Category Archives: City of Kentwood

MHSAA News: Girls field hockey and boys volleyball make high school sports debut; boys tennis Finals update

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,
(Image Courtesy, MHSAA)



By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor


Girls field hockey and boys volleyball make their debuts with MHSAA sponsorship during the 2025-26 school year. Field hockey will be played in the fall, while boys volleyball begins its first season in the spring.


There are 37 varsity teams expected to play during the inaugural field hockey season. There will be one playoff division, with the first MHSAA Regionals in this sport beginning Oct. 8 and the first championship awarded Oct. 25.


Practices are set to begin Monday, Aug. 11, for an anticipated 100,000 high school athletes at Michigan High School Athletic Association member schools.

The fall season includes the most played sports for both boys and girls; 36,210 football players and 19,679 girls volleyball players competed during the Fall 2024 season. Teams in those sports will be joined by competitors in girls and boys cross country, field hockey, Lower Peninsula girls golf, boys soccer, Lower Peninsula girls swimming & diving, Upper Peninsula girls tennis and Lower Peninsula boys tennis in beginning practice next week. Competition begins Aug. 15 for cross country, field hockey, golf, soccer and tennis, Aug. 20 for swimming & diving and volleyball, and Aug. 28 for varsity football. 

Pilot program in Boys Tennis Finals
To conclude their season, Lower Peninsula boys tennis teams will begin a pilot program showcasing Finals for all four divisions at the same location – Midland Tennis Center – over a two-week period. Division 4 will begin play with its two-day event Oct. 15-16, followed by Division 1 on Oct. 17-18, Division 2 on Oct. 22-23 and Division 3 played Oct. 24-25.

Also in Lower Peninsula boys tennis, and girls in the spring, a Finals qualification change will allow for teams that finish third at their Regionals to advance to the season-ending tournament as well, but only in postseason divisions where there are six Regionals – which will be all four boys divisions this fall.

Football Finals now 3 days
The 11-Player Football Finals at Ford Field will be played this fall over a three-day period, with Division 8, 4, 6 and 2 games on Friday, Nov. 28, and Division 7, 3, 5 and 1 games played Sunday, Nov. 30, to accommodate Michigan State’s game against Maryland on Nov. 29 at Ford Field.

Two more changes affecting football playoffs will be noticeable this fall. For the first time, 8-Player Semifinals will be played at neutral sites; previously the team with the highest playoff-point average continued to host during that round. Also, teams that forfeit games will no longer receive playoff-point average strength-of-schedule bonus points from those opponents to which they forfeited.

Boys soccer rule changes
A pair of changes in boys soccer this fall will address sportsmanship. The first allows game officials to take action against a team’s head coach in addition to any cautions or ejections issues to players and personnel in that team’s bench area – making the head coach more accountable for behavior on the sideline. The second change allows for only the team captain to speak with an official during the breaks between periods (halftime and during overtime), unless another coach, player, etc., is summoned by the official – with the penalty a yellow card to the offending individual.

More game-action rule changes  

  • In volleyball, multiple contacts by one player attempting to play the ball will now be allowed on second contact if the next contact is by a teammate on the same side of the net. 
  • In swimming & diving, backstroke ledges will be permitted in pools that maintain a 6-foot water depth. If used in competition, identical ledges must be provided by the host team for all lanes, although individual swimmers are not required to use them. 
  • Also in swimming & diving – during relay exchanges – second, third and fourth swimmers must have one foot stationary at the front edge of the deck. The remainder of their bodies may be in motion prior to the finish of the incoming swimmer.
  •  In football, when a forward fumble goes out of bounds, the ball will now be spotted where the fumble occurred instead of where the ball crossed the sideline.

Motown music filled the air as RocknSoul performed at the Kentwood Summer Concert Series

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Kent County, West Michigan, ,
RocknSoul (Photo Courtesy, RocknSoul)



By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


The warm evening air was filled with the upbeat and energetic tones of Motown Thursday when RocknSoul took the stage at the Kentwood Summer Concert Series.

Based out of the Detroit area, RocknSoul brought the Motown sound to their performance behind City Hall. It also was Throwback Thursday at the Kentwood Farmers Market, where a variety of food trucks and vendors were on hand.

“We play a little bit of everything,” said vocalist and bass player Robert Joiner. “From Motown, to R&B, Dance, Blues and some jazz. The fans really like Motown and we play a lot of the 60s, 70s and 80s Motown and dance music.”


Featured songs include artists like The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson.

As a group, RocknSoul has been together for a few years, but individually, the members have 20-to-30 years of professional music experience each.

Joiner, who retired after 30 years with the City of Detroit Police Department, spent 18 years playing with the Blue Pigs, a band comprised of City of Detroit Police officers who gained a large following.

The band’s lead guitar, Charles Hawkins, was a member of Black Merda, a rock band from Detroit that was active from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s. Black Merda produced a number of albums during that time period and also played psychedelic soul, funk rock and blues rock.

“Charles has played with Eddie Kendrick and David Ruffin,” Joiner said. “He also had a stint playing with Edwin Starr from War. He’s played with a lot of big names during his career.”

Keyboardist and saxophone player Kevin Armstrong has also played with a variety of musicians and Paul Sikorski brings a wealth of experience as the band’s drummer.

The band features variety in its vocals as Joiner and Armstrong both handle about 40 percent of the vocals apiece, while Hawkins sings vocals on about 20 percent of the songs. Sikorski also has been known to step in as a vocalist at times.

The band primarily performs in Southeast Michigan, but also makes plenty of trips into Ohio. This week’s concert in Kentwood was the band’s first performance in West Michigan.

Memories abound as fighters from Pride Boxing Club in Grand Rapids gather for reunion

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Golden Gloves, Kent County, Local Business, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
Former heavyweight champion Buster Mathis Jr. poses in front of some of the numerous press clippings of Pride boxing at the reunion. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


Memories came flowing back in waves Saturday as former boxers from the Pride Boxing Gym gathered together for a first-time reunion in Byron Center.

Grand Rapids has a long and rich amateur boxing history and the former Pride Gym, which was located near the corner of Division and Burton streets in Grand Rapids, was one of the shining stars of the amateur boxing scene in West Michigan during the 1980s and 90s.

The names and the accomplishments were the things of legend in the amateur boxing realm. Among the boxers, many of them who went on to successful professional boxing careers that trained at the Pride Gym were the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr., Buster Mathis Jr., Juan Padin, Kevin Childrey, Tony Quintana, Sugar Ray Collins, Brian Blakely, Kevin “KP” Porter and a host of others.

Many of those boxers were on hand for a reunion and picnic Saturday. The stories were numerous and the laughs and smiles flowed as over 25 former Pride boxers took part.

Burr Elzinga of Wyoming was one of those boxers who brought home one of many Golden Gloves state championships during the storied run of the Pride gym that began in 1985 and continued until it closed in 2000.

“It was a great facility that provided so much benefit for a whole lot of young people who needed it,” Elzinga said. “It helped so many kids. It was really a beautiful place and we are all very thankful for it.”

The reunion was organized by the two men who got Pride Gym up and running in the mid 80’s, Bob Serulla and Bruce Kielty.



Founders Bruce Kielty (left) and Bob Serulla reminisce at the Pride Boxing Club reunion. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Ionia State Prison ring purchased for one dollar

“Bruce and I opened the gym 40 years ago,” said Serulla, who’s also a boxing announcer and co-host for WKTV’s Golden Gloves programming. “We talked about opening a gym and we met with Buster Mathis Sr. We talked to him about opening the gym and having him train young men. We finally found a location, but we didn’t even have a ring. The Ionia State Prison had a boxing program way back and we found out they still had their old ring. We contacted the prison about seeing if they would donate the ring and they said that we could buy it for $1. It was an old Everlast ring, but it was perfect for us and we got the gym going.”

Kielty also fondly recalled the beginnings of the gym.

“It was quite a dream of ours,” Kielty said. “We brought in Buster Mathis Sr. to be our head coach and we also had Phil McConahy who was another great coach. We had a very successful 10-12-year run.”

In Buster Mathis Sr., the Pride Gym had a name that was sure to get the attention of young boxing prospects in West Michigan. One of the finest heavyweights in the 1960s and 70s, Buster Mathis Sr. fought the great Muhammad Ali as well as other notables Smokin’ Joe Frazier, Jerry Quarry and Ron Lyle.

Trainer Buster Mathis Sr. helped grow the Pride Gym

With a trainer like Buster Mathis Sr. working with the boxers, the Pride Gym grew rapidly and produced a wealth of boxing talent.

Mathis Sr. was not the only high-level trainer at Pride as Johnny Butler also trained boxers. Butler, an amateur national champion in 1958, who is over 90-years old now, was also on hand for the reunion Saturday.

Boxers came from all over the country to reunite

The former Pride boxers came from all across the country for the reunion that first started sending out invitations a few years ago.

“We have boxers coming in from California, Montana, Alabama, Florida, Atlanta, you name it,” Serulla said. “It is a heck of a group. Almost everyone was able to make it in.”

Kielty also was thrilled to see the reunion come to fruition.

“This reunion is also very special,” Kielty said. “We have former boxers living all over the country and this reunion was another dream come true. We started sending invitations out three years ago. Boxing is a unique fraternity and this was something we really wanted to do.”  

 

Juan Padin (left) and Brian Blakely were two of the original boxers at the Pride Boxing Club. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Juan Padin and Brian Blakely first to join Pride

The first two boxers who joined Pride in the beginning, Juan Padin and Brian Blakely, became the backbone of the team and both became captains.

“It started with Juan Padin and me, we were the first two,” Blakely said. “I started when I was 14-years old. We would be going to different shows and doing really well and people were starting to ask ‘who is Pride’. No one knew who we were, but before long people began to know. There were a lot of good people in Pride. We had really good coaches who gave us a lot of attention.”

Blakely and Padin won a number of state titles during their boxing days at Pride and also went on to compete for national championships.

Blakely eventually turned professional and actually made his professional debut in November of 1990 in a boxing show at the Welsh Auditorium in downtown Grand Rapids that featured the last match of Floyd Mayweather Sr.



The former boxers of the Pride Boxing Club get together for a group photo at the first-ever reunion of the gym. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)

The new Pride Gym was a perfect spot for Padin to begin his boxing career. The then 16-year old Padin had just moved to Grand Rapids from Brooklyn, New York.

“I just moved to Grand Rapids and didn’t know anyone,” Padin said. “I just went into the gym one day after it first opened and I kept coming back. It was a great gym. One thing about Pride fighters is that they got us in shape. You never had to worry about a Pride fighter running out of gas.”

Padin made the trip to Grand Rapids from Birmingham, Ala., where he now lives.

“This reunion is just great,” Padin said. “I haven’t seen a lot of these guys in a long time. This is just awesome to see all my old teammates and coaches. It’s a lot of great memories. I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”

Former champion Buster Mathis Jr. excelled at Pride Gym

The reunion also was special to Buster Mathis Jr., who grew into a champion amateur and professional boxer under the tutelage of his father and the team at Pride.


“I learned a lot of life lessons from my father,” Mathis Jr. said. “Boxing helped me in a lot of different areas in my life. The lessons I learned from boxing helped me to do a lot of other things later in my life.”

Taking up boxing as a 14-year old not only changed his life, but also changed the younger Mathis’ body.

“I weighed 280 pounds when I first came to the gym and started boxing,” Mathis Jr. said. “My dad trained me for a whole year and when I was a 15-year old I was down to 180 pounds. When I eventually fought Tyson as a pro I was at 225 pounds.”

After a highly successful amateur career, Mathis Jr. became a professional where he won 21 of 26 bouts and also won a USBA heavyweight championship. Mathis Jr. not only fought Mike Tyson, but also former world heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe.

For Mathis Jr., like the rest of the Pride boxers, the team atmosphere at the gym was one of the highlights of being a boxer at Pride.

“Everybody sparred with everybody,” Mathis Jr. said. “The atmosphere in the gym was just phenomenal. It was basically more like a family type of thing.”

Buster Mathis Sr. passed away in 1995 just prior to his son’s bout with Tyson. If the senior Mathis was alive today, Buster Jr. had no doubt where his dad would’ve been on Saturday.

“He would probably be at the gym right now training someone,” Mathis Jr. said. “The one thing my dad really liked was taking some young kid and making that kid into a champion. He loved working with and developing kids and teaching them to become a fighter.”

