The Godfrey-Lee Legends at practice in 2021. (WKTV)
By Zach Fanko, WKTV Conributing Writer
Featuring a strong rushing attack and an opportunistic defense, the Mendon Hornets jumped ahead early and never looked back in a 76-12 victory over Godfrey-Lee in 8-player action on Thursday.
Ground and pound for Mendon
Mendon ran it early and often against the Legends to the tune of 444 yards on 31 carries. Hornets running back Jack McCaw was the largest beneficiary with 210 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.
Mendon coach Robert Kretschman said it all starts up front.
“Being able to control the line of scrimmage was key for us,” Kretschman said. “That’s our M.O., ground and pound and playing solid defense.”
The Hornets completed just one pass on three attempts, an 81-yard touchdown from quarterback Luke Schinker to tight end Gabe Haigh.
Turnovers end promising drives for Lee
Godfrey-Lee had several promising drives early. One of which ended in a touchdown pass for quarterback Anthony Block, making his first start of the season after missing last week’s game due to injury. Three other drives ended in interceptions.
(Image courtesy of Godfrey-Lee)
“We sustained drives in the first half,” Lee coach Lamar Marshall said. “The drive killers got us, those interceptions ended some good looking drives.”
After a strong game last week, running back Elijah Beckwith added 88 yards on the ground including a 50-yard rushing touchdown.
Mendon (1-1) hosts Bridgman on September 9 at 7 p.m., while Godfrey-Lee (0-2) hosts New Buffalo September 9 at 7 p.m.
Send us your live game photos
We are always looking for great football game photos to post with our WKTV Journal stories on Friday nights. Please email your cool game night football pix to greer@wktv.org.
WKTV Game of the Week
Our Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. Watch at home on your Smart TV in brilliant HD.
Ionia senior Ethan Bowen made the most of his first varsity start at quarterback as he threw two touchdowns and ran for two more in the Bulldogs 44-8 win over home team Kelloggsville Thursday.
Bowen, who filled in for the injured Travis Tucker, Jr., had 101 yards in the air and 82 on the ground.
“He’s one of our captains, a wide receiver and the backup quarterback,” said Ionia coach Chad Rhynard, whose team improved to 1-1. “He did a great job and the kids rallied behind him tonight. I was surprised, but not really surprised. He’s a great leader for us and does what we ask of him.
“I think he was pretty excited for the opportunity.”
Rhynard said once they took a 14-0 lead his team settled in offensively.
“I was happy with the way we ground it out,” said Ryhnard, whose Bulldogs led 28-8 at the half. “We want to possess the ball and gain first downs. Overall, not too many complaints for us.”
Receiver Mason Doty scored two touchdowns for 88 yards total.
Kelloggsville coach Brandon Branch said his team came out and played hard all night long.
“Their mentality, aggressiveness and willingness was all there,” said Branch, whose Rockets fell to 0-2. “Early on, our defense held tough. We fumbled on our first possession and our defense stopped them. If we capitalized on the first two drives it could have gone a different way.
“I’m proud of their effort; they played together and they got after it.”
Cam Townsend scored the lone touchdown for Kelloggsville in the first quarter on an 80-yard pass from senior quarterback Zach Zerfas. Townsend led with 113 yards receiving on four catches.
Despite Kelloggsville’s offensive struggles, Zerfas ended up with 188 yards passing. As a junior last year, Zerfas passed for over 2,400 yards and threw 24 touchdowns.
Send us your live game photos
We are always looking for great football game photos to post with our WKTV Journal stories on Friday nights. Please email your cool game night football pix to greer@wktv.org
WKTV Game of the Week
Our Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. Watch at home on your Smart TV in brilliant HD.
Senior quarterback Jamarion Collins led the Wolverines with five touchdowns. (WKTV)
By Zach Fanko, WKTV Contributing Writer and Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
Godwin Heights kicked off the 2022 campaign in style as senior QB Jamarion Collins showcased his dual-threat ability in a 44-6 win over Muskegon Heights.
Collins showcases versatility with 5 TDs
While this wasn’t the first start of his career, after filling in for an injured starter last year, this year marked Collins first as the undisputed leader of the offense. With 3 TDs on the ground, as well as 2 through the air, Collins utilized his array of weapons on offense.
Godwin Heights won its opener over Muskegon Heights Friday. (WKTV)
Wolverines coach Brandon Kimble was impressed with his signal caller.
“He led our offense well and controlled the game,” Kimble said. “He had some experience from last season, but with this being his first season coming in as the starter he played very well.”
Godwin Heights receivers Tellios Moore and Rashaad Dorsey added one touchdown each, while running back Elijah True found pay dirt on the ground.
Kimble named head coach before season
Despite having to take over for previous head coach Sydeon Harvey right before the season, the transition for Kimble wasn’t as difficult as it could have been. The former head coach, defensive coordinator and current athletic director leaned on his past experience.
“Thankfully, I’ve known all of our players since middle school,” Kimble said. “So the transition was, I don’t want to say seamless, but a little less of a headache.”
Inexperience a factor for Muskegon Heights
Missed tackles on defense hurt the Tigers as coach Robert Brown attributed the struggles in that area to a lack of experience.
“Godwin looked crisp and sharp, and they executed well,” Brown said. “We’re a young team and it showed with multiple missed tackles.
“We did the best we could and we will be okay as the year goes on.”
With no game next week for Godwin Heights, the Wolverines prepare for a Week 3 matchup with Hopkins.
For all the Wyoming/Kentwood area football scores, click here
Send us your live game photos
We are always looking for great football game photos to post with our WKTV Journal stories on Friday nights. Please email your cool game night football pix to greer@wktv.org
WKTV Game of the Week
Our Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. Watch at home on your Smart TV in brilliant HD.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The 17th annual Metro Cruise gets underway today with participants able to visit two locations that bookend the 28th Street experience.
The main stage remains at Rogers Plaza, which will be a buzz of activity for both days. This year, Woodland Mall in Kentwood will be the second location, which will be packed with activities and classic cars.
Of course, the best way to check out the action, is to snag a 28th Street Metro Cruise Official Program, which is available online or purchase a hardcopy at the event. Activities at both locations start on Friday and run through 9 p.m. and then
To help you make plans, here are some highlights you won’t want to miss.
At the Rogers Plaza Main Event, there will be free shuttle service provided by The Rapid. Attendees can park at the Wyoming High School, 1350 Prairie Parkway SW, or the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW, to catch a ride to the main stage.
On Friday, the Wyoming High School marching band will perform at 5:30 p.m. Of course, classic car corridor official opens as well.
On Saturday, there will be several events taking place. The final 10 contests for the Miss Metro Cruise will compete for the 2022 title at 3 p.m.
The popular DreamWheels production, produced by WKTV, will be filming at 7 p.m. at the east end of the Rogers Plaza parking lot.
Also, while in the area, make sure to head down to the GM Components Holding, LLC, 2100 Burlingame Ave. SW, where there will be a car show featuring the Futurliner, children’s activities, plant tours and a job fair.
At the Woodland Mall stage, the largest West Michigan Antique Fire Truck Display will be taking place most of Friday along with music, children’s activities and classic car corridor.
Saturday, the music and fun continues at the Woodland Mall with the official cruise time set for 4 p.m.
Near Woodland Mall, Berger Chevrolet will be hosting an all GM show from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A file photo of the Kelloggsville High School football team practicing last season. (WKTV)
By Zach Fanko, WKTV Contributing Writer
If there ever was a perfect way to start a season, Owosso found it.
Sophomore halfback Hoyt Patrick ran the opening kickoff to paydirt in a 42-18 victory over Kelloggsville on the Rockets home field.
Owosso had not one, but two kickoff returns for touchdowns as junior Daniel Wittum made the other house call.
Lots of “D”
Special teams wasn’t the only part of the game clicking for the Trojans, however, as their defense came up with two fumble recoveries and an interception on a 2-point try by the Rockets. Patrick led the way with 7 tackles, a sack (one of 5 sacks on the night for Owosso) and a forced fumble.
Trojans Coach Ron Tyner, in his first year leading the program after 11 years coaching college football, outlined how important it was to win the turnover battle.
“Both sides of the ball we won the touchdown to turnover battle,” Tyner said. “That’s what we hang our hat on and how we evaluate our success.”
Tyner also gave credit to senior quarterback Hugh Doyle, in the first year running a new offensive scheme. Owosso installed a pro-style offense in the offseason after running a Wing-T option offense the past few seasons.
“He is one of those kids that’s a diamond in the rough,” Tyner said. “To be honest with you, I lucked out with a really good quarterback that checks all the boxes.”
Kelloggsville’s Brendon Tuinstra scored 3 TDs for the Rockets. (Courtesy of Alex Chavez)
For Kelloggsville, it was a game of missed opportunities with some errant deep balls early, according to Coach Brandon Branch.”
“We didn’t hit on a couple big plays early,” Branch said. “If we hit on two of those we go into halftime tied at least.”
However, it would be the Trojans who seized control of the game from the start with a 16-0 lead. The Rockets had a chance later on before halftime to get within a score, but a fumble inside the redzone stalled a promising drive as Owosso carried a 22-6 advantage into the break.
Little things the difference
“Just little things,” Branch said. “If two of those go our way it’s a different story going into half, but Owosso came out and executed and did a great job.”
The Trojans return home to face Charlotte on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, the Rockets host Ionia in WKTV’s Game of the Week on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.
Forest Hills Northern beats Wyoming 48-7 in a season opener Thursday night. (pxhere.com)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
Entering halftime with a tight 14-7 lead, Forest Hills Northern scored 34 points in the second half in a 48-7 win over visiting Wyoming in Thursday’s season opener.
Huskies coach Eddie Ostipow said his team had to hit the reset button at halftime to break the game wide open.
“Wyoming did some nice things against us in the first half and we made some adjustments,” said Ostipow, whose team was deadlocked with the Wolves 7-7 to end the first quarter. “I think in the first half we were really close to breaking it open, but turned the ball over and that hurt us. They have some nice athletes, and made some big runs, but I think our kids responded well.
“We’re a pretty young team with a lot of inexperience, and went through a lot of injuries last year. This is a group that’s kind of finding its identity.”
