On this episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we sit down with the director and a student of Kent ISD’s Adult Education Program, which helps adult students get their high school equivalency, gain skills in the English language, and connects them with various career and technical education programs.
Note: This WKTV video was recorded before the current COVID-19 social and business restrictions. Please visit here for more information on the present status of Kent ISD programs; visit here for specific information on the Adult Education Program.
The various ISD programs, according to its website, offer adult students, “Pathways to Success to help them build a brighter future.”
With us is Oogie LaMar, Kent ISD Director of Adult Education, as well as Kylan Tette, a student enrolled in the the Adult Education General Education Development, or GED, Program.
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 (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
On this episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we sit down with the director and a student of Kent ISD’s Adult Education Program, which helps adult students get their high school equivalency, gain skills in the English language, and connects them with various career and technical education programs.
The various ISD programs, according to its website, offer adult students, “Pathways to Success to help them build a brighter future.”
With us is Oogie LaMar, Kent ISD Director of Adult Education, as well as Kylan Tette, a student enrolled in the the Adult Education General Education Development, or GED, Program.
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 (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
The 2019-20 Kelloggsville High School girls basketball team. (Supplied)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
In just his second season leading the Kelloggsville High School girls basketball program, Rockets head coach Bilal Muhammad appreciates his 2019-20 team’s 16-4 regular season record and the impressive milestone of the program’s first OK Conference title in more than four decades.
But with his team losing only two seniors — even though one, Trayana Starr-Thurman, was their best player — and a new buzz around the school about his program, Muhammad can’t wait to start working towards the future.
This season’s accomplishments “bode well for our program, just getting that experience, and being there before is going to help tremendously,” coach Muhammad said to WKTV. But “I’m excited to see what this off-season is going to bring … I’m looking forward to what the future brings.”
Kelloggsville tied for first in the OK Silver Conference with Calvin Christian, with a 10-2 record, giving the Rockets a share of their first league title since 1976, when the school competed in the OK White. The team’s season came to an end in a district semifinal game against Wayland.
The Rockets went 12-9, 6-6 in conference, last year, in Muhammad’s first season in charge.
The keys to their successful season, Muhammad said, was not only having two seniors leaders, but also a bunch of underclassmen who stepped up and provided points, toughness and work ethic.
Trayana Starr-Thurman, and her 1,000 point ball. (Supplied)
Starr-Thurman’s contributions were clear: she led the team with an average of 15 points per game and scored her 1,000th point this season. The team’s other senior, Zenaiya Gonzales, will be missed for other reasons.
“Trayana is a student of the game … she’s not afraid to ask questions, and she voices her opinion on certain plays … (she was) able to communicate, and offer that leadership,” Muhammad said. Gonzales “brought leadership as well, and toughness” to the team.
Gonzale “has been hurt all season, literally all season, and she’s been tough enough to tune it out all year. She brought that toughness and leadership in practice — (the team knows) that if she’s here, if she can do it, it makes everybody else’s moral come up and work hard as well.”
The returning players who their coach has so much confidence in includes two juniors — Nariah Collier and Jaden Wade — and super sophomore Brea’Ana Smalley.
Collier and Wade “are going to be important on and off the floor” next season, he said. “Some of the summer stuff we are going to be doing. Getting the girls to come out. …This is their first year actually working together. I’m looking forward to what the future brings.”
Collier, a center, averaged eight points, eight rebounds and four blocks a game this season. Wade, a forward, also gave the Rockets a strong inside force.
And Smalley, who fought through injuries to be the team’s second leading scorer, with 13 points per game, is only going to get better, her coach said.
“She did a great job. She was injured a few games as well this year. We had a lot of injuries this year. But those big, important games, when we needed her, she stepped up,” Muhammad said. “I’m looking forward to her for next year, She’ll work on her game over the summer and be even more dynamic next year.”
Coach also pointed out that junior Jazmine McCaleb will be a returning captain while freshman Malia Fields is a “hard worker, very hard worker,” and sophomore Yarlene Valdez “came to our team the second half of the season, but she is committed and ready to work over the summer.”
And after not having JV and freshman programs this season, having varsity returners who will “help with the new players”, along with work by he and has staff, Bo Garyson and Tiesha Stokes, Muhammad sees a good future for the Kelloggville program as a whole.
“I’m optimistic the number (of players in the program) will increase,” he said, pointing out that he’s been working with the middle school program as well. “I am hopeful and optimistic that we will be able to fill that void that we did not have this year.”
The 2019-20 East Kentwood High School boys basketball team. (Supplied/East Kentwood)
By Mike Moll, WKTV Sports Director sports@wktv.org
The boys basketball District opener for Division 1 played at Caledonia High School showcased the true meaning of March Madness. OK Red foes East Kentwood and Caledonia split their regular season meetings with a win apiece and Monday was just as even. So much so that it not only went into overtime, but double overtime before the Falcons would advance to Wednesday with a 68-67 victory.
Caledonia finishes the season at 9-12 while East Kentwood, now 12-9, will face one of the area’s top teams, the 19-2 Wyoming Wolves at Middleville T-K, after Wyoming defeated the host Trojans Monday, 93-49.
EK would score the first basket of the game, but the Scots then went on a 9-0 run, and finish with a 14-9 lead after the first quarter buzzer. The Falcons leading scorer on the season, Ja’moni Jones would lead all scorers with 5, followed by Caledonia’s Luke Thelen with 4, along with Koby VanderWoude and Carter Thomas with 3.
While the Fighting Scots would hit an early 3-pointer by Thelen to take a 17-11 lead, the Falcons would quickly come back with the next six, led by the combination of Jones and Jordan Jackson to tie the game at 17, which was the second of twelve ties on the night. Caledonia would outscore East Kentwood 8-6 the remainder of the quarter to hold a slim 25-23 lead. Jones would lead the way with 11 and Jackson had 8, six of which were in the second quarter, while Caledonia was being paced by Thelen with 9.
The intensity would continue after halftime, as East Kentwood would take their second lead of the night 32-30 following back to back offensive rebounds by Urim Sahitolli and his made basket at the 3:35 mark. However, the Scots would score the final five points of the stanza, with the last being another triple by Thomas to head into the fourth with a 35-32 lead. Jones was still the leading scorer with 13 and Caledonia’s Thomas had 10 followed by Thelen with 9.
Caledonia would open the fourth with a basket by VanderWoude, who would have twelve in the quarter by himself, but the parade to the charity stripe would begin for East Kentwood as they would hit four in a row to cut the deficit to just one, until Jackson would connect at the 6:10 mark to mark the fourth of six total lead changes on the night, 38-37 East Kentwood. That was the start of the Falcons trying to take control of the game as they would increase their lead to 47-40, but simply couldn’t shake Caledonia, who would keep fighting being led by VanderWoude and Andrew Larson. After a foul by Caledonia with just 10.7 seconds remaining, Jones went to the line for two shots that could have given EK a three-point lead, but he went 1-for-2 to make it 53-51. Caledonia had a shot blocked but was able to get the offensive rebound by Thelen who scored with 1.7 seconds remaining. On the ensuing in-bounds pass, Jones tossed a shot from half court that was no good to send the game into the first overtime.
The OT was controlled by EK early as Ja Shon Large, who had 5 points in regulation, scored the first four, but that lead was cut to one after a 3-pointer by Larson. After another Large score, the next three were scored by Caledonia’s Aaron Henry and VanderWoude, but he too missed one of two free throws. EK’s Kalil Strange would make it 61-59, but with 41.1 seconds left, Caledonia’s Thelen would knot it again at 61 where it would stay, and a second overtime was needed.
As so often is the case, free throw shooting is the difference in back and forth games and this was no exception in the second OT as EK would make 3-of-4, all by Strange, whereas the Scots would be 2-of-4 on their last two trips down the floor, but that was good enough to take a 67-66 lead with 21.5 seconds left. After a series of timeouts, EK’s Large would make a driving basket with just .9 seconds remaining, after which Caledonia could only get a shot off as the buzzer sounded trying to force a foul but to no avail.
Caledonia was led by VanderWoude with 21, Thelen 13, and both Thomas and Larson with 11, but the Scots were 7-of-15 from the charity stripe. The Falcons were led by Jones with 23, Large and Jackson 13 each, and Strange 9, but the victory went to them by hitting 15-of-21 from the strip on the night as a team.
Chuck and Stella Royce. (St. Cecilia Music Center)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
The term “patron of the arts” is name-dropped often, but there are few people who it more aptly applies to than the late Stella Royce. With her late husband, Chuck, Stella spent decades generously advocating for and directly supporting arts and culture in West Michigan.
One of those arts organizations to benefit from the couple’s patronage was St. Cecilia Music Center — as evidenced by the beautiful renovated Royce Auditorium at the center, to name only the most obvious contribution.
So it is appropriate that St. Cecilia’s 2020 Helen DeVos Legacy Award will honor Stella at its 2nd annual gala, a sold-out event to be held at the music center Saturday, March 7, during Women’s History Month — also appropriate as St. Cecilia came into being in 1883 under the leadership of several local women.
Chuck and Stella Royce. (St. Cecilia Music Center)
“Stella was a vital force in the leadership and vision of St. Cecilia Music Center for over 60 years, and she and her husband, Chuck Royce, consistently promoted and supported St. Cecilia Music Center,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive director, said in announcing the award. “Stella and Chuck Royce also generously supported other arts organizations including the Grand Rapids Symphony, Opera Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Ballet, as well as many others. … Stella was truly one of the great patron saints of St. Cecilia Music Center and led a life of service to the arts.”
St. Cecilia held the first annual Helen DeVos Legacy Award Gala in 2019, honoring the first recipient and namesake of the award, the late Helen DeVos. The award is now presented each year during Women’s History Month “to a woman who has helped expand the cultural life of our community and has shown exemplary service to the arts.”
Hearing stories of Stella, both from Holbrook and Charlie Royce, one of several relatives of Chuck and Stella who will be in attendance at the gala, it is clear the woman appreciated the arts and enjoyed life.
“I believe that Stella immediately fell in love with St Cecilia from the first day she visited,” Charlie Royce said to WKTV. “Since she passed away, I have spent a lot of time discovering how Stella became an artist in the first place. Because of her childhood I do not believe music or art was even an option for her. Only in high school did she become exposed to music through singing in the choir at Greenville High School.
“I tend to think this opportunity was perhaps her first place to escape to from a turbulent past into something beautiful. By the time she got to St. Cecilia, she knew that music could provide this same beauty to others that maybe struggled like she did. Thus all the programs for children and support for anyone that wanted to pursue their talent. And to have the means to provide it at a place like SCMC made for a perfect match.”
Royces’ long history with St. Cecilia
Chuck’s history with St. Cecilia actually predates Stella’s.
“Chuck’s mother and grandmother had been involved at SCMC since 1913,” Holbrook said to WKTV. “Chuck grew up roaming the halls of the building while his mother and grandmother performed, went to committee meetings and helped organize various events. So, you could say that SCMC was in Chuck’s blood.
Chuck and Stella Royce, with Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive director, and visiting musician Frederica von Stade. (St. Cecilia Music Center)
“When Stella met Chuck, her own love of music naturally drew her to the organization that his family had been so involved in for so many years and she took up the cause as wholeheartedly as his mother and grandmother had done. Chuck and Stella were at all events and concerts (at St. Cecilia). In fact, as their health declined and they were not attending events at SCMC regularly any longer, it definitely felt like something was ‘missing’. … We all wished that she could be here to receive it herself but, both Charlie and Maria are musicians themselves and recognize the impact that their parents had on this organization.”
