Category Archives: 3-bottom

Division Avenue’s planned CityLine Apartments workforce housing complex a first for Kentwood, developer

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Hard News, Local Business, WKTV Projects, , ,
An artist rendering of the planned CityLine Apartments project, led by developer Herman & Kittle Prop. Inc., of Indianapolis, Ind. (Supplied/HKP)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

With the City of Kentwood planning and approval process complete after more than a year, a developer plans to break ground in early September on a 240-unit affordable workforce housing development.

CityLine Apartments will be located on nearly 12 acres of now vacant property touching Division Avenue and 52nd Street, on land most recently used as a used car sales lot and as a golf driving range. It does not include two existing business locations directly on the corner of Division and 52nd.

The CityLine Apartments project, led by developer Herman & Kittle Prop. Inc., of Indianapolis, Ind., will be a “first” in several ways.

It will be the first Grand Rapids area project for a developer which is no stranger to Michigan. It is the first Kentwood development approved using Form Based Code planning changes recently enacted by both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming to aid redevelopment of the Division Avenue corridor. And it is the first major affordable workforce housing project focused on taking advantage of the Sliver Line bus route intended to move workers to and from downtown but also supporting businesses near the corridor in both Kentwood and Wyoming.

“West Michigan knows that Kentwood is open for business and is successful by meeting our businesses’ needs on a daily basis,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said to WKTV this week. “Vibrant communities like Kentwood know that offering a range of housing opportunities is critical to the success of our businesses. This project will help expand our workforce capacity and serve as a catalyst for development along the Division Avenue corridor.”

That city’s goal of aiding development of workforce housing and redevelopment — some would say economic “revitalization” — of the Division Avenue corridor was echoed by city staff in Kentwood.

Division Avenue, looking north from 52nd Street, showing two vacant lots planned for the CityLIne Apartments. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“The development of CityLine Apartments will likely represent the largest private investment ever made along the Kentwood portion of the corridor,” Lisa Golder, City of Kentwood Economic Development Planner, said to WKTV. “The development of housing along Division fits perfectly into the city’s plans for the area, as residential development supports both the Bus Rapid Transit (Silver Line) and the business community.

 

“Since the apartments are located directly on the Silver Line route, residents will be able to use transit to get to work, shop and recreate. With 240 housing units being introduced to the area, businesses will likely see an increase in demand for goods and services.”

And recent changes to Kentwood and Wyoming development codes, specifically the so-called Form Based Code, was essential for the development to be approved.

“The CityLine Apartments could not have been developed without the new Form Based Code,” Golder said. “With the Form Based Code, residential development is allowed for the first time along Division Avenue.”

CityLine Apartments development layout (north at top). (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

The developer and the development

The CityLine Apartments is currently planned to be eight residential buildings including one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a clubhouse, accessory garage/storage buildings, a pool and playground, and even a dog park for residents of the “pet friendly” complex, according to Caroline Kimmel, CityLine development director for Herman & Kittle Prop. Inc. (HKP).

“The development has been in process since July 2019, HKP needed to rezone a portion of the site, as well as work through the rest of the development and site planning process with the city,” Kimmel said to WKTV. “This development is about a two-year construction period, but the first units will be available in about 16 months, or January/February of 2022.”

The planning approval process “took several meetings with the City as well as multiple public hearings to be finalized,” she said.

CityLine is HKP’s first development in Grand Rapids, Kimmel said, but the company has developments in Kalamazoo, Jackson, Niles, Lansing, and Benton Harbor, “as well as over 130 additional properties in 16 other states.”

And Kimmel said the reason for her company’s interest in the Kentwood development was simply good business.

“The Grand Rapids area is still one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the Midwest, and HKP is very excited to be a part of that growth,” Kimmel said. “Our internal and external demand analysis showed that rents are growing faster than incomes, and that we might be able to help balance out that growth with a development geared toward workforce housing.

52nd Street looking West to Division Avenue, with road infrastructure work being done not directly a part of the CityLine Apartments project. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“The commuter bus line is a highly desirable amenity, especially for residents who may not have the financial means to live in downtown Grand Rapids, but want the ease of access that the Silver Line offers,” she said.

According to information supplied by HKP and City of Kentwood planning documents, the Kentwood development will include 72 one-bedroom units, 120 two-bedroom units, and 48 three-bedroom units. Twelve of the units are designated for people with disabilities.

The larger buildings will have 36 units while the smaller will have 24 units. Three garage buildings will be provided with 18 stalls, including one handicap stall. In total there will be 357 parking spaces provided including 325 standard spaces, 14 handicap parking spaces, and the 18 garage spaces.

“HKP believes this development will attract a mix of one and two parent households with children, as well as single persons who work downtown, but the property is not age restricted,” Kimmel said. “A close proximity to schools will attract families as well, especially with the walkability this location offers.”

Finances for the project; costs for renters

The development is financed through a combination of sources, according to Kimmel, including tax-exempt bonds for construction, a mortgage, and Tax Credit Equity from Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).

“The MSHDA Tax Credits provide equity to the development, which allows a reduced mortgage, enabling rents to remain affordable for Kent County residents,” she said.

Residents will be subject to a rent-history screening and criminal background check and other compliance requirements set forth by MSHDA, Kimmel said. Income limits will range from $33,720 for a one-person household, $38,520 for two persons, $43,320 for three persons, $48,120 for four persons, and $52,020 for five persons.

“Lease-up will likely begin in late 2021 or early 2022,” she added. “A leasing trailer will be on site with contact information as soon as we are accepting applications.”

Traffic generation to be monitored

While CityLine’s location on the Silver Line bus route is expected to mitigate the usual vehicular traffic issues a development of this size might normally produce, city documents state that a detailed Traffic Impact Assessment may yet be needed.

“Using Institute of Traffic Engineers trip generation data, a 240-unit apartment development generates 1,317 daily trips and 117-129 peak hour trips,” according to a city planning department report. “If this many trips are anticipated, a Traffic Study would be required. However, the data does not take into account the existence and use of the Silverline BRT, which may reduce the trip generation. The applicant should provide a best estimate of vehicle trips anticipated based on other locations in communities adjacent to a BRT line or light rail.”

Traffic Tuesday Answer: Center Lane Passing

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism,

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.

Traffic Tuesday Question: Vehicle A is driving toward north on De Hoop, toward the police department, from 28th St. Vehicle B is behind Vehicle A, going the same direction, and would like to pass Vehicle A. Can Vehicle B use the center lane to pass Vehicle A? Check out the photo for a visual.

  1. Yes, Vehicle B can pass Vehicle A
  2. No, Vehicle B cannot pass Vehicle A
  3. I’m not sure, I’ll check back Thursday!

Answer: No, Vehicle B cannot use the center lane to pass Vehicle A.

Next Tuesday is a new question!

Online livestock auction hosted after Hudsonville Fair cancelled

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Kids Activities, ,
Emilee Vis show her dairy cow. (Supplied/Hudsonville Community Fair)

By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern

Annually MSU and 4-H students show off their livestock for live auctions at the Hudsonville Community Fair as part of a final project. Due to COVID-19 the fair cancelled for 2020. This news left young individuals devastated without the opportunity to showcase their livestock that they had worked hard to train and raise.

Some of these students have been preparing for live auctions since July of 2019. As families have been widely affected by the pandemic, these students also live in households of families struggling during this crisis.

To warm the hearts of these young students, Hudsonville Community Fair partnered with Miedema’s Charity Auctions to host an online auction. This auction helps to provide financial means for these students seeking to attend college and showcase at future livestock auctions.

Andrew Meekhof-Vanspyker show his sheep. (Supplied/Hudsonville Community Fair)

 

The auction contains a wide variety of beef, pork, and lamb for sale on Miedema’s website and is scheduled to end Thursday, Aug. 27.

Sen. Peters visits local postal service facilities amid mail-in ballot voting concerns

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, Hard News, Politics, WKTV Projects, ,
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mi) on Aug. 25 visited a U.S. Postal Office (USPS) processing facility and then talked at the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 56 in Kentwood. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mi) on Tuesday visited a U.S. Postal Office (USPS) processing facility on Patterson Avenue SE in Grand Rapids to see first-hand the causes of slowdowns, delays and backlogs he says are occurring in communities across the country.

After the Aug. 25 tour and at a media opportunity at the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 56 in nearby Kentwood, Sen. Peters stressed that his concerns — and the investigation of postal service changes he has recently initiated as ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee — are not solely about the pending November election.

He said that postal service operational changes are preventing veterans from receiving timely delivery of their prescription medications through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ mail-order pharmacy service. He also said he has heard firsthand that delays are directly impacting small businesses in West Michigan and across the county.

However, answering a question from WKTV, he expressed confidence in the ability of local city and township clerks — in Wyoming and Kentwood and statewide — to reliably count the ballots they will receive, but he also expressed some concerns about “possible” delays in the handling mail-in ballots.
 

“What we are seeing right now, that concerns me, because of the delays we have been hearing,” Sen. Peters said, adding that he had also been told about delays in mail-in ballots getting to voters from the city clerk in his hometown of Bloomfield Hills.

He also, though, gave advice on how Wyoming and Kentwood voters can avoid any issue with possible postal delays in mail-on ballots — request and acquire the ballots early, mail them early or drop them off directly at the local clerks’ offices. (See his entire statement at this video link.)

Last week, Sen. Peters, who is running for election to the Senate against Republican challenger John James as well as other independent candidates, led a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing with Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. DeJoy, who became Postmaster General two months ago, was questioned on the policy and operational changes possibly resulting in delayed mail across the country.

Traffic Tuesday: Center Lane Passing

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, ,

By 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.

Traffic Tuesday Question: Center Lane Passing: Vehicle A is driving toward north on De Hoop, toward the police department, from 28th St. Vehicle B is behind Vehicle A, going the same direction, and would like to pass Vehicle A. Can Vehicle B use the center lane to pass Vehicle A? Check out the photo for a visual.

