On the Lash. (Photo Courtesy On the Lash: Used with Permission)
By Lillian Reiner Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
Prepare to be transported to the rolling hills and green fields of Ireland when On The Lash takes the stage at Lamar Park on Tuesday, July 28 at 6 p.m. This performance will round out Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park series.
This group of friends met over 10 years ago as students at Western Michigan University, and have since traveled the country sharing their take on Irish traditional music with modern influences.
“Our favorite part of performing often isn’t ‘performing’ itself, but rather that we get to share with an audience a little snippet of the joy we have in travelling with our best friends doing what we love,” said band manager John Robey.
Exploring the Genre
The band learned about Irish music from member Joel Tyrone Myers, and has taken its time learning how to not only play it effectively, but listen to and appreciate it.
On The Lash formed in 2022, and began touring around the United States performing at major Irish and Celtic festivals soon after.
“It’s been almost surreal to play at festivals like the KVMR Celtic Fest in Grass Valley, Calif., or the Yachats Celtic Fest in Yachats, OR, or even close to home at the Michigan Irish Music Festival,” Robey shared.
On the Lash. (Photo Courtesy On the Lash: Used with Permission)
They’ve had the opportunity to play alongside their musical inspirations, including Alasdair Fraser, Solas, and Kila, as well as open for Altan within their first year of performing.
“We don’t consider ourselves true ‘trad’ (traditional) players, and we tend to feel most comfortable performing on stage as opposed to in a session,” Robey explained. However, the trad session scene has shaped the way they approach their own music.
“Those shows where the audience is so engaged that the line begins to blur between ‘observer’ and ‘participant’ are where we feel we’ve captured a real piece of that Irish music heritage,” Robey said.
Sessions refer to informal gatherings where musicians meet to play traditional tunes.
The band also holds educational workshops to share their knowledge and experience with those unfamiliar with the genre.
Unique backgrounds, United passion
Each member of On The Lash has a unique musical background and introduction into Irish folk music. Flute and vocalist Elizabeth June grew up performing with her family’s bluegrass band, which included her parents and 10 siblings. She holds a masters degree in flute performance from the University of Michigan.
Joel Tyrone Myers started playing the fiddle with the Chelsea House Orchestra as a young boy, igniting his love for Irish music at a young age. In addition to playing the mandolin, Myers writes and arranges a majority of the music for On The Lash.
Fiddlist and band manager John Robey began learning classical violin at seven years old, however, it wasn’t until age 14 that he began exploring nontraditional genres, such as Celtic music.
Patrick Hartson plays guitar for the band, but he began his musical career playing cello in a fiddle club, where he first learned various styles of Irish dance tunes. He earned multiple advanced degrees in cello performance, and picked up guitar along the way, allowing him to play in bands of many genres.
While each member has branched out to play different types of music, they all found their way back to their roots in Celtic and folk music.
On the Lash. (Photo Courtesy On the Lash: Used with Permission)
Fireside
On The Lash released their debut EP, Fireside, last year, featuring four adaptations and one original song, Dog in the Distance.
The band plans on recording and releasing an all-original album within the next year, and has aspirations to expand their touring overseas.
On The Lash will be on tour in Michigan, Illinois, the East Coast and Canada through November.
One person was injured following a shooting in the 900 block of 28th Street SW.
At approximately 4:45 a.m. on July 22, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the 900 block of 28th Street SW. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Officers immediately provided medical care until EMS personnel arrived. The victim was then transported to a local hospital for treatment, where he remains in stable condition.
At this time, no arrests have been made. Detectives from the Wyoming Police Department, along with members of the Forensic Science Unit, are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org
A person of interest is in police custody following a homicide investigation in the 800 block of Marcia Street SW.
At approximately 6:30 a.m. on July 20, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to a report of a deceased individual at a residence in the 800 block of Marcia Street SW. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased 82-year-old female Wyoming resident and determined the circumstances surrounding her death to be suspicious. The Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office has since ruled the death a homicide.
During the investigation, Wyoming Police identified a person of interest. The individual was located by the Indiana State Police near Fort Wayne, Indiana, and taken into custody.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing. As a result, the names of those involved are not being released at this time. The Wyoming Police Department thanks the Indiana State Police for their assistance in locating the person of interest.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Kent District Library is partnering with Kids’ Food Basket this summer to help ensure local children and teens have access to nutritious meals when school is not in session. Through the Sack Suppers at the Library program, free evening meals will be available at select KDL branches through September 1.
The program offers convenient, nutritious meals designed to be kid-friendly and ready to enjoy. No registration is required, making it easy for families to access healthy food throughout the summer months. Meals are available while supplies last.
“KDL is committed to supporting the well-being of our community beyond books and learning resources,” said Lance Werner, KDL’s Executive Director. “By partnering with Kids’ Food Basket, we’re helping connect families with nutritious meals while providing welcoming spaces where children can learn, explore and thrive all summer long.”
(Photo Courtesy Kids’ Food Basket)
“Summer can be a challenging time for families who rely on school meals,” said Bridget Clark Whitney, President and Founding CEO at Kids’ Food Basket. “Through partnerships like this one with Kent District Library, we’re able to meet children where they are and ensure they continue to have access to healthy, nourishing food throughout the summer months.”
Meals will be distributed at the following KDL locations:
Kelloggsville Branch (Inside Kelloggsville High School)
4787 Division Ave. S
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Monday–Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
4950 Breton SE
Kentwood, MI 49508
Monday–Friday at 3:00 p.m.
Wyoming Branch
3350 Michael Ave. SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
Monday–Friday at 4:30 p.m.
Sack Suppers at the Library is part of KDL’s ongoing commitment to supporting children and families throughout Kent County by providing access to essential resources, educational opportunities and community partnerships. KDL also partners with Feeding America to provide Lunches at the Library.
For more information about summer programs and services at Kent District Library, visit kdl.org. To learn more about KFB’s programs, services and how you can make a difference, please visit kidsfoodbasket.org.
Kent District Library is a public library system operating 20 branch locations, an Express Library and a bookmobile to serve over 440,000 residents of 27 different municipalities throughout Kent County. KDL enriches lives by providing information, ideas and excitement. It is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by millage dollars and private donations. KDL is a member of the Lakeland Library Cooperative. For more information, visit kdl.org.
About Kids’ Food Basket Kids’ Food Basket (KFB) was founded to nourish children to reach their full potential. We are a community-based food equity nonprofit serving our West Michigan neighbors in Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan counties who are under-resourced and impacted by poverty and food insecurity. Our services include our flagship Sack Supper program, sustainable farming, community food distribution and educational programming. Kids’ Food Basket is now serving about 11,500 evening meals to 68 schools in four counties each weekday. We work toward a future in which all children have access to the nourishment that fosters their lifelong health and limitless potential.
A pedestrian was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle in the 2800 block of South Division Avenue on July 18.
At approximately 10:40 p.m. on July 18, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 2800 block of South Division Ave. after receiving a report that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, first responders located an adult male with serious injuries. He was treated at the scene and then transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Preliminary investigation indicates the male was crossing South Division Ave. outside the crosswalk when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. At this time, the driver of the vehicle is not believed to have been speeding or under the influence of alcohol. The Wyoming Police Accident Investigation and Forensic Science Units continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org
MexiCuba. (Photo: Wity Zaldivar. Used with Permission)
By Lillian Reiner Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
From Cuba to West Michigan, MexiCuba’s origin and influences span multiple different countries. Band director Wity Zaldívar moved to the United States four years ago after a successful career in Havana, Cuba, and has since worked to grow the Latin music scene in Grand Rapids.
“Latin music possesses a unique quality, it brightens your heart and makes you move,” Zaldívar said. “As we like to say in the band: when it’s cold, we bring the heat; and when it’s hot, we bring flavor and refreshment. That is what we represent.”
MexiCuba will showcase its unique blend of salsa and timba music on Tuesday, July 21, at 6 p.m. at Lamar Park, as part of the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series. This will be their first of many performances in Wyoming. Come prepared to enjoy not only live music, but a unique cultural experience that will energize and inspire listeners to get up and dance.
A Blend of Backgrounds
The band met and formed in the United States, although five of its seven members began their careers in Cuba and Mexico.
Zaldívar, a pianist since age 4 and orchestra director since 12, studied classical music at the Guillermo Tomás Conservatory in Havana, Cuba.
“My heart is divided between Mexico and Cuba, as Mexico was the first country to open its doors to me, creating a unique blend between both nations that is reflected in the identity and power of the entire group,” Zaldívar shared.