Ostipow spoke highly of his offensive line, particularly senior captains Trey Price, right guard, and Arman Singh, left guard.
“They led the way for us tonight.”
Drew Dabaja, Forest Hills Northern, led the game with three rushing touchdowns, while teammate Chris Arrington led with eight tackles.
The Huskies had 321 yards in total offense and the Wolves tallied 233.
Wyoming hosts Northview on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The giant orange spider on Gezon Park’s new splash pad. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The all most 13-foot orange spider towers over its domain at Gezon Park. But this spider isn’t looking to weave a web of terror, but rather create some fun play with its water spouts.
The spider is the signature element to the park’s new splash pad which will be officially opened at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. The splash pad and spider are part of the phase three development of Gezon Park which also included new restrooms, a new shelter, and walking and biking paths as well as the city’s first bike fix-it station. Saturday’s event will feature free frisbee and beachball giveaways, as supplies last, and ice cream.
“We always want each park to have a brand new feature,” said Community Services Director Rebecca Rynbrandt, who noted that for Gezon Park it is the splash pad with its friendly spider.
“The splash pad is designed to be universally accessible so people of all abilities will be able to enjoy the pad,” Rynbrandt said. This is the city’s fifth universally accessible splash pad with the other four located at Jackson Park, Lamar Park, Southlawn Park, and Oriole Park.
Being responsive to the community
The 94-acre park has remained largely undeveloped. To the north is a playground and basketball court and in the southwest area are athletic fields. Because the park already has a playground, and Frog Hollow, which is city’s most used park, is less than a quarter of a mile awhile, the new construction area does not include a playground.
This decision also played into the overall ideas and vision of the residents who helped to develop a master plan for the park that was approved in 2018.
“Our residents were very forthright that they wanted to maintain that very natural feel within Gezon Park,” Rynbrandt said. “This area is very big with our dog walkers. It is a natural respite to get away from the stress of their jobs.
The fix-it station is located along the bike/walking trail located near Gezon Park’s parking lot. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“They enjoy the forested area. They enjoy the walking in nature. So prioritizing and retaining the prairie area was very, very important.”
The park also is the regional stormwater catch basin and has wetlands which all had to be taken into consideration when it came to design. It also serves as the emergency release area for the pumping station which is located west of the splash pad.
“It you come here, you are going to be impressed,” Rynbrandt said. “I am confident you are going to be impressed with the splash pad, the shade structures, our new shelter and our new restroom.”
Meeting the needs of a growing community
The construction cost for the project was $2.6 million, which does not include the design phase. Funding was made possible through the dedicated Library and Parks Maintenance millage and the dedicated Parks and Recreation Operational milage.
The panhandle, which is the southern portion of the city and where Gezon Park is located, is one of the fastest growing areas in the city. The city now has more than 76,000 residents, many of the newer residents are now living in the panhandle region, according to Rynbrandt. Considering the growth, the need for a splash pad in the area was identified by residents through the planning phase.
As for when residents will be able to rent the shelter at Gezon Park as well as shelters at the city’s other parks, Rynbrandt said the Parks and Recreation Department will start taking reservations on Dec. 1.
For those attending Saturday’s event, it is recommended that you arrive early as attendance is expected to be high.
For more information on the city’s parks and Parks and Recreation programs, visit www.wyomingmi.gov.
Get ready for high school football. The season opens this week on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 25 and 26 for your home teams in Wyoming and Kentwood. (pxhere.com)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
WKTV is bringing you another great season of high school football, starting with our season-opening truck coverage of Ionia at Kelloggsville on Thursday, Sept. 1.
Our high-tech WKTV Game of the Week truck will film one game each week, which will include two play-by-play announcers, a field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for our broadcast.
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. (See schedule below) If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. Watch at home on your Smart TV in brilliant HD. Broadcasts also are available on Video on Demand at a later date.
The Wyoming Wolves travel to Forest Hills Northern on Thursday, Aug. 25. Game time is 7 p.m. For your team’s football schedule visit here
We are planning a much greater presence this year with high school football. Yes, even bigger than before if you can believe that. Every week, our sports staff will post football game stories and roundups covering each varsity high school team in our viewing area in Kentwood and Wyoming.
We plan to give you the stats and highlights of each game in our stories … explaining the details of how your team marched to victory.
Look for you school’s game story or roundup on our WKTV Journal website each week.
Support your team in every way by going to the games, cheering them on, watching the featured Game of the Week on WKTV and visiting the WKTV Journal for the exciting game stories.
WKTV Game of the Week Truck Schedule
Thursday, Sept. 1 Ionia at Kelloggsville
Friday, Sept. 9 Ottawa Hills vs. South Christian (at EK)
Friday, Sept. 16 Jenison at East Kentwood
Friday, Sept. 23 Reeths-Puffer at Wyoming
Friday, Sept. 30 TBD
Friday, Oct. 7 TBD
Friday, Oct. 14 Tri-unity at Godfrey-Lee
Friday, Oct. 21 TBD
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream.
Your football team’s season schedule
For your home team’s complete football schedule click here
For more information on WKTV and what we offer, visit here
Crosswalk at 34th Street and Buchanan Avenue in the Godwin Public Schools district. (Supplied)
Crosswalk at Lee Street and Cleveland Avenue in Godfrey-Lee Public Schools district. (Supplied)
Crosswalk at Mangolia Avenue and Farnham Street in Kelloggsville Public Schools district. (Supplied)
Crosswalk located near the Wyoming High School. (WKTV)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Last week the City of Wyoming wrapped up a project designed to help improve public safety while promoting local school pride.
On Jun 7, 2022 the Wyoming City Council awarded a contract to Gallagher Asphalt Corporation for $100,500 to install four art-based crosswalks that were placed in the Kelloggsville, Godwin Heights, Godfrey-Lee and Wyoming Public School districts. The total project was $110,550 which included a 10 percent construction contingency of $10,050.
The project was funded by $90,000 in grants from the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and a $10,000 grant from the General Motors Corporation.
Creating a safer community
“Using art to transform our city into a safer, more desirable community is part of what we do here in Wyoming,” said Major Jack Poll. “We hope this project will be another opportunity to enhance recognition that residents are part of one community, one City of Wyoming, regardless of where they live and which school district they attend.”
In her recommendation of the project, city’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt said “innovative painting of crosswalks is shown to be effective in increasing public awareness of the crosswalk for drivers and encourages increased use by pedestrians with an impact of reducing car and pedestrian accidents.
“This project is designed to increase community awareness of the number of school districts located in the city, increase school district pride, and to enhance resident recognition of being a part of one community, one Wyoming.”
Identifying the locations
The city has seven school districts within its city boundaries. Originally, five school districts, the four mentioned plus Grandville, where selected.
The COVID pandemic delayed the project and then it was delayed again when new estimate exceeded $100,000 and additional funding had to be secured. Grandville was removed from the list as funding came through the CDBG program, which restricts investment to low and moderate income areas of the city.
Wyoming’s Community Services Department staff worked with Public Safety to discuss emergency response needs and identify a location within each school district that would benefit from a new crosswalk. Information also was gathered from the city’s traffic engineers.
The designs were created by staff in consultation with each school district. The design features a white and turquoise stripped pattern with the school’s logo.
The final locations of the sidewalks are:
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools: Lee Street and Cleveland Avenue
Wyoming Public Schools: Near the Wyoming High School on Prairie Parkway between Michael and Burlingame avenues
Godwin Heights Public Schools: 34th Street and Buchanan Avenue
Kelloggsville Public School: Magnolia Avenue and Farnham Street
The Grandville Public Schools location, which is to be 52nd and Wilson Avenue, is scheduled to be constructed in 2023 when additional funds become available. The Grandville school district services most of the city’s panhandle population.
Father and daughter, Gene Billings and Cathe DeLaney, pose in front of dad’s prized possession, a souped up 2011 Chevy Silverado. (WKTV)
By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer
“Just hold on.”
That was the directive 92-year-old Kentwood resident, Gene Billings, gave this WKTV writer as his daughter, Cathe DeLaney, led the way to his 2011 Silverado truck, keys dangling from her fingertips.
It proved to be sound advice as the speedometer of the Silverado climbed rapidly under DeLaney’s guidance.
An attendee of almost every 28th Street Metro Cruise, and with the t-shirts to prove it, Billings is no stranger to speed and high-performance vehicles. His love of Metro Cruise shows in his dedication to attending the popular event each year.
Though Billings’ Silverado isn’t a “Classic Car” like most featured in the Cruise, it can outrun many of those acclaimed classics.
“It dynoed at 498 at the wheels, faster than most Corvettes,” Delaney said. “He’s (Billings) about to run out of things he can do to up its performance.”
Where the cars are the stars
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its 17th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise event on August 26 and 27 at Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall.
It’s a family-friendly, two-day event featuring over 25 food trucks and concessionaires, five bands on the Metro Main Stage, free shuttle service, Miss Metro Cruise Finale, kids’ events and activities, a Dyno car testing platform, Community Awards Ceremony, Donut Competition, 35 sponsor booths with giveaways and games, the famous Collector Car Row consisting of over 400 collector cars, and much more. All free to the public.
Official cruise time
Spanning 13 miles of 28th Street, the official Cruise time is set for 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26. For one hour, Metro Cruise encourages all classic, muscle, antique, modified and sports car owners to cruise 28th Street – starting and ending where they choose.
Billings has shared his love of speed and performance vehicles with his daughter Cathe DeLaney, who attends the Metro Cruise with her father each year. DeLaney deems the Cruise the highlight of their year, saying, “That’s pretty much our Christmas. We look forward to that so much.
Kentwood resident and Metro Cruise fan Gene Billing’s Chevy Silverado. (WKTV)
“The Metro Cruise is kind of neat, it’s a big mix.
“They have classic cars, they have muscle cars, they have old Model T’s.
“Rogers Plaza is just crazy, there are so many people there.
“Where the cars are the stars.”
An estimated 275,000 attendees
Metro Cruise annually attracts more than 15,000 Collector/Sports/Antique cars to the Grand Rapids area, and an estimated 275,000 people to its related events from across North America.
But it gained its popularity from car lovers in West Michigan, such as Billings and DeLaney.
Born in Flint, Billings is a native to the Grand Rapids area.