Kevin “KP” Porter, Leon Spinks, Michael Dokes to name a few more

Mathis Jr. was not the only successful heavyweight boxer to come out of Pride. Kevin “KP” Porter also had a long and successful pro career in the heavyweight division. During his professional career Porter defeated former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks and also fought some of the bigger-name heavyweights of the era like Andrew Golota, Greg Page, Michael Dokes and former Olympic champion Henry Tillman.

The reunion also fanned the flames of some of the boxers wanting to see a Pride comeback.

“I want to bring Pride back,” said Sugar Ray Collins. “I’d like to bring it back and have amateurs, pros and MMA fighters. I’d love to see it come back.”

Woodland Mall to host National Night Out event Aug. 5; superhero-themed

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Local Business, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, Woodland Mall,
Woodland Mall National Night Out. (Photo Courtesy, Olivia Grace & Company)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

Woodland Mall will host a superhero-themed event to celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 5, in partnership with the Kentwood Police Department.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign celebrated across the country that promotes community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

Woodland Mall’s free event will offer community members a variety of interactive experiences for all ages from 3 to 5 p.m. in the mall’s outdoor plaza area between Red Robin and The North Face, as well as inside the Barnes & Noble wing.

In addition to meeting Kentwood police officers and getting an up-close look at emergency vehicles, there will be superhero special appearances, face painting, balloon twisting, a photo station and giveaways.

“Woodland Mall is honored to host a National Night Out event this year to encourage residents to connect with their neighbors and local police personnel with superhero-themed fun,” Senior Marketing Director Lisa Wolstromer said. “By bridging public safety education with family-friendly entertainment at the mall, we seek to help build lasting relationships through positive interactions.”

During the event, shoppers can explore a police cruiser and the department’s Special Response Team truck, as well as try on police vests and hold shields. The department’s K-9 handler also will be on-site to teach attendees about a K-9 unit’s role in law enforcement.

“This year, we’re proud to be part of several neighborhood events throughout Kentwood, including a featured celebration in partnership with Woodland Mall,” Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said. “We’re grateful to Woodland Mall for helping us create a fun, family-friendly space where residents can meet officers, check out police vehicles, snap a photo with McGruff the Crime Dog and say hi to our real crime fighter, K-9 Abby.”


Woodland Mall National Night Out. (Photo Courtesy, Olivia Grace & Company)


In addition, Captain America, Spider-Man and Captain Marvel will make a special appearance for the event. Face painting, balloon twisting and create-your-own superhero masks will be offered while supplies last. The themed photo station will include both official gear and take-home souvenirs like junior hero certificates and badge stickers.

More event information can be found at ShopWoodlandMall.com.


(Courtesy, Woodland Mall)

Dementia or normal aging?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Health, Kent County, Senior Living, West Michigan, , ,
Slight declines in memory and cognition are typical with aging, but there are scenarios that call for further assessment. (Photo Courtesy, Care Resources)


By Care Resources
greer@wktv.org


You’re about to leave and realize you’ve lost your keys again. You just put muffins in the oven and second guess whether you added salt. You are mid-conversation and just can’t seem to find the right word. 

Is this the start of dementia? 

“We’ve probably all known someone whose gone through dementia, and it’s so hard to see them not be the person you used to know,” said Laura Hall, associate clinical director at Care Resources. “So, when we have any trouble as we age, our first thought is, ‘Oh, no. Do I have dementia? Am I declining?’ And that’s valid. Seeking support and testing can help you know what you’re experiencing.”

While memory loss and other cognitive changes can be difficult to diagnose, Hall says word finding or taking longer to communicate or think of things are classic examples of normal aging. 

“As we age, it takes longer to process information,” Hall said. “We get more easily distracted with noise and other things going on that makes it harder to focus and multitask. Some short-term memory challenges can be normal as well, especially with any lack of sleep or fatigue.”

She says slight declines are typical, but there are scenarios that would call for further assessment.

“If the forgetfulness is long-lasting or ongoing, especially in short-term situations, such as failing to remember a conversation you recently had, that’s a notable change,” Hall said. “The need for more help with daily activities of living such as cooking would be another sign. Not being able to find your cookware, follow a recipe or operate the stove are some more dramatic examples.”

Memory changes often progress slowly, so we don’t always realize for ourselves when they’re happening. Friends and family can be a great resource for noticing if someone is having a harder time, but Hall recognizes it can be uncomfortable to approach a loved one about memory concerns. 

“Some people don’t want to acknowledge there might be an issue, but it is OK to bring up the subject,” Hall said. “You can share your concern they’re not remembering things like they used to and suggest talking to someone. Offering to go with them to a visit with their provider can be helpful.”

Now the big question: Is there anything we can do to prevent or delay cognitive decline? Hall says staying active and social are the best things you can do for your mental health and cognition.

“A lot of age-related cognitive decline is preventable,” Hall said. “Getting out of the house, interacting with other people and learning new things can make a huge difference. It can be as simple as learning how to knit or play pickleball or talking with friends on a new topic.” 

At Care Resources, eligible adults 55 years and older can get involved in new activities and socialize through the day center while having their cognitive health closely monitored, including testing every six months. Spending time at Care Resources can also provide important respite to caregivers. If you or your loved one could use some extra support, call 800-610-6299 or visit CareResources.org for more information.

Air quality advisory declared for July 30-31 in West Michigan

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Health, Kent County, Weather, West Michigan, , , , , , , ,
This advisory is due to smoke from Canadian wildfires moving into the Upper Peninsula Tuesday and into parts of the northern Lower Peninsula Wednesday morning (Courtesy, AirNow.gov)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


An air quality advisory is in effect for West Michigan through Wednesday and Thursday, July 30-31.

According to AirNow.gov, The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of fine particulate (PM2.5) across the state of Michigan. The advisory is due to smoke from Canadian wildfires moving into the Upper Peninsula Tuesday and into parts of the northern Lower Peninsula Wednesday morning with hourly PM2.5 concentrations ranging from USG to Unhealthy.


Air quality advisories and alerts are designed to help those who can be affected by poor air quality (Courtesy, AirNow)


“Smoke from Canadian wildfires moved into the Upper Peninsula Tuesday and into parts of the northern Lower Peninsula Wednesday morning with hourly PM2.5 concentrations ranging from USG to Unhealthy,” said Stephanie M. Hengesbach, Meteorology Specialist, Air Quality Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

“Models show the plume continuing its southern trek across the state as a cold front moves south into the Ohio River Valley. As the smoke moves in, PM2.5 concentrations in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range will expand south, while concentrations of PM2.5 in the Unhealthy range are more likely across northern areas.”

Sensitive groups are encouraged to take precautions.

This forecast will be evaluated Thursday morning to determine if the current statewide air quality advisory will need to be extended into Friday.


The air quality in West Michigan is currently considered unhealthy for sensitive groups (Courtesy, AirNow)

EGLE recommends:

  • When possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma.
    • Monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes.
  • Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as:
    • outdoor burning;
    • use of residential wood burning devices.
  • Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters.

(Courtesy, AirNow.gov)

How air quality is measured

Air quality is an important measure for creating desirable communities and protecting public health. Air Quality Advisories and Air Quality Alerts are based on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

The AQI is a scale from 0 to 500 that indicates air pollution levels. Higher values mean higher pollution and more health risks. When AQI exceeds 100, it is unhealthy, starting with sensitive groups and worsening as it rises. There are six categories, each with a color, to easily gauge the level of health concern in communities.

Air quality advisories/alerts information:

Air Quality Advisory: Issued when ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5) or both are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) threshold. Those considered in the “USG” threshold include people with lung disease (such as asthma), children, older adults, people who are active outdoors (including outdoor workers), people with certain genetic variants, and people with diets limited in certain nutrients should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

This is aimed to provide awareness for poor air quality, encourage people to limit activities that contribute to poor air quality, and to alert those who are especially sensitive to poor air quality.

Air Quality Alert: Issued when Ozone, PM2.5, or both are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy threshold or worse. This alert indicates a higher level of concern as everyone, not just sensitive groups, can be affected by poor air quality.

Roosevelt Diggs brings a melting pot of American music to Thursday’s Kentwood Summer Concert Series

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Kent County, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,
Roosevelt Diggs. (Photo Courtesy, Jen Diel)


By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


The state of Michigan has a long and rich tradition of producing outstanding acoustic-based music and this week’s performance of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series features a homegrown West Michigan band that’s adding to that legacy.

Roosevelt Diggs, a four-man band that has been perfecting its craft since 2008, takes the stage Thursday at 7 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. A versatile band, Roosevelt Diggs blends country, blues, rock and roll, folk and blue grass into a melting pot of true Americana music.

There also will be food trucks on hand as concertgoers are encouraged

to come early and check out the Kentwood Farmers Market next door

in the parking lot behind Kentwood City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“We are kind of a melting pot,” said Logan Duddles, who with his brother Levi Duddles is one of the two vocalists of the group. “None of those individual genres label us exactly. You can use Americana to encapsulate us, but it’s a struggle to categorize our sound down to one thing. We have a lot of elements of American music in our style.”

Along with providing vocals, Logan Duddles also plays acoustic guitar while brother Levi is on the electric guitar. 

“We share the vocals,” Logan said. “We don’t look at it as our having one lead vocalist. There are certain songs that I sing and certain songs that he sings.”

The band also includes Jon Shears on upright bass and Jeff Leitch on drums.


Roosevelt Diggs. (Photo Courtesy, Jeff Brinn)



Logan and Levi have been making music together since a young age back in Reed City. They connected with Shears in 2008 to form the band, while Leitch came on as a drummer three years ago.

17 years and counting

Since forming in 2008, Roosevelt Diggs has made steady progress. Initially, the band had a goal of being able to play local shows and maybe cut an album someday. In the past 17 years, the band has soared beyond initial expectations and continues to add to its legacy.

“Our goals were pretty low starting out,” Duddles said. “At first, we just wanted to be able to play a few shows. Our goal was to work hard and practice every day and get a little better. Through the years, we looked at it as we wanted to be better as a band than we were three months ago. We’ve been able to release four albums and have been able to play at some amazing venues and some great festivals around the state.”

The band’s first album came out in 2012, followed by ones in 2014, 2018 and 2023.

WYCE Jammie Award Winners

The growth and success of Roosevelt Diggs is evident in the albums it produces. Their 2018 album (Better Days) and 2023 one (Reverie) were both WYCE Jammie award winners. 

Among the venues the band has played are Frederik Meijer Gardens, the Wheatland Music Festival and the Hoxeyville Music Festival.

“We feel very fortunate through the years to have played at some amazing venues and festivals,” Duddles said. “We have played at some places that have definitely been on our bucket list.”

Right out of the phone book

Along with a unique style, Roosevelt Diggs also has a unique name. Similar to the Michigan rock band Greta Van Fleet from Frankenmuth who came up with their unique name when a relative mentioned the name of a local resident, Roosevelt Diggs came up with their name from a similar local angle.

“Way back before cell phones kids use to do prank calls on the phone,” Duddles said. “One day we went through the phone book and we saw the name Roosevelt Diggs and that name stuck with us. Years later when we needed a name for the band we remembered the name Roosevelt Diggs. We were looking for something different and it just stuck.”

The band is looking forward to Thursday’s concert in Kentwood and promises an entertaining and energetic show for concertgoers.

“We play high-energy shows,” Duddles said. “We get into our performances. We dig in and don’t just go through the motions. We have fun and make it a good time and give the fans as good a show as we can.”

Concertgoers will also be treated to a broad range of music.

“We play a lot of different music,” Duddles said. “Some bands just sound the same. We pull in a lot of different genres. There will be something everybody will like and hopefully more than just one. It’s a lot of different genres all melting together to produce some great music.”   

Celebrate National Night Out with Kentwood on Tuesday, Aug. 5

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, ,
Kentwood National Night Out. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to participate in National Night Out events throughout the city on Tuesday, Aug. 5. 

National Night Out is an annual event celebrated across the country that seeks to promote community-police partnerships and encourage residents to connect with their neighbors, community leaders and local police and fire personnel.

In partnership with the Kentwood Police Department, Woodland Mall will host a free public event from 3 to 5 p.m. Community members can explore a police cruiser and Special Response Team truck and try on police vests and hold shields in the mall’s outdoor plaza area between Red Robin and The North Face at 3195 28th St. SE. A KPD K-9 officer and dog will be on-site to teach attendees about a K-9 unit’s role in law enforcement.

