Category Archives: City of Wyoming

Michigan launches free app designed to protect mobile devices from threats

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Now available to download for free is the Michigan Secure app. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

There are no bells or whistles or even alarms; just a simple text message to your phone as you walk into the store: “CAUTION: The Unknown network you are connected to is not encrypted. Please avoid any private or confidential transactions unless using secure Websites…”

The message comes from a free app, called Michigan Secure, which is designed to help Michigan residents navigate an increasingly technology-based world.

“Much of the activity that people do is online,” said the state’s Director of Communications Caleb Buhs. “Students taking classes to people making purchases.”

With the growing use of technology comes a high risk of people’s personal information getting stolen through threats, such as unsecured internet access, that most people don’t even realize are out there.

“It is designed to make people aware,” Buhs said. “If you are at the gym and suddenly decide to make a purchase for new equipment or clothing, the alert will come up that the internet is not secure. Maybe that is not the time to make that purchase.”

Developed by the Michigan’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget, the department in charge of keeping highly sensitive public information protected, the project was started two years ago because of the increase in cybersecurity crimes against both individuals and companies.

 

Many are familiar with the SolarWinds data breach, one of the largest data hacks in U.S. history, that resulted in more than 18,000 computer networks being sabotaged. There are also the everyday reminders of not to open emails from the IRS or Social Security as neither would contact people in such a way. According to Pew Research, more than 60 percent of Ameicans have personally experienced a major data breach. The cost of the average data breach to a U.S. company is around $8 million.

Buhs said with the recent pandemic, which forced many into remote work and classrooms, the risk of cyber attacks become even higher. In fact, because of the growing use of technology by municipalities and schools, institutions are facing more malicious cyber attacks. Just this March, a cyber attack on Microsoft focused on vulnerabilities in its exchange service, email software, and calendar resulting in 30,000 organizations getting hacked. More recently, college students across the nation are being warned about a phishing attack to steal students personal information to file false tax claims.

The message that appears when your phone connects to an unsecured Wi-Fi network. (WKTV)

The Michigan Secure app is designed to detect phishing risks by checking links. It also will alert a user to an unsecured Wi-Fi network, check apps before they are downloaded, and when a system has been tampered with. Michigan Secure even has a database of potential threat indicators to notify individuals of activity on their phone that matches a documented threat. Everything is designed for the user to determine what they want and do not want to use.

The Michigan Secure app is a free download from App Store or Google Play. The app runs on devices with iOS 11 or higher, Android 6.0 or higher and Chromebooks with Android App Support. 

“While the security of our mobile devices is critical, it is also important to respect people’s privacy,” DTMB Director and State Chief Information Officer Brom Stibitz said. “Michigan Secure does not require anyone to share their personal information or mobile data. It exists for the sole purpose of detecting threats and notifying the user.”

The Michigan Secure app does not collect, store, or monitor the personal information of users that download it. The app’s code and privacy configuration settings have received the approval of the American Civil Liberties Union for the way it protects individual privacy.

Within only a few days of release, which was earlier this year, the app had more than 1,000 downloads and interest continues to build. Buhs said he believes Michigan is the first state to offer such an app with only the City of New York having something similar. 

For more information about the app, visit Michigan.gov/MichiganSecureApp. Visit the Michigan Cybersecurity website at Michigan.gov/Cybersecurity for information ranging from how to practice proper cyber “hygiene” to learning about what to do if you are a victim of a cybercrime.

More COVID vaccines pouring into state, more local vaccination opportunity available

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COVID-19 vaccine supplies are increasing and so is local distribution options for expanded age groups, including through the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic, Metro Health and SpartanNash pharmacies and special clinics. (SpartanNash)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

This week, as the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place announced it had given a one-day record of 12,532 first vaccine doses on March 29, the State of Michigan announced next week’s shipment of federally supplied doses of vaccine would increase to a total of 620,040 vaccines, which would be a weekly record high for the state.

And those are just the start of the good news for COVID-19 distribution, as Kent County announced this week that the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic is immediately expanding vaccine availability to everyone 16 years of age and older, Metro Health will open its vaccine availability to 16 and up on April 5, and SpartanNash will be hosting pair of COVID-19 vaccine clinics, April 2 and April 6, in Hudsonville as part of a larger community roll-out to the public.

“Receiving a COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to help stop this virus and pandemic,” Lori Raya, SpartanNash executive vice president, said in supplied material. “Getting vaccinated adds one more layer of protection for you, your coworkers, your family and your loved ones … we look forward to administering more than 2,200 total vaccines in the next week and beyond.”

West Michigan Vaccine Clinic

The West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place — operated by Kent County, Spectrum Health and Mercy Health in collaboration with Vaccinate West Michigan — is available by appointment only. Patients can self-schedule at wmvaccineclinic.org.

Persons were waiting for their appointment times at the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place on Monday, March 29. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

To set up an appointment at the clinic for someone ages 16 or 17, or for people who need special assistance, persons are asked to call 833-755-0696. A parent or guardian must accompany minors.

 

Additionally, non-clinical volunteers are needed with greeting clinic attendees, providing directional assistance, escorting attendees who need help, sanitizing and organizing supplies, performing temperature checks and more. Volunteers need not have prior healthcare experience.

While the clinic has special capacity to provide 20,000 vaccinations, it has been limited by vaccine supplies.

SpartanNash clinics

The SpartanNash clinics on April 2 and April 6 will be held at 5221 Cherry St., in Hudsonville, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Appointments are available to schedule three days prior to each clinic and are based on Michigan’s expanded vaccination eligibility. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, visit shopfamilyfare.com/covid19vaccine.

To ensure the safety of both patients and pharmacists, customers must have an existing appointment and complete a health screening prior to receiving the vaccination. The vaccine will be administered at no cost to patients.

For those unable to attend the clinics, COVID-19 vaccines are also available to store guests at SpartanNash pharmacies throughout Michigan. Participating pharmacies include Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery, Martin’s Super Markets and Forest Hills Foods. 

More federal supplies; higher state goals

On March 31, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer raised Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccination goal from 50,000 to 100,000 shots per day.

The new goal is “based on the state’s successful efforts to expand equitable and efficient vaccine administration by partnering with private and public organizations in communities across the state, and is made possible by continuous week-over-week increases in the number of vaccines allocated to the state of Michigan,” according to a statement from the state.

  

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, at a January news conference. (State of Michigan)

For 38 days, the state has met or exceeded its original goal of administering 50,000 vaccinations per day. As of March 31, Michigan has administered 4,207,102 vaccines, moving the state closer to its goal of “equitably vaccinating at least 70 percent of Michiganders ages 16 and older” as soon as possible.

 

“Michigan is making great strides as our rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines continues ramping up,” Gov. Whitmer said in supplied material. “These new, higher vaccine targets are a testament to what we can do together … I urge everyone to continue doing their part with masks, social distancing, and hand washing, and when you are eligible, get your vaccine.”
 

In next week’s shipment, according to the statement, the federal government will increase the state’s direct allocation by 66,020 doses and the total allocation includes 147,800 doses of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

In addition to the state’s direct allocation, the governor also applauded “the millions of additional doses being sent to federally partnered retail pharmacies across the country, including numerous locations in Michigan,” such as SpartanNash.
   

“The state is working hand-in-hand with health care systems,  local health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, primary care providers and others to get Michiganders vaccinated with the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as quickly as possible,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health,” said in supplied material. “Providers have administered more than four million doses in just four months and we praise and appreciate their willingness to serve their communities, and are confident they will meet and exceed the new 100,000 shots per day goal.”

Traffic Tuesday: When it’s too much noise

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By Officer Jenni Eby
Wyoming Department Department of Public Safety

A couple weeks ago, we talked about the general noise ordinance. Did you know that there’s a separate ordinance that addresses music from vehicles? It falls under “disturbing the peace”, and the ordinance divides the day into 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (daytime hours) and 7 p.m.-7 a.m. (nighttime hours).

This week’s Traffic Tuesday question: Fill in the blanks! 
It is unlawful for any person to disturb the public peace and quiet by operating or allowing a sound system of a vehicle to produce a clearly audible sound at a distance of ___ feet from the vehicle during daytime hours and ___ feet from the vehicle during night time hours.

  1. 25 feet, 10 feet
  2. 50 feet, 25 feet
  3. 75 feet, 40 feet
  4. 100 feet, 50 feet

Check back on Thursday to find out the answer.

Wyoming continues its battle against gypsy moths, adds new bike path

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With is voracious appetite, a gypsy moth caterpillar can eat up to 11 square feet of vegetation in its lifetime. (Public Domain)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

An idea to build a silk empire has been an ongoing century-old headache for many municipalities in the United States.

Gypsy moths were introduced in the 1800s as an alternative to the finicky silkworm, which has a limited diet of mulberry leaves. Gypsy moths, on the other had, have an appetite for oak trees as well as several other species of trees and shrubs. A single gypsy moth caterpillar can consume 11 square feet of vegetation during its life time with millions of caterpillars able to defoliate 13 million acres of trees in the United State in just one season.

 

It has left cities, such as the City of Wyoming, with the need to spray every spring to control the gypsy moth population.

