The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to celebrate a decade of The Vibe, an annual celebration and fundraiser supporting Kentwood’s Adaptive Recreation programs, on Thursday, Sept. 10.
The 10th annual event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the new Kentwood Community Center, 4755 Walma Ave. SE. Guests will enjoy an evening of cocktails, dinner, live music, a silent auction, and adaptive equipment displays while supporting recreation opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Casual attire is encouraged.
For a decade, The Vibe has helped raise funds to enhance Kentwood’s Adaptive Recreation programs, which offer a wide variety of activities designed to meet the needs and interests of individuals of all abilities.
The Vibe fundraiser for Adaptive Recreation. (Photo Courtesy: City of Kentwood.)
This year’s featured speaker is Nicholas Deblecourt, who will share his story of resilience, adaptation and finding new ways to stay active following a life-changing accident.
After experiencing a seizure while driving, Nicholas survived a life-threatening crash that resulted in severe burn injuries and ultimately led to an amputation. He will share his journey of adjusting to life as an amputee and the important role adaptive recreation can play in helping people stay active, connected, and confident.
The Vibe holds a special connection for Nicholas, who previously interned with Kentwood Parks & Recreation. The City is honored to welcome him back to Kentwood to share his experience as the community celebrates 10 years of The Vibe and the impact of Adaptive Recreation programs.
“Adaptive recreation is about so much more than the activity itself,” said Tara Holliman, Kentwood’s Adaptive Recreation Coordinator. “It’s about creating opportunities for people to try something new, build confidence, make connections, and recognize what they can do. The support we receive through The Vibe helps us continue creating those opportunities for individuals and families throughout our community.”
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides Michigan’s most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming alongside several community partners. The program also is made possible thanks to the help of a strong volunteer network. Adaptive programing includes activities such as archery, bowling, cycling, kayaking, pickleball, rock climbing, skiing, water skiing, and social events. Programs are made possible through the support of the community, volunteers, and event sponsors.
“Reaching the 10th year of The Vibe is an incredible milestone, and it speaks to how much our community values creating opportunities for everyone to participate,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Director. “We are grateful to everyone who has supported this event over the years and helped us continue expanding the ways people of all abilities can connect, participate, and thrive.”
Event Details:
Location: Kentwood Community Center, 4755 Walma Ave. SE
Tickets: $45 per person and can be purchased online at kentwood.us/Vibe. Tickets also can be purchased through Kentwood Parks and Recreation.
Entertainment – Live music and additional activities throughout the evening
Money raised through The Vibe will support Kentwood’s Adaptive Recreation programs and help provide equipment, activities and opportunities for individuals of all abilities.
Programs are open to individuals of all abilities in Kentwood and beyond. To learn more about The Vibe and Kentwood’s Adaptive Recreation programs, visit kentwood.us/Vibe or Kentwood Adaptive Recreation.
By Lillian Reiner Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
The prevailing theme at the recent Unity in Motion Festival was letting families know they are not alone, whether parents need extra help at home or kids need support in school, there were nonprofits present and willing to offer their services.
This inaugural event was organized by Cultivating Futures, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap between youth and families and the resources they need to achieve their aspirations.
“It’s all about connecting people, and making sure that we come together and have a community and a place to belong,” said Mikisha Plesco, founder of Cultivating Futures.
Families enjoyed a free lunch, back to school supplies, outdoor skills demonstrations from the Out your Backdoor Foundation, raffle drawings for a bike and outdoor gear, a scavenger hunt, dancing, music, and a performance from spoken word artist Foster. Held in August at Gezon Park, the event promoted movement, connection, and community, all the components necessary for a healthy, fulfilling life.
“Community is built when we show up for one another, share a meal, laugh together and create space where everyone feels seen,” Plesco said.
Cultivating Futures began offering maternal health services to expecting mothers three years ago, however the first grant that Plesco received was in dance therapy.
“The need kind of found us,” Plesco said.
Cultivating Futures has since expanded to include arts and mental health programs that support mental, physical and educational well-being. They now offer workforce development and college readiness programs, a leadership program, a creative arts program, and doula and lactation support.
Community Resources
Many local nonprofits and organizations were in attendance, including MomsBloom, an organization that offers support in many capacities to families who are in their fourth trimester around Ottawa County.
“Events like Unity in Motion help get the word out,” said Ilena Cheatom, director of programs at MomsBloom. “It helps let them know that they’re not in this alone — when you have a baby, sometimes you feel like you’re doing that alone, and you’re not. We’re here to help give that support, and it’s completely free.”
Spoken word Poet G. Foster, aka Auto Pilot. (Photo: WKTV/Lillian Reiner)
The pen has always been mightier than the sword
Spoken word artist, G. Foster aka Auto Pilot, performed several original works addressing a variety of topics that are often difficult to verbalize, including grief, love, politics and racism. Afterwards, he spoke with interested youth to help them find their own voice.
“I want all young listeners to realize that their words are powerful,” Foster said. “You can use them to shape the world as you see. If you look at history and the narratives that have been told, it’s kind of one-sided, so it’s important for you to be able to tell yours to make sure that people that look like you can understand how you feel, what you felt, and what you dealt with.”
The Sky’s the Limit
The event was staffed by volunteers from around the community, including members of the Davenport women’s soccer team, who were giving face paintings.
Members of the Davenport women’s soccer team volunteered at the event, offering free face paintings. (Photo: WKTV/Lillian Reiner)
“I wanted to come out and support a nonprofit organization that promotes youth education, mental health and positive movement,” said soccer player Jada Spillers.
This event was truly reflective of the diverse and inclusive nature of the Wyoming community.
“In these times, there’s a lot of questionable things happening around us on a constant basis, so just being able to get together as a community, enjoy each other’s presence, and have fun with different families, is always a great thing to do,” said Hudsonville resident Jeremy Ricker.
Hudsonville resident and parent Jeremy Ricker. (Photo: WKTV/Lillian Reiner) (Photo: WKTV/Lillian Reiner)
As for the future of Cultivating Futures, Plesco says that the sky is the limit. “I really want to make sure that we continue to listen to our community, and respond to what their needs are.”
By Greg Chrapek Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
For a season opener, they don’t come much more impressive than East Kentwood’s 55-0 win against Southfield A&T to open the 2026 high school football season.
The home crowd at East Kentwood was treated to an explosive display of offense, some dominating defensive play and excellent special-team play as the Falcons dominated the visitors from the Detroit area right from the opening kickoff.
On offense, the Falcons amassed 344 total yards, a figure kept in check by the fact that the entire second half was played with a running clock limiting the Kentwood offense to the number of plays it could run. Of those 344 total yards, 252 came via the ground and 92 yards came through the air.
“Overall, I thought it was pretty good,” said East Kentwood Coach Tyrone Spencer. “You know, I wanted to see how smooth we can operate and be efficient and do some of those things. I thought, for the most part, we did a pretty good job of that.”
The Falcons wasted little time in taking control of the game as they scored on their first four possessions and were up 28-0 at the end of the first quarter.
On Kentwood’s second offensive play of the game, senior running back Dallas Moody exploded for a 63-yard touchdown run to start the avalanche of points.
On the second possession, senior quarterback Colin O’Connor connected with Stephan Jones on a 13-yard touchdown pass. O’Connor later added a three-yard touchdown run after the special teams blocked a punt deep in Southfield territory. The Falcons then closed out the scoring in the first quarter with a special teams touchdown when Stephan Jones returned a punt 51 yards. Junior placekicker Jayden Garcia kicked one of his seven extra points on the night to stake the Falcons to the 28-0 lead.
“I liked our ability to run the ball,” Spencer said. “We were able to run the ball and make some big plays when we needed to in the running game. I thought we protected and blocked well, so you know those are things that we want to continue to build, but that was really important, so I liked that and I like the defense didn’t let up as well.”
During the second quarter, the Falcons limited Southfield’s offense to three, three-and-outs. The Falcon offense, meanwhile, tacked on two more touchdowns to go up 42-0 at the half. Moody scored his second touchdown of the game on a five-yard run early in the second quarter and then senior running back Ace Bryant closed out the second-quarter scoring with a one-yard touchdown run.
Southfield A&T at East Kentwood, Aug. 27, 2026. (Photo: WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
East Kentwood was dialed in right from the opening snap. The Falcon front constantly pressured the Warriors while the Kentwood secondary blanketed Southfield receivers and the linebackers cleaned up the rest as the defense set the tone for the game right from the start.
“Defense sets the tone this year”
“That was the plan,” Spencer said. “We know what we have defensively with the guys that we have coming back and I told them, we (the defense) set the tone this year. You know, last year, Kayd Coffman and Ahman Edwards and the offense set the tone, but this year, defense, we set the tone this year.”
With the running clock in play during the second half, the Falcons still managed to put two more touchdowns on the board. Backup quarterback Tyran Harris scored one touchdown on a 30-yard run, while junior running back Ja’Kari Lovelady closed out the scoring with a four-yard touchdown run.
Kentwood’s depth and balance at running back showed through in the final stats as Moody led the way with five carries for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Harris had five carries for 69 yards and a score, Lovelady added four carries for 33 yards and a touchdown, sophomore Davione Harvey, four carries for 25 yards, and Bryant, four carries for 19 yards and a touchdown.
In the passing game, O’Connor connected on six-of-eight passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. Harris, who played receiver in the first half, caught two passes for 47 yards, while Stephan Jones caught a pair of passes for 29 yards and a score.
D’Mari Love-Simmons led with eight tackles
Senior defensive lineman D’Mari Love-Simmons led with eight tackles, three for loss and one quarterback sack, while senior linebacker Chris Thompson added seven. Senior defensive end Alijah Bondon had six tackles with two tackles for loss and one sack, while senior defensive lineman Zymeire Dannah added three tackles for loss. Junior defensive backs Austin Nelson and Ezekiel Ferrell both intercepted a pass.
With the opening win to their credit, the Falcons face a huge Week Two test this Thursday when they travel to 1-0 Byron Center on Thursday to face a Bulldog team that defeated Hudsonville 41-20.
“This win was a good confidence boost for us,” Spencer said. “We go to Byron Center and we’ll work our butts off to try to get a win over there. I think the key is going to be our ability to take their best shot, They (Byron Center) are a physical team and it’s going to be a physical football game. When they throw their best shot, we are going to have to be able to withstand it and be able to punch back.”
Kentwood Police detectives arrested two Grand Rapids men on Sept. 1 on charges relating to the shooting death of Juan Diego Cisneros. Isaiah Xavier Guerrero (22 years old) and Oscar Lagunes-Munoz (22 years old) were both lodged at the Kent County Correctional Facility and were arraigned by the 62-B District Court in Kentwood on September 3, 2026, on the following charges:
Isaiah Xavier Guerrero
Homicide – Open Murder
Weapons – Possession by a Prohibited Person
Felony Firearms
Oscar Lagunes-Munoz
Lying to a Peace Officer – Violent Crime Investigation
Members of the Kentwood Police Department continue to investigate this crime. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6600 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
UPDATE (SEPT. 1):
The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Juan Diego Cisneros.
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6600 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
AUG. 31: One person is dead and another injured by gunshot during the early morning hours today, Aug. 31. At approximately 4:13 a.m., Kentwood Police responded to the 5700 block of Kalamazoo Ave. for a report of shots heard.
Prior to officers’ arrival, two people were transported by private vehicle to area hospitals, where one was pronounced dead. The second person sustained a gunshot wound and is being treated for injuries believed to be non-life threatening.
No one is in custody at this time. The incident appears to be isolated, and there is no known threat to the public. Kentwood Police remain on scene investigating the incident.
Kalamazoo Ave. is currently closed southbound between Gentian Drive and Christie Ave. Please avoid the area and seek an alternate route.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6600 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
By Ty Marzean Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
Kelloggsville will have to replace a dozen seniors from a team that made the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
The Rockets (6-4 last year) lost in the first round to Catholic Central 45-16.
“We still have high expectations,” said Kelloggsville Coach Justin Dennett, who’s in his second year at the helm of the Rockets football program. “We want to hold ourselves to high standards.”
The 2026 team will be led by All-Conference senior tackle Davion Whitfield.
“He’s our anchor up front; he’s a great leader and the strongest kid on the team,” said Dennett.
Whitfield will be joined on the line by fellow senior guard Se’Marion Nesby to solidify the front five of the Rockets.
“I think this year will go more smoothly,” said Whitfield. “We need to be disciplined; I expect to be even better this year.”
Dennett will use that solid offensive line to do damage on the ground.
“I grew up playing in the Wing-T; we want to be known as a physical running team.”
The Rockets will deploy a running back tandem of Bryshon Parks and Mark Nix.
“(Bryshon) Parks is a really talented running back; (Mark) Nix is a great athlete and really strong,” Dennett said of his duo.
Kelloggsville running back/defensive end Mark Nix. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
“We’ve been working hard on offense this off-season,” said Nix. “We don’t have a set quarterback yet, but we have made it work. But the defense is locked down.”
The Rockets will put that defense to the test as they start the season Friday at home with an OK Silver matchup against the four-time defending conference champion, the Belding Black Knights. Belding comes into the season with a 23-game winning streak in conference play.
