According to educational experts, 80 percent of learning is visual. So if a child can’t see well, he can’t learn. Yet most young children don’t get their vision screened until they have problems learning or paying attention in school, which maybe too late. Unless vision problems are detected early and corrected, those problems may become permanent by age seven.
On Wednesday, Aug. 1, the Wyoming Lions Club will be hosting a free vision screening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m at the Byron Community Ministries, 8250 Byron Creek Dr. SW.
The goal of the screening is to determine if glasses are needed. There are no age restrictions. Parents and families are invited to bring their children to Byron Center community Ministries for vision screening to make they are on the way to learning in the fall.
For more information about the screening, visit 616-881-3012.
The Lions Club is an international non-political service organization established originally in 1916 in Chicago, Illinois by Melvin Jones. In 1925, the organization accepted Helen Keller’s challenge to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.” Since then, The Lions Club work has included sight-related programs such as collecting old glasses for redistribution to those less fortunate.
Officers at the schools, property checks at businesses and residences, the re-opening of the Gezon Fire Station — these are just some of the accomplishments that the Wyoming Department of Public Safety has been able to complete in the last eight years when a public safety millage was approved.
This Aug. 7, residents are being asked to provide a permanent renewal of the annual levy of 1.25 mills for public safety. For a resident with a home valued at $100,000, the cost will remain at $62.50 per year.
A Wyoming Public Safety firefighter shows how a firehouse works during a recent public safety open house.
“We would like to maintain the level of service we have been able to provide this far and in order to do that those funds would be needed to continue the operations and maintain the efficiencies built into some of our models here for public safety,” said Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster during a recent interview with WKTV.
Police and fire services account for 65 percent of the all spending from the city’s general fund. In 2010, when the millage was first proposed and passed, the city was facing declining state funding, the loss of the General Motors Stamping Plant and falling property values. Voters approved a renewal in 2014. Today, while home values have started to increase, Wyoming has faced continued cuts in state funding and its revenue status remains largely the same.
Through its new Pubic Safety service delivery model, the department has created many efficiencies and cost savings. One of those measures lead to the re-opening of the Gezon Fire Station which also now houses the Metro Health – University of Michigan Heath’s helipad.
“So through some creative staffing models we have been able to staff this Wyoming fire station out here on the south end of Wyoming for 24 hours, seven days a week,” Koster said. “In addition to that we have added two quick response vehicles. They are able to respond from [the Gezon] Fire Station as well as our central fire station that way we don’t have to take an engine to a medical call, and get there a lot faster and more efficient that way.”
One of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety K-9s meets with his fans.
The opening of the Gezon Fire Station and the addition of the quick-response vehicles has helped to reduce response times, according to a recent city report. Other accomplishments by the department include:
· Achieved and maintained Gold-Standard police accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., putting the department in the top one percent of law enforcement agencies nationwide.
· Provided a professional public safety response to more than 37,000 calls for service every year
· Implemented efforts to visit every school in Wyoming each school day, totaling 5,738 school visits last year
· Conducted daily and nightly visits to businesses, making 8,606 contacts and 6,852 closed business checks in 2017
· Equipped every police cruiser with an automated external defibrillator, or AED, as well as supplying every officer with Naloxone, which reverses the effects of overdoses
· Increased forensic laboratory capabilities providing faster, more comprehensive results which have contributed to a higher success rate in solving crime
· Added three full-time fire fighters
· Utilized part-time employees to implement a peak load staffing model which employs more staff during times of high call volume
· Crossed-trained and licensed 22 City employees as firefighters and utilized paid-on-call staff
· Secured grants that allowed staff to become licensed as EMTs and purchase CPR assisted compression devices
Residents can learn more about the millage on the city’s website at wyomingmi.gov/publicsafety or by calling 616-530-7272.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV brings you two topics on the Aug. 7 primary ballot — City of Wyoming funding for its police and fire departments through its public safety special millage, and the City of Kentwood’s Republican voters selecting a candidate to run for the Michigan State Senate seat currently held by Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker.
The City of Wyoming is requesting to renew its existing public safety millage on the Aug. 7 primary ballot. Millage renewal approval would provide a permanent annual collection of 1.25 mills for the operation, maintenance and administration of city police and fire services. Discussing the details of the request is City of Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and Chief Kim Koster, Wyoming Public Safety Director.
Also on the episode, In Focus is the only one of the three candidates in the Republican primary for 26th State Senate district, which includes the City of Kentwood, without history in state government. Don Wickstra is a Hamilton dentist and political novice, and while he is chairman of the Heath Township Planning Commission he admits to being,“ a name you probably haven’t read in news stories.”
In Focus host Ken Norris brings you Wickstra’s story, in his own words.
The entire episode of “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.
The episode debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, July 24, and will again air on Thursday, July 26, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of July 30. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Teacher Carol Kersjes, center top, in a learning activity with children at Ken-O-Sha Early Childhood, one of the Special Education center programs operated by GRPS
After decades of providing special-education services to students throughout Kent County, the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education will soon decide whether to turn those programs over to Kent ISD.
The school board plans to vote Aug. 6 on a recommendation by Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal to transfer operation of the center-based programs that serve nearly 1,400 students from all 20 school districts within Kent ISD. Serving students with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder and severe physical and emotional impairments, the programs are run by GRPS on behalf of all the districts within Kent ISD.
At a work session on Monday, Neal told board members she would like their approval to transfer the 11 center-based programs to Kent ISD by July of 2019. Doing so would benefit both students in GRPS and those from the 19 other districts, she said.
“We have done a wonderful job, in my opinion,” Neal told the board, but added, “I do believe it is time for us to look at another option that will serve in the best interest of our children.”
The move would allow GRPS to represent its own 480 center-program students as part of a greater whole and also broaden oversight to all Kent ISD districts, she said, calling the proposal “a natural progression” of the district’s Transformation Plan.
“It gives everyone a collective voice,” she said. “Whether it’s Grand Rapids or Rockford or East Grand Rapids, we all get one vote.” In a statement sent to GRPS staff and stakeholders, she said the transfer “will ensure greater access, inclusion, and a more direct, vested interest from all twenty districts in center-based special education programming.”
While not predicting how the board will vote, President Wendy Falb said she is receptive to the proposal.
“It makes sense that GRPS focus on their core business, first and foremost … the students of GRPS who live in our district,” Falb said.
Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal, left, discusses her proposal with board members including President Wendy Falb, center, and Secretary Kristian Grant
Follows Program Review, Criticism
The transfer would affect 425 GRPS teachers, therapists and others who staff the center programs. Mary Bouwense, president of the Grand Rapids Education Association, told MLive that staff members’ seniority should be honored and their salary and benefits not be shortchanged if the transition is made.
The proposal follows months of criticism of GRPS special education programs, not just the center programs, by teachers and parents. With board support, Neal has said the vast majority of the criticisms are false, and that valid points have already been or are being addressed.
It also comes amid an independent review of the center programs commissioned by the Kent ISD superintendents in response to the concerns. GRPS conducted its own internal program review last year, which recommended the district review its operation of the center programs. The review found the majority of such programming around the state is provided by intermediate districts, and that GRPS is unique in contracting with Kent ISD and the 19 other local districts.
The recommendation to transfer center programs is not specifically in response to the protests, although those may have “accelerated” an idea that has long been discussed by Neal and others, Falb said. While the board has questions to address, she said she “didn’t hear any strong opposition” at the work session.
“The big question is making sure we’re doing our fiduciary responsibility for the children, whether that’s going to be addressed by the ISD,” Falb said.
She said the proposal makes sense to her, even though it wouldn’t be to the district’s financial advantage. Officials are still calculating the exact costs, but Neal said the district would lose over $1 million in indirect revenue for running the program. Center programs are funded by state and federal dollars, a countywide millage and per-student tuition from districts, said Chief Financial Officer Larry Oberst.
