The City of Kentwood and Great Lakes Disc are partnering to host the eighth annual Freeze Fest doubles disc golf tournament and food drive on Saturday, Feb. 18.
Disc golfers of all skill levels are invited to join the best-shot doubles competition at Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Dr. SE from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All proceeds will go to support Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.
On-site registration begins at 9 a.m. and the first round of the tournament starts at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is encouraged online at kentwood.us/FreezeFest. The cost is $25 per person or $50 per team and one canned food donation.
A photo from a previous Freeze Fest tournament. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“It has been exciting to watch Freeze Fest and our other disc golf events continue to grow each year,” said Lori Gresnick, Kentwood recreation program coordinator. “We continue to be amazed by and are grateful for the generosity of the disc golf community.”
The Kentwood Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a community service project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The small food pantry is open to all community members year-round and is designed to fill an immediate and local need. It offers nonperishable food and personal care items. Anyone can utilize or donate to the pantry. No application is required and no questions are asked.
“The annual Freeze Fest gives the disc golf community a great opportunity to enjoy the game during the off season while also supporting the local community,” said Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc. “This is one of our favorite events of the year and we’re proud to continue partnering with the City of Kentwood on this tournament.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The demand for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, has steadily increased since its opening. To help meet the growing need, the City of Kentwood opened a second pantry location in 2021 at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. More information is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
After a 73-51 win over Ottawa Hills Tuesday, South Christian boys Coach Taylor Johnson was happy with how his Sailors handled the pressure.
“It was a great matchup with a team that can give you a lot of problems with their style of play,” said Johnson, whose Sailors improved to 13-3 overall, 8-1 (second place) in the OK Gold. “It took time, but once we got settled in I liked how we played together and passed through the pressure.
“It was an important game for us and we knew it would not be easy. Coach King does a nice job and we had to keep fighting. We made a big push late into the third quarter that really helped us pull away in the fourth.”
Jake DeHaan scored 17 points for the Sailors. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)
Sam Medendorp led the Sailors with 20 points, while Jake DeHaan added 17.
“Sam was so important for us and played great,” Johnson said. “His defensive presence is unlike anyone else in the league; he impacts the game on both sides of the ball. He showed off his athleticism last night with over five blocks and four dunks. It was fun to watch.
“DeHaan just continues to flourish of lately, finding his rhythm being able to hit the three and drive it to two feet and find ways to create angles and score. He also had some huge off rebounds for us that sparked important second chance points.”
Ottawa Hills fell to 10-7 overall, 6-3 in the Gold.
(LEE: Marc Whitfield, 20 points, 10 assists; Joe Russau, 19 points)
Tri-unity Christian 71, Ravenna 39
(TU: Jordan VanKlompenberg and Keaton Blanker, 14 points apiece. Blanker also had 5 assists and 4 steals; Trey Rillema and Akais Giplaye, 6 rebounds each)
About 25 different vendors were at the expo. (WKTV/Nathan Slauer)
The event was about making connections.
More than 200 participants attended the expo. (WKTV/Nathan Slauer)
A family explores options at Mary Free Bed.
By Nathan Slauer WKTV Contributor
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department highlighted recreational opportunities during its inaugural Adaptive Recreation Expo on Thursday, Jan. 26. The community event featured 25 vendors and attracted more than 200 guests.
During the expo, local businesses and agencies spoke with attendees about adaptive services available for people of all abilities. Information booths provided information about sports ranging from hunting to karate.
City of Kentwood employees enjoyed opening the Kentwood Activities Center up to the public and creating an environment focused on learning and collaboration, said Ann Przybysz, recreation program coordinator for the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department.
“We’re highlighting Kentwood’s programs, but also our community partners,” Przybysz said. “This is a one stop shop for people to get involved. We have the space, and we want to be a jumping off point.”
The Adaptive Recreation Expo took place as part of an ongoing effort to promote healthy living in Kentwood. For more than two decades, the City of Kentwood has offered adaptive recreation programming to the public.
Young people ages 12 and up are the primary audience of the adaptive recreation program, although there are special events geared toward adults. Participants with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities can each find something to enjoy.
Dance, rock-climbing, and bowling rank among the adaptive recreation program’s most popular activities. Each week, the Leisure Club provides social activities such as cooking and arts & crafts.
During the summer, participants have the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. Kayaks are available for use, and many individuals leave their wheelchairs on the shore and paddle out onto the water.
For Przybysz, it is empowering to see people with disabilities challenging themselves and trying new things. Although many cities currently do not provide adaptive recreation programs, Przybysz said she believes it is possible to build a culture of physical activity for people of all abilities by establishing effective partnerships.
“See who you can partner with,” Przybysz said. “Are there organizations already serving disabilities? Support people who are already doing good work. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel.”
Those who missed this year’s Adaptive Recreation Expo can still find ways to get involved. Volunteers are needed for the Valentine’s Day Dance on Feb. 9.
For more information about the City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation opportunities, visit kentwood.us/adaptive.
Take a look at our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights, February 3!
Every Friday, we’ll bring you some great high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings.
Coming soon, we’ll have coaches and players stop by our studio after their games to chat on the show.
Kent County’s Waste-to-Energy facility. (Courtesy, Kent County Department of Public Works)
Vicinity Energy, a decarbonization leader with the nation’s most extensive portfolio of district energy systems, will partner with Kent County Department of Public Works to operate the Waste-to-Energy facility in Grand Rapids.
Vicinity and Kent County have entered into a long-term service agreement that ensures the facility will operate safely and efficiently. The partnership will save Kent County in operating costs annually while reinforcing its commitment to quality service, the environment, and the local workforce.
“For more than 30 years, Waste-to-Energy has been a key part of Kent County’s integrated waste management system, and it allows our community to responsibly and reliably dispose of solid waste while producing local energy and reducing the amount of waste going into landfills,” said Dar Baas, director of the Kent County Department of Public Works. “We’re continuing to invest in the Waste-to-Energy facility, and this new partnership with Vicinity will ensure it operates safely and efficiently for years to come.”
Vicinity has welcomed the existing plant employees to its team and will hire more team members to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable services are delivered to the residents and businesses served by the facility. This partnership marks a critical milestone in Vicinity’s commitment to sustainability and bringing new jobs and services to West Michigan.
“We are proud to serve as the new operator of this critical piece of Kent County’s waste management system and look forward to continuing to work with the community well into the future,” said Kevin Hagerty, deputy CEO and chief operating officer of Vicinity Energy. “In addition to ensuring a smooth transition from the prior operator, our team has been hard at work on providing the most reliable, resilient, and sustainable services possible.”
The Waste-to-Energy facility incinerates non-hazardous solid waste from municipal and commercial operations in Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming. Each year, the facility prevents 190,000 tons of waste from going to landfill, generates enough energy to power 11,000 homes, and recovers enough steel to make 3,000 cars.
