“We’re excited to introduce the six dynamic companies who will begin testing their air travel solutions at the Ford International Airport,” said Alex Peric, Chief Operating Officer of the Ford International Airport Authority. “These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to innovation and progress for the future of aviation, and we look forward to another round of pilot-testing.”
FLITE, a first-of-its-kind program in the aviation industry, is helping shape the future of aviation by providing grant funding and pilot-testing opportunities to companies developing air travel technologies and services. The six companies in this round include:
GoodMaps: Advances wayfinding and emergency alerts though AI indoor mapping to enhance accessibility for travelers.
Kodiak Technologies: Develops electric and hybrid-electric heavy-duty snow removal equipment to reduce emissions and strengthen airport operations.
Pratt Miller: Provides advanced engineering services and solutions across mobility, defense, and motorsports, including expertise in vehicle robotics.
TractEasy: Provides operational solutions using its autonomous tow tractor to improve safety and efficiency in airport ground operations.
Westwood AI: Enhances autonomous operations through AI-enabled systems that support security and critical infrastructure.
Airtrek Robotics: Advances aviation safety and reliability by streamlining the ground handling process through robotics and AI.
“As a Michigan‑based company, we are committed to strengthening the region’s aviation and technology ecosystem through local partnerships, workforce development, and pathways for domestic manufacturing,” said Dakoyta Greenman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Westwood AI. “This collaboration with FLITE reflects our broader commitment to delivering mission‑ready autonomous solutions that are easy to adopt, cost‑effective to operate, and built to meet the evolving needs of airports and commercial stakeholders across the country.”
As Michigan’s lead advocate for business development, job creation and community growth, the MEDC has played a key role in fostering innovation. Through the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), the MEDC has provided grant funding to support the companies participating in FLITE, to further the program’s mission and drive advancements in Michigan’s vibrant mobility and technology sectors.
The six companies will pilot their technologies at Ford International Airport this season:
GoodMaps will test a new smartphone-based emergency and safety alerts system to assess performance in real-world operations and refine the guest experience in alignment with ADA and FAA communication requirements.
Kodiak Technologies will validate hybrid-electric snow-removal performance in winter operations and conduct duty-cycle analysis to inform scalable fleet electrification strategies.
Pratt Miller will demonstrate a dual-use autonomous robotic platform that performs perimeter security monitoring and foreign object debris collection to enhance operations.
TractEasy will deploy its autonomous baggage tractor to demonstrate how autonomous towing can improve ramp safety and operational consistency.
Westwood AI will deploy its Runway Ranger airfield operations tool to test how to streamline runway safety, infrastructure readiness, and best maintenance practices.
Airtrek Robotics will demonstrate autonomous wingwalking robots to test in a real-world FBO setting.
“FLITE provides opportunities for us to test new and emerging technologies and gain early access to insights and knowledge,” said Joseph Meszaros, Vice President of Operations for Avflight. “Through this round of FLITE, Avflight is excited to host Airtrek’s autonomous wingwalking technology to conduct a proof-of-concept project at our Grand Rapids location, evaluating its real-world performance.”
FLITE has supported more than 40 projects, awarding over $1.5 million in total grant funds across nine rounds.
Ruth Thornton is a WKTV Contributor. She holds master’s degrees in journalism and fisheries and wildlife, both from Michigan State University. Before working as a journalist, she worked in conservation for many years in Michigan, Minnesota and West Virginia. Her work has appeared in many media outlets, including MLive, the Detroit Free Press, Bridge Michigan, Capital News Service and Great Lakes Echo. You can follow her work via her Substack newsletter, Nature Signals, and at ruththornton.com.
Rock climbing enthusiasts can now enjoy a new gym in the Grand Rapids area, complete with a 50-foot-high rope climbing wall, bouldering area, training walls and more.
Planet Rock opened its third location in Michigan last week at 3175 Union Ave. SE, Wyoming, celebrating with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, January 15, and free rock climbing and party on Jan. 17.
Besides the climbing walls, the gym also offers beginner and advanced classes for adults and children, said Will Price, general manager of the new location.
“We’re teaching people how to do more complicated kinds of climbing, like lead climbing or multi-pitching outside,” Price explained.
The climbing center held a soft opening in June while many of its features were still under construction, said Nick Cocciolone, the chain’s owner.
The facility also boasts a retail area, where customers can rent or buy equipment, and a fitness center with cardio equipment, free weights, hanging boards and more. A nearly 50-foot giant swing is available in the main climbing area.
The gym is a work in progress, with additional climbing walls and a yoga room planned, Cocciolone added.
Since starting the first Planet Rock in Pontiac in 1994, the chain expanded to Ann Arbor in 1999, he continued. He moved the Pontiac location to Madison Heights about 10 years ago.
Cocciolone said they decided to start a Grand Rapids location because many of their climbers traveled from elsewhere – West Michigan, Lansing and even Ohio and Indiana.
Planet Rock chain owner Nick Cocciolone, second from left, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Rock climbing is family-friendly, and unlike many other sports, the whole family can do it together, he said.
“And when you get to the adults, it’s anything goes,” Cocciolone continued. “Some of our older climbers that climb regularly are in their 70s and 80s.”
Planet Rock General Manager Will Price getting ready to rappel down the climbing wall during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Planet Rock in Wyoming, Mich. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Among those enjoying the facilities on Thursday was Ethan Powers from Grand Rapids, who has been rock climbing for more than five years.
“It has bouldering, and then it has 55-foot lead routes as well,” he explained. “If you want to train for outdoor climbing, or just enjoy a more endurance kind of experience, you can do both.”
Powers said he enjoys the fitness and problem-solving aspects of rock climbing.
“Every route is unique,” said Powers, who appreciates the mix of experiences Planet Rock offers.
Grand Rapids resident Mike Powell practicing bouldering at the Planet Rock grand opening. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Another climber practicing bouldering on Thursday was Mike Powell of Grand Rapids. He said he has been climbing for more than 10 years and loves the challenge.
“It’s a total mind and body exercise,” he said. “Everything’s got to be engaged when you’re climbing at your limit.
“You’re really just competing with yourself. It’s a lot more nuanced compared to other sports. Sometimes it’s just the tip of a finger that can make the difference between succeeding in your endeavors and falling short.”
Planet Rock grand opening in Wyoming, Mich. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Cocciolone said the climbing community is generally a friendly and supportive group.
“Many people offer help and camaraderie and encouragement to other climbers,” he said.
It’s also a good form of low-impact exercise, said Price.
“Rock climbing is so adventurous and exciting, it feels like it should be something that’s hard on you,” he said. “But it’s relatively easy to stick with your entire life.”
More information about the Wyoming location, including prices and open times, can be found on the Planet Rock website at planet-rock.com.
Poweshiek skipperlings were once common throughout prairies in the Midwest, but are now found in only two locations: Manitoba, Canada and southeastern Michigan. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Ruth Thornton is a WKTV Contributor. She holds master’s degrees in journalism and fisheries and wildlife, both from Michigan State University. Before working as a journalist, she worked in conservation for many years in Michigan, Minnesota and West Virginia. Her work has appeared in many media outlets, including MLive, the Detroit Free Press, Bridge Michigan, Capital News Service and Great Lakes Echo. You can follow her work via her Substack newsletter, Nature Signals, and at ruththornton.com.
A small butterfly, once a common sight on the prairies of the Midwest, has suddenly vanished and is now the focus of an international partnership racing against time to save it from the brink of extinction.
“Just how quickly they disappeared is what’s really the alarming thing,” said David Pavlik, a research assistant with Michigan State University.
Pavlik is part of an international coalition of scientists and conservationists working to save the Poweshiek skipperling (pronounced POW-uh-SHEEK), an inconspicuous orange butterfly that was once so common in the prairies of the Midwest that collectors largely ignored it.
Now “there are more giant pandas in the world than there are Poweshiek skipperlings,” Pavlik said.
They were once found from the prairies of Manitoba through Minnesota, the eastern Dakotas, Wisconsin, Iowa and into Michigan. They have disappeared from all but two places at the extremes of their range – Manitoba and southeastern Michigan.
The partnership is working to raise the butterflies in zoos for release back into the wild and restore the natural habitats where they once thrived to ensure their long-term survival.
What happened to the Poweshiek skipperlings?
Cale Nordmeyer, a conservation specialist at the Minnesota Zoo, said the Poweshiek skipperling was common when he was growing up in Minnesota.
“As a tallgrass prairie specialist, it really thrived in the mesic prairies, in Minnesota and elsewhere here in the upper Midwest,” he said. Mesic prairie is a type of grassland that once flourished throughout the Midwest.
“If you were out in the right prairie at the right time of year, you were going to see Poweshiek skipperlings,” Nordmeyer said.
Cale Nordmeyer with the Minnesota Zoo is getting ready to release Poweshiek skipperlings raised at John Ball Zoo in 2024. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Decline began in 2000
That started changing about the year 2000, when researchers noticed they weren’t seeing them as much anymore.
“Sometime between 2009 and 2012, it looks like we lost all of our Poweshiek skipperling sites in Minnesota,” he said. They also disappeared from most of the rest of their range.
“Suddenly, these last couple of little populations, many of which were never that big here in far eastern Michigan, suddenly became incredibly important,” Nordmeyer said.
It isn’t obvious why they disappeared, he said. He and other biologists are still trying to understand what happened, what’s killing them and what the solutions might be.
Pavlik said it’s likely a combination of reasons, including habitat loss.
“Habitat loss historically is a huge one,” he said. “The species requires tall grass prairies and prairie fens here in Michigan.” Prairie fens are rare and unique grassy wetlands that are fed by groundwater instead of creeks or streams.
“Over 99% of that habitat is gone,” he said.
Additionally, he said widespread aerial spraying of insecticides has affected the last remaining strongholds of the butterflies, and climate change is probably contributing as well.
“The species overwinters as a caterpillar, and so they can be especially susceptible to changes in winter climate,” he said.
Adding to the difficulty, the butterfly disappeared so quickly researchers weren’t sure what exactly they need to survive, including what plants they feed on.
