As part of its Martin Luther King Jr. Day community service project, the city will be collecting donations for its Little Free Pantry locations. (Supplied)
In 2017, four city residents and staff sat around a table discussing possible ideas they could incorporate for Kentwood’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day’s community service project.
“It was [Kentwood Commissioner] Betsy Artz, [resident] Jessica Ann Tyson, [Kentwood Parks and Recreation] Laura Barbrick and I talking about having this Little Free Pantry,” said Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo. “We thought let’s try it. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work.”
So the city established its first Free Little Pantry at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.
“I never in my wildest dreams would have imagined it being used as much as it has been,” Romeo said.
Fast forward four years and for its 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. community service project, the city will be collecting food and non-perishable items for its Free Little Pantry at the activities center and its new second location at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Rd. SE.
“When the center was under construction, we moved the pantry to the library,” Romeo said. “We were pleased to see how much the pantry was being used.”
Because of the usage and the fact that it would serve the other side of the city , it was decided to locate a second pantry at the library, she said. An anonymous donation was received to help get the library pantry started.
“Kentwood is a compassionate, giving community that celebrates neighbors helping neighbors, especially in times of need,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “We’re asking the community to come together to help us launch a second Little Free Pantry to increase access to food assistance, which has been a growing issue compounded by the pandemic. If you can, please donate non-perishable items this month and consider becoming a year-round partner so we provide a more sustainable resource for those experiencing food insecurity.”
With the pandemic, the Kent County area has seen an increased need for food and other non-perishable items such as toilet paper. According to Feeding America West Michigan, there are about 300,000 people in need. It would take more than 49 million meals to fill this need. In 2019, agency and its partners were able to supply about 21 million meals in 2019.
Romeo said the Kentwood Parks and Recreation staff also have seen an increased use at its Little Free Pantry.
“There are so many people who are experiencing [food insecurities] for the first time,” she said. “ I think the pantry makes it easier for them because we don’t take down any information or ask anything of them. They can just come in and take what they need.”
Started in Arkansas with the motto “Neighbors serving neighbors,” the Little Free Pantry is similar to the little free library movement. The pantries are designed to be small and fill an immediate and local need. Basically, take an item or items when needed and leave an item or items when you can.
These donation bins are at a number of city locations as well as Railtown Brewing and Saint Mark Lutheran Church. (Supplied)
And just as the need has increased, so has the generosity of residents.
“This pandemic has proven to bring out the best in people,” Romeo said, adding that donations have almost doubled. “We have seen people bring in large donations, large food donations of $300 to $400 dollars worth. We know it is not easy for them but they feel blessed and want to pass it on by helping others.”
Because of residents’ contributions and the anonymous donation, city officials decided to move forward with the second Little Free Pantry location. Romeo said the pantry will be located in the same general area that the temporary one was. It will be on the first floor, in the back corner, near the DVD section.
Romeo said the library Little Free Pantry should be ready to open when KDL reopens all of its library branches which is scheduled for Jan. 19.
For the MLK community service project, residents can donate canned goods and other non-perishable items at the following locations (Reminder masks are required at many of these locations along with social distancing):
Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE: Donations may be dropped off at 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave SE: Donations may be placed inside the collection bin 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, and 7:30 a.m. to noon Friday.
KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Ave. SE: Donations may be dropped off via curbside from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday through Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, and 9:30 a.m to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE: Donations may be placed inside the collection bin 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Drop-off bins are available at Railtown Brewing Company, 3595 68th St. SE, and Saint Mark Lutheran Church, 1934 52nd St. SE.
Portable items that people do not need to heat, such as canned meat, seem to be in demand along with personal care items like toothbrushes, soap, and toilet paper.
“We sometimes think that someone in need does use or need a toothbrush or deodorant,” Romeo said. “But if you are choosing between food and deodorant, chances are you are going to pick food.”
For more information about Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, including a list of suggested donations, visit kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.
After being closed to the public for almost two months, the Kent District Library announced plans today to reopen all of its branches for in-person services starting Tuesday, Jan. 19.
Patrons will be able to enter their local KDL branch to browse the collection and enjoy other library resources inside, in addition to having the option of curbside service. Due to construction, the KDL Cascade branch will reopen on Feb. 1.
“We are so excited to welcome our patrons back to the library once again,” said Regional Manager Anjie Gleisner. “We look forward to seeing and serving people while making our buildings a safe place to visit.”
For health and safety reasons, KDL will have a couple of guidelines in place:
· Properly worn masks are required.
· Private study rooms are not available for use and play spaces will be closed.
· Patrons are asked to limit their visits to two hours. Computer use will be limited to two hours a day.
· KDL encourages high-risk patrons to visit the branches during the first hour of the day, as they are usually less busy.
· The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Epidemic Ordersrequire KDL to limit building capacity to 30 percent.
Curbside pickup service has become extremely popular, enabling patrons to checkout materials online and have them quickly brought to their car during regular hours. Patrons who are more comfortable using the library from home can enjoy a wide range of materials and services online, including livestreamed programs, by visiting www.kdl.org/virtual. Locations, hours and all services are detailed at kdl.org.
After City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley briefly discussed the likelihood of Tesla building and opening a facility in the city, recorded as part of the WKTV Community Media’s coverage of the Jan. 11 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters meeting, the city today confirmed it has issued a building permit for a Tesla service center and gallery.
According to the Tesla official website, there are only two other Tesla store and galleries in the state of Michigan, one in Clarkston (Detroit) and the other in Troy. The location of the Kentwood facility is unannounced at this time.
“We look forward to welcoming Tesla’s new service center and gallery to Kentwood later this year,” Mayor Kepley said in a Jan. 13 statement to WKTV. “Our city continues to be a destination for retail, drawing some of the nation’s premium brands to our community. It’s particularly gratifying to see investment during the pandemic, which is a testament to optimism in our economy. Kentwood remains open — and eager — for business.”
Tesla, according to its website, was founded in 2003 by a group of engineers “who wanted to prove that people didn’t need to compromise to drive electric – that electric vehicles can be better, quicker and more fun to drive than gasoline cars.” Currently, Tesla builds not only all-electric vehicles but also “infinitely scalable clean energy generation and storage” products.
According to various media reports, electric-car maker Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) was worth about $700 billion to end 2020. The stock was recently added to the S&P 500 index as its fifth largest constituent. Tesla’s vehicle deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2020 were reported to be about 180,600 units.
Elon Musk, head of Tesla and the Space X enterprises, recently was reported to have become the world’s richest person, with a net worth of about $185 billion.
To see the on-demand recording of the recent WKTV Government Matters program, visit WKTVlive.org.
Feeding America West Michigan, along with its partners and supporters, have been fighting hunger alongside in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula for 40 years. (FeedWM)
Feeding America West Michigan is celebrating its 40th year of fighting hunger alongside its partners and supporters in 2021. And, throughout the year, the local non-profit will be honoring 40 people who have been part of this journey through its “40 Years 40 Faces” series.
While the group announced its first honored person last week — the Rev. Donald Eddy, who in 1980 worked with Grant-area farmers to get unmarketable fresh vegetables into the hands of the needy and hungry — the local Feeding America is looking for the general public to submit stories and persons who have helped “feed America” locally.
“Countless people have played a role in our 40-year history,” Molly Kooi, Feeding America West Michigan’s communication manager, said to WKTV. “We want to honor 40 of them in our 40 Years 40 Faces series … (and the public can) nominate someone to be featured, or to share your own story.
To share a story or nominate someone, go to FeedWM.org/40-years and click on the share your story button, she said.
People, stories of people feeding people
Rev. Don Eddy (FeedWM)
The Rev. Eddy’s story is a prime example that small actions can make a difference. In early 1980, he saw a truckload of perfectly good carrots being composted on a farm in Grant, according to supplied material. As director of United Methodist Metropolitan Ministries, he knew many people who faced hunger, so he asked the farmers to stop dumping them and said he could ensure the carrots got to families who could really use them.
A year later, on April 23, 1981, the food bank that became Feeding America West Michigan (FeedWM) formed. That small beginning has culminated in the food bank’s current network that serves 40 counties across West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
As the year 2021 goes on, each 40 Years 40 Faces story will be shared on social media (@feedingwestmich) and on the food bank’s website (FeedWM.org/40-years).
The series will feature FeedWM staff — like its longest tenure executive director, John Arnold and current CEO, Kenneth Estelle, as well as board members, volunteers, farmers, donors and others who have been part of the food bank’s ongoing journey toward a hunger-free community. And there are opening for others.
Mobile Food Pantry boxes, undated. (FeedWM)
In addition to the story series, the food bank will release a historical timeline and photo album. The food bank welcomes the public to submit photos here to be included.