At its regular Monday night meeting set for April 5, the city council will host a public hearing for the annual sprayings which will take place in several areas throughout the city. Properties that directly benefit from this year’s spraying will be assessed fees for the project which is $26 per residential lot that is less than one-half acre. The cost is $75 per treated acre for parcels that are larger than a half an acre. The amount would be added on the 2021 summer property tax bill.

The insecticide used in the process is a naturally occurring bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which is not harmful to humans or animals.

For more information about the City of Wyoming’s gypsy moth suppression program, click here. The City Council meeting is at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. 

In other city news

Low bids for the 2020 Wyoming Resurfacing Program has resulted in the city being able to add a 10-foot wide concrete bike path along the east side of Burlingame Avenue from Gezon Parkway to 60th Street. The bike path segment is included n the Wyoming’s Bikeways Plan and will completed a connection between the existing bike path along Gezon Parkway and an existing Kent County Parks Department bike path south of 60th Street.

The 2020 Resurfacing contract came in about $488,000 less than expect. Rieth-Riley Construction Co., Inc, which was awarded the resurfacing contract, has agreed to extend the contact to include the bike project and resurfacing of Crossroads Commerce Drive, Nagel Avenue, and Alba Avenue. 

New deputy city manger John McCarter is excited to be part of the growing Wyoming community

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

John McCarter likes to joke that he got from Novi, Michigan to the City of Wyoming via Texas.

The native Michiganer, McCarter (who was born in Milwaukee, Wis., and moved to Michigan at a young age), was recently named the city’s new deputy city manager. McCarter, who was the interim financial director for Pearland, Texas, officially took over the position on March 15. 

With only a few days on the job, McCarter said he is still learning but has loved what he has seen of the City of Wyoming, from its operations to its people. 

“Economic development, data analytics, diversity, equity and inclusion, that is what got me excited,” McCarter said about his decision to come to Wyoming. “Since I started here…so I am far from an expert, but I see people who are invested in those things and moving the ball down the field, innovating and doing new things. So all those things that drew me I have seen in my three days and in the foreseeable future.”

Wyoming Deputy City Manager John McCarter

In his new position as deputy city manager, McCarter will focus on communications, data analytics and process improvement as well as be responsible for directing and monitoring City projects and serving as a liaison between the city manager and department heads, community groups, boards and designated government agencies.

“John brings a diverse skill set to the City of Wyoming that will help us continue to grow as an organization that serves our whole community,” City Manager Curtis Holt said. “He will help steer our organization into a more equitable and prosperous future with his skills in process engineering and systems thinking.”

An Eastsider transplanted to West Michigan

McCarter grew up in Grosse Pointe, which is a city outside of the Detroit area, with his family moving to just outside of Flint, to Lapeer, Michigan. While in Lapper, his mother was involved with the Downtown Development Authority and the city’s art gallery, Gallery 194. His father was the publisher of the city’s newspaper, LA View. 

It was during that time that McCarter found a passion for public service as his family would volunteer at the community events.

“I didn’t realize it at the time, but I loved it,” he said. “At the time, it was something that my parents made me do, but as I went to college and found myself. I tried a few different hats on and I settled on administration because I fell in love with public service. I love the community and the connection with the residents that I found in high school in my early teens.”

After graduating from Lapeer High School, McCarter would attend Central Michigan University for his undergraduate and would get his masters in public administration from Oakland University. He would land his first job in Novi and then he heard about an opportunity in Sugarland, Texas.

“I was in my early twenties,” McCarter said. “I was single and I wanted to make a change. There was this really cool job in a really cool city, next to Houston which is the fourth largest city in the nation.”

So McCarter moved to Sugarland to work in management assistance and eventually went to work for the neighboring city, Pearland. 

“My idea was that I was going to be there for five years and I stayed for seven,” McCarter said with a laugh. “It was kind of an adventure and I knew if I never did it then, I would never do it.”

A Perfect Fit

McCarter got married while in Texas and with his family starting to grow, he and his wife, Julia, decided they wanted to be closer to their families and so McCarter began looking for positions.

“I was looking for something between the Detroit area and Cedar Springs, Iowa (where McCarter’s wife is from),” he said. “Grand Rapids was at the top of the list as I had been here before. I have friends from here.

“When the job in Wyoming came up, the size of the city, 75,000 or so,  it was really attractive to me. It wasn’t so big that you couldn’t get your head around it, but it wasn’t so small that there weren’t resources and opportunities.”

McCarter said there also was the opportunity to work with City Manager Curtis Holt, who with 20-plus years in public administration, is a leader in the field of city management and is known to be a mentor to his staff. “I knew he was someone I could come in and learn from,” McCarter said.

Now here, McCarter is excited to roll up his sleeves and get to work.

“What I am really most excited about is leveraging our assets here, especially our strongest asset, which is our people, to help build a better city,” he said.

Outside of work, his number one priority is son, which he and his wife Julia welcomed about a month ago. McCarter also enjoys music and is a big Tigers fan. “I’m always hopeful,” he said with a grin.

And now that he is back in Michigan, he plans to take a few trips to the lakeshore.

“On the westside of the state, you don’t have to go far to find dunes or rock formations and that to me is so unique,” said McCarter, adding that being next to “Beer City USA” is a bonus as well. 

Wyoming police investigating stabbing

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is investigating a stabbing that took place in the evening of March 28 in the 2300 block of Barberry Drive SW.

Officer responded around 9:45 p.m. on March 28 to a report of a fight and stabbing. Upon arrival, officers located a ale victim with several stab wounds. The initial investigation indicates that a verbal argument turned into a physical fight, according to a statement from the department. During the fight, the victim was stabbed several times.

The victim was transported to a local area hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect, a 41-year-old male, was taken into custody at the scene and lodged at the Kent County Jail for assault with intent to murder.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

DeVos COVID-19 vaccine clinic delivers more than 12,000 shots in single day

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Persons were waiting for their appointment times at the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place on Monday, March 29, where clinic operators hoped to be vaccinating as many as 12,000 on that day. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

With access to more vaccine supplies becoming available, and the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place ramped up and ready to deliver, the operators of the clinic announced Monday, March 29, that they would be vaccinating as many as 12,000 persons on that day.

That total would not only be a single-day record for the local clinic but, to put that number into perspective, anybody who has been to a sold-out concert at the Van Andel Arena was part of a crowd of about that same number of people.

And according to two local persons in line to get their shots on Monday, one from Wyoming and one from Kentwood, the process was not only welcome news but a fairly easy process.

Persons entering the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place on Monday, March 29. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“My daughter and I were talking … and she mentioned that she had signed up through the website, and so I signed up my husband and I,” Julie Hall, of Wyoming, said to WKTV as she waited her time to enter the clinic. “Then yesterday (Sunday, March 28), we both got texts … They set me up for this morning and my husband this afternoon. He is working today.”
   

The system used by the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic — operated by Kent County, Spectrum Health and Mercy Health in collaboration with Vaccinate West Michigan —was not only easy-in but also fairly quick out.

 

“It was a very easy process, they ask a few questions and it moves quickly,” Sonya Oliver, of Kentwood, said to WKTV as she exited after getting her shot. “I was in there about 15, 20 minutes. It was very easy.”

Brian Brasser, chief operating officer of Spectrum Health Grand Rapids, one of the partners in the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

And according to Brian Brasser, chief operating officer of Spectrum Health Grand Rapids, the clinic is expecting to vaccinate about 40,000 persons this week and is capable of handling as many as 20,000 in a single day.

“We are only limited by the supply of vaccine available,” Brasser said to WKTV.

Supply, demand lead to expanded parking options downtown

According to the Monday announcement from the clinic operators, people 65-plus or who require mobility assistance can park directly at DeVos Place, entering the north parking entrance from the west on Michigan Street or the south parking entrance from the east on Lyon Street.

Drivers also can use the drop off zone in front of DeVos Place on Monroe Avenue and proceed to the cell phone lot within the Gerald Ford Museum parking lots to wait until pick-up notification. (There was a steady stream of persons being dropped off in front of DeVos Place as WKTV was present on-site Monday morning.)


Another parking option is the Government Center Ramp across the street from DeVos Place, at 300 Monroe. The ramp can be accessed off Ottawa or one of the two Monroe entrances. And the parking ticket will be validated at the clinic.

Also, there is free parking at the Gerald Ford Museum north and south lots, and Rapid Shuttle’s Park at the Museum lots, located off Scribner Avenue and Bridge Street/Michigan Avenue, with  a shuttle from The Rapid will run every eight minutes to and from DeVos Place.

More information about the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic visit wmvaccineclinic.org.

Kent County, seeking to help hard-hit restaurants, waives 2021 food service licensing fees

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Jessica Ann Tyson (center) of The Candied Yam, at the Kentwood restaurant with visitors in late 2020. (The Candied Yam’s Facebook)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

For local restaurants struggling to keep the doors open, any financial help is valuable, including the about $500 Kentwood’s The Candied Yam and owner Jessica Ann Tyson will not be spending on a county food service licensing fee this year.

The Kent County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted Thursday, March 25, to waive the 2021 food service licensing fee for all existing food establishments in Kent County “due to the significant hardship food establishments have experienced with closures and capacity limitations related to COVID‐19,” according to a statement from the county.