MexiCuba began as a duo between Zaldívar and Yuriana Sobrino, and later a trio when Yordano Parsons joined. Parsons is a bassist and singer who developed his career in Havana and Mexico.
Parsons introduced the band’s remaining members, including Dayana Fowler, who plays the congas and provides backup vocals, and guitarist and singer Dayan Ramírez, who injects energy and adrenaline into every performance. Bryan Robles, of Puerto Rican descent, is the band’s drummer and is currently mastering the Latin timbales.
Vocalist Sara Collins-Nunez is a native of Grand Rapids, and had no prior experience as a singer before joining MexiCuba less than a year ago. Vocalist Liliana Medina spent many years singing in Mexico before bringing her talent to West Michigan.
Depending on the occasion, they perform as a duo, a trio, or with the full orchestra.
MexiCuba. (Photo: Wity Zaldivar. Used with Permission)
Carving a path for Latin Music
When MexiCuba first arrived in Grand Rapids, the challenge was making a space for the concept of live Latin music in the minds of local venues. They began playing at restaurants such as MeXo, Playas Nayaritas, and Taco Borracho, and began gaining traction until they were playing on stages around the region.
Having performed at Frederik Meijer Gardens four or five times, Zaldívar shared that it now feels like home to the band.
A dream come true
Recently, MexiCuba was selected from over 300 artistic proposals to play at the grand opening of the Acrisure Amphitheater. As a gift, they were given the opportunity to record at Theory Studios.
“The vibe in that space was magical, and we were absolutely blown away by the results,” Zaldívar said.
During this session, they recorded a song called Sorpréndeme, which was born out of their ability to invent and improvise music right in the moment of recording.
“We rehearse just enough, everything else flows directly and organically in front of the audience, which makes every concert a completely different and unique experience,” Zaldívar explained.
MexiCuba is looking forward to bringing their music and energetic performances outside of Michigan, as they will soon be adding Chicago to their repertoire. Learn about upcoming shows on the band’s Facebook page.
“If anyone needs to feel good, loved, appreciated, and ready to party, they simply have to come and see MexiCuba,” Zaldívar emphasized.
The “Michigan Songbird of Soul”, MOLLY, is more than a singer, she is a storyteller striving to celebrate her Michigan upbringing and African roots, while sharing her raw view of the world.
“I want to explore a soul music that can make you feel more than nostalgia for a past era, to confront the realities of our current system through sound and action,” Molly Bouwsma Schultz said.
MOLLY is performing on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the City of Wyoming Concerts in the Park series, in which a different band performs every Tuesday in July. Performances will begin at 6 p.m. at Lamar Park.
Branching out on her own
While Molly’s singing career began in 2008 when she joined a blues band in college, her love for music and performing began before she could even speak.
“I was connecting language to musical notes, and it always felt very natural to me,” Molly explained.
She moved towards writing and performing original music in 2013 with her band Vox Vidorra, but made the decision to pursue a career as a solo artist in 2018 to explore her own roots, history and influences.
Her songs are a combination of her life experiences, the wisdom she has amassed, and her belief that freedom, in its many forms, is an ancestral right. Her music is laced with political and social commentary, making it an evolving representation of the times. She incorporates elements of African music into all of her songs, from the polyrhythms of West African drums to the powerful vocals of soul and gospel tradition.
“Telling my own stories and creating melodies from my own personal journals is a new layer of vulnerability that is always changing and opening creative doors.
“I’m driven by being able to express joy and pain simultaneously”
Molly Bouwsma-Schultz. (Photo: Olivia Easterday Photo. Used with Permission)
In many ways, Molly’s music is a reflection of her soul, and thus is constantly evolving.
“I am consistently expanding my sound and have most recently made space in my set for ancient healing music through spiritual connect, ambient tones, and mantras as a way to reclaim practices that honor my ancestors.”
Molly attributes soul music to tearing down barriers both in the music industry and society itself. However, in the current age of AI, the integrity of all music is under threat, but especially soul music, which is beloved for its authenticity and genuineness.
“When using AI as a tool to scan the internet for people’s voices, we are taking away their consent to extract their ‘soul’ for profit, which is something that is fake.”
Opening creative doors
Molly has shared the stage with many incredible artists in her 20 years of performing, including Billy Strings, War & Treaty, Third Eye Blind, and Chico Debarge, but the highlight of her career was opening for Leslie Odom Jr. in 2024 in a sold out show at Frederick Meijer Gardens.
“Having such a meaningful and inspiring experience affirms that being persistent and staying committed has opened doors for me and my fellow collaborators,” Molly said.
Listen to MOLLY
Fans of MOLLY will enjoy her debut LP coming out later this year. It is the product of five years of experimenting with her sound and growing in her song writing abilities.
UPDATE: The deceased individual whose body was discovered inside a construction dumpster in the 1300 block of 28th St. SW has been identified as Joseph Otis Hammer, a 38-year-old from Wyoming. His family has been notified.
At approximately 9:20 p.m. on June 28, 2026, Wyoming Fire Department personnel responded to the construction site following a report of a dumpster fire. Upon arrival, crews located the dumpster, but found no active fire and no evidence that one had occurred. During their inspection of the scene, Fire personnel observed an individual inside the walk-in style dumpster. Crews entered to render aid, but the person was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Wyoming Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the death. At this time, no foul play is suspected. The Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office has conducted an autopsy; the cause and manner of death remain pending the final autopsy report.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police Detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
The South Kent Chamber Foundation is asking for help in providing back-to-school backpacks filled with school supplies, a hygiene kit and a haircut voucher as part of a block party for the Aug. 4 National Night Out event.
This year’s National Night Out will feature a block party at The Dock Urban Youth Ministries at 4669 South Division Ave. in Wyoming with food trucks, activity exhibit booths, yard games, Magic Surge, bingo with prizes, bounce houses, the creation of a community mural, a DJ, root beer floats, and attendance from the Wyoming Police Department.
“We have a vision to provide a fun, safe evening with the resources to provide each child in attendance with a back-to-school backpack filled with school supplies,” said Megan Green, executive director of the South Kent Chamber Foundation. “It is our belief that by helping our community members with the necessities for returning to school, we are setting them up for a successful year and reinforcing the positive connection with our local police force.
“We are reaching out to you today to request your participation at our event with an exhibit booth and if possible, a financial donation to help ensure each child receives the intended back-to-school supplies that are so dearly needed in this area of the city.”
National Night Out Details
Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Location: The Dock Urban Youth Ministries located at 4669 South Division Avenue, Wyoming Purpose: Promote strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work. Expected attendance: 150-200 students plus families Our request: Invite your employees to come together and support the students as a team, with sponsorship opportunities starting at just $25. Employees can choose the giving level that works best for them, while your company can increase the impact by matching contributions, setting a team fundraising goal, or sponsoring additional students.
Every contribution helps provide essential back-to-school support:
$25 Hygiene Sponsor – hygiene kit and food voucher
$35 Haircut Sponsor – haircut, hygiene kit, and food voucher
$40 Backpack Sponsor – backpack with school supplies, hygiene kit, and food voucher
$50 Full Sponsor – haircut, backpack with school supplies, hygiene kit, and food voucher
Together, your employees and company can help as many Wyoming students as possible begin the school year feeling prepared, confident and supported.
To sign up as a sponsor, mail a check to the South Kent Chamber Foundation at 4415 Byron Center Avenue SW, Wyoming, MI 49519 or use the link provided here.
Recognition:
All sponsors will be recognized with:
A live logo on our event page linked back to your website
Shortly after midnight on June 23, the Wyoming Fire Department responded to a reported house fire near the 1000 block of Rathbone St. SW with possible occupants still inside the home.
The first fire units that arrived observed fire and smoke coming from a window near the side of the house. All occupants were quickly accounted for soon after arrival. While the fire department was extinguishing the fire, patients were being cared for by Life EMS.
The Fire Department was notified of this house fire due to the quick actions of a mother and the early warning provided by working smoke alarms. These working smoke alarms helped save the lives of the two children and the mother within the house.
The working smoke alarms activated and alerted the mother to the fire while the family was sleeping. After hearing the alarms, the mother immediately woke up her two children and safely evacuated the home before conditions worsened.
This incident is a powerful reminder that working smoke alarms save lives. The smoke alarms provided the critical early warning needed for this mother to wake up, get her children to safety and call 911.
The Wyoming Fire Department encourages all residents to install smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each sleeping area. The Fire Department also recommends testing your smoke alarms monthly, developing and practicing a home fire escape plan, and to replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older. If you need smoke alarms for your home, please reach out to your local Fire Department for assistance.
