On May 9, at approximately 7:30 a.m., police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety and Grandville Police responded to the area of 28th Street near Clydon Avenue on a report of a head-on collision involving two vehicles.
When officers arrived they located two patients, an unresponsive 7-year-old female and a 31-year-old male both with serious injuries. The uninjured driver remained at the scene to speak with police. the injuries driver and child were both transported to an area hospital in critical condition.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s Accident Investigation and Forensic Services Units are continuing to investigate 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.
Kent County Sheriff’s Department
At 2:30 a.m. this morning, a homeowner called 911 stating three suspects were checking car doors in the neighborhood along South Park Drive SW. Deputies arrived in the area and located the vehicle described by the homeowner and attempted to stop it. The vehicle fled from deputies but ran over spike strips just down the road. A pursuit continued up Kalamazoo Avenue nail the driver lost control and came to a stop along Kalamazoo Avenue near 52nd Street.
One occupant ran away and a second was arrested in the vehicle. The vehicle itself was stolen form Plainfield Township on May 3. Inside the deputies located two pistols along with cash and other items stolen from vehicles. An 18-year-old Grand Rapids man was arrested on charges related to the case. The other suspect remains outstanding.
This follow a similar incident Monday morning in Byron Township. At 6 a.m., KCSO dispatch received multiple calls of suspects breaking int o cars in the area of Marshwood Court SW. Two vehicles fled from deputies, which were later found at 68th Street and Clyde Park Avenue. As deputies closed in they located four suspects running form the cars, who were all apprehended (ages 15, 16, and two 17-year-old males from Grand Rapids). Three stolen vehicles in total were recovered.
According to a statement released by the Kent County Sheriff’s Department “We continue to see the brazen action of these suspects continue. Please keep your firearms, keys, and cash out of your vehicles. All areas of Kent County are being targeted.”
On the anniversary of its inception, the Metro Pattern Crimes Task Force (MPACT) announced today that it has arrested 12 individuals believed to be involved with 22 burglaries throughout Kent County including the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
Since Jan. 30, MPACT has been investigating numerous business break-ins throughout Kent County. The suspects targeted marijuana dispensaries, liquor stores, and convenience stores that sold vape pens similar to the rash of break-ins that took place on Jan. 27 that included Wyoming’s D. Schuler. Officers did not state if the arrests was related to the Jan. 27 break-ins.
The investigation conducted three residential search warrants and recovered four stolen handguns and 12 stolen cars. It is believed that along with the cities of Wyomig and Kentwood, the cities of Grand Rapids, Walker Lowell and Cedar Springs and the townships of Solon, Cascade, Gaines, Plainfield and Byron has all been affected by these incidents.
“By having a unit like this that is under one roof representing several different areas, officers are able to identify developing behaviors and patterns and working together to solve significant crimes that stretch across Kent County,” said Lt. Andrew Koeller, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety public relations officer.
Focus on violent and serial crimes
The task force was created in February of 2022 to address not only violet crime, but also significant pattern crimes such as burglaries, purse snatchings and other incidents that often occur across multiple jurisdictions, within the county.
“The team runs under the radar but has helped with making a number of arrests in violent crimes such as homicides and shootings and serial crimes such as the stolen vehicles,” Koeller said.
Arrests for the business break-ins took place over the last several weeks with the last one on March 14. The adult and juvenile suspects have been arrested on charges ranging from Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Felony Firearms, Breaking and Entering with Intent, to Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Several cases are still open as MPACT investigates and is exploring charges of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony.
Case still under investigation
The suspects range from 16 to 21 years old spanning rom the cities of Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Walker, Coopersville and Alpine Township. According to a press release, it is believed that the group could be responsible for burglaries outside of Kent County. The task force is coordinating with area law enforcement partners as the case unfolds.
“This investigation unit is the Swiss Army knife of the county for crime,” Koeller said. “These guys are amazing and extremely dedicated, working long hours to solve significant crime that is committed in our county.”
The task force consists of personnel form the Wyomig Department of Public Safety, Kentwood Police department, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 16-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or at https://www.silentobserver.org.
Cars and Coffee at the Downtown Market this Saturday. (Supplied)
Cars & Coffee Grand Rapids returns to the Grand Rapids Downtown Market for their final event of the season on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Vehicles on display will include sports cars, exotics, tuners, muscle cars and classics.