“It will help … its like $500 and up,” Tyson told WKTV when asked about the fee and how much it will save her business.

“Our restaurant owners and employees are hurting — they are among the hardest hit by the pandemic,” Kent County board chair Mandy Bolter said in supplied material. “The Board of Commissioners felt very strongly about waiving this fee as one small way to provide meaningful assistance where possible.”

This one‐time waiver, according to the county statement, will apply to the 2,294 existing food establishments (permanent, fixed, temporary, Special Transitory Food Units, or mobile) in Kent County that would otherwise be required to pay their annual licensing and inspection fee by April 30.

The Kent County action will total to “about $1.1 to $1.2 million” in waived fees, Monica Sparks, county commissioner for Kentwood’s commission District 12, said to WKTV.

“We took that out of the (county) budget,” Sparks said, while also giving credit to Dr. Adam London, Kent County Health Department director, for bringing the idea forward.

“The Health Department has worked tirelessly with our restaurants and bars over the last year to adapt to evolving regulations and occupancy restrictions,” London said in supplied material. “We are keenly aware of the challenges facing these establishments and we appreciate the Board providing this financial relief as they continue to weather the impacts of the pandemic.”

While the licensing and inspection fees are being waived, all restaurants are still required to submit a renewal application by April 30. The application will ensure establishments remain licensed during the 2021-22 operating period.

If an establishment does not intend to renew its license, the application still should be returned but include a signed note requesting its license be cancelled. Food establishments should expect to receive a renewal application from the health department within the next two weeks.

Restaurant owners with questions should contact the Kent County Health Department, Environmental Health Division, at 616‐632‐6900 or KCEHMail@kentcountymi.gov.

Snapshots: Weekend Roundup

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Animals are born who they are, accept it and that is that. They live with greater peace than people do.

American Novelist Gregory Maquire

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Bornean neon blue-legged tarantula fits into the palm of a hand but in the “BRICKLIVE Supersized!,” it towers at 12 feet tall. (Supplied)

Time to Supersize

And no, we are not talking McDonald’s. This weekend the John Ball Zoo officially opens for its 2021 season, which will feature the exhibit “BRICKLIVE Supersized!” In the exhibit, more than 30 sculptures have been created using more than two million bricks. The sculptures of some of the world’s smallest animals which have been magnified more than 30 times to create 12-foot pieces. The exhibit is full of fun and information. To get a timed ticket, visit www.jbzoo.org/visitandtickets.

Trailblazing

The weather is iffy on Saturday, but should be pretty nice on Sunday, which means you could hit one of the many trails at any of the local parks. There is the Paul Henry Trail, which runs from 44th Street and Kalamazoo Avenue south to 60th Street and Wing Avenue, or the East West Trail, which runs east from Division Avenue and 50th Street to Kalamazoo Avenue. There is also the Kent Trails which winds its way through the City of Wyoming as well as the Fred Meijer M-6 Trail located near Metro Health. Of course, many of the local parks feature trails and nature paths such as Kentwood’s Paris Park and Wyoming’s Buck Creek Nature Preserve.

Museum Touring

Have you visited the Grand Rapids Public Museum or the Grand Rapids Art Museum lately? The Grand Rapids Public Museum is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and features an array of exhibits including “Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections made with Lego Bricks.” For more information, visit www.grpm.org. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is open noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and is featuring the work of Grand Rapids native Mathias Alten along with arts and craft pieces and hero portraits created by Detroit artists. Visit www.artmuseumgr.org for more information.

Where are all the wolverines?

While Michigan is the Wolverine State there are actually no wolverines, outside of capitative that is, that live in the state. The last known Michigan wolverine is stuffed and in a private collection. It was killed in 1860. According to Michigan State University zoologist Rollin Baker, there may have been wolverines in the state as late as the 1900s, but most of what he found was hearsay. Some believe that wolverines, which most are living in the far mountains of Canada, were never populous in Michigan but rather a name given to the white settlers by Native Americans because they were gobbling up all the Michigan land. The animal was strongly disliked by the Native Americans because it often feeds on dead animals and humans.

WKTV Journal In Focus talks ‘Labor and Economic Opportunity’ with state official

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has been in the news a lot over the last year for programs to support workers in the state in this time of pandemic economic hardships, including the Futures for Frontliners program, which is providing free tuition to certain Michigan essential workers for them to continue their education.

But that temporary program is only one of several ways the LEO, as it is often called, supports workers.

With us via Zoom is Susan Corbin, acting director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, who details Futures for Frontliners and well as other work by her department to support all workers in the state.

For more information about Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity visit michigan.gov/leo/.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Area pastors show love by getting the COVID vaccine

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Area pastors line up to get the COVID-19 shot at the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic. (supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Leaders from 50 Kent County congregations volunteered to roll up their sleeves last week to show their communities they are walking the talk on the COVID vaccine front, each getting “a shot of love” at West Michigan Vaccination Clinic at DeVos Place, which is a collaborative effort of Kent County, Spectrum Health, Mercy Health and Vaccinate West Michigan.

“Whatever your faith tradition, the principle of love thy neighbor is pretty consistent across centuries,” said Pastor Charlie Selmon, Jr. of Wellspring Church. “Getting a vaccine, just like wearing a mask, is about showing love for ourselves, our neighbors, our elders, and our children. It is about protecting the sanctity of human life.”

This Tuesday at 3:30 p.m., the Kent County COVID-19 Church Task Force will ve sting a COVID-19 Vaccine Rally and Registration Drive. The event will take place at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 510 Franklin St. SE. The purpose of the rally is encourage resident in high priority zip codes based on COVID-19 incidents and other socially vulnerable index factors are registered to receive the vaccine.

Local pastors roll up their sleeves to get their shots and encourage others to do so. (Supplied)

At 4 p.m., more than 200 volunteers will canvass select census tracts in the 49507 zip code going door-to-door to ensure that every adult resident has the opportunity to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

This is the first of 10 scheduled drives across Kent County to help ensure that the most vulnerable members are vaccinated. Those attending must follow the instructions of the medical safety team and adhere to the safety guidelines of local state and national health departments.

“As a physician, and as someone who has lost loved ones to COVID-19, I urge you to consider getting the vaccine as a way to help us defeat this deadly virus,” wrote TaLawnda Bragg, MD, attending physician at Spectrum Health. In the recent blog post, she said, “I am eager to do whatever I can to help halt the scourge of this virus in our community.”

 

Until now, access to the vaccine has been limited to essential workers and select, high-risk demographics. With the national supply of vaccines expanding quickly, outreach to the broader community is underway. Starting April 5, the vaccine will be offered to all Michiganders age 16 and older according to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In Kent County more than 86,885 residents or 16.8% of the population have been vaccinated.

“Over 2.7 million doses of the safe and effective COVID vaccines have been administered in Michigan, and we are well on our way to vaccinating 70% of Michiganders age 16 and up,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We will continue to focus our efforts on removing barriers to access for our most vulnerable to exposure and those at highest risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. These vaccines are the way we are going to end this.”

According to Kent County Health Department’s Administrative Health Officer, Dr. Adam London, “faith leaders have been providing essential counseling and care for vulnerable people throughout this pandemic; they are now also helping us as volunteers. Their level of commitment and support for our community has been extraordinary.”

This Tuesday, the Kent County COVID-19 Church Task Force will be hosting the first of many Vaccine Rally and Registration Drives. (Supplied)

Local faith leaders expect enthusiastic participation at vaccine sites in the weeks ahead.

“We understand in the 21st century that individual health and public health go hand in hand,” said Rev. Khary Bridgewater, Coordinator of the Kent County COVID-19 Church Task Force. “Faith leaders know that we must protect the individual health of our most vulnerable citizens if we all want to share the blessings of a healthy community.” 

Snapshots: Weekend news you can use

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

The way I see, if you want the rainbow, you’ve gotta but up with the rain.

Singer/songwriter Dolly Parton



By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

(Courtesy Sunset Succulents)

Craft Bash

Miss perusing the booths full of crafts? Well, the Woodland Mall has got you covered for this week. Saturday, March 20, the mall will be hosting its first Spring Craft Bash, a 1-day event that will showcase a wide variety of handcrafted and vendor Items for sale. The event will run from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Von Maur wing of the mall and will have books, games, artwork, skincare, home decor items, jewelry, succulents and more.

Art in Bloom

The biannual celebration and competition, Art in Bloom has returned to the Grand Rapids Art Museum for one-weekend only, March 19-21. Visitors are invited to explore the galleries and view floral designs inspired by artwork from the Museum’s permanent collection. Art in Bloom entries will be eligible for two awards: The Public Vote Award and Juried Award. A panel comprised of floral and art experts from the Grand Rapids community will select the Juried Award Winner, which will be announced on Friday, March 22 at 2 pm. The three-day exhibition and competition includes a floral-focused schedule of in-person and virtual offerings. Visitors are encouraged to reserve timed tickets to Art in Bloom in advance. For GRAM’s hours and admission fees, call 616-831-1000 or visit artmuseumgr.org.

