“We’re excited to introduce the six dynamic companies who will begin testing their air travel solutions at the Ford International Airport,” said Alex Peric, Chief Operating Officer of the Ford International Airport Authority. “These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to innovation and progress for the future of aviation, and we look forward to another round of pilot-testing.”
FLITE, a first-of-its-kind program in the aviation industry, is helping shape the future of aviation by providing grant funding and pilot-testing opportunities to companies developing air travel technologies and services. The six companies in this round include:
GoodMaps: Advances wayfinding and emergency alerts though AI indoor mapping to enhance accessibility for travelers.
Kodiak Technologies: Develops electric and hybrid-electric heavy-duty snow removal equipment to reduce emissions and strengthen airport operations.
Pratt Miller: Provides advanced engineering services and solutions across mobility, defense, and motorsports, including expertise in vehicle robotics.
TractEasy: Provides operational solutions using its autonomous tow tractor to improve safety and efficiency in airport ground operations.
Westwood AI: Enhances autonomous operations through AI-enabled systems that support security and critical infrastructure.
Airtrek Robotics: Advances aviation safety and reliability by streamlining the ground handling process through robotics and AI.
“As a Michigan‑based company, we are committed to strengthening the region’s aviation and technology ecosystem through local partnerships, workforce development, and pathways for domestic manufacturing,” said Dakoyta Greenman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Westwood AI. “This collaboration with FLITE reflects our broader commitment to delivering mission‑ready autonomous solutions that are easy to adopt, cost‑effective to operate, and built to meet the evolving needs of airports and commercial stakeholders across the country.”
As Michigan’s lead advocate for business development, job creation and community growth, the MEDC has played a key role in fostering innovation. Through the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), the MEDC has provided grant funding to support the companies participating in FLITE, to further the program’s mission and drive advancements in Michigan’s vibrant mobility and technology sectors.
The six companies will pilot their technologies at Ford International Airport this season:
GoodMaps will test a new smartphone-based emergency and safety alerts system to assess performance in real-world operations and refine the guest experience in alignment with ADA and FAA communication requirements.
Kodiak Technologies will validate hybrid-electric snow-removal performance in winter operations and conduct duty-cycle analysis to inform scalable fleet electrification strategies.
Pratt Miller will demonstrate a dual-use autonomous robotic platform that performs perimeter security monitoring and foreign object debris collection to enhance operations.
TractEasy will deploy its autonomous baggage tractor to demonstrate how autonomous towing can improve ramp safety and operational consistency.
Westwood AI will deploy its Runway Ranger airfield operations tool to test how to streamline runway safety, infrastructure readiness, and best maintenance practices.
Airtrek Robotics will demonstrate autonomous wingwalking robots to test in a real-world FBO setting.
“FLITE provides opportunities for us to test new and emerging technologies and gain early access to insights and knowledge,” said Joseph Meszaros, Vice President of Operations for Avflight. “Through this round of FLITE, Avflight is excited to host Airtrek’s autonomous wingwalking technology to conduct a proof-of-concept project at our Grand Rapids location, evaluating its real-world performance.”
FLITE has supported more than 40 projects, awarding over $1.5 million in total grant funds across nine rounds.
After back-to-back Division 4 state championships, the Tri-unity Defenders are doing what they do best — winning.
Over the previous two seasons, the Defenders compiled an impressive 51-7 record, and the 2025–2026 campaign is starting no differently, as Tri-unity sits at 9–1 with a perfect 5–0 mark in the Alliance League.
The winning tradition has continued, but with new faces. Following the long and legendary career of Coach Mark Keeler, which concluded after last season, Brent Voorhees has taken over the reins after spending the previous six years as Keeler’s assistant. Keeler finished his four-decade career as No. 3 on the MHSAA Coach Records list with 721 wins, including seven state titles.
Former Tri-unity Coach Mark Keeler accepts the Division 4 state title boys basketball trophy from MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl in 2025. (Photo Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
Cody Osbun lone returning starter
On the court, Tri-unity graduated eight players from last year’s roster, leaving junior Cody Osbun as the lone returning starter.
“Cody is the heartbeat of our team,” Voorhees said. “He is a captain, our hardest worker, and our most vocal leader on the floor. I am excited about his future as he continues to grow on and off the court.”
Osbun has made his mark on both ends of the floor, averaging 14 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals per game.
Tri-unity Christian’s Cody Osbun averages 14 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals per game. (Photo Courtesy, Becky Rillema)
Osbun isn’t alone in the scoring column, as multiple Defenders are finding double figures. Seniors Brayden Nelson (12 points per game, 7 rebounds per game) and Clayton Rowlader (10 ppg) are making their presence felt, while junior Caleb Hofmann also contributes 12 points per game.
The team motto for the Defenders is “Together,” and that’s exactly how they play. A different scoring leader emerges nearly every night, and the trademark of any Tri-unity squad — stifling defense — remains firmly in place.
The junior trio of Osbun, Hofmann, and Jacob VanKlompenberg forms the young core of the Defenders.
“They all buy into our defense-first mentality,” Voorhees said. “All three of them are contributing in big ways on the court. They have all had their best offensive games when they focus on their defense. It’s been fun to watch.”
Tri-unity also added senior transfer Nolan DeMots this fall.
“He is an extremely mature young man, and he has had a tremendous impact on our program from the second he joined our group,” Voorhees said.
“He is one of our best shooters and on-ball defenders, and he plays with a great amount of basketball IQ.”
The Defenders will have a challenging road ahead if they hope to repeat as Alliance League champions, with two meetings against a much-improved Lee squad as well as matchups with Potter’s House and other contenders.
“We are excited to keep growing through the back half of the season,” Voorhees said. “Our motto this year is ‘Together.’ We break every huddle and finish every practice with this phrase, and we truly live it out in the way we treat each other and play for each other. All 12 guys have had a positive impact on our team.
Poweshiek skipperlings were once common throughout prairies in the Midwest, but are now found in only two locations: Manitoba, Canada and southeastern Michigan. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Ruth Thornton is a WKTV Contributor. She holds master’s degrees in journalism and fisheries and wildlife, both from Michigan State University. Before working as a journalist, she worked in conservation for many years in Michigan, Minnesota and West Virginia. Her work has appeared in many media outlets, including MLive, the Detroit Free Press, Bridge Michigan, Capital News Service and Great Lakes Echo. You can follow her work via her Substack newsletter, Nature Signals, and at ruththornton.com.
A small butterfly, once a common sight on the prairies of the Midwest, has suddenly vanished and is now the focus of an international partnership racing against time to save it from the brink of extinction.
“Just how quickly they disappeared is what’s really the alarming thing,” said David Pavlik, a research assistant with Michigan State University.
Pavlik is part of an international coalition of scientists and conservationists working to save the Poweshiek skipperling (pronounced POW-uh-SHEEK), an inconspicuous orange butterfly that was once so common in the prairies of the Midwest that collectors largely ignored it.
Now “there are more giant pandas in the world than there are Poweshiek skipperlings,” Pavlik said.
They were once found from the prairies of Manitoba through Minnesota, the eastern Dakotas, Wisconsin, Iowa and into Michigan. They have disappeared from all but two places at the extremes of their range – Manitoba and southeastern Michigan.
The partnership is working to raise the butterflies in zoos for release back into the wild and restore the natural habitats where they once thrived to ensure their long-term survival.
What happened to the Poweshiek skipperlings?
Cale Nordmeyer, a conservation specialist at the Minnesota Zoo, said the Poweshiek skipperling was common when he was growing up in Minnesota.
“As a tallgrass prairie specialist, it really thrived in the mesic prairies, in Minnesota and elsewhere here in the upper Midwest,” he said. Mesic prairie is a type of grassland that once flourished throughout the Midwest.
“If you were out in the right prairie at the right time of year, you were going to see Poweshiek skipperlings,” Nordmeyer said.
Cale Nordmeyer with the Minnesota Zoo is getting ready to release Poweshiek skipperlings raised at John Ball Zoo in 2024. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Decline began in 2000
That started changing about the year 2000, when researchers noticed they weren’t seeing them as much anymore.
“Sometime between 2009 and 2012, it looks like we lost all of our Poweshiek skipperling sites in Minnesota,” he said. They also disappeared from most of the rest of their range.
“Suddenly, these last couple of little populations, many of which were never that big here in far eastern Michigan, suddenly became incredibly important,” Nordmeyer said.
It isn’t obvious why they disappeared, he said. He and other biologists are still trying to understand what happened, what’s killing them and what the solutions might be.
Pavlik said it’s likely a combination of reasons, including habitat loss.
“Habitat loss historically is a huge one,” he said. “The species requires tall grass prairies and prairie fens here in Michigan.” Prairie fens are rare and unique grassy wetlands that are fed by groundwater instead of creeks or streams.
“Over 99% of that habitat is gone,” he said.
Additionally, he said widespread aerial spraying of insecticides has affected the last remaining strongholds of the butterflies, and climate change is probably contributing as well.
“The species overwinters as a caterpillar, and so they can be especially susceptible to changes in winter climate,” he said.
Adding to the difficulty, the butterfly disappeared so quickly researchers weren’t sure what exactly they need to survive, including what plants they feed on.
Learning what the Poweshiek skipperling eats
“They seem to have two major nectar sources,” Pavlik said, referring to the flowers adult butterflies feed on.
“And that’s black-eyed Susan – which seems to be their favorite – and then shrubby cinquefoil,” another relatively common yellow prairie flower, he said.
The butterfly’s caterpillars, on the other hand, have been found on prairie dropseed, a fairly common prairie grass, and on a rarer grass called mat muhly. Both occur in high-quality native prairies and in prairie fens.
When biologists realized how precipitously the Poweshiek skipperling was declining, they convened a meeting of researchers and conservation partners, said Tam Smith, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the national recovery lead for the butterfly.
The experts at the meeting “recognized that (the Poweshiek) was going down this spiral of extinction,” Smith said.
In 2022, the agency released a 50-year recovery plan for the butterfly, listing the actions scientists had determined were necessary for its full recovery. The cost for all activities over the five decades was estimated at just over $57 million.