This fire is currently under investigation. Anyone with additional information regarding the fire is asked to contact the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office at 616-257-9764.
American Rust to perform June 23 at Wyoming Concerts in the Park. (Photo: City of Wyoming/American Rust: Used with Permission)
By Deborah Reed Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor greer@wktv.org
Grand Rapids’ newly formed heartland and Americana band, American Rust, is a rock ‘n’ roll band making heartfelt original music – and it is resonating with audiences.
“What we do is authentic, and the music is the focus,” said Kevin Langeland, band founder and musician.
“We aren’t pandering for clicks or views, we aren’t trying to get in on trends, we aren’t recycling sing-along covers. We’re a rock ‘n’ roll band making heartfelt original material with hopes that other people enjoy and connect with it too.”
American Rust will perform Tuesday, June 23, as part of the City of Wyoming’s 2026 Concerts in the Park series. Interested listeners can go to Lamar Park at 6 p.m. for the live performance.
“We are American Rust!”
American Rust introduced themselves to the world on May 5, 2025, with a Facebook post, released their debut EP and made their official performance debut on July 28, 2025, and quickly gained traction in the local music scene.
Listeners will find American Rust’s brand of middle-of-America rustbelt rock to be a little more rock ‘n’ roll than country, while still heavily established in heartland and Midwestern musical traditions.
Langeland formed the four-piece band after his previous band, Paradise Outlaw, disbanded. Langeland, guitarist Alex Cegelis, drummer Matt Murphy and bassist Adam Estes knew each other previously through the music industry.
“We’ve all played in other bands before American Rust,” Langeland said. “When my previous band came to an end, I reached out to them individually and asked if they wanted to start a new band with me. Needless to say, everyone got on board.”
Kevin Langeland during the recording of American Rust’s first EP. (Photo: Kevin Langeland, American Rust: Used with Permission)
American Rust is drawn to the heartland rock/Americana genre because of the subject matter of the songs.
“So much of the stuff in that world is heartfelt stories and feelings about real life,” Langeland said. “It’s very relatable, which is where a lot of that magic and power comes from.”
As the author of American Rust’s songs, Langeland said he is a bit old school in that he lets the songs do the talking.
A passion to be shared
Langeland’s passion for music began when he was young, and began writing and playing music at age 16. Another decade passed, however, before he seriously turned his focus to music.
“The thing that draws me to music the most is the ‘magic’ [or] power that a song can have,” Langeland explained. “The way it can make you feel.
“Music is my greatest passion. I can’t imagine life without it. There’s something for every mood, every situation, every expression, and it’s constantly all around me, making the ‘soundtrack of my life.’”
Being able to share his passion for music through performing is a gift – to Langeland as well as to others.
“What I enjoy the most about performing is when sharing my passion resonates with other people too,” Langeland said. “There’s something special about performing a song that people relate to, enjoy and then feed energy back because of that.”
While that connection is a vital part of why Langeland performs, there also is the joy of simply enjoying the music.
“The bands, the instrumentation, the sounds, the energy are heavily inspired by a combination of southern rock, country, blues, and that’s all the good stuff.”
Gaining momentum – and not looking back!
American Rust is gaining momentum in the music scene and has no plans to stop playing “the good stuff.”
A collection of original American Rust songs is being honed for a full-length album that Langeland hopes to begin recording in the fall. As a fairly new band, they have played only a handful of shows in the West Michigan area to date, but Langeland is continuing to pursue opportunities for the band.
“I have a few irons in the fire, and it’s our hope to continue playing and picking up traction,” Langeland said.
Listen to American Rust
Those interested in attending an American Rust show can watch for event updates on their Facebook page.
UPDATE: The deceased individual found in the Grand River near the 2000 block of Indian Mounds Drive has been tentatively identified, and his family has been notified. Additional steps are being taken to confirm his identity before his name is released.
Wyoming Police continue to investigate this discovery, which took place on June 13, 2026.
************************************************************************************************* Wyoming Police are investigating human remains found in the Grand River near the 2000 block of Indian Mounds Drive.
At approximately 6:50 p.m. on June 13, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to the 2000 block of Indian Mounds Drive on a report of a suspicious object in the river believed to be a human body. Upon arrival, officers located the remains of a deceased individual in the Grand River.
The deceased individual has been identified as an adult male. No additional information regarding his identity is being released at this time.
Wyoming Police detectives and members of the Forensic Science Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this death.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact Wyoming Police Detectives at 616-530-7300 or provide information anonymously through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345, 1-866-774-2345, or online at www.silentobserver.org.
Wyoming Police would like to thank the Grandville Fire Department and Georgetown Township Fire Department for their assistance during this incident.
The City of Wyoming is counting down to the return of its popular Concerts in the Park series, with the 2026 season kicking off June 16 at Lamar Park.
Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy free live music, food trucks and family-friendly fun on select Tuesdays throughout the summer. All concerts begin at 6 p.m. at Lamar Park and feature a variety of musical genres for audiences of all ages.
The 2026 Concerts in the Park lineup includes:
*June 16: Kanin Wren Music — Taylor Swift Experience
*June 23: American Rust — Heartland rock and Americana
*July 7: Molly — Soul music
*July 14: Brena — Popular covers
*July 21: MexiCuba — Latin music
*July 28: On The Lash — Irish traditional music
Brena to perform at the Wyoming Concerts in the Park this summer. (Photo: City of Wyoming: Used with Permission)
“Concerts in the Park has become a summer tradition that brings our community together through music, entertainment and shared experiences,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Krashawn Martin. “We are excited to offer another outstanding lineup this year and invite residents of all ages to join us at Lamar Park for evenings filled with great performances, delicious food and community connection.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating and arrive early. A variety of food trucks will be on-site at each concert.
For more information about Concerts in the Park, visit the city’s website at wyomingmi.gov/concerts or follow the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation on social media for updates.
Editor’s Note: WKTV is reposting this unique, local story in honor of George David Payne and all United States veterans.
The weeks leading up to the sinking of the USS Indianapolis during a top secret mission in WWII, 17-year-old sailor George David Payne mailed two letters home from the ship.
Some 77 years after his brother tragically died on that ship off the coast of Japan, Sparta resident David Payne still gets extremely emotional reading those last letters.
“I get choked up when I read that last letter,” said David, who never met George David. “From my understanding he was a quiet, nice kid. I’ve never heard anything bad about him.”
Below is an excerpt from one of the two final letters from George David Payne (Seaman 2nd Class):
One of the two letters Wyoming sailor George David Payne sent home just weeks before the USS Indianapolis sank off the coast of Japan on July 30, 1945. (Image: David Payne: Used with Permission)
Dear Mom, Dad and Kids,
I hope this letter finds all of you in the best of health. I feel pretty good myself.
Tell dad and all the kids I said hi. Tell Jean the same. I suppose you are having quite a time with the kids.
Tell grandma and grandpa I said hello. Boy, I’ll sure be glad when I get another leave, but I shouldn’t start thinking about a leave already.
I suppose it is pretty nice weather in Michigan now. Anyway, it should be summer. Well, I’ll have to say so long for now.
Love to all the family,
George David Payne
Tragedy strikes shortly after letters sent home
Tragically, not long after the letters were sent, torpedoes from the Japanese submarine I-58 sank the USS Indianapolis to the bottom of the Western Pacific Ocean within minutes on July 30, 1945.
Only 316 men survived
An estimated 300 men died aboard the ship, while nearly 900 sailors abandoned it, leading to several days of fighting off sharks, dehydration and injuries. Only 316 survived.
Top secret mission delivering atomic bomb components for use on Hiroshima
On a top secret mission that began in San Francisco, the Indianapolis successfully delivered atomic bomb components to Tinian Island. The components delivered were used in the atomic bomb (Little Boy) that the United States dropped on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945.
USS Indianapolis in its prime. (Photo: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Archives: Used with Permission)
“Many are familiar with Captain Quint’s retelling of the ship’s story in the 1975 film, “Jaws.” Few, however, understand the far-reaching impact of the incident and the tremendous amount of documentation and research conducted in the wake of the incident that continues to impact how the Navy operates today,” according to the Naval History and Heritage Command Communication and Outreach Division.
George David Payne is remembered by two siblings (David Payne and Suzanna Green) in a WKTV interview last summer (2022). July 30, 2026, marks the 81st anniversary of the sinking of the Indianapolis.