  1. Yes, Vehicle B can pass Vehicle A
  2. No, Vehicle B cannot pass Vehicle A
  3. I’m not sure, I’ll check back Thursday!

Check back this Thursday to learn the answer!

Six years after a tornado, the City of Wyoming celebrates the reopening of Ideal Park

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It has been six years since children played on its playground. It has been six years since family sat at the picnic tables. On Aug. 18, the City of Wyoming ended the six-year wait and officially reopening Kent County’s oldest park, Ideal Park.

In 2014, a tornado, straight-line winds, and flooding, damaged the park’s playground equipment, tennis and basketball courts and uprooted many of its trees, some of which were more than 100 years old.

“In a matter of seconds a park that was magnificent, majestic, mature was destroy,” said Doug Wustman, chair of the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Commission. “Ninety-eight percent of the canopy was laying on the ground and there was nothing but twisted, shredded, uprooted trees is all that you saw. The out buildings, the picnic shelters, the restrooms, everything was just gone in a matter of seconds.”

 

The Wyoming City team who helped to redesign Ideal Park with residents’ input. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

It was not just the park that was impacted by the storm, but the entire area.

 

“In 2014, the whole community was devastated and we had to hold off doing anything in Ideal Park until we could get the residences built in the area, said City of Wyoming Director of Community Services. The city spent $500,000 to remove the trees and debris from the park only to have flooding and another tornado in 2016.

“It has been a practice in patience for our residents,” Rynbrandt said. “As you can see our community is resilient and this park is a result of their commitment. The commitment of engaging in design so we could make sure that what is featured today really came about because it was what they wanted.”

The city spent more than $800,000, of which was a Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant of $508,000, reconstruction the park, located at 5843 Crippen Ave. SW. This included moving many of the amenities to the east side of the park along with improved traffic control for vehicle and pedestrian safety.

One of the unique features to Ideal Park’s playground are these all accessible swings. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

New amenities include restrooms, a shelter, and a playground that offers special new features.

 

“The playground is universally accessible,” Rynbrandt said. “We made a strong commitment that people of all abilities can come and play in our community.”

The playground features a tile form of the cushion-style playground surface that is similar to the one at Frog Hollow. The advantage of the tile is that the city can replace sections easily without having to replace the entire surface, Rynbrandt said.

 

At each of the city’s parks, the city tries to incorporate special elements that are unique to that park and for Ideal Park that includes modified swings, a climbing rope and a modified whirler.

 

Ideal Park also has a trailhead connecting to the interurban trail system that starts in Byron Center and goes through Kentwood and on into Grand Rapids.

 

There is excitement about reopening Ideal Park, Rynbrandt said, but also a little sadness in that the one item the city could not bring back was the 300-year-old trees that were the canopy of the park. However, the reopening of the park and the new amenities it offers will make new memories for residents today and tomorrow, Rynbrandt said.

 

“I am thankful to the people of the Ideal Park area for their patience and understanding because today we have a rebirth, we have a new parkThat they can enjoy for generations to come,” Wustman said. “2020 has been a rough year for everybody because of the pandemic environment we’re living in, so to see people laugh and even shed a tear at time, yeah I look forward to that. To life back to normal.”

WKTV Journal: Meet the Interns

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, WKTV Projects,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

This June, WKTV had four Ferris State University students join the team.

For the past several years, WKTV has worked with Ferris State University having about two student interns at the station per year. The students usually come January through June or June through December.

All the students are seniors in Ferris State University’s Television and Digital Media Production.

So let us introduce you to our interns:

Tyler Bronsink at the July 20 Wyoming City Council Meeting. (WKTV)

Tyler Bronsink
Byron Center

What are you learning on your internship? How are you making a difference?

I’m learning more about shoots, the different types of cameras, and editing in new software like Final Cut Pro. I am helping craft census stories, shooting b-roll, and offering story ideas for the community.

What are your future plans, what do you hope this internship leads to professionally?

I hope to work with either a news station like WKTV or a film/media studio as an editor/writer.

What advice can you offer to other students seeking, hoping to learn about internships?

Pick a few (about five to six) that you would want to work at and make sure that the internship fits for you and offers a variety of job opportunities.

Matt Main works with the slider in preparation for a shoot. (WKTV)

Matt Main
Hemlock, Michigan

What are you learning on your internship? How are you making a difference?

I’m learning how to become a better video editor, director, cameraman, as well as media as a whole. Making videos and content makes me feel like I’m creating enjoyment and happiness in my audience.

What are your future plans, what do you hope this internship leads to professionally?

I hope to be hired with a video production company and work as an editor professionally.

What advice can you offer to other students seeking, hoping to learn about internships?

I would advise being aggressive and open in your searches; don’t stick to ideal situations only.

Rachel Weber is learning to be a better content creator at WKTV. (WKTV)

Rachel Weber
Rochester Hills

What are you learning on your internship? How are you making a difference?

I am learning how to be a better content creator as well as being a more sociable person.

What are your future plans, what do you hope this internship leads to professionally?

I am hoping that this internships opens doors into more sports-related productions.

What advice can you offer to other students seeking, hoping to learn about internships?

Remember that it is just an internship so it doesn’t matter where you go, just make the most of it.


Cole Zimmerman worked in the WKTV truck at the July 20 Wyoming City Council meeting. (WKTV)

Cole Zimmerman
Rockford????

What are you learning on your internship? How are you making a difference?

I’m mostly learning what was taught to me at Ferris; however, I’m learning new aspects of those lessons like new ways and methods of doing certain tasks as well as new equipment.

What are your future plans, what do you hope this internship leads to professionally?

I hope to become a script writer for TV and movies, and possibly a producer and/or director.

What advice can you offer to other students seeking, hoping to learn about internships?

When looking for an internship, don’t be picky and reach out to as many places as you can, and be open to new learning experiences.

To-go ordering an ingredient for survival

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Restaurants, WKTV Projects, , ,
One of Hopcat’s locations on East Beltline added a large tent to accommodate customers in a more open setting. (WKTV/Tom Norton)

By Tom Norton
tom@wktv.org

Through most of the pandemic people in West Michigan have largely avoided restaurants. In many cases restaurant dine-in business is down as much as 60 percent. But for many restaurant owners, surviving financially on 40 percent of what business you had pre-COVID is not enough. The saving grace for many restaurants and the reason they may be able to survive once the pandemic is finally declared over is in two simple words:  take out.

If you walked into Stella’s Lounge on Commerce, HopCat on East Beltline, Grand Rapids Brewing Company on Ionia, Pietros on 28th Street, or Cottage Bar on LaGrave Avenue, on any night pre-COVID you would have found nearly all the tables full. Stella’s became synonymous with burgers customers would swear by. With its now iconic logo, Hopcat was holding its popularity as a place with an extensive beer list and casual dining. Now, five months into the pandemic, the social distancing has severely limited seating creating a financial strain on all restaurants that has been immense. 

Stella’s Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“It seemed like the situation would change almost daily,” said Mark Sellers, Barfly Ventures founder and the owner of Hopcat, Stella’s and the Grand Rapids Brewing Company.  “There were the unemployment issues and PPG funding along with getting loans and applications in and there’s been little time for anything else. We’re actually working harder even though sales are down.”

But even with a 60 percent reduction in sales, Sellers may be in a better position than some restaurant owners. While the number of restaurants he has has helped, Sellers chalked survival up to one primary element: creativity.

“If you talk to the restaurant owners today, the last five months have been the most creative of their careers,” he said, adding that for many, launching the to-go side of their operations was like launching a second restaurant with in itself. Sellers’ restaurants came up with different names and different logos for the to-go side and along with the massive amounts of change for COVID safety, it all caused a shift in thinking how a business would run.

“It’s been a constant creative process in navigating during this time,” Sellers said.

Asked what he envisions post pandemic, Sellers admited to being both a pessimist and optimist.

“I don’t think it’s going to go back to 100 percent,” Sellers said. “People have formed habits through DoorDash and eating at home. There’s going to be a permanent behavior change and take-out and delivery will remain more important than it used to be, ” he said, adding that once they start growing again, restaurants may be designed smaller with a greater focus on take-out and delivery.

Pietro’s Restaurant on 28th and Breton. (WKTV/Tom Norton)

Across town,  Pietro’s Restaurant has been anchored near 28th Street and Breton in Kentwood for nearly 50 years and owner Tim Fellows saw his restaurant shuttered for 70 days while they waited for the re-open order. When it came, the Pietro’s team saw a return, but with social distancing rules, only to 50 percent capacity. Like every restaurant scrambling to survive, Fellows said they stepped up their game for curbside service, but he quickly discovered though that for some delivery services the percentage they charged the restaurant limited the menu items available to the customer.

“We wanted our customer to have the full menu experience,” Fellows said. This led to Pietro’s using delivery mainstays such as GrubHub and Delivery.com, which charge a percentage that also allowed the iconic Italian eatery to offer their more expanded menu.

“Some of the delivery services charged a higher percentage and we felt that took away menu choices from our customers, so we’ve stayed with the standard delivery services that accommodate our needs as well,” he said.
And several months ago, downtown Grand Rapids saw a burgeoning dining scene with new eateries opening, it seemed, monthly. From the urban hip areas growing up around Stocking Avenue and Bridge Street to Wealthy Street to Michigan Avenue, Grand Rapids was on track to hold its own with any city its size in choices for eateries.

The oldest restaurant in the Grand Rapids area is The Cottage Bar. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

That’s all suddenly changed and Dan Verhil, the owner of the iconic Cottage Bar — the oldest restaurant in Grand Rapids — said he feels for any restaurateur who had the misfortune of opening up just prior to the pandemic. Since opening in 1927 and with Verhil’s ownership since 1980, The Cottage Bar has had plenty of time to establish a routine clientele.  
“Our customers thank us for staying around,” Verhil said. The Cottage Bar has had to alter its menu to the items Verhil believes will travel best. The restaurant still offers a small, but cozy outdoor seating area to accommodate diners who want to still experience a sit-down restaurant. 