“His Dad worked for GM Fisher Body over here on 36th and Buchanan,” DeLaney said. “He grew up in the car industry, but didn’t want to work at the factory.”
Billings agreed, his interest leaning toward sprucing up his personal vehicles and racing for his own enjoyment.
“I’ve had all sorts of cars,” Billings said. “Dad was always trading his in every year and I’d get his leftovers.”
Billings lamented that his father never bought anything good enough to race.
“I tried to talk him into it, but he wasn’t interested,” he explained. “Dad had no comprehension on what a performance car was. The first car I got from him was a ’55 Chevy 6-cylinder station wagon. I said, ‘Oh boy, that’s a thrill,’” Billings said with a chuckle.
That was not the case with Billings, however, who would “tweak” his cars with “this and that” since he was a teen, finally settling on his beloved 2011 Chevy Silverado.
Metro Cruise fan Gene Billings with his vast collection of t-shirts. (Cathe DeLaney)
DeLaney said Billings can’t add many more “bells and whistles,” having already increased the truck’s performance and custom features to its maximum capacity.
“Whenever it’s convenient, I go down and run the track,” Billings said of the US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin.
The Motorsports Park is a noted drag-racing strip founded in 1962 that now features a renovated track for modern events.
The Silverado’s best speed was 102 mph in the ¼ mile at the Motorsports Park’s straight track. But DeLaney confessed that she has seen the Silverado reach 150 mph.
Always looking for a race
“He is always looking for someone to race on the highway (mostly Camaros and Mustangs),” DeLaney said. “You don’t expect that much horsepower out of a truck. He’s like a shark.”
In fact, sharks are displayed prominently on Billings’ Silverado. When asked why he chose a shark, Billings replied, “Because it bites.”
“Mustangs are a great target,” Billings said with a grin. “I like to surprise them.”
DeLaney said he loves to come up to the line and be No. 1.
“Most (other drivers) back down at a certain speed, but they have longer to live than he does,” she added with a laugh.
The father-daughter duo still takes a weekly cruise together in the Silverado, alternating driving duties. When asked if they have ever received a ticket for their speed, Billings admitted, “I got pulled over once just outside of Sparta, and the cop was more interested in the truck than in giving a ticket.”
Billings and DeLaney plan to attend the Metro Cruise this year just as they have in years past.
Brena, a local favorite known for lively shows and Top 40 rock, performs on July 28 at Cutler Park and August 11 behind Kentwood City Hall. (Courtesy)
By John D. Gonzalez, WKTV Contributing Writer
I love late July. It’s like the sweet spot of summer.
You still have plenty of time to visit your favorite vacation spot. Maybe take in a West Michigan Whitecaps game. Go to the zoo. Or discover something new.
Fall and back-to-school shopping can wait.
Here are a few things to consider this week and early August.
Let’s support local, community events this summer as a couple of popular music series in the area are starting to wind down.
Wyoming Concerts in the Park
On Tuesday, July 26, the Wyoming series at Lamar Park continues with country singer Bernadette Kathryn, followed by Grupo Latin (Aug. 2). All shows begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free. More info: Wyoming Concerts in the Park Facebook page.
Kathryn, the self-proclaimed Detroit Country Rebel, is ready to light up the stage at Lamar Park.
“This is going to be a high-octane, full-throttle, audience engaging show that will leave them wanting more,” said Kathryn, who will perform with her Lonely Days Band. “We play new and old country, classic rock, and you might even find a few pop songs disguised as country. We call our genre ‘Hot Rock’n Country’ because we can ‘chicken fry’ anything.”
Kathryn said they’ll play Reba, Miranda Lambert, Gretchen Wilson, Luke Combs, “some of my originals, and many other songs that you can hear on the radio.”
Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn hold Bachelor of Music degrees in music performance and music education, which have given each the technical foundation to explore the limits of her instrument and helped the group build a reputation for musical excellence. Their new album, “Live & Plugged In,” just reached No. 1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Charts.
Lynn said the band’s polished, high-energy show continues to redefine strings’ role in contemporary music, and offers audience members a diverse, fun, musical experience.
“We use a variety of audio effects pedals. The Moxie Strings compose the majority of their pieces and arrange melodies from many countries, resulting in a genre-blurring blend of ear-catching, mainstream melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms.”
Brena Band is a one-stop-shop when it comes to wedding entertainment. Their six member band, featuring guitars, drums, horns, violin, keyboards and tight vocal harmonies, will keep your guests dancing all night long. Their wide variety of songs offer a little something for everyone; ranging from oldies, to current top 40 hits, classic rock to smooth R&B, country to high energy dance music, and everything in between.
All Kentwood concerts take place from 7-8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Admission is free. A variety of food trucks also will be on hand.
The 86th annual Byron Days Festival returns with an arts and craft show, 5k run, pancake breakfast, live music, kids zone activities, food trucks and more. (Courtesy)
Byron Days Festival (July 28-31)
Looking ahead to next weekend, the 86th annual Byron Days Festival returns with an arts and craft show, 5k run, pancake breakfast, live music, kids zone activities, food trucks, classic car show, fireworks and more. The festival runs July 28-31 in downtown Byron Center. More info at byrondaysfestival.org. Or check out the Facebook Event Page.
If you have something for me to consider for a Top 5 column, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com
Self-proclaimed Detroit Country Rebel, Bernadette Kathryn, takes the stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 at Lamar Park. (Courtesy)
By John D. Gonzalez, WKTV Contributing Writer
Funk, blues, rock and even a cello have been featured this summer at the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series this summer.
Now, it’s time for some kicking C-O-U-N-T-R-Y!
The self-proclaimed Detroit Country Rebel – a.k.a Bernadette Kathryn – is ready to light up the stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 at Lamar Park. Admission is free, as always.
“This is going to be a high-octane, full-throttle, audience engaging show that will leave them wanting more,” said Kathryn, who will perform with her Lonely Days Band.
“We play new and old country, classic rock, and you might even find a few pop songs disguised as country. We call our genre ‘Hot Rock’n Country’ because we can ‘chicken fry’ anything.”
The Tuesday night series continues through Aug. 2. All shows will be recorded and aired on WKTV.
In an interview with WKTV Journal, Kathryn said they’ll play Reba, Miranda Lambert, Gretchen Wilson, Luke Combs, “some of my originals, and many other songs that you can hear on the radio.”
County music is at the heart of everything she does. It goes back to when she was a child.
“I’ve been performing on stage since I was five and just get this incredible rush that just can’t be replicated with anything other than performing for a live audience,” Kathryn said in an email.
She channeled her passion when she was 14-years-old and started a band.
As a fan of Patsy Cline, “I knew that I wanted to name the band after one of her songs: Seven Lonely Days,” she said.
“I hired veterans of the music industry to back me up, and my lead guitar player has been in the band since the beginning,” she said of the band she formed in 2014.
Bernadette Kathryn, the Detroit Country Rebel, will appear at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 at Lamar Park. Free admission as always. (Courtesy)
Her current lineup includes Erik Blundell on lead guitar, Brendan Derey on bass and Jim Theide on drums. Kathryn plays rhythm guitar and sings. Derey and Theide are in their fifth year with the band, she said.
“Our band has a great chemistry and we bring something to the crowd that they don’t get anywhere else,” she added.
They’re all excited to perform at Lamar Park.
“The audience can relax in their lawn chairs or on a blanket and enjoy the show without having to worry about anything else,” she said.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com
Monte Pride is set to perform July 19 at the Wyoming Concerts in the Park. (Supplied)
By John Gonzalez WKTV Contributing Writer
Singer/songwriter Monte Pride has been inspired by some of music’s greats, including Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Gillian Welch, Townes Van Zandt and John Prine.
But he loves our Michigan musical heroes, too, saying artists such as Chris Bathgate, May Erlewine, Timothy Monger and Joshua Davis have been equally as important.
The music of Chris Bathgate, for example, is “unmistakable.”
“The atmosphere and ambience he creates in his songs, it’s … inspiring to my songwriting and song production,” Pride said.
From Erlewine’s “stage presence” and “strong sense of purpose and intention in her songs” to Davis’s guitar playing style have been inspirational to him.
He added that Monger’s songwriting, as well “creative branding and visuals he creates for promotion” also have made an impact on him.
“His song ‘Sleepless’ has become one of my favorites to cover in the last few years… I’ll likely share my version of it on Tuesday!”
By “Tuesday,” Pride is referring to his show as part of Wyoming’s weekly concert series, which is at 7 p.m. July 19 at Lamar Park. Admission is free.
The Tuesday night series continues through Aug. 2. See the list of shows below. All will be recorded and aired on WKTV.
A mellow approach
A 2014 graduate of Okemo High School, just east of Lansing, Pride said he’s looking forward to showcasing his original music.
Monte Pride is a folk singer-songwriter and finger-style guitarist from Lansing. (Supplied)
“I really enjoy having the opportunity to present original music, alongside my take on covers that work with my sound,” he said in an email to WKTV Journal.
“Over the years, I’ve leaned into my mellow approach to performance and song interpretation, always hoping to give folks something soothing that might help heal. I’ve also been expanding my sound into more ambient territory, incorporating it here and there to complement and serve the songs.”
Pride first dabbled into music when he played “Criminals” by The Tallest Man on Earth at his high school talent show, then ”began performing locally after that, having gained confidence in my voice and a taste for sharing music with people.”
He kept playing while attending Michigan State University, releasing two EPs in 2014 and 2015, and finally his first full length album in 2016.
“After college I began traveling more and performing in cities throughout Michigan and the Midwest, releasing my latest album ‘Even in Absence’ in 2020,” he said.
“The pandemic forced me into a much needed hiatus, but I returned to performing with a new appreciation for all of it in Summer 2021.”
Happy to be performing
Those who attend his show on Tuesday can expect “a mellow, soothing evening of fingerstyle guitar and folk songs.”
“I’ll be sharing a handful of original songs along with ‘60s, ‘70s and contemporary folk covers,” he added.
Most of all, he’s just excited to perform outdoors.
“I love being able to feel the energy of the environment and crowd. It’s always special to hear birds, other wildlife, and even street noise when performing,” he said.