Show cars will be in the Downtown Market parking lot adjacent to Ionia Avenue and under the covered Market Shed, where spectators can stroll through the impressive array of automobiles from around the region.
The Downtown Market, located at 435 Ionia Ave. SW, will be open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday for a variety of food and beverage options from Market Hall merchants. Parking is available on-site, and in the nearby McConnell Ave. lot during the event.
The sun was out along with many spectators gathered at the Wyoming Moose Lodge to admire new and classic cars for Metro Cruise’s annual Dust Off event this past Saturday.
Car owners came in from around West Michigan putting their best vehicles out for display. The first 75 classic car participants that showed up were awarded free t-shirts. As they enjoyed the cars, guests were also treated to food, drinks and a chance to meet some of the girls from the Miss Metro Cruise competition.
Jene Billings, of Kentwood and his daughter Cathy DeLaney, of Middleville, often attend Metro Cruise events together. (WKTV)
“You can see by the participation that people are coming out in droves,” said Keith Morgan, president and CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the annual Metro Cruise that will run Aug. 26 and 27. “I think people are looking for it. They’re ready for it. And by having Metro Cruise, it gives them another opportunity to express their interest and desire to get back out.”
The Metro Cruise is put on by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce to help bring business to the local community and give residents a chance to show off their stuff. Jene Billings, 90, from Kentwood and his daughter Cathy DeLaney, 65, from Middleville, enjoyed the sun as they displayed a new truck.
“I wanted to show my truck off and look at all of the good iron that shows up out here. That’s it, just have a good day.” said Billing said, with his daughter Cathy DeLaney adding that the he and his daughter come out to Metro Cruise every year and even have a specific spot they spend that lets the show come to them.
Alan Wright, 78, from Wyoming, is also no stranger to the Metro Cruise. He brought out his 1958 Ford Thunderbird, a car that he also had when he and his wife got married back in 1966.
“As years went by and uh… the kids got through school and got married, I wanted another classic car so I bought a (19)58 Thunderbird,” said Wright, who is one of 10 drivers who bring the Miss Metro Cruise up to the main state during Metro Cruise.
Miss Metro Cruise 2021 Dr. Joules Kelvin was out encouraging people to participate in the 2022 Miss Metro Cruise competition. (WKTV)
Miss Metro Cruise 2021 Dr. Joules Kelvin attended the annual Dust Off event, meeting with potential contestants of the competition. The preliminary competition for Miss Metro Cruise will take place on July 9. The primary narrows the contestants down to 10 finalists who will compete at Metro Cruise in August. Kelvin’s advice for newcomers was to “Just come do it.”
“Anybody can do this, it’s just a matter of relaxing and giving it a try,” said Kelvin.
This year’s Metro Cruise, Aug. 26 and 27, will also have a second event following the same format as the Rogers Plaza event, happening at Woodland Mall. The collector cars, food trucks, bands, and some other entertainment will be featured at the event according to 28th Street Metro Cruise Event Manager Brandon Simmons. Visit the Metro Cruise Facebook page for more information on upcoming events.
Director Todd Lewis talks to some of the extras on the set of the “Horizon” production. (Colleen Pierson)
By Colleen Pierson WKTV Contributing Writer
When Todd Lewis, multitalented director, writer, actor and musician put out a call for extras for a movie he is creating, we all came in masses.
It’s hard to resist a Lewis film since he pours his heart and soul into every project he is involved. I personally knew with him writing, directing, and editing this film, it would be a great project to be involved in and so did many others who volunteered to help Lewis with the project.
Author Colleen Pierson poses with Gina Boscarino. The two were extras in the film “Horizon.” (Supplied)
Lewis created a short film entitled “Horizon” as part of a three-film series created for the WKTV Community Media’s 28th Street Metro Cruise coverage. Each of the six-minute films tells a narrative story about classic cars and classic design.
Lewis said when approached about the idea, he immediately thought of the late 1940s/early 1950s when some of the most iconic cars were created.
“I decided to set the story against the backdrop of segregation that was taking place at that time using the vehicle as a symbol of freedom,” he said.
A key setting in the film was a busy 1950s dinner where the two main characters, played by local actors Julianne Howe and Matt Dennis, which meant a whole lot of extras.
