Tag Archives: City of Kentwood

WKTV has your list of high school live action available this week

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, ,
Several local girls high school soccer teams will be in action this week.

By Mike Moll

WKTV Sports

 

The month of June may not have many scheduled events but each of them will be very important as they are all part of their respective MHSAA State tournament leading to the crowning of both individual state championships along with team state championships. The final school sports seasons draw to a close the weekend of June 16-17 when the girls soccer, boys baseball, and girls softball have the final competitions.

 

All the best to the student-athletes that have graduated and we look forward to seeing the underclassmen returning starting in August as the new year starts up and the fall sports seasons start it all over again.

 

While July will be an “empty” month as far as the high school sports schedule is concerned, the WKTV truck and crews will be covering various events over the course of the summer, so keep checking the broadcast schedule for more sporting events coming to you.

 

WKTV sports events will be broadcast on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeated later in the week on  WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, and any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, see now.wktv.org/sports/

 

The complete list of local high school sports events this week is as follows:

 

Thursday, June 1

Girls soccer

East Kentwood @ FH Central – MHSAA Div. 1 State Districts

West Michigan Aviation vs West Catholic @ Catholic Central – MHSAA Div. 3 State Districts

Godwin Heights @ Catholic Central – MHSAA Div. 3 State Districts

Covenant Christian vs Potter’s House @ NorthPointe Christian – MHSAA Div.4 State Regionals

Calvin Christian vs Tri-Unity Christian @ NorthPointe Christian – MHSAA Div. 4 State Regionals

Boys golf

MHSAA Div. 2 State Regionals @ Middleville T-K – Yankee Springs

MHSAA Div. 4 State Regionals @ NorthPointe Christian – Hastings CC

 

Friday, June 2

Girls soccer

TBD @ Catholic Central – MHSAA Div. 3 State Districts Championship

Girls tennis

MHSAA Div. 1 State Championships @ Midland

MHSAA Div. 2 State Championships @ Holland

MHSAA Div. 3 State Championships @ Kalamazoo College

MHSAA Div. 4 State Championships @ Holly

 

Saturday, June 3

Girls soccer

TBD @ FH Central – MHSAA Div. 1 State Districts Championship

Boys baseball

East Kentwood vs Wyoming – MHSAA Div.1 State Districts 10 a.m.

MHSAA Div. 1 State District Championship @ Wyoming 2 p.m.

Girls softball

Wyoming vs East Kentwood @ Wyoming – MHSAA Div. 1 State Districts 10 a.m.

TBD – MHSAA Div. 1 State District Championship @ Wyoming 2 p.m.

Godwin Heights vs FH Eastern @ EGR – MHSAA Div. 2 State Districts 10 a.m.

TBD – MHSAA Div. 2 State District Championship @ EGR 2 p.m.

Unity Christian vs Kelloggsville @ South Christian – MHSAA Div.2 State Districts 10 a.m.

TBD – MHSAA Div. 2 State District Championship @ South Christian 2 p.m.

Wyoming Lee vs West Catholic @ Calvin Christian – MHSAA Div. 3 State Districts 10 a.m.

TBD – MHSAA Div. 3 State District Championship Q Calvin Christian 2 p.m.

Girls tennis

MHSAA Div. 1 State Championships @ Midland

MHSAA Div. 2 State Championships @ Holland

MHSAA Div. 3 State Championship @ Kalamazoo College

MHSAA Div. 4 State Championships @ Holly

Boys and girls track

MHSAA Div. 1 State Championships @ East Kentwood

MHSAA Div. 2 State Championships @ Zeeland

MHSAA Div. 3 State Championships @ Comstock Park

MHSAA Div. 4 State Championships @ Houseman Field – GR

 

WKTV’s high school coverage takes week off, but live action available

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, , ,
Softball is just one of several high school sports nearing the end of their season. Catch a game today!

By Mike Moll

WKTV Sports

 

There are plenty of local high school sports events to check out this week — including the beginnings of state playoffs for tennis and track — but the WKTV truck and crews will not be back covering games until next week.

 

The final spring game coverage will be:

Wednesday, May 24 – Boys Baseball, Hopkins @ Godwin Heights

 

Each game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat later in the week — Wednesday games will be rebroadcast Saturdays at 11 a.m. — on  WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week in April, and any changes to the WKTV feature game schedule, see now.wktv.org/sports/

 

The complete list of local high school sports events this week due to spring break is as follows:

 

Monday, May 15

Boys baseball

Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian

Kelloggsville @ Belding

South Christian @ Covenant Christian – DH

Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’sHouse – DH

Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Girls softball

Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Cristian – DH

Kelloggsville @ Belding – DH

South Christian @ Covenant Christian – DH

Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee – DH

Girls soccer

Godwin Heights @ Covenant Christian

Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming @ FH Eastern

West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary

South Christian @ Christian

Belding @ Wyoming Lee

Boys golf

Comstock Park @ Wyoming

East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Girls tennis

South Christian @ Zeeland East

 

Tuesday, May 16

Girls Tennis

Western Michigan Christian @ Kelloggsville

North Muskegon @ South Christian

Boys baseball

Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills

Middleville T-K @ South Christian – DH

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – DH

Girls softball

Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills – DH

Middleville T-K @ South Christian – DH

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – DH

Girls soccer

Hudsonville Hornets @ West Michigan Aviation

Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Calvary

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Boys golf

Caledonia @ East Kentwood – OK Red Jamboree @ Stone Water

 

Wednesday, May 17

Girls soccer

Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming @ Wayland

Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian

Boys golf

Kelloggsville – OK Silver Conference Tournament at The Meadows

Wyoming @ FH Eastern – OK Gold Jamboree @ Egypt Valley

South Christian @ FH Eastern – OK Gold Jamboree @ Egypt Valley

Boys baseball

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

Tri-Unity Christian vs Holland Black River @ Fifth Third Ballpark – DH

Belding @ Wyoming Lee

Girls softball 

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

Belding @ Wyoming Lee

 

Thursday, May 18

Boys baseball

Tri-Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights

West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Boys lacrosse

Catholic Central @ South Christian

Girls soccer

East Grand Rapids @ South Christian

Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Black River

Rockford @ East Kentwood

Girls tennis

East Kentwood vs TBD @ Holland – MHSAA State Regionals

Girls softball

Rockford @ East Kentwood

 

Friday, May 19

Boys and girls track

Division 1 MHSAA State Regionals @ Kalamazoo-Loy Norrix

Division 2 MHSAA State Regionals @ Houseman Field

Division 3 MHSAA State regionals @ Saugatuck

Division 4 MHSAA State Regionals @ Holton

Girls softball

Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park

Ottawa Hills @ Kelloggsville – DH

Wyoming @ West Ottawa – DH

South Christian @ Zeeland East – DH

Girls soccer

Godwin Heights @ Belding

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

South Christian @ Holland Christian

Boys baseball

Godwin Heights @ Union

West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville – DH

Wyoming @ West Ottawa – DH

Girls tennis

Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park

Kelloggsville @ Christian – MHSAA State Regionals

Girls water polo

@ TBA – MHSAA State Regionals

 

Saturday, May 20

Boys baseball

West Michigan Aviation @ Bloomingdale – DH

Auburn Hills Oakland Christian @ Potter’s House – DH

East Kentwood @ Lakeview – DH

Zion Christian @ Mason County Eastern

Zion Christian @ Western Michigan Christian

Wyoming Lee @ Saranac

Girls soccer

Zion Christian @ West Michigan Aviation

Boys and girls track

Division 1 MHSAA State Regionals @ Kalamazoo-Loy Norrix

Division 2 MHSAA State Regionals @ Houseman Field

Division 4 MHSAA State Regionals @ Holton

Girls water polo

@ TBA – MHSAA State Regionals

Girls softball

Muskegon Reeths-Puffer @ East Kentwood – DH

Wyoming Lee @ Saranac

Boys golf

East Kentwood vs TBA @ The Mines

 

Monday, May 22

Boys baseball

Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

South Christian @ Unity Christian

Kenowa Hills @ East Kentwood

Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee – DH

Girls softball

Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights – DH

FH Central @ South Christian – DH

East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills

Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee – DH

Girls soccer

NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

Belding @ Kelloggsville

West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian

Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

Boys golf

Wyoming @ Christian – OK Gold Conference Meet @ Thornapple Pointe

South Christian @ Christian – OK Gold Conference Meet @ Thornapple Pointe

Girls soccer

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

 

Law enforcement charity hockey game to benefit 9-1-1 dispatcher

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, , , ,
Michelle Bouwens, with her family, is battling cancer and is the focus of a benefit hockey game May 20. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

A 9-1-1 dispatcher — a person who is “always there for you, waiting for your call” — is now in need of support from the community. And the annual Kent Area Law Enforcement’s Old Time Hockey Game offers the public the ability to support while watching some fun hockey action.

 

The Old Time Hockey Game will take place Saturday, May 20, at Byron Center’s Southside Ice Arena, 566 100th St., with the game beginning at 1 p.m. and an open skate to follow.

 

Proceeds from the event will benefit Michelle Bouwens, an 18-year veteran 9-1-1 dispatcher who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, according to her boss, is currently in the fight of her life.

 

“They are always there for you, waiting for your call.  Now, one of them needs your help,” Matt Groesser, Emergency Communications Center manager for the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, said in an emailed statement. “The men and women of the Kent County Communications Center answer over 140,000 9-1-1 calls per year (that’s one call every 4 minutes on average).  They are responsible for emergency communications in a community of over 435,000 people.  … Come join us, and hundreds of others from the area, at the 21st annual Kent Area Law Enforcement Charity Hockey Game.”

 

The charity hockey game is the longest-running law enforcement hockey game in the state. The event is open to the public, with donations accepted.

 

Bouwens is married and has two sons, ages 9 and 10. She is taking unpaid time off to undergo treatment and surgeries, according to supplied information.

 

For more information visit the event’s Facebook link.

 

WKTV’s featured high school coverage hits local baseball diamonds

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Recreation, Sports, ,
High school baseball and softball seasons are in full swing. Check out a ball game. (WKTV)

By Mike Moll

WKTV Sports

 

There are plenty of local high school sports events to check out this week, and the weather is supposed to take a turn for the better.