Photo by Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

And Blooming Butterflies

The Butterflies are Blooming at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. If you are planning to go, note you may have to wait in line to get into the facility due to COVID capacity guidelines, especially if you go on the weekend. (It took my family about an hour and half to get in to see the butterflies.) The good news is, while you are waiting, you get to wind through the desert and Victorian gardens, getting up close views of Monarch caterpillars and chrysalis. The Gardens are open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit meijergardens.org.

  • Monach butterfly
  • Karner Blue butterfly
  • Mayfly
  • Hungerford’s crawling water beetle

The Butterfly Debate

The State of Michigan does not have a state insect. Several have been suggested over the years, including (from the top left) the Monarch butterfly, the Karner blue butterfly, the mayfly, and Hungerford’s crawling water beetle. In fact, in 2019, a bill was introduced, inspired by a group of students from West Bloomfield Hills school, to make the Monarch butterfly, which comes to Michigan annual, the state insect. The bill was pushed into committee and has remained there. Trout fisherman say the mayfly because it is a food source for the designated state fish and others have said the Karner blue butterfly because it is endanger and more unique to Michigan, which is the same reason some have given to the Hungerford’s crawling water beetle.

Kent County Health Dept. warns of increase in COVID-19 positivity rate

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Kent Count Health Department encourages those on the list to pre-register for the vaccine. (pxhere.com)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

On the heals of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s warning of increase COVID cases, he Kent County Health Department (KCHD) is alerting the community to the reality that COVID-19 cases, positivity rate and hospitalizations are all increasing within the county.

 

Over the past week, the average number of new Kent County cases per day has increased from approximately 75 to more than 100, including the 178 which were reported on March 17. The county’s positivity rate has increased to 5.4 percent after two months of a four percent rate. Local hospitals are also reporting an increase in COVID-19 inpatient admissions. These increases reflect trends being observed in many other parts of Michigan and around the world.

 

“It is critically important for everyone to remember that the arrival of coronavirus variants and prematurely relaxed attitudes about COVID-19, put our community in grave danger of a resurgence in cases and deaths,” said Kent County Health Department Administrative Health Officer, Dr. Adam London. “Our county has already lost at least 656 residents to this pandemic. We do not want to see anyone else lose their life, especially when we are so near to the end of this pandemic.” 

COVID cases are on the rise in Kent County. (FDA.gov)

Public health and healthcare officials urge people to continue adhering to the prevention strategies which have been proven to reduce transmission:

  • 1)  wear facial coverings in public places,
  • 2)  stay home if you are not feeling well,
  • 3)  avoid large social gatherings, and
  • 4)  practice good hand washing.


The KCHD is also encouraging residents to be prepared to get vaccinated as soon as an opportunity is available. To date, 28.1 percent of Kent County’s population has received at least one dose of vaccine. Approximately 70 percent of our residents aged 65 or older have received at least one dose and the number of cases in that age group has been cut in half. The approved vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson have shown themselves to be safe and effective. The KCHD, Spectrum Health, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, and many other partners anticipate the volume of vaccine allocated to our area to increase dramatically between now and the end of May. 

The Health Department continues to vaccinate healthcare workers, first responders, K-12 educators, childcare providers, congregate care workers, all people aged 65 and older, people aged 50 and older with underlying health conditions, caregivers and guardians of children with special healthcare needs, and uniquely vulnerable/underserved populations of people. All people aged 50 and older will become officially eligible on March 22, but Health Department officials encourage them to pre-register now. 

At this time, the Health Department are also strongly encouraging other people in category 1B to pre-register. This group includes people who, by the nature of their business, work in close proximity to other people in the workplaces of food and agriculture, critical manufacturing, public transit, grocery stores, postal service, civil service, utilities, and other critical infrastructure. Appointments will generally be made according to vulnerability and phase status. Pre-registered persons in upcoming Michigan Department of Health and Human Services phases may be scheduled early depending on vaccine availability. 

Money available to help homeowners, business owners pay winter bills

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,
Photo from Pxhere.com

By WKTV Staff

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Consumers Energy are launching a public campaign today to ensure Michigan residents take advantage of tens of millions in federal, state and local dollars that will help households and small businesses pay winter heating bills.

“No one should go without warmth or comfort in their own home when they can have access to so many dollars here in Michigan, starting with a single phone call,” Nessel said. “We know February’s brutal cold is leaving our friends and neighbors with high energy bills, but they should know they can take action now that can make a huge difference.”

“Consumers Energy is working right now to help many Michiganders who could use support due to the twin challenges of the pandemic and the cold snap,” said Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience. “The new federal stimulus and other sources are making tens of millions of dollars available to help with energy bills.”

Nessel and Michigan’s largest energy provider are teaming up after two weeks of especially cold temperatures in February caused furnaces to run more often than usual. The cost of that heat will be reflected in customer bills that are arriving this month.

Consumers Energy and the attorney general are both reaching out to the public and are promoting resources to help Michiganders. People who are struggling with energy bills should call 2-1-1, a free service that connects people with nonprofit agencies in communities across the state. They can also go to mi211.org. 

Other ways to get help

Consumers Energy alone has provided $15 million since last fall to help customers pay bills. In all, the company and its charitable foundation have provided over $21 million to support customers and communities with needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Consumers Energy knows asking for assistance isn’t always easy,” Snyder said. “But we want you to know money is available right here in Michigan to go toward your energy bills. Even if you didn’t qualify in the past, it’s possible you can get help today.”

Wyoming chief, Kent County sheriff talk about the changing roles of women in law enforcement

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

When Kim Koster started her college career, her plans did not include going into law enforcement much less becoming the chief of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.

Chief Kim Koster

“When I started at Grand Rapids Junior College, and back then it was a junior college, I was in interested in teaching,” Koster said during a recent interview with WKTV. “But then I took a criminal justice class and I found it intriguing, and, at the same time, I was working out at a local gym and my instructor for aerobics was a Wyoming police officer.”

About 15 percent of the sworn on-duty officers are women with about one percent serving as head of their departments. It makes Kent County unique in that in many of its law enforcement agencies, women are leads in various departments with Koster and Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young, heading up two of the county’s three largest law enforcement departments.

 

“I grew up on the east side of the state,” LaJoye-Young said. “My father worked for the Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Department and became the sheriff. I remember going to restaurants and community events and everyone would come up and talk to him about issues they were having and I just loved how he could pour into their lives and the community.”

Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young

With that desire to serve the community, but not work for her father, LaJoye-Young moved to West Michigan and joined the Kent County Sheriff’s Department in 1989. Koster joined the Wyoming Department of Public Safety in 1996.

Throughout their careers, neither woman had the goal of eventually becoming chief or sheriff, but rather to simply do their best.


“It was never anything that I aspired to,” Koster said. “Things happened in my career where doors opened or a door was cracked and I decided I was going to take the opportunity to walk through and that is what I encourage other women to do.

“I think sometimes we don’t see those doors or we are afraid to walk through them and I just decided I would walk through it and see what would happen and I think even the day I was promoted chief, I was still a little surprised at myself that I had taken that role on.”

In the 1900s, the Portland Oregon Police Department swore in the first female officer. Lola Baldwin.

The history of women in law enforcement dates back to the mid-1800s with women serving as matrons in New York City jails. Widows of police officers were hired by departments to work with women and children and one of the first persons to do so was Marie Owens who was hired in 1891 by the Chicago Police Department. The beginning of the 1900s, the Portland Oregon Police Department swore in the first female officer, Lola Baldwin.

However it was not until the Civil Rights Act passed in 1971 that women’s roles in law enforcement expanded and helping the perception that women were cable to serve were such shows as “Policewomen” and “Charlie’s Angels.”

 

“I focused everyday at being a leader in whatever group I was working within…,” LaJoye-Young said. “Making sure I was always putting my best foot forward, doing the right thing for the right reasons and advocating for others if I was in a position to do so and I think when you are working in that way leadership positions kind of naturally happen.”

Koster or LaJoye-Young wouldn’t deny there have not been challenges, but more so from the overall actions and reactions to law enforcement.

“I thought it was just so important what we were doing and for women to be involved in policing,” Koster said. “I just knew there was a reason for us to be there and I knew that people were really being responsive to women in policing and developing good relationships with the public.”

With LaJoye-Young adding that the importance of having someone like you when faced with a situation remains a key benefit in helping to resolve problems.

 

“The more variety you have on your police department or sheriff’s department the more prepared you are to deal with the circumstances that you are faced with,” LaJoye-Young said. “Law enforcement changes so quickly and is so dynamic and there is such a variety of things. There are some places that a female is more successful. There are some places that somebody of color is more successful.”

The key is having that “heart to serve,” Koster said, adding it is what she looks for when talking to a potential candidate. Someone who can listen and show empathy, she said, adding that she encourages people interested in the profession to reach out to their local law enforcement agency to talk to officers in the field. There are also several places that offer criminal justice programs such as the Kent Career Tech Center (for high school students) and numerous colleges such as Grand Rapids Community College. Local departments like the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and the Wyoming Department of Public Safety also have cadet and internship programs.

“I feel like law enforcement in general is at the beginning of a very dynamic change,” LaJoye-Young said. “I think you are going to see a lot of things in law enforcement really go in a different direction in the next decade or so. There couldn’t be a better time to get into law enforcement to be part of that progress, to be part of that adaption.” 