Holland Resident R.T. Williams shaved his beard and mustache in order to be an extra in the 1950s-based film.
“I may end up on the cutting room floor,” he joked, “but it was such an interesting experience.”
“I love the era of the 1950s,” said Gina Boscarino about being a part of the film. “It was a chance to dress up in costumes and have fun. I was so excited about a new experience.”
Ruth Ann Molenaar gets ready for the “Horizon” shoot. (Colleen Pierson)
For many, like Beth Schaub, it was a great opportunity to learn more about film while for others like Richard Mulligan, it was a nice opportunity to reconnect with many theater people and collaborate, especially after the past couple of years that saw theaters go dark and productions be delayed due to COVID.
“I had a chance to read the script,” said local actress Ruth Ann Molenaar. “I’m the only other black performer. I wanted to be part of it.”
Of course, there is always that chance that being an extra could lead to something bigger.
“Who knows maybe Quentin Tarantino might see this and see me,” said Rod Zammaron, jokingly.
Postproduction is going on now and some additional filming will be done in the next few weeks. Lewis’s film, “Horizon” along with the other two, John Philben’s “No Trip for Biscuits,” which is set in the 1930s and Kyle Misak’s “Drive,” which is based in the 1980s, will be available on WKTV and on the station’s video on demand service this fall.
As part of its coverage for the 28th Street Metro Cruise, WKTV Community Media is creating three short films directed by regional filmmakers whose mission was simple: take six minutes telling a narrative film story about classic cars and classic design. All three projects, which are now nearing completion in production and moving through various stages of post production, covered the breadth of some of the most fabulous steel and iron to roll off American assembly lines.
In the course of producing the films, WKTV was charged with sourcing many of the classics for the film productions. Those cars included a 1954 Buick Century convertible in daffodil yellow from the Grand Rapids Auto Gallery along with a 1938 Ford Cabriolet.
The GR Auto Gallery loans a 1938 red Ford Cabriolet for the proper setting in front of the Civic Auditorium.
“While the Grand Rapids Auto Gallery acts as a consignment dealer for classic cars, they were generous with loaning us three vehicles from their collection,” said Tom Norton, the series producer, including a 1958 white Corvette with a red interior that appeared on WKTV’s Metro Cruise coverage in 2019.
Another resource came from the Gilmore Car Gollection near Galesburg, Michigan.
“The Gilmore is such a treasure regionally and they were just wonderful,” Norton said. “When the script for one of the films called for an Auburn dealership from the 1930s, they were able to provide the entire set filled with shiny, gorgeous Auburn classics from the thirties. Just…wow!”
Ella Campbell from East Kentwood High School participated in the production as a script supervisor.
One hurdle for the three films was arranging period wardrobe. WKTV called on two resources, the Grand Rapids Civic Theater and Wyoming High School’s theater department and both were able to assist in outfitting characters from the 1930s, 1950s and 1980s.
The crew films the eighties short film “Drive” for Metro Cruise.
The first film in the Metro Cruise series is called “Drive” and features a 1980s theme. The film takes place on a drag strip and, directed by WKTV volunteer Kyle Misak, stars from “American Idol” Margie Mays as a mechanic working on a drag strip with homage to all 1980s vehicles. The six minute music video took six days for Misak and his crew to shoot.
Margie Mays from “American Idol” stars in the eighties Metro Cruise film “Drive.”
The second film, directed by GVSU professor John Philbin called “No Trip for Biscuits,” takes place in the 1930s and follows the philosophy of legendary designer Gordon Buehrig of the great Dusenberg classics. The short film features cameo appearnances by “Carol Lombard” and “Gary Cooper” and was filmed at the Gilmore Museum and in front of the 1930s facade of the old Civic Auditorium.
“What we loved about this project,” Norton said, “was that all of the filmmakers pulled out all the stops in terms of their creativity and resourcefulness to make these three period films happen. And of course, the classic auto community from GR Auto Gallery to the Gilmore provided serious lift as well.”
Grand Rapids Auto Gallery donated the use of this 1954 Buick Century for the Metro Cruise film “Horizon.”
The last of the films’ “Horizon” which takes place during the 1950s and combines the design of the classic fifties vehicles with the civil rights struggles of the day, is just going into post production. All three films will be available on WKTV and on the station’s video on demand service this fall.
