The Kentwood Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, May 24, in the 4700 block of Ridgebrook Ave. SE.
Upon arrival, officers located several casings, along with damage to vehicles and a residence. At this time no injuries were reported, and no suspects have been arrested.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-656-6580. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
Editor’s Note: WKTV is reposting this unique, local story in honor of George David Payne and all United States veterans.
The weeks leading up to the sinking of the USS Indianapolis during a top secret mission in WWII, 17-year-old sailor George David Payne mailed two letters home from the ship.
Some 77 years after his brother tragically died on that ship off the coast of Japan, Sparta resident David Payne still gets extremely emotional reading those last letters.
“I get choked up when I read that last letter,” said David, who never met George David. “From my understanding he was a quiet, nice kid. I’ve never heard anything bad about him.”
Below is an excerpt from one of the two final letters from George David Payne (Seaman 2nd Class):
One of the two letters Wyoming sailor George David Payne sent home just weeks before the USS Indianapolis sank off the coast of Japan on July 30, 1945. (Courtesy, David Payne)
Dear Mom, Dad and Kids,
I hope this letter finds all of you in the best of health. I feel pretty good myself.
Tell dad and all the kids I said hi. Tell Jean the same. I suppose you are having quite a time with the kids.
Tell grandma and grandpa I said hello. Boy, I’ll sure be glad when I get another leave, but I shouldn’t start thinking about a leave already.
I suppose it is pretty nice weather in Michigan now. Anyway, it should be summer. Well, I’ll have to say so long for now.
Love to all the family,
George David Payne
Tragedy strikes shortly after letters sent home
Tragically, not long after the letters were sent, torpedoes from the Japanese submarine I-58 sank the USS Indianapolis to the bottom of the Western Pacific Ocean within minutes on July 30, 1945.
Only 316 men survived
An estimated 300 men died aboard the ship, while nearly 900 sailors abandoned it, leading to several days of fighting off sharks, dehydration and injuries. Only 316 survived.
Top secret mission delivering atomic bomb components for use on Hiroshima
On a top secret mission that began in San Francisco, the Indianapolis successfully delivered atomic bomb components to Tinian Island. The components delivered were used in the atomic bomb (Little Boy) that the United States dropped on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945.
USS Indianapolis in its prime. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Archives)
“Many are familiar with Captain Quint’s retelling of the ship’s story in the 1975 film, “Jaws.” Few, however, understand the far-reaching impact of the incident and the tremendous amount of documentation and research conducted in the wake of the incident that continues to impact how the Navy operates today,” according to the Naval History and Heritage Command Communication and Outreach Division.
George David Payne is remembered by two siblings (David Payne and Suzanna Green) in a WKTV interview last summer (2022). July 30, 2023, marked the 78th anniversary of the sinking of the Indianapolis.
Siblings Jim and Cherie Payne, and mom Lillian Payne at their home: 305 Murray St., Wyoming, in 1945. (David Payne)
“I wasn’t born yet when George died,” David continued. “I didn’t realize I had a brother that died in the war until I was seven. In the early fifties, there was a program on TV showing the Japanese sinking that ship and my mother Lillian started crying and said your brother was on that ship.”
While recently looking at a photo of his brother Jim, Mom Lillian and sister Cherie (dated June 20, 1945) enjoying a happy day on the front porch, David said it soon turned tragic about a month later with the death of his brother on July 30, 1945.
David said his brother George David wasn’t old enough to sign up for the war so his dad signed the necessary paperwork in 1945 to let him join the Navy.
A short stint on the ship
“He was only on that ship for two weeks,” said David, age 75, who’s lived in Sparta for over 30 years. “I had an older brother in California (Nick Alberts, from his mother’s previous marriage), and he met him out there. George stayed for Nick’s wedding in California, and then got transferred to the USS Indianapolis.”
David said Nick, a member of the Seabees in California at the time, blamed himself for George’s fate.
“My little buddy”
USS Indianapolis Seaman 2nd Class George David Payne. (Naval History and Heritage Command Archives)
“He blamed himself for getting him transferred and going to the wedding,” said David, as he cried explaining the sad details. “He always called George ‘my little buddy,’ and said, ‘I can’t come home without my little buddy.’”
Because of that lingering guilt, David said his big brother Nick didn’t return home for 15 years.
“He had guilt, but did finally come home in the late fifties when I was 14 years old,” David continued. “Nick left a book on the Indianapolis with me.”
Most of the 12 siblings (seven girls, five boys) grew up on 305 Murray Street in Wyoming and attended Kelloggsville High School.
Providing after death
Many of them experienced the Great Depression. And it wasn’t lost on any family member how far George’s Navy death gratuity went to pay for their necessities.
“Our mother bought our school clothes and everything we needed from that check, it helped out our family so much,” said David, born on September 17, 1945, less than two months after the Indianapolis sank. “Both mom and dad got 20 or 30 dollars a month from George’s death.”
Gruesome shark attack stories
David Payne honoring and remembering his brother George David at a USS Indianapolis memorial in 1995 in Indy. (Courtesy, David Payne)
During a USS Indianapolis memorial event held in Indianapolis in 1995, David learned firsthand about the tragedy from several survivors.
“Through the years, we didn’t talk about it much and we were hoping he wasn’t trapped in the ship or killed by sharks,” said David, who attended with his wife Mary and sister Suzanna Green.
“Some of the guys relayed the terrible stories, talking about sharks dragging away their friends. It must have been hell.”
He said nearly 200 sailors attended, and recalls some talking about the gruesome shark attacks.
“I remember one guy’s account saying he heard a fellow sailor’s last word’s while getting dragged off by a shark, he screamed for his mother, and David imagined his brother George screaming for mom as well, as he cried retelling his memorial experience with survivors.
“There were some terrible stories. They had to go through hell.”
A “wonderful guy”
Green said George David was “kind-hearted, and definitely cared about his country. My mother cried over his death all of her life and made sure all of us knew we had a brother George David. He was a good kid.”
Green, who also attended the 1995 Indianapolis memorial, recalls the heavy emotions of the event.
“We went there because it was in his memory,” said Green, who taught for 30 years in the Grand Rapids Public School system. “And it was very emotional when we found his name on the monument. Dave put Mary on his shoulders and she put a piece of paper up there and she scratched it with a pencil.”
A proud celebration of life and service
Siblings David, Suzanna and Margie Payne at home on 305 Murray St. in Wyoming in the late 40s. (David Payne)
“It made me feel real close to the brother that I never saw,” Green continued.
“I knew him, but never saw him. I was very proud that his name was there and that he was remembered. It was a celebration of his life and his service.”
Green said their faith got her through the tragedy.
“Mom read the bible every day,” Green explained. “I love him like I grew up with him and that’s because my mother kept his memory alive.”
“We love him even though we didn’t ever get to meet him. And he still is well loved.”
Navy changes status
The Navy officially changed the status of George David and 12 other sailors lost when the Indianapolis was sunk in 1945 from “unaccounted for” to “buried at sea,” Navy Casualty announced on May 27, 2022.
The change in status is the result of extensive research between Naval History and Heritage Command, Navy Casualty Office, the USS Indianapolis Survivors Association, the USS Indianapolis Legacy Organization, and the Chief Rick Stone and Family Charitable Foundation.
The announcement helps bring closure to the families of these sailors who lost their lives at the end of a secret mission which helped end World War II.
Remembering George David through his clothing
At age 12, David found one of George’s Navy peacoats.
“I put it on and came upstairs and asked mom if I could have it,” he recalled.
His brother James would put on his Navy uniform occasionally.
A friend’s dad and Battle of the Bulge veteran from World War II, James Emanouil, age 97 at the time of the original article, used to spar with George David in the early forties at a local gym in Grand Rapids.
“I think George David wanted to join this war because of James and Nick.”
Service to the country goes way, way back
David’s fascination with genealogy led to a discovery of another young veteran from long ago. He learned that a great, great, great grandparent fought in the American Revolution at age 15, Eli Payne, Sr. His 100-year-old aunt, at the time, gave David a charcoal drawing of this relative.
Captain Charles B. McVay III
Captain Charles B. McVay III, commander of the USS Indianapolis. (Naval History and Heritage Command Archives)
Per the Naval History and Heritage Command website, “Captain McVay was court-martialed in the aftermath of the sinking and found guilty of recklessly endangering his crew by failing to zig-zag, in spite of I-58 Captain Mochitsura Hashimoto’s testimony at the trial stating that such maneuvers would not have changed the outcome of his attack. The conviction effectively ruined McVay’s career. It was controversial at the time and remains so today.” (Hashimoto was the Japanese submarine commander that sank the USS Indianapolis.)
“McVay had a distinguished naval career prior to the loss of the Indianapolis. He served as Executive Officer of the USS Cleveland during the North African landings in November 1942 and earned a Silver Star for his actions aboard the same ship in the Solomon Islands in March 1943.”
After his death, McVay was exonerated by United States President Bill Clinton and the 106th Congress in 2000. Captain McVay committed suicide on November 6, 1968.
The bold paragraphs below are excerpts from survivor Captain Charles B. McVay’s detailed “Oral History – The Sinking of USS Indianapolis”
This is all documented in the Naval History and Heritage Command Archives. For a complete account of “Recollections of Captain Charles B. McVay, III,” visit here.
Captain McVay:
Commander Flynn
Executive officer [second in command on the ship] came up, Commander Flynn, and said, “We are definitely going down and I suggest that we abandon ship.” Well, knowing Flynn and having utter regard for his ability, I then said, “Pass the word to abandon ship.”
Dividing up rations floating at sea
I looked over the material that we had, the food stuffs, and told the people that I would open one Hormel tin per day. It contains 12 ounces and we would divide that evenly, and I also figured out each person could have two biscuits and two malted milk tablets, which I knew would last us about ten days.