One of the main proposed actions at the meeting was to start a captive breeding program.
Smith said the Minnesota Zoo stepped in first to start rearing the butterflies in captivity, using eggs that had been collected from females in Michigan.
But with so much uncertainty about the basic biology of the species, it was difficult going at first – they quickly found out how sensitive the species was to temperature and humidity, Smith said.
“One of the first years they started, the temperature was off,” Smith said. That caused the caterpillars to develop too quickly. But then the attempts were more successful.
Later a zoo in Canada, Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, joined the effort, and a few years after that John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, helped as well, Smith said.
Rearing baby butterflies at John Ball Zoo
“Our prairie butterfly program here at the zoo has just grown enormously since 2020,” said Bill Flanagan, the conservation director at John Ball Zoo.
The goal is to “make lots of baby Poweshieks so we can do releases and bolster those wild populations to the point where we can start to do reintroductions and start to recover the species,” Flanagan said.
The first caterpillars arrived in 2021 from the Minnesota Zoo, he said.
“We turned 32 caterpillars into somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 caterpillars” the next year, Flanagan said. “The next year, (in 2023,) we had something like 500 caterpillars in the program.”
A very close call
It was a close call – in 2022 only nine Poweshieks, the lowest number ever, were observed in the wild in Michigan, Pavlik said.
David Pavlik, research assistant with Michigan State University, is working with John Ball Zoo to raise Poweshiek skipperlings for release into the wild. Shown here are cages with grasses that hold the caterpillars. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
But given the success of the zoos’ captive rearing programs, biologists were able to release more than 100 butterflies that year, just in the nick of time.
The following year they saw more butterflies in the wild again.
In 2023 they had bred enough butterflies to release more than 500, and in 2024 and 2025 more than 1,000 each year.
Breeding butterflies: a year at John Ball Zoo
With a short flight period of only a few weeks, things get hectic at John Ball Zoo in July when the adult butterflies emerge and start laying eggs.
“We have one shot,” Pavlik said. “In three weeks we have to do all of the breeding, all of the releases. It’s a pretty crazy time.”
After the adults emerge, biologists pair up a male and female butterfly – first making sure they are compatible genetically – and place them in what they call a “breeding tent,” a sheer cloth-covered square frame about 12 inches to a side.
Bill Flanagan, conservation director at John Ball Zoo, shows off Poweshiek skipperling breeding cages in front of a hoop house with more caterpillar cages. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Then “we monitor them throughout the day to see if they do breed,” he said. “And if they do, we’ll release the male into the wild the next day, and then the female gets transferred to an egg laying enclosure, where she’ll lay the eggs that we’ll collect every morning.”
Almost every morning someone from the zoo drives the newly hatched butterflies to southeastern Michigan, a couple hours’ drive away, for release into the wild, Pavlik said.
Many species fly for a short time only
When people think about butterflies, they often picture the adults they see flying about. But many species fly for only a couple of weeks during the year, including the Poweshiek.
Each butterfly lives for only about four to six days in the wild, he said. “Most of the year, we’re taking care of the caterpillars.”
The caterpillars – also called larvae – feed on the host grasses and go through several “instars,” progressive stages where they shed their skin and grow. Eventually they enter what’s called a “diapause” and overwinter, resting head-down on grass blades.
A spring awakening
When they wake up in the spring, usually around April or May, they resume feeding and go through additional instars before finally turning into the familiar butterflies.
The zoo recreates the natural conditions as best as it can, transferring the caterpillars to a freezer during their diapause stage.
“When winter comes, we’ll take those caterpillars off of the plant and put them in a very special and highly controlled overwintering chamber where we can control the temperature and the humidity for exactly what the species needs to survive for nearly six months,” Pavlik said.
David Pavlik and Cinnamon Mittan, a postdoctoral researcher in Sarah Fitzpatrick’s lab, are preparing caterpillars to be placed in the overwintering chambers, located behind them. (Photo Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
In the spring, when the host plants start growing again, zookeepers bring the caterpillars out of the freezer and put them back on their plants.
“From May until the end of June, we’re taking care of those caterpillars again until they become adult butterflies,” he said. “And then we repeat the cycle all over again.”
Protecting the butterfly’s remaining habitat
“It doesn’t matter how many butterflies we can produce here at the zoo, we could release 5,000,” Pavlik said. “But if the habitat is not there for them, or if the habitat’s been taken over by invasive species, it doesn’t matter how many we release, it’s not going to work.”
He said that’s why the international partnership is so important – various organizations working on different parts of the problem.
“I don’t think I’ve heard of a butterfly that has this big of a coalition of people working to save it from extinction,” Pavlik said.
Members include not only federal and state agencies from the U.S. and Canada, but also universities, nonprofit conservation organizations and land managers maintaining and restoring the natural areas the butterfly needs to survive.
In 2024 the researchers attempted the first reintroduction of the butterfly in Michigan at a site where they once occurred, but had disappeared from.
The site had become overgrown with buckthorn, an invasive woody species that quickly takes over grassy areas, including prairies and prairie fens.
Nordmeyer said land managers in southeast Michigan had spent five years removing the buckthorn and other invasive species from the area.
Secret locations help the butterflies thrive
The locations where the butterflies still occur and where they are released are kept secret, however, because of incidents in the past few years when people trampled the fragile habitat when the butterflies were flying.
With such low population numbers, Smith said, any trampling of eggs or caterpillars, or chasing away the adult butterflies, could be devastating for the species.
Cale Nordmeyer with the Minnesota Zoo releases Poweshiek skipperlings in an undisclosed location in southeast Michigan in 2024. (Video Courtesy, Ruth Thornton/WKTV Contributor)
Signs of a larger problem?
The decline of the butterflies is a warning sign that the natural areas it occurs in could be in trouble.
“It’s a really good indicator species,” Pavlik said. “When we see these declines happening for a butterfly so quickly, we know that whatever is affecting that species is probably affecting a lot of other species.”
“It’s important to know that it’s not just Poweshieks,” he said. “Pollinator and insect declines are happening very quickly worldwide.”
A promising recovery amid an uncertain future
“If you plant native pollinator gardens in your yard, you’ll be helping so many other species. And don’t spray pesticides,” Pavlik said. “Those are two of the biggest things you can do to have a positive impact for pollinators across the world.”
While the Poweshiek skipperling is not out of the woods yet, preliminary results from this year’s field season are promising, Nordmeyer said.
“We were able to confirm survivorship of last year’s offspring at the (reintroduction) site,” he wrote in an email.
The situation for Poweshieks is still dire, he said, but this year biologists saw more butterflies than in recent years, and a similar number as before the 2013 population crash.
“It’s too early to declare victory,” he said, but thanks to the hard work of the partnership working together to breed the butterfly and restore its habitat, “the downward trend of the Poweshiek skipperling is tangibly reversing.”
A 100-plus car pile-up, including dozens of semi-trucks, closed both directions of traffic on Interstate 196 Monday morning between Hudsonville and Zeeland while snow and heavy winds rolled across West Michigan.
UPDATE: Both directions of I-196 re-opened at 6:45 p.m. Thursday
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said the multi-car pile-up on I-196 began approximately at 10:19 a.m. Jan. 19, near 64th Ave. in Zeeland Township. Deputies were dispatched after receiving multiple reports of numerous crashes and slide-offs in the area.
As of 2 p.m. Monday, all injured patients were transported to area hospitals via ambulance. There were 10 total persons injured with non-life threatening injuries and 25 motorists were transported to a reunification point at Hudsonville High School.
Sheriff’s Deputies worked with area ambulance and fire services to treat the wounded and transport them to area hospitals. The Michigan State Police and Zeeland Police Department also assisted deputies on the scene.
The highway was closed in both directions between the Hudsonville exit of 196 (62) and the Zeeland exit of 1-96 (55). Motorists were encouraged to avoid this stretch of 196 and avoid travel completely, unless necessary.
Buses from Hudsonville High School (HHS) and Max Transit were used to assist OCSO with transporting stranded motorists from the scene to Hudsonville High School.
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
Check out these new and exciting basketball clips from our latest Friday Night Highlights show.
Just like football season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school basketball home stadium action from your local varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting Friday Night Highlights show.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Monday night! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
Kip Snyder was sworn in as the next Chief for the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
In his role, Chief Snyder will lead a team of nearly 167 full-time sworn and civilian personnel from both the police and fire department. Snyder will serve in this role until his retirement in 2027.
Snyder has dedicated his career to law enforcement and public safety, serving the City of Wyoming in a wide range of roles. He began his career as a patrol officer, where he developed a strong foundation in community-focused policing. He later served as a K9 handler and vice detective, gaining specialized experience in enforcement, investigations and proactive policing.
“Deputy Chief Snyder has been an exceptional and instrumental member of our public safety team.” said Wyoming City Manager John Shay. “He has gone above and beyond in his various positions, and I believe is a role model and trusted figure for our residents.
“We look forward to seeing him lead our public safety team in its ongoing mission to protect and to serve our community.”
Snyder served as sergeant, overseeing both patrol and support services, followed by lieutenant responsible for patrol and administrative services. He later was promoted to captain of police services, where he provided strategic oversight of departmental operations, and most recently served as deputy director, playing a critical role in executive leadership, organizational development, and long-term planning for both the police and fire departments.
Throughout his career, Snyder has led or helped establish several impactful initiatives designed to strengthen both employee wellness and operational effectiveness. These efforts include the creation of the peer support team, cadet program, and use of force cadre, as well as the development of the department’s K9 program and Community Services Unit (CSU). In addition, Snyder played a key role in developing succession planning within the Wyoming Fire Department, ensuring continuity of leadership and operational readiness.
Snyder’s service and dedication have been recognized through multiple honors, including a Life Saving Award, the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence, and numerous commendations throughout his career. Snyder has completed extensive executive-level training, including FBI-LEEDA, the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the Grand Rapids Leadership Institute, and the FBI National Academy class 236.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration, also from Ferris State University.