 

The WKTV truck and crews continue this week its May schedule of high school sporting event coverage, with the rest of the tentative schedule being:

 

Monday, May 8 – Boys Baseball, Belding @ Kelloggsville

Tuesday May 9 – Boys Baseball, Caledonia @ East Kentwood

Wednesday, May 24 – Boys Baseball, Hopkins @ Godwin Heights

 

Each game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat on later in the week — the Tuesday games will be rebroadcast Wednesdays at 5 p.m., and the Wednesday and Thursday games will be rebroadcast Saturdays at 11 a.m. — on  WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week in April, and any changes to the WKTV feature game schedule, see now.wktv.org/sports/

 

The complete list of local high school sports events this week due to spring break is as follows:

 

Monday, May 8

Boys Baseball

Belding @ Godwin Heights

NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

Zion Christian @ West Michigan Aviation

Girls softball

Belding @ Godwin Heights – DH

NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

Girls soccer

Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

Byron Center @ Kelloggsville

South Christian @ Wyoming

West Michigan Aviation @ Algoma Christian

Tri-Unity Christian @ Hudsonville Hornets

FH Central @ East Kentwood

Ravenna @ Zion Christian

Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

Boys golf

Kelloggsville @ Belding

Girls tennis

Kelloggsville @ Catholic Central

East Kentwood @ Grandville

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Jenison

Boys/girls track

@ Wyoming Lee – Cornerstone University Showcase

 

Tuesday, May 9

Boys baseball

Wayland @ Wyoming – DH

South Christian @ East Grand Rapids – DH

GR Crusaders @ Tri-Unity Christian

Caledonia @ East Kentwood – DH

Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian – DH

Girls Softball 

Wayland @ Wyoming – DH

South Christian @ East Grand Rapids – DH

Caledonia @ East Kentwood – DH

Girls soccer

Grand River Prep @ Calvary Christian

Potter’s House @ Algoma Christian

Hope Academy @ Tri-Unity Christian

Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian

East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Boys golf

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – OK Red Jamboree

Girls water polo

East Kentwood @ Grand Ledge

 

Wednesday, May 10

Boys baseball

Calvin Christian@ Godwin Heights

Rockford @ South Christian – DH

Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

Girls softball

Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

Rockford @ South Christian – DH

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

Girls soccer

Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids

Wayland @ South Christian

Girls tennis

Kelloggsville @ Coopersville

NorthPointe Christian @ South Christian

Boys golf

Wyoming @ South Christian – OK Gold Jamboree @ Railside

Boys/girls track

Wyoming @ Wayland

South Christian @ Wayland

 

Thursday, May 11

Girls softball

Godwin Heights @ Plainwell – DH

Tri-County @ Kelloggsville

Hamilton @ Wyoming

West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

Boys baseball

Tri-County @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming @ Wayland

Grand River Prep @ Potter’s House

East Grand Rapids @ South Christian

Kalamazoo Cougars @ Tri-Unity Christian

East Kentwood @ Caledonia

Boys golf

Hamilton @ Wyoming

Boys/girls track

West Michigan Aviation @ Ravenna

Girls soccer

West Michigan Aviation @ Grand River Prep

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

Girls tennis

Wayland @ East Kentwood

 

Friday, May 12

Boys/girls track

Godwin Heights @ Belding – OK Silver Conference Tournament

Kelloggsville @ Belding – O Silver Conference Tournament

Wyoming Lee @ Belding – OK Silver Conference Tournament

East Kentwood @ Rockford – OK Red Conference Tournament

Boys baseball

Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park

West Michigan Aviation @ Kalamazoo Cougars – DH

Girls soccer

Zion Christian @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming @ Hudsonville Hornets

South Christian @ Zeeland East

Potter’s House @ Fruitport Calvary Christian

Algoma Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

Boys golf

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Jamboree @ The Pines

Northview @ Wyoming

Boys lacrosse

South Christian @ Kenowa Hills

Girls water polo

East Kentwood @ TBA – Districts

 

Saturday, May 13

Boys golf

Kelloggsville @ Hamilton

East Kentwood @ East Lansing

Girls tennis

Kelloggsville @ Spring Lake – OK Silver Conference Tournament

Wyoming @ FH Eastern – OK Gold Conference Meet

South Christian @ FH Eastern – OK Gold Conference Meet

East Kentwood @ Rockford – OK Red Conference Meet

Boys baseball

West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial Tournament

South Christian @ Zeeland East

Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian – DH

East Kentwood @ Jenison – DH

Girls softball

Hastings @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial Tournament

Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial Tournament

South Christian @ Hudsonville

Boys/girls track

Wyoming @ Houseman Field – OK Gold Conference Meet

South Christian @ Houseman Field – OK Gold Conference Meet

 

Monday, May 15

Boys baseball

Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian

Kelloggsville @ Belding

South Christian @ Covenant Christian – DH

Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’sHouse – DH

Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Girls softball

Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Cristian – DH

Kelloggsville @ Belding – DH

South Christian @ Covenant Christian – DH

Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee – DH

Girls soccer

Godwin Heights @ Covenant Christian

Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming @ FH Eastern

West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary

South Christian @ Christian

Belding @ Wyoming Lee

Boys golf

Comstock Park @ Wyoming

East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Girls tennis

South Christian @ Zeeland East

 

Baseball dominates schedule for WKTV’s featured high school coverage

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools, Recreation, Sports, , ,
Baseball will be featured as WKTV’s high school sports coverage enters the final month of the 2016-17 school year.

By Mike Moll

WKTV Sports

 

Just as the academic school year is quickly coming to an end, especially for seniors with many graduations taking place this month, the spring schedules are following suit as MHSAA tournaments begin near the end of the month — so be sure to get out and watch one of the high school contests while you still can this month and support your local teams.

 

Likewise, the WKTV truck and crews covering games are winding down as May will bring viewers the last scheduled high school sporting event coverage until the fall when football kicks off again. May’s tentative schedule is:

 

Tuesday, May 2 – Girls Water Polo, EGR @ East Kentwood

Thursday, May 4 – Girls Softball, East Kentwood @ Grandville

Monday, May 8 – Boys Baseball, Belding @ Kelloggsville

Tuesday May 9 – Boys Baseball, Caledonia @ East Kentwood

Wednesday, May 24 – Boys Baseball, Hopkins @ Godwin Heights

 

Each game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat on later in the week — the Tuesday games will be rebroadcast Wednesdays at 5 p.m., and the Wednesday and Thursday games will be rebroadcast Saturdays at 11 a.m. — on  WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week in April, and any changes to the WKTV feature game schedule, see now.wktv.org/sports/

 

The complete list of local high school sports events this week due to spring break is as follows:

 

Monday, April 24

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Middleville T-K – OK Gold Jamboree @ Yankee Springs

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K – OK Gold Jamboree @ Yankee Springs

Wellsprings Prep @ Kelloggsville

East Kentwood @ Rockford

 

Tuesday, May 1

Boys/girls track

Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights

West Michigan Aviation @ Godwin Heights

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

Girls softball

Godwin Heights @ Ottawa Hills – DH

Wyoming @ FH Eastern – DH

Christian @ South Christian – DH

Grand Haven @ East Kentwood – DH

Boys basebal

Wyoming @ FH Eastern – DH

Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian – DH

Grand Haven @ East Kentwood – DH

Girls soccer

West Michigan Aviation @ Hudsonville Hornets

Tri-Unity Christian @ Grand River Prep

Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Zion Christian @ Algoma Christian

Girls tennis

Wayland @ South Christian

Girls water polo

East Grand Rapids @ East Kentwood

 

Wednesday, May 3

Boys baseball

Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

West Michigan Lutheran @ NorthPointe Christian

Girls softball

Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee – DH

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

South Christian @ Grandville – DH

Girls soccer

Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

FH Eastern @ South Christian

Girls tennis

Spring Lake @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming @ Christian

Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Boys golf

FH Eastern @ Wyoming – OK Gold Jamboree @ Gleneagle

South Christian @ Wyoming – OK Gold Jamboree @ Gleneagle

East Kentwood – Mid Season @ The Meadows

Boys/girls track

FH Eastern @ Wyoming

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Comstock Park

 

Thursday, May 4

Girls softball

Godwin Heights @ East Grand Rapids – DH

Wyoming @ Muskegon Mona Shores

South Christian @ Zeeland West – DH

East Kentwood @ Grandville

Boys/girls track

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

Boys golf

Calvin Christian @ Wyoming

South Christian @ Holland Christian

Boys baseball

FH Eastern @ Wyoming

South Christian @ Christian

Tri-Unity Christian @ Covenant Christian

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

Wyoming Lee @ Ottawa Hills

Girls tennis

Calvin Christian @ Wyoming

Holland Christian @ South Christian

Girls soccer

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K

Barry County Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

East Kentwood @ Caledonia

Boys lacrosse

Byron Center @ South Christian

Girls water polo

FH Central @ East Kentwood

 

Friday, May 5

Girls soccer

Godwin Heights @ Hudsonville Hornets

Potter’s House @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming Lee @ West Michigan Aviation

Boys golf

Hopkins @ Kelloggsville – OK Silver Jamboree @ Broadmoor

East Kentwood @ FH Central

Girls tennis

Kelloggsville @ Cedar Springs

Wyoming @ East Kentwood

Boys baseball

Kelloggsville @ Holland – DH

Grandville @ Wyoming

Girls softball

Grandville @ Wyoming

Girls water polo

East Kentwood @ Rockford – Rockford Tournament

Boys/girls track

East Kentwood @ Traverse City – Ken Bell Meet

 

Saturday, May 6

Boys/girls track

Godwin Heights @ East Grand Rapids

South Christian @ East Grand Rapids

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

West Michigan Aviation @ Hopkins

Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

Wyoming @ West Ottawa

Boys baseball

Holland Calvary @ Godwin Heights –  DH

Crossroads Charter Academy @ Tri-Unity Christian – DH

FH Central @ East Kentwood – DH

Southfield Christian @ Wyoming Lee – DH

Girls softball

Kelloggsville vs TBA @ East Grand Rapids

East Kentwood @ Northview

Wyoming Lee @ Ottawa Hills

Girls water polo

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls soccer

Zion Christian @ Barry County

 

Monday, May 8

Boys Baseball

Belding @ Godwin Heights

NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

Zion Christian @ West Michigan Aviation

Girls softball

Belding @ Godwin Heights – DH

NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

Girls soccer

Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

Byron Center @ Kelloggsville

South Christian @ Wyoming

West Michigan Aviation @ Algoma Christian

Tri-Unity Christian @ Hudsonville Hornets

FH Central @ East Kentwood

Ravenna @ Zion Christian

Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

Boys golf

Kelloggsville @ Belding

Girls tennis

Kelloggsville @ Catholic Central

East Kentwood @ Grandville

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Jenison

Boys/girls track

@ Wyoming Lee – Cornerstone University Showcase

 

Kent County selects new voting machines; plans roll-out by November

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, Hard News, , , ,
Kent County will have new voting machines in place by wall of this year. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Kent County, and the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, will have new voting machines in place by later this year as part of a Michigan state-wide upgrade of voting machines — and City of Wyoming clerk Kelli VandenBerg says she is pleased with the selection process and anticipates local voters will be pleased with their new experience.

 

Voting machines in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood will look similar to ones the public is used to, but they will be more “user friendly”. (Supplied)

“Any resident who has voted in the precinct will notice that this is new equipment – but that doesn’t mean there will be a steep learning curve or longer lines at the polls,” VandenBerg said in an interview with WKTV. “One of the key aspects in selecting this particular vendor is that the technology is much improved over our old equipment. This equipment is also much more user friendly.”

 

After a months-long review and selection process, and after the State of Michigan approved three qualified vendors, Kent County Clerk and Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus Lyons recently announced Dominion Voting Systems, Inc. as the vendor of choice for Kent County’s purchase of new election equipment.

 

According to a press release from the county clerk’s office , the new voting machines will first be used by all local voting bodies in Kent County starting with the November 2017 election. Some clerks across the state reportedly plan to use their new machines as early as the August 2017 election. All municipalities are required to have the new machines in place by the August 2018 election.

 

“My priority for Kent County’s new election system is to provide high quality equipment, the assurance of security, and a positive experience for the voter; each of the systems we considered would accomplish this in unique ways,” Lyons said in supplied material. “At the end of the day, my decision came down to the reliability and customer service for which Dominion is known, and its partnership with ElectionSource, an election services provider located right here in Kent County, which also has a proven track record for first class service.”

 

Lyons said here decision was based on input from local municipal clerks; improved features of the machines and software, including election-night result reporting for the public; high-speed absentee ballot-counting capabilities for local jurisdictions; and overall cost. Working with a local vender was also high on her list.

 

“We are supporting our local economy by working with a business located in our own back yard,” Lyons said in the press release.

 

“Kent County is very fortunate that our Elections Director (Susan deSteiguer) was involved in the committee that did the review,” Wyoming clerk VandenBerg told WKTV. “We also have our new County Clerk with Lisa Posthumus Lyons (involved). I understand her process was very thorough — she took a lot of notes and asked a lot of great questions. Kent County was well-represented in the selection process, and I am very comfortable with how we chose the new equipment.”

 

Water polo scheduled for WKTV’s featured high school coverage

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, , ,
Girls water polo is on tap for WKTV featured coverage this week.

By Mike Moll

WKTV Sports

 

The WKTV truck and the crews will continue to bring various events to the airwaves this spring and this week we will be at East Kentwood covering girls water polo — twice!

