“It’s Halloween, everyone’s entitled to one good scare.”
– Brackett, Halloween (1978)
The night sky at about 8 p.m. Halloween with Jupiter and Saturn in the southern sky (right) and the Blue Moon and Mars in the eastern sky (left). (Supplied)
Look to the Skies
Halloween is going to be clear night, which means a good night to look at the stars. And befitting of an evening of strange and spooky things, there will be a lot going in the stars. First three is the Blue Moon, which is when there is a full moon twice in one month, a rare occurrence. But even rare is the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, which will have the planets only a .1 degree away from each other. The last time that happened was Galileo’s time of about 1623. Talk about a treat!
The Eastern Kille cider kit. (Eastern Kille)
Celebrate Halloween in Beer City
Holidays are the perfect time to relax, sit back, and have a drink. Recently five Michigan breweries brought home a collective six medals from the Great American Beer Festival Competition honoring it’s title as “The Great Beer State.” Stay in and make yourself a drink or go out and support a local distillery in West Michigan-style. In other words, give your taste buds a real treat this Halloween.
Madea at Studio Park
Not a fan of scary movies? Studio Park is showing “Boo! A Madea Halloween” Saturday Oct 31 at 4 p.m. The 2016 film features director, writer, and star Tyler Perry in his classic role as Madea. Madea crashes a Halloween party that her great-niece lies about going to and finds herself in a hilarious attempt to save herself and her family from some spooky characters.
The famous story of Frankenstein came to writer Mary Shelley in a dream in 1817. Mary Shelley is also the youngest author to be on The Observers 100 Greatest Novels of All Time list. Who knew one great novel could just a dream away?
Will there be trick-or-treating this Halloween? The answer is yes, although it may look a little different this year.
There has been no state or local mandates cancelling trick-or-treating, however the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has encouraged people to consider alternative Halloween options such as carving pumpkins and then walking around and viewing Halloween decorations or have a virtual costume contest. In fact, there is an entire website, Halloween2020.org, that provides information on risk factors throughout the entire country and recommended Halloween activities.
Traditionally, the Wyoming City Council has never weighted in on specifics for Halloween but instead has left the option up to neighborhoods and families to decide what works best for them. For 2020, the council has kept to that tradition, according to Amanda Moore, communications specialist for the City of Wyoming.
The City of Kentwood, which has its guidelines on its website, is encouraging trick-or-treating from 6 – 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Kentwood also has a curfew ordinance. Unless accompanied by a parent or responsible adult over the age of 21, children who are under 12-years-old must be off the streets by 10 p.m., 13 to 16-years-old by 11 p.m., and 17 years-old by midnight.
Representatives from both cities said they are encouraging community members to practice social distancing, wear a mask when around others, and follow CDC guidelines. In fact, Kent County Health Department representatives said they also are directing residents to the CDC or to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for guidance on having a safe Halloween. Both have put out quite the list of safety practices, so here are the highlights:
Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters
Give out treats outdoors, if possible
Set up a station with individuals bagged treats for kids to take
Wash hands before handling treats
Use hand sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol
And when we say wear a mask, we are not talking about one that disguises but rather the face mask that covers both the mouth and nose. Health officials encourage participants to incorporate the face mask into their costume design.
Participants are being reminded to stay at least six feet apart and of course, if you are sick stay home and/or do not hand out candy.
The Usual Halloween Warnings
For every Halloween, the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and local law enforcement have put out reminders to drivers about large numbers of people out for Halloween and therefore motorists should drive slowly through neighborhoods and keep an eye out for children who might dart out into the street. While the number of trick-or-treaters could be less this year, motorists still should be alert when traveling.
Anyone wearing a costume should be visible after dark so reflective tape on the costume, glow sticks or flashlights are recommended.
Also have everyone wait until after trick-or-treating before digging into the treats so the candy can be inspected and anything suspicious is discarded.
Be respectful and do not visit house without porch or outdoor lights on. Also, if you see something that appears suspicious, report to your local law enforcement or call 911.
Kentwood’s Broad Leaf Local Beer may have to change the way it uses outdoor space for customers as fall turns to winter, but the city is keeping some small business allowances in place to expedite such use. (WKTV)
The Kentwood City Commission has extended changes to local small business zoning requirements and procedures — including temporary use of outdoor space and the suspension of some sign restrictions — as part of the city’s continued efforts to support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a statement from the City of Kentwood, the City Commission approved a resolution that extends the changes through October 2021, as recommended by the Kentwood Economic Development Corporation. The changes were set to expire Nov. 1.
The resolution allows for an expedited site plan review process for temporary outdoor retail, food, beverage and personal service uses. The extension also means time limits on temporary sign display and certain business licensing fees remain suspended.
“The resolution we passed in June was intended to ease and expedite businesses’ abilities to serve customers in a manner that’s consistent with evolving public health recommendations,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “As COVID-19 continues to impact our community, the City remains committed to these measures to assist businesses still reeling from the effects of the pandemic.”
Retailers, restaurants and personal service businesses, such as athletic training facilities, wanting to add expanded outdoor spaces for customers may apply for such allowances through a streamlined administrative review process that was put into place earlier this summer to “jump-start the local economy,” according to the city’s statement.
The review and approval of site plans for general retail sales, food, beverage and personal service establishments in the city seeking to utilize outdoor areas, such as exterior building aprons or use of parking areas, are conducted through the Planning Department. (Interested businesses are asked to complete the online application at kentwood.us/businessrestart for consideration.)
Additionally, according to the city’s statement, under the temporary sign moratorium, one temporary sign of up to 32 square feet in area is allowed per business. Other restrictions in the zoning ordinance related to temporary signs, such as sign placement and similar matters, remain in effect.
Also announced was that for the fiscal licensing year 2020-21, City of Kentwood business license fees for all establishments located in Kentwood will be waived with the exception of hazardous material fees and fees for transient, waste hauler, door-to-door and snowplowing licenses.
Today, The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan State University, Rockford Construction, and the City of Grand Rapids, announced that global self-care provider, Perrigo Company PLC, will establish its new North American corporate headquarters in downtown Grand Rapids. In addition to a capital investment of $44.7 million over the 15-year period of the lease, the expansion will bring more than 170 new jobs to the area. The company opened its first manufacturing facility in 1921 in Allegan.
Founded in 1887 in Allegan, by Luther and Charles Perrigo who ran a general store and apple-drying business. Luther Perrigo had the idea to package and distribute patented medicines and household items for country stores. He launched the “private label” concept as a way to enhance customer loyalty. For no additional cost, Perrigo offered to imprint the store’s name on the labels of epsom salts, sweet oil, bay rum and dozens of other wet and dry goods stocked in general stores.
Over the years, the company grew and when over-the-country prescriptions were made available, it provided Perrigo with opportunities to launch new store brand versions of products such as Advil®, Tylenol®, Flonase®, Allegra®, Prilosec®, Nicorette® and many more. From 1997 to 2013, saw rapid expansion into the global market adding such products as infant formula and animal health.
Today, Perrigo is a leading global provider of quality, affordable self-care products. The company, which employs more than 4,000 people in West Michigan and 11,000 globally, has local operations in Grand Rapids, Holland and Allegan.
The new North American head quarters of Perrigo will be located in the MSU Grand Rapids Innovation Park. (Supplied)
“Michigan State University is excited that Perrigo will be a major tenant in the MSU Grand Rapids Innovation Park,” said Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., M.D., MHS, Michigan State University executive vice president for health sciences. “The focus of the innovation park is to bring industry together with academic research and clinical care along the Medical Mile in order to transform health care together. We are looking forward to significant opportunities to collaborate with Perrigo on efforts to improve access to and affordability of health care.”
The new office will be constructed within Michigan State University’s Grand Rapids Innovation Park being built by Rockford Construction at 430 Monroe Ave. NW, on what is known as the Medical Mile. The 63,550-square-foot office space will primarily house corporate and functional leadership and certain administrative roles, and will feature adaptable workspace to promote collaboration opportunities.
“Perrigo established its roots in West Michigan more than 130 years ago,” said Perrigo’s President and CEO Murray Kessler. “Since then, we’ve become an industry leader and created thousands of jobs in the region. We are excited to continue our growth surrounded by organizations that share our passion for self-care in the heart of a thriving city. We are thankful for all of those involved in making this project a reality, especially Governor Whitmer, The Right Place and their partners at the MEDC.”
The Right Place worked closely with Perrigo, MEDC, Michigan State University, and other community partners to ensure the company continued its growth in the region rather than out-of-state locations in Chicago and Florida. With the approval of a $2M Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, the MEDC is supporting the expansion through the Michigan Strategic Fund.
