Line, which was looked at as a catalyst for potential economic ground development leading into the downtown area. The Silver Line runs along Division Avenue from 60th Street in Cutlerville to the Medical Mile/Grand Rapids Community college loop.

However, the economic investment did not come, noted Bill Kirk, a business affairs specialist for The Rapid. The Rapid sought and received a Federal Transportation Administration grant that was about $900,000. The cities of Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming, all of which have parts of Division Avenue within their boundaries, contributed about $25,000 each with the grant monies and contributions used to fund a study to find ways to improve affordable housing options, business opportunities, and neighborhood conditions in the corridor without losing much of the diversity that is part of the Division Avenue, Kirk said.

For more than a year, the project has focused on gathering input from community members, business owners, and city officials along with reviewing current building ordinances for the area, and hosting events that showcased possible public improvements.

There are lot of different elements to the final project, said City of Kentwood Economic Development Coordinator Lisa Golder. There are several key elements to the proposal such as incremental improvements, stabilizing the area so those who live and work there benefit from the redevelopment, maintaining the diversity of Division Avenue and providing public improvements to create a more walkable community.

“This is not something that is going to happen over night,” said City of Kentwood Community Development Director Terry Schweitzer.

Golder added that there will be a lot for the cities to review in regards to recommendations to code changes. The cities of Wyoming and Kentwood worked together to create a form-based code for the portion of Division Avenue in the two cities. The code is designed to allow a variety of development from large projects such as the CityLine Apartments project near 52nd Street and Division Avenue to the redevelopment of the property at 4253 S. Division, which will be the home of the new coffeehouse, The Stray Cafe.

“We are excited to welcome The Stray Café to Wyoming and are looking forward to their grand opening this summer,” said Wyoming Director of Planning and Economic Development Nicole Hofert. “Their investment in the corridor exemplifies the type of development we are striving to attract. Business owners and investors will have an easy-to-use set of tools and strategies provided in the Division United Plan as they invest in our community.”

In fact, The Stray Cafe is an example of incremental developments, where one or two lots are redeveloped versus several lots, Schweitzer said. He added that the City of Kentwood has had success with several developers who specialize in redevelopment of small lots and interest is growing for projects along Division Avenue.

“During the process, we have definitely seen more interest on what could be done along the corridor,” Schweitzer said.

It is the hope that Thursday’s virtual meetings will help to spur on that interest by presenting highlights of the improvement plan, which focuses on the section of Division from Wealthy Street to 60th Street. Each session will be live translated into Spanish and Vietnamese. 

In addition to the town hall meetings, draft plans, how-to-videos and a comment form are available on the project at divisionunited.org.

The Virtual Town Hall session will be available via Zoom and The Rapid’s Facebook page.

For the Zoom 11 a.m. meeting, click here.

For the Zoom 6 p.m. meeting, click here. 

Kentwood to celebrate Arbor Day, Tree City USA designation with community event, tree seedling giveaway 

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Trees are good for everybody, and the City of Kentwood is now a Tree City USA. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

In honor of Arbor Day and Kentwood’s new designation as a Tree City USA, the city will give away 300 tree seedlings to residents throughout the week leading up to its Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 30 — a celebration which will include a tree planting.

Kentwood residents are invited to the city’s Arbor Day Celebration, planned to begin at noon on Friday, April 30, at Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St SE. The event will begin with an Arbor Day proclamation, followed by a tree planting in the park.

Arbor Day is an annual day of observance typically held in the spring to celebrate trees and encourage tree planting.

“The Arbor Day Celebration is an exciting opportunity to engage residents in improving the city’s tree canopy,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “Celebrating and planting trees in Kentwood will help generations to come enjoy a better quality of life with a healthier and more beautiful environment.”

Kentwood’s Arbor Day Celebration is also part of city’s participation in the Tree City USA program. Kentwood was recently recognized with the 2020 Tree City USA honor for promoting and caring for trees within the community, according to supplied material, and this is the first time Kentwood has received the designation.

In order to become a Tree City USA, cities must have an annual Arbor Day observance, a community tree ordinance, a tree board or department, and spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry activities.

“The (Tree City USA) program provides the necessary framework for communities to manage and expand their public trees, celebrate the importance of an urban tree canopy and improve care of vital city trees,” according to supplied material.
 

The city’s Arbor Day event will include free hot dogs and slushies, available at the concession stand. Attendees are reminded to wear face coverings, except when eating or drinking, and to follow physical distancing guidelines.

For more information on the City of Kentwood’s Arbor Day Celebration, visit kentwood.us/events.

Tree seedlings, park steward volunteer opportunities

Leading up to the Arbor Day celebration, city residents can receive free red maple or white pine tree seedlings at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, and at City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The seedlings will be available during business hours Tuesday, April 27, through Friday, April 30, or until they are gone.

Residents are also invited to post a picture of their planted seedling on social media using the hashtag #GreeningKentwood.

The Kentwood Activities Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. City Hall opens weekdays at 7:30 a.m., and closes at 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. City Hall closes at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and at noon Fridays. Face coverings are required for anyone who enters either building.

During Arbor Day week, residents can check on tree seedling availability by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 616-656-5270.
 

Additionally, residents can also get involved beyond Arbor Day by joining the Kentwood Park Stewards, a new environmentally focused program to help preserve and maintain neighborhood parks, trails and public spaces.

Kentwood Park Stewards will participate in a hands-on workshop to remove invasive garlic mustard at Paris Park, 3213 60th St. SE, at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 24, in collaboration with Kent County Parks. An online “lunch and learn” on the importance of trees will also be offered at noon Wednesday, April 28.

More information and registration details for both events are available at kentwood.us/ParkStewards.

Kelloggsville Public Schools seeks non-residential property millage extension on May 4 ballot

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A view of the inside of Kelloggsville High School. (Supplied/KPS)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

With a recent history of voter support for local school millage funding, the Kelloggsville Public Schools district will be seeking an extension of its existing non-residential (non-homestead) property millage and well as an additional temporary 2-year 0.5 mill increase on the May 4 ballot.

The district received voter support on the millage two years ago, and the current and the proposed extension would allow that millage to “be renewed by 18.0181 mills ($18.0181 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 2 years, 2022 and 2023, and also be increased by 0.5 mill ($0.50 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 2 years, 2022 and 2023,” according to the official Kent County elections ballot proposal information.

According to information supplied by the district, the proposal “is a renewal to be levied against non-homestead property. Resident properties are exempt from being taxed by this proposal (no cost to the homeowner). This is a renewal on business properties and not homes. The renewal will notcost the homeowner any additional taxes.”

“This millage is all student programming and activities. Many of the programs and activities we currently have in place are tied to it,” Eric Alcorn, Director of Human Resources for Kelloggsville Public Schools, said to WKTV. “Again this is a renewal of a millage that we approved two years ago. The support that we receive from our community is and has been tremendous. The continued support would be greatly appreciated.”