The event also features special appearances by superheroes as well as face painting, balloon twisting, a photo station and giveaways.



Kentwood National Night Out. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“National Night Out is one of the many ways the Kentwood Police Department strengthens relationships and demonstrates our commitment to serving all who live, work and visit our city,” Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said. “We are looking forward to connecting with both longtime and new residents during these fun, casual citywide events.”


There also will be over 10 neighborhood events throughout the evening featuring a variety of food and activities, including games and appearances by McGruff the Crime Dog. At these events, community members of all ages also will have an opportunity to connect with Kentwood police officers, firefighters and leaders as well as explore and learn about police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles.


Kentwood National Night Out. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


“We welcome all opportunities to engage with community members, which is essential to effective public safety,” Kentwood Fire Chief Brent Looman said. “Events like National Night Out help our firefighters and residents come together as a community and get to know one another better.”

National Night Out was started in the 1980s by an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the country.

Learn more about Kentwood’s National Night Out events at kentwood.us/NNO.

Community members interested in hosting a National Night Out neighborhood block party are encouraged to reach out to Kentwood Police Officer Brooke Lowe at 616.656.6564 or loweb@kentwood.us.

Mobile food pantry schedule for Kent County, July 21-Aug. 19

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Food, Going Local, Health, Kent County, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , , , , ,


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Several Kent County organizations have partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host mobile pantries each month.

Below is a list of mobile food pantry locations open to the community. Each listing consists of date, time, location and drive-thru or walk-thru designation.

Though the selection of food varies each month, a variety of fresh and frozen items are always available at the mobile pantries.

Mobile food pantry schedule for July 21 – Aug. 19:

July 21 – Monday

July 22 – Tuesday

July 23 – Wednesday

July 24 – Thursday

July 25 – Friday

July 26 – Saturday

July 28 – Monday

July 29 – Tuesday

July 31 – Thursday

Aug. 2 – Saturday

Aug. 4 – Monday

Aug. 5 – Tuesday

Aug. 6 – Wednesday

Aug. 7 – Thursday

Aug. 8 – Friday

Aug. 9 – Saturday

Aug. 11 – Monday

Aug. 12 – Tuesday

Aug. 13 – Wednesday

Aug. 14 – Thursday

Aug. 16 – Saturday

Aug. 18 – Monday

Aug. 19 – Tuesday

Resources

To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.

For the full Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.

Sunchaser to showcase musical diversity at Thursday’s Kentwood Summer Concert Series 

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Music, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , ,
Sunchaser. (Photo Courtesy, Sunchaser)


By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


The mid-summer air will be full of hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s this Thursday as Sunchaser takes the stage for this week’s concert of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series.

A band of veteran musicians from the West Michigan area that formed in 2021, Sunchaser is a five-piece group that plays a wide variety of musical styles from rock to country, blues, R & B and more.

This Thursday’s concert is set to begin at 7 p.m. and last until 8:30 on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. It also will be Backyard Barbeque Night at the Kentwood Farmers Market and plenty of farm-fresh goodies will be available. There also will be food trucks on hand as concertgoers are encouraged to come early and check out the Kentwood Farmers Market which takes place next door in the parking lot behind Kentwood City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sunchaser has experience playing at many different venues around West Michigan, from outdoor concert series, clubs and restaurants, private and corporate events and local veterans’ halls where they enjoy playing for veterans. This Thursday’s show will be the first time the band has performed at the Kentwood concert series and the group is excited about the opportunity.

“We are really excited about playing at the Kentwood Concert Series for the first time,” said Rusty Benmark, a guitarist and vocalist with the group who has over two decades of experience performing in classic rock and blues bands in the Grand Rapids and Lansing areas. “We are looking forward to putting on a great show and hope that everyone will enjoy themselves.”

Concertgoers can expect an energetic performance with a variety of musical genres from the 60s, 70s and 80s. The band plays hit covers from those decades by such notable artists as Eric Clapton, Bob Seger, The Eagles, Credence Clearwater Revival, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, Dwight Yoakum and The Rolling Stones to mention a few. Sunchaser’s eclectic song catalog also includes Motown covers of Marvin Gaye & The Capitols as well as classic rock hits of Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, The Zombies, Linda Ronstadt and the B52s.


Sunchaser. (Photo Courtesy, Sunchaser)


“We pride ourselves on our diversity and our set list/catalog that spans multiple decades,” Benmark said. “We play a wide variety of different genres. We have a lot of diversity in the band and the members of our band also play multiple instruments. We also have a variety of different vocalists so there is a lot of variety in our performances.”

The diverse musical background and experience enables the band to cover a wide-range of styles. The musical diversity is one of the things the group believes is their biggest asset and the group constantly tries to push the envelope into different areas.

“The feedback from audiences has been very positive,” Benmark said. “Audience members often comment that there’s a little something for everyone in our set list.”


The group counts four solid vocalists in its lineup and having multiple lead singers enables the group to cover a variety of styles.


Along with Benmark, the group includes Bob Seif, the founding member of the band who plays guitar, keyboards, percussion and vocals. Seif has been playing and singing music in the Grand Rapids area since he was seven years old.


The band formed during the pandemic
“Music is the best therapy, period,” Seif said. “The only good thing to come out of the Covid pandemic for me was our band.”


Barb (Bobbi) Bean is one of the lead vocalists and also plays the keyboard. Bean has over 30 years experience performing in local and regional musical groups both big and small.


Pat Gil plays the bass guitar. Gil has been playing the bass guitar for over 30 years in various bands around the Midwest.


“We like to make our audiences happy,” Gil said. “We pick a lot of groove-oriented songs to get people moving. Our unofficial slogan is, ‘We play it, you shake it.’”


Mike Danielson is the drummer for the group and also a vocalist. Danielson began drumming at the age of 10 and started playing in his first band in the seventh grade.


“I have always liked many styles of music,” Danielson said. “I have played in different style bands to hone my experience in that style. Music has been an important part of who I am for my entire life and has been so therapeutic for me and many friends along this journey.”


The band is a tight-knit group that enjoys performing and making music with each other.


“We really enjoy what we are doing,” Benmark said. “We are pretty tight friends and that shows up on stage. We have a lot of fun and also add some humor to our shows. We want our audience to really enjoy the performance.”


Along with playing popular covers, the band also plays some deeper cuts and some music that audiences may not have heard in a while.

“We like to find some things that are not covered by a lot of bands,” Benmark said. “Our concerts are not all the same songs. You hear a different sound due to our versatility and having people playing different instruments and different vocals.” 

Updated Consumers Energy policy unlocks more energy bill assistance for those in need

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Economy, Environment, Finances, How-To's, Kent County, , , , , , ,
Consumers Energy’s electric and natural gas customers who qualify for State Emergency Relief funds may now qualify for additional assistance (Courtesy, pxhere.com)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Consumers Energy’s electric and natural gas customers who qualify for State Emergency Relief (SER) funds and haven’t received the full $500 annual payment credit may now qualify for additional assistance under a new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services policy in effect immediately.

State Emergency Relief dollars help certain income-qualified customers take control of their past due energy bills up to a maximum of $500. The one-time federal funds disbursed at the state level are distributed to customers who apply and whose household income is 150% of the federal poverty level or below.

How it works

Beginning July 7, new customer applicants who haven’t received relief in Fiscal Year 2025, which ends Sept. 30, are eligible to receive the $500 per commodity cap, regardless of their past-due balance.

Previous SER recipients who haven’t reached the $500 per commodity cap can apply for the remaining amount (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Previous SER recipients who have already received funding since Oct. 1, 2024—but haven’t reached the $500 per commodity cap—can apply for the remaining amount starting July 11 through Sept. 30. These payments may result in a credit on the customer’s account.

“We’re dedicated to equity, accessibility and affordability for Michiganders who count on us for reliable electricity and natural gas,” said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president, chief customer and growth officer.

“Through our various energy savings programs, energy assistance offerings and partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, we support the growing needs of our customers who experience challenges paying their bills.”

This new policy could allow customers to receive an additional $250 to meet the maximum annual allocation allowed (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Under the former policy, a customer who owes $250 to keep their account active could apply and, if approved, get a credit paid back in that amount but would not have been eligible for additional relief in the same fiscal year. Under the new policy, however, that customer could now receive an additional $250 to meet the maximum annual allocation allowed of $500 if they have accumulated additional arrears.

Additional energy assistance

Last year, 540,000 customers received $38.4M in State Emergency Relief funding. In total, 137,000 families across 30 Michigan counties received some type of energy assistance. 

In addition to State Emergency Relief funds, there is additional help available for anyone who needs assistance with their energy bills by calling 2-1-1, a free resource that connects people with nonprofit organizations. Customers can also visit ConsumersEnergy.com/Assistance.

To make it easier for customers to find the help they need based on their situation, Consumers Energy recently launched “My Personalized Offerings,” an easy-to-use tool that empowers customers to identify and enroll in custom payment assistance and energy management programs. The optional tool is free and available to all customers at ConsumersEnergy.com/Offers.

More resources:

My Bridges – State Emergency Relief – see if you qualify or to apply

Contact your local DHHS office here

Federal poverty level guidelines

Air quality advisory (AQI Orange) extended through July 14 in West Michigan

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Health, Kent County, medical moment, Weather, West Michigan, , , , , ,
The air quality in West Michigan is currently considered unhealthy for sensitive groups (Courtesy, AirNow.gov)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


An air quality advisory is in effect for West Michigan through Monday, July 14.

According to a statement released by Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), this advisory is due to elevated levels for fine particulate matter (PM-2.5). The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) cites wildfire smoke originating from Canada.

EGLE noted that levels of particle pollution are expected to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange AQI) through all of Monday, July 14 in southern parts of Michigan.

Sensitive groups are encouraged to take precautions.


The air quality in West Michigan is currently considered unhealthy for sensitive groups (Courtesy, AccuWeather.com)

Air pollution cause

“Wildfire smoke from Canada continues to push into Michigan on Sunday, with additional plumes expected Monday,” said Stephanie Hengesbach, Meteorology Specialist, Air Quality Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Increased fine particulate levels due to smoke were seen Sunday morning across the Upper Peninsula into the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula. The smoke continues to track east and south, expanding across the rest of the state and with additional plumes forecasted to move in on Monday.

Hengesbach said southern locations can expect levels of fine particulate in the USG to Moderate range.

EGLE recommends:

  • When possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma.
    • Monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes.
  • Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as:
    • outdoor burning;
    • use of residential wood burning devices.
  • Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters.

How air quality is measured

Air quality is an important measure identified in SEMCOG plans and programs for creating desirable communities, protecting public health, and maintaining a positive regional image for Southeast Michigan. In partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), SEMCOG is now implementing a two-tiered system of Air Quality Advisories and Air Quality Alerts.

This new system is based on the EPA’s U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI).

There are six categories, each with a color, to easily gauge the level of health concern in communities (Courtesy, AirNow.gov)

The AQI is a scale from 0 to 500 that indicates air pollution levels. Higher values mean higher pollution and more health risks. When AQI exceeds 100, it is unhealthy, starting with sensitive groups and worsening as it rises.

There are six categories, each with a color, to easily gauge the level of health concern in communities.

Air quality advisories/alerts information:

Air Quality Advisory: Issued when ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5) or both are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) threshold. Those considered in the “USG” threshold include people with lung disease (such as asthma), children, older adults, people who are active outdoors (including outdoor workers), people with certain genetic variants, and people with diets limited in certain nutrients should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

This is aimed to provide awareness for poor air quality, encourage people to limit activities that contribute to poor air quality, and to alert those who are especially sensitive to poor air quality.

Air quality advisories and alerts are designed to help those who can be affected by poor air quality (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Air Quality Alert: Issued when Ozone, PM2.5, or both are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy threshold or worse. This alert indicates a higher level of concern as everyone, not just sensitive groups, can be affected by poor air quality.

Lyme disease cases up 168% over five years in Michigan: How to avoid tick bites

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Health, Kent County, Pets/Animals, West Michigan, , , , ,
Blacklegged tick. (Photo Courtesy, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)


By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


When it comes to summertime pests in Michigan, the pesky mosquito is generally thought of first. While that annual nuisance is prevalent again this year, another pest is making a comeback and taking its toll on Michiganders.