 

The tentative April schedule for WKTV coverage concludes with:

Tuesday, April 25 Water polo, Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Thursday, April 27 Water Polo West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

 

Each game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat on later in the week — the Tuesday games will be rebroadcast Wednesdays at 5 p.m., and the Wednesday and Thursday games will be rebroadcast Saturdays at 11 a.m. — on  WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week in April, and any changes to the WKTV feature game schedule, see now.wktv.org/sports/

 

The complete list of local high school sports events this week due to spring break is as follows:

 

Monday, April 24

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Middleville T-K – OK Gold Jamboree @ Yankee Springs

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K – OK Gold Jamboree @ Yankee Springs

Wellsprings Prep @ Kelloggsville

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls Tennis

Christian @ South Christian

Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park

Wyoming @ FH Eastern

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls Softball

South Christian @ Holland Christian

Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville – DH

Godwin Heights @ Western Michigan Christian – DH

Wyoming Lee @ Belding – DH

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ Holland Christian

Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

West Michigan Aviation @ Holland Calvary – DH

Wyoming Lee @ Belding

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Catholic Central

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ East Grand Rapids

Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville

Wayland @ Wyoming

South Haven @ West Michigan Aviation

Crossroads Charter @ Zion Christian

Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee

 

Tuesday, April 25

Girls Softball

South Christian @ Wayland – DH

East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming – DH

East Kentwood @ Rockford – DH

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ Wayland – DH

East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming – DH

Tri-Unity Christian @ Heritage Christian – DH

Grand River Prep @ Potter’s House – DH

Holland Black River @ Zion Christian – DH

East Kentwood @ Rockford – DH

Boys/Girls Track 

NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

Belding @ Godwin Heights

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Girls Soccer

Fruitport Calvary @ Tri-Unity Christian

Holland Black River @ Zion Christian

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls Water Polo

Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

 

Wednesday, April 26

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Wayland – OK Gold Jamboree @ Orchard Hills

Wyoming @ Wayland – OK Gold Jamboree @ Orchard Hills

Kelloggsville @ Hastings

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa – OK Red Jamboree

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ East Grand Rapids

NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

Wayland @ Wyoming

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Boys/Girls Track 

South Christian @ East Grand Rapids

Christian @ Wyoming

Boys Lacrosse

Kenowa Hills @ South Christian

Girls Soccer

Middleville T-K @ South Christian

NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

Belding @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming Lee @ Potter’s House

Boys Baseball 

Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming @ Zeeland East

Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Softball 

Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming @ Zeeland East

East Kentwood @ Jenison

Hopkins @ Wyoing Lee

 

Thursday, April 27

Boys Baseball

Wayland @ South Christian

Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids

West Michigan Aviation @ Kalamazoo Heritage – DH

Rockford @ East Kentwood

Boys/Girls Track

Kelloggsville @ Belding

NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee

Boys Golf 

Wyoming @ Zeeland West

Girls Soccer

Hudsonville Hornets @ Wyoming

East Kentwood @ Grandville

Girls Water Polo

West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

 

Friday, April 28

Boys Golf

South Christian @ TC Central – TCC Tee Off Invite

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins – OK Silver Jamboree

East Kentwood @ Jackson

Boys Lacrosse

St. Francis @ South Christian

Girls Tennis 

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming

Boys Baseball 

Tri-Unity Christian @ Kelloggsville

Potter’s House @ Godwin Heights – DH

Allendale @ Wyoming – DH

West Michigan Aviation @ Belding – DH

Girls Softball 

East Grand Rapids @ Kelloggsville – DH

Allendale @ Wyoming – DH

Grandville @ East Kentwood – DH

Boys/Girls Track

Potter’s House @ Loy Norrix

Girls Soccer

Zion Christian @ NorthPointe Christian

East Kentwood @ Portage Central

Girls Water Polo

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville/Zeeland Tournament

 

Saturday, April 29

Boys Golf

South Christian @ TC Central – TCC Tee Off Invite

Boys/Girls Track

South Christian @ Wyoming – Frank Grimm Relays

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming – Frank Grimm Relays

Potter’s House @ Wyoming – Frank Grimm Relays

Godwin Heights @ Grand Rapids Public – Elite Challenge

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ Hudsonville – Hudsonville Invite

Godwin Heights @ Zion Christian – DH

Holland Calvary @ Tri-Unity Christian – DH

Wyoming Lee @ Ravenna

Girls Softball 

Godwin Heights @ Otsego

Girls Soccer

Tri-Unity Christian @ West Michigan Aviation

Girls Water Polo

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville/Zeeland Tournament

Baseball, softball scheduled for WKTV’s featured high school coverage

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Recreation, Sports, , , ,
The high school baseball and softball seasons are starting up on Wyoming and Kentwood area. (WKTV)

By Mike Moll

WKTV Sports

 

The WKTV truck and the crews will continue to bring various events to the airwaves this spring and this week we will be at South Christian for a baseball game and at Godwin Heights for a softball — and check out next week’s schedule of water polo coverage!

 

The tentative April schedule for WKTV coverage is:

Tuesday, April 18 Baseball, Wyoming @ South Christian

Thursday, April 20 Softball Union @ Godwin Heights

Tuesday, April 25 Water polo, Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Thursday, April 27 Water Polo West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

 

Each game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat on later in the week — the Tuesday games will be rebroadcast Wednesdays at 5 p.m., and the Wednesday and Thursday games will be rebroadcast Saturdays at 11 a.m. — on  WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week in April, and any changes to the WKTV feature game schedule, see now.wktv.org/sports/

 

The complete list of local high school sports events this week due to spring break is as follows:

 

Monday, April 17

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Forest Hills Invite – Egypt Valley

East Kentwood @ Forest Hills Invite – Egypt Valley

Girls Tennis

Wyoming @ South Christian

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

East Kentwood @ Byron Center

Boys Lacrosse

Comstock Park @ South Christian

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ Wayland

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

Hopkins @ Godwin Heights

East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming

Boys Baseball 

Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

West Michigan Aviation @ Tri-Unity Christian – DH

Potter’s House @ Kelloggsville – DH

NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Softball 

Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee – DH

 

Tuesday April 18

Boys Baseball

Wyoming @ South Christian – DH

Holland Black River @ Potter’s House – DH

Zion Christian @ Saranac – DH

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa – DH

West Michigan Lutheran @ Three Oaks River Valley

Girls Softball

Wyoming @ South Christian – DH

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa – DH

Girls Soccer 

Godwin Heights @ Potter’s House

Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

Union @ West Michigan Aviation

Zion Christian @ Calvary Christian

West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

Boys Golf

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven – OK Red Jamboree

Boys/Girls Track

East Kentwood @ Grandville

Wyoming Lee @ Belding

Girls Water Polo

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

 

Wednesday April 19

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Christian – OK Gold Jamboree @ Quail Ridge

Wyoming @ Christian – OK Gold Jamboree @ Quail Ridge

Girls Tennis

Wayland @ South Christian

West Catholic @ Kelloggsville

East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming

West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

Boys/Girls Track

South Christian @ FH Eastern

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K

Girls Soccer

Christian @ South Christian

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

FH Eastern @ Wyoming

Wyoming Lee @ Belding

Boys Baseball 

Belding @ Kelloggsville

NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

West Michigan Aviation @ Hopkins

Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian

Girls Softball 

Belding @ Kelloggsville

NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian

 

Thursday April 20

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Unity Christian

Kelloggsville @ Delton-Kellogg – Delton-Kellogg Invitational

Wyoming @ Holland

East Kentwood @ Caledonia – OK Red Jamboree

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ Wyoming

Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian – DH

Barry County Christian @ Zion Christian

West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

Girls Softball

Unity Christian @ South Christian – DH

Union @ Godwin Heights – DH

Wyoming @ Byron Center

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Boys/Girls Track 

Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

Caledonia @ East Kentwood

Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Soccer

Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Girls Tennis

Kenowa Hills @ East Kentwood

Girls Water Polo

East Kentwood @ Zeeland East

 

Friday April 21

Girls Softball

Byron Center @ South Christian – DH

Hastings @ Kelloggsville – DH

Ottawa Hills @ Godwin Heights

Boys Baseball

Byron Center @ South Christian – DH

Potter’s House @ Kelloggsville – DH

West Michigan Aviation @ Godwin Heights – DH

Tri-Unity Christian @ NorthPointe Christian

Boys Lacrosse

Jenison @ South Christian

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ Caledonia

Hudsonville Hornets @ Godwin Heights

Allendale @ Wyoming

Potter’s House @ Delton Kellogg

Middleville T-K @ East Kentwood

Kent City @ Wyoming Lee

Boys/Girls Track 

Wyoming @ Hastings

Girls Tennis 

Northview @ Wyoming

Girls Water Polo

@ East Kentwood – EK Invite

 

Saturday April 22

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ AA Greenhills – Gryphon Invite

Hastings @ Kelloggsville – Rocket Invitational

Wyoming @ Hamilton

East Kentwood @ Holt

@ Wyoming Lee – Soils Invitational

Boys/Girls Track 

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee – Lee Invite

West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee – Lee Invite

Boys Baseball 

Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee – Rebel Invitational

Heritage Christian @ Zion Christian – DH

East Kentwood @ Catholic Central

Girls Softball 

Wyoming @ Muskegon Reeths-Puffer

East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores – DH

@ Wyoming Lee – Rebel Invitational

Girls Water Polo

@ East Kentwood – EK Invite

 

Monday April 24

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Middleville T-K – OK Gold Jamboree @ Yankee Springs

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K – OK Gold Jamboree @ Yankee Springs

Wellsprings Prep @ Kelloggsville

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls Tennis

Christian @ South Christian

Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park

Wyoming @ FH Eastern

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls Softball

South Christian @ Holland Christian

Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville – DH

Godwin Heights @ Western Michigan Christian – DH

Wyoming Lee @ Belding – DH

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ Holland Christian

Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

West Michigan Aviation @ Holland Calvary – DH

Wyoming Lee @ Belding

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Catholic Central

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ East Grand Rapids

Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville

Wayland @ Wyoming

South Haven @ West Michigan Aviation

Crossroads Charter @ Zion Christian

Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee

 

Local high school sports schedule: April 10-17

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, ,
High school baseball and softball seasons are in full swing. Check out a ball game. (WKTV)

By Mike Moll

sports@wktv.org

 

Spring weather, and spring high school, sports are now in full swing —  “Play Ball! So, if you are looking for a Wyoming and Kentwood area high school varsity sports event to get out to, here is your weekly list.

