Sept. 6, 2022 UPDATE: Wyoming Department of Public Safety obtained an arrest warrant for open murder on Yenly Garcia in relation to the homicide of Mollie Schmidt.
Yenly Garcia
Garcia’s location is still unknown at this time and detectives are still working to locate him.
Anyone with information as to Garcia’s locations is asked to call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345, 1-866-774-2345, or www.silentobserver.org.
On Aug. 31, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety announced it is conducting a homicide investigation in the 1500 block of 44th Street.
On Aug. 30, detectives from Wyoming Public safety and Kent County Sheriff’s Department served a search warrant at an apartment belonging to Yenly Garcia and located a female deceased from a gunshot wound. The female has been identified as Mollie Schmidt who was reported missing to Kent County Sheriff’s Department last week.
Detectives are investing this case as a homicide and are pursuing all leads .Garcia is a person of interest in this case. Garcia is 44-years-old, 5-foot, 10 inches tall, 200 pounds with dark hair and distinct tattoos on his face. Garcia was last known to be driving a black 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup with a Michigan plate of ELW6780. Garcia’s current whereabouts are unknown. Garcia current has an active warrant out for his arrest on an unrelated charge.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345 or online at https://www.silentobserver.org.
With opponents from both schools pulling out of scheduled games, Grand Rapids Union and Godwin Heights decided to take the field against each other as the Red Hawks emerged with a 48-18 victory on Thursday.
Godwin pulls ahead early, Union’s depth leads to win
The Wolverines had an early lead, and even had an opportunity to lead by multiple scores after a blocked punt. However, Godwin Heights was unable to take advantage.
Lack of depth played a factor, according to Godwin Heights coach Brandon Kimble.
“We knew when we took the game on short notice they had more depth than us,” Kimble said. “We just needed to be more conditioned and execute, and in the beginning we did that.”
Senior quarterback Jamarion Collins added two more touchdowns, after a five touchdown performance a week ago.
Coach Kimble explained the decision to play Union on short notice after their previous opponent dropped the game due to a shortage of players.
“For us, it was more important to make sure we had a game to play,” Kimble said. “Last season we went 5-3, and had a team on our schedule drop down to 8-man and we were unable to reschedule.
“We just didn’t want to put ourselves in that same exact situation.”
Under the old playoff system, a team that won six of nine games or five of eight was guaranteed a playoff spot, but the MHSAA has opted for a points-based playoff model.
Grand Rapids Union (2-0) will face Wyoming next Friday at 7 p.m., while Godwin Heights (1-1) travels to Hopkins for a 7 p.m. contest on Sept. 9.
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WKTV Game of the Week
Our Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. Watch at home on your Smart TV in brilliant HD.
The Godfrey-Lee Legends at practice in 2021. (WKTV)
By Zach Fanko, WKTV Conributing Writer
Featuring a strong rushing attack and an opportunistic defense, the Mendon Hornets jumped ahead early and never looked back in a 76-12 victory over Godfrey-Lee in 8-player action on Thursday.
Ground and pound for Mendon
Mendon ran it early and often against the Legends to the tune of 444 yards on 31 carries. Hornets running back Jack McCaw was the largest beneficiary with 210 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.
Mendon coach Robert Kretschman said it all starts up front.
“Being able to control the line of scrimmage was key for us,” Kretschman said. “That’s our M.O., ground and pound and playing solid defense.”
The Hornets completed just one pass on three attempts, an 81-yard touchdown from quarterback Luke Schinker to tight end Gabe Haigh.
Turnovers end promising drives for Lee
Godfrey-Lee had several promising drives early. One of which ended in a touchdown pass for quarterback Anthony Block, making his first start of the season after missing last week’s game due to injury. Three other drives ended in interceptions.
(Image courtesy of Godfrey-Lee)
“We sustained drives in the first half,” Lee coach Lamar Marshall said. “The drive killers got us, those interceptions ended some good looking drives.”
After a strong game last week, running back Elijah Beckwith added 88 yards on the ground including a 50-yard rushing touchdown.
Mendon (1-1) hosts Bridgman on September 9 at 7 p.m., while Godfrey-Lee (0-2) hosts New Buffalo September 9 at 7 p.m.
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WKTV Game of the Week
Our Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. Watch at home on your Smart TV in brilliant HD.
Ionia senior Ethan Bowen made the most of his first varsity start at quarterback as he threw two touchdowns and ran for two more in the Bulldogs 44-8 win over home team Kelloggsville Thursday.
Bowen, who filled in for the injured Travis Tucker, Jr., had 101 yards in the air and 82 on the ground.
“He’s one of our captains, a wide receiver and the backup quarterback,” said Ionia coach Chad Rhynard, whose team improved to 1-1. “He did a great job and the kids rallied behind him tonight. I was surprised, but not really surprised. He’s a great leader for us and does what we ask of him.
“I think he was pretty excited for the opportunity.”
Rhynard said once they took a 14-0 lead his team settled in offensively.
“I was happy with the way we ground it out,” said Ryhnard, whose Bulldogs led 28-8 at the half. “We want to possess the ball and gain first downs. Overall, not too many complaints for us.”
Receiver Mason Doty scored two touchdowns for 88 yards total.
Kelloggsville coach Brandon Branch said his team came out and played hard all night long.
“Their mentality, aggressiveness and willingness was all there,” said Branch, whose Rockets fell to 0-2. “Early on, our defense held tough. We fumbled on our first possession and our defense stopped them. If we capitalized on the first two drives it could have gone a different way.
“I’m proud of their effort; they played together and they got after it.”
Cam Townsend scored the lone touchdown for Kelloggsville in the first quarter on an 80-yard pass from senior quarterback Zach Zerfas. Townsend led with 113 yards receiving on four catches.
Despite Kelloggsville’s offensive struggles, Zerfas ended up with 188 yards passing. As a junior last year, Zerfas passed for over 2,400 yards and threw 24 touchdowns.
Send us your live game photos
We are always looking for great football game photos to post with our WKTV Journal stories on Friday nights. Please email your cool game night football pix to greer@wktv.org
WKTV Game of the Week
Our Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. Watch at home on your Smart TV in brilliant HD.
Members of the Davenport University esports team, from left, Austin Mikkelsen, Coach Colin Graham, Jessie Barger, Benjamin Pringle and Abraham Hernandez. (WKTV)
By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer
Esports isn’t just exploding in high schools across the country, it also has found a foothold in many colleges as well.
Short for electronic sports, esports can offer students a sense of belonging, college scholarships, and for some, a new path in life.
Davenport University freshman Abraham Hernandez and League of Legends esports player said video games changed his life.
“Kept me off the streets”
“I didn’t grow up in the best neighborhood,” Hernandez said. “It kept me off the streets.”
On a personal level, Hernandez said playing video games with his friends as a teen was “some of the best memories I’ve ever had in my life. The relationships I’ve built off of it, the memories I have — I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Hernandez also sees the value in long-term benefits of esports.
“I enjoy the competitiveness, the drive, the want to get better, knowing how to get better at something — that skill goes way beyond esports. Esports changed my life for the better and I don’t know where I would be without it.”
Like traditional sports, esports teaches soft skills: teamwork, accountability and communication being just a few. Character building, developing discipline, self-esteem and sportsmanship also are advantages of being on an esports team.
Organized competitions in the video game culture experienced a surge in popularity in the late 2000s, with esports becoming a significant factor in the video game industry by 2010.
Michigan experienced their own surge in esports popularity in 2019 — and has seen it gain considerable traction over the last few years in both public and private educational facilities.
Colin Graham, head coach of esports at Davenport University, told WKTV that the college esports program began in 2019 with an arena in the Student Activity Center.
“We started with eight (game) titles. I was tasked with bringing in 20 students my first year. I had five recruited and signed prior to becoming head coach.”
South Christian High School in Byron Center also is new to the esports scene, beginning in the 2020-2021 school year with nine participants. They are not yet competitive, but are willing to continue the program for grades 9-12.
South Christian High School jumped into the esports scene in the 2020-21 school year. (Courtesy)
“We strive to give kids the most opportunities we can as an athletic department within the scope of our school motto which is equipping students to live Christ-centered lives in order to serve God to their greatest potential,” said David Kool, athletic director at South Christian High School. “The main goal is to give our students another platform to have fun and do what they love to do.”
Participants in esports are considered athletes, the same as in traditional sports.
“We have practices, we have scrimmages, we have film review, we have expectations,” explained Graham, who said the inception of esports at Davenport was well-received by traditional athletes at the college, and that the other athletes seem to understand what the esports community is trying to do and accomplish.
Davenport esports athletes Benjamin Pringle and Austin Mikkelsen both enjoy the competitive aspect of esports.
Back-to-back national championships
“I’m a really competitive person,” said Pringle, Davenport sophomore and part of the Counter Strike: Global Offensive team. That competitive spirit won Pringle two back-to-back national championships, but there also is a more personal reason for Pringle’s dedication to the sport.
Davenport University Esports lab. (WKTV)
“I don’t have my parents’ support and I wanted to get away to support myself. So, I was like, I might as well do what makes me happy.”
Austin Mikkelsen, also a Davenport sophomore esports athlete, said, “I enjoyed the part of winning your lane and just beating somebody. You can see you’re better than somebody at it. It gave me a drive for it.”
Like traditional athletes, esports is not for the faint of heart.
“We are a year-round sport,” Graham said. “We compete from September through April. Summers are where they are offered down-time if they would like to take a break, but some of our teams don’t.”
Graham makes it clear that if participants decide to continue through summer, all of the obligations that come with in-season practices and scrimmages carry over to the summer.
Nationally-ranked
Those expectations have produced results. Last year, Davenport University finished in the top eight teams nationally in the game Call of Duty. Their Rainbow Six team is currently ranked on the fringe of the top 10 national teams, and their Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is currently the best in the nation.
Benjamin Pringle (left) and Jessie Barger in the Davenport University Esports Lab. (WKTV)
And esports offers more than championship rings and prizes.
Graham previously worked at schools where sports were the kids’ way of getting to the next level and out of unfavorable circumstances in life.
“My coaching mantra is: Using the esports platform to offer opportunities to students who wouldn’t have them through traditional sports.”
Jessie Barger, a junior at Davenport University and esports athlete, is one of the students who found his home in esports.
Fitting in, building relationships
“When I was younger, I felt like I didn’t fit in to most traditional sports,” Barger said. “I felt like I was more comfortable playing video games.”
Esports offers a level of social interaction some students may not otherwise achieve.
“It’s their way of having social interaction,” Graham said. “They have friends that they know online that they’ve known for years.”
Graham said Davenport’s Call of Duty team owes its success to the fact that the players have all played the game together since the age of 12.
But that’s not all.
College scholarships?
High school esports participants can take advantage of college scholarships as well.
“All students on our roster, aside from maybe one or two, are scholarshipped,” Graham said. “I am very aware of the cost of attending a university. I also believe that you shouldn’t leave college with a mountain of debt if you don’t have to.”
Kool says scholarship opportunities “definitely gives esports more credibility” in the eyes of students and parents since the concept of esports is still new to many of them.
Graham actively recruits for his esports teams, admitting that he is “old-school” in his recruiting, traveling and speaking at schools and meeting with both teachers and students.
“I think it’s really beneficial to the program to make those connections.”
He also feels it is important that each participant fits the overall personality of the group they will be joining.