Learning what the Poweshiek skipperling eats
“They seem to have two major nectar sources,” Pavlik said, referring to the flowers adult butterflies feed on.
“And that’s black-eyed Susan – which seems to be their favorite – and then shrubby cinquefoil,” another relatively common yellow prairie flower, he said.
The butterfly’s caterpillars, on the other hand, have been found on prairie dropseed, a fairly common prairie grass, and on a rarer grass called mat muhly. Both occur in high-quality native prairies and in prairie fens.
When biologists realized how precipitously the Poweshiek skipperling was declining, they convened a meeting of researchers and conservation partners, said Tam Smith, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the national recovery lead for the butterfly.
The experts at the meeting “recognized that (the Poweshiek) was going down this spiral of extinction,” Smith said.
In 2022, the agency released a 50-year recovery plan for the butterfly, listing the actions scientists had determined were necessary for its full recovery. The cost for all activities over the five decades was estimated at just over $57 million.
One of the main proposed actions at the meeting was to start a captive breeding program.
Smith said the Minnesota Zoo stepped in first to start rearing the butterflies in captivity, using eggs that had been collected from females in Michigan.
But with so much uncertainty about the basic biology of the species, it was difficult going at first – they quickly found out how sensitive the species was to temperature and humidity, Smith said.
“One of the first years they started, the temperature was off,” Smith said. That caused the caterpillars to develop too quickly. But then the attempts were more successful.
Later a zoo in Canada, Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, joined the effort, and a few years after that John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, helped as well, Smith said.
Rearing baby butterflies at John Ball Zoo
“Our prairie butterfly program here at the zoo has just grown enormously since 2020,” said Bill Flanagan, the conservation director at John Ball Zoo.
The goal is to “make lots of baby Poweshieks so we can do releases and bolster those wild populations to the point where we can start to do reintroductions and start to recover the species,” Flanagan said.
The first caterpillars arrived in 2021 from the Minnesota Zoo, he said.
“We turned 32 caterpillars into somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 caterpillars” the next year, Flanagan said. “The next year, (in 2023,) we had something like 500 caterpillars in the program.”
A very close call
It was a close call – in 2022 only nine Poweshieks, the lowest number ever, were observed in the wild in Michigan, Pavlik said.
David Pavlik, research assistant with Michigan State University, is working with John Ball Zoo to raise Poweshiek skipperlings for release into the wild. Shown here are cages with grasses that hold the caterpillars. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
But given the success of the zoos’ captive rearing programs, biologists were able to release more than 100 butterflies that year, just in the nick of time.
The following year they saw more butterflies in the wild again.
In 2023 they had bred enough butterflies to release more than 500, and in 2024 and 2025 more than 1,000 each year.
Breeding butterflies: a year at John Ball Zoo
With a short flight period of only a few weeks, things get hectic at John Ball Zoo in July when the adult butterflies emerge and start laying eggs.
“We have one shot,” Pavlik said. “In three weeks we have to do all of the breeding, all of the releases. It’s a pretty crazy time.”
After the adults emerge, biologists pair up a male and female butterfly – first making sure they are compatible genetically – and place them in what they call a “breeding tent,” a sheer cloth-covered square frame about 12 inches to a side.
Bill Flanagan, conservation director at John Ball Zoo, shows off Poweshiek skipperling breeding cages in front of a hoop house with more caterpillar cages. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Then “we monitor them throughout the day to see if they do breed,” he said. “And if they do, we’ll release the male into the wild the next day, and then the female gets transferred to an egg laying enclosure, where she’ll lay the eggs that we’ll collect every morning.”
Almost every morning someone from the zoo drives the newly hatched butterflies to southeastern Michigan, a couple hours’ drive away, for release into the wild, Pavlik said.
Many species fly for a short time only
When people think about butterflies, they often picture the adults they see flying about. But many species fly for only a couple of weeks during the year, including the Poweshiek.
Each butterfly lives for only about four to six days in the wild, he said. “Most of the year, we’re taking care of the caterpillars.”
The caterpillars – also called larvae – feed on the host grasses and go through several “instars,” progressive stages where they shed their skin and grow. Eventually they enter what’s called a “diapause” and overwinter, resting head-down on grass blades.
A spring awakening
When they wake up in the spring, usually around April or May, they resume feeding and go through additional instars before finally turning into the familiar butterflies.
The zoo recreates the natural conditions as best as it can, transferring the caterpillars to a freezer during their diapause stage.
“When winter comes, we’ll take those caterpillars off of the plant and put them in a very special and highly controlled overwintering chamber where we can control the temperature and the humidity for exactly what the species needs to survive for nearly six months,” Pavlik said.
David Pavlik and Cinnamon Mittan, a postdoctoral researcher in Sarah Fitzpatrick’s lab, are preparing caterpillars to be placed in the overwintering chambers, located behind them. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
In the spring, when the host plants start growing again, zookeepers bring the caterpillars out of the freezer and put them back on their plants.
“From May until the end of June, we’re taking care of those caterpillars again until they become adult butterflies,” he said. “And then we repeat the cycle all over again.”
Protecting the butterfly’s remaining habitat
“It doesn’t matter how many butterflies we can produce here at the zoo, we could release 5,000,” Pavlik said. “But if the habitat is not there for them, or if the habitat’s been taken over by invasive species, it doesn’t matter how many we release, it’s not going to work.”
He said that’s why the international partnership is so important – various organizations working on different parts of the problem.
“I don’t think I’ve heard of a butterfly that has this big of a coalition of people working to save it from extinction,” Pavlik said.
Members include not only federal and state agencies from the U.S. and Canada, but also universities, nonprofit conservation organizations and land managers maintaining and restoring the natural areas the butterfly needs to survive.
In 2024 the researchers attempted the first reintroduction of the butterfly in Michigan at a site where they once occurred, but had disappeared from.
The site had become overgrown with buckthorn, an invasive woody species that quickly takes over grassy areas, including prairies and prairie fens.
Nordmeyer said land managers in southeast Michigan had spent five years removing the buckthorn and other invasive species from the area.
Secret locations help the butterflies thrive
The locations where the butterflies still occur and where they are released are kept secret, however, because of incidents in the past few years when people trampled the fragile habitat when the butterflies were flying.
With such low population numbers, Smith said, any trampling of eggs or caterpillars, or chasing away the adult butterflies, could be devastating for the species.
Cale Nordmeyer with the Minnesota Zoo releases Poweshiek skipperlings in an undisclosed location in southeast Michigan in 2024. (Video Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Signs of a larger problem?
The decline of the butterflies is a warning sign that the natural areas it occurs in could be in trouble.
“It’s a really good indicator species,” Pavlik said. “When we see these declines happening for a butterfly so quickly, we know that whatever is affecting that species is probably affecting a lot of other species.”
“It’s important to know that it’s not just Poweshieks,” he said. “Pollinator and insect declines are happening very quickly worldwide.”
A promising recovery amid an uncertain future
“If you plant native pollinator gardens in your yard, you’ll be helping so many other species. And don’t spray pesticides,” Pavlik said. “Those are two of the biggest things you can do to have a positive impact for pollinators across the world.”
While the Poweshiek skipperling is not out of the woods yet, preliminary results from this year’s field season are promising, Nordmeyer said.
“We were able to confirm survivorship of last year’s offspring at the (reintroduction) site,” he wrote in an email.
The situation for Poweshieks is still dire, he said, but this year biologists saw more butterflies than in recent years, and a similar number as before the 2013 population crash.
“It’s too early to declare victory,” he said, but thanks to the hard work of the partnership working together to breed the butterfly and restore its habitat, “the downward trend of the Poweshiek skipperling is tangibly reversing.”
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
Check out these new and exciting basketball clips from our latest Friday Night Highlights show.
Just like football season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school basketball home stadium action from your local varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting Friday Night Highlights show.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Monday night! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
Michigan State University’s Bug House, managed by the Department of Entomology, is launching Six-Legged Saturdays as a new addition to its public programming following a successful crowdfunding effort supported by a significant contribution from the Great Lakes Entomological Society.
The family-friendly events will take place on the third Saturday of each month and will run alongside the Bug House’s existing monthly open houses, both of which are free and open to the public. “With Six-Legged Saturdays, we are able to provide additional free opportunities for folks to visit the Bug House at family-friendly times,” said Amanda Lorenz, director of the Bug House. Programming will include an insect-themed story time led by Entomology Department Chair Hannah Burrack and hands-on, bug-inspired crafts.
The goal of Six-Legged Saturdays is to introduce young audiences to science in a fun and engaging way while fostering curiosity about insects. “The Bug House provides a welcoming environment in which to learn about insects with opportunities to safely interact with live bugs,” Lorenz said.
Live insect handling during Six-Legged Saturdays is completely optional, and participants may choose activities that do not involve close contact with the live insects housed at the Bug House.
Michigan State University Bug House 2026. (Photo Courtesy, MSU)
“Insects are a wonderful way to engage people in learning about nature and science because everyone has some feeling about them. Folks may be fascinated, fearful, or grossed out, and this helps drive them to learn more!” Burrack said. “My hope is that expanding Bug House programming to weekends will allow more community members to attend, particularly those who cannot attend our weekday and evening events.”
In addition to the new programming, the Bug House will continue to offer its regular monthly open houses on the second Monday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore live insects and arachnids and learn more about their ecological importance.
Michigan State University Bug House 2026. (Photo Courtesy, MSU)
The Grand Valley State University community will reflect on the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during a week of activities, January 19-24, in Grand Rapids and on its campuses.
A new West Michigan community event kicks off the week on January 19, the federal holiday recognizing King’s birthday.
The 40th Annual MLK Celebration: A Call to Courageous Community Action begins at 6 p.m. at Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy Street SE in Grand Rapids. The event is free and open to the public. It will feature artistic performances, a panel discussion and the presentation of college scholarships for local students.
A longstanding partnership among GVSU, Davenport University and Grand Rapids Community College has made it possible for Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, to visit West Michigan and deliver messages about how King continues to impact and inspire members of the nation’s largest civil rights organization.