An American automotive classic, the Corvette is cause for celebration in Mackinaw City at the 32nd Annual Corvette Crossroads Auto Show. We invite you to join us on Saturday, August 28, 2021, just before Labor Day Weekend. G-Man Entertainment will be on site all day offering his commentary, music and enthusiasm.
Friday, Aug. 27, Corvettes of various vintages arrive, cruise and prepare for Saturday’s festivities.
Saturday, Aug. 28, hundreds of Corvettes will be on display at the Odawa Casino – Mackinaw, 1080 S. Nicolet St. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Winners are selected from several categories by “People’s Choice” – this is not intended to be an intensely competitive event, rather a fun gathering for enthusiasts. The award presentation begins at 3 p.m. The corvette parade will cross the Mackinac Bridge at 7 p.m.
The Corvette Crossroads Corvette Parade across the Mighty Mac is open to everyone with a Corvette. Participants should start arriving at the Odawa Casino parking area at 6 p.m. The fee for non-show registered ‘Vettes to participate in the parade is $10 and all participants are responsible for their return bridge fare of $4.
Participants will follow the parade route through Mackinaw City and across the Mackinac Bridge where they will be able to enjoy St. Ignace and return to Mackinaw City at their leisure. The Village of Mackinaw City Police Department and Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Officers will provide traffic control along the parade route. Spectators can enjoy the show and cheer on the ‘Vettes beginning at 7 p.m. along the parade route – South Huron Ave. to Central Avenue, right on Nicolet St., to cross the Mackinac Bridge.
“As children, we all live in a world of imagination, of fantasy, and for some of us that world of make-believe continues into adulthood.”
Puppeteer and Muppets creator Jim Henson
You’ve Got a Friend
George Keen, left, and Ralph Baker on The Racing Show, taped by WKTV in January, 2020. (WKTV)
George Keen was a friend and mentor for many at WKTV. Known as the face of the popular “The Racing Show,” George would lend his natural broadcast talents to a number of WKTV projects such as DreamWheels at Metro Cruise and the sports show. General Manager Tom Norton writes “Something tells me that if Heaven has racing and they want the new guy to ‘call the race,’ everyone back here who knew George would recommend him highly.” WKTV thanks George’s family for sharing this man of many talents with us.
Revving up for Metro Cruise
It’s hard to believe that Metro Cruise is only a week away, but it is! The largest car show in West Michigan has a ton of events including a Wyoming versus Kentwood chicken wings challenge. Of courses, the cars will be the cente point with them lined up along 28th Street. Bonus: this year there will be two main locations, Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall. For more on this year’s event, click here. For a look at past events, click here. The Metro Cruise schedule is available at wktvjournal.org and 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.
Forward Thinking
Scenes form “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”, coming to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum this fall. (SEE Attractions)
ArtPrize is on the horizon for Sept. 16 – Oct. 3 but there are several other cool events coming into Grand Rapids this fall as well. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will be hosting “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition.” The immersive visual experience is set to open Oct. 22. The Grand Rapids Art Museum will be featuring the work of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish, members of the Gun Lake Tribe, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band. The two are renowned for their artistry in black ash basketry. And the John Ball Zoo recently announced it will bring back IllumiZoo Wild Hues this fall. Guests will be able to stroll through an illuminated landscape of nature drenched with lighting and sounds. IllumiZoo will run Sept. 3 to Nov. 14.
La Marquise, the oldest running car in the world. (Public Domain)
Fun Fact: 137 years old and still running
Currently holding the title of the oldest running car is the La Marquise from France. The vehicle was manufactured in 1884 by De Dion, Bouton, and Trepardoux. The car was built as a prototype named after De Dion’s mother, and it was based on a quadricycle design. In 1987, an Englishman bought the car from a French auction and brought it home. After working on the car, he was able to get it running and it was the oldest car in the 1996 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. The car was given the number “0” for the race. In a 2011 auction, the car sold for more than four and half million dollars. It is in a private collection.
With the attendance at the Metro Cruise Dust Off and at the Miss Metro Cruise preliminaries almost double in past years, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce President Bob O’Callaghan is pretty confident that this year’s Metro Cruise will also have an increase in attendance.