“We want to make sure that they feel this is a place they can call home, and they can find their people and they have an experience here that is beneficial to them long term.”
Kool also has seen advantages to esports programs, the main benefit being opportunities it gives students to be successful and have fun.
“Their confidence can grow in themselves as a person, and it gives them a sense of belonging,” Kool explained. “Esports is a great program where kids can experience playing these games in a safe and friendly way while building confidence and morale within a school setting.”
Graham believes esports has definite longevity.
“If you look at the history of video games, there has been interest in it since they hit the market. It really caters to a specific kind of person … so it gives participants an opportunity to find people like them and socialize.”
Proof also is in the continued interest among high school and college students.
“This year, we should be pushing about 70 students across nine different titles,” Graham said. And that includes domestic and international students.
Esports “here to stay”
“I don’t think it’s going to go anywhere,” Graham continued. “I think the games that are competed in may come and go, but esports as a whole, I think, is here to stay.”
“Esports in high school isn’t the future. It’s the present,” claims the website of popular esports platform PlayVS.
D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed
Senior quarterback Jamarion Collins led the Wolverines with five touchdowns. (WKTV)
By Zach Fanko, WKTV Contributing Writer and Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
Godwin Heights kicked off the 2022 campaign in style as senior QB Jamarion Collins showcased his dual-threat ability in a 44-6 win over Muskegon Heights.
Collins showcases versatility with 5 TDs
While this wasn’t the first start of his career, after filling in for an injured starter last year, this year marked Collins first as the undisputed leader of the offense. With 3 TDs on the ground, as well as 2 through the air, Collins utilized his array of weapons on offense.
Godwin Heights won its opener over Muskegon Heights Friday. (WKTV)
Wolverines coach Brandon Kimble was impressed with his signal caller.
“He led our offense well and controlled the game,” Kimble said. “He had some experience from last season, but with this being his first season coming in as the starter he played very well.”
Godwin Heights receivers Tellios Moore and Rashaad Dorsey added one touchdown each, while running back Elijah True found pay dirt on the ground.
Kimble named head coach before season
Despite having to take over for previous head coach Sydeon Harvey right before the season, the transition for Kimble wasn’t as difficult as it could have been. The former head coach, defensive coordinator and current athletic director leaned on his past experience.
“Thankfully, I’ve known all of our players since middle school,” Kimble said. “So the transition was, I don’t want to say seamless, but a little less of a headache.”
Inexperience a factor for Muskegon Heights
Missed tackles on defense hurt the Tigers as coach Robert Brown attributed the struggles in that area to a lack of experience.
“Godwin looked crisp and sharp, and they executed well,” Brown said. “We’re a young team and it showed with multiple missed tackles.
“We did the best we could and we will be okay as the year goes on.”
With no game next week for Godwin Heights, the Wolverines prepare for a Week 3 matchup with Hopkins.
For all the Wyoming/Kentwood area football scores, click here
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We are always looking for great football game photos to post with our WKTV Journal stories on Friday nights. Please email your cool game night football pix to greer@wktv.org
WKTV Game of the Week
Our Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. Watch at home on your Smart TV in brilliant HD.
Farwell defeats the Godfrey-Lee Legends 66-16 in 8-Player football. (Image courtesy of Godfrey-Lee)
By Zach Fanko, WKTV Contributing Writer
A high-powered rushing attack was the catalyst for Farwell with over 450 yards on the ground in a 66-16 win over Godfrey-Lee in 8-Player action.
Dominant ground performance
The Eagles jumped out to a 22-0 lead early in the first quarter and never looked back as Michael Nunn led the way on the ground with 235 yards and 3 TDs. Farwell established its physical brand of football, according to coach Travis Waddell.
“Our kids were excited to play out of the gate,” Waddell said. “We like to play a physical style of play and we were able to do that on the ground early.
“That really opened things up for us.”
The Eagles nearly shut out the Legends heading into halftime, giving up just a kickoff return TD to make it a 50-8 advantage at the break. Dominic Crabill was all over the field for Farwell with 14 total tackles on the night.
Freshman thrust into starting role due to injury
J.T. Kennedy, a slot receiver, started at quarterback after an injury to starter Anthony Block during the week. Kennedy threw for 58 yards on 4-8 passing and 40 yards on the ground. The young quarterback showed poise making his first start, according to Godfrey-Lee coach Lamar Marshall.
“Not an ideal situation for our team,” Marshall said. “But I thought J.T. played very well given the circumstances.”
Beckwith shines despite loss
One of the bright spots for the Legends was the rushing performance for running back Elijah Beckwith, who gained 167 yards on 22 carries with a rushing score. Beckwith also had an 83-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
“We were really able to exploit the outside zone play,” Marshall said. “We were able to get to the outside of their defense a few times and got some big plays.”
Godfrey-Lee hopes to bounce back traveling to Mendon on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The 17th annual Metro Cruise gets underway today with participants able to visit two locations that bookend the 28th Street experience.
The main stage remains at Rogers Plaza, which will be a buzz of activity for both days. This year, Woodland Mall in Kentwood will be the second location, which will be packed with activities and classic cars.
Of course, the best way to check out the action, is to snag a 28th Street Metro Cruise Official Program, which is available online or purchase a hardcopy at the event. Activities at both locations start on Friday and run through 9 p.m. and then
To help you make plans, here are some highlights you won’t want to miss.
At the Rogers Plaza Main Event, there will be free shuttle service provided by The Rapid. Attendees can park at the Wyoming High School, 1350 Prairie Parkway SW, or the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW, to catch a ride to the main stage.
On Friday, the Wyoming High School marching band will perform at 5:30 p.m. Of course, classic car corridor official opens as well.
On Saturday, there will be several events taking place. The final 10 contests for the Miss Metro Cruise will compete for the 2022 title at 3 p.m.
The popular DreamWheels production, produced by WKTV, will be filming at 7 p.m. at the east end of the Rogers Plaza parking lot.
Also, while in the area, make sure to head down to the GM Components Holding, LLC, 2100 Burlingame Ave. SW, where there will be a car show featuring the Futurliner, children’s activities, plant tours and a job fair.
At the Woodland Mall stage, the largest West Michigan Antique Fire Truck Display will be taking place most of Friday along with music, children’s activities and classic car corridor.
Saturday, the music and fun continues at the Woodland Mall with the official cruise time set for 4 p.m.
Near Woodland Mall, Berger Chevrolet will be hosting an all GM show from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A file photo of the Kelloggsville High School football team practicing last season. (WKTV)
By Zach Fanko, WKTV Contributing Writer
If there ever was a perfect way to start a season, Owosso found it.
Sophomore halfback Hoyt Patrick ran the opening kickoff to paydirt in a 42-18 victory over Kelloggsville on the Rockets home field.
Owosso had not one, but two kickoff returns for touchdowns as junior Daniel Wittum made the other house call.
Lots of “D”
Special teams wasn’t the only part of the game clicking for the Trojans, however, as their defense came up with two fumble recoveries and an interception on a 2-point try by the Rockets. Patrick led the way with 7 tackles, a sack (one of 5 sacks on the night for Owosso) and a forced fumble.
Trojans Coach Ron Tyner, in his first year leading the program after 11 years coaching college football, outlined how important it was to win the turnover battle.
“Both sides of the ball we won the touchdown to turnover battle,” Tyner said. “That’s what we hang our hat on and how we evaluate our success.”
Tyner also gave credit to senior quarterback Hugh Doyle, in the first year running a new offensive scheme. Owosso installed a pro-style offense in the offseason after running a Wing-T option offense the past few seasons.
“He is one of those kids that’s a diamond in the rough,” Tyner said. “To be honest with you, I lucked out with a really good quarterback that checks all the boxes.”
Kelloggsville’s Brendon Tuinstra scored 3 TDs for the Rockets. (Courtesy of Alex Chavez)
For Kelloggsville, it was a game of missed opportunities with some errant deep balls early, according to Coach Brandon Branch.”
“We didn’t hit on a couple big plays early,” Branch said. “If we hit on two of those we go into halftime tied at least.”
However, it would be the Trojans who seized control of the game from the start with a 16-0 lead. The Rockets had a chance later on before halftime to get within a score, but a fumble inside the redzone stalled a promising drive as Owosso carried a 22-6 advantage into the break.
Little things the difference
“Just little things,” Branch said. “If two of those go our way it’s a different story going into half, but Owosso came out and executed and did a great job.”
The Trojans return home to face Charlotte on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, the Rockets host Ionia in WKTV’s Game of the Week on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.
Forest Hills Northern beats Wyoming 48-7 in a season opener Thursday night. (pxhere.com)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
Entering halftime with a tight 14-7 lead, Forest Hills Northern scored 34 points in the second half in a 48-7 win over visiting Wyoming in Thursday’s season opener.
Huskies coach Eddie Ostipow said his team had to hit the reset button at halftime to break the game wide open.
“Wyoming did some nice things against us in the first half and we made some adjustments,” said Ostipow, whose team was deadlocked with the Wolves 7-7 to end the first quarter. “I think in the first half we were really close to breaking it open, but turned the ball over and that hurt us. They have some nice athletes, and made some big runs, but I think our kids responded well.
“We’re a pretty young team with a lot of inexperience, and went through a lot of injuries last year. This is a group that’s kind of finding its identity.”
Ostipow spoke highly of his offensive line, particularly senior captains Trey Price, right guard, and Arman Singh, left guard.
“They led the way for us tonight.”
Drew Dabaja, Forest Hills Northern, led the game with three rushing touchdowns, while teammate Chris Arrington led with eight tackles.
The Huskies had 321 yards in total offense and the Wolves tallied 233.
Wyoming hosts Northview on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The giant orange spider on Gezon Park’s new splash pad. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The all most 13-foot orange spider towers over its domain at Gezon Park. But this spider isn’t looking to weave a web of terror, but rather create some fun play with its water spouts.
The spider is the signature element to the park’s new splash pad which will be officially opened at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. The splash pad and spider are part of the phase three development of Gezon Park which also included new restrooms, a new shelter, and walking and biking paths as well as the city’s first bike fix-it station. Saturday’s event will feature free frisbee and beachball giveaways, as supplies last, and ice cream.
“We always want each park to have a brand new feature,” said Community Services Director Rebecca Rynbrandt, who noted that for Gezon Park it is the splash pad with its friendly spider.
“The splash pad is designed to be universally accessible so people of all abilities will be able to enjoy the pad,” Rynbrandt said. This is the city’s fifth universally accessible splash pad with the other four located at Jackson Park, Lamar Park, Southlawn Park, and Oriole Park.
Being responsive to the community
The 94-acre park has remained largely undeveloped. To the north is a playground and basketball court and in the southwest area are athletic fields. Because the park already has a playground, and Frog Hollow, which is city’s most used park, is less than a quarter of a mile awhile, the new construction area does not include a playground.
This decision also played into the overall ideas and vision of the residents who helped to develop a master plan for the park that was approved in 2018.
“Our residents were very forthright that they wanted to maintain that very natural feel within Gezon Park,” Rynbrandt said. “This area is very big with our dog walkers. It is a natural respite to get away from the stress of their jobs.
The fix-it station is located along the bike/walking trail located near Gezon Park’s parking lot. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“They enjoy the forested area. They enjoy the walking in nature. So prioritizing and retaining the prairie area was very, very important.”
The park also is the regional stormwater catch basin and has wetlands which all had to be taken into consideration when it came to design. It also serves as the emergency release area for the pumping station which is located west of the splash pad.