“It always feels like collaboration. Last Summer at an outdoor show I was playing one of my tunes called ‘Michigan’s Song.’ There’s a line that says, ‘I heard a robin’s call yesterday in the morning…’ As I was singing it, a robin flew over and sang with me.”
Pride’s “Even in Absence” was released mid-pandemic in August of 2020, which he said “presents healing songs to remind that experience, relationships, lives, their love and light persist, ‘Even In Absence.’
August 2 – Grupo Latin – Latin Soul (13 piece band)
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
I’ve been enjoying the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City with fireworks, concerts and cherries, of course.
If you still want to make the trip up north, the festival continues with many activities like the cherry pie eating contest, and the big Cherry Royale Parade at 11:15 a.m. Saturday. The remaining concerts feature 1964 The Tribute on Thursday (July 7), ZZ Top on Friday (July 8) and Boyz II Men on Saturday (July 9). Learn more at cherryfestival.org.
What are you doing this weekend?
If you’re staying close to home, here is my Top 5 of things to do, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Here we go!
Gonzo’s Top 5
5. “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers,” Barn Theatre
Summer is a great time to take in a play. Whether it’s community theater or a Broadway touring musical, you can usually find something taking place in the region. One unique destination is the Barn Theatre School in Augusta, about 50 miles south and just east of Kalamazoo. In its 76th season, the school’s advanced theater training program promotes the concept that artists, performers, designers, technicians, stage managers, and everyone should have broadly based experiences through an apprentice program. And each summer they put on a variety of shows where the students produce every aspect of the experience. They are parking attendants, ushers and even the bartenders. Along with celebrity guest actors, the school has also featured future stars such as Jennifer Garner, Dana Delany, Lauren Graham and many more. My lovely wife Pam and I recently saw the first show of the season, “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers,” a musical based on the classic MGM 1954 film about settlers in 1850 Oregon. The show was great, but so was the whole experience of a show set in a barn. Get a pizza or drink before the show or stay after each performance for a special “Shed Bar Show” where the actors and guest actors come to entertain in the Rehearsal Bar. Advance reservations are encouraged for those productions. Performances of “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers” continue through Sunday (July 10). More details at barntheatreschool.org/events. Some of the other shows this season: “Cinderella,” “GroundHog Day,” “Rock of Ages,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Misery,” “Escanaba in da Moonlight” and “Doubt.”
4. LAUP Fiesta, Holland
Another great weekend destination is Holland for the annual LAUP Fiesta at the Holland Civic Center. It always features great food, car show, and Latino musical acts. There will be activities for children, a bar for adults and mercado (artisan market). It always ends with a big baile (dance). The party begins at noon. Check out the festival’s Facebook Event page for more information.
Food Truck Friday at Riverside Park
3. Food Truck Friday, Riverside Park
Have you been out to the popular “Food Truck Fridays” at Riverside Park this summer? Every week from 5-9 p.m. (through Sept. 2) you can expect anywhere from 12-17 food trucks. In its 6th season on the north side of Grand Rapids you can expect some of the area’s best-loved food trucks, as well as new ones, too. New this year is a Frequent Fridays Card that will offer you the chance to win prizes based on how many FTF you frequent. More details at https://www.facebook.com/GR8FoodTruckFridays/.
Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park return Tuesday, July 12. (WKTV)
2. Randy McAllister, Lamar Park
Blues and Soul artist Randy McAllister will headline the next Wyoming Concerts in the Park show, which takes place each week at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Lamar Park in Wyoming. Admission is free. The remaining shows include folk artist Monty Pride (July 19), country singer Bernadette Kathryn (July 26) and 13-piece Latin soul band Grupo Latin (Aug. 2) More info: Wyoming Concerts in the Park Facebook page. Can’t make it to the show? You can still enjoy the bands by watching WKTV-Channel 25 for the weekly airings at 5 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday. More info at wktv.org/concerts.
It’s another busy weekend in downtown Grand Rapids:
Death Cab for Cutie, the popular indie band from the early 2000s is back on the road and releasing a new album this fall. You can check them out Friday (July 8) at GLC Live at 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids. Ticket information at livenation.com.
The Doobie Brothers, the legendary band from the ‘70s and ‘80s, are on their 50th anniversary tour with Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons and John McFee on the road together for the first time in nearly 25 years. The band has sold nearly 50 million albums worldwide. The show is at 7:30 p.m.Sunday (July 10) at Van Andel Arena. Fans can expect to hear “Listen To The Music,” “Takin’ It To The Streets,” “Long Train Running,” “Black Water,” “What A Fool Believes,” “China Grove,” “Minute By Minute,” “It Keeps You Runnin’,” “Jesus Is Just Alright With Me” and many more. More details at vanandelarena.com.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Voters turned down an income tax for the City of Wyoming.
Wyoming voters voted down a proposed income tax for the city while renewing a $24.9 million bond proposal for Wyoming Public Schools.
About 16 percent of the city’s 55,999 registered voters came out for the special election that was yesterday. The city had two proposals on the ballot. The first was an income tax that would be up to 1 percent for city residents and up to .5 percent for non-residents such as commuters who work in the city. In the second proposal, the city was seeking to reduce the city property tax by about 58 percent, from around 12 mills to 5. Both proposals had to pass to take effect.
The first proposal of an income tax was defeated by 6,055 no votes to 2,824 yes votes. The second proposal to reduce city property tax received 5,381 yes votes to 3,474 no votes. Because the two proposals were tied together, if one failed the other automatically failed as well.
The city estimated that the proposals would have generated about $6 million in revenue for the city. City Council said it planned to put $3.3 million toward its fire department to added 27 firefighters, doubling the current staffing from 27 to 54. About $2.1 million would have been used to add 13 police officers and a crime analyst to the city’s police department with the remaining $600,000 for capital improvement needs for the city’s parks.
The approved $24.9 million bond renewal will go toward renovations at Wyoming Junior High School.
Wyoming Public Schools
A purple and white message in both English and Spanish on the Wyoming Public Schools Facebook page thanked the district’s voters for renewing a $24.9 million bond. The money is earmarked for renovations at the Wyoming Junior High School, which is the oldest building in the district. Formerly Wyoming Park High School, the oldest portion of the building dates back to 1926. There were additions in 1957, 1959, and 1979.
About 16 percent of the district’s 27,188 votes came out with 2,066 voting yes and 1,930 voting no.
The approved bond will be added to about $11 million in renovations already planned for the school, including more than $3 million in major upgrades to Dan Heintzelman Fine Arts Center. The $11 million comes from a 2017 bond issue.
Renovations and improvements to the junior high to be funded by the bond renewal include: modern learning environments; new furnitures; an integrated technology; adequate lab spaces and equipment; improved air quality replacement of failing building systems (such as roofing, plumbing, and electrical) to become energy efficient and meet modern building codes; and site improvements to traffic flow, aging parking lots, and athletic facilities.
Work on the junior high, which is locate dat 2125 Wrenwood St. SW, is scheduled to start in the summer of 2023.
Brooklyn, NY-based Roll & Hill is know for its lighting and furniture design. (Photo by Sarah Elliott)With the addition of Alexis Manufacturing, Roll & Hill added furniture to its line in 2020. (Photo by Sarah Elliott)
The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), announced that high-end lighting and furniture company Roll & Hill will be opening a second location in the City of Wyoming at 6192 Valduga Dr. SW. The $1.5 million capital investment will add 50 jobs.
Founded in 2010 by Jason Miller, Roll & Hill is a design-minded furniture and lighting company based in Brooklyn, New York. Each Roll & Hill piece is made one at a time by hand. The company expanded into furniture and in 2020 acquired Alexis Manufacturing, which was founded by father and son Ivan and Norman Alexis in 1946. By combining Alexis’ 75-year history of producing complex wood components and wooden seating with its design sensibility, Roll & Hill has produced, according to experts in the field, a timeless, high-quality collection of furniture. in 1974, Alexis was bought by Hekman Furniture Company and then later acquired by Howard Miller Clock Company.
Looking to enter the furniture mark, Roll&Hill purchased Alexis Manufacturing because by purchasing the company, “we’ll be able to enter the furniture category in a much shorter ramp-up time.” according to Miller, who is the creative director and CEO of Roll & Hill. However, Roll & Hill had to find a location for the company as its former home had been sold. The company worked with The Right Place and City of Wyoming to open its first production facility, located at 5765 Clay Ave. SW., and has steadily increased its presence in the region since the initial expansion.
“As Roll & Hill continues to expand, the City of Wyoming remains an excellent location for our growth,” said Roll & Hill Creative Director and CEO Jason Miller. “Our experience opening our first location in Wyoming was exceptional, and we’re looking forward to establishing our second. We’re thankful to the team at The Right Place and their partners at the City of Wyoming and MEDC for their partnership and collaborative support as we invest in our local production facilities.”
In 2020, Roll & Hill acquired Alexis Manufacturing and entered into the furniture industry. (Photo by Jonathan Allen)
The new location at Valduga Drive will house production of the company’s lighting. The site has visibility from M-6 and east of Burlingame Avenue. The building is under construction with Roll & Hill scheduled to move in June of this year.
The Right Place worked closely with the MEDC to ensure the company continued its growth in the region rather than out-of-state locations. With the approval of a $300,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, the MEDC is supporting the expansion through the Michigan Strategic Fund. West Michigan Works! and Grand Rapids Community College will also be supporting the project with a workforce training package.
“We are extremely excited with the announcement of this expansion, which will bring 50 lighting and furniture manufacturing jobs to our City,” said Wyoming Director of Planning and Economic Development Nicole Hofert. “We look forward to the continued investment in the City of Wyoming, our residents and community members.”
This May, City of Wyoming residents have the opportunity to raise more than $6 million for the city while lowering their property taxes through the approval of two proposals.
City residents will head to the polls on May 3 to vote on an income tax of up to 1 percent for residents and up to .5 percent for non-residents. According to the U.S. Census, about 34,400 non-residents work in the City of Wyoming, using the city’s roads and other amenities. With the passage of the income tax, a non-resident earning $60,000 would pay about $232 income tax to the City of Wyoming. City officials estimate that if all non-residents pay the income tax that would be an additional $6 million in revenue for the city.