And Chuck and Stella’s “impact” on St. Cecilia goes far behind the perfect acoustics of the renovated auditorium.
“During the renovation in the (19)70’s, the decision was made to make the auditorium handicap accessible,” Charlie said. “My folks turned this into an opportunity by suggesting the Great Artist Series. The series featured world renowned artists and opened with Izsak Perlman, who was at the time the most recognized violinist in the world who also happened to be handicapped.
“Also, after my folks retired and moved to downtown, they became a kind of welcoming committee of two for whomever just moved to Grand Rapids to head a corporation or take over as a president of a bank or college,” he said. “Through casual conversation my folks would learn of their interests, be it in architecture, the arts, cultural history, education … (and) every tour involved a stop at St Cecilia … Chuck and Stella totally recognized the importance of connecting people with something they could participate in and since they were new in town, St. Cecilia became the first place they connected with”
Proceeds from the Helen DeVos Award Gala honoring Stella Royce will help support St. Cecilia Music Center’s artistic performances, its varied music education programs for youth and adults, as well as preservation of the center’s historical building.
St. Cecilia Music Center is the oldest performing arts organization in West Michigan, according to supplied material, began in 1883. Nine women, led be Ella Matthews Pierce, gathered that year to form a society to promote the study and appreciation of music in all of its branches, and to encourage the development of music within the community. They chose to name the new organization after Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music.
In the late 1880’s the members began planning for a building of their own, designed by prominent Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb, who was a protégé of Carnegie Hall’s architect, William Burnet Tuthill. The building, which currently stands at 24 Ransom Ave., in downtown Grand Rapids, opened to the public in 1894, and is the only building in the United States built by women and has operated solely for the purpose of music.
For more information about St. Cecilia Music Center visit scmc-online.org.
East Kentwood High School girls basketball in January 2020 District action. (WKTV)
By WKTV Sports Staff ken@wktv.org
With the local high school girls basketball regular season completed, WKTV has jumped into our prep March Madness featured game coverage this week as the state playoffs begin with girls District tournaments across the state.
WKTV’s Featured Game crew will be following the Division 2 District tournament at South Christian High School starting Wednesday, March 4, and continuing with that districts final on Friday, March 6. To read about the Monday game at South Christian featuring the Sailors, see Mike Moll’s story here.
But the best Monday, March 2, opening-round game involving area teams was the Division 1 clash with Byron Center at East Kentwood, so WKTV was there.
Byron Center entered the game at 19-1 overall and 12-0 in OK-conference Green with a title in hand. East Kentwood was 17-3, 11-1 in OK Red with a shared title with Hudsonville, and on a 10-game winning streak. The two teams met to open the season; EK won on the road 48-43.
In the Monday game between the two, the Falcons (now 18-3) won by almost the same score — this time winning 50-43 — as three East Kentwood players scored in double figures: sophomore Deyonce Thompson led with 15 points including three 3-pointers, while juniors Alexis McCully and Kabriana Hallman each added 12.
“That was one of the better high school basketball games we’ve seen in a long time,” WKTV Featured Game announcers Ron Schultz said after the game. “These teams … match up really well and the played really well. … Kentwood dropped some threes when they had to have them.”
The East Kentwood game will be available on WKTV Community Television Channel 26 (for complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule) and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.
WKTV also has a special video discussion on local teams playing in District tournaments with WKTV Sports Director Mike Moll and WKTV sports announcer Cory Dalton on the inaugural WKTVJournal Sports Connection program. See the YouTube video here.
As East Kentwood game will now travel to Caledonia for the District semifinals, starting March 4, the WKTV Featured Game crew will move to cover a doubleheader at South Christian.
In one game at South Christian, Wayland (13-8, 5-7 OK Gold and the winner of Monday’s game Hopkins) will play Kelloggsville (16-4, 10-2 and a shared title in OK Silver).
In the other game at South Christian, the Sailors (11-10, 7-5 OK Gold and the winner of a Monday game against Kentwood Grand River will play West Michigan Aviation (7-13, 1-6 Alliance).
Other local teams playing in District tournaments
In Division 1, Wyoming (7-14, 3-9 OK Gold) won a Monday opening round game against tournament host Caledonia and now will challenge the tournament top seed, East Grand Rapids (19-1, 12-0 and a title in OK Gold), on Wednesday.
In another Division 2 tournament involving local teams, Godwin Heights (10-11, 4-8 in OK Silver) played Monday at the Forest Hills Eastern District tournament but lost to Grand Rapids Christian (18-3, 9-3 in OK Gold) to end the Wolverines season. On the other side of the same tournament bracket, Wyoming Lee (0-19, 0-12 OK Silver) will open play on Wednesday against Catholic Central (7-14, 4-8 in OK Blue) and the winner of a Monday game with Wellsprings Prep.
In a Division 4 tournament hosted by Wyoming Tri-unity Christian, Wednesday games will have Tri-unity (6-14, 2-5 in Alliance) playing Martin (19-1, 9-1 and a title in Southwestern Athletic Conference Lakeshore), and Wyoming Potter’s House Christian (8-12, 5-2 Alliance) against Byron Center Zion Christian (9-11, 3-4 Alliance). The winners will play for the district title Friday at Tri-unity.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
South Christian High School girls basketball, game preview graphic. (From South Christian Facebook page)
By Mike Moll, WKTV Sports Director sports@wktv.org
The Michigan High School Athletic Association tipped off March Madness girls-style Monday, as district play opened throughout the state. A pair of WKTV’s local teams met at South Christian where the Sailors entertained the Titans from Grand River Prep.
When the final buzzer was heard, the Sailors advanced to Wednesday night’s semi-final matchup after their 49-28 victory.
The game plan for the Titans was to get the ball low and they were able to do that multiple times early, but the shots were simply not falling for center Shaelyn Robinson nor guard Gabby Koon.
The first points were scored on a pair of free throws early in the game by Robinson and, after a tying basket and a made free throw by South Christian, the floor leader for Grand River Prep, senior Shaniah Jones, who would later leave the game with a shoulder injury, scored her only two points on the night to give Grand River Prep a 4–3 lead.
The Sailors then began their dominance and would continue it through the end of the third quarter as they would outscore the Titans 8-0 during the remainder of the first, 13-2 in the second to take a 24-6 lead at the break, and then 14-6 in the third quarter to have the game well in control, 38-12 heading into the final stanza.
Grand River Prep came to life in the final quarter from long distance as Abigail Rivera-Sosa, Jasmyn Koon, Kiara Walter, and Tiarra Weddle all connected to help the Titans outscore the Sailors 16-11 to close the game. Jasmyn Koon led the Titans with 6 points on the night as they had nine different scorers, but the Sailors had 11 players score, including fourth-quarter 3-pointers by both Taylor Newhof and Josie Vink.
The Sailors were consistent the entire game on both ends of the floor, between their rotation of players and how they scored when playing together by putting up between 11 and 14 points in each quarter.
Sophomore Sydney Vis was the game’s leading scorer with 11, all in the first three quarters, followed by Maria Schrotenboer with 8, and Kinsey Brinkert with 6.
Coach Josh Bouma’s Titans finish the season at 10-7, while Kim Legge’s Sailors improve to 11-10, and will face 7-13 West Michigan Aviation in the second game of Wednesday’s double header.
The other side of the district bracket will pit 13-8 Wayland, after their 56-40 win over 12-9 Hopkins on Monday, against O-K Silver champion Kelloggsville and their 16-4 record. The two winners will meet in the championship game Friday at 7 p.m., also at South Christian.
Shanika Carter’ will discuss her new book “To Lead or Not to Lead” and will sign books Thursday, March 5, at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Kent District Library. (Supplied by the Author)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Author Shanika Carter’s new book “To Lead or Not to Lead” has the appropriate subtitle of “Breaking the Glass Ceiling Using Lessons from Your Past Experiences”.
In the book — which she will be speaking on and signing copies of at the Kentwood KDL Branch Library March 5 — Carter makes the case that while people can be helped on their personal and career journeys by other people, the best help may well be understanding and learning from one’s own positive and negative experiences.
Shanika Carter. (Supplied)
“I share not only my experiences, but those of others who have emphasized a lack of mentorship and encouragement to move up the ladder in their fields,” Carter said to WKTV. “For me, though, although I did experience a lack of the mentorship along the way, I learned quite a bit about myself and how to overcome obstacles I encountered.”
Carter’s discussion and book signing will take place Thursday, March 5, starting at 5:30 p.m., at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Kent District Library, 4950 Breton SE, Kentwood. The event is free and open to the public.
Carter’s talk, and book signing with snacks, will be followed at 6:30 p.m. by a library equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) community conversation. And while the author will not be directly involved in the discussion, she strongly supports the inclusion efforts.
“I plan to support and participate in (the EDI conversation) on the 5th,” Carter said. “When I lived in Grand Rapids, before starting my writing/editing business … and getting back into teaching, I was employed part time in KDL’s circulation pool, rotating to the various locations to assist.
“That was over five years ago, so my relationship with KDL began then, and continued as I got my writing up off the ground, having participated as a guest speaker for one of KDL’s annual writing conferences … I appreciate everything that they have done with me on this journey.”
Carter’s journey includes graduating from Muskegon Heights High School, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising from Michigan State University and her Master of Science degree in communications from Grand Valley State University.
Carter has worked as an adjunct instructor at ITT Technical Institute and Jackson College’s Prison Education Initiative program. She currently works in the writing center at Muskegon Community College, also teaching for the Communications and College Success Center departments, and is also an adjunct instructor at Montcalm Community College, where she teaches interpersonal communications and speech.
Carter is also a big supporter of the need for all persons — students, reformed prisoners, everybody — have the ability to communicate to be successful in life and careers.
“It is highly important to be able to communicate both verbally and in written form, particularly in a time where we, and so many of our youth, are in a social media world where even the communication is so different,” Carter said. “I’ve heard from teachers (and) parents over the years about how basic handwriting was no longer a requirement, like it was when I was growing up. Also, with social media, we find more people communicating in other ways outside of face-to-face contact and even using a more condensed language to exchange messages.
“As an instructor at this level of education, I am amazed at how many students I do encounter who do have difficulties with basic writing and grammar, let alone social and interpersonal skills. With the combination of losing some of the basic writing and communication requirements that were available in the past, and then dealing with those who allow their social media interactions to lapse over into their regular, face-to-face or written communications, the importance of communications and writing is just as relevant and important to continue in education.”
For more information on Shanika P. Carter’s book “To Lead or Not to Lead: Breaking the Glass Ceiling Using Lessons from Your past Experiences”, visit here. For more information on her The Write Flow and Vibe project, visit here.
For more information on the KDL Kentwood event, visit here. Follow the Kent District Library on various social media platforms — Facebook: facebook.com/KentDistrictLibrary and Instagram: @kentdistrictlibrary and Twitter: @KDLNews.
Kids of all ages and butterflies mix at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition — reportedly the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation — will bring more than 7,000 tropical butterflies to West Michigan beginning Sunday, March 1.
This year’s exhibition highlights Nathaniel Ward and the invention of the Wardian Case.