“It you come here, you are going to be impressed,” Rynbrandt said. “I am confident you are going to be impressed with the splash pad, the shade structures, our new shelter and our new restroom.”
Meeting the needs of a growing community
The construction cost for the project was $2.6 million, which does not include the design phase. Funding was made possible through the dedicated Library and Parks Maintenance millage and the dedicated Parks and Recreation Operational milage.
The panhandle, which is the southern portion of the city and where Gezon Park is located, is one of the fastest growing areas in the city. The city now has more than 76,000 residents, many of the newer residents are now living in the panhandle region, according to Rynbrandt. Considering the growth, the need for a splash pad in the area was identified by residents through the planning phase.
As for when residents will be able to rent the shelter at Gezon Park as well as shelters at the city’s other parks, Rynbrandt said the Parks and Recreation Department will start taking reservations on Dec. 1.
For those attending Saturday’s event, it is recommended that you arrive early as attendance is expected to be high.
For more information on the city’s parks and Parks and Recreation programs, visit www.wyomingmi.gov.
A vehicle that once showcased the future of cars and technology will be just one of several to be featured at a special 75th celebration event at the Wyoming GM-Components Holdings LLC located at 2100 Burlingame Ave. SW.
Joining forces with the 17th annual 28th Street Metro Cruise, the GM plant decided to host its 75th celebration in conjunction with the annual event. Signs will help direct Metro Cruise participants to the plant which has a day packed with activities.
Of course, one of those activities will be a car show featuring the Futurliner No. 10, a red-and-white bus that is part of the collection of the National Automotive and Truck Museum, which is based in Auburn, Indiana. The Futurliners, there was 12 at onetime, were first manufactured as part of the 1939 New York World’s Fair and later featured in GM;s Parade Progress, a promotional caravan traveling a 150-stop route across the United States and Canada.
The vehicles were in operation up until the mid-1950s and served in other capacities after that. In the case of the Futurliner No. 10, which is only one of nine known to be in existence, it was sold to Detroit’s Goebel Brewing company, and was renamed the “Goebel Land Cruiser.”
Also at the show will be the GM Pride car, which is a custom Cadillac CT5 that features a wrap of the Pride colors. The car was featured this year at the 50th anniversary of the Detroit Pride Parade.
There also will be a display of GM’s Journey to Zero Emissions featuring a few of the company’s electric cars.
Starting at noon, visitors will have the opportunity to head inside the plant for tours along with demonstrations from five local robotic teams, all of which are sponsored by GM, and a robotic demonstration by the plant’s engineering team that will be handing out some sweet treats.
In addition to the tours, the plant will also be holding a Jobs Fair. Any one interested in exploring employment at the plant can check in at the Security window in the lobby. You will be directed to the on-site Human Resource representatives who will help you through the application process.
Rounding out the day’s activities will be food trucks, children’s activities, other GM displays, and John Ball Zoo programs.
While the GM Corporate Giving has presented it’s grant awards each year at the Metro Cruise (and will again at the Rogers Plaza stage on Saturday morning), this is the first year GM has been the official headline sponsor. A company representative said this is “definitely very exciting and should be a great time. We are thrilled to be able to invite the community in.”
Get ready for high school football. The season opens this week on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 25 and 26 for your home teams in Wyoming and Kentwood. (pxhere.com)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
WKTV is bringing you another great season of high school football, starting with our season-opening truck coverage of Ionia at Kelloggsville on Thursday, Sept. 1.
Our high-tech WKTV Game of the Week truck will film one game each week, which will include two play-by-play announcers, a field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for our broadcast.
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. (See schedule below) If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. Watch at home on your Smart TV in brilliant HD. Broadcasts also are available on Video on Demand at a later date.
The Wyoming Wolves travel to Forest Hills Northern on Thursday, Aug. 25. Game time is 7 p.m. For your team’s football schedule visit here
We are planning a much greater presence this year with high school football. Yes, even bigger than before if you can believe that. Every week, our sports staff will post football game stories and roundups covering each varsity high school team in our viewing area in Kentwood and Wyoming.
We plan to give you the stats and highlights of each game in our stories … explaining the details of how your team marched to victory.
Look for you school’s game story or roundup on our WKTV Journal website each week.
Support your team in every way by going to the games, cheering them on, watching the featured Game of the Week on WKTV and visiting the WKTV Journal for the exciting game stories.
WKTV Game of the Week Truck Schedule
Thursday, Sept. 1 Ionia at Kelloggsville
Friday, Sept. 9 Ottawa Hills vs. South Christian (at EK)
Friday, Sept. 16 Jenison at East Kentwood
Friday, Sept. 23 Reeths-Puffer at Wyoming
Friday, Sept. 30 TBD
Friday, Oct. 7 TBD
Friday, Oct. 14 Tri-unity at Godfrey-Lee
Friday, Oct. 21 TBD
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream.
Your football team’s season schedule
For your home team’s complete football schedule click here
For more information on WKTV and what we offer, visit here
Grand Valley Christian Patriots and Blue’s Gym Professional Boxing/Kickboxing have joined forces to host a school supply giveaway Wednesday, Aug. 24.
The event will be from 5 – 7 p.m. at Blue’s Gym Professional Boxing/Kickboxing, 4248 Kalamazoo Ave. SE.
Grand Valley Christian Patriots usually does its school supply giveaway at its first home game, but since this year the game is Sept. 17, when school is in full swing, the team decided to move the giveaway up.
“Making sure our communities kids have the necessary support is one of our most important goals,” Coach Brian Shafer.
Members of the Grand Valley Christian Patriots football team will be on hand to help students with the supplies which include notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, and other items.
The Grand Valley Christians Patriots includes home-schooled students from Wyoming and Kentwood as well as from around the state. The team finished 2021 ranked 11th in the country by the National Homeschool Football Association.
Blue’s Gym, which was started by kickboxing champion Dino Newville, is a Christian-based organization with the overall mission to help the struggling youth community of Grand Rapids.
“The importance of getting our child immunize is that we need to keep them healthy,” said Amy Shears, the immunization program supervisor for the Kent County Health Department. “Our vaccine campaign is ‘The Future is Ours.’ We want our children to stay healthy. We don’t want a resurgence of diseases that we haven’t seen in years whether that is polio, measles or mumps.
“That is where we get nervous. If these immunizations rates continue to drop, could those diseases we haven’t seen in years, rear their ugly heads? That’s were we get concerned.”
In fact, about a couple of weeks before the news of polio in New York City’s wastewater was released, the Kent County Health Department had announced it would be launching a public awareness campaign, “The Future is Ours,” to address falling vaccination rates in the county.
Immunization rates are low
“As of Aug. 1, children 24-36 vaccine coverage rate of 71 percent,” Shears said. “Granted that is not a bad number but we would really like to see that in the high 80s.”
According to many health experts, the best way to protect against a number of different diseases is too immunize. (pxhere.com)
Recently the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released information that Michigan’s numbers have gone below 70 percent for immunizations for children 19 to 36 months. The rate is currently around 68 percent.
The practice of immunizations dates back hundreds of years. For modern-day immunizations, the smallpox vaccine is considered the first successful one. It was developed in 1796. The polio vaccine came next follow by MMR which is for measles, mumps, and rubella.
There is the Tdap which protects against there diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). A more recent vaccine is the HPV vaccine. This is a sexually transmitted infection that is linked with cancer such as cervical, penile, and cancers of the back of the throat.
This is only a short list of the vaccines available. For a complete list and immunization schedules, visit accesskent.org and click on “immunizations.”
Data shows immunizations helps
To reflect how beneficial vaccines have been, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine note that since the release of the HPV vaccine in 2006, there has been a 29 percent decrease in cervical cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that immunizations have saved two to three million lives each year.
As to why there has been a decrease, Shears said numbers were dropping before the COVID pandemic, which also had an impact. With medical facilities combating COVID-19 and putting as “many boots on the ground” where needed, immunizations were not a main focus.
For 19- to 35-month-olds, Kent county is about 3.4 percentage points below its pre-pandemic levels, Shears said, adding the biggest drop has been with those who have Medicaid.
Educating on the importance
The “Future is Ours” campaign is designed to share information about all immunizations. The project included rebuilding the VaccinateWest Mi.com website, which was originally built to provide COVID-19 vaccine information. The website now features information on age-appropriate vaccine timelines, links that allow parents to make vaccine appointments for their children, and how to find a local health department clinic.
Those interested in scheduling a clinic appointment, can call 616-632-7200 or visit accesakent.org.
Starting Aug. 29, the Clyde Park south route 10 will change. (Supplied)
With Byron Township’s decision to not renew its contact with The Rapid, the transportation agency took the opportunity to realign its south Clyde Park Avenue route (Route 10) to serve some of the area’s critical destinations.
Starting Aug. 29, the route will include new stops at the Special Olympics and Disability Advocates of Kent County facility on 68th Street, Cutlerville’s Pine Rest location, and the Spectrum Health South Pavilion.
“We are proud to work with The Rapid to create a new bus stop and turnaround on Pine Rest’s Cutlerville campus,” said Pine Rest President Mark Eastburg. “Access to transportation is essential for our community and this service will greatly benefit our friends and neighbors who are seeking care at Pine Rest, as well as our employees who can now choose public transpiration as an option. Providing more access to our campus gives more opportunity to receive mental health and emergency care at Pine Rest’s psychiatric urgent care center.”
At its June board meeting, Byron Township did not vote in favor of renewing its contract with The Rapid, which previously funded a portion of Route 10 south of 54th Street. This provided an opportunity to evaluate and change route patterns to serve critical destinations.
Beginning on Aug. 29, Route 10 will have stops at:
Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) campus and Disability Advocates of Kent County
Pine Rest
Spectrum Health South Pavilion
The reroute impacts some of the existing stops along Route 10. Several stops along Division Avenue and 68th Street will be eliminated. The stops along 54th street will remain to serve Route 1 – Division but will no longer be used as stops for Route 10. Northbound stops along Clyde Park will remain in service south of 54th Street.The Rapid also operates the Go!Bus paratransit services that provide rides to ADA-eligible customers within its service area. With transit agencies being required to provide services within three-fourth of a mile of their fixed-transit routes, the areas served by Go!Bus will shift around the new route configuration.
“It’s great working with the Rapid staff to provide a workable solution for the new Special Olympics campus,” said Disability Advocates of Kent County Executive Director Dave Bulkowski. “The new routing will provide a mainline bus stop in front of our facilities on 68th Street. This makes it safer for transit customers by eliminating the need to cross five lanes of traffic to access Disability Advocates and the Special Olympics campus. With these stops, we also maintain Go!Bus paratransit service which is absolutely critical for our staff, volunteers, and participants.”
The updates to Route 10 will ultimately help drive The Rapid’s efforts in cultivating a more equitable community in all six-plus cities by providing access to these essential services.
“This realignment will provide safer access to the Special Olympics of Michigan campus and co- located services provided by Disability Advocates of Kent County. It will also allow for greater access to employment opportunities for our six-cities residents,” said Deb Prato, CEO of The Rapid. “We work hard to build partnerships and innovative services to meet the needs of the community we serve.”
To review the changes to Route 10 (Clyde Park), visit ridetherapid.org.
Sweet Adelines perform on the red carpet for DreamWheels. (Supplied)
Picture This: A red carpet production featuring four-part harmony, classic cars and television production at its finest.