Like the mosquito, ticks are another summertime culprit that feasts on humans and spreads its own varieties of disease.

Tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, are increasing across the state of Michigan.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Lyme disease cases have increased 168% over the last five years. Michigan recorded 1,215 cases of Lyme disease in 2024, as compared to 452 cases in 2020. Anaplasmosis cases in Michigan have seen an almost fivefold increase over the last five years, with 82 cases in 2024 compared to 17 in 2020.

Lyme disease most common one in Michigan

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-borne disease in Michigan. (Michigan Health and Human Services) Anaplasmosis, caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is the second most common tick-borne disease and cases are increasing, particularly in the northern parts of the state.


Blacklegged ticks. (Photo Courtesy, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)


“Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the MDHHS. “If you find a tick attached to your body, promptly remove it. Monitor your health, and if you experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches or other symptoms, or if you suspect a tick has been attached for more than 24 hours, consult with your medical provider.”



Key Points from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

*Infected ticks are found most commonly in forested areas in the northeastern, north-central, and mid-Atlantic states, and in smaller areas within Pacific Coast states.
*Lyme disease bacteria causing human infection in the United States are spread to people by blacklegged (Ixodes) ticks.
*In general, infected ticks must be attached for more than 24 hours to transmit infection; prompt tick removal can prevent transmission.


Roughly 75% of Michigan Counties have a known risk for Lyme disease according to the latest map published by the Michigan.gov. Menominee and Dickinson Counties in the Upper Peninsula ranked first and second in the state for most confirmed cases of Lyme Disease. However, closer to home, Kalamazoo County was fourth, Ottawa County seventh and Allegan County is eighth in number of confirmed cases.

Unlike many other diseases, there is currently no vaccine to guard against Lyme Disease.

“There is a Lyme Disease vaccine for dogs,” said Dr. Maria Diuk-Wasser, a professor of ecology, evolution and environmental biology at Columbia University, who is researching the spread of ticks and which parts of the country tend to harbor disease-carrying ticks. “There is a vaccine in the works that is scheduled to come out in a couple of years. There used to be a vaccine for ticks, but it was taken off the market due to poor sales about 20 years ago.” 

The early symptoms of Lyme disease, according to the Mayo Clinic, are fever, headache, extreme tiredness, joint stiffness, muscle aches and pains and swollen lymph nodes. Signs and symptoms of tick-borne disease typically begin one to two weeks after a bite, often after being in wooded or brushy areas where ticks commonly live. Early treatment with appropriate antibiotics can decrease the risk of serious complications.


Classic Lyme disease rash. (Photo Courtesy, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

According to Health and Human Services, both Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are transmitted by Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the blacklegged or deer tick. The blacklegged tick is well-established in parts of Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas and has been expanding its range over the years. 

The MDHHS is encouraging Michigan residents to take steps to avoid tick bites while enjoying the outdoors. Protect yourself against Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases by following these tips.

*Avoid tick-infested areas that harbor them like grassy, brushy and wooded areas. Individuals should walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush and leaf litter on trail edges. Dogs and cats can encounter ticks outdoors and bring them into the home. Talk with your veterinarian about the best tick prevention products.
*Apply an EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin. Treat clothes before going out to forested areas or hiking with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact or buy clothes that are pre-treated. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
*Always check for ticks on yourself and your animals after being outdoors, including in your own yard. Inspect all body surfaces carefully and remove attached ticks carefully with tweezers.
*Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors, preferably within two hours, to wash off and more easily find ticks. Wash clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to kill ticks.

For more information on Lyme disease and other tick-borne conditions, or how to submit your tick and/or photo of a tick, visit Michigan.gov/Lyme.

The Kent County Health Department also has a Tick Borne Diseases Fact Sheet available on its website.

Additional information nationally is available at CDC.gov/Lyme.

MHSAA: A century of school sports

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, ,
(Logo Courtesy, MHSAA)



By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
greer@wktv.org


A primary mission of the MHSAA’s 100-year anniversary has been to connect today’s athletes, administrators, coaches, game officials and spectators with their roles in the ever-growing story of school sports in Michigan.

Indeed, together, we are the MHSAA.

Over the last 10 months and with today’s 44th and final installment, our “Century of School Sports” series also has sought to tell a deeper and more detailed story of how the MHSAA has arrived at this moment. As our work becomes new with the start of every school year, and with every family experiencing educational athletics for the first time, it’s a story that must always be updated, expanded and retold.

But at the heart of most organizations is a fundamental statement. So to close this celebration, we below break down what is literally the “About” of the MHSAA – as we prepare to build on these values in adding to our story again and again during the century to come.

The MHSAA is a private, not-for-profit corporation …

Although the MHSAA has built a thriving relationship with the Michigan Department of Education over the last many decades – and, in fact, the state superintendent or designee has a non-voting position on the Representative Council – the MHSAA also has maintained its autonomy since its start and even before, as a legislative takeover attempt of the former Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Association led to the MHSAA’s formation in December 1924.

The MHSAA was first incorporated in 1972 and is classified as a 501(c)(3) organization. In the most basic terms, as a non-profit corporation the MHSAA must reinvest all revenue it receives back into its mission of administering school sports. Put another way, whatever money the MHSAA makes must be spent to conduct its tournament events and the several other educational, leadership, etc., programs the MHSAA provides for students, coaches, officials and others who contribute to educational athletics.

… of voluntary membership …

Through their boards of education, member schools voluntarily join the MHSAA each and every year, vowing by formal school board resolution to abide by and enforce the MHSAA’s rules for educational athletics. Membership is optional; schools may conduct a complete program of interscholastic athletics and may participate against MHSAA member schools in regular-season competition without joining the MHSAA. But the great majority of high schools in Michigan approve that membership annually.

… by more than 1,500 public and private senior high schools and junior high/middle schools …

Over the last several years, the MHSAA has counted about 750 high schools and 800 junior high or middle schools, or elementary schools with 6th-grader participation, among its membership. For 2024-25, those totals were 754 high schools, 777 junior high/middle schools and 63 elementary schools with participating sixth graders.

… which exists to develop common rules for athletic eligibility and competition.

This drove the original formation of school sports associations across the nation going back to the late 1800s, including the Michigan State Teachers Association’s first inroad into athletic administration in 1895. The MHSAA Handbook, updated annually with rules and other changes voted upon by the Representative Council, is the rulebook for all MHSAA member schools – public and nonpublic – with rules for general topics like student eligibility but also specific to each sport to regulate scheduling and other intricacies.

No government funds or tax dollars support the MHSAA …

In maintaining that independence noted above, the MHSAA receives no funding from local, state or federal governments. The MHSAA’s income is derived primarily from ticket sales at postseason events, with smaller portions from sponsors and advertising, officials and coaches education registration fees – and again, with all money brought in by the MHSAA going back into those tournament events and programs to support students, athletic directors, coaches and officials.

… which was the first such association nationally to not accept membership dues or tournament entry fees from schools.

These have long been points of pride for the MHSAA; membership remains and has been completely free since the mid-1940s, after the end of World War II, and member schools may enter MHSAA Tournaments for free.

Member schools which enforce these rules are permitted to participate in MHSAA tournaments …

In adopting and upholding MHSAA rules as their own, school districts agree to promote a standard of competitive equity necessary to keep MHSAA Tournament events fair for all involved.

… which attract more than 1.4 million spectators each year.

Over the last 35 years, attendance at MHSAA Tournament events has reached at least 1.1 million spectators annually (not counting the COVID-affected 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years), with a high of 1.68 million during the 2005-06 school year. Attendance during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years began climbing again toward 1.5 million spectators, those last two years’ ticket totals ranking among the highest over the last 15.

School sports have a massive footprint in Michigan, which has a population just above 10 million residents. Sure, attendance figures likely count the same spectators several times – the same person might buy tickets for several rounds of several sports over the course of a school year – but a one-to-one comparison using athlete totals also is powerful.

Conservatively, Michigan has at least 160,000 high school athletes. Add in parents of those athletes, grandparents, other relatives with significant interest, and that’s a huge block – let’s say at least 5 percent of the state’s population have some current tie to the athletes playing at the local high school. That’s not even covering athletes at MHSAA junior highs and middle schools, coaches and athletic directors at all levels, and more than 8,000 game officials who make those contests possible. And our groups of athletes are rolling over at least every four years, meaning many tens of thousands more have had at least recent direct contact as participants in our programs.

The MHSAA always has provided opportunities to compete and win championships, but more importantly to learn life lessons gleaned from simply taking part in the process.  

This work is important; its impact is significant. And just as our predecessors surely felt beginning this endeavor 100 years ago, we remain eager and enthused to play our part.

Celtic band On The Lash up next in Kentwood Summer Concert Series; July 10

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Local Entertainment, Music, Recreation, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , ,
Celtic band On The Lash to perform at Kentwood Summer Concert Series. (Photo Courtesy, On The Lash)



By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org



The sweet sound of traditional Celtic music will create an atmosphere of Saint Patrick’s Day in the middle of summer as the Kentwood Summer Concert Series welcomes On The Lash to the stage Thursday night.


The band features traditional Irish/Scottish music that it personalizes with its original voices. On The Lash not only provides new takes on classical Irish songs and Celtic music, but also features original songs in the traditional Irish/Scottish standards.


This Thursday’s concert is set to begin at 7 p.m. and last until 8:30 on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. It also will be Bike Night at the Kentwood Farmers Market as local bike organizations are featured. There also will be food trucks on hand and concertgoers are encouraged to come early and check out the Farmers Market next door from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.


Kentwood Farmers Market. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



This week’s concert will have you in the mood to drink some Cream Ale or Stout while listening to some relaxing Celtic melodies.


On The Lash provides a local flavor to the Celtic music it plays as the band, which has been together for three years, is comprised of former Western Michigan University students who have West Michigan roots.


“We’ve been together for three years as a band, but we’ve known each other for a decade,” said John Robey. “We met in college at Western Michigan where we were all music majors. I grew up playing Irish and Scottish music and a couple of the other members also played this type of music.”


Robey plays the fiddle in the band which also includes Patrick Harson on guitar, Joel Myers, mandolin, and Elizabeth June, vocals and flute.


“Eizabeth is the star,” Robey said.


The band performs year-round, but is at its busiest during March, November and December. They play at concert venues during the fall and winter months and venture to outdoor festivals during the summer and early fall.


“We play a very exciting blend of classical Irish and Scottish music,” Myers said. “We play some covers of Irish and Scottish-style songs and we also have our own original music.”


Along with their performances, the band also spreads their knowledge of traditional Celtic music throughout the community.


“We also do a fair amount of work with schools teaching Irish/Scottish music and putting on workshops,” Robey said. “We like teaching Irish/Scottish music and presenting it to newcomers who want to know more about it.”


The group is excited about the upcoming show in Kentwood and looks forward to performing the Irish/Scottish variety of music to this week’s concertgoers.


“We are looking forward to playing in Kentwood,” Myers said. “It will be a really fun show. We will be playing some of the traditional staples along with some other really good Irish/Scottish music. We will also be playing some of our own songs. We bring a lot of energy and the people at the show will have a good time.”


The band will play some covers of some of the traditional Irish jigs and reels and also will cover some traditional Irish/Scottish bands of the 1970’s and 80’s including Silly Wizard, a Scottish folk band that formed in Edinburgh in 1970. Silly Wizard was one of the more popular Scottish folk bands of the 1970’s and 80’s.


On The Lash also will do some covers of The Paul McKenna Band, which is one of the top folk bands to come out of Scotland in the last 20 years.


To get a taste of what On The Lash has to offer the band has just released their first album currently available on Spotify. The five-song album is called Fireside and a preview can be found on the band’s website onthelashband.com.


Most of the music on the album is from the traditional Irish heritage that is the primary influence of the band. 

Kentwood Police investigate stabbing at City Line Apartments July 5

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, First Responders, Hard News, Kent County, West Michigan, ,
Courtesy, Kentwood Police Department


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

The Kentwood Police Department responded to a stabbing at City Line Apartments near the intersection of S. Division Ave./52nd St. on Saturday, July 5.

A male victim was located nearby with a serious, but non-life-threatening stab wound to the leg. He was treated at a local hospital. The female suspect was later located nearby and was taken into custody without incident. She was lodged at the Kent County Jail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6600. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.