Attacked by sharks
We had sharks, or rather they had sharks down there [in the life preserver group]. We know that because we have two survivors who were bitten by sharks and as I told this one boy in the hospital. I said, “You’d better take some castellan paint and put on that thing before it heals up because nobody will ever believe you’ve been bitten by a shark. You might as well outline the teeth mark and you will have it for the rest of your life and can say, `I know I was bitten by a shark.'”
USS Ringness to the rescue
The (USS) Ringness picked us up by radar. We had a 40 mm, empty ammunition can which I had spent a good deal of energy and time trying to get to, thinking it was an emergency ration, but we picked it up anyhow and saved it and she [Ringness] got a [radar] pip from this can.
I think we had lost probably about 15% of our weight and I was naturally so elated to get on the ship, as were the others that we didn’t turn in at all. We were given something to eat, ice cream, coffee, such as that. The doctor said, “You can eat all you want,” which most of us did. We drank quite a bit of water.
The City of Kentwood has announced its tentative road construction and maintenance schedule for the summer.
The $1.2 million reconstruction, resurfacing and maintenance program has been approved by the City Commission and includes improvements to approximately 15.5 lane miles of major and local roads. Work will begin in June and is expected to be completed by November.
Planned street reconstruction, resurfacing and maintenance projects include:
Milling and repaving of 52nd Street SE from Breezefield Drive to M-37.
Milling and repaving of 52nd Street from Division to Eastern avenues.
Milling and repaving of Breton Avenue SE from 44th to 52nd streets.
Milling and repaving of Kalamazoo Avenue from 52nd to 60th streets.
Other preventative street maintenance work throughout the city, including routine street marking, crack sealing and patching.
Signs will be placed on major streets to give drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists advance notice of when closures will begin.
“The City of Kentwood is committed to maintaining the quality of our community’s roads, which contribute to public safety and sound city infrastructure,” City Engineer Brad Boomstra said. “We recognize construction can be inconvenient, so our crews are committed to working efficiently to reduce disruptions as much as possible.
“We appreciate the support and understanding of our residents and businesses as we complete these essential improvements.”
The 52nd Street work from Breezefield to M-37 will be completed in two consecutive phases starting in June.
During the first phase, 52nd Street will be closed from west of East Paris Avenue to M-37 from June to July. During the second phase, 52nd Street will be closed from Breezefield to East Paris from July to August.
Throughout the project, the road will be open to local traffic only. Property owners affected by this project will be informed by letter. Mail delivery and trash pickup will not be disrupted.
The 52nd Street work from Division to Eastern will begin in June and last about nine weeks, with construction expected to wrap up in August.
(Photo Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Throughout the project, one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction. Drivers are encouraged to use the detour route of 60th Street to Eastern Avenue SE to avoid delays.
The Breton Avenue project is expected to begin in August and end in November. Throughout the project, northbound and southbound traffic will be maintained, but will be limited to one lane in each direction. Drivers are encouraged to use Kalamazoo Avenue to avoid delays.
The Kalamazoo Avenue project is expected to start in June and end in August. During the project, northbound and southbound traffic will be maintained, but will be limited to one lane in each direction.
Patching and crack sealing will take place on several neighborhood streets in June to prepare them for cape sealing. Cape sealing creates a smooth surface with increased durability. These projects take two non-consecutive days, with the cape seal treatment requiring up to a few hours to dry before being ready for traffic.
Drivers are asked to proceed slowly and stay alert when traveling through road project areas. On-street parking will not be allowed during cape sealing.
Residents in the neighborhoods where these projects will take place will be informed by letter. They are encouraged to follow the construction crew’s instructions for the best access to their home.
The City’s road maintenance decisions are based on a variety of data, including ratings from the annual Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating System, or PASER. This rating system compares the quality of roadway segments and assigns a rating for road pavement conditions based on visual inspections.
Kentwood maintains some of the highest-rated major streets in Kent County based on PASER, according to data compiled by the Grand Valley Metro Council, which rates Kentwood’s road network annually.
Last year, the City invested in improvements to 41.24 miles of major and local roads. Major streets included in the 2024 reconstruction, resurfacing and maintenance program were:
Julivan Avenue and Ridgewood Street.
40th Street from Patterson Avenue to Soundtech Court.
East Paris Avenue from 28th to Burton streets.
Community members can sign up to be notified when construction updates are added to the City’s website or follow the City on Facebook for updates.
For more information about Kentwood’s 2025 road projects, including amap of street resurfacing and repairs, visit kentwood.us/construction.
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host a Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS May Mobile Food Pantry will be held Tuesday, May 27 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.due to the holiday weekend.
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Resources
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.
Kent District Library and the KDL Board of Trustees are proud to announce the two recipients of the KDL Community Impact Scholarship. Jamie Elgrably and Ania Fleszar will each receive $5,000 to further their education.
The award recognizes high school seniors and adults returning to school who have worked hard to improve their communities and show potential to make long term impact. Both trade-bound and college-bound students were eligible to apply.
“An incredible blessing”
Scholarship winner Jamie Elgrably (Courtesy, KDL)
Elgrably, of Kentwood, is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Cornerstone University, with hopes of continuing on to earn a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.
She is a wife and a mother of two, and after putting her education on hold for many years due to life circumstances—including several moves and raising young children—she finally decided to pursue her dream.
Elgrably said, “Receiving this scholarship is an incredible blessing. It lifts part of the financial burden and makes it possible for me to continue pursuing my calling with ease and peace of mind. I’m passionate about helping others feel seen, supported and valued, and I look forward to using my education to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.”
“It means so much…”
Scholarship winner Ania Fleszar (Courtesy, KDL)
Fleszar is a student at Lowell High School and plans to put the scholarship money toward her education at Western Michigan University. She is planning to pursue either secondary education in History and English or theater, maybe both.
“It means so much that this money is helping my education, of course, but it means even more that it’s coming from my community library,” Fleszar said.
“I’ve learned so much from KDL’s resources growing up, and now I am having my education furthered into college with their assistance.”
Passionate about making a difference
These winners are students who are passionate about making a difference, champions for inclusivity, innovators at heart and lifelong learners with a love for the library. These guidelines were shaped by those of the Library Journal Jerry Kline Award, an award KDL received in 2023 that afforded KDL the opportunity to begin this scholarship fund.
The scholarship award in the amount of $5,000 will be disbursed directly to the recipient’s chosen college, university or trade school to be used for tuition, fees, books or other educational expenses.
The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series will return for the 2025 season on Thursday, June 5.
The Farmers Market will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays from June 5 through Aug. 21 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The Summer Concert Series will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays on the lawn behind City Hall. There will be no Farmers Market and concert Thursday, July 3.
“Our Farmers Markets and Summer Concert Series have become community favorites for neighbors, friends and families to come together for food, fun and festivities,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “From local vendors and themed farmers markets to live music and delicious food trucks, there’s something for everyone at our Farmers Markets and Summer Concert Series.”
The Farmers Market will offer a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20-plus local vendors and include special activities throughout the summer. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, EBT and Double Up Food Bucks. The market’s season harvest sponsor is Renewal by Anderson, the artisan sponsor is Corewell Health and the friend of the market is Arie Nol Auto Center.
A new addition to this year’s June Farmers Markets is a free Zumba class from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. at the concert stage.
The Summer Concert Series will feature a local music group on Thursdays June 5 through Aug. 14, except July 3. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase.
Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Here’s the full lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:
June 5 – Opening day and 11th anniversary celebration of the Kentwood Farmers Market. Tony Thompson and Friends playing soul, funk, Motown and dance music. Food trucks include El Jalapeno, PizzaMI, Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack, Patty Matters and Eastown Cereal Café.
June 12 – Art at the Market at the Farmers Market, featuring an opportunity to create a work of art using produce to create a painting. That Beatles Thing performing Beatles covers. Food trucks include El Globo Restaurant Mobile, Scott’s Pig Roast, Kool Breze, Media Famous Street Foods and Luna Bella’s.
June 19 – Celebrate Kentwood Culture at the Farmers Market with colorful textiles, savory spices and more. Motherland House Concerts bringing the vibrant sounds of Africa. Food trucks include Pilar’s Empanadas Argentinas, YoChef’s Catering Company, Cheezy Duz-It and Dune Buggy.
June 26 – Produce Bingo at the Farmers Market. Hark Up Horns performing jazz, swing, pop and rock. Food trucks include Baerrito, La Rotisserie, Sanse Filpino Cuisine and Freddy Franks.
July 10 – Bike Night at the Farmers Market featuring local bike organizations. On the Lash performing traditional Celtic music. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Los Pinches Tacos and Dakiddd Bar-B-Que and Catering.
July 17 – Backyard Barbeque and farm-fresh goodies at the Farmers Market. Sunchaser Band, a five-piece band playing rock, country, blues, R&B and more. Food trucks include Taquero Mucho, Falafel Truck, Boujee Bowls and Taste of Toya’s World.
July 24 – Christmas in July at the Farmers Market, featuring holiday-themed goods. Fierro, performing energetic norteño and tejano music. Food trucks include Kory’s Antojitos, Around Baking Company, Frostbite Shaved Ice and Patty Matters.
July 31 – Fitness Fun at the Farmers Market featuring a quick HIITER demonstration. Roosevelt Diggs performing a blend of folk, country, bluegrass, blues and more. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Tamales Mary, Sweet Racks and Smokin’ Butts BBQ and Dolce Mini Cakes.
Aug. 7 – Throwback Thursday at the Farmers Market with a chance to win a prize for best dressed. RocknSoul performing covers of songs from the 1970s and ’80s. Food trucks include Dune Buggy, Taqueria Mi Pueblo MI, 616 Kabob Stop and Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack.
Aug. 14 – Back-to-School Bash at the Farmers Market, featuring a foam party, school supplies giveaway and more. Innuendo playing rock and roll covers. Food trucks include Tacos la Familia, Cheezy Duz-It, Motor Mouth MI, Kool Breze and PAC Brazilian Food.