The Waste-to-Energy facility upholds the highest environmental standards, achieving Michigan’s Clean Corporate Citizen (C3) designation each year since 2006. The facility also meets or exceeds the strictest federal standards set forth by the EPA and other regulatory bodies and employs sophisticated clean-air technologies to achieve superior environmental performance. The plant operates, on average, 90% below permit limits.
“We are thrilled to partner with Kent County and welcome the new members to the Vicinity team in Grand Rapids,” said Jesse Douglas, vice president and general manager of Vicinity’s Grand Rapids operations. “This transition of operations is an exciting step for both the County and Vicinity to bring innovative solutions to the communities we mutually serve.”
Vicinity also owns and operates the heating and cooling facility that provides clean steam to about 10 million square feet of space in downtown Grand Rapids. Vicinity’s district energy system maintains between 90-95% efficiency year-round. All Grand Rapids customers connected to district energy have a 38% lower annual carbon footprint than if they were to self-generate heat, with future improvements intended to offer renewable, carbon-free energy solutions as part of Vicinity’s Clean Energy Future plan.
The Kentwood Police Department is inviting individuals who are interested in a career in law enforcement to attend its recruitment event on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
The event will take place 6-8 p.m. and include two one-hour sessions at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Similar to the department’s fall event, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about KPD’s sponsored police recruit position and other employment opportunities, connect with current officers, tour the department and more.
The informational sessions will be held at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., beginning with an overview about working for the department. Attendees only need to attend one of the sessions, which will cover the same information. Tours, networking and opportunities to learn more about specialized units at KPD will follow. Refreshments also will be provided.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“We’re seeking passionate, community-driven individuals to join our team, especially as a sponsored police recruit,” Police Chief Litwin said. “This position has been an important part of our efforts to recruit students of all backgrounds and to hire individuals who are representative of our diverse community.
“We met a lot of great candidates during our last recruitment event and look forward to connecting with even more people interested in careers in law enforcement this time around.”
Selected recruit applicants receive full scholarship
The event will feature information about all department employment opportunities, with a special focus on the sponsored police recruit position. Selected police recruit applicants will receive a full scholarship from KPD to attend the Grand Valley State University Police Academy or another approved police training program in fall 2023.
No prior law enforcement experience required
In addition to the police academy sponsorship, recruits receive competitive pay throughout the academy, comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, a 9 percent employer retirement plan contribution and continuing education and training. Individuals who successfully complete the academy and other required certifications and training will be sworn in as patrol officers with the Kentwood Police Department. No prior law enforcement experience is necessary to apply for this position.
No registration is required for the event and no prior law enforcement experience is necessary to attend. Attendees should plan to bring something to take notes with.
A photo from a past recruitment event. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Individuals who are interested in working for KPD but cannot attend the event can receive more information by contacting Recruitment Officer Ryan Smith at smithr@kentwood.us.
The City of Kentwood will host its sixth annual Valentine’s Dash 5K at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 to benefit Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which provides food and personal care items to community members in need.
The 5K route will include a combination of trails and paved pathways starting and ending at Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
Participants are encouraged to wear Valentine’s Day-themed costumes. While intended to be a fun run, the race will be chip timed and awards will be given for the fastest runner overall and in each age group.
A photo from a previous Kentwood Valentine’s Dash. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
An awards ceremony will follow in the library’s community room around noon, including Valentine-themed snacks, music and a photo booth.
“It can be difficult to find opportunities to run in the winter, especially races,” said Spencer McKellar, lead recreation program coordinator. “Our Valentine’s Dash provides a fun, festive opportunity to participate in a winter race, whether you’re an avid walker, first-time runner or a seasoned racer. All are welcome to come out and join us.”
Online registration is available until Feb. 10 and includes a long-sleeved shirt and other participant-packet goodies while supplies last. Racers should register by Jan. 26 to guarantee a shirt. Registration is $30 until Jan. 29, $35 from Jan. 30 to Feb. 10 and $40 on the day of the event. Runners who sign up as a couple save $5 each. Participants who bring a nonperishable item or monetary donation for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry will be entered to win a special door prize.
Kentwood’s first Little Free Pantry opened to the community in 2017 at the Kentwood Activities Center, where it remains available year-round during business hours. The City launched a second pantry at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch in 2021. More information, including a list of suggested donations, is available atkentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
There also are volunteer opportunities available for this event. Volunteers will help with racer check-in and registration, keep traffic off the race route and hand out water to runners during the race.
After trailing 10-1 to start the game, South Christian clawed back to eventually grab a 44-36 win over visiting Caledonia Tuesday.
At halftime, the game was tied at 21 and knotted at 28 to end the third quarter.
“The game went back and forth with both teams just really digging in on defense and struggling to get much going on offense,” said South Christian Coach Kim Legge, whose team is 10-5 overall, 5-2 in the OK Gold.
Caledonia led 36-35 with 3:30 left in the game and then the momentum was all South Christian.
Ashley Thomasma’s trey turns the game
“Ashley Thomasma hit a big three that put us up two points,” Legge said. “Our defense would hold strong from that point on holding Caledonia scoreless the rest of the way.”
Thomasma led the Sailors with 15 points, followed by Ashley Raredon, 13 points and 11 rebounds and Lizzie Wolthuis, 11.
Caledonia’s Gracie Gortmaker finished the game with 18 of the team’s 36 points.
“It was a great non conference matchup against a crosstown school,” Legge said. “Both teams worked extremely hard to keep the other team out of their rhythm. A lot of the players from both teams know each other so that always makes for a fun matchup.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Mixing and mingling at the annual Chamber Meeting and Awards Dinner. (WKTV)
Incoming Chamber Board Chair Valerie Cook (WKTV)
From left, Kentwood Commissioner Betsy Artz with Kentwood City Tresurer Laurie Sheldon (WKTV)
From left, Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan, Summer Vasquez, incoming Board Chair Valerie Cook, and outgoing Board Chair Tony Marino (WKTV)
RoMan Manufacturing members take a few minutes in front of the photo screen. (WKTV)
The Santa Clause Parade Committee which was honored at the awards banquet. (WKTV)
Chamber members at the annual Chamber Meeting and Awards. (WKTV)
From left, Wyoming Councilor Renee Hill, Wyoming Deputy City Manager John McCarger, and Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan. (WKTV)
Bob O’Callaghan talks to WGVU’s Shelley Irwin (WKTV)
Marge Wilson (center) (WKTV)
It was an evening of fun and fellowship at the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting and Award Dinner, which was Jan. 27 at Kentwood’s Viewpond Banquet Hall.
Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan noted it has been a year of change as he took over the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce in the beginning of January 2022. New programs, such as the BIPOC committee, have been formed, along with the Chamber continuing to build relationships and connections. This has included an expanded footprint for the annual Metro Cruise which now has stages at both Wyoming’s Rogers Plaza and Kentwood’s Woodland Mall.