Mel Trotter Ministries partners with Catherine’s Health Center to expand clinic services to shelter guests

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Going Local, Health, Kent County, Local Business, medical moment, Mental Health, Our Cities, West Michigan, , , , , , , , ,
Catherine’s Health Center CEO Megan Erskine (left) shaking hands with Mel Trotter CEO Chris Palusky celebrating the joint partnership to operate a full-service medical clinic at Mel Trotter Ministries (Courtesy, Mel Trotter Ministries)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Mel Trotter Ministries, the largest provider of services to people experiencing homelessness in West Michigan, announced an expansion of its partnership with Catherine’s Health Center. This expansion will result in increased health clinic services for guests staying at Mel Trotter’s shelter at 225 Commerce SW in Grand Rapids.

Catherine’s is now offering full-time medical care at Mel Trotter Ministries. This new partnership will provide 40 hours per week of comprehensive primary care services to guests, with plans to expand access to the broader Heartside community by early 2026.

Mishel Pollard of Catherine’s Health Center standing in the hallway at the full-service medical clinic (Courtesy, Mel Trotter Ministries)

The clinic will serve as a “medical home” for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering walk-in appointments and a full spectrum of services including substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), immunizations, screenings, well-child visits, diagnostic lab services, chronic disease management, and referrals to specialty care.

Additional care

In addition to primary care, Catherine’s will provide:

  • 16 hours per week of dental hygiene services
  • 4 hours per week of psychiatric care
  • 40 hours per week of case management support

The entrance to the full-service clinic at Mel Trotter Ministries (Courtesy, Mel Trotter Ministries)

Bringing integrated services to the community

“We are grateful to Mel Trotter Ministries and their generous partners and donors for laying the foundation for this model of care,” said Megan Erskine, CEO at Catherine’s Health Center. “Their commitment over the past four years…has made it possible for us to expand our place-based care model and bring full-time, integrated services to this community.”

Catherine’s Health Center staff working in the full-service medical clinic. Left to right: Ollie Irwin, Mishel Pollard, Bettie DeChemin (Courtesy, Mel Trotter Ministries)

Catherine’s has spent the last three years delivering healthcare directly to the unhoused in shelters, churches and encampments. The new clinic represents the next evolution of this work, complemented by a mobile medical van that will continue to provide outreach and services across the region.

“We’re extremely pleased to expand our relationship with Catherine’s Health Center so that we can deliver the best possible care to our guests,” said Chris Palusky, CEO at Mel Trotter Ministries.

“When our renovated clinic space opened two years ago, it was our goal to provide services that healed the body and the spirit of those in need of assistance. This new service agreement will help us do that by bringing a more complete spectrum of care for anyone coming to our shelter.”

Tammy Morgan of Catherine’s Health Center working in an exam room at the full-service medical clinic (Courtesy, Mel Trotter Ministries)

The initiative goal is to provide personalized and dignified care to guests while reducing non-urgent emergency department visits and unnecessary hospitalizations. Ultimately, leaders at Mel Trotter Ministries and Catherine’s Health Center believe that improved physical and mental health outcomes will enhance housing opportunities and stability for individuals trapped in the cycle of homelessness.

Stay tuned!

The clinic expects to open its doors to anyone experiencing homelessness starting in October. An open house at the clinic is planned for Oct. 22.

To view Catherine’s Health Center upcoming events, click here.

A fun, eventful July planned for the City of Kentwood

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Kids Activities, Local Food, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,
(Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)




By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org


Kentwood’s Fourth of July Celebration kicks off a fun, eventful month. Be sure to check out all these cool upcoming events in July!








Celebrate the Fourth of July on Friday with a full day of activities.

  • 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. – Pancake Breakfast at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE.
  • 8 a.m. – 5K Race and Fun Walk at City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
  • 9:30 a.m. – Parade following this route.
  • 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Carnival with rides and games for all ages at City Hall. Wristbands for the carnival will be available for purchase Wednesday, July 2, until Thursday, July 3 for $20 at City Hall and the Kentwood Activities Center.
  • 4 to 10 p.m. – Evening Celebration at City Hall with community booths, food trucks, a beer tent and live music – all leading up to FIREWORKS at DUSK.

Community members are encouraged to bring credit and debit cards to the event since all activities and many vendors are cashless. Find all the details, including parking and volunteer information, at kentwood.us/July4.


“Our Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments begin planning months in advance to make Kentwood’s Fourth of July Celebration a memorable event for all,” Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “From the morning pancake breakfast to the evening fireworks, this celebration is a great opportunity for our community to come together, have fun and honor the holiday.”

Check out the Kentwood Summer Concert Series Lineup for July
From 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 14 there is live music from local bands. Bring a blanket or chair and watch the performances on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.

Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Food trucks will be on-site with food and beverages for purchase each week. Concertgoers may also bring their own food and beer or wine. Get there early and explore the Kentwood Farmers Market from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall.




July’s lineup includes four performances:
July 10 – On the Lash, performing traditional Celtic music. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Los Pinches Tacos and Dakiddd Bar-B-Que & Catering.
July 17 – Sunchaser, a five-piece band playing rock, country, blues, R&B and more. Food trucks include Taquero Mucho, Falafel Truck, Boujee Bowls and Taste of Toya’s World.
July 24 – Grupo Fierro, performing energetic norteño and tejano music. Food trucks include Kory’s Antojitos, Around Baking Company, Frostbite Shaved Ice and Patty Matters.
July 31 – Roosevelt Diggs, performing a blend of folk, country, bluegrass, blues and more. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Tamales Mary, Sweet Racks & Smokin’ Butts BBQ and Dolce Mini Cakes.
Please note: There’s no concert or Farmers Market on July 3. For more information about the concerts, go to Kentwood.us/MarketsAndMusic.

Shop Local at the Kentwood Farmers Market through Aug. 21
The 11th season of the Kentwood Farmers Market runs through Aug. 21. You can find fresh produce, baked goods, tea, craft items and more from a variety of local vendors from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Thursday behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Food trucks also are on-site each week.

Get the latest updates from the Kentwood Farmers Market Facebook page.


Kentwood Farmers Market. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


Summer Food Programs

Free lunches for children and some adults are available again this summer through Kent District Library’s Gather 2 Grow program, a partnership with Feeding America West Michigan. Kids ages 0-18 and individuals who are younger than age 26 and have a disability can enjoy a nutritious lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday through Aug. 29 at KDL – Kentwood (Richard L. Root), 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Learn more at kdl.org/lunch.


In addition, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is starting its annual SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program, providing eligible households with $120 per child to purchase nutritious groceries. This initiative ensures kids have access to healthy food while school is out, bridging a gap in food security for thousands of kids in Michigan. Learn more and apply here.


The Kent District Library (KDL) Kentwood Branch Library. (WKTV)

Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Events
The Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch will offer a variety of programs this month, including:
KDL Lab Experience: Creature Power: Thursday, July 3, 10-11 a.m. Explore the amazing world of creatures big and small as we dive into fun animal activities.
Ruff Readers: Tuesday, July 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This unique read-aloud program in partnership with West Michigan Therapy Dogs Inc. pairs kids with a trained therapy dog and their handler. Kids read their favorite book and the pooches curl up, listen and enjoy.
Eric Litwin – Pete the Cat Family Concert: Tuesday, July 15, 10-11 a.m. Join Eric Litwin, the original author of the “Pete the Cat” series as well as the author of “The Nuts and Groovy Joe,” for a groovy time of song singing, guitar strumming and picture taking.
Chasing the Aurora Below the 45th Parallel: What It Takes to Catch the Northern Lights: Tuesday, July 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join Melissa Kaelin, founder of Michigan Aurora Chasers and author of “Beyond the 45th Parallel,” to discover how to view the northern lights. Learn how an aurora is created and the best methods for predicting an aurora display.


Also, check out KDL’s Author Talks, online conversations in which authors of interesting, popular, informative and compelling books share more about their work, their writing process and the things that inspire them. These conversations are led by passionate readers from the Library Speakers Consortium, and they offer a chance for attendees to ask questions about their favorite authors and topics. Learn more at kdl.org/authortalks. Find a full list of KDL events at kdl.org


Home Lead Inspections
Get ahead of lead: Homeowners who live in a home built before 1978 can get free paint, dust and soil lead testing through Kent County Community Action. Learn more and apply for the Kent County Lead Evaluation and Reduction program by visiting gettingaheadoflead.com/kclear.

Kentwood Police investigate shooting Wednesday at Jaycee Park

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Hard News, Kent County, West Michigan, ,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The Kentwood Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at 4:47 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at Jaycee Park (1088 Gentian Dr. SE).

Upon arrival, officers located shell casings, along with damage to a vehicle. At this time no injuries were reported, and no suspects have been arrested.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-656-6580.  Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.  

Hark Up Horns brings Fun in the Sun sound Thursday to Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series

City of Kentwood, Kent County, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, ,
Hark Up Horns to perform next in the Kentwood Summer Concert Series Thursday night. (Courtesy Photo)


By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


Does the recent 90-degree heat have you in the mood for the beach? If so, then Thursday’s performance at the Kentwood Summer Concert Series will help achieve that mindset.

Hark Up Horns, featuring their Fun in the Sun Band, will bring plenty of summer-type, beach music Thursday to the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall. The concert runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Along with the concert, food trucks will be on hand and the Kentwood Farmers Market will have plenty of vendors offering a wide variety of products. Concertgoers are encouraged to come early for the Farmers Market next door in the parking lot behind City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.


Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


This week’s concert will have you feeling like you’re at the beach as Hark Up Horn’s Fun in the Sun Band brings an upbeat, summertime sound that’ll have concertgoers getting involved.

“Our Fun in the Sun Band plays all kinds of summertime music,” said Chris Hansen, Executive Director and Founder of Hark Up Horns. “We will have a lot of music from the 60s, 70s and 80s along with some new stuff. It will be a lot of summer-type music and it will be all pop-type music.”


Hark Up Horns. (Photo Courtesy, Hark Up Horns)



The band will have concertgoers in a beach-type frame of mind with many of their summer songs.

“We have a Beach Boys medley,” Hansen said. “We also do some Beatles covers and some Paul Simon tunes. We will have some swing and pop-type stuff. It will be a lot of things that will get the people up and dancing to the music.”

The Fun in the Sun Band is one of several bands that are part of the Hark Up Music lineup that has been entertaining music lovers around West Michigan since the 1990s.

Hark Up is a faith-based music organization made up of skilled, West Michigan talent. They provide a diverse collection of programming suited for both private and community-centered events the year round. Hark Up has access to over 200 experienced, local musicians and is able to provide the perfect music for every occasion. From Sunday morning worship to community festivals and even small parties, Hark Up works with people to create an ideal musical experience.

“We have really been pushing to play more of the local, community events during the past four or five years,” Hansen said. “I’m not sure we have played Kentwood before, but we have played Walker and we used to play at the East Grand Rapids Fourth of July celebration and now we do the Fourth of July in Ada. We just did a show in Grandville and have one coming up in Hopkins so we get around a lot in West Michigan.”

The band encourages audience participation and does more than just play music to get concertgoers involved.

“We bring hula hoops and have a hula hoop contest,” Hansen said. “We also have a limbo pole and a twist contest. We also play the Macarena and get the people involved in that. We like to have a lot of audience participation.”

The group usually has a four-piece rhythm section, a four-piece horn section and from four to six vocalists. 

Hark Up also is a non-profit 501c3 music and arts ministry that operates on a volunteer basis made possible by sponsors and donors whose aim is to share the power of music throughout West Michigan.

Metro Cruise 2025 June-September Event Schedule

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Dream Wheels, Going Local, Kent County, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , ,
(Courtesy photo)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org






June 26 – Thursday

Car Show @ Church of the Open Barn, 6421 56th Ave., Hudsonville

(More info to follow)

June 29 – Sunday

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Antique Car & Tractor Show

The Saint Patrick Parnell Festival, 4351 Parnell Ave NE, Ada

For questions, call 616-206-7093

July 4 – Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Allendale 4th of July Car Show

Allendale Township Park, Lake MI Drive & 68th Street

$10 entry fee

Dash plaques to the first 100 / 17 awards

Food available

July 5 – Saturday 8 a.m – 2 p.m.

Ninth Annual Heykoop Veteran Memorial Car Show

Hot Rod Harley Davidson, 149 Shoreline Dr., Muskegon

Gates open at 8 a.m. (Enter via the driveway off Western Ave (to the east of Hot Rod, off Shoreline Drive)

$10 pre-registration or $20 on event day

Food trucks, Seven award categories, 50/50 and 60/40 raffles

July 5 – Saturday, 10 a.m.