“We are excited to share about the food bank’s 40-year journey and honor some of the many people who have been a part of our story,” Estelle said in supplied material. “Our partners and supporters have made and continue to make our work possible.”
Serving local families in need since 1981, Feeding America West Michigan reclaims millions of meals’ worth of safe, surplus food from various sources, according to supplied material. With the help of countless volunteers, the food bank sorts, stores and distributes this food through a network of more than 900 partners to fill hundreds of thousands of neighbors’ plates instead of landfills.
For more information, visit FeedWM.org or call 616-784-3250.
The Kent County Health Department announced Friday that local health departments and health systems have received authorization from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to begin COVID-19 vaccination of some people in priority phases beyond 1A starting today, Monday, Jan. 11.
“Those registering should expect that appointments may not be available for several weeks as vaccine supplies are limited and Phase 1A is still in progress,” according to the KCHD announcement. “We encourage everyone to be patient as we prepare for the upcoming vaccination phases. Vaccinations are occurring as quickly as possible and information is being shared as it becomes available.”
The new phase of vaccination priority includes all people 65 years of age or older “not covered in Phase 1A. This includes those in a congregate setting who were not reached in Phase 1A.”
For the COVID-19 vaccine to be effective, individuals must receive a second dose 21-28 days after their initial vaccination, and it must be from the same manufacturer. So, according to the announcement, it is important to schedule an appointment at the same location for both doses. There are no out-of-pocket costs for consumers to receive the vaccine; however, those with health insurance will be asked to provide that information.
The state has also opened vaccinations for “prioritized frontline workers” including pre-kindergarten through high school teachers, support staff and childcare workers who usually have direct contact with children; first responders not covered in Phase 1A (firefighters, police, conservation officers, inspectors); corrections workers (staff in prisons, jails, juvenile justice facilities); and workers in homeless shelters, congregate childcare institutions, and adult and child protective services.
Individuals in Phase 1A who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine are strongly encouraged to register immediately to ensure smooth transition to subsequent phases. Additional criteria for Phase 1A can be found at vaccinatewestmi.com/vaccine-distribution.
Also, the announcement states that individuals should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they are in isolation or quarantine for COVID-19; pregnant or lactating, without first consulting with your healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits; have received any other vaccine in the last 14 days; have received monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19 disease in the last 90 days.
Starting January 18, area residents may notice The Rapid buses on Gezon Parkway.
The Byron Township’s recent decision to reduce its level of contracted services opened up an opportunity for The Rapid to add a new route from Division Avenue down Gezon Parkway to Metro Health, said Bill Kirk, business affairs specialist for The Rapid.
“Under Our Mobility for All plan, one of the routes we were looking at adding was one on Gezon,” Kirk said. Mobility for All is a planning process exploring practical ways to improve the productivity and reliability of The Rapid system.
According to Byron Township Supervisor Don Tillema, the township board decided to reduce the township’s contracted services due to cost and low usage.
“There was a push to eliminate it completely but there are people in our community who do need it and we did not want take the service away from them completely,” Tillema said.
The route into Byron Township starts at 60th Street and Division, heads to 68th Street and turns west going toward Clyde Park. The route continues on to Clyde Park north to the 54th Street Meijer. That route will remain with buses stopping at 68th Street about every hour instead of every third minutes.
The routes for 1M to Metro Health and 1B through Byron Township to 68th Street. (Supplied)
“This actually cuts our cost from $70,000 to about $35,000,” Tillema said.
With the reduction in service, Kirk said The Rapid had some open operational time. The staff decided to add a second route from Division Avenue down Gezon Parkway to Metro Health. The bus lines will alternate. The route 1B will follow the traditional Byron Township route, stopping at 68th Division and route 1M will turn down 54th Street and continue down Gezon Parkway to Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. Only the 68th Street stop and the Metro Health stop will be every hour. All other stops on route 1, whether 1M or 1B, will be every half hour including the stop at the 54th Street Meijer.
Kirk said The Rapid will monitor the new Metro Health route for usage, adding that the contract for the route runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.
The 1M route will be the second bus route The Rapid offers from downtown Grand Rapids to Metro Health. Route 16 moves through the southwest side, starting at the Central station and traveling down Clyde Park with stops on Michael Avenue, 36th Street and Byron Center Avenue, and at Metro Health.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced this week that it is distributing 3.5 million free masks as part of the state’s Mask Up, Mask Right campaign.
The free KN95 masks provided by MDHHS will be distributed by community organizations, including local MDHSS offices, the Kent County Health Department, Kent County Community Action and Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan.
Even before the expected shipments of the state-provided masks are available locally, several local groups such as the county health department already have masks available.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced this week that it is distributing 3.5 million free KN95 masks as part of the state’s Mask Up, Mask Right campaign. (MDHHS)
“We have a limited supply of free surgical type masks available at our main clinic at 700 Fuller NE,” Steve Kelso, spokesperson for the Kent County Health Department, said to WKTV. “If people want those they can simply come to the lobby and they will see a box labeled ‘Mask Up, Mask Right’ and they can remove a box of masks for their household. We expect to receive additional supplies of masks within the next 30 days.”
Kelso also advised people to call 211 to find all Kent County locations where the masks are available, but also stressed that “These are not for businesses to offset their PPE (personal protective equipment) needs. These are for individuals only.”
Some areas of the state will start getting the state masks as early as next week.
“The KN95 masks likely won’t be available until next week,” Bob Wheaton, spokesperson for the MDHHS, said to WKTV. “They are being shipped this week.”
The planned infusion of free masks to the public is part of a continuing effort by the state health department.
“We are urging Michiganders to Mask Up and Mask Right to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities from COVID-19,” MDHHS director Robert Gordon said in supplied material. “Wearing the right kind of mask is important. Today’s distribution of effective masks will help more Michiganders limit the spread of COVID to save lives and get back to normal sooner.”
Masking right includes wearing one of three options of masks that provide stronger protection: three-layered washable cloth face coverings, three-layered disposable masks or KN95 masks. It also includes wearing the mask correctly: having it secured over the nose and mouth and snugly fitting without gaps.
The MDHHS announcement noted that KN95 masks are similar to but should not be confused with N95 masks that are intended for health care workers who are engaged as part of their work in higher-risk settings.
To find additional state distribution sites for masks, visit at Michigan.gov/MaskUpMichigan or call the COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136.
With the winter weather comes the snowplows, which already have been traveling down the streets of the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
With the snow, city officials from both Wyoming and Kentwood have been working to remind residents of winter snowplowing guidelines and street parking rules.
For both cities, There is an order to when the streets are plowed. Usually major streets, such as 44th Street, 28th Street, 54th Street, are plowed first. Collector streets such as Stauffer Avenue in Kentwood, are plowed next. Streets in the subdivision and cul-de-sacs and stub streets are last.
To help with plowing, both the cities have parking rules for the winter.
A car in the 900 block of north 4th saw buried after snow plows cleared the road Tuesday and Wednesday. (H-W Photo/Michael Kipley)
City of Wyoming Winter Parking
The City of Wyoming’s odd/even parking rule went into effect on Dec. 1 and runs until March 31. Residents parking on the street are asked to park on the side with odd number ending addresses (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) on odd number days and on even days (0, 2, 4, 6, 8), the side with addresses ending in even numbers. Those living in cul-de-sacs may park on the street on even days.
Cars must be parked on the correct side from midnight to 7 p.m. with residents encouraged to move their cars to the correct side between 7 p.m. and midnight.
The odd/even parking rule is enforced by the city. The Wyoming Department of Public Service responded to around 11,000 calls on odd/even parking, writing more than 1,000 tickets in 2019. First time offenders are warned or given a ticket.
City of Kentwood Winter Parking
The City of Kentwood’s winter parking went into effect Nov. 15. Cars may not be parked on the streets from 1 – 8 a.m. until March 31. Additionally, parking is not allowed on the streets when it could make it difficult for the snow plows to get through.
Clear those fire hydrants
Both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are asking residents to help keep fire hydrants near their homes or businesses clear of snow. It is recommended keeping snow and ice at least three get away from hydrants on all sides.
According to local fire department officials, having hydrants clear of snow and ice saves firefighters time when dealing with a fire.
Keeping the Sidewalks Cleared
The City of Wyoming does have a contractor who clears the sidewalks when there is two or more inches. This is done at night. Wyoming property owners are asked to help keep the sidewalks clean of any obstructions.
In Kentwood, the city does clear it is the property owners responsibilities to clear the sidewalk when there is two or more inches of snow.