At the banquet, Morgan pointed out that it was another night of celebrating change as Board Chair Tony Marino was stepping down with Valerie Cook having been named the new board chair.
Hosted by WGVU’s Shelley Irwin, the Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony recognizes three chamber businesses along with presenting the volunteer of the year, distinguish service, and committee of the year awards.
Manufacturer of the Year
RoMan Manufacturing
861 47th St. SW, Wyoming
Started in 1980, RoMan Manufacturing is a producer of water coolant transformers for the resistant welding business and has sine expanded into other markets. The company made Wyoming its home because of “convenience.” According to Chief operating Officer Nelson Sanchez, many of the employees who started with the company lived in Wyoming and it was close to the highway.
Service Business of the Year
University of Michigan Health-West Main campus: 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming
University of Michigan Health-West is a progressive, innovative hospital system in Wyoming, serving all of the West Michigan with about 30 sties in four counties. University of Michigan Health-West was founding in 1942 by a group of physicians. Seeing the potential growth in the the southern area of Kent County, the main hospital was moved to the Wyoming area in 2007.
Retail Business of the Year
B2 Outlet Stores Various locations 962A 28th St. SW, Wyoming 350 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
B2 Outlet stores started with a father and son duo, Duane and Matt Smith, who were purchasing liquidation items for an online auction. The pair opened a store in Hudsonville in 2015 and from there the retail business grew to 21 stories including 1 in Illinois and 1 in California. B2 stands for benefit twice: the first benefit is for the customer who receives the great values and the second benefit is to the various local nonprofits that B2 has supported.
Other Award Recipients
Rich Wadsworth received the Distinguished Service Award. (WKTV)Amanda Villa receives the Volunteer of the Year Award. (WKTV)Jerry Good accepts the Committee of the Year Award on behalf of the Chamber’s Santa Claus parade. (WKTV)
The Gerald E. Fessell Distinguished Service Award was given to Rich Wadsworth, a financial advisor for Edward Jones in Wyoming. Wadsworth was recognized for his years of service on the Chamber board, most recently serving as the executive vice chair for community relations. He has been the lead mentor volunteer for the last few Metro Cruise events and has helped to grow the footprint of the event.
The Daniel VanDyke Volunteer of the Year Award went to Amanda Villa, from The Source. Villa found the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce through the Chamber’s Young Professionals group. When the Young Professionals group needed a committee role to be filled, she volunteered. She shared the information she had learned from the Chamber with her employer, who also became a Chamber member.
The Daniel McLaren Committee of the Year was the Chamber’s Santa Parade Committee, with committee member Jerry DeGood accepting the award on the committee’s behalf. The committee was recognized for its dedication in hosting the annual event, which was cancelled in 2021 due to high winds. The committee honored all 2021 sponsorships and was able to raise additional funding to help with other costs. The committee also smashed its goal of 45 participants by having more than 60 in the 2022 parade.
For more about the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, visit its website southkent.org.
Take a look at our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights, January 27!
Every Friday, we’ll bring you some great high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings.
Coming soon, we’ll have coaches and players stop by our studio after their games to chat on the show.
Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, with Dataspeed’s Autonomous Service Vehicle. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, together with Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Seamless Ventures, Southwest Airlines®, Stantec GenerationAV and the West Michigan Aviation Academy, has announced the third round of companies that will receive a total of $171,000 in grant funding through the Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship (FLITE).
One of the first airport-based initiatives in the nation, FLITE provides funding to encourage the design, development and pilot testing of new products and services in a live airport environment. FLITE has completed two rounds of funding and will launch a third round in spring 2023. The five companies that will receive grant funding through this next round include:
Cyberworks Robotics: Retrofitting autonomous navigation technology for OEM products.
Deaf AI: Training machines with artificial intelligence to use sign language to improve the experience of communicating with those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Renu Robotics: Revolutionizing the way aviation facilities conduct vegetation management with autonomous lawnmowers.
Solartonic: Enhancing security resilience with autonomous smart solar-powered lighting and camera systems with reduced operating costs.
UV Angel: Using first-of-its-kind software to reduce bacteria, viruses and molds on frequently touched surfaces and in the air.
“After the successful completion of two rounds of funding, FLITE has proven to be a key asset to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and the state of Michigan’s local entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Ford International Airport Authority. “It has become a leading platform in transforming the aviation industry through the introduction of new technologies that advance our ability to provide a world-class experience to all passengers and guests.”
West Michigan Aviation Academy
A new partnership for FLITE includes the West Michigan Aviation Academy, a tuition-free public charter high school that provides a unique educational opportunity for students to focus on high-growth employment fields in the aviation industry during their high school education.
“The West Michigan Aviation Academy was very excited about the possibility to bring real-world innovation to the classroom with the partnership with FLITE,” said George Pavey, dean of aviation for West Michigan Aviation Academy. “Many of these cutting-edge projects connected with the FLITE program have provided countless opportunities for our students to experience learning beyond the academic setting. To see and experience the future of aviation and engineering further enhances our ability to develop the next generation of industry professionals.”
As Michigan’s lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with a focus on growing the local economy, MEDC provided grant funding to FLITE through the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME).
“For Michigan, innovation is in our DNA. With the announcement of FLITE’s round three of funding, we are positioning the state to be a global leader in high-tech and multi-modal mobility innovation,” said Charlie Tyson, technology activation director with OFME. “Programs like FLITE at the Ford International Airport not only support Michigan-based entrepreneurs, but also global tech companies as they seek to grow here in Michigan.”
Cyberworks Robotics
Based in Ontario, Canada, Cyberworks Robotics is a global leading provider of specialized autonomous self-driving systems for airport wheelchairs, autonomous industrial carpet cleaners, autonomous floor scrubbers and autonomous tow-tuggers. Specifically designed for airport operations, its technology is designed to operate in crowded large-scale environments to safely mitigate labor shortages and reduce operating costs.
WHILL’s autonomous wheelchair showcased at FLITE’s round one Demo Day event. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
“Being based out of Canada, FLITE provides access to test and grow in the U.S. market,” said Vivek Burhanpurkar, CEO of Cyberworks Robotics. “We’re excited about the opportunity to connect with the FLITE partners and advisory committee as resources for our technology and business development.”
Deaf AI
Based in Toronto, Canada, Deaf AI is an artificial intelligence venture that focuses on improving communication for those who use American Sign Language due to hard of hearing or hearing loss. Its technology converts flight and boarding announcements into sign language at airport terminals.
“Throughout my communications with different airport authorities, a few of them referred us to the FLITE program as a starting point after noticing that Deaf AI is an early-stage venture,” said Mehdi Masoumi, founder and CEO of Deaf AI. “The aviation industry has a significant gap in pilot studies and soft landings for innovation, making it difficult for early-stage startups to present their innovations to airport authorities. FLITE singularly built a bridge to address this gap by providing resources for early-stage startups.