Patriots Motor Show and Festival

Chief Noonday Car Park, 11899 M-179, Yankee Springs in Wayland

July 6 – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Living in Freedom Car Show

New Chapel Church, 1029 4 Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids

No entry fee

Free food, etc.

Awards and ribbons given for Best in Show and Top 10 – arrive between 10 – 10:45 a.m. for placing

July 12 – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Miss Metro Cruise Meet and Greet & Car Show

Moose Lodge in Wyoming

July 12 – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Registration 8 – 9 a.m.

Annual Zeeland Show & Shine Car Show

Downtown Zeeland on Main Street

$10 entry fee

July 11, Friday evening cruise from 6-7 p.m. Line up at Zeeland Stadium, 9900 Riley St, between 5-6 p.m.

July 12 – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cars and Coffee Grand Rapids

Downtown Ada Village, 7430 River St. SE, Ada

Register online / Registration opens June 16

July 13 – Sunday

Mad Dogs and Englishmen All-British Car Show

At the Gilmore

July 17-20 – Thursday-Sunday

Road America Weather Tech Vintage Weekend

July 20 – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Fiesta Car Show

Holland Civic Center, 150 W. 8th St., Holland

$25 entry (cash)

Food truck and entertainment

Best of Show Award $1,000 / Additional Awards

July 23 – Wednesday, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Vintage, Classic and Muscle Car Show

Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 1286 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland

Free “Elvis” concert

No awards

No entry fee (see below)

Driver and one passenger free, additional guests $5 at gate

July 26 – Saturday, 1 p.m.

Tillema Auto Car Show

2437 Prescott St SW, Byron Center (near 84th & Byron Center, upper parking lot of First Reformed Church)

$10 fee

Music, food and games

July 27 – Sunday, 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Coast Guard Festival Car Show

Downtown Grand Haven on Washington Avenue

Parking opens at 6 a.m.

Early registration $12 / Day-of $15

Awards 1:30 p.m.

Aug. 3 – Sunday, 4-7 p.m.

Pinups for Pups & Car Show

The Dirty Dog Bar & Grill

2411 Hall Rd, Muskegon

Aug. 8 – Friday, 5-8 p.m. (Check-in 3 – 4:30 p.m.)

MKD Classic Car Show

At the Grandville Summer Street Fare

Downtown Grandville on Chicago Drive

Registration $10 – Find the registration form online and reserve a spot

Aug. 9 – Saturday, 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. / Pre-Registration open until July 31)

Coopersville Car Show

Pancake breakfast 7-10 a.m. at City Hall, 289 Danforth $7

Awards at 3 p.m.

(Car cruise Friday evening: Line up at 4 p.m. at 68th and O’Malley Drive)

Aug. 9 – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cars and Coffee Grand Rapids

Downtown Ada Village, 7430 River St SE, Ada

Register online beginning July 13

Aug. 9 – Saturday, 10 a.m.

Sparta Celtic Car Show

Balyeat Field, 190 Olmstead St., Sparta

$15 entry fee

Aug. 12 – Tuesday, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Second Annual Car Show

Berlin Raceway, 2008 Berlin Fair Dr., Marne

$10 entry

Awards 7 p.m.

(No vehicle entry between 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

Aug. 21 – Thursday, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

15th Annual Metro Cruise Warm-up

Fowling Warehouse, 6797 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids.

Parking is first come, first serve

Check in at registration desk upon arrival

Live music, food, K9 display, etc.

Aug. 22 – 23 – Friday & Saturday

28th Street Metro Cruise, MAIN EVENT

Rogers Plaza, 972 28th Street SW, Wyoming

Begins at 9 a.m. Saturday

Check schedule online, including Woodland Mall events

Aug. 23 – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

All GM Show

Berger Chevrolet, 2525 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids

Free T-shirt and Hat to the first 400 entries

$20 per entry

Food trucks and donuts available

Aug. 24 – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Outdoor service at 10 a.m.)

Countryfest Cruise-in Car Show

Grace Lutheran Church, 2651 Shettler Rd, Fruitport

No entry fees or fundraising

Food and games available

For more info, call Tony at 231-740-7282

Sept. 1 – Monday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Muskegon Annual Cars for Cancer, Labor Day Car Show & Sunday Night Cruise

The Lakes Mall, 5500 Harvey Street

Pancake breakfast 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Registration 7-11 a.m.

Voting 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Awards 3 p.m.

Sept. 20 – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Star Customs Fall Festival Car Show, 29 N. Main St, Kent City

$15 fee

Awards 4-4:30 p.m.

Door prizes, food trucks, entertainment

Sept. 20 – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cars and Coffee Grand Rapids

Artiflex Manufacturing, 2066 Bristol Ave NW, Grand Rapids

Register online

Registration opens Aug. 12

Sept. 21 – Sunday, 3-5 p.m. (Rain date Sept. 28)

Car Show & Little Kids Car Show, 2537 S. Stone Rd, Fremont

$10 fee

Awards 4:30 p.m. – Top ten and best of show original and modified

Sept. 28 – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Poker Run Car Show & Color Tour

Montcalm Township Complex, 1880 S. Greenville Rd (7 miles north of Greenville on M-91)

The Poker run is less than 55 miles

Awards to top 80, dash plaques to first 200

Food, door prizes, raffle

For info call Bruce at 616-835-3793

Kentwood Summer Concert Series features Motherland House Concerts tonight at 7 behind City Hall

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, ,
Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


Up tonight in the Kentwood Summer Concert Series is Motherland House Concerts, who will bring the vibrant sounds of Africa to the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall.

The concert runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. behind City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.

Along with the concert, food trucks will be on hand and the Kentwood Farmers Market will be a celebration of Kentwood culture with colorful textiles, savory spices and more. The Market takes place next door in the parking lot behind City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. 


(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


Concert goers will be in for a musical and cultural treat with the performance from Motherland House Concerts. The group is a collection of vocalists and instrumentalists from across the world who come together to give concertgoers a taste of the music from around the world. 

The idea for the group came from Mirabel Umenei (Myra Maimoh), a vocalist with the group and also the founder and CED of Motherland Cultural Connections.

Umene, originally from Cameroon, immigrated to the United States in 2011. After getting her Masters Degree in West Virginia, she then moved to Grand Rapids where she pursued her dream of performing her blend of music and storytelling from her background in Cameroon.

Umenei got her break when she was able to perform at the former Rising Grinds Café on Madison Ave. and Hall in Grand Rapids.

“They were hosting house concerts and that is where I got my big break,” Umenei said. “People liked the mix of singing and storytelling and eventually the crowds became big enough that we ran out of space and needed to find a larger venue.”

Umenei came up with the idea of the group out of necessity as both an immigrant and a newcomer to the music scene in the Grand Rapids area.

Group founded in 2016

“We started the group in 2016,” Umenei said. “I came to Grand Rapids and was looking for avenues to perform and showcase my music. I looked around and accessed the situation. Like other immigrants, I was new to the area and had no idea where to get started.”

From there, the group grew with different artists and a multitude of different backgrounds getting together in the group and bringing their styles and skills to the group.

“We have many different nationalities,” Umenei said. “We have artists from Kenya, the two Congos, Ghana, Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Taiwan and other countries.”

Not only are the members from a variety of countries, but the music they bring to the group covers a vast spectrum along with specific music from the variety of countries the group members represent.


“We have different vocalists and instrumentalists,” Umenei said. “We have musicians from different styles and different genres. At the end of the day it gives our audience a great musical experience.”

Along with music, the group also includes storytelling and shares stories and elements of the different countries members of the group originated from.

“Our goal is to educate and have fun”

“When we perform our goal is to educate and have fun,” Umenei said. “Our focus is on the storytelling and music. I’m very proud of how far we have come as a group and I’m also very thankful for the support from the community and the people who come to our shows.”

“More meaningful night on Juneteenth”

This week’s show is taking place on Juneteenth, and that makes Thursday’s show all the more meaningful.

“It is a day that all of us can celebrate,” Umenei said. “We can celebrate the great progress made by immigrants from Africa, African-Americans and Africans that have been living in America for hundreds of years. It’s a day we can celebrate all our different cultures It’s a day we can learn about each other and share our culture. We want to heal hearts and bring joy and healing to the community.”   

Kentwood Police respond to shooting in 200 Block of 48th St. Wednesday morning

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, First Responders, Kent County, Police and Fire, West Michigan, ,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

Kentwood Police Officers were dispatched to a potential shooting in the 200 block of 48th St. at 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 18.

During the investigation it was determined that an altercation between a 19-year-old male and 17-year-old female subject took place. The male suspect fired one round at the female which did not strike her, and then fled the scene. Several hours later the male suspect contacted and met with Kentwood Police Department Detectives. He has since been lodged at Kent County Correctional Facility on related charges. No injuries were reported and there is not an ongoing threat to the public.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.

Consumers Energy crews prepare for severe weather and statewide extreme heat

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Weather, West Michigan, , ,
(Photo Courtesy, pxhere.com)

By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


With summer heat on the rise and forecasts calling for the potential of severe weather, Consumers Energy has mobilized and begun to position over 485 crews to respond.

“We know how challenging summer weather can be, from heatwaves to sudden storms,” said David Hicks, one of Consumers Energy’s officers in charge for the storm event. “Our crews are ready, and our systems are being monitored around the clock. We will work as quickly and safely as possible to restore any service interruptions.”

Yesterday the company began moving trucks and essential materials, as well as mobile storm units that can move supplies closer to crews, in the areas expected to be hardest hit, including Jackson, Flint, and Grand Rapids. Along with hundreds of crews from Consumers Energy, contract crews from our Midwest partner energy companies have been called in to help.


Severe thunderstorms with the possibility of large hail, damaging winds and tornados are expected to impact much of the southern lower peninsula throughout the evening and into Thursday morning. This weekend, extreme heat is in the forecast statewide. In preparation for the high temperatures and storms, Consumers Energy urges the public to keep these tips in mind:

Storm Safety Tips

  • Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines, and to report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
  • Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Read more guidance on safe generator use here.
  • Be alert to crews working along roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely can go past workers on roadsides.
  • Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, clean-up of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners. 
  • In some cases, the mast that holds the electric service wires to a home or business may have been damaged or torn away. Crews will reconnect the wires to a home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable.

High Temperature Tips

*Make sure to drink lots of water on days leading up to hot weather. Always have fresh water by you while working and playing and avoid drinks with high sugar or caffeine. Being hydrated helps prevent heat-related illness as well as strains and sprains.
*Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, breathable clothing that covers exposed skin.
*When it’s hot, it’s never safe to leave children or pets in a vehicle while it’s parked — even with a window open. Vehicles can reach dangerously hot temperature very quickly. To be cautious, always check to make sure no one is in the car when you leave it.
*If you have to be outside, try to find areas of shade to keep yourself cool from the sun. As a general rule of thumb, it’s better to be outside in the morning and evening times when it’s coolest.

If your home is uncomfortably hot due to no air conditioning, there are public places you can stay cool such as local libraries, shopping malls and community centers. There may even be public cooling centers by you. To find them visit mi211.org and search “cooling centers” with your zip code.

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job No. 1 is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. 

Kentwood announces Fourth of July Celebration schedule; All-ages event includes a full day of activities on Friday, July 4

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Holidays, Kent County, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , ,
City of Kentwood Fourth of July Celebration, 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood is inviting community members of all ages to join its Fourth of July celebration on Friday, July 4. 

The annual event includes a full day of activities for all ages and interests, including a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, carnival, fireworks show, and more. Community members are encouraged to bring credit and debit cards since all activities and vendors are cashless.

“Our Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments begin planning months in advance to make Kentwood’s Fourth of July Celebration a memorable event for all,” Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “From the morning pancake breakfast to the evening fireworks, this celebration is a great opportunity for our community to come together, have fun and honor the holiday.”

The day starts with a pancake breakfast at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE. The breakfast takes place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and costs $5 per person. It’s free for ages 3 and younger.


City of Kentwood Fourth of July Celebration, 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

The 5K race and fun walk begins at 8 a.m., with the start and finish at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE. The route takes participants through nearby neighborhoods and across a portion of the East West Trail. For the safety of all participants, roller skates, dogs and bicycles will not be allowed on the course. All finishers will receive a medal.