If approved, the 0.5 mill increase will also be for a period of 2 years, 2022 and 2023, and will “provide funds for operating purposes,” according to the official ballot statement, “the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2022 is approximately $3,463,580 (this is a renewal of millage that will expire with the 2021 levy and the addition of millage which will be levied only to the extent necessary to restore millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the ‘Headlee’ amendment to the Michigan Constitution of 1963.”

For more information about Kelloggsville Public Schools millage extension proposal contact the administration office at 616-538-7460. 

How and when to vote

The Michigan Secretary of State recommends that to register to vote by mail for the May 4 ballot voters should do so as soon as possible. Individuals may also register to vote online at Michigan.gov/vote, or in-person at the City of Kentwood and City of Wyoming city clerk’s office through May 4, with the required documentation.

According to state supplied material, due to COVID-19, the Secretary of State will continue mailing absentee voter ballot applications to all registered voters. Registered voters must complete and submit the application to receive their absentee voter ballot. To vote by mail, fill out the application and sign it, and then mail or email it to the city clerk. (When filling out the application, if you check the box to be added to the permanent absentee voter list, you will get an application mailed to you before every election.)

If you registered to vote after absentee voter ballot applications were mailed, applications may be obtained online at Michigan.gov/vote. Absentee voter ballots are available by through May 4, 2021.

COVID vaccines are available at several locations

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The COVID-19 vaccination effort continues with Kent County Health officials urging everyone to get vaccinated. (U.S. Government).

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

For Dr. Adam London, the Kent County Health Department health officer, nothing underscores the need for people to get vaccinated than the more than 200 people hospitalized for COVID, of which 50 are fighting for their lives.

“We all want to get back to life as we want it to be as quickly as possible and the COVID vaccine and the vaccination is the best way to do that,” London said during a recent PSA for the Health Department. “We all want to see our restaurants full, we want concerts and ballparks and classrooms full. We want to get back to work and back to life as we want it to be here in West Michigan. The power to do that is your hands.”

London said the best way to accomplish these goals is for people to get vaccinated, and for those already vaccinated, to encourage or help others to do the same.


There are several places where residents can get vaccines such as the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic, which is a partnership between the Kent County Health Department, Spectrum Health and Mercy Health – St. Mary’s. Vaccines are available through all the hospitals, Spectrum Health, Mercy Health – St. Mary’s, and Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.

Also many pharmacies located at Family Fare, Meijer, CVS, and Walgreens, are giving vaccines.

 

London noted that the vaccines are safe and and effective and are held to the highest standards before being approved. More than 75 percent of people 65 or older have received vaccines and that group is having the fewest number of new cases, London said.

The groups that are driving up the resurgence are the 20s and 30-year-olds, London said. In the twenty-something group, there is a 22 percent vaccination rate and in the thirty-something group, there is about a 32 percent vaccination rate.

 

“We need to do what we can to get these numbers down,” London said. “We are seeing more than 400 new cases of COVID diagnosed everyday in Kent County.”

For those unable to navigate the internet or schedule appointments online, they can call 2-1-1 for assistance. 

For more about COVID cases in Kent County, visit the Kent County Public Health Department’s website.

Kent County Treasurer, ex-senator MacGregor talks continuing Lansing connections, door-to-door work in county on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Local Faces, Politics, WKTV Journal In Focus, ,

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

In November of last year, then state senator Peter MacGregor won election to the position of Kent County Treasurer, returning to work nearer his Rockford home after more than a decade of public service in Lansing as a state representative and then a senator.

Just after his election, when he resigned his senate seat and was sworn in as Treasurer, MacGregor told WKTV the duties of state senator and county treasurer were very different in most ways but that the common ground fits in with his skill-set and his personal outlook when it comes to taxpayers and use of their taxes.

Kent County Treasurer Peter MacGregor. (WKTV)

In early April, Kent County Treasurer MacGregor visited WKTV Journal In Focus to talk about his job transition, the sometimes little-known duties of the county treasurer, and where he now sees his public service priorities lay — including sometimes knocking on the door to help homeowners behind on their taxes.

Oh, ya, and we also asked how long it took him to stop answering the phone with “This is Senator MacGregor”?

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.

Snapshots: Spring high school sports season is here, and WKTV has stories you might have missed

3-bottom, Area Education, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Sports, WKTV Featured sports,

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Love is the most important thing in the world. But baseball is pretty good, too!”

Yogi Berra


WKTV’s Featured Game coverage began Tuesday, April 13, when the East Kentwood Falcons baseball team hosted Holland West Ottawa for the first game of double-header. (WKTV)

A little Kentwood game action on-demand

WKTV high school sports Featured Game coverage crew started the spring season this week at East Kentwood High School, and will be out twice next week — as long as the nice spring weather holds. Our Featured Game coverage began Tuesday, April 13, when the East Kentwood Falcons baseball team hosted Holland West Ottawa for the first game of double-header. Go here for the story.


Wyoming high head baseball coach Travis Stricklin. (WKTV)

Wyoming high baseball … what you need to know

Just before the start of the 2021 spring sports season, WKTV sports volunteer Paul Kabelman sat down with Wyoming high head baseball coach Travis Stricklin to talk about the lost season for the Wolves last year, and how it is just another obstacle for his team to overcome. Go here for the story.


Wyoming high head softball Coach Kaitlin Failing’s WKTV Journal Sports Connection interview with WKTV’s Mike Moll. (WKTV)

Wyoming high softball … what you need to know

Just before the start of the season, Wyoming head softball coach Kaitlin Failing sat down with WKTV’s Mike Moll to talk about her program, the new normal for high school sports still impacted by the pandemic, but also her optimistic outlook about her team and what it might look like this season. Go here for the story.

Fun fact:

120 balls in play

According to an MLB equipment manager, up to 120 baseballs can be used per game. This is due to the number used up between home runs, fouls, scuffs and from players tossing them to the stands.

With lessons learned, Kentwood Public Schools eyes future, seeks bond approval on May 4

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Kentwood Public Schools serves more than 9,000 students, many of which are shown in this undated photo from a pre-pandemic student gathering. (Supplied/KPS)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Nearly every building in the Kentwood Public Schools system would see improvements should voters support a bond proposal by the district on the May 4 ballot — a proposal which would actually lower the net millage from the prior year of a school system already the lowest in Kent County.

But two of the items of focus in the stated planned uses of the building and infrastructure funding are in direct response to lessons learned about the need for workforce training for students and for heightened health and safety capabilities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A number of improvements are being made in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the district’s 2021 Bond Proposal Fact Sheet. “These changes focus on student health and wellness.

“As a vibrant growing community, KPS needs additional facilities to maintain small class sizes and safe distancing in key areas. In a COVID-19 era, facility renovations and additions such as kitchens and cafeterias, athletic facilities, playgrounds and restroom modifications help to ensure health and safety for students and staff.”