Aug. 21 – Dog Days of Summer at the Farmers Market featuring more vendors and services for your furry friends. No live music, but food trucks Tacos Mexico, Taste of Toya’s World and PizzaMI will be on-site.
Diamond sponsor of the event is Macatawa Bank. Gold sponsors of the concert series include Bloom Sluggett, PC, Metronet, Sabo PR, Triangle Associates, MSU Federal Credit Union and DTE Energy Foundation. Silver sponsors of the concert series are Arie Nol Auto Center and Moonlight Graphics Inc., and copper sponsors are the Joint Chiropractic and Renewal by Anderson.
Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking at the following locations:
Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE
Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE
Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE
Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE
More information about the Farmers Market, including vendor and volunteer details and registration, is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.
By Cris Greer Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
WKTV Hosts Bob Serulla and Jordan Shimmell (former Golden Gloves champion) walk you through the Michigan Golden Gloves Championships from the West Michigan Finals through the State Finals at Aquinas College in this exciting Friday Night Highlights Golden Gloves edition PART 2.
Five-time Michigan Golden Gloves champion Junior Rios joins in on the play-by-play analysis as well.
PART 2 features the best bouts of the Championships, boxer interviews, and a look inside the MGGA (Michigan Golden Gloves Association) Boxing Gym. You’ll want to watch every bit of this boxing show.
Our WKTV Truck crew got great highlights of the Golden Gloves Championships just for you!
WKTV Hosts Bob Serulla (left) and Jordan Shimmell are joined by boxer Junior Rios.
By Cris Greer Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
WKTV Hosts and Boxing Announcers Bob Serulla and Jordan Shimmell walk you through the Michigan Golden Gloves Championships from the West Michigan Finals through the State Finals in this exciting Friday Night Highlights Golden Gloves edition PART 1.
PART 1 features the best bouts of the Championships, some boxer interviews, a look inside the La Casa Boxing Club, including a chat with owner Anbrocio Ledesma, and an interview with guest boxer Junior Rios. You’ll want to watch every bit of this show.
Our WKTV Truck crew got great highlights of the Golden Gloves Championships just for you. Part 2 will be available soon. Stay tuned!
Look for more great WKTV Golden Gloves coverage in the future!
The Kentwood Police Department is inviting high school students to apply for its youth academy set for July 28-31.
The program is designed to show participants what it’s like to train to be a police officer and for them to experience the various roles and functions police officers perform. The academy is open to all graduating high school seniors and students who will be a sophomore, junior or senior in the 2025-26 school year. Participants do not need to live or attend school in Kentwood.
“Our youth academy gives young people in our community an up-close look at what a career in law enforcement is like, with the hope of inspiring the next generation of police officers,” Deputy Police Chief Stephanie Morningstar said. “Our officers are looking forward to connecting with students, sharing their experiences and building relationships along the way.”
The youth academy is free for participants and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Each participant is provided a uniform and daily lunch.
Kentwood Police Department Youth Academy (Photo Courtesy, KPD)
The program gives students hands-on experience in police training and operations. Participants receive instruction in various aspects of policing and participate in training scenarios, including:
Traffic stops
Drunken driving enforcement
Building searches
Subject control
Handcuffing
Special Response Team
Eligible participants must pass a background check and will be interviewed before being accepted into the program. Participants also are required to attend an informational meeting with a parent or guardian before the academy begins.
Youth academy applications will be accepted through May 16. Applications can be submitted online, by email to careya@kentwood.us, in person at the Kentwood Police Department or by mail to Sgt. Alexander Carey at 4742 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49512. Interested applicants who have questions should contact Sgt. Carey at careya@kentwood.us or 616-330-8211.
One person died and two were injured in a two-car accident at 4:42 p.m. Friday at 28th St. and Radcliff Ave.
Upon arrival by Kentwood Police Officers, lifesaving efforts were given to a passenger by medical personnel, but they died on the scene. The drivers of both vehicles involved were transported to local hospitals for non-life threatening injuries, and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-656-6580. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
Care Resources recently hosted its own “senior prom” for program participants, ages 55 years and older, at its Grand Rapids facility. (WKTV Journal / Jaylah Lewis)
Care Resources recently hosted its own “senior prom” for program participants, ages 55 years and older, at its Grand Rapids facility.
“Cinderella’s Ball” was the culmination of a month of princess-themed recreational programming that included Disney movies and a royal tea party. Attended by approximately 80 seniors, the event featured cupcakes, punch, music – and the crowning of a prom king and queen.
The purpose?
While fun is at the top of the list, Recreational Therapist Sabrina Cusenza says there are great health benefits to activities like “Cinderella’s Ball.”
“Our main goal is to bring joy to our participants and staff, who will also get dressed up and join the fun,” Cusenza says. “But there are functional aspects of programs like this that support participants’ health and well-being.
“Our participants will get physical activity in through the dancing. The socialization is great for emotion well-being. We’ll also incorporate some reminiscing about prom, which has cognitive and mental health benefits.”
Learn more!
A local community-based program of all-inclusive care for the elderly, Care Resources promotes healthy, independent living and helps prevent nursing home placement. Care Resources staff regularly provide entertainment via events and programs that also support participants’ health and well-being.
Learn more about all Care Resources has to offer here.
Two years ago, East Kentwood High School graduate and current professional boxer Justin Lacey-Pierce was winding down his amateur career with a Michigan Golden Gloves state championship. Last Saturday evening at Aquinas College, a pair of East Kentwood graduates stepped up and carried on Lacey-Pierce’s Golden Gloves legacy by winning state championships at the 2025 Michigan Golden Gloves state championships.
Ontess Toliver-James and Aiden Baker of East Kentwood were two of the newly-minted state champions at the state finals that took place at the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of Aquinas College.
East Kentwood graduate Ontess Toliver-James (center, with trophy) celebrates his Golden Gloves win with coaches and staff from Blues Gym. 2025 (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Toliver-James, boxing out of Blues Gym, located at 4248 Kalamazoo Ave. Se, won his title in the 176-pound Elite Novice Division. Coming out strong from the opening bell, Toliver-James took control of the bout with Zameer Rawls-Wallace as he peppered his opponent with body shots in the early going. The constant barrage of punches paid off in the second round when the referee stopped the contest. Toliver-James who reached the finals after winning his semifinal match the day before, came out with a little different plan for his title match.
“Yesterday I tired myself out,” Toliver-James said. “I was throwing too much so I slowed myself down and paced myself a little bit. I read my opponent and picked my punches.”
The win was his third in three bouts which is even more impressive considering that Toliver-James has only been training for boxing and picked up the sport just four weeks ago.
“I feel like anything is possible,” Toliver-James said. “I’m going to train hard and hopefully keep going along undefeated and get some more trophies under my belt.”
Toliver-James played football and basketball growing up, but just decided to start boxing a little over a month ago. He also knows about the Kentwood boxing legacy and especially about the accomplishments in the ring of Lacey-Pierce.
“I actually went to school with him (Lacey-Pierce)” Toliver-James said. “I was in school with him since elementary school. That’s actually another one of my motivations. I just recently saw a couple of posts of him on Facebook. Man, he’s doing good in the pros.”
In the next bout Kentwood’s second boxer, Aiden Baker, stepped into the ring and also brought home a state championship. Boxing in the 198-plus Elite Novice weight class, Baker defeated Santorie Jenkins of Team Boss when the referee stopped the contest in the third round.
East Kentwood graduate Aiden Baker won the 198-pound title at the Golden Gloves State Championships. 2025 (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Baker, who won a West Michigan title last month, kept constant pressure on Jenkins from the opening bell and wore his opponent down with a steady barrage of punches. This year’s Golden Gloves was the first of his career for Baker who began boxing three years ago.
“I started training at MGGA (Michigan Golden Gloves Association gym, Grand Rapids) and they essentially built me from scratch,” Baker said. “My older brother taught me how to fight and then eventually I went into the gym. From there, I just started to fall in love with the sport and take it seriously.”
Floyd Mayweather Sr. sparks Siderio Mitchell to state title
A Grand Rapids boxer with a famous relative claimed one of those open division titles. Siderio Mitchell of MGGA Grand Rapids captured the 141-pound Open Division title with a decision against King Gildersleve of Flint Town Boxing Club. Displaying lightning hand quickness and excellent footwork, Mitchell won his first state title in a fashion that was sure to make his mentor Floyd Mayweather Sr. proud.
“I’d say a little bit of everything was working great for me tonight,” Mitchell said. “Shout out to coaches, shout out to my Uncle Floyd (Sr.), shout out to my family, they mean everything to me. My Uncle Floyd actually got me started in boxing.”
Comstock Park grad Emanuel Jimenez wins state title at 143 pounds
Toliver-James was not the only boxer out of Blues Gym that captured a state title. In the first bout of the evening, Emanuel Jimenez, a student at Comstock Park High School, won the 143-pound Junior Novice title when the referee stopped the contest in the second round against Carter Cobb of MGGA.
Jimenez, who just turned 18 years old, began training for the Golden Gloves six months ago at Blue Gym. A fan of Mexican boxing champion Canelo Alvarez, Jimenez fought in a style that would’ve made Alvarez proud as he came out aggressively throwing punches and didn’t stop until the referee stepped in during the second round. The match was the second of Jimenez’s young career as he won his first bout during Friday’s semifinals.
“To be honest I was very nervous,” Jimenez said, “but I just went out there and did my job. I did a better job of pacing myself in this bout. My first fight I just came out swinging, but this time I did a better job of pacing myself.”
Blues Gym head trainer Dino Newville congratulates Emanuel Jimenez on his Golden Gloves title. 2025 (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Santiago wins state crown at 187-pound Elite Novice
Floyd Santiago of MGGA Grand Rapids won the 187-pound Elite Novice title in a walkover.
