Category Archives: City of Kentwood

Local siblings share tragedy of losing brother on USS Indianapolis during WWII

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Siblings David Payne and Suzanna Green shared the tragedy of losing their brother George David Payne on the USS Indianapolis after 77 years. (WKTV)

By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org


Editor’s Note: WKTV is reposting this unique, local story in honor of George David Payne and all United States veterans.


The weeks leading up to the sinking of the USS Indianapolis during a top secret mission in WWII, 17-year-old sailor George David Payne mailed two letters home from the ship.


Some 77 years after his brother tragically died on that ship off the coast of Japan, Sparta resident David Payne still gets extremely emotional reading those last letters.

“I get choked up when I read that last letter,” said David, who never met George David. “From my understanding he was a quiet, nice kid. I’ve never heard anything bad about him.”


Below is an excerpt from one of the two final letters from George David Payne (Seaman 2nd Class):


One of the two letters Wyoming sailor George David Payne sent home just weeks before the USS Indianapolis sank off the coast of Japan on July 30, 1945. (Courtesy, David Payne)

Dear Mom, Dad and Kids,

I hope this letter finds all of you in the best of health. I feel pretty good myself.

Tell dad and all the kids I said hi. Tell Jean the same. I suppose you are having quite a time with the kids. 

Tell grandma and grandpa I said hello. Boy, I’ll sure be glad when I get another leave, but I shouldn’t start thinking about a leave already.

I suppose it is pretty nice weather in Michigan now. Anyway, it should be summer. Well, I’ll have to say so long for now.
 
Love to all the family, 

George David Payne

Tragedy strikes shortly after letters sent home

Tragically, not long after the letters were sent, torpedoes from the Japanese submarine I-58 sank the USS Indianapolis to the bottom of the Western Pacific Ocean within minutes on July 30, 1945.

Only 316 men survived

An estimated 300 men died aboard the ship, while nearly 900 sailors abandoned it, leading to several days of fighting off sharks, dehydration and injuries. Only 316 survived.

Top secret mission delivering atomic bomb components for use on Hiroshima

On a top secret mission that began in San Francisco, the Indianapolis successfully delivered atomic bomb components to Tinian Island. The components delivered were used in the atomic bomb (Little Boy) that the United States dropped on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945.

USS Indianapolis in its prime. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Archives)

“Many are familiar with Captain Quint’s retelling of the ship’s story in the 1975 film, “Jaws.” Few, however, understand the far-reaching impact of the incident and the tremendous amount of documentation and research conducted in the wake of the incident that continues to impact how the Navy operates today,” according to the Naval History and Heritage Command Communication and Outreach Division.



George David Payne is remembered by two siblings (David Payne and Suzanna Green) in a WKTV interview last summer (2022). July 30, 2023, marked the 78th anniversary of the sinking of the Indianapolis.

Siblings Jim and Cherie Payne, and mom Lillian Payne at their home: 305 Murray St., Wyoming, in 1945. (David Payne)


“I wasn’t born yet when George died,” David continued. “I didn’t realize I had a brother that died in the war until I was seven. In the early fifties, there was a program on TV showing the Japanese sinking that ship and my mother Lillian started crying and said your brother was on that ship.”

While recently looking at a photo of his brother Jim, Mom Lillian and sister Cherie (dated June 20, 1945) enjoying a happy day on the front porch, David said it soon turned tragic about a month later with the death of his brother on July 30, 1945.

David said his brother George David wasn’t old enough to sign up for the war so his dad signed the necessary paperwork in 1945 to let him join the Navy.


A short stint on the ship

“He was only on that ship for two weeks,” said David, age 75, who’s lived in Sparta for over 30 years. “I had an older brother in California (Nick Alberts, from his mother’s previous marriage), and he met him out there. George stayed for Nick’s wedding in California, and then got transferred to the USS Indianapolis.”

David said Nick, a member of the Seabees in California at the time, blamed himself for George’s fate.

“My little buddy”

USS Indianapolis Seaman 2nd Class George David Payne. (Naval History and Heritage Command Archives)

“He blamed himself for getting him transferred and going to the wedding,” said David, as he cried explaining the sad details. “He always called George ‘my little buddy,’ and said, ‘I can’t come home without my little buddy.’”

Because of that lingering guilt, David said his big brother Nick didn’t return home for 15 years.

“He had guilt, but did finally come home in the late fifties when I was 14 years old,” David continued. “Nick left a book on the Indianapolis with me.”

Most of the 12 siblings (seven girls, five boys) grew up on 305 Murray Street in Wyoming and attended Kelloggsville High School.

Providing after death

Many of them experienced the Great Depression. And it wasn’t lost on any family member how far George’s Navy death gratuity went to pay for their necessities.

“Our mother bought our school clothes and everything we needed from that check, it helped out our family so much,” said David, born on September 17, 1945, less than two months after the Indianapolis sank. “Both mom and dad got 20 or 30 dollars a month from George’s death.”

Gruesome shark attack stories

David Payne honoring and remembering his brother George David at a USS Indianapolis memorial in 1995 in Indy. (Courtesy, David Payne)

During a USS Indianapolis memorial event held in Indianapolis in 1995, David learned firsthand about the tragedy from several survivors.

“Through the years, we didn’t talk about it much and we were hoping he wasn’t trapped in the ship or killed by sharks,” said David, who attended with his wife Mary and sister Suzanna Green.

“Some of the guys relayed the terrible stories, talking about sharks dragging away their friends. It must have been hell.”

He said nearly 200 sailors attended, and recalls some talking about the gruesome shark attacks.

“I remember one guy’s account saying he heard a fellow sailor’s last word’s while getting dragged off by a shark, he screamed for his mother, and David imagined his brother George screaming for mom as well, as he cried retelling his memorial experience with survivors.

“There were some terrible stories. They had to go through hell.”

A “wonderful guy”

Green said George David was “kind-hearted, and definitely cared about his country. My mother cried over his death all of her life and made sure all of us knew we had a brother George David. He was a good kid.”

Green, who also attended the 1995 Indianapolis memorial, recalls the heavy emotions of the event.

“We went there because it was in his memory,” said Green, who taught for 30 years in the Grand Rapids Public School system. “And it was very emotional when we found his name on the monument. Dave put Mary on his shoulders and she put a piece of paper up there and she scratched it with a pencil.”


A proud celebration of life and service

Siblings David, Suzanna and Margie Payne at home on 305 Murray St. in Wyoming in the late 40s. (David Payne)

“It made me feel real close to the brother that I never saw,” Green continued.


“I knew him, but never saw him. I was very proud that his name was there and that he was remembered. It was a celebration of his life and his service.”


Green said their faith got her through the tragedy.


“Mom read the bible every day,” Green explained. “I love him like I grew up with him and that’s because my mother kept his memory alive.”


“We love him even though we didn’t ever get to meet him. And he still is well loved.”

Navy changes status

The Navy officially changed the status of George David and 12 other sailors lost when the Indianapolis was sunk in 1945 from “unaccounted for” to “buried at sea,” Navy Casualty announced on May 27, 2022.

The change in status is the result of extensive research between Naval History and Heritage Command, Navy Casualty Office, the USS Indianapolis Survivors Association, the USS Indianapolis Legacy Organization, and the Chief Rick Stone and Family Charitable Foundation.

The announcement helps bring closure to the families of these sailors who lost their lives at the end of a secret mission which helped end World War II.

Remembering George David through his clothing

At age 12, David found one of George’s Navy peacoats.

“I put it on and came upstairs and asked mom if I could have it,” he recalled.

His brother James would put on his Navy uniform occasionally.

A friend’s dad and Battle of the Bulge veteran from World War II, James Emanouil, age 97 at the time of the original article, used to spar with George David in the early forties at a local gym in Grand Rapids.

“I think George David wanted to join this war because of James and Nick.”

Service to the country goes way, way back

David’s fascination with genealogy led to a discovery of another young veteran from long ago. He learned that a great, great, great grandparent fought in the American Revolution at age 15, Eli Payne, Sr. His 100-year-old aunt, at the time, gave David a charcoal drawing of this relative.

Captain Charles B. McVay III

Captain Charles B. McVay III, commander of the USS Indianapolis. (Naval History and Heritage Command Archives)

Per the Naval History and Heritage Command website, “Captain McVay was court-martialed in the aftermath of the sinking and found guilty of recklessly endangering his crew by failing to zig-zag, in spite of I-58 Captain Mochitsura Hashimoto’s testimony at the trial stating that such maneuvers would not have changed the outcome of his attack. The conviction effectively ruined McVay’s career. It was controversial at the time and remains so today.” (Hashimoto was the Japanese submarine commander that sank the USS Indianapolis.) 

“McVay had a distinguished naval career prior to the loss of the Indianapolis. He served as Executive Officer of the USS Cleveland during the North African landings in November 1942 and earned a Silver Star for his actions aboard the same ship in the Solomon Islands in March 1943.”

After his death, McVay was exonerated by United States President Bill Clinton and the 106th Congress in 2000. Captain McVay committed suicide on November 6, 1968.


The bold paragraphs below are excerpts from survivor Captain Charles B. McVay’s detailed “Oral History – The Sinking of USS Indianapolis”

This is all documented in the Naval History and Heritage Command Archives. For a complete account of “Recollections of Captain Charles B. McVay, III,” visit here.

Captain McVay:

Commander Flynn


Executive officer [second in command on the ship] came up, Commander Flynn, and said, “We are definitely going down and I suggest that we abandon ship.” Well, knowing Flynn and having utter regard for his ability, I then said, “Pass the word to abandon ship.”

Dividing up rations floating at sea

I looked over the material that we had, the food stuffs, and told the people that I would open one Hormel tin per day. It contains 12 ounces and we would divide that evenly, and I also figured out each person could have two biscuits and two malted milk tablets, which I knew would last us about ten days.

Attacked by sharks

We had sharks, or rather they had sharks down there [in the life preserver group]. We know that because we have two survivors who were bitten by sharks and as I told this one boy in the hospital. I said, “You’d better take some castellan paint and put on that thing before it heals up because nobody will ever believe you’ve been bitten by a shark. You might as well outline the teeth mark and you will have it for the rest of your life and can say, `I know I was bitten by a shark.'”

USS Ringness to the rescue

The (USS) Ringness picked us up by radar. We had a 40 mm, empty ammunition can which I had spent a good deal of energy and time trying to get to, thinking it was an emergency ration, but we picked it up anyhow and saved it and she [Ringness] got a [radar] pip from this can. 

I think we had lost probably about 15% of our weight and I was naturally so elated to get on the ship, as were the others that we didn’t turn in at all. We were given something to eat, ice cream, coffee, such as that. The doctor said, “You can eat all you want,” which most of us did. We drank quite a bit of water.

Kentwood announces Summer road projects beginning in June

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(Photo Courtesy, pxhere.com)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org
May 23, 2025



The City of Kentwood has announced its tentative road construction and maintenance schedule for the summer.

The $1.2 million reconstruction, resurfacing and maintenance program has been approved by the City Commission and includes improvements to approximately 15.5 lane miles of major and local roads. Work will begin in June and is expected to be completed by November.

Planned street reconstruction, resurfacing and maintenance projects include:

  • Milling and repaving of 52nd Street SE from Breezefield Drive to M-37.
  • Milling and repaving of 52nd Street from Division to Eastern avenues.
  • Milling and repaving of Breton Avenue SE from 44th to 52nd streets.
  • Milling and repaving of Kalamazoo Avenue from 52nd to 60th streets.
  • Other preventative street maintenance work throughout the city, including routine street marking, crack sealing and patching.

Signs will be placed on major streets to give drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists advance notice of when closures will begin.

“The City of Kentwood is committed to maintaining the quality of our community’s roads, which contribute to public safety and sound city infrastructure,” City Engineer Brad Boomstra said. “We recognize construction can be inconvenient, so our crews are committed to working efficiently to reduce disruptions as much as possible.

“We appreciate the support and understanding of our residents and businesses as we complete these essential improvements.”

The 52nd Street work from Breezefield to M-37 will be completed in two consecutive phases starting in June.

During the first phase, 52nd Street will be closed from west of East Paris Avenue to M-37 from June to July. During the second phase, 52nd Street will be closed from Breezefield to East Paris from July to August.

Throughout the project, the road will be open to local traffic only. Property owners affected by this project will be informed by letter. Mail delivery and trash pickup will not be disrupted.