“They are a very well-coached team,” Dennett said. “They lost a lot from last year, but they have the type of program that reloads. They have bought into their system.”
The Rockets got off to a 14-0 lead vs. Belding last season before falling 44-14.
Kelloggsville hosts Laingsburg on Thursday, Sept. 3, in its lone non-conference game of the season before getting into conference play at Calvin Christian on Friday, Sept. 11.
By Greg Chrapek Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
After a breakout season last fall, a Godwin Heights football team loaded with veteran talent is poised for even bigger accomplishments this year.
Last season, the Wolverines qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2018 other than the 2020 covid season when every school in the state was in the playoffs. After turning in a 7-2 regular-season record, Godwin Heights also hosted a playoff game for the first time in years and finished with a 7-3 overall mark, notching the most wins in a season since 2017.
This year, with a wealth of talent returning from that team, the sky’s the limit.
“We’re feeling good,” said Godwin Heights Coach Brandon Kimble. “We have a lot of players back. We lost some good senior talent, but we brought back a lot of skill positions, a lot of linebackers, so we have a lot of good players coming back so we’re excited about the season.”
One of those returnees is at the quarterback position, junior Martellis Forest (6-1, 205), entering his third year as a starter. A talented athlete, Forest has a college-level arm and can make all the throws that a big-time quarterback makes.
“I mean, we’re biased, but I’ll be honest, I think he’s for sure the best quarterback on this side of the state,” Kimble said. “There’s a lot of talent at quarterback this year and I think he’s ready to try to make his case for being the best in the state, but we’re excited about Martellis.”
Forest has a wealth of targets to throw to as the Wolverines return all of their wideouts from last year.
Leading the list of returning receivers is senior Isziah Walker. Toss in Martise Raphael (5-10, 155), Aiden Jackson (5-8, 155) and Jakhari Davis (5-11, 150), and the Wolverines are loaded at receiver.
“Receiver is one of the positions where we are the deepest,” Kimble said. “All of our receivers return. Isziah is really explosive, but then we follow that up with Martise, we follow that with Aiden Jackson, I throw in Jakhari Davis and our tight ends can make some noise, so we are really deep at the receiver position.”
While the Wolverines have a high-octane passing game, they are anything but one dimensional thanks to the return of a big-time running back in senior Julius Hoskins (5-9, 175). Hoskins is a workhorse at running back who can also supply the dynamic big play.
Godwin Heights running back Julius Hoskins. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
“He’s special,” Kimble said. “I think that he’s going to really make some noise and do some things this year. He had some 200-yard games last year and he’s already put on some weight in the offseason. I’m excited myself to see him play.”
Up front, the offensive line graduated a pair of players but has a trio of veteran linemen to build around. Returning to anchor the line are senior tackle Jeremiah Lee (6-5, 220) and juniors Jayden Ingram and Ethan Spears. Filling out the other two starting spots will be some young linemen.
“We feel the cohesion is there,” Kimble said. “It’s just the development, the communication and learning each other. I think the three leaders on that line are going to be able to push us early on until they get that experience.”
On the defensive side of the ball the Wolverines return some key starters with plenty of young talent mixing in.
“We lost a core of our defense, but we also will return a lot in our defensive backfield. We’re returning two corners, we return one safety and then we’re also returning a linebacker. So, we lost some key spots, but we also have a lot of juniors now that played as sophomores.”
Up front, the Wolverines are led by Ingram and Lee. Senior Barnard Davis (5-11, 190) has plenty of potential and is set to make a big impact along the defensive line.
Senior Josiah Cox-Guyton (6-0, 215) is a big-play performer up front who will make an impact at defensive end or outside linebacker. A returning all-conference player, Cox-Guyton is versatile and can line up at a variety of spots along the edge and provide impact plays. He also has the potential to play college linebacker. Senior Jesus Gutierrez gained experience last year and is poised to step up and play big minutes at the “Mike” linebacker position.
In the secondary, the Wolverines are loaded with talent. At cornerback, Godwin returns a talented sophomore cornerback Jonquil James, who brings big-time talent to the position.
Another big-time talent in the secondary is junior Theus McCranie (6-2, 195), who’s a talented cornerback, but looks to play safety.
“I think we have a lot of opportunity, but we have to put it all together,” Kimble explained. “We look good on paper, but we got some work to do, but we are excited for what it shows on paper.”
Greg Chrapek began covering high school sports in West Michigan in 1988. He retired from Advance Newspapers/MLive in 2019. He also contributed to various publications during his career, including The Hoop Scoop, Spartanmagazine.com and High School Sports Scene Magazine.
By Greg Chrapek Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
With a large group of talented veterans returning, the South Christian football team is primed for a big season.
The Sailors turned in a 4-6 record last season playing in the rugged OK Green Conference. South qualified for the playoffs with a 4-5 record during the regular season, but it came to an early end as Portland edged the Sailors 42-41 in the opening round of the playoffs.
This year’s edition of the Sailors features plenty of talent and depth along with plenty of experience.
“I feel like we’ve had a really good offseason with weightlifting and training,” said South Christian Coach Danny Brown. “I’ve been happy with the effort and their commitment. I think one thing we’re blessed with is we return a lot of players from last year’s team. A lot of guys that played meaningful snaps for us, whether it be in the regular season or in the playoff game.”
The depth of the Sailors starts at quarterback where senior Austin Burgess and junior Houston Wildeboer are competing for the starting nod.
South Christian quarterback Austin Burgess. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
“I think the beauty of this team is we have two guys that can play the quarterback position at a high level,” Brown said. “We have two guys that are just competing their tails off to try to earn that spot.”
Even more talent, depth and competition is available at running back. Returning at running back are seniors Jesse Van De Griend (5-10, 168) and Isaac Osterhaven (6-0, 195), along with junior Kyle Naklizki (5-9, 185) and sophomore Dax Blackport (6-4, 220) all in the mix.
“Running back is a unique group,” Brown said. “There’s a lot of depth. It’s kind of going to be running back by committee where we ride the hot hand. Whoever’s rocking and rolling that game or that week of practice.”
The receiver positions also bring back plenty of experience with three players back who started at some point last season.
Easton Raak (5-9, 140) is an elusive and speedy junior receiver who gained starting experience last year. Senior Charlie Vermaas (6-3, 190) is a tall target with good hands who started at an outside receiver position last year. Also working in at receiver is Blackport. Another big, tall receiver, Blackport is a hybrid player on offense for the Sailors with his ability to play multiple positions and create mismatches for the defense. Senior Jack Buist is a returnee at tight end who has made plenty of progress since last season, while his cousin, Carson Buist, is looking to contribute at wide receiver.
South Christian wide receiver Charlie Vermaas. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
Paving the way for the offense is a line that returns four starters. Providing the nucleus of the offensive line are seniors Jackson Ringnalda (6-3, 210), Jacob Lobbezoo (6-2, 190), Joesph Gritter (6-2, 205) and Cody Jones (6-4, 225).
South Christian center Joseph Gritter. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
South Christian guard/defensive line Cody Jones. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
“There’s a ton of starts in that group,” Brown said, “but what happened last year doesn’t dictate what happens this year. We have to buy into what we’re doing, get together as a unit, and for us that all starts up front.”
South Christian tackle/defensive line Jackson Ringnalda. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
On the defensive side of the ball the Sailors also return a core of veteran starters.
Senior Gavin Bouma (6-3, 205) is one of the returning veterans to the defense. A two-year starter, Bouma can play multiple positions including defensive end and outside linebacker. Bouma has become bigger and stronger in the offseason and has garnered looks from college recruiters.
South Christian tight end/defensive lineman Gavin Bouma. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
Another versatile defender is Blackport who started as a freshman. Like Bouma, Blackport is a versatile defender who can line up anywhere along the defensive line or linebacker.
Jones is another veteran and two-year starter who returns to the defensive line. Senior Nathan Potter (6-3, 285) is a two-year varsity player who provides plenty of muscle in the interior of the defensive line and brings more experience to the defense. His size and strength are a key to stopping the run.
Linebacker is a key position in fall camp as the Sailors need to replace both starting inside linebackers.
“We are trying to fill linebacker right now,” Brown said. “We have guys repping in and out, who is going to take that over is to be determined. That’s a big part of a defense so we’re hoping that these guys figure it out and get up to speed and we’ll be ready to rock and roll.”
Among the players in the mix at linebacker are seniors Connor Mead (6-0, 186) and Liam Feyen (6-2, 195), and juniors Ky Hunderman (5-11, 175) and Xander Burgess.
The defensive secondary also brings back a chunk of experience.
The Sailors return a pair of veteran cornerbacks in junior Brody Schilts (6-2, 185), who started as a freshman two years ago, along with junior Ben Jackson (6-1, 185), who started at cornerback last year as a sophomore.
The Sailors also welcome back a pair of safeties who have plenty of experience in seniors Mark DeJong (6-1, 184) and Jack Weiss (6-0, 175).
As usual, the Sailors face a rugged conference and non-league schedule that ultimately prepares the team for the playoffs. South opens with Grand Rapids Christian on Friday, Aug. 28, as a home game (at East Kentwood High School), and is featured as our WKTV Game of the Week, and then travels to East Grand Rapids in Week Two before opening conference play at West Catholic in Week Three.
Greg Chrapek — Retired sportswriter who began writing about West Michigan high school sports back in 1988. Retired from the Advance Newspapers/MLive in 2019. Also contributed to various publications during his career including The Hoop Scoop, Spartanmagazine.com and High School Sports Scene Magazine. A former high school official who worked youth, junior high and high school football, basketball and girls lacrosse games until health issues sent him to the sideline.
Last fall, year two of the Tyrone Spencer era at East Kentwood proved to be a big success. This year, with a large group of talented veterans back to lead the way, the Falcons are setting their sights on continuing that success and possibly taking things even further.
Last season was a memorable one for the Falcons. After turning in a 7-2 record during the regular season, the Falcons went on a thrilling playoff run. Kentwood won three straight playoff games before falling to eventual Division 1 state champion Detroit Catholic Central in the state semifinals.
While some key players have graduated from last year’s team and have moved on to college football, the Falcons have a large group of players returning to continue the success they are experiencing under Spencer. In his first two years as Kentwood coach, Spencer has directed the team to a combined record of 15-8 and has led the Falcons to the playoffs in both years.
“I think for us, it’s just all about being the best we can be,” said Spencer, when asked about the success of the program in his first two seasons at the helm. “That’s really what we focus on. So, we haven’t been focusing on, like, really trying to win a championship, but it’s just, ‘Hey, how good can we be individually so we can grow as a group?’ So that’s been our main goal and the results have shown.”
With plenty of veterans returning, the Falcons have a huge upside for how strong they can grow this year.
“We’ve got a lot of guys that played last year,” Spencer said. “Even on the offense, where we have like three, four starters back, we have a lot of guys who have played, and same thing on defense. I’m just excited about this season. We were one game away last year and, you know, we keep working and staying healthy, you don’t know what can happen.”
East Kentwood Football Coach Tyrone Spencer talks to WKTV during practice last week. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
On the offensive side of the ball, the Falcons have four starters returning.
One position that will have a new starter is at quarterback, where Kayd Coffman, the starter the past two seasons, is now off to Michigan State. Looking to step in at quarterback is senior Colin O’Connor (6-1, 185). A transfer student and newcomer to the Falcon program, O’Connor is no stranger to big-time high school football playing at Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif., the past two seasons. Also in the mix at quarterback is junior Tyran Harris (6-1, 190).
East Kentwood quarterback Colin O’Connor played for Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif., for two years before transferring. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
“Both have been really good,” Spencer said. “Both are different, and unique in their own way, but they bring something to this team and we’re excited about it. I think right now Colin kind of has the upper hand and Tyran plays quarterback and receiver.”
At running back, the Falcons have a number of ball carriers that are ready to make an impact.
Senior Dallas Moody (6-1, 210), who started at corner last year, is moving to running back where he has the coaches excited. Junior Ja’Kari Lovelady (5-8, 160) is another talented running back in the mix along with senior Ace Bryant (5-7, 160).
“We’re excited about those guys,” Spencer said. “Donovan Jones could play running back for us, so we have a plethora of guys that I think can help us. Dallas is a playmaker, and we’re looking for big things from him.”
At receiver, the Falcons welcome back Stephan Jones, who committed to Grand Valley State. Jones is a returning all-conference player and one of the top players in West Michigan.
Lining up at the opposite receiver spot is senior Bryce Barnes (6-2, 200), who gives the Falcons another game-breaking wideout.
A newcomer at receiver to keep an eye on is junior Donovan Rubens (5-11, 180). A standout on the track team, Rubens was on the junior-varsity squad last season.
When Kentwood uses an H-back, look for junior Lance Wiegand (6-0, 205) and Christopher Warren (5-10, 205) to handle those duties.
Up front, the Falcon offensive line returns Chris Lovelady (6-1, 275) and Leland Croskey (5-10, 280). Senior Kenyatta Williams (6-3, 295) also saw playing time on varsity last year. Moving in at tackle is junior Jalon Johnson (6-4, 255) with senior Hector Zuniga (6-2, 335) stepping in at center.