Traffic Tuesday: When you can feel the noise

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By Officer Jenni Eby
Wyoming Department of Public Safety

As the weather gets warmer, more and more people will have their windows open to enjoy the sun and fresh air. However, we always see an increase in noise complaints with warmer weather, as well as more questions about the hours of the noise ordinance. What the hours for the general noise ordinance (noise able to be heard from a public way like a street or sidewalk) in the city of Wyoming?

  1. No noise from 10PM to 7AM
  2. No noise from 11PM to 7AM
  3. No noise from midnight to 8AM
  4. There are no hours for the general ordinance
  5. I’m not sure, I’ll check back on Thursday

The answer is 4) There are no hours for the general ordinance, the city does not have designated “quiet hours”. If noise is bothersome to you, and can be heard by an officer from a public way (meaning a street or sidewalk), the ordinance can be enforced at any hour of the day.

The Rapid celebrates Transit Workers Appreciation Day

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By Bill Kirk
The Rapid

In honor of National Transit Worker Appreciation Day is Thursday, March 18, The Rapid will recognize its entire transportation workforce for its unwavering dedication and resilience. The public is encouraged to join in the celebration by sharing compliments about bus operators and all other transit team members powering The Rapid.

After an extremely challenging year, it is more important than ever to recognize our public servants who have remained essential to keeping our community moving. Every day, a dedicated team of transit workers comes together to ensure thousands of individuals throughout the community make it safely to work, school, medical appointments, and beyond.

“It takes a team to keep the community connected and accessible to all,” said The Rapid’s new Chief Executive Officer Deb Prato. “While bus operators may be the hands on the wheel ensuring your bus makes it safely to your destination, technicians keep buses running smoothly, dispatchers guide buses every day and a team of administrative employees provide the support necessary to ensure our community has safe and reliable public transportation service.

“We are seeking positive stories about the impacts of transit workers to be able to share with our team.”

The Rapid encourages the entire community to chime in about the positive impacts of public transportation and the workers that keep buses moving every day. Please share your appreciation by submitting a compliment to be shared with transit workers on this special day.

Commend your favorite bus operator or transit workers by email at comment@ridetherapid.org or by calling 616-776-1100, or comment on The Rapid’s Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages with the hashtag #transitstrong.

Traffic Tuesday: When you can feel the noise

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, ,

By Officer Jenni Eby
Wyoming Department of Public Safety

As the weather gets warmer, more and more people will have their windows open to enjoy the sun and fresh air. However, we always see an increase in noise complaints with warmer weather, as well as more questions about the hours of the noise ordinance. What the hours for the general noise ordinance (noise able to be heard from a public way like a street or sidewalk) in the city of Wyoming?

  1. No noise from 10PM to 7AM
  2. No noise from 11PM to 7AM
  3. No noise from midnight to 8AM
  4. There are no hours for the general ordinance
  5. I’m not sure, I’ll check back on Thursday

Kent County DPW announces temporary closure of Wealthy Street recycling station

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,
Wealthy Street Recycling Center will be closed through the fall due to construction. (Supplied)

By Kristen Wieland
Kent County Department of Public Works

The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) announced last week the temporary closure of its Wealthy Street recycling drop-off station and electronics drop-off site. The closure will begin 5 p.m. Friday, March 26 and last through the fall.

The closure is due to the construction of a new Kent County DPW administrative building on the Recycling and Education Center campus. It will not impact the processing of residential recycling delivered to the Recycling & Education Center by commercial recycling haulers or recycling dropped off at the Rockford Recycling Station at the North Kent Recycling & Waste Center.

“We understand this temporary closure may present an inconvenience for some residents using the drop-off station,” said Kent county DPW Director Dar Baas. “We continue to work to improve access to recycling for Kent County residents without curbside recycling where they live.”

Since 2010, the Kent County DPW has operated a recycling drop-off station at the Recycling & Education Center at 977 Wealthy St. SW in Grand Rapids to provide access to recycling for residents who may not have access to recycling services. Residents affected by the closure are encouraged to contact their local waste hauler for services and pricing.

For residents in apartments, condominiums or other multifamily dwellings impacted by the closure, Kent County is offering a partnership program for property managers to begin recycling services with a waste hauler. Contact Kent County DPW at recycle@kentcountymi.gov to inquire about this program.

Kent County DPW has created a list of alternative recycling options while this location is closed. Visit http://www.reimaginetrash.org/wealthystdropoff for alternative recycling options for paper, electronics and other recyclable materials.

Valley City Electronics Recycling works closely with Kent County DPW for electronic recycling and is offering residents the option to drop-off their electronics Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its location on 32nd Street in Kentwood.

“We encourage residents to explore all the options for recycling, including bringing in their electronics so they can be refurbished or properly disposed of by our team,” said Valley City Electronics Recycling General Manager Dave Perry.

Visit reimaginetrash.org for additional information on how and where to properly dispose of materials in Kent County.

City of Wyoming designated Tree City USA for fourth year in a row

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Volunteers with the Wyoming Lee High School National Honor Society helping to plant trees in the Godfrey-Lee School District. (Supplied)

By Wyoming Tree Commission

For the fourth year in a row, the City of Wyoming has been designated a 2020 Tree City USA. The Tree Amigos, the city’s volunteer tree commission, completed the application in December 2020.

“Despite the pandemic, our amazing volunteer board was able to complete a fall tree planting that added 12 street trees in front of residents’ homes in the Godfrey Lee neighborhood and eight, new, mature trees to Oriole Park,” says board chair, Estelle Slootmaker. “We also planted six more trees at the Beverly Bryan Community Orchard at West Elementary, which is maintained by board members, Elizabeth Kreager and Molly Cartwright.”

Wyoming Tree Commission plants trees in the Godfrey Lee area. (Supplied)

The Tree City USA program has been greening up cities and towns across America since 1976. It is a nationwide movement that provides the framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public trees.

More than 3,400 communities have made the commitment to becoming a Tree City USA. They have achieved Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.

The City of Wyoming has a long ways to go to meet the recommended 40% tree canopy—an iTree survey puts our total canopy at 13.5%. Along with planting, maintaining the trees we already have is the best way to accomplish that goal,” Slootmaker says. “We are pleased to see that tree canopy is a priority of the new City of Wyoming masterplan.”

After four months, Wyoming Senior Center reopens

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The Wyoming Senior Center walking club heads out the doors of the center to its destination, which was Palmer Park. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

When Wyoming resident Barb Hoover learned that the Wyoming Senior Center would reopen on March 8, she was one of the first people to walk through the doors.

“It was fabulous,” Hoover said with a smile on her face as she waited for the walking club program to start. it was her second visit to the facility within three days. “It is a different thing to be able to walk in and participate with others”

“It is nice to see people and socialize and be able to talk to people your own age,” said Wyoming resident Lee Wilholit. “It is great to be able to get out and see how others are doing.”

Wyoming resident and volunteer lead for the walking club Joel Anderson talks to Wyoming resident Barb Hoover before the club heads out. (WKTV)

For Wyoming resident Tina Packer, she couldn’t wait to take advantage of some of the services the center offers to seniors.

“It is especially nice when you can come and get help with something like your taxes,” Packer said. “My husband can’t get around as much so it is great that I am able to come in here and someone is able to help us because I don’t know a thing about taxes.”

It’s been four months since the facility closed for the second statewide shutdown, which took place in November.

“Everyday the phones would ring,” said Wyoming Senior Center Director Chad Boprie. “Even more so when some else would announce they would be offering bingo.”

Bingo still will not be taking place but other popular programs such as bean bag baseball, needles and yarn, ping pong, painting club, technology club, rubber stamping, bike club, and the walking club are happening as well as the game room is open. Pre-registration is required for all programs with capacity capped at 25. The game room has two pool tables open by appointment.

“I am really glad to be back into the swing of things,” said Wyoming resident Joel Anderson, who is a volunteer lead for the center’s walking club and bike club as well as president of the Fellowship Club. 

“This is the time of year when all of my activities start to ramp up so it’s nice to be able to have the center open,” Anderson said.

Attendance has been small, but Boprie said that is OK. The decision was made to have a soft opening before ramping up the activities.

Last summer, when the center was able to reopen after the first statewide shutdown, its patios and parking lots were utilized for program activities to help maintain the required social distancing. Boprie said staff plans to do the same this spring and summer.

“Basically, every spot that wasn’t doing much became a place of activity,” Boprie said. “If it had a concrete space, we began to utilize it.”

The Wyoming Senior Center walking club gather in the center’s main room before heading out on their walk. (WKTV)

There are a few things not open such as the coffee shop, which Recreation Supervisor Krashawn Martin said they hope to open soon once they have more guidance from the state. Until then, food and beverages will not be sold.

 

But that is OK, said Wyoming resident Norine Shae because her reason for coming back centers on “being active and having some fun.”

Wyoming resident Theresa Morse smiles and then adds “You take it all for grant until it is gone.”

The Wyoming Senior Center is open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday. For more information, call 616-530-3190 or visit the center’s website.