“The deeper engagement across the county makes a lot of sense to me, when everybody’s got kind of an equal buy-in,” Falb said.
Concerns to Retain Teachers
Kent ISD leaders are respecting the GRPS decision-making process, but are prepared to work with the district to ensure a “seamless transition” if the board decides to turn over the program, said Kent ISD Superintendent Ron Caniff.
“Those children are entitled to those services, and their parents have every right to expect those services to be delivered at a high level,” Caniff said. “We’re committed to that if that is the determination.”
Caniff said he has informally discussed the idea with Neal for “quite some time,” prior to the protests, and was not surprised by the proposal. The timing is “advantageous,” he said, in that if GRPS does transfer the program, the review being conducted by consultant Beth Steenwyk would be expanded to help with the transition. Among questions to be answered would be how to handle contractual issues with GRPS teachers and staff in the center programs, he said.
“I would expect if those staff members chose to come our way that there would be opportunity for that to happen,” Caniff said. “But they may not want to, they may decide to stay in the Grand Rapids system.”
Falb and other board members said they hope most teachers and staff would remain with the program — and be well compensated — so that the level of services would remain as good as or better than it is now. Neal and others praised the quality of the staff, which includes 117 teachers, and said they would work collaboratively with Kent ISD to retain those who want to continue.
“We want our staff to have a job,” said Sharron Pitts, GRPS assistant superintendent of human resources. “And we want the students to have the teachers and staff that they have been exposed to and have worked with for these years. We know that they’re good folks.”
Community members, parents and staff gathered for the dedication of Pine Grove Learning Center in 2009. This is just one of the Special Education center programs operated by Grand Rapids Public Schools on behalf of students across the region.
Committed to Quality
Leaders said they’re confident students would continue to receive high-quality services if Kent ISD takes over the center program.
“I am extremely confident, just because I know the caliber of services that the ISD operates. I know my colleagues from the other 19 districts,” said LaMore, the GRPS special education executive director. “But because we’ve done things for so long, the same way, local districts tend to not get involved in the programming. This is an opportunity for all of us to look differently at how we’re in service to our kids.”
Neal expressed confidence services to students would be as good or better if run by Kent ISD, noting many program requirements are dictated by law.
“The superintendents, the ISD, they care for kids just like we do,” she said afterward. “We’re all trying to do what’s right and what’s best for kids.”
Regardless of what the board decides, Caniff said GRPS has been a national leader in special education and that he is “grateful to them for the high quality of service they’ve provided all these years. There’s been cases where families have moved into Kent County because of these services Grand Rapids has provided. A lot of pride there, a tradition of excellence.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
While the Michigan Department of State has recently been touting the state’s election security readiness, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and the state’s Bureau of Elections which she oversees recently announced that it would be hiring an outside firm to conduct the state’s first “extensive security-related review” of cybersecurity readiness.
The news of the planned cybersecurity review was first announced in late June when the state included in its 2018-19 budget $535,000 in state money to match a federal grant and making available a total of $11.2 million for enhanced election security.
“Regarding the $11.2 million in new state and federal money for election security,” Fred Woodhams, Michigan Secretary of State’s Office spokesperson, said in an email to WKTV. “The Bureau of Elections is seeking to hire an experienced firm with election administration and cybersecurity expertise to perform the security review with at least initial findings expected to be reported before the November general election.”
The outside firm will “conduct a security review of state, county and local election-related systems to identify potential vulnerabilities and methods to mitigate them,” he said. “The work will be the first time such an extensive security-related review will be performed but that is just the start of our plans to use the new money for election upgrades over the next few years.”
Currently, the state’s Chief Security Officer, housed in the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, oversees the state’s IT systems and has an office devoted to cybersecurity, according to Woodhams.
The Chief Security Officer “office works closely with our elections and IT staff,” Woodhams said. “The state has long-standing efforts to protect systems from malicious activity. In addition to those efforts, the new money will be allow us to hire an outside firm to search for vulnerabilities to the systems of the state and also local communities. It will be the first time that part has been done.”
The cybersecurity threat to local elections is an on-going debate in Washington, D.C., but the overall threat was made clear in February of this year when a Congressional Task Force on Election Security reported “Russia’s unprecedented assault on the country’s elections in 2016 – including targeting 21 states’ voting systems – exposed serious national security vulnerabilities to our election infrastructure – which includes voting machines and voter registration databases.”
There is no evidence that Michigan’s voting system was compromised by any entity in 2016.
“We are very confident in the state’s elections systems,” Woodhams said, “due to, among other reasons, the extensive and redundant accuracy and integrity practices that include a weeks-long, thorough canvassing process that verifies each precinct’s results, and ballot and voter numbers to make sure everything adds up.”
Voting machines in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood were upgraded last year. (Supplied)
Woodhams also pointed out the many election upgrades Secretary Johnson and the Bureau of Elections have put in place for the 2018 election cycle, including all new next-generation election equipment used in all 1,520 cities and townships, expanded cybersecurity training for local election administrators and post-election audits that include ballot validation.
Woodhams’ remarks echo a statement by Secretary Johnson, in previous Department of State press release, regarding why the state’s voters should be confident in election security.
“Most importantly, every voter across Michigan still will use a good, old-fashioned paper ballot to mark their choices,” Secretary Johnson said. “Then they’ll feed the ballot into a new next-generation voting machine designed with security in mind. But buying all new election equipment isn’t all we’ve done to safeguard our election system.
“We carefully reviewed and improved our systems, and we’ll be putting $11 million of federal security grants toward further strengthening them against attack. Plus, we’re adding required cybersecurity training to our local clerk education programs.”
After Kent County installed new voting machines in time for last year’s fall election, the Aug. 7 primary will be the first statewide election in which every city and township will use all new voting equipment that includes optical-scan ballot tabulators, accessible voting devices for voters with disabilities, and new election-management and reporting software.
Recent Wyoming High School graduate Zayveon Hymon and sophomore Xavier Bailey are spending 20 hours a week this summer working on various repair and maintenance projects (courtesy photo)
Zayveon Hymon and Xavier Bailey are spending the summer as construction crew members, working on minor repairs, major projects and gaining valuable experience to carry with them as they move on to college and careers.
They are learning and using the tools of the trade 20 hours a week and building their résumés with Dale Cross, owner of Wyoming-based Sarge Construction.
“We fix up anything that’s broken,” Zayveon said. “I feel like I could fix a whole house.”
Sophomore Xavier Bailey works on a screen during his job with Sarge Construction (courtesy photo)
Along with developing on-the-job work skills, Zayveon, who graduated from Wyoming High School in May and Xavier, a sophomore, are using what they’ve learned through Teen Outreach — a leadership program they attended all school year at Wyoming High School — in real employment.
Teen Outreach, which meets weekly during the school year, has three components: life-skills development; job placement and community service. Julian Goodson, youth development specialist for Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation, a program through Bethany Christian Services, has taught the class since 2013.
Job placement is a major incentive for getting students to attend, Goodson said.
“The summer job component was the hook. All the other stuff is what they are getting out of it: the ability to learn how to network, public speak. When they came in here they might not have had any experience, but now they have three or four things to put on their résumé.”
Teen Outreach extends into the Summer Youth Employment Program, which connects students to summer jobs. Students are also working at Goodwill Industries, Bethany Christian Services and Wyoming Public Schools. While they said their primary goal is to earn money, they concede that having work, community service and school experience is a huge deal too.
“It gives me money, and it gives me experience for future jobs so I can make more money,” said Cecilia Medina, a Wyoming Middle College student who just completed her senior year in high school and is working at Goodwill this summer. She said she’s learned about professional behavior and expectations, and brings those with her to her job
Xavier Bailey moves soil (courtesy photo)
Show up, Do the Work, Keep your Future in Mind
Zayveon, who graduated in May and is attending Olivet Nazarene University in the fall, said he’s learned public speaking and how to meet expectations in the workforce through Teen Outreach, and by working with Cross.