A second proposal would reduce the city property millage more than half for city residents and business owners. For an individual who earns $60,000 living at a home with a taxable value of $100,000, the combined income tax and reduction of property tax would result in about a $226 in savings. Those savings could be more depending on the number of people living in the home.
Retirees may see substantial savings especially if their income is from social security and pensions which are not subject to income taxes. So a retiree in this situation would receive the property tax reduction which on a house with a taxable value of $100,000 would be a savings of about $690.
According to city officials, the main purpose of the proposals, which are tied together meaning both must past, is to shift the equity so that that non-residents using the city’s roads and services are contributing to the costs.
With the annual $6 million generated from the income tax revenue received from non-residents, the city plans to put $3.3 million toward its fire department to hire 27 additional firefighters; $2.1 million toward its police department for 13 additional police officers and 1 crime analyst; and $600,000 annually toward upgrade of the city’s parks, many of which are 25 years or older.
Realtor Sam Wilson added a large roof and benches to his Wyoming Park office for the comfort of local residents (and potential buyers) waiting for the next interurban car. (Wyoming Historical Commission)
Recently, Grand Valley State University commemorated remnants of the interurban railway tracks on its downtown campus, rails that once connected to a station in the City of Wyoming that served as a key connector for those wishing to travel to the lakeshore or Kalamazoo.
Started in 1901, the electric transportation system, called the Grand Rapids, Holland, and Chicago Railway, started with a line to Holland and in the following year, 1902, added a Muskegon line. Delayed by politics, the line to Kalamazoo was completed in 1915 by the Michigan Railway Company. Passengers of the interurban could make the decision of if they were heading west or south at a station near Lee Street and Grandville Avenue (now Chicago Drive), located in the City of Wyoming.
“It was located by the old Kelvinator building,” said David Britten, who is with the Wyoming Historical Commission. This made sense since the home appliance manufacturer would open its doors in 1914 with the interurban providing an easy way for residents to get to the plant for work.
There were several stops in the City of Wyoming. If you took the route toward Holland, the interurban would stop at Beverly Hills, Wyoming Park, and Elmbrook neighborhoods. Businessmen took advantage of those route stops to promote bungalow-style homes, spurring growth within the City of Wyoming. Take the interurban to Kalamazoo, which ran along side Divisions Avenue, and it would stop on 50th Avenue in the Kelloggsville neighborhood and 54th Street before heading on to Cutlerville as the train made its way to Kalamazoo. Today Consumer’s Energy power lines follow the old Kalamazoo route.
An ad for the Elmbrook community located between Porter and 28th Street west Byron Center Avenue. (The Street Railways of Grand Rapids by Carl Bajema and Tom maas)
Britten said you can see the interurban route through a Google map overview, but that little remains of the actual tracks.
“In many places, they just paved right over the tracks,” he said, adding the tracks would have run behind the current Godfrey-Lee athletic fields. Some years ago, owners of the property dug up the remaining tracks and pieces, which Britten said he did salvage a few items.
But the tracks contained within a brick inlay on the Mount Vernon pedestrian pathway on GVSU’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus, are more than likely the last stretch of any interurban tracks in West Michigan, according to a GVSU historian.
The exhibit placed above the tracks uses images and text to explain the interurban system and its impact on the region. The piece also gives related historical context for the time, such as how the Grand River was a “working waterfront.” According to Britten, the interurban would travel across the now cement bridge that is a pedestrian crossing for residents to and from the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. From there it would make its way south along Grandville Avenue, passing through the car holding area that is now where Grand Valley State University’s downtown campus is located.
At the heart of the commemorative project is a core narrative that is important to the community, said Nathan Kemler, GVSU director of Galleries and Collections, who helped lead the effort to create and install the piece.
The remaining interurban track is contained within a brick inlay on the Mount Vernon pedestrian pathway on the Grand Valley State University’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus. (GVSU)
“One reason this project is so impactful is that it was an early sustainable transportation method that was rooted in equity,” said Kemler of the themes captured in the exhibit that is part of the GVSU Art Gallery. “Anybody could ride the Interurban, and it would take you into the city or outside of it to Lake Michigan, Lake Macatawa, or farms.”
Kemler noted that someone could take the Interurban from Grand Rapids to Lake Michigan, then board a steam ship for Chicago, and it was all done through electric power.
Learning about the prevalence of such green technology long ago is eye-opening for students, said Matthew Daley, GVSU professor of history, who was the key researcher on the project.
“Students are stunned that there was this huge integrated network of electric freight and passenger service that then tied into a citywide network of street cars,” Daley said. “You could take an interurban that produced no soot, no dirt, and at some point on West Michigan lines reach over 70 mph.”
In fact, reporters who road the Kalamazoo route noted that the train could cover 47 miles between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo in 44 minutes, according to the book “The Street Railways of Grand Rapids,” by Carl Bajema and Tom Mass.
“It ran really well until Americans discovered in the 1920s that they liked cars,” Daley said.
A GVSU employee puts the finishing touches on the outdoor exhibit about the interurban which is now located at Grand Valley State University’s downtown Pew Campus. (GVSU)
The paving of roads would help to establish the American car industry. By 1926, the Grand Rapids, Holland and Chicago Railway was sold at auction. Britten noted that in 1927, the United Suburban Railway was organized to restore car service from Jenison to Grand Rapids.
“It was called the shortest track with the most stockholders,” Britten said with a laugh. The seven miles of track had 700 stockholders. The United Suburban Railway would last until about 1932.
Daley and Kemler both said the story of the interurban gives important insight into fleeting economic conditions, how people come together, the environmental impact on the Grand River and how the community has evolved.
“This is about the changing landscape of Grand Rapids itself and understanding this location before the Grand Valley campus was here and before downtown was revitalized,” Kemler said.
There are no markers in Wyoming of the former interurban, which Britten said it would be nice if a marker was placed. There is only a small portion of the interurban that is part of the walking/bike trail Oxford Trail, which is in Grand Rapids. The Oxford Trail does cross over the old swing bridge the interurban once used, according to Britten.
At its Monday council meeting, the Wyoming City Council recognized the two decades of contributions from former Kent County commissioner Harold Voorhees.
Voorhees, who had been involved in public service from the late 1980s, retired from public service in 2020 when he decided not to seek re-election as a Kent County commissioner.
Wyoming Council member Kent Vanderwood said he remembers when Voorhees came to him about running for the state legislature in 1986.
“He did not win that election, but he went on to serve on the city council, as mayor and eventually as state representative,” Vanderwood said. “Harold is the reason I am sitting here tonight.”
Voorhees was elected to the Wyoming City Council in 1987 and two years later, he was elected mayor. He resigned his position as mayor in 1992 to serve as the 77th District State House representative, which he did for three terms from 1993-1998. In 2000, Voorhees was elected as the 8th District Kent County commissioner and served on the commission for 20 years.
At Monday night’s meeting, Mayor Jack Poll read a proclamation thanking Voorhees for his years of service as a Kent County commissioner. Poll noted that Voorhees’s wife, Joanne, also has served in various public positions, including replacing her husband as the 77th District State House representative in 1998 as well as serving on the city council.
“We appreciate what you have done for this community, you have been leaders,” Poll said.
“Thank you Mayor Poll and council members, and City Manager Curtis Holt,” Voorhees said. “What a wonderful Christmas gift to be together with family and friends in a familiar venue of government…I thank each of you for your time, your talents and what you do for our city and we can always be proud putting up the Wyoming flag. This is a great place to be.”
Mayor Jack Poll with Harold and Joanne Voorhees as Monday’s Wyoming City Council meeting. (WKTV)
The Wyoming Tree Commission is looking for a few more people to help with tree plantings this weekend and next.
Plantings are set for the morning of Oct. 2 and 16, which are both Saturdays. For more information on helping, email treeamigoswyoming@gmail.com.
Recently, the Tree Commission received a DTE Energy Tree Planting Grant of $3,000. With an additional $1,000 from the commission’s funds, was able to purchase about 25 8-foot and 10-foot trees. More than a dozen residents have signed up to receive a tree. The trees are free to residents but they are required to help plant it and commit to maintaining the tree.
The city’s recently revised Master Plan calls for the city to set a tree canopy goal. the Tree Commission recommendation was a goal of 40%, the same goal as many cities have set such as the City of Grand Rapids. Currently, Wyoming has an approximate tree canopy of 13.5%, as determined by an iTree survey that looks at aerial photographs.
The Tree Amigos is a volunteer City of Wyoming commission seeking to improve the city’s overall tree canopy. They meet every second Monday of the month at 12:30 p.m. at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Conner D. Blake)
(Do you have a photo of a Kentwood or Wyoming native serving in the military? WKTV journal would love to get the photo and a brief description. Send it to ken@WKTV.org)
In this photo supplied by the U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach, Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Zachary Coleman, originally from Wyoming, Mich., signals to the fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) from the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during a replenishment-at-sea on Jan. 22.
The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in the Pacific Ocean.
As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed fleet, with its approximate 50-70 ships and submarines, 140 aircraft, and 20,000 Sailors in the area of operations at any given time, 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific area of operations to foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict alongside 35 other maritime nations and partners, according to the U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy, according to the U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach.
Persevering through a pandemic, school systems and nonprofit organizations in Wyoming sought financial support. The Wyoming Community Foundation stepped in to help provide relief aid to some of these organizations in addition to their annual grant recipients.
This past summer, the foundation provided $5,000 evenly split among two nonprofits for hunger relief/food bank support: Family Network of Wyoming and United Church Outreach Ministries. Karrie Brown, executive director of development for Family Network of Wyoming, said her organization would be using the funds to create a mini-shopping during their pantry experience. UCOM will use its $2,500 to provide affordable access to nutritious locally grown produce.
“In terms of our funding, we saw a definite increase in the amount of organizations who are looking for funding,” said Wyoming Community Foundation Chair Greg King. “We had a lot of nonprofit organizations reaching out asking for input, and for funding especially with COVID-19.”
This year the foundation received 14 grant applications in comparison to the 10 applications received in 2019, 11 in 2018, and seven in 2017.
The 2020 grant recipients:
Affinity Mentoring – $2,000 to transition to virtual mentoring in order to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and provide equitable access to academic, relational support to students.