One of the students in the Kentwood Public Schools’ “very hands on” Red Storm Robotics program. (Supplied/KPS)

The fact sheet also takes notice of the need for workforce options for students — “Our community needs skilled plumbers, carpenters, auto mechanics, and first responders. This bond will enhance the facilities that serve these areas and provide students with cutting-edge vocational learning opportunities that will serve our community for years to come.”

Overall, the bond proposal would fund 10-plus years of improvements to district infrastructure and educational technology, that “would provide programs, technology, and facilities for current and future needs.”

Kentwood Public Schools serves more than 9,000 students, includes about 1,200 staff, and is responsible for 22 buildings, including 17 schools, totaling over one million square feet of structures on more than 450 acres of sites.

Official ballot proposal info

If passed by voters, Kentwood Public Schools would be able to “borrow the sum of not to exceed One Hundred Ninety-Two Million One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($192,150,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds …” according to the Kent County elections office ballot statement.

“The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2022 is 0.21 mill ($0.21 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation), for a net 0.25 mill decrease from the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is thirty (30) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 2.26 mills ($2.26 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation).”

One of Kentwood Public Schools’ 22 buildings, including 17 schools, totaling over one million square feet of structures on more than 450 acres of sites. (Supplied/KPS)

As further explained in district-supplied material, if approved, this bond would extend the current debt tax levy from 2044 to 2058. It would decrease the debt tax rate by .25 mills, from 4.25 mills to 4.00 mills in 2022, and “the debt tax rate is projected to remain at 4.00 mills through 2038 and projected to decline further in the future.”

Also detailed in district-supplied material, such bond proposals are the means by which a public school district asks its community for authorization to borrow money to pay for capital expenditures. Voter-approved bond funds can be spent on new construction, additions, remodeling, site improvements, athletic facilities, playgrounds, buses, furnishings, equipment, technology, and other capital needs.

“Funds raised through the sale of bonds cannot be used on operational expenses such as employee salaries and benefits, school supplies, and textbooks,” according to the material.

Funds from such bond proposals are independent of the support the district receives from the State of Michigan for annual operations on a per pupil basis, but “the bond would likely have a positive impact on the annual operating budget for existing facilities.

“It would allow the district to reallocate operating funds that are currently being spent on aging facilities, mechanical systems, and technology. The savings generated from new and cost-efficient facilities could be redirected to student programs and resources.”

For more information about Kentwood Public Schools bond proposal visit the district website at kentwoodps.org/bond2021.

How and when to vote

The Michigan Secretary of State recommends that to register to vote by mail for the May 4 ballot voters should do so by Monday, April 19. Individuals may also register to vote online at Michigan.gov/vote, or in-person at the City of Kentwood City Clerk’s office through May 4, with the required documentation.

An undated State of Michigan Absentee Ballot return envelope. (WKTV)

According to supplied material, due to COVID-19, the Secretary of State will continue mailing absentee voter ballot applications to all registered voters. Registered voters must complete and submit the application to receive their absentee voter ballot. To vote by mail, fill out the application and sign it, and then mail or email it to the city clerk. (When filling out the application, if you check the box to be added to the permanent absentee voter list, you will get an application mailed to you before every election.)

If you registered to vote after absentee voter ballot applications were mailed, applications may be obtained online at Michigan.gov/vote. Absentee voter ballots are available by through May 4, 2021.

Gilmore Car Museum’s season starting line is memorial Mustang and Ford show on May 1

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David J. Beeke was a Kalamazoo-area Foxbody Mustang restoration expert who died of cancer a few years ago. A memorial event at the Gilmore Car Museum will benefit a local cancer center. (Supplied/Gilmore)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.com

The Gilmore Car Museum’s car show season will begin a little earlier than expected this year as the museum has added the David J. Beeke Mustang & Ford Show  to its 2021 event season.
 

The early season car show, according to a statement from the museum, “will feature Ford Mustangs, with special emphasis on 80s/90s Foxbody Mustangs and other Ford vehicles, but is open to all classic car makes and models.”

The memorial car show will celebrate classic cars while it also honors the life of passionate car enthusiast David J. Beeke, a Kalamazoo-area Foxbody Mustang restoration expert died of cancer a few years ago.

Beeke’s family and friends started the annual event as a tribute to him, and this year will bring the event — and Beeke’s Mustangs — to the Gilmore. A portion of event proceeds will be donated to the West Michigan Cancer Center (wmcc.org), a 501c3 nonprofit based in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

“Bringing a Mustang & Ford Show to the Gilmore Car Museum for our community is exactly the kind of thing that David would have wanted to be a part of,” Matt Sturdy, close friend of Beeke and co-coordinator of the show. “It will be special to have David’s Mustangs there on the grounds, and to have him there with us in spirit.”

Beeke family members and friends will assist with car judging and selection for awards, including presentation of the “Beeke Best In Show” award.

One (little) part of the Gilmore Car Museum. (Supplied)

Food and beverage will be available onsite, as the Gilmore Bar and vintage 1941 George & Sally’s Blue Moon Diner will both be open for business. The show will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Showcar/Participant pre-registration is $20, can be handled in advance online at GilmoreCarMuseum.org, and includes admission for two people (driver + guest).  Or, registration can be handled onsite on the morning of the event, once the show car gate opens at 8 a.m.

Registration also includes access to all museum indoor buildings and galleries.

More early season events at the Gilmore 

Several more early season events are scheduled for the weeks following the David J. Beeke Mustang & Ford Show, including: Boats at The Barns, May 8, for classic wooden, fiberglass, and aluminum boats; Vintage Travel Trailer Rally, May 15, for vintage campers and RVs; Corks & Crafts Wine and Beer Festival , also on May 15, for beer and wine enthusiasts; and Vintage Motorcycle Weekend, June 12-13, for pre-1996 motorcycles and scooters.

By order of Michigan’s governor, all museum visitors age 5 and over are required to wear a face mask in all indoor spaces, and in outside venues at any posted “mask required” areas or any time social distancing of 6’ cannot be maintained at any area of the museum.

The Gilmore Car Museum is located 20 minutes north of Kalamazoo and 45 minutes south of Grand Rapids. For questions or more information, visit www.GilmoreCarMuseum.org.

WKTV features command change, departure from International Space Station

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International Space Station (NASA)

By Kelly Taylor
WKTV Program Director

On Thursday, April 15, WKTV will be featuring live coverage of the Change of Command Ceremony of the International Space Station Expedition 64-65, where cosmonaut Sergey Ryzhikov turns over the space station command to astronaut Shannon Walker. The ceremony begins at 3:45 p.m.