Kent County Community Action is one of the many groups are working to help feed local families in need, including Feeding America West (shown here from a 2020 event). (Supplied/Feeding America WM)
Kent County Community Action (KCCA) announced this week that it will conduct a food distribution event on Thursday, Jan. 7, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to support qualified low-income households experiencing food insecurity.
The distribution will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., near the KCCA offices, at 121 Franklin SE, in Grand Rapids. All Kent County residents are welcome.
“This distribution is our way to respond to this crisis as it is our mission to alleviate the causes of poverty,” Susan Cervantes, KCCA Director, said in supplied material. “This distribution is one of our scheduled quarterly distributions and we are pleased we can provide relief to families who are in need during this difficult time.”
Customers who are driving must enter on Jefferson Street with their trunks ready to accept more than 50 pounds of food and must remain in their vehicle. This will enable the distribution to go smoothly and ensure the safety of staff and customers by practicing social distancing, according to supplied material.
The distribution will assist more than 900 households that are struggling to meet their food needs, “especially considering the situations caused by COVID-19.” There will be 20 food items in the packet including but not limited to canned vegetables, soups, pasta, juice, vegetable oil, tortillas, cheese, butter, and pork.
There will not be walk-up service due to the requirement to socially distance. Persons without transportation can be assisted by calling 616-632-7950.
At Government Matters meeting sponsored by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce and broadcast by WKTV, then State Sen. Peter MacGregor (right) talks with other legislators. (WKTV)
It was a holiday season of change and challenges for new Kent County Treasurer Peter MacGregor.
The two-term State Senator representing Wyoming and Kentwood won a countywide election in November 2020 with the shadow of term limits set to end his time in Lansing in two years. He was sworn in to the Kent County office in mid-December and officially resigned his 28th District seat on Dec. 31 — but not before helping to push through state government a series of “essential” COVID-19 related bills.
Kent County Treasurer Peter MacGregor (Supplied)
Last week, as he prepared to take over the county position this week, he talked with WKTV about his plans for his new public service duties and what he will miss about serving in state government. He also expressed concerns about how and when the constituents of his old senate district will again have representation — a process which he hopes will not be driven by partisan politics.
“I am gong to miss the friendships, the working relationships that I have with the people there,” MacGregor said. “I am going to miss my staff — I had five staff members. I am going to miss my colleagues. … (and) the policy people who are dedicated to making our state the best place to live and play and work. … That is what I am going to miss. I am not going to miss the politics.”
Replacement for senate seat driven by Governor
The currently Republican-held senate seats vacated by MacGregor and one-time Macomb County Sen. Pete Lucido, who won the Macomb County’s prosector position in November, leave the current balance of political power in the state senate at 20 Republicans and 16 Democrats.
State senators are all elected in the same years as the governor, with the last election one being in 2018. So for the two now open senate seats to be filled, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would need to call for a special election — which MacGregor hopes will occur.
At this point, the local senate seat “will be unfilled by an elected official, (but) there is still staff there that will help out the people of the 28th District, in fact it is my former staff,”MacGregor said. “But the sooner it is that the Governor calls for an election, the better it is for the people to have representation in the 28th District. … My hope is that the seat stays vacant for as little time as possible.”
The new Senate leadership will have Sen. Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) serving a second term as majority leader while Sen. Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway) will replace MacGregor as majority floor leader. MacGregor was also chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.
According to a spokesperson for the Kent County Clerk’s office, which controls county elections, filing the local seat is “completely at the mercy of when the Governor calls for the special election.”
When WKTV this week asked Gov. Whitmer’s office for its plans for calling a special election, a spokesperson in the office said the Governor was “reviewing possibilities.”
But the Kent County Clerk’s spokesperson noted that there could be a ripple effect no matter what she does.
“In both (open) seats you’ll likely see House members running for the special senate elections, so if she called the special for the August/November 2021 election dates, then that has the potential to leave a House seat vacant. It’s likely that she leave the Senate seat vacant for the final two years and not deal with the potential of the domino effect in the House.”
MacGregor wraps up work in Lansing
As Michigan’s 2020 Legislative session wrapped up in December, a spate of bills signed by the Governor (and a few vetoed) had Sen. MacGregor’s name attached. Some of them were sponsored by him and some had his name attached due to his role in Senate leadership.
“As the floor leader (as the session came to an end), I can control what moves, and towards the end, when we were running out of time, it made more sense to the leadership team to put some of these bills in the name of leadership because we just have a better way of moving the bills,” MacGregor said.
Many of the bills were COVID-19 related and, he said, “Timing was essential . … We needed to get those done before the session ended.”
One of those bills was SB 1258, which was signed by the Governor, dealt with “good employment practices both for employers and employees,” MacGregor said. “If the employees are doing every thing they were told to do, following the guidelines the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has issued, they can’t be fired.”
The law also includes protections for the employer in these times of COVID-19, when it comes to work environments.
“It protects workers from being discharged if they are sick and it also mandates that, if the employers follows all the rules the they are supposed to, especially for essential workers, the the essential workers can’t retaliate,” MacGregor said. “Everybody needed this bill to protect (the state) moving forward” in the pandemic.
Skill-set and goals for new new county position
MacGregor, in comparing his change in duties from state senator to county treasurer, says they are very different in most ways but that the common ground fits in with his skill-set and his personal outlook when it comes to taxpayers and use of their taxes.
Peter MacGregor, in the WKTV studios in 2019. (WKTV)
“The financial aspect is probably where the similarities are,” he said. “I am going from a policy position to more of an administrative position, but working with the people’s tax dollars, making sure that you are a good steward of those tax dollars, I’ve done that since I was a supervisor in Cannon Township.”
In between serving as a township supervisor and a state senator, MacGregor served two terms as a state representative.
And as in the past, he sees a priority of his new position “is that you have got to put faces to those tax dollars.”
Pointing out that one of the duties of the treasurer is dealing with property foreclosures, he said he wants to work to help people who are threatened with foreclosure.
“You got to work with those people. They are not just addresses … you have to help those people as soon as possible,” he said.
MacGregor, who lives in Rockford, is a lifelong Michigan resident and was a small business owner before serving in Lansing. He is a graduate of Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business. He and his wife, Christie, have three sons.
It was four years ago this week that Sears announced it would be closing its store at Woodland Mall. The two-story department store had been one of the original anchors when the the mall opened in 1967. The decision to construct Woodland Mall in then Paris Township was the catalyst for the residents to incorporate to become the City of Kentwood.
The Sear store closed in March and in the late summer of 2017, Woodland Mall began a $100 million upgrade project that included reconfiguring the former Sears location for the mall’s newest anchor store, Von Maur. (Photo provided by Woodland Mall.)
Kent District Library announced that its annual Let It Snow teen and adult reading program kicks off this week.
Adutls and teens, 11 and older, have until March 31 to read a minimum of six books in different categories such as memoirs, modern retellings of classic novels, audiobooks, books to film or books on new worlds. Those who read at least 10 titles will be entered into the Power Reader drawing to win an iPad or a KDL branded winter cap.
“Reading is more important than ever, so our reading program encourages teens and adults to read this winter and earn cool prizes,” said KDL Programming Manager Kip Odell. “KDL librarians created great lists of recommended reading in different genres.”
For example, if you really like audiobooks and want a good laugh, there is a “My Life as a Goddess – A Memoir Through (un)popular Culture” by Branum Guy or Al Roker’s “You Look So Much Better in Person” (True Stories of Absurdity and Success). Perhaps its is a good mystery you seek then try “I Am Still Alive” by Marshall Kate Alice or Charlene Harris’ Aurora Teagarden series made famous from Hallmark, which also fits in the books to film category.
More than 2,200 people completed the Let It Snow 2020 program with organizers hoping to top that number in 2021.
For more information or to sign up, visit kdl.org/snow. Track your reading progress online using Beanstack or complete and turn in a paper form, available as a printable PDF or at any KDL branch.
City of Kentwood City Commisioner Emily Bridson recently visited the WKTV studios for a Facebook Live Zoom discussion with Razel Jones, co-author of “Wounds”. And that discussion is now available on-demand via WKTVlive.org.
The discussion focused on how communities faced with racial and social disparities can rise above their differences, their difficulties, and find a “Common Unity” — the title of the discussion.
Emily Bridson, during a Zoom interview in WKTV’s studios. (WKTV)
“Kentwood’s diversity is one of our many strengths and opportunities as a changing city in the heart of West Michigan,” Bridson said prior to WKTV about the event. “Razel and I will discuss the humanistic-side of our actions and the sometimes unintended impact that results. Listen along as we continue on our anti-racist journey.”
