Category Archives: City of Wyoming

Kent County’s Excellence in Action Awards recognizes community action program, others

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Wyman Britt, Kent County Administrator/Controller began the Excellence in Action Award program. (WKTV)

By Kent County

 

The Board of Commissioners recently announced the 2018 Excellence in Action Award winners. Award criteria is set through performance measures every department develops annually to promote a culture of excellence.

 

The week of May 6-12 was designated by Congress as Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW), gave the Kent County Board of Commissioners the perfect opportunity to say thank you to those programs that have gone above and beyond. This is the second year of the Awards and Ceremony.

 

“When people know that their leadership cares about them and supports them, they are more likely to take ownership of their actions and hold themselves accountable to achieve amazing results,” said Wayman Britt, Kent County Administrator/Controller, who introduced the idea for the awards in 2017. “Achieving excellence is a hallmark of Kent County, our Board of Commissioners and our elected officials. The Excellence in Action Awards are an extension of the Board’s vision that Kent County be the absolute best place to live and work. The awards are only a small reflection of the outstanding efforts that take place every day in the County to help make this possible.”

 

Videos of the award winners can be found at accessKent.com/performancemgt. This year, the Board celebrated with five Excellence in Action Awards:

 

Excellence in Collaboration:

 

Kent County Community Action (KCCA) (formerly the Kent County Housing Commission)

 

Kent County’s Veterans Services is focused of veterans issues.

The United States Veterans Administration (VA) continued its partnership with the Kent County Housing Commission and provided 21 additional Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers, which helped continue the community goal of eliminating veterans’ homelessness. The VA provides necessary case management services for the veteran, while the Housing Commission provides the Housing Choice Voucher and works with the veteran to secure housing. Our collaborative efforts have also been recognized nationally as a best practice model due to our recruitment strategies (beyond orientation), dual case management efforts, number of employed VASH clients and positive transitions from voucher recipient into self-sufficiency.

 

Excellence in Community Impact:

 

Kent County Health Department

 

In April of 2017, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) became aware of an investigation by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) regarding contaminated groundwater in the Belmont area. In the months that have followed, the wells of more than 1000 homes have been tested for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. The Kent County Health Department has been on the front lines of informing residents about their individual test results. Working in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) KCHD has worked to advise residents about the known health consequences of PFAS and ways to limit exposure. KCHD has organized and conducted two town hall meetings, bringing MDHHS, MDEQ and Wolverine World Wide to the table to answer residents’ questions. KCHD has established a website and a regular newsletter that is emailed to more than 1000 subscribers. KCHD and MDHHS are devising methodology to conduct the agency’s largest-ever health impact survey in the area. KCHD’s commitment to acting as an advocate for residents led the agency to seek federal help from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

 

Excellence in Innovation:

 

17th Circuit Court

 

The 17th Circuit Court established a Girls’ Court. In collaboration with Community Family Partnership and Wedgwood, the Court secured program funding and trauma therapy for the girls and their families. Girls’ Court serves girl offenders by providing intensive treatment, incentives, community-based support while strengthening family relationships.

 

Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (new for 2018):

 

Kent County Prosecutor’s Office

 

The Prosecutor’s Office established a program with the Hispanic Center to send a victim witness advocate to the Hispanic Center once a month, to provide an open and non-threatening space to meet and discuss issues their clients may be having in the court system. The advocates meet with victims of domestic violence who may be afraid to file a report, witnesses who may be afraid to go to the courthouse, or any other person at the Hispanic Center who may have questions regarding anything pertaining to the criminal justice system.

 

The Chairman’s Award (For Grit and Determination)

This year The Chairman’s Award recognized two teams: the A360 Implementation Team (staff from Fiscal Services, Human Resources and Information Technology) that worked diligently over the past three years to implement an integrated Financial Management System; and those who completed the Kent County Community Action (KCCA) merger (employees from KCCA, Information Technology, Fiscal Services, Human Resources and Facilities Management) to deliver more effective and efficient community services.

 

5 Local Things You Need to Know: Headlines for the week

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WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

 

More than 1,700 students set to graduate from schools in Wyoming, Kentwood

More than 1,700 students will be graduating from high schools in Kentwood and Wyoming during the next couple of weeks. Go here for a breakdown of when some of the local graduation ceremonies are taking place.

 

Ford Airport leader welcomes Sen. Peters’ introduction of bill to fund airport security

The bill allows airports to use Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds on state of the art surveillance cameras in public areas such as baggage claims or pick up and drop off areas. Go here for the complete story.

 

 

Glue-in, souvlaki: Festival of the Arts is all about making memories

The VOICES vintage Airstream trailer, which is a a local and regional oral history project that collects, preserves and shares stories form everyday residents of West Michigan, will be at this year’s 49th Festival of the Arts, set for June 1, 2, and 3. The trailer will be there to collect stories from Festival volunteers and participants. Go here to read the story.

 

Evolution of Meijer Gardens summer concert series a bit of a surprising success

The venue and the mix of musical genres and audiences has not only been a success, the summer concert series has benefited Meijer Gardens on several levels: promotional, financial and patron inclusiveness. Click here to read the story.

 

Wyoming High School presents its spring Alpha Wolf 11 awards

Started in 2016, the Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character award recognizes six students each semester and one teacher each year for character and treating others by “being kind, compassionate, and gracious”. Read more here.

 

Ford airport leader welcomes Sen. Peters’ introduction of bill to fund airport security

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Hard News, Local Business, Politics

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org 

 

Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters last week joined with Republican Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado to introduce bipartisan legislation to “increase safety and security for airport passengers and visitors outside of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened areas,” according to supplied material.

 

The Secure Airport Public Spaces Act allows airports to use existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funds to update their security infrastructure to better protect public areas, including pick up and drop off areas, as well as baggage claim areas.

 

High profile attacks at Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Airport and Bishop International Airport in Flint last year demonstrated the vulnerabilities of unsecured public areas at airports, according to the statement.

 

Locally, leadership at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport said they both have high hope that the legislation will be approved and also will eventually be able to take advantage of the funding use changes.

 

Jim Gill, Gerald R. Ford International Airport CEO. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“We love the fact that the senators, our own Sen. Peters, stepped up to be forward thinking to address security issues,” James R. Gill, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, said to WKTV. “Certainly in light of the fact that this (federal action) is security related, we are likely to see support from all sides on that, not only political but from our partner airlines. Security and safety are always our collective Number 1 priority.”

 

And safety and security is also a priority for Sen. Peters.

 

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.)

“Millions of Americans travel through our nation’s airports every day, and we need to protect travelers and visitors from potential security threats in every part of the airport,” Sen. Peters said May 16, in supplied material. “In recent years, we’ve seen a rising number of attacks that take place outside of TSA-screened areas. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation will give airports flexibility to address security vulnerabilities in public areas and safeguard passengers, visitors and staff.”

 

The submitted bill, if passed, would allow airports to spend Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) dollars they have already collected on airport infrastructure projects that increase security. Under the bill, PFC funding could be used for projects to enhance perimeter security by adding fencing or barricades, or improve responses to active shooter threats by installing active shooter location technology and ballistic protective podiums that shield officers and store rifles to help counter an attack.

 

And, while Gill said the possible changes in funds-use would not have an immediate impact on the Ford Airport, it would be very valuable down the road.

 

“The (PFC) funds that we collect right now are committed out through somewhere around 2023, 2024. Those funds were used to fund the construction of the big runway … They were used for a number of public improvements in the airport,” Gill said. “So we do not have an immediate availability. What this piece of legislation would allow is expanded use of the existing availability funds.

 

“We do not see a short term ability to expand that use but it will be great to have that tool in our tool box. … So as we find opportunities to take advantage of that funding, when it is freed up, we will certainly take advantage of that.”

 

The bill also allows airports to use Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds on state of the art surveillance cameras in public areas such as baggage claims or pick up and drop off areas. Currently, AIP funds are limited to the installation of closed-circuit television inside of secure, TSA-screened areas of an airport.

 

“Security really begins beyond the front door for us,” Gill said. “But once you are on the airport (grounds) — there are a lot of things we are unable to talk about — but it begins with the perimeter of the airport, fencing, our (airport) police officers do a great job of ensuring safety. … In today’s day and time, we are always have to be more cognizant of security and safety. … any ability to push that is going to be great.”

 

LocalFirst offers online business directory focused on businesses right in the neighborhood

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

 

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wkv.org

 

There was a time when if you needed a contractor or someone to clean your house, you simply flipped open the phonebook. But with the popularity of the Internet, many have turned to online service directories to find that person, working to narrow the lists down to someone within your area.

 

LocalFirst recently launched its own online business directory available at LocalFirst.com, which allows residents to connect to local contractors and service providers. 

 

“LocalFirst works with hundreds of local businesses throughout the West Michigan area,” said LocalFirst Marketing Manager Mieke Stoub. “We also work with the consumer. We try to educate the consumer on why supporting local matters. The directory is a nice way to bring those two sides together to connect the consumer with the services that they need.”

 

Annually, LocalFirst produces a paper directory that is available for free at a number of locations such as the LocalFirst office, 345 Fuller NE and the WKTV station, 5261 Clyde Park SW. 

 

“So there are some old-fashioned folks, myself included, who really like the tactical feel and this is at least a little more approachable than the Yellow Pages,” Stroub said, adding that the paper directory is separated into categories with an index.

 

The online directory is a little bit more searchable with categories, but since not every business has a category, there is also a search bar where people can  type in any sort of keyword they might need, Stoub said. 

 

“So if you are looking for plants or consignment or clothing, you can type those search terms in and a bunch of businesses will pop up,” she said. 

 

The directory also pulls in Google Maps making it easy for visitors to find the businesses they are looking for. The online business directory is also easier to update for when members move, have an expansion or just change their phone number, she said.

 

“Our membership base expands from here to the Lakeshore and as far north as Muskegon and as far south as Saugatuck, so there is somebody in your neighborhood no matter where you are,” Stoub said.  

 

To check out the business directory, visit LocalFirst.com.

Kelloggsville named a finalist for the Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival

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Kathy  Richards

Van Singel Fine Arts Center

 

A Kelloggsvile is among 60 Michigan high school students who were named as finalists in the Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival. More than 300 videos were submitted for the annual film festival.

 

Tiler DeWitt, who attends Kelloggsville High School, is in the running for the 60 awards totaling $21,150 in prizes that will be awards to students on Saturday June 2, for the winning entires in the 2018 Meijer Great Choices Film Festival. The 10 a.m. awards presentation will be at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center. 