 

NASA Astronaut Shannon Walker (NASA)

On Friday, April 16, for the Expedition 64 farewells as NASA astronaut Rubin and Roscosmos cosmonauts Ryzhikov and Kud-Sverchkov prepare to return to earth on the Soyuz MS-17. Coverage of the farewells begin at 5:45 p.m., with the hatch closure of the Soyuz MS-17 scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

Coverage continues at 11:30 p.m. with the deorbit burn and landing of the Soyuz MS-17. The deorbit burn is scheduled at 12:01 a.m. with the landing near Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan scheduled for 12:56 a.m.

For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, log on to www.nasa.gov.

WKTV has Wyoming, Kentwood high school baseball, softball Featured Game coverage

3-bottom, Area Education, Education, Going Local, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, WKTV Featured sports,
WKTV’s Featured Game coverage began Tuesday, April 13, when the East Kentwood Falcons baseball team hosted Holland West Ottawa for the first game of double-header. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

WKTV high school sports Featured Game coverage crew started the spring season this week at East Kentwood High School, and will be out twice next week — as long as the nice spring weather holds.

Our Featured Game coverage began Tuesday, April 13, when the East Kentwood Falcons baseball team hosted Holland West Ottawa for the first game of double-header. The game is available on-demand here and on WKTVlive.org.

Next week’s tentative schedule includes Wyoming softball vs. Covenant Christian on Wednesday, April 21; and then Kelloggsville baseball vs. Zion Christian on Friday, April 23.

The WKTV featured game crew plans to schedule two games a week for the rest of the spring high school sport season.

And WKTV is always looking for community volunteers to help coverage of local high school sports — in print on WKTVjournal.org, as part of our in-studio crew for our twice-a-month WKTV Journal Sports Connection program, and as part of our Featured Game truck game coverage crew. Training is provided and for more information email ken@wktv.org. 

Where and when to see featured games

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

On Tap: ‘Strong beer’ in Cedar Springs, Tulip Time gin, and boots fit for Dragons

3-bottom, Beer, Food, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Restaurants, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , ,
Its almost time for a little summer beer tasting. (Supplied/Brewery Vivant)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

A sure sign that this spring and summer will be different than last (we can hope) is the return of the Starkbierfest — “strong beer festival” — to Cedar Springs Brewing Company, scheduled for Saturday, April 17, from 3-9 p.m., in downtown Cedar Springs.

The rain-or-shine event will feature a heated tent — you know those Michigan Aprils, right? —  with live music, limited beer release, and all the sausage you can eat.

“Besides the famous Oktoberfest, Starkbierfest … or Frühlingsfest, are the second big German beer festival times during the year,” according to promotional material of the event. “Historically, monks brewed strong beer or Bockbier which was higher in calories and a bit stronger to substitute for food during Lenten fasting. This “Liquid Bread” and annual brewing specialties have survived the times.”

The event is open to aged 21+ (w/valid ID) and $10 cover includes 2 hospitality tickets, valid for food or beverage. Tickets are available for pre-purchase and will also available for purchase at the door on the day of the event.

Among the beers to be released are a Küsterer Pale Weizenbock — one of my favorites — and a Wilderness Trail Barrel Aged Dunkel Lager (both in limited quantities), as well as eight other beers.

The live music scheduled includes Rudi Tegethoff, who we are told plays “energetic German polka” music, from about 2-4 p.m.; then Tony Halchak Music’s “Craft Brewed Americana”, from about 4:15-6:15 p.m.; and Hazy Past’s “vintage rock” from about 6:30-9 p.m.

For more information visit csbrew.com.

A little Dutch heritage with Knickerbocker Gin at Tulip Time

Holland’s Tulip Time is just around the corner — scheduled to return May 1-9 — and we are told that means over 37,000 tulips will be in bloom in Holland. And New Holland Brewing is getting into the spirit, literally!

To celebrate New Holland’s Dutch heritage, and the return of the Tulip Time Festival for 2021 after being canceled last year, New Holland’s distillery is set to release a collectible Knickerbocker Gin bottle featuring delftware artwork.

New Holland Knickerbocker gin in special bottle. (Supplied)

This commemorative bottle will be available for preorder through Sunday, April 25 (or as long as supplies last.) It will be sold as a single 750mL bottle for $29.99 (plus tax). Pickups will take place at our Holland or Grand Rapids store locations from Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 9.

New Holland promotional material notes that all preorders must be placed through their online store, however, the bottles will not be available for shipping. And every person picking up orders must present a valid ID showing proof of age of 21+.

https://www.tuliptime.com/2021

For more information on Holland’s Tulip Time 2021 visit tuliptime.com. For more information on the special Knickerbocker Gin bottles, visit here, or visit newhollandbrew.com and click on Shop/Online Store.

When you feed Dragon’s Milk to a Wolverine …

New Holland Brewing’s joint project with Wolverine — a limited edition Dragon’s Milk x 1000 Mile boot that also serves to support the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program — is on the verge of being sold out, according to the wolverine.com website.

 

Wolverine’s New Holland Dragon’s Milk boots, and some reason to walk 1,000 miles. (Supplied/Wolverine)

The “Deliciously Dark” Stout-colored leather boot is “inspired by the rich hues and notes of coffee, chocolate, vanilla, and oak found in Dragon’s Milk,” according to promotional material.

The boot also includes the iconic Dragon’s Milk logo transformed into a metal fob and heat-embossed onto the boot, just like the burnishing on the barrels the stout is aged in. And we are told “Just as Dragon’s Milk develops its unmistakable taste through its aging process, this timeless handcrafted boot will gain character with every wear.”

Wolverine will be donating 10 percent of all sales of this limited edition collaboration to the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program. For more information visit here.

And if you are heading up the Traverse Road

Northern Latitudes Distillery recently announced it is opening its complementary tasting room in Lake Leelanau, with three new spirits — including, we are told, a Horseradish Vodka that a taste of can serve as the “world’s smallest Bloody Mary.”

Northern Latitudes Distillery tasting room. (Supplied)

“We have our tasting room set up to keep you and our spirit guides as safe as possible with plexiglass dividers, disposable tasting glasses, cleaning between customers, and strictly limited numbers to assure social distancing,” according to promotional material.

And after a tasting, you can settle in on their deck for, among other cocktails, a Plum Rum Mule, which features both their Whaleback Spiced Rum and Visions of Sugar Plums Liqueur. (Ps. The Plum Rum Mule recipe is 1 oz. Visions of Sugar Plums Liqueur, 1 oz. Whaleback Spiced Rum, squeeze of half a lime, and ginger beer — squeeze lime into a copper mug or rocks glass with ice. Drop squeezed half into cup as garnish. Add spirits. Top with ginger beer and stir.)

Note, the indoor cocktail bar remains temporarily closed due to COVID safety cautions.

  

Northern Latitudes Distillery is located at 112 E Philip St (M-204), Lake Leelanau. For more information visit their Facebook page here.