Wyoming Lee Cheer Team: The stuff Legends are made of

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Education,
Making up the Godfrey Lee Cheer team are seniors Amy Sosa, Arely Fernandez, Elsy Bonilla, Da’Ja West, and Adriana Landis. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Having cheered together for most of their high school careers, the five seniors who are the Wyoming Lee Cheer team make the moves look effortless as members lift up their flyer, anticipating her movements.

“We have come a long way,” said senior Amy Sosa. “There is just the five us and we have this really strong bond. We’re happy that we are all here and we do really well together.”

Like so many of the winter high school sports teams, the Wyoming Lee cheer team had the long wait to find out if it would even have a season. When the green light was given, the Wyoming Lee team came ready to tuck and roll as they quickly snagged second and third place wins at their first two meets.

 

They are the Legends. (WKTV)

Not an easy feat considering that there was a change in divisions for the cheer programs in the OK Conference, according to Coach Jody Hankis Snyder. Wyoming Lee is now part of the OK Silver which includes Comstock Park, Sparta, Kelloggsville, Godwin Heights, Belding, Hopkins, NorthPointe Christian and Calvin Christian.

“We have all worked so hard,” said senior Arely Fernandez. “We have built so many memories and so many friendships that it would have been really sad if we couldn’t finish it out on our last year.

“This is like our opportunity to show that we can do something that is fun and cool.”

There have been challenges as the team has had to work with new rules to prevent the spread of COVID 19, one of which is the requirement to wear masks even when performing.

“It is not the same voices,” said senior Elsy Bonilla. “You can’t show the excitement like you could without a mask.

 

“Still we have been doing really well despite the challenges, landing in the top tier of the teams.”

Also many high school sports teams saw a reduction in participation due to COVID. This meant new challenges from some on the Wyoming Lee cheer team as they filled spots that were open.

“I’m a base,” said senior Arely Fernandez. “I have always been a flyer so I never would have thought that I could be a base.

“This has shown me how strong I am and now round three has become my favorite round because I am able to show off that strength.”

With senior Adriana Landis adding that the team has gained other strengths as well.

“We have learned to teach each other and to motivate each other,” Landis said adding this has helped not only on the floor but to cement the bonds of friendship as well.

WKTV Sports Connection welcomes Lee athletic director to talk all things Legends

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Faces, Sports, WKTV Journal Sports Connection, ,
Godfrey-Lee School District athletic director Jason Faasse visits the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection to catch us up on his Lee High School Legends news. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal Sports Connection, as part of our coverage of local high school athletics, Godfrey-Lee School District athletic director Jason Faasse visited our studios to catch us up on Lee High School sports.

And what’s new with the Legends includes a planned athletic conference change coming in 2021-22, some long-awaited continuity in their coaching staff, and — oh, ya — there is that infrastructure bond measure that was passed last year and what it will mean for the Lee teams and programs.

And, like all schools across Michigan, there have been impacts of COVID-19.

 

WKTV Journal Sports Connection brings its audience interviews and stories focused on local Wyoming and Kentwood area high schools sports, both on cable television and on our on-demand and YouTube channels. Readers can catch up on all our local sports coverage by visiting wktvjournal.com/sports.

WKTV Journal Sports Connection is available on-demand, along with WKTV coverage of highs school athletic events and other sports, at WKTVlive.com. It also airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule). Individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal Sports Connection are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Carlton Brewster, a familiar face in Wyoming football circles, named Wolves head football coach

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Faces, Sports, WKTV Journal Sports Connection, ,
Carlton Brewster II, shown in the colors of Kalamazoo Central High School, will be wearing a different color when he takes the field as Wyoming High School football head coach. (Coach Brewster’s Twitter Page)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Wyoming Pubic Schools announced this week that Carlton Brewster II, who most recently was head football coach at Kalamazoo Central High School but is no stranger to the Wyoming Wolves football sidelines, has been named Wyoming high head football coach as well as the school’s Dean of Students.

Brewster takes over the Wyoming program from Irv Sigler Jr., who resigned his coaching position in January after four years leading the Wolves.

Brewster, at Kalamazoo Central, also served as “Character Development Coach” and WPS superintendent Craig Hoekstra stressed that the new coach brings knowledge and skills both on and off the playing field.

“After a thorough interview process, we are confident his knowledge and experience makes him the right person to lead our team,” Hoekstra said in supplied material. “Brewster knows what it takes to be a successful student-athlete both on and off the field and he brings to Wyoming an impressive plan to grow and develop our football program.”

After graduating from and playing football at Grand Rapids’ Creston High School, Brewster played football at the college and professional levels, and coached at three Wyoming-area highs schools — Wyoming high, Lee and Godwin Heights — before his stint at Kalamazoo Central. Coach Brewster and his wife, Cassondra, live in Wyoming with their five children: Aniyah, Kevin, Teonna, Zara and Carlton III.

And being back in the community where he lives and where much of his coaching history was made is important to “Coach Brewster”.

“I have been living in Wyoming for the past 10 years and coaching at Wyoming High School has been a dream of mine,” Brewster said in supplied material. “I look forward to serving our community and students.”

Wyoming Public Schools Athletic Director Ted Hollern not only knows Coach Brewster well but has high expectations for the football program under its new coach.

“Coach Brewster is a great addition to the Wyoming High School staff and athletic department,” Hollern said in supplied material. “He brings excitement, experience, and a tremendous work ethic. I know our student athletes will be prepared and have fun while competing against teams in the O.K. Conference.”

A wealth of experience and success

After playing at Creston high, Brewster was a standout wide receiver at Ferris State University, ranking high in the Bulldogs record book for wide receivers with 234 receptions for a total of 3,184 yards. Also at Ferris State, he earned his Bachelor of Integrative Studies of Arts and Science in 2010, and then his Masters in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University in 2013.
 

Following his tenure playing for the Bulldogs, Brewster spent two years in the NFL as a wide receiver and punt returner for the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos. Later he also played semi-pro ball for the Grand Rapids Rampage, Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz and Chicago Rush.
 

Once his playing career had finished, Brewster moved to the sidelines to coach.

His first stops were as wide receiver coach at Creston High School, Ottawa Hills High School, Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Forest Hills Eastern.

In 2014, Brewster served as the Wyoming high offensive coordinator. That season, Wolves quarterback Brendan Berg threw for 2,001 yards and wide receiver Michael Williams was named 1st Team All Conference.

Brewster was then named head coach at Godfrey Lee Public School’s Wyoming Lee High School in 2015. He then spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons as the head coach at Godwin Heights, where his teams went 5-5 and then 7-3. In 2018, Brewster was named head coach at Kalamazoo Central, and in three years his team complied an 11-15 overall record, including the COVID-19 disrupted 2020 season.

Kroc Center will offer limited spring break activities

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While it will not be as busy, the Kroc Center will host limited spring break activities. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

While not the thousands of people it would normal host during Spring Break, the Salvation Army Kroc Center will be offering limited activities for the annual vacation time for families.

With the COVID-19 pandemic preventing many families from traveling during Spring Break, Kroc Center officials decided to step in and offer opportunities for families to get out of the house and have fun safely.

Families and groups are encouraged to sign up for a group session. (supplied)

“Spring Break is normally our busiest week of the year, but last year we were closed entirely as COVID was just starting to spread,” said Captain Bill Brutto, senior Kroc officer. “This year, we really want to give families a chance to take part in their favorite Kroc Center activities, while making sure safety is still the top priority.”

Each day, April 5–9, Kroc Center recreation areas will be available for exclusive private experiences between 12:30 and 2:30pm, when the rest of the building is closed to members for cleaning. Families are encouraged to gather with friends and relatives they feel comfortable creating a “pod” with to take advantage of the group activities.

The available activities include:

  • The Aquatics Center, including giant waterslide, lazy river, and more, with lifeguard supervision.
    • $350 for up to 35 total guests
  • The Gymnasium (two courts available), including several options for sports equipment, plus an attendant.
    • $125 for up to 15 total guests
  • The Worship and Performing Arts Center, including bounce houses and other games, plus an attendant.
    • $100 for up to 15 total guests


All guests will be expected to follow health and safety guidelines put in place by the State of Michigan’s epidemic orders while at the Kroc Center. This includes temperature checks and health screenings upon entry, along with requirements on face coverings during all activities (except swimming).

“While we would love to be able to offer the full Spring Break experience, it’s not possible with the capacity limitations we still have from the state,” Brutto said. “We felt this would be the next best way to give families opportunities to enjoy the Kroc in a way that helps them feel safe and comfortable.”

Anyone interested in reserving one of the available recreation times should visit GrKrocCenter.org/springbreak.

Wyoming staff, leaders celebrate Reading Month by sharing stories

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming
Wyoming Chief Kim Koster reads “Valensteins” by Ethan Long. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

“This one looks good, but I like this one too,” said City of Wyoming Recreation Director Krashawn Martin as she looks through books on a table just outside of the WKTV Community Media Center’s studio.

“Well, you can read two,” said Wyoming’s Communication Specialist Amanda Moore.

Martin was one of almost a couple dozen City of Wyoming staff and leaders who came into the station to record reading books as part of a citywide celebration of March is Reading Month.