The 52nd Street work from Division to Eastern will begin in June and last about nine weeks, with construction expected to wrap up in August.



(Photo Courtesy, pxhere.com)



Throughout the project, one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction. Drivers are encouraged to use the detour route of 60th Street to Eastern Avenue SE to avoid delays.

The Breton Avenue project is expected to begin in August and end in November. Throughout the project, northbound and southbound traffic will be maintained, but will be limited to one lane in each direction. Drivers are encouraged to use Kalamazoo Avenue to avoid delays.

The Kalamazoo Avenue project is expected to start in June and end in August. During the project, northbound and southbound traffic will be maintained, but will be limited to one lane in each direction. 

Patching and crack sealing will take place on several neighborhood streets in June to prepare them for cape sealing. Cape sealing creates a smooth surface with increased durability. These projects take two non-consecutive days, with the cape seal treatment requiring up to a few hours to dry before being ready for traffic.

Drivers are asked to proceed slowly and stay alert when traveling through road project areas. On-street parking will not be allowed during cape sealing.

Residents in the neighborhoods where these projects will take place will be informed by letter. They are encouraged to follow the construction crew’s instructions for the best access to their home.

The City’s road maintenance decisions are based on a variety of data, including ratings from the annual Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating System, or PASER. This rating system compares the quality of roadway segments and assigns a rating for road pavement conditions based on visual inspections.

Kentwood maintains some of the highest-rated major streets in Kent County based on PASER, according to data compiled by the Grand Valley Metro Council, which rates Kentwood’s road network annually.

Last year, the City invested in improvements to 41.24 miles of major and local roads. Major streets included in the 2024 reconstruction, resurfacing and maintenance program were:

  • Julivan Avenue and Ridgewood Street.
  • 40th Street from Patterson Avenue to Soundtech Court. 
  • East Paris Avenue from 28th to Burton streets.


Community members can sign up to be notified when construction updates are added to the City’s website or follow the City on Facebook for updates.

For more information about Kentwood’s 2025 road projects, including amap of street resurfacing and repairs, visit kentwood.us/construction.

Kentwood resident named among Kent District Library Community Impact Scholarship winners

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Kent District Library announces Jamie Elgrably and Ania Fleszar as recipients of the KDL Community Impact Scholarship (Courtesy, KDL)



By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Kent District Library and the KDL Board of Trustees are proud to announce the two recipients of the KDL Community Impact Scholarship. Jamie Elgrably and Ania Fleszar will each receive $5,000 to further their education.

The award recognizes high school seniors and adults returning to school who have worked hard to improve their communities and show potential to make long term impact. Both trade-bound and college-bound students were eligible to apply.

“An incredible blessing”

Scholarship winner Jamie Elgrably (Courtesy, KDL)

Elgrably, of Kentwood, is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Cornerstone University, with hopes of continuing on to earn a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.

She is a wife and a mother of two, and after putting her education on hold for many years due to life circumstances—including several moves and raising young children—she finally decided to pursue her dream.

Elgrably said, “Receiving this scholarship is an incredible blessing. It lifts part of the financial burden and makes it possible for me to continue pursuing my calling with ease and peace of mind. I’m passionate about helping others feel seen, supported and valued, and I look forward to using my education to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.”

“It means so much…”

Scholarship winner Ania Fleszar (Courtesy, KDL)

Fleszar is a student at Lowell High School and plans to put the scholarship money toward her education at Western Michigan University. She is planning to pursue either secondary education in History and English or theater, maybe both.

“It means so much that this money is helping my education, of course, but it means even more that it’s coming from my community library,” Fleszar said.

“I’ve learned so much from KDL’s resources growing up, and now I am having my education furthered into college with their assistance.”

Passionate about making a difference

These winners are students who are passionate about making a difference, champions for inclusivity, innovators at heart and lifelong learners with a love for the library. These guidelines were shaped by those of the Library Journal Jerry Kline Award, an award KDL received in 2023 that afforded KDL the opportunity to begin this scholarship fund.

The scholarship award in the amount of $5,000 will be disbursed directly to the recipient’s chosen college, university or trade school to be used for tuition, fees, books or other educational expenses.

For more information, visit kdl.org/scholarship.

Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series kicks off June 5

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



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series will return for the 2025 season on Thursday, June 5.

The Farmers Market will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays from June 5 through Aug. 21 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The Summer Concert Series will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays on the lawn behind City Hall. There will be no Farmers Market and concert Thursday, July 3.

“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 will offer 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.

The Summer Concert Series will feature a local music group on Thursdays June 5 through Aug. 14, except July 3. 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.


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



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

  • June 5 – Opening day and 11th anniversary celebration of the Kentwood Farmers Market. Tony Thompson and Friends playing soul, funk, Motown and dance music. Food trucks include El Jalapeno, PizzaMI, Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack, Patty Matters and Eastown Cereal Café.
  • 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.

Diamond sponsor of the event is Macatawa Bank. Gold sponsors of the concert series include Bloom Sluggett, PC, Metronet, Sabo PR, Triangle Associates, MSU Federal Credit Union and DTE Energy Foundation. Silver sponsors of the concert series are Arie Nol Auto Center and Moonlight Graphics Inc., and copper sponsors are the Joint Chiropractic and Renewal by Anderson.

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, including vendor and volunteer details and registration, is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

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

NEWLY RELEASED: WKTV’s Friday Night Highlights Golden Gloves action PART 2

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,


By Cris Greer
Managing Editor/Sports Director
greer@wktv.org


WKTV Hosts Bob Serulla and Jordan Shimmell (former Golden Gloves champion) walk you through the Michigan Golden Gloves Championships from the West Michigan Finals through the State Finals at Aquinas College in this exciting Friday Night Highlights Golden Gloves edition PART 2.


Five-time Michigan Golden Gloves champion Junior Rios joins in on the play-by-play analysis as well.


PART 2 features the best bouts of the Championships, boxer interviews, and a look inside the MGGA (Michigan Golden Gloves Association) Boxing Gym. You’ll want to watch every bit of this boxing show.


Our WKTV Truck crew got great highlights of the Golden Gloves Championships just for you!


Take a look at Part 1 of our WKTV FNH Golden Gloves Edition HERE.


Look for more great WKTV Golden Gloves coverage in the future!

WKTV’s Friday Night Highlights Golden Gloves action; PART 1

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, ,
WKTV Hosts Bob Serulla (left) and Jordan Shimmell are joined by boxer Junior Rios.



By Cris Greer
Managing Editor/Sports Director
greer@wktv.org


WKTV Hosts and Boxing Announcers Bob Serulla and Jordan Shimmell walk you through the Michigan Golden Gloves Championships from the West Michigan Finals through the State Finals in this exciting Friday Night Highlights Golden Gloves edition PART 1.


PART 1 features the best bouts of the Championships, some boxer interviews, a look inside the La Casa Boxing Club, including a chat with owner Anbrocio Ledesma, and an interview with guest boxer Junior Rios. You’ll want to watch every bit of this show.


Our WKTV Truck crew got great highlights of the Golden Gloves Championships just for you. Part 2 will be available soon. Stay tuned!


Look for more great WKTV Golden Gloves coverage in the future!

Check out these Metro Cruise Dust Off photos from last Saturday at the Wyoming Moose Lodge

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  • Metro Cruise Dust Off 2024. (Photos Courtesy, Metro Cruise and Tom De Vette Photography)
  • Metro Cruise Dust Off 2024. (Photos Courtesy, Metro Cruise and Tom De Vette Photography)
  • Metro Cruise Dust Off 2024. (Photos Courtesy, Metro Cruise and Tom De Vette Photography)
  • Metro Cruise Dust Off 2024. (Photos Courtesy, Metro Cruise and Tom De Vette Photography)
  • Metro Cruise Dust Off 2024. (Photos Courtesy, Metro Cruise and Tom De Vette Photography)
  • Metro Cruise Dust Off 2024. (Photos Courtesy, Metro Cruise and Tom De Vette Photography)
  • Metro Cruise Dust Off 2024. (Photos Courtesy, Metro Cruise and Tom De Vette Photography)
  • Metro Cruise Dust Off 2024. (Photos Courtesy, Metro Cruise and Tom De Vette Photography)
  • Metro Cruise Dust Off 2024. (Photos Courtesy, Metro Cruise and Tom De Vette Photography)
  • Metro Cruise Dust Off 2024. (Photos Courtesy, Metro Cruise and Tom De Vette Photography)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org



Take a look at these cool photos from the Metro Cruise Dust Off from last Saturday’s event at the Wyoming Moose Lodge.



Photos courtesy of Metro Cruise and Tom De Vette Photography.



For more information and a list of upcoming events visit Metro Cruise.


Kentwood Police Department seeking high school applicants for Youth Academy

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Kentwood Police Department Youth Academy (Photo Courtesy, KPD)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The Kentwood Police Department is inviting high school students to apply for its youth academy set for July 28-31.

The program is designed to show participants what it’s like to train to be a police officer and for them to experience the various roles and functions police officers perform. The academy is open to all graduating high school seniors and students who will be a sophomore, junior or senior in the 2025-26 school year. Participants do not need to live or attend school in Kentwood.

“Our youth academy gives young people in our community an up-close look at what a career in law enforcement is like, with the hope of inspiring the next generation of police officers,” Deputy Police Chief Stephanie Morningstar said. “Our officers are looking forward to connecting with students, sharing their experiences and building relationships along the way.”

The youth academy is free for participants and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Each participant is provided a uniform and daily lunch.



Kentwood Police Department Youth Academy (Photo Courtesy, KPD)



The program gives students hands-on experience in police training and operations. Participants receive instruction in various aspects of policing and participate in training scenarios, including:

  • Traffic stops
  • Drunken driving enforcement
  • Building searches
  • Subject control
  • Handcuffing
  • Special Response Team


Eligible participants must pass a background check and will be interviewed before being accepted into the program. Participants also are required to attend an informational meeting with a parent or guardian before the academy begins.

Youth academy applications will be accepted through May 16. Applications can be submitted online, by email to careya@kentwood.us, in person at the Kentwood Police Department or by mail to Sgt. Alexander Carey at 4742 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49512. Interested applicants who have questions should contact Sgt. Carey at careya@kentwood.us or 616-330-8211.

Learn more about the Kentwood Police Department Youth Academy at kentwood.us/YouthAcademy.

Fatal two-car accident Friday on 28th and Radcliff in Kentwood

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Police and Fire, West Michigan,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


One person died and two were injured in a two-car accident at 4:42 p.m. Friday at 28th St. and Radcliff Ave.


Upon arrival by Kentwood Police Officers, lifesaving efforts were given to a passenger by medical personnel, but they died on the scene. The drivers of both vehicles involved were transported to local hospitals for non-life threatening injuries, and the investigation is ongoing.

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. 

“Cinderella’s Ball”: 80 local seniors attend senior prom hosted by Care Resources

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Care Resources recently hosted its own “senior prom” for program participants, ages 55 years and older, at its Grand Rapids facility. (WKTV Journal / Jaylah Lewis)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Care Resources recently hosted its own “senior prom” for program participants, ages 55 years and older, at its Grand Rapids facility.

“Cinderella’s Ball” was the culmination of a month of princess-themed recreational programming that included Disney movies and a royal tea party. Attended by approximately 80 seniors, the event featured cupcakes, punch, music – and the crowning of a prom king and queen.

The purpose?

While fun is at the top of the list, Recreational Therapist Sabrina Cusenza says there are great health benefits to activities like “Cinderella’s Ball.”

“Our main goal is to bring joy to our participants and staff, who will also get dressed up and join the fun,” Cusenza says. “But there are functional aspects of programs like this that support participants’ health and well-being.

“Our participants will get physical activity in through the dancing. The socialization is great for emotion well-being. We’ll also incorporate some reminiscing about prom, which has cognitive and mental health benefits.”

Learn more!

A local community-based program of all-inclusive care for the elderly, Care Resources promotes healthy, independent living and helps prevent nursing home placement. Care Resources staff regularly provide entertainment via events and programs that also support participants’ health and well-being.

Learn more about all Care Resources has to offer here.