Medical Moments: Women’s Health

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By Dr. Afriyie Randell
WKTV Community Volunteer

March was Women’s History Month and with that in mind, this is a good time to highlight the everyday women’s journey through healthcare.

Most young women are healthy and are not seen for regular checkups, however even as a young adult routine exam are essential. Same goes for men. By the time you are 18 years of age you should have had one or more encounters with a health care professional to monitor your growth, been seen for a sick visit, or even received a vaccine.

 

You should visit your health care provider from time to time even if you are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to:

1.     Assist you in getting to know your provider just in case you may become ill

2.     Encourage a healthy lifestyle

3.     Screen for Medical concerns

4.     Go over Family and Past Medical history 

5.     Update Vaccinations

6.     Assess your risks for future medical problems

7.     Physical Exam

8.    Obtain routine lab work

These visits could help you to avoid medical conditions such as high cholesterol and diabetes that are often obtained from labs in the early stages without evidence of symptoms. Not to mention high blood pressure is checked regularly at these visits.

 

There are of course more specific times when you should see your provider especially between the ages of 18 and 39.

You may be screened for alcohol misuse as early as 18-years-old with too much drinking being seen as greater than three drinks per day or seven drinks per week.

Screening for mammograms begins at 40, while screening for colon cancer begins at 50 but should be considered sooner if someone in your family has or has had it/

Cholesterol screening should start at 20 if you have known risk factors for heart disease such as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity or family history.

Go to your dentist twice a year or yearly.

Receive a flu shot every year. Also consider the COVID 19 vaccine as well as get up to date with all other vaccines.

Cervical Cancer screenings begin at age 21 and as per provider recommendations thereafter usually ranging from three to five years depending on your age.

Always remember to take good care of your health.

Chamber golf outing set for June 11

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Sports,
This year’s golf outing will include designated tee times and food stations. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Golfers looking to hit the greens, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual golf outing is set for June 11.

The event, which is co-sponsored by the Grandville-Jenison chamber of Commerce and the Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce, will feature dining stations on the course. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy sliced prime rib, beet and chicken kabobs, and Coney Island as they play. Each station also features side dishes, chips, and desserts.

The golf outing, which is $110 per golfer or $400 for a foursome, will include 18 holes of golf with card, driving range, and putting green games such as closet to the pin contest, longest drive contest, and longest putt contest. Tee times begin at 8 a.m. with the event taking place at Gleneagle Golf Clbu, 6150 14th Ave., Hudsonville.

The annual even helps to raise for high school student scholarships in the three chamber areas. Those scholarships are the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber Foundation for Scholarships, Hudsonvlle Are Business Scholarship, Grandville Community Leader Scholarship, and Ted TerHaar Memorial Community Leader Scholarship.

To maintain social distancing, each group will be assigned a tee time. For more information or to register, visit the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, www.southkent.org.

Wyoming city planner, Kentwood mayor featured in KDL series

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

By Katie Zuidema
Kent District Library

Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley

Pandemics, politics and persistent social problems make our communities seem more fractured and polarized than ever. Yet, we must all live together and create communities where people are safe, prosperous and healthy. Kent District Library has partnered with World Affairs Council to present a three-part series focused on Community Resilience. This series tackles the ways we can all work together to create stronger communities, starting right here in Western Michigan.



The Community Resilience series is taking place online.  People can attend the series virtually via the World Affairs Council’s YouTube page. Guests will have the ability to send in a question of the speaker-experts during the live presentations. They will also be able to watch them afterwards as archived videos.



Community Resilience: Towards a Newly Vital Midwest

Thursday, April 15, 6:30 p.m.
Featuring John Austin, Director of Michigan Economic Center and Nonresident Senior Fellow with Brookings Institution and Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Wyoming City Planner Nicole Hofert


Community Resilience: Empowered People = Community Resilience

Monday, April 19, 6:30 p.m.
Featuring Tarah Carnahan, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Treetops Collective, Willie Patterson III, Director of Community Engagement at LINC Up and Carlos Sanchez, Director of Latino Business and Economic Development Center at Ferris State University.


Community Resilience: Responsive Government = Community Resilience 
Monday, April 26, 6:30 p.m.

Featuring Nicole Hofert, City Planner for City of Wyoming, Stephen Kepley, Mayor of Kentwood, and Milinda Ysasi, Grand Rapids (2nd Ward) City Commissioner.


The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan empowers the people and organizations of West Michigan to engage thoughtfully with the world. For more information, visit www.worldmichigan.org.

Gypsy moth project approved, council sets special assessment hearing for costs

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

One resident questioned the need for spraying for gypsy moths, while a few others stated they felt there needed to be more done to control the population during a public hearing at the Wyoming City Council’s April 5 meeting.

The City of Wyoming has annually sprayed parts of the city for the gypsy moth caterpillars which have a voracious appetite and can cause quite a bite of damage to trees, especially Oak trees.

 

At the April 5 night meeting, the City Council had its first public hearing about the overall gypsy moth spraying project for 2021. A second public meeting has been set for April 19 which will be specifically for the special assessment to property owners to cover the cost of the sprayings.

Gypsy moth caterpillar (Public Domain)

During the public hearing, one resident who lived near Lions Park said he questioned the need for the spraying as he has not seen any gypsy moths and felt that the spraying impacted other wildlife such as butterflies and birds. The spray used is a naturally occurring bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which, according to information provided, is not harmful to humans or animals.

However, a couple of residents, who live near Pinery Park, expressed concern that the gypsy moth caterpillar population seemed to be growing in the city and the need for the city to do more to help control it.

Mayor Jack Poll said they appreciate residents coming forward and letting them know what they see as they do relay that information back to the company that does the spraying, which is Hamilton Helicopters, Inc., to help target the gypsy moths.

The council did approve the project. The total cost of the project is about $65,700. It covers 868 acres at about $64.10 per acre.

The cost of the spraying is passed on to the homeowners in a special assessment. At its April 19 council meeting, the council will review the special assessment to property owners for the spraying. The special assessment will be $26 per standard residential lot that is less than one-half acre. The cost is $75 per treated acre for parcels that are larger than a half an acre. The amount would be added on the 2021 summer property tax bill. 

Mayor Jack Poll

2021-2022 Budget

The Wyoming City Council will host a public hearing for its 2021-2022 budget on May 3 at 7:01 p.m. The proposed budget has more than $110 million in expenditures with the largest being for the general fund, $38.6 million, which includes all police and fire expenditures; water, $29.75 million; and sewer, $19.9 million.

The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. It is currently estimated to be 11.8947 mills.

Emergency Order

The City Council has extended its citywide emergency order until July 31. Poll noted that this was so the city continue to host its virtual meetings. He did state that the council would be hitting the road this summer, hosting meetings at several locations in the city.

Poll added that he hoped by July 31, the city would be done with virtual meetings.