Feeding America West Michigan – $2,000 to support three Mobile Food Pantries, which provide food assistance for the Wyoming community.
HOPE Gardens – $600 to expand Team 21 in-class garden curricula and after school programming to Godfrey Elementary and Lee Middle Schools.
SLD Read – $500 to provide tutoring services, including assessments and individual tutoring, to address educational difficulties as a result of school closures.
United Church Outreach Ministry – $2,500 to provide affordable access to nutritious locally grown produce.
Godwin Heights Public Schools – $1,500 to support the Lower Elementary Sensory Walk at West Godwin Elementary.
Another need is volunteers to join the The Wyoming Community Foundation’s board and its Youth Advisory Committee which oversees grant-making for organizations that benefit Wyomig youth.
If you are interested in joining the Wyoming Community Foundation board or looking for more information you can visit grfoundation.org/wyoming
The Wyoming Community Foundation is a regional affiliate of Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Annually the organization selects grant recipients. Applicants for these grants must be nonprofit organizations that are based in the Wyoming area or are doing work to make necessary improvements in the Wyoming community.
By Officer Jenni Eby City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety
Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is currently participating in enhanced distracted driving enforcement – so this’s week’s question is about distracted driving! Did you know that texting while driving tickets get more expensive if you get more than one? For first time offenders, the ticket is a civil infraction and a $100 fine. A second offense is also a civil infraction, but the fine is increased. How much does someone pay for a second offense texting while driving ticket?
$150
$200
$250
$500
Check back on Thursday to learn the correct answer.
There are three seats that the City of Wyoming residents will be voting on at the Nov. 3 general election with only one race have more than one candidate.
With Wyoming Council member at-large Dan Burrill’s decision not to seek re-election, there are two newcomers running for the council member at-large seat: Rob Arnoys and John Fitzgerald.
Council member at-large
Rob Arnoys – Candidate
Occupation: Banker – SVP Retail Banking
Why did you decide to run for the at-large council seat for the City of Wyoming?
I have always been active in the community with a passion to make a contribution and serve. I have been involved in the City on committees and as a Planning Commissioner for Wyoming for the past 10-plus years and feel called to run for this seat on Council. I am a life long resident of the City of Wyoming and am both passionate about this city and have good knowledge of our history. I feel my experience with the City, my financial background, leadership skills and ability to collaborate will serve well as a council member. The city is going through rapid change and my experience as an executive leader can help us strategically navigate so that we continue to be a great place to live, raise a family and work!
What are a couple of issues you would like to focus on if elected and why?
I feel the city is very well run and is one of the best places to live. My objective is that we continue to make Wyoming the best city in Michigan. If elected, here are my key focuses:
1. Public safety – Our residents and constituents deserve to live in a safe and secure environment. In order to accomplish this we need to support our public safety team and show them our appreciation.
2. Fiscal responsibility – Our city does a great job of administering our budget. My background in finance will assist in the process to insure that we are stewards of the dollars our residents have entrusted the city. We are to maximize our benefits while wisely prioritizing our limited and valuable budget.
3. Represent our residents – As an at-large council candidate, I have knocked on well over a thousand doors and have had great conversations to make sure I hear what the citizens are seeing and needing. I vow to be available and visible in our community so that I can appropriately represent the interests of our residents.
John Fitzgerald – Candidate
Occupation: Commercial Insurance Broker
Why did you decide to run for the at-large council seat for the City of Wyoming?
I chose to run for this seat because I firmly believe and expect that local government should be the most accessible and truly representative level of government. So many critical areas of day-to-day life for Wyoming residents are impacted by the Council’s duties including infrastructure, tax rates, public safety, parks and wellness services, and community development. In order for each of these areas to be most effectively, efficiently, and equitably delivered, we need Council Members willing to listen to and learn from the experiences of residents to better respond to the needs, challenges, and expectations of community members. I pledge to be an objective, honest, and accountable public servant for all residents of Wyoming.
What are a couple of issues you would like to focus on if elected and why?
Wyoming has a number of areas of concern for residents which I will address during my term. First, I will examine strategic land use for both residential and commercial development. Housing development must be prioritized in order to attract new residents, as well as considering varying housing options for those wishing to downsize, who have varying financial resources, or those with accessibility needs wishing to remain in Wyoming. Second, public safety and the well-being of our community shall remain a priority. I support our public safety departments, and I will strive to have the city invest in services which proactively manage crime, allowing police and fire to more directly dedicate resources to critical areas of emergency response and community policing. Finally, I will work to strategically develop a plan to revitalize our business community and commercial districts. We must attract a robust and diverse business community with quality pay structures to effectively operate in our city, capitalizing on the economic growth in the region.
2nd and 3rd Ward Council Seats
Two of the council seats have candidates running unopposed. Marissa Postler is seeking a second term to represent the city’s 2nd Ward. The City of Wyoming’s 2nd Ward Council area covers the northern portion of the City of Wyoming from Chicago Drive in the north to Prairie Parkway down Burlingame Avenue over 36th Street and up along 32nd Street on the south. The 2nd Ward western border is Wentworth and the eastern border is the city limits.
Also seeking his second term is Rob Postema, who is currently serving as the 3rd Ward Council member. The City of Wyoming’s 3rd Ward Council area encompasses the city’s panhandle area that includes most of the western area of the city from Prairie Parkway on the north to 60th Street in the south. The 3rd Ward eastern border wraps around the city limits to Kenowa Avenue and its western border is Burlingame Avenue.
Unfortunately the spots for this year’s City of Wyoming Trick or Treat Trail have been filled but residents will still have the opportunity to participate in some online Halloween fun through the Wyoming Department of Parks and Recreation’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Due to social distancing guidelines, the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department decided to make its annual Trick or Treat Trail a drive-thru this year, according to Cory Stamps, special events and marketing programmer for the City of Wyoming.
“We put out information about the drive-thru Trick or Treat Trail and within about two weeks it was full,” Stamps said, adding that the city is planning for about 500 children. Children had to be pre-register to receive a treat bag.
Vendors who normally attend the event were asked to donate what they would normally handout during the event. The items collected were used to make the goodie bags.
Those participating at the Oct. 10 event will drive into Lamar Park to pick up their treats.
Stamps said the city plans to have several activities available for people via its Facebook and Instagram pages
“I’ll give you some food,” said Elmer Geovany Lopez Toi as he hands a McDonald’s bag to two homeless men sitting on steps. “I like to help people.,” Toi said to the two men he met in August as he hands them money and more food.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is hoping that by releasing the five-minute video, found on Toi’s phone, residents will see Toi’s act of humility and kindness and it will encourage someone in the community to come forward and help solve his murder.
Toi, 20, along with Santos Padilla Banegas, 16, were shot Sept. 16. The two were both shot while walking along Division Avenue near Wilbur Street. The area is north of 44th Street. For an early release, police said they believe the vehicle involved in the shooting could be a dark-colored 2010-11 GMC Acadia.
Police said they believe the Acadia had multiple occupants and was last seen headed south on Jefferson Avenue from Wilbur Street. Officers arrived to find the Banegas and Toi near the road. Toi was pronounced dead at the scene and Banegas died later at Metro Health Hospital from his injuries.
Since then, the Wyoming Public Safety detectives have been working diligently to develop information and follow leads in the double homicide, according to a release from the department.
It was during the investigation, detectives discovered the video on Toi’s phone. According to detectives, the video does not appear to be directly relevant to the investigation, but by sharing the video the department hopes it “will serve as a reminder of the humanity and tragedy of this case.”
“We share this video with our community for two reasons,” said Capt. James Maguffee in a release to the media. “First, it seems right to share a story of a resident of the City of Wyoming, victimized in a horrible crime, engaged in an act of humility and kindness. We expect our community will be moved in the way we were when we saw this video. Second, these sorts of crimes are often solved, and justice served, when citizens with the right piece of information come forward.
According to police sources, Toi was an immigrant to the United States with no family in the area. Through the investigation, there has been no indication thus far that suggest either Banegas or Toi were involved in criminal acts or engaged in behavior that might have invited the violence inflicted on them.
Anyone with information about the case are encouraged to call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7335 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, Silent Observer at 616-774-2345. A donor has matched the initial cash reward and it now stands at $5,000.
To give its residents an opportunity to view and comment on its new master plan, the City of Wyoming will be hosting eight open houses across the city.
In August, the Wyoming City Council voted to open the 63-day public comment period for the community-driven master plan, Wyoming [re]imagined. City Planner Nicole Hofert said with the social distance requirements due to COVID-19, city officials decided to offer a series of outdoor public events where residents would be able to review the plan.
The 18-month master plan process continues to involve Wyoming residents, businesses, employees of businesses, developers, and stakeholders who are guiding the content and priorities of the plan. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The four-day event starts Monday, Sept. 28 at Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St. SW. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., city staff will be on had to discuss the new master plan with the event also featuring the Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s K-9 unit. The rest of the schedule is as follows:
Monday, Sept. 28, at Lemery Park, 4050 Byron Center Ave. SW, from 5 to 7 p.m. and will feature the Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s Bicycle Unit
Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Marquette Park, 1251 Marquette SW, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson SW, from 5 to 7 p.m. and will feature the Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s K-9 unit.
Thursday, Oct. 1, at Ideal Park, 5843 Crippen SW, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday. Oct. 1, at Gezon Park (north side), 1940 52nd St. SW, from 4 to 6 p.m.
All events are open to the public and require attendees to follow COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, including face coverings and physical distancing.
“We received input from the community and it formed the foundation of the plan. Our community knows Wyoming and what it wants for our future. They want to see things like affordable housing options and flourishing economic development and parks,” Mayor Jack Poll said in a recent release about the events. “Please join us at one of our open houses. You will have a chance to learn about the plan and provide us with the necessary feedback we need for a successful master plan.”
At the open house events, community members have another chance to provide input after the draft master plan was intentionally developed with community voice and needs at the forefront. The 18-month process continues to involve Wyoming residents, businesses, employees of businesses, developers, and stakeholders who are guiding the content and priorities of the plan. Each section of the draft plan details what community stakeholders and residents want to see in Wyoming’s future and how the collective vision will be implemented. Upon final approval, the master plan will guide how the City will develop over the next 15 to 20 years.