“For Deaf AI, FLITE is a window of opportunity to test its innovation and reach out to other airports, including airports on the advisory boards of the FLITE program.”
Renu Robotics
Based in San Antonio, Texas, Renu Robotics the industry leader in autonomous vegetation management systems, was part of FLITE’s second cohort and will be returning for round three to conduct additional pilot testing of their product.
Renu Robotics’ autonomous lawn mower at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
“Round three allows us to further explore the Renubot’s mowing capabilities in areas of the airport where larger mowers cannot easily access, as well as a cost-savings comparison,” said Tim Matus, CEO of Renu Robotics. “We’re also continuing to look into FAA requirements for operating on airport grounds and how those regulations are applicable.”
Solartonic
Based in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Solartonic provides off-grid solar-powered smart poles that are safe, resilient and sustainable. Their smart solahub™ platform integrates cloud-controlled devices with framework products for LED lights, CCTV cameras, Wi-Fi networks, IoT sensors and digital signage through remote monitoring and control.
“We are excited to participate in FLITE with the Ford International Airport,” said Harry Giles, co-founder and CEO of Solartonic. “FLITE provides the ideal opportunity for us to demonstrate the value of our solutions to enhance airport perimeter security, passenger experience and airport operations. In partnership with Jacobsen|Daniels, we intend to apply this to airports across the country.”
UV Angel
Based in Grand Haven, Michigan, UV Angel is a leading disinfection technology company that uses UV Light technology, advanced optical engineering and a first-of-its-kind digital software platform, to disinfect surfaces by neutralizing bacteria, viruses and molds.
“We look forward to placing our UV Angel Clean Air™ Technology in the Ford International Airport,” said Tom Byrne, CEO of UV Angel. “The aviation industry has a critical need to protect personnel and travelers, and the FLITE program will provide invaluable insight and feedback to further our mission to make indoor spaces cleaner, safer and healthier for everyone.”
The Ford International Airport has identified six core focus areas for new technology advancements through FLITE:
Automation and Analytics: Improving operational efficiency and optimization of the workforce and other resources through automation and analysis of data.
Safety and Security: Strengthening passenger and worker safety and security throughout the airport campus.
Enhanced Guest Experience: Improving the pre-boarding experience.
Sustainability: Switching fossil fuel vehicles and infrastructure to electric and other decarbonization projects.
Door-to-Door Experience: Improving the experience and efficiency of getting to and from the airport.
Advancing Aviation: Exploring the enabling infrastructure and implications of emerging commercial aviation use cases.
South Christian’s Jake Vermaas takes the ball downcourt. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Conributor
South Christian had Grand Rapids Catholic Central on the ropes during Tuesday’s OK Gold showdown of state-ranked powers, but the Sailors were unable to land the knockout shot and the host Cougars rallied to pull out a 71-67 win.
First place in the conference was on the line as South Christian sailed into the Catholic Central gym and the two teams gave the packed house what they came to see. South Christian, ranked 13th in the state in Division 2, led for the bulk of the game, but the host Cougars, ranked 18th in the state in Division 2, remained persistent throughout and overcame South down the stretch.
“It’s hard to keep them (Catholic Central) down,” South Christian Coach Taylor Johnson said. “They keep coming and coming. I felt we played with good intensity and our defensive focus was there, but they (Catholic Central) got some big rebounds down the stretch and the ball just didn’t bounce our way at the end.”
A quick start for the Sailors
South Christian jumped out to an early 9-2 lead in the game and was up 18-12 at the end of the first quarter.
Carson Vis led South Christian with 31 points. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)
Sophomore standout Carson Vis was a big part of the Sailor offense in the early going and throughout the game. Scoring from the perimeter and on drives to the basket, Vis led the Sailors with 31 points in the game.
“He’s a special kid,” Johnson said. “He loves the game so much. He is such a special player and he is going to be special here for quite some time.”
Cougars score 11 in a row
Catholic Central reeled off 11 consecutive points to open the second quarter and take a 23-18 lead, but the Sailors righted the ship and regained a 37-32 lead at halftime.
While the Sailor offense was led by Vis, the Catholic Central offense has a pair of standout players that can fill the hoop in a hurry in junior Durral Brooks and senior Kaden Brown. Brown, who will be playing his college ball at Wright State next season, led all scorers with 32 points while Brooks, who has been offered by Michigan State, added 21 points.
Sailors get 10 straight
South Christian went on a 10-0 run early in the third quarter to go up 47-35, but Catholic Central would not go away. The Cougars chipped away at the lead and cut the deficit to 57-50 at the end of the third quarter.
“It was back and forth,” Catholic Central Coach TJ Meerman said. “It was definitely a game of runs by both teams. They are an excellent team and a tough team.”
South was up 61-55 midway through the final quarter when the Cougars mounted a final big push. Catholic Central went on a 13-2 run to go up 68-63 with a minute remaining in the game.
“Our guys pride themselves on toughness,” Meerman said. “They played with a lot of pride down the stretch. There was a timeout when we were down by 10 or 11 and all the guys in the huddle were saying to stay the course. Just stay the course.
“It was a credit to our junior and senior leadership. The guys stayed the course and knew they would pull it out.”
Down to the wire
South continued to battle in the final minute of the game and a three-point shot by Jake Vermaas trimmed the Cougar lead to 68-66 with 47 seconds remaining in the game. Brown split a pair of free throws with 18 seconds remaining to put the Cougars up by two points.
With four seconds remaining in the game, Vis was fouled on a three-point shot. Vis connected on one of the free throws before Catholic Central pulled down a rebound. Brown was subsequently fouled and drained a pair of free throws with 3.7 seconds left to give the Cougars the final three-point margin.
“They went on that third-quarter run and that hurt us,” Johnson said. “I think it was a 15-6 run and we missed some easy shots. We showed that we can compete with anyone. We’ve played a tough schedule and we proved we can compete with anyone.”
Along with 31 points from Vis, South Christian received 19 points from Vermaas, nine points from Jacob DeHaan and four points from Sam Medendorp.
With the loss, South Christian falls to 9-3 overall and 5-1 in the OK Gold. South Christian returns to action Friday at Cedar Springs.
Catholic Central improved to 8-3 overall and 6-0 in the conference. The Cougars return to action Friday at Kenowa Hills.
(TU: Owen Rosendall, Roy Fogg, 12 points apiece; Akais Giplaye, 11 points, 7 rebounds; Keaton Blanker, 11 points, including the last 4 free throws to clinch the game)
Potter’s House Christian 73, West Michigan Aviation 57
From the Sookie Slackhouse series.From the Aurora Teagarden series. From the Midnight, Texas series
You might not know the name Charlaine Harris but you have probably ran across one of the several made for TV series that were based off her books.