Siblings Jim and Cherie Payne, and mom Lillian Payne at their home: 305 Murray St., Wyoming, in 1945. (Photo: David Payne: Used with Permission)
“I wasn’t born yet when George died,” David continued. “I didn’t realize I had a brother that died in the war until I was seven. In the early fifties, there was a program on TV showing the Japanese sinking that ship and my mother Lillian started crying and said your brother was on that ship.”
While recently looking at a photo of his brother Jim, Mom Lillian and sister Cherie (dated June 20, 1945) enjoying a happy day on the front porch, David said it soon turned tragic about a month later with the death of his brother on July 30, 1945.
David said his brother George David wasn’t old enough to sign up for the war so his dad signed the necessary paperwork in 1945 to let him join the Navy.
A short stint on the ship
“He was only on that ship for two weeks,” said David, age 75, who’s lived in Sparta for over 30 years. “I had an older brother in California (Nick Alberts, from his mother’s previous marriage), and he met him out there. George stayed for Nick’s wedding in California, and then got transferred to the USS Indianapolis.”
David said Nick, a member of the Seabees in California at the time, blamed himself for George’s fate.
“My little buddy”
USS Indianapolis Seaman 2nd Class George David Payne. (Photo: Naval History and Heritage Command Archives: Used with Permission)
“He blamed himself for getting him transferred and going to the wedding,” said David, as he cried explaining the sad details. “He always called George ‘my little buddy,’ and said, ‘I can’t come home without my little buddy.’”
Because of that lingering guilt, David said his big brother Nick didn’t return home for 15 years.
“He had guilt, but did finally come home in the late fifties when I was 14 years old,” David continued. “Nick left a book on the Indianapolis with me.”
Most of the 12 siblings (seven girls, five boys) grew up on 305 Murray Street in Wyoming and attended Kelloggsville High School.
Providing after death
Many of them experienced the Great Depression. And it wasn’t lost on any family member how far George’s Navy death gratuity went to pay for their necessities.
“Our mother bought our school clothes and everything we needed from that check, it helped out our family so much,” said David, born on September 17, 1945, less than two months after the Indianapolis sank. “Both mom and dad got 20 or 30 dollars a month from George’s death.”
Gruesome shark attack stories
David Payne honoring and remembering his brother George David at a USS Indianapolis memorial in 1995 in Indy. (Photo: David Payne: Used with Permission)
During a USS Indianapolis memorial event held in Indianapolis in 1995, David learned firsthand about the tragedy from several survivors.
“Through the years, we didn’t talk about it much and we were hoping he wasn’t trapped in the ship or killed by sharks,” said David, who attended with his wife Mary and sister Suzanna Green.
“Some of the guys relayed the terrible stories, talking about sharks dragging away their friends. It must have been hell.”
He said nearly 200 sailors attended, and recalls some talking about the gruesome shark attacks.
“I remember one guy’s account saying he heard a fellow sailor’s last word’s while getting dragged off by a shark, he screamed for his mother, and David imagined his brother George screaming for mom as well, as he cried retelling his memorial experience with survivors.
“There were some terrible stories. They had to go through hell.”
A “wonderful guy”
Green said George David was “kind-hearted, and definitely cared about his country. My mother cried over his death all of her life and made sure all of us knew we had a brother George David. He was a good kid.”
Green, who also attended the 1995 Indianapolis memorial, recalls the heavy emotions of the event.
“We went there because it was in his memory,” said Green, who taught for 30 years in the Grand Rapids Public School system. “And it was very emotional when we found his name on the monument. Dave put Mary on his shoulders and she put a piece of paper up there and she scratched it with a pencil.”
A proud celebration of life and service
Siblings David, Suzanna and Margie Payne at home on 305 Murray St. in Wyoming in the late 40s. (Photo: David Payne: Used with Permission)
“It made me feel real close to the brother that I never saw,” Green continued.
“I knew him, but never saw him. I was very proud that his name was there and that he was remembered. It was a celebration of his life and his service.”
Green said their faith got her through the tragedy.
“Mom read the bible every day,” Green explained. “I love him like I grew up with him and that’s because my mother kept his memory alive.”
“We love him even though we didn’t ever get to meet him. And he still is well loved.”
Navy changes status
The Navy officially changed the status of George David and 12 other sailors lost when the Indianapolis was sunk in 1945 from “unaccounted for” to “buried at sea,” Navy Casualty announced on May 27, 2022.
The change in status is the result of extensive research between Naval History and Heritage Command, Navy Casualty Office, the USS Indianapolis Survivors Association, the USS Indianapolis Legacy Organization, and the Chief Rick Stone and Family Charitable Foundation.
The announcement helps bring closure to the families of these sailors who lost their lives at the end of a secret mission which helped end World War II.
Remembering George David through his clothing
At age 12, David found one of George’s Navy peacoats.
“I put it on and came upstairs and asked mom if I could have it,” he recalled.
His brother James would put on his Navy uniform occasionally.
A friend’s dad and Battle of the Bulge veteran from World War II, James Emanouil, age 97 at the time of the original article, used to spar with George David in the early forties at a local gym in Grand Rapids.
“I think George David wanted to join this war because of James and Nick.”
Service to the country goes way, way back
David’s fascination with genealogy led to a discovery of another young veteran from long ago. He learned that a great, great, great grandparent fought in the American Revolution at age 15, Eli Payne, Sr. His 100-year-old aunt, at the time, gave David a charcoal drawing of this relative.
Captain Charles B. McVay III
Captain Charles B. McVay III, commander of the USS Indianapolis. (Photo: Naval History and Heritage Command Archives: Used with Permission)
Per the Naval History and Heritage Command website, “Captain McVay was court-martialed in the aftermath of the sinking and found guilty of recklessly endangering his crew by failing to zig-zag, in spite of I-58 Captain Mochitsura Hashimoto’s testimony at the trial stating that such maneuvers would not have changed the outcome of his attack. The conviction effectively ruined McVay’s career. It was controversial at the time and remains so today.” (Hashimoto was the Japanese submarine commander that sank the USS Indianapolis.)
“McVay had a distinguished naval career prior to the loss of the Indianapolis. He served as Executive Officer of the USS Cleveland during the North African landings in November 1942 and earned a Silver Star for his actions aboard the same ship in the Solomon Islands in March 1943.”
After his death, McVay was exonerated by United States President Bill Clinton and the 106th Congress in 2000. Captain McVay committed suicide on November 6, 1968.
The bold paragraphs below are excerpts from survivor Captain Charles B. McVay’s detailed “Oral History – The Sinking of USS Indianapolis”
This is all documented in the Naval History and Heritage Command Archives. For a complete account of “Recollections of Captain Charles B. McVay, III,” visit here.
Captain McVay:
Commander Flynn
Executive officer [second in command on the ship] came up, Commander Flynn, and said, “We are definitely going down and I suggest that we abandon ship.” Well, knowing Flynn and having utter regard for his ability, I then said, “Pass the word to abandon ship.”
Dividing up rations floating at sea
I looked over the material that we had, the food stuffs, and told the people that I would open one Hormel tin per day. It contains 12 ounces and we would divide that evenly, and I also figured out each person could have two biscuits and two malted milk tablets, which I knew would last us about ten days.
Attacked by sharks
We had sharks, or rather they had sharks down there [in the life preserver group]. We know that because we have two survivors who were bitten by sharks and as I told this one boy in the hospital. I said, “You’d better take some castellan paint and put on that thing before it heals up because nobody will ever believe you’ve been bitten by a shark. You might as well outline the teeth mark and you will have it for the rest of your life and can say, `I know I was bitten by a shark.'”
USS Ringness to the rescue
The (USS) Ringness picked us up by radar. We had a 40 mm, empty ammunition can which I had spent a good deal of energy and time trying to get to, thinking it was an emergency ration, but we picked it up anyhow and saved it and she [Ringness] got a [radar] pip from this can.
I think we had lost probably about 15% of our weight and I was naturally so elated to get on the ship, as were the others that we didn’t turn in at all. We were given something to eat, ice cream, coffee, such as that. The doctor said, “You can eat all you want,” which most of us did. We drank quite a bit of water.
Wyoming street sweeper Carlos Ochoa was eager to share with the community about the 1,500 miles of streets he’s responsible for cleaning at the recent 15th Annual Public Works Open House last Monday.
Ochoa also talked about the valuables such as wallets and phones that he often picks up and returns to their owners.