Snyder resides in Hudsonville with his wife Jill. He also has four adult children – daughters Elizabeth and Roda and sons Christian and Joshua and daughter-in-law Katelyn.
Snyder replaces Chief Kimberly Koster, who retired in early January.
Michigan State University’s Bug House, managed by the Department of Entomology, is launching Six-Legged Saturdays as a new addition to its public programming following a successful crowdfunding effort supported by a significant contribution from the Great Lakes Entomological Society.
The family-friendly events will take place on the third Saturday of each month and will run alongside the Bug House’s existing monthly open houses, both of which are free and open to the public. “With Six-Legged Saturdays, we are able to provide additional free opportunities for folks to visit the Bug House at family-friendly times,” said Amanda Lorenz, director of the Bug House. Programming will include an insect-themed story time led by Entomology Department Chair Hannah Burrack and hands-on, bug-inspired crafts.
The goal of Six-Legged Saturdays is to introduce young audiences to science in a fun and engaging way while fostering curiosity about insects. “The Bug House provides a welcoming environment in which to learn about insects with opportunities to safely interact with live bugs,” Lorenz said.
Live insect handling during Six-Legged Saturdays is completely optional, and participants may choose activities that do not involve close contact with the live insects housed at the Bug House.
Michigan State University Bug House 2026. (Photo Courtesy, MSU)
“Insects are a wonderful way to engage people in learning about nature and science because everyone has some feeling about them. Folks may be fascinated, fearful, or grossed out, and this helps drive them to learn more!” Burrack said. “My hope is that expanding Bug House programming to weekends will allow more community members to attend, particularly those who cannot attend our weekday and evening events.”
In addition to the new programming, the Bug House will continue to offer its regular monthly open houses on the second Monday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore live insects and arachnids and learn more about their ecological importance.
Michigan State University Bug House 2026. (Photo Courtesy, MSU)
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
Check out these new and exciting basketball clips from our latest Friday Night Highlights show.
Just like football season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school basketball home stadium action from your local varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting Friday Night Highlights show.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Monday night! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
The Kentwood Police Department responded to a shooting with injuries at approximately 8:34 p.m. Thursday in the area of Ridgebrook Ave. and Carriage Hill Dr.
Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile victim with non-life-threatening injuries. First responders rendered aid, and the victim was transported to an area hospital. Shell casings along with damage to property also were located on scene. No suspects have been arrested at this time.
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.
Despite modest improvement across several key metrics, a report from a Grand Valley State University researcher indicates the West Michigan economy closed out 2025 continuing a softening trend.
Brian Long, director of supply chain management research at GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, said his December survey of the region’s businesses and purchasing managers revealed widespread uncertainty and concern among respondents.
“According to the data we collected in the last two weeks of December, the West Michigan economic softness that we reported in November has unfortunately carried over for another month,” Long said.
“But again, the word is soft, not collapsing. January is a back-to-work month and sometimes gives us a better clue where the economy is really going for the rest of the year.”
Long noted that performance within some of the region’s traditionally strong industries — including auto parts manufacturing and office furniture production — continues to weigh on the overall economy.
“Business planners are of course confused and frustrated because there’s simply too many moving parts to make an accurate assessment of exactly where we’re going,” Long said. “So, as a consequence, expansion plans and new hire plans have often been put on hold.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Long said ambiguity remains the defining theme.
“I guess ‘confused’ might be the best way to describe the 2026 outlook for West Michigan,” Long said. “Yes, we have some data that is continuing to soften, but almost every day there’s an announcement that can change the paradigm for the business environment.”
(Photo Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Here’s a look at the key index results from December’s survey of West Michigan purchasing managers:
New orders index (business improvement): -11 vs. -20 in November
Production index (output): -17 vs. -23 in November
In a showdown between two of the premier Division 2 girls basketball teams in the state, as well as OK Gold rivals, South Christian held off a furious Grand Rapids West Catholic second-half rally to grab a 73-62 win in what very well may be the first of three potential meetings between the local basketball powerhouses.
Last season, the two powers split a pair of conference games as they shared the conference title. The two teams met again in the postseason when West Catholic edged the Sailors 39-37 in the Division 2 state quarterfinals. This season, South Christian won Round One of what may be another memorable trilogy and kept its record spotless at 7-0.
The game was a close struggle in the early going before the Sailors built a 20-point lead midway through the third quarter. Any thoughts of an early surrender by the Falcons were washed away as West Catholic rallied and eventually cut the deficit to three points late in the fourth quarter before the Sailors regained command in the final minutes of the contest.
“They (West Catholic) are a good team,” said South Christian Coach Erika Brown. “They are a very, very good team. They are very well coached. They are disciplined and we knew it was going to be a game of runs. We got after it and got that 20-point lead, but at the same time we knew it wasn’t over.”
The game was close from the opening tip with the Sailors clinging to a 16-15 lead at the end of the first quarter. West Catholic was up 22-20 midway through the second quarter before the Sailors went on a 15-4 run to end the first half. Freshman Kinley Regnery was at the middle of the Sailor run as she drained three consecutive three-point shots during the South scoring spree. Regnery finished with 11 points during the second quarter.
In the second half the Sailors picked up where they left off. Up 35-26 heading into the second half, the Sailors outscored West 13-8 to go up 48-36. The Sailors then reeled off eight straight points to take a 56-36 lead in the latter stages of the third quarter. Sophomore Abby Prins was a big part of the Sailor offensive success during the third quarter with 10 points.
South Christian sophomore Abby Prins (15) totaled 14 points against West Catholic. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
A combination of strong defensive and offensive execution enabled the Sailors to take the large lead.
“Our press was working pretty well,” Brown said. “I think we got them (West) out of rhythm a little bit on the offensive end.”
The 20-point lead, however, was anything but safe against a West Catholic team that came into the game with a five-game winning streak and 6-1 overall record. West also came in with the added confidence of beating Tecumseh, the team that it lost to in last year’s Division 2 state championship game, 54-52 in a tournament three days earlier.
Led by their junior standout Alexis Asekomeh, the Falcons responded with an 8-0 run of their own as they trimmed the South Christian lead to 58-46 by the end of the third quarter.
West Catholic continued to build on that momentum in the final quarter. The Falcons began the fourth quarter by outscoring South 11-2 to cut the margin to 60-57 with 4:36 remaining in the game.
South Christian defenders Meredith Helmus (11) and Isla Ogle (21) close in on West Catholic’s Kenley Slanger (11). (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
The Sailors, however, boosted by their home crowd, battled back with an 8-0 run of their own to regain a double-digit lead and bring home the win that improved their record to 7-0 for the season.
“We just had to regroup,” Brown said. “We had to take a time out and get back to us. We had to focus on some things that we were really missing out on the floor. We had to settle each other down and believe that it would be ok.”
Balanced scoring was a key for the Sailors. Senior Sophia Prins led the way with 18 points, followed by Regnery, 17; Abby Prins, 14; junior Meredith Helmus, 10, and senior Lizzie Wolthuis with nine.
Asekomeh led the way for West Catholic with 24 points, while sophomore Kenley Slanger added 17.
South Christian returns to action Friday evening hosting Northview and then travels to Wayland next Tuesday. The rematch with West Catholic will take place Feb. 3 at West Catholic.
“The season has been going good,” Brown said. “We have a good group of girls. We have good leaders, good senior leadership. The core of the team is back from last year so we are building off a good end to last year, but the basketball season is long and there’s lots of stuff still to work on.”
Relive the excitement of Mona Shores Fiddle Fest 2025. Check out the WKTV rebroadcast of a special event featuring the sounds of folk, Celtic and pop music from November 15 at the Mona Shores High School Performing Arts Center.
The evening consisted of the following musical groups: The Mona Shores Fiddlers: Watch the high school group deliver their signature, high-energy renditions of traditional Celtic jigs and reels, blended seamlessly with modern folk and pop arrangements. The Middle Fiddles: See the program’s rising stars showcase their skills and enthusiasm with delightful and lively non-classical pieces.
Guest Artists ABC (Anything But Classical) Orchestra from East Kentwood High School: Get ready for innovative and dynamic music as this renowned guest ensemble takes the stage. They perform fearless arrangements of rock, pop and jazz hits that challenge the definition of a traditional orchestra.
Learning about hospice sooner rather than later gives caregivers a wider understanding of resources that can support them as their caregiving journey evolves. (Photo Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
For family caregivers, it’s easy to do when juggling caregiving for a loved one with jobs and other responsibilities, but not taking care of themselves can result in a snowball of negative effects, often unintended. Valerie Willock, a community relations specialist with Emmanuel Hospice, has seen it play out too often.
“If the caregiver is not taking care of themselves, that’s not helping anyone,” she says. “Caregiver fatigue and burnout are very real. There are a lot of layers of stress that begin to weigh on caregivers over time. There’s emotional and physical challenges, as well as a financial impact.”
Willock believes seeking support is an act of self-care and assures caregivers who are hesitant to ask for help that “people want to take care of people.”
“It’s important to find your community, whether it’s through your church, book club or a support group to help you get through difficult times,” she says. “Open up to people, and you’ll find others who are going through a similar situation. It really helps to realize you’re not alone.”
Equally important is taking time to learn about resources that can support you throughout your caregiving journey. Hospice care is one of those resources.
From Willock’s perspective, too few know how supportive hospice is – not only for patients but for caregivers, too. With hospice, she says caregivers and other family members gain “a whole support system” that allows them to focus on cherishing the remaining time with their loved one.
That support system includes an interdisciplinary team of medical providers, along with a social worker, home health aides, spiritual caregivers, complementary therapy specialists, bereavement counselors and others to ensure all needs are met. In addition, hospice can help take care of all the “nitty-gritty,” as Willock likes to say, of day-to-day care, including medication, durable medical equipment and other supplies.
“We serve as navigators at the end of life,” she said. “For anyone hesitant about accepting outside help, let me reassure you we are not here to take over control. We are here to listen, support and answer questions. We meet you where you are and just give you extra cushion.”