 

Monday, April 10

Boys baseball

Hopkins @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights

Girls softball

Hopkins @ Kelloggsville – DH

Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights – DH

 

Tuesday, April 11

Girls Tennis 

Cookie Invite @ South Christian

Jenison @ Wyoming

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ FH Eastern – DH

Middleville T-K @ Wyoming – DH

Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House – DH

West Michigan Aviation @ Bloomingdale – DH

Grand River Prep @ Zion Christian

Grandville @ East Kentwood – DH

Girls Softball

South Christian @ FH Eastern – DH

Coopersville @ Godwin Heights

Middleville T-K @ Wyoming – DH

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ FH Eastern

Kelloggsville @ Tri-Unity Christian

Middleville T-K @ Wyoming

Hope Academy @ West Michigan Aviation

Potter’s House @ Zion Christian

Caledonia @ East Kentwood

Boys Golf 

Kelloggsville @ Hastings – Scrimmage

Boys/Girls Track 

Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Water Polo

Portage Central @ East Kentwood

 

Wednesday, April 12

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Calvin Christian

East Kentwood @ Grandville – OK Red Jamboree

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ FH Eastern

Union @ Kelloggsville

Middleville T-K @ Wyoming

Boys/Girls Track

South Christian @ Christian

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Zeeland

Boys Baseball 

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

Godwin Heights @ Belding

FH Central @ Wyoming

Girls Softball 

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

Godwin Heights @ Belding

FH Central @ Wyoming – DH

Girls Soccer 

Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Water Polo

Grandville @ East Kentwood

 

Thursday, April 13

Boys Golf

South Christian – Kent County Classic @ Thornapple Pointe

East Kentwood – Kent County Classic @ Thornapple Pointe

Boys Baseball  

FH Eastern @ South Christian

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K

Covenant Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

Grand Rapids Crusaders @ Zion Christian

East Kentwood @ Grandville

Holland Calvary @ Wyoming Lee – DH

Girls Softball

Caledonia @ South Christian – DH

Wyoming @ Grandville

Unity Christian @ East Kentwood

Boys Lacrosse

Muskegon Reeths-Puffer @ South Christian

Girls Soccer

Wyoming @ South Christian

Kelloggsville @ Union

Potter’s House @ Tri-Unity Christian

Grand River Prep @ Zion Christian

Boys/Girls Track 

Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville

Hopkins @ Godwin Heights

East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming

Rockford @ East Kentwood

Girls Tennis

@ East Kentwood – EK Quad

 

Friday, April 14

Boys Golf 

Wyoming @ Kelloggsville

Girls Softball 

Western Michigan Christian @ Kelloggsville

Girls Soccer 

West Ottawa @ Wyoming

West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee

Northview @ East Kentwood

Girls Water Polo

East Kentwood @ Jenison

 

Saturday, April 15

Boys/Girls Track

South Christian @ Unity Christian

Kelloggsville @ Coopersville – Bronco Classic

Wyoming @ Comstock Park

West Michigan Aviation @ Lakewood – Lakewood Invitational

East Kentwood @ Mansfield/Mehock Relays

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ East Kentwood – EK Invite

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming – Wyoming Tournament

Godwin Heights @ Wyoming – Wyoming Tournament-

Wyoming Lee @ Union – DH

Girls Softball

South Christian @ East Kentwood – EK Invite

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ East Kentwood

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming – Wyoming Invitational

Girls Water Polo

East Kentwood @ Jenison

 

Sunday, April 16

EASTER SUNDAY

 

Monday, April 17

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Forest Hills Invite – Egypt Valley

East Kentwood @ Forest Hills Invite – Egypt Valley

Girls Tennis

Wyoming @ South Christian

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

East Kentwood @ Byron Center

Boys Lacrosse

Comstock Park @ South Christian

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ Wayland

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

Hopkins @ Godwin Heights

East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming

Boys Baseball 

Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

West Michigan Aviation @ Tri-Unity Christian – DH

Potter’s House @ Kelloggsville – DH

NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Softball 

Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee – DH

 

Local high school sports schedule: March 27-30

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports,
The high school baseball and softball seasons are starting up on Wyoming and Kentwood area. (WKTV)

Looking for a Wyoming and Kentwood area high school varsity sports event to get out to? Here is your weekly list.

 

Monday, March 27

Boys Baseball

Wyoming @ Covenant Christian

Girls Softball

Wyoming @ Covenant Christian

South Haven @ South Christian – DH

Girls Soccer

Jenison @ Wyoming

West Michigan Aviation @ Hopkins

 

Tuesday, March 28

Boys/Girls Track

Godwin Heights @ Aquinas College – Aquinas Track & Field Challenge

South Christian @ Aquinas College – Aquinas Track & Field Challenge

Wyoming Lee @ Unity Christian

Wyoming @ Unity Christian

Girls Soccer

Comstock Park @ Godwin Heights

Kenowa Hills @ Wyoming

Fruitport Calvary @ West Michigan Aviation

Zion Christian @ Saugatuck

South Christian @ Hudsonville

Girls Tennis

Kelloggsville @ Middleville T-K

Boys Baseball

Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park

Wyoming @ Caledonia

Potter’s House @ Zion Christian

South Christian @ Grandville

Girls Softball

Wyoming @ Caledonia

Girls Water Polo

Jenison @ East Kentwood

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Lakeview

 

Wednesday, March 29

Boys Baseball

Holland @ Godwin Heights – DH

South Christian @ West Ottawa

Girls Softball

Ottawa Hills @ Godwin Heights – Scrimmage

South Christian @ West Ottawa

Girls Soccer

Wyoming Lee @ Ravenna

Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville

Plainwell @ East Kentwood

Girls Tennis

Byron Center @ Wyoming

 

Thursday, March 30

Boys Baseball

Zion Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Soccer

Zion Christian @ Wyoming Lee

 

Kentwood 50: City recognizes establishments that have been part of the community for 50 years or more

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , , , ,
Mayor Stephen Kepley with the founder of Kentwood Plumbing and Heating John VanderWeide and his family.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

It was Bill Hoeneveld , the owner of the former Avon Hotel, who recommended to John VanderWeide that he might want to snap up the name Kentwood Plumbing and Heating.

 

“I was doing plumbing work for Avon Hotel at the time,” VanderWeide said. “It was 1967 and the city had just incorporated. Bill was like you might want to grab the name before someone else does.”

 

He did and just a month after the city had its first meeting in February, Kentwood Heating and Plumbing was born.

 

Kentwood 50 breakfast honoring local establishments who have been in the city since its incorporation in 1967.

Almost fifty years from its start, VanderWeide, along with several other business owners and leaders representing around 23 Kentwood companies were recognized at a 50th anniversary breakfast Thursday morning at the  KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Library. The breakfast honored local establishments who have been in business since the city incorporated in 1967.

 

“When you succeed, we all succeed,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, who added that the city never wants to be a hindrance to business growth, but is here to work with its businesses. “I’m an engineer by trade and so I enjoy solving problems. If you see one or feel you have one, please contact me and we’ll sit down and work on it together.”

 

The 23 businesses that were recognized at the breakfast include Advance Packaging Corporation; Animal Hospital of Kentwood; Born Clinic, PC; Casa Via Motel; Christian Schools International; Consumers Energy; DTE Energy; Henry A. Fox Sales, Inc.; JC Penney Corporation; Kamminga and Roedvoets, Inc.; Kentwood Plumbing and Heating; Kentwood Fun Spot; Knoll, Inc.; Penning Plumbing; Plastic MoldTechnologies; Sears Roebuck & Co.; Siegel Jewelers; Spencer Gifts; Tubergen Saw & Cutter; Turner Industries; Velting Contractors; Woodland Shopping Center; and Zales Jewelry.

 

“It is an awesome thing you have done here,” said Bob O’Callaghan, president and CEO of Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, which along with the Kentwood Economic Development Corporation, sponsored the breakfast. “I just want to say thank you for staying in Kentwood and for helping to make the city what it is today.”

 

Each business received a special 50th anniversary clock statute featuring the anniversary logo. As part of its Kentwood 50 coverage, WKTV will be featuring each business on its news website, now.wktv.org, during the next several months.

 

 

“This is really an honor to be able to see some of the faces who helped shape this area,” said Joey Jacobson, a long time resident to the area who recently started working at Spencer Gifts, located in Woodland Mall. “To be able to start my career by being at this 50th anniversary event is a real honor and a cool transition as one generation starts to take over for the next.”

 

Spencer Gifts Store Manager Megan LaClair and Assistant Store Manager Joey Jacobson.

Specner Gifts Store Manager Megan LaClair said many people do not realize the company has such a long history. Spencer Gifts started in 1947 in Easton, Penn. Its first location in Grand Rapids was at the North Kent Mall and it moved to Woodland Mall shortly after the mall opened.

 

“We have played musical store fronts at the mall, but have been then since its inception,” LaClair said, adding that she has only been with the company for four years and was pleasantly surprised to learn of Spencer Gifts history with the city and honored to receive the award for the store.

Kentwood 50 talent show gives out ‘Golden Tickets’ to finalists

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Local Entertainment,
After an event at the City of Kentwood’s City Hall, the Kentwood 50’s Kentwood’s Got Talent contest now has 11 finalists for the August finals. (WKTV)

WKTV Staff
The field competing in the City of Kentwood’s Kentwood’s Got Talent event, a part of the city’s Kentwood 50 anniversary celebration, got a little smaller Wednesday as 11 finalists were given “Golden Tickets” and an invitation to the August finals.

 

WKTV was there filming the event, held in City Council chambers at City of Kentwood City Hall, and you can see the video here.

 

About 30 auditions — ranging from singing to dancing to comedy — were held prior to the deadline of Friday, March 3. The finals will be Aug. 11 at 7 p.m., at a community event outside at city hall.

 

For more information on Kentwood 50 celebrations, visit kentwood50.com.

 

Wyoming’s Hoop Heaven Basketball Academy announces youth programs

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, Recreation, Sports, , ,
Hoop Heaven Basketball Academy will be holding introductory events this month and in April. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff

 

Wyoming’s Hoop Heaven Basketball Academy recently announced several youth basketball programs, including a March 11 trial event of its Travel Ball League Play and the Saturday afternoon Biddy Ball program starting in April.

 

Hoop Heaven events are held at the Elevation Church, 2141B Porter St. SW. The program’s mission, according to supplied material, is “Pursuing gospel transformation and leadership development in Wyoming area youth through the game of basketball.”

 

The Travel Ball League Play event on March 11 will start at 1 p.m. and is for both boys and girls grades 3-12. The cost of tryout is $5 per players and you must pre-register. For registration and more information on this event contact Phyllis Harder at 616-498-1128, email her at phyllis@elevationhoopheaven.org or visit their website at elevationhoopheaven.org or visit them on Facebook at /hoopheavenbasketballacademy

 

The Biddy Ball program will run April 15 through May 13 and is open to both boys and girls K-2nd grade. Both friend (of teams) and entire team requests will be considered. The cost if $55 per child, with partial scholarships available, which includes a t-shirt. For more information contact Eric Vandyke at 616-272-6244, email him at ericvandyke15@gmail.com or visit elevationhoopheaven.com .

 

Kentwood 50: Railtown’s golden ale a natural fit for celebration

3-bottom, Beer, City of Kentwood, Food, Going Local, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Food, , , , ,
Railtown Brewing’s Gim Lee, at the brewery’s tap room, will be serving up some spacial Kentwood 50 golden ale this year. (K.D. Norris/WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Following the City of Kentwood’s special City Commission meeting Monday, held as the kickoff event of the year-long Kentwood 50 celebration of the city’s 50th anniversary, the reception was held at Railtown Brewing Company and the beer of choice was — naturally — a golden ale brewed with a touch of mango.

 

Two reasons for the beer being the natural choice of the celebration: a 50-year anniversary is considered a “golden” anniversary, and the brew was the pick of some staff at the city’s Park and Recreation Department, which has, shall we say, a relationship with the 2-year-old Railtown.

 

The addition of the mango flavor? Well, the parks people also liked it so that was good enough for the brewery.

 

“A lot of the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department are actually mug clubbers here, they have a mug on the wall over there, they are just regulars,” said Gim Lee, who along with his partner Justin Buiter opened the brewery in late 2014. “They are friends and they asked if we would like to do something special (for the anniversary celebration) and we said ‘absolutely.’

 

“A group of them came, we sat down and collaborated on what they were celebrating and what kind of beer would work with that. They threw a whole bunch of different styles on the table, what they might want to try. They, as a team, actually landed on the golden ale — this is their golden 50th — and the mango being a golden fruit, that would be a perfect pairing. They wanted something unique and mango is a flavor not used too frequently.”

 

Railtown is located at 3555 68th St., in Dutton but just across the border with Kentwood. Since it opened it has grown to be a 3,500-square-foot space at the east end of the Village Mall plaza. The brewery’s tap room has 10 taps and usually 10 different brews available, and it has started to distribute kegs to other restaurants.

 

While the special Kentwood 50 brew was tapped at Monday’s invite-only opening ceremony reception, Lee said it would be available to the public — just maybe not until they brew up some more.

 

“We will have it on and off throughout the year, so people should be able to come in here and get it through the rest of the week — assuming we do not blow it out that first night,” he said. “We’ll see.”

 

If you fill the special Kentwood 50 growler at Railtown Brewing a donation will be made to the city’s Park and recreation department. (Supplied)

Also debuting on the night of the reception were growlers with a special logo, which are part of the brewery’s continuing support of the Kentwood 50 event. The brewery will be donating a portion of its growler sales as the celebration continues.