“The job seems like the golden ticket for the class,” Zayveon said. “The job is a plus, but you learn way more than that.”
The Wyoming students also completed a community service project in early June tied to jobs and careers. They hosted a career day at Madison Place in Grand Rapids with representatives from several companies and career fields who networked with students involved in other Teen Outreach programs.
Cross said Zayveon and Xavier are gaining a lot of hands-on experience working with him. They start each day by picking up materials at hardware stores, and then are off to different sites to help with city inspections, work on plumbing and electrical, even repair decking and foundations. They will develop a sense of areas they could specialize in, Cross said.
Zaveon said he plans to study business management and accounting, and eventually own a contracting or construction business.
The students are good workers, Cross said, always asking what they can do next and lending a helping hand.
Those are skills they’ve learned by practicing them: show up, do the work and keep your future in mind, Zayveon said.
“We step up. That’s what we do.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Dan Burrill admitted that at first, he didn’t think he was going to like all this retail and all the traffic.
“I love it,” said the Wyoming City councilmember at a recent groundbreaking ceremony for a new shoping center in the Metro Health Village. “I love the closeness of everything. I love being able to go to Family Fare and pick up a gallon of ice cream every time I get the urge to mix myself a smoothie or a sundae.”
But mostly, Burrill, who lives in the panhandle area, said he enjoys the walkability of the Metro Health Village community.
Walkability has been a key aspect for the development of the Metro Health Village, which is the first LEED certified medical campus in the United States, according to Ryan Granger, project manager for the Wyoming-based Granger Group.
Granger Group Project Manager Ryan Granger during the ground breaking ceremony for the new Village Life Marketplace
Granger credits his dad, Gary Ganger, for having the vision 15 years ago to partner with the hospital to create a healthy, walkable community and Master Planner James Sharba, who is with a Granger subsidiary SpaceWerks, for bringing “a creative approach to master planning to the remainder of the development.
“The intent is to create walkability so we are going to be creating more dense areas essentially to park more people and then create that walkability approach to couple with the health and wellness of the sustainability approach of the development.”
This past Monday, Granger Group broke ground on the first of several new developments over the next 12 months — a new $3.5 million shopping center in the front of the Metro Health Village, near the waterfall entrance off of Health Drive. The center, which faces Byron Center Avenue, is just south from the Granger Group shopping area that has Starbucks and Great Clips. The general contractor is Caledonia’s FCC Construction, which just completed the ReMax offices located across the street of Byron Center Avenue near Monelli’s. Ann Arbor-based OX Studio is the architect.
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The new Village Life Marketplace project, which is expected to take about 10 months to complete, is a mixed use development with 11,000 square feet on both floors. The bottom floor will have several retail tenants that include a national TexMex chain, a sub shop and a place that offers smoothies with the top floor to be the home of the Granger Group corporate offices with an additional 2,500 square feet of available office space.
The development is part of the overall concept of offering healthy lifestyle options and creating a sense of community within the Metro Village Health.
“As we have seen 2008 bring its struggles with the housing crash and the market crash, what we are seeing now is the emergence of micro markets or micro economies.” Granger said. “RiverTown Crossings is a wonderful place for the big box retailers and we also have Tanger Outlets, but what we have here is a very unique approach.
“We are kind of in the middle between Tanger and RiverTown Crossings and what this will bring is an opportunity to bring slightly elevated users maybe retailers or clothiers that are looking for a very niche market.”
Granger estimated that Granger Group has about 16 acres in the Metro Health Village to develop, which, according to press matierals, are designed to inspire healthier lifestyles.
“We are excited to participate in some living options as well that will bring a closer community feel that once they live on campus here they have all their needs meet with a grocery store, with Starbucks, with all these different needs meet through the partnerships we create through retail options,” Granger said.
Kentwood: City continues extensive effort to gain public input on parks
The City of Kentwood continues to seek public input for improving its Parks and Recreation Department programming as part of a series of Parks Master Planning events. The next in the series will take place Thursday, July 19, at the City of Kentwood Summer Concert series concert, but there are several other opportunities as well.
Wyoming and Kentwood: Calvin College works in Plaster Creek watershed
Calvin Students at Plaster Creek (Photo by Amanda Impens)
The environmental project is in collaboration with the Plaster Creek Stewards, with a group of Calvin faculty, staff, and students have been working over a decade on the restoration of the Plaster Creek watershed, which includes both cities.
WKTV on YouTube: Wyoming Public Safety millage informational discussion
The City of Wyoming’s request to renew its existing public safety millage on the Aug. 7 primary ballot. Millage renewal approval would provide a permanent annual collection of 1.25 mills for the operation, maintenance and administration of city police and fire services. Discussion the request is City of Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and Chief Kim Koster, Wyoming Public Safety Director.
On June 28, 2018, at approximately 9 p.m., Wyoming Police Officers were dispatched to Walgreen’s, 4425 S. Division Ave., on a report of a purse snatching. The 72-year-old female victim was unlocking her vehicle when the suspect pulled her purse off of her shoulder. The suspect then fled towards 28th St SW on a black mountain bike.
The suspect is described as a white male, 25-30 years old, with long hair. He was last seen wearing a white baseball style hat, gray t-shirt, blue jeans, and riding a black mountain bike.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
Led by Oral Health America, Demand Medicare Dental is a national campaign to improve oral health (and overall health) for older adults by adding a dental care benefit to Medicare.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
Any pet-lover knows it’s tough to walk out the door for vacation when you have to leave your furry friends behind. Luckily, there are plenty of places throughout West Michigan ready to welcome both you and your four-legged friends! We’ve gathered some of our favorite pet-friendly locations to help you plan your next trip for the entire family.
For those who have attended the Wednesday Sid Lenger film programs at Marge’s Donut Den, the story of a Japanese World War II plane headed straight toward the ship Lenger was standing on is probably a familiar one.
“I had the trigger pulled and Goldie just snapped in the box, and boom,” Lenger said. In his film “Sid in WWII on LST 651,” the 99-year-old still gives credit to Goldie for his quick action that saved the entire ship. “He’s the hero,” Lenger states in the film.
“We’ve heard so much about Goldie, but have never meet him,” said Tom Sibley, one of the people who helps Lenger organize his regular film series. Everyone finally got the chance to meet David “Goldie” Goldsboro when the two old friends, through the help of family, came together on Wednesday, July 11, for a screening of Lenger’s World War II film about his time on the LST 651.
“We had just comeback from Florida and he was telling us about the invitation to come to the screening,” said Goldsboro’s son Larry. “I could just tell he wanted to go. He had a tear in his eye when he was talking about it.”
Goldsboro now lives in Brownstown, Ill., almost a six-hour drive from Grand Rapids. It was a trip that the 91-year-old could not make on his own. So his son and wife offered to bring Goldsboro and his wife of 74 years, Geraldine, to Grand Rapids.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs statistics, 558,000 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II were alive in 2017. The Department estimates that the U.S. loses about 372 WW II veterans per day. Of the 139 who served on the LST 651, Lenger and Goldsboro are two of the remaining four who are still living. So it was a rare treat for those in attendance on Wednesday to meet the men with the event encouraging two other local World War II Navy veterans, Bert Ponstine and Donovan R. Joslin, to attend.
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An LST is a landing ship tank used during World War II to carry tanks, vehicles, cargo, and land troops directly onto the shore with no docks or piers. One of the few surviving ships, the LST 393, is located in Muskegon, and Lenger has been a longtime volunteer for the LST 393 Museum.
“We have kept in touch over the years through reunions,” Goldsboro said. Lenger added that about 15 years ago the reunions ended, but the two have remained in touch with others who have served on the LST 651, which at the end of the war was given to the Japanese according to Goldsboro.
It wasn’t hard to stay in touch since the two returned to their hometowns, Lenger to Wyoming where he graduated from Lee High School in 1937 and eventually would establish Lenger Travel, and Goldsboro to Brownstown, Ill, where he originally enlisted as a senior at the age of 17 with a friend.