Willock’s goal for every family member she meets is for them to have the opportunity to step out of the role of caregiver and “just be the daughter, son or spouse” of their loved one during whatever time they have left together. She says learning about hospice sooner rather than later is always best and encourages families to have open conversations about how they want to live at the end of life.
“Once a caregiver has that conversation, a weight is lifted because there’s clarity about their loved one’s wishes,” Willock explains. “They know who to call and what comes next. No surprises, just support.”
The City of Wyoming has approximately 250 miles or 600 lane-miles of streets. The most efficient way to manage snow and ice removal on these streets is to prioritize the streets according to their use.
First Priority: These are the major streets which carry the most traffic and have the highest speed limits. They are plowed and salted frequently so as to keep them as snow and ice free as possible.
Second Priority: These are the collector streets which have lower traffic volumes and lower speed limits. They are dispersed throughout residential neighborhoods such that everyone is within a reasonable distance from either a first or second priority street. These streets are plowed and spot-salted regularly but not as often as the major streets.
Third Priority: These are the remaining residential streets and culs-de-sac. They are plowed when the snow depth reached four inches, either from a storm event or snow accumulation. Our goal is to complete the plowing of all streets within 24-hours of a four-inch or greater storm.
Odd-Even Winter Parking Restrictions
Help keep our streets clear of snow this winter and avoid parking tickets by following the odd-even parking ordinance! The ordinance – in effect Dec. 1 through March 31 – requires people to alternate the side of the street they park on between 12 a.m. and 6 p.m. That’s so plows can keep both sides of the street clear of snow. It helps to keep roadways clear and accessible for you, snowplows, and emergency vehicles during the winter. Odd-even parking fines are $30 per violation received.
Odd-Even Parking at a Glance
No Parking Signs: Regardless of odd-even status, parking is never permitted in designated “No Parking” zones.
Helpful Tip: Between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m., make sure to move your vehicle to the side of the road matching the next day’s date.
Dates and Times: No parking on alternating sides of the street from midnight to 6 p.m., December 1 until March 31.
Snow or No Snow: This ordinance is enforceable even when there is no snow.
Odd Dates: On odd dates, park on the side of the street with odd addresses – those that end with 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9.
Even Dates: On even dates, park on the side of the street with even addresses – those that end with 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8.
Cul-De-Sacs: In a cul-de-sac, you may only park on the street on even-numbered calendar days.
Kentwood residents can recycle their real Christmas trees from Dec. 27 through Jan. 30 at the Department of Public Works drop-off site at 5068 Breton Ave. SE.
Hours of operation:
Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. to Noon Sunday: CLOSED Also Closed On: Dec. 31, Jan. 1 and 19
How it works:
*You must be a Kentwood resident – ID required
*You may only bring your Christmas tree to be recycled.
*Remove all decorations: lights, bulbs, tinsel, metal hooks, etc.
Consumers Energy crews worked overnight to continue restoring power to customers following the late-December winter weather that swept across Michigan. The two waves of storms impacted nearly 230,000 customers and the lineworkers’ successful efforts have resulted in the lights back on for almost 90% of customers.
“We understand how frustrating it is to be without power and we thank customers for their patience as our crews continue working around the clock to get the power restored,” said Norm Kapala, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge for restoration. “Crews from six states and Canada joined with our Consumers Energy crews as we continue our restoration efforts.”
Consumers Energy has deployed nearly 630 crews to restore power today and is committed to an all-hands-on-deck response with a goal to restore power to all communities, including the hardest hit areas in Northwest and Mid-Michigan by end of the day tomorrow.
“The back-to-back winter weather felt across the state was damaging, but now that the winds have died down, crews are able to be out in the field in full force responding to outages,” Kapala said. “For anyone that needs to travel, we encourage you to please keep our co-workers and their safety top of mind.”
Consumers Energy urges the public to keep important safety tips in mind:
Be alert to crews working along roadsides. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they can go safely past.
Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. Consumers Energy reminds people that falsely calling in downed lines actually slows down the restoration process for everyone.
Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Read more guidance on safe generator use here.
Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, clean-up of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners.
In some cases, the mast that holds the electric service wires to a home or business may have been damaged or torn away. Crews will reconnect the wires to a home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable.
Lee High School cross country runner Kaylee Ochoa. (Photo Courtesy, Kaylee Ochoa)
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
It’s easy to see why Wyoming Lee senior Kaylee Ochoa’s favorite movie is The Princess and the Frog, a Disney movie about a hardworking waitress with a dream of opening a restaurant of her own.
“I love the message that the movie portrays that dreams can come true if you work hard for them,” explains Ochoa, who wrestles, runs track and cross country, and plays softball for the Legends, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. “The Princess and the Frog gives me a sense of nostalgia that makes me want to watch it over and over again.”
Ochoa said cross country is her preferred sport.
“Cross country is my favorite because it allows me to be independent in my conditioning and improve for the next race,” said Ochoa, who began running in middle school. “I began cross country in sixth grade because my Mom wanted me to try out a sport for middle school. I wanted to give it a chance and stuck with it.
“I ended up loving it more than I first thought I would, having amazing teammates and great coaches throughout the years.”
She said her favorite memory in cross country is when the team went to summer camp to train and bond.
“We would get to know more about each other and connect deeper than just being on the same team together,” explained Ochoa, who said her mentor is cross country Coach Greg Popma.
“He is always there for me and pushes me to do my best,” said Ochoa, a team captain in cross country. “He supports me in all the things I do and shows up at my other sporting events. He cheers me on and congratulates me, but also supports me and helps me with losses.”
Wyoming Lee Athletic Director Andre Sargent said Ochoa demonstrates exceptional leadership, character and balance in every aspect of life.
“She approaches sports with discipline and a relentless work ethic, consistently pushing herself to improve while inspiring her teammates to do the same,” he continued. “In the classroom, Kaylee shows the same dedication managing her time responsibly, staying engaged in different clubs, and striving for academic excellence. Her positive attitude, integrity and respect for others makes her someone younger athletes naturally look up to.
“Whether offering encouragement after a tough game or match, leading by example during practice, or representing Lee with pride, Kaylee embodies what it means to be committed, resilient and team-oriented. She doesn’t just excel, she elevates everyone around her.”
Also a team captain in wrestling for the past three years, Ochoa competes in the 106-lb. weight class on the girls team.
Lee High School wrestler Kaylee Ochoa. (Photo Courtesy, Kaylee Ochoa)
“I like being a leader because I can show my teammates ways to improve and be better,” she explained. “I also get to be a role model for others and feel encouraged knowing someone looks up to me in that role.”
Ochoa began wrestling in ninth grade because of an older classmate.
“She was a state qualifier, and I had been close to her in my early months of high school,” she explained. “My favorite memories in wrestling are when I win a match and get my hand lifted for everyone to see. I feel a wave of courage and satisfaction when I stand in front of everyone knowing I put so much effort for it to come through in the end.”
Ochoa joined the track and field team in the seventh grade and continued again as a high school junior, running the 1600- and 800-meter races.
“I gained interest in joining my classmates and friends who had only great things to say about the sport,” she explained. “My favorite memories in track and field are when I get to know my times and celebrate with my teammates when I improve.”
Last but not least, she started playing softball in the eighth grade and now plays shortstop/second base for the Legends in high school.
“I became interested by a mentor who had so much passion for the sport which made me curious about joining,” she explained of her softball participation. “My favorite memories in softball are when we start winning and get to celebrate together. We laugh and yell and cheer each other on. We continue to push and encourage each other in the dugout.”
Lee High School’s Kaylee Ochoa playing softball for the Legends. (Courtesy, Kaylee Ochoa)
Her interests away from sports?
Reading, listening to music and a job all keep her busy.
“I love photography and have also taken photos for sporting events at my school in the past.”
Favorite pro athlete?
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“He shows determination and competitiveness in what he does and is an amazing athlete,” Ochoa explains. “He is a great hitter and pitcher for the Dodgers and does an amazing job on the field. Seeing what he does and has accomplished has inspired me to do my best as an athlete.”
Ochoa plans to attend college and work in the education field.
“My dream job is to be a teacher because I can encourage students and hope to make an impact in their lives.”
As Michigan prepares for another cold winter, Consumers Energy is highlighting energy bill assistance and safeguards for seniors. Those include shut-off protection and $4 monthly electric bill credits that are available to most households headed by individuals age 65 or older.
“Consumers Energy is committed to serving all of our customers, including ensuring that our seniors are using all resources that keep them safe and comfortable in their homes,” said Brian Lewis, Consumers Energy’s Executive Director of Customer Service and Programs.
“We hope to spread the word that Consumers Energy can help our friends and neighbors, no matter their needs.”
Consumers Energy has updated its energy assistance webpage to help customers better understand their energy bill payment options (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice/IStock)
Energy bill assistance options
Consumers Energy recently updated its energy assistance webpage to help customers better understand their options to help pay their energy bills. Specifically, the company offers help for people 65 and older:
Senior citizen bill credits – Seniors can receive a $4 monthly credit on electric bills at their primary residence. The credit cannot be combined with the Low-Income Assistance Credit or Residential Income Assistance. If there’s an issue with receiving the credit, please confirm your birthday is correctly submitted by calling 800-477-5050.
Winter Protection Plan – The plan protects people 65 and older against shut-off and high payments during the wintertime. Enrollment runs from November through March.
Shut-Off Protection Plan – The 18-month protection from shut-off plan is available to seniors age 65 and older. Enrollment is year-round.
A little tweaking of the home thermostat knob to set temperature on energy saving mode will lower energy costs (Courtesy, Consumers Energy)
Additional resources
Consumers Energy offers assistance and connections to resources through an array of programs.
Consumers Energy crews will be working to restore power to customers today as high winds and snow continue a late-December surge of severe weather across Michigan. The energy provider is making it a priority to help customers in the region from Big Rapids to Midland where a blanket of ice already caused heavy damage Sunday.
“Michigan is facing a variety of weather challenges in the last few days, from ice to wind and snow. We are grateful for the resilience and strength of our customers, and we will work around the clock to get the lights back on for everyone we serve,” said Norm Kapala, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge for restoration.