“Community Unity” will air on WKTV Community Media’s cable channels, on WKTV Government Channel 26 on, Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 8:10 p.m., and on Saturday, Jan. 9, at noon. It will also air on WKTV Community Channel 25 on Jan. 13 at noon. Other days and times are also planned.
WKTV programs air on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). Short form WKTV video programs are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos, with long-form videos on-demand at WKTVLive.org under categories such as Government Meetings, Special Events and Sports.
As the Greater Grand Rapids area moves into the new year, the possibilities of many still working and attending school virtually remains high, which is why earlier in December the Kent District Library made the announcement that it has made it mobile wi-fi hotspots available at all of its 22 locations.
KDL mobile hotspots are now available at all of its branches. (Supplied/KDL)
“Previously, they had only been available at seven more real locations,” said Elizabeth Guarino-Kozlowicz, KDL manager of library collections. “We’re hoping to help more patrons in Kent County as we continue to chip away at the digital divide.”
Another change is that patrons can now checkout a wi-fi hotspot for up to four months. In the past, it was for three weeks.
KDL has more than 1,000 hotspots available for checkout. The hotspots are part of the Beyond Books Collection and are available to library cardholders age 18 and older. Demand for the hotspots have been high especially since state guidelines have pushed many families to work and attend school from home. KDL staff estimates that currently about 800 of its hotspots are currently checked with about 200 hotspots having been loaned to Northview Public Schools and Kelloggsville High School.
“With an estimated 37,000 households without broadband Internet access in Kent County, during this time of crisis, it’s important to help as many people as we can,” said Carrie Wilson, director of library services at KDL. “With so many people working and learning from home, the need for Internet access is greater than ever before.”
To check out a hotspot, visit kdl.org and search on the term “hotspot” to place a hold. Hotspots can be picked up and returned at any KDL branch. People who live in the KDL service area and do not have a library card can register for one online at kdl.org/virtual or by calling616-784-2007.
A wi-fi hotspot is a small piece of equipment that will set up a wireless network that allows a houseful of people to connect to the Internet via cellular service.
To say 2020 has been an interesting year, is probably the understatement of the year. This time in 2019, we were getting hints as to what was about to come and coronavirus, or COVID, came like a running back with the ball in his hands and an open field to the end zone.
As we get reading to make that final flip to the new year, and hopefully COVID in the review mirror, we thought we would take a look at some of the top stories of 2020.
It’s all about the pups…Pronto Pups
Who knew that the area’s love for Pronto Pups was so strong? Wyoming’s Andy Bogart and Kentwood’s Matt Morton certainly did and the duo’s effort to bring Pronto Pups to Grand Rapids became the top WKTV Journal story for 2020.
The two partnered up during the spring shutdown to secure a license from the national chain, Pronto Pups, based out of Portland, Oregon, to bring Pronto Pups to locations in and around Kent County. Pronto Pups Grand Rapids, not affiliated with the stand in Grand Haven, offers both traditional Pronto Pups, the battered dipped hot dog on a stick, and ones with a twist such as Breakfast Pups and Pickle Pups. The operation, which has a location at Comstock Park’s Elk Brewing as well as a food truck, is on a winter hiatus with plans to be resume deep frying those dogs in spring of 2021.
Kent County Treasurer Kenneth Parrish (center) announced his retirement as Kent County Treasurer. (WKTV)
Elections, Elections, Elections
Peter MacGregor was elected as the county’s new treasurer in November. (Supplied)
As the national race heated up, we had some local races that piqued everyone’s attention. Of note, was the Kent County treasurer position. With the announcement of Ken Parrish retiring at county treasurer, several people put their names in the ring including State Senator Peter MacGregor, who won his bid in the November election.
Harold Voorhees retired as the Kent County 8th District Commissioner
Dan Burrill was elected as the new Kent County 8th District Commissioner
John Fitzgerald was elected to the Wyoming City Council
The City of Kentwood also saw a big change as its first and only district judge, William G. Kelly, retired from the 62-B District Court with Amanda Sterkenburg winning the seat in the November election.
William G. Kelly retired as Kentwood’s 62-B District judge
Amanda Sterkenburg was elected to the 62-B District Court judge position in November.
Also of interest in 2020 was the voting process as many on the national, state and local level, followed how the state would be handling absentee voting. In 2018, Michigan voters approved an amendment that allowed for anyone to vote absentee. Due to the pandemic, many sought this option for the 2020 election.
The Springrove Variety story, which had been in Wyoming for more than 60 years, closed its doors in June. (WKTV)
The End of an Era
Before the pandemic, Mike Sprenger made the difficult decision to close Wyoming’s Springrove Variety Store. He said dime stores like Springrove had “outlived our niche.” Started in 1958 as the Suburban 5 & 10, Sprenger had owned the store since 2008. It was part of small chain of dime stores he owned that included one in Lowell, which Sprenger closed in August.
Interestingly, many of our readers also turned back to a story we published in January 2019 about Green Stamps, which had a redemption store at Rogers Plaza Mall. The popularity of the story about Green Stamps pushed it into the top five stories of 2020.
The City of Wyoming celebrated the official re-opening of Pinery Park this summer. (WKTV)
Other top stories from Wyoming
Wyoming’s K9 Dutch headed off to retirement. (WKTV)
52nd Street looking West to Division Avenue, with road infrastructure work being done not directly a part of the CityLine Apartments project. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Back to Business…Sort of
Another top story was the announcement of the CityLine Apartments being constructed on Division Avenue near 52nd Street. It is the first Kentwood development project that was approved using the Form Based Code, which was designed by the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood to aid in the redevelopment of the Division Avenue corridor.
Woodland Mall also had a number of exciting events including the opening of Von Maur however, our top story from the the Woodland Mall was its weekend showcase of black-owned businesses.
The Kentwood Public Works Department hosted a parade of trucks in May. (Supplied)
The Wyoming high girls basketball team used a balanced scoring attack, good defense and some clutch free-throw points down the stretch to score a 73-63 win over Wayland Jan. 14, 2020. (WKTV)
The Headlines from Sports
While many things went virtual — such as most of the entertainment offerings — high school sports managed to move it down field until about November when a partial lockdown went into effect.
Kent County, in recent months, has made two unique expenditures as part of its public safety efforts. One, taking a more traditional approach, saw the county spend more than $2 million to equip the Sheriff’s office with state-of-the-art equipment, most notably body cameras. The other, in a distinctively non-traditional approach, has the county funding nearly $500,000 in grants to non-profit community groups to prevent crime from occurring.
During a recent visit to the studio of WKTV Journal In Focus, we talked with Kent County Administrator Wayman Britt and Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young about the two expenditures and why they are important to the community.
Discussion includes the protocol for use of body cameras and vehicle dashboard cameras, and how both can protect law enforcement and the right of the pubic during sometimes tense interactions. Then we get their take on why the prevention of crime, specifically community violence, will take more than just law enforcement officers on the streets, and why the county is allocating funds to its new Community Violence Prevention Grant program.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Most Kent County offices and COVID-19 testing sites will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday. County offices also will be closed on Jan. 1, 2021 in observance of New Year.
A few service exemptions are:
The Kent County Correctional Facility will remain open with regular hours; however, all other services will be closed.
The Department of Public Works disposal facilities will close at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24. The Recycling Center will reopen on Saturday, Dec. 26, for commercial haulers from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, all disposal facilities will close at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31, the Recycling Center will reopen on Saturday, Jan. 2, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for commercial haulers.
County offices are open for business Dec. 28, 29, 30 and 31.
For more information on how to access Kent County departments and offices, visit www.accesskent.com.
East Kentwood High School wresting co-head coach Eric Foster visits the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection. (Falcons’ hockey head coach Phil Sweeney’s interview is later in this story.)
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal Sports Connection, as part of our continuing series of shows focused on different local high schools’ sports departments, we check in with the East Kentwood wrestling and hockey teams — both of which are dealing with pandemic-related restrictions and continued uncertainty.
Visiting the WKTV studios earlier this month were Falcon’s wresting co-head coach Eric Foster, and then hockey head coach Phil Sweeney. We talk with coach Foster and coach Sweeney about how their Falcon coaching staffs and teams are coping with the current pause in high school athletics, and about coaching in these unprecedented times.
But we also look ahead with hope, for lower COVID-19 numbers and the continuation of the current resumption of high school athletics — see a story on fall sports returning here — and we also get a peek from the coaches at their teams’ outlook for the 2020-21 season.
WKTV Journal Sports Connection, with this latest episode hosted by WKTV volunteer Cory Dalton, brings its audience interviews and stories focused on local Wyoming and Kentwood area high schools sports, both on cable television and on our on-demand and YouTube channels. Readers can catch up on all our local sports coverage by visiting wktvjournal.com/sports.