 While 93 years of existence does make The Cottage Bar’s  roots run deep, Verhil recognizes big changes sweeping through the industry.   
“Dining out has been becoming more casual over the years,” Verhil said. “It used to be in the 70s and 80s that dining out was a special occasion, but now it’s pretty casual,” he said.

Verhil also pointed out that the take-out trend has been increasing even before the pandemic.

“It used to be 15 percent of our business,” he said, “but now it’s at 50 percent and climbing. So much so that we’re going to be launching a mobile way for ordering.”

The Cottage Bar has also seen a significant change in to-go packaging where the industry has invested in better technologies, pointing out the example of how fries used to stay crisp for just 10 minutes, but now can hold for up to 40 minutes.

The one thing Verhil pointed out is even though take-out is growing and drive through restaurants seemed perfectly situated for a pandemic situation, take-out and drive through will not replace the dining experience.

“A take-out window just can’t do that,” he said. “Inside you have a server making suggestions from food to wine. It’s all part of that experience.”  
Fellows over at Pietro’s adds to that saying that customers have shown their appreciation for the dine-in experience by being very gracious to the servers.

And whether it’s take-out or dine-in, all seem to agree that if anything, the near seismic shifts in the industry over the last few months have taught them all to be better and to think creatively in order to survive. Advertising guru William Bernback said it best when he said that “creativity is the most practical thing a business can employ.”  Any restaurateur today would readily agree. 

Calling all chalk artists: Kentwood to host ‘Chalk the Lot’ family fun weekend Aug. 28-30

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, ,
The City of Kentwood’s “Chalk the Lot” will allow families to create their own art projects. (WKTV historic photo)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood’s Park and Recreation Department has come up with an artistically colorful way to show off the Veterans Memorial Park’s new playground, splash pad and concession stand.

Can you say ‘chalk art fun’ for all?

The city will host a free family event the weekend of Aug. 28-30 appropriately titled “Chalk the Lot”, when families can gain supplied chalk, get assigned blocks in the park’s parking lot, and go to town with their own art projects.

The Kentwood Activities Center and Veterans Memorial Park is located at 355 48th St SE. Registration for chalk art blocks are available, and the public is invited to view the artwork even if they did not create it — practicing proper social distancing, of course.
 

“We’re excited to host our first ever Chalk the Lot,” Spencer McKellar, lead recreation program coordinator for the Park and Recreation Department, said to WKTV. “It’s a great opportunity for families to take part in a free event, enjoy the summer weather, and check out the amenities at Veterans Memorial Park.”

McKellar came up with the idea, shared it with the staff, and the first-ever such event came together, according to Laura Barbrick, marketing and events coordinator for the parks department.

There are not set specific times for art creation, so that families can come whenever it is convenient for them, according to the city. The event will begin on Friday, Aug. 29, at noon and will end on Sunday evening.

The city asks families to register in advance so they can get an assigned spot and pick up the chalk for the event. Chalk must be picked up at the Kentwood Activities Center the week leading up to the event during business hours (Monday through Thursday, Aug. 24-27, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or Friday, Aug. 28, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Ring bell at the front door or call 616-656-5270 and a staff member will assist, Barbrick said.

For more information and to gain assignment of chalk pickup and parking lot blocks, visit the parks department Facebook page here.

Snapshots: Weekend news you need to know

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

If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.

Comedian Milton Berle, 1908-2002

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Carnival Fun

Through Sunday, Aug. 23, Celebration! Cinema South is hosting a Fair Food event in support of the Kentwood Athletic Boosters. They have elephant ears (five trucks), funnel cakes, deep fried Oreos, Lemon Shake-Ups, corn dogs, Philly steak and cheese, cheeseburgers, cotton candy, caramel apples, candy apples, popcorn, chicken nuggets, tater tots, fresh cut French fries, sausage and snow cones. The event is from noon to close (noon to 9 pm. through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday)

Sprinkle Away!!! Yeah!!!

Yep! Betty, Sue and Johnny can now run through the sprinklers as the City of Wyoming announced it had completed the repair of the larger of two transmission water mains. Through the efforts of its customers, who reduced their water demand by half along with the quick work of the contractors, the main was fixed in about a week and half with the ban being lifted on Wednesday and the city announcing “Sprinkle Away.”

Go On an Art Walk

Disappointment reigned supreme when it was announced that COVID-19 had put the kibosh on this year’s ArtPrize activities. As others scrambled to fill in the gaps, we discovered there is quite a bit of art — both new and old — for any resident to take their own art tour through downtown Grand Rapids. WKTV Intern Shallom Kimanzi offers up her own art walk through downtown, where she discovers just how much art downtown Grand Rapids has to offer.

Fun Fact: Where does the name August come from?

In the original Rome calendar, August was called Sextilis because it was the sixth month of the year. When January and February was added, it became the eighth month with Julius Caesar adding two more days to the month so it had 31 days. Later, it was renamed to honor Rome’s first emperor Caesar Augustus, who was Julius Caesar’s adopted son and heir.

WKTV Journal Sports Connection talks Kelloggsville athletics with new AD, past and present football coaches

3-bottom, Area Education, Education, Going Local, Local Faces, Sports, WKTV Journal In Focus, WKTV Journal Sports Connection, ,

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Sports’ new sports show focused on local high school sports, WKTV Journal Sports Connection, WKTV volunteer sports announcer Greg Yoder catches us up on the Kelloggsville High School athletics.

Kelloggsville athletic director Eric Alcorn and coach Brandon Branch. (WKTV)

Yoder talks with the Rockets’ new athletic director Eric Alcorn and with new head football coach Brandon Branch — and Coach Branch is no stranger to the Kelloggsville program having been involved with the Rockets football coaching staff for more than a decade, including being varsity defensive coordinator for eight years. We talk about what’s new at Kelloggsville, and about the uncertainly surrounding Michigan’s high school football season.

Recently retired Kelloggsville high football coach Don Galster. (WKTV)

Also on the episode is special segment on Don Galster, who was the head football coach for the Rockets for 30 years before his retirement early this year, talking about his years of coaching at Kelloggsville and a few memorable moments.

Additionally, we produced a print/online story that goes into more detail on Galster, what he plans to do now that he’s left the Rockets’ sideline and a football game memory that still brings him to tears.

This fall, WKTV Journal Sports Connection be bringing its audience interviews and stories focused on local Wyoming and Kentwood area high schools sports, both on cable television and on our YouTube channel. Readers can catch up on all our local sports coverage by visiting WKTVjournal.com/sports.

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

All about the kids: Coach Galster reflects on 30-year relationship with Kelloggsville football, what’s next

3-bottom, Area Education, Education, Going Local, Local Faces, Sports, WKTV Featured sports, WKTV Journal Sports Connection, , ,

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Coach Don Galster readily admits, reflecting on 37 years of coaching high school football including a 30-year stint as head coach at Kelloggsville High School, that he remembers the wins and losses, the big games and the private moments. But it was the kids, the endless stream of Rockets, that kept the job fun.

And after last season, when he decided to hand the ball off to another, and to take a “tough to turn down” job offer as a junior varsity softball coach at Aquinas College, it was also driven by the kids. His and his wife, Sue, have three girls — Nicole, Brittany and Taylor — each of whom played softball and whom he coached in school and in travel ball.

“It was a great career (at Kelloggsville) and it is awesome to look back and see what has been done,” Galster, who also taught physical education at Kelloggsville for 31 years, said to WKTV recently. “It’s the love of just working with kids every day. I throughly enjoyed it. Watching the football program grow. Watching the Kelloggsville community grow. It has come a long ways in 30 years, let me tell you.”

But after three decades, it was time to let go and move on.

“You get that feeling,” he said. “Last year became more of grind — not that I didn’t love football and love the kids, and watching them grow and develop. But I always told my wife, when it got to be the point where I was not having as much fun, it was time to step away. Let somebody a little younger to have a shot at it.”

And that somebody is new head coach Brandon Branch, who spent a decade on Galster’s staff.

“Coach Branch is going to do a great job,” Galster said. “He has a great knowledge of the game. He has enthusiasm with the kids. The kids relate to him very well. He is going to be a great leader. … I’ve watched him grow as a coach and it’s his time.”

(See an WKTV interview with Coach Branch, and new Kelloggsville athletic director Eric Alcorn, on the latest episode of WKTV Journal Sports Connection.)

Memories, and a special moment, on the Rockets’ field

When in comes to memorable games on the Rockets’ field, leading his 30 Rockets teams, there is no shortage of memories for Galster.

The Rockets at practice in 2018. (WKTV)

The Rockets were 10-1 in 2009 and 2017, and won the school’s first playoff game in program history in 2009 — in that season, one game, was played in a driving rainstorm with a quarterback who could throw strikes “in a hurricane,” he said, during an interview on the Rockets’ field.

Then there was his first game as a head coach, against Hopkins, a five-overtime battle “we could have won … but it didn’t happen,” he said. “But we were able to get them back. It was the year 2000, we beat them in triple overtime, down at that end zone (pointing down the field), we blocked a field goal.”

And, of course, there was the 2017 team. Kelloggsville scored a school record 451 points that season, then beat Godwin Heights in the postseason before losing to eventual Division 4 state champion Catholic Central, 45-34, in the district finals.

“The 2017 game, versus Catholic Central, the playoffs, where — I still feel — we were the two best teams in the state of Michigan in Division 4. We got  down by quite a bit an our kids battled back … (but) they nosed us out in the second half. That was a great game.”

But, Galster confided, there is one game that was particular emotional.
 

“One game that always brings a tear to my eye,” he said. “It was 1995. We were a .500 team, you know, and we were playing Comstock Park. We scored with inside a minute and half, a minute, to win the game. My wife was pregnant with my youngest daughter, and the weekend prior she had some complications. … It gets  down to Friday and the doctor says she could not go the game. … We are all celebrating at the end (after the win). She had parked over at the 48th Street park and she sneaked in. And I turned around, celebrating with the team, and there she was. It always chokes me up.”