Johnson kicks off GVSU’s MLK Commemoration Week on Tuesday, Jan. 20, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room. President Philomena V. Mantella will facilitate a conversation with Johnson. The event will be live-streamed. Click here to join the meeting and watch the presentation.
Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. (Photo Courtesy, GVSU)
A native of Detroit, Johnson has served as NAACP president since 2017. Prior to that, he was the vice chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors and state president for the Mississippi State Conference NAACP. A longstanding leader, Johnson has helped guide the NAACP through a period of re-envisioning and reinvigoration. Johnson attended Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, and earned a juris doctorate from the South Texas College of Law in Houston.
Robert Shorty, vice president for People, Equity, and Culture, said Johnson’s presentation and the week’s other events present opportunities for collective Laker impact and action. His division is leading the commemoration week activities.
“Dr. King’s beloved community is built daily through our own actions,” Shorty said. “This week is a call to every Laker to recognize that together, we have the power to bridge divides.
“While we learn from national leaders like Derrick Johnson, the true catalyst for progress is the courageous ways we show up for one another. I invite you to engage in these conversations and ignite your individual power to turn reflection into collective impact.”
Jan. 21: Silent March, Keynote Speaker Organizers will lead a silent march beginning at 4 p.m. outside of Zumberge Hall. Participants will walk through the Valley Campus and end at the Kirkhof Center in time for a presentation by Dar Mayweather ’07 and ’09 that begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Grand River Room. That event will be live-streamed. Click here to join the meeting and watch the presentation.
Mayweather is a leadership studies faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. In that role, Mayweather empowers college students to identify their unique talents and articulate those strengths to industry leaders, ensuring they secure jobs or graduate school placements before graduation.
In 2016, Mayweather founded Good Mayweather Consulting LLC and the #doingthegoodwork brand to channel his passion for speaking and curriculum development. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in education from GVSU, followed by a doctorate in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University.
Jan. 22: King In Conversation: The Spiritualities of Non-Violence The Kaufman Interfaith Institute will host a dinner and panel discussion focused on the spiritual frameworks for nonviolent resistance that influenced King or were influenced by him. Panelists are Carolyn White, Elliot Ratzman and Gail Presbey. Joe Jones will serve as moderator. RSVP for the event online and learn more details about the panelists.
Jan. 24: MLK Day of Solidarity and Service This annual event is coordinated by the Office of Student Life – Civic Engagement. Hundreds of students are expected to participate in the event that begins at 8 a.m. Damon Arnold, motivational speaker and GVSU associate athletic director, will give remarks before students board buses to volunteer at West Michigan nonprofit sites. Students can RSVP for the event. The registration deadline is January 14 or until filled.
GVSU students volunteering during the 2025 MLK Day of Service and Solidarity at Gilda’s Club in Grand Rapids. (Photo Courtesy, GVSU)
The Kentwood Police Department responded to a shooting with injuries at approximately 8:34 p.m. Thursday in the area of Ridgebrook Ave. and Carriage Hill Dr.
Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile victim with non-life-threatening injuries. First responders rendered aid, and the victim was transported to an area hospital. Shell casings along with damage to property also were located on scene. No suspects have been arrested at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-656-6580. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
Despite modest improvement across several key metrics, a report from a Grand Valley State University researcher indicates the West Michigan economy closed out 2025 continuing a softening trend.
Brian Long, director of supply chain management research at GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, said his December survey of the region’s businesses and purchasing managers revealed widespread uncertainty and concern among respondents.
“According to the data we collected in the last two weeks of December, the West Michigan economic softness that we reported in November has unfortunately carried over for another month,” Long said.
“But again, the word is soft, not collapsing. January is a back-to-work month and sometimes gives us a better clue where the economy is really going for the rest of the year.”
Long noted that performance within some of the region’s traditionally strong industries — including auto parts manufacturing and office furniture production — continues to weigh on the overall economy.
“Business planners are of course confused and frustrated because there’s simply too many moving parts to make an accurate assessment of exactly where we’re going,” Long said. “So, as a consequence, expansion plans and new hire plans have often been put on hold.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Long said ambiguity remains the defining theme.
“I guess ‘confused’ might be the best way to describe the 2026 outlook for West Michigan,” Long said. “Yes, we have some data that is continuing to soften, but almost every day there’s an announcement that can change the paradigm for the business environment.”
(Photo Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Here’s a look at the key index results from December’s survey of West Michigan purchasing managers:
New orders index (business improvement): -11 vs. -20 in November
Production index (output): -17 vs. -23 in November
Relive the excitement of Mona Shores Fiddle Fest 2025. Check out the WKTV rebroadcast of a special event featuring the sounds of folk, Celtic and pop music from November 15 at the Mona Shores High School Performing Arts Center.
The evening consisted of the following musical groups: The Mona Shores Fiddlers: Watch the high school group deliver their signature, high-energy renditions of traditional Celtic jigs and reels, blended seamlessly with modern folk and pop arrangements. The Middle Fiddles: See the program’s rising stars showcase their skills and enthusiasm with delightful and lively non-classical pieces.
Guest Artists ABC (Anything But Classical) Orchestra from East Kentwood High School: Get ready for innovative and dynamic music as this renowned guest ensemble takes the stage. They perform fearless arrangements of rock, pop and jazz hits that challenge the definition of a traditional orchestra.
Kentwood residents can recycle their real Christmas trees from Dec. 27 through Jan. 30 at the Department of Public Works drop-off site at 5068 Breton Ave. SE.
Hours of operation:
Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. to Noon Sunday: CLOSED Also Closed On: Dec. 31, Jan. 1 and 19
How it works:
*You must be a Kentwood resident – ID required
*You may only bring your Christmas tree to be recycled.
*Remove all decorations: lights, bulbs, tinsel, metal hooks, etc.
Consumers Energy crews worked overnight to continue restoring power to customers following the late-December winter weather that swept across Michigan. The two waves of storms impacted nearly 230,000 customers and the lineworkers’ successful efforts have resulted in the lights back on for almost 90% of customers.
“We understand how frustrating it is to be without power and we thank customers for their patience as our crews continue working around the clock to get the power restored,” said Norm Kapala, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge for restoration. “Crews from six states and Canada joined with our Consumers Energy crews as we continue our restoration efforts.”
Consumers Energy has deployed nearly 630 crews to restore power today and is committed to an all-hands-on-deck response with a goal to restore power to all communities, including the hardest hit areas in Northwest and Mid-Michigan by end of the day tomorrow.
“The back-to-back winter weather felt across the state was damaging, but now that the winds have died down, crews are able to be out in the field in full force responding to outages,” Kapala said. “For anyone that needs to travel, we encourage you to please keep our co-workers and their safety top of mind.”
Consumers Energy urges the public to keep important safety tips in mind:
Be alert to crews working along roadsides. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they can go safely past.
Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. Consumers Energy reminds people that falsely calling in downed lines actually slows down the restoration process for everyone.
Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Read more guidance on safe generator use here.
Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, clean-up of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners.
In some cases, the mast that holds the electric service wires to a home or business may have been damaged or torn away. Crews will reconnect the wires to a home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable.
Lee High School cross country runner Kaylee Ochoa. (Photo Courtesy, Kaylee Ochoa)
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
It’s easy to see why Wyoming Lee senior Kaylee Ochoa’s favorite movie is The Princess and the Frog, a Disney movie about a hardworking waitress with a dream of opening a restaurant of her own.
“I love the message that the movie portrays that dreams can come true if you work hard for them,” explains Ochoa, who wrestles, runs track and cross country, and plays softball for the Legends, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. “The Princess and the Frog gives me a sense of nostalgia that makes me want to watch it over and over again.”
Ochoa said cross country is her preferred sport.
“Cross country is my favorite because it allows me to be independent in my conditioning and improve for the next race,” said Ochoa, who began running in middle school. “I began cross country in sixth grade because my Mom wanted me to try out a sport for middle school. I wanted to give it a chance and stuck with it.
“I ended up loving it more than I first thought I would, having amazing teammates and great coaches throughout the years.”
She said her favorite memory in cross country is when the team went to summer camp to train and bond.
“We would get to know more about each other and connect deeper than just being on the same team together,” explained Ochoa, who said her mentor is cross country Coach Greg Popma.
“He is always there for me and pushes me to do my best,” said Ochoa, a team captain in cross country. “He supports me in all the things I do and shows up at my other sporting events. He cheers me on and congratulates me, but also supports me and helps me with losses.”
Wyoming Lee Athletic Director Andre Sargent said Ochoa demonstrates exceptional leadership, character and balance in every aspect of life.
“She approaches sports with discipline and a relentless work ethic, consistently pushing herself to improve while inspiring her teammates to do the same,” he continued. “In the classroom, Kaylee shows the same dedication managing her time responsibly, staying engaged in different clubs, and striving for academic excellence. Her positive attitude, integrity and respect for others makes her someone younger athletes naturally look up to.
“Whether offering encouragement after a tough game or match, leading by example during practice, or representing Lee with pride, Kaylee embodies what it means to be committed, resilient and team-oriented. She doesn’t just excel, she elevates everyone around her.”
Also a team captain in wrestling for the past three years, Ochoa competes in the 106-lb. weight class on the girls team.
Lee High School wrestler Kaylee Ochoa. (Photo Courtesy, Kaylee Ochoa)
“I like being a leader because I can show my teammates ways to improve and be better,” she explained. “I also get to be a role model for others and feel encouraged knowing someone looks up to me in that role.”
Ochoa began wrestling in ninth grade because of an older classmate.
“She was a state qualifier, and I had been close to her in my early months of high school,” she explained. “My favorite memories in wrestling are when I win a match and get my hand lifted for everyone to see. I feel a wave of courage and satisfaction when I stand in front of everyone knowing I put so much effort for it to come through in the end.”
Ochoa joined the track and field team in the seventh grade and continued again as a high school junior, running the 1600- and 800-meter races.
“I gained interest in joining my classmates and friends who had only great things to say about the sport,” she explained. “My favorite memories in track and field are when I get to know my times and celebrate with my teammates when I improve.”
Last but not least, she started playing softball in the eighth grade and now plays shortstop/second base for the Legends in high school.