WKTV Journal Sports Connection is available on-demand, along with WKTV coverage of highs school athletic events and other sports, at WKTVlive.com. It also airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule). Individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal Sports Connection are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Access of West Michigan is one of the several food banks in Michigan and Indiana to benefit from SpartanNash and Miller Polury’s recent donation of more that 24,000 pounds of chicken.
Throughout December, SpartanNash and Miller Poultry teamed up to donate 8,000 pounds of chicken to Access of West Michigan and its network of local food pantries – including SECOM, Streams of Hope, St. Al’s and Green Apple; 9,200 pounds of chicken to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan; and 7,000 pounds of chicken to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana.
VG’s Grocery, Family Fare and Martin’s Super Market associates helped with the distribution of the donations.
In total, the 24,200 pounds of chicken will provide 96,800 meals this holiday season.
“We are proud to carry Miller Poultry in our company-owned retail stores throughout the Midwest – and we are excited to once again team up with them to provide food to families in need this holiday season,” said Meredith Gremel, vice president of corporate affairs and communications for SpartanNash and executive director of the SpartanNash Foundation. “As a company that takes food places, SpartanNash and the SpartanNash Foundation are committed to building stronger communities by ensuring families have access to healthy, affordable food.”
SpartanNash owns and operates more than 155 stores in nine states, including 18 Martin’s Super Markets in Indiana and 87 stores in Michigan under the banners of Ada Fresh Market, D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, Forest Hills Foods, Martin’s Super Markets, VG’s Grocery and ValuLand.
SpartanNash and Miller Poultry have taken part in the annual holiday tradition for more than 10 years, donating nearly 300,000 pounds of chicken to help families in need throughout Michigan and Indiana.
“We are a local, family-owned company, and our culture has always revolved around supporting local family farms, and the communities in which we all live,” said Galen Miller, owner and CEO of Miller Poultry. “2020 has been a tough year for many of us, but through our partnership with SpartanNash, we were able to make these donations happen again this year, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share.”
Each year, SpartanNash donates more than five million pounds of food throughout its company footprint as part of its corporate responsibility initiatives, in addition to providing financial grants to food pantry partners through corporate giving initiatives and the SpartanNash Foundation.
“I feel awesome,” declared Mary Wisinski, the first person at the Kent County Health Department to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
Distribution of the Pfizer vaccine is underway with the Kent County Health Department administering its first vaccine on Friday, Dec. 18, to Wisinski, the the department’s immunization program supervisor.
“This is an incredible day,” she said. “we’ve been working so hard to battle this virus, and some days, it felt like it got the best of us. This isn’t one of those days. This gives us hope — we’re going to beat this.”
Because Wisinski will lead the health department’s team of immunization nurses in administering the vaccine, she was among the first group deemed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to receive the vaccine.
“Stay Positive, Stay Heroic, Stay Healthy” is what the sticker from the Kent County Health Department says. (Photo courtesy Kent County Health Department)
The Kent County Health Department received 1,950 doses on Dec. 17 and will be administering those doses to individuals in the highest risk groups. which also includes Kent County area medical first responders.
Area Hospitals, such as Metro Health — University of Michigan Health, also began administering doses to its frontline healthcare workers. Metro Health began on Friday.
The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses that are administered 21 days apart. Most agencies, such as the Kent County Health Department, will receive its second does within three weeks.
Vaccines receive support
Both the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last week, received support from seven Catholic bishops in Michigan included Most Rev. David J. Walkowiak, Bishop of Grand Rapids.
The statement, which can be found at the Diocese of Grand Rapids website, states “It is morally permissible to receive the vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna. Neither of these vaccines have used cell lines originated in tissue taken from aborted babies in their deign, development and production. However, both Pfizer and Moderna vaccine did use such a cell line in the confirmatory testing. This connection to the abortion is very remote, however, it is important to keep in mind that there are varying levels of responsibility. Greater moral responsibility lives with the researchers than with those who receive the vaccine.”
The statement goes on that the Congregation for Doctrine of Faith indicates that it is morally permissible to be vaccinated if there are not alternatives and there are serious health risks as in the current COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of a consortium of West Michigan health departments and other health organizations, the Kent County Health Department announced the site VaccinateWestMI.com. The site is designed to provide information about vaccine availability, local distribution plans, safety and efficacy, and will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you have accomplished … It’s about who you’ve lifted up. Who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.”
Denzel Washington
Kentwood police Off. Jeff Augustyn was at Al-Bos restaurant as the police force and Lacks Enterprises Inc. paid for a customer’s take out meal. (City of Kentwood)
Kentwood police and Lacks Enterprises
The Kentwood police community services team, led by Sgt. Tim Wierenga, had this idea to “showcase” local small business, to not only offer monetary support to eateries but to provide a little holiday surprise to customers by paying for their take-out meal. Lacks Enterprises Inc. stepped up for the community where they work and their employees eat out. Kentwood police community services team, led by Sgt. Tim Wierenga, had this idea to “showcase” local small business, to not only offer monetary support to eateries — on Dec. 16, Al-Bos and Daniele’s Pizzeria — but to provide a little holiday surprise to customers by paying for their take-out meal. Go here for the story. If you are business which wants to be spotlighted for donating and helping local small business, call Sgt. Wierenga at 616-656-6561.
With the pandemic, Family Network of Wyoming, like many area food pantries, have seen an increase in need. (WKTV)
Family Network of Wyoming
With the increased need, Family Network of Wyoming has been receiving an increase in food assistance requests. So through a holiday season partnership with the Wyoming Family Fare — and donations from the community — Family Network is set to provide holiday meals to area families. Go here for the story. This time of the year, and all year round, donations are needed at www.fntw.org/donate.
Ton Evans pof Bethany Christian Services of West Michigan talks to WKTV about his organization. (WKTV)
Bethany Christian Services of West Michigan
One group working hard to make West Michigan a better community, in a multitude of seen and unseen ways, is Bethany Christian Services. WKTV talked with a representative of the group recently about its efforts to be funded by a new Kent County Community Violence Prevention Grant. But that is just one element of the group’s work. Go here for the story and video. Do you want to find out more about Bethany? Support its efforts? Visit bethany.org.
Fun fact:
Giving is good for the giver
Studies show that giving can actually boost your physical and mental health. From volunteering at a soup kitchen to committing to raise money for a specific charity, health benefits associated with giving can include: lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, lower stress levels and — maybe most important — greater happiness and satisfaction. Source.
The City of Kentwood Police Department and Lacks Enterprises, Inc., both understand the importance of small businesses, including local eateries, to the community. And that is as true in normal times as it is in this time of COVID-19 dining restrictions.
So the Kentwood police community services team, led by Sgt. Tim Wierenga, had this idea to “showcase” local small business, to not only offer monetary support to eateries — on Dec. 16, Al-Bos and Daniele’s Pizzeria — but to provide a little holiday surprise to customers by paying for their take-out meal.
And Lacks was more than happy to support the cause, with a $1,000 donation to the initial “business showcase” pop-up event, with the money being split $500 each at the two eateries.
im Green, executive director of human resources at Lacks Enterprises, Inc. (WKTV)
“Lacks Enterprises believes you need a lot of different components to make a community a place for people to live and raise their families,” Jim Green, executive director of human resources at Lacks, said to WKTV that night at Daniele’s. “Kentwood is a fantastic community and we think it has all those components. It has excellent law enforcement, you’ve got great schools, you’ve got businesses like Lacks. But the real backbone of this community is the small businesses. Without that you would not have all the other things that make the community what it is today.”
The Kentwood police department and Lacks Enterprises welcome customers at Daniele’s Pizzeria … and a little surprise awaits them. (City of Kentwood)
A representative of both the Kentwood Police Department and Lacks Enterprises, Inc., spread holiday cheer and supported local restaurants at both Al-Bos and Daniele’s Pizzeria on Dec. 16, where unbeknownst to customers coming in for take-out orders at the eateries had their meals paid for.
Al-Bos is located at 2930 Shaffer Ave. SE, and Daniele’s Pizzeria at 1429 60th St. SE, both in Kentwood.
At Daniele’s Pizzeria, a customer got a little more than he ordered — like a free order. (City of Kentwood)
This week’s pop-up event is, hopefully, also just the beginning of what the police department hopes to be “a local business showcase series to support Kentwood businesses and create positive experiences with community members during these difficult times,” according to a supplied statement.
Throughout the local business showcase series, the department will use donations to highlight businesses within Kentwood — both those donating to the restaurants to create similar pop-up events and the local businesses supported by the donations.