Also winning titles in the Elite Novice Division were Mohammad Aliyar of Kalamazoo United, who won the 143-pound Elite Novice title, Hussam Ammar of Saginaw Boxing club (165-pound Elite Novice champion), and United States Navy veteran Nathaniel Williams of AAA boxing club (154-pound Elite Novice title).
A pair of Grand Rapids-area boxers claimed state titles in the open division.
Floyd Mayweather Sr. sparks Siderio Mitchell to state title;
A Grand Rapids boxer with a famous relative claimed one of those open division titles. Siderio Mitchell of MGGA Grand Rapids captured the 141-pound Open Division title with a decision against King Gildersleve of Flint Town Boxing Club. Displaying lightning hand quickness and excellent footwork, Mitchell won his first state title in a fashion that was sure to make his mentor Floyd Mayweather Sr. proud.
“I’d say a little bit of everything was working great for me tonight,” Mitchell said. “Shout out to coaches, shout out to my Uncle Floyd (Sr.), shout out to my family, they mean everything to me. My Uncle Floyd actually got me started in boxing.”
Mercado wins state title at 121-pounds Elite Open; fifth state championship
Boxing out of the La Casa Boxing Club, Guillermo Mercado won the state title in the 121 Elite Open Division as he claimed a decision against Aarkeyse Higdon of Lansing Crown Boxing Club. The state title was the fifth for Mercado, who displayed plenty of heart and boxing ability in grinding out the win against a tough opponent in one of the most entertaining matches of the evening.
Kalamazoo’s Gentle Gibson wins second-consecutive state title
In the 132-pound Open Division, Gentle Gibson of Kalamazoo Boxing won a decision against Nicolas Alonzi of Flint Town Boxing Club. Gibson won his second consecutive state title in impressive fashion as he recorded a pair of standing-eight counts on his way to victory. The state title was the third overall for Gibson who finished in third place at last year’s national Golden Gloves tournament where all of this year’s champions are headed.
“He (Alonzi) was tough,” Gibson said. “I really thought I was going to stop him, but he could take a punch. He didn’t know I had power like that. I can box and I have power. I can do both and I’m still getting better.”
Four more Open Division state champions were also crowned. Evan Jackson of Kalamazoo Boxing won the title at 154 pounds. Kyree Wiggins of Flint Town boxing won at 165-pound Elite Open, while Joseph McDaye of Kalamazoo Westside Boxing club won at 175-pound Elite Open. In the final bout of the evening, Sardius Simmons won his sixth state championship in the 198-plus Elite Open in a classic matchup against Maurice Davis, who came in as a former state champion as well.
A total of five boxers in the Open Division were also crowned as uncontested Open champions. Those five champions, who will head to the Golden Gloves nationals, included Michael Chester of Saginaw Boxing Club at 176 pounds, Solomon Jagun of Gideon Boxing Club (187 pounds), Zoe Hicks of Lansing Team Glass (112-pound Elite Open Female Division), Sarah Batenburg of MGGA Grand Rapids (132-pound Elite Open Female Division), and Asha Lake of Team Glass (143-pound Elite Open Female Division).
Uncontested Novice champions included Jaquan Wilson of Lansing Crown boxing at 110-pounds, Daniel Espinoza of Gideon Boxing (121-pounds), Davone Jones of Crown Boxing (132 pounds), Monta Perkins of Kalamazoo Boxing (198-pounds), and in the female Novice Division Emily Martinez of Eli J Boxing (132-pounds), Tamika Lofton of Lansing Team Glass (143-pounds), and Johana Lugo of United Boxing Club (154-pounds).
The first session focuses on grief support and will be held June 16-20. The second session will focus on cancer support and be held June 23-27. Each session will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Campers do not have to be a Gilda’s Club member to participate and may join and attend any or all camp dates that fit their schedule.
Catch all the sparkling details here:
Camp Sparkle supports overall emotional health and is open to children from all surrounding communities.
(Courtesy, Gilda’s Club)
The program provides children with a chance to connect and interact with other children who having gone through cancer, have been impacted by a cancer journey of someone in their life, or experienced grief because of the death of a family member or friend.
Camp Sparkle is facilitated by Gilda’s Club professional program staff, is supported by trained volunteers, and will feature activities focusing on emotional well-being.
The camp will host guests from community partners including Grand Rapids Symphony, Josh Dunigan with Drums for All, and Grand Rapids Public Library. During the grief session on June 18, those in attendance will have an opportunity to learn breakdancing with Teknique Street Dance Academy.
Pre-registration is required. Those interested can register online here, email cfaust@gildasclubgr.org, or call 616-453-8300, ext. 117.
First Session: Grief Support
Monday, June 16 – 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, June 18 – 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday, June 20 – 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Second Session: Cancer Support
Monday, June 23 – 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, June 25 – 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday, June 27 – 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Note: Family day activities will be scheduled from 1-3 p.m. on the last day of camp for each session.
Davenport University is expanding its unique online bilingual program, Casa Latina, to include three additional associate degrees and two graduate certificates. These additions to the program highlight the need for ongoing support and advocacy for multilingual learners and will be available to students in fall 2025.
Established in the fall of 2024, Casa Latina will now include fully online and bilingual associate degrees in accounting, business administration and human resource management, and graduate certificates in business essentials and human resource management. These offerings are in addition to the 12 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs currently available to students.
“Casa Latina provides a range of career-focused undergraduate and graduate degrees, along with bilingual support services and scholarship opportunities,” said Alejandra Guillén, Director of Marketing & Recruitment for Casa Latina.
“Graduates leave professionally fluent in both English and Spanish, with the skills and cultural understanding to succeed in diverse work environments.”
Bilingual students, especially first-generation students, look for programs that fit their lifestyle (Courtesy, Davenport University)
Fit your lifestyle
Davenport found bilingual students, especially first-generation students, were looking for programs that fit their lifestyle, but not everyone was ready to commit to a four-year program.
“At Davenport, Casa Latina students will now have the option to start with a two-year associate degree, reap the fruits of that commitment, and then finish their undergraduate degree when it’s convenient for them,” said Guillén.
Empowering bilingual individuals
The initiative is grounded in the belief that fully developed bilingualism is a powerful asset (Courtesy, Davenport University)
Casa Latina is designed to empower bilingual individuals and elevate the value of Spanish-English fluency in professional settings. The program focuses on those with underdeveloped or underutilized language skills, helping them achieve full proficiency and succeed in high-demand fields such as business, technology, health care and urban education.
“With nearly half a million Latinos in Michigan, and only 2% holding a postsecondary degree, the need for an accessible, culturally affirming educational pathway is urgent,” said Guillén. “Casa Latina exists to meet this need.
“Many Spanish-speaking individuals—especially those who feel their English skills are not strong enough—have long considered college out of reach. Casa Latina removes this barrier, offering a fully bilingual pathway to higher education.”
The initiative is grounded in the belief that fully developed bilingualism is a powerful asset. It enhances cognitive abilities, expands socioeconomic opportunities and strengthens communities. The program prepares its students to succeed individually and contribute meaningfully to the organizations and communities they serve.
Learn more!
For more information about Casa Latina, click here.
Don’t miss the exciting kickoff to the car cruisin’ season with the Metro Cruise Dust Off on Saturday, May 3. The Dust Off will be hosted at the Wyoming Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave SW, and begin at 8:30 a.m.
The Dust Off has been the Metro Cruise‘s first event of the year since 2014. It was held at rotating sites in the early years, but for the past seven it has been at the Wyoming Moose Lodge. The site has an expansive lot of 200+ spaces with general parking nearby, a large outdoor patio and gracious hosts that give access to the entire building for this event.
For nearly all show cars and attendees, the Dust Off is their first car event of the year. This event emanates a special nostalgia due to the reuniting of old friends after a long time apart.
(Courtesy, Metro Cruise)
Key details:
*Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 *Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Show car lot opens at 8:30 a.m. *Location: Wyoming Moose Lodge (2630 Burlingame Ave SW, Wyoming) *Free admission, free parking for general cars – follow signs on arrival (see map below) *Food and drinks available starting at 11 a.m.
Event Entertainment:
*200+ show cars; all from individual local owners *Build-a-Burger starts at 11 a.m. – various food and drink (full bar) *Spacious outdoor patio with ample seating; indoor areas and seating also available *Themed music playing outside throughout event *Multiple items from the Metro-Merch official collection, including the 2025 Dust Off T-Shirt, just $15 to the first 70 people
Dust Off event parking map (Courtesy, Metro Cruise)
Grab a four-legged friend for this popular community event filled with music, food, drinks, and fun – all while supporting a great cause (Courtesy, Hats & Hounds)
Dust off your best hat and grab a four-legged friend for the popular Hats & Hounds popular community event filled with music, food, drinks and fun – all while supporting a great cause.
There will be a chance to win a prize for Best Dressed Hound & Handler – so don your best outfit! (Courtesy, PAWS)
Event details
This evening of fun will take place on Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m. at Wildwood Family Farms located at 7970 Snow Ave SE, Alto, MI 49302. Guests will enjoy toe-tapping bluegrass music from the Round Creek Trio, indulge in southern-inspired food and beverages, take part in exciting raffles and games, and have the chance to win a prize for the Best Dressed Hound & Handler Contest.
Tickets are just $25 per person and include all food and drinks. In addition to the fun, attendees will meet PAWS clients and learn firsthand about the life-changing impact PAWS assistance dogs have on individuals with disabilities.
Financial support is needed as the need for assistance dogs increases (Courtesy, PAWS)
“It’s exciting to bring this event back for another year. Last year, we were able to raise $15,000 for our mission and this year we’re hoping to raise even more,” said Ashley Diersch, Chief Advancement Officer at PAWS.