In 1827, Ward accidentally invented terrariums while studying caterpillars and moths by placing them in jars. He noticed that plants were flourishing in these sealed jars and discovered that plants and insects better survived the harsh conditions in London, a city known for heavy pollution at the time, if they were enclosed in sealed containers. This discovery led to horticulturists being able to transport items around the globe and these early “fern cases” paved the way for modern terrariums, greenhouses and conservatories.
“Step Into the glass house during this year’s Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition and discover how the invention of the Wardian case changed the world,” Lisa Roo, project manager, said in supplied material. “This year’s theme offers our community a sense of wonder with magical glass houses from four feet tall to our iconic fifty-foot-tall Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.
“We offer our guests the unique experience of stepping into glass houses to see butterflies soaring, caterpillars munching, and learn how the Wardian case paved the way for modern terrariums and greenhouses.”
A new Wardian case will be located in the adjacent Earl and Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor.
Approximately 60 colorful species of butterflies and moths journey from butterfly-rich regions of Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Philippines and Kenya to fly freely in the five-story tall, 15,000 square-foot Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. At 85 degrees and 70 percent humidity, this balmy environment mimics the tropical regions that the butterflies call home.
Butterflies and flowers will be on display at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens)
Species of butterflies expected to arrive include the blue common morpho, whose iridescence impresses in flight, as well as brushfoot varieties such as the Clearwing, Lacewing and Zebra Mosaic. Likewise, the longwings captivate with distinctive wing patterns as seen on the Small Blue Grecian, Doris, Postman and Tiger butterflies. Gliders like the Emperor, Ruby-Spotted and Orchard Swallowtails will also add to the diverse assortment.
More than 1,000 pupae arrive at Meijer Gardens weekly from around the world. Guests can watch as delicate chrysalides and cocoons are placed in the Observation Station, where these unique and fascinating creatures then transform and spread their wings for the first time.
The Caterpillar Room, located within the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse, features monarch caterpillars. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens)
The Caterpillar Room, located within the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse, features monarch caterpillars. Here guests will have the opportunity to learn more about how plants, butterflies and moths live in and under glass. Caterpillars hungrily feed on milkweed host plants mixed in with the flowering spring plantings and ferns that encompass the perimeter of the seasonal display greenhouse.
A docent will be present to help guide guests and enhance the experience. Volunteers are also “Wanted. Needed. Appreciated.” with various jobs and shifts. Contact Valerie Maciejewski at vmaciejewski@meijergardens.org or 616-974-5221.
There will be extended hours during Spring Break (Monday to Friday, April 6-10, 9 a.m. top 9 p.m.) and There are several special exhibition activities also set for the show. For more information visit meijergardens.org.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The Featured Game coverage schedule for the last week of February includes Tuesday, Feb. 25, with girls and boys basketball featuring Tri-unity Christian High School at Grand River Prep; and Friday, Feb. 28, with girls/boys basketball with Tri-unity Christian again on the road at Wyoming Potter’s House.
WKTV’s girls and boys basketball District Tournament coverage to be begin March is still being determined, but should be announced by the end of this week.
Where and when to see the game
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
Following is this week’s schedule:
Monday, Feb. 24 Girls Basketball Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Aviation Boys Basketball Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Aviation Boys/Girls Bowling Wyoming Lee @ Potter’s House
Tuesday, Feb. 25 Boys Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Grand River Prep — WKTV Featured Event Potter’s House @ Wellsprings Prep Zion Christian @ Muskegon Catholic Central NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian South Christian @ FH Eastern Middleville T-K @ Wyoming Kelloggsville @ Holland East Kentwood @ Grand Haven Girls Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Grand River Prep — WKTV Featured Event Zion Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran Potter’s House @ Wellsprings Prep Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights South Christian @ FH Eastern Middleville T-K @ Wyoming Kelloggsville @ Holland Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Wednesday, Feb. 26 — no events
Thursday, Feb. 27 Girls Basketball West Michigan Lutheran @ Holland Black River Zion Christian @ West Michigan Aviation Fruitport Calvary Christian @ Grand River Prep Boys Basketball West Michigan Lutheran @ Holland Black River Grand Rapids Adventist @ Grand River Prep Boys Diving East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – Conference Prelims Boys Hockey East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ West Ottawa – MHSAA Regionals
Friday, Feb. 28 Boys/Girls Bowling Tri-Unity Christian @ TBA – MHSAA State Team Regionals – Boys Wyoming Lee – MHSAA State Team Regionals @ Park Center Lanes Godwin Heights – MHSAA State Team Regionals South Christian – MHSAA State Team Regionals @ M-66 Bowl Wyoming- MHSAA State Team Regionals East Kentwood – MHSAA State Team Regionals Boys Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House — WKTV Featured Event Kalamazoo Phoenix @ West Michigan Lutheran Covenant Christian @ West Michigan Aviation Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville Christian @ South Christian Wyoming @ FH Eastern East Kentwood @ Caledonia Girls Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House — WKTV Featured Event West Michigan Aviation @ West Michigan Lutheran Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville Christian @ South Christian Wyoming @ FH Eastern East Kentwood @ Caledonia Boys Swimming South Christian @ Hastings East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – Conference Prelims Boys Wrestling MHSAA Team State Finals
Saturday, Feb. 29 Boys/Girls Bowling Tri-Unity Christian @ TBA – MHSAA State Individual Regionals – Boys Wyoming Lee – MHSAA State Individual Regionals- @ Park Center Lanes Godwin Heights – MHSAA State Individual Regionals South Christian – MHSAA State Individual Regionals @ M-66 Bowl East Kentwood – MHSAA Individual Regionals Boys Swimming South Christian @ Hastings East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – Conference Finals Girls Cheer Wyoming – State Regionals
Kentwood’s Sylvia James, right, is sworn in to serve on the the Kent ISD School Board. James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. (Supplied/Kent ISD)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
The Kent ISD School Board recently announced the appointment of Sylvia James to fill the opening on the board created when Bill Joseph retired. James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools.
According to the ISD statement, in addition to her service in Kentwood’s public school system, she has extensive professional experience in operational and strategic human resources practices and management at Pridgeon & Clay, Inc., and previously with Steelcase, Spectrum Health and Robert Bosch, LLC.
“We are pleased to welcome Sylvia to the Kent ISD School Board and look forward to enlisting her experience, passion and dedication to serve all students in the Kent County area,” Ron Caniff, Superintendent, Kent ISD, said in supplied material. “The board is grateful to Bill Joseph for his 18 years of service, countless insights and many contributions throughout the years. We look forward to continuing this important work with Sylvia’s leadership and commitment to public education.”
James has lived in the Kentwood area for more than 25 years and is interested in expanding her reach to help meet the needs of students throughout the region, according to the ISD.
“I love how Kent ISD works collaboratively with all of the districts to provide programs and services to the residents of 23 public and non-public school districts.” James said in supplied material. “I am committed to ensuring that our students are well educated, as we provide for their safety and welfare.”
James was sworn in at the February Kent ISD School Board meeting. She will serve until the June 2021 election, at which time she can run to serve the remainder of Joseph’s term, through 2025.
Kent ISD is a regional educational service agency “devoted to achievement for all students,” and provides instructional and administrative services to more than 300 schools, 20 public districts, three non-public districts, and many public school academies and non-public schools.
For more information on the Kent ISD, see kentisd.org.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week.
The Featured Game coverage schedule for the remainder of February includes the following:
Tuesday, Feb. 18 — Boys Basketball Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee
Friday, Feb. 21 — Girls/Boys Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House
Tuesday, Feb. 25 — Girls/Boys Basketball Tri-unity Christian @ Grand River Prep
Friday, Feb. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Tri-unity Christian @ Potter’s House
Where and when to see the game
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
Following is this week’s schedule:
Monday, Feb. 17 Boys/Girls Bowling South Christian @ FH Eastern Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids Kelloggsville @ Wellsprings Prep Girls Cheer Wyoming @ Comstock Park Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park
Tuesday, Feb. 18 Boys Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Fennville Algoma Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran West Michigan Aviation @ Zion Christian Grand River Prep @ Fruitport Calvary Christian Muskegon Catholic Central @ Potter’s House Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee — WKTV Featured Event Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian South Christian @ Middleville T-K Wyoming @ Hudsonville Kelloggsville @ Belding Rockford @ East Kentwood Girls Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Fennville Algoma Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran West Michigan Aviation @ Zion Christian Grand River Prep @ Fruitport Calvary Christian Potter’s House @ Muskegon Catholic Central Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights Middleville T-K @ South Christian Hudsonville @ Wyoming Belding @ Kelloggsville Rockford @ East Kentwood Girls Cheer East Kentwood @ Comstock Park
Wednesday, Feb. 19 Boys/Girls Bowling Wayland @ South Christian Byron Center @ Wyoming East Kentwood @ Grand Haven Boys Wrestling East Kentwood – MHSAA Team Regionals
Thursday, Feb. 20 Boys/Girls Bowling Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian East Kentwood @ Caledonia Boys Basketball West Michigan Lutheran @ Kalamazoo Phoenix West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian Girls Basketball Barry County Christian @ Grand River Prep Boys Swimming South Christian @ Ottawa Hills
Friday, Feb. 21 Boys Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Black River West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House — WKTV Featured Event Holland Calvary @ Grand River Prep Zion Christian @ Calhoun Christian Wyoming Lee @ Belding South Christian @ Wayland Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian Grandville @ East Kentwood Girls Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Black River West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House — WKTV Featured Event Zion Christian @ Calhoun Christian Wyoming Lee @ Belding South Christian @ Wayland Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian Grandville @ East Kentwood Boys/Girls Bowling Godwin Heights @ TBA — O-K Silver Post Season Tourney Boys Hockey South Christian @ Christian Girls Cheer Wyoming – TBA – MHSAA State Districts
Saturday, Feb. 22 Boys/Girls Bowling Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian South Christian – OK Green-Gold Tournament @ Park Center Lanes Wyoming @ Christian East Kentwood – Post Season Conference Tournament Girls Cheer Wyoming Lee @ Comstock Park – Districts @ East Kentwood – MHSAA Districts Boys Hockey Catholic Central @ South Christian Boys Wrestling East Kentwood – MHSAA Individual Regionals
Monday, Feb. 24 Girls Basketball Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Aviation Boys Basketball Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Aviation Boys/Girls Bowling Wyoming Lee @ Potter’s House
The new State of Michigan Absentee Ballot return envelope. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
The March 10 Presidential Primary ballots, both the crowded Democratic version and the less crowded Republican version, are already in Wyoming and Kentwood voters hands if they applied for absentee ballots.
And it is not too late to apply for absentee ballots for the coming voting day, or for the entire and very busy 2020 voting calendar which includes the March 10 presidential primary election, a May 5 potential proposal or millage election, the Aug. 4 state and federal primary election and the Nov. 3 presidential, federal and state general election.
There will also be voting in the Wyoming Public Schools district for a millage renewal on the district’s March 10 ballot, and there will be voting for Kent County Sheriff and the 62 B District Court (Kentwood) judgeship, possibly in both primary and general elections.
For more information on the Wyoming Public Schools Operating Millage Restoration Proposal on the March 10 ballot, visit here.
But first, the presidential primary. And given the evolving list of political candidates in each party’s race, the ballot will show candidates who have already dropped out of the race.