Set for Aug. 27 and 28, the annual car show has previously drawn about 250,000 people city-wide to dozens of events along 28th Street. Because 2020 had no events due to the COVID pandemic, O’Callaghan said he has seen a huge interest in people wanting to get out and do something this summer. Not only has that been proven with the Metro Cruise’s earlier events but both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood have reported high attendance for the municipalities summer concert series.
“So we know people are ready to get out and show their cars,” O’Callaghan said. “We are hoping for a great weekend.”
In response to post-COVID surges seen at other events, Metro Cruise organizers have made some changes for this year’s event. More portable restrooms and hand wash stations have been added. Multiple stations along the main walkway will have hand sanitizer. Collector car parking areas have been shifted further from walkways. The number of vendors also have been decrease in an effort to increase spacing between attendees.
The event will not operate at reduce numbers, nor will mask wearing or six-foot distancing be enforced, unless any Kent County Healthy Department, state or federal mandates are put back in place before the Metro Cruise weekend.
“We encourage all attendees to be smart,” said Event Manager Brandon Simmons. “If you’re sick with COVID-like symptoms, or have recently been exposed to someone who tested positive, please plan to visit us next year. If you do attend, wear a mask if desired and keep some space around you.”
As for the event, it is going to be bigger than last year with the addition of a second anchor location, Woodland Mall. which will be open on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. The Woodland Mall location will feature a wide array collector, sports, and antique cars along with activities.
A preview event is set for Tuesday, Aug. 24, 6 – 8 p.m. at Rivertown Ridge, 3555 Copper River Ave. SW. The main event will take place Aug. 27 and 28 at Rogers Plaza parking lot. Rogers Plaza will feature more than 20 food trucks and concessionaires, 400 collector cars, kids entertainment area, Community Awards ceremony and the Miss Metro Cruise competition finale, area bands, and the Dynamometer car testing area.
At the 2019 event, there was a donut challenge between the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming. The mayors of both cities have been encouraging another event this year, so Metro Cruise will be hosting the Duel of the Cities chicken wing challenge between Wyoming’s Brann’s Steakhouse and Kentwood’s Candied Yam, O’Callaghan said. The event is set for 11 a.m. Aug. 28 at Rogers Plaza.
But the main attraction of Metro Cruise is the cars, O’Callaghan said.
“We get [the cars] from all over the place and it is the whole 13 miles of 28th Street, It is not just our two locations,” O’Callaghan said. “A lot of folks are doing different events as the week goes on.”
The most important aspect of the Metro Cruise is having people support the local businesses, he said.
“So have a burger or purchase a t-shirt from the businesses that are along 28th Street,” he said.
St. Joe Today invites the community to celebrate all things Southwest Michigan during the Love Local Weekend July 16-18. The Mike Yore Memorial Car Show kicks off the weekend on Friday, July 16, from 4- 8 p.m. in downtown St. Joe. View classic cars from days gone by as they line up along Lake Boulevard. Attendees will “cruise” along the bluff and enjoy classic hits spun by local DJ Mark Durocher, as they take in more than 150 eye-catching vehicles in this charming lakeside town.
Cars can start parking in the event zone along Lake Boulevard at 1 p.m. on Friday. Cars need to be in place no later than 4 p.m., please enter at Lake Boulevard and Park Street. All participants must register day of between 4 – 6 p.m. at the Honor Credit Union tent located on the corner of Lake Boulevard and Broad Street. For more information or to sign up for participant reminders, visit stjoetoday.com/mikeyore. The Mike Yore Memorial Car Show is sponsored by Honor Credit Union, Edward J. Todd, JVIS USA, Wojtowicz Law PLC and SWMI Brew Tours.
“Love Local Weekends are jam packed with summer fun,” said Amy Zapal, executive director, St. Joe Today. “Area residents and visitors are sure to enjoy extended shopping hours, free gift wrapping, new products, featured menu items, specials and a wide variety of area events.” Visit stjoetoday.com/lovelocal for a complete list.
As part of the Love Local Weekend, the Friday Night Concert Series showcases area talent. This free, hour-long concert, which starts at 7 p.m., will be held at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell and will feature Lake Effect Jazz Big Band.