Moving on to another coaching experience

Galster’s move to softball coaching, at the college level, may seem a strange landing sport for a longtime football coach, but people who know him well probably would say “That’s Coach.”

His softball coaching experience includes 10 years as a head softball coach for the Grand Rapids Blaze at 18U, 16U and 14U levels, according to the Aquinas sports website. He also served as an assistant varsity softball coach at East Kentwood High School for 12 years.

“I’ve done football for 37 years … but softball, stepping into a different arena, increasing my knowledge of the game,” is what he’s looking forward to, he said. “I have three daughters. They played softball and that is how I learned the game. I coached them in high school and travel ball. It has become my second passion.

“Football is always going to be my passion. … (But) athletes are athletes. Hopefully they are going to work hard, they are going to trust you as a coach. You show them respect and they will show you respect.”

And so it comes full circle: showing respect from the kids, gaining the respect of the kids — remembering the kids — for Coach Galster, that is what it will always be about.

County’s small business recovery grant program reports progress, more funds available

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Food, Going Local, Health, Local Business, WKTV Projects,
Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce video.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Kent County and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, on Aug. 18,  announced the current status of the Kent County Small Business Recovery Grants fund, a program which intends to use $25 million in federal CARES Act funds to provide grants — not loans — to county small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a Zoom press conference, it was announced that the program has received 2,112 applications and 1,318 businesses have qualified for short-term economic relief grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Qualifying businesses are those which have suffered lost business and income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In June, the Kent County Board of Commissioners approved a plan to disperse the $25 million CARES Act dollars — a portion of the $94.2 million approved for allocation from the $114.6 the county has received for pandemic relief — to small businesses in the form of grants and technical assistance. The board also selected the Grand Rapids chamber to be the application, review and selection recommendation organization for the small business grants.

To date, 721 grant checks totaling $5.9 million have been mailed to small businesses throughout Kent County, according to information supplied during the Zoom press conference. Another $4.4 million will be distributed to approximately 597 businesses as soon as the required paperwork is complete. So less than half the total $25 million has been distributed or earmarked for distribution.

“Our small businesses are struggling through no fault of their own as a result of the pandemic,” Mandy Bolter, Kent County Board of Commissioner Chair, said in supplied material. “We worked quickly to get aid into their hands to help keep the economy moving and protect the jobs of our friends, families and neighbors. While we have more work to do, I’m thankful for the efforts of my fellow commissioners, business groups, community members, and county staff who successfully implemented the first round of grants.”
 

According to information compiled and released by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, overall and using the chamber designations, the list of 1,318 awardees is comprised of 36.6 percent White/Caucasian, 12.9 percent Hispanic/Latino, 21.4 percent African American/Black, 13.3 percent Asian, 1.4 percent Middle Eastern, 8 percent multi-racial, and .2 percent Native American businesses. Additionally, 6.3 percent of applicants did not indicate their racial or ethnic classification.

The fund is designed to support for-profit businesses with 0 to 25 full-time equivalent employees located in Kent County. It is also focused on businesses that have not been able to access to, or have been declined for, other local, state, or federal relief funds, or “need additional support to weather this crisis,” according to the chamber’s website.

“Our team at the Grand Rapids Chamber has worked purposefully to provide assistance to applicants to ensure business owners have a smooth application process,” Dante Villarreal, vice president of business and talent development at the chamber, said in supplied material. “The need for this relief is critical, and we are working to ensure this funding is allocated quickly and efficiently.”

During the Aug. 17 Zoom press conference, Villarreal said there are about 5-6 weeks remaining in program, and that the chamber is now focused on bars and restaurants to reach out to with information. He also said the average award was about $8,000, and that service based industry is largest grant recipients, at about 49 percent.

Villarreal also emphasized that not only is grant funding still available, but qualification verification and application assistance from chamber staff is available as well.

One local small business which has benefited from the grant program, and the assistance of the chamber, is Mod Bettie Portrait Boutique.

Elise Kutt, of Mod Bettie Portrait Studio, discussed the value of her gaining a grant from the Kent County Small Business Recovery Grants program. (from a GR Area Chamber of Commerce video)

“At the beginning, when COVID struck, I had no idea what we were going to do,” Elise Kutt, founder of Mod Bettie, said in a chamber-produced video. “Receiving this grant, for my business, allowed me the ability to take care of business … The unknown is the scariest part, and now I feel so much relief and I am able to put my time and energy back into what I am really good at.”

(WKTV profiled Mod Bettie Portrait Studio early this year in a feature story.)

Villarreal also said chamber staff is available to provide technical assistance, including cost-cutting measures, six-month cashflow projection, analysis with a business consultant, creditor recommendation review, and connections to other critical resources.
 

A full list of grant recipients is available on the Grand Rapids chamber’s website. For complete application information visit here.

Traffic Tuesday Answer: School Bus Lights

3-bottom, City of Wyoming

By Jenni Eby
City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety

Traffic Tuesday Question: School Bus Lights. Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.

You’re driving behind a school bus when its overhead (upper) yellow lights begin flashing. What should you do?

1) Proceed with caution around the bus

2) Prepare to stop behind the bus

3) I’m not sure after last week’s question, I’ll check back Thursday for the answer!

Answer: The answer is prepare to stop! Treat school buses like traffic lights. If the overhead flashing yellow lights are activated, the bus is preparing to stop and you should too (if you’re following behind the bus, you should be able to stop with no problems). If the overhead red lights are on, you need to stop behind the bus.

If the lower flashing yellow hazard lights are activated, you can proceeded around the bus with caution. No matter what lights are flashing, always keep an eye out for kids or people running across the roadway!

Wyoming lifts sprinkling ban

3-bottom, City of Wyoming
Drone footage from Ottawa County of the water main repair. (City of Wyoming)

By Joanne Baiely-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming has completed the unplanned emergency repair on the larger of two water transmission mains and lifted the Sprinkling Ban at 11 p.m. Wednesday night. The repair, which began the morning of Aug. 11, impacted 13 West Michigan communities. Good weather and hard work from two contractors, Kamminga & Roodvoets and Prein & Newhof, allowed the project to be completed ahead of schedule, restoring full water capacity to the 230,000 people served by Wyoming’s system.

 

Together, the two water transmission mains can carry up to 104 million gallons of clean, drinkable water each day. During the repair, the larger of the two transmission lines was out of service and the water system capacity was limited to about 35 million gallons of water per day. To maintain safe water and avoid boil advisories that are issued when a total loss of water pressure occurs, a Sprinkling Ban was put in place.

“The ban was so that when people turned on the facet they would not just get a trickle of water, or worst yet, no water at all,” said Myron Erickson, director of the city’s Department of Public Works, at the city council meeting on Aug. 17.

With summer water demand at 70 million gallons per day on average, customers were collectively asked to reduce their water consumption by more than 35 million gallons per day, which could be accomplished through observing the Sprinkling Ban. The ban was a success. The West Michigan communities served by the plant showed up for each other by reducing the average daily demand on the Wyoming Treatment Plant to an average of 33.6 million gallons per day. This was achieved by complying with the Sprinkling Ban and helping spread the message about the emergency repair.

“We want to thank all of the water customers who did their part to pause their sprinkling habits, reduce water consumption, and help us spread the message to their neighbors, family, and friends. It’s rare to have an unplanned repair like this and to happen during peak demand was not ideal. We were in a serious situation that could have resulted in boil advisories,” Erickson said. “Fortunately, with the help of our amazing community members actively conserving water and our municipal partnerships, we were able to maintain our water pressure and provide clean, potable water throughout the nine-day repair.”

Staff at the Wyoming Treatment Plant acted quickly to address this unexpected, emergency repair. Erickson said, “going from a report of a suspected leak to a completed repair in less than three weeks is a fast turnaround for a water transmission main this size. Typically, these replacement parts are made to order and can take three weeks to make and deliver to the site. Luckily, one matching the size needed was found in Indiana. Ultimately, the success of this repair could not have been accomplished without intercommunity action to reduce water demand and a highly efficient and professional contractor.”

 

After nine days of repairs, the emergency project is finished. By completing five days ahead of schedule, the Sprinkling Ban has been lifted earlier than anticipated. The efforts by the entire community helped maintain adequate water pressure, avoiding the serious risk of depressurization and boil advisories. 

For more information about the transmission main repair, visit www.wyomingmi.gov/SprinklingBan.

Amway River Bank organizers announce virtual race this fall

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This year’s Amway River Bank run will be virtual. (Supplied/Amway River Bank Run)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

After careful consideration and consult with health professionals, including health partner Spectrum Health, Amway River Bank Run organizers have decided to transition the 2020 event to a virtual race. The safety of the runners, volunteers and supporters is at the center of this difficult decision. The social distancing required to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of many events nationwide, so the Amway River Bank Run is no exception.

Race organizers are still planning a celebratory event for participants of all the races (5K, 10K and 25K), however.  Drive-thru festivities will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Millennium Park in Walker.

“We fully acknowledge the inconvenience that our initial delay from May to October and now the cancellation of the in-person event has caused, but we have been working tirelessly to ensure that the Amway River Bank Run can happen in some way, so we felt the virtual format was best,” said Russ Hines, owner, River Bank Events and Media, and owner of the run. “COVID-19 has forced us to rethink how we celebrate our runners’ accomplishments. We feel that the Millennium Park event will honor the tradition of the Amway River Bank Run.”

All virtual race participants who submit their race times at www.amwayriverbankrun.com are invited to participate in the celebration. Runners will receive a 2020 Amway River Bank Run participant shirt, finisher’s medal and other race swag. There will even be opportunities for participants to have their photo taken with a special Amway River Bank Run backdrop while remaining in their vehicle.

Amway River Bank Run race director David Madiol has been touched by the outpouring of support organizers have received from the community these past few months.