NBC’s short-lived “Midnight, Texas,” based off Harris’ “Midnight, Texas” series, followed the mysterious people of Midnight, Texas, as psychic Manfred Bernardo is busy solving the mysteries.
Or how about Hallmark Movies and Mysteries’ “Aurora Teagarden Movies,” which are based on Harris’ Aurora Teagarden series. The story follows librarian Aurora Teagarden as she solves murders in her town of Lawrenceton, in the state of Washington.
Finally, there is HBO’s “True Blood,” which ran for five years from 2009-2014 and was based off of Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Series. The mystery series features small-town waitress-turned-paranormal sleuth Sookie Stackhouse as she works with a variety of paranormal characters from vampires to werewolves in solving a series of murders.
Harris’ books are just some of the many you can find on the Kent District Library’s Books to Film selection for the KDL Let It Snow Adult Reading Club.
Adults and teens (11+) who participate in the Let It Snow and read a minimum of six books in different categories between Jan. 3 and March 31 will receive a collectible Let It Snow 2023 ceramic mug. Participants who finish an additional four titles will be entered into a Power Reader drawing to win an Amazon Kindle Scribe with stylus pen or other prizes.
The City of Kentwood is inviting local organizations and community members of all abilities to its first-ever Adaptive Recreation Expo on Thursday, Jan. 26.
The free event will take place 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. It is open to all community members and no ticket or pre-registration is required. The event will feature a variety of local programs and resources for people of all abilities and provide opportunities for community members and vendors alike.
During the event, individuals with disabilities and their families can learn more about a variety of local programs and resources, including recreation opportunities and adaptive equipment demonstrations.
Kentwood Parks and Recreation Adaptive Kayaking. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Students and community members interested in adaptive recreation can connect with local agencies and learn about volunteer, internship and employment opportunities.
Vendors will have an opportunity to connect directly with potential new clients and volunteers as well as other organizations.
“Kentwood is incredibly proud to be part of the adaptive recreation community and serve individuals with disabilities through our programs,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Through this event, we hope to build connections and raise awareness about other local resources and programs West Michigan offers for individuals with disabilities and their loved ones.”
Organizations participating in the event include Kentwood Parks and Recreation, Hanger Clinic, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Hunt 2 Heal and many others.
Kentwood Parks and Recreation Adaptive Rock Climbing. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Vendor applications are still being accepted. If your organization is interested in becoming a vendor, contact Ann Przybysz at przybysza@kentwood.us or 616.656.5284.
The event’s gold sponsor is Airway Mobility and Rehab Equipment, and silver sponsors are Creative Mobility Group, Hanger Clinic and Life Beyond Barriers.
The Kent County Health Department has rung in the New Year with a partnership with the Grand Rapids Red Project to provide free access to life-saving Narcan in a vending machine at its main clinic in Grand Rapids.
The Grand Rapids Red Project is a nonprofit that provides health resources to prevent the spread of disease and save lives. They have partnered with the Kent County Health Department and Cherry Health to provide Narcan vending machines in four locations around Kent County.
What is Narcan and how does it work?
Naloxone, sold and marketed under the brand name Narcan, is a life-saving medication that reverses or reduces the effects of opioids. When a drug overdose occurs, Narcan can be given to reverse the effects of decreased breathing and help the patient regain consciousness. For a more scientific explanation from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Narcan is an opioid receptor antagonist which means it binds to opioid receptors and reverses or blocks the effects of other opioids.
Why is Narcan needed?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 92,000 people in the United States died from a drug-involved overdose in 2020. The State of Michigan reported in 2018, there were 2,809 deaths from drug overdoses in Michigan alone.
In Kent County, Rachel Jantz from the Kent County Opioid Task Force, said there is an increased need for Narcan due to the synthetic opioid Fentanyl becoming more pervasive in the community.
The opioid epidemic is one of the largest public health crises in United States history and Narcan is an available resource to help mitigate drug overdose deaths.
How do you administer Narcan?
The vending machines available in Kent County are stocked with intranasal Narcan, a spray that can only be applied into the nose to produce its desired effect. The Nasal Spray contains only 1 dose of medicine and cannot be reused. The steps of Narcan administration are as follows and cited by the official Narcan website:
Narcan vending machine located at Kent County Health Department, 700 Fuller Ave NE (WKTV/Maggie Carey)
Step 1: Lay the person on their back and support their neck.
Step 2: Remove Narcan Nasal Spray from the box. Peel back the tab with the circle to open the Narcan Nasal Spray.
Step 3: Hold the Narcan Nasal Spray with your thumb on the bottom of the red plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
Step 4: Tilt the person’s head back and provide support under the neck with your hand. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose.
Step 5: Press the red plunger firmly to give the dose of Narcan Nasal Spray. Remove from the nostril after giving the dose.
Step 6: Call 911 for emergency medical help.
Where can Narcan be found?
Narcan is now available for free to residents of Kent County at four locations thanks to the Grand Rapids Red Project and its partnership with the Kent County Health Department and Cherry Health. These machines have 24-hour access and to use them, just type in the slot that has an available pack and the vending machine will distribute the pack cost-free.
Take a look at our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights, January 20!
Every Friday, we’ll bring you an abundance of great local high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, as well as highlighting some top performers and giving a snapshot of the latest conference standings.
Coming soon, we’ll have coaches and players stop by our studio after their games to chat on the show.
The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, is the second oldest U.S. service academy. (Courtesy, U.S. Library of Congress)
A Kentwood resident is one of six people who were nominated by Senator Debbie Stabenow for admission into four of the five United States service academies.
Addison Turk is a senior at West Michigan Aviation Academy. She is currently on the school’s girls varsity basketball team. Addison is seeking to entering the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.
The United States Naval Academy is the second oldest of the five U.S. service academies, established Oct. 10, 1845. The Naval Academy educates midshipmen for service in the office corps of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. Notable graduates include 39th President Jimmy Carter, business magnate Henry Ross Perot, former Senator John McCain, and several NASA astronauts including Wendy B. Lawrence and Sunita Lyn Williams.
“Michigan is fortunate to have so many exceptional students who want to serve our country through military service,” Stabenow said in a released statement. “Having demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom, I am confident they will represented Michigan and our country well.”
Students seeking appointment to a service academy must first obtain the nomination of their U.S. Senator, their U.S. Representative, or the current U.S. Vice President. Students nominated by Stabenow’s office went though a highly competitive application process that included interviews by veteran, military and community leaders. Now that the students have been nominated, they must wait acceptance for admission by the academy to which they have applied.