“There is a growing need for assistance dogs, and the need for financial support continues to grow as well. With the challenges of inflation and the uncertainty with the economy, we need more help from our community to continue this life-changing work. Every ticket purchase helps!”
Personal pets are welcome, but must be over 16 weeks old, fully vaccinated, leashed and under the control of their owner at all times. If you are unable to attend but still want to support PAWS, donations are welcomed and can be made online.
When it comes to Golden Gloves boxing in the Wyoming and southern Kent County area, few people are as tuned into the sport as Anbrocio Ledesma.
A longtime boxing trainer in the Wyoming area who has taught many young boxers the fundamentals of the sport, Ledesma is currently expanding his teaching of the sport through his La Casa Boxing Club, located at 2241 84th St. in Byron Center.
Home to some of the most successful boxers in the Grand Rapids area, the gym is well represented at this weekend’s Michigan Golden Gloves State Finals that pits the champions and runners-up from the West side tournament up against the champions and runners-up from the East.
Aquinas College hosting Golden Gloves this weekend
The 2025 Michigan Golden Gloves State Championships are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3 at Aquinas College’s Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center in Grand Rapids. Doors open at 6 p.m. both days with boxing starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.
Representing La Casa Boxing Club will be Guillermo Mercado and Junior Rios in the Elite Open Division, while Harrison Hevelhurst will box in the Elite Novice Division.
La Casa Boxing Club’s Junior Rios. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
A former Golden Gloves boxer himself, Ledesma began his coaching career in Wyoming at the Pride Boxing Club which was located just north of 28th St. in Wyoming.
“I got into training boxers in my mid 20’s,” Ledesma said. “I actually had a couple of older kids who just wanted just to train, not to compete. I started training them at home, then they had a couple cousins come over and it kind of snowballed into that. Then my wife’s uncle took on a gym in Wyoming, called Wyoming Pride, back in the early 2000’s. I found out about that and took on a coaching responsibility there for the better of seven to ten years.”
La Casa Boxing Club’s Guillermo Mercado. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
After the Pride gym closed, Ledesma began training boxers in a gym that he named the LaCasa Boxing Club, and that he put together in a garage next to his home.
“After Wyoming Pride closed down I stuck around for a little bit longer,” Ledesma said. “We ended up at another spot for a year and half, two years, but at that time I always trained some separate individual kids that wanted individual work at my house in my garage. The journey of my gym started back at my home. That’s why it’s called La Casa. Basically I started training a couple of my older kids.”
The next step in the evolution of La Casa Boxing came when he moved to the current location in Byron Center.
“I took on opening up this gym back in 2023 and that’s where I am now,” Ledesma said. “I’ve had this portion of my gym here in Byron Center for about two years now. Now we’re just here trying to build out here and target the outskirts of the Wyoming area and the Byron Center area.”
La Casa Boxing Club Owner Anbrocio Ledesma (right) and Coach Jackson. (Photo Courtesy, Jaylah Lewis)
Over the years, Ledesma has trained several boxers who have accomplished plenty during their amateur careers. Two of the most successful boxers that have trained under him are Rios and Mercado who are still adding to their legacies.
“Guillermo and Junior have been around the Golden Gloves for some years now,” Ledesma said. “They are past state champs who went on to the nationals several times. Coming through Wyoming Pride we had quite a few state champs as well. I’ve been around some really talented and dedicated fighters.”
La Casa Boxing Club Supplies. (Photo Courtesy, Jaylah Lewis)
This year the gym has a total of 6-10 boxers that come in and train regularly. The gym had three boxers enter the West Michigan Golden Gloves and all three qualified for the upcoming state finals.
With the gym is still relatively new to the Byron Center location, Ledesma has been working at getting the word out. Not only does the gym plan on increasing the numbers of boxers, but it also serves as a place for local youth to come and work out even if they have no desire to become competitive boxers.
“We’re in the midst right now of trying to reach out to the community,” Ledesma said. “We are waiting to hear back from the school systems and then just putting up signs and flyers around the community. Hopefully word of mouth can start spreading around and even if the kids don’t want to come here and compete, that’s not what we’re about. We’re just offering a different type of exercise. A different way they can vent their frustrations. Just kind of get out and breathe fresh air and exercise at the same time.”
Ledesma is looking for the gym to grow and expand as much as possible in its new locations.
“I’m hoping the gym evolves into where there is no limit for us,” Ledesma said. “They don’t have anything like this out here. I’m hoping that we get 10-to-12 fighters out of the gym next year. More importantly, I want it to be in the community and advertised as a boxing, fitness club. It’s not necessarily that you are going to join this gym and we are going to turn you into a boxer.”
One of Grand Rapids’ popular community spaces returns for its 103rd year as Fulton Street Market opens its Main Market Season (Courtesy, Fulton Street Market)
One of Grand Rapids’ popular community spaces returns for its 103rd year as Fulton Street Market opens its Main Market Season.
Starting May 3, markets will run Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the end of October. Offerings include local produce, farm fresh meats and dairy products, artisan makes, hot and prepared foods, and of course – coffee!
Fulton Street Market continues to promote food accessibility through programs including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, partnership with the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Elders, and the Fulton Street Market Food Recovery Program. Through the Food Recovery Program, Fulton Street Market has redirected over 75,000 pounds of unsold food into the Heartside community free of charge since 2022.
A century of community connection
(Courtesy, Fulton Street Market)
As the oldest farmer’s market in West Michigan, Fulton Street Market has been an integral part of local connection and community since 1922.
Featuring 118 outdoor booths and additional indoor spaces, the market hosts an extensive assortment of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, hand-crafted food items, and unique artisan products year-round. Each market season draws tens of thousands of visitors to shop for produce, grab a bite to eat, and support local farmers and small businesses.
“We’ve been planning for weeks how we want to show up and make the most of the excitement and joy that opening day brings to our community,” says Arick Davis, co‑owner of Last Mile Cafe. “Our team is very excited for Fulton Street’s Main Season!”
In addition to weekly market days, Fulton Street Market hosts ART! at the Market events, a BIPOC Night Market series, and seasonal Rummage Sales. These community favorites amplify an array of artists, uplift farmers and creators within marginalized communities, and bolster efforts to shop second hand.
The City of Wyoming’s boil water advisory is in effect for Kentwood customers served by the Wyoming water system.
The areas of Kentwood under the boil water advisory are east of Division Avenue to Madison Avenue and from the north side of Maplelawn Street to south of Harp Street. The affected areas are outlined on this map.
Residents and businesses in the affected areas are encouraged to use bottled water or to boil water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food. Bring tap water, including filtered water, to a full rolling boil for 1 minute and let it cool before using.
The City of Wyoming issued a boil water advisory today until further notice due to a drop in water pressure in a portion of its water distribution system.
The City of Kentwood is working closely with the City of Wyoming on this situation and will provide updates as they become available. These updates will be shared on the City of Kentwood’s website and Facebook page.
The Vietnamese American community of West Michigan will honor President Ford’s legacy of giving new hope to thousands of refugees with a special program free to the public (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
Hosted by The Gerald R. Ford Museum from 6:30-9 p.m. on May 9, the event will highlight Ford’s leadership during the Vietnamese refugee airlift, the largest aerial evacuation in history. The evacuation encompassed a series of overlapping operations which relocated thousands of Vietnamese children and families: Babylift, New Life, Frequent Wind and New Arrivals.
Operation Babylift (President Ford, right) rescued over 3,000 babies and orphans from Vietnam (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
“This event marks 50 years since the Fall of Saigon, which led to the Refugee Act and the resettlement of Vietnamese families in West Michigan,” said Le Tran, art teacher and Asian Student Union Advisor at East Kentwood High School, and chair of the West Michigan Asian-American Association.
“It’s time to reflect on our journey, honor President Ford’s compassionate leadership, and celebrate the resilience and contributions of our community.”
During the program, President Ford’s youngest son, Steve Ford, will offer an inside look into the motivation behind his father’s call to action to save the Vietnamese orphans.
Additional program features are Vietnamese musical performances, reflections from an Operation Babylift adoptee, and a panel discussion offering insight into experiences of Vietnamese Americans and the impact of Ford’s refugee support.
A compassionate call to action
Steve Ford (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
In a recent conversation with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed, Steve Ford revealed that Operation Babylift was near and dear to his father’s heart.
“Dad found out that there were over 3,000 babies and orphans in Vietnam that had been fathered by American servicemen,” said Ford. “A lot of these babies had been put in orphanages or given up, and he felt a deep concern about that.”
Not only were thousands of babies abandoned, they were in danger of being killed by the Ho Chi Minh army as they took over Saigon.
President Ford’s empathy, his son said, stemmed from his own turbulent past as an infant.
Born to Leslie Lynch King and Dorothy Ayer Gardner, and originally named Leslie Lynch King Jr., President Ford was only weeks old when his physically abusive father threatened Gardner with a butcher knife. Gardner fled, eventually settling at the home of her parents in Grand Rapids.
Gardner divorced King and eventually married Grand Rapids businessman Gerald R. Ford.
The Ford family (Steve Ford, right) pictured in front of the White House (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
“Gerald R. Ford Sr. is the one that took Dad under his wing, raised him, invested in his life – and gave him his name,” said Ford. “Dad’s history…very much played into his empathy for these young babies that had been fathered by U.S. servicemen and were being abandoned. So he made a great effort for these babies.”
In the National Geographic article titled “Resettling Vietnamese Refugees in the United States,” President Ford stated, “[T]o ignore the refugees in their hour of need would be to repudiate the values we cherish as a nation of immigrants, and I was not about to let Congress do that.”
A 50-year ripple effect
On April 3, 1975, President Ford launched Operation Babylift. Through private contractors and U.S. military planes, thousands of orphaned children were airlifted out of Saigon and brought to the United States for adoption.