“I became interested by a mentor who had so much passion for the sport which made me curious about joining,” she explained of her softball participation. “My favorite memories in softball are when we start winning and get to celebrate together. We laugh and yell and cheer each other on. We continue to push and encourage each other in the dugout.”
Lee High School’s Kaylee Ochoa playing softball for the Legends. (Courtesy, Kaylee Ochoa)
Her interests away from sports?
Reading, listening to music and a job all keep her busy.
“I love photography and have also taken photos for sporting events at my school in the past.”
Favorite pro athlete?
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“He shows determination and competitiveness in what he does and is an amazing athlete,” Ochoa explains. “He is a great hitter and pitcher for the Dodgers and does an amazing job on the field. Seeing what he does and has accomplished has inspired me to do my best as an athlete.”
Ochoa plans to attend college and work in the education field.
“My dream job is to be a teacher because I can encourage students and hope to make an impact in their lives.”
As Michigan prepares for another cold winter, Consumers Energy is highlighting energy bill assistance and safeguards for seniors. Those include shut-off protection and $4 monthly electric bill credits that are available to most households headed by individuals age 65 or older.
“Consumers Energy is committed to serving all of our customers, including ensuring that our seniors are using all resources that keep them safe and comfortable in their homes,” said Brian Lewis, Consumers Energy’s Executive Director of Customer Service and Programs.
“We hope to spread the word that Consumers Energy can help our friends and neighbors, no matter their needs.”
Consumers Energy has updated its energy assistance webpage to help customers better understand their energy bill payment options (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice/IStock)
Energy bill assistance options
Consumers Energy recently updated its energy assistance webpage to help customers better understand their options to help pay their energy bills. Specifically, the company offers help for people 65 and older:
Senior citizen bill credits – Seniors can receive a $4 monthly credit on electric bills at their primary residence. The credit cannot be combined with the Low-Income Assistance Credit or Residential Income Assistance. If there’s an issue with receiving the credit, please confirm your birthday is correctly submitted by calling 800-477-5050.
Winter Protection Plan – The plan protects people 65 and older against shut-off and high payments during the wintertime. Enrollment runs from November through March.
Shut-Off Protection Plan – The 18-month protection from shut-off plan is available to seniors age 65 and older. Enrollment is year-round.
A little tweaking of the home thermostat knob to set temperature on energy saving mode will lower energy costs (Courtesy, Consumers Energy)
Additional resources
Consumers Energy offers assistance and connections to resources through an array of programs.
Consumers Energy crews will be working to restore power to customers today as high winds and snow continue a late-December surge of severe weather across Michigan. The energy provider is making it a priority to help customers in the region from Big Rapids to Midland where a blanket of ice already caused heavy damage Sunday.
“Michigan is facing a variety of weather challenges in the last few days, from ice to wind and snow. We are grateful for the resilience and strength of our customers, and we will work around the clock to get the lights back on for everyone we serve,” said Norm Kapala, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge for restoration.
Consumers Energy is deploying over 400 crews to restore power today and is committed to an all-hands-on-deck response to help communities across the state. Today’s forecast calls for wind gusts above 50 mph and snow, following rounds of ice that affected 90,000 customers Friday and Saturday, and again Sunday.
Consumers Energy will delay immediate restoration projections for part of the day today as it assesses the initial impact of winds that should continue until this evening. Customers can check the status of outages at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter. They can also sign up for outage alerts and restoration times sent to a phone, email or text message, Text ‘REG’ to 232273 or visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts.
“We understand the frustration that comes with back-to-back storms,” Kapala said. “It’s still important for the public to remain focused on being safe, just as our lineworkers will do as they work around the clock to restore power safely and efficiently.”
Consumers Energy urges the public to keep important safety tips in mind:
Be alert to crews working along roadsides. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they can go safely past.
Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. Consumers Energy reminds people that falsely calling in downed lines actually slows down the restoration process for everyone.
Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Read more guidance on safe generator use here.
Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, clean-up of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners.
In some cases, the mast that holds the electric service wires to a home or business may have been damaged or torn away. Crews will reconnect the wires to a home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable.
The Kentwood Police Department responded to a vehicle/pedestrian crash at 7 p.m. Monday in the 4200 block of 28th St. SE. Upon arrival, a 41-year-old female was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is believed that one or more vehicles involved left the scene, according to the Kentwood Police Department.
The Kentwood Police Department will release more information regarding these vehicles in the near future. Investigating Officers are asking for anyone who witnessed the incident to call Sgt. Carey at 616-656-6561.
Last season was a memorable campaign for the South Christian girls basketball team. Thanks to the return of the bulk of last year’s roster, the Sailors are poised for even more success this season.
The Sailors turned in a 24-3 record last year and were co-champions of the OK Gold with West Catholic with 11-1 league records. The Sailors then went on a memorable state tournament run where they captured district and regional titles before dropping a 39-37 decision to West Catholic in the Division 2 state quarterfinals.
This season, with several key players returning from last year’s team, the Sailors are setting a course for another winning season. South has already started the season strong. After opening the new season with a 60-50 win against Unity Christian, the Sailors turned back Holland Christian 57-47 and then stopped Grand Rapids Catholic Central 73-45.
“We are off to a great start, but still have lots to work on,” said South Christian Coach Erika Brown. “We are working hard to stay grounded and disciplined. Success is built with the consistency we show up with every day.”
Leading the way for the Sailors this season is a strong core of seniors. Among those seniors are Sophia Prins and Lizzie Wolthuis. Prins is a point guard who is a solid shooter and drive. Prins also possesses good quickness and strength that allows her to get to the basket on drives or dish to an open teammate.
Wolthuis is a shooting guard for the Sailors and is regarded as one of the top shooters in Michigan. Wolthuis is also a strong driver and a tough defender on the defensive side of the floor.
Junior Meredith Helmus brings even more talent to the backcourt.
“Meredith plays both points guard and wing,” Brown said. “She is very fast and tough as nails on defense.”
South Christian’s Meredith Helmus last season. (WKTV Greg Chrapek)
The Sailors also return sophomore Abby Prins, who made an impact on the team as a freshman last season.
“Abby is a wing and small forward who has length and quickness,” Brown said. “She is a shooter, a driver and can post up.”
South Christian’s Abby Prins last season. (WKTV Greg Chrapek)
The veteran core brings plenty of versatility to the floor which is a trait of this year’s squad.
“We are a versatile team,” Brown said. “We have quickness and length, and we have three-point shooters and drivers. We have a post presence this season, too.”
Blending in with the returning veterans are some promising new players who also bring plenty of versatility to the court.
Sophomore Lexi Vermaas will be contributing along the front line for the Sailors.
“Lexi is a strong small forward who can shoot the three-ball well,” Brown said. “She is also tough as nails on defense and is a leading rebounder.”
Freshman Kinley Regnery is another versatile newcomer that gives the team plenty of options both inside and outside on the offensive end of the floor.
“Kinley is a wing,” Brown said. “She is quick, tall and is a great shooter and passer. She also has a tough presence on the court.”
With a blend of talent, experience and skill, the Sailors are set up for success this season. The team also possesses the work ethic to maximize their talent and have an outstanding team chemistry.
“I am excited about this season and our team,” Brown said. “We have a great group of young ladies, not only talented in basketball, but who are fun to work with. They love each other and work hard. We have fun.”
The Sailors will be busy over Christmas break beginning with the Cornerstone University Holiday Classic. South is scheduled to play Coopersville on Dec. 26 at 2:30 p.m. at Cornerstone University and then return to Cornerstone on Dec. 30 to play Muskegon Reeths-Puffer at 1 p.m. The Sailors open 2026 in a big way hosting West Catholic, currently 4-1, in a key conference game on Jan. 6.
It took a while for the East Kentwood basketball team to find its groove during Tuesday’s non-league game against visiting Kalamazoo Loy Norrix, but once they did, the Falcons rolled like a team in mid-season form with a 73-51 win.
East Kentwood took the early lead in the game, but the Knights kept things interesting in the first half. Loy Norrix came into the game with a perfect 4-0 record and showed why it’s one of the top teams in Southwest Michigan as it trailed 16-9 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter continued to be somewhat of a defensive struggle and at halftime the Falcons were up 30-22.
“We kind of got off to a slow start in the first half,” said East Kentwood Coach Mike Thomas. “It is exam week and you can kind of tell. The guys have been studying all week and practicing all week. This was just one of those games to where it was hard to get going. It was hard catching the ball, putting the ball in the hole in the first half.”
Thanks to a deep and versatile roster, the Falcons made some adjustments at halftime that enabled them to change the flow of the game. Kentwood came out of halftime with more energy and began to pull away, taking a 41-26 lead midway through the third.
“We made some adjustments in the second half,” Thomas said, “and put in more of an energy group in there. A smaller, energy group and it kind of helped us get going.”
East Kentwood finished the third quarter with a flurry as the smaller, quicker group was able to produce several turnovers that led to breakaway dunks on the other end of the floor.
“That was the goal at halftime,” Thomas said. “We went smaller. We put in Ja’Kari Lovelady and we put Jaxson Tabor in as the five man. Then we kept our big three in RJ Chapman, Jeremiah Cook and CJ Reynolds in and that kind of opened things up.”
East Kentwood’s Jeremiah Cook (#3) scored 12 points in the win. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
East Kentwood finished the third quarter with a 54-32 lead. While the 24 points Kentwood scored during the third quarter was impressive, the Falcons were even more happy with their play on the defensive side of the court as they limited Loy Norrix to 10 third-quarter points.
“We were able to get stops,” Thomas said. “That created some easy dunks and layups and stuff like that. That’s kind of how we want to play. We want to make everything tough for you. Even though our offense was struggling, I thought our defense was there. You know, 20 points at the half is really good for us. We always talk about that. Even when we are not scoring, we have to always have our defense going because it’s always going to be the savior for us.”
Kentwood maintained the 20-points margin during the fourth quarter as it put the game on ice for its third win of the season against one loss. East Kentwood’s other two wins came against Traverse City West (83-57) and Detroit Renaissance (73-44) with the lone loss being a 41-40 decision against Warren Fitzgerald.