“The list of candidates who will appear on the March 10 Presidential Primary is created, per statute, by the Secretary of State and the state chairpersons of the two political parties, based on whom they deem to be nationally-recognized candidates,” Robert J. Macomber, Kent County Chief Deputy Clerk and Register of Deeds, said to WKTV. “Because the candidate list was finalized in December in order to meet programming and printing deadlines, the ballots will include the names of several candidates whom have since ended their campaigns.”
While there are things for voters to watch out for on the presidential primary ballot, there are also things to know about the state’s new absentee ballot rules and envelopes.
Voters in both Wyoming and Kentwood can request absentee ballots, for specific voting dates or for the entire 2020 calendar, by contacting the city’s respective city clerk offices. For more information on Kentwood, visit here. For more information on Wyoming, visit here.
“With the passage of Proposal 18-3, Michigan voters now have the right to vote absentee without providing a reason, and the right to request to be placed on what is known as the Permanent Absentee List, and maintained by most city and township clerks,” Macomber said. “When on the permanent list, the voter will automatically receive an Absentee Ballot Application in advance of each election. On that application, the voter will have the option to request to receive the ballot for one election, or each subsequent election in that year.”
Absentee, not early, voting with new envelopes
While it seem to be a nuance, absentee voting is not early voting — and that particularly matters for the coming presidential primary.
“You may hear the terms Absentee Voting and Early Voting used interchangeably, however Michigan is has absentee voting, not early voting,” Macomber said. “In early voting states, ballots are immediately tabulated upon return to the clerk. In an election like a Presidential Primary, that distinction matters.
“In Michigan, whether they voted for a candidate who may have exited the race, or simply changed their mind prior to any election, voters who return an absentee ballot have the right to spoil their ballot and cast a new ballot at any time prior to 4 p.m. the day before the election. For the Presidential Primary, that would be 4 p.m. on March 9. Ballots cast for candidates that have dropped out will still appear in Election Night results, and how those votes are later allocated into delegates are determined by the political parties rules.”
There are also newly designed envelopes for absentee ballots, and some details on how they should properly be returned.
The new State of Michigan Absentee Ballot envelope sent to voters who request them. (WKTV)
“The Secretary of State has adopted a new design for absentee envelopes, and voters should pay close attention to their mail in light of that change,” Macomber said. “Previously, absentee ballots came in a dark yellow/golden envelope. The ballots are now mailed in a mostly white envelope with a blue strip on the left side, with ‘Official Absent Voter Ballot.’
“Normal postage requirements, or the timeframe to return the ballots has not changed — ballots need to be received by the voters city or township clerk’s office (not the polling location), whether mailed or hand delivered, by 8 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.”
For more Kent County election information visit here. For more State of Michigan election information, visit here.
AIM also invites the public to run, walk or hand cycle your way through Grand Valley State University’s campus in Allendale this Saturday, April 4, for its Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser. (Supplied/AIM)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
The local non-profit Alternatives in Motion — whose stated mission is to “enhance independence through access to mobility equipment” — recently announced a successful mobility device collection drive put on by one of AIM’s board members.
AIM will also be the benefactor of the Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser, held at Gran Valley State University’s Allendale campus in April. And it is not too early to sign up.
Throughout December 2019, AIM board member Leigh Chick hosted a Mobility Drive at Ionia Intermediate School District’s Freedom Acres School.
Throughout December 2019, AIM board member Leigh Chick hosted a Mobility Drive at Ionia Intermediate School District’s Freedom Acres School. (Supplied/AIM)
“I was inspired to host a mobility drive to support AIM because they have given so much to the students and families of Ionia County and directly to Freedom Acres School,” Chick said in supplied material. “I knew there were families and community members holding onto old equipment that their child had outgrown and they didn’t know what to do with it. I wanted to give them a place to pay it forward. I also wanted to spread the word about how amazing of an organization AIM is.”
Chick thanked several people for help with the drive, including Jim VanBeek of Triangle Construction, who loaned an enclosed trailer to house and collect the equipment in until it could be delivered to Alternatives in Motion’s warehouse, as well as, at the school, Principal Angela Miller, maintenance supervisor Jeff Duell, and Brenda Brown, the school’s physical therapist.
Wheels, run, walk, whatever — for a good cause
AIM also invites the public to run, walk or hand cycle your way through Grand Valley State University’s campus in Allendale this Saturday, April 4, for its Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser.
All proceeds go directly to support the organization, which aids in donating and refurbishing wheelchairs to individuals and families in need.
The event will take place at 1110 Kirkhof Center, 1 Campus Drive, on GVSU’s Allendale campus. In addition to the run, there will be raffles, prizes, music, snacks, drinks, and more. The cost is $25 per person with events starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week.
The Featured Game coverage schedule for the last week of February includes the following:
Tuesday, Feb. 11 — Girls Basketball East Grand Rapids at South Christian
Friday, Feb. 14 — Girls/Boys Basketball Christian @ Wyoming
Tuesday, Feb. 18 — Boys Basketball Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee
Friday, Feb. 21 — Girls/Boys Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House
Tuesday, Feb. 25 — Girls/Boys Basketball Tri-unity Christian @ Grand River Prep
Friday, Feb. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Tri-unity Christian @ Potter’s House
Where and when to see the game
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
Following is this week’s schedule:
Monday, Feb. 10 Girls Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Wellsprings Prep West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee Boys/Girls Bowling Wyoming Lee @ Belding Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian Zeeland East/Zeeland West @ South Christian Wyoming @ Unity Christian Rockford @ East Kentwood
Tuesday, Feb. 11 Boys Basketball Morley Stanwood @ Tri-Unity Christian Calhoun Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran Grand River Prep @ Wellsprings Prep Ravenna @ Potter’s House Zion Christian @ Martin Wyoming Lee @ White Cloud Belding @ Godwin Heights South Christian @ East Grand Rapids Wyoming @ Wayland NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville West Ottawa @ East Kentwood Girls Basketball Battle Creek Calhoun Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran Grand River Prep @ Wellsprings Prep Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee Martin @ Zion Christian Godwin Heights @ Belding East Grand Rapids at South Christian — WKTV Featured Event Wyoming @ Wayland Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian East Kentwood @ West Ottawa Boys Swimming South Christian @ Wayland Boys/Girls Bowling Potter’s House @ Kelloggsville
Wednesday, Feb. 12 Boys Hockey East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ FH Northern Boys/Girls Bowling Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights Unity Christian @ South Christian Wyoming @ Middleville T-K – Girls Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian Boys Wrestling Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights – MHSAA State Team Districts Kelloggsville @ Wyoming – MHSAA State Team Districts East Kentwood @ Grandville – MHSAA State Team Districts Girls Cheer Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Thursday, Feb. 13 Boys/Girls Bowling Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House Girls Basketball Hudsonville Home School @ West Michigan Lutheran Boys Swimming East Kentwood @ Rockford
Friday, Feb. 14 Boys Basketball Holland Calvary @ Tri-Unity Christian West Michigan Aviation @ Grand River Prep Potter’s House @ Cedar Springs Wellsprings Prep @ Zion Christian Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee Covenant Christian @ South Christian GR Christian @ Wyoming — WKTV Featured Event Kelloggsville @ Hopkins East Kentwood @ Hudsonville Girls Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Grand River Prep Holland Black River @ Potter’s House Wellsprings Prep @ Zion Christian Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee Covenant Christian @ South Christian Christian @ Wyoming — WKTV Featured Event Kelloggsville @ Hopkins East Kentwood @ Hudsonville Boys Hockey East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ East Grand Rapids Muskegon Reeths-Puffer @ South Christian Boys Swimming South Christian – MISCA Diving Meet @ EMU East Kentwood – MISCA Diving Meet
Saturday, Feb. 15 Boys Hockey East Grand Rapids @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation Lake Orion @ South Christian Boys Wrestling Wyoming Lee @ Fremont – MHSAA State Individual Districts Godwin Heights @ Fremont – MHSAA State Individual Districts Wyoming @ Lowell – MHSAA State Individual Districts Kelloggsville @ Lowell – MHSAA State Individual Districts East Kentwood – MHSAA State Individual Districts Girls Basketball Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park Boys Basketball Comstock Park @ Godwin Heights Boys Swimming South Christian – MISCA Swim Meet @ EMU East Kentwood – MISCA Swim Meet Boys/Girls Dance Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills Girls Cheer East Kentwood – Delta Plex Invite Girls Dance East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills
Monday, Feb. 17 Boys/Girls Bowling South Christian @ FH Eastern Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids Kelloggsville @ Wellsprings Prep Girls Cheer Wyoming @ Comstock Park Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
The Kelloggsville High School boys basketball team will take a break from its OK-Conference Silver schedule to host Comstock Park out of the OK Blue Tuesday, Feb. 4, as both teams look to get back in the win column.
The Kelloggsville Rockets (4-6 overall, 2-4 in league) are coming off a road loss to OK Silver foe Godwin Heights on Jan. 31. Comstock Park (2-8 and 1-5) will be out to break a six-game skid including a home loss to Central Catholic also on Jan. 31.
The WKTV Sports Featured Game will be available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
By Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director sports@wktv.org
February already brings the final full month of the high school winter sports schedules to the area. The opening rounds of MHSAA State tournaments are near the end of the month in several sports and others, such as girls’ basketball, close out the regular season to begin their state tournament to open up March.
With the change in basketball districts this year having the teams be seeded and matchups announced fifteen days before the opening games, updated schedules will be posted here as they are announced.
Once again, WKTV and its crews will be at two events each week throughout the month but show your support in person to your local schools whenever you can and then join the rebroadcast or watch on-line within a few days of the event.
The Featured Game coverage schedule for the last week of February includes the following:
Tuesday, Feb. 4 — Boys Basketball Comstock Park at Kelloggsville
Saturday, Feb. 8 — Boys Hockey Lowell/Caledonia at East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation
Tuesday, Feb. 11 — Girls Basketball East Grand Rapids at South Christian
Friday, Feb. 14 — Girls/Boys Basketball Christian @ Wyoming
Tuesday, Feb. 18 — Boys Basketball Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee
Friday, Feb. 21 — Girls/Boys Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House
Tuesday, Feb. 25 — Girls/Boys Basketball Tri-unity Christian @ Grand River Prep
Friday, Feb. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Tri-unity Christian @ Potter’s House
Want to be a television sports announcer?
If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! We are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.