A doctor attends to a Vietnamese baby during Operation Babylift (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
In A Time to Heal: The Autobiography of Gerald R. Ford (p. 252), President Ford stated:
“I ordered American officials in Saigon to cut through any red tape that might stand in the way of the children’s escape. Then I told our Air Force to begin those mercy flights as soon as possible. Everyone suffers in a war, but no one suffers more than the children, and the airlift was the least that we could do.“
President Ford feeds a Vietnamese refugee baby (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
President Ford and his wife Betty greeted the first plane at the San Francisco International Airport and helped carry babies off the plane.
Numerous foster and adoptive families were waiting to open their doors to the Vietnamese orphans, with several churches and organizations helping facilitate the adoption process.
Fifty years later, those babies are now lawyers, doctors, homemakers, teachers and nurses. Ford said he is often approached by those orphans at speaking engagements, where they thank his father for saving them.
“It’s amazing how something 50 years ago is still rippling today and causing such good.”
One of those orphans, Thuy Williams, has become a good friend of Ford and his wife.
Separated from her mother and slated to be on the first airlift flight that ended in tragedy, Williams will share her journey of heartache and healing during the commemoration event.
President Ford carries a Vietnamese baby from “Clipper 1742,” a plane that transported approximately 325 South Vietnamese orphans from Saigon to the United States (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
Recognizing the good and the bad
The local Vietnamese American panel discussion will give perspective regarding the Vietnam War and its aftermath.
“There’s good and bad,” said Ford. “It’s the reason we do these stories at the Museum. There were definitely both sides, and we always feel it’s important to show both sides because that’s what history looks like. It’s never one way.”
A country of immigrants
“If Dad were here today, he would want people to remember that we are a country of immigrants,” said Ford. “We’ve gone through periods all through our history of welcoming people here. We’ve always stepped forward when these crises have happened and been willing to welcome people in the country.”
Ford went on to say that his father tried to heal the nation in many ways.
President Ford visited refugee camps in May 1975 (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
“There were scars on this country, there were wounds that needed help,” said Ford. “Dad would tell you war is ugly, it’s tragic. But if you try to do your best, you can look deeper and find some of these stories where you have good coming out the other side.
“I think the story of these babies – Operation Babylift – is one that makes America look like a country with great empathy and humanity.”
Event and resource links
Ford Museum event registration and information can be found here.
More information about the Vietnamese refugee airlift evacuation and the Vietnamese American community can be found below:
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority will be joined by the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight to support a “Tour of Honor” for Veterans to visit Washington D.C. This two-day event will include a tour of the memorials in Washington D.C., dedicated to their service and sacrifices.
Community members are invited to attend the Welcome Home Reception, which is a public event held at the Airport on Wednesday, April 30 at 8:40 p.m., and is an opportunity to greet and thank Veterans for their service. Those wanting to participate are encouraged to bring signs and American flags and should plan to stand in a parade line throughout the terminal building.
The City of Kentwood will offer its annual Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 3, to help residents “spring clean” their home and yard.
Kentwood residents can drop off yard waste, household items, furniture and general debris for disposal and electronics for recycling from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Public Works Department, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. Proof of Kentwood residency is required.
“Our Community Cleanup Day provides residents with a convenient and safe way to dispose of unwanted items at no cost,” Public Works Department Director Chad Griffin said. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this event as they prepare their home for the spring season.”
The following items will be accepted:
Yard Waste – Loose leaves, brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs and grass clippings.
Household Items – Water heaters, toilets, appliances, snowblowers, etc.
Furniture – Bed frames, mattresses, dressers, couches, etc.
Electronics – TVs, phones, computers, fax machines, modems, printers, etc.
Residents participating in Community Cleanup Day are asked to enter the Public Works Department property off Breton Avenue, where staff will check ID for residency and direct traffic flow.
Kentwood Community Cleanup Day May 3. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The following items will not be accepted during Community Cleanup Day:
Hazardous materials of any kind, such as automotive fluids, paints, aerosol cans, etc., and construction debris like concrete, dirt and roofing. Donations of any kind, smoke detectors and tires will also not be accepted.
Residents looking to safely dispose of household hazardous materials may utilize the Kent County Public Works Department’s SafeChem program, which is open and available to residents from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Kentwood Public Works Department.
Residents who are unable to attend Community Cleanup Day can drop off brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs, loose leaves and grass clippings at the Public Works Department from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. tp 5 p.m. Sunday through May 23. For more information about the City’s brush and leaf drop-off site, visit kentwood.us/BrushLeafDropOff.
Kentwood Public Schools recently broke ground on a new, state-of-the-art multipurpose indoor facility, made possible through the district’s 2021 $192 million bond program. District leaders, local officials and community members gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction on this exciting project, which reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to student opportunity and community engagement.
Projected cost: $28 Million
The 107,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for athletics, recreation, educational programming, and large community and school gatherings. With a projected cost of approximately $28 million, the facility will offer flexible space designed to support a wide range of activities and events, including use by school athletic teams, band practices, physical education classes, and community gatherings, enriching the student experience and providing a resource for the broader Kentwood community.
“Kentwood Public Schools is thankful for the continued support from our community to provide excellent environments for our students and community to learn, grow and thrive in,” said Kentwood Superintendent Kevin Polston. “We are excited to break ground on the new Kentwood Public Schools Community Multipurpose Center to further enhance educational opportunities for students in the arts, academics and athletics.”
An architectural model of the Kentwood Public Schools Multipurpose Building. (Courtesy, KPS)
The multipurpose facility will not only enhance extracurricular programming and student engagement, but also serve as a valuable asset for the entire Kentwood community—providing space for practices, performances, recreational leagues, special events, and educational activities throughout the year.
As one of the flagship projects of the 2021 bond program, the new facility reflects the community’s strong support for education and the district’s vision to meet the evolving needs of students and families.
Construction is scheduled to be completed in December of 2026.
The $192 million bond program is managed by Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. and designed by TowerPinkster Architecture.
Health departments and health officials across Michigan and Kent County are transitioning from preparing for the arrival of measles to reacting to the arrival of the disease, which was once officially considered eliminated in the United States in the year 2000.
Measles began its comeback in the United States in February and early March in the Southwest United States, specifically New Mexico and West Texas.
884 cases across the United States, 9 in Michigan
Since then, cases of measles have been spreading across the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the latest numbers have shown an increase of cases with 30 states in the U.S. reporting cases. According to the CDC, a total of 884 cases are confirmed across the nation as of April 24. In the state of Michigan, as of April 24, there have been nine confirmed cases of measles according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). A total of four outbreak cases of the measles has been reported by the MDHHS with the outbreak located in Montcalm County in West Central Michigan. Locally, the first case of measles was reported in Kent County on April 1. The measles case in Kent County was the first reported in Kent County since 2013.
Along with measles, the state of Michigan has also seen an uptick in cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. In 2024 Michigan reported 2,081 cases of pertussis, a 19-fold increase from 2023 and the third consecutive annual rise. So far in 2025, the state has already reported nearly 700 pertussis cases, including 112 in infants under age 2, the age group most at risk for severe complications.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease that continues to circulate both in the U.S. and globally,” said Dr. Adam London, Health Officer at the Kent County Health Department. “This case is a reminder of how quickly measles can spread and the importance of vaccination. We urge residents to check their immunization status, especially if planning to travel internationally or into areas with active measles outbreaks.”
On April 24, healthcare officials from around the state of Michigan convened for a conference call to address the state of measles in Michigan and discussed ways to address the issue and keep the public up to date on the situation.
One of the main points of emphasis by the panel, that included Michigan Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the State of Michigan, was the need for vaccinations.
“These numbers are alarming, and this resurgence is preventable,” Dr. Bagdasarian said. “Diseases like measles and pertussis are highly contagious and potentially deadly, especially for infants and young children. We have safe, effective vaccines that protect against these illnesses – vaccines that have been available for decades. Let’s use all the tools at our disposal to protect our most vulnerable.”
(Courtesy, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, MDHHS)
Vaccine rates have been falling in recent years and that has enabled diseases like the measles and pertussis to mount a comeback.
According to the MDHHS, vaccination rates for young children in Michigan have declined over the past decade. As of March 2025, only 71.5% of Michigan children ages 19 to 35 months had received four or more DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) doses. MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine coverage for this age group was 79.4%. Only 68.4% of young children in Michigan have received all the vaccines recommended to protect them from 14 serious diseases by the time they’re 2-years old. Pertussis (whooping cough) often begins with mild cold-like symptoms, but progresses to severe coughing fits that can last for weeks. More than half of infants who get pertussis need to be hospitalized, and complications can include pneumonia, brain damage and death.
“Vaccination is not simply a personal choice, it is a public health responsibility that protects the entire community, particularly those at highest risk for serious health consequences,” said Dr. Rachel Klamo, a family physician and president of the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians. “We encounter vaccine-preventable illnesses daily and are seeing cases of once-rare diseases, such as measles, the consequences of which can be life-long and devastating. For physicians, this is heartbreaking because it is preventable.”
“Up-to-date vaccines are key in protecting children against measles”
Up-to-date vaccines are key in protecting children against measles which is easily spread. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, measles is a disease caused by a virus. It is one of the world’s most contagious diseases. The MDHHS website also states that 90% of persons without immunity to measles will become ill after exposure to the virus. It also states that measles can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.
The MMR vaccine, recommended starting at age 1, offers long-lasting protection against measles. Michigan’s recent outbreak was linked to a large, ongoing outbreak in Ontario, Canada.
(Image Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Parents deserve accurate, science-based information about vaccines,” said Veronica Valentine McNally, president of the Franny Strong Foundation and founder of the I Vaccinate campaign. “When families are informed, they choose to protect their children. That’s why we created IVaccinate.org—to empower Michigan parents with the facts they need to make confident decisions.”
The I Vaccinate campaign is a nationally recognized joint initiative of the Franny Strong Foundation and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, supported by the CDC and every major health and medical organization in the state.”