 

High School students from throughout the state, submitted more than 300 :30 public service announcement videos promoting positive choices in the areas of Character Education, Healthy Living, and Celebrating Diversity. There are two different audiences that the young filmmakers targeted in their PSA’s: Kindergarten through 6th or 7th through 12th grades. DeWitt submitted his film in the K-6 Celebrating Diversity category. The Meijer Great Choices competition was designed for Michigan student film makers to exhibit their creative talent in audio/visual communications and to share their messages with K-12 schools throughout Michigan. 

 

High school students working on a film. Photo courtesy of School News Network.

Audio/Visual/Advertising students and professors from Compass College of Cinematic Arts, Ferris State University, Cornerstone University, Grand Valley State University, Northwood University and Western Michigan University were the preliminary judges and choose the anonymous finalists based on specific criteria. High school students throughout Michigan have been notified that they are finalists and are invited to participate in the June 2nd awards presentation activities. There are eighteen 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners that will be announced at the awards presentation who will receive prizes of $1,500, $1,000, or $500 in the form of a gift card to Meijer. The 42 runners up (fourth through tenth place winners) will each receive a gift card for $75. All of the finalists in attendance will receive an award and gift at the awards presentation. 

 

All 60 of the top PSA’s will be shown at the Awards Reception at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center. In September, the winning PSA’s in each category will be reproduced on DVDs and distributed to schools across the state as tools for their Character Education, Health Education and Diversity programs. 

 

The Meijer Great Choices Film Festival also awards 12 classroom grants totaling $3,300 to K-8 classrooms who submitted video entries in the Meijer Great Choices Junior Film Festival competition. These PSA videos will also be recognized at Saturday’s Awards event. 

 

The purpose of the film festival is to highlight the talent of the state’s audio/visual students while allowing these students to make a positive impact on Michigan’s K-12 youth in the areas of Diversity, Character Education, and Healthy Lifestyles. The festival is in partnership with Meijer, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, The Vander Laan Family Foundation, and the Van Singel Fine Arts Center. 

Wyoming teachers, students give shout outs to those who demonstrate Alpha qualities

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , ,
Junior Brandon Ratliff (left) dances with a friend during the presentation by guest speaker John Angotti at the Alpha Wolf 11 assembly last week. Ratliff received a Shout-Out from teachers during the assembly.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

This year, as part of Wyoming High School’s Alpha Wolf spring program, teachers and students were able to give “Shout-Outs” to others who represented the Alpha Wolf qualities of kind, compassion, and graciousness. 

 

“The thought among some of us teachers was to recognize more students during this champion of character celebration,” said Wyoming teacher John Dolye who along with teacher Jon Bushen organized the Alpha Wolf event. 

 

Teacher Jeff Kordich receives the Alpha Wolf teacher award.

Teachers were asked to consider any student they would like to recognize during the Alpha Wolf assembly. Two students per grade level are recognized and introduced between the main Alpha Wolf 11 recipients. Teachers give each student who receives a “Shout Out” a t-shirt which states “Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character” and on the back in large letters “I’ve Got Your Back!” along with an Alpha Wolf 11 lanyard.

 

After the fall Alpha Wolf assembly, where the the Teacher Shout-Outs were first introduced, students approached Doyle about doing a Student Shout-Out to a specific teacher.

 

“We thought this was a great student-led initiative,” Doyle said. “We allow one student from each of the three grade levels to select a teacher they feel represents the Alpha Wolf characteristics — kind, compassion, and graciousness.”

 

Students give the teachers a personalized Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character Stainless Coffee Mug with a lanyard and wrist bracelet as well to show their gratitude, he said. The Teacher Shout-Outs lead to the Alpha Wolf Teacher of the Year Award, which is only given during the spring assembly. This year’s winner was Jeff Kordich, a second year teacher to the district. The teacher award is also student-led, Doyle noted. 

 

“We have been so impressed with our student body when it comes to them initiating and adding to this powerful ‘REVOLUTION MOVEMENT’ we call Alpha Wolf 11,” Doyle said.

 

“We believe that if you lay down the expectation of what kindness, compassion, and graciousness looks like, students will pick it up to run and share it with others — simply amazing.”

 

Teacher Shout-Outs to STUDENTS:

Dale Cross – 10th grader presented by teacher Jake Ritsema

Callie Seymour – 10th grader presented by teacher Stephanie Rathsack

Guadalupe Rivera-Parda – 11th grader presented by teacher Catye Palomino

Brandon Ratliff – 11th grader presented by teacher Irvin Sigler

Jordan Irwin – 12th grader presented by Mary Alice Miller

Caitlyn Bulthuis – 12th grader presented by teacher Robin Higley

 

Student Shout-Outs to TEACHERS:

Tom Cornell presented by student Tiffany Le

Jon Bushen presented by student Aliya Rivera

Anna Servo presented by student Long Ho

Clark VerHulst presented by Julyssa Barajas Gutierrez

Baseball from Zion Christian, E. Kentwood on WKTV feature coverage schedule

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WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

WKTV Staff

sportswktv@gmail.com 

 

May is when the baseball and softball schedule is reaching their season peaks, and (weather permitting) the WKTV feature coverage team will be at two key baseball games this week, one at Zion Christian High School and another at East Kentwood High School.

 

The tentative schedule for this week follows below but show your support of the athletes and catch a game or two in-person, and then watch the replay.

Tuesday, May 22 — Boys Baseball West Michigan Aviation vs Zion Christian

Wednesday, May 23 — Boys Baseball Grandville vs East Kentwood

 

These and other sports events are cable broadcast either live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.

 

This week, WKTV’s featured Tuesday game will be aired that night at 11 p.m. and repeat Wednesdays at5 p.m. The Wednesday game will be broadcast Friday at 11 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m., followed by another showing of the Tuesday game, at about 12:30 p.m. See WKTVjournal.org/sports weekly for complete feature broadcast schedules.

 

WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.

 

The complete local high school sports schedule through the end of the month is as follows:

 

Monday, May 21

Boys Baseball

FH Eastern @ South Christian (DH)

West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee

Middleville T-K @ Wyoming (DH)

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

East Kentwood @ Grandville (DH)

Godwin Heights @ Belding

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Christian – OK Gold Conference Tournament @ Thornapple Pointe

Wyoming @ Christian – OK Gold Conference Tournament @ Thornapple Pointe

Kelloggsville @ Ottawa Hills

East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Girls Softball

FH Eastern @ South Christian (DH)

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K (DH)

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian (DH)

East Kentwood @ Grandville (DH)

Godwin Heights @ Belding

Girls Soccer

Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee

Christian @ Wyoming

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Grand River Prep @ Fruitport Calvary Christian

 

Tuesday, May 22

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ Christian

East Kentwood @ Grandville

Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

Zion Christian @ West Michigan Aviation

Girls Softball

South Christian @ South Haven (DH)

Belding @ Godwin Heights

Boys Baseball

Belding @ Godwin Heights

West Michigan Aviation @ Zion Christian (DH) – WKTV Featured Game

Boys Golf

Tri-Unity Christian @ Fruitport Calvary Christian

 

Wednesday, May 23

Boys Baseball

Saugatuck @ Wyoming Lee

Middleville T-K @ Wyoming

NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

Grandville @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Gam

Girls Softball

Saugatuck @ Wyoming Lee

NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

Girls Soccer

Middleville T-K @ Wyoming

Muskegon Catholic Central @ Grand River Prep

Boys Golf

Wyoming @ Muskegon Catholic Central

Boys/Girls Track

East Kentwood @ Comstock Park

 

Thursday, May 24

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ FH Eastern

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Holland Christian

Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ FH Eastern

Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville

Zion Christian @ Holland Black River

West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian

Girls Softball

Ottawa Hills @ Godwin Heights

 

Friday, May 25

Boys Baseball

Wyoming Lee @ Union

Wyoming @ Zeeland West (DH)

Godwin Heights @ Union

Crossroads Charter Academy @ Zion Christian (DH)

West Michigan Aviation @ Belding (DH)

Girls Soccer

Wyoming @ West Ottawa

Zion Christian @ Ravenna

Hudsonville Hornets @ West Michigan Aviation

 

Saturday, May 26

Boys/Girls Track

East Kentwood @ Wyandotte – MITCA State Meet

 

Monday, May 28

MEMORIAL DAY

 

Tuesday, May 29

Girls Soccer

Comstock Park @ Wyoming Lee – MHSAA Districts

TBA @ East Kentwood – MHSAA Districts

Tri-Unity Christian @ NorthPointe Christian – MHSAA Districts

Zion Christian @ Calvin Christian – MHSAA Districts

Boys Baseball

West Ottawa @ Wyoming – MHSAA State Districts

Zion Christian @ Fowler

Girls Softball

TBA @ Wyoming – MHSAA State Pre-Districts

 

Wednesday, May 30

Boys Golf

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – MHSAA State Regionals

 

Thursday, May 31

Boys Golf

Kelloggsville @ South Haven – MHSAA State Regionals

Tri-Unity Christian @ Muskegon Catholic Central – MHSAA State Regionals

Girls Soccer

@ East Kentwood – MHSAA State Districts

 

Statue of former astronaut Chaffee to be unveiled this Saturday

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On the far right is Astronaut Roger B. Chaffee with his crew. Photo courtesy of NASA

By David Thompson

 

A full-sized bronze statue of Apollo Astronaut Roger B. Chaffee will be unveiled in his hometown of Grand Rapids at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. Chaffee’s widow Martha and daughter Sheryl Lyn plan to attend the event, taking place at the corner of East Fulton Street and Sheldon Avenue NE, near the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.

 

Chaffee was born and raised in Grand Rapids, where he was a 1953 graduate of Grand Rapids Central High School.  He went on to become a U.S. naval aviator who flew missions during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1961.

 

In 1963, NASA selected Chaffee for its third group of astronauts. In 1966, he joined the crew of AS-204 (Apollo 1), which was to be NASA’s first three-man flight. Chaffee, along with his crewmates Virgil “Gus” Grissom and Ed White, died on January 27, 1967, in flash fire during a launch pad test at Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

 

His parents, Donald and Blanche Chaffee, had moved to the City of Wyoming where the former Kent County Airport landing strip was renamed the Roger B. Chaffee Boulevard. Also the American Legion Roger B. Chaffee Post 154 is located in City of Wyoming.

The Michigan Military Preservation Society (MMPS), together with the Lowell American Legion Post #152, raised the funds for the statue. MMPS is a non-profit organization of veterans whose vision is to honor historical contributions made by West Michigan vets.

 

CMDR David L. Thompson, USN (Ret.) chaired the project, with MMPS board members Dan Pfeiffer and Bud Vierson. This group chose respected sculptor and Grand Rapids native J. Brett Grill to undertake the project.

 

“We conducted a nationwide search to find the absolute finest possible sculptor to handle this commission,” said Thompson. “We wanted an artist who worked in bronze, and who could create a lifelike work of art. To our delight, we found Brett Grill, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the final product.”