Floyd Mayweather Sr. sparks Siderio Mitchell to first Golden Gloves state title Saturday; East Kentwood boxers keep winning tradition alive

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Golden Gloves, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,
Siderio Mitchell, mentored by Floyd Mayweather Sr., captured his first Golden Gloves state championship. 2025 (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org

Two years ago, East Kentwood High School graduate and current professional boxer Justin Lacey-Pierce was winding down his amateur career with a Michigan Golden Gloves state championship. Last Saturday evening at Aquinas College, a pair of East Kentwood graduates stepped up and carried on Lacey-Pierce’s Golden Gloves legacy by winning state championships at the 2025 Michigan Golden Gloves state championships.

Ontess Toliver-James and Aiden Baker of East Kentwood were two of the newly-minted state champions at the state finals that took place at the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of Aquinas College.



East Kentwood graduate Ontess Toliver-James (center, with trophy) celebrates his Golden Gloves win with coaches and staff from Blues Gym. 2025 (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Toliver-James, boxing out of Blues Gym, located at 4248 Kalamazoo Ave. Se, won his title in the 176-pound Elite Novice Division. Coming out strong from the opening bell, Toliver-James took control of the bout with Zameer Rawls-Wallace as he peppered his opponent with body shots in the early going. The constant barrage of punches paid off in the second round when the referee stopped the contest. Toliver-James who reached the finals after winning his semifinal match the day before, came out with a little different plan for his title match.

“Yesterday I tired myself out,” Toliver-James said. “I was throwing too much so I slowed myself down and paced myself a little bit. I read my opponent and picked my punches.”

The win was his third in three bouts which is even more impressive considering that Toliver-James has only been training for boxing and picked up the sport just four weeks ago.

“I feel like anything is possible,” Toliver-James said. “I’m going to train hard and hopefully keep going along undefeated and get some more trophies under my belt.”

Toliver-James played football and basketball growing up, but just decided to start boxing a little over a month ago. He also knows about the Kentwood boxing legacy and especially about the accomplishments in the ring of Lacey-Pierce.

“I actually went to school with him (Lacey-Pierce)” Toliver-James said. “I was in school with him since elementary school. That’s actually another one of my motivations. I just recently saw a couple of posts of him on Facebook. Man, he’s doing good in the pros.”

In the next bout Kentwood’s second boxer, Aiden Baker, stepped into the ring and also brought home a state championship. Boxing in the 198-plus Elite Novice weight class, Baker defeated Santorie Jenkins of Team Boss when the referee stopped the contest in the third round.



East Kentwood graduate Aiden Baker won the 198-pound title at the Golden Gloves State Championships. 2025 (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Baker, who won a West Michigan title last month, kept constant pressure on Jenkins from the opening bell and wore his opponent down with a steady barrage of punches. This year’s Golden Gloves was the first of his career for Baker who began boxing three years ago.

“I started training at MGGA (Michigan Golden Gloves Association gym, Grand Rapids) and they essentially built me from scratch,” Baker said. “My older brother taught me how to fight and then eventually I went into the gym. From there, I just started to fall in love with the sport and take it seriously.”



Floyd Mayweather Sr. sparks Siderio Mitchell to state title

A Grand Rapids boxer with a famous relative claimed one of those open division titles. Siderio Mitchell of MGGA Grand Rapids captured the 141-pound Open Division title with a decision against King Gildersleve of Flint Town Boxing Club. Displaying lightning hand quickness and excellent footwork, Mitchell won his first state title in a fashion that was sure to make his mentor Floyd Mayweather Sr. proud. 

“I’d say a little bit of everything was working great for me tonight,” Mitchell said. “Shout out to coaches, shout out to my Uncle Floyd (Sr.), shout out to my family, they mean everything to me. My Uncle Floyd actually got me started in boxing.” 

Comstock Park grad Emanuel Jimenez wins state title at 143 pounds

Toliver-James was not the only boxer out of Blues Gym that captured a state title. In the first bout of the evening, Emanuel Jimenez, a student at Comstock Park High School, won the 143-pound Junior Novice title when the referee stopped the contest in the second round against Carter Cobb of MGGA.

Jimenez, who just turned 18 years old, began training for the Golden Gloves six months ago at Blue Gym. A fan of Mexican boxing champion Canelo Alvarez, Jimenez fought in a style that would’ve made Alvarez proud as he came out aggressively throwing punches and didn’t stop until the referee stepped in during the second round. The match was the second of Jimenez’s young career as he won his first bout during Friday’s semifinals.

“To be honest I was very nervous,” Jimenez said, “but I just went out there and did my job. I did a better job of pacing myself in this bout. My first fight I just came out swinging, but this time I did a better job of pacing myself.”  



Blues Gym head trainer Dino Newville congratulates Emanuel Jimenez on his Golden Gloves title. 2025 (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


Santiago wins state crown at 187-pound Elite Novice

Floyd Santiago of MGGA Grand Rapids won the 187-pound Elite Novice title in a walkover.

Also winning titles in the Elite Novice Division were Mohammad Aliyar of Kalamazoo United, who won the 143-pound Elite Novice title, Hussam Ammar of Saginaw Boxing club (165-pound Elite Novice champion), and United States Navy veteran Nathaniel Williams of AAA boxing club (154-pound Elite Novice title).

A pair of Grand Rapids-area boxers claimed state titles in the open division.

Floyd Mayweather Sr. sparks Siderio Mitchell to state title;

A Grand Rapids boxer with a famous relative claimed one of those open division titles. Siderio Mitchell of MGGA Grand Rapids captured the 141-pound Open Division title with a decision against King Gildersleve of Flint Town Boxing Club. Displaying lightning hand quickness and excellent footwork, Mitchell won his first state title in a fashion that was sure to make his mentor Floyd Mayweather Sr. proud. 

“I’d say a little bit of everything was working great for me tonight,” Mitchell said. “Shout out to coaches, shout out to my Uncle Floyd (Sr.), shout out to my family, they mean everything to me. My Uncle Floyd actually got me started in boxing.” 


Mercado wins state title at 121-pounds Elite Open; fifth state championship

Boxing out of the La Casa Boxing Club, Guillermo Mercado won the state title in the 121 Elite Open Division as he claimed a decision against Aarkeyse Higdon of Lansing Crown Boxing Club. The state title was the fifth for Mercado, who displayed plenty of heart and boxing ability in grinding out the win against a tough opponent in one of the most entertaining matches of the evening.

Kalamazoo’s Gentle Gibson wins second-consecutive state title

In the 132-pound Open Division, Gentle Gibson of Kalamazoo Boxing won a decision against Nicolas Alonzi of Flint Town Boxing Club. Gibson won his second consecutive state title in impressive fashion as he recorded a pair of standing-eight counts on his way to victory. The state title was the third overall for Gibson who finished in third place at last year’s national Golden Gloves tournament where all of this year’s champions are headed.

“He (Alonzi) was tough,” Gibson said. “I really thought I was going to stop him, but he could take a punch. He didn’t know I had power like that. I can box and I have power. I can do both and I’m still getting better.”  

Four more Open Division state champions were also crowned. Evan Jackson of Kalamazoo Boxing won the title at 154 pounds. Kyree Wiggins of Flint Town boxing won at 165-pound Elite Open, while Joseph McDaye of Kalamazoo Westside Boxing club won at 175-pound Elite Open. In the final bout of the evening, Sardius Simmons won his sixth state championship in the 198-plus Elite Open in a classic matchup against Maurice Davis, who came in as a former state champion as well.

A total of five boxers in the Open Division were also crowned as uncontested Open champions. Those five champions, who will head to the Golden Gloves nationals, included Michael Chester of Saginaw Boxing Club at 176 pounds, Solomon Jagun of Gideon Boxing Club (187 pounds), Zoe Hicks of Lansing Team Glass (112-pound Elite Open Female Division), Sarah Batenburg of MGGA Grand Rapids (132-pound Elite Open Female Division), and Asha Lake of Team Glass (143-pound Elite Open Female Division).   

Uncontested Novice champions included Jaquan Wilson of Lansing Crown boxing at 110-pounds, Daniel Espinoza of Gideon Boxing (121-pounds), Davone Jones of Crown Boxing (132 pounds), Monta Perkins of Kalamazoo Boxing (198-pounds), and in the female Novice Division Emily Martinez of Eli J Boxing (132-pounds), Tamika Lofton of Lansing Team Glass (143-pounds), and Johana Lugo of United Boxing Club (154-pounds).  

Metro Cruise Dust Off Saturday at the Wyoming Moose Lodge; 200+ show cars

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The exciting kickoff to the local car cruisin’ season begins with the Metro Cruise Dust Off on Saturday, May 3 (Courtesy, Metro Cruise)


By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org


Don’t miss the exciting kickoff to the car cruisin’ season with the Metro Cruise Dust Off on Saturday, May 3. The Dust Off will be hosted at the Wyoming Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave SW, and begin at 8:30 a.m.


The Dust Off has been the Metro Cruise‘s first event of the year since 2014. It was held at rotating sites in the early years, but for the past seven it has been at the Wyoming Moose Lodge. The site has an expansive lot of 200+ spaces with general parking nearby, a large outdoor patio and gracious hosts that give access to the entire building for this event. 


For nearly all show cars and attendees, the Dust Off is their first car event of the year. This event emanates a special nostalgia due to the reuniting of old friends after a long time apart.


(Courtesy, Metro Cruise)


Key details:

*Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
*Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Show car lot opens at 8:30 a.m.
*Location: Wyoming Moose Lodge (2630 Burlingame Ave SW, Wyoming)
*Free admission, free parking for general cars – follow signs on arrival (see map below)
*Food and drinks available starting at 11 a.m.


Event Entertainment:

*200+ show cars; all from individual local owners
*Build-a-Burger starts at 11 a.m. – various food and drink (full bar)
*Spacious outdoor patio with ample seating; indoor areas and seating also available
*Themed music playing outside throughout event
*Multiple items from the Metro-Merch official collection, including the 2025 Dust Off T-Shirt, just $15 to the first 70 people


Dust Off event parking map (Courtesy, Metro Cruise)

Local boxing coach knows Golden Gloves inside and out: Take a peek at his La Casa Boxing Club

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,
La Casa Boxing Club Owner and Coach Anbrocio Ledesma. (Photo Courtesy, Jaylah Lewis)



By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


When it comes to Golden Gloves boxing in the Wyoming and southern Kent County area, few people are as tuned into the sport as Anbrocio Ledesma.

A longtime boxing trainer in the Wyoming area who has taught many young boxers the fundamentals of the sport, Ledesma is currently expanding his teaching of the sport through his La Casa Boxing Club, located at 2241 84th St. in Byron Center.

Home to some of the most successful boxers in the Grand Rapids area, the gym is well represented at this weekend’s Michigan Golden Gloves State Finals that pits the champions and runners-up from the West side tournament up against the champions and runners-up from the East.

Aquinas College hosting Golden Gloves this weekend

The 2025 Michigan Golden Gloves State Championships are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3 at Aquinas College’s Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center in Grand Rapids. Doors open at 6 p.m. both days with boxing starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.

Representing La Casa Boxing Club will be Guillermo Mercado and Junior Rios in the Elite Open Division, while Harrison Hevelhurst will box in the Elite Novice Division.


La Casa Boxing Club’s Junior Rios. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



A former Golden Gloves boxer himself, Ledesma began his coaching career in Wyoming at the Pride Boxing Club which was located just north of 28th St. in Wyoming.

“I got into training boxers in my mid 20’s,” Ledesma said. “I actually had a couple of older kids who just wanted just to train, not to compete. I started training them at home, then they had a couple cousins come over and it kind of snowballed into that. Then my wife’s uncle took on a gym in Wyoming, called Wyoming Pride, back in the early 2000’s. I found out about that and took on a coaching responsibility there for the better of seven to ten years.” 



La Casa Boxing Club’s Guillermo Mercado. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



After the Pride gym closed, Ledesma began training boxers in a gym that he named the LaCasa Boxing Club, and that he put together in a garage next to his home.

“After Wyoming Pride closed down I stuck around for a little bit longer,” Ledesma said. “We ended up at another spot for a year and half, two years, but at that time I always trained some separate individual kids that wanted individual work at my house in my garage. The journey of my gym started back at my home. That’s why it’s called La Casa. Basically I started training a couple of my older kids.”

The next step in the evolution of La Casa Boxing came when he moved to the current location in Byron Center.

“I took on opening up this gym back in 2023 and that’s where I am now,” Ledesma said. “I’ve had this portion of my gym here in Byron Center for about two years now. Now we’re just here trying to build out here and target the outskirts of the Wyoming area and the Byron Center area.”