“We just wanted to give our small businesses a little support,” Sgt. Wierenga said to WKTV. “What we’d like to see of this is (to continue) showcasing our business community and showcasing the city that we love. We would love for this to develop into something more. … We’d love to have some more show case events.”
Kentwood police Off. Jeff Augustyn was at Al-Bos. (City of Kentwood)
Sgt. Wierenga was at Daniele’s Pizzeria and Off. Jeff Augustyn was at Al-Bos, with representatives of Lacks also at each.
Local businesses interested in participating can call Sgt. Wierenga at 616-656-6561.
The Kent County Health Department announced this week that a consortium of West Michigan health departments, hospitals, healthcare providers, universities and others have launched a website where area residents can find the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to the Dec. 15 announcement, VaccinateWestMI.com is intended to be the “go to” site for information about vaccine availability, local distribution plans, safety and efficacy, and will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.
“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, highly effective and will be our best defense against the virus,” Dr. Adam London, director of the Kent County Health Department (KCHD), said in supplied material. “But it won’t be available to everyone immediately. It’s critical for the residents of West Michigan to have access to accurate, timely and consistent information about the vaccine so we can all do our part to slow the spread of the virus. That’s why we joined with partners throughout the region to launch this site.”
The Pfizer vaccine was the first to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use in the U.S. on Dec.11, and other vaccine approvals either have or are expected to follow.
But initial supplies are extremely limited. The first shipments arrived at area hospitals this week, with vaccinations starting with frontline health care workers. Workers and residents of long-term care facilities are also slated to be among the first to receive the vaccine, with other high-risk groups scheduled to follow.
As supplies of the vaccine increase, those at lower risk will qualify, and, according KCHD, “experts project all individuals 16 years and older will qualify to get vaccinated by mid- to late-2021.”
As vaccines become available, healthcare providers will distribute the vaccine according to the plans developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a national independent committee of medical and public health experts, according to the KCHD announcement.
VaccinateWestMI.com will be regularly updated as information becomes available, and visitors to the site can sign up for email updates on the vaccine.
Members of the consortium include: Kent County Health Department, Allegan County Health Department, Barry-Eaton District Health Department, Berrien County Health Department, District Health Department #10, Ionia County Health Department, Mid-Michigan District Health Department, Muskegon County Public Health, Ottawa County Department of Public Health, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, Spectrum Health, Holland Hospital, Spectrum Health Lakeland, North Ottawa Community Hospital, Michigan Health & Hospital Association, Answer Health, Cherry Health, CVS Pharmacy, Kent County Emergency Medical Services, SpartanNash, We Are For Children, Calvin University, Grand Valley State University and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.
During a recent visit to the studio of WKTV Journal In Focus, we talked with Antonio (Tony) Evans, a vocational trainer for Bethany Christian Services of Michigan, about the history of Bethany and some of its West Michigan services — especially its upcoming work funded by a Kent County Community Violence Prevention Grant.
But for Evans, it is clear that his work for Bethany Christian Services is more than simply providing any one service or fulfilling one grant action requirement.
“In order to work for Bethany Christian, in order to work for Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation, it’s not a job, it’s a way of life,” Evans said to WKTV. “You have to be entrenched in it. … Our center is one of those spots where, whatever you need, we are going to help you.”
Bethany Christian Services of Michigan, part of a national group with several West Michigan locations including in Wyoming and Kentwood, has been approved for a Community Violence Prevention grant of nearly $150,000 to, quoting from the group’s application, “take a multi-acton approach at crime prevention by increasing opportunities, information, and activities to those within the south Grand Rapids’ 49507 zip code” — an area that borders both Wyoming and Kentwood.
For more information about Bethany Christian Services, visit bethany.org.
Antonio (Tony) Evans, left, a vocational trainer for Bethany Christian Services of Michigan, recently visited the set of WKTV Journal In Focus and talked with host Ken Norris. (WKTV)
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
There are telling signs of a person who has never had to visit a food pantry.
“People will bring their income statements to show they are in need,” said Family Network of Wyoming Executive Director Karrie Brown. “I even had one woman bring all her family member’s social security cards. I tell people I don’t need to see them. I just need to know they are in need and that they live within Wyoming (the food pantry’s service area.)”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic and statewide shutdown in March, Brown has seen a lot of new people — many who never thought they would need help from a food pantry — come to the Family Network of Wyoming, located off of 44th Street.
“We have had so many people come through our drive thru that we have had cars backing up on to 44th street,” Brown said, adding that the parking lot at Family Network is fairly deep with it being able to accommodate two circle of cars.
Usually averaging about a 1,000 participants a month, the pantry saw some of its largest numbers in April as people waited for unemployment checks. Now that may are still waiting for the next round of stimulus money and the holidays around the corner, numbers are once again on the rise. This August had almost a 40 percent increase in participants over August 2019.
With the increased need, Family Network of Wyoming has been receiving an increase in assistance. Most recently with a partnership with the Wyoming Family Fare located at 2775 Health Dr. SW. Through donations, Family Network is hoping to provide 130 meals to area families. Donations are being received through Dec. 15 and will be used to purchase a holiday meal of turkey or ham plus sides and dessert. To donate, visit www.fntw.org/donate.
Other assistance has come in the form of grant funds from the Wyoming Community Foundation and federal CARES Act dollars distributed by the Kent County Board of Commissioners earlier this year.
The organization was one of two organizations to split a $5,000 grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation with United Church Outreach Ministries (UCOM). The money, Brown said will be used to create a mini shopping experience for those who come to the pantry. That project has been put on hold due to the pandemic. For now, items are pre-boxed and distributed to those waiting in their cars.
Family Network of Wyoming also was one of 112 non-profits to qualify to receive funding for the Kent County Non-Profit Organization COVID-19 Grant Fund. Earlier this year, the Kent County Board of Commissioners allocated $9.5 million federal CARES Act dollars to the grant fund. The funding is intended to assist local local 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) nonprofit health and human service organizations located within Kent County serving individuals and communities that have been directly affected by COVID-19 and continued to provide services throughout the pandemic.
With the pandemic, Family Network of Wyoming, like many area food pantries, have seen an increase in need. (WKTV)
Family Network of Wyoming was part of the first round of recipients receiving $50,000 which Brown said was used for food purchases and personal hygiene products.
“Here I go again talking about the need for toilet paper,” Brown said. Because personal hygiene projects like toilet paper do not expire such as food items, it is difficult for many food pantries to get the items donated.
“This way we were able to purchase the items and were able to give those who came a package of toilet paper along with other hygiene needs,” Brown said. The money also was used to purchase food from Feeding America and from Farm Link, which offers fresh food from local farmers.
The need continues to grow as more and more families feel the trickling effects of the pandemic with businesses trimming costs and/or closing. Brown said about 70 percent of the people who come to Family Network of Wyoming are families with school age children.
Along with that, many school grab and go programs will be closed during the holidays, Brown said, making the partnership with Family Fare even more meaningful as well as a recent partnership with the YMCA, which is distributing lunches for children to local agencies.
Those in need are encouraged to text or call 211, which offers a number of services including help with food insecurities. Also residents, may visit any local food pantry which will help them connect to the right program.
With another Great Lakes winter already upon West Michigan, and the official beginning of the season coming next week on Dec. 21, cold temperatures are already impacting local households.
So, Consumers Energy recently announced 10 safety and savings tips to help Michiganders conquer winter weather.
“Following these simple yet important tips can help ensure Michigan residents remain safe during the heating season and save money on energy bills,” according to the statement.
First, and maybe foremost in some households, help is available for those finding it difficult to pay energy bills. Consumers Energy this fall gave $12 million to help households and small businesses with their energy bills, according to the statement. Contact 2-1-1 to find out what resources within your community are available to help with energy, housing, transportation and other needs.
Energy savings opportunities
Consumers Energy is offering free smart thermostats to households and small businesses to help them reduce costs. Smart thermostats can help customers save 10 percent or more on energy bills, reduce energy waste and help the electric grid by reducing energy use during times when demand for energy is highest, according to the statement.
The free thermostats are available to businesses that Consumers Energy serves. Businesses can see if they qualify at ConsumersEnergy.com/marketplace, where they can also purchase other energy-saving products. Residential customers can see if they qualify by visiting ConsumersEnergyStore.com.
Other cost-saving tips include: change your furnace filter monthly during winter months, especially with pets in the home; seal air leaks around windows and doors coming into your home with weather stripping and caulk; let drapes hang loose but make sure they don’t block heat registers and air-return ducts, and close registers/ducts in unused rooms.