Consumers Energy is deploying over 400 crews to restore power today and is committed to an all-hands-on-deck response to help communities across the state. Today’s forecast calls for wind gusts above 50 mph and snow, following rounds of ice that affected 90,000 customers Friday and Saturday, and again Sunday.
Consumers Energy will delay immediate restoration projections for part of the day today as it assesses the initial impact of winds that should continue until this evening. Customers can check the status of outages at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter. They can also sign up for outage alerts and restoration times sent to a phone, email or text message, Text ‘REG’ to 232273 or visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts.
“We understand the frustration that comes with back-to-back storms,” Kapala said. “It’s still important for the public to remain focused on being safe, just as our lineworkers will do as they work around the clock to restore power safely and efficiently.”
Consumers Energy urges the public to keep important safety tips in mind:
Be alert to crews working along roadsides. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they can go safely past.
Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. Consumers Energy reminds people that falsely calling in downed lines actually slows down the restoration process for everyone.
Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Read more guidance on safe generator use here.
Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, clean-up of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners.
In some cases, the mast that holds the electric service wires to a home or business may have been damaged or torn away. Crews will reconnect the wires to a home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable.
The Kentwood Police Department responded to a vehicle/pedestrian crash at 7 p.m. Monday in the 4200 block of 28th St. SE. Upon arrival, a 41-year-old female was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is believed that one or more vehicles involved left the scene, according to the Kentwood Police Department.
The Kentwood Police Department will release more information regarding these vehicles in the near future. Investigating Officers are asking for anyone who witnessed the incident to call Sgt. Carey at 616-656-6561.
Former poet laureate of Grand Rapids, Patricia Clark, has written countless poems, published several volumes of poetry and received multitudes of accolades for her works (Courtesy, Chris Clark/Grand Rapids Press)
Former poet laureate of Grand Rapids, Patricia Clark, has written countless poems, published several volumes of poetry and received multitudes of accolades for her works. She is also one of the only poets to have a poem land on the moon.
Patricia Clark signs copies of her books for members of the Women’s City Club of Grand Rapids (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“Astronomy ‘In Perfect Silence’” landed on the moon with a NASA flight module in March 2025. The poem was part of The Lunar Codex project and was inspired by an astronomy class she took in 1972 as a University of Washington undergraduate.
Like her moon-bound poem, Clark’s other works are born of personal experiences and inner musings. Writing poems, Clark says, is a great way to introspect and think.
However, the poet and retired Grand Valley State University professor has found herself having to defend the poetry genre over the years.
“Poetry scares a lot of people,” Clark says. “The problem is that people always want to know what the meaning of the poem was, and I think that’s the wrong way to go about it. It’s partly just to give you pleasure, to read a poem, and to let the words roll around in your mouth like food.”
Clark thinks of herself as an ambassador of poetry, encouraging others to enjoy the process of reading and writing poetry, and often talking about the inspiration behind her poems when sharing them.
Bitten by books
Clark was “bitten by books” at a young age, and could often be found at the public library. Despite her love for reading and poetry, however, Clark majored in economics in college.
“I didn’t know you could choose to be a writer; that seemed outrageous,” says Clark. “Even in college I wasn’t writing much. But I loved poetry, and I loved reading. I would be in an econ class, and I’d have a book of poems behind my textbook.”
Clark is also an advocate of memorization. “I think memorizing is great because then you can possess a poem in a different way because you know it.”
Why poetry?
Clark says “there’s just something in the music” of a poem.
The works of poet Pablo Neruda helped Clark believe she could also write poetry. Neruda’s poems, Clark says, are “very simple, earthy kinds of things. When I pick those poems up and read them, immediately I think: I can write a poem. I can do that.
“You find other poets who do that for you too, and you pick up a book, read a few poems, and you want to rush to your desk and start scribbling things down.”
Clark has published three chapbooks of poems (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
When inspiration strikes
Clark often uses her past as inspiration for her writing. Writers end up writing about where they were, says Clark, because they have a better view of it from a distance.
Not surprisingly, Clark’s parents are often featured in her poems.
Clark admits her relationship with her mother was not always easy, depicting their volatile relationship in various poems. However, “Because What We Do Lives On” gives voice to her mother’s iron fierceness in defending Clark’s father when wronged.
“She could really defend my father when it came down to it.”
Clark often finds inspiration striking when she observes paintings and other artistic works. Some of those works even “haunt” her until she writes about them.
A taste of poetry…
O Lucky Day is Clark’s seventh volume of published poetry (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Readers of Clark’s poetry will find themselves drawn in by her eloquent prose and snippets of humor.
“36 Myopia Road” contains an imaginative and somewhat humorous depiction of Clark’s mother being startled into giving birth.
“…when my people left for the West Coast, an egg in my mother’s belly started to grow into me…Settling into the Puget Sound’s salt air, they awaited my birth like the Messiah. Stars aligned and Magi came on horse- and camel-back. Once, a blue and white parakeet appeared in a pine tree. My mother tried to catch it and then I was born…“
On a more serious note, Clark’s poem titled “Our Next Breath” bears hard truths.
“…sometimes the injustices stack up so high, tilting, they could topple and crash…We turn off the news because it’s terrifying, and there’s nothing we can do…we can’t give up joy…going on as we can, looking up and out, as uncertain as our next breath.“
It’s in the small things…
For those interested in writing poetry, Clark advises writing things down – even the small things.
“Sometimes with poetry, it’s the really small thing, it’s not the big thing,” says Clark. “Poets just go home, and they write things down.
“When you have these memories, if you write them down, it stimulates more memories. It’s amazing what you can remember.”
Walking is a great stimulator of memories and the imagination, Clark continues.
“Walking stimulates thinking. Pretty soon you’re in another year and another space. I never bring a notebook with me. If it’s important enough, I’ll remember when I get home.”
A lifetime of accomplishments
Clark talks about life as a poet to the Women’s City Club (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
In addition to her seven volumes of poetry, Clark has also published three chapbooks, and various works have been featured in several notable national publications.
Awards for Clark’s work include a Creative Artist Grant in Michigan, the Mississippi Review Prize, the Gwendolyn Brooks Prize, co-winner of the Lucille Medwick Prize from the Poetry Society of America, the Poetry Society of Virginia’s book award, with Self-Portrait with a Million Dollars from her most recent volume of poetry nominated for Best of the Net. Her very first book, titled North of Wondering, won the Women in Literature Poetry competition.
Clark served as the poet laureate of Grand Rapids from 2005-2007, and was Poet-in-Residence and Professor in the Department of Writing at Grand Valley State University.
However, knowing that her works touch lives is most important to the poet.
“When someone says they enjoyed my work, I can live on that for days,” says Clark. “No need for money; I could live on those few words for days.”
A complete list of Clark’s works and accomplishments can be found here.
America’s Tallest Singing Christmas Tree 2025 as presented by the Mona Shores High School Choir will be aired on WKTV 25 on Christmas Eve at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. and Christmas Day at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Experience the magical tradition of the 41st annual America’s Tallest Singing Christmas Tree at the historic Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Muskegon, MI. Standing 67 feet tall and featuring over 25,000 lights and 230 performers, this awe-inspiring spectacle comes to life with your favorite holiday tunes.
(Courtesy photo)
The original 67-foot steel tree, funded by the Mona Shores Choir Association, was crafted by designer Millard Heath of Texas. The “singing tree” debuted at St. Francis de Sales Church in 1985 before moving to the historic Frauenthal Center in 2006. The tradition continues with a new steel structure crafted in 2015.
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org AND By Deborah Reed WKTV Managing Editor
Former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple has certainly experienced the highs and lows that life brings.
From playing in the NFL for 10 years to experiencing the tragedy of his son taking his life as a teenager, it has been a roller coaster ride for Hipple.
WKTV recently sat down with the former NFL quarterback for a Soundbites TV show to dig into his life and learn what now makes him tick many years away from the sport.
An unbelievable start
During his career, Hipple passed for over 10,000 yards with 55 touchdowns. His memorable start was back in 1981 against the Chicago Bears for a Monday Night Football game. He threw four touchdown passes and ran for two more in a big win over those Bears in an unbelievable start.
“It was a huge night,” Hipple remembers. “We had gone through the starting quarterback who had broken his hand and the backup quarterback played two games and just stunk it up really bad and they gave me my opportunity and they gave me the start.
“It’s a long day because in your head you’re going over and over and over what the first play is going to be, which is a pass play. You think of all the things that could possibly happen. When I finally got underneath the center and looked at the defense and recognized what they’re doing, and it’s going to be a pass, and I completed the first pass. It’s like a 40-yard bomb … the place just erupted. I came off the ground about three feet, just floated. I don’t think I came back down until the game ended.
“Everything just went right. We practiced really hard, we had a really good game plan. When the game was over it was like I had a hard time remembering playing, but it was fantastic. Kind of a big blur, but it’s also exciting, incredible.”
Former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple (No. 17) is now a mental health advocate. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Hipple)
An insider’s look
The life of an NFL player, Hipple admits, looks a lot different now than it did when he was in the League.
“It’s a lot different back then than it is today. The way they practice, even the way that players are treated because of the money issue. Back then you didn’t make a whole lot.
“Getting there, 140 guys come to camp and only 45 make the team. You made the team through attrition, really. You outlast everybody. They are carrying three quarterbacks, and I was the third one. You’re there and watch everybody else and get ready to go into this season, and your eyes are wide open. I was the holder for Eddie Murray, so I got to go on the field at least every game, and it was just a great experience.”
And training camp, Hipple says, was not easy.
“You’re throwing the ball twice a day for six weeks or whatever it is, and you’re hitting twice a day. It’s exhausting. And when we had our training camp, we were at Oakland University where there’s no air conditioning in the dorms, cinderblock buildings … and it was hot and hard and long. But I actually think that made us a little better because we were used to feeling uncomfortable.”
The comfort of structure
Because football is such an eyes-on sport, Hipple continues, the players feel pressure to do everything perfectly. Simultaneously, many things were taken care of for the players so they didn’t have to worry about anything but football.