Carlos Ochoa speaking with guests about the street sweeper. (WKTV/Lillian Reiner)
Attendees could explore a street sweeper, hydro excavator, sewer cleaner, bucket truck, plow, sign truck, and motor grader just to name a few. Beyond learning about the vehicles, families could enjoy a free hot dog and play games, as well as interactive demonstrations about stormwater runoff, maintaining sink and toilet pipes, and how to recycle old household products and gas that many do not know where to dispose.
“This is a great community event for families and anybody really, that’s interested in what we do and the services that we provide as a city,” said Jay VanDyke, Assistant Director of Wyoming Public Works. “Out of this garage we do water, sewer, and street infrastructure maintenance, as well as managing traffic signals, including the engineering components of those kinds of things.”
The Public Works Department is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repairs of streets, sidewalks, waterlines, sewer systems, traffic signals and signs, and city vehicles and equipment.
Work Zone Safety Poster Contest
Third graders from around Kent County received awards for the caution signs they designed at the Open House. In the 10th annual Work Zone Safety Poster Contest, students were tasked with creating a caution sign showcasing safety tips for motorists approaching a work zone, including no distractions, obeying flaggers and signs, and slow down/move over.
The third-grade semifinalists and finalists display their creations from the Work Zone Safety Poster Contest with Steve Roon (back left) and Jay VanDyke (back right). (WKTV/Lillian Reiner)
Steve Roon, Director of Maintenance and Local Road Construction at Kent County Road Commission, shared that this contest encourages students to think back to what they’ve learned about road safety and to be more aware of the signs when they’re driving through work zones that are full of them.The Wyoming Public Works Department has hosted the open house for 15 years, allowing community members the rare opportunity to explore and learn about the vehicles and people they see maintaining their roads and waterways everyday.
“You can look around and see hundreds of kids running around, really getting to see what we do many times for a brief second as we go by following snow or fixing a water main that’s broken in the front yard and causing a hardship,” Roon said. “They can see us maybe as community members, drivers, operators, and see what we do everyday,”
Wyoming residents Holly and Ryder Waldenmeyer saw the signs for the open house while driving by and decided to stop in and learn more.
Holly and Ryder Waldenmeyer. (WKTV/Lillian Reiner)
“Ryder is super interested in water towers, roadwork, and construction vehicles, so this was a perfect learning opportunity for him, and we thought it would be really fun to explore and see all the vehicles,” Holly said. For Ryder, the highlight of the night was being able to go inside all of the equipment that he’s never been in before.”
The bucket truck that is often used for traffic signal maintenance. (WKTV/Lillian Reiner)
This year’s National Public Works Week ran from May 17-23, with the theme “Rooted in service, powered by community,” highlighting the important role that Public Works personnel play in their local communities.
Wyoming shooting suspect Daniel Pellot. (Photo: Wyoming Police Department: Used with Permission)
By WKTV Staff
UPDATE: Wyoming Police are seeking 35-year-old Wyoming resident Daniel Jordan Pellot in connection with the shooting incident on May 12 in the 4100 block of Crooked Tree Road SW.
Pellot is not currently in police custody, and investigators are asking the public for assistance in locating him. Pellot is described as a white male, approximately 5-11, 210 pounds.
Wyoming Police ask that Pellot not be confronted. Anyone who sees him is asked to contact law enforcement immediately.
Anyone with information regarding Pellot’s whereabouts is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300, 911 (if emergeny), or report anonymously through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345, 1-866-774-2345 or online at Silent Observer.
UPDATE: The investigation has revealed that an adult male also was injured by gunfire during this shooting. The male victim suffered minor injuries and did not require hospitalization. The female victim’s condition has stabilized.
At this time, no arrests have been made in this case. Wyoming Police continue to investigate this incident and are committed to pursuing all available leads.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or report anonymously through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345, 1-866-774-2345, or online at silentobserver.org
Wyoming Police responded to reports of a shooting in the 4100 block of Crooked Tree Road SW at around 7:10 a.m. Wednesday, May 12. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female who had sustained a gunshot wound.
The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment and remains in critical condition.
At this time, no arrests have been made. Detectives from the Wyoming Police Department, along with members of the Forensic Science Unit, are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.
The Wyoming Police were assisted by the Grandville Police Department, Kentwood Police Department, Michigan State Police, and the Wyoming Fire Department.
Local voters passed Special Election proposals for both Kentwood Public Schools and Wyoming Public Schools on Tuesday, May 5.
Kentwood Public Schools: Bond Proposal Results The Kentwood Public Schools Bond Proposal passed 3,980 (56.21%) votes to 3,101.
The Proposal: Shall Kentwood Public Schools, Kent County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed One Hundred Twenty-Five Million Three Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($125,330,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of: acquiring, erecting, completing and remodeling school buildings, facilities and additions to school buildings and facilities, including school safety and security improvements; equipping, re-equipping, furnishing and refurnishing school buildings and facilities; acquiring and installing instructional technology; purchasing school buses; and acquiring, preparing, developing, improving and equipping athletic fields, play fields, playgrounds, structures, facilities and sites?
The following is for informational purposes only: The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2026 is 0.50 mill ($0.50 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a 0.50 mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is thirty (30) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 1.34 mills ($1.34 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation).
(Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)
Wyoming Public Schools: Operating Millage Proposal Results The Wyoming Public Schools Operating Millage Proposal won 1,841 votes to 1,043. Yes votes won 66.83 percent of the votes.
The Proposal: This proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance. The remaining 4 mills are only available to be levied to restore millage lost as a reduction required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and will only be levied to the extent necessary to restore that reduction.
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Wyoming Public Schools, Kent County, Michigan, be increased by 22 mills ($22.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 10 years, 2027 to 2036, inclusive, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027 is approximately $10,341,000?
It was a celebration of character last Friday at Wyoming High School as the school community came together for the Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character assembly.
The Wyoming High School Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character assembly takes place twice a year, in the fall and spring, and recognizes students in all four grades for kindness, compassion and leadership. Two students in each class are chosen by their fellow students and staff to receive the awards at a school-wide assembly.
A Wyoming High School Alpha Wolf 11 is defined as any of the 1,200 students who try and make a conscientious effort to make others feel they are valued for the right reasons, in the best way possible. It is a recognition of not how good someone is at some things like grades, sports or extracurricular activities, but it’s strictly on how the student treats others.
This spring’s Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character honorees include, from the freshmen class, Axel Arevalo Baires and Shaynie Williams, sophomores Jessica Arellano-Cisneros and Jackson Bisard, juniors Uriel Diaz and Yaretzi Martinez-Maldonado and seniors Gegni Yaretzi-Martinez and Salena Truong.
Wyoming High School held its Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character assembly on May 1, 2026. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
“Alpha Wolf 11 is one of our points of pride in Wyoming,” said Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra, “because it’s about being a good human being. It’s not about being a 4.0 student or being the star athlete. Certainly, all of that’s important and we celebrate that too, but this is a celebration of just being a great person, and how staff pours into our kids and how kids treat each other certainly in our school, but then we’re preparing them to be a great human being beyond high school as well.
“So as they go off into the work force, into the military or off to college, it’s how they treat others and make situations better by their involvement and their actions and their decisions.”
This spring’s Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character assembly was a little extra special. Not only did the event include a special guest speaker in University of Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, but it was also the 11th year of the program that began in 2016. Chambliss also was inducted as an honorary Alpha Wolf 11.
Ole Miss quarterback and Forest Hills Northern graduate Trinidad Chambliss speaks at Wyoming High School’s Alpha Wolf 11 celebration. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
The Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character program has its roots modeled after a similar program that began at Grandville High School. The Grandville program is named the Ryan Fischer Be an 11 program. It was named after former Grandville student and three-sport athlete Ryan Fisher who died suddenly of a heart condition in 2014.
The 11 stands for students going above and beyond being a 10. To encourage students to do the little things in character, encouraging them to go above and beyond the standard 10 level of performance to become an 11. Fischer exemplified those qualities as a student at Grandville and was the inspiration for the award. During Friday’s assembly at Wyoming a tribute video of Fischer was played. The video included the moving story that WOOD TV Sports Director Jack Doles produced about the life and legacy of Fischer that aired in 2014. Fischer’s parents also were on hand for the Alpha Wolf 11 assembly and were recognized.
Two teachers also were honored as Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character at the event; Morgann Sacks and Jacob Newhouse.
“It’s a big celebration and it’s great to see the community coming back together,” Hoekstra said, “because where it’s a Wyoming Public Schools initiative it goes far beyond the city of Wyoming because there’s been many partners and supporters of this program that have truly poured into our kids and our staff here.”
Get ready for days filled with rides, games, delicious food, and fun for all ages at the upcoming Wyoming Carnival.