Other City items

The City Council did award a $1.192 million bid to Wyoming Excavators, Inc. to replace the watermain along Wadsworth Street from Division Avenue to Buchanan Avneue, Michael Avenue from 44th Street to 42nd Street and DeHoop Avenue from Burton Street to Belfield Street. According to a staff report, the watermains along those streets were built in the 1940s and 1950s and “have reached the end of their useful life.” With engineering costs, the total project costs will be $1.3 million.

Beverly Avenue will be getting a new traffic signal to alert motorists and road users of approaching trains. The cost of the project is around $30,000 which will be reimbursed by the CSX Raildroad. 

Wyoming Wolves new head football coach Brewster visits WKTV Sports Connection to talk football and mentorship

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New Wyoming High School head football coach Carlton Brewster II visits the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection to catch us up on his return to the Wolves sidelines. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

On this latest episode of WKTV Journal Sports Connection, a changing of the guard — and program leader — on the Wyoming High School football field.

Wyoming High School head football coach Carlton Brewster II. (WKTV)

When Irv Sigler Jr. resigned his position of head football coach at Wyoming high after this season, Wolves athletic director Ted Hollern said he needed to find a replacement quickly. But more importantly, he needed to find the right guy, quickly. In early March, Wyoming found “the right guy” — Carlton Brewster II, who most recently was head football coach at Kalamazoo Central High School but is no stranger to the Wyoming Wolves football sidelines.

With WKTV sports volunteer Mark Bergsma, Coach Brewster visits WKTV Journal Sports Connection to talk about his journey back to Wyoming, his work as a student mentor as well as a coach — Brewster will also work as Dean of Students at the high school — and what he envisions as the football program he wants to build.

For a WKTV story on Coach Brewster and his background, visit here.

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

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

Snapshots: Things to do this weekend

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Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.

Theoretical Physicist Albert Einstein, 1879-1955

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre opens its doors for the first time in a year. (Supplied)

Live Theater Anyone?

For the first time in a year, the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre has opened its doors. This weekend, April 9-11, and next, April 16-18, the company is hosting the finals for Ten for All Festival. Earlier this year, playwrights were invited to submit a 10-minute original play or musical. The six finalists, which have received a $100 cash prize for winning their category, will be performed for two weeks with the opportunity to earn the Audience Choice Award and winning an additional $100. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. For more information, visit www.grct.org.

https://vimeo.com/532988366

A Free Program

This spring, the Grand Rapids Ballet is offering its “Spring Break for Kids 2021: Peter and the Wolf” performance for free. The performance is available through April 11. Spring Break for Kids is tailored specifically for youngsters, and this year features the story of “Peter and the Wolf,” with music by Sergei Prokofiev. Hear (and see) the musicians of the Battle Creek Symphony led by music director Anne Harrigan and watch the music come alive in a brand-new staging, co-choreographed by Artistic Director James Sofranko and Ballet Master Dawnell Dryja. To get the Vinmo link to the performance, register your email at grballet.com.

Snag a Book

Recently a group of local writers released the anthology “Lost and Found,” featuring nine original stories including one by WKTV Managing Editor K.D. Norris. While it is listed as romance, author and contributor Diana Lloyd said the book has something for everyone. So get a head start on collecting up those summer reads by snagging a copy. The book is available on Amazon.

O Canada, O McFlurry

That is correct. That wonderful sweet treat that has become associated with the Golden Arches originated from a franchise in Bathhurst, New Brunswick in Canada. Not much is said as to why the location started offering the treat but by 1997, it was available at all McDonald locations and since then each country that has McDonald’s has created its own special McFlurry. In the United Kingdom, they enjoy the Cadbury Cream Egg McFlurry, while in Japan, it is all about the Matcha McFlurry which we understand can rival the green of the United State’s Shamrock shake.

Kentwood Police Chief Roberts details force’s accountability, community involvement on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

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City of Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts, as part of a discussion on WKTV Journal In Focus, talked about the changes in police vehicle camera technology — which at one point was dashboard cameras and VCRs in the trunk. (WKTV) 

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood Police Department prides itself on not only its transparency and accountably but also its community interaction and involvement. So, when Kentwood’s top police official, Chief Richard Roberts, visited WKTV Journal In Focus recently the conversation ranged from plans for expanded officer body camera use to working with local employees to help local restaurants and patrons.

In early March, the City of Kentwood announced its police department would equip its entire force with body cameras in an effort to enhance both accountably and transparency during community interactions. Chief Roberts detailed the program, its needs and goals, training and department protocol for use, and how body cameras are equally good for the community as they are for police officers.

(For a previous WKTV Journal In Focus interviews with Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker and Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young which included discussion of the use of law enforcement body cameras, visit Becker’s discussion here and LaJoye-Young’s discussion here.)

Additionally, in our interview with Chief Roberts, he discussed programs such as pop-up events in support of local restaurants and customers, as well as the planned Kentwood Police Youth Academy.

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.

Metro Health part of collaboration to bring new cardiovascular facility to Wyoming campus

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Expansion is in the future for Metro Health – University of Michigan Health which could be the home to a new cardiovascular facility. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s and Mercy Health Muskegon have announced a second collaboration, this time focusing on the heart.

Last year, the organizations announced the Cancer Network of West Michigan to provide cancer patients with broader regional access to advanced, state-of-the-art, comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and support. Following suit, the new Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan would utilize the leverage the expertise of Michigan Medicine’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center and provide a broader regional access to cardiovascular care by offering a second open-heart surgery program in Grand Rapids, which will be located at Metro Health. Currently only Spectrum Health operates a cardiovascular care program in the Grand Rapids area.

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

The health systems have been working together for months on a plan to deepen clinical capabilities and broaden patient access and choice for high-quality cardiovascular care, said Peter Hahn, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States,” Hahn said. “We owe it to our community to provide choice and options for the most advanced care, with access to the finest medical minds, sophisticated treatments and groundbreaking clinical trials.

In March, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a certificate of need authorizing an open-heart surgery program for Metro Health hospital campus in Wyoming. Later phases of the plan call for a dedicated facility.

Services such as coronary artery bypass surgery, cardiac valve repair or replacement, and repair for birth defects of the heart would be provided through the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan.

The network is envisioned as the region’s leading program for open-heart, structural heart and advanced electrophysiology services. It builds on the history of each of the partners collaborating with Michigan Medicine in cardiovascular care.

“As one of the fastest-growing regions in Michigan, the Grand Rapids area has seen a growing need for advanced cardiovascular services,” said Matthew Biersack, MD, interim president and chief medical officer of Mercy Health Saint Mary’s. “Even smaller communities, such as Lansing and Kalamazoo, are served by multiple open-heart programs.

“The Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan will provide an alternative for cardiovascular care and meet our region’s need for quality, increased patient access and delivery of care in an effective and cost-efficient manner,” he said.