Offensively, the Falcons benefitted from a balanced attack. CJ Reynolds led the team in scoring with 19 points, followed by Jeremiah Cook, 12 points; Samuel Makaug and RJ Chapman, 10 apiece, and Lovelady, seven.
East Kentwood’s RJ Chapman scored 10 points in the win. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Junior Demetrius Bennett led Loy Norrix with 16 points.
“That’s our goal,” Thomas said. “We want to have four to five guys in double figures. Our goal is to share the ball, share the rock. Draw two (defenders) and kick it. It doesn’t matter who shoots it as long as we are doing our job of drawing two and kicking, keeping the ball moving and great shots are going to occur for our team.”
The Falcons hit the road and rack up the miles to close out 2025. East Kentwood plays West Bloomfield at Saginaw Valley State on Friday, at the Motor City Roundball Classic in Ferndale on Dec. 28 and the next day will play Flint Carman-Ainsworth at the Romulus Summitt Academy Christmas Showcase.
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
Check out these new and exciting basketball clips from our latest Friday Night Highlights show.
Just like football season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school basketball home stadium action from your local varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting Friday Night Highlights show.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Monday night! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
The Kentwood Police Department is excited to announce a community giving event, “Cram the Cruiser,” in partnership with Sam’s Club (4326 28th St SE, Kentwood) to benefit the Kentwood Little Free Pantry.
With demand running high, the pantry has been running low, and this event provides an opportunity for the community to help stock it for residents in need.
Community members are invited to help stock the pantry by donating non-perishable food items on the following dates and times:
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donation Location: Sam’s Club, 4326 28th St SE, Kentwood
Kentwood Police cruisers will be stationed out front, with officers ready to receive donations and connect with community members. All contributions will go directly to the Kentwood Little Free Pantry at 355 48th St SE, Kentwood, MI, providing support to local residents in need.
How You Can Help:
Bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Kentwood officers during the event.
Share the event with friends, family, and local groups to spread the word.
Encourage local businesses and organizations to get involved.
“Through the ‘Cram the Cruiser’ event, our community has the chance to come together and make a meaningful impact for residents in need this holiday season,” said Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin.
After lighting the Kentwood Christmas tree in front of a large gathering of residents last week, Mayor Stephen Kepley said there’s a hunger for community.
“There’s a hunger to get out and do things with family and your kids, even in the midst of being cold,” said Mayor Kepley, who’s attended the event as a public figure for 12 years. “We have such a diverse community that when we do these events, I think it just adds to the unity. I don’t know how many people I’ve talked to that I’ve seen at this event or the July 4th events, but I think it’s wonderful to do community events where people can gather. For a lot of them, this has become their family tradition. It’s really amazing.”
Kentwood Tree Lighting 2025. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting 2025. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting 2025. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
“I remember meeting one person who came as a little kid, and now he has his own family and kids that are coming to these events. So, I think it’s wonderful for unification, but also for just family tradition.”
The large crowd of residents huddled together on a frigid Thursday evening to celebrate the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and new Stationary Holiday Parade in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch.
The Stationary Holiday Parade featured floats and decorated vehicles. Other highlights at the event were a visit from Santa, food trucks, a snow globe photo booth, hot chocolate, crafts hosted by library staff, and a performance by the Michigan Ballet Academy.
“This holiday event is one of our favorites to put on,” said Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo. “Creating opportunities for the community to gather and celebrate is fundamental to our mission,”
As holiday travel continues at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, local school choirs are set to fill the Airport with festive cheer for passengers and guests.
The 29th Annual Holiday Music Festival takes place from December 8-12 in the Airport Grand Hall, located just before the TSA checkpoint. Daily performances run between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
A total of 12 West Michigan choirs are scheduled to sing 20-minute song sets throughout the day, which includes:
Byron Center West Middle School
City High Middle School
Coit Creative Arts Academy
East Kentwood High School
Harrison Park Academy
Illuminate Elementary
Lee High School
Legacy Christian School
Ottawa Hills High School
West Side Christian School
Wyoming High School
Zeeland Christian School
(Photo Courtesy, Ford Airport)
“Each holiday season, we look forward to hearing the holiday cheer from the talented school choirs from across West Michigan.” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “We thank the hundreds of students for filling the Airport with festive songs and hope they bring comfort and joy to our guests, partners and staff.”
All festival performances are free and open to the public. The schedule of performances can be found at FlyFord.org.
The East Kentwood boys basketball team opened what promises to be an exciting season in a big way Thursday with an 83-57 home win against Traverse City West.
One of the youngest teams in West Michigan last season, the Falcons also flashed plenty of glimpses of the vast potential the team has. While still young overall, they are more experienced and poised to make a big impact both in the rugged OK Red Conference and on the state level.
The Falcons began making their mark this season with an impressive 26-point win against a solid Traverse City West squad.
“We pulled away from a real good Traverse City West team in our home opener,” said East Kentwood Coach Mike Thomas. “It was a pretty good feeling to see some of the maturity and growth from our guys. We have one senior, a plethora of juniors and a couple of sophomores. The program is in pretty good shape as long as the guys stay committed to basketball.”
The Falcon offense was in midseason form in the win against West. Senior guard Randy Chapman led the Falcons with 18 points, while junior guard CJ Reynolds added 17.
East Kentwood’s CJ Reynolds. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
“We had four of five guys in double figures in points,” Thomas said. “We also had 25 assists as a team.”
East Kentwood’s young and sizable front court also made a huge impact. Leading the way up front was 6-foot-9 junior center Andrew Kenyi. Kenyi filled up the stat sheet with 16 points, 12 rebounds, five blocked shots and four assists. Fellow junior, Samuel Makuag, who stands 6-6, added 15 points and five rebounds, while 6-7 junior Dau Dau was a factor on both ends of the floor highlighted by three blocked shots on defense.
“Our big fellows have really developed and grown since the end of last season,” Thomas said. “Their presence is going to be felt this year. Andrew and Samuel both have Division 1 athleticism. Dau is another long and wiry athlete who has improved. He has the type of body and game that reminds me of Tayshaun Prince, the former Detroit Piston. They are all dynamic athletes. All three are capable of guarding point guards, wings or bigs. They can switch a lot on defense and that gives us a lot of versatility on defense.”
The blend of front court size and athleticism combined with the standout talent in the backcourt has the Falcons poised for a huge season. Chapman, one of the top guards in West Michigan, has committed to play college basketball at Saginaw Valley State.
“Randy getting a scholarship to Saginaw Valley is a huge highlight for our program.”
East Kentwood’s Andrew Kenyi. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
The college scouts also are recruiting Reynolds, who is one of the premier juniors in the state of Michigan and is being recruited by several Division 1 schools. Kenyi also received his first Division 1 offer over the summer from Eastern Michigan University. Thomas expects more offers to roll in for Kenyi and Makuag as the Falcons get more exposure during the season.
East Kentwood also added another talented junior to the squad in Jaxson Tabor. A versatile 6-4 athlete who can play inside or outside, Tabor played on varsity as a freshman at Aviation High School before sitting out last season due to his transfer.
The Falcons will get plenty of exposure on the big stage as they play one of the most challenging schedules in the state that includes several trips to the East side of Michigan to play some of the top teams in the state. Before Christmas, they have trips to play at Ann Arbor Pioneer, a game against Detroit Renaissance at the Orchard Lake St. Mary’s tournament, a game against West Bloomfield at the Saginaw Valley State tournament and a game against Detroit Country Day at the D-Zone Classic.
The Falcons do have a home game Dec. 15 against Kalamazoo Loy Norrix, expected to be among the top teams in Southwest Michigan. After Christmas and before the OK Red season begins, they have four more non-league games including trips to tournaments in Ferndale, Romulus and at Albion College as well as a home game in its own tournament.
“We encourage everyone to just come out and watch us,” Thomas said. “There can be someone different every night leading us in scoring. We will be spending a lot of time on the East side of the state getting challenged to prepare us for the challenge of the conference.”
The OK Red again looks to be one of the premier leagues in the state with Rockford ranked in the Top 10 in the state along with Hudsonville and Grand Haven with outstanding teams.
The Kentwood Police Department and Kent County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call of “shots fired” Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. in the area of 60th St. and Kalamazoo Ave.
One 18-year-old male and one 17-year-old male subject matching the description were located shortly after the call walking in the area. A stolen firearm and an unregistered firearm were located on their person during the investigation. Both subjects were lodged on related charges at Kent County Correctional Facility and the Kent County Juvenile Detention Center. There were no injuries reported and there is no continued threat to the public.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
KDL’s Let It Snow reading challenge provides a choose-your-own-reading adventure for adults and teens that will keep readers reading all winter long (Courtesy, KDL)
Local book lovers can now sign up for Kent District Library’s (KDL) annual winter Let It Snow reading challenge. Adults and teens (age 11+) who read or listen to six books between Dec. 1 and Feb. 27 earn a collectible Let It Snow mug.
Participants who would like to complete more than six books can log four more titles, for a total of 10 books, by Feb. 27 and be automatically entered into a drawing to win a gift card to a local indie bookstore.
“Let It Snow is the perfect choose-your-own-reading adventure for adults and teens,” said KDL Programming Specialist Amber Elder. “You can reread your favorite books, pick up the next one from your TBR pile, look at Let It Snow displays in your local branch until a book speaks to you, or find a book in any of the category suggestions that our adult and teen librarians have provided.
“It’s a challenge that will keep you excited for your next book and that will keep you reading all winter long.”
Reading challenge details
(Courtesy, KDL)
Participants can track their reading progress online using Beanstack or complete and turn in a paper tracking form. Brochures and tracking forms can be found at any KDL branch or can be downloaded and printed here.
All tracking sheets should be turned in at any KDL branch or on Beanstack by Feb. 27.
Let It Snow mugs will be available for pick-up at KDL branches beginning Jan. 2.
Questions can be directed to any KDL branch in person or via phone at 616-784-2007.
The City of Kentwood will host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and debut a new Stationary Holiday Parade on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. with the Stationary Holiday Parade, featuring floats and decorated vehicles staged in the library parking lot. Attendees may walk through the display and vote for their favorite entry. Do you want to show off your decorated float or vehicle? Parade participation is $10, and registration is required.