Birgit Klohs, President and CEO of The Right Place
“Since 1996, Grand Rapids has been investing in its now world-renowned health industry cluster focused on improving the lives of consumers and patients,” said The Right Place, Inc. President and CEO Birgit Klohs. “The Medical Mile is a thriving hub for research and innovation and Perrigo’s decision to establish its North American Corporate Headquarters here further solidifies the Medical Mile and Downtown Grand Rapids as a destination for business success.”
West Michigan’s life science and medical device industries are growing at a considerable rate of 18.5 percent, outpacing the national average by more than double its growth rate of 9 percent.
The City of Grand Rapids is supportive of the expansion and will be considering a property tax abatement. “This headquarters announcement solidifies the competitive advantage Grand Rapids provides to global companies like Perrigo,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “We look forward to their investment and its impact in Grand Rapids and the West Michigan region.”
With winter temperatures returning to seasonal normals in Michigan and more people working from home due to the pandemic, residential energy use is expected to rise this heating season. This combination of cooler outdoor temperatures and higher energy use is expected to drive monthly energy bills higher than last year.
If Michigan experiences a typical winter, DTE Energy natural gas customers will spend, on average, $65 more over the six-month heating season compared to the same six-month period last year. This number could vary across the state in different temperate regions, but it comes at a time when many Michiganders are faced with job losses or income reduction due to the current economic crisis.
Assistance available
While DTE continuously works to keep energy affordable by passing its actual cost for natural gas on to customers with no mark-up, the company offers several payment assistance programs, including a Winter Protection Plan, Shutoff Protection Plan, and payment relief for those experiencing medical emergencies, for active military personnel, and for customers struggling during the pandemic.
The company offers tools and tips to help customers improve energy efficiency and cut heating costs while staying comfortable and safe this winter. Affordable tips such as sealing air leaks, using a programmable thermostat and replacing furnace filters when dirty, will improve energy efficiency. DTE recommends annual furnace tuneups and offers rebates for both the tune up and furnace replacement and can help customers find a skilled contractor to get the job done.
Make sure to check the thermostat to keep energy bills in check. (PxHere.com)
Consumers be aware
DTE will never call customers or come to their door asking to see their natural gas bill. Michigan residents and businesses have a choice in who provides their natural gas service and consumers may be approached by an alternative gas suppliers (AGS) to switch their gas provider. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) provides detailed information atCompare MI Gas to help make an educated decision. DTE offers lock-in protection to prevent an account from being switched without the customer’s permission. Call DTE at 800.477.4747 and ask to lock-in your gas supplier.
Safety is a Priority
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is called the silent killer because it’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It can be fatal. If homeowners and businesses don’t already have a CO detector, they should get one. They should check the batteries in CO detectors regularly. Natural gas is safe and reliable, but like other fuels, it can produce carbon monoxide if it doesn’t burn completely. The only way to detect CO is with a carbon monoxide detector.
Keep natural gas meters clear of debris, snow and iceto ensure they function properly and protect your home or business from gas leaks and carbon monoxide buildup.
If you smell gas, leave the area immediately, call 911 and then call the DTE Gas Leak Hotline at 800-947-5000.
This week, School News Network provides a number of stories focused on the decisions to close a school to the creative lessons staff are doing to help students get through the COVID-19 criss. Here is just a sample of stories from the Kentwood/Wyoming area.
Superintendents from three West Michigan counties warn of rising infection rates (School News Network)
All Districts: Area Superintendents warn of need for vigilance in combating virus
Last week, 46 West Michigan superintendents –including the superintendents of Wyoming, Kentwood, Kelloggsville, Godwin Heights, and Godfrey-Lee — signed a letter urging residents to be more vigilant in combating COVID-19. As Kent County sees a surge in COVID-19 cases, and rising rates of positive tests, West Michigan school superintendents joined together to remind families of the importance of following safety protocols. For more, click here.
All Districts: Major factor in school closings: evidence of virus spread
For school officials, deciding when to close a school is not an easy decision to make. When there are positive cases in a school, the Kent County Health Department and superintendents review whether prevention measures are being enforced strongly enough, including social distancing, mask wearing, screening students so they don’t enter the building if they are COVID-19 positive, hand washing and sanitizing surfaces. To learn more about how a decision is made to close a school, click here.
Ninth-grader Ataiana Davis said through the project she discovered she likes the same video games as a friend of hers (School News Network)
Godwin Heights: Bringing individual value to shared space
Rainbows, blankets, and even a Rubik Cube become symbols to represent the homes of Godwin Height students. Based on the Heidelberg Project, named for a four-block street-turned neighborhood art project in Detroit where the mission is to include and embrace the strengths of those in the community, teacher Lindsay Miceli uses the Godwin Heights housing project as the class’s first assignment to help students hone writing and sensory language skills and get to know one another. To learn more, click here.
Junior Aliyah Taylor says her mosaic project helped her find peace in the midst of the pandemic (School News Network)
Kelloggsville: Students learn resilience by piecing together art
Kelloggsville students have fun breaking glass all in the name of creating art. The students are learning about mosaics and in the process discovering how something shatter can not only become something beautiful but a symbol of resilience. To learn more, click here.
East Kentwood junior Ethan Vandervoord holds a piece of 3D-printed PPE (School News Network)
Kentwood: Operation Face Shield: complete
When East Kentwood’s First Robotics team’s annual robotics competition at the high school got cancelled, one team member and his parents, advisors for the team, discovered a way to re-channel their disappointment by creating face shields. In nine weeks, the group made more than 10,000 pieces of personal protective equipment which was distributed to more than 100 area organizations. For more, click here.
For more stories on local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Kent County Administrator/Controller Wayman P. Britt — who has held leadership roles in county administration for nearly two decades — will retire in 2021, (Supplied)
Following an announcement early this month from Kent County that current Administrator/Controller Wayman P. Britt — who has held leadership roles in county administration for nearly two decades — will retire in 2021, the county wasted no time in setting out plans for future leadership.
The county expected to extend Britt’s current contract, due to expire in January 2021, to July 2021. It has hired a new Deputy County Administrator who brings more than 15 years of local government leadership experience to Kent County. And it has formed a seven-person Administrator/Controller Search Committee comprised of county commissioners and community leaders to “coordinate a national search to identify a replacement for Britt” as top administrator.
“After 17 years serving Kent County, it will be hard to walk away from this job,” Britt said in his letter of resignation, according to supplied material. “But I remind myself that I’m not walking away from this tremendous community. So many people have made an indelible mark on me — from our County team to those leading and making a difference out in our community. I’ll carry that with me well beyond my tenure here.”
Britt joined the county as its assistant county administrator in March 2004. In July 2017, he assumed the interim county administrator/controller position and was hired to fill the position in January 2018.
At the time of his resignation, announced Oct. 8, county Board of Commissioners Chair Mandy Bolter confirmed that, “working under the authority granted to her by the board,” she and Britt negotiated the six-month extension to his current employment agreement. The Board voted on the extension Oct. 22 to push the contract expiration to July 24, 2021.
“On behalf of the entire Board of Commissioners, I want to thank Wayman for his commitment, dedication, leadership and true public service to the people of Kent County over the past 17 years,” Bolter said in supplied material. “I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to partner with him in service of our County and wish him the best on his well-deserved retirement.”
Under Britt’s leadership, according to supplied material, Kent County significantly modernized its IT infrastructure, worked with First Steps Kent to create a funding source for early childhood services, and helped launch the Kent County Population Consortium to address the need for a mental health crisis center in our community.
Also under his leadership, the county funded a new Kent County Parks Office, a northern county service hub and a new fleet service facility, as well as developed and launched a comprehensive strategic plan, and hosted the first-ever State of the County Address “as part of their commitment to heighten transparency through enhanced County communications programs.”
Most recently, of course, Britt has led the county’s ongoing public health and economic relief response to the COVID-19 crisis — including planning and distribution of more than a $100 million in federal CARES Act pandemic relief funding.
Administrator/controller search committee formed
The county announced on Oct. 12 that the board formed a committee to replace Britt, headed by Commission chair Bolter, as well as fellow commissioners Stan Stek and Carol Hennessy.
Also on the committee are Birgit Klohs, President & CEO of The Right Place, Inc.; Mike Verhulst, Vice President of Rockford Construction; Dante Villarreal, Vice President, Business & Talent Development, at the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce; and Sam Moore, executive director of the Kent County Parks Foundation.
“I am thankful to the community leaders who have agreed to serve on the search committee,” Bolter said in supplied material. “Together, I am confident we will find a highly qualified individual who is dedicated to maintaining not only what we have achieved, but who possesses the drive and ability to push us toward continued innovation and excellence in service to our community.”
Jennifer Kimball James named Deputy County Administrator
The county announced on Oct.15 that it had hired Jennifer Kimball James as deputy county administrator. She was expected to start the new position on Oct. 19.