La Casa Boxing Club Owner Anbrocio Ledesma (right) and Coach Jackson. (Photo Courtesy, Jaylah Lewis)



Over the years, Ledesma has trained several boxers who have accomplished plenty during their amateur careers. Two of the most successful boxers that have trained under him are Rios and Mercado who are still adding to their legacies.

“Guillermo and Junior have been around the Golden Gloves for some years now,” Ledesma said. “They are past state champs who went on to the nationals several times. Coming through Wyoming Pride we had quite a few state champs as well. I’ve been around some really talented and dedicated fighters.”



La Casa Boxing Club Supplies. (Photo Courtesy, Jaylah Lewis)



This year the gym has a total of 6-10 boxers that come in and train regularly. The gym had three boxers enter the West Michigan Golden Gloves and all three qualified for the upcoming state finals.

With the gym is still relatively new to the Byron Center location, Ledesma has been working at getting the word out. Not only does the gym plan on increasing the numbers of boxers, but it also serves as a place for local youth to come and work out even if they have no desire to become competitive boxers.  

“We’re in the midst right now of trying to reach out to the community,” Ledesma said. “We are waiting to hear back from the school systems and then just putting up signs and flyers around the community. Hopefully word of mouth can start spreading around and even if the kids don’t want to come here and compete, that’s not what we’re about. We’re just offering a different type of exercise. A different way they can vent their frustrations. Just kind of get out and breathe fresh air and exercise at the same time.”

Ledesma is looking for the gym to grow and expand as much as possible in its new locations.

“I’m hoping the gym evolves into where there is no limit for us,” Ledesma said. “They don’t have anything like this out here. I’m hoping that we get 10-to-12 fighters out of the gym next year. More importantly, I want it to be in the community and advertised as a boxing, fitness club. It’s not necessarily that you are going to join this gym and we are going to turn you into a boxer.”   

Boil Water Advisory in place for Kentwood customers on City of Wyoming Water System

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(Courtesy, pxhere.com)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The City of Wyoming’s boil water advisory is in effect for Kentwood customers served by the Wyoming water system.

The areas of Kentwood under the boil water advisory are east of Division Avenue to Madison Avenue and from the north side of Maplelawn Street to south of Harp Street. The affected areas are outlined on this map.

Residents and businesses in the affected areas are encouraged to use bottled water or to boil water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food. Bring tap water, including filtered water, to a full rolling boil for 1 minute and let it cool before using.

The City of Wyoming issued a boil water advisory today until further notice due to a drop in water pressure in a portion of its water distribution system.

The City of Kentwood is working closely with the City of Wyoming on this situation and will provide updates as they become available. These updates will be shared on the City of Kentwood’s website and Facebook page.

Ford International Airport welcomes veterans for Mid-Michigan Honor Flight

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Upcoming Events, Veterans, West Michigan,
(Courtesy, Ford International Airport)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority will be joined by the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight to support a “Tour of Honor” for Veterans to visit Washington D.C. This two-day event will include a tour of the memorials in Washington D.C., dedicated to their service and sacrifices.

Community members are invited to attend the Welcome Home Reception, which is a public event held at the Airport on Wednesday, April 30 at 8:40 p.m., and is an opportunity to greet and thank Veterans for their service. Those wanting to participate are encouraged to bring signs and American flags and should plan to stand in a parade line throughout the terminal building.

Kentwood Community Cleanup Day May 3

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Kentwood Community Cleanup Day May 3. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The City of Kentwood will offer its annual Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 3, to help residents “spring clean” their home and yard.

Kentwood residents can drop off yard waste, household items, furniture and general debris for disposal and electronics for recycling from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Public Works Department, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. Proof of Kentwood residency is required.

“Our Community Cleanup Day provides residents with a convenient and safe way to dispose of unwanted items at no cost,” Public Works Department Director Chad Griffin said. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this event as they prepare their home for the spring season.”

The following items will be accepted:

  • Yard Waste – Loose leaves, brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs and grass clippings.
  • Household Items – Water heaters, toilets, appliances, snowblowers, etc.
  • Furniture – Bed frames, mattresses, dressers, couches, etc.
  • Electronics – TVs, phones, computers, fax machines, modems, printers, etc.

Residents participating in Community Cleanup Day are asked to enter the Public Works Department property off Breton Avenue, where staff will check ID for residency and direct traffic flow.



Kentwood Community Cleanup Day May 3. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The following items will not be accepted during Community Cleanup Day:

Hazardous materials of any kind, such as automotive fluids, paints, aerosol cans, etc., and construction debris like concrete, dirt and roofing. Donations of any kind, smoke detectors and tires will also not be accepted.

Residents looking to safely dispose of household hazardous materials may utilize the Kent County Public Works Department’s SafeChem program, which is open and available to residents from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Kentwood Public Works Department.

Residents who are unable to attend Community Cleanup Day can drop off brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs, loose leaves and grass clippings at the Public Works Department from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. tp 5 p.m. Sunday through May 23. For more information about the City’s brush and leaf drop-off site, visit kentwood.us/BrushLeafDropOff.

Learn more about Community Cleanup Day at kentwood.us/CommunityCleanup.

Kentwood Public Schools breaks ground on state-of-the-art Multipurpose Indoor Facility

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Kentwood Public Schools Multipurpose Building Groundbreaking. (Courtesy, KPS)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


Kentwood Public Schools recently broke ground on a new, state-of-the-art multipurpose indoor facility, made possible through the district’s 2021 $192 million bond program. District leaders, local officials and community members gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction on this exciting project, which reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to student opportunity and community engagement.

Projected cost: $28 Million

The 107,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for athletics, recreation, educational programming, and large community and school gatherings. With a projected cost of approximately $28 million, the facility will offer flexible space designed to support a wide range of activities and events, including use by school athletic teams, band practices, physical education classes, and community gatherings, enriching the student experience and providing a resource for the broader Kentwood community.

“Kentwood Public Schools is thankful for the continued support from our community to provide excellent environments for our students and community to learn, grow and thrive in,” said Kentwood Superintendent Kevin Polston. “We are excited to break ground on the new Kentwood Public Schools Community Multipurpose Center to further enhance educational opportunities for students in the arts, academics and athletics.”


An architectural model of the Kentwood Public Schools Multipurpose Building. (Courtesy, KPS)



The multipurpose facility will not only enhance extracurricular programming and student engagement, but also serve as a valuable asset for the entire Kentwood community—providing space for practices, performances, recreational leagues, special events, and educational activities throughout the year.

As one of the flagship projects of the 2021 bond program, the new facility reflects the community’s strong support for education and the district’s vision to meet the evolving needs of students and families.

Construction is scheduled to be completed in December of 2026.

The $192 million bond program is managed by Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. and designed by TowerPinkster Architecture.

884 measles cases confirmed across the United States; Michigan and Kent County health officials react to the arrival

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(Courtesy, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, MDHHS)



By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


Health departments and health officials across Michigan and Kent County are transitioning from preparing for the arrival of measles to reacting to the arrival of the disease, which was once officially considered eliminated in the United States in the year 2000.

Measles began its comeback in the United States in February and early March in the Southwest United States, specifically New Mexico and West Texas. 

884 cases across the United States, 9 in Michigan

Since then, cases of measles have been spreading across the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the latest numbers have shown an increase of cases with 30 states in the U.S. reporting cases. According to the CDC, a total of 884 cases are confirmed across the nation as of April 24. In the state of Michigan, as of April 24, there have been nine confirmed cases of measles according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). A total of four outbreak cases of the measles has been reported by the MDHHS with the outbreak located in Montcalm County in West Central Michigan. Locally, the first case of measles was reported in Kent County on April 1. The measles case in Kent County was the first reported in Kent County since 2013.

Along with measles, the state of Michigan has also seen an uptick in cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. In 2024 Michigan reported 2,081 cases of pertussis, a 19-fold increase from 2023 and the third consecutive annual rise. So far in 2025, the state has already reported nearly 700 pertussis cases, including 112 in infants under age 2, the age group most at risk for severe complications.  

“Measles is a highly contagious disease that continues to circulate both in the U.S. and globally,” said Dr. Adam London, Health Officer at the Kent County Health Department. “This case is a reminder of how quickly measles can spread and the importance of vaccination. We urge residents to check their immunization status, especially if planning to travel internationally or into areas with active measles outbreaks.”

On April 24, healthcare officials from around the state of Michigan convened for a conference call to address the state of measles in Michigan and discussed ways to address the issue and keep the public up to date on the situation.

One of the main points of emphasis by the panel, that included Michigan Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the State of Michigan, was the need for vaccinations.

“These numbers are alarming, and this resurgence is preventable,” Dr. Bagdasarian said. “Diseases like measles and pertussis are highly contagious and potentially deadly, especially for infants and young children. We have safe, effective vaccines that protect against these illnesses – vaccines that have been available for decades. Let’s use all the tools at our disposal to protect our most vulnerable.”



(Courtesy, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, MDHHS)



Vaccine rates have been falling in recent years and that has enabled diseases like the measles and pertussis to mount a comeback.

According to the MDHHS, vaccination rates for young children in Michigan have declined over the past decade. As of March 2025, only 71.5% of Michigan children ages 19 to 35 months had received four or more DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) doses. MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine coverage for this age group was 79.4%. Only 68.4% of young children in Michigan have received all the vaccines recommended to protect them from 14 serious diseases by the time they’re 2-years old. Pertussis (whooping cough) often begins with mild cold-like symptoms, but progresses to severe coughing fits that can last for weeks. More than half of infants who get pertussis need to be hospitalized, and complications can include pneumonia, brain damage and death.

“Vaccination is not simply a personal choice, it is a public health responsibility that protects the entire community, particularly those at highest risk for serious health consequences,” said Dr. Rachel Klamo, a family physician and president of the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians. “We encounter vaccine-preventable illnesses daily and are seeing cases of once-rare diseases, such as measles, the consequences of which can be life-long and devastating. For physicians, this is heartbreaking because it is preventable.”

“Up-to-date vaccines are key in protecting children against measles”

Up-to-date vaccines are key in protecting children against measles which is easily spread. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, measles is a disease caused by a virus. It is one of the world’s most contagious diseases. The MDHHS website also states that 90% of persons without immunity to measles will become ill after exposure to the virus. It also states that measles can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.

The MMR vaccine, recommended starting at age 1, offers long-lasting protection against measles. Michigan’s recent outbreak was linked to a large, ongoing outbreak in Ontario, Canada.



(Image Courtesy, pxhere.com)



“Parents deserve accurate, science-based information about vaccines,” said Veronica Valentine McNally, president of the Franny Strong Foundation and founder of the I Vaccinate campaign. “When families are informed, they choose to protect their children. That’s why we created IVaccinate.org—to empower Michigan parents with the facts they need to make confident decisions.”

The I Vaccinate campaign is a nationally recognized joint initiative of the Franny Strong Foundation and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, supported by the CDC and every major health and medical organization in the state.”

Parents especially need to know that the DTaP vaccine is recommended at 2, 4 and 6 months, followed by boosters at 15-18 months and 4-to-6 years to protect against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. The MMR vaccine is recommended at 12-to-15 months and again at 4-to-6 years. The vaccines are available through pediatricians, most pharmacies and local health departments. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive vaccines at no cost from enrolled providers.

“With vaccine-preventable diseases making a comeback in our state and across the country, this is not the time to let our guard down,” said Dr. Bagdasarian. “This is a good time to call your health care provider and make sure your family is up to date on vaccines.”

Ford International Airport introduces first-ever mascot, Jerry the Jet

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Ford International Airport’s new mascot Jerry the Jet. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport revealed its first-ever official mascot, Jerry the Jet™, a friendly and engaging character designed to enhance the airport experience for guests and promote aviation in the community.

Created in collaboration with its marketing and advertising partner, Extra Credit Projects, Jerry the Jet™ is part of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority’s broader effort to elevate the guest experience, increase brand recognition and deepen community engagement. With a cheerful personality and a passion for flight, Jerry will serve as a mascot for both in-terminal experiences and events throughout West Michigan.

“This is more than just a mascot,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Ford International Airport Authority. “Jerry the Jet™ is a fun, approachable way for us to connect with our guests and our community while sparking curiosity about aviation. He embodies our commitment to creating an exceptional and welcoming experience for everyone who walks through our doors.”