Additional activities include a snow globe photo booth, hot chocolate, crafts hosted by library staff, a performance by the Michigan Ballet Academy, and a visit from Santa. Dolce Mini Cakes and Dune Buggy food trucks will offer food and beverages for purchase. Non-perishable food donations will be collected for the Kentwood Little Free Pantry.
“This holiday event is one of our favorites to put on. Creating opportunities for the community to gather and celebrate is fundamental to our mission,” said Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo. “We look forward to welcoming residents to this annual tradition.”
Kentwood Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
States have already begun dealing with the new SNAP restrictions in compliance with the federal government’s new guidance for the nation’s largest anti-hunger program.
These restrictions, in part, will raise the upper age limit for able-bodied adults from age 54 to 64, as well as lower the age of qualifying dependents from under 18 years old to under 14 years old for their parents or caregivers, and add new work requirements as well. (Snap Provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025)
Refugees, asylum seekers, human trafficking victims and other survivors of crises also will be losing these benefits.
Nearly 13% of Michigan households, approximately 1.4 million people receive SNAP benefits.
Food pantries as an alternative
It’s a tenuous time packed with uncertainty, but for the roughly 42 million Americans who use SNAP monthly, it may be time to look towards your local food pantries with grace (SNAP- Key Statistics and Research).
A Food Bank stores and provides millions of pounds of food to hundreds of different agencies, including food pantries, under the united goal of ending hunger in their communities. They utilize monetary and food donations from the USDA, retailers, distributors, farmers, manufacturers and a substantial 17% of that comes from the public.
“Food pantries are essential to the community,” said Nancy Cromley, executive director of the Green Apple Pantry. “They support the needs of all neighbors who face food insecurity. They also serve our communities by offering food that may otherwise end up in landfills. We are currently gleaning over 45,000 pounds of food each month.”
School nutrition assistance programs
In addition to the Food Pantry Model, there also are a handful of committed Michigan born companies that have been supporting local school children with nutritious take-home meals for decades.
Hand2Hand
Hand2Handpartners with local churches and schools to surprise over 13,000 students spanning across 45 school districts with a backpack filled with healthy food every week. These kids find a backpack in their lockers every Friday, in an attempt to prevent weekend hunger.
“We anticipate a growing need, especially as SNAP benefits are paused and the effects ripple into the upcoming months,” said Nicole Bosch, the Brand Marketing Manager of Hand2Hand.
“Families who were already stretching their budgets will now have even less margin. While the full impact is still unfolding, we know many families are already feeling the stress, particularly with the holidays approaching.”
(Photo courtesy, Kids’ Food Basket)
Kids’ Food Basket
Kids’ Food Basket is another school nutrition program that provides over 11,000 healthy evening meals for students daily. These are called Sack Suppers, and are delivered to 66 schools in four West Michigan counties. While they aren’t a food pantry, they help supply 18 food pantries with food from their two farms.
Effects of the SNAP cuts on pantries and recipients
Cromley said that the usage rate for the Green Apple Pantry increased by 60% during the SNAP shutdown. Also since 2022, they have seen a 100% increase in the number of families needing food support.
Austin Roelof, the VP of Programming for Kids’ Food Basket, attributed SNAP as the “nation’s largest food assistance program” and one of the “most effective tools to reduce food insecurity.”
When asked about the projection of how many more people will rely on the pantries following the SNAP restrictions, Roeloff pointed out that 1.4 million Michiganders rely on SNAP.
“This puts thousands of Michigan families at risk of food insecurity,” said Roelof, “forcing many to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table.”
While SNAP fraud has been a contentious and valid point of concern for SNAP restrictions, as 120 people have been arrested for fraud since Nov 18, it’s important to remember there are still genuinely needy people who rely on the anti-hunger program.
“Many families receive Hand2Hand during a difficult season,” said Bosch, “such as a job loss, illness or other crisis, such as the pause of SNAP benefits. These are hardworking parents doing their best, who simply need support to make ends meet.”
Kids’ Food Basket hosting a community event. (Photo Courtesy, Kids’ Food Basket)
Who used to qualify for SNAP?
As new laws circulate and the standard changes, there used to be a genuine system for determining SNAP eligibility.
People only qualified for SNAP if they sat at or below 130% of the poverty line, and the calculations for this value is determined based on your household size and your net income, after accounting for reasonable deductions based on a person’s normal monthly expenses, including: earnings, child support, dependent care, excess shelter and medical (A Quick guide to SNAP Eligibility and Benefits).
“At a time when food insecurity was already high, this puts additional strain on families,” Roelof said. “Pantries and programs are working to fill this gap, but our community needs SNAP fully funded to nourish our neighbors in the long term.”
Roelof even went as far as to urge community members to reach out to their local legislator and stand up for the health and food security of our children.
About 60% of people who use SNAP are either seniors or children aged 17 and younger. Meaning that a majority of the people that receive the benefits of these programs are those who are financially dependent upon other people.
While the execution of Hand2Hand and Kids’ Food Basket may not be a pantry model, they both deliver food directly to the children through the school, the intent remains virtuous: the community is stronger in numbers, and no child should go hungry.
Hand2Hand and Kids’ Food Basket have already expressed having increased their normal allocations.
“This month’s food bag will include four extra items – a loaf of bread generously donated by Arnie’s Bakery and King Flour Company, individual peanut butter and jelly cups, and fresh apples donated by Wells Orchards,” Bosch said. “Looking ahead to December, we’ll be providing a 10-item booster bag filled with hearty, protein-rich foods to help families through the holiday season.”
Roelof also expressed that Kids’ Food Basket is increasing their supply in an attempt to “bridge the SNAP gap.” This is in addition to the astounding 11,000 Sack Suppers that they provide daily to West Michigan schools.
KFB Delivering more than 13,500 additional food bags
“We are mobilizing our resources and volunteer shifts to prepare, pack and deliver more than 13,500 additional nutritional assistance bags,” Roelof said. “These bags are similar to the Break Bags we serve in neighborhood schools ahead of school breaks, containing about 15 items each, including protein, healthy grains, fruits and vegetables.”
Roelof said their farms also are going to push for more productivity during the harvest season to stock up their pantry partners, adding that they are “prepared to collaborate with donors and partner organizations across West Michigan to plan for the sustainability of our community in the future.”
Food banks aren’t a foolproof substitution for SNAP, as the federal program still outpaces these volunteer-dependent local organizations with nine meals for every one provided by Food banks, according to Feeding America.
Here’s a list of local food pantries for West Michigan residents:
Baxter Community Center– 935 Baxter St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (616) 456-8593 (Mon,Wed and Thur 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tue 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Fri 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Community Food Club– 1100 South Division Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49597 (616) 288-5550 ($12-$18/30-day membership fee)
Family Network of Wyoming– 1029 44th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 885-9919 (Mon and Wed 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
North Kent Connect– 10075 Northland Drive NE, Rockford MI, 49341 (616) 866-3478 (Mon and Wed 9:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m., Thur 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
St. Alphonsus Parish– 224 Carrier St. NE Grand Rapids, MI, 49505 (Closed between Nov 16 – 30: Mon,Tue,Wed and Thur 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
The Green Apple Pantry– 4307 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 (616) 455-9411 (Mon and Tue 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Wed and Thur 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM)– 1311 Chicago Dr. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 241-4006 (By appointment only: Mon and Tue 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Thur 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Streams– 280 60th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 272-3634 (Tue and Thur 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thur 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
The Other Way– 710 West Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616) 451-4011 (Mon, Wed and Thur 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Tue 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Fri 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Buist Community Access Center 870 74th St Sw Ste B Byron center 49315 (616)-583-4080 (Mon,Wed,Thur 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Tue 12:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m., 2nd Sat of the month 9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM)11535 Fulton St E Lowell MI 49331 (616) 897-8260 (Tue 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Wed 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Fri 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Westminster Pantry 47 Jefferson SE, Grand Rapids, 49503 (616) 456-6115 (Thur 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
Byron Ministries 8250 Byron Creek Dr. Byron Center, 49315 (616) 878-6000 (Mon 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Wed 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Meals on Wheels Senior Pantry 1954 Fuller Ave. Ste. B Grand Rapids, 49505 (616) 459-3111 Option 3 (Mon 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wed and Thur 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Fri Appointment only)
Northwest Food Pantry 1224 Davis NW Grand Rapids, 49504 (616) 300-5079 (Mon, Wed, Fri 9:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.)
The Community Basket (Dutton) 3178 68th St. SE, Suite B, Caledonia 49316 (616) 536-0407 (2nd Mon of the month 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.) (2nd Sat of the month 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
A Michigan-based beverage co-packer is expanding with a new 300,000-square-foot co-manufacturing facility in Kentwood, Michigan. Proper Beverage Co., known for its hands-on, customer-first approach, is increasing its production capacity to broaden its capabilities and meet growing demands from beverage brands nationwide.
In addition to initially creating 100 new jobs, the Kentwood expansion marks a major milestone in Proper Beverage Co.’s growth and innovation. Expected to begin operations in mid-2026, the facility is designed to operate with a capacity of 225 million cans per year. The expanded production capacity reinforces the company’s continued investment in American-made manufacturing and local job creation.
Proper Beverage Co. has invested in U.S.-made machinery, which will allow for wider range of beverages, including alcoholic drinks, mocktails, sodas, energy drinks and better-for-you alternatives to be packaged at the facility. Operating at full capacity, the new facility will employ 400 individuals, further strengthening the region’s manufacturing economy.
“Choosing American-made equipment ensures we can uphold the highest production standards while supporting American manufacturers and jobs,” said Brian Hirsch, president of Proper Beverage Co. “It is an investment in both quality and community.”
The new facility also advances the company’s commitment to sustainability. One-way keg options that are recycled after use, is among the company’s new offerings. The kegs allow for reduced logistics and costs, while minimizing water and chemical use, for a more sustainable packaging alternative.