Kent County deputy county administrator Jenny Kimball James. (Supplied)
“Jennifer’s passion for public service and more than two decades of experience in local government — including 16 years in leadership positions — are what set her apart from an excellent field of candidates,” Britt said in supplied material. “We are confident her background, skills and enthusiasm for serving her community will help us further the County’s mission and execute our strategic plan.”
Most recently, James was the deputy city manager for the City of Rockville, Maryland, and previously served as the assistant city manager. She worked for the City of Rockville since 2004. Prior to that, she held research and analyst positions with Montgomery County, Maryland‘s Office of Legislative Oversight.
“I am honored to have spent the past twenty-three years collaborating with elected officials, city and county leaders and employees, residents, businesses and other stakeholders to implement the vision of the community where I lived,” Kimball James said in supplied material. “I look forward to partnering with the people of Kent County in the same way as, together, we work to strengthen West Michigan.”
According to supplied material, James will “plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee operations activities of the County, ensuring development and implementation of efficient operations and cost-effective systems to meet current and future needs of the County all under the direction of the County Administrator.”
Kentwood Public Schools has joined several local public schools districts by closing school buildings and beginning temporary virtual education for all students after a series of positive COVID-19 test results.
In an Oct. 24 letter from district Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff to parent and students, and posted on the district website, the district explained its decision to cease in-person education at its East Kentwood Freshman Campus and the East Kentwood High School buildings from Saturday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Oct. 30.
“On Friday, October 23, 2020, we learned of another COVID-19 positive case at East Kentwood High School and/or the East Kentwood Freshman Campus,” the district letter stated. “In the past week on the East Kentwood Campuses, we have now had seven positive cases and currently have 123 individuals who are in quarantine. We worked late into the night Friday with the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) and they have made the recommendation that we close both the East Kentwood Freshman Campus and the East Kentwood 10-12 Building next week to allow for contact tracing and deep cleaning.”
Students will receive further detailed information from their teachers and principals regarding next week’s class schedule and how learning will continue, according to the letter.
“This decision is very difficult and not made without a great deal of discussion and advice from the Kent County Health Department,” according to the letter. “We apologize for the hardship this puts on our students, staff and families. The recommendation from the KCHD is intended to break and eliminate cycles of transmission and keep our EK Community safe. It is important that we all take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 so we can stay safe and continue to offer in person school for our students, staff and families.”
The Kent County Health Department will conduct contact tracing and may contact members of the East Kentwood schools community for further follow up if it is determined that they were in “close contact” with an person who has tested positive.
“We are moving forward under the guidance of the Kent County Health Department and all measures have been taken to protect the wellbeing of our staff and students,” the letter states. And both buildings will be “thoroughly” cleaned and disinfected following district protocols.
If persons in the district community have any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, the district recommends contacting the Executive Director of Human Resources, Jamie Gordon, in the KPS Administration Offices at 616-455-4400.
Note: For the Michigan Nov. 3 general election, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from all candidates. If they participated, their videos are linked here, For those who did not participate, either a candidate-provided biography/issues statement, or simply their name is listed. All videos are 5-minutes or less, and were not edited in any way by WKTV. For this race only, due to COVID-19 related circumstances, the videos were recorded via Zoom.
The 2nd Congressional District U.S. House of Representative seat covers Lake, Oceana, Newaygo, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties in their entirety as well as portions of Allegan, Mason and Kent counties, including the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood. For a Michigan Congressional District map, click here.
The candidates are five-term incumbent Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga of Holland, Democratic candidate Rev. Bryan Berghoef of Holland, Libertarian candidate Max Riekse of Fruitport, US Taxpayers Party candidate Gerald T. Van Sickle of Wellston, and Green Party candidate Jean-Michel Creviere of Holland.
Bill Huizenga – Incumbent U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District
Occupation: Small business owner, Huizenga Gravel Co.
Why did you decide to run for this position?
As a husband, father, and third generation family small business owner, I understand what makes West Michigan such a special place. As a lifelong resident of West Michigan, I am committed to upholding the West Michigan values that we hold dear, creating new opportunities for hardworking families, and protecting our Great Lakes. As your representative, I have proven myself to be a leader in the effort to rein in Washington’s out of control spending, cut taxes for hard working middle class families, and level the playing field for Michigan farmers and growers.
However, the job is not done. We don’t need West Michigan to be more like Washington, we need Washington to be more like West Michigan and that is exactly what I will continue fighting for.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
As your Representative in Congress, my responsibility is to stand up and take action for West Michigan. During my time in office, I have led in uncertain times, worked to create an environment for new and better jobs, and stood up for West Michigan common sense.
When COVID-19 struck, I introduced legislation to help keep doctors and nurses at work, deliveries on the road, and food on the shelves at the local grocery stores. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges of today’s economy. I am working hard to ensure that everyone in West Michigan has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Foremost, I never forget that I represent the people of West Michigan, which is why I will continue fighting for quality education, affordable health-care, protection of the unborn, and the protection of the Great Lakes.
Rev. Bryan Berghoef — Candidate U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District
Occupation: Pastor
Why did you decide to run for this position?
As a pastor, my job is to listen to people. The job of a representative is also to listen, and too many folks don’t feel they are being listened to or that their voice is represented in Congress. I’d like to change that.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
COVID. People want a thorough, national response, and need COVID relief passed.
Healthcare. We need to make coverage more affordable, and protect coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Environment. We must protect the Great Lakes, address the threat of climate change, and move toward cleaner sources of energy.
Max Riekse — Candidate U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District
Gerald T. Van Sickle — Candidate U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District
Jean-Michel Creviere — Candidate U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District
Wyoming Junior High will reopen for in-person education on Oct. 26 after a short closure this week as part of a positive COVID-19 test protocol. (Wyoming Public Schools)
Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra announced Oct. 22 that, after students and staff at Wyoming Junior High moved to remote learning early this week due to a positive COVID-19 test result, the school would return to in-person education on Monday, Oct. 26.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the district was notified by the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) that an individual at the junior high had received a positive COVID-19 test result.
The move to remote learning began immediately, on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and ran through today, Friday, Oct. 23.
According to the Oct. 22 district statement: “Out of an abundance of caution and in collaboration with the Kent County Health Department, it was determined that closing the building would give the KCHD the necessary time to complete contract tracing and contact any staff and/or student(s) that may have come in contact with those who have tested positive. This also allowed us to slow any potential community spread as well as thoroughly clean and disinfect the building while staff and students were not present.”
Other WPS school buildings except Gladiola elementary — which is currently also in a remote-learning status due to positive COVID-19 testing — remain open for in-person learning.
The district statement also “urges all WPS staff and students who experience symptoms or who may have been exposed to COVID-19 to get tested and self-quarantine. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children for the onset of any symptoms related to COVID-19. If there is any change in your child’s health, please contact your medical provider.”
The KCHD offers free COVID-19 screenings at multiple sites via appointment or walk-in. More information on sites and appointments is available online here or by calling 616-632-7200.
More information on Wyoming Public Schools is available at wyominggps.org.
Kate Kocienski, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for the Grand Rapids Public Museum (Supplied)
As the landscape of our country changes to becoming more diverse, our language — or specifically the way we describe communities — also must be reframed to celebrate diversity and encourage community growth.
This is the lesson that more than 60 Grand Rapids leaders learned through a virtual conference with Trabian Shorters, the CEO and Founder of BMe. BMe is the international leader in the concept of asset-framing, where a community is not defined by their challenges but rather by the goals they wish to achieve.
“So instead of saying a student or community is ‘at-risk,’ we instead say the student is ‘motivated to overcome challenges to achieve’,” said Grand Rapids Public Museum Vice President of Marketing/Public Relations Kate Kocienski.
It was through Grand Rapids Public Museum President and CEO Dale Robertson’s connection with the non-partisan, non-profit think tank Michigan Future, Inc., that led to the October workshop, Kocienski said. Shorters originally was scheduled to come to the east side of the state in the spring and through a partnership with Grand Valley State University, Michigan Future, Inc., and the Skillman Foundation, the Public Museum was able to plan for him to stop in West Michigan. COVID changed those plans to the program being rescheduled in October as a virtual workshop, Kocienski said.
Trabian Shorters
In his program, Shorters discussed the science behind negative cognitive thinking and how that impacts language. Learning about a community makes it less likely that a person will discuss that community in a negative aspect, according to previous recorded presentations by Shorters.
“The story you tell creates the life you live,” Shorters said during an Aspen Institute Talk in 2016. “The psychological research shows that people actually respond to preprogram scripts that are already running in their mind before it even happens.
“How you translate your missing purse into theft when there is no evidence in between that there was theft.”
The same could be said of a spider, Kocienski said.
“If you did your research and learned about what spiders do, you perhaps would become less afraid of them,” she said.
Or reframing how you see a museum as not only a place that hosts exhibits but also as a leader in engaging in community topics of diversity or equality.