All of Stabenow’s nominations came from the West Michigan area. The other nominations are:
Anna Dinsmore, from Kalamazoo, seeking to enter into the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO
William Gryzen, from Hudsonville, seeking to enter the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO
Bradley Lowe, from North Muskegon, seeking to enter the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY
Nathan Onderlinde, from Dorr, seeking to enter the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY
Chase Williams, from Allegan, seeking to enter the United Site Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD
“I’ll be honest, when someone suggested ‘The Silent Patient’ to me, I thought it sounded pretty routine and so I passed,” said WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma. “Then my daughter, a registered nurse, mentioned how her co-workers told her she needed to read the book.
“She got it. Read it in two days and then gave it to me. I couldn’t put it down and then, it was the twist that I never expected.”
“The Silent Patient,” by Alex Michaelides, is just one of many possible options under the KDL Let It Snow Mystery and Thriller book selections which also includes “Run Rose Run,” by James Patterson and Dolly Parton, “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn and Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.”
Based on a Greek myth, “The Silent Patient” centers around the story of famous painter Alicia Berenson who has killed her husband and stops speaking and Theo, a therapist determined to unlock her secrets.
Adults and teens (11+) who participate in the Let It Snow and read a minimum of six books in different categories between Jan. 3 and March 31 will receive a collectible Let It Snow 2023 ceramic mug. Participants who finish an additional four titles will be entered into a Power Reader drawing to win an Amazon Kindle Scribe with stylus pen or other prizes.
Take a look at our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights!
Every Friday, we’ll bring you an abundance of great local high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, as well as highlighting some top performers and giving a snapshot of the latest conference standings.
Coming soon, we’ll have coaches and players stop by our studio after their games to chat on the show.
The Kentwood Police is asking anyone with information on a Jan. 13 shooting in the 4600 block of Breton Avenue to contact the department or Silent Observer.
The Kentwood Police was dispatched to an apartment in the 4600 block of Breton Avenue for a subject who had been shot in the leg. Officers arrived on the scene and provided medical treatment for the victim along with the Kentwood Fire Department. The victim was transported to the hospital and the injury is not believed to be life threatening. The suspect is known to the victim and is not in custody.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-771-2345 or online at SilentObserver.org.
The Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) announced its new leaders to the ACI-NA Board of Directors, including the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority’s President and CEO Tory Richardson.
“I look forward to serving the aviation industry and its communities in this new position with ACI-NA,” Richardson said. “ACI-NA plays a significant role in bettering airports and aviation services across the U.S., Canada and beyond. I’m thrilled to work alongside fellow ACI-NA board members on new advancements that promote a healthy and thriving industry for years to come.”
ACI-NA is a trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada. They continue to present the unique views and recommendations of airport management to federal, state, provincial and local governments, industry, the media and the general public. These views and recommendations include:
Promoting cooperation with all elements of the commercial civil aviation industry;
Encouraging the exchange of ideas, information and experiences on common airport issues;
Identifying, interpreting and disseminating information to members on current industry trends and practices; and
Creating forums of common interest, building professional relationships and interpreting key airport policy and business issues to members.
“These newly elected leaders of our organization bring broad industry expertise and a deep understanding of the unique challenges we face,” said ACI-NA president and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “With Richardson’s support, ACI-NA remains as committed as ever to our mission to advocate policies and provide services that strengthen the ability of airports to serve their passengers, customers and communities, just as we have for the last 75 years.”
Richardson joined the Ford International Airport Authority in 2019 bringing with him a broad range of leadership and management expertise in the aviation industry. Successful in guiding airports through significant change and boosting regions’ economic vitality, Richardson is leading the Ford International Airport Authority’s capital expansion program, Elevate, among other development efforts.
Richardson will be working alongside several other industry leaders, including Justin Erbacci, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, Alexis Higgins, CEO of the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust, Myron Keehn, president and CEO of the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority, Ricky Smith, executive director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration, Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO of the Vancouver Airport Authority, Patrick Wilson, president of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, Lesa Seibert, commissioner for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, and Brian Reed, aviation development director for Burns & McDonnell.
Along with its newly elected Board of Directors, ACI-NA has selected new leaders for the U.S. Policy Council, the Canadian Policy Council and the World Business Partners and Associates Board of Directors. Visit the ACI-NA website for the organization’s full leadership roster.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The East Kentwood team earned its first state championship for We the People since 2010. (Courtesy, Sophie Gemmen, team member and EKHS yearbook member)
This past weekend, East Kentwood High School added another state championship to its list of awards as the school’s We the People team brought home the top honor.
On Jan. 6, the Michigan Center for Civic Education hosted the We the Students: Michigan’s We the Program State Showcase. By a narrow lead, East Kentwood, lead by high school teacher and We the Pepple head coach Justin Robbins, beat out East Grand Rapids, and earned the honor of representing Michigan in the national Center for Civic Education’s We the People competition, which is set for April 22-24 in Washington DC.
We the People is an educational process which aims to enable students to learn about and address a range of governance-related issues, culminating in competitions to present at simulated congressional hearings.
This will be East Kentwood’s third consecutive trip to the national competition and its first as the State Champion from Michigan since 2010.
Along with the overall state championship title, there units in the group also won state championships in their content.
Bianca Bancifra, Maggie Fisher, Keaton Nguyen, and Sara Shapin, who are Unit 1, won for their knowledge of high law, colonial charters, and rights in common law.
Amira Hamilton, Dewaynia English, Connor Shaw, and Sophie Gemmen, who are Unit 2, won for their knowledge on the Articles of Confederation and the impact of slavary on the Constitution.
Lucy Fornetti, Mary Johnakech, and Owen Lawrence, who are Unit 6, won for their knowledge of privileges and immunities of citizens, immigration, and civic responsibilities in a republic.
The team also includes Dependra Bhattarai, Mollie Croskey, Rishta Tamang, Collin Terry, Drew Dame, Rebecca Moore, Mike Nguyen, Elleana Strehl, Ebise Tarekegn, and McKenna VanOveren.
Volunteer coaches are Ahjah Bailey-O’Conner, Tyler Buck, Ava Chatlosh, Eric Dubois, Branden Graf, Ken Orzanich, Justin Robbins, Mike Traywick, and Avalon Wieczorek.
Caledonia Community Schools(CCS) announce today that the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has recognized seven of the eight eligible CCS schools in its district to receive the designation as a Reward School.
Annually MDE ranks schools academically; those that are in the top 5 percent of the state are categorized as “Reward.” Reward schools are determined based on the Top-to-Bottom ranking methodology, which includes data from achievement, improvement, and achievement gaps in standardized scores.
“Caledonia Community Schools is so proud of all our faculty and staff who work so hard to provide excellent learning environments for ALL students,” said Dr. Dedrick Martin, Superintendent of Caledonia Community Schools. “These accomplishments are the result of a focus on instructional quality and the strong partnership CCS has created between our families, students, staff, and community. Our staff works tirelessly to support and prepare ALL students to achieve their best while empowering them with 21st century skills to compete in a global environment.