The network would become the latest innovative partnership to expand regional cooperation in advanced medical services.

At the same time, strong collaborations are already in place in cardiovascular care. The open-heart program at Mercy Health Muskegon is staffed by Michigan Medicine surgeons. And Michigan Medicine physicians already provide electrophysiology services at all three sites.

“Mercy Health’s partnership with Metro Health – University of Michigan and Michigan Medicine builds upon our unified strengths to provide the highest quality, innovative and comprehensive cardiovascular care throughout west Michigan,” said Gary Allore, president of Mercy Health Muskegon.

By leveraging the combined expertise of the partners, the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan is designed to deliver personalized, patient-centered care while drawing on the expertise of Michigan Medicine.

“This network will provide west Michigan patients with a connection to the world-renowned cardiovascular expertise here at Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Michigan Medicine,” said Gorav Ailawadi, MD, MBA, chair of the Department of Cardiac Surgery at Michigan Medicine.

“We will be able to offer west Michigan patients access to the most sophisticated, least-invasive treatments and world-class care close to home. This is a key step in Michigan Medicine’s mission to advance health care as a destination center for cardiovascular care,” Ailawadi said.

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.

The network partners are working to finalize the agreement over the next several months.

Kent County Prosecutor Becker talks court trial backlog, videos as witnesses on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

In March, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker gave a Performance Measurements Review to a committee of the county Board of Commissioners. While some of the review was mostly statistics and governmental detail, we at WKTV thought it an opportunity to get the county’s top attorney in to discuss a wide range of his office’s activities — including its goals, accomplishments and challenges.

In addition to his report to the Board of Commissioners, the county’s top attorney discussed how the current pandemic has impacted the state of the county’s criminal courts, last year and into the future. And, given the news of the day out of a Minneapolis courtroom, we got his take on the value of video evidence in criminal trials — are police body cameras or public cell phone video good witnesses?

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.

Summer hours for Wyoming’s yard waste drop-off are now in effect

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The summer hours for the City of Wyoming’s yard waste drop-off site are now in effect. Those hours are 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m .Saturday. 

Residents may bring sorted yard waste to dispose at the site. There is a leaves and grass pile for leaves, plants, flowers and grass clippings, and a brush pile for sticks, branches less than eight feet long, bushes, sumps less than three feet in diameter. 

With the warmer weathers come yard clean up. The City o fWyoming has year around hardware disposal. (Free Domain)

Proof of residency is required to use the site that would be a valid photo ID or a city water/sewer bill, property tax bill or tax assessment.

Enter and exit the site from Burlingame Avenue. The entrance is near the Department of Public Works entrance at 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW. Residents will be asked to show ID at the guard station. 

Residents are encouraged to stay six feet apart. Items should be disposed of in the correct piles. All paper and plastic bags must be taken with you.

 

For more information, click here. 

In Love and Health: Be aware of stress

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April is Stress Awareness Month. (Pxhere.com)

By Erik Johnson
Love and Health Chiropractic

For 28 years, April has been designated Stress Awareness Month. You might not feel like celebrating! In April 2020, we were all pretty stressed by COVID-19. Today in 2021, those stresses have not resolved for many of us. However, coping with and relieving stress in healthy ways will help you to experience better mental, emotional and physical health.

When you experience stress, your adrenal glands kick in with a “fight or flight” response that increases your heart rate, blood pressure and glucose levels. Long-term stress can cause everything from headaches and stomach issues to depression, stroke and heart disease. Because modern life—on top of a global pandemic—has us experiencing fight-or-flight mode so often, many of us experience adrenal fatigue that can makes us feel tired all the time, even when we get enough sleep. In addition, when our bodies are in a constant state of elevated stress, the nerve roots connecting the adrenals through the spine can eventually lead to a subluxation in your spine. And, because the adrenals sit on top of the kidneys, many of the nerve roots that talk to and keep the kidneys working happily will be affected.

I would also recommend taking a few deep, full breaths anytime you feel stress or anxious. If you feel stressed at night, try sleeping under a weighted blanket. Massage therapy is a great stress reliever. So are chiropractic adjustments—they not only help you feel and function better, but they also increase your body’s ability to handle and adapt to stress.

When I talk to my patients about stress, I compare it to being attacked by a bear in the woods. You see, your brain and body interpret any number of stressors the same way as they would a wild animal attack. Did a family member receive a COVID-19 diagnosis? Did some jerk tailgate you during your commute? Are student loans piling up? Did you have an argument with your spouse? Any of these situations, and countless others, will give your adrenals an excuse to pump out an electrifying jolt throughout your system. Every time you are stressed, take a moment to relieve it. You will experience better health if you do!

Kentwood Police Department taking applications for high school students to experience Youth Academy

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A City of Kentwood Police Department officer shows police car controls and features to participants during a lesson about traffic stops, from the Kentwood Police Department’s 2019 Youth Academy. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood Police Department knows that local youth often consider the field of law enforcement to be something they might want to pursue after graduation, but they also know that those same youth might not really know what the career field is all about.

The Kentwood Police Department’s Youth Academy, currently accepting applications for this year’s academy scheduled for July, gives those youth that “first-hand” knowledge.

The academy allows “them to just come in and see what it is like to be a police officer, to be involved with some of the training, some of the scenarios,” Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts said to WKTV during a recent visit to our studios. “We think that is important to offer that to individuals who might be considering law enforcement.”

Chief Roberts also pointed out that “we are offering (the academy) to any high schooler — they don’t have to be a Kentwood high  schooler — as long as they are graduating this year, or they will be (a returning high school student next year) …, if they are interested in law enforcement.”

This year’s four-day program will take place Monday to Thursday, July 26-29, and is open to all graduating seniors and students who will be a sophomore, junior or senior in the 2021-22 school year. Applications are due May 14.

The free program will run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE, with COVID-19 safety precautions in place, according to a statement from the City of Kentwood.

Students will experience a wide-range of police training activities including traffic stops, drunken driving enforcement, building searches, subject control and handcuffing, as well as tactics of the Special Response Team.

Eligible participants “must possess good moral character and pass a background check,” according to the statement. They will be interviewed before being accepted into the program and will be required to attend a pre-academy informational meeting with a parent or guardian. Each participant will be provided a uniform and daily lunch.

To participate, students must contact Sgt. Tim Wierenga for an initial screening and application at wierengat@kentwood.us or 616-656-6561. Applications may be delivered in person at the Kentwood Police Department or by mail to Sgt. Wierenga at 4742 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49512. Applications are available online here.

Kentwood police, Lacks Enterprises team up again to support local restaurants, community

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The City of Kentwood Police Department and Lacks Enterprises, Inc., last week held another pop-up event, and thanks to a $1,000 donation from Lacks, the pair were able to surprise about 100 customers at two local restaurants by helping to pay for lunch. Here, Off. Jeff Augustyn is with workers and a customer at El Ganadero Mexican Grille. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

In December of last year, the City of Kentwood Police Department and Lacks Enterprises, Inc. — both understanding the importance to the community of small businesses, including local eateries, in this time of COVID-19 dining restrictions — partnered to help both two Kentwood restaurants and their customers.