“This fits our cultural programming and something that we feel is needed right now,” Kocienski said. “We felt that we needed to bring together the talent of West Michigan during a time when tensions are tense over race relations to talk about inclusion and equality in concrete ways.”
The ultimate goal, according to Kocienski, was to help start the conversation that goes beyond the traditional ideas of diversity and equity. For example, an organization that offers grants takes a look at the requirements of its grant process and the wording, she said, adding that instead of using “at-risk” using “motivated to succeed” or “help to overcome challenges.”
“Basically to remove the stigma and make it feel less negative,” she said.
Leaders from the area who attended the Oct. 8 event represented a variety of organizations including government, nonprofit, corporate and economic development entities.
I know for sure that what we dwell on is what we become.
Oprah Winfrey
Attend Woodland Mall’s Black-Owned Business Showcase
This weekend Woodland Mall will be hosting its first Black-Owned Business Showcase. At this event, shoppers will have the opportunity to visit booths run by local black-owned businesses. There will be more than forty vendors selling everything from cosmetics to home goods. The event will be held Friday, Oct. 23, and again on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The showcase will be held at Woodland Mall, 3195 28th St. SE. For more information and a list of vendors, visit www.shopwoodlandmall.com/calendar.
Chaffee Planetarium (Supplied by Grand Rapids Public Museum)
Visit the Chaffee Planetarium
The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Chaffee Planetarium is now open. The planetarium is featuring a new show designed by a West Michigan native. Incoming! was made in partnership with NASA scientist Brent Bos, who is currently studying asteroids and grew up in West Michigan. The program focuses on asteroids, comets, and meteors. The planetarium also is showing One World, One Sky, which stars Elmo, Big Bird, and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu. Together the group learns about the moon, stars, sun, and the Big dipper. The planetarium has a limited capacity and it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets cost $2 for members and $4 for the general public and are available for purchase at grpm.org/planetarium.
Explore the Hackley House through a Flashlight Tour this fall season. (Supplied)
Explore Muskegon’s oldest buildings by flashlight
This weekend the Hackley & Hume Historic site at Musekgon’s Lakeshore Museum Center will host the daring and spooktacular Flashlight Tours. During the tours, guests will be guided through the Hackley House as they learn the spooky history and odd stories surrounding the home while using their flashlights to illuminate objects. The event will be held on Oct. 23 – 24 with two seasons 7 – 8 p.m. and 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. The Hackley & Hume Historic Site is located at 484 W Webster Ave, Muskegon. Tickets are selling quickly and it is recommended to reserve early. Tickets are $15 and guests can reserve a space by calling Assistant Program Manager Aaron Mace at 231-724-5534 or by emailing aaron@lakeshoremuseum.org.
Fun Fact: The creepy origin of jack-o’-lanterns
Have you ever wondered why it is a tradition to carve pumpkins for Halloween? The tradition started in Ireland during the 8th Century and was based off the myth of Stingy Jack. The story goes that Jack tricked the devil and when he died he wasn’t allowed into heaven or hell. He was forced to roam earth for eternity. The Irish would carve faces in turnips in hopes of warning off Jack’s evil spirit. When the Irish immigrated to America, they began to carve pumpkins instead.
Ben Robinson with his family started Robinson Popcorn in 2018. They sold t-shirts to help get the business started. With the money, Robinson renovated a space in Wyoming’s Rogers Plaza and also has a kiosk in Woodland Mall. (Supplied)
By Anna Johns WKTV Intern
As a Black business owner, Ben Robinson knows first-hand how challenging 2020 has been on local businesses.The pandemic, civil unrest, and the unstable economy have had huge effects on these small businesses and many are barely hanging on.
So when Woodland Mall officials asked how Robinson would like to celebrate the second anniversary of Robinson Popcorn, he suggested the mall host a Black-owned community showcase.
“This time is not about me, it’s about the whole Black community,” said Robinson “Our vision is to provide a venue where Black-owned businesses can come together under one roof to showcase who they are and what they offer to our entire community.”
This weekend, Woodland Mall will be hosting its first Black-Owned Business Showcase featuring forty regional businesses. Due to pre-show interested, the showcase was expanded to run 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24. At this event shoppers will have the opportunity to visit booths run by local Black-owned businesses. These booths offer everything from fashion to home goods to services.
“This is not a day just to celebrate us, but to celebrate all Black-owned businesses in our community,” Robinson said. “Many in our community came out to march and affirm Black Lives Matter. It’s also important to be there to rebuild, unify and achieve the vision of equality on Main Street as well as Wall Street.”
For Alisha State, owner of Bodacious Beauty, the Woodland Mall Black-Owned Business Showcase is her first such event. (Supplied)
For many of the vendors, such as Alisha Staten, CEO of Bodacious Beauty Cosmetics, this is their first showcase. Staten said she is very excited to be given this opportunity and hopes this will give her new business more exposure.
Staten launched her business in February selling beauty, cosmetics, and personal care items. When the lockdown hit she lost numerous networking opportunities and vending events.
“I haven’t let these hardships get in my way and have been continuing to build my business all while working a full time job during the pandemic,” Staton said, adding it is her passion for “others to live boldly, brilliantly, and beautifully.”
Love Hartfield, owner of Love Collections LLC, is excited to be able to show what her company has to offer in a safe environment. (Supplied)
This is also Love Collections LLC owner Love Hartfield’s first showcase as well. Hartfield actually took advantage of the March shut down and started her business by using the extra time to build her inventory, making necklaces, earrings, and coasters from resin. She promoted her products on social media and relied on online sales.
“I’m excited to participate in the Black-Owned Businesses Showcase because I get to show Grand Rapids what Love Connections LLC has to offer and sell them in a safe space with other black-owned businesses,” Hartfield said.
According to Hartfield, there is still a financial racial gap here in America. Supporting black-owned businesses will help shrink that gap and create opportunities for black communities. “Showing support to a black owned business elements the concerns of racial insensitivity that many other non-black owned businesses portray,” Hartfield said.
The showcase will be held at Woodland Mall located at 3195 28th St SE. For more information and a list of vendors, visit www.shopwoodlandmall.com/calendar.
Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.
It’s getting darker earlier in the evening, so we’re going to take a look at headlight laws this week.
Question: It’s 9p.m., and a driver is leaving his or her house. Which lights are legal for them to have lit on their vehicle while driving?
Just headlights
Headlights and fog lights
Just foglights
1 and 2
I’m not sure I’ll check back tomorrow
The answer is 4) 1, Just headlights and 2, headlights and fog lights. Just fog lights are not sufficient lighting to drive on the roadway, according to MCL 257.696. That statute states that fog lights are to only light 25 feet in front of a vehicle, and be angled downward. Head lamps, according to 257.699, need to illuminate 100 feet in front of a vehicle when on low beams!
The City of Kentwood invites city families to participate in a Trunk or Treat Drive-through event this weekend as “masked goblins, princesses, ghosts, witches, vampires and the likes” are also invited to haunt the city’s annual event Saturday, Oct. 24.
According to an announcement from the city, the free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch, located at 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
Each year, children traditionally trick-or-treat around in the city’s public works facility full of decorated city and community vehicles. The year, however, to keep everyone safe, families will drive through a line of decorated trucks to collect the coveted treats.
“This year has been filled with so many cancellations, so we wanted to organize an event that will give kids something to look forward to and feel more normal while still making sure participants are safe,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “Halloween is already a spirited and fun holiday so we’re looking forward to seeing all of the extra creativity that comes out of this year’s event.”
Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and bring their own candy-collection bag. All participants are required to wear a mask and remain in their vehicles for the event.
Participants will also have the opportunity to virtually vote for their favorite trunk out of the 20-plus organizations and community groups that will be handing out individually packaged treats with masks and gloves on throughout the event.
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department will continue to monitor public health guidance and state orders, which may necessitate changes to the event. More information is available at kentwood.us/trunkortreat.
Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra announced today, Oct. 20, that students and staff at Wyoming Junior High will move to remote learning for contract tracing after receiving notification from the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) of a positive COVID-19 test result.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the district was notified by the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) that an individual at the junior high had received a positive COVID-19 test result.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in collaboration with the Kent County Health Department, it has been determined that closing the building will give the KCHD the necessary time to complete contract tracing and contact any staff and/or student(s) that may have come in contact with those who have tested positive,” according to the statement. “This will also allow us to slow any potential community spread.”
The move to remote learning will begin immediately, on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and run through at least Friday, Oct. 23.
“The District will work alongside the KCHD to assess the reopening of Wyoming Junior High the following week,” according to the statement. “An update will be provided to all Wyoming Junior High families on Friday, October 23rd. During the closure, the District will thoroughly clean and disinfect the school building while staff and students are not present.”