Then on Saturday, July 17, the Love Local Weekend continues with the Race for YMCA 5K/10K presented by TCF Bank held at the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum at 8:30 a.m. Money raised will benefit the Y’s Annual Campaign which provides financial assistance for memberships and programs to local children and families in need. That same morning, head over to Lake Bluff Park for two events – the St. Joe Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (extended hours) and the Lake Bluff Artisan Fair from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free tote bags will be handed out to the first 250 attendees at the St. Joe Farmers Market. For more information, visit stjoetoday.com/farmersmarketand stjoetoday.com/artisanfair.
Saturday evening, the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra hosts Belting Out Broadway at Silver Beach Shadowland Pavilion at 6:30 p.m., gates open at 5:30 p.m. Ticket information and details can be found at smso.org. That same night, visitors and residents will enjoy the Summer Movie Series, hosted by the City of St. Joseph. Saturday’s movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990), will begin at 7 p.m. at the St. Joseph High School (Drive-In). Visit stjoetoday.com/movies for a complete summer movie schedule.
On Sunday, July 18 the Love Local Weekend wraps up with a free Municipal Band – Jazz Band Concert held at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell at 7 p.m. Zapal said this weekend is a wonderful way to celebrate the summer season, “Whether you enjoy the beaches, our beautiful downtown shops and restaurants, Whirlpool Compass Fountain, area events, or local wineries and breweries there is something for everyone!”
Officers look over the damaged police cars from the May 30 riots. Five Wyoming Police vehicles and two Grand Rapids police vehicles were burned. (Supplied/Wyoming Department of Public Safety)
The City of Wyoming received some good news in that the cost to replace five police cars that were burned during the May 30 riots in Grand Rapids will be mostly covered by insurance, according to Wyoming Police Chief Kim Koster.
The news came as a surprise since, as reported by City Manager Curtis Holt at a June meeting, most insurance coverage does not provide for riot or civil disservice.
Chief Kim Koster
A recent report from Koster showed the insurance would pay about 60 percent of the costs to replace the vehicles with no expected change in the departments insurance premiums. Total replacement costs for the five vehicles is $372, 585.99. Insurance will cover $219,940.99 with the city’s out of pocket costs around $152,645. The department does have a depreciation reserve for replacement of vehicles, with each of the departments 27 vehicles having its own replacement fund. There was about $140,000 available in replacement funds specifically for the five cars that were lost on May 30. This left the city with an unbudgeted net cost of $12,645.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s fleet services was able to get one new vehicle on the road fairly quickly with fleet services continuing to work on the remains cars.
“It does take time to get the cars ready as they do not come fully equipped,” Koster said.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety has one of the few K-9 units, which assists other departments in the county. (WKTV)
A Cooperative Between Departments
The lost of the cars did create a hardship for the department, Koster said, adding that despite that, if faced with the same situation again, she would not hesitate to send the Wyoming officers out to help assist Grand Rapids or any other police department in Kent County.
“The cooperative we have [between police departments in Kent County] is unusual,” Koster said. “We hear it from other officers across the country and even from other parts of the state talk about how unusual it is.”
Some departments have specialized in certain areas. For example, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety is one of a handful of departments that has a K-9 unit as well as a forensics unit. There is also the Metropolitan Fraud and Identity Theft Team comprised of detectives from the Grand Rapids Police, Kent County Sheriff, Wyoming Police, and Kentwood Police departments.
“I think it is important for Wyoming residents to know that we have relied on other departments as much as they have relied on us,” Koster said, adding perhaps one of the best examples of this cooperative has been the Metro Cruise.
“Many people just love coming down for Metro Cruise,” she said. “It is a a good family event and people have a good time. For us to assure the safety of residents, we have had to rely on other agencies.”
Just a year ago, a Grand Rapids protest came into the City of Wyoming, ending at the Secretary of State’s office. The Grand Rapids Police stayed with the protest as it moved to the City of Wyoming, working with Wyoming officers. Koster added “that there is some comfort in knowing that public safety doesn’t stop at a border.”
The services come at no cost to the city with only the understanding that when asked, Wyoming will return the favor. Such was the case on May 30.
One of the five Wyoming Police cars on fire the night of May 30. (Photo by Andris B Visockis)
The events of May 30
The first that any of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety officers learned that their cars were on fire during the May 30 riots was when it came over dispatch.
“Dispatch asked if there were any police cruisers on Pearl because they had just gotten a report of a police car on fire,” Lt. Eric Wiler said. “That was my car.”