At 9:30 a.m., the parade begins at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE. The parade travels south on Walma Avenue to Breton Avenue, turns north at the roundabout, heads east on 44th Street and ends at Crestwood Middle School.

Carnival rides, games and prizes

City of Kentwood Fourth of July Celebration, 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

From 10:30 to 2:30 p.m., community members can head over to City Hall for a carnival featuring rides, games, prizes and more. Individual tickets cost $1 each, and the number of tickets needed for each attraction varies.

Wristbands for carnival rides also will be available for $20 at the event and in advance Wednesday, July 2 through Thursday, July 3 at City Hall and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. City Hall is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. The Kentwood Activities Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday.

The day concludes with an evening celebration at City Hall from 4 to 10 p.m. that features community booths, a beer tent, food trucks, live music and fireworks. There will be musical performances by Signal Trip, Simply in Time and Par-llo Connection.

The fireworks show begins at dusk and is visible from City Hall and surrounding areas.



City of Kentwood Fourth of July Celebration, 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



A section of Walma Avenue near City Hall from Fire Station 1 to the roundabout will be closed all day to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and take part in the activities. A section of Breton Avenue in front of the library to the roundabout will be closed for the fireworks display. It will close 15 minutes before the show and reopen 30 minutes after the fireworks are done. The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on-site to help direct traffic.

The event’s diamond sponsor is Macatawa Bank, and the gold sponsors are Bloom Sluggett, PC, DTE Foundation, Lacks Enterprises, Metronet, MCSA Group Inc., MSU Federal Credit Union, Sabo PR, Spark 43 Architects and Triangle Construction Inc. The silver sponsors are Arie Nol Auto Center, Moonlight Graphics Inc. and Wolverine Building Group, and the copper sponsors are The Joint Chiropractic, Kent County Health Department and Renewal by Andersen.

The City is seeking 5K runners, parade participants and volunteers for the day’s events. Learn more and sign up at kentwood.us/4thofJuly.

That Beatles Thing up next in Kentwood Summer Concert Series; 7 p.m. Tonight behind City Hall

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Kent County, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, ,


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


Up next on stage for Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series is That Beatles Thing at 7 p.m. tonight on the lawn behind City Hall. 

Come celebrate the timeless music of the Beatles tonight behind City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase. The Summer Concert Series features a local music group on Thursdays, June 5 through Aug. 14 (except July 3) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Kentwood Farmers Market
The Farmers Market runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays from June 5 through Aug. 21 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. There will be no Farmers Market and concert Thursday, July 3.

Kentwood Farmers Market. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


“Our Farmers Markets and Summer Concert Series have become community favorites for neighbors, friends and families to come together for food, fun and festivities,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “From local vendors and themed farmers markets to live music and delicious food trucks, there’s something for everyone at our Farmers Markets and Summer Concert Series.”

The Farmers Market offers a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20-plus local vendors and include special activities throughout the summer. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, EBT and Double Up Food Bucks. The market’s season harvest sponsor is Renewal by Anderson, the artisan sponsor is Corewell Health and the friend of the market is Arie Nol Auto Center.

A new addition to this year’s June Farmers Markets is a free Zumba class from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. at the concert stage.

Here’s the summer lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:

  • June 12 – Art at the Market at the Farmers Market, featuring an opportunity to create a work of art using produce to create a painting. That Beatles Thing performing Beatles covers. Food trucks include El Globo Restaurant Mobile, Scott’s Pig Roast, Kool Breze, Media Famous Street Foods and Luna Bella’s.
  • June 19 – Celebrate Kentwood Culture at the Farmers Market with colorful textiles, savory spices and more. Motherland House Concerts bringing the vibrant sounds of Africa. Food trucks include Pilar’s Empanadas Argentinas, YoChef’s Catering Company, Cheezy Duz-It and Dune Buggy.
  • June 26 – Produce Bingo at the Farmers Market. Hark Up Horns performing jazz, swing, pop and rock. Food trucks include Baerrito, La Rotisserie, Sanse Filpino Cuisine and Freddy Franks.
  • July 10 – Bike Night at the Farmers Market featuring local bike organizations. On the Lash performing traditional Celtic music. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Los Pinches Tacos and Dakiddd Bar-B-Que and Catering.
  • July 17 – Backyard Barbeque and farm-fresh goodies at the Farmers Market. Sunchaser Band, a five-piece band playing rock, country, blues, R&B and more. Food trucks include Taquero Mucho, Falafel Truck, Boujee Bowls and Taste of Toya’s World.
  • July 24 – Christmas in July at the Farmers Market, featuring holiday-themed goods. Fierro, performing energetic norteño and tejano music. Food trucks include Kory’s Antojitos, Around Baking Company, Frostbite Shaved Ice and Patty Matters.
  • July 31 – Fitness Fun at the Farmers Market featuring a quick HIITER demonstration. Roosevelt Diggs performing a blend of folk, country, bluegrass, blues and more. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Tamales Mary, Sweet Racks and Smokin’ Butts BBQ and Dolce Mini Cakes.
  • Aug. 7 – Throwback Thursday at the Farmers Market with a chance to win a prize for best dressed. RocknSoul performing covers of songs from the 1970s and ’80s. Food trucks include Dune Buggy, Taqueria Mi Pueblo MI, 616 Kabob Stop and Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack.
  • Aug. 14 – Back-to-School Bash at the Farmers Market, featuring a foam party, school supplies giveaway and more. Innuendo playing rock and roll covers. Food trucks include Tacos la Familia, Cheezy Duz-It, Motor Mouth MI, Kool Breze and PAC Brazilian Food.
  • Aug. 21 – Dog Days of Summer at the Farmers Market featuring more vendors and services for your furry friends. No live music, but food trucks Tacos Mexico, Taste of Toya’s World and PizzaMI will be on-site.


Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking at the following locations:

  • Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE
  • Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE
  • Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE
  • Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE

More information about the Farmers Market can be found here: KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

Additional information about the Summer Concert Series is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Flights to Detroit Lions away games available through Delta at Ford International Airport

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, Travel, West Michigan, , , ,
Delta Airlines. (Photo Courtesy, Delta Airlines)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


Detroit Lions fans will now be able to attend select away games thanks to new nonstop flights through Delta Air Lines at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

The airline announced today it will offer roundtrip tickets to five Lions away games, as well as one University of Michigan away game. Lions season tickets are sold out for 2025-2026 and single tickets are extremely limited, so the move will allow fans to more easily see their beloved team at stadiums across the country.

“We’re excited to offer these flights to fans for what we hope will be another winning season of Lions football,” Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson said. “With home games at Ford Field in high demand, our partners at Delta are making it easier than ever for West Michiganders to catch the Lions in action at five exciting away game destinations. Delta has also added a special opportunity for Wolverines to see their team at an early game in Oklahoma.

“We appreciate Delta’s continued investment in our community and can’t wait to touch down across the country for the Detroit Lions.”

Tickets are on sale at Delta.com for the full lineup, including: 

  • University of Michigan at Oklahoma, departing Sept. 5 returning Sept. 7
  • Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens, departing Sept. 22 returning Sept. 23
  • Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs, departing Oct. 11 returning Oct. 13
  • Detroit Lions at Washington Commanders, departing Nov. 8 returning Nov. 10
  • Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles, departing Nov. 15 returning Nov. 17
  • Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams, departing Dec. 12 returning Dec. 15

“From kickoff to the final down, Delta is making it easier than ever for Detroit fans to get in on the action – with new, nonstop routes in Grand Rapids and extra capacity for key games,” said Amy Martin – Vice President North America Network Planning. “We know our Michigan customers love their teams, so we have timed these flights to make it faster and easier to get them to the games that matter most.”


Delta recently expanded its connectivity at the Ford International Airport with nonstop service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) starting December 2025. It currently has four additional nonstop flights from the Ford International Airport, connecting travelers to hundreds of destinations across the world.


As the leading global airline, Delta served more than 200 million passengers in 2024 and was recently ranked the No. 1 airline on JUST Capital and CNBC.

City of Kentwood accepts donation of $10,000 from community volunteer to support Little Free Pantry

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Non-Profits, West Michigan, , ,
Dedicated community member Michael Hadding shakes Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley’s hand while donating a $10,000 check to the City’s Little Free Pantry. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The City of Kentwood has accepted a $10,000 donation to support its Little Free Pantry, which provides nonperishable food and personal care items to community members in need.

Michael Hadding, a dedicated community member and longtime supporter of Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department, donated to the Kentwood Community Foundation to help keep the shelves stocked at the Little Free Pantry.

Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

“Mike’s generosity and dedication to our community are truly inspiring,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “This donation will make a meaningful difference for many community members who rely on our Little Free Pantry.”

Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry started in 2017 to address immediate local needs. It is open to all community members year-round, offering non-perishable food and personal care items anonymously with no questions asked.  A Little Free Pantry is available at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, and at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch,4950 Breton Ave. SE.
Several donation bins are also available throughout Kentwood.

Hadding actively volunteers and participates in many Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department programs and activities, including helping to clean up litter and treat invasive plants in parks and trails and taking photos at community events. He has also been spotted shoveling snow at local school bus stops to help prevent kids from slipping or falling. Hadding was named Volunteer of the Year in 2021 for completing more than 100 volunteer hours and being involved in many Kentwood Parks and Recreation programs.

“After living in Kentwood for more than 20 years, I have seen firsthand how hard the city staff work behind the scenes – managing and operating the Little Free Pantry, helping anyone in need quietly and compassionately,” Hadding said. “This donation will help them order more food in advance, enhancing the experience for those who use the pantry.

“I wanted to give back in a way that truly helps the community that has been good to me, and this is one way I can return the favor.”

Community members interested in donating to Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry can find a list of suggested food and personal care items and a link to make a financial contribution at Kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

WKTV host Yeli Romero wins prestigious Hispanic Businessperson of the Year award

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Kent County, Local Business, Local Entertainment, West Michigan, WKTV Journal Soundbites, WKTV Journal Soundbites En Español, , ,
From Left, Guillermo Cisneros, President and CEO of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Yeli Romero, Owner of ACCESO VIP GR, holding her Hispanic Businessperson of the Year award at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala and Fundraiser May 22, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)

By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org


When Yeli Romero was 10 years old, she wore her mom’s high heels and pretended to be a boss.

“I wanted to be glamorous, walk red carpets, and inspire others,” said Romero, who dreamt of being on TV or radio as a youngster. “I used to call radio stations just to hear my name on air; it made me feel seen.

“Today, I’m proud to be that voice for others. My dream is to one day be a host on Univision.”

That young boss in her mom’s high heels grew up to accomplish many of her dreams…and much more. 



Romero recently won the Hispanic Businessperson of the Year award from the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at its Annual Awards Gala and Fundraiser held May 22. The Gala celebrates the award winners and the rich Hispanic culture in West Michigan, according to the Chamber’s Website.


“It’s a milestone that proves hard work, consistency and passion truly pay off. This award recognizes commitment to community, leadership and entrepreneurial impact. I believe my years of service in both business and media, my advocacy work, and my efforts to support underrepresented communities through bilingual media contributed to this recognition.

“When I found out I had won the Hispanic Businessperson of the Year award, I cried tears of joy,” said Romero, who graduated from Adelante High School in Grand Rapids in 2002, which has since closed. “It was an incredibly emotional moment. I felt seen, celebrated and uplifted by my community. This award isn’t just for me — it’s for every person who has supported me and every client who has believed in my work.”


Romero was nominated for this award by Deena Scianimanico, Membership and Events Manager at the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.


“I nominated Yeli Romero because she is a constant presence in our community,” Scianimanico said. “Whether she’s serving as a mistress of ceremonies, leading Zumba sessions, advocating for important causes, or conducting interviews; she is everywhere. She’s amazing on social media, with a vibrant personality and impeccable sense of style.

“I often see her at the Hispanic Chamber, providing one-on-one business coaching and actively taking advantage of the benefits we offer. She also sets aside intentional time to work on herself and her business, not just the daily grind. That kind of boundary-setting and commitment to personal growth is rare and so important. She’s an inspiration and a powerful example of how to prioritize self-development while staying deeply engaged in the community.”


Yeli Romero, Host of WKTV Soundbites en Espanol.