Also, if working/learning from home due to COVID-19, regularly unplug electronic devices when not in use, or use a smart power strip. Devices that continue to draw power when they appear to be turned off can cost up to $200 annually in wasted energy, according to Consumers Energy.
Heating safety advice
Consumers Energy recommends households install an audible UL listed carbon monoxide alarm. Poisonings from this colorless, odorless toxic gas are most prevalent in the winter when furnaces are operational, and doors and windows are shut, according to the statement.
In addition, make sure furnaces are operating efficiently and safely by having them inspected and tuned by a qualified professional annually; keep flammable materials such as clothing and boxes well away from the furnace; keep space heaters away from curtains, furniture, clothing and other flammable materials; and unplug space heaters before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Also, in the category if “strongly recommends,” never use a stovetop or oven or charcoal grill to heat your home; and never use a generator inside a home, basement or garage — keep them outdoors at least 25 feet from the home.
The Kent County Health Department and area hospitals, in a joint statement released today, Dec. 14, continue to urge residents to stay home for the upcoming December holidays. As of Dec. 14, Kent County has surpassed 35,800 total cases with a 14.7 percent positivity rate in the last seven days.
“We are making progress, but need to work together to continue to reduce the positivity rate and to reduce the spread and the strain on our hospitals and health care workers,” Darryl Elmouchi, MD, president of Spectrum Health West Michigan, said in supplied material. “We will continue to move this in the right direction by not traveling or gathering with people outside our immediate family.”
While it may be difficult to miss traditional holiday celebrations, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) statement stressed “the importance of staying home and avoiding any kind of travel and group gatherings in order to avoid an even more devastating spike after the new year.”
The local “I love you so” holiday advertising campaign, which the health department and hospital partners launched in November, will extend to encompass all holidays through the end of the year.
The message builds on the sentiment, “I love you SO I’m staying home,” acknowledging the desire to be with loved ones over the holidays but also to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus.
Kent County is seeing more than 500 new coronavirus cases each day, according to the statement, and “the volume of cases has put a significant strain on local hospitals and frontline healthcare providers, and it has made it impossible for public health investigators and contact tracers to effectively do their jobs.”
With the contract tracing system under strain, the risk of community spread is increased because some people may not know they need to quarantine.
“Residents helped a lot by celebrating Thanksgiving with only people inside of their immediate households,” Hyung Kim, MD, president of Mercy Health Saint Mary’s said in supplied material. “Since infection rates, hospitalizations and mortality are still high, I hope people will stay strong in the upcoming holidays and avoid gathering with people outside their immediate households. We are far from being in the clear from COVID.”
Hosting Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal Podcast and Cryptic Frequencies Blog Talk Radio show has introduced me to the spooky, weird, and strange world that surrounds us here in our Great Lake State. Michigan measures very high on the mysterious meter with Bigfoot, Dogman, and lake monster sightings, significant UFO sightings, haunted ships and lighthouses, roads, cemeteries, libraries, and museums. We profile mysterious people and places, authors and investigating teams and it’s my pleasure to share some supernatural insights, starting with one of our all-time favorite guests, Shetan Noir.
Noir recently joined us for a special WKTV, The Whole Picture Podcast Halloween episode #34 where we discussed urban legends and superstitions. We opened with the poem “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by A.H. Schacknofsky and co-host Brandon Hoezee offered insights into the half-truths and his own family connections to the legend of the headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow.
Guest Shetan Noir dresses as a green mermaid during the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal Podcast special Halloween edition. (WKTV)
Co-host Kim Kolean presented evidence of the Allegan County “Melon Heads” with a disturbing photo image of what they might have looked like. The show also featured two of Noir’s books, “Lake Monsters and Odd Creatures of the Great Lakes” and “Mothman and Other Flying Creatures of the Midwest.” She shared an incredibly fascinating story of the Lake Superior Mermaid while dressed in costume as a shimmering green dragon lady.
My first encounter with Noir was during the 2018 Michigan’s Ghost Coast Paranormal Convention in Grand Haven. Noir was one of the featured speakers and during the day she asked to interview our team for her podcast Into the Liminal Abyss. Noir is an author and a journalist who has spent 25 years researching the paranormal in the field of cryptozoology, the search for or study of animals whose existence is disputed or unsubstantiated.
Currently Noir is the lead investigator for the Michigan Chapter of the North American Dogman Project as well as research into Lake Monsters, Mothman, Bigfoot, Nain Rouge. While ghost hunting might have been enough to keep most people busy, Noir found time to author several books. Noir’s amazing research chronicles actual eye witness accounts, historical testimony, real world explanations, hoaxes, fossil evidence, and artistic renditions of what these monsters might have looked like with detailed descriptions. Noir’s extensive research documents evidence of hundreds of people experiencing strange creatures at the same time with very similar descriptions by reputable well respected citizens, police, sea captains and crews, and collectively challenges the true definition of cryptozoology.
For more about Noir and her work, listen to the Grand Rapids Ghost hunters Paranormal Podcast at the WKTV Journal or on Facebook at The Whole Picture Podcasts.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has become one of the first airports in the nation to be a COVID-19 testing site.
Through a partnership with TACKL Health, the drive-up, no-appointment-needed site will offer both rapid antigen tests, which provide results in 15 minutes, and molecular PCR tests, which provide results in 24-48 hours. The testing site will initially be open from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Those wishing to be tested do not need to have COVID-19 symptoms or a doctor’s referral.
“As we head deeper into the holiday season, we hope this service will give community members greater peace of mind before traveling or visiting loved ones,” said Stephen Clark, director of business development for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “With so many test sites in West Michigan overloaded, this new site should help increase testing capabilities, especially for those who might not otherwise qualify.
“The site is open to all in the community, not just those traveling through the Ford Airport. For our passengers, we hope the tests will let them fly more confidently. We look forward to partnering with TACKL to offer this service to the community.”
Airport officials emphasized how the onsite COVID testing will be particularly helpful for business travelers visiting international destinations where the PCR molecular test is required before entry.
“We know our business community is anticipating a return to international travel in the coming year, so having resources at the Airport to make their journey easier will be critical in the coming months,” Clark said. “Armed with test results, travelers will be able to board a flight in West Michigan with the confidence they can meet screening requirements in the country of their final destination.”
Testing will take place in the Airport’s economy lot and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. When guests arrive, they will need to fill out an intake form using a QR code. If they are unable to access the form or need assistance, a technician will be available at the testing site.
TACKL does not accept health insurance so the testing will be out-of-pocket. Cost for the testing will be $75 for the rapid antigen, $125 for the molecular PCR or $160 for both tests.
There will be a changing of the guard at the leadership of the City of Kentwood’s 62-B District Court this month as Amanda Sterkenburg will be sworn into the post and will take over for retiring long-time Judge William G. Kelly on Jan. 1, 2021.
And the public is invited to witness the changeover with two virtual ceremonies.
Judge-elect Sterkenburg’s investiture is set for Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m., with the swearing-in ceremony to be fittingly conducted by Judge Kelly. Members of the community are invited to attend via Zoom (Meeting ID 4280940961) or on the 62-B District Court’s YouTube channel.
Then, on Wednesday, Dec. 30, also at 3 p.m., the public is invited to attend Judge Kelly’s virtual retirement celebration via Zoom (Meeting ID 4280940961) or also on the court’s YouTube channel. The event will include remarks by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack and other distinguished speakers.
Judge Kelly, In Focus, from August 2020. (WKTV)
Kelly has served the Kentwood community as the city’s first and only district court judge since 1979. He was elected in November 1978, following his father, Joseph Kelly, who served as Kentwood’s municipal judge from 1971-79. In 2014, he was re-elected for his seventh and final six-year term. The district court judge leads a team of nearly 25 court personnel.
In August, WKTV Journal In Focus talked with Judge Kelly about his years on the bench and his retirement. See the video here.
“Judge Kelly has been an invaluable asset to Kentwood and the West Michigan area,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “His dedication to our community has been demonstrated by his service on the bench along with his many accomplishments for our court system. We wish Judge Kelly the best as he moves into retirement and we sincerely thank him for his leadership in directing Kentwood’s 62-B District Court for these past 42 years.”
During his tenure, Judge Kelly instituted several programs, including the Sobriety Court and meditation of small claims cases. Kelly also conducted more than 4,000 weddings throughout his time as district court judge.
Additionally, Kelly explored ways technology could better serve the justice system and Kentwood community. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 62-B District Court quickly adapted and created a virtual court on Zoom with a livestream on its YouTube Channel. Kelly also has worked with the Supreme Court to implement a paperless system throughout the state to begin in the near future.