Where and when to see the game
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
Following is this week’s schedule:
Monday, Feb. 3 Boys/Girls Bowling Calvin Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian – Boys NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee Hopkins @ Godwin Heights Byron Center @ South Christian Wyoming @ Middleville T-K Kelloggsville @ Hilcrest Lanes Grand Haven @ East Kentwood Girls Basketball Lansing Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Tuesday, Feb. 4 Girls Basketball West Michigan Lutheran @ Hudsonville Libertas Christian Holland Black River @ West Michigan Aviation Grand River Prep @ Potter’s House Muskegon Catholic Central @ Zion Christian Benton Harbor @ Godwin Heights Hudsonville @ South Christian Boys Basketball West Michigan Lutheran @ Hudsonville Libertas Christian Holland Black River @ West Michigan Aviation Grand River Prep @ Potter’s House Potter’s House @ Tri-County South Christian @ Calvin Christian FH Central @ Wyoming Comstock Park @ Kelloggsville — WKTV Featured Event Northview @ East Kentwood
Wednesday, Feb. 5 Boys/Girls Bowling Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee Belding @ Godwin Heights South Christian @ Wyoming Kelloggsville @ Hopkins East Kentwood @ Hudsonville Girls Cheer Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins Kelloggsville @ Hopkins Wyoming @ Wayland Boys Wrestling Muskegon Catholic Central @ Godwin Heights
Thursday, Feb. 6 Boys/Girls Bowling Tri-Unity Christian @ West Catholic – Boys Boys Swimming Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 7 Boys Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Tri-Unity Christian Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Lutheran Kalamazoo Heritage Christian @ Grand River Prep Creative Tech @ Zion Christian Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville Hopkins @ Godwin Heights Wyoming @ South Christian Girls Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Tri-Unity Christian Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Lutheran Creative Tech @ Zion Christian Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville Hopkins @ Godwin Heights Wyoming @ South Christian Boys Hockey South Christian vs Plymouth Boys Swimming South Christian @ Hudsonville Boys Wrestling Wyoming @ FH Eastern East Kentwood @ Rockford Girls Cheer East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Saturday, Feb. 8 Boys Hockey Lowell/Caledonia @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation — WKTV Featured Event South Christian vs Powers Catholic Boys/Girls Bowling Wyoming Lee @ Hudsonville Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Mona Shores Wyoming @ Muskegon Mona Shores East Kentwood @ Hudsonville Boys Wrestling Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian Godwin Heights @ Belding Kelloggsville @ Belding Girls Cheer Wyoming Lee @ FH Northern Wyoming @ FH Northern Boys Swimming South Christian @ Hudsonville
Monday, Feb. 10 Girls Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Wellsprings Prep West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee Boys/Girls Bowling Wyoming Lee @ Belding Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian Zeeland East/Zeeland West @ South Christian Wyoming @ Unity Christian Rockford @ East Kentwood
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus is a follow-up with the Grand Valley State University Veterans Upward Bound program. In 2018, as the program was just started, we talked with its new director. Now we bring you two veterans working for and as part of the program — each with unique and moving stories to tell — to find out how it is working.
The Veterans Upward Bound program aims to provide academic and other services to military veterans with the goal of supporting their enrollment and success in postsecondary education.
With us are two members of the Upward Bound staff, Air Force veteran and soon-to-be college student Russell Coon, and Army veteran Belinda Coronado, who already has a degree from GVSU but is not yet done with her higher education efforts.
And Coon’s story is more than simply a vet finding help with higher education — his story is one of a vet finding his way in the world thanks to veterans support programs.
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 (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team, from an early season game. (Curtis Holt)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
Wyoming and Forest Hills Eastern high schools are friendly rivals, and one of the reasons is that Wolves athletic director Ted Hollern’s brother Tim is the assistant principal at Forest Hills Eastern.
And when Wyoming hosts its annual Coaches vs. Cancer Community Basketball night on Friday, Jan. 31, with the girls game first at 6 p.m, the night’s cancer awareness events and celebration of cancer survivors will also have a “Hollern” connection.
Set to be called the “Wolf Pack Howl for the Hollern Night”, one of the cancer survivors will be Tim Hollern.
“My brother Tim Hollern has colon cancer,” Ted Hollern said to WKTV. “So we are celebrating him along with all survivors.”
The community basketball night will have some great basketball played — the Wolves boys team (4-1 and 9-1 overall) will be fighting to stay with the leaders of the OK-Conference Gold as they host the Hawks (3-2 and 8-3) at 7:45 p.m. The girls game will have the Wolves (1-4 and 4-8) hosting the Hawks (1-4 and 2-10).
But there will be so much more than just basketball.
There will be an American Cancer Society table set up for information.
The members of the boys varsity squads will be autographing items during the first quarter of the girls game. And the girls team players will be autographing at the end of the girls game. And there will be “Howl for Hollern” t-shirts available for fund-raising, which will be perfect for autographs.
Game-time activities will include all elementary, intermediate and junior high principals, and their students, being honored at the halftime of the boys game. The Wolves Dance team, Pep Band and Honored Choir will also be honored.
There will also be a free raffle, souvenirs, free Wyoming Wolves water bottles, and other door prizes.
Finally, elementary, intermediate and junior high students will gain free entry to the game when accompanied by an adult.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
The Alliance League is still early in its boys and girls basketball league season, but the outcomes of Kentwood’s Grand River Preparatory High School’s teams visiting Byron Center Zion Christian Tuesday, Jan. 27, will likely go along way to shaking out the top of the standings.
The Grand River Prep Titans boys (6-1 overall, 1-0 in league) will seek to stay in front of also undefeated-in-league Tri-unity Christian (3-0) and Potters House Christian (2-0) as they visit the Zion Christian Mountaineers (3-6 2-3). On the girls side, Zion Christian is 4-6 overall and 1-2 in league, while Grand River Prep is 4-4, 0-0.
Both games will be WKTV Sports Featured Games, which will be available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.
While the games are important to both schools, Zion Christian protecting their home court may be have a larger impact on their Alliance League chances.
Mountaineers boys head coach Dan Does (49-65 overall at the school) has a team led by senior guard Julian Edouard, who is averaging 21.5 points, 15 rebounds, 2.8 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. He is shooting 55 percent from 2-point range and 38 percent from 3-point range.
Fellow senior Titus Baker is averaging 8 ppg., 4.4 rpg., and 3.4 assists per game, while hitting about 35 percent of his 3-point attempts. Senior Blaze Pasma is averaging 6.5 ppg.
On the Mountaineers girls side, head coach Derek Foltice (52-42 overall) fields a team led by two juniors and a freshman Junior Kelly Leep has per-game average of 15.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 5.3 steals and 2.5 blocks. Fellow junior Avery Hilton’s line is 3.7 ppg. and 6.5 rpg., and freshman Josie Doezema’s line is 6.3 ppg. and 4.7 rpg.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The Featured Game coverage schedule for the last week of January includes the following:
Tuesday, Jan. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Grand River Prep at Zion Christian
Friday, Jan. 31 — Girls/Boys Basketball Caledonia at East Kentwood
Want to be a television sports announcer?
If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! We are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.
Where and when to see the game
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
Following is this week’s schedule:
Monday, Jan. 27 Boys/Girls Bowling @ East Kentwood Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian FH Eastern@ Wyoming Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville Christian @ South Christian
Tuesday, Jan. 28 Girls Basketball
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian Wyoming @ Middleville T-K NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee Western Michigan Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian Kelloggsville @ Tri-County South Christian @ FH Eastern Galesburg-Augusta @ Potter’s House Grand River Prep @ Zion Christian – WKTV Featured Event West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary Christian Boys Basketball Grand Haven @ East Kentwood Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights Wyoming @ Middleville T-K Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian Tri-Unity Christian @ Kelloggsville FH Eastern @ South Christian Grand River Prep @ Zion Christian – WKTV Featured Event Lansing Martin Luther @ West Michigan Lutheran West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary Christian Boys/Girls Bowling Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville Boys Wrestling Kelloggsville @ Kent City Girls Cheer Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
Wednesday, Jan. 29 Boys/Girls Bowling Caledonia @ East Kentwood Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville Wyoming @ Christian East Grand Rapids @ South Christian Boys Wrestling East Kentwood @ Caledonia Godwin Heights @ Shelby Wyoming @ Hamilton Wyoming Lee @ Lakeview Girls Cheer Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee Girls Basketball Grand River Prep @ Holland Black River
Thursday, Jan. 30 Boys Swimming/Diving @ East Kentwood South Christian @ Middleville T-K Boys Bowling Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian Girls Basketball Potter’s House @ Zion Christian Boys Basketball Potter’s House @ Zion Christian
Friday, Jan. 31 Boys Hockey East Kentwood @ Chelsea Girls Basketball Caledonia @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights FH Eastern @ Wyoming Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian Tri-Unity Christian @ Covenant Christian South Christian @ Christian Creative Tech @ West Michigan Lutheran Boys Basketball Caledonia @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights FH Eastern @ Wyoming Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian Tri-Unity Christian @ Covenant Christian South Christian @ Christian Fruitport Calvary Christian @ Potter’s House Creative Tech @ West Michigan Lutheran Holland Calvary @ West Michigan Aviation
Saturday, Feb. 1 Boys Hockey Anchor Bay vs East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ Chelsea South Christian vs Northville Girls Cheer Wyoming @ Kalamazoo Central Kelloggsville @ Northview East Kentwood @ Northview Boys Wrestling @ Kelloggsville – Rocket Individual Tourney East Kentwood @ Lakewood Boys/Girls Bowling Kelloggsville @ Muskegon Reeths-Puffer Girls Dance East Kentwood @ Jenison Boys Swimming East Kentwood @ Grandville Boys Basketball TBA @ East Kentwood
Monday, Feb. 3 Boys/Girls Bowling Calvin Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian – Boys NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee Hopkins @ Godwin Heights Byron Center @ South Christian Wyoming @ Middleville T-K Kelloggsville @ Hilcrest Lanes Grand Haven @ East Kentwood Girls Basketball Lansing Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Godwin Heights boys basketball (shown from a 2019 game) is on the WKTV Featured Game schedule this week . (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
After a tough season-opening stretch of tough non-conference games, the Godwin Heights High School boys basketball team has started its OK-conference Silver schedule with wins over Belding and Wyoming Lee and a tight road loss at Hopkins.
The Wolverines (3-6 overall, 2–1 in conference) will seek to continue its conference roll as the team hosts NorthPointe Christian (3-5, 1-1) Tuesday, Jan. 21, in a WKTV Sports Featured Game, which will be available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.
So far this season, Godwin head coach Tyler Whittemore’s team has been led by seniors Cleveland (CJ) Baskin (6.5 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, 3 assists per game) and Milton Brown (5 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg). But the team’s leading scorers are both freshmen, Jakhary Towns (17 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg) and Demarie Thompson (8 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3 rpg).
“Baskin is a versatile player. He will handle the ball for us to initiate the offense, but is also good at slashing to the basket off the ball,” Whittemore said to WKTV. “He … is the only player with stats from last year. The other guys have very little to no varsity experience.”
Of his two freshman starters, Whittemore said Townes is an “explosive scorer from outside … (and) he is a very good shooter from the 3-point line.” While Thompson is “a tough and talented point guard. He has very good court-vision.”
Whittemore praised his other senior starter, Brown, as a “very tough player. He is a smart player that will help everyone around him be more efficient. He can guard multiple positions and will end up on the opposing team’s best player down the stretch.”
And the team other usual starter, junior Martine Bickety (3 ppg, 3rpg) is the “toughest defender we have,” his coach said.
First off the Godwin bench are junior Jamontae Burrell (4 ppg) and sophomore Jordan Norman (4.5 ppg), while junior Ru’Quan Buckley will return from injury in the Tuesday game.
Other players on the team (according to the team’s school webpage) include senior Sa’Viance Morris-Miller and juniors Jacob Horrell, Kyeshaun Hunnicutt and Jadyn Rodriguez.
Last season, the Wolverines were 15-6 overall and won the OK Silver with a 12-0 mark before falling to Grand Rapids South Christian in an opening round playoff game.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.
The 2019-20 East Kentwood High School boys basketball team. (Supplied/East Kentwood)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
So far this season, after five non-conference games and their OK-Conference Red opener earlier this week, the East Kentwood boys basketball team has had some success and some struggles executing coach Jeff Anama plan to have a team featuring fast-paced offense and defense.