“CCS is constantly reevaluating to improve district processes. Newly focused team organizational goals enable our building leaders to better support one another and have ongoing critical conversations,” said Dr. Camela Diaz, CCS Director of Secondary Education. “We still have areas to improve on, but our school leadership teams are focused on working with their attendance, behavior, and course proficiency data, to develop plans for growth that effectively close the achievement gap for all students.”
At a time when most schools around the state and the country are reporting a decline in student performance due to disruptions caused by the pandemic, the data in Caledonia tells a different story. Our district has also made it a priority to reinvest in curriculum materials, resources, and supports over the past 5 years and the academic performance proficiency results show we are stronger today than ever before.
As a district, we are pleased with this recognition, but even more excited that our students are growing as learners. We look forward to seeing how much more our students will excel in the coming years as our staff continues to collaborate with one another to Cultivate Agile Learners.
East Kentwood players Ardrace Morris and Christian Humphrey-Rembert (from left) try boxing out Rockford. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
In a long basketball season, there are certain games that can tip the balance between a good season and a great season.
The East Kentwood boys basketball team experienced just such a game Tuesday at OK Red rival Rockford when it erased a 13-point halftime deficit and defeated Rockford 51-49 on a last-second shot.
Sophomore Jah Hatchett gets winning bucket
Falcon sophomore Jah Hatchett provided the game-winning basket with three seconds remaining in the game as he rebounded an East Kentwood miss and layed it in for the winning points.
The bucket gave Kentwood a win that was special in more than one way. First, the Falcons bounced back in a big way from their first loss of the season the previous Saturday against Birmingham Brother Rice. Second, the Falcons managed to do it on the road in a hostile environment, and third, they erased a 13-point halftime deficit to accomplish the feat.
East Kentwood’s Marshaun Flakes helped turn things around against Rockford. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)
“Big Win” says Marshaun Flakes
“This was a big win for us,” said East Kentwood senior Marshaun Flakes, in his third season on varsity. “We haven’t defeated Rockford in a long time. It was also a big win to get after our loss to Brother Rice. It felt good to bounce back.”
Bounce back was what the Falcons needed to do after falling behind by as many as 18 points during the first half. Rockford came out hitting on all cylinders and the Rams led 18-6 at the end of the first quarter. Rockford continued to build on the lead in the second quarter as it feasted on Kentwood turnovers and converted open opportunities.
Big halftime lead for Rockford
At halftime, Rockford went into the locker room with a 30-13 lead, while East Kentwood went back to the drawing board.
The Falcons made some defensive adjustments at halftime and came out in the second half looking like a different team as they picked up the defensive pressure. Using a full-court, trapping press, the Falcons forced Rockford into numerous turnovers and it was Kentwood that turned the turnovers into easy buckets on the offensive end.
“We made a few adjustments to our zone,” said East Kentwood Coach Mike Thomas. “We increased the pressure and started attacking. On offense, once we hit a three our guys really started to feel confident. It was like the light was turned on once they saw that first three fall.”
Marshaun Flakes drained that first three ball of the second half and that trey led to a torrent of points during the third quarter. Down 34-16 in the early minutes of the second half, Kentwood went on a 9-0 run that trimmed the deficit to single digits following a bucket by Jyair Harris.
The Falcons kept applying the pressure on the defensive end producing steals and getting some big blocked shots from 6-foot-9 senior Christian Humphrey-Rembert. Humphrey-Rembert recently joined the team just before Christmas when he transferred back to East Kentwood from La Lumiere prep school in Indiana.
EK grabs the lead by one to end third
Trailing 40-33, East Kentwood finished the third quarter with an 8-0 run and took a 41-40 lead at the end of the quarter on a bucket from Hatchett.
The contest went back and forth during the final quarter with the score tied twice and the lead changing hands four times as both squads played at a slow pace. Kentwood went up 49-47 on a bucket by Flakes with 2:03 remaining before Rockford tied the game with a pair of free throws with 1:36 remaining. After the teams traded turnovers, East Kentwood held the ball for the last 30 seconds of the game before Hatchett put in the final points with three seconds left.
“We are like a new program,” Thomas said. “I’m a new coach and we have some new players and a new system and it’s taken an adjustment period. There were some crazy things happening, but our guys just kept fighting back and never quit. I’m proud of the way the guys kept battling and never quit.”
Hatchett led the Falcons in scoring with 14 points followed by Flakes with 13 and Darryl Thompkins with 10. Harris added six points while Landon Storms added three, Ardrace Morris, two points and Humphrey-Rembert, two points on a highlight-reel dunk during the fourth quarter.
With the win, East Kentwood improved to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the OK Red. The Falcons return to action Friday at Grandville and then play Detroit Henry Ford on Saturday at 1:45 p.m. at Ottawa Hills High School as part of the Martin Luther King Day Hoops Classic hosted by Ottawa Hills.
After a tight 33-32 halftime lead, the Tri-unity boys turned it up a notch in the second half to knock off host Western Michigan Christian 78-50 on Tuesday.
“We really let it fly in the second half,” said Defenders Coach Mark Keeler, whose team improved to 6-1 overall. “We stepped it up in the second half and they kind of cooled down a little on their shooting.
“It was a war in the first half. Western Michigan Christian played a good game against us. They shot the ball, really, really well.”
Jordan VanKlompenberg had 12 points and five assists for the Defenders. (Courtesy, Tri-unity)
Senior Roy Fogg led the Defenders with 15 points, followed by Jordan VanKlompenberg, 12 points and five assists; Akais Giplaye, 12 points and 10 rebounds and Keaton Blanker with 11 points and 6 assists.
Fogg (6-foot-3) is a first-year varsity player who played homeschool basketball last year, according to Keeler.
“His mom Becky graduated from Tri-unity in 1996, our first state championship in basketball,” continued Keeler, who’s coached for 36 years. “He’s a very good player and a nice young man. We’re so happy that he’s here.
“We had a very good returning crew this year. Giplaye (junior) was on varsity last year and played in the state finals. We have such good balance that the scoring leaders vary. Owen Rosendall scored 21 points (7 three-pointers) last week against Fruitport Calvary.”
Last year, the Defenders won the D-4 state championship.
“I think we can make another run at the state championship,” Keeler said. “We obviously want to win the conference (Alliance League) again, but it’s not going to be easy this year with three solid teams; Lee, Potter’s House and West Michigan Aviation.”
Angeline Boulley’s debut novel, “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” skyrocketed to the top upon release earning several awards including a Printz Medal Winner, William C. Morris Award, American Indian Youth Literature Award Best Young Adult Honor, and was a Reese Witherspoon x Hllo Sunshine Book Club YA Pick.
Set in Sault Ste. Marie, the story follows Daunis Fontaine, a half-native, half-white young adult who witnesses her best friend’s murder by the hand of her friend’s boyfriend. She decides to protect her family and her culture by becoming involved an FBI investigation revolving around a new drug that mixes meth with Ojibwa herbs.