“I have been fortunate to have had a great law career,” Judge Kelly said in supplied material. “I have loved serving this community for so many years and I am grateful for all the opportunities that have helped me become a better judge. We have a great team at 62-B District Court, and I look forward to seeing the court’s future accomplishments and growth.”
Handing the gavel to the next judge
With the new year, Sterkenburg will lead preside over the 62-B District Court for a six-year term after being elected to the post in November. (To see her WKTV We The People candidate video, visit here.)
The 62-B District Court settles disputes, processes criminal charges and manages legal appeals. Common offenses heard by a district court judge include operating while intoxicated, domestic violence and retail fraud less than $1,000. The court also conducts weddings, maintains legal records and provides resources for community members.
Judge-elect Amanda Sterkenburg (City of Kentwood)
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity,” Sterkenburg said in supplied material. “As 62-B District Court judge, I will remain committed to ensuring well-reasoned sentences, proportionate punishment and fair rulings that reflect the unique circumstances of every matter that comes before me.”
Sterkenburg has represented criminal and civil defendants, landlords, tenants and litigants with many different types of claims throughout her career as an attorney, according to supplied material. Her experience includes successful jury trials on assault, theft and retail fraud offenses. She has more than 90 hours of mediation training and has handled matters in many local circuit and district courts, including the 62-B District Court.
Sterkenburg is active in many local organizations, including the Kentwood Aquatics Club, Glenwood Elementary Parent-Teacher Council, Kentwood Baseball League and Mediation Services of Ottawa and Allegan counties. She and her family attend Kentwood Community Church.
The 62-B District Court judgeship must go to a Kentwood resident.
“We are delighted to welcome Judge-elect Sterkenburg to the 62-B District Court,” Mayor Kepley said. “I have confidence she will follow in Judge Kelly’s footsteps in demonstrating outstanding dedication to justice and service to the Kentwood community.”
Sterkenburg graduated cum laude from Franklin College and Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Drawn to the “diversity and opportunity in Kentwood,” Sterkenburg moved to the city with her two children almost 10 years ago, according to supplied material.
On this holiday episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we catch up with the Santa Claus Girls, a local non-profit which has been a Christmastime staple in West Michigan for more than 100 years. . . . Until this year.
This holiday season, instead of being bustling preparing thousands of gifts for local children in need, the group and its army of volunteers are quiet due to the pandemic and due to its loss of home facility.
But late last month In Focus caught up with the group for a video report. First we will offer a recent WKTV short video about the Santa Claus Girls, then we talk with Maggie Moerdyke, Interim President of Santa Claus Girls. She tell us about what led to the group’s decision to suspend operations in 2020, and it is not just due to the pandemic.
We will also talk about the current and future needs of the group, as well as their hope for a better 2021.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Ready by Five early childhood support programs are funded by a countywide milage passed in 2018 and provides programs that improve the health, school readiness, and well-being of children under age five. (First Steps Kent)
The goal of the ongoing Ready by Five early childhood support programs, funded by a countywide milage passed in 2018, is to provide “dedicated and sustainable funding for programs that improve the health, school readiness, and well-being of children under age five.”
And a key element of achieving that goal — to “increase their likelihood of success in school and beyond” — is to get parental involvement for the various Ready by Five programs, especially within at-risk families.
So, acting last week on the recommendation of First Steps Kent, the Kent County Board of Commissioners approved allocation of nearly $6 million in Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage funds with the largest among them going to a group working to gain engagement of the parents involved with the Child Welfare System.
The West Michigan Partnership for Children’s Parent Engagement Program — which includes efforts at “engaging, involving and equipping parents involved with the Child Welfare System” — was awarded just over $600,000 for a two-year funding cycle.
In all, $5,775,015 in Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage funds were allocated for 2021. The millage is funded by a .25 mil property tax increase passed in 2018 that was expected to generate about $5.7 million a year from 2019 to 2024.
A Ready by Five kid, preparing for the future. (First Steps Kent)
“Our Board is committed to assuring these funds are distributed equitably throughout the county,” Kent County Administrator Wayman Britt said to WKTV. “The Ready by Five millage was voted on by Kent County residents who confirmed that it is imperative we embrace the diverse needs of our community.”
The review process included action by the Ready by Five Resident Proposal Review Board, which included members of the Board of Commissioners, Phil Skaggs and Monica Sparks, as well as Dr. Juan Olivarez, of First Steps Kent Commission; Sandra Ghoston-Jones, of the Kent County Administrator’s Office; and early childhood expert Joanne Kelty.
Another example of seeking to gain parental involvement in all levels of the Ready by Five effort is that the proposal review board includes four diverse “Parent Representatives” from different parts of Kent County.
“I am honored to serve on the Ready by Five Review Board,” Kent County Commissioner Sparks said to WKTV. “This is a very serious commitment as it will have a measurable and lasting impact on our children and families. We are working very hard to provide equitable resources to ensure the future success of our entire community.”
In total, the Ready by Five Resident Proposal Review Committee reviewed 18 proposals submitted to First Steps Kent for this funding cycle, and recommended funding 12. The latest recommended amounts are in addition to the 27 contracts currently in place with service providers.
In addition to the West Michigan Partnership for Children’s funding of $600,900 ($294,924 in fiscal year 2021 and $305,976 in 2022), another notable allocation was a Fetal Infant Mortality Review project by the Kent County Health Department ($264,005 over two years), and interpretation and translation services contracts with Bethany Christian Services, Hispanic Center of West Michigan and Liaison Linguistics ($210,000, with $70,000 each over two years).
First Steps Kent will receive $396,399.95 for administration of Ready by Five programs in 2021. First Steps Kent is, according to its website, “an independent nonprofit organization that works with parents, service providers, funders, advocates, and other stakeholders to build a comprehensive early childhood system in Kent County.”
For more information on First Steps Kent and Ready by Five, visit firststepskent.org.
Over the weekend, my daughter came home to announce “It’s back.”
“What’s back?” I asked.
“The Christmas tree, or bush, along M-6,” she responded.
If you drive along M-6, between the US-131 interchange onto M-6 and the entrance/exit ramps off of M-6 to Kalamazoo Avenue, there is a good size bush growing in the median of the highway. Sure enough, it has been decorated with red tinsel, a few bulbs, and solar power lights.
Michigan Department of Transportation oversees the care and maintenance of M-6. MDOT staff said they didn’t know anything about the decorated bush but that members of the department noticed it was decorated a few weeks ago. According to my daughter, the bush also was decorated last year as well with the decorations coming down around mid-January.
MDOT staff said the lights worked, however; we drove-by at night and the lights were not workin. Solar power lights can be that way, work one night and not the next.
As to who decorated it, well that probably will remain a mystery as much as the monolith found in Utah, Romina, and now California, but as one MDOT staff said “I admire the trimmer’s holiday spirt and appreciate their enthusiasm.”
Feeding America West Michigan’s mobile food bank operation worked with Woodland Mall (and the Michigan National Guard) early this year to help feed families, including those of mall employees. This holiday season Woodland Mall is supporting Feeding America . (Feeding America WM)
Even in this usually busy holiday season now made difficult by the COVID-19 pandemic, Woodland Mall and Vera Bradley — and the local community — are working to help families which are struggling to put food on the table.
Through Dec. 13, Vera Bradley’s Woodland Mall location is collecting nonperishable food items for local nonprofit Feeding American West Michigan, according to a Dec. 7 announcement. Woodland Mall will additionally “give back” to a group that supported mall employees in their time of need by matching each food item with a $1 donation to Feeding America.
Woodland Mall retailer Vera Bradley is collecting non-perishable food through Dec. 13. (WKTV)
“Feeding America West Michigan fed our staff laid off during the shutdown this spring,” Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, said in supplied material. “To show our deep appreciation to this incredible organization and to help those struggling with the pandemic’s harsh consequences, we are honored to return the favor.”
Every dollar donated by the mall will provide four meals to people experiencing food insecurity in our region, according to the announcement.
Nonperishable items may be dropped off at Vera Bradley, which is located in the JCPenney wing of Woodland Mall, 3195 28th St. SE, during store hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m., Sunday.
Suggested items include peanut butter, whole-grain pasta, macaroni and cheese, rice, dried grains, canned vegetables, fruits, beans, canned chicken and fish, canned soup or soup mix, and canned or dried beans.
McCabe also said that Woodland Mall and its realtors are simply doing what they can to support a community that has supported them with their shopping in good times.
“It’s clear that supporting one another through this pandemic has been the most essential role each of us can take on,” she said. “As our industry enters what traditionally has been our busiest time of year, we are so happy to share what we do have.”