“Thank you to the West Michigan community for its ongoing support during this trying time,” said Madiol, who oversees all corporate social responsibility activities for Amway in addition to serving as race director. “Our partners at Spectrum Health and Fifth Third Bank have been so understanding of all the unfortunate pivots we’ve had to make this year, but they, along with so many other sponsors, elite athletes and vendors have all rallied around to make sure the spirit of the Amway River Bank Run continues forward in 2020.”

“If there is one thing we learned in the first 40 years, it’s that runners are dedicated to their sport and they show-up in sun, rain, sleet and snow,” said Scott Stenstrom, marketing and communications director at Fifth Third Bank. “I hope the spirit of this tradition will encourage them to complete their event virtually and join us at the drive-thru celebration.” 

Spectrum Health President & CEO Tina Freese Decker shared that health and safety is a priority. “Spectrum Health is committed to the health and wellness of our communities. Spectrum Health and our orthopedic team encourage runners and walkers to safely participate in the virtual race this year, and we look forward to playing an integral part in future Amway River Bank Runs,” she said.

Individuals who registered for the Oct. 24 race will receive details on how to transfer to the virtual race or defer to the May 8, 2021, race.

Anyone interested in receiving race details can sign up for an email newsletter at https://amwayriverbankrun.com/enews-signup/. Questions can be emailed to runinfo@amwayriverbankrun.com.

Wyoming’s first female planning commissioner, longtime city historian dies

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming
In February, Former Wyoming resident and historian Dorothy Simon-Tibbe (left) and Faith Hospice volunteer Elaine Martin look over one of the Wyoming history books that Dorothy helped wrote. (Photo by WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming’s first female Planning Commission member and beloved historian Dorothy Simon-Tibbe died Aug. 11. She was 88 years old.

During Monday night’s meeting, Mayor Jack Poll remembered Simon-Tibbe, who had been the city’s first female Planning Commissioner and had served on the Wyoming Historical Commission.

“Dorothy was deeply involved in community and served in several study committees and events like the Rodeo and many other pursuits,” Poll said. “We are grateful for Dorothy’s service and know her legacy will serve as a testimonial to others.”

On a personal note, Poll said he had gotten to now Simon-Tibbe when he owned Pfieffer Pharmacy on Burton Street. In fact, he remembered receiving a note from her only a few months ago about something she had saw in Wyoming and would miss that.

“Dorothy challenged the city to honor its history, while being proactive in its development,” said City of Wyoming Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt. “She was a champion of city’s economic progress and land development through her appointment as the City’s first female Planning Commissioner. Throughout her life, she forested great passion for the preservation of Wyoming’s history by being a member of our Historical Commission and publisher of the City’s history books. We will miss her greatly.”

Simon-Tibbe helped to co-author two history books on the City of Wyoming: “Wilderness to Wyoming” and “A City of Wyoming: A History.” She also wrote a book for her family “Hoe Your Own Row.”

On the Wyoming Historical Room’s Facebook page it talked about Simon-Tibbe’s dedication to the city’s history in that she was “instrumental in the publishing of Wyoming’s two history books, spending hundreds of hours typing out stories and doing interviews.”

For the City of Wyoming, Simon-Tibbe also served on Mayor Wiest’s Study Committee, Mayor Eardley’s Urban Renewal Study, Wyoming City Census Board, Rodeo Board, Festival Committee, and City Manager Mason’s DDFA. Considering the number of city committees she had been on, Simon-Tibbe once joked that “I knew every mayor and city council member…at least who was in my age bracket.” 

She also was Mrs. Santa for 25 years for special needs functions, a reporter for the Wyoming Advocate/South Kent News, WERX Radio Girl Friday, served on the Beckmaze Historical Society in the City of Wyoming, and was a reporter for the WKTV Journal. 

In her last interview with the WKTV Journal in February, Simon-Tibbe acknowledged she had no regrets.

“I have had such an incredible life,” she said. “As I look at the end of life, I am not bother by it at all. I married two wonderful husbands, had five wonderful children by birth, three foster children, 19 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.”

Simon-Tibbe was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert A. Simon and James Tibbe.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oasis of Hope Center, 522 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (ohcgr.org) 

Traffic Tuesday Question: School Bus Lights

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming,

By Officer Jenni Eby
City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety

Traffic Tuesday Question: School Bus Lights. Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.

You’re driving behind a school bus when its overhead (upper) yellow lights begin flashing. What should you do?

1) Proceed with caution around the bus

2) Prepare to stop behind the bus

3) I’m not sure after last week’s question, I’ll check back Thursday for the answer!

Check back on Thursday to learn the answer!

Wyoming [re]Imagined sets community-driven framework for growth

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, ,
City of Wyoming residents ponder the question “Wyoming would be better if…” at the May 2 master plan workshop.

By Nicole Hofert
City of Wyoming

On Monday, the Wyoming City Council voted to open the 63-day public comment period for the community-driven Master Plan, Wyoming [re]Imagined. The draft plan forms a framework for future growth and reinvestment in the City of Wyoming. Upon final approval, it will inform how planning decisions are made related to land-use, infrastructure, transportation, parks, recreation, housing and more. During the public comment period, the City invites community members to review the plan and provide comments on the goals, objectives, policies, and programs it includes that will guide how the City will develop over the next 15 to 20 years.

As the blueprint for the City, the planning process for this draft Master Plan was intentionally developed to bring community voice and needs to the forefront. The City is committed to involving residents, businesses, developers, stakeholders, and workers in every step of the process. A 20-member steering committee made up of representatives from local school districts, commissions, neighborhoods, businesses, and partner agencies helped to ensure the plan is reflective of the community’s vision. Community outreach activities included workshops, focus groups, interviews, special event outreach, online questionnaires, social media, and more.

“The input we received from the community outreach initiatives formed the foundation of the plan. Our community knows Wyoming and what it wants for our future. They want to see affordable housing options, flourishing economic development, and preservation and activation of our public parks,” says Mayor Jack Poll. “This public comment period is hugely important. It gives the community a chance to come forward and tell us if the document reflects what they told us before formal adoption.”

The Wyoming [re]Imagined document explores multiple topics including a new Land Use Map,  and Special Area Plans, as well as chapters on Residential Areas, Economic Development, Community Facilities, Transportation and Mobility, and Parks, Open Space, and Recreation. Each section details what community stakeholders and residents want to see in Wyoming’s future and how the collective vision is implemented.

To view the draft plan and provide feedback, visit www.wyomingmi.gov/reimagined.

Commissioner Harold Voorhees, soon to leave elected office, visits WKTV Journal In Focus

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

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

This fall the residents of the City of Wyoming will select a new 8th District representative on the Kent County Board of Commissioners. But before that happens, WKTV Journal In Focus sat down with Wyoming’s current commissioner, Harold Voorhees. But serving the local community on the county body is only latest of a nearly four decade career for the long-time public servant.

As he prepares to leave office — and we all find our what’s next in his public service life —  WKTV Journal In Focus sat down with Mr. Voohees. We talked about his last months of his nearly two-decade tenure serving Wyoming and Kent County, about his leadership work within City of Wyoming beginning in the late 1980s as a councilman and as the city’s mayor, and then his three terms in Lansing as a state representative.

While he will not be on the ballot this November, as he declined to seek reelection, he hinted about what’s next as we talked about his decision, his pubic service, and, of course, those cookies.

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

Woodland Mall teams with parent company’s ‘sMALL Surprises’ effort for unique back-to-school program

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Local Business, Woodland Mall, ,
One of Woodland Mall’s entrances. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The parent company of Kentwood’s Woodland Mall, PREIT, announced this week the launch of “sMALL Surprises”, a “first-of-its-kind curated shopping program from a mall owner/operator for the 2020 back-to-school season.”

Launched timed for the second busiest shopping season of the year, the curated packs will be customized for individual students — handpicking items from PREIT malls — to help students in grades K-8 prepare for school. The program is similar to subscription-based boxes from stand-alone retailers, according to the announcement.

“Woodland Mall is excited to offer this first-of-its-kind shopping program just in time for the back-to-school season,” Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, said to WKTV. “Each pack includes a delightful element of surprise with hand-selected products students need for whatever their schooling situation may be, making back-to-school shopping fun and easy for time-strapped families from the comfort of their home.”

The initiative offers shoppers the benefit of Woodland Mall’s collection of brands without going to the mall.

 

According to the announcement, sMALL Surprises marks PREIT’s first foray into the e-commerce space, “bridging online and offline shopping channels to better support both its customers and tenants.

“The blending of physical and digital in the modern retail environment has been critical to success, particularly as the industry continues to evolve and navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. While the 2020 back-to-school season may look different throughout the country, these curated packs are designed to offer goodies customized for any child — whether they’re in the classroom or learning from home.”

Each sMALL Surprise pack will contain a mix of items, according to the announcement, including “a selection of sensory toys/games, trendy accessories, sanitizing necessities, activity cards, stickers, and a few cool school supplies.”

Shoppers will visit SmallSurprises.Shop to select from two different pack options and then a short quiz that will help a professional stylist create a curated surprise pack. Once customized, the pack will be delivered direct-to-consumer anywhere in the United States.

Uncovering the importance of Degage’s Open Doors shelter through the Pillowcase Project

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,
Area residents come together to help create pillowcases for the Dégagé Ministires’ Project Pillowcase. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Smile. Love. Stay Strong. One day after at a time.

These are the words of hope and encouragement that area residents have been painting on pillowcases as part of the Dégagé Ministries’ Pillowcase Project.

Started as a 2020 ArtPrize exhibit, the Pillowcase Project is designed to honor the more than 4,700 women who have accessed the Dégagé Ministries Open Door Women’s Center since it opened in 2003. 

“We really wanted to do something to reflect the number of women who have come here and received helped through Open Door,” said Bob Kreter, marketing manager for Dégagé Ministries. 