Other WPS school buildings except Gladiola elementary — which is currently also in a remote-learning status due to positive COVID-19 testing — will remain open for in-person learning.
The district statement also “urges all WPS staff and students who experience symptoms or who may have been exposed to COVID-19 to get tested and self-quarantine. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children for the onset of any symptoms related to COVID-19. If there is any change in your child’s health, please contact your medical provider.”
The KCHD offers free COVID-19 screenings at multiple sites via appointment or walk-in. More information on sites and appointments is available online here or by calling 616-632-7200.
The district also “urges all of our students, staff and families to comply with the CDC guidelines to avoid further spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
Wyoming Junior High families were reminded to check their email and ParentVue accounts for additional updates.
More information on Wyoming Public Schools is available at wyominggps.org.
Raheef Alturkmani grew up in war ravage Syria before coming to the U.S. in 2011 to pursue his education. He currently works in human resources at the Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Mich., and teaches part time at Northwood University.
“He joins us to share his personal story and to help us understand why we should understand worldwide migration and why we should aspire to be that safe harbor amid global storms,” Headbloom said.
At present, the country of Syria is experiencing a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. The military hostilities have caused more than 500,000 deaths including thousands of deaths due to lack of medical care. To date, eleven million Syrians have been displaced by this conflict.
To help bridge the cultural gap, Alturkmani is part of Dow’s Middle East/North African (MENA) Employee Resource Group, one of ten employee resource groups at the company. Through MENA, Alturkmani helps break stereotypes, bring awareness and inclusion of Middle Eastern culture, and provides insight into conducting business in the region. The group, according to Alturkmani, is made up of people with MENA descent and those who have visited or are just interested in the region and want to be connected to the culture. The group also provides support to those of MENA descent along with resources and networking for employees and the company.
While all the local public school districts have Board of Education candidates on the Nov. 3 ballot, only the Kentwood Public Schools board has contested seats to be voted on.
Kentwood Public Schools
The Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education has five candidates, four of them incumbents, running for four positions, all with 4-year terms.
Leonica Riley Erwin is running to unseat one of four incumbents running for re-election. Angie Forton is the current board secretary and has been a board member for nine years. Angela Hovermale is a current board trustee and has been a board member for four years. Mary (Mimi) Madden is the current board president and has been on the board for 17 years. And Allen Young is the current board vice president and has been on the board for eight years.
Wyoming Public Schools
The Wyoming Public Schools Board of Education has four candidates — two of which would be new to the board — running for four positions, three 6-year terms and one partial term.
The two new-to-the-board candidates are Shannon Frick and Jessica A. Hanselman.
Craig P. Popma is currently the board treasurer, and Jeff Norton is a current trustee running for a partial term ending in December 2022.
Kelloggsville Public Schools
The Kelloggsville Public Schools Board of Education has five candidates, all current board members, running for five positions, three 6-year terms and two partial terms.
Marie Groters is the current board vice president, and Tim Pomorski and Laura L. Tanis are both current trustees running for full, 6-year terms. Debra Sellers is a current trustee running for partial term ending December 2024, and Crystal Reidzans is the current board treasurer and is running for a partial term ending December 2022.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools
The Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Board of Education has three candidates, two already serving the board, running for three full 6-year term positions.
David Blok is the current board vice president, and Tammy Schafer is the current board secretary. Cheryl L. Slaughter would be new to the board.
Godwin Heights Public Schools
The Godwin Heights Public Schools Board of Education has two candidates, both currently on the board, running for two full 6-year term positions.
Ken Hornecker is the current board treasurer and Allen E. Johnston is the current board president.
Students are happy to be back and local schools are offering some new, exciting programs such as robotics and other hands-on activities. All of this and more from our partners at School News Network.
East Kentwood art teacher Le Tran talks to junior Jonathan Bwaso about the effect of color in art. (School News Network)
Kentwood: Longtime art teacher receives two major education awards
Kelloggsville High School Introduction to Robotics students include, from left, Aubrey Wood, Matthew Zaiger, Pablo Vicario and Nathan Daniels. (School News Network)
Kelloggsville: Rocketing through Robotics
This year, Kelloggsville High School is offering its first robotics class which has a mix of eight students, sophomores through seniors. The students have done a variety of projects using a 3D printer including making the Kelloggsville mascot, rockets. Learn what else is in the future for these pioneering students.
West Godwin Elementary Principal Mary Lang talks to second-graders Alanah Reid and Jacoby Sucaldito. (School News Network
Godwin Heights: ‘Ner-cited’ to be back in person
Godwin Height students were virtual for the first few weeks of school with the district having a phased in return in September. Most the students said they were happy to be back after having been out-of-school since March and, more importantly, excited to see their friends and teachers.
Third-grader Mason Pickerd jumps far (School News Network)
Wyoming: Jump like a squirrel
Students at Wyoming Oriole Park Elementary School compare how far they can jump to those of squirrels in a hands-on activity developed by Lucas Education Research, which offers project-based learning lessons aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and state standards in literacy and math. For more about this lesson, click here.
Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra announced over the weekend that students and staff at Gladiola Elementary School will move to remote learning after receiving notification from the Kent County Health Department of a positive COVID-19 test result.
All other WPS school buildings will remain open for in-person learning.
The day of the announcement, Saturday, Oct. 17, the district was notified by the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) that an individual at Gladiola elementary had received a positive COVID-19 test result. Due to the extent of possible students and staff who made contact with this individual, the KCHD has recommended that the district close Gladiola elementary for in-person instruction.
The closure period will run from today, Monday, Oct. 19, through Wednesday, Oct. 28, and all “learning during this timeframe will be conducted online,” according to the statement.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in collaboration with the Kent County Health Department, it has been determined that closing the building will give the KCHD the necessary time to complete contract tracing and contact any staff and/or student(s) that may have come in contact with those who have tested positive,” according to the statement. “This will also allow us to slow any potential community spread. During the closure, the District will thoroughly clean and disinfect the school building while staff and students are not present.”
The district statement also “urges all WPS staff and students who experience symptoms or who may have been exposed to COVID-19 to get tested and self-quarantine. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children for the onset of any symptoms related to COVID-19. If there is any change in your child’s health, please contact your medical provider.”
The KCHD offers free COVID-19 screenings at multiple sites via appointment or walk-in. More information on sites and appointments is available online here or by calling 616-632-7200.
The district also “urges all of our students, staff and families to comply with the CDC guidelines to avoid further spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
Gladiola families were reminded to check their email and ParentVue accounts for additional updates.
More information on Wyoming Public Schools is available at wyominggps.org.
By Jamie Allen Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health is now offering spine surgery using the Augmedics xvision Spine System, a groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) guidance system that allows surgeons to “see through” a patient’s anatomy as if they have “x-ray vision.”
“The xvision Spine System is the first AR guidance system to be used in surgery and we are excited to offer this to our patients at Metro Health,” said Dr. Ronald Grifka, Chief Medical Officer, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. “xvision is groundbreaking technology that we feel will be a real game changer for our patients.”
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health reported that the first successful surgery with the Augmedics vision Spine System was on Sept. 21. (Supplied)
Similar to a real-time GPS technology, this “see-through” surgery allows surgeons to know exactly where to place implants in a patient’s unique spine anatomy, bringing a new standard of personalization and care to the operating room. The xvision Spine System is different from other image guidance systems, as it allows surgeons to maintain their focus directly on the patient, rather than searching for a distant screen displaying the patient’s anatomy.
“It utilizes a heads up retina display similar to military fighter jet technology allowing the surgeon to visualize the patient’s anatomy through the skin as if they have x-ray vision,” said Dr. John Keller, Neurosurgery Section Chief, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.
The xvision Spine System consists of a transparent near-eye-display headset and all the elements of a traditional navigation system. It accurately determines the position of surgical tools, in real-time, and superimposes them on the patient’s CT images. The navigation data is then projected onto the surgeon’s retina using the headset, allowing him or her to simultaneously look at both the patient and the navigation data. The xvision Spine System is designed to revolutionize how surgery is done by giving the surgeon better visualization and control, which may lead to safer, easier and more efficient surgical procedures.
“xvision allows our surgeries to be more efficient and more precise,” said Grifka. “I think it will add real benefits to patients and patient care. This is the future of surgery.”
Keller successfully performed his first surgery using xvision on Monday, Sept. 21. There are currently three surgeons who operate at Metro Health who have been trained and are actively using the system.
What’s in a weed? While for many of us our notion of weeds are the pesky and unwanted plants that compete for light and nutrients in our gardens, but a forest or the wooded section of a park has a much broader and even more sinister experience with weeds.
The Bittersweet vine is a problem across the nation and in Michigan. And Kentwood’s park trees are not immune. (WKTV)
These are the invasive species — species of plants that include certain types of vines that grow so aggressively so as to literally kill not only surrounding plants but even large trees.