 

Amy Berridge holds up the book her sister, Stacy DeFord, wrote. (WKTV)

Some like Martin selected from books that were available and others, like Amy Berridge, who is in the city’s finance department, brought their own.

 

“This is actually a book written by my sister,” said Berridge as she displayed “The Fairy Painting,” written by Stacy DeFord.

“The story is about believing in yourself,” Berridge said, adding an important message she wanted to share with students.

Many of the stories selected had special meanings such as the first book Martin selected “Wilma Unlimited,” by Kathleen Knell, which tells the story of how Wilma Rudolph overcomes polio to become one of the world’s finest athletes.

Wyoming Recreation Director Krashawn Martin reads “Double Trouble in Walla, Walla,” by Andrew Clements. (WKTV)

“It shows the power of women,” Martin said. “It shows how girls can be told certain things, that they can’t do this. Yet, we see the bravery of them overcoming and not just settling. I love seeing a person breaking barriers.”

Other stories are just fun like Martin’s second choice “Double Trouble in Walla, Walla,” by Andrew Clements, which Martin said was a tongue twister at time.

“I think it is just fun,” Martin said about reading the stories. “It is a great way to interact with residents and provide some sort of fun and sense of community in the times that we are currently living in.”

City Council member John Fitzgerald enjoyed the opportunity to share his love of read. (WKTV)

Providing some fun and sharing his love of reading were the reasons City Council member John Fitzgerald wanted to participate.

“I love having the opportunity to read to children and young adults,” Fitzgerald said. “I hope it helps them find pleasure in reading as well. When I was in school, I discovered how valuable reading can be and I hope to share the good things that reading can bring to life.”

Fitzgerald selected the book “Who You Were Made to Be,” by Joanna Gaines, because it “talks about bringing forth your best effort.”

“I really liked how she spoke up about injustice and cared about the well being of other people in the world,” said Jill Beltmen about the book she selected “Malala’s Magic Pencil,” by Malala Yousafzai. Beltman works in the city’s community services with the TEAM 21 program.

 

Jill Beltman, part of the city’s community services team, showcased one of the 200 books that was donated to the TEAM 21 program from the RiverTown Barnes & Noble. (WKTV)

Beltman’s selection was one of about 200 books the TEAM 21 program received from Barnes & Noble at RiverTown Mall. Every holiday, the bookseller hosts a book drive where shoppers may purchase a book to donate. For the 2020 holiday season, the Grandville Barnes & Noble designated TEAM 21 as the recipient of its book drive.

“The store also donated tote bags, mini science kits, bookmarks and a few sets of flashcards and learning supports,” Beltman said. “We are thrilled to celebrate the March Reading Month in TEAM 21 with all these exciting new stories and gear.”

Some of the other books — all the books will be handed out to students in the TEAM 21 program later this year — from the Barnes & Noble donations were featured in the city’s reading program along with books in Spanish. All of the recorded programs can be viewed on the WKTV channels 25 and 26, at wktv.org or on the City of Wyoming’s Facebook page. 

Snapshots: Busy week? WKTV Journal news stories you might have missed

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Going Local, Hard News, Health, Our Cities, WKTV Projects

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Last year certainly brought its challenges (to the Kent District Library system), but we never allowed those challenges to stop us from serving our communities – our impact continued. Our branches were closed for a time, but the library never closed.”

KDL Executive Director Lance Werner

(pxhere.com)

The COVID-19 vaccine is coming for a wider population

The Kent County Health Department this week was notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that the state is expanding vaccination eligibility — including beginning March 22 expanding vaccine eligibility to include all Michiganders 50 years of age and older. Go here for the story.

Despite the pandemic, local lead exposure battle continues

The pandemic has shut down many things, but not the efforts of Kent County and its partners to identify and reduce lead exposure in the community — a serious health hazard especially for children before, during and unfortunately likely to continue after COVID-19. The health department issues a report this week. Go here for the story.

Wyoming City Council debates funding of Kent County Dispatch

While recognizing the accomplishments of the Kent Country Dispatch, the Wyoming City Council this week expressed concern over the funding of the dispatch authority and decided to only approve a one-year renewal agreement for dispatch services at the council’s Monday night meeting. Go here for the story.

(Not so) Fun fact:

33,000 county households without the internet

According to the United States Census Bureau, approximately 33,000 households in Kent County do not have a broadband internet subscription. But Kent County, the City of Kentwood, and others are working on the problem. Read the story here.

Traffic Tuesday Answer: The K-9 Officers

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, ,

By Jenni Eby
Wyoming Department of Public Safety

Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.

For the next couple weeks, we’ll be doing Trivia Tuesdays. Check back each week for trivia questions!

There have been police K-9s working with handlers at WYDPS since 1988. What are the names of the 4 current Wyoming Police K-9s?

  1. Dutch, Chico, Jett, Zeke
  2. Dutch, Azar, Chase, Kovu
  3. Chico, Zeke, Chase, Jett
  4. Kovu, Jett, Azar, Chase
  5. I’m not sure, I’ll check back on Thursday!

Answer: 4) Kovu, Jett, Azar, and Chase

Kent County prepares for expanded vaccination eligibility

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) was notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) that the State is expanding vaccination eligibility.

Beginning March 8, residents 50 years of age or older with a pre-existing condition or disability and caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special health care need will be eligible to get vaccinated. Beginning March 22, vaccine eligibility will further expand to include all Michiganders 50 years of age and older.

The KCHD is working to expand its process to ensure all eligible residents can be vaccinated. Vaccine supplies remain extremely limited, so we ask for patience as we work through the details.

In the meantime, the KCHD urges all eligible residents to visit vaccinatewestmi.com and complete a vaccination registration form with a local provider. Residents can also visit this website and sign-up for a newsletter to receive up-to-date vaccine information.

Wyoming Competitive Cheer team happy to have a season

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Sports, , ,

By Maggie Boorsma and Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The words echo down the hall of the Wyoming Intermediate School “Push the doubt away.”

From the sounds, there is no doubt that the Wyoming Competitive Cheer team is back. Like many of the winter high school sports team, the group has had to weather delays as the state and Michigan High School Sports Association (MHSSA) grabbled with the COVID pandemic and the guidelines for social distancing. While floor routines, seen in Rounds 1 and 2, do not require cheerleaders to touch, stunting, often in Round 3, does, which had competitive cheer fall into contact sports.

In a typical year, tryouts for competitive cheer would happen in November, which they did for the Wyoming’s team, and competitions would have started right after the first of the year. Competitive cheer, along with other contact sports such as basketball and wrestling, were given the go ahead to resumed practice on Jan. 16 but it pushed the season back. Now post season will start on March 19 with the final competitions on March 26 and 27.

This was on top of the fact that there was a switch up in divisions for competitive cheer which started this year. The team was placed in the same league as powerhouse Muskegon Heights, which has consecutively headed to state finals. Rounding out the league is Zeeland East, Zeeland West, Muskegon, and Reeths Puffer.

“We have already had one meet this year and our scores where fairly close,” said Coach Ashley Kron, who took over the program last year. With a growing program and a young team, Kron said it will be tough for the group to bring home a district championship this year, but for many of the girls on the team, that’s OK. They are on the mats and have a season and that is all that maters.

Senior Maddie Dewey has been looking forward to cheering in her senior year. (WKTV)

The stress of waiting to know the future of this competitive season was hard and just when she had thought it would not happen is when senior Maddie Dewey learned that MHSSA had given the go ahead.

“This is something that I have been looking forward to since forever,” said Dewey, who has been cheering since sixth grade. “Even though it is going to be different, I am happy that I am here and that we do have a season.”

There are challenges such as the requirement of wearing masks while competing, which can make it difficult to breathe, but the chance to complete her senior year as cheerleader is worth it, she said.

Tenth grader Amya Brown also has had a passion for cheer since the seventh grade.

Sophomore Amya Brown said she enjoys the connection to her teammates and the coaches. (WKTV)

“I am really glad for this opportunity,” Brown said. “It makes it fun and you have this family, a connection to the girls and the coaches.”

There are still COVID concerns, Brown said, but the fact that the team is having a season demonstrates how much people have followed the guidelines.

The team has four total meets this season. Except for the masks, most of the rounds will not look that different. There are some guidelines on stunting for Round 3. The rules also only allow for each participant to have up to two spectators at each meet. Anyone who has been to a competitive cheer meet knows that the spectators shouting back is part of the fun.

 

“It may not be as loud,” Dewey said, “but it will still be fun.”

For the Wyoming Competitive Cheer Team, being back on the mats and having a season are the most important things. (WKTV)

Traffic Tuesday: The K-9 Officers

3-bottom, City of Wyoming,

By Officer Jenni Eby
Wyoming Department of Public Safety

Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.

For the next couple weeks, we’ll be doing Trivia Tuesdays. Check back each week for trivia questions!

There have been police K-9s working with handlers at WYDPS since 1988. What are the names of the 4 current Wyoming Police K-9s?

  1. Dutch, Chico, Jett, Zeke
  2. Dutch, Azar, Chase, Kovu
  3. Chico, Zeke, Chase, Jett
  4. Kovu, Jett, Azar, Chase
  5. I’m not sure, I’ll check back on Thursday!