“Actually, my friend and I went in together with plans to be buddies,” Goldsboro said. “When we got to the Great Lakes (a naval station in Illinois), we got separated. On the ship, we refueled a lot of other ships, one being a LCS 11 (a littoral combat ship). Sid gave me a picture of that.
James Smither of the GVSU Veterans History Project interviews David “Goldie” Goldsboro and Sid Lenger
“When I got back and was talking to my friend, he told me he was on the LCS 11 and I told him I had a picture of it. So at the time, he was on the LCS 11 and I didn’t know it and I was on the LST 651 and he didn’t know it.”
The LST 651 refueled and moved troops during the last major battle of World War II, the Battle of Okinawa. Lenger and Goldsboro were assigned to man one of the guns, Lenger was the gunman and Goldsboro was the loader.
“We worked as one, we had to,” Lenger said. “Goldie was a farmer so I just knew the (ammunition) would be there.”
The two would be in the Pacific near Japan when the United States dropped the atom bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but neither realized how quickly it would bring the war to an end with Imperial Japan surrendering on Aug. 15, 1945. In fact, the LST 651 would be docked near the USS Missouri and Goldsboro said he made his way over to the ship via the gang planks to watch the signing.
But the single event that still stands out for both men was that Japanese suicide plane heading toward the ship.
“Goldie said he could see the whites of his eyes,” Lenger said of the pilot.
“I could, too,” Goldsboro said. “How he missed us, well, the good Lord had something to do with it.”
Inter-governmental leaders met Monday, July 9, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall. (WKTV)
WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
A representative of U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-2nd District) and local State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District) each played a key part in discussion of possible federal changes to the internet taxation rules as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, July 9, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.
The monthly forum is free and open to the public, and allows public questions. Other topics discussed were the State Secretary of State’s office gaining $11.2 million to beef up cybersecurity and other election security measures, as well as an update on the problems and possible solutions to the issues of how the Kent County’s mental health services are funded.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The next meeting will be Aug.13 will be at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org .
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26.
Sid Lenger is one of only four men left who served in the South Pacific on LST 651 in WWII. One of the other remaining men is his friend David “Goldie” Goldsboro who was the “loader” on Lenger’s 20mm gun. Lenger was the pointer.
Goldsboro, who resides in Illinois, has accepted Lenger’s invitation to come to Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, and join Lenger for the showing of his video “Sid in WWII on LST651.” While serving on the LST 651, Lenger had a video camera with him.
The LST 4, similar to the LST that Sid and Goldie served on.
Sid Lenger has great respect and admires Goldsboro, and has said “Goldie was the best ‘Loader’ in the Navy and was responsible for saving many lives.”
Come and join us at Marge’son July 11 at 2 p.m. as Goldie and Sid renew the special relationship they developed while serving together on LST 651 during WWII.
Schedule for Mr. Sid’s Wednesday Afternoon Video Series
July 11 “Sid’s Video in WWII on LST 651” with Sid and Goldie
August 15 The Presidents – Mike Martin Presents
Sept. 5 New Zealand / Hawaii – Sid & Beulah’s Travel Video
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will bloom of a rare Amorphophallus titanum, commonly known as a corpse flower, a bloom 18 years in the making.
GRandJazzFest seeks volunteers for August event
GRandJazzFest presented by the DTE Energy Foundation seeks volunteers to help at the festival Aug. 18 and 19 at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids.
The 72nd District House of Representative seat covers the cities of Kentwood and Wayland, along with a portion of Cutlerville and the community of Dorr. For a district map, click here.
There are two candidates, a one-term incumbent and a challenger, seeking the Republican Party nomination in the Aug. 7 primary. The winner will then face Democratic candidate Ron Rraayer and Libertarian candidate Jamie Lewis at the general election Nov. 6.
Note: Primary candidates are show in alphabetical order. Only seats with primary opposition were invited to participate in We The People at this time.
Name: Jennifer Antel
Party: Primary candidate, Republican
Occupation: Mayor pro tem for the City of Wayland, coach, substitute teacher and business owner.
Why did you decide to run for the 72th District House of Representatives seat?
I was tired of everyone bickering in Lansing and not, seemingly, working together to get things done. And I thought my different leadership style could make a difference.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
Broadening our education, specifically for high school students, including high tech and skilled trades at the high school level. And also early elementary education in math and English.
Name: Steve Johnson
Party: Incumbent primary candidate, Republican
Occupation: State Representative, 72nd District
Why did you decide to run for the 72th District House of Representatives seat?
I’ve been in this job for two years now. I’ve given some strong, conservative leadership so far and I believe, hopefully, in another two years I can get some conservative legislation across the finish line that I have gotten started.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
No. 1 is defending people’s right to life, No. 2 is enacting lower taxes for everyone, and No. 3 is working to fix our broken auto no fault insurance system, allowing rate relief for everyone.
77th District House of Representatives
The 77th District House of Representative seat covers the City of Wyoming, Byron Township and a portion of Cutlerville. For a district map, click here.
There are two candidates seeking the Republican Party nomination and two candidates seeking the Democractic Party nomination. The winners for each party will then face each other along with Libertarian candidate Patty Malowney at the general election Nov. 6.
Note: Primary candidates are show in alphabetical order. Only seats with primary opposition were invited to participate in We The People at this time.
Name: Tommy Brann
Party: Incumbent, Republican
Occupation: Owner of Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille on Division Avenue
Why did you decide to run for the 77thDistrict House of Representatives seat?
Because I am good at the job. I own a small business and every night, I comeback and work at that business and through that I bring the issues that I learned about and discuss at that business back to Lansing, which is not something many of my colleagues are able to do.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
I have an animal cruelty bill that I have been working on. Also, I want to continue the work on homelessness by getting that $2 additional per bed for the shelters. Michigan is one of the lowest in the country, $16 per bed when the average is $26, in contributing to shelters. This additional money would help with new bedding and operations. We have more than 60,000 homeless people, so it is a big problem. I also want to bring the concept of free enterprise into the schools to give students more career choices.
Name: Jordan T. Oesch
Party: Incumbent, Republican
Occupation: Business services
Why did you decide to run for the 77thDistrict House of Representatives seat?
I decided to run because I love the area and it just motivated me. It is why I want to fight to bring more economic opportunities back to West Michigan. I will work tirelessly to ensure that every effort is made to bring our state up around West Michigan.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
Taxes and infrastructure. The moderation of infrastructure has a number of benefits to us, bring businesses back and cost savings. That along with everything else that is so important to the people of this area.
The Democratic candidates are Dana Knight and Robert Van Kirk, did not participate in the We the People candidate profiles.
While all the seats for the Kent County Commission are up for election, there are only a few with more than one candidate seeking a specific party’s spot for the general election. In Michigan’s primary, you may only vote for candidates in one party. The primary election is Aug. 7.
8thDistrict Kent County Commissioner
Kent County Commissioner District 8 covers most of the City of Wyoming, from its western border, heading east. For specific borders, visit accesskent.com.
There are only the two Republican candidates on the ballot for the 8thDistrict Kent County Commissioner seat. The candidate who wins the primary will run unopposed in the general election on Nov. 6.
Name: Benjamin K. Franz
Party: Challenger, Republican
Occupation: Leasing agent for Byron Lakes Apartments
Why did you decide to run for the 8thDistrict Kent County Commissioner seat?
I really love this area and where it is headed and I do feel that things are pretty good. Everything is booming and we have had a lot of competent people leading the way. I don’t want to lose that. So, I decided to challenge myself because I really wanted to give back to this place I fell in love with.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
Being that I don’t have a l long resume into this, I want to talk and review meticulously before approval to any issues. I am elected official who actually speaks to the people. So I want to sit and talk to the residents and let the people tell me which issues are important to them.