For Jessica Schulte, district manager for Kent Conservation District, it all starts innocently enough; an attractive wreath sheathed in golden and red berries is purchased by a homeowner who enjoys the wreath and some point will discard it.
If the wreath has the attractive red and gold berries, chances are this is one of the versions of Bittersweet vine that has been dubbed one of the most invasive plants species in North America. The plant is capable of killing large trees and, with its aggressive growth, it will completely envelope a forest habitat, choking off all other growth and changing the forest forever.
And this is the challenge for Schulte.
Every summer and fall, Schulte and a group called the “Invasive Species Strike Team” fan out to West Michigan forests and residences to yank, cut and remove the vines of the Bittersweet and other invasive species.
Kentwood vs. a ‘Godzilla’ of a plant
With the Bittersweet growing to more than 66 feet in height, it might somewhat be likened to confronting a Godzilla in the forest. In a very short period of time, the Bittersweet will completely envelope a tree’s canopy, blocking sunlight while the vines have a remarkable ability to choke off the flow of nutrients by literally strangling the trunk.
Jessica Schulte, district manager for Kent Conservation District, inspecting one of Kentwood’s parks. (WKTV)
“There are no insects, molds or fungus growth to keep the Bittersweet vine in check,” Schulte said in a recent telephone interview with WKTV, as she was busily preparing another team for a site visit that would determine the extent of Bittersweet vine damage.
“We have a huge infestation in the Ada and Cascade region,” she added also pointing out that Michigan currently lacks formal regulation of invasive species.
But now Schulte seems to have attracted a significant ally.
City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley attacks some of the Bittersweet vines in a city park. (WKTV)
Mayor Stephen Kepley of the City of Kentwood was on a walk this spring in one of the city’s parks and noticed large canopies of vine growth covering some of the trees along with vines literally strangling the trunks of trees.
Mayor Kepley reached out to the Kent Conservation District and further investigation found that there was more than just one area in Kentwood that the Bittersweet vine was invading.
“I’m actually surprised that more cities, like Kentwood are not taking action against the Bittersweet,” Schulte said, “because the damage they cause can be prevented.”
Formation of Kentwood’s ‘strike team’
Like horticultural super hero figures, the Kent Conservation District has created “strike teams” of volunteers to fan out into urban wooded areas and forest to identify and remove the problem vines and weeds.
Bittersweet vines will choke out trees. (WKTV)
While our gardening grandfathers and grandmothers might have reminded us that regular weeding was the equivalent of an ounce of prevention being worth more than a pound of cure, that prevention/cure from the strike team is underway in Kentwood.
In early October, Mayor Kepley joined with community volunteers in training for the task of ridding Kentwood parks of aggressive weeds, like the Bittersweet, that threaten the parks.
Now there are more training sessions available through the winter and into the spring. And given the speed at which the vine grows and its capability of ruining the appearance of city parks, Schulte points out that the more volunteers the better.
To assist with awareness and sign-ups, Kentwood has set up a page within the city’s website that allows residents to learn more about the invasive vine and how they can join to stop the spread.
Schulte hastens to add that the Bittersweet is not like the wild grape vines or other indigenous vines like the Virginia Creeper. She points out that even poison ivy in the forest is good because the berries it produces have a high fat content which help birds survive the long winter.
Oriental Bittersweet in winter. (Wikipedia Commons)
While birds also feast on Bittersweet berries, they also spread the seeds which only contributes to forest damage.
At the same time, Schulte states that while beneficial vines and trees are falling victim to the spread of the Bittersweet, it is also affecting wildlife.
“Migrating birds are down by 40 percent because often these city parks serve as stopovers for food, but the Bittersweet is enveloping and destroying the wooded canopy and eliminating the food supply,” she said.
At the training sessions, volunteers learn how to recognize invasive weeds and vines from the beneficial ones and how to effectively remove them. Schulte points out that volunteers will also need to be trained on how to effectively remove enough of a vine to prevent it from growing back.
“If homeowners would like they can reach out to us with pictures and we can help identify if they have problem vines,” said Schulte.
For more information on the Kentwood vine volunteer program, visit the kentwood.us/vinevolunteers. To sign-up as a volunteer, contact Public Works Supervisor Jim Wolford at wolfordj@kentwood.us or call him at 616-554-0817.
Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand final.
Lauren DeStefano
Take the Family to a Fall Festival
A bounce house, corn maze, spinning strawberry, train rides and and lots of fall treats will be part Woodland Mall’s Pop-up Festival in the Von Maur Parking this Saturday. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with guests invited to stroll or drive through to snatch up an elephant ear or other fall treats. Or come from noon to 4 p.m. to partake in some of the activites. Tickets are required for the activities can be purchased online or at the event.
Fulton Street Cemetery (Faith Morgan/WKTV)
Finding those Neighborhood Ghosts
It is the season of ghosts and Grand Rapids certain has its share, so why not do a little ghost hunting? Wander the streets of Grand Rapids visiting some of the area’s historic places such as St. Cecilia Music Center with its musical apparitions or the Amway Grand, where some guests have liked the hotel so much that they haven’t checked out. There is lots more in the WKTV Journal’s ghost walk.
It’s Adventure Time
Archery, donuts and more will be part of the Adventure Point‘s two days of fun fall activities taking place this Saturday and Sunday. The adventure center located at 3213 Walker Ave stretches over 35-acres of land waiting to be explored with goodies along its trails, or expect a little haunting fun if you opt for the evening adventure.
Fun Fact: The World’s Best Mouser
What is the best mousetrap? Cats. Which cat has caught the most mice that she is in the Guinness Book of World Records? That would be Towser, who in her 24 years of life managed to catch 28,899 mice. In fact, she was so good that the Glenturret Distillery, located in Scotland, where she lived, decided not only to raise a glass but erect a statute in her honor. By the way, the need for cats at the Scottish distilleries has greatly diminished over the years, but tradition being tradition, about every distillery still has a cat mascot.
The lead forecaster on Great Lakes water levels for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a planning leader for Ottawa County Parks will discuss the impact of rising lake levels during a Grand Valley State University virtual presentation.
“Confluence Conversations: Rising Great Lakes Water Levels” is presented by GVSU’s Making Waves initiative. Deanna Apps, of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Curtis TerHaar, coordinator of park planning and development for Ottawa County Parks, will give presentations and participate in a Q&A.
The free virtual event is from 7-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Learn more information and RSVP on the event website.
The presentation will address both water levels and the resulting coastal flooding and erosion that have extensively damaged lakeshore properties and recreational areas. Experts will present data and images to show the impact.
Apps will give a presentation titled “Rising Great Lakes Levels.” TerHaar will speak on lakeshore erosion and impacts to those parks.
This talk is part of a series planned by organizers of the Making Waves initiative to explore water-related issues affecting not only Grand Valley but the region as a whole, said Peter Wampler, professor of geology and a leader of the Making Waves initiative. The presentations will be geared to provide information for both GVSU and West Michigan community members.
“We want to provide resources for the community and also provide a way for Grand Valley students to hear about compelling local issues,” Wampler said.
Making Waves is a university-led collaboration among students, faculty, staff and the community to explore the ways water touches our lives. The initiative includes research, activities and events as well as collective learning on campus and beyond.
Artist J. Brett Grill stands next to the statute of Gerald R. Ford that he is now in the Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s new Presidential Gateway Plaza. (Supplied)
The statue sitting on a curved sandstone bench with a welcoming smile, legs crossed and hand out encouraging the passerby to take a seat depicts well the warm, hospitable nature of late President Gerald R. Ford, according to his eldest son Mike Ford.
“We know that dad was very approachable and very welcoming,” Ford said in his video comments during an unveiling of the statute at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Oct 15. “Today, dad is being honored right there in the new Presidential Gateway Plaza and his statute is a sign of the warm hospitality this community has to offer to all the travelers and guests who come through the airport from across the globe.”
According to the artist, J. Brett Grill, who spent a year researching the life and writings of the 38th president of the United States, said it was his intent to portray Ford in a relax manner.
Gerald R. Ford eldest son, Mike Ford, said he looks forward to the day, after COVID, when can come back to Grand Rapids and see the new statute of his dad. (Supplied)
“This sculpture stands in contrast to many of the existing monuments honoring presidents, which are typically posed and elevated,” Grill explained. “Although Ford was certainly ambitious, he was, by all accounts, an everyman, humble and unassuming, not your typical politician.
“To reflect that, the sculpture sits comfortably, welcoming travelers to have a seat next to the leader of the free world. He is approachable, amiable, and honest: the quintessential family man. It is fitting this sculpture is placed at the Ford Airport in his hometown. Even when he lived elsewhere, he remained our neighbor.”