While the 2020 ArtPrize has been cancelled, the Pillowcase Project is moving forward as part of The Bridge GR event scheduled from Sept. 10 – Oct. 1. With that in mind, project organizers are hoping community involvement will help them collect the needed 4,700 decorated pillowcases by Sept. 2.

“We are about half way through the process and we have about three more weeks to go,” Kreter said, adding that they still need about 2,000 more pillowcases.

Participants are encouraged to used fabric paint to decorate pillowcases. (Supplied)

All of the pillowcases will be displayed at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, located in front of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in downtown Grand Rapids, from Sept. 10 – Oct. 1, which Kreter noted Dégagé was “honored” to have been given the entire Ah-Nab-Awen Park for this project. It is hoped that the display will create a powerful narrative concern the increasing number of women facing homelessness, a number, according to Kreter, that Dégagé expects a surge in need due to factors related to COVID-19.

Open Door is a women’s shelter that provides a safe haven during overnight hours for adult women in crisis. Women, who are 18 or older, can also scheduled to stay at the shelter with most coming in at 7 p.m., staying the night, and getting up at 6 a.m. to leave by 7:30 a.m. Kreter noted that the program is much more than just an overnight shelter.

“We walk along side of those who come to the shelter,” Kreter said. “We work with those who come here to help them find a place to live, a job. We try to discover what are the hurdles they face and then set them up so they can be more self sufficient with their lives.”

Completed pillowcases need to be turned in by Sept. 2. (Supplied)

Dégagé’s Ministry’s Open Door Women Center has been one of the more well known aspects of the organization which was founded in 1967.

Those interested in participating can decorate a new or gently used pillowcase. Most people are using fabric paints for the project. Dégagé does ask participants to refrain from using glitter or other fragile materials in decorating pillowcases.

Pillowcases need to be dropped off by Sept. 2 to any of the following locations: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Friday and 7 a.m. – noon Saturday and Sunday at Dégagé Ministries, 144 S. Division Ave.; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Lions & Rabbis Center for the Arts, 1264 Plainfield Ave. NE; or various Lake Michigan Credit Unions. For more information about the project, click here. 

Longtime local judge William G. Kelly, soon to leave office, visits WKTV Journal In Focus

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Crime Prevention, Going Local, Local Faces, Local History, WKTV Journal In Focus,

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

This fall the residents of the City of Kentwood will select a new judge for the 62 B District Court. But before that happens, WKTV Journal In Focus sat down with Judge William G. Kelly, who after more than 40 years on the bench of Kentwood’s district court will be giving up his seat this year due to state law mandated age restrictions.

Judge Kelly has served the Kentwood community as the city’s first and only district court judge since 1979, following his father, Joseph Kelly, who served as Kentwood’s municipal judge from 1971 to 1979. Judge Kelly is also known as a historian of Michigan’s court system, and will we talk with him about how courts have changed over the years, especially the District court system, which is often called the public’s court.

On In Focus, Judge Kelly talks about the changes his court has seen over the years, both in technology and jurisprudence, as well as his offering a bit of advice to the person who will take his gavel.

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

New robotic surgery system, ‘a quantum leap forward,’ will include outpatient procedures

3-bottom, City of Wyoming,
Metro Health recently acquired two da Vinci Xi robotic systems, state of the art technology that allows smaller incisions, greater precision, fewer complications and less pain for patients. Supplied/Metro Health)

By Jamie Allen
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health

With its latest expansion and update of robotic surgery capabilities, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health becomes the first health care system in West Michigan to offer the newest generation of this minimally invasive robotic option in an outpatient setting.

Metro Health recently acquired two da Vinci Xi robotic systems, state of the art technology that allows smaller incisions, greater precision, fewer complications and less pain for patients. One of the systems will be used at the main hospital in Wyoming. The other system will be available for outpatient procedures at the Health Park East Surgery Center, 4055 Cascade Road SE.

The equipment gives surgeons a 3-D view inside the body. Working from a console, surgeons guide precise movement of the robotic system’s tiny instruments, with far greater range of movement than possible with the human hand.

Metro Health’s first generation of da Vinci robotics was funded through a donation by local philanthropists Tom and Mickie Fox. (Supplied/Metro Health)

This technology builds on a tradition of surgical innovation at Metro Health, which has offered robotic surgery for more than a decade, said Dr. Ronald Grifka, Chief Medical Officer, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.

“The Xi system is a quantum leap forward in technology,” Grifka said. “Our surgeons are poised to have another advantage in the treatment of our patients.”

Metro Health’s first generation of da Vinci robotics was funded through a donation by local philanthropists Tom and Mickie Fox. The addition of the Xi robotic systems was made possible through a $1M grant from the Metro Health Hospital Foundation.

“We are grateful to the foundation and its donors, who once again are helping our non-profit health system advance patient care for West Michigan,” said Grifka. “We are especially pleased that we can now offer this option for outpatient procedures.”

The versatility of the Xi system allows it to be used in a wide range of procedures, including prostatectomy, other urological surgeries, thoracic surgery, hysterectomy, additional gynecological surgeries, general surgery and ENT procedures.

“This Xi equipment is the latest example of our innovations in minimally invasive procedures, which promote speedier recoveries, reduced pain and less need for narcotics,” Grifka said. “Whenever patients are facing surgery, we are pleased to have options that help them get back to their lives sooner.”

Wyoming Public Schools set to offer in-person or ‘more rigorous’ remote learning after 2-week ramp-up period

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education,
Wyoming High School. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Wyoming Public Schools Board of Education last week approved a Return to School Plan which details that students will begin the 2020-21 school year Aug. 25, but students of parents who choose that their children receive in-school classroom education will not be in school and in class until Sept. 8 at the earliest.

Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra. (Supplied)

“I am thankful for the many administrators, staff members, parents, and community members who worked together on such an important plan,” Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra said in an Aug. 10 letter to the community, shared with WKTV. “The WPS Safe Start Reentry Plan … is a result of much thoughtful planning and preparation that centers around the health, safety, and well-being of our students, staff, and families.

“We know that in this unprecedented time of COVID-19, providing families with the choice between in-person and virtual learning allows you to choose what you feel is best for your student(s) and family, while still supporting their academic progress. It is my hope that when you read through the plan, your questions are answered and you are assured we are committed to supporting your child(ren) academically, while taking necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.”

Last week’s letter also reiterated that the first two weeks of remote learning “are not intended to be a (remote learning) trial period,” echoing a letter from the Superintendent’s office which was sent to WPS families on Aug. 4, when parents were asked to select their choice for their students to begin the school either in-class or virtually by Aug. 10.

“What you select by August 10 is your intent for either the first quarter (K-4th grade), or the first semester (5th-12th grade) of the school year,” Superintendent Hoekstra said in the Aug. 4 letter. “Beginning September 8, students will participate in either in-person or 100 percent virtual learning based on what families chose when registering their child(ren).

 

The WPS plan is the result of the work of five subcommittees, working on specific areas, which made recommendations to the WPS Safe Schools Committee on how the district would meet Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s guidelines for a safe return for staff and students.

One of the specific items addressed in the Return to School Plan was changes from the quickly implemented spring 2020 remote-learning system to this fall’s remote-learning system.

“Although some aspects of remote learning will be similar to our students’ experiences in the spring of 2020 (following school closure in March), there will be meaningful differences in expectations, structure, and rigor of remote learning during the 2020-21 school year,” according to the plan document, also shared with WKTV.

Among the changes made for those students being taught remotely are, according to the plan document, increased accountability in areas such as attendance, grading and schedule — including a set schedule with more structure — as well as ongoing assessment and feedback, and a “single learning management system for instruction, assignments and communication.”

The plan document also details issues such as health and safety, including health screenings, the requirement for social distancing and face coverings, and personal hygiene. It also details some non-classroom facets of education such as technology availability, transporting via bus, food services, and safety during athletics and activities.

The district also set up a question and answer link on its website to deal with specific questions and concerns from parents.

For more information on the Wyoming Public Schools plan and its Q&A page, visit WyomingPS.org.

Snapshots: A few things you can do this weekend

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org



Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson



Go Baby Shower Shopping!

So they have been a little busy at the John Ball Zoo with a lot of new arrivals. To celebrate, the Zoo is hosting a baby shower. The Anthony Poison arrow frog is looking for a new aquarium and some plants while the Goeldi’s monkeys (pictured above) are hoping for some toys and a flat screen TV (great for stimulation on those cold winter days.) For a complete list of gifts, visit https://www.jbzoo.org/babyshower. Also on Aug. 18. there will be fun baby shower activities at the zoo. For more information, visit www.jbzoo.org.

Check out Outbreak

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is currently hosting the Smithsonian exhibit, “Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World.” The exhibit features informative panels and videos that cover outbreaks such as Zika, Ebola, Influenza and new information pertaining to COVID-19. It also will include video from the Museum’s own COVID-19 collection. For more information, visit grpm.org.

Two for the Price of One

Grand Rapids Art Museum (supplied).

By the way, if you have a membership to the John Ball Zoo, you can get into the Grand Rapids Art Museum for free during the entire month of August. (It is the same for GRAM members who can get into the John Ball Zoo for free for August.) And this Saturday is Family Day at the GRAM from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be lots of family activities and docent tours. For more information, visit artmuseumgr.org.

Fun Fact: Hot Dog!

According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume more than 150 million hot dogs on July 4 which if laid from end-to-end would stretch from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles five times. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Americans consume 7 billion hot dogs or about 818 hot dogs every second. That’s a lot of dogs!

Walkable communities, city center all part of Wyoming’s proposed master plan

3-bottom, City of Wyoming
Along Porter and Lee streets is a small neighborhood node that offers retail and restaurants that residents can walk to.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Along the corner of Porter and Lee streets is an example of what the City of Wyoming residents would like to see throughout Wyoming — small commercial neighbors where residents could walk to a grocery store, restaurant or even to work.

The neighborhood node concept is just one of the outcomes after months of discussion and meetings to develop the city’s new Master Plan, which will be unveiled to the public at the Wyoming City Council’s Monday, Aug. 17, meeting. This is the council’s second on-the-road meeting which will be at 7 p.m. at the SpartanNash YMCA, 5722 Metro Way SW, right off of Gezon Parkway.