Name: Harold Voorhees
Party: Incumbent, Republican
Occupation: Cookies Unique, president and owner
Why did you decide to run for re-election for the 8thDistrict Kent County Commissioner seat?
Because I enjoy public service. I also I think I am needed as we transition with new leadership and there is still work to be done.
If re-elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
I will be focusing on the financial area. We have a triple A bond rating and I want to see that the county maintains that. I also know that the people work hard for their tax dollars and I want to assure them that those tax dollars are working for them.
12thDistrict Kent County Commissioner
The 12th District Kent County Commissioner seat covers the western portion of the City of Kentwood and the eastern portion of the City of Wyoming. For specific borders, visit accesskent.com.
With Harold Mast’s announcement that he would not seek re-election, several candidates have put their names on the ballot for the 12thDistrict Kent County Commissioner seat. There are four Democrats seeking the Democratic Party spot. Whoever wins the primary will face Republican Jill Martinez in the general election on Nov. 6.
Name: Katy Steele Barone
Party: Candidate, Democrat
Occupation: An office manager by trade, but I’m not working right now.
Why did you decide to run for the 12thDistrict Kent County Commissioner seat?
To amplify the voices of the working class and to instill confidence and interest (in county government).
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
In general, healthcare, immigration, clean water, and infrastructure.
Name: Keith Courtade
Party: Candidate, Democrat
Occupation: Works for GM
Why did you decide to run for the 12thDistrict County Commissioner seat?
I have a real passion for this and I miss not being able to represent and serve the people of Kent County. When I served as a Kent County Commissioner, I was a voice for the working families, the middles class, the poor and senior citizens – all the residents. I brought a commitment to fiscal responsibility, tax fairness and open government.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
I will put jobs first, working to find jobs and retaining laid-off workers; ease family burdens by helping them cope with the demands of caring for family members who are disabled; keep parks affordable by opposing park and recreation fees so no Kent County families would be priced out of county activities; push for local first purchasing to keep our tax dollars with local businesses; and defend the senior millage.
Name: Monica Sparks
Party: Candidate, Democrat
Occupation: Small business owner
Why did you decide to run for the 12thDistrict County Commissioner seat?
So, in March of this year, I was selected as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. I know that with influence it is not something you use for yourself but others. I filed in March, like the next day. I decided to run because I want to see that we have continuous services. We need to make sure that such services as mental health continue because a healthy mind leads to a healthy community.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
Mental health services is one along with fair affordable housing. People say there is only so much land, but there are other options such as there are a number of abandoned buildings that we could tap into for fair housing services. Also, having a father who is a Korean war veteran and received the Purple Heart, making sure our veterans are taken care of and receiving the services they need along with services to those with special needs.
Name: Scott Urbanowski
Party: Candidate, Democrat
Occupation: Humoniad Digital, owner
Why did you decide to run for the 12thDistrict Kent County Commissioner seat?
When I heard Harold Mast was retiring, I considered it but it wasn’t until over the holidays that I made the decision to run. I am running for three reasons. The first is to rebuild trust between the public and government. The second, my promise to serve the less fortunate and our veterans, and third is what I can bring to the county commission, that millennial voice. I am a person who has faced economic challenges and am able to give the ordinary resident a voice at the table.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?
I have a four-part platform: opportunity for all, giving a voice to the less fortunate; government for all, making it more transparent and open to the residents it serves; health and safety for all, as we deal with PFAS issues and trying to address chemicals left in the ground and preventing things like that from happening; and service to all, working on service to help the underserved and less fortunate by looking at issues such as consolidating 911 into one dispatch and seeing if that will provide the quality of service for all.
WKTV, already a pretty energy efficient small business, learned it could save some with a Consumers Energy energy assessment program. (Consumers Energy/WKTV)
Consumers Energy’s EmPOWERing Kent County package of programs includes efforts to assist businesses big and small to save money on their energy bills. WKTV community media — a small business in some ways — invited Consumers Energy into our studios to see how the program worked.
“Part of this program has been designed with you (small businesses) in mind,” Garrick Rochow, senior vice president of operations at Consumers Energy, recently told a group of business leaders. “The small business programs are driven by our contractors … those contractors will come out to your business, provide an assessment, make some recommendations, break down the costs to you, if any.”
After setting up an appointment through Consumers Energy, an energy advisor paid a visit in early June and took a tour of WKTV’s facility. The end result was an Energy Assessment Report specifically for our business.
The report included recommendations for energy-saving opportunities, a summary of estimated energy and cost savings along with available incentives, and a link to program brochures and rebate applications.
At WKTV, most of the interior lights are already energy efficient LED bulbs, but it was pointed out that every bulb replaced could save about $11.77 annually. (It was also pointed out that rates/savings vary.)
As far as some of the other energy savings opportunities pointed out, the report stated that changing two 250 watt exterior light fixtures with LED could qualify for a $59 rebate and could save $74 a year; and changing out the restroom lights to be motion-sensing (to turn off when not in use) could qualify for $100 rebate and could save $33.61 a year.
The bottom line, with WKTV already being pretty energy efficient, was that we could save about $155 in energy use and qualify for as much as $200 in rebates.
WKTV is probably the best example of savings, however, as we previously reported on one local company, Rishi’s International Beverage, located just across 28th Avenue from Kentwood, which faired much better from the review.
Paul Makkar, Richi’s owner, told WKTV that: “We had many light bulbs and the electric bill was outrageous because we have, like, 600 bulbs — the bill was very high, I was concerned about that.”
The company then applied for an energy assessment and energy savings program through Consumers Energy and “we were given a significant amount of money to change to LED lights. So, the very first month after installing all those lights, we got like a $400 difference every month. … which is like $5,000 per year.”
The final report to WKTV on its recent assessment came in an email with the following:
“Thank you for allowing Consumers Energy to perform an energy assessment at your facility. … (name of contractor) who performed your assessment, has enclosed the findings in the attached report. The values contained in the report provides usage history, savings analysis of items installed during the assessment, and estimated savings and potential rebates for several recommendations. The savings estimates are based on typical usage for your type of facility and average utility rates. Actual savings in your facility will vary based on your hours of operation, business type and actual utility rates. If you choose to move forward with our recommendations, please visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/StartSaving. On the website you will learn how to find a participating small business contractor, download a rebate application and learn many more ways to save energy. Thank you again for allowing the Consumers Energy Business Energy Efficiency Programs to help you save energy and lower your monthly bills.”
Other services available to small businesses through the EmPOWERing Kent County package of programs were a rate review, to make sure as businesses grow, other more competitive rate options may be available; how to become a supplier to Consumers Energy — which has made a commitment to Michigan-based small businesses as potential suppliers; as well as renewable energy options for businesses.
For more information on the Consumers Energy small business programs, visit comsumersenergy.com or call 800-805-0490.
Five women put on red caps and gowns, sharing smiles and stories about the past 18 weeks they experienced together. They are the first students to complete and graduate the Sterile Processing Registered Apprenticeship program: Lelah Christiansen, Samantha Gonzales, Gina Mancha, Shanitra Reed and Melonie Rodriguez.
Week-by-week they learned the skills needed for a successful career in the health care industry. And, piece-by-piece they refined the art (and science) of cleaning, sterilizing and assembling surgical parts.
“I’ve always wanted to get back into health care, and this job was the perfect fit for me,” said Samantha Gonzales.
Gonzales was a housekeeper at Holland Hospital when she learned about the program. She applied, knowing the program could give her the ability to advance her career but little else about the job. After starting the apprenticeship, she realized quickly the job matches her skills and abilities well.
“I love interacting with co-workers throughout the hospital and working under pressure. I plan on building a career out of this job,” Gonzales said.
A new future
Gina Mancha was laid off from her career and was too young to retire. This program gave her a new set of skills to start a second career.
“We all took this class for the better, no matter what that is- better job, better schedule, better life,” Mancha said. “We were determined and ambitious.”