Former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple (No. 17). (Photo Courtesy, Eric Hipple)
“They don’t want you to think about anything except for football. Your support system is the bus. When you get to the hotel, the keys are laid out on the table for you, you don’t have to talk to anyone. The whole structure of that, from practice to training camp, to games and the travel, it’s all like clockwork. It’s down to the minute. It reminds me of military stuff. Very supportive and very strict and oriented that way, which is great because it gives you a lot of support. Plenty of people to turn to – the training staff and coaches.
“The travel wasn’t so much going there and back, you are away from home and it is a little different, but you’re inside the bubble and the rest of the world doesn’t exist. The team is there and you know that, and so you just don’t think about it.”
The day it all began
The draft also was much different during Hipple’s time in the League, in large part because it was not televised. In 1980, Hipple remembers sitting in a 10-foot by 15-foot trailer waiting for the phone to ring and not having any idea what was going to happen.
“The one thing is, the Detroit Lions had never talked to me. It was the Rams, it was the Cardinals, it was New York. And I went to all those places beyond the combine to get tested out and everything. So I was expecting one of those teams.”
Hipple ended up the 85th overall pick in the fourth round of the draft.
“I ended up going the first pick in the fourth round. When the third round was ending up, I got a phone call. I picked it up and this guy goes, ‘Eric, this is Monte Clark, and we’re going to take you. You’ll be the first pick in the fourth round. We’re going to take you next pick.’
“I remember hanging the phone up and then this explosion, ‘YEAHHHHH, you’re there, you’re in it!’ But that’s just a piece of it because, as I said, when there’s not a lot of money that could be dished out amongst different players, when you’re in training camp you’re replaceable. That means you’ve got to work hard to get it; you have to do all the right stuff to make the team.”
The realization that he was expendable, Hipple continues, was always in the back of his head.
A life defined
Though he sustained several injuries throughout his 10-year NFL career, Hipple says he would do it all again.
“There’s so many positive things about playing. Working within the teamwork. If we don’t work hard, we don’t learn, and there are consequences because there are wins and losses. But that doesn’t mean you give up; you just try harder. So there’s so many positive things about it. It’s defined my life, and so I would [do it again].
“But there are a lot of things I probably would have done differently on a personal level. But you don’t know that until you’re there in that bubble. Once you’re in it, it is kind of an amazing place to be. That’s why when the time comes, when you’re outside the bubble, it’s a very tough adjustment.”
Concussions treated much differently these days
One football injury involved Hipple’s helmet getting knocked off during a game. When he shows that clip to present-day youth, their reaction is far different than that of older generations.
“It’s been about 15 years now since head injuries have really gotten into focus,” Hipple says. “Before that they didn’t count. You got concussed, it didn’t matter unless you’re flat on the field knocked out or something. Other than that, it wasn’t really a thing. In fact, guys actually wore it like a badge of honor.
“I’ll take that clip where I get my helmet knocked off in a game, and start playing it for groups, ages that would know me a little bit younger or my age because they knew what it was like back then. There’s a part in that clip that the announcers are saying, ‘Ohh, a great clean shot, knocked his helmet clean off,’ and I think it’s funny, and the announcers and people my age will laugh. But I talk to youth, high school and down, and they don’t know what that was like back then. In fact, they’ve been taught that a head injury is really, really bad, and for good reasons. So when they see that clip, they’re like, ‘UUGGGHHH, that’s horrible.’ That’s how it was back then. They made football follies out of those things.”
A traumatic transition
The ups and downs on the football field followed Hipple into his personal life as the NFL star battled depression during and after his football career.
“When I play, resilience to me was never a mental thing. It was, you get hit, you get back up again,” Hipple explained. “That’s what you do. It was always around the realm of physical.”
That physical resilience was evident as Hipple continually walked back onto the field after injuries such as a broken hand and broken ankles. When Hipple was cut from the team, however, his mental health took a hit – and he wasn’t sure how to recover.
“When I got cut it was like, what do you do now? I’ve been a football player since nine years old, and all of a sudden you can’t go back in, you can’t go hang out. You walk out the door and it shuts, and a couple things happen. One, is you realize that you always think you’re important. But the team goes on without you. The other part is, you’re so used that structure … and there’s a support system around you that’s gone. So what do you do?
“Also, you’re stressing because nobody back then could actually retire from the winnings. So you have to get a job and start focusing on that.”
Hipple dove into his new life by starting his own business. Six years later, the business was thriving, but Hipple was not.
Wrestling with life
“It’s about six years when all of a sudden all that stuff really hit and settled in. Is this all there is? It’s my identity now, and it’s insurance.”
Hipple wrestled with his new identity, while also missing the thrill of being on the field and playing the game he loved.
“I kind of lost my self-confidence, kind of felt like an imposter. I’d go to a dealership and want to talk insurance, sell it to them, and…it would be like, ‘Is this me? Really? Is this my identity?’ And they would give [me] funny looks too, like, ‘Didn’t you play football for 10 years? What are you doing here?’
“I started getting depressed and started to devolve.”
Though Hipple is now able to identify what he went through as depression, at the time he was confused about why he felt the way he did.
“I didn’t know what was going on with me. So I just kept going along, started self-medicating a little bit and then started getting more where it wasn’t going to work as much, and eventually ended up jumping out of a car that was going 75 miles an hour.”
That impulsive decision was born from thoughts that had tormented him for years.
“I’m not worthy. I’m not good enough for this family, they’ll be better off without me, and they can have insurance. Things that you never would think about when you’re healthy. And so it ended with me jumping out of the car and waking up in the hospital – not dead, thank goodness – but certainly scraped up.”
However, once Hipple recovered from his injuries, he “put the blinders back on,” never receiving help for his depression.
A life-changing tragedy
Those blinders were ripped away when his son Jeff entered his own battle with depression, eventually taking his own life at age fifteen.
Former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple and son Jeff Hipple. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Hipple)
“That’s when I really realized the seriousness of mental health. It’s not right, his death, and I realized: this could have been me. I could have died when I jumped. I will never do that again because I know what it feels like to be left behind, and it’s painful when you lose somebody to suicide – a family member especially. It’s so painful. So I took that off the table.”
But what Hipple did not take off the table was self-medicating. Craving an escape from the pain, Hipple continued drinking heavily and taking various medications. It finally caught up to him in the form of a DUI and 90-day jail stay. But those 90 days changed his life.
“I came out with a mission, which was to learn. I wanted to learn what happened not only to me, but to my mom, to Jeff, to anybody else who is suffering from this thing.”
Eric Hipple’s son Jeff Hipple. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Hipple)
A mission of hope
Hipple went to the University of Michigan Eisenberg Family Depression Center for treatment. It was there that he learned the science behind how depression works and medications that can help. It wasn’t long before the university invited him to develop programs as an outreach coordinator.
“That was my track for quite a while. I just wanted to inform people that there was treatment out there, you don’t have to go through what I went through.”
Though Hipple saw value in his treatment-oriented work, his reach only extended to those who were suffering. As suicide prevention and depression awareness increased, Hipple wanted to do more.
“All the stuff that we try and do mentally to keep us healthy, a lot of people don’t know what they are. Let’s talk about those. I can talk to everybody in the room, not just those that are suffering.”
Awareness of his own struggle with depression after leaving the NFL inspired Hipple to help fellow retired football players.
Hipple said research shows that 100% of former NFL players struggled with the transition into a new life after the NFL, experiencing a “down time” and even clinical depression right after retirement, or even years later.
“There was really nothing for anybody once you leave the door. NFLPA was kind of in its infancy. One of the things I wanted to get done was, we should start getting these guys, start educating them and treating them. So we did a program with the NFLPA at the university…and I was finding them help.”
Hipple found that engaging the former players through human connections and a form of teamwork made a positive impact on their mental health.
“When you’re ostracized, when you’re removed, when people ignore you, when they turn their back on you, it’s very painful. We started building little programs, eventually doing a 30-day stage for guys who are suffering.
“The feedback was fantastic from guys who we interacted with. It’s almost an eye-opening experience like what I had. ‘You mean this transition could cause psychological issues?’ Being rejected, your support system, duties changed, the relationships have all changed, all that stuff – I mean that’s traumatic, that’s a big change, and so it’s going to affect you.”
A heart for youth … enter ‘be nice’
While Hipple has done extensive work in the mental health field for the University of Michigan Depression Center, as an ambassador for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and as a board officer for VetLife Foundation, his heart lies with high school youth. Though there are many mental health programs available to youth, Hipple was drawn to the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan’s be nice. program because it is a student-driven program.
“You need to have professionals involved, but you also need to have people from the trenches. That’s what I love about be nice – it’s a student-driven program.”
“Things be nice is doing are simple, they’re the place where I want to be, all the things I thought were lacking about other programs. It’s hands-on, and it’s them, and to me that’s the best in the world.”
Now an outreach specialist for be nice, Hipple enjoys going into schools and listening to what youth say they need in their school and what they are not receiving from the world around them.
Over time, Hipple has seen a decrease in mental illness stigma within the schools.
“For students, the stigma has really lowered because they know the terminology, they talk about it, they’re much more open with their feelings. There’s still groups that get trapped and get ostracized or get pushed back or rejected, and that’s tough. So we start opening up be nice – notice, invite, challenge and empower. If you can do that, then you’re taking away that ostracizing moment and putting people together – because being connected is really important.
“One of the reasons why we did the peer-to-peer thing was to connect with somebody so they feel connected, and they’re not removed and spiraling down and all these negative things happen.”
Through be nice, Hipple also is working to connect with all athletes and coaches in Michigan with training formed in collaboration with the MHSAA. Hipple said the response from coaches has been positive because they realize their team will be strengthened through that training.
“More coordinated and understanding, each other plays harder for each other because they’re being real now. They are going to be better advocates in the schools too, and connected to the understanding.”
While Hipple will lead some of the training for coaches, several other people have come on board to help with training and presentations.