 

“We are raising some money for the parks and recreation department by doing this,” Lee said. “When you buy a growler, we will be donating a couple bucks back to parks and recreation every time you fill that growler, regardless of what beer it is. It doesn’t have to be the golden ale. This will be an on-going promotion.”

 

As far as the process of developing the new brew, Lee admitted it was pretty much like Railtown decides on any beer it brews — they like to drink it, so they know other people will like to like to drink it. Although, he said, this time they had to satisfy more tastebuds than just the staff’s.

 

“We have brewed golden ales, we have done a lot of that. That part is easy,” he said. “We took a different golden ale, we racked it off to what is called a firkin, a 10-gallon cask, it is an old-fashioned way of serving beer. In the firkin you can dose whatever you want in it, that is part of the fun of using a firkin — you can add a little fruit, extra hops, a little coffee, whatever you want. It is a really good way to experiment with different flavors. … based on that, that flavor profile, we can scale it up to a bigger scale” for brewing.

 

“The (Kentwood 50) beer has been done for quite a while, and that was intentional,” he said. “I wanted to make sure if they did not like it at all, I would have time to brew something else if I had to. Its been done for a month. They came in and tried it, and I tried it, and my brewers tried it. We all thought it was pretty nice.”

For more information on Railtown Brewing Company, call the taproom at 616-881-2364 or visit railtownbrewing.com (leads to a Facebook page).

 

Kentwood 50: Opening celebration brings dignitaries to town

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, , , , , , , , ,
Former Kentwood mayors Richard Clanton, Jerry DeRuiter, and Bill Hardiman; former mayor Richard Root’s wife, Karleen; Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kelley, and first mayor Peter Lamberts’ son Richard.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

It was a celebration of Kentwood’s past and future as residents, city leaders, school officials and students came together Monday night for the city’s kick off to its 50th anniversary.

 

Feb. 27, 1967, the Kentwood City Commission had its first meeting at Bowen Elementary School, so organizers of the year-long celebration decided it would only be fitting, and a perfect way to kick off the 50th anniversary celebration, if fifty years to the day, the Kentwood City Commission would have its meeting at Bowen Elementary School.

 

 

Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff said the district was excited to be able to help make that happen as both school and city officials are proud of the strong partnership that exists between the two organizations. In fact, at the meeting, Zoerhoff said it is that partnership between the Kentwood Public Schools and the City of Kentwood that has made the community the incredibly strong one that it is.

 

“I am excited to see what we will do in the next 50 years because its going to be something,” Zoerhoff said.

 

State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker (R-26th District) presents a proclamation with current and former state legislators to Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley.

Last night’s celebration had a definite eye toward the city’s future with Kentwood Public Schools students open the meeting with the Pledge of Alliance followed by students welcoming audience members in their native language, wearing the clothing of their homeland, which was designed to celebrate one of the city’s most unique attributes — it’s diversity. In fact, Kentwood is often called “the melting pot” as its residents represent more than 60 different countries, speaking more than 70 languages.

 

“If you ask a citizen of Kentwood why they like the city of Kentwood, the first thing that will come of of their mouth usually is diversity,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley to the almost 200-person crowd in attendance.

 

Kentwood’s residents’ and leaders’ willingness to work together have made it the success it is today, said State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker (R-26th District), who, on behalf of the state legislature and with other state officials, presented the city with a special proclaimation. For that reason, she believed the quote at the top of the proclamation from Henry Ford was especially appropriate for the city: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

 

Lt. Governor Brian Calley, who also was in attendance along with other national, state, county and local officials, said it is the attitude of strong people, strong families and strong communities that has made Kentwood and West Michigan the vibrant community it is today. He said that Kent and Ottawa counties make up 10 percent of the state’s population but has been about 20 percent of the job growth over the last six years.

 

Kentwood Public School students participate in the program with a special welcome to the audience.

“So in celebrating 50 years, I want to say to the leadership that this doesn’t happen by accident,” Calley said. “It happens when people really know there stuff. Who are accountable and transparent and have the type of professionalism to do it and do it right.

 

“And clearly in Kentwood, you do it right.”

 

At the closing of the meeting, each of the commissioners talked about how much they have enjoyed living, working and serving Kentwood, making it a place to call home.

 

“How can a community so diverse unify?” Kepley said. “I think we have the answer not just for Michigan, the country, but for the world. It is a very simple word, and the word is love.

 

“We love each other. Neighbors love each other, taking care of each other and that neighbor might not look like you, talk like you, worship like you, but there is love there and I think that is why it all works.”

 

During the meeting, Kentwood resident Dale Potter was recognized for his 30 years of service to the community as representative of the importance volunteers have played in building the city and helping to continue to grow, Kepley said. Also a clip of the Kentwood 50th Documentary was shown, which was produced by WKTV. The full documentary will be available March 20 and will air on WKTV.

 

The Kentwood 50 celebration continues as the Taste of Kentwood is March 2 and the audition deadline of the Kentwood’s Got Talent is Friday, March 3. The first round of the Kentwood’s Got Talent is March 9. For more information, visit www.kentwood50.com.

Kentwood 50: Registration deadline for Kentwood’s Got Talent coming up quickly

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, , ,

The registrations deadline for the Kentwood’s Got Talent is only a week away.

 

Those interested in singing, dancing, or making people laugh, need to register by March 3. The event is part of the Kentwood 50th Anniversary celebration, which kicks off on Monday, Feb. 27, with a special City Commission meeting that marks when Kentwood’s first City Commission meeting took place 50 years ago. Registration forms can be found at www.yourkprd.org and may be sent in online through the website or mailed to Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE., Kentwood.

 

The Kentwood’s Got Talent is a talent show with first round auditions set for Thursday, March 9, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton SE.

 

The contest is open to anyone ages six and up with adults and seniors encouraged to participate. A person may participate in one act, a solo or group. All acts are limited to five minutes. The event is family friendly, so music selection should be appropriate for all audiences. The Talent Committee does reserve the right to refuse materials or acts due to mature content.

 

Complete guideline details are available at www.yourkprd.org.

 

First round winners will be notified and will move on to the finals which will take place during the city’s weekend-long celebration in August. The Kentwood’s Got Talent final round is set for Aug. 11 from 7 – 9 p.m. at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton SE.

Kentwood kicks off year-long 50th anniversary celebration with a special city commission meeting

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, , , , , ,
The first Kentwood City Commission met on Feb. 27, 1967

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

On Feb. 27, 1967, the City of Kentwood had its first commission meeting at Bowen Elementary School. Fifty years to the day, the city commission will once again meet at Bowen Elementary to kick off Kentwood’s golden anniversary.

 

“February 27 marks a truly historic occasion for the City of Kentwood,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “Celebrating the original City Commission meeting is a memorable way to honor Kentwood’s past while looking forward to our future.”

 

Long before the city was even mapped out as Paris Township, people were coming to the area mostly because it reminded them of their former homes, with rolling hills and good soil, said Ray Boisvenue, a local historian who has helped collect oral histories of many of Kentwood’s residents.

 

In 1939, the township organized with resident Joel Guild suggesting the name Paris for the area after his former home of Paris, New York. Guild was then elected the first township supervisor. The township at that time was a perfect square, bordered by Hall Street to the north, 60th Street to the south, Division Avenue to the west and Patterson Avenue to the east.

 

As the township grew, so did the neighboring City of Grand Rapids, which slowly chipped away at the township’s area though annexations. The first annexation took place in 1891 but the bulk happened from 1958 to 1963 causing residents to fight for incorporation. It would take three attempts and the announcement of a new $4 million shopping center – Woodland Mall – for the vote of incorporation to pass by a slim margin of 177 votes in favor on Feb. 20, 1967.

 

A few minor details had to be worked out, but the newly formed city had its first meeting Feb. 27, 1967, with Peter Lamberts elected as the city’s first mayor. The rest of the city commission include Dale Heyboer and Robert Ide as commissioners-at-large, Preston Miller and Quinten (Jack) Ward from Ward 1 and Gordon Gezon and Clifford Barnes from Ward 2.

 

Kentwood officials moved into the current city hall structure in 1979.

The anniversary commission meeting – which will feature the current City Commission, Mayor Stephen Kepley, Commissioner-at-Large Betsy Artz, First Ward commissioners Gerald DeMaagd and Robert Coughlin and Second Ward commissioners Erwin Haas and Michael Brown – is at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at Bowen Elementary, 4483 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. The event will feature special programming provided by the current city commission. The meeting will flow much like a typical city commission meeting but with special tributes and fun facts about the city and will include a two-minute clip of the Kentwood 50th Anniversary documentary produced by WKTV.

 

According to organizers, the evening will be a celebration of the community’s growth and recognition of the residents, schools, businesses and nonprofit that have made Kentwood a great place to live, work and raise a family. Among the special guests scheduled to attend are Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and State Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, both of whom will be presenting proclamations honoring the city.

 

Kentwood 50th Anniversary events have been planned throughout the year. Among the public events coming up in the next couple of months are the Taste of Kentwood set for March 2, the Kentwood’s Got Talent auditions March 9 (registration deadline is March 3), and an Easter Egg Hunt April 15. There is also a breakfast planned to honor businesses that have been in Kentwood since 1967 on March 23. Also, Railtown Brewing Company, 3555 68th St. SE, Dutton, will be unveiling a special beer next week in honor of Kentwood’s 50th Anniversary.

 

“We have been working really hard to make this a special year for our community,” said Kentwood Treasurer and Kentwood 50 committee leader Laurie Sheldon. “Our residents, businesses and organizations have made Kentwood an amazing city and we are making sure we express our thanks through great events in 2017.”

 

Other programs include The Vibe – a Parks and Recreation Gala that raises money for the department’s programs will be May 19 and a weekend-long street fair and festival August 11 and 12 that will include food, kid-friendly events, live entertainment and the finale of the Kentwood’s Got Talent.

 

The Farmer’s Market, Fourth of July celebration and parade and all other city-sponsored events also will be focused on the Kentwood 50th Anniversary.

 

WKTV also will be providing coverage of many of the events along with special Kentwood 50 stories at now.wktv.org.

 

For more about Kentwood’s 50th Anniversary celebration, visit www.kentwood50.com.

Game on: WKTV’s featured games for Feb. 20-25

Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, , ,
Hockey at East Kentwood High School is on tap for Saturday coverage by the WKTV crew.

WKTV Staff

 

This week in WKTV’s featured high school sport games, the coverage crew will be at East Kentwood for girls basketball game against Hudsonville on Tuesday, Feb. 21, and then at East Kentwood for a hockey game against Forest Hills Central on Saturday, Feb. 25.

 

WKTV videos and broadcasts several games each week during high school sports season.

 

Each Tuesday game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. on  WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood. Every Friday game will be aired that night on Live Wire 24 at 10:30 p.m. and repeat Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV 25 and AT&T U-verse 99.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action in January, see now.wktv.org/sports/

 

DVDs and Blue-Rays of each game are also available for purchase at $20 including shipping. For more information, visit WKTV.org

 

Local high school sports schedule: Feb. 20-27

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools, ,
OK Red Conference Boys Swimming Meet at East Kentwood starts Thursday, Feb. 23.

Looking for a Wyoming and Kentwood area high school varsity sports event to get out to? Here is your weekly list.