DreamWheels 2022 is back, taking place from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Rogers Plaza in Wyoming. The red carpet classic car event featuring the Grand Rapids Sweet Adelines will be available beginning Friday, Sept. 9 on WKTV on Demand.
This year’s one-hour show on the red carpet features musical entertainment from the Grand Rapids Chorus-Sweet Adelines, and some of the most beautiful classics from car owners and the Grand Rapids Auto Gallery. Among the “stars” being featured are a 1960 Cadillac, a 1931 Duesenberg, a 1954 Buick Skylark, a 1959 Cadillac couple seville, and a 1942 Chrysler Woody Wagon.
Strong partnership
“We have had a collaboration with the Grand Rapids Chorus-Sweet Adelines that goes back nearly 30 years,” said WKTV Community Media General Manager Tom Norton. “We think it is a perfect match to bring this professional ensemble to the red carpet for DreamWheels.”
There will be a number of classic cars heading down this year’s red carpet at “DreamWheels including a 1942 Chrysler Woody Wagon. (WKTV)
The Grand Rapids Chorus-Sweet Adelines Master Director Denise Van Dyken said she is very thankful for this opportunity
“We are very appreciative of the partnership,” Van Dyken said. “I thank WKTV for inviting us to participate in the DreamWheels production as part of the 2022 Metro Cruise. I’m absolutely thrilled to participate in the comeback of this amazing extravaganza. It will be such fun celebrating Grand Rapids’ timeless love affair with cars—and another American classic—barbershop harmony.”
The DreamWheels production will take place during the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 28th Street Metro Cruise, which is Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26 and 27. Starting Friday night, classic cars and car lovers will meet up at Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall for an array of events, activities and music. For a complete schedule of the 28th Street Metro Cruise, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.org
Owners Tom and Amy Payne. Amy works in her garden every morning to pick vegetables for their kitchen. (John D. Gonzalez)
TwoGuys Brewing thinks of itself as “Big City Dining,” but without the hassles of driving and parking downtown.
Even when they put together a business plan in 2006 – 12 years before they opened – the owners always planned to offer quality, locally sourced dining for the community of Wyoming.
“Upscale is not even the word,” said former homebrewer-turned-head chef, Tom Payne.
It was always meant to offer a “downtown restaurant feel and quality of food for our neighbors here in Wyoming.”
Tom and wife/co-owner Amy are doing exactly what they set out to do, and they’re doing it in a remodeled 7-Eleven store at 2356 Porter St. NW. It’s a no-frills location, just great food and beer.
Quality that doesn’t break the bank
The quality of dining is what you might find in downtown Grand Rapids or other metropolitan cities, they said, but not at the same cost. Plus, they have free, on-site parking in Wyoming.
Burgers at Two Guys start at $11. (John D. Gonzalez)
“Pricing downtown is just exorbitant, and I understand, their rents are also much higher than ours in some cases,” Amy said.
“But we’re Gen-exers,” she added. “We don’t park six blocks away from where we’re eating.”
“I worked 16 hours today; I don’t want to walk,” said Tom with a laugh.
A burger downtown, for example, might cost as much as $18.
At TwoGuys, where burgers are ground fresh every day, it will cost $11, unless you customize it with a lot of add-ons, like one online customer who built a half-pound burger with multiple toppings that came in at $19.
One of Tom’s priciest creations, a Poutine Burger, which was a special in July, cost $14. It was Prime rib, ground fresh from English cut roast shoulders.
It might cost a little extra, “but we touched every part of that burger, from the condiments on it, to the grinding of the beef,” Tom said.
“And it had hand-cut fries on it,” Amy said.
Foodies and others are taking note
Since opening in 2018, TwoGuys has established itself as “a great place for delicious eclectic food and great Michigan beers. Family-friendly with a great neighborhood feel!,” which it says right on their Facebook page.
That’s where most of their 13,000-plus followers keep up to date on food specials, new beer releases and community causes.
Two Guys Brewing is located in a remodeled 7-Eleven store at 2356 Porter St. NW. (John D. Gonzalez)
Just take a look at their food photos online, and you will immediately have a craving for one of Tom’s creative creations.
Along with a team of dedicated employees, they’re hard work is paying off and putting Wyoming on the map. Foodies everywhere are taking notice.
With a national tourism conference in town last week, Experience GR had some nice things to say about them in a blog post offering a “Locals’ Guide to Breweries with Great Food,” saying TwoGuys is a “must visit” for craft beer and food enthusiasts “due to its decadent food, dessert and craft beer selections.”
It added:
“TwoGuys makes most of its items in house, to the extent of house-smoking beef, corned beef and turkey, hand-dredging chicken and hand-cutting potatoes for fries. The menu emphasizes shareables, from tacos, fried pork rinds and wine-braised mushrooms to cheese curds, charcuterie boards and chorizo fundido, a sausage-and-beer cheese combo.
You can also count on a tantalizing special or two, always made with the freshest local ingredients.”
The silver lining of COVID
The praise is heart-felt by the couple, who work countless hours, but always put their staff and customers first.
“There are some weeks we don’t take home a paycheck,” Amy said. “And we’re OK with that.”
They were humbled during Covid when locals flocked to their restaurant to pick up pre-packaged, family meals that Tom said was “real honest food that you didn’t have to do the hard part.”
To borrow a couple of overused words at the height of the pandemic, they learned to “pivot” and make the best out of an “unprecedented” period in our country’s history.
In a weird way, it was Covid that put TwoGuys on the map outside of Wyoming.
They were humbled again this summer when a smoker caught fire and caused damage to the exterior of their building, which led to a GoFundMe Page. On Facebook they posted:
Damage from the smoker fire that took place earlier this summer. (John D. Gonzalez)
“We could use your help if you’re so inclined.
“We DO have insurance. Anything donated above the deductible and immediate costs to repair, replace, and clean up will be donated to a local charitable organization supporting women, pregnancy, and infants. It has always been our mission to support our local community and we will do that through this as well!”
They asked for $2,500, which the community nearly doubled in less than a month.
It wasn’t an easy ask for a couple that, like the community itself, prides itself in hard work and pulling themselves up by the bootstraps.
They were overwhelmed.
The extra money will go to charities they support and align “with our values.” But they’ll do it quietly without making a big deal about it.
“When you do something good, sometimes you just have to shut up and let people notice,” Amy said.
“There are a lot of good restaurant owners in this community, but you’re never going to miss the fact they are doing good. That takes a little bit away from (the fact) you’re doing good if you’re using it as a marketing plan.”
More than a family affair
Married in 1990, the couple met in 1988 at Village Inn Pancake House on 28th Street (now New Beginnings). He was 18. She was 16.
Seeing their restaurant full is one thing that keeps Two Guys Brewing owner Tom Payne going. (John D. Gonzalez)
Today they are the parents of three adult daughters (Meghan, Zoe and Abigail). They live only a few blocks away from TwoGuys.
As local business owners, the couple just wants to make an honest living, support the community, and make great food and beer.
Amy works in her garden every morning to pick vegetables for their kitchen. When he needs a little “alone time,” Tom creates beautiful tie dye shirts across the street in the production facility to sell in their merchandise shop.
What keeps them going every day?
“Seeing this place full every night,” Tom said.
“Coffee and Ibuprofen.” Amy said.
‘Just be good’
In all seriousness, they hope popular beers, seltzers, sangrias, along with hand-cut fries, New Orleans-inspired food, burgers, tacos and other specialties will keep people coming back. It’s been a dream of the couple “forever.”
“But it’s never been a selfish dream,” said Tom, referring to the jobs they’ve created for their family and employees.
“We’ve got 20-some families of those that work here whose lives are better because we’re here,” he said.
That fits with their core values, which is to make a difference and “just be good.”
“Be better than you were yesterday,” Amy said.
“Change the world one pint at a time,” Tom said.
“We’ve really worked hard to try to make this corner of Wyoming better,” Amy said. “We’re hoping that ripples into other corners of Wyoming.”
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
There will be a special 60th anniversary celebration for the Grand Haven Musical Fountain on Aug. 27.
A staple in the Grand Haven community for 60 years, this week the popular Mr. Sid’s Video Series will focusing on the Grand Haven Fountain.
Terry Stevens, the fountain engineer, will join the group to talk about the history of the largest musical fountain “of its kind” in the world and the particulars about its operation. The presentation is at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW.
Stevens is on the Musical Foundation Board and an instructor in the engineering department at Grand Valley State University.
The Grand Haven Musical Fountain is a synchronized display of water and lights. The fountain is located on Dewey Hill on the north shore of the Grand River, not far from where Grand River connects to Lake Michigan.
The fountain was the brainchild of Dr. William “Bill” Creason, longtime resident, dentist, and former Grand Haven mayor. The fountain was modeled after a Przystawic musical fountain show which Creason saw in Germany while providing density for the U.S. Navy after World War II.
Local engineer William Morris Booth designed the fountain which was building by volunteers in 1962. Over the years, the fountain’s program system has been upgraded several times. In 2017, the software was updated to take advantage of new lighting and water effects.
Upcoming Sid Lenger Vide Series programs are: Sid Lenger’s video of Switzerland on Sept. 21, and Lorna and Daniel Dobson lead a discussion on two of Rev. Ed Dobson’s video lessons “My Garden,” identity after losing a loved one, and “Ask Forgiveness” on Oct. 19.
All programs start with a 15-minute hymn sing at 1:45 p.m.
Back for another summer of fun,The Salvation Army Kroc Center is holding its popular “Kroc Block Party” event Friday, Aug. 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is free to both members and non-members.
Area students are invited to attend the Kroc Party event Friday. Aug. 19. (Supplied)
Kids and parents alike can cool off on the Kroc Center’s giant slip & slide. Community partners also will offer activities for families, including a bounce house and cotton candy provided by National Heritage Academies, a mobile gaming truck from the Kent County Prevention Coalition, and an appearance by the Grand Rapids Gold mascot, “Buckets.”
Other local organizations scheduled to participate with information and giveaways for families include Launch Trampoline Park, Consumers Energy, Family Futures, Kent County Head Start, YWCA West Central Michigan, Hope Network, and Health Net.
Families are also encouraged to learn more about Kroc Center membership, along with Kroc Church and other programs open to the public. Easy transportation is available via the Rapid’s Silver Line, which stops directly in front of the Kroc Center.
The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning. Visit the Kroc Center’s Facebook page or call 616-588-7200 for more information and updates.
Crosswalk at 34th Street and Buchanan Avenue in the Godwin Public Schools district. (Supplied)
Crosswalk at Lee Street and Cleveland Avenue in Godfrey-Lee Public Schools district. (Supplied)
Crosswalk at Mangolia Avenue and Farnham Street in Kelloggsville Public Schools district. (Supplied)
Crosswalk located near the Wyoming High School. (WKTV)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Last week the City of Wyoming wrapped up a project designed to help improve public safety while promoting local school pride.
On Jun 7, 2022 the Wyoming City Council awarded a contract to Gallagher Asphalt Corporation for $100,500 to install four art-based crosswalks that were placed in the Kelloggsville, Godwin Heights, Godfrey-Lee and Wyoming Public School districts. The total project was $110,550 which included a 10 percent construction contingency of $10,050.
The project was funded by $90,000 in grants from the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and a $10,000 grant from the General Motors Corporation.