“Hmm, how to purge when you can’t donate, garage sale, and somethings are weird to post on Facebook Marketplace,” a friend posted on her Facebook page.
During the few months of quarantine, I have seen a lot of people, including my own family, cleaning out whether it be the garage, the entire house, or cleaning up the lawn. And now that we may come to the end of the trail — maybe — the question is what to do with all this stuff?
“We’ve seen a lot more stuff coming from the residential area,” said Russ Boersma, general manager for Arrowaste, of collection during the lockdown. Arrowaste is a garbage and trash removal company located in Jenison. “On the flip side of that is that we have seen a lot less from the commercial areas.”
He added that it depends on the commercial route as some of those routes do include apartments.
And most waste haulers like Arrowaste have tried to be accommodating about the extra refuse. Boersma has encouraged customers to leave the lid open with a couple of bags on top.
Arrowaste trucks, like most in the trash haul business, are automated with the driver not having to leave the vehicle to remove trash. An arm comes out of the truck and lifts the waste container upside down so the contents fall into the truck. Boersma said it is up to each hauler’s discretion if they feel comfortable about picking up items that are placed next to the trash container.
“I tell people that if they have a couple of extra bags, they can use leave the lid open and stack the bags on top,” Boersma said, adding that Arrowaste did open its yard waste program in April, which runs through November.
Sticks, yes; Stones, no
According to state law, yard waste such as grass clippings, leaves, and trimmings, must not be mixed in with garbage and many communities, such as the City of Kentwood, do not allow the burning of yard waste. To help residents, both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming offer yard waste drop off options free to cities’ respective residents.
At the end of April, the City of Wyoming opened its Yard Waste Drop-Off site, located at 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW. There are social distancing guidelines in place with addresses ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, ,7) may drop off on Monday and Wednesday and those with addresses ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8), may drop off on Tuesday and Thursday. Friday and Saturday are open to all residents. The hours for the site are 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. One thing to remember, if it does not come from the yard naturally, it is not accepted at the Wyoming Yard Waste Drop-Off.
Also remember to bring your ID as the site is monitored.
The brush drop-off site will accept brush, sticks, tree limbs and logs. Materials not accepted are plastic bags, trash, dirt, concrete, asphalt, tires, rocks, stones, construction materials, and glass or metal. The leaf drop-off site will accept loose leaves and grass clippings.
But what to do about that old sofa?
Jill Wallace, Goodwill ow West Michigan’s chief marketing and communications officer, can also attest to the fact that people have been spring cleaning. The first few weeks of the statewide shutdown and most of the Goodwill locations had items stacked in its donation area, all of which the organization had to have hauled away.
“During that time period we were closed and were not accepting items,” Wallace said. “It was so sad because we were really going to need those once we did reopen.”
For the past several weeks, Goodwill of West Michigan has been working to reopen stores. Currently the Kentwood and Wyoming locations remain closed but the organization has open drop off in several areas such as Allendale, Cedar Springs, and Coopersville, according to the organization’s website.
Those planning to donate are ask to do so during business hours, which are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m .Tuesday — Saturday. Because there is a touch-less system in place and all items will be stored for 72 hours, Goodwill is asking that donors bag and box their times and then place the donations inside the provided carts. Many of the stores are not accepting large furniture items right now. For specific details on what is being accepted, call the the individual stores.
Many Wyoming and Kentwood residents have the opportunity during the spring to rid themselves of unwanted trash and junk through community clean-up days. Due to the governor’s State Home, Stay Safe executive order, both cities were forced to delay the popular community events.
The City of Kentwood moved its annual Community Clean-Up Day to June 6. It will run from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Public Works facility, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. Residents must have picture identification to bring items to the event and according to city officials, there will be social distancing guidelines to follow.
The City of Wyoming moved its Community Clean-Up Day to the fall, Oct. 6. The popular annual event will be at Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th Street and run from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Residents must provide proof of residency which can be a photo ID or a utility or credit card statement.
If you are really desperate to get rid of items, there is always the South Kent Landfill located at 10300 S. Kent Dr. SW. The landfill is open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Recycle, Recycle, Recycle
The Kent County Recycling Center reopened at the beginning of May. This includes curbside recycling services that come to Kent County Recycling Center to be sorted and the residential Recycling Drop-Off Stations. The North Kent Recycling & Waste Center opens 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. for solid waste disposal and residential drop-off recycling services.
Also the county’s SafeChem program has resumed regular hours as of May 18 but the SafeSharps and SafeMeds programs are still closed.
The City of Wyoming cancelled its traditional Memorial Day program, instead releasing a Memorial Day video featuring staff singing “God Bless America.”
“Things are different this year,” said Mayor Jack Poll in the video. “We have traditionally always met at Veterans Memorial Park on this great day in our city to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, their lives for our country.
“But today, these recent events we are a part of today, I am here in my office but my thoughts are still the same and this is what a privilege we have to live in a country that is free and that we have all the freedoms that we have to enjoy, especially today we can think of that.”
One of the longest traditions in the City of Wyoming has been the annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor the sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.
Even with the current COVID-19 pandemic and the governor’s extended Stay Home, Stay Safe order, the city plans to continue that tradition, according to staff. The event is just going to be a little different.
The annual ceremony, usually at the City of Wyoming’s Veterans Memorial Garden, has been cancelled. Instead, city leaders and staff are working to put together a prerecorded mashup video with members from the city singing.
“As home to the Michigan Army National Guard Grand Valley Guard Armory, the American Legion Roger B. Chaffee Post, with many of our residents having served in the military, the City of Wyoming has a long tradition of holding Memorial Day as an important day of remembrance,” stated Mayor Jack Poll. “It is important for our community to come together to honor the sacrifices of our blue star families.”
The video is scheduled to be posted on the City of Wyoming’s Facebook page around Memorial Day weekend and make sure to check out the WKTV Journal page, which will be featuring the video all day Memorial Day.
This year, Memorial Day is May 25. Memorial day, usually observed on the last Monday in May, originally honored those who were lost during the fighting of the Civil War. it has evolved over the years to include all American military personal who died in any of the wars. Most communities, such as the City of Wyoming, have marked the day with special parades and ceremonies.
Memorial Day weekend is usually the official start of summer as it is a three-day weekend for most people. However, this year, with the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order extended to May 28 – the Thursday after Memorial Day – most people probably will be celebrating at home.
Among the announcements of cancellations and/or delays in programming comes some good news: many area farmers markets such as the Metro Health Farm Market and the City of Kentwood Farmers Market will open as scheduled.
“We’re very excited,” said Metro Health Farm Market Manager Michelle Rademacher. The Metro Health Farm Market is scheduled to open May 14 and run until Oct. 8 at the Metro Health Village, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW. The market is on Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., rain or shine.
“There has been a lot of planning for this to take place so as to follow all of the stipulations for COVID-19,” Rademacher said.
Farmers markets have been deemed essential by the state but even with this classification comes limitations with only food vendors able to sell at the markets. Like many of the area farmers markets, the Metro Health Farm Market and the Kentwood Farmers Market will be following Center for Disease Control and Michigan Farmers Market Association COVID-19 guidelines.
Along with only essential items such as food being offered, vendors will be six feet apart and required to wear masks. Patrons will be encouraged to wear masks and to leave their personal shopping bags at home.
“There is going to be less out with vendors restocking,” Rademacher said. “Hopefully customers will say, ‘I would like three corn, one lettuce,’ and the vendor will pick and bag the items so as to reduce the amount of touching the items.”
“Everybody loves to pick up a tomato to see if it is the perfect one for their meal,” said Fulton Street Farmers Market Assistant Manager Dana Eardley. Being open year around, the Fulton Street Farmers Market, 1145 Fulton St. SE, was able to gradually institute procedures for social distancing and reduction in contact. This included a policy that only the the vendors are allowed to touch food and produce.
The Fulton Street Farmers Market had its official main (summer) season opening this past weekend, where the hours were increased to 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday through October. From November to April the market is only open for a few hours on Saturday.
Area farmers markets have been deemed essential by the state with vendors only able to offer food items such as diary, meat, and produce. (Free Domain)
Kentwood Farmers Market
To encourage vendors to follow the guidelines, the Kentwood Farmers Market is offering a Vendor Scholarship, which will cover 100 percent of the vendor fees. To qualify for the scholarship, a vendor who sells food products, needs to demonstrate a commitment to customer safety such as offering pre-packaged items or pick-up.
The Kentwood Farmers Market returns for its sixth season, June 4 and running through Aug. 27. The market will take place on Thursdays from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. in front of Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. For more information on the Kentwood Farmers Market or the Vendor Scholarship, visit the market’s website.
Get It and Go
The implementation of customer counts with the Fulton Street Farmers Market only being able to allow 66 customers in the market at onetime did prove to be a challenge. The market was required to close off all its side entrances and increase its volunteers to get the customer counts along with help at the handicap entrance, Eardley said.
“The market is a place that people come to stroll or have a family outing, letting the smells and produce call to them as to what they might want to add to their meals,” Eardley said. “We have had to really make a shift in having people get in and get their food and leave.”
Advance planning is encouraged with the Fulton Street Farmers Market instituting a “roll call” on its Facebook of vendors planning to be at the market so shoppers could plan.
The Metro Health Farm Market also will have traffic arrows to direct the market flow and some of its entrance points will be closed but there are no plans to track the number of people in the market.
“There is some fear that a farmers market can turn into a social gathering, “Rademacher said. “Hopefully people will follow social distancing guidelines and only send one person from a family to help with the crowd control.
Rademacher added staff will be keeping an eye on the first day to see if adjustments need to be made.
Making Their Dollars Count
Eardley remarked that attendance for opening weekend was lower than usually, but she did have good news for other farmers markets.
“Some of our vendors have told us that they have had record-breaking sales,” she said. “So while the volume was down, those who were coming are very serious about making their dollars count toward the local food farmers and not the big box stores.”
Rademacher concurred with Eardley, saying “I think people are acknowledging that farmers are small businesses and spending local wherever they can.”
What About Non-Food Items?
Most markets usually have a mix of food and non-food items. Fulton Street Farmers Market also has an artist market on Sundays starting in June. Because crafters and non-food vendors do not fall under the essential category, for now they will not be at the markets. Both Radamacher and Eardley said they remain hopeful that as guidelines change, non-essential vendors will be able to be added.