 

Roger B. Chaffee Photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Grill has become a highly sought-after sculptor, who recently returned to his hometown to open a Grand Rapids studio. In recent years, Grill has sculpted several likenesses of President Gerald R. Ford, on display in Grand Rapids and distinguished locations around the country.

 

Additional commissions, including Amway co-founder Jay Van Andel, Michigan Football Coach Glenn E. “Bo” Schembechler, L. William Seidman and others are displayed in well-known locations in Grand Rapids and around the state.

 

“I was deeply humbled to receive this commission,” said Grill. “Roger Chaffee is a hometown hero whose sacrifice helped ensure that mankind successfully reached the Moon. While a street and a building in Grand Rapids bear his name, his story may be less well known. For these reasons I’m immensely proud to be a part of its telling.”

 

The bronze statue alone stands over seven feet tall. Sitting atop a stone base adds another 36 inches. “Roger Chaffee will stand tall over this high traffic intersection in the heart of Grand Rapids for generations to come,” added Thompson.

 

The MMPS has also commissioned a documentary produced by West Michigan filmmaker Daniel Joel Deal. The program will track the arc of the project, starting with selecting Grill as the artist. It includes Grill’s detailed research of Chaffee and his lifelong passion for flight, visiting the NASA archives, creating the initial clay sculptures, right through to the foundry casting and installing the final bronze work.

 

MMPS plans to make the film available to schools, and talks are underway to air this fascinating story on television.

 

“For a statue of this caliber, it was critically important to me that every detail is accurate,” added Grill.  “For a space suit that never flew on a mission, that meant doing some serious digging to learn some of the details needed to recreate Roger in his pressure suit and holding his helmet.”

 

This accuracy can only add value to a statue that will reside on the NW corner of East Fulton Street and Sheldon Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids, near the entrance of the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. Beginning on May 19, children and adults alike will have a chance to see the man from Grand Rapids who played an important role in achieving humanity’s goal of walking on the moon.

Godfrey-Lee Board of Education appoints new member/nuevo miembro

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Godfrey-Lee Public School’s newest Board of Education member, Josephine (Jo-C) Coleman was sworn in May 14. (Supplied)

By Godfrey-Lee Public Schools

 

On Monday, May 14, the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Board of Education appointed Josephine Coleman as Trustee to the Board of Education.

 

Board President, Eric Mockerman, said that Mrs. Coleman was selected because of her “dedication and commitment to the students and families of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools over a long period of time.”

 

Superintendent Kevin Polston praised “Coleman’s selfless service to the district, and her commitment to the community.  She is an excellent choice, who will represent our school district with pride.”

 

Josephine and her husband Donald are the parents of two children, Donald and Chance, both graduates of Lee High School.  Josephine and her husband are also veterans of the United States Army, where she rose to the rank of Specialist.  She is currently employed at Tower International as an IT Business Analyst.

 

She has served as Secretary for the Parent Teacher Committee (2002-2004), Band Boosters (2007-2015), and Athletic Boosters (2010-2016).  She currently serves as Co-Treasurer for the Lee Soccer Alumni Association.

 

When asked why she wanted to run for the position, she said she wants “to serve the community and our students.  Our students appreciate the quality education from the caring adults at Godfrey-Lee, and it’s rewarding to serve them.”

 

Coleman will serve on the Board for the remainder of 2018.  The seat was held by Rebecca Kibbe, who had to give up the position due to her family moving out of the district.  The seat, with a six year term, will be up for election in November.

 

Spanish language version

 

Junta de Educación de las Escuelas Públicas de Godfrey-Lee nombra nuevo miembro

 

El lunes 14 de mayo de, 2018, la Junta de Educación GLPS designó a Josephine Coleman como Fideicomisario a la Junta de Educación. El Presidente de la Junta Eric Mockerman comentó que la señora Coleman fue seleccionado debido a su “dedicación y el compromiso hacia estudiantes y las familias de las Escuelas Públicas de Godfrey-Lee durante un largo período de tiempo.”

 

Josefina y su esposo Donald son los orgullosos padres de dos hijos, Donald y Chance, ambos graduados de la Escuela Preparatoria Lee. Josephine y su marido también son orgullosos veteranos del ejército de Estados Unidos, donde alcanzó el grado de Especialista. Actualmente ella trabaja en la Torre Internacional como analista de negocios de IT.

 

Ella sirvió como Secretaria de la Comisión de Padres y Maestros (2002-2004), Band Boosters (2007-2015), y Athletics Boosters (2010-2016). Actualmente se desempeña como Co-Tesorera de la Asociación de Graduados de fútbol Lee. Cuando se le preguntó por qué quería correr para el cargo, dijo que quiere “servir a nuestra comunidad y estudiantes. Nuestros estudiantes aprecian la calidad de la educación de los adultos interesados en Godfrey-Lee, y es gratificante servirles.”

 

La señora Coleman servirá en la Junta el resto del 2018. El puesto lo tenía Rebecca Kibbe, que tuvo que renunciar a la posición debido a que su familia se mueve fuera del distrito. El Puesto con un mandato de 6 años será puesto para elección en noviembre, 2018.

 

5 Local Things You Need to Know: Headlines for the week

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Election, Going Local, Local Entertainment, Newscast, Politics, Recreation, Upcoming Events
An interview from the latest WKTV Journal Newscast.

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Wyoming: City hires Scott Smith as new city attorney

 

Scott G. Smith

The Wyoming City Council has hired Scott Smith as its city attorney. Smith will serve as the city’s chief legal advisor, responsible for providing legal services to the City Council, city manager, all departments, and city boards and commissions. He will render legal opinions, prepare contracts, ordinances, resolutions, leases and other documents, and assist in drafting proposed legislation on matters of interest to the City.

 

For the complete story, click here.

 

Kentwood: The Vibe parks and rec gala coming this week

 

Katelyn Bush

Community members and friends are invited to attend The Vibe, a Parks and Recreation gala benefiting Kentwood’s Adaptive Sports programs, which provide recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The celebration will take place on Friday, May 18 from 6-10 p.m. at Stonewater Country Club, located at 7177 Kalamazoo Avenue SE in Caledonia.

 

For the complete story, click here.

 

Government Matters: Ballot measures are headed to a voting booth near you, maybe

 

Possible Michigan legislative action driven by probable fall ballot measures on prevailing wage and recreational marijuana use was a key part of the discussion Monday, May 14, as part of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meeting held at Kentwood City Hall.

 

For the complete story, click here.

 

 

WKTV programs: WKTV Journal offers Newscast and in-depth interviews

 

WKTV Journal is not only online/print but video programs as well. On the latest episode of WKTV Journal’s newscast, voters for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools pass a sinking millage for the district and the 28th Street Metro Cruise Dust-Off took place. The local farmers markets are preparing to open with Metro Health Farm Market underway and the Kentwood Farmers Market set to start in June.

 

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is Dr. Rob Davidson, Democratic candidate for Michigan’s District 2 U.S. House seat currently held by Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga. That district includes both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.

 

For the complete story on WKTV Journal’s latest Newscast, click here. For the complete story on WKTV Journal: In Focus, click here.

 

 

West Michigan: Meijer Gardens Tuesday evening concerts plays it local
Kathy Lamar and Robin Connell, taken at J D Reardon’s. (Supplied)

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has announced a nine-show lineup for the Tuesday Evening Music Club with a diverse two-month program of live bands ranging from jazz to indie, rock to folk. Taking place on the Gardens’ 1,900-seat amphitheater stage, the Tuesday concerts are free to Meijer Gardens members and include admission throughout July and August.

 

For the complete story, click here.

 

 

Democratic challenger to Rep. Huizenga, Kentwood commissioner on latest WKTV Journal: In Focus

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, Local Faces, Politics,

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is Dr. Rob Davidson, Democratic candidate for Michigan’s District 2 U.S. House seat currently held by Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga. That district includes both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.

 

Davidson was born and raised in Michigan, and is married with 3 children in Spring Lake Public Schools, were he is a school board trustee. As part of his discussion with In Focus host Ken Norris, Davidson talks about being an emergency physician for 20 years, currently at a small hospital in Newaygo County, and why it is no surprise he believes that health care is a right not a privilege.

 

Also on the episode, In Focus is Kentwood City Commissioner Emily Bridson. Bridson won a seat on the commission last year, but she is no stranger to city governance as she previously served on the Planning Commissioner, the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Kentwood 50th anniversary Celebration Committee, as well as at the Kent County level and for local non-profits. Bridson talks about her first months on the job and why she is committed to public service.

 

 

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, May 15, and will again air on Thursday, May 16, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of May 21. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

 

Wyoming City Council hires city’s first-ever in-house attorney

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , ,
Scott G. Smith will be joining the city as its new attorney on July 1.

In a unanimous vote, the Wyoming City Council has hired Scott Smith as its city attorney during its May 14 meeting.

 

In this role, Smith will serve as the chief legal advisor to the City, responsible for providing legal services to the City Council, city manager, all departments, and City boards and commissions. He will render legal opinions, prepare contracts, ordinances, resolutions, leases and other documents, and assist in drafting proposed legislation on matters of interest to the City. He will defend the City in cases filed in all courts and assist with managing the hiring and work of outside attorneys retained to provide legal services to the City in various specialty areas. Smith will begin his duties on July 1.

 

With the hiring of Smith, the City will bring its legal services in-house for the first time in its history. Wyoming had previously contracted with Jack Sluiter and his firm Sluiter, Van Gessel & Carlson PC, who will continue to do project work. Sluiter has indicated his intention to slow down his practice as he prepares to retire.

 

“As Wyoming continues to grow and the nature of our work becomes more complex, we feel the time is right to bring legal services in-house,” said Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt. “We have long partnered with Scott Smith on innovative development projects, policy recommendations and other issues and have admired the depth and breadth of his knowledge on municipal matters.

 

“We have appreciated the fine work of Jack Sluiter and his legal team over the years. We look forward to building on that foundation and are delighted to welcome Scott to our team. We know having him contribute to our efforts on a daily basis will greatly benefit our City.”

 

Smith comes to the City with nearly four decades of municipal law experience, most recently with the firm Dickinson Wright PLLC. He has worked with dozens of public entities and authorities across Michigan, providing general counsel on municipal matters as well as special counsel regarding joint emergency services, brownfield and downtown development, local development financing, utilities, tax increment financing, district libraries and utilities.

 

He has been a part of several legislative workgroups, most recently serving on Lt. Gov. Brian Calley’s personal property tax legislative work group. He has also authored the municipal partnership act, 2011 PA 258, as well as amendments to other intergovernmental contract statutes, the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381 and tax increment financing legislation such as 2018 PA 57.