Whether you’re in it for the thrills or just the snacks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the Wyoming Carnival from April 29 through May 3 at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.
Hours of Operation: Wednesday and Thursday: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Friday: 2 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday: Noon to 8:30 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m.
Entry is free, but unlimited ride wristbands are available every day.
Prices: Wednesday and Thursday: $25 Friday and Saturday: $30 Sunday: $25
The City of Wyoming today announced an odd/even outdoor water restriction for residents and businesses on the City’s water system that begins May 1 and extends through June 15.
The restriction does not affect water used for drinking and bathing purposes. It limits when residents and businesses can water lawns, landscaping and fill pools to minimize the burden on the city’s water treatment plant during construction of the third transmission main.
Under the restriction, outdoor watering is allowed on odd days for municipal water customers with an address that ends in an odd number. For example, an address of 611 can water on the first, third, fifth, seventh, etc. day of the month. For properties with an even address – for example, 610 – outdoor watering is allowed on the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, etc. day of the month.
Odd/even outdoor water restrictions apply to residents and businesses on the City of Wyoming water system. This includes the following communities:
City of Wyoming
Olive Township (additional restrictions may apply, check with your municipality)
Blendon Township (additional restrictions may apply, check with your municipality)
Holland Township
Georgetown Township (additional restrictions may apply, check with your municipality)
Jamestown Township
Gaines Township
Byron Township
City of Hudsonville
City of Grandville
Western portion of the City of Kentwood
Municipal leaders ask for the community’s support of the outdoor water use restriction during construction which will increase capacity and reliability. In this interim, compliance with the restriction will help avoid an outright ban for everyone on outdoor irrigation.
Water customers can learn more and see if they’re on the City’s water system at wyomingmi.gov/watering or Check Here.
A Special Election will be held Tuesday, May 5, to vote on two local school district proposals: Kentwood Public Schools and Wyoming Public Schools. Read the proposals below.
For more information on where and how to vote, click HERE.
Kentwood Public Schools: Bond Proposal
Shall Kentwood Public Schools, Kent County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed One Hundred Twenty-Five Million Three Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($125,330,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of: acquiring, erecting, completing and remodeling school buildings, facilities and additions to school buildings and facilities, including school safety and security improvements; equipping, re-equipping, furnishing and refurnishing school buildings and facilities; acquiring and installing instructional technology; purchasing school buses; and acquiring, preparing, developing, improving and equipping athletic fields, play fields, playgrounds, structures, facilities and sites?
The following is for informational purposes only: The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2026 is 0.50 mill ($0.50 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a 0.50 mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is thirty (30) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 1.34 mills ($1.34 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation).
(Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)
Wyoming Public Schools: Operating Millage Proposal
This proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance. The remaining 4 mills are only available to be levied to restore millage lost as a reduction required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and will only be levied to the extent necessary to restore that reduction.
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Wyoming Public Schools, Kent County, Michigan, be increased by 22 mills ($22.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 10 years, 2027 to 2036, inclusive, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027 is approximately $10,341,000?
The Godwin Mercado Farmers Market, presented by University of Michigan Health-West, will kick off its first season beginning Sunday, May 3, through October 25. The market will run on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering residents access to fresh, locally sourced goods, prepared foods, and community activities.
The opening day will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including farmers market bingo, yard games, and a visit from the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum’s Kids Can! Van. Attendees also can take advantage of free blood pressure checks provided by UM Health-West.
A selection of food trucks will be on-site for the opening day, including Casa de los Abuelos, PizzaMI, and Runyon Roasts. Casa de los Abuelos will also serve as a seasonal food truck throughout the market season, offering favorites such as tacos, pupusas, burritos, quesadillas, and asada fries.
Godwin Mercado. (WKTV/Deborah Reed)
The market will feature a diverse lineup of seasonal vendors, including:
DADS Treats – Homemade dog treats made with human-grade ingredients and no additives or preservatives
Daily Dough LLC – Sourdough bread, cookies, and scones
Joe’s Happy Acres Farm – Pasture-raised eggs, chicken, turkey (seasonal), and grass-finished beef, goat, and lamb
Mixed Bag Farm – Vegetable and herb plants, flowers, and a wide variety of fresh produce
The Pease Family Farm – Beef, lamb, and eggs
Mini Delights LLC – Cookies, cupcakes, pies, banana pudding, brownies, and cheesecake cups
Boeket LLC – Fresh-cut flowers
Phoenician Spice Company – Spices, sauces, pita chips, za’atar, and olive oil
The Great Bread Company – Artisan breads, pastries, and baked goods
Mike and Beth’s Nature Portraits – Wildlife and nature photography
Kate Lewis Ceramics – Handmade pottery including mugs, bowls, plates, and decorative items
The Godwin Mercado Farmers Market continues to serve as a vibrant community gathering space, supporting local farmers, artisans, and small businesses while promoting healthy living and community connection.
Please note the market will be closed on the following dates: May 24, July 5, and September 6.
Wyoming Godwin Mercado. (WKTV/Deborah Reed)
For more information about the market, vendor opportunities, rentals or weekly updates, please visit godwinmercado.com or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/godwinmercado.
RiverTown Crossings is hosting a free community Bike Rodeo designed to help kids learn safe riding skills through hands-on activities and expert guidance. Families are invited to bring their bikes for safety checks, helmet fittings, tips from local law enforcement and a fun obstacle course.
Raffles and giveaways will take place throughout the event.
This FREE community event promotes youth bike safety while offering families an engaging and educational morning together.
When and Where: 10 a.m. to Noon, Saturday, April 25 Macy’s Parking Lot at RiverTown Crossings, Grandville
RiverTown Crossings Bike Rodeo. (Photo: RiverTown Crossings: Used with Permission)
Hosted by the Grandville Police Department, Wyoming Police Department, Walker Police Department and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.
The name Flowerland has been synonymous with “garden center” and “personalized service” in the greater Grand Rapids area for the past 77 years. The Flowerland reputation and service remains intact, just within two locations instead of its previous three.
On July 3, 2025, Flowerland owners Steve Harkema and sister Sue Jeurink closed the doors of its Wyoming location – the garden center’s place of origin.
“The Wyoming store was a special place because it evolved from there, and there’s a sadness to that,” said Flowerland Project Manager Bev Harkema.
Check out this Cool Slideshow of Flowerland History
Flowerland 1966. (Photo: Flowerland: Used with Permission)
Flowerland 1957. (Photo: Flowerland: Used with Permission)
Flowerland 1967. (Photo: Flowerland: Used with Permission)
Flowerland 1967. (Photo: Flowerland: Used with Permission)
Flowerland Ad in Grand Rapids Press 1957. (Photo: Flowerland: Used with Permission)
This is a view of Clyde Park Avenue looking south towards old Beals Road (28th Street) with the buggy turning in where Fruit Basket Flowerland will be some day. The exact year of this photo is unknown. (Photo: Wyoming Historical Commission: Used with Permission)
1987 Founder’s Day Sale. Current leadership team began working at Flowerland during this time. (Photo: Flowerland: Used with Permission)
1968 28th St. and Clyde Park. (Photo: Flowerland: Used with Permission)
1967 New Flowerland Building. (Photo: Flowerland: Used with Permission)
1957 Flowerland Advertisement. (Photo: Flowerland: Used with Permission)
1942 28th Street and Clyde Park. (Photo: Flowerland: Used with Permission)
Flowerland building April 2026. (WKTV/Deborah Reed)
Flowerland building April 2026. (WKTV/Deborah Reed)
Harkema, along with her husband Steve (CEO) and his sister Sue, joined Flowerland during their teenage years. They served in various roles and now provide essential leadership as the business moves toward its eighth decade of service.
“The other two stores are still there with the same great quality selection,” Harkema said. “The business is still strong, just existing in the two locations instead.”
Humble beginnings
Considered Grand Rapids’ destination garden center since 1949, Flowerland began as a simple fruit stand.
A descendant of Netherland gardeners, Jacob Tuinstra made his living by selling fresh produce door-to-door at nearby homes. The business grew quickly when Tuinstra’s children, Doris and Bob, joined him after returning from service in World War II. Before long, the family was selling plants as well as produce.
They incorporated in 1949 and opened their first store, bearing the name “Market Basket” and then “Your Fruit Basket,” on the northeast corner of Clyde Park and 28th Street, formerly known as the Abram J. Longstreet farm.
Wyoming farmland was quickly replaced with homes and businesses as people moved to areas outside the city of Grand Rapids. The Tuinstra’s garden center grew rapidly in notoriety due to floral shows, extensive Christmas displays, arts and crafts, home decor and patio furniture featured alongside the center’s garden supplies and plants.