The statute unveiling was part of the dedication for the airport’s new Presidential Gateway Plaza, which will serve as a welcoming center for travelers. Ford sits on a curved sandstone-inspired seating element, creating a place for visitors to sit with him while overlooking a global map etched into the concrete.
“As a congressman, he passed through the airport hundreds, I would say thousands of times as he traveled back to his home,” Mike Ford said, adding he would have been honored and humbled with the tribute as much as he was when the airport was renamed in his honor in 1999. That was the same year Ford was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in honor of his public service in healing the nation after the turmoil of Watergate.
“We are proud that he is there to welcome many thousands of people to his home of Grand Rapids,” Mike Ford said. “These are the people that he came to know and love through his many visits back through the airport.”
The statue of Ford is the Secchia’s gift to the Airport and all those who travel through it. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority designed and funded the development of the Presidential Gateway Plaza. Board Chair Dan Koorndyk, CEO Tory Richardson and other members of the board and leadership team joined elected and community leaders from the region and members of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Board to dedicate the plaza.
“This statue holds a special place in our family members’ hearts,” said Community Legends Committee Chair Charlie Secchia. “Not only was Ford an adept and insightful leader in a tumultuous time, he was Grand Rapids’ favorite son and someone my parents are honored to have called a friend. We could not be prouder to call him our own and to dedicate this memorial as part of the Community Legends Project.”
The statue of Ford – the 12th in the Community Legends series – is across town from the one of his beloved wife, Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Bloomer Ford, who was also memorialized in bronze by the Community Legends Project. Her statue was the 10th in the series and was dedicated in 2018 at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in downtown Grand Rapids. Additional legends in the series include U.S Sen. Lucius Lyon (considered the founder of the City of Grand Rapids), Chief Noahquageshik, Lyman Parks, Anna Sutherland Bissell and Jay Van Andel.
Through the years, the airport also has honored both the president and his wife. In 2017, the Gerald R. Ford Tribute Room was dedicated at the airport and in 2019, Betty Ford Drive was unveiled.
“Gerald R. Ford was an international man, well-traveled around the globe who always carried with him immense local pride for his Grand Rapids home,” said Ford Airport Authority Board Chair Dan Koorndyk. “We envisioned this new memorial as a way to share his global vision while offering an approachable space for our community to engage with and to enjoy.
“We so appreciate the Secchia family for choosing the Ford Airport to be home to this incredible piece of art. We hope the new Ford statute and Presidential Gateway Plaza will become a famous and well-recognized icon for our region.”
Ford was a member of Congress for 25 years where his reputation for integrity earned him the position of House Minority Leader from 1965 to 1973. He was appointed vice president by Richard M. Nixon in December 1973 and, following Nixon’s resignation in 1974, became president of the United States. During his presidency, Ford took action to stem inflation, pass the Freedom of Information Act and resolve unrest in the Middle East. He was an outspoken supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment. In 1999, he was awarded the
The Kent County Sheriff’s Department works to combat community violence, but it is looking to get some help with newly funded grants to community nonprofits. (KC Sheriff’s Department)
The Kent County Board of Commissioners announced this week the recent allocation of $500,000 of CARES Act funding to community violence prevention grants “to help stem the increasing rates of violence occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The grant program will be administered by the Heart of West Michigan United Way.
Grant applications are due to the Heart of West Michigan United Way by noon on Monday, Oct. 19, and all funds must be expended by Dec. 15, 2020 pursuant to federal requirements.
“We have seen a rise in violent crime throughout the County since the start of the pandemic,” Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young said in supplied material. “We need to work together as a community on prevention and education initiatives that can help reduce the incidents that result in violence.”
The Community Violence Prevention Grant Program will assist nonprofit organizations in preventing violent behaviors from occurring, stopping the progression of violence, and rehabilitating individuals with established violent behavior, according to the announcement.
To receive a grant, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) based in Kent County, have been in existence for at least one year, deliver all programming in Kent County, comply with all applicable state and federal laws, and provide a written summary of the project and its outcomes in January 2021.
A selection committee comprised of Kent County leaders, law enforcement, and community members will award grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000.
“Ensuring we have a safe community is a fundamental role of government. However, we alone cannot solve the spike in violent crimes that is occurring because of COVID-19,” Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Mandy Bolter said in supplied material. “It was a priority for the board to support local, grassroots programs that are working to make our communities safe for all.”
By Officer Jenni Eby City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety
Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.
Texting While Driving Fines
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is currently participating in enhanced distracted driving enforcement – so this’s week’s question is about distracted driving! Did you know that texting while driving tickets get more expensive if you get more than one? For first time offenders, the ticket is a civil infraction and a $100 fine. A second offense is also a civil infraction, but the fine is increased. How much does someone pay for a second offense texting while driving ticket?
$150
$200
$250
$500
Answer: The answer is $200; the fine is doubled for the second offense.
News programs and other media often toss out words to describe the current COVID-19 situation such as pandemic and epidemic.
It is easy to confuse epidemic and pandemic as the words are used to define outbreaks and both have “demic” in them.
What is the difference?
An epidemic is a disease that effects many people in a specific population, community, and/or region at the same time. The disease spreads from person to person and is new to the area such as the Polio epidemic of 1916 and 1952.
Pandemic is an epidemic that spreads over a larger area such as a country or a continent.
The key difference between the two is scale.
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. On March 13, 2020, a national emergency was declared concerning the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States.
For more information about epidemic or pandemic, visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website, cdc.org.
Woodland Mall announced this week that it will celebrate the fall season — the beautiful leaves, crisp air and, of course, caramel apples — this weekend when it hosts a Pop-Up Fall Festival in the Von Maur parking lot.
The outdoor event, which the entire family can enjoy while remaining safe and healthy, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in collaboration with ACP Entertainment.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating the season and all the great activities and goodies it brings,” Woodland Mall Marketing Director Cecily McCabe said in supplied material. “Despite the limitations of COVID, we’ve been working hard to offer some fall fun that will allow us to gather and enjoy autumn safely. We’ll certainly be using Michigan’s beautiful fall weather to our advantage.”
According to the announcement, the festival will offer treats such as elephant ears, caramel apples, caramel corn, donuts and cider all day for participants to enjoy. Those interested may choose to either drive through or walk up to booths to purchase these treats, which can be purchased with cash or card. Seating will not be provided — participants are asked to enjoy the fall treats in their vehicles.
Festival activities will take place from noon to 4 p.m. and will include a bounce house, corn maze, spinning strawberry, train rides and more. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Only those planning to participate in activities need tickets.
Per state and Kent County Health Department guidance, the attraction area will be limited to 100 guests or fewer at a time and all participants will be required to wear a mask. There will be plenty of hand sanitizing stations and room for physical distancing.
Deep cleaning and sanitization of all attractions will take place throughout the day, according to the announcement.
The City of Kentwood will again offer its Brush and Leaf Drop-Off programs to residents this fall. According to a statement from the city, both sites will run from Saturday, Oct. 17 through Sunday, Dec. 6, from noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Residents can drop off brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs, loose leaves and grass clippings at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE.
“With the change of seasons, getting debris out of the right-of-way is incredibly important,” Jim Wolford, Department of Public Works supervisor, said in supplied material. “Clearing brush and leaves prevents buildup of material in the roadway and storm drains, keeping our infrastructure running smoothly throughout the city.”
Beyond helping make yard maintenance easier, leaf and brush collection services also help residents stay in compliance with city ordinances, according to the statement. The accumulation of leaves and debris within the lot line of a property or upon the adjacent right-of-way is prohibited in the City of Kentwood, as is burning leaves and brush.
The service is available to Kentwood residents only. Anyone wishing to drop off items must show proof of residency.
Materials that cannot be accepted include: trash, plastic bags, dirt, concrete, asphalt, tires, rocks, stones, construction materials, glass or metal.
By Officer Jenni Eby City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety
Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is currently participating in enhanced distracted driving enforcement – so this’s week’s question is about distracted driving! Did you know that texting while driving tickets get more expensive if you get more than one? For first time offenders, the ticket is a civil infraction and a $100 fine. A second offense is also a civil infraction, but the fine is increased. How much does someone pay for a second offense texting while driving ticket?
$150
$200
$250
$500
Check back on Thursday to learn the correct answer.
From the ghostly soldiers guarding the veterans home to the spooky inhabitants of the Amway Hotel, Grand Rapids has its fair share of spooky history. With Halloween quickly approaching it is the perfect time to check out some of the creepiest places Grand Rapids has to offer.
The Mill Creek Cemetery (WKTV / Anna Johns)
Mill Creek Cemetery
Legends say “The Green Lady” is still wandering the grounds at the Mill Creek Cemetery, 4 Bertha St. NW. There is little origin of the story of the Green Lady and her identity is unknown. Locals have shared stories of a woman wearing a green Victorian-style dress weeping by the grave of her child. The cemetery has graves dating back to the 1800s and has become overgrown hiding it from those who pass by. To reach the cemetery, visitors must follow a stone stairway into the woods where gravestones are scattered about.