Boulley, who is enrolled member of the Sault St. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, was born in Sault Ste. Marie. She is a graduate of Central Michigan University and has worked in Indian education at the tribal, state and national levels including becoming the director fo the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education.
Boulley’s book is just one of the many recommendations on the KDL Let It Snow Local Indie/Michigan Authors. Other books on the list are Jenison author Tobin T. Buhk’s “Cold Case Michigan,” a look at several unsolved Michigan murders, and Shona Buchana’s “Black Indian,” a memoir of being African American with American Indian roots and how her family dealt with not just society’s ostracization but the consequences of this dual inheritance.
Adults and teens (11+) who participate in the Let It Snow and read a minimum of six books in different categories between Jan. 3 and March 31 will receive a collectible Let It Snow 2023 ceramic mug. Participants who finish an additional four titles will be entered into a Power Reader drawing to win an Amazon Kindle Scribe with stylus pen or other prizes.
Traffic has resumed to normal along Stauffer for today and the rest of the weekend, but come Monday the northbound lane will be closed again for pavement replacement.
Stauffer Avenue, between Bowen Avenue and Innwood Drive, was closed this morning due to a water main repair.
On Monday, Jan. 9, the northbound lane of Stauffer between Innwood Drive and Bowen Avenue, will be closed from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for pavement replacement. Drivers are asked to seek an alternative route during this time.
For more information or questions, please contact the Kentwood Department of Public Works at 616-554-0734.
A two-car crash near 60th St. and Wing Ave. on Thursday in Kentwood has placed a 4-year-old child in critical condition and a 5-year-old in fair condition.
At approximately 8:07 a.m. on Jan. 4, the Kentwood Police Department responded to the crash and located one vehicle occupied by an adult female and two minor children.
One of the minor children was pinned in the vehicle. The Kentwood Fire Department was able to extricate the child from the vehicle and both children were transported to a local hospital.
It does not appear that alcohol or drugs were a factor in this crash. The Kentwood Police Department continues to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police Department Traffic Bureau at 616-656-6561. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
Items in the Swap Shop inventory constantly change. (Courtesy, Kent County)
Have you ever looked in a closet or storage area and found old household products you no longer use?
For many, that answer is likely yes. We may keep these old, unusable household products around simply because we do not know how to dispose of them. That’s where the “Swap Shop” operated by the Kent County Department of Public Works (KCDPW) comes in.
Since opening in January 2022, the Swap Shop has offered a collection of gently used household products. Residents may drop off products they no longer need at the KCDPW’s satellite sites that utilize Kent County’s SafeChem free disposal program. Resource recovery specialists inspect the items and transport them to the Swap Shop, where they are available to the public for free.
The Swap Shop asks residents who take products to sign a reuse waiver and return unused products to a SafeChem satellite site. This combination of easy disposal and free pickup and collection likely made the Swap Shop a hit in the local community.
What is the Swap Shop?
Located at 1045 Wealthy St. SW, the Swap Shop holds an ever-changing inventory of household cleaners, automotive supplies, and lawn products available to anyone who may need them.
“Instead of sending gently used products for disposal, we reclaim them and add them to our Swap Shop inventory,” said Jonathan Neracher, a resource revery specialist at the department, as he outlined the central mission of the Swap Shop. “The Swap Shop is a community resource where people who may not be able to buy these products, or are really committed to reusing them, can pick up and use them in their households. The bottom line: we’d rather see these products be used than end up anywhere else.”
Neracher added that the Kent County Department of Public Works team is aware of the cost saving opportunity that something like the SwapShop would provide as well as being huge fans of reusing items that are still in good condition.
What type of products are available at the Swap Shop?
Though the Swap Shop inventory constantly changes, the most common products include:
• Automotive supplies (brake fluid, oil, car wash supplies)
• Lawn and garden care products (weed killer, pool supplies, and insect repellent)
• Personal care products (soaps, nail polish, shampoo)
Each month, the Swap Shop adds nearly 1,000 pounds of product to its inventory, recently including more than 160 full or almost full propane cylinders.
Impact on the community
Neracher attributes the Swap Shop’s success and extensive inventory to one factor: the fact that it is free.
“I have yet to meet a resident who didn’t like the idea of free stuff,” he said. “Some of our customers are retirees looking for a productive low cost project to work on, others are new homeowners that need to put some TLC into their new home. We’ve had teachers looking for supplies for class projects and artists looking to create using waste.”
The accessibility of free household products at the Swap Shop allows residents to avoid a costly trip to the store for the same or similar items. They can also try out different products without needing to pay for them. If the consumer does not need the product they try, they can simply return it to the Swap Shop.
Why the Swap Shop matters in today’s world
Recycling and reusing have become more critical than ever due to the rising environmental impacts of human activities.
“The SwapShop, SafeChem Program and Sustainable Business Park shows the county’s dedication to reducing waste and providing a more sustainable framework for the world we want to live in,” Neracher said. “When you Swap at the Swap Shop you [are] not only saving money for the county and yourself, but that is one less bag of fertilizer that needs to be produced, one less bottle [of] drain cleaner being taken off the shelves, one less propane tank going into circulation, one less quart of motor oil being refined.”
With global inflation rates impacting nearly all consumer goods, the Swap Shop’s model of free products makes it a rare commodity in today’s market. That model of “free” will keep the Swap Shop as an integral part of the Grand Rapids community for years to come.
In the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, there are two SafeChem satellite sites. The City of Wyoming Clean Water Plant, 2350 Ivanrest SW, Grandville, and the City of Kentwood Public Works Facility, 5068 Breton Rd. SE. For more information about the KCDPW’s SafeChem satellite sites and a list of products they accept, click here.
The City of Kentwood’s Winter Concert Series will return with free concerts at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
The series features three West Michigan performers on the third Thursday of each month from January through March. Artists will play a range of genres and each concert will feature a food truck outside offering a variety of cuisines for purchase.
“We’re pleased to welcome three great West Michigan artists to perform in this year’s winter concert series,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “This series offers an opportunity to stay connected with the community throughout the cold months, enjoying fantastic company and performances.”
The lineup of performers and food trucks is as follows:
The Kevin Brewster Trio will perform a variety of jazz music with an emphasis on hard bop, bebop, contemporary and R&B genres. (Courtesy, Kevin Brewster)
Dylan (pictured below) will present a mix of original music and covers. She’ll perform a variety of folk, pop and rock styles and top 40 hits.
(Courtesy, Melissa Dylan)
Lighting Matches (pictured below) will perform original alternative-rock tunes featuring thought-provoking lyrics and dynamic harmonies.
(Courtesy, Lighting Matches)
The concerts will take place in the library’s Community Room from 6:30-8 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring their own beer, wine or nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy at the show. More information is available at kentwood.us/WinterConcerts.