Creating a safer community
“Using art to transform our city into a safer, more desirable community is part of what we do here in Wyoming,” said Major Jack Poll. “We hope this project will be another opportunity to enhance recognition that residents are part of one community, one City of Wyoming, regardless of where they live and which school district they attend.”
In her recommendation of the project, city’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt said “innovative painting of crosswalks is shown to be effective in increasing public awareness of the crosswalk for drivers and encourages increased use by pedestrians with an impact of reducing car and pedestrian accidents.
“This project is designed to increase community awareness of the number of school districts located in the city, increase school district pride, and to enhance resident recognition of being a part of one community, one Wyoming.”
Identifying the locations
The city has seven school districts within its city boundaries. Originally, five school districts, the four mentioned plus Grandville, where selected.
The COVID pandemic delayed the project and then it was delayed again when new estimate exceeded $100,000 and additional funding had to be secured. Grandville was removed from the list as funding came through the CDBG program, which restricts investment to low and moderate income areas of the city.
Wyoming’s Community Services Department staff worked with Public Safety to discuss emergency response needs and identify a location within each school district that would benefit from a new crosswalk. Information also was gathered from the city’s traffic engineers.
The designs were created by staff in consultation with each school district. The design features a white and turquoise stripped pattern with the school’s logo.
The final locations of the sidewalks are:
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools: Lee Street and Cleveland Avenue
Wyoming Public Schools: Near the Wyoming High School on Prairie Parkway between Michael and Burlingame avenues
Godwin Heights Public Schools: 34th Street and Buchanan Avenue
Kelloggsville Public School: Magnolia Avenue and Farnham Street
The Grandville Public Schools location, which is to be 52nd and Wilson Avenue, is scheduled to be constructed in 2023 when additional funds become available. The Grandville school district services most of the city’s panhandle population.
(From left) Logan Swiney, Lezawe Osterink, Jackson Rodriquez and Ian Palacios after winning the 3,200-meter relay at last spring’s D-4 track and field finals in Hudsonville. (Courtesy)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor and Anna Johns, Contributing Writer
Only running competitively since his freshman year, incoming senior Lezawe “Moses” Osterink has racked up some big titles in high school.
Four state titles to be exact running for Wyoming Potter’s House Christian.
Lezawe “Moses” Osterink (far left) stands atop the podium after winning the 1,600-meter run at the D-4 state track and field finals last spring. (Courtesy)
Last spring, the Potter’s House runner was a state champion in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs at the MHSAA Division 4 track and field finals in Hudsonville.
In addition, Osterink was a member of the winning 3,200-meter relay with teammates Ian Palacios, Jackson Rodriguez and Logan Swiney. The Pumas placed third at the track and field finals.
Cross country state champ in D-4
Osterink also won the D-4 boys cross country individual title last fall with a time of 15:50.60 in the 5k race, while the team finished 12th in state.
“Winning state was great,” said Osterink, who was born in Ethiopia and adopted in the United States in 2007. “The first title was definitely more special because I wasn’t able to run at state since freshman year, and to complete a good season and then cap it off with a win was really cool.
“The track titles were a lot more fun since I was able to win with my teammates and perform better the previous year, but also really go after that team title.”
Originally, he was supposed to run at the D-4 cross country finals in 2020, but a collarbone injury sidelined him. Luckily, he was able to get back at it the following season and won all 13 races in the fall of 2021 on top of the title.
Peanut butter and honey
“This (injury) definitely was kind of like a spark that motivated me to train even harder than I had previously and want to go achieve the goals I had set for myself,” said Osterink, who eats his favorite peanut butter and honey sandwich almost daily.
Not always a runner
It wasn’t until the summer before his freshmen year that he became interested in the sport. At first he played basketball, but when he learned Potter’s House was starting a cross country team he wanted to join.
The Potter’s House boys track team took first place in its D-4 regional and finished third in the state finals last spring. (Courtesy)
“It really just started out as I’m going to run to stay in shape for basketball to then quitting basketball so I can run more,” said Osterink, who enjoys watching sports and hanging out with friends.
“It’s a unique sport that intrigues me especially for being one of the purest sports, and the fact that there is so much to learn from training to racing and just the mental and competitive battles.
“One of the biggest things that has lured me is the community aspect of running. I have met so many cool people through this sport.”
Interested in running in college, Osterink is undecided on where he’ll attend, but is contemplating studying sports management or business.
Potter’s House runner Lezawe “Moses” Osterink prepares for the 1,600-meter run. (Courtesy)
Potter’s House Athletic Director Kara Haskill said Moses is a tremendous athlete with a humble personality.
“He works hard in school to maintain his 3.8 GPA,” she continued. “He’s a strong leader with a calm disposition.”
“We love having Moses as a part of our community and we’re so proud of all of his accomplishments. He has a bright future ahead of him.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
In March, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety installed license plate readers. Within six months, it has been able to identify and recover 13 stolen vehicles and arrest 18 suspects.
“The real story is that we are able to find missing persons,” said Chief Kim Koster. “If an older family member gets into a car and takes off and the family cannot find the person, we can enter the person’s license plate number into the reader. If the person has passed a reader, it will let us know and give us an idea where to start searching for that missing person.”
From left, CALEA Executive Director Craig Hartley, Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt, Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kimberly Koster,, Wyoming Sergeant Jeremy Walter, Wyoming Captain Eric Wier, Wyoming Lt. Brian Look, and CALEA Commissioner Marcus Brown. (Supplied)
Through that process, the department has been able to find two missing persons since March.
It is because of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety‘s commitment to utilizing best practices in law enforcement that it has earned its fourth in a row accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This includes implementing new technology, such as the license plate readers, as well as reviewing policies and procedures.
Meeting the standards
CALEA is considered the “gold standard in public safety.” Of the approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety is one of 770 agencies nationwide that has CALEA accreditation. It is one of 12 in the State of Michigan. Wyoming received accreditation in 2012.
Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster (Supplied)
“It is the blueprint for success for a department,” Koster said. “I always say it is the people, our officers, who make the department where we work but CALEA helps to organize us and achieve our goals.”
Reaccreditation happens every four years. To receive reaccreditation, the department must provide proof every year that the agency is in compliance with about 180 of the 452 CALEA standards. Commissioners review different guidelines each year and on the fourth year, all 452 standards are reviews with assessors coming to the department to meet with officers and the public, and department officials coming before the Commission.
“Today, one of the things that departments need to do in general is to be transparent and accountable,” Koster said. “By having this accreditation, we are doing both and it assures the public that we are performing the best practices in law enforcement.
Keeping Up-to-date
Once such practice that came out during the 2020 George Floyd situation was the development of the duty to intervene policy, which the Wyoming Department of Public Safety has incorporated.
“While it was the expectation that an officer would intercede and help de-escalate a situation when he or she sees the use of of force in excess, departments did not have that as a policy,” Koster said.
CALEA also provides direction on other police activities such as witness identification of suspect, best practices in training, evidence handling and storage, and recruiting.
In fact, by being a part of CALEA, the department has the opportunity to learn about what others across the nation are doing in police and public safety. Koster said during the reaccreditation process, the assessors asked about areas the department was looking for assistance. She chose recruiting and was offered a number of ideas including working with MichiganWorks!
But it is not only reviewing policies to assure they are meeting current modern-day needs, but also keeping up on technology and the possibilities of how it can help in police work. That encouragement to consider new ideas is what lead to the department purchasing the license plate readers.
Following the road map
“This is a map in how we should be doing things,” Koster said. “For example, in training, it focuses on best practices in such items as the use of the force, handling calls or helping someone with a mental health issue. By making sure that you are revisiting that topic every year, it assures that you are using the most update-to-date information and techniques.”
CALEA was formed in 1979 through the combined efforts of four major law enforcement organizations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriff’s Association, and the Police Executive Research Form. The main purpose of the Commission is to develop standards based on international best practices in public safety, and to establish and administer the accreditation process which looks at how a department meets recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery. Accreditation is voluntary.
Wyoming City Council Member Kent Vanderwood was elected the city’s next mayor during the Aug. 2 primary election. Vanderwood received 56 percent of the casted votes. (Supplied)
At this week’s primary election, Wyoming voters determined the city’s next mayor, Kent Vanderwood.
“Normally in a primary, there is usually a narrowing of the number down for candidates but in our city charter there is a little asterisk to this in that if a candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, they automatically win the seat,” said Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg.
Vanderwood took 56 percent of the casted votes in Aug. 2 primary, receiving 5,635 votes. Current mayor pro tem and candidate Sam Bolt received 3,033 votes and newcomer Cliff Tompkins had 1,144 votes.
Vanderwood, who current serves as a council member, said he was pleased with the results of the primary and sees this as an opportunity to prepare for the role of mayor.
“This gives me a lot of time to prepare as I will be able to meet with the current mayor, city staff, the city manager,” he said. “It gives me an opportunity to get oriented to the mayor duties.”
VandenBerg said turnout for the primary was about 22 percent of the city’s registered voters which was what her office was expecting.
“What was a surprise is that in the past we have seen more absentee ballots in an election and this year it was much more balanced,” she said.
For the Nov. 8 general election, Wyoming residents will be deciding between three candidates to fill two council member at-large seats, which are four-year terms. Those candidates are Rob Arnoys, Renee Hill and Robert Kilgo. Sheldon DeKryger is running unopposed for the first ward council seat.
VandenBerg said the elected officials, including mayor elect Vandenwood, would take office in the beginning of December.
Meijer loses to Gibbs
In the 3rd District U.S. House of Representatives, current Congressman Peter Meijer lost his bid for the Republican nomination which went to newcomer John Gibbs. Gibbs had 36,527 votes to Meijer’s 35,395 votes. Gibbs will face Democratic nominee Hillary Scholten in the Nov. 8 general election for the seat.
State House races
For the 80th District State House of Representatives, Democratic Phil Skaggs edged out Lily Chong-Schulting, 5,202 to 4,626 for the Democratic nomination. Skaggs will face Republican nominee Jeffrey Johnson in November.
For the 82nd District State House of Representatives, candidate Kristian Grant had the most votes, 3,884, in a three-way race for the Democratic nomination. Also seeking the nominations were Robert Womack, who received 3,821, and Salim Mohammed Al-Shatel, who received 1,301.
The Republican nomination for the 82nd District was between two candidates, Ryan Malinoski and William Alexander. Malinowski beat out Alexander, 2,640 to 1,527.
Malinowski and Grant will now face each other for the 82nd District House seat in the Nov. 8 general election.
In the 83rd District State House of Representatives, current Wyoming Councilmember John Fitzgerald won the Democratic nomination with 2,567 to Jose Flores’ 2,037 votes. Fitzgerald will now face Republican candidate Lisa DeKryger for the season in the November election.
Kent County Commission races
Current 10th District Kent County Commissioner Emily Post Brieve won the Republican nomination with 2,615 votes over her challenger Bill Hirsch, who received 2,127 votes. Brieve will face Democratic challenger Julie Humphrey in November.
In the 12th District Kent County Commission seat, Lee White won the Republican nomination with 1,135 votes over candidate Adam R. Palaces, who had 959 votes. Lee faces current commissioner and Democratic candidate Monica Sparks in November.
Tom McKelvy took the Republican nomination for the 13th District Kent County Commission seat. McKelvy has 1,591 votes to candidate Nick Prill’s 1,169. McKelvy will face Democratic candidate and current commissioner Michelle McCloud in the Nov. 8 general election.