Students received instruction from Grand Rapids Community College, as well as hands-on experience at a local hospital: Spectrum Health, Holland Hospital or Mercy Health.
“You just changed the narrative of your life, your childrens’ lives and grandchildrens’ lives,” said Amy Mansfield, dean of GRCC.
Mancha left quickly after the ceremony ended. She had a job to start.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Tuesday night in the City of Wyoming is going to be a busy one as there will be a Wyoming Department of Public Safety community open house and the Concerts in the Park return to Lamar Park.
Open House
The Public Safety Community Open House will take place from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Gezon Fire Station, located near the corner go Gezon Parkway and Byron Center Avenue. Residents will have a chance to tour the facility, which has the new Metro Health – University of Michigan Health helicopter pad. The event is free and open to the public.
Concerts in the Park
After a week hiatus, the Wyoming Concerts in the Park return with Grand Rapids-based Cabildo taking the stage at 7 p.m.
Known for its Latin-flavor music, Cabildo has been around for 12 years and released its first album, “Sin Fronteras,” earlier this year.
The group is a collective with several area musicians who have performed with the group, according to those who have performed with the band. The constant in the band have been the group’s frontman, Julio Cano Villalobos (guitar, accordion, and vocals) and Julio Cesar Viveros Cuevas (guitar and vocals.) Villalobos is from Chile and Cuevas is from Mexico. All of the Cabildo’s music is in Spanish.
The shows are known to be fiery, celebrating the group’s Latin American roots with a blend of cambia, folk, rock, ska music and more that get throngs bobbing and dancing. The group’s recent album has a political charge to it with “Sin Fronteras” meaning “without borders,” reflecting the plight of immigrants to the United States.
According to Michigan Radio, Cabildo is a nine-piece band with lots of moving parts “and when it all comes together on stage, it’s something to see and hear.”
The Wyoming Concerts in the Park series are put together by the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission. The concerts are every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Lamar Park through Aug. 14. The concerts are rebroadcast on WKTV Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 10 p.m.
For this first time in his council career, Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll walked to the council meeting.
The meeting was the second council-on-the-road one for the Wyoming City Council which was at the Del-Mar Community Room, the subdivision Poll lives in. The last on-the-road summer meeting is Aug. 6 at Oriole Park.
Community members filled the Del-Mar Community Room and thanked the council for bringing the meeting to the residents.
Poll said staff worked to bring subjects to the meetings that would be important to the residents of the southwest area. This meeting included discussion on the city’s master plan, upcoming road projects, and the TEAM 21 program.
City of Wyoming’s Principal Planner Nicole Hofer
Master Plan
So what will the City of Wyoming look like in the future? This was the question that the Wyoming City Council, staff, and residents will be asked to consider as the city begins the process to review and update its current master plan.
“Ultimately, a master plan helps to define our future vision, our economic development opportunities, what housing will look like in our city, what transportation we will have,” said the city’s new principal planner Nicole Hofert. “Will we have busing? Will we continue with cars? Will we integrate bike lanes? It is about land use.”
The city’s current master plan was adopted in 2006 with the plan projected out to 2020. The city has done periodic updates on the plan but with 2020 only a few years away, the time is now for the city to look ahead at the next 20 years.
Hofert said a lot has happened within the city since the master plan was first adopted. This has included the adoption of a form base code, the discussion of affordable housing, and looking at the city’s industrial sites. Also, the City of Grand Rapids has had tremendous growth and the city needs to consider how that impacts the Wyoming community, she said.
The review process is expected to take about 14-16 months with the goal of getting the community involved as much as possible. This includes hosting pop up events, utilizing social media, and attending community activities such as school homecomings to interact with residents and collect as much input as possible. The next step in the process will be to create a request for proposals to send it out to potential consultants for the master plan update, Hofert said.
Welcome sign at the Del-Mar Community Center
Road Projects
Wyoming Department of Public Works Director Bill Dooley spoke about the road work that will be taking place in the City of Wyoming. The Wyoming City Council approved a bid of around $4 million for the city’s resurfacing projects. The bid was awarded to Michigan Paving and Materials Company.
Dooley said the city has 650 miles of lane roads. The lifespan of a road depends on use with most being about 25-30 years with roads that have high traffic such as truck traffic, being around 10 years. The city spends about $5.5 million annual on road projects with some of the money coming from the state’s gas tax.
Because the bids came in 22 percent higher than last year, a few roads were eliminated from the scope of the project. The increase cost is related to what oil prices are and asphalt is made from oil, Dooley said.
Poll noted that because last year bids came in so low, the city did add on some roads so as to make its dollars go farther.
Dooley said that the remaining $1.5 million in roads was being used for the reconstruction of 56th Street between Byron Center and Ivanrest avenues and will include the addition of a new signal at Ivanrest and 56th. That project is scheduled to start on July 9 with the intersection being done in the fall, closer to the project’s completion.
Community members and city officials chat before the meeting
Team 21 program
The Wyoming City Council approved about $1.46 million for the city’s after school and summer program, TEAM 21.
The city partners with four school districts, Wyoming Public Schools, Kelloggsville Public Schools, Godfrey Lee Public Schools and Godwin Heights Public Schools to provide 15 TEAM 21 sites around the city. These sites support about 2,000 students. Wyoming Public Schools serves as the fiduciary agent for the program.
“These budget amendments actually recognize approximately $1.6 million that will come into the City of Wyoming, specifically to the operations of the parks and recreation service area in supporting and employing our site coordinators and our program administrative staff,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, the city’s director of community services.
This year, the city saw an increase in funding for the program, however; funding, which comes from the federal government, has been “more challenging” since the Trump administration has taken office, Rynbrandt said, adding the administration has zeroed out funding for these types of programs. Congress has been putting the funding back in when reviewing the budget, Rynbrandt said.
Next year, 10 sites are up for renewal. Because the city does not know its funding level until on or about July 1 and since there remains a question on funding for the future, Rynbrandt said city staff will be meeting with area superintendents to work on plans to make sure there is funding at least through the summer of2019. She said she will be reporting at a later date on what those plans will be to accomplish that goal.
Kelloggsville Public Schools woke up to good news this morning as voters approved a $19.2 million millage request that will construct a new third-, fourth-, fifth-grade building in the district.
The millage was approved with 2,318 yes votes to 1,535 no votes. The millage is actually a continuation of an existing millage. The school’s current millage rate is 7.32.
Kent County also received good news as its proposal, Ready by 5, passed with 142,875 yes votes to 109,513 no votes. The proposal is a 0.25 mill property tax levy that would provide an estimated $5.7 million a year to agencies and programs that support early childhood development programs.
For other city, county, and state election results, click here.
As for board of education elections, there were only two districts that had contested races: Godwin Heights Public Schools and Wyoming Public Schools.
In Godwin Heights, the top three vote getters will join the board. Newcomer David Rodriguez was the top vote getter with 1,847 followed by incumbents David Drake (1,564 votes) and Richard Hamilton Jr. (1,493 votes). Joseph Januska received 1,158 votes.
Wyoming’s Board of Education had one candidate and two write-in candidates running for two six-year term positions. Candidate Brian D. Jirous had 9,255 votes. The two write-in candidates are Adriana Almanza and Jennifer Lewis. Write-ins have to be counted by hand. School officials said they are waiting for the county to count the ballots and should know the results within two weeks.
School Board elections that were unopposed were:
Godfrey Lee Public Schools Board of Education (2 Seats)
Kacklyn Hernandez 1,144
Eric Mockerman 857
Godfrey Lee Public Schools Board of Education partial term ending in 2022 (1 Seat)
The Salvation Army Kroc Center is holding a series of “Family Fun & Fitness Nights” during the month of July, on Wednesdays (July 11, 18, 25). All events are free to both members and non-members.
This event will feature an all-ages fitness class in the Kroc’s outdoor amphitheater at 5:45 p.m. Classes will include elements of Zumba, Family Fit, and Family Boot Camp.