WKTV Soundbites en Espanol Host Yeli Romero. (Photo Courtesy, ACCESO VIP Jesus Gomez)

Her business, ACCESO VIP GR, began as a radio segment she and her husband hosted on La Mejor GR, where they conducted interviews and shared community events and business promotions, thanks, she said, to the opportunity given to them by Chuy Morales.

“Our passion for promoting businesses quickly became evident, and we realized we loved the promotional work even more than hosting,” Romero explained. “What started as a hobby became our full-time business.

“Today, ACCESO VIP is a full-service bilingual marketing company offering everything in one place: social media management, digital marketing, graphic design, photography, video production, radio, TV, newspaper advertising, and printing. The name means “VIP Access” because we believe every client and follower deserves that VIP experience.”

She created the business after seeing the need for culturally relevant marketing where Latino business owners could find all services in one trusted space, and thanks to her strong network, she was able to integrate services into customized marketing packages.

ACCESO VIP has more than 500 clients, including Independent Bank, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Puertas Abiertas, Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association, the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Meijer, the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, SpringGR, Bethany Christian Services, LAUP, Tri-Cities Puentes Initiative, Southwest Business Association, and The Other Way Ministries. 

“We help them grow their presence, amplify their mission, and connect with both Spanish- and English-speaking communities,” said Romero, who has promoted more than 3,000 events through culturally relevant marketing. 

Yeli Romero, Owner of ACCESO VIP GR, and husband Jesus Gomez.



Her team consists of her husband Jesus Gomez, along with a collaboration of talented designers, photographers and creatives. 

“And we love mentoring interns and providing them real-world marketing experiences. Many have gone on to work with larger companies, and we’re proud to have been a stepping stone in their professional journey.”

Born in Mexico, Romero moved to Grand Rapids when she was 16 years old.





“I come from a hardworking family and was raised alongside my siblings, Juan Manuel and Elivira Romero, by parents who always encouraged us to be strong and dream big,” she said. “I’m now happily married to Jesús Gómez, and we have two wonderful sons, Isaid and Jael, who are my pride and joy.”

Before launching ACCESO VIP, she worked at many different places, including as a general manager/sales person/event coordinator/radio host at 93.3 FM La Poderosa, as a sales manager/radio host/event coordinator/voice-over artist at La Mejor GR and as a radio host at Alegría Latina 92.7 FM.

“I found my passion at the La Poderosa radio station,” Romero said. “Though I started as a secretary, my role soon grew to involve more tasks, including promotional and fundraising activities. During this phase, I discovered that I enjoyed being involved with my community and the importance of being part of making an impact.”

WKTV Soundbites en Espanol Host Yeli Romero. (Photo Courtesy, ACCESO VIP Jesus Gomez)

A certified Zumba instructor since 2017, Romero teaches wellness and fitness classes. 


“I previously taught at the YMCA and for the City of Grand Rapids,” she said. “Now, I focus on private sessions for organizations and companies, including Steelcase, Rockford Construction, The Other Way Ministries and the West Michigan Hispanic Center.”

Finding time for more passions

Romero also holds many community leadership roles, including the manager of both the Southwest Business Association and Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Farmers Market, and the Wellness Advocate and Social Media Manager of Puertas Abiertas.

“I help amplify their mission, support survivors of domestic violence and trauma, and manage their online presence,” said Romero of Puertas Abiertas.


Grand Rapids Community College has played a major role in her professional and personal growth.

“I consider myself a lifelong learner,” said Romero, who’s pursuing a marketing degree at GRCC. “I love education and believe in learning something new every day.”

A personal story: Alopecia Universalis

While in high school, she was diagnosed with alopecia universalis, a condition that causes total body hair loss, including on the scalp, and a severe form of alopecia areata, “a condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles,” according to Wikipedia.

“Losing all my hair was one of the most painful experiences of my life,” Romero explains. “This started when I was still in high school. That time in my life was very stressful as an immigrant new to this country trying to finish high school away from family and friends. 

“I struggled for many years with myself and my beliefs. I suffered from bullying for many years and issues with confidence and feeling like I couldn’t share my story even with my family. Even though this was an obstacle for me, I didn’t let it stop me from learning and finding my passion. I continued to grow and find my place in the community. 

“Eventually, my confidence grew and I was finally able to share my story with my community in 2021. I kept it a secret for 19 years; even while building my businesses.

“In 2021, I decided to share my story publicly and began advocating for others. I’ve raised funds to buy wigs, taught Zumba classes without my wig (out of state), and have spoken out to educate others. I want people to know they are not alone or less worthy.

“It’s important to raise awareness: please don’t touch our heads, and be mindful when someone wears a wig; it means more than most people realize. Small acts of kindness make a big difference.”


WKTV Soundbites en Espanol Host Yeli Romero. (Photo Courtesy, ACCESO VIP Jesus Gomez)


Two more important passions

As a radio host at WYCE 88.1, where she hosts El Mundo Musical, Despertando con Yeli every Saturday morning, this positive show features Latino music, interviews, community resources and event announcements.

The other one takes place here at WKTV. As a TV host of Soundbites en Español, she informs and empowers the Latino community.

“I proposed the idea, assembled a great team, and we now cover topics like health, immigration, finances, sports, education and more.”


WKTV Soundbites en Espanol Host Yeli Romero out with the WKTV Truck. (Photo Courtesy, ACCESO VIP Jesus Gomez)


Proudest career achievement?

“Helping people feel seen.”


“When someone tells me, ‘Yeli, your show helped me do something important,’ that fills me with pride. My work is about service and connection.”

Biggest passion?

“Empowering my community,” Romero said. “Promoting access to resources. Helping women, business owners and youth believe in themselves.”

WKTV Soundbites en Espanol Host Yeli Romero out in the community. (Photo Courtesy, ACCESO VIP Jesus Gomez)

Favorite thing outside work?

“Going to the gym and relaxing in the steam room. It’s my time to reset. I believe that mental and physical health are essential to face the world. 

“I also love spending quality time with my family.”

When did I realize my strength?

“In 2009, during a St. Jude Children’s Hospital training. Watching those children fight for their lives reminded me that if they could be strong, so could I. That year, we raised $50,000 in a radio-a-thon.
 
“It changed my life.”

Ultimate dream?

“To become a national TV host on Univision, continuing to advocate for my community on a broader stage.”

Handling obstacles?

“I face them head-on; with faith, resilience and a growth mindset. If I don’t have the answer, I ask for help, find solutions and transform challenges into opportunities.


“God is a very important factor in my life. I feel like at moments in my life I lost faith, but that has made my faith even stronger because of all the opportunities he has presented to me. My family has also been an important part of my life in supporting me and encouraging me in a hard time.” 

Vehicle welfare check ends in suspect crashing into several police cruisers in Kentwood

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, West Michigan,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


A Kentwood Police welfare check of a person falling asleep while driving near 28th St. led to a short pursuit which ended with the suspect crashing and striking several police cruisers at 44th St. and Kalamazoo Ave.


The incident, which occurred at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, began as Officers responded to a welfare check and located a female driver sleeping in her car. She then fled in her vehicle immediately after being contacted by police and the short pursuit ended in the suspect crashing. The driver was taken to a local hospital and then lodged at the Kent County Correctional facility. Other drivers involved in the accident were checked for minor injuries while at the scene.  

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.

Kent District Library’s Summer Wonder program to take readers on a journey of reading and learning activities

3-bottom, Area Education, Books, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kent County, Kent District Library, Kids Activities, Reading, West Michigan, , , , , , , ,
Summer Wonder brings participants a spectacular summer of outdoor discovery, scavenger hunts, reading, STEAM activities – and lots of fun for everyone (Courtesy, KDL)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Summer Wonder’s “WonderFold” contains a tracking log for participants (Courtesy, KDL)

Kent District Library is taking readers on a Summer Wonder journey of reading, learning and experiencing!

The Summer Wonder challenge is designed for multiple learning styles and abilities to keep readers of all ages engaged and inspired. The program brings participants a spectacular summer of outdoor discovery, scavenger hunts, reading, STEAM activities – and lots of fun for everyone.

Summer Wonder is a great opportunity to limit the “summer slide” that negatively affects learning between the end and start of the traditional school year. Extensive research shows that children involved in summertime reading programs sponsored by public libraries are more likely to maintain their academic skills.

Participate in Summer Wonder, running from June 2 – Aug. 8, by picking up a Wonderlog at any KDL branch or signing up online at kdl.beanstack.org. It is free and includes adventures and prizes for all ages.

“Earning prizes for reading and having fun – what could be better?” said Leigh Verburg, Branch Programming and Outreach Specialist. “Summer Wonder includes stories, activities and discovery for all ages, so sign up together and let the fun begin!”

More free summer programs!

KDL offers a great line-up of free summer programs and presenters including singing, magic, animals, puppets, STEAM activities and more. For a complete listing, visit kdl.org/events.

For more information on the Summer Wonder program, visit kdl.org/summer. 

Kentwood invites community members of all ages to Kickoff to Summer Celebration May 31

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Upcoming Events,
Kentwood Kickoff to Summer Celebration 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to its Kickoff to Summer Celebration, a fun-filled festival for all ages set for noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 31.

The Kickoff to Summer Celebration will feature a variety of food trucks and market vendors as well as a beer tent, children’s activities and live music – all taking place around City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.

“We’re eager to welcome the start of another beautiful summer with our Kickoff to Summer Celebration,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “With delicious food, live music and plenty of local vendors, this popular annual event brings together family, friends and neighbors for a memorable day.”

The food trucks and beer tent will be open throughout the event. A wide variety of cuisines will be available through 20-plus food trucks – everything from barbeque and burritos to baked goods and cold treats. The beer tent will feature a variety of brews, including local craft favorites from Railtown Brewing Company. Starting at 1 p.m., more than 15 vendors will sell handmade jewelry, art, clothing, sweet treats and more. The cost for food, beverages and artisan goods will vary by vendor.


Kentwood Kickoff to Summer Celebration 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


There will be live music throughout the festival by DJ Snax, Lil Rascals and Pretty Kool.

A kids zone featuring two foam parties, face painting, an obstacle course and yard games will be open from 1 to 6 p.m.

The event’s gold sponsors are Bloom Sluggett, PC, Metronet, Sabo PR, Triangle Construction Inc. and MSU Federal Credit Union. The silver sponsors are Arie Nol Auto Center and Moonlight Graphics Inc., and the copper sponsors are The Joint Chiropractic and Renewal by Andersen.


Learn more about the Kickoff to Summer Celebration and sign up to volunteer at Kentwood.us/KickoffToSummer.

Kentwood Police investigating shooting Wednesday evening in Wingate Apartments

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, First Responders, Kent County, West Michigan,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The Kentwood Police Department is currently investigating a shooting that occurred Wednesday evening in the 3100 block of Creek Dr. in Wingate Apartments.


At approximately 6 p.m., Officers responded to this location with reports of a shooting after a verbal argument. During the investigation, two victims arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds. Both victims arrived with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Kentwood Police are still actively investigating and searching for all involved persons, however, this is not believed to be a random act of violence, and there is no known threat to the public currently.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604.  Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.

Portion of Paul Henry Thornapple Trail closed for improvements Wednesday, May 28, through end of June

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Recreation, West Michigan, ,
Paul Henry Thornapple Trail Resurfacing Map (Image Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

The Paul Henry Thornapple Trail will be closed from 44th Street to Wing Avenue starting Wednesday, May 28, through the end of June for resurfacing and other improvements.

The improvements include reconstruction of the trail from 44th Street SE to the trailhead at Wing Avenue and a small section in East Paris Nature Park, 5995 East Paris Ave. The project is funded in part by a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant and Kentwood’s 2022 voter-approved parks millage.

Work is scheduled to start Wednesday, May 28, with fence and boardwalk repairs, storm improvements and minor excavation from Kalamazoo to Wing avenues. Starting Monday, June 9, the work area will extend to East Paris Park. The trail will then be resurfaced with new asphalt.

Additional improvements include new benches, refuse containers and way-finding signage to enhance the trail user experience.

The project is expected to be completed at the end of June, weather permitting.

Learn more about the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail improvements at Kentwood.us/TrailProjects.

Kentwood Police respond to shooting report Saturday in the 4700 block of Ridgebrook Ave. SE

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, West Michigan,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The Kentwood Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, May 24, in the 4700 block of Ridgebrook Ave. SE.


Upon arrival, officers located several casings, along with damage to vehicles and a residence. At this time no injuries were reported, and no suspects have been arrested.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-656-6580.  Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.