East Kentwood offensive lineman Chris Lovelady. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
East Kentwood also has another key offensive performer returning in junior place kicker Jayden Garcia. A game-changer on kickoffs as well, Garcia is being recruited by several colleges, including Eastern Michigan University. Garcia also is adding punting to his workload this season.
Even more veteran talent returns to the defense with seven starters back.
The Falcon defensive line returns the bulk of its contributors from last year.
“Our defensive line is where we got most of our starters returning,” Spencer. We are only missing one guy, James Johnson who went to Ferris (State), so we have three starters coming back”
Among the veterans to look for up front are seniors Alijah Bondon (6-2, 230), Jaden Beard (5-11, 200), D’Mari Love-Simmons (6-5, 250) and junior Daivon Price (5-9, 230).
At linebacker, the Falcons are led by senior Chris Thompson (6-0, 225), who’s a dynamic defender. Also stepping in at the linebacker positions are juniors Habamungu Olinabanji (5-10, 210) and Jeremiah Adams (5-11, 180).
Defensive back also is a strong point for the Falcons.
(Image Courtesy: East Kentwood High School)
“Our entire defensive backfield returns,” Spencer explained. “Ken Harris is a power-four offer kid, Austin Nelson a power four, and then Major Barnes has committed to Brown University and Donovan Jones who’s going to Grand Valley, so we feel real good about the secondary. Those guys have been playing with us since they were sophomores.”
All this adds up to a Falcons team that will challenge defending conference champion Hudsonville, along with contenders like Rockford, Grandville, Grand Haven, West Ottawa and Caledonia for the OK Red Conference crown.
East Kentwood opens the season at home against Southfield A&T on Aug. 27, our WKTV Game of the Week, and then travels to Byron Center on Sept. 3. The Falcons open conference play at home on September 11 against Grandville.
Davenport Football Coach Sparky McEwen (center) and offensive lineman Armony Baskin (far right) discuss team goals at GLIAC football Media Day. (Photo: WKTV/Bill Rohn)
Bill Rohn — who served as a trial lawyer for 40 years at the Varnum law firm in Grand Rapids — calls himself a “newspaper junkie.” Bill edited his high school and college newspapers. He also has covered sports for Midwestern newspapers such as The Grand Rapids Press, The South Bend Tribune, and The Niles Daily Star. He is a co-host of WKTV Friday Night Highlights. Bill holds a B.A. degree in Political Science from GVSU and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Notre Dame.
By Bill Rohn Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor WKTV Friday Night Highlights Host greer@wktv.org
Can Ferris State University win a third straight Division II football national championship? Or will Grand Valley win its fifth overall? And can Davenport finally beat the big boys?
One thing is for sure: Each of West Michigan’s Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) football teams hopes to win a league championship along its path to fall playoffs.
And there is plenty of optimism at Grand Valley, Ferris, and Davenport, as expressed at the recent GLIAC preseason “Football Media Day.”
The preseason gathering featured comments from coaches and players from all eight conference schools, plus the results of the GLIAC coaches’ preseason predictions as to 2026 final conference standings.
Defending DII national champion Ferris State topped the preseason poll, followed by Grand Valley, Michigan Tech, Davenport, and Saginaw Valley. Northern Michigan, Roosevelt U, and Wayne State were picked to finish sixth, seventh, and eighth.
Five in a row for Ferris?
In Big Rapids, Coach Tony Annese’s Bulldogs appear to be reloading again. Ferris has won four of the last five DII national championships, including crowns in 2024 and 2025. The Bulldogs were a perfect 16-0 last year, including an unbeaten 7-0 GLIAC record.
Ferris Football Coach Tony Annese (far left) shares a light moment with lineman Tim Allen (center) and receiver Taariik Brett at GLIAC Media Day. (Photo: WKTV/Bill Rohn)
“None of the past matters, beyond knowing how it happened,” said Annese, whose Bulldogs have been ranked No. 1 in the national Division II Coaches’ preseason poll, but who also open their season on the road against No. 4 Pittsburg State, in Kansas. While playing a high-seeded opponent on the road on Aug. 27 may be a daunting task, Annese noted that, “All of the other GLIAC schools know us so well that we would rather play against other tough teams in the nation.”
Ferris’ first home game will occur on Friday, Sept. 4 against another 2025 playoff contender, Bentley University, at FSU’s Top Taggart field.
GVSU seeks “unconscious competence”
At Grand Valley, where the Lakers won four Division II national championships between 2002 and 2006, Coach Scott Wooster has emphasized preparation leading to an “unconscious competence” during play. Wooster referenced a style of play through which the Lakers will automatically demonstrate excellent fundamentals and precision performance.
The Lakers finished second in the conference in 2025 with a 5-2 record as part of a 7-3 overall performance. Spirits are high in Allendale where the football program recently reached an all-time high in season ticket sales.
Wooster has been particularly impressed by work done by as many as 92 Laker players at summer workouts, adding, “It’s all about preparation. You’ve got to chop wood and carry water to get ready and you do your chopping in the summer (well before the season starts), not in the winter.”
Grand Valley is ranked eighth in the nation in the DII Coaches’ preseason poll. As Wooster put it on media day, “We’ve got some dogs that will hunt and I would rather say ‘whoa’ than ‘giddyup.’”
The Lakers open play in Charleston, West Virginia, against the University of Charleston before their home season opener on Sept. 3 versus West Texas A&M.
Davenport must beat the ‘Big Boys’
At Davenport University, Coach Sparky McEwen and company have adopted a “compete every day and win every day” attitude prior to the coming season, during which the Panthers will seek their first wins against Grand Valley and Ferris, to say nothing of beating other GLIAC teams whom DU has beaten in the past.
Davenport, which began football in 2015, has steadily improved on a year-by-year basis, but the team has yet to beat the Bulldogs or Lakers, a key to conference championships and playoff runs.
Davenport Football Helmet. (WKTV/Bill Rohn)
McEwen — who played his college football at Ferris — professed excitement over a large squad, solid running backs, and a schedule that allows Davenport to play its first three games at home at Meyering field in Caledonia. DU opens play against visiting Gannon University at noon on Aug. 29.
Outstate GLIAC teams also seek wins
GLIAC schools outside West Michigan also have big plans. Michigan Tech, picked to finish third in the preseason poll, will operate under the leadership of Coach Dan Mettlach, who previously quarterbacked at Tech. Northern Michigan features sophomore running back Noah Dobert, who rushed for 243 yards and four touchdowns last season against Davenport. Wayne State and Chicago-area Roosevelt University also feature new coaches and new approaches.
Football players say the strangest things
The GLIAC Media Day was not without humorous moments. Asked what there is to do in the cold at distant Houghton, Mich., where Michigan Tech’s Huskies play, a Tech lineman offered this, “Well, we do have a bowling alley in town, and sometimes you can go ice fishing. That’s if there isn’t three feet of snow on the lake during the winter.”
One person is dead following a shooting near 50th Street SW and South Division Avenue.
At approximately 9:25 p.m. on Aug. 19, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to reports of shots fired near 50th Street SW and South Division Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located evidence that a shooting had occurred at a nearby apartment complex.
A short time later, officers located a 27-year-old male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment, where he later died.
At this time, no arrests have been made. Detectives from the Wyoming Police Department, along with members of the Forensic Science Unit, are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or to report anonymously through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345, 1-866-774-2345, or online at www.silentobserver.org.
The City of Wyoming is seeking applicants for Police Chief ahead of Chief Snyder’s planned retirement.
The search process will include a comprehensive review of qualified candidates, with opportunities for input from key stakeholders throughout the process. The City anticipates completing the search and naming a new Chief by early 2027.
Wyoming Police Department has 103 sworn police officer positions, 14 civilian support staff, and offers specialized unit opportunities, including an investigative division, K9 team, tactical team, crisis negotiation team, motorcycle unit, community and school resource officers, Kent Area Narcotics Team (KANET), tactical bike team, and more. The department also is one of 12 CALEA accredited agencies in the State of Michigan.
“We recognize the importance of this position and the impact our Chief has on the department and our community,” City Manager John Shay said. “We’re looking for someone with a passion for community relationships, and someone who is prepared to build on the department’s strong culture grounded in providing high-quality police services to the Wyoming community.”
Chief Snyder has dedicated his 34-year career to 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. Chief Snyder worked his way through the ranks, and he is set to complete his final year serving as the Director of Public Safety.
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, internal affairs, 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.
“Chief Snyder has been an exceptional leader for our public safety team,” Shay said. “He has gone above and beyond in his various positions, and we are excited for him to take the next step into retirement in the coming year.”
Interested candidates can apply at wyomingmi.gov/jobs until September 27, 2026.
Wyoming is a vibrant and diverse community located southwest of Grand Rapids that spans 25 square miles. The City of Wyoming offers a high quality of life with 21 parks on 655 acres, diverse schools, community events and a variety of recreational programs for the community. As one of Michigan’s largest communities, Wyoming offers a mix of industrial, commercial and residential property that continues to attract and retain residents and businesses.
(Photo Courtesy, pxhere.com: Free for personal and commercial use)
By GVSU
Business conditions in West Michigan remained positive in July, though several key indicators softened from June, according to the latest survey of supply chain managers by Grand Valley State University.
“July was another good, but not exceptional, month for the West Michigan Industrial economy,” said survey author Brian Long, director of supply management research at GVSU’s Seidman College of Business. “Again, we need to keep an eye on business confidence.”
Many survey respondents reported strong sales, some of which were attributed to increased demand from data centers. However, businesses remained cautious about the uncertainly emanating from the Iran war and its impact on prices and supply chains, Long said.
“This past month, we did not have a single survey participant reporting lower prices, but way over half of the participants are buried under higher prices that they are having difficulty negotiating,” Long said. “Tariffs are, of course, part of the problem, and higher oil prices drive a myriad of costs higher. Almost all the participants are still hanging on, but this can’t last forever.”
Here’s a look at the key indicators measured in the survey of sentiment by West Michigan businesses:
New orders (business improvement), +30 vs. +49 in June
Kellloggsville High School cheerleaders performed recently at the National Night Out at The Dock Urban Youth Ministries in Wyoming, 2026 (WKTV/Samantha Rangel)
The South Kent Chamber Foundation handed out 185 backpacks filled with school supplies, a hygiene kit and haircut voucher at a recent National Night Out block party at The Dock Urban Youth Ministries in Wyoming.
National Night Out is an annual event celebrated across the country that seeks to promote community-police partnerships and encourage residents to connect with their neighbors, community leaders and local police and fire personnel. Held annually on the first Tuesday in August, NNO was started in the 1980s by an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the country.
The block party, attended by 350 people, featured food trucks, activity exhibit booths, yard games, Magic Surge, bingo with prizes, bounce houses, the creation of a community mural, a DJ, root beer floats, and members of the Wyoming Police Department.
“It is our belief that by helping our community members with the necessities for returning to school, we are setting them up for a successful year and reinforcing the positive connection with our local police force,” said Megan Green, executive director of the South Kent Chamber Foundation.
The Hunt Michigan Collaborative is inviting new and experienced conservation-minded hunters seeking land access, looking to make a difference to participate in organized hunting opportunities this fall across Michigan. Through innovative partnerships with farmers, conservation organizations, landowners, and hunting programs, HMC is helping connect people to hunting while addressing some of Michigan’s most pressing deer management challenges.
The Hunt Michigan Collaborative was created in response to challenges identified through Michigan’s Deer Management Initiative, including limited private land access, declining hunter participation, high deer densities, wildlife disease concerns, and the need for improved deer management solutions. The collaborative works to address these issues by connecting hunters with opportunities while helping landowners and farmers manage deer populations responsibly.
“Our mission is simple: connect people, organizations, and opportunities to grow hunting in Michigan while delivering meaningful wildlife management benefits,” said Frank Pizzo, Hunt Michigan Collaborative Board Member. “Whether someone is hunting for the first time, searching for a place to hunt, or wants to help reduce crop damage and support healthy deer populations, there is a place for them within the Hunt Michigan Collaborative.”
A place for new hunters For individuals interested in learning how to hunt, HMC serves as a statewide clearinghouse for hunting programs, events, and opportunities. The collaborative works with organizations focused on recruiting, retaining, and reactivating hunters, making it easier for newcomers to find educational programs, mentors, and hunting experiences. By bringing multiple organizations together under one umbrella, HMC helps simplify the process of getting started in hunting.
Opportunities for hunters seeking land access Access to private land remains one of the biggest barriers facing Michigan hunters. Through the Hunt Michigan Collaborative / National Deer Association Farm Tour program, hunters gain access to organized hunts on private farmland experiencing high deer densities and crop damage. The program provides opportunities for both new and seasoned hunters to hunt properties that would otherwise be inaccessible.
HMC coordinates with participating farmers and works alongside the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to secure Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) permits, allowing hunters to assist with antlerless deer management in targeted areas. Organized hunts include support from Hunt Leaders who assist with logistics, safety, deer tracking, retrieval, and field dressing.
Helping farmers and communities Michigan farmers experience significant crop damage from excessive deer populations each year. The HMC Farm Tour was developed to provide a practical solution by connecting responsible hunters with farms that need deer management assistance. Farmers benefit from reduced deer impacts while hunters gain valuable access opportunities.