Once the class is over, kids and parents alike can cool off on the Kroc Center’s giant slip & slide from roughly 6:30to 8:30pm.
Kroc staff and volunteers will also offer face painting and concessions; local organizations will also have tables with information and activities for families.
“We are excited to bring back Family Fun & Fitness Nights this summer,” said Captain Bill Brutto, senior officer for The Salvation Army Kroc Center. “We love giving families the opportunity to get active and enjoy time together in a fun and safe environment.”
Family Fun & Fitness Nights are made possible through financial support from Molina Healthcare of Michigan.
The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning. Visit GrKrocCenter.org or call 616-588-7200 for more information.
UPDATE: Relatives reported they have spoken to Tina Louise Glass, according to the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is asking for the assistance in locating Tina Louise Glass.
According to officers, investigators believe she is missing voluntarily but are concerned for her safety. Glass was last seen late night of July 4 or early on July 5. She is not know to have access to a vehicle. Glass is 45-years-old and 5 feet, 3 inches. It is not known what she was wearing.
Anyone with information are ask to call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 866-774-2345.
Government representatives from all levels attended this month’s Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters meeting. (WKTV)
WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum will next take place Monday, July 9, at Wyoming City Hall.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and the local U.S. representative who represents the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
This forum is free and open to the public, and allows public questions. It is also rebroadcast on WKTV’s channels and on-demand website.
The meeting for July will be at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, Wyoming, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktvondemand.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
On a special high school sports episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV caught up with Brandon Kimble, who in May took over as head football coach of the Godwin Heights High School Wolverines.
Kimble is no stranger to the Wolverine program as he served as the team’s defensive coordinator in 2015. He played wide receiver and safety at East Kentwood High School before graduating in 2006, and went on to play wide receiver at Olivet College. He has also coached in the East Kentwood and Grand Rapids Union football programs.
At the time of his hire, Godwin athletic director Rob Hisey praise Kimble’s football knowledge but also praised his ability to build relationships with kids.
In Focus host and producer Ken Norris talks with Coach Kimble about football, off-seasons in the weight room and, maybe most importantly, leading young men to become better on and off the field.
All In Focus interviews are available on YouTube at WKTVvideos .
Just when you’re in the throes of enjoying the lush tree canopy in city, it stops being lush. One day, the shade is gone. The leaves are decimated. The mess is significant.
We can thank our nemesis, the gypsy moth, for that. Despite the June 5th spray in Wyoming, these buggers are back in force. (To learn how gypsy moths came to be such a menace in America in the first place, go here. Warning: Not for the faint of heart.)
The City of Wyoming shares your frustration. The spray has not been as effective as in years past. A gypsy moth consultant says that there are several reasons for this.
According to the City’s website, under ideal spray conditions, 80% mitigation is expected. The consultant believes that extreme cold in April combined with extreme heat in May disrupted many of the gypsy moths’ normal patterns and resulted in fewer gypsy moth larva ingesting the spray product.
The City of Wyoming is documenting calls and conveying that information to the City Council and the consultant. Residents’ calls and emails are valuable and will help determine where treatment is needed in the future.
Thuricide (sold under various brand names) — read the label to ensure it contains Btk
Tanglefoot — this is a wrap that goes around the tree trunk and it prevents the caterpillars from going up to the tree canopy to eat
Pheromone traps are another option, though they are not as effective
Another option is to hire a private contractor to treat smaller trees and ornamentals. Use caution when using other products as some can affect bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Refer to the City of Wyoming’s Facebook page or website for more information. There’s a form you can fill out on the website to alert the City to gypsy moths in your area. Use it.
Michigan State University Extension has more information on what to do about gypsy moth infestations. Go here.
The Fourth of July — also known as Independence Day or America’s Birthday — has been a recognized federal holiday since 1941. The day actually marks when the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. (The vote for independence took place on July 2.)
This year, most communities will be celebrating the nation’s 242nd birthday on Wednesday, July 4. For today’s Snapshots, we provided a list of Fourth of July activities and wish everyone a safe and happy celebration.
Click on the cute little map thumbnails below, and you will be whisked to larger maps which will guide you to where you need to go.
Kentwood
Activities begin with a pancake breakfast at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root), 4950 Breton Rd. SE, from 7:30-9:30am and is followed by the NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk and the parade which starts at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE. The middle school also will be the site for the evening activities that start at 6pm with fireworks at dusk. For more, click here.
Grandville
Grandville’s Fourth of July celebration kicks off the day with a flag raising at 8:30am at the Grandville Middle School, 3535 Wilson Ave. SW followed by a parade. In the afternoon at the Middle School, there will be a variety of activities starting at noon with fireworks at dusk. For more, click here.
Grand Rapids
The Amway Family Fireworks in Grand Rapids will be July 7, yes, Saturday, July 7. The activities such as games, food, vendor exhibits and music, will kick off at 5pm at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, which is right next to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St. NW. Fireworks will be at dusk (estimated time is 10:30pm) For more, click here.
Dorr
This community to the south has a five-day celebration that started on June 30 and wraps up on July 4. On Wednesday, there is a community breakfast at the Dorr Christian Reformed Church, 4220 18th St., Dorr, followed by a parade and activities throughout the afternoon. The fireworks will be at dusk (estimated time is 10:20pm) For more click here.
Other local communities:
East Grand Rapids, Ada, Allendale and Cascade will have Fourth of July celebrations as well. These will include parades, activities, and fireworks.
Village of Hopkins
Just a little further south, the Village of Hopkins has teamed up with the Gun Lake Casino for its annual Fourth of July celebration. Activities start with a free breakfast. The children’s parade is at 4pm and the main parade at 5pm. The fireworks, which are being billed as the “biggest boom ever,” are scheduled for dusk. For more, click here.
Lakeshore
The communities of Grand Haven, Saugatuck-Douglas and Holland all have Fourth of July events taking place. Also, Nelis’ Dutch Village will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. A vintage car show is set for Tuesday, July 3.
And to the North
Muskegon will be hosting a two-day Fourth of July celebration and the annual Lakeshore Art Festival will be taking place on July 6 and 7. Also, the White Lake area has its Fourth of July parade on Wednesday along with fireworks over the north end of White Lake. Ludington hosts its annual Freedom Festival which includes a parade and fireworks.
And one last boom….
At tonight’s Whitecaps games (July 3) there will be fireworks. The game starts at 7:05pm. For more, click here.
WKTV Schedule July 4 schedule
9:00am — Senior Exercise: Summer Special
9:30am — Celebrating Life & Food: Celebrating the 4th of July
You can help create the change you want to see by holding your local and state officials accountable — but to do that, you must first be registered to vote; then, you must actually vote. The deadline for registering to vote in Michigan’s Aug. 7th primary election is Monday,July 9th.
Not sure you’re registered? There’s an easy way to find out. According to Robert J. Macomber, Chief Deputy County Clerk, residents can visit www.Michigan.gov/vote to check their registration, find the address of their local clerk or obtain the mail-in voter registration application. It will also tell you your polling location.
Fun fact: Women suffragettes were jailed and force fed for 3 weeks for the right to vote.
“First-time voters who register by mail must vote in person in their first election, unless they hand-deliver the application to their local clerk, are 60 years old or older, are disabled or are eligible to vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act,” says Macomber.
Click on Kent County’s Elections page https://www.accesskent.com/Departments/Elections/ to learn more about the August Primary here in Kent County, view your sample ballot, or find your polling location.
Stay informed… and be involved. Don’t miss your chance to have a say in how your state government represents you.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA)’s Master Plan includes more covered parking options, concourse renovations and additions, and a Federal Inspection Station (FIS).