The Falcons have two players scoring in double figures, several seniors playing key rolls, but have a modest early-season 2-4 record (0-1 in conference) as the team hosts Hudsonville (7-0, 2-0) Friday, Jan. 17, as part of a doubleheader of WKTV Sports Featured Games which will be available on cable television and, later, on-demand at WKTVlive.org.
“The kind of offense and defense we run, I think, is … transition, trying to push the ball quickly, look for opportunities to get easy baskets,” Anama said to WKTV in December as the team prepared for its first game. The team wants “to try to create pressure and turnovers an easier baskets with our defensive transition and defensive pressure.”
We need to “be able to push the ball from one end to the other and create opportunities for the depth that I think we have on this year’s team,” he said. “And with the defensive pressure to make the tempo uncomfortable for the team we are playing.”
Anama’s fast-paced philosophy has shown it sometimes takes a few games to click. Last season, the Falcons started 3-3, but ended up 16-10 overall and won five playoff games before falling to Okemos in the state Division 1 Quarterfinals.
This season’s Falcons, through six games, are led in scoring by seniors Ja’moni Jones (14 points per game) and Jordan Jackson (11.2 PPG), with three players averaging about six points per game: senior JaShon Large, junior Tyane Barnes and super freshman Jy’Air Harris. Jackson and Harris also lead the team in rebounds per game with just over four, while Jones is averaging just under four rebounds and leading the team in assists with about 3 per game.
The usual (and tentative Friday) starters are Jones, Jackson, Large, Harris and senior Urim Sahitolli.
Other players on the team (according to the team’s school webpage) include seniors Sean-Anthony Diggs, Deivi Martinez Abreu, Frey Nickson and Adonis Vashon; juniors Christopher Brown, Eric Cohill, Joshua Mayhue, Kellen Roelofs and Kalil Stimage.
“I would say our team is a team that loves to play basketball and they love to be together,” Anama said.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.
The Wyoming high girls basketball team used a balanced scoring attack, good defense and some clutch free-throw points down the stretch to score a 73-63 win over Wayland Jan. 14. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
The second game of a long OK-Conference schedule may have been too early to be called a must-win game for the Wyoming High School girls basketball team, but the Wolves Tuesday, Jan. 14, home-court win over then undefeated Wayland was a really good win.
Wyoming (4-5 overall and 1-1 in OK Gold) used a balanced scoring attack and some clutch defense down the stretch to score a 73-63 win over the Wildcats (8-1 overall, 1-1) and give the Wolves a little momentum in conference play.
“Our conference is so tough, Wayland was 8-0 coming in … East Grand Rapids is one of the top teams in the state … anytime we go into our conference, it is a battle,” Wolves coach Troy Mast, now in his fifth year at Wyoming, said to WKTV after the game. “It was early in the season, but we play every game as if it were the last game of the year.”
In the Wayland win, the Wolves were led by 20 points — including six 3-pointers — from senior McKenzie Ruppert and 15 points from fellow senior Mikayla Petree. But they also got 12 points each from junior Taejah Cross and sophomore Michelle McGee, eight points from sophomore Mikayla Marzean and six points from sophomore Marissa Menard.
“Our kids were ready tonight,” Mast said. “I am so proud of how they performed and took care of each other and played so hard.”
Wyoming high coach Troy Mast talking to his team during a win over Wayland Jan. 14. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
That balanced scoring, from experienced upperclassmen and still-developing sophomores, has been a strength of Wyoming so far this season.
“We do not have one girl we can count on … but we feel like we have five, six, seven girl who can score on a given night,” Mast said. “We just want to win. It doesn’t matter who scores.”
In addition to seniors Ruppert and Petree, the Wolves are also led by senior Aniyah Jones. Other juniors on the squad include Charde’ Fudge, Naomi Goodson and Delfina Hernandez-Key. In addition to McGee, Marzen and Menard, other youth on the team include sophomores Jenna VanderPloeg and Avery Jirous, and freshman Treyah Cross.
“We have senior leaders … Mikayla Petree has been on the varsity for four years … and each year she has taken on more and more responsibility,” Mast said. “But we also have some young kids who can play. We feel like that, as we go though the season, if we can balance those two together, we’ll be alright.”
While Wyoming lost four of seven non-conference games, Mast said there were lessons learned from close, early-season losses to the likes of Forest Hills Central, Grandville and Rockford.
“We felt like we played a tougher (non-conference) schedule than most teams in our conference,” he said.
The Wolves will be at Grand Rapids Christian (7-1, 0-1) for another conference game Friday, Jan. 17.
The Wolves were 8-13 last season and were 5-7 in OK-Conference Gold play. This season the coaching staff includes assistants Julian Goodson (the junior varsity head coach) and Eric Brown.
The Wyoming vs. Wayland girls and boys games were a WKTV Sports Featured Games and is available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team, from an early season game, will be a WKTV Featured Game this week. (Curtis Holt)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The Featured Game coverage schedule for January includes the following:
Tuesday, Jan. 14 — Girls/Boys Basketball Wayland at Wyoming
Friday, Jan. 17 — Girls/Boys Basketball Hudsonville at East Kentwood
Tuesday, Jan. 21 — Boys Basketball NorthPointe Christian at Godwin Heights
Friday, Jan. 24 — Boys Basketball Zion Christian at Tri-Unity Christian
Tuesday, Jan. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Grand River Prep at Zion Christian
Friday, Jan. 31 — Girls/Boys Basketball Caledonia at East Kentwood
Want to be a television sports announcer?
If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! We are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.
Where and when to see the game
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
Following is this week’s schedule:
Monday, Jan. 13 Boys/Girls Bowling Godwin Heights @ Belding Wyoming @ Zeeland East Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian Tri-Unity Christian @ Sparta – Boys Hopkins @ Kelloggsville South Christian @ Unity Christian
Tuesday, Jan. 14 Girls Cheer @ East Kentwood Girls Basketball West Ottawa @ East Kentwood Belding @ Godwin Heights Wayland @ Wyoming – WKTV Featured Event Muskegon Orchard View @ Tri-Unity Christian NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville South Christian @ East Grand Rapids Potter’s House @ Martin Muskegon Catholic Central @ Grand River Prep West Michigan Lutheran @ GR Homeschoolers Hudsonville Libertas Christian @ West Michigan Aviation Boys Basketball East Kentwood @ West Ottawa Godwin Heights @ Belding Wayland @ Wyoming – WKTV Featured Event Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian East Grand Rapids @ South Christian Martin @ Potter’s House
Wednesday, Jan. 15 Boys Wrestling Hudsonville @ East Kentwood Montague @ Godwin Heights Middleville T-K @ Wyoming Wyoming Lee @ Muskegon Catholic Central Kelloggsville @ Muskegon Catholic Central Boys/Girls Bowling NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming Belding @ Wyoming Lee FH Eastern @ South Christian Girls Cheer Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville Boys Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Lansing Christian Girls Basketball WMAES @ West Michigan Aviation
Thursday, Jan. 16 Boys Swimming/Diving West Ottawa @ East Kentwood Boys Bowling Tri-Unity Christian @ Wellsprings Prep
Friday, Jan. 17 Girls Basketball Hudsonville @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights Wyoming @ Christian Tri-Unity Christian @ Fruitport Calvary Hopkins @ Kelloggsville South Christian @ Unity Christian Holland Black River @ Grand River Prep West Michigan Lutheran @ Algoma Christian West Michigan Aviation @ West Catholic Boys Basketball Hudsonville @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights Wyoming @ Christian Tri-Unity Christian @ Fruitport Calvary Hopkins @ Kelloggsville South Christian @ Unity Christian Holland Black River @ Grand River Prep West Michigan Lutheran @ Algoma Christian Zion Christian @ Holland Calvary West Michigan Aviation @ West Catholic Boys Hockey South Christian @ West Ottawa
Saturday, Jan. 18 Boys Wrestling East Kentwood @ Holt Godwin Heights @ FH Central Wyoming @ Jenison Kelloggsville @ Christian Boys Swimming/Diving East Kentwood@ Kalamazoo Loy Norrix Boys Hockey Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation South Christian @ Rockford
Monday, January 20 Boys/Girls Bowling Hudsonville @ East Kentwood Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee Tri-Unity Christian @ Muskegon Orchard View Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville South Christian @ Wayland
Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team in action against Wyoming Tri-unity Christian on Jan. 7. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
The Godwin Heights High School girls basketball team (5-1) closed out their early non-conference season schedule Tuesday, Jan. 6, with a convincing, if at times sloppy, 58-38 non-conference home win over Wyoming Tri-unity Christian.
And while the Wolverines’ schedule will get more challenging now as it enters OK-Conference Silver play Friday, Jan. 10, at Hopkins (3-3 in early season action), head coach Cassie Medina likes what she has seen from her team of nine juniors and one super freshman.
And she really likes what she thinks the team could become this season and next.
“I’m excited, because I had half of them (the juniors) on varsity last year, so we are still building,” Medina said to WKTV after the Tuesday game. “I feel like this year is the year and next year is the year.”
Medina is now 82-59 overall at Godwin, but is 77-44 without a losing season after going 5-15 in 2012-13, her first year leading the varsity.
Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team before a game Jan. 7. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
In the Tri-unity game, the Wolverines had seven players in the scoring column, led by center Jakaya Lay’s 15 points and freshman guard KaShari Babb’s 12 points. Guard Lashay Lee added nine points and forward Anika Clark eight.
Other juniors on the team include guards Lanaja Polk-Craig, Diamond Johnson and Hannah Barns, forward Shantil Johnson and center Jaida Walls.
Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team head coach Cassir Medina talks during a timeout in a Jan. 7 game. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
And while coach Medina feels she can and will get scoring — and tight defense — from just about anybody she puts on the court, Lay has been very impressive on both offense and defense in the paint, and Babb was is just beginning to show why she was too good to not play point guard/off guard on varsity.
Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team had nine juniors and one freshman, guard KaShari Babb, right. (WKTV)
Babb’s “basketball smarts is just too good, there is just no way she should be JV,” Medina said. “If you watch her, her basketball IQ, she sees layups inside, she sees open players. She is just too good.”
And Lay is not only developing into a scoring machine, but she rebounds and plays tough inside defense without drawing carless fouls — she did not have a single foul against Tri-unity.
“Her footwork is so good inside. For her size, she’s a little shorter (5-foot-9), her footwork is so nice,” Medina said. “The way she can get the ball and move … I’m amazed at the inside moves she has.”
But Medina knows that her team will need to get better, this season and next, starting with the conference opener this week.
“Tonight (against Tri-unity) was a little sloppy, we need to clean-up a lot of the turnovers,” she said. “But righty now we are doing a lot of things right.”
The Wolverines were 11-11 last season and were 4-6 in OK-Conference Silver play. They won two games in the state playoffs, including a 56-40 win over conference foe Kelloggsville, before falling to Grand Rapids South Christian in the Division 2 District 44 finals.
The Godwin Heights vs. Tri-unity game was a WKTV Sports Featured Game and is available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.
Tri-unity boys basketball is one of the many local sports teams WKTV’s Featured Game coverage team will be covering this season. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
By Mike Moll sports@wktv.org
The holidays are in the rear-view mirror as the calendar has turned over to 2020, and January is jam-packed with high school sports most every night of the month as the winter season goes into full force.