Father and daughter, Gene Billings and Cathe DeLaney, pose in front of dad’s prized possession, a souped up 2011 Chevy Silverado. (WKTV)
By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer
“Just hold on.”
That was the directive 92-year-old Kentwood resident, Gene Billings, gave this WKTV writer as his daughter, Cathe DeLaney, led the way to his 2011 Silverado truck, keys dangling from her fingertips.
It proved to be sound advice as the speedometer of the Silverado climbed rapidly under DeLaney’s guidance.
An attendee of almost every 28th Street Metro Cruise, and with the t-shirts to prove it, Billings is no stranger to speed and high-performance vehicles. His love of Metro Cruise shows in his dedication to attending the popular event each year.
Though Billings’ Silverado isn’t a “Classic Car” like most featured in the Cruise, it can outrun many of those acclaimed classics.
“It dynoed at 498 at the wheels, faster than most Corvettes,” Delaney said. “He’s (Billings) about to run out of things he can do to up its performance.”
Where the cars are the stars
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its 17th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise event on August 26 and 27 at Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall.
It’s a family-friendly, two-day event featuring over 25 food trucks and concessionaires, five bands on the Metro Main Stage, free shuttle service, Miss Metro Cruise Finale, kids’ events and activities, a Dyno car testing platform, Community Awards Ceremony, Donut Competition, 35 sponsor booths with giveaways and games, the famous Collector Car Row consisting of over 400 collector cars, and much more. All free to the public.
Official cruise time
Spanning 13 miles of 28th Street, the official Cruise time is set for 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26. For one hour, Metro Cruise encourages all classic, muscle, antique, modified and sports car owners to cruise 28th Street – starting and ending where they choose.
Billings has shared his love of speed and performance vehicles with his daughter Cathe DeLaney, who attends the Metro Cruise with her father each year. DeLaney deems the Cruise the highlight of their year, saying, “That’s pretty much our Christmas. We look forward to that so much.
Kentwood resident and Metro Cruise fan Gene Billing’s Chevy Silverado. (WKTV)
“The Metro Cruise is kind of neat, it’s a big mix.
“They have classic cars, they have muscle cars, they have old Model T’s.
“Rogers Plaza is just crazy, there are so many people there.
“Where the cars are the stars.”
An estimated 275,000 attendees
Metro Cruise annually attracts more than 15,000 Collector/Sports/Antique cars to the Grand Rapids area, and an estimated 275,000 people to its related events from across North America.
But it gained its popularity from car lovers in West Michigan, such as Billings and DeLaney.
Born in Flint, Billings is a native to the Grand Rapids area.
“His Dad worked for GM Fisher Body over here on 36th and Buchanan,” DeLaney said. “He grew up in the car industry, but didn’t want to work at the factory.”
Billings agreed, his interest leaning toward sprucing up his personal vehicles and racing for his own enjoyment.
“I’ve had all sorts of cars,” Billings said. “Dad was always trading his in every year and I’d get his leftovers.”
Billings lamented that his father never bought anything good enough to race.
“I tried to talk him into it, but he wasn’t interested,” he explained. “Dad had no comprehension on what a performance car was. The first car I got from him was a ’55 Chevy 6-cylinder station wagon. I said, ‘Oh boy, that’s a thrill,’” Billings said with a chuckle.
That was not the case with Billings, however, who would “tweak” his cars with “this and that” since he was a teen, finally settling on his beloved 2011 Chevy Silverado.
Metro Cruise fan Gene Billings with his vast collection of t-shirts. (Cathe DeLaney)
DeLaney said Billings can’t add many more “bells and whistles,” having already increased the truck’s performance and custom features to its maximum capacity.
“Whenever it’s convenient, I go down and run the track,” Billings said of the US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin.
The Motorsports Park is a noted drag-racing strip founded in 1962 that now features a renovated track for modern events.
The Silverado’s best speed was 102 mph in the ¼ mile at the Motorsports Park’s straight track. But DeLaney confessed that she has seen the Silverado reach 150 mph.
Always looking for a race
“He is always looking for someone to race on the highway (mostly Camaros and Mustangs),” DeLaney said. “You don’t expect that much horsepower out of a truck. He’s like a shark.”
In fact, sharks are displayed prominently on Billings’ Silverado. When asked why he chose a shark, Billings replied, “Because it bites.”
“Mustangs are a great target,” Billings said with a grin. “I like to surprise them.”
DeLaney said he loves to come up to the line and be No. 1.
“Most (other drivers) back down at a certain speed, but they have longer to live than he does,” she added with a laugh.
The father-daughter duo still takes a weekly cruise together in the Silverado, alternating driving duties. When asked if they have ever received a ticket for their speed, Billings admitted, “I got pulled over once just outside of Sparta, and the cop was more interested in the truck than in giving a ticket.”
Billings and DeLaney plan to attend the Metro Cruise this year just as they have in years past.
Editor’s Note: WKTV is reposting this unique, local story in honor of George David Payne and all of the 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.
Dragon boat races are one of many features at the family-friendly Global Water Fest on Saturday, July 30 at Canal Park in Grand Rapids. (Courtesy)
By John D. Gonzalez, WKTV Contributing Writer
Happy weekend, everyone.
Make sure to get out there as summer begins to wind down. If you’re looking for a few ideas, I have put together my Top 5 things to do, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Here we go!
Gonzo’s Top 5
5. Wild Ones Garden Tour & Fundraiser
Wild Ones Garden Tour and Fundraiser on Monday, Aug. 1. (Courtesy)
Wild Ones River City Chapter will show you how to add native plants, shrubs and trees to your garden to provide food, shelter and habitat for birds and beneficial insects.
“Removing invasive plants, reducing lawn size, and using natural care also helps heal the earth. Even small changes can make a difference,” according to its website. To learn more about these benefits, the Wild Ones River City Chapter is having a garden tour and fundraiser on Monday (Aug. 1).
You can visit the Native Plant Education Garden at 920 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, which will feature more than 80 species of native plants. Wild Ones members will be on hand to talk about the evolution of the garden and answer questions. The tour is free. Then, across the street, you can enjoy a bite to eat and a beer at Brewery Vivant, which will donate a portion of their proceeds to Wild Ones River City Chapter. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. More info at rivercitygrandrapids.wildones.org.
4. Wyoming/Kentwood Summer Concerts
The seasons are coming to a close.
Grupo Latin Soul closes the Concerts in the Park series on Tuesday, Aug. 2 at Lamar Park in Wyoming. (Courtesy)
Grupo Latin Soul closes the Concerts in the Park series on Tuesday (Aug. 2) at Lamar Park in Wyoming. Learn more on the event’s Facebook page.
In Kentwood, The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra(July 28), the Moxie Strings(Aug. 4) and Brena(Aug. 11) close out the Summer Concert Series on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall.
Looking for something to do on Sunday? Make sure to check out “Last Sundays,” which is a monthly outdoor market at Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids. It features a variety of local makers, vendors, farmers, food carts, samplings and more. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (July 31) on the corner of Bridge Street and Seward Avenue. Other dates: Aug. 28 and Sept. 25. More info at https://www.bridgestreetmarket.com/blog/2021/6/3/last-sundays-outdoor-market.
2. Ballpark Series: Around the Horn with the Grand Rapids Symphony
The Ballpark Series at Sullivan (formerly Valley) Field is one of many events spearheaded by a group called Fans of Valley Field on Saturday, July 30. (Courtesy)
I have mentioned this series a few times this summer, that’s because you will love this old, historic ballpark that dates back to 1937, and located on the West Side of Grand Rapids. The Ballpark Series at Sullivan (formerly Valley) Field is one of many events spearheaded by a group called Fans of Valley Field. On Saturday (July 30) the Grand Rapids Symphony makes its first appearance, along with local legends Rick Reuther and The Tom Hagen Trio. Admission is free, but tickets are needed.
The symphony performs “Peter and the Wolf,” as well as another piece, followed by Reuther and the trio. An Instrument Petting Zoo will be set up for kids to touch, play and experience instruments. There also will be an art area with other activities as well before the Symphony performance. Gates (and bar) open at 5 p.m. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. Food is also available. Go to the Facebook event page for tickets and more details. The Neighborhood Concert Series is presented by Meijer and underwritten by the Wege Foundation with sponsorship from Wolverine Worldwide, David & Judy Frey, BDO, Fox Motors, Chuck & Julie Frayer, Hung and Elsie Liang Fund for Music, United Bank and Delta Dental of Michigan.
1. Global Water Fest, Grand Rapids
Dragon boat races are one of many features at the Global Water Fest on Saturday, July 30 at Canal Park in Grand Rapids. (Courtesy)
My friend Ace Marasigan of the GR Asian Foundation reached out recently to tell me about the 2nd Annual Global Water Fest Grand Rapids on Saturday (July 30) at Canal Park, 941 Monroe Ave. NW, and on the Grand River. The family-friendly event features Dragon Boat Races, a globally-themed variety of food vendors, live music and entertainment. The Dragon Boat Races begin at 8 a.m. The winner gets $500 for their team and $500 for their non-profit of choice – Prize money sponsored by Kim Nhung Superstore. Youth Fishing Derby is from noon to 4 p.m. and includes free fishing poles while supplies last. Global Water Fest is from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is presented by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., City of Grand Rapids Office of Special Events, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and Mobile GR. Learn more on the Facebook event page.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
BISSELL Pet Foundation founder Cathy Bissell (Courtesy)
By Philip Janowski, WKTV Contributing Writer
The BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters summer event aims to relieve stress on animal shelters across the country.
The annual event, which began July 11 and runs through July 31, hopes to provide a relief valve for the homeless pets.
Shelters are experiencing an all-time high of dog and cat residents that was accelerated by the COVID pandemic and the housing and rental crisis.
Fig and Friends Pet Rescue
“Intake numbers are up, adoption numbers are down,” said Julie Beukema, of Fig and Friends Pet Rescue. “Combine that with an increase in vet costs and the daily expenses of housing animals, and you have the perfect storm.
“Every inch of every shelter and rescue that I know is full.”
During the nationwide Empty the Shelters event, the BISSELL Pet Foundation (also known as BPF) sponsors reduced adoption fees for $50 or less. The event is hosted at over 250 organizations in 42 states. In Michigan, nearly 40 sites are participating.
“Shelters are calling me daily, and BISSELL Pet Foundation is feeling the burden of overcrowding,” said Cathy Bissell, who founded BPF in 2011. “Empty the Shelters is the largest funded adoption event in the country, and by extending the event to three weeks, we can help meet the immediate need to save lives.”
Saving two lives: the adopted pet and the one taking its place in the shelter
The Empty the Shelters program itself started in 2016, and since its inception, over 96,000 pets have found homes at participating shelters in the United States and Canada. Events are held quarterly.
As part of the program the BPF pays the majority of adoption fees, allowing for adopters to take home a fully vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered pet. Shelters get a second chance to give pets they love a home. And pets win by finding a loving family.
“Shelters, rescues, and those involved in running them are in great distress,” explained Julie Beukema. “I continue to get calls every day from people wanting to surrender animals or from someone that found a cat or kitten. Yesterday, I had a request [to drop off] a mom cat and four kittens.”
During a recent summer market, a Wyoming firefighter sends a message about safety. (WKTV)
Former Wyoming resident Nancy appreciated that her neighbors cared enough to come over and tell her that they saw people taking stuff out of her garage while she was at work.