Parents especially need to know that the DTaP vaccine is recommended at 2, 4 and 6 months, followed by boosters at 15-18 months and 4-to-6 years to protect against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. The MMR vaccine is recommended at 12-to-15 months and again at 4-to-6 years. The vaccines are available through pediatricians, most pharmacies and local health departments. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive vaccines at no cost from enrolled providers.
“With vaccine-preventable diseases making a comeback in our state and across the country, this is not the time to let our guard down,” said Dr. Bagdasarian. “This is a good time to call your health care provider and make sure your family is up to date on vaccines.”
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport revealed its first-ever official mascot, Jerry the Jet™, a friendly and engaging character designed to enhance the airport experience for guests and promote aviation in the community.
Created in collaboration with its marketing and advertising partner, Extra Credit Projects, Jerry the Jet™ is part of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority’s broader effort to elevate the guest experience, increase brand recognition and deepen community engagement. With a cheerful personality and a passion for flight, Jerry will serve as a mascot for both in-terminal experiences and events throughout West Michigan.
“This is more than just a mascot,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Ford International Airport Authority. “Jerry the Jet™ is a fun, approachable way for us to connect with our guests and our community while sparking curiosity about aviation. He embodies our commitment to creating an exceptional and welcoming experience for everyone who walks through our doors.”
In addition to greeting passengers in the terminal, Jerry the Jet™ will appear at community events and serve as an ambassador for the Airport. He will help educate audiences about flight, careers in aviation and the role airports play in connecting people and places.
Ford International Airport was recently recognized as one of the top-performing airports globally for guest experience by Airports Council International World. Over the past year, the Airport has set a new passenger record, added accessibility amenities including a sensory room, added commercial airline partners to expand nonstop flights options, opened four new restaurants and more.
For more information about the Ford International Airport, visit FlyFord.org.
Casting Light: Photographs of the Vietnam War, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum’s latest showcase exhibition, captures the realities of one of the most turbulent periods in American history.
Open to the public since April 21, the exhibition features iconic and thought-provoking images taken by photojournalists and military photographers.
The “Casting Light” exhibit is an opportunity to reflect on a pivotal era in our nation’s history (Courtesy, GRFM)
Through the lens of those who witnessed it firsthand, Casting Light brings to life the experiences of those who served, protested, and endured the consequences of the Vietnam War. Among those photojournalists was President Ford’s White House photographer, David Hume Kennerly, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his efforts in 1972.
“This exhibit is an opportunity to reflect on a pivotal era in our nation’s history,” said Brooke Clement, Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. “President Ford played a crucial role in the final chapter of the war and managing the aftermath.
“Through these photographs, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the War’s impact.”
A comprehensive and powerful firsthand look
The showcase exhibit is composed of free-standing text panels and iconic photographs that provide a moving, intimate and powerful look at the Vietnam War. A comprehensive examination of the conflict, the photographs capture how presidents grappled with the reality of war as they made executive decisions, soldiers on the ground in Vietnam and the American public’s changing responses to the conflict as they processed the war at home.
During the conflict, the U.S. military allowed more documentation than ever before, including by the military’s own photographers and videographers. Thousands of images were captured.
U.S. troops waiting for the arrival of President Johnson at Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam on Oct. 26, 1966 (Courtesy, GRFM)
These journalists, photographers, and film crews had considerable access to ground soldiers, officers, and battlefields. These firsthand accounts in turn influenced public opinion.
Images of the conflict far from home appeared on the front pages of newspapers, magazine covers and television screens across the country, underscoring its human toll. Dubbed “The Living Room War,” Americans back home watched the fighting unfold on their television screens.
Casting Light: Photographs of the Vietnam War will be on display through Dec. 14. More exhibit information can be found here.
Additional free programs
In conjunction with the exhibition, the Ford Museum invites the public to attend a series of free programs exploring key themes surrounding the Vietnam War, including the challenges faced by Vietnamese refugees, the continued aftershocks and the lasting impact of the War on American society.
A full schedule of programs and registration details can be found here.
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Fredrik Logevall will visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to discuss a fresh viewpoint on the War and its legacy (Courtesy, GRFM)
It has been 50 years since the guns fell silent on the battlefields in Vietnam. Yet many people still wonder how to think about the War’s origins, escalation, ultimate resolution, aftereffects and its continued resonance in U.S. politics and society today.
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Fredrik Logevall will visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum on Wednesday, April 30 to discuss a fresh viewpoint on the War and its legacy via his book, Embers of War.
This event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged and can be completed here. A book signing will follow the public program at 7:30 p.m.
About Fredrik Logevall
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Fredrik Logevall (Courtesy, GRFM)
Fredrik Logevall is the Laurence D. Belfer Professor of History and International Affairs at Harvard University. He is the author or editor of eleven books, including most recently JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956 (Random House, 2020), which won the Elizabeth Longford Prize and was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.
His book Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America’s Vietnam (Random House, 2012), won the Pulitzer Prize for History, the Parkman Prize, the Arthur Ross Book Award and the American Library in Paris Book Award.
Logevall’s essays and reviews have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Times Literary Supplement,The New Republic, Politico, Daily Beast, the London Review of Books, and Foreign Affairs among other publications.
A native of Stockholm, Sweden, Logevall lives in Cambridge, MA.
Event and live stream registration
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library in Ann Arbor will also be hosting an Embers of War book discussion on April 29 at 6:30 p.m. Registration for the Library event can be found here.
Those unable to attend in person can live stream the lecture via Zoom on April 29. Registration for the Zoom option can be found here.
France Hoang’s powerful presentation recounts his journey of personal perseverance and how America’s promise of opportunity can transform lives across generations (Courtesy, GRFM)
Veteran and entrepreneur France Hoang will visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum on April 24 at 6:30 p.m. to share his remarkable story, From Saigon to Service: One Refugee’s Story of Gratitude and Giving Back.
In this powerful presentation, Hoang recounts his journey: arriving in America as a child refugee, attending West Point, serving in a war zone, advising at the White House, and ultimately coming full circle to help evacuate Afghan allies during America’s withdrawal. His story is not just a testament to personal perseverance, but a living example of how America’s promise of opportunity can transform lives across generations.
Hoang will also be sharing his story at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library in Ann Arbor on April 23 at 6:30 p.m. For those unable to attend the April 23 event, a Zoom option is available.
(Courtesy, GRFM)
“We are honored to welcome France Hoang to the Ford Library and Museum,” said Brooke Clement, Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum. “His inspiring talk, exploring themes of compassion, courage, and duty, demonstrates the ripple effect of President Ford’s values and leadership during Operation New Life, which welcomed Vietnamese refugees to the United States.”
Both programs are free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged.
A life of service
Hoang is an accomplished entrepreneur who has helped build companies, generating over $600 million in combined sales and employing more than 1,200 professionals across various sectors. He holds degrees from West Point, Washburn University, and Georgetown University Law Center, where he graduated magna cum laude.
Hoang currently serves as Co-Founder and CEO of BoodleBox, developing innovative AI technology platforms, and as a Distinguished Visiting Lecturer at West Point and as a Senior Fellow with the National Security Institute at George Mason University. He also serves on the boards of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and No One Left Behind.
Registration Links
For more information and to register for these events, click here. Registration for the April 23 Zoom can be found here.
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host a Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS April Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, April 28 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Resources
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.
Cellar Bird Books offers visitors a wide variety of books, locally made gifts, and book club experiences (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
For former Paramount Animation production manager Lea Kocurek, owning a bookstore was a decade-long dream that recently became a reality.
Located on the west side of Grand Rapids, Cellar Bird Books opened its doors at 415 Bridge St. NW on Nov. 18, 2024. Kocurek offers a carefully curated selection of new books for all ages, literary-themed gifts, monthly books clubs, author readings and more.
Rekindling a former passion…
Kocurek says she fell away from reading for pleasure during college but recently rediscovered her love of books – and began to dream.
“Opening a bookstore has been a dream of mine for about a decade or so,” says Kocurek. “I kind of got out of reading for fun, and once I discovered it again, I became a really avid reader.”
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Between animation projects, Kocurek began researching what it would take to open a bookstore. A few months later, she felt the pull to make her dream a reality.
Already harboring a desire to move away from Los Angeles, Kocurek and her husband began looking at other parts of the country to see what appealed to them. After settling on Michigan, they narrowed it down further and arrived in Grand Rapids in 2021.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We bought a house sight-unseen, and our first time stepping foot in Michigan was moving across the country,” says Kocurek. “We love it. We’re definitely putting down more roots with opening this store and everything, but I really love it.”
Falling in love…
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Originally from Texas, Kocurek had moved to Los Angeles with her husband in 2015 to work at Paramount Animation. As she looks back, Kocurek realizes her world has always revolved around her love of storytelling.
“That dawned on me last summer when I was looking at both career paths,” says Kocurek. “I’m not necessarily the one telling the story, but I love bringing stories to people.”
Kocurek has fallen in love with Grand Rapids and the community, and stocks unique items made from local companies and independent artists. She also features books from several local authors.
“I’m trying to build that up a bit more as I get a little more established. I had to figure things out a little bit; this is all so new to me,” Kocurek says with a laugh. “It’s taken me a little bit of time to know how to even run a bookstore.”
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
When asked why she decided on the name Cellar Bird Books, Kocurek admitted the name was inspired by the times she found birds flying around in her basement.
“When I was looking for a name for the bookstore, I liked the ring of it and it fit the cozy/darker vibe I want the store to have.”
Kocurek says she loves all aspects of owning her own bookstore, but some things have caught her by surprise.
“I think the part that surprised me the most is the community aspect of it, and that it’s not just a store,” says Kocurek. “I’m starting to put together events and book clubs, and I enjoy it. I knew that aspect was there but didn’t quite understand how much of a foundation of the store it was.”