Founded on the belief that small and mid-size brands deserve the same care, quality and creative integrity as the industry’s largest players, Proper Beverage Co. has built its reputation on partnership and flexibility. “Our commitment to quality is paying off in a way that allows us to serve the fluctuating market more consistently,” said Kevin Clement, CEO of Proper Beverage Co. “We’re building for the future with the same focus on reliability, innovation and responsible growth that has guided us from the start.”
Customers remain the focus of the company’s growth. The new facility will feature a dedicated customer care suite, providing space for collaboration and on-site visits. This addition reflects Proper Beverage Co.’s ongoing commitment to partnership, transparency and providing an exceptional experience from concept to production.
The company’s existing Hudsonville, Michigan, facility remains open, continuing to serve start-up, small and mid-sized beverage brands with flexible, scalable production and support.
East Kentwood made sure there would be no last-second heroics by Hudsonville in Saturday’s Division 1 regional title game as the Falcons put up 31 second-half points while the Kentwood defense kept the Eagles off the scoreboard resulting in a 52-28 win.
The win secured Kentwood’s first regional championship since 2014 and sends the Falcons into this Saturday’s Division 1 state semifinal game against Detroit Catholic Central. The semifinal game is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Jackson High School.
The win against Hudsonville took away the sour taste the Falcons felt last time they visited Hudsonville. That was when the Eagles stunned the Falcons 43-42 with a last-second touchdown pass in Week 7. That win helped Hudsonville capture the OK Red title. Since then, Kentwood has strung together five consecutive wins and is now in the Division 1 final four.
“It was definitely about redemption,” said East Kentwood Coach Tyrone Spencer. “Being able to do it when it matters which it was now. Our goal was always to win the OK Red and they got us on that one. Our goal is also to win a state championship and this is part of that.”
Eagles up at halftime, then EK gets 24 points in the fourth quarter
Like that previous meeting between the two teams, the points were flowing in the game. The two teams traded touchdowns during the first half, with Hudsonville up 28-21 at halftime. Unlike the first meeting, however, the second half belonged totally to the Falcons. Of the 31 points that East Kentwood scored in the second half, 24 of them came in the fourth quarter.
The Kentwood offense has been piling up huge numbers in the playoffs and that trend continued in the regional title game. After totaling 555 yards against Grand Ledge in the first round and 619 over Howell in the district title game, the Falcons produced 570 yards of offense against Hudsonville.
EK quarterback and MSU commit Kayd Coffman has a big game against Hudsonville. (Courtesy, Falcon News Network)
EK quarterback Kayd Coffman tallies 482 yards total offense
Falcon senior QB Kayd Coffman was a big part of that offensive production, tallying 482 yards and five touchdowns. He completed 21-of-32 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns, and ran the ball 12 times for 210 yards and three touchdowns.
Coffman used his legs to produce the first touchdown of the game, breaking loose for a 65-yard score midway through the first quarter, giving the Falcons a 7-0 lead after the extra point kick by Jayden Garcia.
The host Eagles, however, stormed back to take a 14-7 lead later in the opening quarter. The Eagles scored their first touchdown on a three-yard run by Owen Haarsma. The Eagles then surged ahead when they blocked a Kentwood punt and turned it into a touchdown on a five-yard run.
East Kentwood tied the game late in the opening quarter when the Falcons covered 65 yards in four plays. A 59-yard run by Coffman highlighted the drive which was capped by a two-yard touchdown plunge by James Jones Jr.
Hudsonville regained the lead with a pair of touchdowns midway through the second quarter. The first Eagle score came on a 38-yard pass from Brady Van Laecke to Luke Heyboer. The Eagles defense then came up with a turnover on Kentwood’s next possession. That turnover was quickly turned into points as Van Laecke scored on a two-yard touchdown run giving the Eagles a 28-14 lead.
East Kentwood trimmed the deficit to seven points on the next possession. The Falcon passing game produced the score as Coffman hooked up with Stephan Jones on a 67-yard touchdown pass that cut the margin to 28-21 with 3:40 remaining before halftime.
The Falcons tied the game on the first possession of the second half, driving 68 yards in eight plays. Senior running back Davien Nettleman closed out the drive with an 18-yard run up the middle of the Eagle defense.
Scored knotted early in the fourth
The score remained tied until early in the fourth quarter when Garcia connected on a 37-yard field goal giving the Falcons a 31-28 lead.
On Hudsonville’s next possession, the Eagles rolled the dice on a fourth-and-five from their own 29-yard line. The Falcon defense, however, came up with a big stop. Two plays later Coffman took off on an 18-yard touchdown run up the middle putting the Falcons up 38-28.
The Falcons then pulled away as Major Barnes came up with a big interception on Hudsonville’s next possession. Two-plays later Coffman took off on a 50-yard touchdown run putting the Falcons up 45-28. The Falcons then added a final touchdown late in the game when Coffman hit Stephan Jones with a 37-yard touchdown pass.
Stephan Jones led with 175 yards on eight catches
Jones was the receiving standout of the game for the Falcons as he finished with 175 yards on eight catches with a pair of touchdowns. Kendrick Mayhue added six receptions for 36 yards, while Nettleman caught three for 31 yards and Ahman Edmonds, three passes for 19.
Nettleman added 55 yards rushing and a touchdown.
Donavan Jones led the Falcons with six tackles and three assists, followed by Dallas Moody, Major Barnes and James Jones Jr., with four tackles each and Benedi Kanda, three tackles and a pair of assists.
EK defensive back Donavan Jones. (Greg Chrapek/WKTV Contributor)
“Our guys competed well,” Spencer said. “I thought our coaches installed a great game plan and the players executed at a high level. We are excited to prepare for Detroit Catholic Central in the semifinals. We also want to thank our parents and community for their support.”
The Falcons, who improved to 10-2 overall, now face a Detroit Catholic Central team that has a 12-0 record. The Falcons and Shamrocks share a common opponent in Grand Ledge. Catholic Central defeated Grand Ledge 36-14 in Week 8, while Kentwood defeated Grand Ledge 49-15 in the first round of the playoffs.
Michigan State University well represented next game
Michigan State football fans will have a particularly keen interest in the game as not only is Kentwood quarterback Kayd Coffman an MSU recruit, but so is Catholic Central standout receiver Samson Gash.
Volunteers are collecting Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts at nearly 5,000 drop-off locations across the country during National Collection Week, Nov. 17–24 (Courtesy, Operation Christmas Child)
Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach 12 million children in 2025 (Courtesy, Operation Christmas Child)
Volunteers are collecting Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 17–24.
Nearly 5,000 drop-off locations will open across the country in November, and shoebox packers can find their local drop-off locations in Michigan here.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster.
Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach another 12 million children in 2025 with the hope of Jesus.
Participation details
Shoebox packing can be done by individuals, families and/or groups. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage.
Participants can receive a tracking label to discover their shoebox destination (Courtesy, Operation Christmas Child)
The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.
“Samaritan’s Purse works around the world to help people in need, but it’s not about good works— it’s about the Gospel,” said Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse.
“Please prayerfully consider packing a shoebox this year with Operation Christmas Child. These simple gifts open the door for us to share the true meaning of Christmas.”
Participants can find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation as they make plans to drop off their shoebox gifts. The online lookup tool is searchable by City or ZIP code. Signs at each location will identify the drop-off.
An on-going mission
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
Adopt-A-Child photo last year at City Hall as part of Kentwood’s Annual Holiday Giving Programs. Read the details of this program below. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The City of Kentwood is pleased to announce the return of its annual Holiday Giving Programs, designed to bring joy, warmth and community support to local children, seniors and families during the holiday season.
“The holiday giving programs are a wonderful way for our community to come together and support neighbors in need,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “Every donation and act of generosity helps make the season brighter for families, children and seniors across Kentwood.”
Giving Programs:
Adopt-A-Child (Nov. 12 through Dec. 8) — In its ninth year, organized by the City Treasurer, Laurie Sheldon, this initiative supports students at Kentwood Public Schools who are experiencing homelessness. Over 300 KPS students are currently experiencing homelessness. Participants select a gift tag on the Giving Trees (located at Kentwood Activities Center, City Hall, KDL Richard L. Root Branch), purchase items (gifts, toiletries, blankets, snacks), and return them unwrapped to designated drop-off locations. Also launching is the “100 Hearts for Kentwood Kids” campaign, encouraging at least 100 donors to contribute $100, or any amount, to participate. Program Partners: Kentwood Public Schools, Kentwood Professional Fire Fighters Union, Kentwood Parks and Recreation, and the South Kent Chamber Foundation.
For monetary donations: you may donate in person at City Hall or via Venmo: @SouthKentChamber
“We started the Adopt a Child Program with a simple goal, to make sure no child in our community feels forgotten during the holidays,” said Laurie Sheldon, City of Kentwood Treasurer. “What has happened over the past nine years is incredible. Our neighbors and partners continue to show up with generosity, and it is truly heartwarming.”
Ben Kurakazusampson, representative from the Kentwood Professional Fire Fighters Union, added, “As first responders, we see the impact of hardship on families every day. This program gives us a meaningful way to give back, to bring smiles, restore dignity, and remind our kids that they matter.”
Be a Santa to a Senior (Nov. 12 through Dec. 17) — A partnership with Home Instead Senior Care invites the community to select tags from the “Senior Santa Tree,” located at the Kentwood Activities Center, purchase and wrap gifts for local seniors, and return them to the KAC by December 17.
Holiday Hat & Mitten Tree (Nov. 12 through Dec. 17) — Community members are encouraged to donate new or gently used warm clothing items such as hats, scarves, coats, boots, snow pants, socks and blankets to the tree located at the Kentwood Activities Center (KAC). Items will be distributed through school systems and community organizations.
Kentwood’s Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry — Established in 2017, the Little Free Pantry, a year-round initiative accepting donations of non-perishable food and hygiene items. Financial donations also are accepted.
Community members may visit either location to drop off donations or utilize the pantry:
Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, during normal business hours
Kent District Library – Richard L. Root/Kentwood Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, during library hours
A Kentwood Little Free Pantry Collection Bin. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“Free food pantries help ensure every family can enjoy nourishing meals during the holiday season, and our community’s generosity makes that possible,” said Val Romeo, Parks and Recreation Director.