“It turned out to be OK because I had given the charity group permission to do so, but I appreciated knowing that my neighbors were watching out for me,” she said.
Knowing your neighbors and being familiar with your neighborhood is a key component to fighting crime. Neighbors who are aware of each others activities, such as when they work or go on vacation, are able to identify when something or someone looks suspicious.
“It is not only nice to know your neighbors but it gives you a responsible feeling for your community,” said Lt. Brian Look with the Wyoming Public Safety Department. “With that connection to your community, you notice when things are out of place or when someone may need help.”
Getting to know your neighbors and building that connection to community is what National Night Out is all about. Always the first Tuesday in August — this year it is Aug. 2 — the annual event encourages people to “turn their porch lights on” and come out to meet their neighbors.
A rundown of activities
Give me five: A residents gives a Wyoming police officer a high-five. (WKTV)
Several of the Wyoming neighborhoods will have block party events, Look said. The Wyoming Department of Public Safety will be attending as many as possible Tuesday evening as well as several events that will be be open to the public.
The Department will join the Consumer’s Energy annual kick off event which starts at around 5:30 a.m. at Consumer’s Energy Grand Rapids Service Center Grand Rapids Service Center, 4000 Clay Ave. SW. Along with Wyoming, departments from Grand Rapids, Walker, and Kentwood will be in attendance. Consumer’s Energy staff will be handing out free energy efficient light bulbs to passersby. At 7:15 a.m., the mayors from Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming will present a proclamation to commemorate the day.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Wyoming Department of Public Safety will join the Kent County Sheriff’s Department at the RiverTown Celebration! Cinema, 3728 Rivertown Parkway, in the RiverTown Mall. There will be children’s activities and safety information.
From 5 – 7 p.m., officers and firefighters will be at Grace University, 1011 Aldon St. SW. This event is open to the public and will include food, games and an opportunity to check out the SWAT vehicle, firetruck, police vehicles and meet members of the K-9 unit. Bonus, there is usually a large waterslide as well.
Officers and firefighters will be traveling to other neighborhood parties throughout the city.
Mayor Jack Poll offers a few words about the 2021 National Night Out event and its importance to the community. (WKTV)
Rebuilding after COVID
National Night Out was introduced in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch and is now observed throughout the United States and Canada. The recent COVID pandemic did have a toll on the event as people were not able to host events, however several Kent County police organizations hosted National Night Out parades during that time to remind residents the importance of keeping in touch with each other.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety, which has been participating in National Night Out since the mid-1990s, hosted two public open houses. Due to interest in having neighborhood block parties, the department’s community resource division decided to do a hybrid event this year of open houses and attending neighborhood parties.
“Like many things after COVID, the program fluctuated as we dealt with pandemic,” Look said. “We are in the process of rebuilding.”
Learning about community resources
For the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, the annual event also gives residents the opportunity to meet the officers and learn what resources are available to the the community, Look said.
“It never hurts for community members to get to know who the police officers are out there patrolling your roads and the firemen who are out helping residents,” he said. “Learning more about who is out there in your community can help when there is a need and helps us be able to serve them better.”
For anyone who is hosting a neighborhood party on Aug. 2 and would like fire and police to stop by the event, email Sgt. Dave Hunt at huntd@wyomingmi.gov.
With prices continuing to skyrocket, Michigan residents and business owners search for the reason behind the perpetual inflation, and when it might end.
Global issue as well
Many economists and local business leaders say increasing costs for businesses are the driving force behind rising prices. And that continuing inflation is a concern not only statewide, but nationally and globally as well.
As the world emerges from the emergency status of the COVID-19 pandemic, business owners and consumers are fighting against ongoing residual effects, namely inflation. Due to supply issues during the pandemic and current labor shortages, prices for everyday goods have skyrocketed, with consumer prices up 9.1 percent over year end June 2022. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Exercise patience
Despite the economic concern, Keith Morgan, president and CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, advises community members to, “Temper your decisions…exercise patience. It’s not as bad as they make it seem…and it’s not as good as some people think it may be.”
Keith Morgan, president and CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy)
In regard to business owners, “The biggest impact right now that businesses need to be aware of, the key is, preparation,” said Morgan to WKTV. Most small businesses are not prepared for crises such as a pandemic. “A business is going to typically have a 6-month runway (also known as a reserve) if they are in a good position…some may have 12 months. Very few are going to have 24 months.”
With the pandemic lasting longer than businesses anticipated, several owners found themselves floundering.
“What a lot of people are experiencing,” continued Morgan, “is that they are having to pivot. They are forced to reevaluate their paradigm. The businesses that have done well are the ones that are finding ways to provide different services or provide different products…and finding avenues to be more efficient.”
Government help available
Morgan also revealed that government help is available for businesses, but that many organizations are hesitant to take advantage of different funds that are available, such as ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, due to not having information about those advantages.
Local Chamber of Commerce networks offer professional advisors and relationships business owners can take advantage of, and that can help them understand that information so they can make better decisions.
Some aspects of the inflation crisis, however, cannot be avoided.
Labor shortages
Labor shortages have had a large bearing on inflation. With fewer workers available for businesses to draw on, they are finding the need to offer incentives, such as higher pay rates and benefits. Something that will make a “significant difference” in employer expenses, Morgan said.
Tim Mroz, senior vice president of Community Development for The Right Place. (Courtesy)
Tim Mroz, senior vice president of Community Development for The Right Place, agrees that one of the prevailing struggles is “the ability for employers to stay competitive with wages, and employees to keep up with the cost of living.”
Offering such incentives, however, increases cost to the employer. “Companies just can’t eat that total cost,” Morgan said. “So that cost has to be passed on to the consumer who is buying your service or product.”
The company that offers that service or product now must raise that rate to be able to account for the additional cost to their business. Add in meeting profit margins and expectations from investors, and that cost increases exponentially.
Supply chain issues
Supply chain issues are also a large factor of inflation.
“The good news is that we are seeing progress,” Mroz continued. “I think we’ve gotten beyond the emergency situation we were in a year ago during COVID. The supply chain issues we’re seeing today are a little more targeted at certain materials.”
Those manufacturers who are still experiencing supply issues, however, are now finding the problem compounded by rising prices when they can acquire those materials.
“Steel prices are still a challenge, both for construction steel and coiled steel.” At local steel manufacturers, Mroz said, “There is very little inventory. What they do have they are moving as fast as possible.
“Since 2020 to current quarter, construction prices have just about doubled. If it’s not under control soon, we’re going to start seeing pullbacks in the construction and development industry. That’s concerning because we need housing.”
Jason Parsons, senior construction project manager for Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, told WKTV that “All of the materials I have delivered to site, they are all adding a fuel surcharge onto the bill, which didn’t used to be there. We are getting regular cost increases on windows, siding, roofing.”
Parsons says it is not any one thing causing the increase.
“I think it’s the supply chain problems, it’s the delivery chain and trucking costs, manufacturers are having a difficult time keeping enough labor. They aren’t producing as much as they were, so they are charging more for what they are producing.”
Compounding the problems brought on by a lack in available materials is a shortage of truck drivers. That shortage has cost site workers delays as they wait for materials to be delivered.
“It’s a synergistic type of system that one thing doesn’t just affect one other piece,” Morgan explained. “One thing can affect 17 other pieces down the road, and they all work together.”
A social aspect also comes into play due to a growing mentality that there is no better time to raise rates because people are expecting it. Morgan mentioned the current gas market, observing that prices are unlikely to decrease back to yesterday’s normal, even if cost improves for the buyer because “(consumers) are used to paying it, and willing to pay it, and are paying it,” thus increasing the buyer’s profit margin.
These thoughts are supported by a current podcast, Trend Talks with ITR Economics, specifically episodes from “The Consumer, Interest Rates, and Gas Prices” with Alan Beaulieu, March 18, 2022, and “Pricing at the Peak” with Connor Lokar, January 14, 2022.
Over the 12 months ended June 2022, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 9.1 percent. The 9.1-percent increase in the all items index was the largest 12-month increase since the 12-month period ending November 1981. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Will consumers see a decrease in prices?
Morgan says yes, but it will take time.
“Inflation will decrease due to what the market can bear,” he explained. “Prices are based off of what people will buy.”
Parsons agreed.
“It’s all supply and demand. If supply increases and demand goes down, the prices will come down. They have to.”
Federal Reserve taking action
The Federal Reserve has already taken action by purposely increasing their rates.
“The Federal Reserve has the most impact on the value of a dollar,” Morgan said. “They can change the numbers, which will tighten up the financial market and the base has to follow suit. If they (Federal Reserve) tighten up the economy, and people aren’t able to go out and get as many loans, they can’t do as many things, then that will typically drive the prices back down because you have a surplus in the market.”
No easy fix
Even so, Morgan believes it will be a minimum of a year to bring the economy back down from inflation, with economists saying it could be as long as 18 to 24 months. But Morgan cautions that a lot can happen in 24 months, and to “temper your plans and expectations. There is really no easy fix.”
Both Morgan and Mroz agree that Michigan is not alone in its struggles.
A global problem
“This isn’t a Michigan-specific issue,” Mroz said. “It’s a national issue, I would argue that it’s even an international issue. Everybody is dealing with this right now, with global finance as connected as it is.”
Close to retirement?
When asked how the average consumer can prepare or help themselves right now, Morgan said each individual and family situation is different and dependent upon their needs but did suggest that those close to retirement pull their money from the market now and put that money in a savings account with very low risk.
“Economists are saying that, unless you have a 2-year runway where you can stay in the market without making any change, you need to get your money in a place where you’re not going to earn much interest, but at least you’re not going to lose much either, because the markets have trended downward,” Morgan said.
Despite the difficulties many individuals and business owners face, Morgan offers hope.
“We are not in an economy where we don’t have money,” Morgan explained. “We are experiencing inflation and it’s a concern, but it’s not such a concern to the extent that we are going to change our buying habits or change our lifestyle.”
Dementia Friends works to help create a more friendly community for those living with Dementia. (pxhere.com)
More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s – members of our family, our friends and our neighbors.
We may not even recognize that these individuals have Dementia, as symptoms present differently from person to person. They may be experiencing challenges in problem solving, communicating, or making decisions. Some may have withdrawn from their social obligations due to embarrassment or shame.
Building a friendlier community
Educating ourselves on the disease can help us better support those living with dementia and their caregivers. Become a Dementia Friend and take a step towards making your community more Dementia Friendly.
Dementia Friends is a global social movement that focuses on five simple key messages. The goal is to change the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. By incorporating Dementia Friends into open, accessible communities, we enable those living with dementia and those who care for them to be active participants in their well-being.
“The default reaction to a diagnosis of dementia tends to be one of despair,” said Dementia Friends Michigan Program Coordinator Brandon Beck. “Dementia Friends works to change the narrative to one of hope. While it’s perfectly normal to grieve what has been lost, a focus on preserved abilities and interests will boost the self-esteem of the individual and create opportunities for meaningful engagement. This person-centered approach is essential for working with those with Dementia.”
COVID-19 has also had a significant impact on those living with dementia. Changes in daily routines, barriers to social engagement, and new fears associated with the pandemic have exacerbated many of the challenges already present. In addition to Dementia Friends, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) offers support groups, educational presentations presented by the Family Caregiver University, and many other resources for caregivers.