Be sure to get out and show your support for your local school and its student-athletes in person, but then watch the replay on WKTV or watch on-line at any time within a few days of the event.
WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The Featured Game coverage schedule for January includes the following:
Friday, Jan. 3 — Boys Hockey Portage Northern at East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation
Tuesday, Jan. 7 — Girls Basketball Tri-Unity Christian at Godwin Heights
Friday, Jan. 10 — Girls/Boys Basketball Kelloggsville at Wyoming Lee
Tuesday, Jan. 14 — Girls/Boys Basketball Wayland at Wyoming
Friday, Jan. 17 — Girls/Boys Basketball Hudsonville at East Kentwood
Tuesday, Jan. 21 — Boys Basketball NorthPointe Christian at Godwin Heights
Friday, Jan. 24 — Boys Basketball Zion Christian at Tri-Unity Christian
Tuesday, Jan. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Grand River Prep at Zion Christian
Friday, Jan. 31 — Girls/Boys Basketball Caledonia at East Kentwood
Want to be a television sports announcer?
If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! We are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.
Where and when to see the game
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
Following is this week’s schedule:
Monday, Jan 6 Boys/Girls Bowling Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights Wyoming @ South Christian Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee
Tuesday, Jan. 7 Girls Basketball Northview @ East Kentwood Tri-Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event Wyoming @ Rockford Wyoming Lee @ Holton Kelloggsville @ Wayland Potter’s House @ Ravenna Kent City @ Grand River Prep West Michigan Lutheran @ Hudsonville Home Schoolers Holland Black River @ Zion Christian West Michigan Aviation @ Martin Boys Basketball Wyoming @ Rockford Holton @ Wyoming Lee South Christian @ Byron Center Potter’s House @ Kenowa Hills Kent City @ Grand River Prep West Michigan Lutheran @ Lansing Martin Luther Holland Black River @ Zion Christian West Michigan Aviation @ Martin
Wednesday, Jan. 8 Girls Cheer East Kentwood @ West Ottawa Wyoming @ Zeeland West Wyoming Lee @ Belding Kelloggsville @ Belding Boys/Girls Bowling Godwin Heights @ Hopkins Unity Christian @ Wyoming Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian Tri-Unity Christian @ Calvin Christian South Christian @ Zeeland East Boys Wrestling Belding @ Godwin Heights Wyoming @ Hamilton Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins Kelloggsville @ Ravenna Boys Hockey Rockford @ South Christian Girls Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Wellsprings Prep Boys Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Wellsprings Prep
Thursday, Jan. 9 Boys Swimming South Christian @ Union Boys/Girls Bowling Potter’s House @ Muskegon Orchard View Girls Basketball West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES Boys Basketball West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES
Friday, Jan. 10 Boys/Girls Bowling Godwin Heights Ottawa Hills Girls Basketball Godwin Heights @ Hopkins South Christian @ Wyoming Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee – WKTV Featured Event Covenant Christian @ Potter’s House Hudsonville Libertas Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran Fruitport Calvary @ Zion Christian Boys Basketball Godwin Heights @ Hopkins South Christian @ Wyoming Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee – WKTV Featured Event Bridgman @ Tri-Unity Christian Covenant Christian @ Potter’s House Hudsonville Libertas Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran Fruitport Calvary @ Zion Christian
Saturday January 11, 2020 Girls Dance East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills Boys Wrestling East Kentwood @ West Catholic – Dunneback Invite Kelloggsville @ Fruitport Wyoming @ West Catholic Boys Swimming/Diving East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids South Christian @ East Grand Rapids Boys Hockey East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ FH Central Rochester @ South Christian Girls Cheer FH Eastern @ Wyoming Wyoming Lee @ Allendale Kelloggsville @ Allendale
Monday, Jan. 13 Boys/Girls Bowling Godwin Heights @ Belding Wyoming @ Zeeland East Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian Tri-Unity Christian @ Sparta – Boys Hopkins @ Kelloggsville South Christian @ Unity Christian
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team opened the season Dec. 13 with an 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension. (Curtis Holt)
By WKTV Staff (Photos by Curtis Holt) ken@wktv.org
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team opened the season Dec. 13 with an 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension.
Curtis Holt, Wyoming sports fan and City of Wyoming City Manager, was there and sent WKTV some great photos.
In the game, the Wolves were led by a huge night from senior Menalito McGee, who scored 34 points including 9-of-18 from 3-point distance. Senior Diego Ledesma scored 15 points, while senior Marion Parks added 14 points and six rebounds.
The Wolves (1-0) play at Grand Rapids Northview Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Tip-off of the Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball season Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
Wyoming High School Wolves senior Diego Ledesma (1) in action Dec. 13 against Jension.
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team in action Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
Wyoming High School Wolves senior Monte Parks (20) in action Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball fans were into the team’s Dec. 13 home game, a 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension. (Curtis Holt)
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The tentative Featured Game coverage schedule for December includes the following:
Tuesday, Dec. 17 — Boys and Girls Basketball, Kelloggsville at West Michigan Aviation
Friday, Dec. 20 — Boys basketball, Sparta at West Michigan Aviation
Our featured gam crew will be on break until after the New Years Day week. Check back the first week of January for the complete featured game and weekly schedules.
Want to be a television sports announcer?
If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! We are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com
Where and when to see the game
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
Following is this week’s schedule:
Monday, Dec. 16 Boys / Girls Bowling Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins Christian @ Wyoming South Christian @ East Grand Rapids Tri-Unity Christian @ Orchard View – Boys Girls Basketball Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Heights West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES Boys Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Western Michigan Christian West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES
Tuesday, Dec.17 Girls Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville — WKTV Featured Event Wellsprings Prep @ Wyoming Lee Northview @ Wyoming East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids Zion Christian @ Orchard View West Michigan Lutheran @ Creative Tech Academy Boys Basketball Kelloggsville @ West Michigan Aviation — WKTV Featured Game Godwin Heights @ Grand Haven Sacred Heart of Jesus @ Wyoming Lee Wyoming @ Northview Ravenna @ Zion Christian Grand River Prep @ Holland Black River Boys Swimming / Diving South Christian @ East Kentwood – Christmas Quad
Wednesday, Dec. 18 Boys / Girls Bowling Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights Middleville T-K @ Wyoming South Christian @ Byron Center Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian – Boys Boys Wrestling @ Kelloggsville – Quad Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee Wyoming @ Unity Christian East Kentwood @ Lowell Girls Cheer Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Mona Shores Wyoming @ Jenison
Thursday, Dec. 19 Boys / Girls Bowling Kelloggsville @ East Kentwood Wyoming @ Allendale Girls Basketball Wyoming Lee @ Ottawa Hills Wellsprings Prep @ Grand River Prep Boys Basketball Sparta @ West Michigan Aviation — WKTV Featured Game Wellsprings Prep @ Grand River Prep
Friday, Dec. 20 Boys Basketball Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville Godwin Heights @ Northview Calvin Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian Grandville @ Wyoming East Kentwood @ FH Central Caledonia @ South Christian Zion Christian @ Galesburg-Augusta Potter’s House @ Saranac West Michigan Lutheran @ Battle Creek Calhoun Christian Girls Basketball Calvin Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian Wyoming @ Grandville East Kentwood @ FH Central Caledonia @ South Christian Zion Christian @ Galesburg-Augusta Potter’s House @ Saranac West Michigan Lutheran @ Battle Creek Calhoun Christian Boys Hockey East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ Jenison South Christian @ FH Eastern/FH Northern
Saturday, Dec. 21 Boys Wrestling Kelloggsville @ FH Central – Kent County Championships Godwin Heights @ FH Central – Kent County Championships Wyoming Lee @ FH Central – Kent County Championships Wyoming @ FH Central – Kent County Championships East Kentwood @ FH Central – Kent County Championships Boys Basketball Wyoming Lee vs West Michigan Aviation @ GRCC Boys Swimming / Diving East Kentwood @ Holland South Christian @ Holland Boys Hockey East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ Hudsonville South Christian @ Christian
Monday, Dec. 23 No Games Scheduled
Tuesday, Dec. 24 No Games Scheduled
Wednesday, Dec. 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS No Games Scheduled
Thursday, Dec. 26 Boys Basketball Godwin Heights vs Wayland @ Cornerstone University TBA @ Wyoming Lee – Lee Basketball Tournament
Friday, Dec. 27 Boys / Girls Bowling Godwin Heights @ Catholic Central Wyoming Lee @ Catholic Central Wyoming @ Catholic Central East Kentwood @ Catholic Central Boys Basketball TBA @ Wyoming Lee – Lee Basketball Tournament East Kentwood @ Muskegon Reeths Puffer Girls Basketball NorthPointe Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian Union @ Wyoming Boys Hockey South Christian vs Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Saturday, Dec. 28 Boys Basketball Godwin Heights vs TBD @ Cornerstone University Boys Wrestling Godwin Heights @ Montague East Kentwood @ Grandville Boys Hockey South Christian @ Grandville
Monday, Dec. 30 Boys Swimming South Christian @ Jenison – Curt Pals Invite
Action from a 2018-19 season playoff game between Godwin Heights and South Christian. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Both the South Christian Sailors and the Godwin Heights Wolverines will open their 2019-20 season this week following successful 2018-19 campaigns, but with 0-0 records and a lot of new faces on the court.
And, by a quirk of scheduling, the two coaches may well remember the last time the two met: an opening round state playoff game last season when the Sailors sent the Wolverines home after a fine season and South Christian began a deep playoff ride.
The rematch between two defending OK Conference champions will be Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m., in a WKTV Sports Featured Game, which will be recorded and available on cable television and on-demand. The game is also a special Salute to Soldiers game with two veterans honored in pre-game ceremonies.
Godwin Athletic Director told WKTV that the two special guests to be honored will be Ken McKenney, a 72-year-old U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, and Pete Zimmer, a 92-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who served during World War II.
Host Godwin Heights, out of the OK Silver, was 15-6 overall in 2018-19, 12-0 in conference and Silver champion. Coach Tyler Whittemore’s team lost 47-45 in opening round playoff game at South Christian.
South Christian, out of OK Gold, was 22-4 in 2018-19, 11-1 in conference and Gold champion. The Sailors won five playoff games before falling to Hudsonville Unity Christian in the state quarterfinals. Coach Jeff Meengs is 56-37 in four seasons at the school.
But the Sailors lost eight seniors, five who started, and only have two players back from that team: senior guard Tyler Buwalda and junior big man (6-foot-7) Connor Dykema. Both were a part of the team’s 8-man playing rotation last season, and both averaged about 4.5 points per game last year. Juniors Sam Meengs, Elliott Grashuis and Tyler Rynbrandt “will also play a lot,” Meengs told WKTV, while other seniors on roster will “contribute and have significant playing time.”
“While we do not have much experience, we do have good players that have had success at the freshman and JV levels the past few years,” Meengs said. (For a WKTV video interview with Coach Meengs, visit here.)
Godwin coach Whittemore, whose team also lost much through graduation, has averaged 20-plus wins in each of the last five seasons with the usual changing of players. So the Wolverines may just be reloaded again. Coach Whittemore told WKTV that his expected starters will be seniors Cleveland (CJ) Baskin, Terrance (TJ) Moore and Savi Morris-Miller, as well as junior Jamontae Burrell and sophomore Jordan Norman.