There are 1.6 million adults in Michigan serving as family caregivers, representing more than 15% of the state’s population, according to Jason Lachowski, Associate State Director of Government Affairs for AARP of Michigan.
This demand puts an enormous strain on caregiving families’ finances, with up to 80% paying for the essentials out of their own pocket, Lachowski continued. “A household can spend up to $7,200 or 25% of the average income each year on care costs. Forty six percent of those same caregivers have reported some degree of financial setbacks, such as taking on debt or struggling to pay for medical expenses.
(Image Courtesy, AARP)
Many of us with elderly relatives are familiar with the challenges involved with caring for their needs. November is National Family Caregivers Month, and new data is shining a spotlight on the burden faced by family caregivers in Michigan. Those who take on the responsibility of caring for aging loved ones often have to act as everything from chefs to chauffeurs to nurses, with little outside support.
Every five years, the AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving conduct a national survey to gain insight as to the state of caregiving in the country and what can be done to help. The survey is designed to estimate the number of people who care for older family members across the country, as well as their unique experiences, challenges and needs.
The AARP of Michigan is highlighting initiatives they are taking to support these struggling communities.
“Our 2025 data gives us the clearest view yet of how caregiving has evolved across the country. In Michigan, we’ve learned that there are 1.6 million adults serving as family caregivers, representing more than 15% of the state’s population,” according to Jason Lachowski, Associate State Director of Government Affairs for AARP of Michigan.
An enormous strain on caregivers This demand puts an enormous strain on caregiving families’ finances, with up to 80% paying for the essentials out of their own pocket. A household can spend up to $7,200 or 25% of the average income each year on care costs. Forty six percent of those same caregivers have reported some degree of financial setbacks, such as taking on debt or struggling to pay for medical expenses, per Lachowski.
Up to 53% of caregivers also juggle either full or part-time jobs. Many of them have had to reduce hours or leave the workforce entirely to keep up with their caregiving duties.
Perhaps just as draining as the financial impact is the emotional toll that caregiving places on families.
“Our report shows that about one-third of [families] report feeling high emotional stress while caregiving. That’s why AARP Michigan is fighting for policies at the national and state level that ease caregivers’ financial pressures to save them time and help get them some support,” noted Lachowski.
What exactly can be done at the state level? AARP is advocating for the State of Michigan to pass a tax credit for unpaid family caregivers. Ideally, per Lachowski, the tax credit would allow families to recoup up to $2,000 for expenses such as home modifications and medical equipment. This tax credit was introduced in the Michigan legislature in early November 2025.
AARP offers a variety of free tools and resources designed to ease the caregiving journey. This includes the AARP Michigan family caregiver resource guide, which helps caregivers find programs, services, and agencies right in their own communities. AARP has also partnered with United Way Worldwide on the 211 support hotline. Any caregiver in need can dial 211 and get directly connected with local resources.
Lachowski highlighted the agency’s “I am a Caregiver” nationwide movement. This movement encourages caregivers and families to come together and raise their hands to show lawmakers that they cannot ignore the basic needs of so many vulnerable Americans. To add your name to the “I am a Caregiver” movement, visit aarp.org/iamacaregiver.
If more people speak out and make their voices heard, we may begin to see real, meaningful change at the local, state and federal level.
General Motors (GM) Grand Rapids Operations presented the latest installment of its Community Impact Grants (CIG) to three area nonprofits. Totaling $75,000, the 2025 grants target local nonprofits aimed at supporting STEAM education and road safety throughout the community.
Through the CIG program, GM facility leaders select local nonprofits working to address issues facing their community. GM has awarded more than $500,000 in support to Grand Rapids-area groups since 2019.
“It is an honor to support these outstanding local nonprofit organizations whose daily efforts truly strengthen our community,” said Juan Carlos Aldana, Grand Rapids Plant Director. “We are excited to see the positive impact these initiatives will have as they empower youth to pursue STEAM careers and promote greater road safety.”
Grant recipients
The recipients of the 2025 Grand Rapids-area grants include:
West Michigan Environmental Action Council to support STEM programming.
Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance to support road safety.
Junior Achievement to bring STEAM education into entrepreneurial programs.
Investing in the future
GM Grand Rapids Operations employs more than 750 people and produces precision machined automotive components and axles for full-size trucks. As an organization, GM is committed to investing in the future of American manufacturing in the workforce and in communities.
General Motors leverages advanced technology to build safer, smarter and lower emission cars, trucks and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as the world moves to an all-electric future.
Woodland Mall is kicking off the holiday season this month with charitable giving opportunities, photos with Santa, special shopping deals and other festive events for visitors.
Back by popular demand, the Giving Machine returns to inspire seasonal giving, joining family and pet photos with Santa, special shopping hours, local group performances and other events throughout the season of joy.
“The holiday season is about spending quality time with loved ones and lending a helping hand to those in need,” said Lisa Wolstromer, senior marketing director of Woodland Mall. “We invite the whole community to experience the season’s magic together through our holiday events and giving opportunities.”
Photos with Santa – Nov. 14 through Dec. 24
Santa makes his return to Woodland Mall to take photos with guests and listen to holiday wishes Nov. 14 through Christmas Eve. Online reservations are encouraged for the photo opportunity. Photo packages are available to purchase.
Beginning Nov. 17, visitors can bring their dogs, cats and other beloved pets for a photo with Santa on Mondays through Dec. 15. Family pet members of all kinds are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash, in a crate/carrier or held by the owner at all times. Pet owners must also sign a release prior to visiting Santa and are encouraged to book in advance online for pet photos.
Woodland Mall Photos with Santa. (Photo Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Black Friday Deals – Nov. 28
Woodland Mall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day to enable retail employees to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones. The mall will reopen at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28 so guests can get an early start to the traditional shopping weekend. Several seasonal stores will offer discounted gift items on Black Friday. Visit ShopWoodlandMall.com for a full list of in-store deals and retailer information.
Byron Center Choir Performance – Dec. 12
The Byron Center High School Choir will perform a variety of holiday-themed songs to bring joy to shoppers from 11 a.m. to noon in the Von Maur wing.
Byron Center Choir at Woodland Mall. (Photo Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Artists Creating Together Performance – Dec. 8
Artists Creating Together will spread holiday cheer through different songs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Von Maur Wing. The organization empowers individuals with disabilities to learn, grow and celebrate the arts.
Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive – Nov. 14 through Dec. 24
The iconic red kettles and volunteers will be stationed at the mall’s JCPenney entrance throughout the season. Additionally, there will be Salvation Army band pop-up performances. All donations will help support families in the community.
Salvation Army Angel Tree – Nov. 14 through Dec. 24
Visit the Salvation Army Angel Tree at the Center Court starting Nov. 14 to select a gift tag for a family in need. Community members are asked to purchase the gift and drop off the unwrapped present to the mall management office, near Yankee Candle, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Giving Machine – Dec. 10 through Jan. 3
The Giving Machine will be returning to the mall this holiday season as another creative way for the community to give back. Starting Dec. 10, this vending machine will allow shoppers to choose and purchase various donation items, including school supplies, household items, meals and clean water to global and local charities. The Giving Machine will be located in the Von Maur wing and will remain available until Jan. 3.
There will be Giving Machine performances throughout the holiday season, encouraging shoppers to explore the machine and purchase items to donate on it. Learn more about the Giving Machine and listen to stories about donation recipients on their website.
Holiday Hours
The mall will have extended hours to ensure guests can complete all their holiday shopping. Visit ShopWoodlandMall.com/hours for details. To avoid the crowds, Woodland Mall recommends shopping Monday through Thursday when the traffic is lighter. As a friendly reminder for visitors, please be patient and respectful to employees during the busy shopping season.
Thanksgiving – Closed
Black Friday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Christmas Eve – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day – Closed
Day after Christmas – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
New Year’s Eve – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
New Year’s Day – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Job Opportunities
With the holiday season being a busy time for Woodland Mall, there are plenty of job opportunities available. Find seasonal, part-time and full-time job openings for a variety of stores at ShopWoodlandMall.com/jobs.
The CEF grant will support home delivery of nutritionally balanced, protein-rich, shelf-stable food boxes to households with seniors, people with disabilities and children (Courtesy photo)
This grant will help provide consistent access to essential nutrition
The Consumers Energy Foundation (CEF) has announced a grant of $250,000 to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to support home delivery of nutritionally balanced, protein-rich, shelf-stable food boxes to households with seniors, people with disabilities and children.
This initiative comes in response to economic pressures and the recent disruption in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits caused by the federal government shutdown, which has left more than 1.6 million Michigan residents without consistent access to essential nutrition.
“We believe no one in Michigan should go hungry,” said Brandon Hofmeister, President of the Consumers Energy Foundation.
“This grant reflects our commitment to care for our communities and ensuring everyone has access to the nutrition they need to stay healthy and safe.”
A collaborative effort
The Food Bank Council of Michigan will use the grant to launch a home delivery program for seven-day food boxes. The program will operate through a hub-and-spoke model, with a central food bank coordinating logistics and deliveries to local partners and directly to homes across the state.
“This support from the Consumers Energy Foundation is a lifeline for thousands of Michigan families,” said Dr. Phil Knight, Executive Director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan. “By bringing food directly to the doorsteps of those who can’t reach distribution sites, we’re ensuring that no one is left behind.”
The execution of the CEF grant will be the result of a collaborative effort (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The Consumers Energy Foundation is working collaboratively with government partners and a wide network of corporate, philanthropic and nonprofit organizations to address the urgent needs facing Michigan families. Among these partners, United Way continues to be a critical resource, helping families stay afloat with wraparound services such as rent assistance, utility support and other essential needs.
Consumers Energy employees will have the opportunity to extend additional care to families in need through volunteer efforts and financial contributions with matching gift funds from the company.
This coordinated effort ensures that resources are deployed where they are needed most and demonstrate a shared commitment to ensuring all Michiganders have the support they need during this time of uncertainty.
Investing in what is important
The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider.
The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what is most important — people, the planet and Michigan’s prosperity.
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