More information on Dementia Friends can be found at www.aaawm.org/dfmi – including upcoming sessions, how to request a session for your organization, and other ways to get involved. Sessions are currently being offered virtually via Zoom, so it’s never been easier for you or your organization to attend a session. Sessions can also be hosted in-person for your agency by request. You can also call the AAAWM at (616) 456-5664. There is no cost to attend a session.
Brena, a local favorite known for lively shows and Top 40 rock, performs on July 28 at Cutler Park and August 11 behind Kentwood City Hall. (Courtesy)
By John D. Gonzalez, WKTV Contributing Writer
I love late July. It’s like the sweet spot of summer.
You still have plenty of time to visit your favorite vacation spot. Maybe take in a West Michigan Whitecaps game. Go to the zoo. Or discover something new.
Fall and back-to-school shopping can wait.
Here are a few things to consider this week and early August.
Let’s support local, community events this summer as a couple of popular music series in the area are starting to wind down.
Wyoming Concerts in the Park
On Tuesday, July 26, the Wyoming series at Lamar Park continues with country singer Bernadette Kathryn, followed by Grupo Latin (Aug. 2). All shows begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free. More info: Wyoming Concerts in the Park Facebook page.
Kathryn, the self-proclaimed Detroit Country Rebel, is ready to light up the stage at Lamar Park.
“This is going to be a high-octane, full-throttle, audience engaging show that will leave them wanting more,” said Kathryn, who will perform with her Lonely Days Band. “We play new and old country, classic rock, and you might even find a few pop songs disguised as country. We call our genre ‘Hot Rock’n Country’ because we can ‘chicken fry’ anything.”
Kathryn said they’ll play Reba, Miranda Lambert, Gretchen Wilson, Luke Combs, “some of my originals, and many other songs that you can hear on the radio.”
Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn hold Bachelor of Music degrees in music performance and music education, which have given each the technical foundation to explore the limits of her instrument and helped the group build a reputation for musical excellence. Their new album, “Live & Plugged In,” just reached No. 1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Charts.
Lynn said the band’s polished, high-energy show continues to redefine strings’ role in contemporary music, and offers audience members a diverse, fun, musical experience.
“We use a variety of audio effects pedals. The Moxie Strings compose the majority of their pieces and arrange melodies from many countries, resulting in a genre-blurring blend of ear-catching, mainstream melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms.”
Brena Band is a one-stop-shop when it comes to wedding entertainment. Their six member band, featuring guitars, drums, horns, violin, keyboards and tight vocal harmonies, will keep your guests dancing all night long. Their wide variety of songs offer a little something for everyone; ranging from oldies, to current top 40 hits, classic rock to smooth R&B, country to high energy dance music, and everything in between.
All Kentwood concerts take place from 7-8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Admission is free. A variety of food trucks also will be on hand.
The 86th annual Byron Days Festival returns with an arts and craft show, 5k run, pancake breakfast, live music, kids zone activities, food trucks and more. (Courtesy)
Byron Days Festival (July 28-31)
Looking ahead to next weekend, the 86th annual Byron Days Festival returns with an arts and craft show, 5k run, pancake breakfast, live music, kids zone activities, food trucks, classic car show, fireworks and more. The festival runs July 28-31 in downtown Byron Center. More info at byrondaysfestival.org. Or check out the Facebook Event Page.
If you have something for me to consider for a Top 5 column, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com
WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer (right) stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book on a show called Grand Tap Media Business TV, hosted by Pamela Keim (left), which airs toward the end of August. (WKTV)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
For more than 30 years, WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer has woken up West Michigan with her early morning weather forecasts.
In addition to her Storm Team 8 predictions, DeBoer also has co-hosted eightWest, a show that informs and entertains its viewers.
“I’m often one of the first faces many people in West Michigan see every morning,” said DeBoer, who’s also the meteorologist for many of West Michigan’s most popular radio stations. “I love having a challenging job; forecasting the weather in a complicated part of the country, and helping people relate the weather conditions to the lives of our viewers and listeners.”
Recording at WKTV
DeBoer stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book (published in 2021) on a show called Grand Tap Media Business TV, hosted by Pamela Keim, which airs toward the end of August. Keim has produced shows on WKTV since 2017.
Keim said the purpose of her WKTV program is to “introduce West Michigan to all the businesses, nonprofits, individuals that can help us thrive in our lives.
“I’m a cheerleader for West Michigan. I like to promote events, individuals, and talk about what’s new like Terri’s book. There are some wonderful people that live in our community in West Michigan.”
DeBoer said she wrote “Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest” in 2020 during the pandemic after decades of interest.
An emotional time
“For about 40 years I wanted to write a book and I wasn’t sure what to write about and when I made the transition into the empty nest it really hit hard,” DeBoer explained. “I wasn’t expecting to feel so sad and for things to feel so empty and so I reached out to someone and thought maybe I should write a book about that.
“One thing led to another and I wrote the book as the pandemic shut everything down.”
How did she do it with her busy schedule as a TV personality and mom?
What, turn off the TV?
“I’m going to tell you a secret,” she said grinning. “I turn off the TV. It’s amazing how much time we would find to do the things we say we really want to do if we just turn the television off and get started.”
“The book is 50 short chapters broken into multiple categories, highlighting the past, present and future of the life cycle of a parent. There’s a section on your physical health, mental health, your relationship with your adult kids, your friendships, and your faith is a big part of the book.”
WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book titled “Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest” (Courtesy)
Millions of empty nesters
According to recent US Census information, there are approximately 22.5 million empty nest households in the United States.
DeBoer said it’s an emotional time and the overwhelming feelings of sadness, grief and emptiness can be common.
The book outlines her strategies for weathering the often stormy transition to an empty nest. DeBoer helps readers find hope, peace, comfort and joy in this next stage of life.
Ginger Zee endorsement
Ginger Zee, chief meteorologist at ABC News, said the book is “a blast of sunshine full of wisdom, wit and inspiration for every stage of life.”
After the first round of edits, there was one chapter the editor felt needed to be taken out. The one about her relationship with her husband, Bill.
Enter her four-legged friend
She joked about replacing Bill’s chapter in the book with her daughter Jenn’s adopted dog, Hank, which was really due to not oversimplifying spousal relationships, which are unique from person to person.
DeBoer said her editor felt the chapter about her relationship with her husband isn’t as simple as she made it to be.
“People’s relationships are complicated,” she and her editor determined. “Some people are married, some aren’t, some are divorced, widowed or in unhappy marriages. It’s not that simple.”
She admitted she wasn’t ever a pet person until Hank came along, and the answer was always “no” when her three kids asked for a dog.
The Great Dane/mastiff-Lab mix, that she now calls her grand dog, however, has swayed her opinion. She now touts the great health benefits of having a dog and how they can expand your social circle at the dog parks, and recommends a pet for empty nesters.
She admits, however, that she can enjoy Hank as much as she wants, and “when he needs to go potty in the middle of the night, it’s Jenn who gets to take him out.”
She said she has been “blessed” along the way to have raised three wonderful children, “who are all hard-working followers of our incredible God; combining their talents with their ever-deepening faith.
“They are all fun-loving and kind individuals; who are making strides through making the world a better place.”
Self-proclaimed Detroit Country Rebel, Bernadette Kathryn, takes the stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 at Lamar Park. (Courtesy)
By John D. Gonzalez, WKTV Contributing Writer
Funk, blues, rock and even a cello have been featured this summer at the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series this summer.
Now, it’s time for some kicking C-O-U-N-T-R-Y!
The self-proclaimed Detroit Country Rebel – a.k.a Bernadette Kathryn – is ready to light up the stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 at Lamar Park. Admission is free, as always.
“This is going to be a high-octane, full-throttle, audience engaging show that will leave them wanting more,” said Kathryn, who will perform with her Lonely Days Band.
“We play new and old country, classic rock, and you might even find a few pop songs disguised as country. We call our genre ‘Hot Rock’n Country’ because we can ‘chicken fry’ anything.”
The Tuesday night series continues through Aug. 2. All shows will be recorded and aired on WKTV.
In an interview with WKTV Journal, Kathryn said they’ll play Reba, Miranda Lambert, Gretchen Wilson, Luke Combs, “some of my originals, and many other songs that you can hear on the radio.”
County music is at the heart of everything she does. It goes back to when she was a child.
“I’ve been performing on stage since I was five and just get this incredible rush that just can’t be replicated with anything other than performing for a live audience,” Kathryn said in an email.
She channeled her passion when she was 14-years-old and started a band.
As a fan of Patsy Cline, “I knew that I wanted to name the band after one of her songs: Seven Lonely Days,” she said.
“I hired veterans of the music industry to back me up, and my lead guitar player has been in the band since the beginning,” she said of the band she formed in 2014.
Bernadette Kathryn, the Detroit Country Rebel, will appear at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 at Lamar Park. Free admission as always. (Courtesy)
Her current lineup includes Erik Blundell on lead guitar, Brendan Derey on bass and Jim Theide on drums. Kathryn plays rhythm guitar and sings. Derey and Theide are in their fifth year with the band, she said.
“Our band has a great chemistry and we bring something to the crowd that they don’t get anywhere else,” she added.
They’re all excited to perform at Lamar Park.
“The audience can relax in their lawn chairs or on a blanket and enjoy the show without having to worry about anything else,” she said.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Through redistricting, there have been some changes for residents in both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming as they head to the polls for the primary vote.
All votes, in-person and absentee, must be cast by Aug. 2. Absentee votes must be received by 8 p.m. on Aug. 2. Those voting at the polls have from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to cast their vote. Remember to check your new voter card or contact your local clerk’s office for your precinct since redistricting may have changed where you vote.
A primary is when voters can indicate their preference for their party’s candidate. Therefore, a voter may only vote on either the Republican ticket or the Democratic ticket. A ballot where a voter has voted in both parties may be thrown out.
For the Kent County Commission, all the commission seats are up for re-election this year. The seats will be four-year terms.
In WKTV’s We the People, we only reach out to candidates who are running opposed for their party’s nomination. Out of the seven Kent County Commission seats representing the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, only three had more than one candidate running for a party nomination.
Note: In its We the People videos, WKTV invites all candidates to share why they decided to run and the issues the candidate feels are important. Below, are the candidates who participated.
10th District Kent County Commission Seat
Through redistricting, the 10th District is all of Gaines Township and a portion of the City of Kentwood that is bordered by Division Avenue to the west, Eastern Avenue to the east and 56th Street to the north.
Incumbent Emily Post Brieve is facing challenger Bill Hirsch for the Republican nomination for the 10th District.
Emily Post Brieve has been serving on the Kent County Commission since 2014.
Bill Hirsch is a longtime Kent County resident and farmer. He has served on the Kent County Commission in the past.
12th District Kent County Commission Seat
The 12th District encompasses a portion of the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood. For a map of the district, click here.
Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination: Adam R. Palasek and Lee White.
Adam R. Palasek had no online platform.
Lee White is a graduate of East Kentwood High School and has served many community organizations such SKRA baseball, Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Michigan Jaycees and the West Michigan Veterans Branch.
13th District Kent County Commission Seat
The 13th District covers the remaining portion of the City of Kentwood. For a map of the district, click here.
The two candidates seeking the Republican nomination are Thomas McKelvey and Nick Prill.
Thomas McKelvey has lived in the City of Kentwood for 32 years. He is an educator and small business owner and a former Kentwood City Commissioner.