The Wyoming officers, along with those from Walker, Kentwood, Kent County, and Ottawa County, came to Grand Rapids that night to help the Grand Rapids Police Department. About 10 officers, who were part of joint tactical bicycle brigade, had gone down earlier in the day with Grand Rapids Police Department requesting additional help around 9/9:30 p.m., Wiler said, adding about 20 Wyoming officers responded.
The Wyoming officers were first along Market Street but a call came that GRPD needed more officers at its station as people were attempting to break into the building, Wiler said. The officers relocated, parking the five Wyoming police cars on Pearl Street.
“When we parked, there was nothing happening on the street,” Wiler said. From reports, rioters moved away from the Fulton/Division area down to Pearl Street.
“I watched as they set fire to the prosecutor’s building,” Wiler said. “By that time, there was more of them than us and all we could do is try to keep people safe.”
Koster said as she heard how the events were unfolding in downtown Grand Rapids, her concern became more of the safety of the officers and the public.
“I was relieved, happy, thankful that our officers were able to safely return to our offices,” Koster said. “I felt for the business owners who suffered the damage. I don’t think violence is ever the answer.”
The Wyoming Police cars from May 30. (Photo by Andris B. Visockis)
Understanding the anger
“First and foremost, I have to say that we are all in agreement in that what happened to George Floyd was disgusting and distributing,” Koster said, adding she understands the anger as she too was appalled by the arrest video of Floyd. “I believe those officers deserved to be criminally charged. They were a betrayal to the badge that we all wear.”
To the best of her knowledge, Koster said she is unaware of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety having an incident similar to that of George Floyd. She credits this in part to the accreditation the department received from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Considered the gold standard in public safety, CALEA requires departments to meet certain standards in such areas as accountability and transparency. This includes internal affairs and that these cases are handled in a proper manner.
In fact, in the Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s annual report, there is a section that reports the number of internal investigations that have taken place in the department. In the 2019 report, the department had 23 cases of which six allegations were deemed sustained.
Koster noted that the department continues to review and update its policies and practices.
The silver lining
Besides the officers returning safely, there was another silver lining from the May 30 incident. The department was looking to replace its current in-car camera system, which is outdate and not supported, Koster said. The five new vehicles will have the new in-car camera systems which the insurance company will cover fully as part of its payment. The cost for the new in-car camera system for the five cars is just below $50,000.
The signs of woodies and rag-tops, steel wagons and coupes. Roadsters running the length of 28th street and big-block V8s growling as they pass by. And of course we can’t forget the chrome, lots and lots of it sparkling in the sun.
Believe it or not, but the annual kick off to one of the area’s biggest car cruising events is this weekend. The annual Metro Cruise Dust-Off takes places from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at the Wyoming Moose Lodge #763 located at 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW.
The event has become an annual tradition and a kick off to the summer car shows with car owners finally being able to show off what has been stored under those tarps.
“We hope to have 100 – 150 cars at the Dust Off on Saturday,” said Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the annual event. O’Callaghan added that the first 50 collector car owners get a free Dust-Off shirt, which have become a collector’s item.
And while the Metro Cruise itself — which is Aug. 25 and 26 — is still about four months away, planning and preparation for the annual event, which marks its 13th year this year, have been well under way with several deadlines fast approaching.
The popular Art Cruise hosted by the Wyoming Business Leaders has already put a call out for artists for this year’s show. Similar to Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize, several Wyoming businesses feature the work of various local artists during the month of August, the same month as the Metro Cruise.
Interested artists have until June 1 to sign up to participate. The cost is $10, which is used to help cover marketing materials. For more information or to sign up, contact Donna Kuba, who runs Instant Cash Advance, at 616-261-4500 or email her at artcruisewyoming@gmail.com.
Entries for the annual Pin Up Girl contest are also being accepted. The Pin Up Girl contest will take place July 8 at the American Legion Post 154, 2327 Byron Center Ave. SW. The final competition will take place during Metro Cruise on Aug. 26, rain or shine according to O’Callaghan who said this year space has been reserved in Rogers Plaza for the contest if the weather is not cooperating.
Application deadline is June 23. All contestants must provide a head shot and full body shot with costume and makeup. Those interested should email the JA PR Group at staff@japrgroup.com.