It was a good morning for every school district in Kent County that had a millage or bond issue in yesterday’s election — they all passed including Kelloggsville’s request for a 1.0 mill sinking fund and Godwin Heights $13.9 million bond request.
The May 5 election was the first time in the state’s history that was totally absentee ballot. All registered voters within school districts with a proposal were mailed absentee applications and local municipalities had voting stations — and in the case of the City of Wyoming, curbside voting — set up on the day of the election.
“We saw a higher turnout then we normally see for a special election,” said Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg, who added that there was about a 14 percent turnout for the May 5 special election with the city usually having about a four to six percent turnout for similar elections.
VandenBerg said there could be a number of factors that contributed to the increase such as absentee applications were direct mailed and since people were home, they had more time to complete the ballot.
“We really weren’t sure what to expect,” VandenBerg said, adding that the entire process went very well. Most of the voting did happen through the mail, with about 40 voters come to city hall to vote, she said.
Playground at Southeast Elementary will benefit from the recently approved 1.0 mill sinking fund. (WKTV)
For the May 5 election, Kelloggsville sought a 1.0 mill sinking fund request over 10 years to help with technology and safety improvements and the repair and construction of school buildings. In the first year, the district would receive $371,073 with West Elementary slated to receive the first round of funding for new carpet, lockers, playground upgrades and repaving the parking lot. Over the next 10 years, about every building within the district would benefit from the sinking fund by receiving roof replacements, classroom updates and parking lot repaving.
Kelloggsville encompasses a portion of the City of Wyoming and the City of Kentwood. With about 15.54 percent of the 8,307 registered voters within the district voting, the measure passed 710 to 576.
“We want to say ‘Thank You’ to our community,” said Eric Alcorn, Kelloggsville’s auxiliary services director. “We truly appreciate the trust they have in us even in these trying times. This is really exciting for our kids, parents, staff, community, and everyone connected to Kelloggsville. The passing of the sinking fund will allow us to make the necessary improvements in our classrooms and facilities throughout the district. We look forward to seeing the results of the annual improvements for the years to come.”
Godwin Heights is in the City of Wyoming. With about 13.69 percent of its 8,130 register voters voting, the bond proposal passed, 653 to 457.
Will there be absentee voting in the fall? That is something the state will have to decide. (WKTV)
The City of Wyoming also has a small portion of voters in the Byron Center Public Schools, which was seeking a bond proposal. With one of the highest turnouts, 37.82 percent of its 20,252 registered voters, the proposal passed 4,805 to 2,830. Interestingly, according to the Kent County election results, none of the 10 City of Wyoming registered voters voted in the May 5 special election.
As to whether the absentee balloting should be done for August and November, which has been mentioned by state leaders, VandenBerg said that the fall elections are a different scale. In the special election, the city was dealing with about 12,000 voters, she said, adding that in the August and November elections, the number of voters is more than 52,000.
“I think there are elements from this election that are worth looking at but as to whether the fall elections should be absentee will be guided by decisions from others,” VandenBerg said.
There have been a few nice days these past couple of weeks and the weekend at least is looking dry, which means that many residents might be heading outside to do some lawn work. Good news if you are in the City of Wyoming: the city has opened its Yard Waste Drop-Off Site, located 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW.
Due to social distancing, the hours will follow similar to the city’s snow plowing days. Those with addresses ending in an an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7) may drop off on Monday and Wednesday and those with addresses ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) may drop off on Tuesday and Thursday. Friday and Saturday will be open to all residents. The hours for the site are from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Only 15 cars will be allowed in the area at one time. Staff is asking everyone to be patient as the new guidelines may cause some delays in getting into the drop-off area.
Also, those coming to the site must wear a mask and have proof of residency such as a valid photo ID or a city water/sewer bill, property tax bill or tax assessment.
Items should be sorted and placed in the correct pile. There is a leaves and grass pile for leaves, plants, flowers, and grass clippings and a brush pile for sticks, branches, bushes, and stumps less than three-feet in diameter.
Leaf and plastic bags are not accepted, so if you bring them, you must leave with them. Also not accepted is sod, dirt, rock, stones, sand, RR ties, treated wood, fencing, shingles, concrete, asphalt, furniture, carpet, glass, garbage, scrap metal, appliance, paint, and chemicals. Basically, if it does not grow on the lawn, it is not welcomed.
To enter the Yard Waste Drop-Off Site, you must make a right turn from the north bound lane of Burlingame Avenue. At the guard shack, show your proof of residency. You should wear a mask and stay six-feet apart from other people. To exit, you will need to make a right-hand turn on to Burlingame Avenue.
A sign at the City of Wyoming City Hall informs people intending to drop off absentee ballots for the May 5 local school district funding votes. (WKTV)
Michigan’s, and so both Wyoming’s and Kentwood’s, voting process for the upcoming May 5 local school funding proposals may — or may not — be foreshadowing how the hugely important 2020 election cycle will play out in August if not also in November.
But one thing for sure, the Kent County voting process, put in place in the aftermath of current COVID-19 restrictions and Michigan Secretary of State directives, will be unlike any the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood city clerk’s offices have ever seen.
The bottom line, according to the Kent County Elections Office, is that registered voters within the precinct boundaries of two local school districts with funding measure requests — Kelloggsville Public Schools and Godwin Heights Public Schools — should have automatically received absentee ballot applications.
While applying for absentee ballots, and using them, is the “preferred” voting means May 5, “each jurisdiction is required to have one polling place open where individuals can vote in-person,” Robert J. Macomber, Kent County Chief Deputy County Clerk, said to WKTV. “It won’t be a typical polling place as it would operate on election day normally.
“Anyone who walk-in on election day will be given a ballot and an envelope to put it in and it will be grouped in for counting with those that voted absentee prior to election day. It’s essentially in-person absentee voting.”
And it is up to local clerks, such as the city clerks of Wyoming and Kentwood, to receive and county the absentee ballots on election day — including the ones dropped off at or walked into the clerk’s on that day.
A voting day unlike any other
This voting process “is certainly different, because all ballots will be processed as an absentee ballot,” Kentwood City Clerk Dan Kasunic said to WKTV, whose office has posted specific May 5 voting process information on the city’s website.
And while both Wyoming City Clerk Kelli A. VandenBerg and Kasunic will be busy on that day counting ballots, VandenBerg also hopes to have few people actually needing to walk in to register and/or vote.
“We have seen a steady stream of ballot requests and a return of voted ballots,” VandenBerg said to WKTV. “While ‘day of’ voting is an option, we are strongly encouraging voters use the absentee process as much as possible.
And extension of the existing City of Wyoming drop off (and usually drive-up) city business customer convenience, the city clerk will now collect absentee ballots via a drop box. (WKTV)
“We have received guidance from the (state) Bureau of Elections and we continue to working closely with both county and city staff to ensure we have a safe election for voters and workers. … Anyone entering a public building will need to have a mask, so we will be prepared to address that. One feature we look forward to is a new drop box that will allow voters to drop off ballots without having to leave their vehicle.”
VandenBerg also pointed out that “While some voters have experience with absentee voting, this concept is new to many others. I often hear concerns from voters about whether absentee ballots are counted. And absentee ballots are absolutely counted. They are not held in case there is a tie, they are counted each and every time.
For Spanish language voters, a sign at the City of Wyoming City Hall. (WKTV)
“Also, I would ask that voters have patience if they do need to visit city hall on election day. My staff and I want to help any and all voters who wish to vote, but we also want to do so while maintaining safety for everyone.”
She also urged voters to check their registration status at mi.gov/vote, where they can verify registration, view a sample ballot and check the status of their absentee request.
Highlights of Kentwood’s voting process includes confirming that “All registered voters in Precincts 1-4-5 (Kelloggsville Schools) have been mailed an application for an absentee ballot,” according to the city website page.
Also, the registration process, if absentee ballot requests were not received, include the person wishing to register prior to the May 5 election day should make an appointment at the city clerk’s office and provide proof of residency.
In person voting — dropping off absentee ballots — and voter registration on May 5 will be at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave SE, with the office open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. After registration, voters will be given absentee ballots to fill out and hand back — but “in person interaction will be conducted in adherence to social distancing and health safety measures,” according to the city website page.
With the governor’s stay-at-home order, the City of Wyoming buildings and offices have closed as of March 23. Only essential staff are reporting to their work sites, according to the city’s website, wyomingmi.gov.
Essential services include police, fire, emergency medical, water, sewer, and public works. The city has implemented aggressive cleaning regimes and eliminated overlapping schedules as protective measures for first responders.
These include: FOIA Requests, Accident Reports, Firearm Permit Applications, and SOR Registration
Much of the city’s remaining staff will continue to work from home if they are able. The city provides a number of online resources and services. Staff will continue to monitor responses to contact forms, emails, and phone calls.
Those unable to find the information they are looking for may use the city’s contact form or call 616-530-7226.
Limited Public Meetings
The City of Wyoming will be limiting public meetings to only take what actions are necessary. Most of the city’s scheduled public meetings have been canceled. Check the city’s website for a specific meeting.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order allowing public meetings to take place digitally. We encourage everyone to submit written public comments instead of attending meetings to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Bot the City Council and Planning Commission meetings are streamed live on Facebook and WKTV local channels. Members of the public are encouraged to view City Council meetings from home. For the City Council meetings, residents may submit public comments in writing through the City Clerk’s Office webform. For the Planning Commission meetings, residents may submit public comment in writing to planning_info@wyomingmi.gov.
For both meetings, members of the public who are in attendance should follow social distancing and sit away from others. The City Council and the Planning Commission will limit public comments to one and a half (1.5) minutes per person.
62-A District Court and Kent County
Last week, the 62-A District Court announced there would be no in-person, public access to the facility. Residents are encouraged to pay tickets and check records online. Filings may be mailed to the 62-A District Court, 2650 DeHoop Ave. SW, Wyoming MI 49509.
Many of the Kent County buildings have closed to the public including the County Clerk’s Office and the Treasurer’s Office.
For up-to-date information about the City of Wyoming visit wyomingmi.gov. The city also has a page on its website dedicated to coronavirus information www.wyoming.gov/covid.