 

Monday, Feb. 20, 2017

Girls Basketball

Godwin Heights @ Benton Harbor

West Michigan Lutheran @ Wellspring

 

Tuesday, Feb. 21

Girls Basketball

Bloomingdale @ Zion Christian

Algoma Christian @ Potter’s House

Grand River Prep @ Western Michigan Christian

Holland Black River @ Tri-Unity Christian

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

Wyoming @ Christian

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Boys Basketball

Bloomingdale @ Zion Christian

Algoma Christian @ Potter’s House

Grand River Prep @ Western Michigan Christian

Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Calvary

Hopkins @ Kelloggsville

Christian @ Wyoming

Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

 

Wednesday, Feb. 22

Boys Basketball

Creative Technologies Academy @ West Michigan Aviation

Girls Basketball

Creative Technologies Academy @ West Michigan Aviation

 

Thursday, Feb, 23

Boys Swimming

OK Red Conference Meet @ East Kentwood

Girls Basketball

West Michigan Lutheran @ Grattan

 

Friday, Feb. 24

Girls Basketball

Zion Christian @ Holland Black River

FH Northern @ Tri-Unity Christian

Belding @ Kelloggsville

Kenowa Hills @ Wyoming

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

East Kentwood @ Rockford

NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

Boys Basketball

Zion Christian @ Holland Black River

Potter’s House @ West Michigan Aviation

Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

Belding @ Kelloggsville

Kenowa Hills@ Wyoming

Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

East Kentwood @ Rockford

NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

Boys/Girls Bowling

Wyoming @ Grand Haven

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

Godwin Heights @ Catholic Central

Boys Swimming

South Christian @ Hastings

OK Red Conference Meet @ East Kentwood

Boys Hockey

East Kentwood @ Rockford

 

Saturday, Feb. 25

Boys/Girls Bowling

Wyoming @ Grand Haven

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

Godwin Heights @ Catholic Central

Boys Swimming

South Christian @ Hastings

Girls Cheer

East Kentwood @ Brighton

Boys Hockey 

FH Central @ East Kentwood

 

Sunday, Feb. 26

Boys Hockey

West Michigan Aviation @ Flint Kearsley

 

Monday, Feb. 27

Boys Hockey

West Michigan Lutheran @ West Michigan Aviation

Girls Basketball

Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian

Kelloggsville vs Godwin Heights @ South Christian – MHSAA State Districts

Wyoming @ West Ottawa

 

Game on: WKTV’s featured games for Feb. 14-17

Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools, , , , , , , ,
This week’s WKTV featured sports coverage includes basketball.

WKTV Staff

 

This week in WKTV’s featured high school sport games, the coverage crew will be at Wyoming Lee for boys basketball game against Kelloggsville on Tuesday, Feb. 14, and then at East Kentwood for a hockey game against Grandville on Friday, Feb. 17.

 

WKTV videos and broadcasts several games each week during high school sports season.

 

Each Tuesday game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. on  WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood. Every Friday game will be aired that night on Live Wire 24 at 10:30 p.m. and repeat Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV 25 and AT&T U-verse 99.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action in January, see now.wktv.org/sports/

 

DVDs and Blue-Rays of each game are also available for purchase at $20 including shipping. For more information, visit WKTV.org

 

Local high school sports schedule: Feb. 13-20

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, , , , ,
High school gymnastics is just one of the sports events happening over the next week.

Looking for a Wyoming and Kentwood area high school varsity sports event to get out to? Here is your weekly list.

 

Monday, Feb. 13, 2017

Boys/girls Bowling

Belding @ Kelloggsville

Unity Christian @ Wyoming

Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

South Christian @ Zeeland

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

Girls Cheer

Wyoming Lee @ FH Northern

Girls Basketball

WMAES @ West Michigan Lutheran

 

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017

Girls Basketball

Zion Christian @ Fruitport Calvary Christian

Potter’s House @ Holland Black River

Wellspring Prep @ Grand River Prep

Holland Calvary @ West Michigan Aviation

Algoma Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

Wyoming @ South Christian

Hopkins @ Godwin Heights

Boys Basketball

Zion Christian @ Fruitport Calvary Christian

Potter’s House @ Holland Black River

Wellspring Prep @ Grand River Prep

Algoma Christian @ West Michigan Aviation

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

South Christian @ Wyoming

Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

Boys/Girls Bowling

Middleville T-K @ Wyoming

 

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017

Boys/Girls Bowling

Hopkins @ Kelloggsville

Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee

East Kentwood @ Caledonia

Girls Cheer

Wyoming @ Comstock Park

 

Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017

Boys Basketball

Potter’s House @ Marcellus Howardsville Chrstian

Boys/Girls Bowling

Byron Center @ Wyoming

Boys Swimming

South Christian @ Ottawa Hills

Girls Gymnastics

East Kentwood @ Rockford

 

Friday, Feb. 17, 2017

Girls Basketball

Algoma Christian @ Zion Christian

Grand River Prep @ Holland Calvary

Holland Black River @ West Michigan Aviation

Tri-Unity Christian @ Covenant Christian

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

Wyoming @ Wayland

East Grand Rapids @ South Christian

West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

Godwin Heights @ Belding

Grattan @ West Michigan Lutheran

Boys Basketball

Algoma Christian @ Zion Christian

West Michigan Aviation @ Holland Black River

Tri-Unity Christian@ Covenant Christian

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

Wyoming @ Wayland

Wyoming Lee @ Holland Calvary

East Grand Rapids @ South Christian

West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

Godwin Heights @ Belding

Boys Hockey

Grand Rapids Flames @ West Michigan Aviation

Grandville @ East Kentwood

Girls Cheer

East Kentwood @ Caledonia – MHSAA State Districts

 

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017

Boys Hockey

Flint Kearsley @ West Michigan Aviation

Girls Cheer

Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park – MHSAA State Districts

Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park – MHSAA State Districts

Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills

Boys/Girls Bowling

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

Wyoming @ Christian

South Christian @ Christian

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

Boys Wrestling

MHSAA State Regionals @ Pickney

 

Monday, Feb. 20, 2017

Girls Basketball

Godwin Heights @ Benton Harbor

West Michigan Lutheran @ Wellspring

 

Local Government Matters: Chamber to host informational meeting

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, , ,

WKTV Staff

 

The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters Committee meeting will be Monday, Feb. 13, from 8-9 a.m. at Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St SW, at the corner of 28th and Michael Avenue SW.

 

The meetings alternate between Wyoming City Hall and Kentwood City Hall.

 

The meeting, where chamber officials meet with local, county and state government officials, is free and open to the public. It will also be recorded by WKTV community television for viewing.

 

The Feb. 13 meeting will be delayed broadcast on WKTV community television Channel 26 on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. until the next Government Matters Committee meeting. It is also available on-demand at wktv.viebit.com

 

For more information on the chamber visit southkent.org.

 

Local high school sports schedule: Feb. 6-13

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools,
Cheerleading is just one of the many high school winter sports reaching regional- and state-level competition. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Looking for a Wyoming and Kentwood area high school varsity sports event to get out to? Here is your weekly list.

 

Monday, Feb. 6, 2017

Boys Basketball

Kent City @ Grand River Prep

Boys/girls Bowling

Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K

Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Cristian

South Christian @ Byron Center

Rockford @ East Kentwood

Girls Basketball

Kelloggsville @ Holton

West Michigan Lutheran @ Hudsonville Hornets

 

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017

Girls Basketball

Zion Christian @ Muskegon Catholic Central

Grand River Prep @ Holland Black River

Tri-Unity Christian @ Muskegon Orchard View

Middleville T-K @ Wyoming

South Christian @ FH Eastern

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

Creative Tech @ West Michigan Lutheran

Boys Basketball

Zion Christian @ Muskegon Catholic Central

Potter’s House @ West Michigan Aviation

Grand River Prep @ Holland Black River

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K

Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

FH Eastern @ South Christian

Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

Boys Swimming

South Christian @ Christian

 

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017

Boys Hockey

Northview @ West Michigan Aviation

South Christian @ Kenowa Hills

Muskegon Reeths Puffer @ East Kentwood

Boys/girls Bowling

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

Wyoming @ South Christian

Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Godwin Heights @ Belding

Boys Wrestling

Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights – MHSAA State Districts

Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights – MHSAA State Districts

Girls Cheer

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

Wyoming @ Zeeland East

Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian

Girls Gymnastics

Lowell @ East Kentwood

 

Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017

Girls Basketball

Fruitport Calvary Christian @ Grand River Prep

Boys Basketball

Fruitport Calvary Christian @ Grand River Prep

Boys Wrestling

Wyoming @ East Kentwood – MHSAA State Districts

Boys Swimming

South Christian @ Wayland

East Kentwood @Grand Haven

 

Friday, Feb. 10, 2017

Girls Basketball

Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian

Tri-Unity Christian @ Hopkins

Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

FH Eastern @ Wyoming

Christian @ South Christian

Caledonia @ East Kentwood

GR Homeschoolers @ West Michigan Lutheran

Boys Basketball

Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian

Covenant Christian @ Potter’s House

Ellington Academy @ West Michigan Aviation

Tri-Unity Christian @ Hopkins

Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

FH Eastern @ Wyoming

Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian

Christian @ South Christian

Caledonia @ East Kentwood

Boys Hockey

Jenison @ South Christian

Muskegon Mona Shores @ East Kentwood

Girls Cheer

East Kentwood @ Caledonia

 

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017

Girls Basketball

Union @ West Michigan Aviation

Boys Wrestling

Kelloggsville @ Belding

Wyoming @ Grand Haven – MHSAA State Districts

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven – MHSAA State Districts

Girls Cheer

Wyoming Lee @ Lakewood

Boys Hockey

East Kentwood @ Catholic Central

 

Monday, Feb. 13, 2017

Boys/girls Bowling

Belding @ Kelloggsville

Unity Christian @ Wyoming

Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

South Christian @ Zeeland

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

Girls Cheer

Wyoming Lee @ FH Northern

Girls Basketball

WMAES @ West Michigan Lutheran

 

Kentwood parks and rec Craft Beer 101 program starts this week

3-bottom, Beer, City of Kentwood, Local Entertainment, Recreation, , , , , , , ,
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a series of Craft Beer 101 classes starting this week. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

It is not too late to fill your Monday calendar with a little beer (education) as the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department beings four weeks of its Craft Beer 101 adult education program Monday, Jan. 23, with a program at Jaden James Brewery.

 

The program — continuing on Monday evenings from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 30 and Feb. 6 and 13 — is for people 21-years-old and older who want to learn more about what goes into beer, how beer is made and the various kinds of beer, according to supplied information. The class will include tasting.

 

The classes are led by Ben Darcie, founder of Experience Beer WM and a beer writer, educator and self-proclaimed “beer geek extraordinaire.” The classes are for the beginner as well as the advanced home-brewer.

 

The program at Jaden James Brewery, located at 4665 Broadmoor Ave. SE, is called “Intro: Beer Ingredients and Process” The other classes, in order of date, are “Beer Tasting: Lager, Pale Ale & IPA; Hops and Brewing Them” at Schmohz, 2600 Patterson SE; “Beer Tasting: Belgian, Porter and Stout; Alternative Yeast and Recipe Design” at Railton Brewing, 3555 68the St. SE; and “Infection and Off-flavor” at Horrock’s Market at 4455 Breton SE.

 

Cost of the four-class program is $50 or $15 per class; and night-of registration is available. For more information call 616-656-5270 or visit yourkprd.org

 

Local high school sports schedule: Jan. 23-30

Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools, , , , ,

Looking for a Wyoming and Kentwood area high school varsity sports event to get out to? Here is your weekly list.