In addition to greeting passengers in the terminal, Jerry the Jet™ will appear at community events and serve as an ambassador for the Airport. He will help educate audiences about flight, careers in aviation and the role airports play in connecting people and places.

Ford International Airport was recently recognized as one of the top-performing airports globally for guest experience by Airports Council International World. Over the past year, the Airport has set a new passenger record, added accessibility amenities including a sensory room, added commercial airline partners to expand nonstop flights options, opened four new restaurants and more.

For more information about the Ford International Airport, visit FlyFord.org.

Kentwood Police Department invites community to Prescription Drug Take Back Event on April 26

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Kentwood National Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 26. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The Kentwood Police Department is encouraging community members to take part in its National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event on Saturday, April 26.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE.

Police Department staff will collect tablets, capsules and other solid forms of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. They also will accept vaping devices and cartridges as long as lithium batteries are removed.

Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs will not be accepted at the event. For these items, community members can utilize the Kent County Health Department’s SafeSharps program, which collects syringes and sharps at the South Clinic, 4700 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Sharps are medical devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin.

“The Kentwood Police Department is committed to proactively reducing prescription drug misuse, overdoses and accidental poisonings by encouraging community members to turn in unused and unneeded medication,” said Kentwood acting Chief of Police Stephanie Morningstar. “Our Drug Take Back Day events offer a free, safe and anonymous way for community members to dispose of medications.”


Kentwood National Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 26. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



KPD and other law enforcement agencies across the nation partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration to host Drug Take Back Day events every October and April as part of ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug misuse and overdose deaths.

For community members unable to attend KPD’s event, the department offers a year-round drug take back program for the safe disposal of unused or expired prescription medications. This free, anonymous service is available in KPD’s lobby from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To learn more about KPD’s drug take back program, visit kentwood.us/DrugTakeBack.

Golden Gloves produces plenty of high-level bouts

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, WKTV Featured sports, , , , , ,



By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


Boxers from all across West Michigan descended into the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of Aquinas College for the 2025 West Michigan Golden Gloves Finals this past Saturday and a large crowd was treated to four hours of outstanding action.

A total of 16 bouts were on the card and nearly every one provided plenty of action as boxers fought it out for West Michigan titles and the opportunity to advance to the state finals at Aquinas College May 2 and 3.

Wyoming’s PK Boxing Gym sparkles

Locally, PK Boxing Gym of Wyoming enjoyed a productive night. PK Boxing had two boxers in the finals and the duo actually fought in back-to-back matches. In a pair of hard-fought matches, Sebastian Romo and Jose Jimenez-Gonzalez both came away winning decisions and West Michigan titles.


PK Boxing teammates Jose Jimenez-Gonzalez (third from left) and Sebastian Romo (fourth from left) celebrate with teammates and coaches following their wins at the West Michigan Golden Gloves Finals. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



Boxing in the 127-pound Youth Novice Division, Romo defeated Teodocio Magana of the Crown Boxing Club of Lansing. The bout was an intense struggle from beginning to end.

“It was exciting”, said Romo, a student at Jenison High School. “I love everything about boxing. It was intense. It was a good fight. I thought it was a war and I had a good time.”

Romo has been boxing for three years, and this is his first time competing at Golden Gloves. He became interested in boxing while watching the sport with his family growing up.

“I was basically just watching a lot of fights at home with my dad and my family,” Romo said. “We watched a popular fighter, Canelo Alvarez, and after that I wanted to start boxing.”

In the following bout in the 147-pound Youth Novice Division, Jimenez-Gonzalez defeated Jeremiah Henry, also from Crown Boxing, in another close, hard-fought match.

A student at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, Jimenez-Gonzalez has been boxing for a short time and his match in the Golden Gloves was the first of his career. 

“I was nervous at first, but once I got in there, I was ready for war,” Jimenez-Gonzalez said. “It was exciting. My body shots were working the best, mainly my uppercuts.”

Like his teammate, Jimenez-Gonzalez grew up watching boxing and especially Canelo Alvarez.

“As a youngster I used to watch a lot of fights”, Jimenez-Gonzalez said, “especially Canelo. My grandpa used to fight, too. He never made it pro, but I wanted to follow his lead.”

Winning their bouts back-to-back was extra special for the teammates.

“We talked about it a lot,” Romo said. “It was fun to do it back-to-back.”

Floyd Santiago back

While Romo and Jimenez-Gonzalez were a pair of younger boxers making an initial name for themselves, Floyd Santiago was an older boxer who was back in the action after a lengthy span away from the sport. Boxing out of the Michigan Golden Gloves Association (MGGA) gym in Grand Rapids, Santiago was back in the Golden Gloves for the first time in eight years. Santiago showed no signs of any rust after the long time away from boxing as he won the 187-pound Elite Novice title by stopping Matt Rogein of Jet Boxing from Okemos.



Floyd Santiago of MGGA Grand Rapids won the 187-pound Elite Novice title after an eight-year layoff from boxing. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



Santiago displayed a relentless style piling up points and also recording a standing eight count in his victory. Getting the win after eight years of missing the sport was extra special for Santiago who thought about boxing the entire time.

“It feels great,” Santiago said. “Even through the eight years I had stopped boxing, I was doing body building, so I built up that discipline to be able to consistently do something every single day. But the whole time that I stopped boxing, I just regretted it. I love boxing so much. I regretted stopping. So now I’ve been back for six months, and I’ve been able to do this. It’s pretty great.”

In the Elite Open Division, another MGGA boxer, Siderio Mitchell (see below), came away with a championship. Boxing in the 143-pound Open Division weight class, Mitchell met a familiar face in the finals in his teammate from MGGA, Mike Guzman. In one of the most crowd-pleasing matches of the evening, Mitchell won a decision against his MGGA teammate in a bout that was full of action for all three rounds.



Siderio Mitchell of MGGA Grand Rapids defeated teammate Mike Guzman in the 143-pound Elite Open Division final. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



The two boxers were meeting for the first time in an actual match despite having sparred each other countless times at the MGGA gym.

“I probably have over a hundred rounds sparring with him,” Mitchell said. “He’s pretty good, that’s why I sparred him a lot. I told myself even though I sparred him this way, maybe I switch it up. I switched it up a few times in sparring, but tonight, I really need to switch it up.”

The plan worked out as Mitchell delivered his shots and avoided getting caught.

“I knew I couldn’t go out there and fight him the same way I did in sparring because he is going to expect that,” Mitchell said. “So when he was expecting to trade punches; boom, boom, boom, I hit him, then I got out the way. He wasn’t expecting that. Then the last 10 seconds, I know he’s a brawler. Last year I saw him brawling. He’s really good at that and he won most of those, but I made sure I hit and got out the way, finishing up my last 10 seconds doing laps around the ring and I won it. I did it.”

Another West Michigan title for Kalamazoo’s Gentle Gibson

The 132-pound Open Division final between Gentle Gibson of the Kalamazoo Boxing Club and Aarkeyse Higdon of Crown Boxing was another match that had the fans involved. Gibson, who won a state title last year, added a West Michigan title this year as he won in the second round on a referee stoppage.

The final two bouts in the Open Division also were won by boxers from the Kalamazoo Boxing Club. In the 154-pound weight class Evan Jackson defeated Alejandro Hernandez of Anahuac Boxing while in the 165-pound open final Jermont Reece defeated Joseph McDaye of Westside Boxing in Kalamazoo.

In the Elite Novice Division, Davone Jones of Crown Boxing beat Harrison Hevelhurst of LaCasa Boxing Club in the 132-pound weight class. At 143 pounds Mohammad Aliyar of United Boxing Club defeated Mekhi Know of Muskegon TCB. At 154-pouonds in the Elite Novice Division Carlito Aggers of Kalamazoo Boxing defeated Mateo Diaz of Sakwamdo Boxing Club of Holland. Ontess Toliver of Blue Gym in Grand Rapids beat Joe L. Johnson of Crown Boxing at 176 pounds.


In the 165-pound Elite Novice Division, Tommy Watts of TCB Boxing of Muskegon defeated Nate Dotson of Crown Boxing. In the 198-pound Elite Novice Division, Monta Perkins of Kalamazoo Boxing defeated D’Angelo Williams of Team Glass Boxing of Lansing, while in the 198-plus Elite Division, Aiden Baker of MGGA defeated Robert Lathan of Kalamazoo Boxing.

In the long Bantam Novice Division match of the evening, Ricardo Emiliano of Westside Boxing defeated Ethan Edmonds of Crown Boxing, and in the lone Junior Novice Division bout, Tayshon Whitfield of Crown Boxing beat Ronald Salvador of Eli J Boxing Club. 

Kentwood names longtime Economic Development Planner Lisa Golder as Community Development Director

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Kentwood Community Development Director Lisa Golder. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The City of Kentwood has named longtime Economic Development Planner Lisa Golder as its new Community Development Director.

Golder was unanimously appointed to the director role by the City Commission during its March 24 meeting. She succeeds Terry Schweitzer, who is retiring in early April.

As community development director, Golder will be responsible for overseeing the City of Kentwood’s planning and zoning services and managing a team that provides technical support to six city boards that develop and implement the city’s vision for the future.

“The leadership and dedication Lisa has shown during her more than 38 years of experience in our Planning Department make her the right person for this position,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “She has proven to be a valuable asset to the department, and I have absolute confidence she will continue to demonstrate great leadership and service in her new role.”

Golder joined the Planning Department in 1987 as an economic development planner. In this role, she developed, implemented and coordinated economic development initiatives for the City, including the Revolving Loan Fund, a low-interest loan program designed for small businesses.

Golder collaborated with The Right Place, Inc. and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on business retention and expansion, supporting businesses and industry to thrive and expand locally. Golder led the effort to achieve and maintain its status as a Redevelopment Ready Community, a certification from the MEDC that recognizes a city’s commitment to attracting new investors, businesses and residents. 

She also helped create the City’s form-based code ordinance which promotes a diverse mix of residential, business and leisure space within walking distance of public transportation. It was adopted to encourage the development and redevelopment of Division Avenue from Maplelawn Street to 60th Street.

She has been certified through the American Institute of Certified Planners since 1990.

“I am honored to be appointed community development director for the City of Kentwood,” Golder said. “I am eager to lead our talented team and help shape and grow the city through implementing sustainable development and fostering business opportunities.”

Learn more about the City of Kentwood’s Planning Department and its efforts at Kentwood.us/planning.

Emmanuel Hospice shares four conversation starters for advance care planning

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It is important to talk with loved ones about your health care wishes and designate someone to make decisions on your behalf when you are no longer able to do so (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Who will make decisions about your health in the event you are not able to make them yourself?

That is the question at the heart of National Healthcare Decisions Day. Every April, this annual initiative emphasizes the importance of talking with loved ones about your health care wishes, formally documenting those wishes and designating someone to make decisions on your behalf when you are no longer able to do so.

This process, known as advance care planning, is something Britt Fischer regularly discusses with patients and families in her role as a social worker with Emmanuel Hospice. In Fischer’s experience, many people wait until retirement or until they have a serious incident or diagnosis, but the conversation should happen sooner.

“Working for a hospice provider really opened my eyes,” Fischer says. “Every day is not guaranteed, so it is never too soon to get these plans in place.”


Many people wait to plan until retirement or until they have a serious incident or diagnosis, but the conversation should happen sooner (Courtesy, Adobe Stock)

Health, decision and rights

Advance care planning can be intimidating to talk about because of the stigma around end-of-life discussions in our society, but Fischer likes to say, “it is less about death and dying, and more about your health, your decisions and your rights.”

“Everyone has the right to know who is going to be making decisions for them,” she says. “Everyone should be able to feel confident that person is going to make decisions that are in line with their wishes – not anyone else’s.”

To help broach the topic with loved ones, Fischer recommends four conversations starters:

  • I recently learned about advance care planning. Have you discussed your wishes for future medical decisions with any loved ones?
  • Do you know who would be your health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care if you couldn’t make decisions for yourself?
  • Do you know if you have an advance directive in place? If not, can I help you with one?
  • What do you think are the most important decisions to make ahead of time regarding your health?

Clarification and documentation

Fischer recognizes advance care planning can also be confusing because there are a lot of different terms that are used – many of which mean the same thing.

“We want to see a durable power of attorney designated specifically for health care,” Fischer clarifies. “This is sometimes referred to as a health care proxy or patient advocate, but what it comes down to is whether you have in writing who will be responsible for making decisions for different medical events. We recommend listing additional people as backups in case the first-named person is unable to serve when the time comes.”