 

“The City is on the brink of some exciting developments, and we need a strong internal team to get the work done,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “Scott has been a trusted advisor to the City for many years, and we know he will help us turn our vision into reality. He is thoughtful, innovative and an extremely strong collaborator.”

 

Smith earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and his bachelor’s from Wheaton College in Illinois. He is active in the community, serving in board capacities for Grandville Baptist Church, Wedgwood Christian Services, Lake Ann Camp and Freedom Baptist School.

 

He resides in Grandville with his wife, Mari, and has two sons who live nearby with their families. He and Mari are the proud grandparents of five, soon to be six, grandchildren.

Legislative reaction to ballot measures part of Chamber’s WKTV Government Matters discussion

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Election, Going Local, Politics, WKTV Projects,
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Possible Michigan legislative action driven by probable fall ballot measures on prevailing wage and recreational marijuana use was a key part of the discussion Monday, May 14, as part of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meeting held at Kentwood City Hall.

 

After the topic was raised as to which ballot measure proposals were likely to be approved for public vote this fall, a representative of the Michigan Secretary of State’s office confirmed that the ballot proposal to legalize recreational use of marijuana was approved and a proposal to eliminate current prevailing wage laws was likely.

 

(A proposal to change the way state voting districts are drawn — which is driven by a petition drive led by a group called Voters Not Politicians — has enough signatures to be on the ballot but is currently facing opposition in the state’s courts.)

 

State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District) then took center stage when discussing possible state legislative action that could impact the ballot measures.

 

Sen. MacGregor said there is currently discussion in Lansing on the idea of the legislature (both the state Senate and House of Representatives) voting to approve the recreational marijuana proposal, an action which according to state law would then allow the legislature to impose certain rules (and possible restrictions) on the state’s recreational marijuana laws with a simple majority vote in the two chambers and without the signature of the governor.

 

He — and State Rep. Steven Johnson (R-72nd District) — explained that if the proposal went to the voters and passed, it would require a 3/4 majority of the legislature to change it.

 

“I have voted against every marijuana proposal,” Sen. MacGregor said. But “if we pass it, we can come back and revisit it.

 

“I want to make it clear that if the legislature decides to vote on any of the citizens’ initiated ballot proposals, we must vote and accept the language as written, within 40 days of certification,” he later said to WKTV. “We can’t change anything until it becomes a statute. Both accepting language and any future changes can be done by a simple majority vote.”

 

A more detailed discussion on the issue, along with discussion on other issues such as the federal deficit, funding problems with Kent County’s mental health programs, and business news from Kentwood and Wyoming were also part of the latest Government Matters meeting.

 

The monthly meeting brings together government leaders of all levels to discuss issues of importance and presents those discussions through WKTV’s live, delayed and on-demand broadcasts.

 

The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other regional, State of Michigan and Federal elected officials. The next meeting will be June 11 at Kentwood City Hall.

 

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.

 

Wyoming Department of Public Safety investigating a suspicious situation

City of Wyoming, ,

On May 12, 2018 at approximately 2:01 p.m. officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a suspicious situation which occurred on the southeast corner of Chicago Drive and Wendler Avenue. A witness observed a female walking east on the sidewalk on the south side of Chicago Drive, when a white Ford pick-up pulled onto Wendler Avenue. A male exited the truck and appeared to have a brief conversation with the female. He then grabbed the female and compelled her to get into the passenger side of the truck. The truck left southbound on Wendler Avenue. The exact nature of this exchange, the relationship between the male and female, or the circumstances that may have led up to this event are not immediately evident.

 

The truck is a white mid-2000’s Ford F-150 crew cab with an open bed and no topper. It had tan or beige trim starting at the bottom of the doors and running approximately one-quarter of the way up the side of the truck. The truck has “step-ups” on the sides of each door to assist in entering the vehicle. The truck had stock rims and no other distinguishable characteristics.

 

The female was described as a black female in her teens to early 20s, approximately five feet five inches tall, with an average build. She was wearing blue jeans, a pink shirt, and possibly a jean jacket. She had a short ponytail.

 

The male was described as a black male in his 20s to 30s, tall, with an average build. He had dread locks pulled back onto the top of his head and part way down the back of his neck. He was wearing a red t-shirt, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes.

 

If anyone has any information regarding the identity of these subjects, the whereabouts of this truck, or can clarify the nature of this exchange they are asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s Investigative Division at 616-530-7335 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345

School News Network: Drama is back, and Kelloggsville students are ready to act

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,
Junior Sam Resendez and senior Kayla Kern rehearse

 

By Erin Albanese

School News Network

 

Alexandrea Groters munched on an apple. Sam Resendez walked on his knees and prepared to stand up dramatically, and Israel Juarez-Perez flopped on the floor. Other cast members rehearsing the play “Honor Bright” practiced their own parts onstage, within a half-circle created by 13 traditional school desks.

 

Things were coming together. After five years without a program and, now, with a renovated auditorium, a stockpile of props pulled from storage and two enthusiastic new hires, Kelloggsville High School theater has been resurrected.

 

The district, which spent the last few years on construction and renovation at the high school, had closed the curtains on the theater program. But it’s showtime once again.

 

Sixteen students are learning the ropes of play production, from character development to improvisation, while rehearsing to put on the school’s first play under new directors. “Honor Bright” is scheduled to be performed May 18 and 19 at Kelloggsville High School.

 

Junior Sam Resendez and senior Kayla Kern rehearse

“My brother and sister had both gone through Kelloggsville and were in theater. I always loved going to the plays and musicals,” said Alexandrea the apple-crunching senior, who was one of the first students to sign up for theater. The program started in September with an after-school drama club. “It’s just fun; it gives me something else to do,” he added.

 

Students and directors are learning as they go. English teacher Shannon Dahlquist and social studies teacher Jeff Malinowski, both new hires this year, were asked to restart the program, though neither has a background in drama or performing arts, aside from Malinowski’s roles in theater as a high school student.

 

“What’s been challenging is we don’t have much experience so we are learning on our feet, but we’ve had a lot of student interest,” Dahlquist said. “What’s been really exciting is to see how excited the students are. They don’t have any experience, but they are willing to try and jump in with both feet.”

 

The fledgling troupe is starting small. “Honor Bright,” by Alan Haehnel, is about students contemplating cheating in school. The cast is performing just one 45-minute act.

 

Junior Sam Resendez plays a character who faces a tough decision

More Plays to Come

 

Future plans are to perform a fall play and spring musical each year. A drama elective class, to be taught by Dahlquist, is also starting in the fall, with about 75 students signed up for two sessions.

 

Alexandrea said she’s already learned how to “bring out my sass more” in playing Robin, a cheeky character. “I’ve learned more about trying to act a certain way, trying to make my emotions show.”

 

Jackson Johnson, a freshman who plays a character named Brian, said it’s nice to have a chance to perform.

 

“It’s a way to express yourself without being judged and you can be whatever you want to be. It’s a good escape,” Jackson said. “I noticed that the key is emotion and how you present yourself. You have to discard who you are and become this new person in the play, which is kind of cool because it’s being someone else.”

 

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.

Sophomore Israel Juarez-Perez flops on the floor during play rehearsal

Lee high girls soccer hosts ‘Copa Rebelde’ with eye on Latino heritage

City of Wyoming, Education, Going Local, Recreation, Sports, ,
At Lee High School’s Copa Rebelde and on other local fields, several local girls high school soccer teams will be in action this weekend.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

The Lee High School girls soccer team, on Saturday, May 12, will host its first Copa Rebelde — Rebel Cup, for those of you not bilingual, which most of coach Gabriel Snyder’s team is.

 

And while the event should feature some great tournament soccer action, it will also be a community celebration of sorts.

 

“We are lucky to have a team and community that can embrace their cultural heritage as much as they do,” coach Snyder said to WKTV. “Copa is ultimately just a word but that word represents more than a tournament cup. It represents our small community’s strong ties with Latin America.

 

“This event also brings in a community of athletes and their families because baseball and softball are playing tournaments on the same day. It will be a great day to be a Rebel.”

 

The Copa Rebelde field will feature the Lee varsity team hosting teams from West Michigan Aviation Academy and Wyoming Potter’s House Christian High School.

 

The schedule has Potter’s House vs Lee at 10 a.m., WMAA vs Potter’s House at 11:30 a.m., and Lee vs WMAA at 1 p.m.

 

Each contest will be 60-minute games, 30-minute halves with a 10 minute halftime. There will be no overtime, with tie games decided by penalty shoot out. The tournament champion will be determined by record, then point differential/shoot out victory.

 

The tournament counts as one game date against each team’s schedule per MHSAA guidelines.

 

This is not the first time Lee has hosted the Copa Rebelde, but the first time it was not a boys team tournament.

 

“We have hosted a boys tournament in the fall the last several years and decided it was high time we held one for our girls as well,” said John Cain, assistant athletic director at Lee.

 

“To the girls, it is an opportunity to play competitive soccer in a different format,” Snyder said. “This year’s team has not found a lot of success on the field but has shown a ton of leadership on and off the field. For them it is just another opportunity to showcase that leadership. I am excited to finally give them an opportunity for tourney play at our home field.”

 

While the Lee varsity team has a “rely on everyone approach. We do have a couple of surprising standouts this year,” Snyder said. “Kristy Medina is our primary forward; she is fast and can make you miss. She is a calm leader.

 

“Our entire starting defense — Jazmin Pena, Karina Lopez, Yesenia Santos, and Vanessa Camargo — have played the hardest on our team this year. Long games of multiple shots, these four are bruised up and still tough.

 

“Lastly, our keeper, Jennifer Hernandez. She moved up from JV in the beginning of the year and has really improved as the season has moved along.”

 

High school sports on WKTV feature coverage schedule in May

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Recreation, Sports

Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director

sportswktv@gmail.com 

 

The month of May brings the end of the school year for seniors, graduations, and the start of the MHSAA state tournaments for the spring sports season as the last full month of the high school seasons is here.  WKTV will bring a variety of baseball and softball games throughout the month to also close out their broadcasting portion of the school year,

 

The tentative schedule is below but show your support of the athletes and catch a game or two in-person, and then watch the replay.  Check the weekly schedule to see when the games will be replayed.

 

Monday, May 14 — Girls Softball Belding vs Kelloggsville

Tuesday, May 15 — Girls Softball Unity Christian vs South Christian

Tuesday, May 22 — Boys Baseball West Michigan Aviation vs Zion Christian

Wednesday, May 23 — Boys Baseball Grandville vs East Kentwood

 

WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

These and other sports events are cable broadcast either live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99. Typically, WKTV’s featured Monday games will be broadcast that night starting at 11 p.m. and following Wednesday starting at 5 p.m. The Tuesday games will be aired that night at 11 p.m. and repeat Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.; Both games will often be rebroadcast back-to-back on Saturdays starting at 11 a.m. See WKTVjournal.org/sports weekly for complete feature broadcast schedules.

