City of Kentwood

Local high schools readying for ‘traditional’ fall sports scheduling after MHSAA decision

Local high school football teams can begin on-field practice in early August, as usual, and games will be played starting the week of Aug. 24. But …

By:K.D. Norris

Kentwood Mayor Kepley talks small business support, and recent honor, on WKTV Journal In Focus

Kentwood was recently given special notice on the national scene as Verizon named the city as Michigan’s best small city for small businesses.

By:K.D. Norris

Food assistance for Michigan families hit by COVID-19 issues extended through July

The state announced July 15 that approximately 350,000 Michigan families will continue to have access to additional food assistance benefits continued.

By:WKTV Staff

Humanity for Prisoners’ efforts for prisoners, prison reform on WKTV Journal In Focus

Humanity for Prisoners started in 2001 when Doug Tjapkes formed the organization. Two decades later, the issue of treatment of prisoners — and prison reform — is no less important.

By:K.D. Norris

Up next in the Sounds of Summer concert series: Oat Bran Boys

The Muskegon-based group will perform this Thursday at Cutler Park.

By:Shallom Kimanzi, WKTV Intern

Kent County, local United Way announce non-profit COVID-19 grant process

Late last month, the Kent County Board of Commissioners allocated $9.5 million in federal CARES Act dollars to create the Kent County Non-Profit Organization COVID-19 Grant Fund.

By:WKTV Staff

Local resident hopes to ignite open conversation on racism through informal groups

WKTV Journal and Community Awareness Host Donna Kidner-Smith hopes her at-home meetings of open dialog on racism inspire others to have conversations and learn more.

By:Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Area Agency on Aging, supporting seniors in time of COVID-19, on WKTV Journal In Focus

WKTV had a Zoom interview with Carly Whetstone, outreach specialist for the local agency, to talk about the group, its history, and the ways it is working for senior and senior caregivers.

By:K.D. Norris

Kentwood students hope to ‘make that change’ by encouraging people to vote

The students are hosting a voter registration drive July 14 – 17.

By:Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

On Tap: Wyoming, Kentwood pubs make room outdoors; Bell’s joins Black is Beautiful initiative

The cities of Wyoming and Kentwood have given special allowance for parking areas and other spaces to become beer gardens, and become a very important part of local businesses’ recovery plans.

By:K.D. Norris

Snapshots: Music, masks, and enjoying our great state

If you’re not tied up with a graduation party this weekend, there is lots to do from music to visiting places throughout West Michigan and we’ve got Bill Nye the Science Guy to explain why it’s important to wear a mask.

By:WKTV Staff

Virtual summer camp for deaf — and hearing — kids available this summer

With Kenny the monkey in tow, the tour visits John Ball Zoo, Blandford Nature Center, HOPE Gardens community garden and The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.

By:WKTV Staff

New ‘Michigan Restaurant Promise’ initiative promotes health and safety during COVID-19

Among the local restaurants and craft breweries involved are Mitten Brewing, Brewery Vivant (parent company of Kentwood’s Broad Leaf Beer) and Long Road Distillery.

By:WKTV Staff

We the People 2020 Primary Election: State House of Representative candidates

For the Michigan Aug. 4 primary, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from all candidates for any seat where there is a contested primary in either party. For the general election, all candidates will be invited to record a We The People.

By:WKTV Staff

Kent District Library celebrates year of growth, changes and record numbers

The Kent District Library 2019 Annual Report tells the story of another year of new initiatives and increases in the use of library resources.

By:WKTV Staff