Council agrees to 1-year dispatch agreement, replaces lights at Palmer field

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , ,
The City of Wyoming hosted several meetings about its new master plan. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

While recognizing the accomplishments of the Kent Country Dispatch, the Wyoming City Council expressed concern over the funding of the dispatch authority and decided to only approve a one-year renewal agreement for dispatch services at the council’s Monday night meeting..

Mayor Jack Poll said the concern is with Kent County dispatching its Sheriff Department personal to areas in townships without any payment by the townships.

“This is in addition to the county essential providing those townships some free services from the Sheriff Department, some townships pay for enhanced services, and charging the townships for jailing persons committing crimes in townships and paying the costs for courts that serve townships,” Poll read from a discussion that took place about dispatch funding.

Poll noted that cities like Wyoming must pay for most of the same services with Wyoming residents paying county taxes to support services for the townships while also playing city taxes to the city so it can pay the county to provide those services to the city residents.

City Manager Curtis Holt, who was the chairman for the Kent County Dispatch for 14 years, said funding has been a concern with the authority. The county does view the issue differently in that it the sheriff provides police services for those communities as part of the dispatch which is part of the county taxes.

“The difference is is in 75 percent of the nation dispatch authorities stand separate and are not part of the sheriff’s department,” Holt said during the city council meeting. “We have actually voiced a desire to look at this as an independent agency and the county continues to resist that as a potential solution.”

Holt said longterm funding of the dispatch authority is something that will have to be considered in the near future.

The county was seeking a five-year renewal for dispatch services. Poll said under the approved agreement, the city could opt out if a better solution is found.

Council members did note that over the years, the services provided to both residents and officers through the dispatch have improved greatly. This included eliminating the number of call transfers from residents to local police departments and bringing online a new 800 megahertz countywide dispatch system that will make it easier for the different departments to communicate with each other.

Palmer field set to get new lights. (WKTV)

Palmer Park

At its Monday meeting, the City Council approved a $277,137 bid by Buist Electric for new field lights and a net at the Palmer field. Buist Electric was the lowest bidder.

Wyoming Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt said that many people do not realize that the Palmer field is located on Kent County land. The ball field is located on the edge of Kaufman Golf Course, which is operated by the county and the 44th Street Armory. The city has had a relationship with Kent County specific to the Palmer softball field since the 1960s.

That agreement, according to Rynbrandt, is that the city is responsible to operate and maintain the field and its related facilities such as the parking lot, restrooms, lights and retention wall.

 

According to Poll, the lights at the park are 35-years-old with the electrical service in the park being antiquated and need of upgrades to meet code. The project was noted as a priority with the city’s 5-year community Recreation Plan. The new netting would be added to the left field fence with the height being raised to help prevent balls being hit onto 44th Street. The work is scheduled to be done this year.

The total costs came in higher than the estimates of $175,000 partly because of the decision to use LED lighting which uses a fraction of the energy relative to other lighting sources. LED lighting also has a 25-year warranty , which provides a savings in maintenances and repair costs. The LED lights will reduce the light spilling into the surrounding neighborhood.

Due to the age of the equipment and the transition to an LED product, the city is seeking a reimbursement of some funding through a Consumers Energy program. The Council did approve an amendment to the budget of $130,000.

 

[Re]Imagine Wyoming Master Plan

After 16 months of work and numerous meetings with community members, the Wyoming City Council approved its new master plan, which will provide a framework for city growth over the next 15 – 20 years.

Stop sign added

The council also approved a new stop sign for the intersection of Goldcrest and Mulligan drives. Drivers on Goldcrest Drive will now need to stop at the intersection before entering onto Mulligan Drive.

Appointments

The City Council approved Nancy Quero-Ramirez to the Community Enrichment Commission and Audrey Zapata to the Planning Commission. 

KDL celebrates year of change, resiliency and adaptability

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,

By Katie Zuidema
Kent District Library

The Kent District Library 2020 Annual Report tells the story of a year of drastic change and major accomplishments. The annual report is available for download at kdl.org/AnnualReport, and highlights numerous community needs that were met during unprecedented times, including:

 

  • In response to having to cancel all in-person events, 1,402 live-streamed events were created to bring the library into homes and viewed 471,809 times.
  • While branches were closed to in-person visits, curbside service delivered 432,582 items for 125,024 pickups.
  • Though the circulation of physical materials decreased, the circulation of digital materials increased by 31%, to 1.7 million items.
  • 800 new Mobile WiFi Hotspots were added to the collection to meet the needs of at-home students and workers, and were checked out 2,888 times.
  • On January 24, 2020, the Men of Color Read initiative was launched in Kent County. Over 25 men met at the Martin Luther King Leadership Academy to read to small groups of children. The pandemic put a pause on in-school visits, but MOCR is continuing with a live-streamed program.
  • Talking Book & Braille Center circulation increased by 38%.


“Last year certainly brought its challenges, but we never allowed those challenges to stop us from serving our communities – our impact continued,” said Executive Director Lance Werner. “Our branches were closed for a time, but the library never closed.”

For more detailed information, including a breakdown of statistics by branch and municipality, check out the 2020 Impact Report at kdl.org/ImpactReport.

Kent District Library is pleased to launch a 2021-2023 Strategic Plan. The plan will guide KDL’s purpose to further all people by highlighting three strategic focuses: 1.) Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 2.) Engagement and Service and 3.) Sustainability. Details of the new strategic plan can be viewed at kdl.org/strategic-plan. 

Despite pandemic shutdown, Kent County Health Department reports progress on lead exposure reduction

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Health, WKTV Projects, , ,
Dr. Adam London’s presentation to Executive Committee of the Kent County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 25. (Kent County)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The pandemic has shut down many things, but not the efforts of Kent County and its partners to identify and reduce lead exposure in the community — a serious health hazard especially for children before, during and unfortunately likely to continue after COVID-19.

Kent County Health Department Director Dr. Adam London provided an update Feb. 25 to the Executive Committee of the Kent County Board of Commissioners. As part of the report, London detailed the “significant strides the department has taken over the last year to identify lead hazards and conduct education efforts,” according to a statement from the county, work which occurred despite the coronavirus pandemic shutting down site visits for approximately six months.

“There is no safe level of lead in children and it is toxic to everyone,” London said in supplied material. “We have to keep the momentum of this work going to mitigate long-term negative impact of lead exposure on our community.”
 

The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) manages three lead programs including the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), the Multiple Elevated Blood Level (MEBL) list, and part of the county-funded Ready by Five effort.

According to the Kent County announcement, since December 2019, several actions have been taken, including: 161 ongoing or completed investigations at properties that have/had potential lead hazards, and 81 properties on the MEBL List out of 427 properties identified by Lead Action Team; 57 site visits for lead inspection, risk assessments and home health screenings; and 39 homes cleared of lead hazards including helping remediate/abate lead hazards at 28.

In addition, the effort has attained regulatory compliance through working with residents and landlords and initiated enforcement activities at five properties. Also, the lead team has been fully staffed with five lead sanitarians, a health educator, and a lead clerk.

 
“I am very proud of our team,” Brendan Earl, KCHD supervising sanitarian, said in supplied material. “We have been able to continue the critical work of reducing lead exposure despite the setbacks caused by COVID-19.”

 
Additionally, according the announcement, the KCHD will be “working in the months ahead to re-engage the Lead Action Team which was formed in February 2020 to bring together local units of government and a multitude of other partners to make our community safer from the harms of lead exposure.”

For more information on the Lead Action Team’s goals, visit here. For more information on the Lead Action Team’s accomplishments, visit here.

For more information about the health impacts of lead, how to prevent lead poisoning, and where to find help visit dontplayaround.org/.

 

WKTV featured game coverage this week is Zeeland East at Wyoming high for boys basketball

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Entertainment, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports, ,
WKTV’s coverage of high school basketball could be returning soon as local teams can begin play as early as Feb. 8. (WKTV)

By Ellington Smith, WKTV Intern

ken@wktv.org


This week WKTV Sports features a OK Green Conference showdown between the Zeeland East Chix and the Wyoming Wolves boys basketball varsity teams, Thursday, Feb. 25, at Wyoming High School.

The contest will tip off at 7 p.m., and WKTV will record the game and replay it later Friday night, at 11 p.m., with more replays to be scheduled, and make it available on-demand later. (See details at bottom of story.)

The Zeeland East Chix come into the game with a perfect 6-0 (5-0 on OK Green) record coming off of a Feb. 23 victory against rivals Zeeland West in which they outscored them 44-39.

The Chix are led by seniors Trip Riemersma and brothers Brandon and Nate Claerbaut.

Wyoming has not fared quite as well this year, as they have gotten off to a 3-4 start (3-2 in OK Green), but the Wolves are coming off of a 63-54 victory this week against Grand Rapids Union which snapped a 3-game slide.

Both of these teams are looking to continue the success they experienced during the 2019-20 season where the Chix finished with a 14-6 record, and the Wolves finished with an 18-2 record. In the state tournament last season, both teams were victorious in their first two playoff games and made it to the district championship, which was eventually cancelled due to COVID-19.

To see the Zeeland East vs Wyoming boys basketball on WKTV on-demand visit WKTVlive.com.

WKTV featured games will be on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of winter high school sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.