The two partners, last week held another pop-up event, and thanks to a $1,000 donation from Lacks, the Kentwood Police Department were able to surprise about 100 customers of El Ganadero Mexican Grille and Mr. Burger with $10 toward their lunch orders “as a thank-you for supporting local restaurants,” according to a statement from the city.

El Ganadero Mexican Grille is located at 4208 Division Ave. SE, and Mr. Burger is at 1750 44th St. SE.

Kentwood police Chief Richard Roberts, in the WKTV studios for an interview last week, spoke of the program and it being part of a wider effort by the police and the city to support the residential, workforce and business community.

“We’ve been partnering with some great businesses in our city,” Chief Roberts said to WKTV. “One  of our great partners, Lacks Enterprises, they have so many people who live in our community, work in their manufacturing, they like to give back. And they like to give back though the police department, through a partnership — it is a great way to partner for the community.”

The event was the second in the Police Department’s local business showcase series to “support Kentwood businesses and create positive experiences with the community during these difficult times,” according to the city statement.

“Lacks Enterprises believes you need a lot of different components to make a community a place for people to live and raise their families,” Jim Green, executive director of human resources at Lacks, said to WKTV at one of the pop-up event sites in  December. “But the real backbone of this community is the small businesses. Without that you would not have all the other things that make the community what it is today.”

The series highlights businesses within Kentwood — both those donating to restaurants to create similar pop-up events and the local businesses supported by the donations. Local businesses interested in participating, either by donating or by being possibly involved with the pop-up events, can call Sergeant Tim Wierenga at 616-656-6561.

“We just wanted to give our small businesses a little support,” Sgt. Wierenga said to WKTV at the first pop-up event. “What we’d like to see of this is (to continue) showcasing our business community and showcasing the city that we love. We would love for this to develop into something more. … We’d love to have some more showcase events.”

The City of Wyoming seeks volunteers to help spruce up its parks

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The City of Wyoming is hosting a community-wide clean-up at its parks for Earth Day. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming will celebrate Earth Day, April 22, in a special way with a community clean-up of its parks.

The city has 21 parks that range from neighborhood parks such as Ferrand Park, 4715 Byron Center SW, to nature preserves like Buck Creek Nature Preserve, 4269 Burlingame SW, and George P. Tilma Nature Preserve, 2100 Sheri Lynn Dr. SW.

Clean up will take place from 9:30 a.m. – noon on Thursday, April 22, at various Wyoming park locations. Volunteers will be assigned to different areas of the parks at check-in. All necessary tools, gloves, and bags will be provided. Face coverings and social distancing are required.

According Krashawn Martin, recreation supervisor for the City of Wyoming, the clean-up day will be a kick-off event for the city’s Adopt-a-Park program.

Adopt-a-Park, is a volunteer program in which citizens, area business or organizations can assist in the enhancement and preservation of local parks, nature preserves and green spaces. Groups need to make either a one-time or ongoing volunteer commitment throughout the year. Groups that do make an ongoing commitment will have signage identifying the organization as an Adopt-a-Park volunteer group.

For the Earth Day event, people may sign up individually or groups. Preregistration is required by April 12.

To register for the Earth Day event or to learn more about the Adopt-a-Park program, call 616-530-3164. You can also sign up the for the Earth Day even by clicking here.

‘Staycationing’ this Spring Break? Woodland Mall has out-of-the-house events planned

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One of Woodland Mall’s entrances. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Just in time for Spring Break — and those staycationers looking to get out of the house but staying close to home — Woodland Mall will be open for more hours and offering special events for everyone to safely enjoy time off from school and work.

Starting Monday, April 5, the mall will be returning to pre-pandemic operating hours, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m., according to an announcement from the mall. And several events are planned including a Small Business Expo and Pokémon Go opportunities.

“For those families who still aren’t comfortable traveling, Woodland Mall is the perfect spring break destination,” Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, said in supplied material. “From shopping to games and other creative opportunities, we are eager to help families enjoy a safe and fun staycation experience.”

Woodland Mall will host a Small Business Expo in its Von Maur wing on Saturday, April 10, from 11 a.m.–7 p.m., where business owners will set up booths to showcase their products and engage with the community. Guests will in turn have the opportunity to learn more about these small businesses and support them.

With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to build your own skateboard. Vans and Zumiez have all the gear needed to build a customized board.

Pokémon fans will also be able to collect free stickers and trading cards from GameStop throughout the week. As an added bonus, the mall has two Pokéstops for those playing Pokémon Go.

Families looking for fun can visit the Funshop Arcade located in the Macy’s wing and exploring the games and toys at Toysmark and Barnes & Noble.

And, of course, guests can also “get that beach resort feel without traveling far from home” by getting pampered at Lynny Nails, Tricho Salon or Massage Works.

“Choosing to spend spring break at the mall also benefits the retailers and restaurants and their employees who are still trying to recover from the pandemic,” McCabe said. “Visiting the mall is a great way to give our local economy a boost.”

Even after spring break, guests will continue to see new developments at the mall.

Backstage by Macy’s will celebrate its grand opening as a stand-alone business on the department store’s recently renovated second floor on Saturday, April 17. The shop offers men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, accessories and more at affordable prices. Offering prizes, gift cards and other exciting deals on opening day, shoppers won’t want to miss out on even greater savings.

For more information about Woodland Mall, visit shopwoodlandmall.com.

Space launch, Mars helicopter featured on WKTV

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NASA’s Mark Vande Hei and Roscosmos’ Oleg Novitskyand Pyotr Dubrov head off to the International Space Station. (NASA)

By Kelly Taylor
WKTV Program Director

On Friday, April 9, WKTV will be featuring live coverage of the launch of the International Space Station Expedition 65 Soyuz MS-18 spacecraft. Coverage starts at 2:45 a.m., with the launch scheduled for 3:42 a.m. The coverage includes video b-roll of the crew’s launch day pre-launch activities.

 

NASA’s Mark Vande Hei and Roscosmos’ Oleg Novitskyand Pyotr Dubrov head off to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The docking of the Expedition 65 Soyuz MS-18 will take place at 6:15 a.m. and the hatch opening at 8:30 a.m.

At 1 p.m., NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter prepares for takeoff. For it’s first flight, the helicopter will take off a few feet from the ground, hover in the air for about 20-30 seconds and land.

This will be a major milestone as it is the very first powered flight in the extremely thin atmosphere of Mars.

 

For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, log on to www.nasa.gov.

NASA TV can be seen on the WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99.

NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter will take it first flight on Mars on Friday. (NASA)