To reflect its expanded offerings, the store changed their name to “Fruit Basket Gardens” in 1960.
As the store continued to flourish, out-of-state visitors became a regular occurrence. It is not surprising that construction on a new and larger store began in 1966.
Upon being labeled a “department store-type garden center” in a 1967 Grand Rapids Press article, the store changed its name once again to “Fruit Basket Flowerland” to better encompass the range of offered products.
1967 New Flowerland Building. (Photo: Flowerland: Used with Permission)
Sid Harkema joined the business in 1953 as a part-time sales clerk, then inhabited the role of nursery buyer. He eventually became CEO and Chairman of the Board where his ability to predict future growth led him to acquire property on Alpine Avenue (1973) and 28th Street in Kentwood (1979) well before they became bustling commercial areas.
Flowerland Show on WOOD Radio
Similarly, Rick Vuyst worked part time at the business as a teenager, later becoming CEO. In 1993, Vuyst and Hank Prins created the Flowerland Show on WOOD Radio, where they emphasized plant knowledge and gardening expertise. The award-winning show ran until Rick’s retirement in 2022.
Eventually, “Fruit Basket Flowerland” was shortened to “Flowerland,” but its reputation for customer service and ability to solve customers’ plant problems only continued to increase.
A logistical shift
Harkema says that the closing of the Wyoming store has prompted community members to cite demographics and its location in an older part of town as the reason.
“It’s not like that at all,” Harkema said. “It’s not because of the demographics of the community or anything like that; it’s just simple logistics.”
As the Wyoming location decreased in activity and the Kentwood and Alpine stores gained more business than staff could comfortably manage, Flowerland executives began searching for the reason why.
Flowerland building April 2026. (WKTV/Deborah Reed)
It wasn’t long before they realized customers from Holland, Hudsonville and Byron Center areas favored the larger selections at the Kentwood store located a mere six miles from the Wyoming location.
“When you’re going to buy perennials, you’d rather have 250 varieties, not just 100,” Harkema said.
Unable to justify the labor needed to keep the Wyoming location open while the other two stores were hard-pressed to keep up with increased traffic and demand, Harkema said, “it just makes sense” to close that location and concentrate efforts on the larger stores.
Beating the odds
Area integration of big-box stores have presented another challenge for the independently owned business, but Flowerland continues to thrive. Bev Harkema attributes their long-term success to the personal service, knowledgeable staff and selection of plants and flowers not offered at retail chains.
“Service is a big one because we have knowledgeable sales staff back from the days of the Plant Doctor (Tuinstra) who had his little booth, and now you have a desk at the different departments where people can get information,” Harkema said.
While good information can be found on the internet, Harkema said many people want the West Michigan-relevant product selection and personalized knowledge found with in-person interactions at Flowerland.
“We’ve got long-time people with so much knowledge specific to this area as opposed to trying to weed through the Internet,” Harkema explained. “That’s something that we offer that you can’t get somewhere else.”
Flowerland also is set apart from retail chains because they sell flower varieties that do not make the bestseller list and are hard to find elsewhere.
“Box stores sell the best sellers, that’s just what they do,” Harkema said. “We have varieties that aren’t best sellers. Maybe you only have 12 of them the whole year, but if you want that one, you can find it or you could order it.”
Happy nostalgia
The retention of Flowerland customers and employees throughout generations is a testament to the atmosphere of care cultivated throughout the better part of a century.
“We have a number of long-term employees,” Harkema said. “Everybody who was at the Wyoming store got transferred to the other stores if they wanted to. It’s kind of fun because they’ll see the customers who used to shop at Wyoming come to the other stores, and they still have those connections.”
Nostalgic stories of patrons’ first exposure to gardening with Flowerland and generational visits with family members are one of Harkema’s favorite parts of the business and attests to the positive impact Flowerland has made in the community throughout the years.
Harkema said she hopes the former Wyoming Flowerland property sells to a reputable commercial business that can contribute to the area’s needs.
Continuing to nurture community
Open year-round, Flowerland offers a diverse selection of resources, plants and products for plant lovers. Learn more about Flowerland resources and products here.
As Flowerland owners concentrate efforts on the two remaining larger locations, they are dedicated to continued high-quality shopping experiences for their customers and support for the local community through their Flowerland Perks program. Click here to learn more.
Cleaning up your house and property? Drop off your unwanted items, scrap metals and more. Best of all? It’s FREE for Wyoming residents!
The event opens to traffic at 8 a.m. Make sure to arrive in line by 1:30 p.m. Though our volunteers enjoy helping the community, we need to end the event and clean up the site.
Saturday, April 18 Opens at 8 a.m. (Must be in line by 1:30 p.m.) Household hazardous waste disposal will not be offered this year. Grand Rapids First 2100 44th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49519 View the map (pdf)
Help keep everyone safe and moving by entering the right lane of eastbound 44th Street SW to enter the line. Once in line, follow the directions to the northeast entrance off 44th Street SW.
Wyoming Residents – Bring Proof of Residency
Make sure to bring proof of residency with you. We’ll need one of the following items showing your Wyoming address:
Photo ID
Utility or credit card statement within the last 90 days
Bank statement from the last 90 days
Mortgage, lease, or rental agreement
Insurance policy
Federal, state, or local government-issued license
Michigan vehicle registration.
Specialty Items
We cover the entire cost of the disposal apart from a couple of specialty items. We charge a fee for the disposal of these items because of an increased cost on our end:
Whole tires are $12 each
Mattresses or box springs are $22 each
Tube Televisions 27 in. or smaller $20
Tube Televisions 28 in. or larger $40
Cash and Card Accepted.
Items Not Accepted
We are happy to help neighbors with their spring cleaning, but there are some items we don’t accept. Avoid bringing the following items:
One person was seriously injured after being struck by a train Monday near the 5800 block of Clay Avenue SW in Wyoming.
At approximately 12:05 p.m., members of the Wyoming Police and Fire Departments responded to the railroad tracks directly east of the 5800 block of Clay Avenue SW on a report of a pedestrian struck by a train. Upon arrival, first responders located an adult male suffering from serious injuries.
Public safety personnel provided medical aid at the scene before the male was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in serious condition. At this time, it is unknown why the male was on the railroad tracks.
Rail traffic in the area was temporarily shut down while the Wyoming Police Department investigated the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
The Wyoming Fire Department has named Larry Moore as its new deputy fire chief.
In this role, Moore will oversee daily operations, support strategic initiatives, and continue to foster a culture of professionalism, safety, and service within the Wyoming Fire Department.
“This promotion reflects not only years of dedication and service, but also a deep commitment to leadership and continuous growth,” said Fire Chief Dennis VanTassell. “His experience across multiple departments, combined with his proven leadership here in Wyoming, makes him exceptionally well- suited to serve as our Deputy Fire Chief. I am confident he will continue to play a vital role in advancing our department and serving our community.”
Moore brings nearly three decades of experience in fire service, beginning in 1997 as an on-call firefighter with Alamo Township. In 2005, he began his full-time career with Cascade Township and went on to serve with Kalamazoo Township and the City of Portage before joining the Wyoming Fire Department.
Since joining Wyoming, he has advanced through the ranks, serving as firefighter, equipment operator, and battalion chief.
Moore holds a bachelor’s degree in applied science and a master’s degree in organizational leadership.
Check out our WKTV video of the Lemery Park Invasive Species Workday conducted by the Kent Conservation District and Friends of Buck Creek on March 7.
The goal of the Workday was to control the infestation of invasive shrubs and trees along the creek to improve wildlife habitat.
Four invasive species were specifically targeted: *Bittersweet (vine) *Honeysuckle (bush) *Buckthorn (shrub) *Multiflora Rose (shrub)
The Kent Conservation District and Friends of Buck Creek held an Invasive Species Workday on March 7 at Lemery Park. (WKTV/Owen Herzenstiel)
The Friends of Buck Creek’s Mission is: “To protect and restore the health of the Buck Creek watershed through community education, hands-on stewardship, monitoring and local advocacy.” For more information on the Friends of Buck Creek, click HERE. Also check out the Kent Conservation District.
Invasive Species Workday on March 7 at Lemery Park. (WKTV/Owen Herzenstiel)
Godwin Mercado’s first farmers market season will open Sunday, May 3, with University of Michigan Health-West serving as the presenting sponsor.