 

WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.

Here is your complete weekly schedule for local teams:

 

Tuesday May 8

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ Middleville T-K (DH)

Wyoming @ FH Central

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood (DH)

West Michigan Aviation @ Tri-Unity Christian

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Boys/Girls Track

South Christian @ Wyoming

West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary Christian

Girls Tennis

East Kentwood @ Wyoming

Ottawa Hills @ Kelloggsville

Girls Softball

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood (DH)

Boys Golf

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Girls Soccer

East Kentwood @ Caledonia

Tri-Unity Christian @ Fruitport Calvary

Grand River Prep @ Wellsprings Prep

West Michigan Aviation @ Algoma Christian

 

Wednesday, May 9

Boys Golf

Christian @ South Christian

Wyoming @ Christian

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Kenowa Hills

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ Grant

Girls Softball

South Christian @ Holland Christian

Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

Boys Baseball

Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Potter’s House @ Zion Christian

Bloomingdale @ West Michigan Aviation

Girls Soccer

Belding @ Wyoming Lee

Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

FH Eastern @ Wyoming

Godwin Heights @ Covenant Christian

Zion Christian @ Potter’s House

Boys/Girls Track

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

 

Thursday, May 10

Boys Baseball

Middleville T-K @ South Christian

GR Crusaders @ Wyoming Lee

Kenowa Hills @ Wyoming (DH)

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Girls Soccer

Christian @ South Christian

Holland Calvary @ Tri-Unity Christian

Grand River Prep @ West Michigan Aviation

Potter’s House @ Kalamazoo Heritage

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ NorthPointe Christian

Comstock Park @ Kelloggsville

East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills

Girls Softball

Kenowa Hills @ Wyoming (DH)

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Plainwell @ Godwin Heights (DH)

Boys Golf

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

 

Friday, May 11

Boys Lacrosse

Kenowa Hills @ South Christian

Girls Softball

South Christian @ Rockford (DH)

Godwin Heights @ Coopersville

Boys/Girls Track

Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Conference Meet

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Conference Meet

Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa – OK Red Conference Meet

Boys Baseball

Hopkins @ Wyoming

Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Calvary (DH)

Boys Golf

Hopkins @ Kelloggsville 

Girls Soccer

Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville

East Kentwood @ FH Northern

 

Saturday, May 12

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ Zeeland East

Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee –  Rebel Invite

West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial

East Kentwood @ Jenison (DH)

Zion Christian vs Michigan Lutheran @ Holland Calvary

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ Catholic Central

@ Wyoming Lee – Copa Rebelde

Wayland @ Wyoming

Wellsprings Prep @ Zion Christian

West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Wyoming

Kelloggsville @ Hamilton

Boys/Girls Track

South Christian @ Wyoming – OK Gold Conference Meet @ Houseman Field

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ Wyoming – OK Gold Conference Tournament

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian – OK Silver Conference Tournament

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa – OK Red Conference Tournament

Girls Softball

South Christian @ Hudsonville

@ Wyoming Lee – Rebel Invite

Allegan @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial

Godwin Heights @ Ottawa Hills

Girls Water Polo

East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids – MHSAA State Districts

 

Monday, May 14

Girls Soccer

East Grand Rapids @ South Christian

Wayland @ Wyoming

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

Godwin Heights @ Belding

West Michigan Aviation @ Tri-Unity Christian

Fruitport Calvary Christian @ Grand River Prep

Girls Tennis

North Muskegon @ South Christian

Boys Baseball

Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian

Belding @ Kelloggsville

Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian

Girls Softball

Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian (DH)

Christian @ Wyoming (DH)

Belding @ Kelloggsville (DH) – WKTV Featured Game

Muskegon Orchard View @ East Kentwood

NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights (DH)

 

WM Hispanic Chamber of Commerce launches new initiative to reduce barriers in food industry

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,
Shawn Kohlhaas, owner of Culinary Cultivations, talks to participants in the Transformando West Michigan program.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

A new initiative designed to reduce barriers in the food industry for Hispanic business owners and those interested in the industry was well received by business leaders and members of the Hispanic community.

 

The group gathered at the Gordon Food Service Distribution Center on Monday, May 7, for the inaugural Transformando West Michigan initiative, “Feeding Minds, Mouths, and Pockets.” The goal of this program is to provide Hispanic business owners currently working or with the desire to work in the food industry with the necessary financial tools and food safety knowledge to become successful. 

 

“This is a bridge that really needed to be built,” said Shawn Kohlhaas, owner of Culinary Cultivations, which provides food safety certification, event staffing and hospitality consulting in Michigan. 

 

West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Guillermo Cisneros greets guests and participants.

Guillermo Cisneros, executive director for the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the driving force behind the new initiative, said he has spent the last year working on developing the program and was thrilled to see it launch. 

 

The first phase of Transformando West Michigan is six sessions that will take place over the next three months. Through these sessions, which are lead by Principal Financial and Culinary Cultivations, participants will receive financial and food safety certification classes that will allow their business to have increased knowledge in areas like cashflow, wealth creation, bookkeeping/accounting, customer service, and food safety. Those who complete the program will receive food safety certification required by the health department of any restaurant operator. A graduation ceremony is planned for August. 

 

Much of the materials and the final exam to obtain certification will be in Spanish, which will help to break down some of the barriers many in the Hispanic community have faced when trying to open or operate food-based businesses. Even the opening program was mostly in Spanish to connect with the participants.

 

As part of the program’s efforts to reduce barriers and provide accessible professional services, program participants will be eligible to receive free legal services from the Varnum law firm through its MiSpringboard program. In addition, the program will provide participants access to financial institutions, certified public accountants (CPAs), attorneys, insurance experts and other consultants. Such access will allow these business owners to increase their support network and access resources within the West Michigan community. The Hispanic Chamber will also provide program participants with mentors who will work one on one with them on specific areas of their businesses, thereby offering personalized answers and targeted assistance. 

 

Cisneros said the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce received a multi-year grant from The Wege Foundation, which totaled $167,000. This allowed the Hispanic Chamber to secure the resources needed to create the program and hire a program manager.

 

The Chamber also was able to partner with a number of local businesses that include Culinary Cultivations, Principal Financial, Gordon Food Services, Varnum, Grand Valley State University and the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation. 

Wyoming ‘Concerts in the Park’ is back this year, on Tuesdays, from June 5-Aug. 7

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living
Courtesy City of Wyoming

By City of Wyoming

 

The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission is back again this year with an outstanding line-up of concerts for the 2018 Concerts in the Park series at Lamar Park. Concerts begin at 7 pm.

 

For more detailed information, check out the WCEC here, or on Facebook (search WyomingCEC).

  • Dates: June 5-Aug. 7, 2018
  • Day: Tuesdays
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Location: Lamar Park

Concert line-up (subject to change):

  • June 5 — The Porters (Children’s interactive music)
  • June 12 — Delilah DeWylde (Rockabilly)
  • June 19 — Adams Family (’50s and ’60s)
  • June 26 — Valentiger (Charismatic Pop Rock); Kari Lynch Band (Country); FIREWORKS after concert
  • July 10 — Cabildo (Alternative Latin Rock)
  • July 17 — Soul Syndicate (’60s, ’70s Soul and R&B)
  • July 24 — Blue Soul Express (Blues)
  • July 31 — Matt Gabriel (Folk and Blues)
  • Aug. 7 — Yellow Brick Road (Dueling Pianos featuring the music of Billy Joel and Elton John)

Radio personality Buck Matthews makes stop at First & Main on farewell tour

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

Once known as the voice of West Michigan, Buck Matthews is on his farewell tour offering one last piece of advice: write down and share your stories.

 

Matthews will be at First & Main of Metro Health Village, 6812 Village Dr. SW, Wednesday, May 9, to talk about his latest book, “The Book in Each of Us.” The program is at 2 p.m. In the book, Matthews discuss the experience of writing and encourages others to do the same to share their stories.

 

Matthews started his career as a disc jockey at a radio station in Marine City, which he took while serving in the U.S. Air Force. In 1961, Matthews was hired as a weatherman for WOOD Radio and WOOD-TV. Ten years later, he launched “The Buck Matthews Show,” which aired weekday mornings on WOOD-TV. The show ran for nine years and featured an array of guests such as poet Maya Angelou, comedians Red Skelton and Phyllis Diller, and musicians Benny Goodman, Pat Boone, Dave Brubeck, and Pearl Bailey.

 

After retiring from Blue Lake Radio in 1995, Matthews decided to write a book which he did. “Uncommon Women — A Novel” was released on Amazon Kindle. 

 

In 2015, Matthews released his third book, “Getting Here: Thoughts, Stories, Poems, Recollections,” focusing on life in local television and radio and Matthews reflecting on his life plan, which there was none.

 

Matthews continue to write about his observations on life through his blog, buckmatthews.com.

5 Local Things You Need to Know: For the weekend, to start next week

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Food, Kids Activities, Recreation, Senior Living, Travel, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Wyoming: Spring Carnival wraps up this weekend

Wyoming’s celebration of spring, its annual carnival at Lamar Park, is wrapping up its final days. The carnival runs through Sunday, May 6. The carnival features entertainment for all ages, including games, prizes, and carnival fare favorites. A spectrum of rides will be available for carnival-goers, from crowd pleasers, such as a carousel and Ferris Wheel to the adrenaline-inducing Mega Drop and Wipe Out.

 

For full story, click here.

 

Time for the Tulips

Buff up those wooden shoes and head toward Holland as the city gears up for the annual Tulip Time festival. There will be Dutch dancing, parades, a carnival, an artist market, performances of all kinds, five million tulips in bloom, and more Dutch dancing. The official activities kick off Saturday, May 5, and run through May 13.

 

For more, click here. 

‘Dust-Off’ Metro Cruise kicks off May 5

‘Dust Off’, the precursor to the annual Metro Cruise, kicks off this Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s become a favorite tradition, with car owners revving up for the summer car show, finally being able to show off what has been stored under those tarps.

 

For full story, click here.

30th anniversary edition of Lighthouse Map now available

Lighthouse lovers, get ready to plan your next lighthouse adventure! The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) is excited to announce the release of the 2018 Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour. This is a free poster-sized publication which details all of the lighthouses located on the shores of Lake Michigan, as well as the Circle Tour driving route to guide motorists around the lake.

 

For full story, click here.

Live Mermaid to return to Grand Rapids Public Museum

Admission to Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids is $12 for adults, $7 for children, $9 for Kent County resident adults, $4 for Kent County resident children, and $2 for all Museum members! Tickets include general admission to the Museum, and can be purchased online at grpm.org or by calling 616.929.1700.

 

For full story, click here.