The program also supports local communities through venison donation opportunities. Hunters who participate may keep their harvested venison or choose to donate it through programs such as Hunters Feeding Michigan, helping provide nutritious protein to individuals and families in need.
Hunters Feeding Michigan. (Photo Courtesy, Hunt Michigan Collaborative/Bryan Farmer. Used with Permission)
A collaborative vision for Michigan’s future The Hunt Michigan Collaborative believes that hunting can be a powerful tool for conservation, community engagement, and wildlife management. Its vision is centered on building partnerships that increase hunter participation, improve access to hunting opportunities, support farmers and landowners, promote ethical deer management, and strengthen Michigan’s outdoor heritage.
The collaborative has received support from numerous conservation organizations and businesses, including the National Deer Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Women of the Wild, Jay’s Sporting Goods and others who share a commitment to growing hunting participation and responsible wildlife stewardship.
(Photo Courtesy, Women of the Wild/Felicia Engelman)
Get involved this fall Hunters interested in participating in organized hunts, individuals exploring hunting for the first time, landowners seeking deer management assistance, and organizations interested in partnering with the collaborative are encouraged to learn more at: Hunt Michigan Collaborative
About Hunt Michigan Collaborative The Hunt Michigan Collaborative is a partnership of organizations dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and reactivating hunters while helping farmers, landowners, and communities address wildlife management needs. By connecting people with hunting opportunities and supporting organized deer management efforts, HMC works to grow hunting participation and promote healthy, balanced deer populations throughout Michigan.
Check out this Interview/Preview for Fiddle Faddle Fortune.
By WKTV Staff
Directed by Robert Michael, Fiddle Faddle Fortune was produced by 8EIGHTY8 Pictures and O’Riley Media Group.
“In the aftermath of cursing someone to murder her husband, a local fortune teller Evangeline (played by Jasmine Haver, along with her witchy sidekick Loretta, Roz Stanley) summons a comical spirit to haunt a couple working throughmarital problems to teach them a lesson in working together.”
WKTV Channel 25 Air Dates: Aug. 17 at 11 p.m. Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at 12 a.m. Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.
Directed by Robert Michael, Fiddle Faddle Fortune was produced by 8EIGHTY8 Pictures and O’Riley Media Group. (Image Courtesy, 8EIGHTY8 Pictures and O’Riley Media Group.)
The City of Kentwood is pleased to welcome Peter Vanderberg as its new Deputy City Administrator.
Vanderberg joins the City from the Village of Spring Lake, where he served for the past three years, most recently as Assistant Village Manager. In that role, he helped lead a major park redevelopment project and supported a variety of community development initiatives.
Prior to his career in local government, Vanderberg served six years in the U.S. Army. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University.
“Peter’s experience leading people and projects with his commitment to public service will assist our leadership team to convey vision and completion to the goals of our community,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “We are excited to welcome him to the Kentwood team and look forward to the expertise and perspective he will bring as we continue serving our community.”
As Deputy City Administrator, Vanderberg will support the City’s daily operations, strategic initiatives and organizational priorities while working alongside City leadership, staff and community partners to advance projects and services that benefit residents.
“It is an honor to join the City of Kentwood and contribute to the important work already underway across the community,” Vanderberg said. “The new Community Center and the City’s continued investment in parks and infrastructure make this a meaningful time to come aboard. I look forward to working with City leaders, staff and community partners to support these efforts and help Kentwood continue to thrive.”
Vanderberg officially began serving as Kentwood’s Deputy City Administrator on Aug. 3.
EDITOR’S NOTE: WKTV Community Media invited local candidates to create a video for the upcoming primary and/or general election in the following races that affect Kentwood and Wyoming voters: United States House of Representatives (3rd District), State Representative (80th District), State Representative (83rd District), State Senator (29th District), Wyoming Council Member (at Large), Wyoming Council Member (1st Ward) and Wyoming Mayor. WKTV understands that some candidates want to wait until after the primary to create a video for the general election.
All videos are 5-minutes or less, devoted to the candidate, and were not edited in any way by WKTV. Profile descriptions are provided by the candidate. Candidate videos are presented alphabetically. Participating candidate videos and profiles can be seen below:
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 3RD DISTRICT CANDIDATES
RYAN CUSHMAN – U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd District (R)
Occupation: Pharmacy Owner, Former Army National Guard Medic.
Why are you running for office? Our country needs younger patriots to step up and be involved and I have the abilities and resolve to make positive action a reality.
Two issues I am focused on: Affordability and getting every American healthcare.
TERRI DEBOER – U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd District (R)
Reckless federal spending and runaway inflation have priced everyday families out of the American Dream. I will fight to:
Rein in Wasteful Spending & Lower Taxes: Cut bloated federal spending and lower taxes on middle-class families so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.
Drive Down Energy Costs: Unleash domestic energy production to lower fuel, heating, and electric bills across the board.
Make Housing Affordable: Cut back government red tape that inflates construction costs, making homeownership attainable again for Michigan families.
2. COMMON SENSE: HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION
Decisions about your family’s health and education belong in your hands—not with government bureaucrats or massive corporations. I will fight to:
Harness the Free Market in Healthcare: Stop the expansion of government control in medicine. I’ll push for free-market solutions, real competition, and deregulation—expanding patient choice, lowering costs, and keeping you in control of your medical decisions.
Empower Parents in Education: Put parents back in charge of their children’s education and ensure every child has access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code.
3. COMMON SENSE: SAFETY AND SECURITY
Keeping our communities and institutions safe comes first. I will fight to:
Secure Our Borders: Stop illegal immigration and repeal soft-on-crime policies so our laws protect law-abiding Michigan families—not criminals.
Protect Election Integrity: Restore trust in our democracy by securing our elections and requiring a valid photo ID to vote.
HILLARY SCHOLTEN – U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd District (D) Incumbent
Occupation: Representative of Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District
Why are you running for office?
I’m running because I believe Michigan deserves leadership that puts people first. Throughout my career–as a social worker, a Department of Justice attorney, and a member of Congress–I’ve worked to help people navigate systems that too often feel out of reach. I know families are worried about rising costs, trust in government is low, and too many people feel left behind. I’m running to change that by bringing people together, solving problems, and making sure every Michigander has the opportunity to succeed.
Two issues you are focused on:
Two issues I’m focused on are lowering costs and restoring trust in government. Too many Michigan families are working hard but still feeling squeezed by the cost of health care, housing, and everyday necessities. That’s why I’ve worked to lower prescription drug costs, expand affordable housing opportunities, and support good-paying jobs across our state.
I’m also focused on strengthening confidence in our public institutions. People deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and delivers results. That means being a good steward of taxpayer dollars, improving how the government serves people, and ensuring that public service remains focused on the public interest.
STATE SENATOR, 29TH DISTRICT CANDIDATES
IVAN DIAZ – State Senator, 29th District (D)
Occupation: Case Manager
Why are you running for office? I am running for office to finally help take the power of government out of the hands of billionaires and put it back into the hands of the people.
Two issues you are focused on: Raising wages and single-payer healthcare.
ABBIE GROFF-BLASZAK – State Senator, 29th District (D)
Occupation: Instructor, GRCC & City Commissioner, City of East Grand Rapids
Why are you running for office? I believe in better. I believe in better policy that creates better outcomes for people. I believe that better politics can weave the fabric of our community tighter rather than fraying our connection. I believe that we can build a Michigan that stands strong in protecting our people and our democracy while we nurture healthy and thriving communities; ensure an excellent public education for all children; supply adequate and affordable homes where folks want to live; and center the needs and rights of workers in our economy. We need leaders who reject dark money, corporate influence, and special-interests and center the needs and voices of their community. I’m running to represent the collective power and wisdom of this community and work tirelessly to deliver better outcomes through better politics.
Two issues you are focused on:
I am committed to building an economy centered on the needs of workers and families, not corporations and their shareholders. That means working to guarantee a thriving wage for all work that allows individuals and families to cover basic needs and build a fulfilling and meaningful life. It means protecting and expanding the right to organize across all sectors. It means supporting small businesses as they create opportunity across our community. It also means establishing paid family leave and universal childcare because no person should have to choose between caring for family and building a career.
I will continue my life’s work in ensuring excellent public schools for every child in every neighborhood. Strong public schools are the foundation of a strong democracy. As an educator, I know that our schools cannot thrive when educators are underpaid, support staff are stretched thin, and students are learning in overcrowded classrooms. We must – for the first time in history – properly fund public education. We must properly invest in teachers and paraprofessionals; provide the resources and support they need to serve all students; and ensure safe, supportive learning environments – including small class sizes – for every child.
BRADY MIDDLETON – State Senator, 29th District (R)
Occupation: Business owner, entrepreneur, former criminal justice reformer and inventor. I co-founded Metas LLC, an award-winning innovative company recognized as one of Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch, named “World’s Greatest Label Company” by Bloomberg’s World’s Greatest, and recipient of multiple Best Labels in the US awards from USA Today. I help operate Middleton Printing, a business that’s been thriving in Wyoming for 70 years.
Why are you running for office? I am running for Michigan State Senate District 29 to restore Michigan’s economy and make life more affordable for families, redeem our justice system because true justice doesn’t just punish, it makes people whole, and reconcile our political divide to craft the best common-sense solutions that benefit all Michiganders. I want to ensure our communities are safe and healthy and that people have access to and expanding opportunities to build productive and successful lives.
As a survivor of violent crime, pistol-whipped, carjacked, and kidnapped at gunpoint just two weeks after high school graduation, I know the devastating impact when systems fail victims and communities. Through faith and years of personally mentoring one of my young attackers to graduate high school, I learned that real justice combines accountability with redemption and restitution for victims. My earlier work in criminal justice reform, where I helped expose significant fraud and waste in victim assistance programs, showed me how a lack of transparency allows special interests to block better outcomes.
As a business owner and innovator who has created jobs and efficiencies through technology, I’ve seen how government bloat, fraud, and regulatory barriers drive up costs for families and stifle opportunity. Transparency is key: Michiganders deserve to know exactly why the establishment has failed them and what interests are preventing the best solutions from benefiting everyone.
I’m running to bridge divides, cut waste and abuse, promote innovation and job growth, support restorative approaches that prioritize victim healing and public safety, and expand real pathways in education, workforce training, and reentry so every person, regardless of background, has the chance to build a successful life. Together we can deliver results-focused policies that restore Michigan’s promise for all families.
Two issues you are focused on:
1. Restoring Michigan’s Economy, Ending the Affordability Crisis and Providing Real Lasting Relief to Families
I will grow good-paying jobs in manufacturing, technology, skilled trades, and small business by cutting red tape, reducing energy and healthcare costs, and championing innovation. Eliminating Michigan’s income tax will deliver real lasting relief to families while making our state more competitive to attract growing businesses. By eliminating government waste, fraud, and special-interest spending, we can lower the tax and regulatory burdens that inflate housing, groceries, energy, healthcare, and everyday expenses. Expanding access to skilled trades training will help people secure incredibly well-paying careers while also reducing the cost of building, directly helping solve the housing crisis. Expanding workforce training and education aligned with actual careers will give more Michiganders the tools to achieve financial stability and build successful lives.
2. Redeeming Our Justice System to Create Safer, Healthier Communities and Expanding Opportunities
If our streets and neighborhoods are not safe enough for kids to play in them, then we have failed to deliver safe communities, and change is required. I will drive that change. True justice doesn’t just punish, it makes people whole by holding offenders accountable, delivering meaningful restitution to victims, and providing clear paths to redemption and productive citizenship that reduce recidivism and future crime. Families and taxpayers also deserve justice in education. Michigan ranks 44th in reading comprehension, and nearly 40% of our 4th graders are on a path toward prison or a lifetime of welfare under the current system. The people in Lansing who crafted the laws governing our education process have failed our kids and our communities. Accountability for that failure, and real solutions that fix it, is essential so every child has the opportunity to succeed and every taxpayer gets results for their investment. I will demand transparency in justice and victim programs (building on my experience exposing major fraud), invest in proven prevention and reentry support, and back community-based approaches that keep neighborhoods safe while giving people, including those who have made mistakes, the opportunity to contribute and succeed. By focusing on results over rhetoric and working across divides for common-sense reforms, we can build healthier, safer communities where everyone has a real chance to thrive.
PHIL SKAGGS – State Senator, 29th District (D)
Occupation: State Representative, District 80
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for State Senate because have a heart for helping people. I was raised by my parents to live for others and be engaged in our community. Over the course of my life it has been my personal philosophy and North Star. I have proved over 14 years of public service – in the State House, County Commission and City Commission – that I can collaborate and develop teams that accomplish meaningful reforms to help people. I’m focused on building an economy that works for all of us and allows people to live their unique Michigan Dream: Healthcare for All, Free Childcare, Paid Family and Medical Leave, Pre-K for All and World-Class Schools, Affordable Housing, etc. It’s an extraordinarily difficult time in American history, and I believe metro Grand Rapids needs a Senator willing and able to meet the moment. We need a leader the community and state in a direction that defends American democracy, economic fairness and personal freedom. Also, I believe I can be the most effective Senator for this district.