Real Men Do Cry
In 2008, Hipple published his book, Real Men Do Cry. In that book, Hipple shares his story of tragedy and triumph with unflinching honesty. Real Men Do Cry also features practical resources for families living with depression, providing information on symptoms of depression and suicide risk, as well as ways to ask for help if you or someone you love are exhibiting those symptoms.
Hipple hopes that anyone who reads his book or attends his speaking presentations walk away with an understanding that taking care of your mental health is vital for many reasons.
“The best gift you can give another person is your own mental health. That means you’re taking care of yourself. You understand your emotional content, but you also understand that you’re not going to have everything beautiful and great, and how you manage to navigate through those things. But if I can do that, that means I can be available then to a friend of suffering or to a spouse or even a stranger because I can be more in tune and connected, because I can better feel what they’re going through because I understand it and I might know the mechanisms behind it.
“I will now have the confidence to actually go up to somebody and say, ‘Do you need some help?’ or ‘Are you okay?’ There’s nothing they could tell me that’s going to scare me. It might be alarming, but I will know what to do; I’m armed with resources.”
Connection, Hipple continued, is also important.
“Being connected is really important because when we’re alone, that’s when the highest suicide rates are.”
Hipple said that it is essential that one of those connections is a person who understands mental health and the importance of being mentally healthy, thinking positively and having a growth mindset.
“I can make a mistake, but still come back from it. I can learn from it, I can grow. I can understand the different stresses that are out there and navigate through most of them. I can be productive.”
“Suicide prevention requires somebody to intervene, and the reason that people don’t intervene is because they’re afraid of the answer. If I ask you, ‘Are you thinking about suicide?’ and then you say, ‘Yes,’ then what do I do?”
Individuals who are mentally healthy can ask those questions confidently because they can offer hope in the form of resources that suffering individual can utilize.
Hipple went on to say that each tragedy and triumph throughout his life has molded him into who he is today.
“I feel really good about where I’m at right now, and I couldn’t have gotten here without going through all that.”
The Kentwood Police Department is excited to announce a community giving event, “Cram the Cruiser,” in partnership with Sam’s Club (4326 28th St SE, Kentwood) to benefit the Kentwood Little Free Pantry.
With demand running high, the pantry has been running low, and this event provides an opportunity for the community to help stock it for residents in need.
Community members are invited to help stock the pantry by donating non-perishable food items on the following dates and times:
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donation Location: Sam’s Club, 4326 28th St SE, Kentwood
Kentwood Police cruisers will be stationed out front, with officers ready to receive donations and connect with community members. All contributions will go directly to the Kentwood Little Free Pantry at 355 48th St SE, Kentwood, MI, providing support to local residents in need.
How You Can Help:
Bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Kentwood officers during the event.
Share the event with friends, family, and local groups to spread the word.
Encourage local businesses and organizations to get involved.
“Through the ‘Cram the Cruiser’ event, our community has the chance to come together and make a meaningful impact for residents in need this holiday season,” said Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin.
After lighting the Kentwood Christmas tree in front of a large gathering of residents last week, Mayor Stephen Kepley said there’s a hunger for community.
“There’s a hunger to get out and do things with family and your kids, even in the midst of being cold,” said Mayor Kepley, who’s attended the event as a public figure for 12 years. “We have such a diverse community that when we do these events, I think it just adds to the unity. I don’t know how many people I’ve talked to that I’ve seen at this event or the July 4th events, but I think it’s wonderful to do community events where people can gather. For a lot of them, this has become their family tradition. It’s really amazing.”
Kentwood Tree Lighting 2025. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting 2025. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting 2025. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
“I remember meeting one person who came as a little kid, and now he has his own family and kids that are coming to these events. So, I think it’s wonderful for unification, but also for just family tradition.”
The large crowd of residents huddled together on a frigid Thursday evening to celebrate the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and new Stationary Holiday Parade in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch.
The Stationary Holiday Parade featured floats and decorated vehicles. Other highlights at the event were a visit from Santa, food trucks, a snow globe photo booth, hot chocolate, crafts hosted by library staff, and a performance by the Michigan Ballet Academy.
“This holiday event is one of our favorites to put on,” said Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo. “Creating opportunities for the community to gather and celebrate is fundamental to our mission,”
As holiday travel continues at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, local school choirs are set to fill the Airport with festive cheer for passengers and guests.
The 29th Annual Holiday Music Festival takes place from December 8-12 in the Airport Grand Hall, located just before the TSA checkpoint. Daily performances run between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
A total of 12 West Michigan choirs are scheduled to sing 20-minute song sets throughout the day, which includes:
Byron Center West Middle School
City High Middle School
Coit Creative Arts Academy
East Kentwood High School
Harrison Park Academy
Illuminate Elementary
Lee High School
Legacy Christian School
Ottawa Hills High School
West Side Christian School
Wyoming High School
Zeeland Christian School
(Photo Courtesy, Ford Airport)
“Each holiday season, we look forward to hearing the holiday cheer from the talented school choirs from across West Michigan.” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “We thank the hundreds of students for filling the Airport with festive songs and hope they bring comfort and joy to our guests, partners and staff.”
All festival performances are free and open to the public. The schedule of performances can be found at FlyFord.org.
The City of Wyoming has named Nicole Hofert as its new Deputy City Manager.
In this role, Hofert will oversee a variety of City functions. She will also be responsible for directing and monitoring City projects, acting as liaison between the city manager and department heads, community groups, boards and designated government agencies.
“Nicole will bring a diverse skill set to this role that will help us continue to grow as an organization that serves our whole community,” said City Manager John Shay. “Her experience here at the City has prepared her to lead us into the future and work seamlessly with our staff and community partners.
“We look forward to her leadership as we face challenges and opportunities together.”
Bringing progressive experience
Hofert brings 11 years of progressive experience in planning and economic development and strong management experience.
She most recently served as Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Wyoming, where she was responsible for overseeing and implementing the City’s master plan, Wyoming [re]Imagined. Prior to her seven-year career with the City of Wyoming, Hofert worked with architecture and planning firms supporting municipal projects for a variety of clients.
Hofert is a certified planner and a member of the American Planning Association. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Case Western University and a master’s degree in city design and social science from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
The Kentwood Police Department and Kent County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call of “shots fired” Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. in the area of 60th St. and Kalamazoo Ave.
One 18-year-old male and one 17-year-old male subject matching the description were located shortly after the call walking in the area. A stolen firearm and an unregistered firearm were located on their person during the investigation. Both subjects were lodged on related charges at Kent County Correctional Facility and the Kent County Juvenile Detention Center. There were no injuries reported and there is no continued threat to the public.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
State Representative John Fitzgerald invited members of the community to Community Conversation at The Stray on Division Avenue in Wyoming on Nov. 14 for an open and meaningful discussion about the concerns and priorities of the community (Courtesy, WKTV)
State Rep. John Fitzgerald, District 83 (Courtesy photo)
Each month, State Representative John Fitzgerald invites members of the community to Community Conversation at a local location. Each Community Conversation event provides an opportunity to discuss important issues, share thoughts and engage with your local representative.
On Friday, Nov. 14, Rep. Fitzgerald could be found at The Stray on Division Avenue for an open and meaningful discussion about the concerns and priorities of the community.
An investment of time and relationship
“Every three to six weeks we cycle through and go all throughout the district and find a place where we can have a casual conversation with constituents,” Fitzgerald told WKTV General Manager Tom Norton.
“It’s really important that I’m as much a listener as someone who takes action on things.”
Fitzgerald went on to say that people expect access to their government officials – and he intends to provide that access.
“Something that’s been ingrained in me is that people enjoy having that somewhat personal relationship with their elected official,” said Fitzgerald. “It’s important that people see me out and feel comfortable to come say hi and share that little bit of a nugget of information that might help inform my decision-making in Lansing for our community.”
Lauchpad for a renaissance
The positive impact of Fitzgerald’s investment of time and relationship with the local community throughout his tenure as a Wyoming City Council member, as well as State Representative of District 83, can be seen in the flourishing businesses of the Wyoming South Division corridor.
The Stray, Fitzgerald said, is an example of the South Division commerce resurgence.
Rep. Fitzgerald chats with constituents at The Stray (Courtesy, WKTV)
“We’re seeing more of that here throughout the Division Avenue corridor. I think that we’re going to see more businesses want to improve their own facades, their operations, and I think that we’re really again on the launchpad for a renaissance.
“Throughout this community, we’re seeing investment, we’re seeing business owners want to be community fixtures,” Fitzgerald continued. “This is a great time to be in Wyoming.”
“Your voice matters.”
Fitzgerald urges residents and business owners to engage in Community Conversation events in their neighborhood. Information on Community Conversation events can be found on Fitzgerald’s Facebook site.
Grand River Prep senior Elijah Lipscomb wearing his Under The Lights Invitational Medal for placing amongst the top runners in his division. (Photo Courtesy, Isela Pronger)
Curiosity about who was faster, he or his best friend, led Grand River Prep senior Elijah Lipscomb into the world of running during middle school.
“I would like to shout out my best friend Levi for getting me into the sport,” Lipscomb said. “I started running in seventh grade when I wanted to compete with my friend to see who was faster. I also wanted to get conditioned for the soccer season, but fell in love with the sport.”
Lipscomb has accumulated a long list of accomplishments in the sport, among them being the fastest season average in school history of 17:46.3 in the 3.1 mile race. He also has the second, third and fourth fastest single race times in school history and was named 1st Team, All Conference in the Alliance League in both 2024 and 2025.
What do you love most about cross country?
“Honestly, it’s self improvement,” answered Lipscomb, who was the team’s MVP the past two seasons. “Setting goals, working towards them, meeting them, then breaking past them. That cycle is what keeps me going. Also, the team and the community is super fun to be around and hang out with.”
Lipscomb considers Coach Seth Pronger to be his mentor.
“Coach Pronger was the main mentor I had. He was there through everything, always curating the best workouts to help me meet my goals.
“In the beginning, it really was just competing against my friends. But through the years, it evolved to more of competing with my friends and against the other teams in friendly rivalries, which is even more fun.”