 

 

Two ribbon cutting ceremonies for a remodeled office, new Wyoming apartment complex

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, ,

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of one new community development and the newly remodeled offices of The Chiropractic Doctor.

 

The Chiropractic Doctor

On April 23, celebrated the remodeled offices of The Chiropractic Doctor, located at 4415 Byron Center Ave. SW. The Chiropractic Doctor has been in business for 35 years, having received a number of awards including the Patient’s Choice Award and a Best of Grand Rapids Readers Poll in 2012. For about The Chiropractic Doctor, visit wyomingpanrelief.com. 

 

 

The Haven. Photo by Fuller Creative Services

On April 26, the Chamber helped mark the opening of The Havens, at 4025 Pier Light Drive near the corner of Wilson Avenue and 52nd Street. The 192-unit apartment complex features one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes. For more information about The Haven, visit villagegreen.com/wyoming/the-haven or call 616-266-1026.

Wyoming high’s annual Paganelli baseball, softball fundraiser games set for Friday

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Action from a previous Christy’s Cause Scholarship Baseball and Softball Games. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

This Friday, the annual Christy’s Cause Scholarship Baseball and Softball Games will be played between Wyoming and Grandville high schools, the seventh year honoring the person and the spirit of Christy Paganelli, who lost a courageous 18-month battle with melanoma.

 

The theme and cause of the games is “Play for Melanoma”, but the event recognizes all cancer awareness and prevention, and is committed to making sure everyone is aware that melanoma skin cancer can happen to anyone and how to prevent it.

 

Christy Paganelli, from her high school playing days. (Supplied)

All funds will be directed towards cancer research and the Christy Paganelli Scholarship Fund, which funds one or two scholarships each year at Aquinas College, where Christy played softball after playing and graduating from Wyoming’s Rogers High School.

 

The games are scheduled for May 4 at Wyoming High School’s baseball and softball fields, with junior varsity games beginning at 3:15 p.m. and varsity games beginning at 6 p.m.

 

In addition to the games, there will be information available about melanoma so everyone can be aware of the dangers of skin cancer and what the risk factors are.

5 Local Things You Need to Know: Headlines for the week

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Senior Living, Tech Trends, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Kentwood Fire Department annual report highlights funding, manpower, emergency calls

Kentwood Fire Department Chief Brent J. Looman presented, and the City Commission accepted, the department’s 2017 annual report at the commission’s April 9 regular meeting, with highlights including funding, manpower and last year’s emergency calls.

 

For the complete story, click here.

 

School News Network: Wyoming Public Schools selects one of its own for top spot

“Dream big, work hard and make it happen”: That’s the mantra of Craig Hoekstra, a familiar face in the district, who this week was selected as the new superintendent.

 

For the complete story, click here.

 

Kentwood to hold Community Clean-Up Day this week
Kentwood Public Works Department oversees the city’s recycling center.

The City of Kentwood is sponsoring a Community Clean-Up Day for residents wanting to spring clean their homes and yards. The Community Clean-Up Day, scheduled for Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., will allow residents to bring general debris, gently used items for donation, household hazardous materials and electronic devices to be recycled.

 

For the complete story, click here.

Good mental health habits for kids

May is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Children can have mental health challenges just as adults can. As a matter of fact, over 2 million children in Michigan experience mental health challenges such as ADHD, anxiety and depression.

 

For the complete story, click here.

Employment in the Digital Age — free computer literacy workshops available

West Michigan Works! is now offering a free workshop to help individuals gain basic computer skills. Computer Literacy helps attendees become comfortable using a computer, accessing the internet and using email — all of which can help you find, apply and qualify for a new job.

 

For the complete story, click here.

5 Local Things You Need to Know:  For the weekend, to start next week

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local History, Recreation
Wyoming’s annual Spring Carnival will open this weekend at Lamar Park. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Wyoming: City’s family-friendly Spring Carnival at Lamar Park opens 

 

It’s time to celebrate spring as the City of Wyoming hosts its annual spring carnival at Lamar Park, with the carnival opening on Friday, April 27 and running through Sunday, May 6, at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. Carnival times are Monday through Thursday from 4-8:30 p.m.; Fridays from 2-8:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8:30 p.m.

 

The carnival will feature entertainment for all ages, including games, prizes, and carnival fare favorites. Proceeds from the carnival support City of Wyoming parks and recreation services and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance or GWCRA.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Kentwood: Police department’s Drug Take Back day planned for Saturday

 

The Kentwood Police Department will be part of a region wide Drug Take Back day Saturday. (Supplied)

The Kentwood Police Department also will be offering Drug Take Back services Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at its department offices, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Only pills or patches will be accepted at this location.

 

Those looking to get rid of sharps — the term for medical devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin such as needles — should contact the Kent County Health Department about the Sharps program.

 

Kentwood’s event is part of a region-wide; for the full story, click here.

 

WKTV sports: Golden Gloves boxing, high school ball games, available

 

WKTV will rebroadcast its coverage Michigan Golden Gloves state finals this weekend. (WKTV)

If you are fans of local Golden Gloves boxing, WKTV will rebroadcast its coverage of this week’s action on Saturday, April 28, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.

 

But if you are more in the mood for something outdoors, we have your schedule of local high school baseball and softball action around the Wyoming and Kentwood area.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Grand Rapids: GRPM hosts annual cocktails and collections event

 

Grand Rapids Public Museum will host Collections & Cocktails May 2. (Supplied)

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will once again host Collections & Cocktails, a new annual fundraiser focusing on the museum’s collections, their stories and the preservation and education with these artifacts, on Wednesday, May 2.

 

This year, Collections & Cocktails will focus on the museum’s transportation collection, featuring dinner and signature cocktails to go along with the exciting stories of artifacts such as Grand Rapids’ own 1949 Herpolsheimer Child Passenger Train, the Austin Model 60, and a 1913 Indian Model E Motorcycle.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Lake Michigan: MSU study looks at recreation, climate change on lakeshore

 

According to scientists and some users, Lake Michigan is seeing an impact from global warming. (Supplied)

Coastal communities and sensitive coastal ecosystems experience a variety of weather-related impacts that are influenced by changing climatic conditions, but Michigan State University researchers have found that Michigan residents’ opinions about climate change vary for many reasons.

 

For example, the authors found that greater involvement in outdoor recreation activities, higher levels of education, and lower levels of income were key factors. And, males and older individuals tended to be more dismissive of or disengaged with climate change than their counterparts.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Kentwood, Wyoming host Drug Take Back events this Saturday

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. To help residents prevent this, both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood once again will be participating in the national Drug Take Back program this Saturday.

 

The City of Wyoming has partnered with Metro Health-University of Michigan Health to provide Drug Take Back services between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the main lobby of the Metro Health Hospital, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, or to the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW. 

 

Wyoming Public Safety officers will be on hand to anonymously accept medications, including controlled substances, with no questions asked. A pharmacist will be available at Metro Health throughout the event to answer questions about medications. Mercury thermometers also may be exchanged for a new digital thermometer from the City of Wyoming and Metro Health.

 

Metro Health and the City of Wyoming partner twice a year to provide this service to the community. This past October, the Drug Take Back Day event took in 502 pounds of prescription and over-the-counter drugs and 18 mercury thermometers.

 

The City of Wyoming also offers a prescription drug drop-off service 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, at its Public Safety offices in Wyoming. The service has been so well-received that a second drop-off box has been installed.

 

 

The Kentwood Police Department also will be offering Drug Take Back services from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at its department offices, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Only pills or patches will be accepted at this location. 

 

Those looking to get rid of sharps — the term for medical devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin such as needles — should contact the Kent County Health Department about the Sharps program. For more information, visit http://www.reimaginetrash.org/material/sharps/.

 

Last fall, Americans turned in 456 tons (912,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,300 sites operated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and almost 4,300 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 14 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in more than nine million pounds—more than 4,500 tons—of pills.

 

According to the West Michigan Take Back Meds website, 20 percent to 60 percent of prescription medications go unused and are eventually disposed. A 2002 analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey of 139 streams across 30 states found that 80 percent of waterways tested had measurable concentrations of prescription and nonprescription drugs, steroids and reproductive hormones. For that and other safety and health hazard reasons, residents are discouraged from disposing unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash. For more on West Michigan Take Back Meds, visit www.wmtakebackmeds.com.

Proudly conservative state senate candidate, local author on latest WKTV Journal: In Focus

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Election, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Politics, , ,

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Keith St. Clair (WKTV)

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, new volunteer host Keith St. Clair, an instructor at Grand Rapids Community College, talks conservatism and the state of Michigan state politics with  Bob Genetski, a Republican who is running for the 26th State Senate district seat currently held by Tonya Schuitmaker.

 

Genetski served the Michigan House of Representatives from 2009 through 2014, when he was elected as Allegan County Clerk. He is both a one-time public school teacher and was named one of the Michigan House’s most conservative elected officials.

 

Also on this episode of In Focus today is Kathey Batey, a key volunteer with the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, a domestic relations mediator, and accomplished author and sought-after speaker, as well as corporate trainer specializing in conflict communication. She talks with In Focus host Ken Norris about her work with the chamber, in the community and a new book she has written.

 

 

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, April 24, and will again air on Thursday, April 25, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of April 30. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

 

5 Local Things You Need to Know: Headlines for the week

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Going Local, Health, , ,
Wyoming will hold its drug take-back day this week. (WKTV)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Wyoming: Drug take back day is this Saturday

The City of Wyoming has partnered with Metro Health-University of Michigan Health to provide Drug Take Back services between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the main lobby of the Metro Health Hospital, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, or to the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW.

 

Wyoming Public Safety officers will be on hand to anonymously accept medications, including controlled substances, with no questions asked.

 

For the complete story, click here.

Kentwood/Kent County: Ford airport continues to grow amenity options
The Gerald R. Ford Airport continues to grow its passenger and pubic amenities.

More food and beverage offerings are coming to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, this time in the pre-security area, as “Leinie Lodge” has now opened adjacent to Starbucks in the Airport’s Grand Hall.

 

Leinie Lodge will predominantly feature Leinenkugel’s wide range of award-winning German-inspired beers, as well as a selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and an assortment of snacks.

 

For the complete story, click here.

Kelloggsville: Retiree stays active as school-based community advocate 
Jane and Jim Ward meet the KDL elephant, Katie L.

Kent District Library’s Kelloggsville Branch, and community member Jim Ward, are all about getting books into children’s hands. Together they have made it happen inside Kelloggsville High School.

 

Ward, who is retired, was instrumental in planning the library, which opened this winter inside the high school. A Forest Hills Public Schools media specialist for 38 years, he had a strong interest in the concept of public libraries operating within schools, and worked with administrators, who tapped into his knowledge to make that happen.

 

For the complete story, click here.