Two issues you are focused on:
A Family-Centered Plan: Michigan should be a place where parents can trust their children are safe, well-educated, and able to find opportunity. That’s why I led the creation of Kent County’s “Ready by 5” early childhood initiative and expanded pre-k with Gov. Whitmer. Let’s continue to rebuild our k-12 schools, support teachers, create free childcare near where parents live and work, and pass paid family leave so we can care for a new child, an ill loved one, or our own health emergency. We need to stop the “brain drain” of our graduates and skilled workers heading out of state. My Make It In Michigan program will match student loan repayments for graduates if they live and work in Michigan, so we encourage our kids to stay here with us.
An Economy That Works For Everyone: For generations, we’ve been told that if we work hard and play by the rules, we’ll have a secure future. But it’s become clear to all of us that working people are falling further behind while the rich get richer. Trump’s corrupt government has rolled back support for vulnerable people to line the pockets of the ultra-wealthy. It’s unacceptable. It’s tearing our country apart. We need major structural reforms for people – healthcare for all, free daycare and pre-K, paid family leave, affordable housing, taxes on the super wealthy, stronger labor unions, livable wages, and more. I’m a proven progressive who gets results, and I will fight for change that makes your life better – I always have.
Defend Democracy: The Republicans working to line the pockets of their wealthy donors are also systematically attacking our democratic institutions. Their attack on the Voting Rights Act is meant to devastate Black and Brown civic participation in congress. Trump has abused the Constitution by unleashing ICE on cities and law-abiding immigrants, even killing US citizens exercising their right to protest. We have to fight back. In Michigan, we can take the lead to end voter suppression by passing the Michigan Voting Rights Act, implement my Amplify MI Voice plan to ensure the rich and powerful don’t have a stranglehold on our politics, support AG Nessel’s lawsuits against Trump, increase transparency, and rein in ICE. DC should abolish ICE.
WYOMING COUNCIL MEMBER AT LARGE CANDIDATES
ROB ARNOYS – Wyoming Council Member at Large
Occupation: Banking Leadership: Senior Vice President Premier Services; Lake Michigan Credit Union
Why did I decide to run for the City Council seat?
As a lifelong resident of the City of Wyoming, I am passionate about the city and not only have knowledge of the history of Wyoming, but see the great potential it has to offer! Wyoming has a rich history of vision and progress and it is going through some exciting and significant transition.
I am running for re-election as a City Council Member At Large. Over the past four years, I have had the privilege to serve as your council member and we have made a lot of progress that I will be able to carry that momentum into a second term. We have enhanced our public safety team and department with greater coverage, systems and equipment that delivers faster response times to keep us protected. We have embarked on our plan to build a downtown presence, connect our trails, improve our roads, enhance our clean water plant, add a third transmission line for our water deliver, improved our IT infrastructure, hired our City Manager and Deputy City Manager and have activated the Site 36 property to now be a vibrant mix of business and community space. Above all of this, we have engaged in doing efficiency studies to ensure that we are operating in the most fiscally responsible manner.
As a Wyoming Planning Commissioner for almost 12 years, I was involved in the discussion and strategy for the City Master Plan. We have tremendous opportunity to develop and redevelop our key sectors of the city; develop a centralized downtown area, enhance 28th street, enhance Division, develop the remaining area in the panhandle, as well as many other areas.
In addition, we need to stay on target with the city finances. There is a need to explore ways to ensure financial sustainability for our operating budget, and in particular, public safety. As a life long banker who has been involved in strategically managing sizable budgets, I am committed to add insight and guidance to this process. I will operate with a mindset that we will run based on needs vs. wants to direct funding to those key services needed to run our City. We will be open and transparent and accountable.
Our City Council executive leadership team is going through change. Our Mayor is retiring. If re-elected, I will be able to sustain the momentum and leverage my experience & trust with the other council members, staff and my business experience to create positive action. I will be able to contribute and drive meaningful change without the long learning curve.
I will continue to engage with residents to listen to their inputs, ideas, concerns and thoughts. This will allow me to best serve based upon the needs of our residents. My goal is to help our City by working together with residents, City staff and council members. I have my ideas and inputs, but I will bring a collaborative approach to help guide us to the overall best solutions to create a long term, sustainable, vibrant city that we are all proud to live, work, play and shop.
I look forward to serving the City of Wyoming! If you would like to learn more about me and my background, you can visit www.electrobarnoys.com
What key issues would I focus on if elected:
If elected, the key priorities that I would want to focus on are:
Public safety – It is critical that we have a safe community. I will stand with our public safety officers in providing them the resources needed to keep our community safe.
Fiscal responsibility – I have extensive experience in budgets and finance and will add a new perspective and will treat our finances as I would my own. Your tax dollars will be treated with care and respect.
Planned development – Ensure we have a strong master plan that will put the right uses in the right areas, grow strong business and enhance quality of life.
Supporting an environment for small business to prosper
CASSIE KAWKA-VLAHOS –Wyoming Council Member at Large
Occupation: Insurance Compliance Specialist
Why are you running for office? I am running for Wyoming City Council At-Large because I believe local government functions best when residents feel informed, heard and connected to the decisions that impact their daily lives. My goal is to help our city government create that trust and connection. I believe residents deserve a representative who will reach out to them, listen, communicate openly and work collaboratively to resolve issues and improve our community.
Two issues you are focused on: Transparency and Communication
DANIEL RIVERA – Wyoming Council Member at Large
Occupation: Political Manager, States Project
Why are you running for office? I’m running for Wyoming City Council At-Large because I believe our city government should be efficient, accessible, and responsive to every resident. As someone born and raised in Wyoming, I want to give back to the community that invested in me and help build a stronger future for all families.
Two issues you are focused on:
Investing in strong neighborhoods through parks, local businesses, and community engagement.
Government efficiency and accountability.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, 80TH DISTRICT CANDIDATES
LILY CHENG-SCHULTING – State Representative, 80th District (D)
Occupation: Disability Rights Advocate, Founder of the Disability A-TEAM of West Michigan, and Community Organizer
Why are you running for office?
After mobilizing a grassroots movement and achieving meaningful, systemic change for almost all of the special education schools in Kent County, I decided to run for legislative office to create many real solutions and positive change for all people.
Since my family and I have experienced prejudice through the years, I want to make sure that noone faces discrimination because of the color of their skin, their race, their background, who they love or worship, or for any reason.
Moreover, I am not just an immigrant and a woman of color, I am also a proven community organizer and human rights advocate for over a decade. This combination makes me the worst nightmare of Trump, the oligarchy, fascism, and any racist attacks in our communities.
In this race, I am also the authentic Progressive fighter for a multicultural, working class government. Of utmost importance in our Democracy is a government of, by, and of the people, including working families, diverse families, women, immigrants, and all who need a stronger voice amid our power structure. Moreover, I am the only candidate for State Representative who Bernie Sanders and Abdul El-Sayed have ever endorsed in West Michigan. Although other candidates coop the term Progressive, I am the only candidate in my race who the Progressive Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party has endorsed.
Two issues you are focused on:
Two issues or bills, among many issues, which need help immediately and continuously, are bills for increasing the wages of direct care workers and increasing funding for public education and support services for students with disabilities and mental health challenges.
Additionaly, I will dedicate my skills as a proven coalition builder and community organizer to listen and create many real solutions, including but not limited to:
· And ensuring a higher quality of life and human dignity for everyone in HD80 and Michigan
· Affordable Housing options
· A living wage and higher wages
· Abolishing ICE
· DriveSafe Bills
· Universal Healthcare for All or Single Payer Healthcare
· Shutting Down Line 5
· Preventing and protecting the public from Data Centers
· Women’s Rights
· LGBTQ Rights
KRISTEN FAUSON – State Representative, 80th District (D)
Occupation: President, Forest Hills Board of Education Why are you running for office? I’ve never thought of myself as a politician, just someone who sees a need and steps up. For six years, that’s meant fighting MAGA extremists trying to ban books, attack LGBTQ+ kids, and dictate what our teachers can teach. That same fight has moved to Lansing and Washington, and I’m running because District 80 needs someone who’s already proven she knows how to win it. Two issues you are focused on: Protecting our schools from political extremism, and expanding access to affordable childcare and paid family leave for working families.
KRIS PACHLA – State Representative, 80th District (D)
Occupation: Stay at home dad and Kent County Commissioner
Why are you running for office? I want Michigan to be a place where tomorrow is better than today, and people want to live, work, and play.
Two issues you are focused on: I’m focused on standing up for our communities and improving Everyday Economics for Michiganders, that is the cost of child-care, health care, utilities, transportation, and housing.
WYOMING COUNCIL MEMBER, 1ST WARD CANDIDATE
KYLE BRETHAUER – Wyoming Council Member, 1st Ward)
Occupation: IT Project Manager Why are you running for office? I am passionate about helping people Two issues you are focused on: Improving city services and managing city expenses.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, 83RD DISTRICT CANDIDATE
CINDY RAMIREZ – State Representative, 83rd District (R)
(Photo: Courtesy pxhere.com: Free for personal and commercial use)
Bill Rohn, Friday Night Highlights Host. Edited his high school and college newspapers before serving as a trial lawyer for 40 years at Varnum Law in Grand Rapids. He calls himself a “newspaper junkie.” Sometimes serious, sometimes not. Bill has covered sports for The Grand Rapids Press, South Bend Tribune, and The Niles Daily Star. He holds a political science degree from GVSU and law degree from the University of Notre Dame.
By Bill Rohn Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor Friday Night Highlights Co-Host greer@wktv.org
Doggoned if we haven’t reached the second half of summer. The days are getting shorter, and school buses will soon be back on the roads.
Which got me to thinking about what would make the season special.
What Wyoming and Kentwood really need before Labor Day is a good old-fashioned hot dog eating contest.
You know…like they have every Fourth of July in New York City.
After all, what’s New York City got that we ain’t got here in the WKTV viewing area?
Sure, they’ve got Broadway, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty.
But we’ve got Lamar Park, Kentwood’s City Center complex, and plenty of folks who’ve never met a hot dog they didn’t like.
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
Earlier this summer, ESPN televised the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, where thousands gathered in the Big Apple to watch contestants chase prize money and a chance to wear the champion’s coveted “Mustard Belt.”
Forget the Detroit Tigers. The World Cup is yesterday’s news. For 10 glorious minutes, nothing mattered except how many hot dogs the competitors could make disappear.
The women competed first and winner Miki Sudo consumed an astonishing 38.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes — nearly four per minute — before a screaming crowd.
Contestants were allowed to dip their buns in water, but only for five seconds. Apparently there are standards.
Sudo’s victory was no huge surprise. According to ESPN, she once ate 8½ pounds of kimchi — whatever THAT is — in six minutes.
Next came the men, led by 17-time champion Joey Chestnut, the “Mozart of the mandible.” Joey often jumped up and down while chewing, adding rhythm and speed to his digestion. And Chestnut was no choker, skillfully keeping a “wall of meat“ in his stomach, thus dodging disqualification for what officials politely call a “reversal of fortune” — which is a much gentler description of refunding one’s lunch than anything I can think of. Chestnut avoided that unpleasantness while inhaling 66 hot dogs in 10 minutes to claim yet another Mustard Belt.
So, acid reflux and concerns over gastroparesis aside, why couldn’t we stage our own championship here in West Michigan?
Imagine the civic pride. Consider the bragging rights as a traveling Mustard Belt makes its way between Wyoming and Kentwood every summer. Perhaps any money that would be raised could go to a local charity. Or maybe to me.
We already have food truck rallies, concerts, and community festivals. Why not celebrate one of America’s great culinary creations right here in West Michigan?
South Christian vs. East Kentwood at the table?
As to competitors, how about local high school football teams? After all, aren’t hot dogs the most popular food at a football game? We could have East Kentwood vs. South Christian on the field, and then immediately after a battle at the table underneath the bright lights. Or how about Godwin Heights vs. Kelloggsville?
Or political candidates looking for a boost in the polls as fall elections approach?
Talk about the dog days of summer…, and I know a local TV station that could broadcast the proceedings.
Just don’t ask me to compete. I’d still be wolfing weenie No. 2 while the winner was giving a victory interview.
On second thought, maybe I could still win.
I’d simply wait patiently for everyone else to experience a “reversal of fortune.”
By Lillian Reiner Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
“When early Americans couldn’t afford wedding rings, they used to make them out of spoons and give them to their partners,” said Sean Artinyan, owner of Artinyan Artworks, one of the many vendors at the Kentwood Farmers Market last Monday.
“I think it speaks to what a lot of Americans are going through now, a lot of us are struggling, and I think it’s a good time to bring upcycling back,” Artinyan continued.
All the way from Howard City, Michigan, this was Artinyan’s first time at the Kentwood Farmers Market. Artinyan makes one-of-a-kind jewelry out of antique silverware, coins and Michigan rocks.
The market takes place every Monday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the Kentwood City Hall lawn, located at 4900 Breton Road SE. Each week has a different theme, with this one being Get Your Grill On & Ice Cream Day, in honor of National Ice Cream Day on July 19.