“We’re excited to support the Godwin Mercado Farmers Market in its first season,” says Katie Hubbard, U-M Health Regional Community Engagement Manager. “This sponsorship allows us to continue encouraging access to fresh food while supporting a market built for the Wyoming community.”
Located at 301 36th St. SW in Wyoming, the Godwin Mercado Farmers Market will offer fresh, locally grown produce every Sunday (May-October) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Godwin Mercado. (WKTV/Deborah Reed)
These market days will help fill key gaps in the area’s food system, helping support the well-being of residents throughout the entire Wyoming community. By featuring local farmers, food producers and vendors, Godwin Mercado highlights and celebrates the diverse cultures found in Wyoming.
“This relationship reflects what Godwin Mercado was created to do: bring people together around fresh food and community,” says Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Director of Parks and Recreation.
“University of Michigan Health-West’s support helps make the farmers market a place that’s welcoming and focused on healthy living.”
As part of the collaboration, UM Health-West will end the Thursday farmers market previously held on its campus.
Godwin Mercado. (WKTV/Deborah Reed)
Farmers market details
Interested Godwin Mercado farmers market vendors can sign up to participate weekly or for the entire market season via a vendor application.
Additional farmers market opening day details can be found here.
Community-focused events
Managed and programmed by the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department, Godwin Mercado provides year-round usage opportunities to local vendors, seasonal farm and artisan markets, food trucks, community events and private events.
Godwin Mercado. (WKTV/Deborah Reed)
Since its grand opening on Aug. 16, 2025, Godwin Mercado has hosted a variety of community events, such as Wyoming’s Winter Wonderland and Holiday Artisan Market in December and two Flea Markets in January.
Book lovers of all ages can browse tables of new and gently used books at the first Godwin Mercado Book Market on Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m – 2 p.m.
The City of Wyoming welcomes everyone to come and experience community, connections and fun at Godwin Mercado.
Three dogs died and one was rescued as the Wyoming Fire Department extinguished a house fire in sub-zero temperatures at 3:45 a.m. Friday at 2048 Flossie Ave. SW.
The first arriving fire units observed significant fire coming from the back of the house. All occupants were quickly accounted for; however four family dogs were still missing. While the fire department was extinguishing the fire, one dog was rescued and survived. Sadly, the three other dogs did not survive the fire. No other injuries were reported.
Neighbor called 911 after seeing flames
The fire department was notified of this house fire due to the actions of an observant neighbor who saw smoke and flames emanating from the rear of house. Their ability to notify 911 ensured a timely response from the fire department and quick extinguishment of the fire.
The Wyoming Fire Department would like to thank the partners involved with this fire including the Wyoming Police Department, Grandville Fire Department, Life EMS, DTE, Consumers Energy and The Red Cross.
The Fire Prevention Office would like to remind residents during this recent snowfall and cold temperatures keeping at least a three-foot clearance around fire hydrants will help firefighters gain easy access.
This fire is currently under investigation. Anyone with additional information regarding the fire is asked to contact the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office at 616-257-9764.
Kip Snyder was sworn in as the next Chief for the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
In his role, Chief Snyder will lead a team of nearly 167 full-time sworn and civilian personnel from both the police and fire department. Snyder will serve in this role until his retirement in 2027.
Snyder has dedicated his career to law enforcement and public safety, serving the City of Wyoming in a wide range of roles. He began his career as a patrol officer, where he developed a strong foundation in community-focused policing. He later served as a K9 handler and vice detective, gaining specialized experience in enforcement, investigations and proactive policing.
“Deputy Chief Snyder has been an exceptional and instrumental member of our public safety team.” said Wyoming City Manager John Shay. “He has gone above and beyond in his various positions, and I believe is a role model and trusted figure for our residents.
“We look forward to seeing him lead our public safety team in its ongoing mission to protect and to serve our community.”
Snyder served as sergeant, overseeing both patrol and support services, followed by lieutenant responsible for patrol and administrative services. He later was promoted to captain of police services, where he provided strategic oversight of departmental operations, and most recently served as deputy director, playing a critical role in executive leadership, organizational development, and long-term planning for both the police and fire departments.
Throughout his career, Snyder has led or helped establish several impactful initiatives designed to strengthen both employee wellness and operational effectiveness. These efforts include the creation of the peer support team, cadet program, and use of force cadre, as well as the development of the department’s K9 program and Community Services Unit (CSU). In addition, Snyder played a key role in developing succession planning within the Wyoming Fire Department, ensuring continuity of leadership and operational readiness.
Snyder’s service and dedication have been recognized through multiple honors, including a Life Saving Award, the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence, and numerous commendations throughout his career. Snyder has completed extensive executive-level training, including FBI-LEEDA, the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the Grand Rapids Leadership Institute, and the FBI National Academy class 236.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration, also from Ferris State University.
Snyder resides in Hudsonville with his wife Jill. He also has four adult children – daughters Elizabeth and Roda and sons Christian and Joshua and daughter-in-law Katelyn.
Snyder replaces Chief Kimberly Koster, who retired in early January.
The City of Wyoming has approximately 250 miles or 600 lane-miles of streets. The most efficient way to manage snow and ice removal on these streets is to prioritize the streets according to their use.
First Priority: These are the major streets which carry the most traffic and have the highest speed limits. They are plowed and salted frequently so as to keep them as snow and ice free as possible.
Second Priority: These are the collector streets which have lower traffic volumes and lower speed limits. They are dispersed throughout residential neighborhoods such that everyone is within a reasonable distance from either a first or second priority street. These streets are plowed and spot-salted regularly but not as often as the major streets.
Third Priority: These are the remaining residential streets and culs-de-sac. They are plowed when the snow depth reached four inches, either from a storm event or snow accumulation. Our goal is to complete the plowing of all streets within 24-hours of a four-inch or greater storm.
Odd-Even Winter Parking Restrictions
Help keep our streets clear of snow this winter and avoid parking tickets by following the odd-even parking ordinance! The ordinance – in effect Dec. 1 through March 31 – requires people to alternate the side of the street they park on between 12 a.m. and 6 p.m. That’s so plows can keep both sides of the street clear of snow. It helps to keep roadways clear and accessible for you, snowplows, and emergency vehicles during the winter. Odd-even parking fines are $30 per violation received.
Odd-Even Parking at a Glance
No Parking Signs: Regardless of odd-even status, parking is never permitted in designated “No Parking” zones.
Helpful Tip: Between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m., make sure to move your vehicle to the side of the road matching the next day’s date.
Dates and Times: No parking on alternating sides of the street from midnight to 6 p.m., December 1 until March 31.
Snow or No Snow: This ordinance is enforceable even when there is no snow.
Odd Dates: On odd dates, park on the side of the street with odd addresses – those that end with 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9.
Even Dates: On even dates, park on the side of the street with even addresses – those that end with 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8.
Cul-De-Sacs: In a cul-de-sac, you may only park on the street on even-numbered calendar days.
Wyoming Police responded to a report of a person threatening construction workers with a rifle in the 4300 block of Thorndyke Ave SW (Courtesy, Wyoming Police Department)
One person is in custody after threatening construction contractors working on a neighboring house with a rifle and then barricading himself inside his residence.
On Dec. 21, 2025, at around 5:30 p.m., Wyoming Police responded to a report of a person threatening construction workers with a rifle in the 4300 block of Thorndyke Ave SW. While officers were on their way, the caller updated them, stating that a shot had been fired and the suspect had gone back into his home. After several hours of negotiations, the 60-year-old male suspect exited the house and was arrested without any further issues. No one was injured during the incident.
Wyoming Police Detectives and Forensic Services Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police Detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
The City of Wyoming has named Nicole Hofert as its new Deputy City Manager.
In this role, Hofert will oversee a variety of City functions. She will also be responsible for directing and monitoring City projects, acting as liaison between the city manager and department heads, community groups, boards and designated government agencies.
“Nicole will bring a diverse skill set to this role that will help us continue to grow as an organization that serves our whole community,” said City Manager John Shay. “Her experience here at the City has prepared her to lead us into the future and work seamlessly with our staff and community partners.
“We look forward to her leadership as we face challenges and opportunities together.”
Bringing progressive experience
Hofert brings 11 years of progressive experience in planning and economic development and strong management experience.
She most recently served as Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Wyoming, where she was responsible for overseeing and implementing the City’s master plan, Wyoming [re]Imagined. Prior to her seven-year career with the City of Wyoming, Hofert worked with architecture and planning firms supporting municipal projects for a variety of clients.
Hofert is a certified planner and a member of the American Planning Association. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Case Western University and a master’s degree in city design and social science from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