 

Monday, Jan. 23, 2017

Girls Basketball

Grand Rapids Thunder @ West Michigan Lutheran

Boys/Girls Bowling

Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

South Christian @ Wayland

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Girls Gymnastics

East Kentwood @ Lowell

 

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017

Girls Basketball

Covert @ Zion Christian

Christian @ Wyoming

Hopkins @ Kelloggsville

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Holland Calvary @ Tri-Unity Christian

Boys Basketball

Covert @ Zion Christian

Wyoming @ Christian

Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

Covenant Christian @ South Christian

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Fennville @ Tri-Unity Christian

Girls Cheer

@ East Kentwood

 

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017

Girls Basketball 

WMAI @ Grand River Prep

Boys Basketball

WMAI @ Grand River Prep

Boys/Girls Bowling

Wayland @ Wyoming

Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

Kelloggsville @ Kent City

Middleville T-K @ South Christian

Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Girls Cheer

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K

Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

Boys Wrestling

Wyoming @ Zeeland West

Wyoming Lee @ Comstock Park

NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

Belding @ Kelloggsville

Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Girls Gymnastics

FH Central @ East Kentwood

 

Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017

Boys Basketball

Hudsonville Hornets @ West Michigan Aviation

Girls Basketball

West Michigan Aviation @ Tri-Unity Christian

Boys Swimming

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

 

Friday, Jan. 27, 2017

Girls Basketball

Zion Christian @ Grand River Prep

Wyoming @ Hudsonville

Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian

Kelloggsville @ Belding

Middleville T-K @ South Christian

Rockford @ East Kentwood

Boys Basketball

Zion Christian @ Grand River Prep

Wellspring Prep @ Potter’s House

Wyoming @ Hudsonville

Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian

Kelloggsville @ Belding

Middleville T-K @ South Christian

Rockford @ East Kentwood

Ellington Academy @ Tri-Unity Christian

 

Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017

Boys/Girls Bowling

Wyoming @ Rockford

Godwin Heights @ Rockford

Wyoming Lee @ East Kentwood

Kelloggsville @ East Kentwood

South Christian @ Rockford

Boys Wrestling

Wyoming @ Montague

Wyoming Lee @ Reed City

Godwin Heights @ Okemos

East Kentwood @ Lakewood

Girls Cheer

Wyoming @ East Kentwood – LMCCOA

Kelloggsville @ East Kentwood – LMCCOA

Boys Swimming

South Christian @ Hudsonville

Girls Dance

East Kentwood @ Jenison

Girls Gymnastics

East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills

 

Monday, Jan. 30, 2017

Boys/Girls Bowling

Potter’s House @ Christian

South Christian @ Christian

Wyoming @ FH Eastern

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

Caledonia @ East Kentwood

Girls Basketball

Hudsonville Hornets @ West Michigan Lutheran

Kelloggsville @ Martin

Girls Cheer

Godwin Heights @ Hastings

Girls Gymnastics

East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills

 

In honoring Martin Luther King Jr., Kentwood launches the Little Free Pantry program

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, , , ,
The Little Free Pantry is located in the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

This year, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the city of Kentwood decided to honor the civil rights leader by partnering with The Pantry and opening a “little free pantry” where people can take or leave food and household supplies.

 

“This is the one day of the year I believe represents Kentwood,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley to an audience at the KDL Kentwood Library where the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. program took place on Monday.

 

“Because of what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for, who he was, what he said and what he did, his actions helped to make the city what it is today. Kentwood is one of the most diverse and international cities in the state.”

 

With a population of more than 50,000, the city has approximately 60 different cultures speaking more than 70 different languages. According to Kepley, this diversity probably would never have happened without King’s vision of people “…one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character.”

 

Kepley said King taught people to “love their neighbors as yourself…Because how can you hate them if you love them?”

 

Noting that King was not a man of just words but actions, Kentwood leaders decided to follow King’s actions by partnering with The Pantry, located at John Knox Presbyterian Church, for the community’s first Little Free Pantry.

 

Staff work to fill the Little Free Pantry

Started in Arkansas with the motto “Neighbors serving neighbors,” the Little Free Pantry is similar to the little free library movement. The pantries are designed to be small and fill an immediate and local need. Basically, take an item or items when needed and leave an item or items when you can.

 

“It’s residents helping residents, neighbors helping neighbors,” said community leader Jessica Ann Tyson, who was the host at Monday’s event. “If you are going to the store and you are picking up some macaroni and cheese, pick up an extra one for the pantry.”

 

Tyson said there is a need within the city as 9.8 percent of the families in Kentwood live below the poverty line. For a family of four, the poverty line is $24,300. For an individual, it is $11,880 or less.  Other figures Tyson had was that 14.6 of the Kentwood population live under the poverty line, including .6.8 percent are under the age of 18 and 7.6 percent are over the age of 65. Tyson also noted that there are about 5,000 food assistance cases in Kentwood.

 

She said the Little Food Pantry is anonymous, with people not required to fill out an application to receive items.

 

Located inside the Kentwood Activities Center, the Free Little Pantry is open year around. Donations of food items such as brown rice, cereals, canned goods, pasta, and peanut butter, and personal care items, such as deodorant, disposable razors, laundry soap, shampoo, toilet paper, can be dropped off at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, or to The Pantry, 4150 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Other items accepted are crayons, small toys, games and school supplies.

 

The Free Little Pantry is open during the Kentwood Activities Center regular hours. For more information about the Little Free Pantry, call the Kentwood Activities Center at 616-656-5270.

Slight changes in Kentwood water, sewer rates for 2017

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Our Cities, ,

By Victoria Mullen

WKTV

 

After conducting an annual rate study and holding a 20-day public comment period, the Grand Rapids City Commission has set the water and sewer rates for 2017.

 

Because a portion of the Kentwood system is owned and maintained by the City of Grand Rapids (generally east of Breton Avenue), Kentwood residential customers will see some very slight changes in their quarterly water/sewer bills.

 

“The average residential customer will actually see a very slight overall decrease of 0.21% in their quarterly water/sewer bill for 2017,” said Tim Bradshaw, Director of Engineering & Inspections with the City of Kentwood.

 

The approximate changes to quarterly billing for the average customer are as follows:

  • Water: $2.15 (2.59 percent increase)
  • Sewer: ($2.46) (3.71 percent decrease)

There were no significant upgrades to the system, and Kentwood experienced minor growth via commercial and residential development.

 

“The main driver for the increase in the water rate is the need for the City of Grand Rapids to maintain a debt service coverage ratio of 1.2 to maintain their AA bonding status,” explained Bradshaw.

 

Wing Avenue residents could get relief from public utility costs depending on final plan

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Wing Avenue north of 60th Street

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

At a recent December workshop, residents along Wing Avenue got a little bit of good news — the city would defer most of the costs for public utilities.

 

In November, the Kentwood City Commission approved an amendment allowing for a farmhouse exemption with a property owner only having to pay the first 125 feet of frontage for installation of water and sewer. The rest would be deferred if the parcel were split in the future.

 

“Currently, many of these homes along Wing Avenue were looking at upwards to $90,000 to hook up,” aid Kentwood City Engineer Tim Bradshaw. “It brought the cost of hooking up to sewer and water down to a more reasonable price and made it comparable to having a well or septic.”

 

It was noted at a Dec. 5 workshop that based on City of Grand Rapids’s current rates, the connection costs for a 125-foot frontage would be about $17,050 for sewer and $15,975 for water. Those costs are only paid upon connection. According to Building Advisor, the cost of installing water and septic can be $20,000 or more.

 

Another cost concern was that of sidewalk and storm sewer construction. The City Commission also recently amended the city policy to no longer assess for those items if the improvements are included in the final design of Wing Avenue. Residents, however; would be required to maintain the sidewalks running along their property.

 

Wing Avenue at 60th Street

Bradshaw said at the recent workshop, residents seemed to respond well to the changes since it did reduce some of the cost concerns, however; there are still several other issues residents have including keeping the natural feel and look of the road. Impact on the trees and the natural features lead several residents to petition the city to consider designating Wing Avenue from 52nd Street to 60th Street as a Natural Beauty Road in accordance to the guidelines established by the state legislature in 1995.

 

Michigan’s Natural Beauty Road Act is designed to identify and preserve certain county-local roads that have unusual or outstanding natural beauty by virtue of native vegetation or the natural features. There are 34 roads in Kent County with the designation, none of which are in Kentwood.

 

There are several requirements including that the speed be not more than 35 mph. Wing Avenue’s current speed limit — which is determined by a Michigan State Law — is 40 mph.

 

The designation would not prevent tree removal when necessary for the safety and protection of the traveling public and vehicles, including improvements to the roadway and for public utility construction crossing Wing Avenue. Tree removal would not be allowed for construction of public utility alongside the road.

 

The Kentwood City Commission will consider the Natural Beauty Road petition at its Feb. 7 meeting. This is after the presentation by the consulting firm Fleis & VandenBrink on its final corridor study which is scheduled for Jan. 17. Fleis & VandenBrink have been tasked to study several items including public utility planning, road construction, and non-motorized needs such as sidewalk, bike lanes, etc.

 

At the December workshop, the consulting company indicated it would likely recommend the construction of 11-foot lanes striped at 10 feet for safety, better speed control, reduce cost and reduce tree impact over the standard 12-foot width. Also, it was indicated to use the speed of 40 mph to improve sight distances. The firm was still reviewing curb versus ditches and sidewalks/non-motorized trails.

 

The City Commission is expected to make a final decision on the Wing Avenue plans at its Feb. 21 meeting. Once the final scope has been determined, engineering and design work will begin. Bradshaw said the city has targeted the spring of 2018 to start construction.

Despite headlines, Kentwood, Wyoming city clerks confident of local voting integrity

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The key to Michigan voting system, and the reason for confidence in local over results, is in the stand-alone tabulation machines, like the one shown here. (Supplied)

K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

The national headlines this week are filled with reports and rumors of possible voting machine manipulation — did or did not Russian hackers somehow alter the presidential election? But city clerks in the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming are confident in local voting numbers and want to assure local voters of local voting integrity.

 

“Wyoming voters can rest assured that every ballot cast has been counted and counted accurately,” Kelli VandenBerg, city clerk for the City of Wyoming. said this week. “We have a number of safeguards in place to assure that voters can have confidence that their ballots are processed properly.”

 

Kentwood City Clerk Dan Kasunic agreed, and said the bottom line reason is that the State of Michigan uses paper ballots that are tabulated at each precinct using stand-alone tabulation machines, voting machines — and the “tabulators are never connected to the internet.”

 

“So much of the national controversy has been over other types of ballots or the transmission of results,” VandenBerg said.

 

Before election day, each precinct’s and county board’s paper ballet tabulators are tested for accuracy — “there is a public test prior to each election, for the public to attend, to prove the accuracy,” Kasunic said.

Voting data cards are sealed in each tabulator by the city clerk before the election. Each seal has a number that is recorded in a paper poll book. The seal number is verified by the precinct workers before the polls open on election day.

“When the polls close at the end of election day, precinct workers print a tape of the results before the card is removed from the tabulator,” VandenBerg said. “The card is then sealed in a transfer bag that comes to (Wyoming) City Hall. That numbered seal is cut and then the data is downloaded and transmitted to the county.”

 

After votes are tabulated, all ballots are then sealed and stored in a secure location.

 

“All memory cards are sealed and recorded so they cannot be tampered,” Kasunic said. “The memory cards are complied within the city on a program and then sent by email to the county, and the memory cards are sent to the county. So they have both the tapes from each tabulator  and the memory cards”

 

In addition to the safeguards to protect the electronic data, there are safeguards in place to protect the paper ballots.

 

“At the end of election day, the paper ballots are removed from the tabulator and sealed in approved ballot containers,” Vandenberg said. “The ballots remain sealed and in the clerk’s custody for the appropriate retention period. In this case the election involved a federal race, so the retention period is 22 months.”

 

Wondering when your street will be plowed?

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By Victoria Mullen
WKTV

 

It’s the $64,000 question after a huge snow dump: When will my street get plowed? Watch the video above to learn about the City of Wyoming’s snow removal policy. In a nutshell, there are priorities: first, the busiest streets get plowed; next, the collector streets; and last of all, the quiet cul-de-sacs. More info is available here. The goal of the City of Wyoming’s snowplowing operation is to have all streets plowed within 24 hours after the end of a storm.