From the display table of Artinyan Artworks, owned by Sean Artinyan, at the Kentwood Farmers Market on July 20, 2026. (WKTV/Lillian Reiner)
“We try to give new businesses the opportunity to come whether they fit the theme or not,” said Market Manager Sherry Barnum. “We like to highlight local businesses, a lot of our vendors are Kentwood residents, and we try to highlight Kentwood businesses specifically.”
Keeping with the theme, the market featured Smoke’n Butt’s BBQ, a barbeque sauce and seasoning business, and Cone Addicts, which sells flavored waffle cones.
Tressa Liba, owner of Smoke’n Butt’s BBQ at the Kentwood Farmers Market on July 20, 2026. (WKTV/Lillian Reiner)
Tressa Liba, owner of Smoke’n Butt’s BBQ, went to school for journalism at Wayne State before deciding to pursue her dream of owning a small business. When Liba married her husband six years ago, they combined his passion for Kansas-City barbeque and her knowledge of running a business to create Smoke’n Butts Barbeque.
They sell unique flavors that can’t be found anywhere else, with their most popular sauces being Big-Bad Wolf and Suey-Berry, which is made from local Michigan blueberries.
Liba emphasized the importance of local markets in gaining exposure and growing small businesses.
“We believe in the power of small business,” Liba said. “You start with your idea, you get it to the local community, and if they like it, you can scale it up and grow it.”
Currently, a majority of their business comes from the four local markets they sell at weekly.
“Backbone of our economy”
“Local businesses, especially local small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and when people come to the market and support the dollars here, every research study you look at is gonna show that those dollars stay in the economy,” said Kris Ridings, owner of Cone Addicts, as well as Crumb Collective, a bakery on Alpine Avenue.
Kris Ridings, owner of Cone Addicts, at the Kentwood Farmers Market on July 20, 2026. (WKTV/Lillian Reiner)
Cone Addicts is a flavored waffle cone and waffle cone chip company that sells 10 flavors of waffle cones, including banana, chocolate, salted caramel, and their seasonal speciality, blueberry.
Cone Addicts began in 2024 selling only to other ice cream shops, before deciding to change their marketing approach and start selling at markets and retail stores.
Next summer at the new Kentwood Community Center
The Kentwood Farmers Market is in its 12th year of operation, according to Barnum, and has moved from the parking lot of city hall to the larger grassy area next to it. The market is planning another move next summer to the parking lot of the newly built Kentwood Community Center, with the hopes of drawing even more traffic.
Currently, the market sees around 100-200 customers each week.
“Hopefully, we’ll catch our patrons coming in and out from their workouts, grabbing some local produce, or just visiting with our local vendors,” Barnum said.
Customers ordering from Mari’s Lemonade Stand at the Kentwood Farmers Market on July 20, 2026. (WKTV/Lillian Reiner)
Kentwood resident Andrew Heiserman has visited the Market every week since he and his wife moved here from the Chicago suburbs two years ago.
He said the Market was one of the first things they noticed, and the healthy, quality items kept them coming back.
“I like supporting all the local people putting their hard work and time into the products versus a grocery store chain,” Heiserman said.
Kody Swanson is second in points in the Race for the Million. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Greg Chrapek — Began writing about West Michigan high school sports back in 1988 and retired from the Advance Newspapers/MLive in 2019. He also contributed to various publications during his career including The Hoop Scoop, Spartanmagazine.com and High School Sports Scene Magazine.
By Greg Chrapek Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
The third leg of the 2026 Race for the Million is the highlight of the racing schedule at Berlin Raceway this Saturday night.
A four-race series that delivers plenty of winged sprint car action, Berlin Raceway is hosting what promises to be an action-packed race.
The current standing for the 2026 Race for the Million has Aaron Willison of Langley, British Columbia in first place with 43 points. Kody Swanson of Kingsburg, California is second with 35 points, followed by Bobby Santos III of Franklin, Massachusetts, with 30 points; Jeff Montgomery of Langford, British Columbia; Jimm McCune of Toledo, Ohio, in fifth. Rounding out the top 10 are Davey Hamilton Jr. of Tampa, Florida; Chase Cabre; Cornelius, North Carolina; Bryan Gossel, Windsor, Colorado; Colton Bettis of Lutz, Florida and Jake Trainor, Medway, Massachusetts.
Willison won the season opener at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, in April, while Swanson won the second round that took place at Owosso Speedway in June.
Santos is back in the state of Michigan after turning in a pair of impressive performances back in early June. On June 6 Santos won the Must See Racing Sprint Series feature by 1.122 seconds over Swanson. Less than a week later Santos placed second in the Must See Racing feature event at Owosso Speedway.
“It’s been an ok season so far,” Santos said. “It’s not been our best year, but it’s not been our worst season either. We do have one win here which is awesome which I feel brings us a little momentum into this weekend.”
$25,000 payday for each event
Saturday’s racing will be a double feature program with the largest payout for a winged sprint car race on pavement and the highest in the state of Michigan. The twin feature program will pay $25,000 to win each main event.
The Race for the Million is a truly national/international racing event. Through the first two races a total of 49 different drivers have competed. Those drivers represent 17 states and two Canadian provinces.
Willison, Swanson and Santos are the big three to watch for in Saturday’s action. The trio has finished in the top five in both of the previous two races.
Jason Blonde of Litchfield has won 10 winged sprint car features during his career at Berlin Raceway. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Litchfield’s Jason Blonde lone Michigan driver
The lone Michigan driver in the field is Jason Blonde of Litchfield, who’s making his second start in the series. Blonde enters the event as the all-time winged sprint car feature winner at Berlin Raceway with 10 victories dating back to 2004. Ryan Litt of London, Ontario, who is also racing Saturday, has seven winged-sprint car feature wins at Berlin, while Bobby Santos III has six.
“I’ve ran winged cars here and non-winged cars here,” Santos said. “I enjoy coming here. It’s just a racy joint. I feel like you can move around and go where the guy in front of you isn’t. I just enjoy racing here.”
Santos expects plenty of outstanding racing come Saturday night.
“I’m excited about tomorrow’s race,” Santos continued. “I think it’s going to be a good show. Hopefully a good, competitive race across the board.”
Bobby Santos III is looking to make a move up the standings in the Race for the Million series. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Gates open on Saturday at 3 p.m. with racing scheduled to start at 6:30.
Christmas in July
In addition to racing, this Saturday is the Christmas in July celebration at Berlin Raceway. Race fans who donate a new/unopened toy receive a ticket to racing on August, 8. The Last Lap after party is presented by Honor Credit Union and Sushi Roll will be the live band performing on the Electrical Innovations Stage following the racing action.
On the Lash. (Photo Courtesy On the Lash: Used with Permission)
By Lillian Reiner Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
Prepare to be transported to the rolling hills and green fields of Ireland when On The Lash takes the stage at Lamar Park on Tuesday, July 28 at 6 p.m. This performance will round out Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park series.
This group of friends met over 10 years ago as students at Western Michigan University, and have since traveled the country sharing their take on Irish traditional music with modern influences.
“Our favorite part of performing often isn’t ‘performing’ itself, but rather that we get to share with an audience a little snippet of the joy we have in travelling with our best friends doing what we love,” said band manager John Robey.
Exploring the Genre
The band learned about Irish music from member Joel Tyrone Myers, and has taken its time learning how to not only play it effectively, but listen to and appreciate it.
On The Lash formed in 2022, and began touring around the United States performing at major Irish and Celtic festivals soon after.
“It’s been almost surreal to play at festivals like the KVMR Celtic Fest in Grass Valley, Calif., or the Yachats Celtic Fest in Yachats, OR, or even close to home at the Michigan Irish Music Festival,” Robey shared.
On the Lash. (Photo Courtesy On the Lash: Used with Permission)
They’ve had the opportunity to play alongside their musical inspirations, including Alasdair Fraser, Solas, and Kila, as well as open for Altan within their first year of performing.
“We don’t consider ourselves true ‘trad’ (traditional) players, and we tend to feel most comfortable performing on stage as opposed to in a session,” Robey explained. However, the trad session scene has shaped the way they approach their own music.
“Those shows where the audience is so engaged that the line begins to blur between ‘observer’ and ‘participant’ are where we feel we’ve captured a real piece of that Irish music heritage,” Robey said.
Sessions refer to informal gatherings where musicians meet to play traditional tunes.
The band also holds educational workshops to share their knowledge and experience with those unfamiliar with the genre.
Unique backgrounds, United passion
Each member of On The Lash has a unique musical background and introduction into Irish folk music. Flute and vocalist Elizabeth June grew up performing with her family’s bluegrass band, which included her parents and 10 siblings. She holds a masters degree in flute performance from the University of Michigan.
Joel Tyrone Myers started playing the fiddle with the Chelsea House Orchestra as a young boy, igniting his love for Irish music at a young age. In addition to playing the mandolin, Myers writes and arranges a majority of the music for On The Lash.
Fiddlist and band manager John Robey began learning classical violin at seven years old, however, it wasn’t until age 14 that he began exploring nontraditional genres, such as Celtic music.
Patrick Hartson plays guitar for the band, but he began his musical career playing cello in a fiddle club, where he first learned various styles of Irish dance tunes. He earned multiple advanced degrees in cello performance, and picked up guitar along the way, allowing him to play in bands of many genres.
While each member has branched out to play different types of music, they all found their way back to their roots in Celtic and folk music.
On the Lash. (Photo Courtesy On the Lash: Used with Permission)
Fireside
On The Lash released their debut EP, Fireside, last year, featuring four adaptations and one original song, Dog in the Distance.
The band plans on recording and releasing an all-original album within the next year, and has aspirations to expand their touring overseas.
On The Lash will be on tour in Michigan, Illinois, the East Coast and Canada through November.
One person was injured following a shooting in the 900 block of 28th Street SW.
At approximately 4:45 a.m. on July 22, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the 900 block of 28th Street SW. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Officers immediately provided medical care until EMS personnel arrived. The victim was then transported to a local hospital for treatment, where he remains in stable condition.
At this time, no arrests have been made. Detectives from the Wyoming Police Department, along with members of the Forensic Science Unit, are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org
The Kentwood Police Department is investigating an assault on a 24-year-old woman that occurred Monday evening, July 20, at East Paris Nature Park in the 5900 block of East Paris Avenue SE.
The woman was walking on a trail when she states she was approached and physically assaulted by an unknown suspect. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 30 years old, with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a white shirt with colored squares.
The victim reported that she was alone at the time of the assault, but there were other people in the park shortly before the incident occurred that likely saw the suspect. Investigators are asking anyone who was at East Paris Nature Park on Monday evening and may have witnessed suspicious activity or someone matching the suspect’s description to contact the Kentwood Police Department.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-656-6580. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer by calling 616-774-2345 or visiting SilentObserver.org.
The investigation remains active. No additional information is available at this time.
A person of interest is in police custody following a homicide investigation in the 800 block of Marcia Street SW.
At approximately 6:30 a.m. on July 20, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to a report of a deceased individual at a residence in the 800 block of Marcia Street SW. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased 82-year-old female Wyoming resident and determined the circumstances surrounding her death to be suspicious. The Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office has since ruled the death a homicide.
During the investigation, Wyoming Police identified a person of interest. The individual was located by the Indiana State Police near Fort Wayne, Indiana, and taken into custody.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing. As a result, the names of those involved are not being released at this time. The Wyoming Police Department thanks the Indiana State Police for their assistance in locating the person of interest.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Kent District Library is partnering with Kids’ Food Basket this summer to help ensure local children and teens have access to nutritious meals when school is not in session. Through the Sack Suppers at the Library program, free evening meals will be available at select KDL branches through September 1.
The program offers convenient, nutritious meals designed to be kid-friendly and ready to enjoy. No registration is required, making it easy for families to access healthy food throughout the summer months. Meals are available while supplies last.
“KDL is committed to supporting the well-being of our community beyond books and learning resources,” said Lance Werner, KDL’s Executive Director. “By partnering with Kids’ Food Basket, we’re helping connect families with nutritious meals while providing welcoming spaces where children can learn, explore and thrive all summer long.”
(Photo Courtesy Kids’ Food Basket)
“Summer can be a challenging time for families who rely on school meals,” said Bridget Clark Whitney, President and Founding CEO at Kids’ Food Basket. “Through partnerships like this one with Kent District Library, we’re able to meet children where they are and ensure they continue to have access to healthy, nourishing food throughout the summer months.”
Meals will be distributed at the following KDL locations:
Kelloggsville Branch (Inside Kelloggsville High School)
4787 Division Ave. S
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Monday–Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
4950 Breton SE
Kentwood, MI 49508
Monday–Friday at 3:00 p.m.
Wyoming Branch
3350 Michael Ave. SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
Monday–Friday at 4:30 p.m.
Sack Suppers at the Library is part of KDL’s ongoing commitment to supporting children and families throughout Kent County by providing access to essential resources, educational opportunities and community partnerships. KDL also partners with Feeding America to provide Lunches at the Library.
For more information about summer programs and services at Kent District Library, visit kdl.org. To learn more about KFB’s programs, services and how you can make a difference, please visit kidsfoodbasket.org.