WKTV programs: ‘Feel Like You Belong’ looks at mentoring minorities — in  golf
Alan Headbloom tapes his show here at WKTV.

This week’s “Feel Like You Belong” program — produced here at WKTV — tackles the subject of how do we change the notion that certain sports are just for white athletes or male participants? By mentoring females and youth of color in those sports. PGA professional Andre Pillow talks about his work with The First Tee of West Michigan and creating access to golf for all young people.

 

For the complete story, click here.

West Michigan: Bennett Prize ($50,000) for women figurative style artists
The Muskegon Museum of Art will host a contest for women painters.

Women who paint in the figurative realist style are invited to apply for the $50,000 Bennett Prize, the largest ever offered solely to women painters. The winner of The Bennett Prize will create her own solo exhibition of figurative realist paintings, which will first be shown at the Muskegon Museum of Art and then travel the country.

 

The call for entries runs from April 13-Sept. 28, 2018. Details are at www.thebennettprize.org.

 

For the complete story, click here.

 

High school girls water polo, Golden Gloves feature coverage part of local sports action

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

As the WKTV sports feature coverage crew gets cranked up for outdoor spring sports, and the weather finally turns nice, our cameras will be indoors at East Kentwood for water polo early this week as well as continuing our coverage of Golden Gloves boxing later in the week.

 

And you can catch them both on WKTV with multiple viewing options.

 

The Tuesday, April 24, East Kentwood girls water polo match vs. Portage Central will be cable broadcast at 11 p.m. on the night of the event, and repeat on Wednesday, April 25, at 5 p.m. Then the Friday, April 27, Golden Gloves boxing coverage will be cable broadcast on Saturday, April 28, at 11 a.m.

 

These and other sports events are cable broadcast either live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99. See WKTVjournal.org for complete feature event schedules.

 

WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.

 

Following is the this week’s complete high school sports schedule, but many events that have been delayed or cancelled are now rescheduled. For changes, check individual school websites or MHSAA.com .

 

Monday, April 23

Boys Baseball

Holland Christian @ South Christian

Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

Holland Black River @ Kelloggsville – DH

Girls Softball

Holland Christian @ South Christian

Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights – DH

Wyoming @ Allendale – DH

Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian – DH

Catholic Central @ Kelloggsville – DH

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

Belding @ Godwin Heights

NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

West Michigan Aviation @ South Haven

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls Tennis

East Grand Rapids @ South Christian

Wayland @ Wyoming

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

 

Tuesday, April 24

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ Christian – DH

FH Eastern @ Wyoming – DH

West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee

Martin @ Zion Christian – DH

Potter’s House vs Tri-Unity Christian @ Fifth Third Ballpark

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven – DH

Girls Softball

South Christian @ Christian – DH

FH Eastern @ Wyoming – DH

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven – DH

Boys Lacrosse

Northview @ South Christian

Boys/Girls Track

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee

Belding @ Kelloggsville

Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Girls Soccer

Hudsonville Hornets @ Wyoming

Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House

West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Girls Water Polo

Portage Central @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event

 

Wednesday, April 25

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Wayland

Wyoming @ Wayland – OK Bronze Jamboree

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

Kelloggsville @ Sparta

Caledonia @ East Kentwood

Boys Baseball

Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Softball

Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

Jenison @ East Kentwood

Boys/Girls Track

Wyoming @ FH Eastern

Girls Soccer

Wyoming @ Christian

Kelloggsville @ Belding

 

Thursday, April 26

Boys Baseball

Christian @ South Christian

Wyoming @ FH Eastern

Tri-Unity Christian @ Heritage Christian – DH

West Michigan Aviation @ Holland Calvary – DH

Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Grand Rapids Crusdaers @ Potter’s House

Girls Softball

Zeeland East @ South Christian – DH

Union @ Godwin Heights

Muskegon Mona Shores @ Wyoming – DH

Kelloggsville @ East Grand Rapids

Girls Soccer

Calvin Christian @ South Christian

Tri-Unity Christian @ Heritage Christian

West Michigan Aviation @ Holland Calvary

Rockford @ East Kentwood

Hudsonville Homeschool @ Potter’s House

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Comstock Park

Boys/Girls Track

Belding @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian

Hopkins @ Kelloggsville

West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

Boys Golf

Wyoming @ Zeeland West

Girls Tennis

Tri-Unity Christian @ Wyoming

Girls Water Polo

East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids

 

Friday, April 27

Girls Soccer

FH Northern @ South Christian

Ottawa Hills @ Kelloggsville

Zion Christian @ Grand River Prep

Barry County Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

Boys Golf

South Christian @ TC Central – Tee-Off Invite

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming

Boys Baseball

Godwin Heights @ Potter’s House – DH

Zeeland East @ Wyoming –  DH

Holland @ Kelloggsville – DH

Zion Christian @ Hopkins

NorthPointe Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

Girls Tennis

Kelloggsville @ Western Michigan Christian

Girls Water Polo

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville/Zeeland Tournament

Boys/Girls Track

East Kentwood @ Jackson

Girls Softball

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

 

Saturday, April 28

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ Hudsonville – Hudsonville Invite

Boys Golf

South Christian @ TC Central – Tee-Off Invite

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ Zeeland East

East Kentwood @ Holland

Boys/Girls Track

South Christian @ Wyoming – Grimm Relays

Godwin Heights @ Wyoming – Grimm Relays

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming – Grimm Relays

Potter’s House @ Grand Rapids Elite Challenge – Houseman Field

Girls Softball

Godwin Heights @ Otsego

Girls Water Polo

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville/Zeeland Tournament

 

Monday, April 30

Girls Softball

Covenant Christian @ South Christian – DH

Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee – DH

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins – DH

Girls Soccer

FH Eastern @ South Christian

Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

West Michigan Aviation @ NorthPointe Christian

Boys Golf

South Christian @ East Grand Rapids

Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids

Boys Baseball

Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

Girls Tennis

Christian @ Wyoming

Kelloggsville @ Spring Lake

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

 

5 Local Things You Need to Know: Headlines for the weekend

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Our Cities, Recycling, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

Wyoming: Community Clean-Up Day Saturday

One of the events the City of Wyoming hosts is its annual Community Clean-Up Day.

The City of Wyoming, through the support of the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance, will have its annual Community Clean-Up Day Saturday at Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St. SW.

 

The site will be open form 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Residents need to have a picture ID with them or proof of residency. Residents will enter east off of 44th Street to the northeast entrance of the church. For the full store, click here.

Wyoming: Flamingo Avenue to get trees

Mayor Jack Poll reads a proclamation at last year’s Arbor Day event.

This Saturday, the Tree Amigos and student volunteers will plant 24 street trees in the City of Wyoming. Planting will begin 9 a.m. in the 4200 block of Flamingo Avenue SW where ten Wyoming residents have signed up for the project. For more on this story, click here.

Kentwood: EK student makes her stage debut

East Kentwood student Ania Powell makes her Civic Theatre debut with “Akeelah and the Bee.”

Ania Powell makes her Grand Rapids Civic Theatre debut in “Akeehal and the Bee,” which opens on Friday and runs through April 29 at the Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave. For more on the story, click here.

Wyoming and Kentwood: Record Store Day is Saturday

This Saturday, April 21, is the annual Record Store Day in the Grand Rapids area and, quite literally, around the world. It is a day to celebrate small music stores but also to celebrate records — music on vinyl. For more on the story, click here.

Public Museum: “Water’s Extreme Journey” coming to a close

Water’s Extreme Journey is open now at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) taking visitors on a quest for clean water through an experiential maze! But the exhibit is only open through April 29. For more on this story, click here.

Audiophiles, vinyl fans eagerly await Record Store Day releases 

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Local Business, Local Entertainment, ,
Pink Floyd’s The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, a remastered re-release of the band’s 1967 debut release, is expected to be one of the hot vinyl sellers this week.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

This Saturday, April 21, is the annual Record Store Day in the Grand Rapids area and, quite literally, around the world. It is a day to celebrate small music stores but also to celebrate records — music on vinyl.

 

And if you ask those in the vinyl know, record store owners and all-around audiophiles, they say the day has become one of the most anticipated music release dates of the year.

 

“I understand that Jack White’s label will be having a surprise release on that day,” Steve Williamson, owner of Corner Record Shop in Grandville. “Not sure what it will be, but I am looking forward to that. It is always interesting when you do not know.”

 

Not that Williamson expects there to be a run on the surprise from Third Man Records, which is based out of Detroit, not like there may be on what he said is likely to be the “hot release” on vinyl on that day: Pink Floyd’s The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, a remastered re-release of the band’s 1967 debut release.

 

“Not sure how many of those (Pink Floyd) we will be getting in,” he said. “But that should sell quickly.”

 

Herm Baker, store manager of Vertigo Music in Grand Rapids, says his store is expecting a busy day Saturday and points out three releases he expects to sell well: David Bowie’s 1978 Welcome to the Blackout (Live in London ’78), a three-record set; Wilco’s 1990 Live at the Troubadour 11/12/96, a two-record set; and Grateful Dead’s 1969 Fillmore West, San Francisco, Ca. 2/27/69, a four-LP boxed set.

 

WKTV’s own Bill Jung has his opinion on releases he’s most anticipating — and if you’d ever seen his audio set-up and vinyl collection, you’d know he knows for what he speaks.

 

“There are a couple Van Morrison things, there is this alternative Moondance (LP) and this 7-inch vinyl (with the songs ‘Close Enough for Jazz’ and ‘Things’,” Jung said, when pushed to do so. “And this U2, ‘The Lights of Home’, a 12-inch vinyl.

 

Tom Waits (Norma Crux)

“But Tom Waits, Bawlers, that would be the number one,” he said. “He released those a couple years ago. They were sort of like the sweepings of all of his studio stuff. There was a set called Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards. On Bastards, Tom does this thing of screaming into the distorted microphone, but Bawlers is more his reflective piano stuff. … There is some excellent things on that.”

 

(Don’t tell my wife, but I’m getting her the 7-inch vinyl of Florence + The Machine’s “Sky Full of Song”, a single off her upcoming new full length release, backed by “New York poem (for Polly)”.)

 

Corner Record Shop is located at 3562 Chicago Dr SW. Other local stores sure to have a rush of vinyl releases and vinyl fans are Schuler Books & Music, on 2660 28th Street SE, and Vertigo Music, 129 South Division. Google their websites for Record Store Day specials.

 

If you are looking for a new, used or repairs for turntables, check out Wayback Audio, now located at 3980 Chicago Drive, Suite 130. Google the business for contact info.

 

For more information on Record Store Day and a list of vinyl releases expected, see recordstoreday.com .

 

Vet needed to fill vacancy on Kent County Veterans’ Affairs Committee  

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Veterans, Volunteers,
Kent County is interested in filling membership on a county committee focused of veterans issues.