How to get books, books…and more books!
Event and book club information can be found here. Options to pre-order new releases, place a special order, shop online or simply view staff picks are also available on the Cellar Bird Books website.
If readers are searching for their next read, Kocurek recommends The Wedding Peopleby Alison Espach, her favorite book of 2024.
To learn more about Cellar Bird Books, visit their website – or simply stop in!
The Kentwood Police Department is encouraging community members to take part in its National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event on Saturday, April 26.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE.
Police Department staff will collect tablets, capsules and other solid forms of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. They also will accept vaping devices and cartridges as long as lithium batteries are removed.
Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs will not be accepted at the event. For these items, community members can utilize the Kent County Health Department’s SafeSharps program, which collects syringes and sharps at the South Clinic, 4700 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Sharps are medical devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin.
“The Kentwood Police Department is committed to proactively reducing prescription drug misuse, overdoses and accidental poisonings by encouraging community members to turn in unused and unneeded medication,” said Kentwood acting Chief of Police Stephanie Morningstar. “Our Drug Take Back Day events offer a free, safe and anonymous way for community members to dispose of medications.”
Kentwood National Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 26. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
KPD and other law enforcement agencies across the nation partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration to host Drug Take Back Day events every October and April as part of ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug misuse and overdose deaths.
For community members unable to attend KPD’s event, the department offers a year-round drug take back program for the safe disposal of unused or expired prescription medications. This free, anonymous service is available in KPD’s lobby from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Boxers from all across West Michigan descended into the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of Aquinas College for the 2025 West Michigan Golden Gloves Finals this past Saturday and a large crowd was treated to four hours of outstanding action.
A total of 16 bouts were on the card and nearly every one provided plenty of action as boxers fought it out for West Michigan titles and the opportunity to advance to the state finals at Aquinas College May 2 and 3.
Wyoming’s PK Boxing Gym sparkles
Locally, PK Boxing Gym of Wyoming enjoyed a productive night. PK Boxing had two boxers in the finals and the duo actually fought in back-to-back matches. In a pair of hard-fought matches, Sebastian Romo and Jose Jimenez-Gonzalez both came away winning decisions and West Michigan titles.
PK Boxing teammates Jose Jimenez-Gonzalez (third from left) and Sebastian Romo (fourth from left) celebrate with teammates and coaches following their wins at the West Michigan Golden Gloves Finals. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)
Boxing in the 127-pound Youth Novice Division, Romo defeated Teodocio Magana of the Crown Boxing Club of Lansing. The bout was an intense struggle from beginning to end.
“It was exciting”, said Romo, a student at Jenison High School. “I love everything about boxing. It was intense. It was a good fight. I thought it was a war and I had a good time.”
Romo has been boxing for three years, and this is his first time competing at Golden Gloves. He became interested in boxing while watching the sport with his family growing up.
“I was basically just watching a lot of fights at home with my dad and my family,” Romo said. “We watched a popular fighter, Canelo Alvarez, and after that I wanted to start boxing.”
In the following bout in the 147-pound Youth Novice Division, Jimenez-Gonzalez defeated Jeremiah Henry, also from Crown Boxing, in another close, hard-fought match.
A student at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, Jimenez-Gonzalez has been boxing for a short time and his match in the Golden Gloves was the first of his career.
“I was nervous at first, but once I got in there, I was ready for war,” Jimenez-Gonzalez said. “It was exciting. My body shots were working the best, mainly my uppercuts.”
Like his teammate, Jimenez-Gonzalez grew up watching boxing and especially Canelo Alvarez.
“As a youngster I used to watch a lot of fights”, Jimenez-Gonzalez said, “especially Canelo. My grandpa used to fight, too. He never made it pro, but I wanted to follow his lead.”
Winning their bouts back-to-back was extra special for the teammates.
“We talked about it a lot,” Romo said. “It was fun to do it back-to-back.”
Floyd Santiago back
While Romo and Jimenez-Gonzalez were a pair of younger boxers making an initial name for themselves, Floyd Santiago was an older boxer who was back in the action after a lengthy span away from the sport. Boxing out of the Michigan Golden Gloves Association (MGGA) gym in Grand Rapids, Santiago was back in the Golden Gloves for the first time in eight years. Santiago showed no signs of any rust after the long time away from boxing as he won the 187-pound Elite Novice title by stopping Matt Rogein of Jet Boxing from Okemos.
Floyd Santiago of MGGA Grand Rapids won the 187-pound Elite Novice title after an eight-year layoff from boxing. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)
Santiago displayed a relentless style piling up points and also recording a standing eight count in his victory. Getting the win after eight years of missing the sport was extra special for Santiago who thought about boxing the entire time.
“It feels great,” Santiago said. “Even through the eight years I had stopped boxing, I was doing body building, so I built up that discipline to be able to consistently do something every single day. But the whole time that I stopped boxing, I just regretted it. I love boxing so much. I regretted stopping. So now I’ve been back for six months, and I’ve been able to do this. It’s pretty great.”
In the Elite Open Division, another MGGA boxer, Siderio Mitchell (see below), came away with a championship. Boxing in the 143-pound Open Division weight class, Mitchell met a familiar face in the finals in his teammate from MGGA, Mike Guzman. In one of the most crowd-pleasing matches of the evening, Mitchell won a decision against his MGGA teammate in a bout that was full of action for all three rounds.
Siderio Mitchell of MGGA Grand Rapids defeated teammate Mike Guzman in the 143-pound Elite Open Division final. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)
The two boxers were meeting for the first time in an actual match despite having sparred each other countless times at the MGGA gym.
“I probably have over a hundred rounds sparring with him,” Mitchell said. “He’s pretty good, that’s why I sparred him a lot. I told myself even though I sparred him this way, maybe I switch it up. I switched it up a few times in sparring, but tonight, I really need to switch it up.”
The plan worked out as Mitchell delivered his shots and avoided getting caught.
“I knew I couldn’t go out there and fight him the same way I did in sparring because he is going to expect that,” Mitchell said. “So when he was expecting to trade punches; boom, boom, boom, I hit him, then I got out the way. He wasn’t expecting that. Then the last 10 seconds, I know he’s a brawler. Last year I saw him brawling. He’s really good at that and he won most of those, but I made sure I hit and got out the way, finishing up my last 10 seconds doing laps around the ring and I won it. I did it.”
Another West Michigan title for Kalamazoo’s Gentle Gibson
The 132-pound Open Division final between Gentle Gibson of the Kalamazoo Boxing Club and Aarkeyse Higdon of Crown Boxing was another match that had the fans involved. Gibson, who won a state title last year, added a West Michigan title this year as he won in the second round on a referee stoppage.
The final two bouts in the Open Division also were won by boxers from the Kalamazoo Boxing Club. In the 154-pound weight class Evan Jackson defeated Alejandro Hernandez of Anahuac Boxing while in the 165-pound open final Jermont Reece defeated Joseph McDaye of Westside Boxing in Kalamazoo.
In the Elite Novice Division, Davone Jones of Crown Boxing beat Harrison Hevelhurst of LaCasa Boxing Club in the 132-pound weight class. At 143 pounds Mohammad Aliyar of United Boxing Club defeated Mekhi Know of Muskegon TCB. At 154-pouonds in the Elite Novice Division Carlito Aggers of Kalamazoo Boxing defeated Mateo Diaz of Sakwamdo Boxing Club of Holland. Ontess Toliver of Blue Gym in Grand Rapids beat Joe L. Johnson of Crown Boxing at 176 pounds.
In the 165-pound Elite Novice Division, Tommy Watts of TCB Boxing of Muskegon defeated Nate Dotson of Crown Boxing. In the 198-pound Elite Novice Division, Monta Perkins of Kalamazoo Boxing defeated D’Angelo Williams of Team Glass Boxing of Lansing, while in the 198-plus Elite Division, Aiden Baker of MGGA defeated Robert Lathan of Kalamazoo Boxing.
In the long Bantam Novice Division match of the evening, Ricardo Emiliano of Westside Boxing defeated Ethan Edmonds of Crown Boxing, and in the lone Junior Novice Division bout, Tayshon Whitfield of Crown Boxing beat Ronald Salvador of Eli J Boxing Club.
The City of Kentwood has named longtime Economic Development Planner Lisa Golder as its new Community Development Director.
Golder was unanimously appointed to the director role by the City Commission during its March 24 meeting. She succeeds Terry Schweitzer, who is retiring in early April.
As community development director, Golder will be responsible for overseeing the City of Kentwood’s planning and zoning services and managing a team that provides technical support to six city boards that develop and implement the city’s vision for the future.
“The leadership and dedication Lisa has shown during her more than 38 years of experience in our Planning Department make her the right person for this position,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “She has proven to be a valuable asset to the department, and I have absolute confidence she will continue to demonstrate great leadership and service in her new role.”
Golder joined the Planning Department in 1987 as an economic development planner. In this role, she developed, implemented and coordinated economic development initiatives for the City, including the Revolving Loan Fund, a low-interest loan program designed for small businesses.
Golder collaborated with The Right Place, Inc. and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on business retention and expansion, supporting businesses and industry to thrive and expand locally. Golder led the effort to achieve and maintain its status as a Redevelopment Ready Community, a certification from the MEDC that recognizes a city’s commitment to attracting new investors, businesses and residents.
She also helped create the City’s form-based code ordinance which promotes a diverse mix of residential, business and leisure space within walking distance of public transportation. It was adopted to encourage the development and redevelopment of Division Avenue from Maplelawn Street to 60th Street.
She has been certified through the American Institute of Certified Planners since 1990.
“I am honored to be appointed community development director for the City of Kentwood,” Golder said. “I am eager to lead our talented team and help shape and grow the city through implementing sustainable development and fostering business opportunities.”
Learn more about the City of Kentwood’s Planning Department and its efforts at Kentwood.us/planning.