Filling out an advance directive form will serve as a legal guide for designating a decision maker and documenting your wishes (Courtesy, Adobe Stock)

Filling out an advance directive form will serve as a legal guide for designating that decision maker and documenting your wishes. It is recommended to review and update your advance directive anytime one of the “3 Ds” happen – death, divorce or diagnosis.

“There are many advance directive forms available online,” Fischer says. “CaringInfo.org is a great resource to find an appropriate one for your state. You’ll also need two people who are not related to you to witness. Often neighbors or friends can help with that part. Notarization is not necessary.”

In the state of Michigan, living wills are not legally binding. Only a durable power of attorney for health care can ensure your wishes are honored.

Fischer also recommends filling out a Michigan funeral representative form, which designates someone to make decisions about funeral arrangements and cremation.

“I’ve found it’s best to be clear and concise about what you want to happen at the end of life,” Fischer says. “This ensures your wishes are honored, rather than leaving your loved ones to guess or debate during an already difficult time.”

Exercise Snacking: The ‘little bit a lot’ approach to physical activity

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Physical therapist Peter Vander Weide working with participant Anwar (Courtesy, Care Resources)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


While it’s no secret physical activity is one of the most important ways to maintain good health, fitting in regular movement is easier said than done, especially as we age.

To make exercise more accessible, “exercise snacking” is growing in popularity for older adults. The idea is to incorporate small bursts of activity into your everyday routine.

‘A little bit a lot’

These “snacks” of activity can involve movement that already occurs in your daily life – things like getting up and down from a chair multiple times or doing weight shifts while washing dishes.

Increasing every day movements can produce healthy results (Courtesy photo)

“This is what I like to call the ‘little bit a lot’ approach,” says Peter Vander Weide, a physical therapist at Care Resources in Grand Rapids who has been a clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy for 20 years. “You’re more likely to do it because you don’t consider it a formal exercise program. Rather, you’re just doing a little more activity than you normally do each day. It’s a mental shift.”

There’s also the convenience of not needing any special equipment and being able to exercise snack anywhere spontaneously throughout your day. As it turns out, a “little bit a lot” adds up. According to the National Council on Aging, recent research has shown exercise snacks can lead to “significant health gains.”

A phenomenal impact

From his decades supporting older adults, Vander Weide can’t emphasize enough the need to stay active.

Regular physical activity generates both physical and mental health benefits (Courtesy photo)

“As we get older, our connective tissue becomes inflexible and we gradually lose muscle with aging, which is called Sarcopenia,” he says. “Some sources say people can experience 50% muscle loss by 80 years old.”

But the benefits of achieving regular physical activity are plentiful, Vander Weide notes.

“Regular physical activity will help you maintain maximum strength and improve circulation, digestion, respiratory function and flexibility while reducing joint pain,” he says. “Then there’s the impact on mental health. Exercise increases levels of serotonin and helps the body release endorphins that are better than eating a piece of chocolate. These decrease pain, depression and anxiety.

“Bottom line: Exercise is phenomenal for aging individuals – and for all of us, really.”

Simply moving

Vander Weide acknowledges it takes effort to exercise, and that alone can be a barrier. He says this concept of snacking works better because it’s not asking you to run a marathon, it’s inspiring you to find simple ways to do more a little bit at a time.

“You just simply have to move,” he urges.

Examples of suggested exercise snacks include:

  • Lean into the counters in your home to stretch your calf muscles out.
  • Grab on to your kitchen sink and do weight shifts side to side and then front to back.
  • Do a few sit-to-stands from a chair. 
  • Side-step from one room to another and back.
  • Speed up your pace as you walk through a hallway in your home.
  • March in place while looking for something in the fridge or pantry.

Moving with intention

Lastly, Vander Weide cautions to do these movements with intentionality. He believes one of the most important concepts to understand in aging is that the body compensates to failure.

Moving with intention is vital to maintaining normal function (Courtesy photo)

As your muscles get weaker or your body alters function due to pain, the brain will figure out how to compensate to accomplish the task. This may work for a while, but it often leads to further dysfunction. If proper form is used during exercise snacks, your body will regain or maintain “normal” function. 

For more information on physical therapy and group exercise classes provided by Care Resources for adults 55 years and older, call 800-610-6299 or visit CareResources.org.

Don’t miss WKTV’s Friday Night Highlights Robotics edition featuring many local teams in action! Day 1

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Kentwood Public Schools, Kids Activities, Local Sports, Tech Trends, West Michigan, , , , , , ,



By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org



WKTV Host Joey Sutherlin walks you through the qualifying rounds of the recent FIRST Robotics Michigan District event at East Kentwood High School (PART 1).


Our WKTV crew got highlights of the following local teams: East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics and Red Storm Rookies, Wyoming Demons, Grandville RoboDawgs, Kelloggsville Astrobots, Godwin Heights Robosnacks, Grand River Prep Titans and the West Catholic Enigma Robotics.


We also interviewed many student leaders and coaches!


Also take a look at Part 2 of our WKTV Friday Night Highlights Robotics Edition. Let us know what you think of our coverage mimicking Friday Night Highlights football and basketball.


More great robotics coverage to come!

Part 2: Don’t miss WKTV’s Friday Night Highlights Robotics edition featuring many local teams in action!

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Kentwood Public Schools, Kids Activities, Local Sports, Tech Trends, West Michigan, , , , , , ,



By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org


WKTV Host Joey Sutherlin walks you through the playoffs and finals of a recent FIRST Robotics Michigan District event at East Kentwood High School (PART 2).


Our WKTV crew got highlights of the following local teams: East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics and Red Storm Rookies, Wyoming Demons, Grandville RoboDawgs, Kelloggsville Astrobots, Godwin Heights Robosnacks, Grand River Prep Titans and the West Catholic Enigma Robotics.


We also interviewed many student leaders and coaches!


Also take a look at Part 1 of our WKTV Friday Night Highlights Robotics Edition. Let us know what you think of our coverage mimicking Friday Night Highlights football and basketball.


More great robotics coverage to come!

City of Kentwood to host 26th annual Spotlight on Seniors Expo April 15

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Kentwood Spotlight on Seniors Expo 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The City of Kentwood invites community members to connect with senior-focused resources at the 26th annual Spotlight on Seniors Expo on Tuesday, April 15.

The free indoor event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. It will feature more than 60 vendors from a variety of community businesses, free health screenings, snacks and lunch, door prizes and more.

“Kentwood is full of community resources to support aging individuals,” said Ann Przybysz, recreation program coordinator. “We encourage older adults and other community members to join us at the Spotlight on Seniors Expo, where they can explore services that encourage a healthy lifestyle and promote independence.”



Kentwood Spotlight on Seniors Expo 2024. Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley (center) at the Kentwood Police Department booth. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The expo vendors will represent a wide variety of industries, with professionals knowledgeable in everything from physical therapy and hearing services to recreational opportunities and retirement planning.

The event’s gold sponsors are StoryPoint Group, Tim Hortons and We Care 4 U. Silver sponsors are Cranberry Park Grand Rapids, HealthMarkets Insurance, Home Pro of West Michigan, Ken Ables Insurance Agency, Miracle-Ear and Valley Pines Senior Living.

Learn more about the Spotlight on Seniors Expo at kentwood.us/SpotlightOnSeniors.

Restoration efforts wrap up for 390,000+ Michigan customers impacted by severe storms

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Environment, Going Local, Hard News, Kent County, Our Cities, Weather, West Michigan, , , ,
Historic storms brought ice accumulation in northern Michigan and nine confirmed tornadoes to southern Michigan, impacting more than 390,000 Consumers Energy customers (Courtesy, Consumers Energy)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


(Courtesy, Consumers Energy)

Consumers Energy officials are thanking customers for their patience and understanding as crews from Michigan and neighboring states finish restoring power to the last remaining customers impacted earlier this week.

The historic storms brought ice accumulation in northern Michigan and nine confirmed tornadoes to southern Michigan, impacting more than 390,000 customers.

Consumers Energy crews worked around the clock in difficult conditions to safely and efficiently restore power. While they are nearing the end of our restoration efforts, crews can still be seen throughout the community.

Some crews are being redeployed to assist in other areas still recovering from the storm while others will remain in the region to clean up debris. In the following weeks, crews will work to remove the downed poles, wires and other materials used during restoration.

Consumers Energy asks residents to be aware during the clean-up process; never approach any downed wires or damaged equipment, and allow crews the space they need to work safely.

A show of support

“We are incredibly proud of our crews and support teams who responded swiftly and tirelessly during this critical time,” said Norm Kapala, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge for restoration. “We know how important reliable power is to our customers, and we thank them for their patience as we worked to bring everyone back online.”

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Throughout the restoration, crews were also deeply moved by the support shown by the communities. In Pellston — the “Ice Box of the Nation” — hearts were anything but cold. When more than 100 crews stopped by the Pellston General Store, they were told: “It’s on us.”

“When we arrived and set up our command center, there was no electricity, no water and no food available,” said Andy Snider, Executive Director of Electric Operations. “This establishment really opened its doors to help our crews out. The support they’ve offered helped us expedite restoration.”

Pellston General Store Director Nate Hendricks said he was happy to help. “These crews are away from their families helping us get back in business and getting everyone’s power back. We want to pay it forward.”

Consumers Energy says they are grateful for this incredible example of community spirit — and for every neighbor, business and local partner who supported their crews throughout this storm.

Continued improvement

Customers will also see crews throughout the year as Consumers pushes forward in their efforts to improve as outlined in the Reliability Roadmap.

As weather events grow more frequent and severe, investing in a stronger, more resilient electric grid is essential. They are continuing to upgrade infrastructure, trim trees, replace aging equipment and implement smart technologies to better withstand future storms and reduce outage times.

(Courtesy, Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce)

Important safety tips

Consumers Energy urges the public to keep important safety tips in mind:

  • Be alert to crews working along the roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they can go safely past workers on roadsides.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Residents can also utilize the Michigan 211 website for the most up to date information on warming shelters in their area.

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

East Kentwood Red Storm Robotic Team 3875 robot that will compete in the upcoming competition. (WKTV/Cris Greer)

In its 15th year, the growing Kentwood Public Schools robotics program has nearly 350 participants, with a waiting list of 91

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East Kentwood Red Storm Rookies Coach Nick Baribeau’s team recently showed off its talents at an FIM District Competition hosted by East Kentwood. (WKTV/Cris Greer)



By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org

When it comes to robotics, few schools in the state can match the size and talent of the robotics program at Kentwood Public Schools.

Like their athletic teams, the East Kentwood robotics program has large numbers of participants, and like the athletic squads, those students start at an early age.

While East Kentwood has large high school and middle school teams, the numbers are strong all the way down to the kindergartens in the district where prospective students get their first exposure to robotics through interaction with LEGOs.

The East Kentwood high school squads displayed just how talented they are at the recent FIRST In Michigan (FIM) district championship on March 29 and 30 at their gymnasium. The varsity team, Red Storm Robotics 3875, finished second overall out of 40 teams at the district tournament. They captained the team and were aligned with the Wyoming Demons Robotics and Gull Lake Twisted Devils.


East Kentwood’s Red Storm Rookies 9566 also performed well at the varsity event qualifying for the finals.

“Things went really well for us,” said East Kentwood Red Storm Rookies Coach Nick Baribeau. “We were able to become alliance captains and won our first game against Alliance 2. I’m really proud of the way my kids performed.”

The Rookies are comprised entirely of freshmen and eighth graders. Many of those students became involved in robotics at an early age in the Kentwood school system and by the time they joined the rookie team they had acquired numerous skills that can be utilized on a robotics team.

They have turned in a solid season placing second at their first tournament and fourth at their second one.

A big part of the success of the East Kentwood robotics teams is the total effort put in by coaches, mentors and the students who log countless hours learning and honing a variety of math, science and technical skills.

I make sure that we have viable programs all the way up,” said Red Storm Robotics Coach and Program Coordinator Trista VanderVoord. “I get volunteers to coach the teams. A lot of our coaches from kindergarten through 12th grade are parent volunteers. Once we get into middle school and high school, we have some more technical mentors because that requires that kind of technical level.”



East Kentwood Red Storm Robotic Team 3875 robot that will compete in the upcoming competition. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
East Kentwood High School’s Red Storm Robotics 3875 robot that competed in the recent district competition.