Kent District Library is a public library system operating 20 branch locations, an Express Library and a bookmobile to serve over 440,000 residents of 27 different municipalities throughout Kent County. KDL enriches lives by providing information, ideas and excitement. It is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by millage dollars and private donations. KDL is a member of the Lakeland Library Cooperative. For more information, visit kdl.org.
About Kids’ Food Basket Kids’ Food Basket (KFB) was founded to nourish children to reach their full potential. We are a community-based food equity nonprofit serving our West Michigan neighbors in Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan counties who are under-resourced and impacted by poverty and food insecurity. Our services include our flagship Sack Supper program, sustainable farming, community food distribution and educational programming. Kids’ Food Basket is now serving about 11,500 evening meals to 68 schools in four counties each weekday. We work toward a future in which all children have access to the nourishment that fosters their lifelong health and limitless potential.
A pedestrian was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle in the 2800 block of South Division Avenue on July 18.
At approximately 10:40 p.m. on July 18, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 2800 block of South Division Ave. after receiving a report that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, first responders located an adult male with serious injuries. He was treated at the scene and then transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Preliminary investigation indicates the male was crossing South Division Ave. outside the crosswalk when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. At this time, the driver of the vehicle is not believed to have been speeding or under the influence of alcohol. The Wyoming Police Accident Investigation and Forensic Science Units continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org
The Soul Syndicate. (Photo: Tom Taylor. Used with Permission)
By Deborah Reed Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
The Soul Syndicate will be taking the stage on the Kentwood City Hall lawn on Thursday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. to deliver a soul-infused, high-energy entertainment experience designed to keep the audience dancing.
“We always look forward to a great experience playing in Kentwood,” said Tom Taylor, the band’s drummer. “We always have a lot of dancers, and the Kentwood crew is always wonderful to work with.”
Fan favorite dance medleys
The Kentwood audience will be treated to the soulful sounds of Mike Coon on guitar and vocals, Matt Fouts on bass, John Neil on keyboard, Colin Tobin as lead male vocalist, Katie Sarb as lead female vocalist, Tim DenBesten on trumpet and vocals, Nate Hansen and Danny Giacobassi on saxophone, Jeff Carroll on trombone and Tom Taylor on drums.
As with each venue they visit, The Soul Syndicate can be counted on to deliver a unique sound with their carefully crafted and multi-song medley arrangements.
“We continue to focus on fan favorites and create multi-song medleys so we can fit more recognizable songs into the set – something for everyone,” Taylor explained.
Concert attendees on July 23 can expect to hear fan favorites “Ode to the ‘70s” and The Soul Syndicate’s trademark funk medley.
Still sought out after 13 years
Powerful vocals, an energetic horn section and crowd-pleasing dance medleys keep audiences dancing all night long – but friendship and common goals are what keep The Soul Syndicate returning to the stage again and again.
“We all get along really well and have common goals of always putting on a great show,” Taylor said. “We’ve continued to have the same group of players in the band for six-plus years, which is somewhat unusual for a group our size.
“We all just love hitting the stage and making an audience smile and dance and leave the stress of everyone’s life behind for a night of music played by a live group.”
The Soul Syndicate performs at a variety of venues, such as outdoor festivals, concerts, weddings and corporate events. After 13 years as a West Michigan band, audiences are still seeking out their soulful tunes.
“Our audience continues to find us,” Taylor said. “There are many different bands and performers of music of all styles, and we are thrilled folks still love coming to our shows.”
More Soul Syndicate information
To reserve The Soul Syndicate for an event, click here. Audiences also can check out the band’s website for upcoming summer events.
Though The Soul Syndicate does not stream their music, performance video clips can be found on their website and Facebook page.
For a more in-depth dive into The Soul Sydicate’s history and a behind-the-scenes peek into the band, click here.
Additional concert information
Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series consists of 10 performances and takes place on Thursday evenings on the lawn behind City Hall (4900 Breton SE) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. All concerts are free to the public.
Guests are invited to bring a blanket or chair for seating, leashed dogs if desired, and are welcome to bring their own beer or wine. Food trucks at the July 23 concert include Dolce Mini Cakes, Lost Art Burgers, Safari Snacks and Sanse Fillipino.
Watch for concert details, changes and weather updates on the City of Kentwood Facebook page. Additional details on the Kentwood Summer Concert Series can be found here.
Kentwood Summer Concert Series 2026. (Image: Courtesy City of Kentwood)
Kentwood concert parking
Concert parking is limited at City Hall with only the front lot available for accessible parking. However, additional parking options are available at the following locations:
Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton SE
KDL Kentwood Library, 4950 Breton SE
Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma SE
Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE, drive around back of building to front field
MexiCuba. (Photo: Wity Zaldivar. Used with Permission)
By Lillian Reiner Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
From Cuba to West Michigan, MexiCuba’s origin and influences span multiple different countries. Band director Wity Zaldívar moved to the United States four years ago after a successful career in Havana, Cuba, and has since worked to grow the Latin music scene in Grand Rapids.
“Latin music possesses a unique quality, it brightens your heart and makes you move,” Zaldívar said. “As we like to say in the band: when it’s cold, we bring the heat; and when it’s hot, we bring flavor and refreshment. That is what we represent.”
MexiCuba will showcase its unique blend of salsa and timba music on Tuesday, July 21, at 6 p.m. at Lamar Park, as part of the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series. This will be their first of many performances in Wyoming. Come prepared to enjoy not only live music, but a unique cultural experience that will energize and inspire listeners to get up and dance.
A Blend of Backgrounds
The band met and formed in the United States, although five of its seven members began their careers in Cuba and Mexico.
Zaldívar, a pianist since age 4 and orchestra director since 12, studied classical music at the Guillermo Tomás Conservatory in Havana, Cuba.
“My heart is divided between Mexico and Cuba, as Mexico was the first country to open its doors to me, creating a unique blend between both nations that is reflected in the identity and power of the entire group,” Zaldívar shared.
MexiCuba began as a duo between Zaldívar and Yuriana Sobrino, and later a trio when Yordano Parsons joined. Parsons is a bassist and singer who developed his career in Havana and Mexico.
Parsons introduced the band’s remaining members, including Dayana Fowler, who plays the congas and provides backup vocals, and guitarist and singer Dayan Ramírez, who injects energy and adrenaline into every performance. Bryan Robles, of Puerto Rican descent, is the band’s drummer and is currently mastering the Latin timbales.
Vocalist Sara Collins-Nunez is a native of Grand Rapids, and had no prior experience as a singer before joining MexiCuba less than a year ago. Vocalist Liliana Medina spent many years singing in Mexico before bringing her talent to West Michigan.
Depending on the occasion, they perform as a duo, a trio, or with the full orchestra.
MexiCuba. (Photo: Wity Zaldivar. Used with Permission)
Carving a path for Latin Music
When MexiCuba first arrived in Grand Rapids, the challenge was making a space for the concept of live Latin music in the minds of local venues. They began playing at restaurants such as MeXo, Playas Nayaritas, and Taco Borracho, and began gaining traction until they were playing on stages around the region.
Having performed at Frederik Meijer Gardens four or five times, Zaldívar shared that it now feels like home to the band.
A dream come true
Recently, MexiCuba was selected from over 300 artistic proposals to play at the grand opening of the Acrisure Amphitheater. As a gift, they were given the opportunity to record at Theory Studios.
“The vibe in that space was magical, and we were absolutely blown away by the results,” Zaldívar said.
During this session, they recorded a song called Sorpréndeme, which was born out of their ability to invent and improvise music right in the moment of recording.
“We rehearse just enough, everything else flows directly and organically in front of the audience, which makes every concert a completely different and unique experience,” Zaldívar explained.
MexiCuba is looking forward to bringing their music and energetic performances outside of Michigan, as they will soon be adding Chicago to their repertoire. Learn about upcoming shows on the band’s Facebook page.
“If anyone needs to feel good, loved, appreciated, and ready to party, they simply have to come and see MexiCuba,” Zaldívar emphasized.
In Full Swing. (Photo: Terpstra Photography. Used with Permission)
By Deborah Reed Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
A refrigeration contractor by day, In Full Swing’s band owner and manager Dave Swan will be wielding a trumpet and urging people to dance the evening away at Kentwood’s next Summer Concert Series performance on Thursday, July 16.
The professional 15-17 piece West Michigan swing band will be performing traditional big band jazz music from 6:30-8 p.m. at Kentwood City Hall – and attendees will want to bring their dancing shoes. In Full Swing’s comprehensive library of authentic big band charts performed by legendary artists will get toes tapping in short order.
The July 16 performance will be the first time In Full Swing has performed in Kentwood, and Swan says the band is looking forward to playing for a crowd that has specifically come out to hear a swing band on the ticket.
“It’s exciting to see people coming out specifically to hear our music when they could just sit at home and wait for the next rock ‘n’ roll band to be [on stage],” Swan explained. “It’s exciting to see people come out to dance.”
From new member to manager
In Full Swing has been making audience members dance since 2016. Founded by Dick Meyers under the name Sam’s Swing Band, the group quickly gained traction within the West Michigan music scene.
It wasn’t long after Swan joined the band in 2019 that Meyers asked the newcomer if he’d be willing to take over the band. Swan said yes “without hesitation.”
Swan began managing In Full Swing in summer of 2019. Though Meyers no longer plays with the band due to health reasons, 10 out of the 15-17 band members are original to the band and continue to perform regularly at public events, private functions and community venues like the Michigan Veteran Homes.
In Full Swing. (Image: Used with Permission)
Mechanics or music — why not both?
A descendant of the Northview High School band that was highly recognized for its jazz ensembles under the direction of Max Colley, Jr., Swan confesses to having had no interest in becoming a professional musician.
“As much as I loved music, the thought of being a professional musician didn’t really interest me,” Swan said. “I was a tinker type of person; I was pretty well mechanically inclined as a kid, and I wanted to pursue more of a hands-on, mechanical type of career.”
But Swan didn’t stop playing music. Performing in various Grand Rapids bands and at church throughout the years, Swan kept his love of music alive.
“It was always a love of mine, and a hobby, and so I just stuck with it,” Swan said, adding that many West Michigan musicians play music on the side as a hobby while also having a career.
And big band music found a special place in Swan’s heart.
“I do love this kind of music,” Swan continued. “I’ve played in funk bands and rock ‘n’ roll bands, but big band music – there’s something about this type of music that is fun. It’s very uplifting.”
Swan’s love of big band music began in his youth when he heard The Tonight Show Band with Doc Severinsen.
“I would always stay up late to catch clips of The Tonight Show Band,” Swan said. “How can you be in a rotten mood after listening to big band music? It always puts you in a good mood.”
In Full Swing. (Photo: Terpstra Photography. Used with Permission)
The best kept secret around
Big band music, Swan says, is the best kept secret around.
“Big band music, when you go hear it live, people really appreciate it,” Swan explained, adding that all ages are drawn to the big band genre.
“When we specifically play for dancers, we’ve got high schoolers on up to elderly people that enjoy the swing music. It’s almost a revival of the younger college and high school age kids. It’s just amazing how the younger generation really enjoys swing music also.”
Some of Swan’s favorite performances, however, are at retirement homes and senior living communities.
“They are so happy to see us and listen,” Swan said. “Inevitably, after every performance there will be somebody that comes up and says, ‘That was my husband’s and my first song that we danced to together,’ or, ‘You’ve brought back so many memories.’ It’s very inspirational to hear how much they appreciate bringing back the nostalgia of their childhood with the music.”
Bringing music to those unable to leave their homes for a concert is a personal mission for Swan and the band.
“To play for those people that can’t get out and listen to the music, to be able to go there and bring a concert to them, it’s really special to all the people in the band to do that,” Swan said.
Additional concert info
Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series consists of 10 performances and takes place on Thursday evenings on the lawn behind City Hall (4900 Breton SE) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. All concerts are free to the public.
Guests are invited to bring a blanket or chair for seating, leashed dogs if desired, and are welcome to bring their own beer or wine. Food trucks at the July 16 concert include Patty Matters, Sugary Snowballs and The Falafel Truck.
Watch for concert details, changes and weather updates on the City of Kentwood Facebook page. Additional details on the Kentwood Summer Concert Series can be found here.
Kentwood Summer Concert Series 2026. (Image: Courtesy City of Kentwood)
Concert parking
Concert parking is limited at City Hall with only the front lot available for accessible parking. However, additional parking options are available at the following locations:
Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton SE
KDL Kentwood Library, 4950 Breton SE
Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma SE
Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE, drive around back of building to front field
(Photo: Courtesy pxhere.com: Free for personal and commercial use)
Bill Rohn, Friday Night Highlights Host. Edited his high school and college newspapers before serving as a trial lawyer for 40 years at Varnum Law in Grand Rapids. He calls himself a “newspaper junkie.” Sometimes serious, sometimes not. Bill has covered sports for The Grand Rapids Press, South Bend Tribune, and The Niles Daily Star. He holds a political science degree from GVSU and law degree from the University of Notre Dame.
Bill Rohn Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor Friday Night Highlights Host
You’ve got to love soccer…or, as the rest of the world insists on calling it, football. What a game!
With high school football about seven weeks away, the televised World Cup matches have provided terrific entertainment. The tournament runs through the middle of July.