The city’s current master plan is about 14 years old and was revised about eight years ago in 2012. Since the revision, the city has implemented the first phase of its 28 West project, which included the redevelopment of the Wyoming Village Mall, now called 28 West Place and the construction of the new Hom Flats project on the old Studio 28 site.

Since May of 2019, the city has been working on a new master plan hosting meetings with residents and community leaders to discuss how they would “reimagine” the City of Wyoming. Along with those meetings, residents had the opportunity to share their input through an interactive website and surveys.

“We were very fortunate in that when COVID-19 hit, we were in the process of writing the plan so it did not have an impact on the process,” said Nicole Hofert, principal planner for the City of Wyoming. The consulting firm Houseal Lavigne Associates took all the comments to compile the draft proposal for the new master plan.

The city’s Planning Commission and city officials have been reviewing the draft proposal and have forwarded it on to the City Council, which is scheduled to approve the release of the draft to the public at Monday’s meeting.

Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt talks to City Planner Nicole Hofert during the May 2, 2019 master plan workshop. The city hosted several master plan meetings. (WKTV)

What does the plan include? Residents want sense of community with the creation of walkable, mixed use districts along with the establishment of a city center.

Residents want to spend more time closer to home, Hofert said. It was noted by many that the north side of the city such as Lee and Porter streets and Burton  Street and Godfrey Avenue were designed to support such community nodes with stores, restaurants, and parts to walk to. The south side of the city, such as the panhandle, have more of a suburban feel and that future development should be encouraged to be more compact and walkable.

Another idea was a thriving, pedestrian-friendly city center that would help to attract better-quality businesses into Wyoming and diversify shopping options, particularly along 28th Street. The future of Rogers Plaza was discussed along with revitalizing the area with food truck rallies, public open spaces, a community center and a farmers’ or flea market.

Another area that residents discussed, according to Hofert, was Site 36, the former location of a General Motors plant. Suggestions for the site varied with a mix of commercial, recreational and industrial, she said, adding that most resident felt the site could be redeveloped to help attract people to Wyoming and build up the South Division area. 

The Division corridor was not addressed in this plan. Hofert noted that The Rapids’ Silver Line is conducting a study on the Division corridor which runs through the cities of Grand Rapids, Wyoming and Kentwood, all of which have been working on new master plans.

A need that was demonstrated through this master plan process was for more diverse housing, Hofert said. The city has a lot of single family homes but there is a need for multi-family spaces along with affordable housing.

There is a 63-day public comment period for the proposed draft. Hofert said due to COVID-19 staff will have to facilitate public comment while following social distancing guidelines. Plans do include small workshops to be held through the community and that would be multiple opportunities to gain comment from the public. Once the public comment period closes, the Steering Committee will review the final draft. That draft will be sent to the City Council for approval, which according to the timeline, will be in December. 

New local business focuses on African-American hair, beauty products

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Owners Adrian Wiley (left) and Lydia Thomas (right) recently opened Queens Hair & Beauty Supply, located at 2035 28th St. SE. (Photo courtesy of Rich Photography)

By Meochia Nochi Thompson
Community contributor
Photos by Rich Photography

Can I just say, “Whew, there is plenty of magic in the air!”

Walking into Queens Hair & Beauty Supply, located at 2035 28th St. SE, Unit K, is like a breath of relief. First of all, how often is it that you come across a black-owned beauty supply business in Grand Rapids? It was like the owners, Adrian Wiley and Lydia Thomas, knew exactly what was wanted and very much needed.

Although there are products for almost anyone, it’s a store that understands how to deal with black hair, skin, beauty and psyche from beginning to end. When you walk in the first thing you hear is great music flowing through the speaker, which puts the shopper at further ease because it feels like home. You notice right away the store is clean. Then you’re greeted with a warm and welcoming “Hello” by one of the many helpers walking throughout the store.

The aisles are spacious giving you ample room to walk around and browse the products without feeling closed in or rushed. There are familiar brands that are popular for black hair and skin. Queens offers everything from barrettes and sunglasses to hair dyes, cosmetics and weaves.

Knowledgeable staff are all around to assist with any questions and even offer helpful recommendations, some based off personal experience. Products are placed neatly on the shelves and everyone seems very friendly and patient.

It creates a sense of pride and accomplishment for men and women of color. Even if you don’t find everything you need, you’re moved to buy something just to show love and support.

Queens Hair & Beauty Supply is clean, neat and has spacious aisles. (Photo courtesy of Rich Photography.)

Queens not only sells products, they have found a unique and uplifting way to give back to the community, which is very important when it comes to African-Americans. Space is provided in the front of the store for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their business on Saturday mornings for a minimal fee.

Queens Hair & Beauty Supply definitely will have women of color straightening their crowns and walking a little taller with its attentiveness and quality products. The store’s prices are compatible and customer service is impeccable.

As more products become available and business picks up, it will be interesting to see how much magic Queens Hair & Beauty Supply will really produce!

Although there are products for almost anyone, Queens Hair & Beauty Supply is a store that understands how to deal with black hair, skin, beauty and psyche from beginning to end. (Photo courtesy of Rich Photography.)

Traffic Tuesday Answer: School Buses

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, ,

By Officer Jenni Eby
City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety

Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety posts a question on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday. **Please do not post the answer in the comments, so that others have a chance to answer on their own** Note: the answer can be found on both the WKTV Journal website and in the community social media site Nextdoor.

This week’s question: You are behind a school bus, when it stops and activates its flashing red lights. What is the closest you can stop behind the bus?

  1. No closer than 20 feet
  2. No closer than 25 feet
  3. No closer than 35 feet
  4. No closer than 50 feet

Answer: You can be no closer than 20 feet from a school bus while the red lights are activated and flashing.

John Ball Zoo hosting animal baby shower for new arrivals

3-bottom
  • Canadian lynx
  • Anthony’s poison arrow frog
  • Goeldi’s monkey
  • Tenrec

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Red pandas, Canada lynx, tenrec, Anthony’s poison arrow frog, cotton-top tamarin, Goeldi’s monkey, and the six-banded armadillo are just some of the animals that have added to the John Ball Zoo’s population.

And with this baby boom, Zoo officials announced that they will be hosting a special “Baby Shower” day Tuesday, Aug, 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. there will be a number of ways for guests to have fun while making an impact during their visit. Guests can visit all corners of the John Bar Zoo to play Baby Shower BING. They will receive a BING card upon entering the Zoo, can play along during their visit, and when they get a BING can redeem their BINGO card at any of the Zoo’s food and beverage o gift shop locations for 15 percent off their purchase on Aug. 18.

Along with BINGO, guests can listen and learn form John Ball Zoo education and animal care staff throughout the day about the growing families at the Zoo, along with what it costs to care for the families’ at the Zoo. Also, a dollar of every souvenir cup purchased by guests on Aug. 18 at the Zoo’s food and beverage locations will support the animals’ care and conservation.

John Ball Zoo also will have opportunities online for th community participate in the baby shower. As with many baby shows. the zoo has created Amazon Wish-lists as a “gift registry” for each species who have recently given birth. They also have an online donation form for financial donations.

Details on the John Ball Zoo’s Baby Shower on Tuesday, August 18th, along with links to the baby registries and how to make a financial donation is available by visiting the Zoo’s website at www.jbzoo.org/babyshower. For those planning to be an in-person guest to the Baby Shower, they can reserve their admission ticket online at www.jbzoo.org/tickets.

GVSU economics expert: West Michigan is back to positive numbers, for now

3-bottom,
Brian Long, photo from gvsu.edu

By Dottie Barnes
Grand Valley State University

After four months of a gut-wrenching decline, the West Michigan industrial economy has returned to positive territory, for now, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of July.

The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) came in at +12, considerably better than the -7 reported last month. In a similar move, the production index rallied to +14 from -11. The index of purchases bounced to +10 from -13, and the employment index rose to -4 from -13.

Long said West Michigan manufacturing firms are gradually resuming “modified” normal operations, although some are still hampered by disrupted supply chains and shipping bottlenecks.

He said many office furniture customers are currently reevaluating office configurations from a social distancing perspective. “Some office furniture firms have partially transitioned into the medical furniture business, but readjustment for this industry may be slow,” said Long. 

Automotive suppliers may suffer some temporary setbacks, but Long said reshoring may provide new opportunities, given that many local firms have proven themselves to be world competitive. And, unlike the previous recession, Long said the residential real estate market has not collapsed, and the housing valuations in some areas of the county are actually rising.

 

Long added sit-down restaurants have been hardest hit, and returning to normal will be very slow for those that survive. 

“The restaurant take-out business has soared, but not enough to make up for the lost sit-down sales in traditional restaurants,” he said. “Some fast food outlets have actually seen increases in business because of the popularity of drive-thru window service. With more people eating at home, the grocery business is booming, and the grocery delivery segment has more than doubled. Many changes like this are likely here to stay.”

The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. It is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.”

Birgit Klohs announces retirement from The Right Place

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, ,
Birgit Klohs

By John Truscott
Community Contributor

Birgit Klohs, one of the most influential and successful business development strategists in Michigan, announced today that she will retire from The Right Place, Inc. on January 31, 2021. 

Klohs joined The Right Place, Inc. in 1987 as president and CEO and quickly established the Grand Rapids-based organization as the premier economic development entity in western Michigan. During her 33 years with The Right Place, Inc. the organization collaborated with state and local leaders and business executives to create more than $5 billion in economic investment in the region and generate more than 50,000 jobs.

“When my father, Jay, founded The Right Place, he imagined it would become a powerhouse organization driving economic development in West Michigan,” said Dave Van Andel, chairman and CEO of the Van Andel Institute. “But we all realize now that it has exceeded all expectations. I believe Birgit’s leadership has made The Right Place the premier regional economic development organization in the country. It is the envy of communities nationally and the example everyone tries to emulate. I’ve had the privilege of serving with Birgit on The Right Place board for many years and have watched its impact on West Michigan. I can say with assurance, my father would be very pleased with what The Right Place has accomplished. Thank you, Birgit!” 