Kids in the Kentwood school system can begin gaining technical skills in kindergarten working with LEGO robotics kits. Once they enter elementary school they can join school robotics teams. All 10 elementary schools in the East Kentwood school district have robotics teams.

“Kindergarten through third grade have their own mixed team,” VanderVoord said. “Then fourth and fifth grade is the next level. Then middle school, sixth through eighth grade, is a jump up and at that stage they are dealing with metal robots and their robots are 18 inches by 18 inches cubed, so they are dealing with bigger robots. And then the high school level is mammoth 125-pound robots.”



East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics Coach Trista VanderVoord.



Large program with 331 participants, 91 on a waiting list

The Red Storm program has 331 kids from K-12 with 91 on a waiting list due to needing more coaches. A total of 30 students are on the varsity team and 34 students on the Red Storm Rookies.  

The robotics’ year-round calendar

Like the sports teams, robotics has competitions where the students can put their skills to the test. The competition season begins the first week of January when the teams get their challenge and begin building their robot and preparing for the first competition that usually takes place six weeks after starting to construct the robots. The competition season lasts for five weeks after the six-week building season. During the offseason, the students have summertime skill building, and then meet weekly in the fall to work on more skills.

The building of the robot requires advanced skills that prepare the students for real-life work in technical fields.

“The students do prototypes, they do the testing on all of their stuff,” VanderVoord said. “They actually put all their stuff in CAD (Computer Aided Design), so they make a virtual 3-D. They use the CAD to use our CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine to cut pieces out to use on the robot. It’s a huge process and it’s really like industry. That’s how things are built. It follows the same process just on a very short time frame.”

Just like a sport; robotics is a big commitment

The students on the team also put in plenty of time working on their robots and their skills. During the season the varsity team meets four nights a week from 6 to 9 p.m., and then on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a total of 17 hours per week.

Students also learn to specialize in specific skills in the years leading up to being on the varsity team much like athletic teams. Students learn skills in electrical, programming, mechanical and marketing and once they reach the varsity team they specialize in a particular skill.

Like the varsity team, the eighth grade/freshmen team also takes advantage of specialization to enjoy success.

“We have our team separated into several sub groups,” Baribeau said. “We have groups that focus on pit, fixing up the robot and repairing and replacing parts. We have a group that is devoted to just drive. We have a team devoted to building and manufacturing the parts. We even have a marketing crew.


“Allowing the students to experience all the different parts and then choose to specialize has really allowed the students to specialize.”

15th anniversary of the Kentwood Public Schools Robotics Program

This is the 15-year anniversary for the Kentwood Robotics Program. 

“It’s a very cool model,” VanderVoord said of the robotics teams. “It sets them up for careers, and they can explore careers.” 

East Kentwood and Wyoming robotics teams align to take second in district in a jam-packed gym last weekend; West Catholic wins trophy

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By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


The Super Bowl of high school robotics in West Michigan took place last weekend at East Kentwood High School and the fans in a jam-packed Falcon gymnasium had plenty to cheer about.

Forty 40 high school robotics teams and about 2,000 fans from across Michigan descended on the gym for the FIRST In Michigan (FIM) District Kentwood Event presented by Dematic.

For the third year in a row, the Grand Rapids West Catholic High School Enigma Robotics team won the district championship. West Catholic also earned the Excellence in Engineering Award and recorded the highest match score in the state.

West Catholic aligned with the Hopkins Tech Vikes and Shelby Tiger Bytes to defeat East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics, Wyoming Demons Robotics and Gull Lake Twisted Devils 2-0 (192-121, 199-111) in a best of three championship.

“We had a great weekend here,” said Anthony Uriarte, one of the coaches of the West Catholic team. “We actually had the state high-record with our alliance this weekend in the eliminations. It was a close match, but we were just really happy that our alliances and partners got together and put up some amazing scores and had a lot of fun.”



West Catholic Enigma Robotics took first for the third year in a row. (Photo Courtesy, FIRST Robotics, Phillip Place)



In this two-day event, teams compete in qualifying rounds and then form alliances with other teams to determine the overall champions in the playoff rounds.

Red Storm Robotics had a neighborhood alliance partnering with the Wyoming Demons Robotics. The partnership worked out great for the team as they placed second and qualified for this week’s state finals that are scheduled to take place from April 3-5 at Saginaw Valley State University.



East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics finished in second place in the districts and also won the Impact Award, considered the most prestigious at the FIRST Robotics Competition. (Photo Courtesy, FIRST Robotics, Phillip Place)



“The 3875 Red Storm Robotics did amazingly well,” said East Kentwood Coach Trista VanderVoord. “We had not performed this well at either of our other competitions. They’ve been really working between competitions to get the robot even more robust. This competition is where it all came together. We had amazing alliance partners. We had the Demons from Wyoming, shout out to them, we love them.



“It all fell into place. They all worked so well together. Enigma (West Catholic) is just a great team and it would’ve been really hard to beat them. They are a force to be reckoned with for sure.”

Wyoming Demons

For the Wyoming Demons squad, the chance to be aligned with East Kentwood in the finals was a great experience.

“This was a fantastic competition for us,” said Wyoming Coach Amy Oostdyk. “We had a rough start at the beginning. After the first rounds we were the 40th team. We were the last one in the whole competition, but our students never gave up. They just kept fighting and fighting. And doing what they needed to do. No matter what happened. They fought their way back to where we are today in second place.”



Wyoming Demons Robotics 2025. (Photo Courtesy, FIRST Robotics, Phillip Place)



The alliance of neighbors Kentwood and Wyoming was not something new as the two programs have teamed up at other competitions in prior years.

“We were the winners of the Kentwood event together in 2022,” VanderVoord said. “So this was like a reunion for us. We didn’t win the event, but at least we were on an alliance.”

With 12 students, the Wyoming team was one of the smaller squads at the competition. While the team is small in numbers, it has outstanding team chemistry and unity which allows it to be successful.

“We are a very small team,” said Oostdyk, in her second year as Wyoming coach. “We have 12 kids that we brought today. Our team is really close. We are always working to support each other. Because life is complicated for a high school student whether they join a robotics team or not.”

West Catholic Enigma Robotics

Like Wyoming, the champion West Catholic team also is small in numbers with 12 students on the team. What the squad lacks in numbers, it makes up with versatility as the students learn a variety of skills that they blend together.

“We are actually a pretty small program,” Uriarte said. “We have about 12 students and about five active mentors that come on a pretty regular basis. The nice thing about being a small team is it allows the students to be involved in many different aspects. For instance, our drivers are design students. It allows the students to get involved in a lot of things and have a large impact on our program.”

West Catholic is among the premier teams in robotics in the state as they not only have qualified for the state tournament the past several years, but have also advanced to the world competition. Two years ago, the West Catholic team actually advanced to the final rounds at the world competition. 

“We have been to the world competition the last five or six years,” said West Catholic co-Coach Matt Dressel. “This year we hope for the same thing, to get to the world competition and compete. We will do the best we can do and see what comes.”

A high school robotics team needs a variety of skills from designing and building the robot to driving the robot and developing marketing skills to acquire backing for the team.

The robotics season typically begins in early January where the students come up with the concept for the robot and then design and build the robot to be ready for competition that begins in March. While the competition season takes place for a few months, robotics teams meet and work on different robotics skills all throughout the school year to prepare for the season. 

After competing in different competitions, the teams begin tournament play like the district tournament at East Kentwood.



East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics Coach Trista VanderVoord. (WKTV)



The EK tournament drew a packed and enthusiastic crowd of several thousand to the gymnasium creating a true big-game atmosphere.

“They work for at least eight weeks building something to showcase it for just a short five weeks,” VanderVoord said. “Every event is like our own Super Bowl. We’ve worked so hard to get here and now we get to actually do the thing we built this robot to do. The hype is real. It’s electrifying. It’s loud in here. States will be four-times louder because it’s four fields in the same arena. The energy level is amazing.”

Final restoration work underway for more than 900 Consumers Energy crews

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Consumers Energy has approximately 900 crews engaged in the final restoration efforts for customers impacted by recent severe weather (Courtesy, Consumers Energy)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


(Courtesy, Consumers Energy)

Consumers Energy has approximately 900 crews engaged in the final restoration efforts for customers impacted by severe ice and thunderstorms that pummeled massive swaths of the northern and southern portions of the state in the past week.

In addition to the hundreds of thousands who lost power over the weekend due to the first series of storms — which brought historic ice accumulation in the north and nine confirmed tornadoes in the south — 47,000 additional customers lost power on Wednesday afternoon and evening due to high winds from another storm system crossing the state.

Of the around 350,000 customers impacted by the storm events, nearly 90% have already been restored.

“This has been one of the most significant storm events in our company’s history, yet just as significant has been the response from our lineworkers,” said Chris Fultz, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge of restoration.

“Throughout this restoration effort we have continually added more crews to our system, and have an historic, dedicated team committed to working around the clock until every last customer has the lights back on.”

To thank customers for their understanding, Consumers Energy is working with local first responders and law enforcement in Crawford, Otsego, Oscoda and Alcona counties to provide free water throughout the day today to those impacted by the storms.

(Courtesy, Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce)

Important safety tips

Consumers Energy urges the public to keep important safety tips in mind:

  • Be alert to crews working along the roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they can go safely past workers on roadsides.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Residents can also utilize the Michigan 211 website for the most up to date information on warming shelters in their area.

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.

PAWS highlights increasing need for service dogs for children with autism

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Nolan (left) and TREASURE with parents Vanessa and Derek (Courtesy, PAWS)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


“When I first met TREASURE, I was super excited!” shared Nolan Casula, one of the many children benefiting from the partnership of a Paws With A Cause (PAWS) Service Dog for Children with Autism (SDA).

TREASURE, a lovable Golden Retriever, joined the Casula family as Nolan’s SDA companion last year. The service dog quickly became Nolan’s new best friend, helping him navigate the world and offering comfort and support.

In recognition of Autism Awareness Week (March 24-28) and Autism Awareness Day (April 2), PAWS shined a spotlight on the impact of SDAs like TREASURE and the ongoing efforts to meet the rapidly increasing demand for these dogs.

PAWS provides custom-trained assistance dogs that empower individuals living with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives (Courtesy, PAWS)

The impact of SDAs

PAWS provides custom-trained assistance dogs that empower individuals living with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives. One category of assistance dogs is SDAs.

These dogs play a crucial role for children on the spectrum by enhancing social interactions, expanding verbal and nonverbal communication, teaching life skills, increasing interest in activities, and reducing stress within the family – something the Casula family can attest to.

Nolan’s parents, Vanessa and Derek Casula, shared, “The impact that TREASURE has had on our family has been nothing but positive. What once were challenges are no longer the case.

“We no longer have to dread bedtime, we no longer have to dread simplistic things such as showering or brushing teeth. I don’t have to try to convince him to read a story because now he willingly does so to his best friend TREASURE.”

An increasing demand

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

However, the demand for these life-changing dogs continues to grow. PAWS currently receives four applications for every one spot available for SDAs. In 2025, PAWS did not offer applications for this category of assistance dog due to the already extensive waiting list.

For PAWS, meeting this increasing demand requires strategic growth and additional support from the community.

Renovating PAWS’ national headquarters based in Wayland, MI, is one of vital changes being made to expand the mission work and ability to reach more people like the Casula family. The updated facilities will enable PAWS to continue delivering world-class service, increase the number of dogs in training, and therefore, the number applicants the organization can serve.

A need for foster puppy raising volunteers

With a goal to double the placements of assistance dogs by 2030, PAWS also needs to increase the number of volunteers in the Foster Puppy Raising program.

Volunteer Foster Puppy Raisers provide a loving home and basic obedience training for future assistance dogs before they are ready to begin formal training. Before TREASURE met her forever person, Nolan, she lived with Bonnie Sposato, a volunteer Foster Puppy Raiser for PAWS.

There are currently over 150 volunteers that are a part of the Foster Puppy Raising program at PAWS, but this number will need to grow (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“It honestly gives me goosebumps in the best way to think about the changes and the impact that miss TREASURE is going to have on a child’s life,” said Sposato. “Her new person loves her, and she loves him so much. It is the best feeling ever.”