The matches feature nonstop action, spectacular bicycle kicks, colorful uniforms, gravity-defying hairstyles, and dramatic penalty kicks that often raise the blood pressure of people who didn’t even know the rules two weeks earlier.
But CURSES?
Yes, apparently world-class soccer has CURSES, too!
Take the Republic of Ghana’s recent match against England. Ghana entered the contest having never reached the World Cup “knockout round,” where the final 32 teams battle in single-elimination play. A loss to England would likely have ended Ghana’s 2026 World Cup hopes.
So naturally…
One Ghana fan — who evidently earns his living as a SPIRITUALIST — decided that it was time to intervene.
His target was England’s biggest scoring threat, Harry Kane.
According to reports, the Spiritualist’s curse recipe wasn’t complicated. He simply gathered four dogs, a collection of leaves, and a photograph of Harry Kane. He then carefully arranged the items just so, hoping that his supernatural curse would succeed where Ghana’s defenders might not.
Imagine that. Apparently there’s a ‘Curse Starter Kit’ that includes exactly four dogs. Three dogs wouldn’t do it. Five dogs would be overkill.
The Spiritualist also noted an earlier curse allegedly placed on Portugal’s star Cristiano Ronaldo before the 2014 World Cup. Ronaldo then suffered a leg injury before Portugal’s opening match, which believers considered evidence that these things actually work.
So this wasn’t just an evil eye, a jinx, or your garden-variety whammy.
This was the deluxe model.
And as to Harry Kane?
During post-curse play, he missed a very makeable 18-foot shot and finished the match without a goal. Ghana thus earned a tie and advanced to the knockout round for the first time. And believers in curses probably took victory laps.
Fortunately for England, the Spiritualist publicly announced the removal of Kane’s curse immediately following the Ghana/England Match.
Sure enough, Kane scored a goal in England’s next contest, and England also advanced to the Round of 32.
Now, I’m not saying there’s anything to this curse business.
Still, it might be nice to get in touch with that Spiritualist — along with four dogs and a pile of leaves — before the Detroit Lions begin training camp.
By Lillian Reiner Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
Lillian Reiner
West Michigan’s premier cover band, Brena, is bringing its feel good covers to the Wyoming Concerts in the Park stage once again on Tuesday, July 14, at 6 p.m. at Lamar Park.
The Wyoming Concerts provide the chance for community members to come together for free music and food from local food trucks.
“Performing for an audience and seeing the joy that we bring into people’s lives is so rewarding and keeps us doing what we do,” said Craig Avery, vocalist and keyboard player. “I like to think that people come to see us to have fun and listen to good music, but also as an escape from whatever struggles they might be facing.”
Switching gears
The band met as music students at Grand Valley State University, but only two original members, Avery and multi-instrumentalist Steffan Copenhaver, remain.
The current lineup, consisting of vocalist Michele Moretti, guitarists Sam Parks and Matt Kok, vocalist, guitarist, and trombone player Sean Copenhaver, and drummer Sam Briggs, has been together since 2013. They also are joined by award-winning vocalist, Kelly Carey, on occasion. KM Denton is the band’s sound tech.
When the band was first formed in 2006, they played original music and performed at college campuses around the country. After releasing three albums and encountering financial troubles, they decided to make a change.
“In 2011, we decided to hang up the original band touring lifestyle and switched gears and became a cover band,” Avery said.
They began playing at bars, private parties and weddings, at first only playing 30 events per year, and now play an average of 130 events each year.
“We discovered we could actually make a living playing music,” Avery said.
Brena boasts an extensive and versatile song list for every occasion, from classic and modern rock to modern pop, R&B, rap, country and “Oldies.”
Brena origin
While Brena has undergone many changes since their inception, the name has stuck around, although the naming of the band was left completely to chance.
“We were rehearsing in our friend’s basement getting ready to perform at the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts in 2007 and we needed a band name in order to submit for a potential spot in the lineup,” Avery said. “So we threw a bunch of names in a hat and drew Brena.”
The band often jokes about the origin of their name, saying that Brena is a girl they all dated at one time, or an acronym for something, but the truth is that no one knows who threw the name in the hat or its significance.
Memorable performances
Brena has played thousands of shows during their nearly two decades as a band, but there are a couple of performances that stand out. They played during the Detroit Tigers Opening Day Block Party, in the freezing cold for the NHL Winter Classic at the University of Michigan stadium on New Year’s Day, as well as for thousands of college students in Panama City Beach, Florida, for Spring break.
“Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Street Dance is always a favorite of ours,” Avery added.
Brena treats every performance as an opportunity for people to let loose, leave their baggage at home, and just have a good time.
Looking to the future
While the band doesn’t have any immediate plans to start writing original music, they have tossed around the idea of writing children’s music in a pop rock style. Many members have started families of their own and naturally have felt drawn towards creating music for and about their kids.
But for the time being, Brena will continue being West Michigan’s premier cover band for as long as they can.
“We love what we do,” Avery said.
Wyoming Concerts in the Park 2026. (Photo: City of Wyoming: Used with Permission)
The July Sounds of Summer Concert Series, produced by P. Williams Productions and LW Studios, is in full swing. The Chicago-based band Sushi Roll will perform Thursday, July 9, at 7 p.m., at Cutler Park, 6701 Cutler Park Drive, Grand Rapids.
Sponsored by Byron Township, these free community concerts are held every Thursday evening throughout July at Cutler Park, following the June series at Bicentennial Park.
As professional musicians with a lifetime of experience in the entertainment industry, Lare and Patty Williams take pride in curating a lineup that features both premier local talent and renowned acts from Nashville, Tennessee.
Sounds of Summer concert series by P. Williams Productions and LW Studios. (Photo: Patty Williams. Used with Permission)
“We invite you to join us for an evening of high-quality entertainment, including our signature ‘Name That Tune’ intermission game with comedy and prizes,” said Patty Williams, producer. “Please also mark your calendars for our Grand Finale at Cutler Park featuring the Grammy-winning band, The David Mayfield Parade.”
The “Michigan Songbird of Soul”, MOLLY, is more than a singer, she is a storyteller striving to celebrate her Michigan upbringing and African roots, while sharing her raw view of the world.
“I want to explore a soul music that can make you feel more than nostalgia for a past era, to confront the realities of our current system through sound and action,” Molly Bouwsma Schultz said.
MOLLY is performing on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the City of Wyoming Concerts in the Park series, in which a different band performs every Tuesday in July. Performances will begin at 6 p.m. at Lamar Park.
Branching out on her own
While Molly’s singing career began in 2008 when she joined a blues band in college, her love for music and performing began before she could even speak.
“I was connecting language to musical notes, and it always felt very natural to me,” Molly explained.
She moved towards writing and performing original music in 2013 with her band Vox Vidorra, but made the decision to pursue a career as a solo artist in 2018 to explore her own roots, history and influences.
Her songs are a combination of her life experiences, the wisdom she has amassed, and her belief that freedom, in its many forms, is an ancestral right. Her music is laced with political and social commentary, making it an evolving representation of the times. She incorporates elements of African music into all of her songs, from the polyrhythms of West African drums to the powerful vocals of soul and gospel tradition.
“Telling my own stories and creating melodies from my own personal journals is a new layer of vulnerability that is always changing and opening creative doors.
“I’m driven by being able to express joy and pain simultaneously”
Molly Bouwsma-Schultz. (Photo: Olivia Easterday Photo. Used with Permission)
In many ways, Molly’s music is a reflection of her soul, and thus is constantly evolving.
“I am consistently expanding my sound and have most recently made space in my set for ancient healing music through spiritual connect, ambient tones, and mantras as a way to reclaim practices that honor my ancestors.”
Molly attributes soul music to tearing down barriers both in the music industry and society itself. However, in the current age of AI, the integrity of all music is under threat, but especially soul music, which is beloved for its authenticity and genuineness.
“When using AI as a tool to scan the internet for people’s voices, we are taking away their consent to extract their ‘soul’ for profit, which is something that is fake.”
Opening creative doors
Molly has shared the stage with many incredible artists in her 20 years of performing, including Billy Strings, War & Treaty, Third Eye Blind, and Chico Debarge, but the highlight of her career was opening for Leslie Odom Jr. in 2024 in a sold out show at Frederick Meijer Gardens.
“Having such a meaningful and inspiring experience affirms that being persistent and staying committed has opened doors for me and my fellow collaborators,” Molly said.
Listen to MOLLY
Fans of MOLLY will enjoy her debut LP coming out later this year. It is the product of five years of experimenting with her sound and growing in her song writing abilities.
A spotted turtle with a transmitter that emits a signal so zoo staff can locate the animal in the wild. (Photo: John Ball Zoo. Used with Permission)
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.
One of Michigan’s rarest turtles is getting a boost in early survival thanks to a program called ‘headstarting,’ where biologists collect eggs, hatch them in captivity and raise the babies through the winter. The young turtles are then released back into the wild in the spring.
Spotted turtle eggs and hatchlings are particularly vulnerable to predators like raccoons, which have increased in recent years, said Will Miller, associate professor of biology at Calvin University.
“The idea is that we can grow a larger baby turtle that’s more robust to some of these challenges that they will meet in their native environment,” Miller said. “Many nests and juvenile turtles never make it to adulthood, which can then compound other issues like habitat destruction, as well as poaching for the pet trade.”
While headstarting has been successfully done with other turtles in Michigan, this is one of the first attempts to try the method on spotted turtles.
Testing if headstarting might help spotted turtles
To evaluate if the practice results in more turtles surviving to adulthood, researchers gathered 15 spotted turtle eggs from females they had gotten from the wild and divided them into two cohorts, said Bill Flanagan, conservation director at John Ball Zoo.
Bill Flanagan (left) and Rhiannon Mulligan, with John Ball Zoo, survey for rare turtles in Michigan. Pictured here is a rare Blanding’s turtle. (Photo: John Ball Zoo. Used with Permission)
One group was released into the wild immediately after hatching. Hatchlings in the other group were raised by students at Calvin University, with help from faculty and zoo staff, and released this spring. Both groups are tracked by zoo staff using telemetry.
It was a rare opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience taking care of rare turtles. The animals need daily care, so students had to come in on weekends and during holiday breaks for many months.
“We saw this as a major win-win, both from an educational and a conservation research standpoint,” Miller said. “The students absolutely loved being part of this project.”
Flanagan said the project will continue for at least another season.
“We’re really keyed in on trying to learn more about the nesting ecology for spotted turtles,” he said. “This is a species that we don’t know a ton about how they nest, especially here in Michigan.”
Faith Kuzma with John Ball Zoo holds a young spotted turtle. (Photo: John Ball Zoo. Used with Permission)
Reclusive habits make them difficult to study
They’re one of the smallest turtles in the state – adults are just over 5 inches long, about the size of an index card. They also spend time in shallow wetlands away from humans, said Dan Earl, a zoology research assistant with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory.
“They’re pretty reclusive as far as our turtle species go,” he continued. “They tend to not be as mobile as some of our other turtles, and they also have a very short active season.”
Spotted turtles tend to start moving in the spring. “But when you get past June, they kind of hunker down for the year,” Earl added. “They’re just hard to find.”
Because spotted turtles don’t reproduce until they’re 10 to 15 years old and their young have a high mortality rate, it’s especially important that adults survive as long as possible.
But more adult turtles are dying because of humans, including through habitat loss, getting hit by cars and the illegal pet trade.
One worry when nesting success declines is what Earl calls “ghost populations.” That’s when adults might persist at a site, but if no young turtles survive, the population will slowly die out.
And since spotted turtles can live for more than 30 years, biologists may not realize what’s happening until it’s too late.
Reclusive spotted turtles live in shallow wetlands in Michigan. (Photo: Meghan Marchetti/Virginia Department of Wildlife. Photo in the public domain.)
What can you do to help?
To help turtles, Flanagan encourages people to leave wild turtles where they are.
“One of the things we always say is, ‘If you care, leave it there.’ So, if you find a turtle in the wild, make sure that you leave it where it’s at,” he said.
But, if a turtle is on a road, it’s best to move it in the direction it’s going and not far from where it was found – as long as it’s safe to do so.
Miller encourages people to contribute to conservation efforts not only by donating money to conservation organizations, but to also get involved with citizen monitoring programs and learn about wetlands.
“[Wetlands are a] critical and often endangered ecosystem type that our turtles rely upon, we rely upon for a variety of different ecosystem services,” Miller said. “Because what’s good for the turtle is good for us all.”
UPDATE: The deceased individual whose body was discovered inside a construction dumpster in the 1300 block of 28th St. SW has been identified as Joseph Otis Hammer, a 38-year-old from Wyoming. His family has been notified.
At approximately 9:20 p.m. on June 28, 2026, Wyoming Fire Department personnel responded to the construction site following a report of a dumpster fire. Upon arrival, crews located the dumpster, but found no active fire and no evidence that one had occurred. During their inspection of the scene, Fire personnel observed an individual inside the walk-in style dumpster. Crews entered to render aid, but the person was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Wyoming Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the death. At this time, no foul play is suspected. The Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office has conducted an autopsy; the cause and manner of death remain pending the final autopsy report.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police Detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