The 20-year Master Plan was presented to the Authority Board this morning, with a recommendation to submit the plan for review and approval to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). An Airport Master Plan Update is a management tool for strategic positioning that maximizes operational efficiency and business effectiveness through a pragmatic planning process. The Master Plan is an assessment of existing facilities and future demand based on FAA approved forecasts. It identifies future facility requirements and culminates in an implementation program. It is a sustainable plan and takes into account environmental considerations and the ability to timely finance development in the best sequence to meet future demand.
Major highlights of the 2018 GFIA Master Plan Update include airside renovations like relocation of the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), and airfield improvements including taxiway re-alignment. Landside improvements include more covered parking options, access road improvements, terminal curb expansion, an increased cell phone lot, and mobile-app based rideshare lots. Terminal building plans include concourse widening and expansion, the addition of a new Concourse C, expanded baggage claim areas, as well as the addition of a FIS to accommodate commercial international travel.
“As we continue to grow it is imperative that our facilities, grounds, airside accessibility, and every facet of our airport keep up with the demand from passenger traffic,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “Our planning and engineering team and consultants look and plan five, ten, and even twenty years out to predict what the needs of our facility will be. We look forward to continued growth in the coming years and we are excited about the plans for our future development.”
The Master Plan responds to the FAA’s requirement of updating its plan periodically to reflect community growth, expansion of facilities, and changes in federal standards. An Airport Layout Plan (ALP), part of the Master Plan Update, is a graphic depiction of existing and proposed development and is the basis for federal funding. To be eligible for federal funding, a project must be shown on the ALP.
GFIA last completed a Master Plan Update in 2004. Since then, the airport has implemented most of the projects in that plan – terminal expansion, parking garage, canopy between the terminal and garage, and relocation of the rental car service centers providing additional parking lot areas. At the same time, GFIA has seen its corporate aviation growth outpace national trends and play an important role in generating new opportunities for local businesses across the globe. The Master Plan also develops a strategy for maximizing revenue generation for GFIA’s aeronautical and non- aeronautical lands.
“Our growth opportunities do not only include the terminal building and airfield, but areas around our airport property where we can expand and continue to be an economic catalyst for West Michigan’s overall advancement,” said Gill.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV caught up with U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, a Republican who represents both Wyoming and Kentwood in Washington, D.C.
Huizenga has been a strong supporter of the Republican-led federal tax cuts, which he said is good for West Michigan businesses large and small, and the state’s workers. He is also a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, but has disagreed with him on several issues, including trade tariffs. In the special “on the scene” interview, Rep. Huizenga addresses those issues as well as Michigan’s recreational marijuana ballot measure.
Also on the episode, In Focus is James R. Gill, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. Since coming to Grand Rapids, in January 2017, he has seen many changes, both large and small, in the airport. We talk about those, and what is coming in the future.
The entire episode of “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.
The episode will debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, June 26, and will again air on Thursday, June 28, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of July 2. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Note: In this continuing series, we take a look at some of the 18 boards, commissions and committees that address specific needs within the City of the Wyoming.
Every second Wednesday of the month (except for July and August), you’ll find Dr. Lillian Cummings-Pulliams at Wyoming City Hall. A school psychologist for the Wyoming Public Schools. Cummings-Pulliams is at the city hall as a representative of the district on the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission.
She is not a resident of Wyoming, but lives in Kentwood. Since her daughter attends Wyoming Public Schools as part of schools of choice, they have participated in a number of Parks and Recreation programs and because of that, discovered she had an interest on serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Once she learned that the school district position was open, Cummings-Pulliams, along with a few others, applied for the open seat.
Dr. Lillian Cummings-Pulliams
“I put a plea into our superintendent to say ‘Hey, if anyone is as passionate as I am about this city and about the committee, then definitely put them in.’ and so I was picked,” she said.
It is an opportunity she has not regretted taking as it has given her an inside look as to what the Parks and Recreation Commission does and the work that goes into maintaining the city’s 21 parks along with the Wyomig Senior Center and library facility.
“When you go to the parks, at least when I do, I think that the parks are just there,” said Dr. Lillian Cummings-Pulliams. “I never have ever considered what goes on behind the scenes to make the parks what they are.”
The Parks and Recreation Commission reviews recreational program and park needs of the community and advises the City Manager and City Council on recommended changes. The commission also plans and coordinates recreational activities and park development.
Ideal Park
Most recently, the Parks and Recreation Commission has been focused on Ideal Park because of the tornadoes that came through in 2014 and 2016, destroying a portion of the park, and the Gezon Park master plan.
There are currently two at large positions open on the commission. For those positions, a person must be a City of Wyoming resident. Because the area public schools play such a role in the parks — several schools are located close or next to a city park — the board has positions for the following schools within the City: Godwin, Godfrey-Lee, Kelloggsville, Wyoming and Grandville. Currently the Kelloggsville and Godfrey-Lee school positions are open. A person for those positions should be a school staff member.
For more information about the city’s boards, commissions, and committees, click here. To apply, click here for the application, which must be sent to the City Clerk’s office, located in city hall at 1155 28th St. SW.
Wyoming: Roadwork, and delays, coming to 56th Street in early July
If 56th Street is one of your favorite routes to take to the RiverTown Crossings or to Maple Hill Golf Course, be warned: starting July 9 you will need to find a different route. 56th Street will be closed between Ivanrest Avenue and 56th Street for reconstruction that includes the road being widen to three lines.
Kentwood and Wyoming: Citizens invited to talk with Sen. Gary Peters
S.S. Sen. Peters will be in Grand Rapids on Saturday, June 30, at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. (Supplied)
U.S. Sen. Gary Petters (D-Michigan) has announced that he will be traveling to four Michigan cities this summer for community meetings, and he will be in Grand Rapids on Saturday, June 30, for a 10 a.m. meeting at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St NW.
WKTV on YouTube: U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga talks tax cuts, recreational marijuana
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-District 2) was the special governmental guest Monday, June 11, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall. WKTV’s Ken Norris caught up with him.
UPDATED 6/28/2018: From the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, Marilyn June Lukso has been located and she is safe.
Wyoming Police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a woman not seen by family since Saturday, June 23.
Marilyn June Lukso is a 62 year old white female, 5’-4”, 130#, has gray hair and green eyes. We are not sure what clothing she might be wearing. She is believed to be driving a silver 2008 Chrysler 300, four-door with a Michigan plate of 2LGK18. She may not have access to important medication.
If you have any information as to her whereabouts, please call the Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer.
U.S. Sen. Gary Petters (D-Michigan) has announced that he will be traveling to four Michigan cities this summer for community meetings.
Peters will be in Grand Rapids on Saturday, June 30, for a 10 a.m. meeting at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St NW.
The other meetings will be held in Southfield and Flint. Peters has already started his summer tour in Ypsilanti.
Peters’ visit is meant to encourage Michigan residents to help their communities by voicing their opinions.
“I am proud to represent Michigan in the United States Senate, but I know the best ideas don’t come from Washington,” Peters said in supplied material. “As I travel across our state, I always look forward to hearing from Michiganders about what can be done in Washington to make Michigan the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
Peters also hosts “Coffee With Gary”, where Michigan residents traveling to the Washington area can talk with the senator on Tuesdays when the U.S. Senate is in session.
Fundraiser for Kentwood ranch designed to educate residents about programs, impact
This Saturday, Equine Assisted Development open its gates for its second annual Barn Bash Saturday, June 23, at the ranch located on 32nd Street near Shaffer Avenue. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. For more on the story, click here.
Valentiger
WY-FI concert set to kick off Fourth of July celebrations
Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park next week (Tuesday, June 26) will be the WY-FI concert with Valentiger and the Kari Lynch Band followed by fireworks. For more on the story, click here.
Discover what the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Commission is all about
This month, we sat down with Dr. Lillian Cummings-Pulliams, a member of the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Commission, to talk about the commission, its role within the city and current openings on the commission. For more on the story, click here.
UPDATED 6/28/2018: From the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, Marilyn June Lukso has been located and she is safe.