Other players expected to contribute include junior RuQuan Buckley, freshman Jakhary Towns, and seniors Shadon Ewing and Milton Brown.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
In this day of ready-to-eat, highly processed food, it is understandable that consumers want to know what is in their food. Food labels require manufacturers to list ingredients (in order of volume, highest to lowest), nutrition, use by date and other aspects. A new label to appear over the next couple of years is the bioengineered label (Photo 1). The law implementing this labeling begins Jan. 1, 2020 and is fully mandated by Jan. 1, 2022. Any product containing genetically modified organism (GMO) products or byproducts must display a label indicating that fact. After Jan. 1, 2022, if the product does not contain this label, it has no GMO ingredients.
This new label will be the most reliable way for consumers to differentiate foods containing GMOs from those that do not. Meanwhile, GMO food labelling can be confusing and misleading.
The following is a list of GMO items currently approved in 2019 for commercial production and sale in the United States:
AquAdvantage Salmon
Arctic Apple
Canola
Corn
Cotton
Eggplant (BARI Bt Begun varieties)
Papaya (ringspot virus-resistant varieties)
Pineapple (pink flesh varieties)
Potato
Soybean
Squash (summer)
Sugarbeet
More items are under development and testing, but not yet approved and released for commercial use. This does not mean all members in that category are genetically modified or bioengineered. In fact, most eggplant, potatoes and summer squash are not bioengineered, but the average consumer does not know that, and bioengineered items cannot be identified based on their appearance. The new bioengineered label should help clear up some confusion.
Photo 2. Non-GMO Project label. Photo by Environmental Illness Network, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
What consumers most often see now is the Non-GMO Project label (Photo 2). Participating companies pay an annual fee to be part of the program, plus an additional fee for each item that will display the label. This is an optional verification program. The Non-GMO Project currently claims to have 3,000 participating brands and is displayed on over 50,000 items.
An aspect of the Non-GMO Project label that can be confusing is that companies can put the label on whatever they want, even if the product could not possibly contain GMO ingredients. Look again at Photo 2 and think about where you have seen this label. You can find it on products where there currently are no GMO members, such as orange juice, cranberries, mandarins or vanilla extract (Photo 3). You may also see it on products that will never contain GMOs, such as salt (Photo 4). Salt only contains minerals; there is no DNA to modify. It is also on some cat litter.
Photo 3. Common food items containing the Non-GMO Project label that currently have no GMO members. Photo by Ron Goldy, MSU Extension.
Why is this label on non-GMO products? It is all about marketing. When people are at the grocery store comparing two products, the additional label is another way to stand out and convince people to put their product in the cart. It may also cause consumers to think items not displaying the label are really GMOs. Therefore, the label can be used more as a marketing tool and not a means of conveying useful information. The new bioengineered label will remove that confusion.
Photo 4. Non-GMO Project label on salt. Photo by Ron Goldy, MSU Extension.
Consumers no doubt will be seeing a growing number of items with the bioengineered label since bioengineered techniques may be a necessary tool in solving future problems. This is an immediate concern for the citrus industry. A disease called citrus greening is currently devastating citrus worldwide and immunity has not been found within any citrus, and therefore may come from another plant species with the trait introduced to citrus using bioengineered techniques.
Do not quickly dismiss bioengineered techniques since they may be the only way to save or improve important segments of the agricultural industry.
The phasing in of the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) bioengineered label has the goal of clearing up confusion on GMOs. Whether it achieves that goal depends on consumers making themselves familiar with what that label means. This knowledge will help them make better decisions, ease shopping stress, and allow them to focus on dietary choices that most improve their health.
WKTV’s coverage of girls high school basketball continues this month. (WKTV)
By Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director ken@wktv.org
Football teams were crowned champions Thanksgiving weekend inside Detroit’s Ford Field and the calendars were then rolled over to December. That means the winter sports open their schedules with tip-offs in girls basketball during the first week followed by the boys openers the second week.
Boys hockey, wrestling, boys and girls bowling, and boys swimming and diving began earlier, and to round out the winter sports teams, girls cheer and dance begin their seasons.
WKTV will bring one or two events each week to viewers, mostly basketball but some hockey.
The tentative Featured Game coverage schedule for December includes the following:
Friday, Dec. 6 — Girls Basketball, Zion Christian at Wyoming Lee
Tuesday, Dec. 10 — Boys Basketball, South Christian at Godwin Heights
Friday, Dec. 13 — Boys Hockey, FH Central at East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation
If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! The tentative schedule for May follows and we are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
Following is this week’s schedule:
Monday, Dec. 2 Girls Basketball Grand River Prep @ Wyoming Lee
Tuesday, Dec. 3 Girls Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Kelloggsville Orchard View @ Godwin Heights FH Central @ Wyoming East Kentwood @ Byron Center South Christian @ FH Northern Ravenna @ Zion Christian Potter’s House @ Kenowa Hills WMAES @ West Michigan Aviation Saranac @ Grand River Prep
Wednesday, Dec. 4 Boys Hockey South Christian @ Muskegon Reeths Puffer
Thursday, Dec. 5 Girls Basketball West Michigan Lutheran @ Athens Factoryville Christian
Friday, Dec. 6 Girls Basketball Kelloggsville @ Zeeland West Godwin Heights @ Union Zion Christian @ Wyoming Lee – WKTV Featured Event Tri-Unity Christian @ Belding Wyoming @ Comstock Park East Kentwood @ Muskegon Byron Center @ South Christian Hopkins @ Potter’s House Boys Hockey East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ Kenowa Hills
Saturday, Dec. 7 Boys / Girls Bowling Kelloggsville – OK Silver Pre-Season Meet at Fairlanes Godwin Heights – OK Silver Pre-Season Meet at Fairlanes Wyoming – Tournament @ Eastbrook Lanes East Kentwood – East Kentwood Kickoff Invite Girls Dance East Kentwood @ Hudsonville Girls Basketball East Kentwood @ Kalamazoo Central
Monday, Dec. 9 Boys / Girls Bowling Kelloggsville @ Grandville Wellsprings Prep @ Godwin Heights Wayland @ Wyoming South Christian @ Middleville T-K Girls Basketball Holland @ Godwin Heights Boys Basketball Fruitport Calvary Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Wyoming quarterback Matthew Berg (11) reacts to a Wolves touchdown in a game at Northview Sept. 6. (Curtis Holt)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
WKTV’s sports coverage crew was busy this fall, as our high school football Featured Game crew was all over Wyoming and Kentwood to cover local high schools’ American football teams — and one English ‘football’ game.
As every year, high school sports fans can get their Turkey Day football fix this year as we broadcast 13 hours of football (and two of soccer) on our cable Channel 25.
The special starts at 9 a.m., and highlights the best of our high school football games from the season. The schedule of games (with link to the games on WKTV’s On-Demand video internet channel, at WKTVLive.org ) is as follows:
10: 35 p.m. — Wyoming Lee at Godwin Heights soccer. On-Demand
Lee High School’s boys soccer team from an early season. (WKTV)
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government cChannel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are give the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26).
The Health Forum of West Michigan event hosted by Grand Valley State University last week included panelists, from left, Andrew Brisbo, executive director of the new Marijuana Regulatory Agency for the State of Michigan; Dr. Mandeep Bath, addiction psychiatrist for Pine Rest; Scott Rifenberg, deputy chief, Grand Rapids Police Department; and John Titley, partner and corporate attorney for Varnum LLP. (GVSU/Kendra Stanley-Mills)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
A panel of experts on the medical and legal aspects of existing medical, and pending recreational, marijuana use discussed a multitude of issues at Health Forum of West Michigan event hosted by Grand Valley State University last week.
While the event was focused on the implications of legalized marijuana for the health care industry, a wide range of information was presented and topics discussed, including how police will deal with suspected driving under the influence of marijuana, the current medical-community research on the short- and long-term effects of marijuana use, and ongoing state regulatory actions in preparation for the pending legalization of recreational marijuana.
Adult-use retail sales of marijuana is set to start by the end of the first quarter 2020, and while many local cities and townships have opted-out of having legal marijuana sales within their jurisdiction — including both Kentwood and Wyoming — the state is busy establishing rules and regulations associated with its sales and use.
At the forum, Andrew Brisbo, executive director of the new Marijuana Regulatory Agency for the State of Michigan, discussed the state’s new recreational marijuana commercial licensing and regulatory program, including that there will be a 10 percent excise tax collected on sales to fund state and local regulation and enforcement costs, that there is an initial $6,000 application fee and that the actual license fee will range from 3,000-$50,000, and that there will be specific rules for consumption at temporary events and “designated consumption establishments.”
The Nov. 1 free-to-the-pubic event was part of a planned series of health-care related forms hosted by the university’s Office of the Vice Provost for Health in the DeVos Center, on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
The Health Forum of West Michigan event hosted by Grand Valley State University last week included panelists, from left, Andrew Brisbo, executive director of the new Marijuana Regulatory Agency for the State of Michigan; Dr. Mandeep Bath, addiction psychiatrist for Pine Rest; Scott Rifenberg, deputy chief, Grand Rapids Police Department; and John Titley, partner and corporate attorney for Varnum LLP. (GVSU/Kendra Stanley-Mills)
Other panelists included Dr. Mandeep Bath, addiction psychiatrist for Pine Rest; Scott Rifenberg, deputy chief, Grand Rapids Police Department; and John Titley, partner and corporate attorney for Varnum LLP.
Bath detailed known and in-study health issues involving marijuana use, and included in his details were:
Approximately 2.6 percent to 5 percent of the global population (119-221 million individuals) use cannabis, with the rate of cannabis use in high-income countries almost twice the rate in low-income countries. A 2013 survey reported 7 percent of 8th graders, 18 percent of 10th graders, 22.7 percent of 12th graders used marijuana in past month up from 5.8 percent, 13.8 percent and 19.4 percent survey results from 2008.
Medical studies suggest 8.9 percent of cannabis users would become dependent on cannabis at some point in their lives.
While most of Dr. Bath’s discussion contained dry if sobering information, one bit of medical data drew a humorous reaction:
“During intoxication, user’s sociability and sensitivity to certain stimuli like colors is heightened, perception of time is altered, and appetite to sweet and fatty foods is stimulated,” he said, reading from a powerpoint script, before adding impromptu, “… the munchies.”
The event was moderated by Susan DeVuyst-Miller is associate professor of pharmacy practice at Ferris State University and clinical pharmacist for Cherry Health Services.
The next Health Forum of West Michigan will be “New Discoveries in Genetics” on Friday, Dec. 6, with guest Caleb Bupp, M.D., a medical geneticist with Spectrum Health.
GVSU’s DeVos Center us located at 401 Fulton St. W.. For more information on planned health forums, visit gvsu.edu/vphealth .
Wyoming Lee High School’s football team has had some ups and downs this season — the first season of a two-year hiatus from OK Silver conference play and into an independent schedule. But as the team prepares to end their season with a home game, the Legends have reason for optimism and accomplishment.
Lee (2-6 on the season) will host Potterville (0-7; 0-6 Central Michigan Athletic Conference) at Lee’s field Friday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. And WKTV will be there to record and broadcast the game.
Before the game, WKTV caught up with head coach Tom DeGennaro, who talked about what his team accomplished this season, players who have stepped up this year including a special freshman in the backfield, and how they are preparing for the season finale.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