“The city of Grand Rapids would not be the beacon of business activity that it is today were it not for the passion and drive of Birgit Klohs,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “We are so fortunate to have had a champion like her working for us.”

Klohs has worked closely with five Michigan Governors to pursue economic development opportunities around the globe during her tenure. She is credited with fostering countless public-private ventures that advanced the economic prosperity of the region. 

“Birgit has truly been the North Star of economic investment in West Michigan,” said Windquest Group president and co-founder, Dick DeVos. “When you combine her economic development work with her work as a part of Grand Action and see what is now one of the most vibrant downtowns anywhere, it’s easy to understand the dramatic impact she has had. She has strategically guided us to a stronger and more prosperous future in Michigan by turning economic ideas into people-centered reality.”

Her commitment to the region was not limited to The Right Place. Klohs also chaired or served on numerous boards over the past three decades including Grand Action, the Gerald R. Ford Airport Authority, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Board, the International Crossing Authority and as chair of the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees, her alma mater.

“Birgit embodies forward thinking community leadership,” said Wayman Britt, Kent County Administrator. “In addition to her economic development efforts at The Right Place, Inc., she also has provided her time and insight with countless organizations with the goal of improving the overall quality of life for the region.”

The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine is among the highly visible projects that Klohs helped to bring to Grand Rapids. The project was the result of extraordinary collaboration with the university, local and state leaders, healthcare agencies and local business executives.

“Our region’s emergence as a leader in bio-medical research, scientific education and healthcare services could not have happened without Birgit’s relentless drive,” said Tina Freese-Decker, Spectrum Health CEO. “She merged vision, opportunity and passion to change the economic future of the city.”

For Klohs, cultivating economic investment in the region has brought fulfillment and a deeper appreciation for the leaders in our business community.

“None of our economic success would have been possible without the passion and vision of our business community and government leaders,” said Klohs. “I consider it a great privilege to have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of dedicated people to build a prosperous future for decades to come. But more than that, my love for this community and this organization made this decision the most difficult I’ve ever made. It is equal to how I felt when I left my parents at the Frankfurt airport, never to return to Germany except to visit.”

In addition to all of the success The Right Place has achieved, the organization has also grown beyond economic development and recruitment. It has addressed many of the challenges that businesses and the community have faced. Klohs was instrumental in the creation of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center. She led the formation of a strategic partnership with Hello West Michigan, the first employer-driven relocation and job information center in the nation. And most recently, the New Community Transformation Fund was created to uplift communities of color through capital investment. 

“I’ve known Birgit for over 20 years,” said Skot Welch, principal, Global Bridgebuilders and general partner for the New Community Transformation Fund. “Her willingness to serve as a catalyst for this fund is critical and also speaks to her leadership, commitment and vision for the community. She’s always been such a critical part of West Michigan business success. But more important, her involvement speaks to the fact that she really wants to see equity and opportunity in the marketplace. I truly believe this will be a lasting part of her legacy.” 

A nationwide search will begin immediately to find a replacement. The Right Place has engaged Korn Ferry to manage the process.

“Birgit has set an extraordinarily high-bar of performance in her role with the Right Place, Inc.,” said Sean Welsh, chair of The Right Place, Inc. Board of Directors. “As a board, our responsibility will be to find someone who can build on the great economic foundation set in place by Birgit.”

Klohs credits her team and community leaders with much of the organization’s success.

“We have such a strong team at The Right Place, and they’re responsible for so much of our success. I sincerely thank and honor them for their expertise,” she said.  “And the leadership in this community is second to none. The people make West Michigan what it is, and our corporate and government leaders have always been there for us. 

“Finally, please know that I’m not going away or even slowing down. I will continue to be active serving this community on boards and through philanthropic efforts,” Klohs concluded.

Restoration of Muskegon Lake increases home values

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The restoration of Muskegon Lake has lead to increase home values by $7.9 million with and additional recreation benefits total nearly $28 million annually. (Supplied)

By Dottie Barnes
GVSU

A study by a GVSU economics professor reexamined the economic impact that coastal restoration to Muskegon Lake is having on area property values and recreational opportunities for the surrounding community.

Paul Isely, associate dean of the GVUS Seidman College of Business and professor of economics. (Supplied)

Paul Isely, associate dean of the Seidman College of Business and professor of economics, first analyzed the housing market surrounding restoration sites along the southern shoreline of Muskegon Lake in 2011. His original study predicted $11.9 million in additional housing value and an additional $2.8 million annually in recreation value.

Using data from 2018 and 2019, Isely’s team found the total value of shoreline improvements based on home sale prices to be estimated at $7.9 million, and the value of additional recreational benefits estimated at $27.9 million annually. 

Isely said the increase in recreation value between the two studies is due to additional restoration activity across the lake and a larger increase in the numbers of visitors than what was forecast in 2011. 

“There have been major improvements to Muskegon Lake and the downtown Muskegon area,” said Isely. “However, the additional visits to the area in this study can be attributed to the lake. Cruise ships are coming to Muskegon Lake, more people are purchasing homes, launching boats and going sailing. The improvements are drawing people to Muskegon Lake even more than we thought.”

Isely said the removal of the Sappi Paper Mill, replacement of hardened shoreline with a softer shoreline and the removal of fill from sawmills has helped home values increase.

“This is exciting. It shows really powerful value,” he said. “In 2011, the housing value and additional recreational opportunities represented a 6-to-1 return on investment. This study validates that is true, if not bigger.”

Study highlights:

• An estimated 485,000 additional annual visits to the lake following restoration, an 11 percent increase 

• People who visited the lake before restoration now visit two to four times more per season 

• The total value of increased home values due to shoreline restoration was estimated at $7.9 million 

• The total value of additional recreation following restoration was estimated at $27.9 million annually

• The additional recreational spending represents an estimated 4 percent increase annually for Muskegon County

James Clift, Great Lakes commissioner and deputy director at Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, said: “This study provides further evidence that restoring the Great Lakes benefits both our environment and economy. The Great Lakes Commission is proud to work with local partners like GVSU, as well as state and national partners, to create jobs, provide new tourism and recreation opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities across the Basin.”

Approximately $35,000 was made available for this project through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Grand Valley also received funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Department of Commerce, through a Regional Partnership with the Great Lakes Commission. 

More information is available in the final detailed report.

John Ball Zoo names new bald eagle in memory of treasured educator

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Ruth Jones-Hairston was a respected educator for Grand Rapids Public Schools and dedicated John Ball Zoo supporter. In honor of Ruth, the Zoo announced it would name its new bald eagle after her. (Supplied)

By Darci David
John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo announces that they will be honoring the legacy and memory of Ruth Jones-Hairston by naming their new bald eagle ‘Ruth’.

Ruth Jones-Hairston, who passed away in June of 2019, was an important part of Grand Rapids and the John Ball Zoo community. As an educator, she was both a teacher and principal in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. She worked hard to make sure every child knew they were important and could succeed. In retirement, she started Judah Educational Consultants.

Jones-Hairston served on the board for John Ball Zoo, where she inspired and helped found the Zoo’s JUMP program. She envisioned the children and families of Grand Rapids being able to enjoy the Zoo regardless of means or income level. Since it started, this program has allowed hundreds of thousands of families to enjoy the Zoo and helped make us a Zoo for all in the community.

“Naming the bald eagle after Ruth is a great way to honor someone who started an inclusive program at the Zoo and exemplified our values of conservation, education, community, and celebrate,” said Mike Lomonaco, Chief Community Engagement Officer for John Ball Zoo.

Zsanara Hoskins, Ruth’s daughter, commented about this special naming. “What an honor. Our mother represents everything that the eagle symbolizes and more! It is touching to know that her life, her beliefs, her “walk”, touched the lives of so many including the staff and community of John Ball Zoo so much so that they would want to honor her this way. We can’t wait to visit Ruth the eagle as a family at the Zoo.”

Ruth, the bald eagle, is 3-years-old. She was injured and unable to fly long distances making it difficult for her to survive in the wild. (Supplied)

A fun fact is that Jones-Hairston’s first school where she was a principal was Henry Paideia Academy and their mascot was the eagle.

Ruth, the bald eagle, is now in the bald eagle habitat near the Living Shores Aquarium at the Zoo. This bald eagle was hurt in the wild and came to John Ball Zoo from Wings of Wonder Raptor Sanctuary located in northern Michigan after a two month rehab. Ruth can now fly, but one wing still has issues and causes her to tire too quickly to survive in the wild.

Guests will see that Ruth looks different than Bea, the other bald eagle in the habitat. This is because Ruth is only 3-years-old and still has her juvenile feathers. These will molt into adult plumage in the next couple of years.

“We are excited for guests to see and learn about Ruth, the bald eagle, on their next visit to John Ball Zoo,” Lomonaco said. “Like Ruth Jones-Hairston, Ruth the bald eagle will help educate the community to appreciate wildlife, with grace and beauty, while also educating on the role John Ball Zoo plays in the saving of wildlife and wild habitats.”

John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For more information www.jbzoo.org or 616-336-4301.

Traffic Tuesday: School Buses

3-bottom, City of Wyoming

Officer Jenni Eby
City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety

Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety posts a question on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday. **Please do not post the answer in the comments, so that others have a chance to answer on their own** Note: the answer can be found on both the WKTV Journal website and in the community social media site Nextdoor.

In preparation for some of our kids going back to school, we’re revisiting school bus laws!

This week’s question: You are behind a school bus, when it stops and activates its flashing red lights. What is the closest you can stop behind the bus?

  1. No closer than 20 feet
  2. No closer than 25 feet
  3. No closer than 35 feet
  4. No closer than 50 feet

Check back on Thursday to learn the answer!