The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Cemetery (WKTV / Anna Johns)
The Grand Rapids Home For Veterans
Since the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans opened in 1885, there have been reports of paranormal activity. Guests have claimed to feel cold spots, seen apparitions of soldiers in full uniform, heard footsteps and other unexplained noises. Today more than 4,000 soldiers reside in the nearby cemetery and some visitors believe it is those soldiers whose spirits still linger. The home is still active today and reports of ghostly activity continue. The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans is located at 3000 Monroe Ave NE and the cemetery is right beside the home.
The Amway Plaza Hotel (WKTV / Anna Johns)
The Amway Plaza Hotel
The Amway Plaza Hotel is so glamorous some residents decided to never check out. The hotel, located at 187 Monroe Ave. NW, has its fair share of legends. Guests have said that they have seen shadowy figures walking about and furniture moving on its own. Others have claimed negative and frightening feelings in certain areas of the hotel. Though the identity of the spirits are unknown, visitors swear something unworldly is occupying the hotel. The book “Ghost of Grand Rapids” by Nichole Bray and Robert Du Shane details one of the experiences hotel staff member Jim, who said “ If a guest leaves behind a dirty ashtray, it disappears. If someone leaves cigarettes behind, they disappear. Even if the ashtray has yet to be used, it sometimes disappears.” Other experiences include the ghost of a young boy wandering the halls, blankets being tugged off guests beds, and the ghost of a servant who still cleans in her afterlife.
The Michigan Bell Telephone Tower (WKTV/ Anna Johns)
The Michigan Bell Telephone Tower
The Michigan Bell Telephone Tower is one of Grand Rapids most notorious hauntings. The tower was once a lavish property in downtown Grand Rapids that was home to Warren Randall and his wife Virginia. Warren Randall was involved in an accident at the railway where he lost his leg. This caused Randall to be home more and lowered his self-esteem ruining the couple’s happy relationship. He would accuse his wife of cheating on him and neighbors would often call the cops complaining of loud arguments coming from the home. The tragedy happened in late summer of 1910. In a jealous fit of rage, Warren beat his wife with his wooden leg killing her before taking his own life. Their bodies were discovered shortly after and the mansion remained unoccupied until it was torn down in 1920. The Michigan Bell Telephone Co. purchased the property and built its company. Today they claim that the Randalls haunt the tower.
People have said they have heard Virginia calling out pleading for her life. Some claim they have received calls from Randalls’ spirits hearing only static or silence. Oddly these calls have been traced back to the second floor of the Michigan Bell Telephone Building during off hours. The Michigan Bell Telephone Co. Building is located at the corner of Division and Lyon in downtown Grand Rapids.
Monument Park (WKTV/ Anna Johns)
Monument Park
The Civil War monument at Monument Park is said to be haunted by the spirit of Edward Blakely. Blakely was the son of a civil war veteran and also responsible for the statue’s reconstruction. Some believe that Blakely has been hanging out at the statue in his afterlife. People have claimed to see the apparition of an elderly man staring at the statue however when they notice him he vanishes. He has been known to give up his seat to women and children before vanishing. For those looking to visit Monument Park, it is located at 1 Fulton St E.
St. Cecilia Music Center (WKTV/ Anna Johns)
St. Cecilia Music Center
The St. Cecilia Music Center is a music venue built in 1894 and is said to be home to several friendly ghosts. Performers claim that they have witnessed flickering lights, unusual voices, and shadowy apparitions. According to the book “Ghost of Grand Rapids” by Nichole Bray and Robert Du Shane claim the venue is haunted saying “If you ask if the historical St. Cecilia Music Center is truly haunted, it is likely that you would get a “yes.” In the book, the authors detail experiences from the venue including stories about missing tickets, apparitions of a woman from the Victorian era, and a ghostly janitor. St. Cecilia Music Center is located at 24 Ransom Ave NE and next time you visit the venue be sure to listen for more than just music.
Holmdene Manor at Aquinas College (WKTV/ Anna Johns)
Holmdene Manor at Aquinas College
The Holmdene Manor located on Aquinas College at 1700 E. Fulton St. has been the subject of ghost stories for centuries. The home was built in 1906 by Edward Love and his wife Susan. The legend says that the manor is haunted by one of the Love’s children who drowned on the property. Though the details of this legend have been proven untrue students insist the manor is haunted. Throughout the years guests have claimed they have seen lights flickers and reported phantom elevator rides and slamming doors. Some students have sworn they saw the face of a boy in the attic window when passing by. In 2005, a paranormal investigator, John Zaffis, visited the manor and claimed to feel the presence of several spirits. Some third-shift campus safety officers claim the ghosts are pranksters and love to flicker the lights. They also have reported strange feelings of being watched or heard children laughing.
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, who uncovered the impact lead in Flint’s water system was having on children, will discuss public health and environmental inequality during a virtual event presented in partnership by GVSU’s Kutsche Office of Local History and Grand Rapids Public Library.
“Public Health & Public Trust with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha” will be Monday, October 19, beginning at 7 p.m.; state Rep. Rachel Hood will join the discussion. The event is free and open to the public; participants must register online to receive information about how to access the program.
Hanna-Attisha was scheduled to visit Grand Valley’s campus in March as part of the Great Michigan Read. She is the author of the nationally recognized book, “What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City.”
Kimberly McKee, director of the Kutsche Office of Local History, said the virtual event aligns with the office’s mission of presenting an intersectional approach to history, while connecting with its Grand River project.
“Hosting Dr. Hanna-Attisha for a conversation supports the Kutsche Office’s interest in considering how local history intersects with environmental history, picking up on some of the themes that emerged from our Connections Along the Grand River project,” McKee said. The Grand River project was also funded by Michigan Humanities, a sponsor of the Great Michigan Read.
Julie Tabberer, manager of the Grand Rapids History and Special Collections department at GRPL, said a conversation about environmental inequality, and the relationship between democratic representation and healthy communities is important to everyone.
The 2019-2020 Great Michigan Read is presented by Michigan Humanities and supported by national, statewide and local partners, including the National Endowment for the Humanities and The Meijer Foundation. This program is funded in part by Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment of the Humanities.
The Rapid announced last week that its Mobility for All planning process will continue its public outreach efforts this week with a series of virtual meetings to gather feedback on proposed changes to The Rapid’s bus service that may take effect in the fall of 2021.
Possible changes to The Rapid’s Southwest service area — including Routes 8, 10, 16, 24, 28, 44 and the Silver Line — will be discussed on Facebook Live and Zoom platforms Thursday, Oct. 15, from 9-10 a.m. and again from 6-7 p.m. (See a Facebook page on this event here.)
According to the announcement, the proposed changes to route alignments, stops and schedules, and the introduction of new on-demand zones, are a result of more than a year of “technical analysis and public feedback” on The Rapid’s current operations.
“These meetings will offer multiple opportunities for public feedback and input on proposed changes that we believe will offer improved service and innovative new options to our riders,” Nick Monoyios, planning manager at The Rapid, said in supplied material. “COVID-19 has forced us to change our approach to outreach and engagement, but we’re confident that our process will create the best possible outcome for our riders and the community.”
The interactive digital workshops will be offered twice a day Monday, Oct. 12 through Thursday, Oct. 15 to highlight the proposed changes and offer participants the opportunity for questions, feedback, and suggestions.
There will be a comprehensive overview on Friday morning, Oct. 16, from 9-10 a.m.
The other sessions which will focus on other specific geographic areas and routes in The Rapid’s service area include:
Northeast Service Changes — Routes 11, 13, 14, 15 — Oct. 12, 9-10 a.m. and 6-7 p.m.
Northwest Service Changes — Routes 7, 9, 12, 18, Laker Line — Oct. 14, 9-10 a.m. and 6-7 p.m.
According to the announcement, additional feedback will be solicited throughout the month of October, and will be part of informing final recommendations to The Rapid’s Board of Directors in early 2021.
“Started in 2019, Mobility for All, also known as a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) in the transit industry, is an effort to improve the efficiency, productivity and reliability of The Rapid’s bus service,” according to the announcement. “By working within The Rapid’s current budget constraints, Mobility for All will result in better transit and mobility service without additional cost to the taxpayers in The Rapid’s service area.”
It has been 15 years since The Rapid conducted a COA and this plan accounts for changes in demand for transit, travel patterns, emerging mobility technologies and relies on extensive public engagement and feedback. Initial changes to bus service as the result of the COA would take effect in the fall of 2021.
Should The Rapid’s Board of Directors decide to move forward with the proposed changes, additional public hearings and opportunities for feedback will take place in early 2021.