There are currently over 150 volunteers that are a part of the Foster Puppy Raising program at PAWS, but this number will need to grow over the next year to help serve more people with disabilities. To reach more people like Nolan and his family, PAWS is asking the community to consider becoming a raiser, co-raiser, or a starter/finisher home.

“Providing assistance dogs for the people who need them begins with our volunteers,” said Michele Suchovsky, CEO of PAWS. “By providing the dog with a loving home in the early stages of life, our volunteers are helping us make an incredible impact for people like the Casula family.

“TREASURE helps Nolan feel safe, understood, and supported. She is providing peace of mind to Vanessa and Derek, helping them navigate the challenges of autism with greater ease.”

An encouraging word

(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Nolan provided his thoughts on the importance of helping more children like him receive their SDA, encouraging people to donate to PAWS and volunteer: “Because of donations from people like you, I have my best friend TREASURE. Your donation will also allow for other kids like me to have a best friend too!”

More information about PAWS, ways to donate, and how to join the volunteer program can be found at: pawswithacause.org.

Kent County Health Department vigilant as measles cases show up across the country

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(Photo Courtesy, pxhere.com)



By Greg Chrapek
greer@wktv.org


A disease more associated with the 20th century is showing up across America this past winter and early spring, and while cases are rare in Michigan, the public needs to be aware that measles is making a comeback.

The measles disease was officially considered eliminated in the United State in the year 2000 due to the MMR vaccine and high vaccination rates, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The disease, which is particularly rough on children, began showing up in February and early March in the Southwest United States and specifically New Mexico and West Texas. 

As of March 28, 483 measles cases confirmed in U.S., one in Kent County

Since then, measles has been showing up across the nation, and according to the CDC, the latest numbers have shown an increase of cases with nearly half the states in the U.S. reporting cases. As of March 27, 2025, a total of 483 cases are confirmed across the nation. A total of 20 states have reported cases of measles, including Michigan. (CDC)


The first measles case in Michigan was confirmed in Oakland County (suburban Detroit) by the Michigan Health and Human Services Department (MHHSD). The CDC also has reported five outbreaks (defined as three or more related cases), across the country. A total of 14% of the cases have required hospitalization. The CDC also reports one confirmed death due to the measles and one other death under investigation. At the beginning of the month the CDC reported 164 confirmed cases.

As of April 2, there is one reported case in Kent County. Local health department officials are vigilant and monitoring the situation.


“We are monitoring measles activity statewide and nationally, and working with schools, healthcare providers and community partners to keep them informed about symptoms, testing protocols and reporting requirements,” said Christina Anthony, Communications Manager for Kent County overseeing the Health Department. “We also continue to raise awareness through our monthly newsletter and social media pages.”

According to the Michigan Health and Human Services Department, measles is a disease caused by a virus. It is one of the world’s most contagious diseases. The MHHSD website also states that 90% of persons without immunity to measles will become ill after exposure to the virus. It also states that measles can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.

The MHHSD website also states the while some people think of measles as a rash and fever that clears up in a few days, the measles can actually cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than five years old.

While measles was considered eliminated in 2000, declining vaccination rates have opened the door for the disease to make a comeback, according to the CDC website. Health organizations across the country strongly recommend getting vaccinated to combat the disease.

Kent County residents can do their part to help prevent the spread of measles by taking some basic steps.

Residents are encouraged to ensure that their vaccinations are up to date with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. Residents should check their immunization record through the Michigan Immunization Portal to ensure they are up to date or contact their healthcare provider.

Residents also are encouraged to avoid contact with infected individuals as the measles are highly contagious. Staying away from people who are known to have measles is important. Good hygiene practices also help prevent the spread of measles. Frequent hand washing with soap and water and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing is stressed.

The CDC also has guidelines for when people should receive the MMR vaccine. For children, the CDC recommends they receive the first dose of MMR vaccine at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose at four through six-years of age.

For adults, the CDC recommends that those who do not have evidence of immunity, namely those born in 1957 or later, get at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Adults at higher risk, such as healthcare workers or individuals traveling internationally, may need an additional dose. A healthcare provide can offer specific recommendations based on an individual’s risk factors.

The MMR vaccine also is recommended for people six months and older who are planning on international travel. There is no recommendation for MMR vaccination for domestic travel. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, with two doses being about 97% effective at preventing measles. (CDC Website)


For more information, click here: Kent County Health Department.

Puertas Abiertas celebrates six years of helping Latina women live free of domestic violence

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Puertas Abiertas is breaking the cycle of domestic violence by providing women, men, children, and LGBTQ with support and resources (Courtesy photo)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Puertas Abiertas (Open Doors), a local nonprofit organization, is celebrating six years of helping Latina women live healthier lives free of violence.

Andrea Inostroza, founder and executive director, has served over 2,500 individuals since the inception of Puertas Abiertas in January 2019. While Inostroza focuses on providing services for female victims of abuse, trafficking and discrimination in the Latina community, no one is turned away.

Regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, Inostroza opens her doors to all in need.

“What we provide here is a support group for women, men, children, adolescents, and LGBTQ+ too,” says Inostroza. “This organization was born with the idea of: Serve the Latino community and break the cycle of domestic violence (DV) through education.”

“We speak their language”

Inostroza leads the organization with cultural sensitivity and awareness. As the only bilingual organization in Michigan offering resources for those escaping domestic violence situations, Puertas Abiertas provides a vital service for the Latina community.

The nonprofit offers services such as therapy; support groups; food, clothing and housing assistance; employment and resume building assistance; and a 24/7 Spanish domestic violence hotline.

Puertas Abiertas works with more than 60 partners and community organizations to offer as many resources as possible under one roof – which was Inostroza’s goal.

(Courtesy, Puertas Abiertas)

“My idea was to have an organization where everybody comes here, and we don’t send anyone anywhere,” Inostroza says, adding that partnerships are vital to the success of this process. “You can’t do this work by yourself. You have to do it in a collaboration.”

Inostroza’s staff includes five Michigan licensed therapists and two full-licensed therapists. Inostroza’s background also contains an extensive knowledge of trauma-informed therapy. Puertas Abiertas’ therapy program currently serves over 140 men, women and children.

Puertas Abiertas staff also includes five advocates that accompany clients to various places (ex: court) and assist with transportation and translation.

“We are always with them. Always,” says Inostroza. “That’s what makes a difference. To have somebody beside you, and to know that you belong to the organization…it’s a sense of belonging.”

“We don’t label”

Inostroza says there is no judgment at Puertas Abiertas.

“We don’t differentiate here, we don’t label. If someone comes here and needs services, we help them. Our mission is to provide, to teach these women to have a healthy life free of violence,” Inostroza says.

“We work with the Latino community, and we’re trying to protect the clients, protect the organization, and to have the best outcome based on everything that is going on around us.”

Teaching safety and equality

Andrea Inostroza-Castro, Puertas Abiertas Founder and Executive Director (Courtesy, Puertas Abiertas)

Inostroza was raised in Concepción, Chile and moved to Kansas with her family in 2002 without knowing the English language or culture. The move was precipitated by a desire to place her children in a safe environment and teach them about equality.

“Chile is very divided by social status, socioeconomics and finances, so we wanted to teach our kids that everybody is the same,” says Inostroza. “We don’t look at anyone differently.”

Initially, Inostroza struggled with the English language and change in culture.

“I came from the second biggest city in Chile, beside the ocean – to Kansas, in the middle of nowhere,” said Inostroza, adding that she later moved to Michigan because of the lakes and her desire to be near water.

Inostroza learned English while pursuing a postgraduate degree. Her certifications include: a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education, a Master of Science in Psychology, a Master in Art Therapy and Counseling. She is also registered as a professional artist at Fine Art America.

Recognizing a need

Inostroza was inspired to start Puertas Abiertas while employed at a Grand Rapids school where 86% of students came from the Latino community.

“I saw a lot of problems with children,” says Inostroza. “[The school] wanted to discharge them from the school system because of their behavior.”

Inostroza realized the negative behavior stemmed from domestic violence at home, or because the students were survivors of domestic violence.

(Courtesy, Puertas Abiertas)

She began talking with her students’ mothers, gaining their trust. Inostroza soon realized the women were also DV victims and survivors, or were sexually abused as children.

“That’s what motivates me: the needs of the people and the misunderstanding of the behaviors of the children in school – because it was not their fault,” says Inostroza. “They were repeating [what they saw at home].

Inostroza began a ten-week support group (Puertas Abiertas) for women. As the number of participants quickly increased, she began looking for a larger meeting place – and encountered unexpected resistance.

David vs. Goliath: The fight for resources

While trying to obtain support and resources, Inostroza was continually turned away with the words: ‘No, there is no domestic violence in the Latino community.’

“Grand Rapids wasn’t prepared to face it,” says Inostroza.

Another misconception was the belief that domestic violence was part of the Latino community culture.

“It’s not,” said Inostroza. “It is a lack of formal education. Latino and South American countries are known for lack of formal education.”

Despite the negativity surrounding her, Inostroza refused to give up.

“In the beginning, it was very stressful. I knocked on so many doors. I can’t tell you how many doors.”

Money was also a problem, with only $1,300 for liability insurance. Puertas Abiertas now has a million-dollar budget and 21 staff members.

“It has been a lot of work, a lot of grant writing, a lot of talking,” Inostroza says. “People are supporting the organization and seeing the work being done. We have the trust of the people, but that took work.”

Breaking the cycle

Many children belonging to the Latino community are born into a domestic violence cycle.

“These children are the future generations of the United States,” says Inostroza. “And we don’t see it. We don’t believe that these kids are going to grow up, they are going to become adults, they are going to have families, and the cycle is going to continue.”

Education is necessary, Inostroza continues, to help these children grow, become independent, recognize the difference between need and want – and break the DV cycle.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs defines which needs are most important to survive (Courtesy, Puertas Abiertas)

“This organization was not based on what I wanted to give the community, it was based on what they needed. That is why it has been so successful,” says Inostroza.

“If we don’t provide the services or the education we’re providing, this is going to continue and continue.”

Wins and losses

Inostroza says she has learned a lot since Puertas Abiertas opened its doors, and that recognizing both wins and losses over the past six years is important.

“It’s important because we learn from our mistakes,” says Inostroza. “We have made some mistakes, and we have learned from them so we don’t repeat them again.”

Inostroza’s staff share the Puertas Abiertas mission, vision and values – and share the rewards as well.

“To know [clients] are going to have a bed at night, a place to sleep, is a huge reward for us,” said Inostroza. “To know they are going to have food, to know they are safe, to see their smile, is what has motivated me to keep going. Nothing else.”

And Inostroza is willing to put in the work.

“We have to do the work…and do the best we can to protect the clients and protect the organization. I cannot fail.”

To learn more about Puertas Abiertas or how to support/partner with the organization, click here (English) or here (Español).

Watch this special episode of WKTV Soundbites En Español with host Yeli Romero and Julieta Torres, Gerente de Programas de Puertas Abiertas: Soundbites En Español.

Spring Brush and Leaf Drop-Off Service available to Kentwood residents starting April 5

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Kentwood Brush and Leaf Drop-Off. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The City of Kentwood will again offer its brush and leaf drop-off service for residents starting Saturday, April 5.

Residents may drop off brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs, loose leaves and grass clippings at the Public Works Department, 5068 Breton Ave. SE, during new adjusted hours. The new hours are from 11 am. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

“We look forward to opening our brush and leaf drop-off site for the season and offering shifted hours based on community feedback,” Public Works Deputy Director Jim Wolford said. “We’re happy to provide an easy and convenient way for residents to dispose of brush and leaves during times that work with their schedules.”

The brush and leaf drop-off service will be offered through Friday, May 23, for Kentwood residents only, and proof of residency is required.

Materials that can’t be dropped off:

Materials that cannot be accepted include trash, paper and plastic bags, dirt, concrete, asphalt, tires, rocks, stones, construction materials, glass and metal.

In addition to making yard cleanup easier, the brush and leaf drop-off service also helps residents stay in compliance with City of Kentwood ordinances. The accumulation of leaves and debris on a property or in the right-of-way as well as the burning of leaves and brush are prohibited in Kentwood.

The Public Works Department gathered input through emails and phone calls from residents. Residents are encouraged to share feedback on the spring brush and leaf drop-off service by contacting the Public Works Department at ePublicWorks@kentwood.us or 616-554-0817.

More information about the City of Kentwood’s brush and leaf drop-off services is available at kentwood.us/BrushLeafDropOff.