By Kent County

 

The Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents who are interested in serving the community through appointment to the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

 

The new Veterans’ Affairs Committee member would fill a mid-term vacancy ending Dec. 31, 2021. Applicants must reside in Kent County and have served honorably on active duty in the United States Armed Forces.

 

The Veterans’ Affairs Committee meets the first Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m., at the Veterans’ Services Office, 836 Fuller Avenue NE.

 

Kent County residents must complete an online application form via the County’s website at accesskent.com/boardappointments. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged and may be attached. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 27.

 

Please call the Board of Commissioners Office at 616-632-7580 with any questions.

 

Weather woes: WKTV coverage of GVSU Lubbers Cup cancelled; high school sports schedule in flux

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Recreation, Sports
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

The annual Don Lubbers Cup Regatta was set to be held at Spring Lake April 13-15, but was cancelled due to bad weather and waves. So, WKTV’s planned coverage was also cancelled for this year.

 

WKTV usually broadcasts the Lubbers Cup and other sports events live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99. See WKTVjournal.org for complete schedules.

 

WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.

 

The current tentative April WKTV feature broadcast schedule with tentative day and time of broadcast, includes:

Wednesday, April 18, Kelloggsville softball vs Tri-Unity/Calvin Christian (Friday, April 20, at 11 p.m. and Saturday, April 21, at 5 p.m.)

Friday, April 20, Golden Gloves Boxing (Saturday, April 21, at 11 a.m.)

Tuesday, April 24, East Kentwood girls water polo vs. Portage Central (11 p.m. night of and repeat on Wednesday at 5 p.m)

Friday, April 27, Golden Gloves Boxing (Saturday, April 28, at 11 a.m.)

 

Following is the this week’s complete high school sports schedule, but many events have been delayed or cancelled. For changes, check individual school websites or MHSAA.com .

 

Monday, April 16

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ Christian

Wyoming @ FH Eastern

Wyoming Lee @ Belding

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

Grand River Prep @ Lake Odessa Lakewood

Fruitport Calvary @ Potter’s House

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Forest Hills Invite

Tri-Unity Christian @ Kelloggsville

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ Wayland

Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids

Kelloggsville @ West Catholic

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

Boys Baseball

Union @ Godwin Heights

Belding @ Wyoming Lee

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian – DH

Girls Softball

Belding @ Wyoming Lee – DH

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian – DH

 

Tuesday, April 17

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Kenowa Hills

Boys/Girls Track

Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

East Kentwood @ Caledonia

Boys Baseball

Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids – DH

Zion Christian @ Holland Black River – DH

Rockford @ East Kentwood – DH

Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary

Girls Softball

Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids – DH

Rockford @ East Kentwood

Girls Soccer

Zion Christian @ Holland Black River

Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

West Michigan Aviation @ Wellsprings Prep

Muskegon Mona Shores @ East Kentwood

Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary

Boys Golf

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

Girls Water Polo

East Kentwood @ Jenison

 

Wednesday, April 18

Boys Baseball

Wayland @ South Christian – DH

Wyoming Lee @ Belding

Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

Girls Softball

South Christian @ Wyoming – DH

Wyoming Lee @ Belding

Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville – WKTV Featured Event

Girls Soccer

East Grand Rapids @ South Christian

Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville

Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Wyoming @ Wayland

Boys Golf

@ South Christian – OK Gold Jamboree

Wyoming @ Christian – OK Bronze Jamboree

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ Christian

FH Eastern @ Wyoming

Comstock Park @ Kelloggsville

Rockford @ East Kentwood

Boys/Girls Track

South Christian @ East Grand Rapids

Wyoming @ Christian

 

Thursday, April 19

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ Wayland

East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming

Wyoming Lee @ Barry County Christian

Covenant Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls Softball

South Christian @ Byron Center – DH

Western Michigan Christian @ Godwin Heights – DH

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Holland

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Unity Christian

Holland @ Wyoming

East Kentwood @ Caledonia

Boys/Girls Track

Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Girls Soccer

Hopkins @ Wyoming

Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

Holland Black River @ Potter’s House

Girls Water Polo

FH Central @ East Kentwood

 

Friday, April 20

Girls Soccer

Caledonia @ South Christian

Hudsonville Hornets @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming Lee @ West Michigan Aviation

East Kentwood @ Middleville T-K

Boys Baseball

West Michigan Aviation @ Godwin Heights – DH

Hopkins @ Wyoming

Kelloggsville @ Hastings

Potter’s House vs Holland Black River @ Hope College

Girls Softball

Godwin Heights @ Ottawa Hills – DH

Kelloggsville @ Hastings

Hopkins @ Wyoming

Boys Golf

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

Girls Tennis

Tri-Unity Christian @ Comstock Park

Girls Water Polo

@ East Kentwood – East Kentwood Invite

 

Saturday, April 21

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ Ann Arbor Greenhills – Greenhills Invite

Wyoming @ Hamilton

@ Kelloggsville – Rocket Tournament

East Kentwood @ Holt

Boys/Girls Track

Godwin Heights @ Covenant Christian

Wyoming @ Wyoming Lee – Solis Invitational

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee – Solis Invitational

West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee – Solis Invitational

Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee – Solis Invitational

Girls Softball

Godwin Heights @ Schoolcraft

Wyoming @ Muskegon Reeths-Puffer

Muskegon Mona Shores @ East Kentwood – DH

Boys Golf

Kelloggsville @ Kent City – Eagle Invite

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Boys Baseball

Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian – DH

East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills

Girls Water Polo

@ East Kentwood – Invite

 

Monday, April 23

Boys Baseball

Holland Christian @ South Christian

Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

Holland Black River @ Kelloggsville – DH

Girls Softball

Holland Christian @ South Christian

Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights – DH

Wyoming @ Allendale – DH

Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian – DH

Catholic Central @ Kelloggsville – DH

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

Belding @ Godwin Heights

NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

West Michigan Aviation @ South Haven

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls Tennis

East Grand Rapids @ South Christian

Wayland @ Wyoming

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

 

Be In the Know: Top Headlines for the Week

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

Wyoming: Kim Koster selected as Public Safety chief

The Wyoming City Council has named Kimberly Koster its new director of public safety during its regular April 16 meeting. She will be sworn in Wednesday, April 25. For more information, click here.

 

Wyoming: TwoGuys Brewing now open

Tom Payne, shown at back talking with customers, says he plans for the new taproom to be as much as community meeting place as a place to quaff a beer. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

It may have taken a little longer that expected, but Wyoming’s TwoGuys Brewing has opened in an old city firehouse and a one-time 7-Eleven convenience store in, and for, the Wyoming Park community.

 

And Tom Payne — managing partner, brewmaster and all-around craft-brew guru — says he plans for the new taproom to be as much as community meeting place as a place to quaff a beer, and he hopes the business is just the beginning of a continued renaissance in the area. For more, click here.

 

Kentwood: City opens brush drop-off site

The City of Kentwood will be pilot a yard debris drop-off site this spring.

Residents of the city will be able to dispose of sticks, branches and logs at the Kentwood Department of Public Works from May 7 to June 2. For more, click here.

 

Wyoming and Kentwood: Time for spring cleaning

 

The City of Wyoming will be hosting its third annual Community Clean-Up Day this Saturday, April 21, at Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St. SW. Residents must bring proof of residency or property ownership within the city. The event will be from 8 a.m. 2 p.m.

 

The line will form in the east bound lane of 44th St. SW. Traffic will enter the parking lot through the northeast entrance. Plummers, Kent County Department of Public Works, Recycle Kent, and The Salvation Army will be on hand. For more information, click here.

 

The City of Kentwood will host its Community Clean-Up Day May 5 at the Kentwood Recycling Center at 5068 Breton Ave. The event is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This service is provided to Kentwood residents with proof by picture identification.

 

The Kent County Department of Public Works will be on hand to accept household hazardous waste items.  They will not be accepting latex paint. The Salvation Army and Comprenew also will be on hand. For more information, click here.

 

Cherry Health: How to prevent asbestos exposure

 

As many begin their spring cleaning, Cherry Health,  in collaboration with mesothelioma health advocate Rosie Rosati,  takes a look at asbestos and how residents can prevent exposure to the carcinogen. For more on the story, click here.

 

 

Wyoming’s Agropur, Inc. to expand with $21.3 million investment, 62 new jobs

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Food, Hard News, Local Business
Agropur is a dairy manufacturer headquartered in Canada. Its facility at 5252 Clay SW, mainly produces various shelf-stable dairy products. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By The Right Place

 

The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the City of Wyoming, announced April 11 that Wisconsin-based Agropur, Inc. will invest $21.3 million to expand its existing Wyoming facility, resulting in the creation of 62 new jobs over the next three years.

 

Agropur is a dairy industry leader that processes more than 13 billion pounds of milk per year at its 39 plants across North America. Agropur is the American subsidiary of Agropur Cooperative, a dairy manufacturer headquartered in Canada. Its facility at 5252 Clay SW, mainly produces various shelf-stable dairy products distributed across the country.

 

The MEDC is supporting the expansion effort with a $434,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The expansion will also be supported locally by a P.A. 198 tax abatement from the City of Wyoming.

 

“The City of Wyoming is a phenomenal place for manufacturing and we are so proud to have companies like Agropur in our community,” said Mayor Jack Poll, City of Wyoming. “We are excited to be a part of their growth story and we look forward to watching their continued success.”

 

The majority of the $21.3 million expansion project at Agropur’s Wyoming facility will be for new equipment, with a portion going toward building modifications. This investment is driven by the need to meet growing customer demand, and will result in a modernized production line and increased production capacity.

 

“We’re excited to be expanding our facility in Grand Rapids, which will allow us to better serve our customers,” said Doug Simon, president of US Operations, Agropur. “This investment is a key to continuing Agropur’s impressive growth, and will also create jobs in the state of Michigan.”

 

The City of Wyoming was chosen over multiple competing sites in other states. The Right Place worked in collaboration with the MEDC to ensure the project happened in West Michigan. The Right Place also connected the company with workforce development resources at West Michigan Works! to assist with talent attraction and workforce training.

 

“Agropur’s decision to invest $21.3 million and create more than 60 jobs is a tremendous win for West Michigan and the region’s growing food processing sector,” said Thad Rieder, senior business development manager, The Right Place. “By partnering with the City of Wyoming, West Michigan Works!, Grand Rapids Community College and MEDC, The Right Place has been able to coordinate talent, training, and financial tools to boost Agropur’s internal return for this important expansion.”

 

Agropur Cooperative is a North American dairy industry leader founded in 1938, with sales of $6.4 billion in 2017. Agropur processes more than 13 billion pounds of milk per year at its 39 plants across North America. For more information visit agropur.com .