As with the City of Wyoming, the City of Kentwood’s Department of Public Works prioritizes plowing and salting from highest volume streets to lowest volume streets. Nothing personal, but it goes like this:

  1. Major Streets in the City of Kentwood with the most traffic — such as  44th, 52nd, Kalamazoo and Eastern — get plowed and salted first during a snow “event”.
  2. Collector Streets — next in line are the “main” streets throughout many of the subdivisions where you live. The streets you use to enter or exit an area adjacent to the major streets are plowed and salted after the major streets have been cleared and are as safe as possible to travel on. Some examples of collector streets are: Baileys Grove Dr., Stauffer Ave and Gentian Ave.
  3. Local Streets are the streets within the subdivisions themselves. These are plowed after the collectors are cleared and safe for travel. Salt is typically not spread on the local streets.
  4. Cul-De-Sacs/stub streets are the last to get attention. Smaller pick-up trucks direct the snow to areas in the cul-de-sac that are suitable for snow storage. It’s important that items are removed from the cul-de-sacs — soccer goals, portable basketball hoops and any other miscellaneous items.

Sometimes things don’t go as planned — maybe a busy street has been plowed and the City has moved onto another when Mother Nature disrupts the routine. When this happens — say, the major roads deteriorate — attention is shifted back to them and the cycle starts over.

Both cities make every effort to have all the roads cleared within 24 hours after the snow event has ended. During most snow events crews are working around the clock with trucks on the road 24 hours a day, sometimes for several days in a row.

Don’t worry, they’ll get to you!

Kentwood Police asking help in locating missing endangered person

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Willie Donald Crawford
Willie Donald Crawford

The Kentwood Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing endangered person. Willie Donald Crawford was last seen on Dec. 3 near his home at 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue in the City of Kentwood. According to family, Crawford does have the beginning stages of dementia, is partially blind, but is not on any medications. The family is concerned for his safety due to his age.

 

Crawford is an 81-year-old black male, approximately 6 feet and 150 pounds. He has a full gray beard, gray/black hair and brown eyes. Crawford was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, blue jeans, brown hiking boots and a black baseball hat.

 

Anyone having any information regarding the whereabouts ofCrawford is being asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-698-6580, or your local law enforcement organization.

Meeting tonight on Kentwood’s progress on Wing Avenue

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Wing Avenue at 60th Street
Wing Avenue at 60th Street

It’s only a mile long so you would think it would be fairly easy to put together a plan to reconstruct Wing Avenue.

 

But there are a number of variables when dealing with Wing Avenue, said Kentwood City Engineer Tim Bradshaw, such as slope, speed, trees, drainage, future growth and utilities along with who would be the best to provide those utilities as the road serves as a boarder to Grand Rapids and Kentwood.

 

It is why the City of Kentwood has spent the past couple of months meeting with residents, gathering input and collecting data focused on putting together a plan for Wing Avenue. A second meeting to discuss this plan is set for 7 p.m. tonight at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE.

 

“The condition of the road has gotten to the point that there is not much more the city can do to maintain it,” Bradshaw said, adding even snowplowing has become a challenge along the road due to the ditches. Wing Avenue also serves as the main artery between 52nd and 60th streets with no relief from that unless Breton Avenue is ever extended to 60th Street.

 

Wing Avenue north of 60th Street
Wing Avenue north of 60th Street

There also is potential for future development in the area which would add more traffic to the road, Bradshaw said.

 

Earlier this year, the city hired the consulting firm Fleis & VandenBrink to conduct a corridor study and assist with gathering public input. This included hosting a meeting in August where about 80 residents from the 92 homes that were notified attended. Bradshaw said there about 60 properties on Wing Avenue with about 30 or so on Paris Park Drive that have properties that back up against the road. All were notified of the plans to work on Wing Avenue.

 

“We hire a consultant to work with us based on the previous conservations with property owners who had mixed amount feelings on what should be done.” Bradshaw said. “Each has a passion with them. Some really like the rural feel of the road, others had safety concerns and others wanted to protect as many trees as possible.”

 

The residents along Wing Avenue have well water and septic as there are no current water or sewer lines or storm sewer. There has been discussion of adding such utilities, which could spur development, Bradshaw said.

 

Over the past couple of months, Fleis & VandenBrink and the city have looked at the trees to see how many could be saved along with getting traffic counts especially with school in session. The speed limit along the road, which currently is 40 mph, is mostly set by the state, Bradshaw noted.

 

The goal of the City of Kentwood is to have the study of the road completed by the Dec. 6 City Commission meeting. Design and engineering work on Wing Avenue is expected to take place next year with construction beginning in 2018.

It’s a rally of food trucks and fun in Kentwood Oct. 15

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Because of the positive feedback to having food trucks at its summer concert series and Fourth of July event, the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department has decided to host a Cornhole Tournament and Food Truck Rally Saturday, Oct. 15.

 

“Since the food trucks and the Parks and Recreation Department had such a busy summer schedule, we decided to plan something for the Fall instead,” said Parks and Recreation Marketing and Events Coordinator Laura Barbrick. “We thought it might be fun to have another activity to draw an audience, so we came up with a combination Cornhole Tournament and Food Truck Rally.”

 

The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. at the Kentwood City Hall Lawn, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Live music will be provided by Just Cuz and Barbrick noted that just like the concert series, guests are welcome to bring their own beer or wine to the event.

 

Seven area food trucks have signed up for the event so far. Those trucks are:

 

Big Baby’s Bar-B-Que: Just as the name implies, this truck offers barbecue: chicken, spare ribs, rib tips and Big Baby’s Gourmet sausages along with baked beans, cole slaw and potato salad. Full rack of ribs is $23 with prices going down from there.

 

Blue Spoon Catering: Operated by Goodwill, this food truck offers a wide variety of menu options from a classic Tex-Mex to its signature “Kabob Bash” menu. There is also unique side dishes such as vegan black bean hash, tomato bruschetta, and the truck’s signature spinach and artichoke dip. Menu option prices range from $3 to $9. Special dietary options are also available.

 

Gettin’ Fresh: This truck features a bacon burger and beer brats from Bob’s Butcher Block in Jenison. Bob mixes the bacon right into the ground beef. Also availabe are turkey pesto panini and Italian beef panini along with Nantucket breads, an assortment of salads, a variety of snacks such as the Nantucket Soft German-Style Pretzel and assorted desserts.

 

Patty Matters: This truck offers a variety of gourmet burgers such as the Señorita Cha Cha with a chorizo patty, cheddar cheese, chipotle aioli and back bean salsa wrapped in a tortilla and grilled along with traditional burgers such as the All American classic a burger with American cheese, mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. Also available are variety of sides such as sweet potato fries and potato bombs and deserts such as salted caramel pretzel bars.

 

Rix Stix Pronto Pups:This truck offers Pronto Pups, hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and French fries for $3 to $5.50. Combos that include chips and drink are $8 and $9. Also available are deep fried Twinkies (two for $5) and deep fried Oreos (six for $5).

 

River City Cup & Cake: We’ll call this the desert truck as it offers a variety of sweet treats such as cookies, brownies, Danishes, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, chocolate croissants, and an apple frangipane tort. Also available is a variety of coffees, teas, hibiscus and hopps sodas. Note, nothing at this truck is more than $4.

 

Two Scotts Barbecue: This truck offers pulled pork, sliced brisket, pulled chicken, burnt ends and sausage in both “Just Meats” and sandwich offerings. There is also St. Louis ribs and jumbo wings. A Scott #3 Combo features three meat choices, two sides, bread, pickles and a drink for $16. Sides range from pimento mac and cheese to cheddar biscuit and homemade tots. And of course there are plenty of sweet treats.

 

The event is free and open to the public. There is a $20 fee per team (of two players) to participate in the Cornhole Tournament. If you are interested in participating in the tournament, you can register online at www.yourkprd.org or call 616-656-5270. Prizes will be award to the winning teams. There will be some other yard games as well.

 

For more information, visit www.yourkprd.org.

Snowplow drivers prep for winter at the annual Roadeo

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RoadeoBy: Mike DeWitt

Mike.DeWitt@gmail.com

 

The sun sat high in the sky beating down on the hot, black pavement. Midday was in the rear view mirror, the competitors in front of me had come and gone, and there I stood face-to-face with more than 50,000 pounds of metal that I was expected to control through a timed obstacle course.

 

“Do you have your driver’s license?” asked the judge to my left as I stared at the vehicle.

 

A grapefruit sized lump made its way into my throat as the little voice inside my head said what everyone was thinking, “you entered a snowplow driving competition and you left your license in the car?” It was a rookie mistake, and I answered back in a way only a novice can, with false confidence and a dash of ignorance, “No, I left it in the car.”

 

RoadeoThe judge chuckled and made a couple of marks on his score sheet. I hadn’t even entered the snowplow yet and my score was already sitting in the negatives.

 

As a celebrity driver at the American Public Works Association (APWA) Snowplow Roadeo, hosted this year by the Wyoming Department of Public Works, I had the opportunity to personally get behind the drivers wheel of a snowplow to catch a glimpse of the challenges the snowplow drivers face come winter. While the competition is all fun and games for myself and the other celebrities, the Roadeo acts as a training seminar for drivers to prepare themselves for the winter ahead.

 

“This is a training session, but it looks very much like a competition because that’s the way we run it,” explained William Dooley, Wyoming Director of Public Works, “The Roadeo is all about preparing the drivers that have to remove snow and ice from our roads in the winter. It’s really about getting all of the drivers in West Michigan thinking about it again, getting in the trucks, and getting used to where those blades start and stop.”

 

The idea for the Roadeo was started by the City of Wyoming where they hosted the event for 21 straight years before cutbacks in the department forced the event to come to a close.

 

“At that time we said we could no longer host it every year but that we would take our turn,” said Dooley. “Well, here we are in 2016, and we’re happy to host the Roadeo once again!”

 

RoadeoThe drivers take turns driving through a timed obstacle course that tests their fundamentals inside the snowplow. Those fundamentals include basics like having your driver’s license and medical cards on hand, entering the snowplow properly and adjusting the mirrors. After the intial prep is completed, drivers make their way through a course lined with cones and barrels designed to test driving ability with maneuvers like going around a turn to the left and right, backing up, and moving snow in-between parked cars.

 

Oh, and it’s all timed.

 

“This event is an opportunity to get drivers back in the trucks to see some real life situations. In addition to the course, we have classroom training on how to interact with the public and stay alert behind the wheel,” said John Gorney, Kentwood Director of Public Works.

 

“Every element they’ll face on the job, we test them on,” added Dooley.

 

And the tests are anything but easy. For starters, from the driver’s seat, both blades – the big one in front and the one underneath – aren’t visible. Yes, you read that correctly, you cannot see the blades. The front blade has one orange pole on each end that acts as a guide for the driver. They give a frame of reference on how wide the blade is and an idea on where it’s located. It’s very much a ‘feel’ thing where a driver must become one with the snowplow.

 

The green cones mimic snow that has to be moved between parked cars
The green cones mimic snow that has to be moved between parked cars

Unfortunately for me, I did not feel one with the machine, and my Master Yoda was nowhere in sight to teach me the ways of the force. During the serpentine I ran over a barrel like it was nothing more than a fly on the windshield. The obstacle that mimics pushing snow between two parked cars was also an epic fail as I distinctly clipped a barrel acting as the rear bumper of a car. Hopefully they had insurance. As I rounded corners, I assume I trucked numerous cones because, truthfully, I couldn’t really see whether I did or not. The sight lines in a snowplow aren’t the most advantageous to a roadway vehicle.

 

Thankfully the obstacles that involved backing up were taken out of the course for the celebrity drivers. After making my way through the course, I know why, it would’ve been a disaster.

 

Upon completion of the course, scores were gathered and tallied. Shockingly, yours truly didn’t bring home the celebrity hardware.

 

I never thought driving a snowplow would be easy, but it didn’t think it would be as difficult as it was. Even with a beautiful day and no true stress of hitting other cars or pedestrians, it was still a lot to process and handle. The ability to drive one of those on a busy street in the middle of winter is daunting, but the Public Works Departments take their biggest job very seriously.

 

“The event is very important,” Gorney emphasized. “Snow removal for all of the Public Works Departments is the biggest efforts we have. It costs the most money and the trucks are the most expensive piece of equipment. To get back in the truck and get some training is critical.”