From Left: Grand River Prep Assistant Coach Junior Tovar; senior Elijah Lipscomb, and Coach Seth Pronger. (Photo Courtesy, Isela Pronger)
Favorite race memory?
“I would definitely say my favorite competition memory was sophomore year regionals,” said Lipscomb, whose favorite athlete is Lebron James. “Duking it out with the top guys at the time on our team and breaking 19 minutes.
“My favorite event is the Allendale Falcon Invitational because it is just the best course to run on. My best finish was definitely at the Alliance League Conference Championship this year, the first time I broke 17 minutes.”
Though he has his sights set on running in college, he wants to pursue his dream major.
“It is hard to find the perfect school to compete for,” said Lipscomb, who has a 4.27 GPA. “My current top choice would definitely be Indiana Wesleyan University. I wouldn’t be able to compete for them right away and would have to improve a lot, but that’s just more motivation. The other school I would love to run for is Spring Arbor University.
“I want to be a software engineer. I have always loved coding, and that is the perfect profession to be able to make software to better people’s everyday life.”
Beyond his prowess in cross country, Coach Pronger said Lipscomb is “a fantastic individual who uplifts and inspires everyone around him. His work ethic and drive for success speak volumes about him.
“He has tremendous character, is incredibly smart, and very passionate about his team.”
The Grand River Prep cross country team with their first place trophy at the Muskegon Catholic Central Mini Invite on Oct. 20, 2025. Elijah Lipscomb was the individual winner as well. (Photo Courtesy, Isela Pronger)
Lipscomb said it’s important for him to make a difference.
“I try to inspire those around me so that they can also fall in love with the sport and use my success as a springboard to do even better,” Lipscomb explained. “I love being in a leadership position because it gives me the opportunity to watch all my teammates improve at rapid rates and be able to help them achieve their goals.”
Outside of cross country, Lipscomb has many other interests.
“I love track, and also enjoy playing soccer and basketball,” said Lipscomb, who works at Mr. Burger part time. “I love video games, software development, and Beyblades.”
Favorite movie?
“I would say my favorite movie is Iron Man 1, because it was super cool to see him put together the MK1 suit in a cave.”
KDL’s Let It Snow reading challenge provides a choose-your-own-reading adventure for adults and teens that will keep readers reading all winter long (Courtesy, KDL)
Local book lovers can now sign up for Kent District Library’s (KDL) annual winter Let It Snow reading challenge. Adults and teens (age 11+) who read or listen to six books between Dec. 1 and Feb. 27 earn a collectible Let It Snow mug.
Participants who would like to complete more than six books can log four more titles, for a total of 10 books, by Feb. 27 and be automatically entered into a drawing to win a gift card to a local indie bookstore.
“Let It Snow is the perfect choose-your-own-reading adventure for adults and teens,” said KDL Programming Specialist Amber Elder. “You can reread your favorite books, pick up the next one from your TBR pile, look at Let It Snow displays in your local branch until a book speaks to you, or find a book in any of the category suggestions that our adult and teen librarians have provided.
“It’s a challenge that will keep you excited for your next book and that will keep you reading all winter long.”
Reading challenge details
(Courtesy, KDL)
Participants can track their reading progress online using Beanstack or complete and turn in a paper tracking form. Brochures and tracking forms can be found at any KDL branch or can be downloaded and printed here.
All tracking sheets should be turned in at any KDL branch or on Beanstack by Feb. 27.
Let It Snow mugs will be available for pick-up at KDL branches beginning Jan. 2.
Questions can be directed to any KDL branch in person or via phone at 616-784-2007.
The City of Kentwood will host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and debut a new Stationary Holiday Parade on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. with the Stationary Holiday Parade, featuring floats and decorated vehicles staged in the library parking lot. Attendees may walk through the display and vote for their favorite entry. Do you want to show off your decorated float or vehicle? Parade participation is $10, and registration is required.
Additional activities include a snow globe photo booth, hot chocolate, crafts hosted by library staff, a performance by the Michigan Ballet Academy, and a visit from Santa. Dolce Mini Cakes and Dune Buggy food trucks will offer food and beverages for purchase. Non-perishable food donations will be collected for the Kentwood Little Free Pantry.
“This holiday event is one of our favorites to put on. Creating opportunities for the community to gather and celebrate is fundamental to our mission,” said Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo. “We look forward to welcoming residents to this annual tradition.”
Kentwood Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. (WMTD), a nonprofit organization providing pet-assisted therapy throughout West Michigan, is launching its “Unleash the Love” fundraising campaign on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2. WMTD hopes to raise $5,000 by Jan. 1, 2026.
The campaign aims to support the organization’s rapidly expanding programming and the growing need for trained therapy dog teams across the region.
Bringing comfort and joy
For nearly 25 years, WMTD has brought comfort, connection and healing to individuals facing emotional, physical and psychological challenges. With more than 200 volunteer teams serving over 100 programs and facilities across five counties, WMTD teams visit hospitals, schools, assisted living centers, libraries and community organizations, providing companionship, support and moments of joy for those who need it most.
As demand for pet therapy continues to rise, WMTD is seeking community support to strengthen operational capacity and ensure programs remain accessible and effective.
Therapy dogs bring comfort, connection and healing to individuals facing emotional, physical and psychological challenges (Courtesy, Cindy Bateson/WMTD)
“Each visit our teams make creates an impact that can’t be measured in dollars alone,” said Heather McCormick, Board President of West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. “But the resources required to train, equip and support our growing program are real.
“This campaign helps ensure we can continue bringing love, hope and connection to individuals throughout West Michigan.”
How funds will be used
Funds raised through Unleash the Love will support critical needs, including:
Securing dedicated storage space for wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, AV equipment, and classroom materials used during training and certification.
Offsetting training facility fees to provide volunteers with a consistent, safe space to learn and practice.
Covering essential operational costs that keep WMTD running smoothly as the organization grows.
Purchasing training and certification supplies, including therapy dog vests, badges, evaluation materials, and program resources.
The campaign runs Dec. 2 – Jan. 1, and community members are invited to support WMTD by donating online or by mail.
“With continued support from our community, we can train more teams, reach more people and continue the work that has defined WMTD for nearly 25 years,” said McCormick. “Together, we can truly ‘unleash the love’ this season and beyond.”
How to Donate
Donations can be made online at www.wmtd.org/donate or by mail at West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc., P.O. Box 2533, Grand Rapids MI 49501-2533.
More information about WMTD can be found on their website and social media sites (Facebook, Instagram).
Following a distinguished career with the City of Wyoming spanning three decades, Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kimberly Koster has announced her retirement (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Following a distinguished career with the City of Wyoming spanning three decades, Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kimberly Koster has announced her retirement, effective Jan. 2, 2026.
Chief Koster has served in her role since April 25, 2018, leading a team of nearly 167 full-time sworn and civilian personnel from both the police and fire department. During her tenure with the department, she built a strong foundation of community trust and led her team to serve and protect through violent crime incidents, medical emergencies, severe weather, two public safety ballot proposals, an unprecedented global pandemic, among others.
Under her leadership, Chief Koster:
Played an integral role in passing a public safety millage proposal – supporting the addition of 14 new police officers and 13 new firefighters, opened and renovated all four fire stations to provide quick and professional service to all districts in Wyoming, purchased a new platform fire truck to respond to multistory building fires and combat violent crime with proactive policing.
Worked to maintain and secure accreditation for the Department from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and was appointed to serve as a commissioner with CALEA.
Was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards to represent the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.
Developed strong relationships with the business community in Wyoming by implementing a second shift community services unit that provides proactive and overnight policing in the City’s business districts.
(Courtesy, Wyoming Police Department)
“Chief Koster has been a significant asset and leader not only within our City offices, but especially for our residents, whom she has built countless positive relationships with,” said Wyoming City Manager John Shay. “I’m deeply honored to have served with her and am incredibly proud of her accomplishments and contributions to improve Wyoming.
“I know that I speak for all of us at City Hall and the Department of Public Safety in wishing her and her family the best as she begins this next chapter.”
Exceptional professionalism and leadership
With three decades of law enforcement experience, Koster began her career with Wyoming as a school resource and community policing officer. In this position, she worked with neighborhood groups and organized community events to bridge gaps and build solidarity among neighbors.
Koster worked her way up through the ranks to detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain, a position she had held since 2010. In this role, she assisted with the formation of the Public Safety Department through the administrative consolidation of police and fire services, created a new staffing model, facilitated dispatch operation transitions and led a collaborative effort in the development of the department’s five-year strategic plan.
Wyoming Police Chief Kim Koster reads “Valenstiens” by Ethan Long on-camera at WKTV (WKTV, 2021)
Throughout her career, Koster has been recognized with several commendations, including the Life Saving Award, Chief’s Award of Excellence, Outstanding Young Public Safety Officer and Safe Driving Award.
She served as a 911 communications supervisor, during which time she led the consolidation of police and fire operations in multiple communities, including Wyoming’s move to Kent County.
She has also served as lead detective in homicide investigations and as a crisis negotiator, among other critical roles throughout her career.
“The departure of Chief Koster is tremendously bittersweet,” said Wyoming Mayor Kent Vanderwood. “During her tenure, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and leadership, along with remarkable energy, passion, and commitment to her profession, her city and her department.
“Wyoming City Council wishes her well as she transitions into retirement, and we thank her for her incredible service throughout the years.”
What the future holds
City Manager John Shay has appointed Deputy Director Kip Snyder to the Director role. Snyder has served with the Wyoming Police Department for 33 years as an officer, K9 handler, vice detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and most recently as Chief Koster’s Deputy Director. He will remain in this role until his retirement.
Chief Koster and her wife, Marie, will continue to make their home in Grand Rapids with their family.
In her letter to City Manager John Shay, Koster wrote: “The City of Wyoming is extremely fortunate to have police officers, firefighters, and professional staff who are filled with compassion, capable of heroic action, dedicated to justice and hard work, fair to everyone, and professional beyond measure.
“Being their Chief was one of the greatest gifts I was ever given…”
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