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WKTV We the People Logo 2026

WKTV We the People: Get to know your local Kentwood and Wyoming candidates

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WKTV We the People Logo 2026
WKTV We the People Logo 2026


By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org

EDITOR’S NOTE: WKTV Community Media invited local candidates to create a video for the upcoming primary and/or general election in the following races that affect Kentwood and Wyoming voters: United States House of Representatives (3rd District), State Representative (80th District), State Representative (83rd District), State Senator (29th District), Wyoming Council Member (at Large), Wyoming Council Member (1st Ward) and Wyoming Mayor. WKTV understands that some candidates want to wait until after the primary to create a video for the general election.

All videos are 5-minutes or less, devoted to the candidate, and were not edited in any way by WKTV. Profile descriptions are provided by the candidate. Candidate videos are presented alphabetically. Participating candidate videos and profiles can be seen below:

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 3RD DISTRICT CANDIDATES

RYAN CUSHMAN – U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd District (R)

Occupation: Pharmacy Owner, Former Army National Guard Medic.

Why are you running for office? Our country needs younger patriots to step up and be involved and I have the abilities and resolve to make positive action a reality.

Two issues I am focused on: Affordability and getting every American healthcare. 

TERRI DEBOER – U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd District (R)

Occupation: Meteorologist, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Author

Why are you running for office?

MY TOP PRIORITIES: COMMON-SENSE SOLUTIONS

1. COMMON SENSE: COST OF LIVING

Reckless federal spending and runaway inflation have priced everyday families out of the American Dream. I will fight to:

  • Rein in Wasteful Spending & Lower Taxes: Cut bloated federal spending and lower taxes on middle-class families so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.
  • Drive Down Energy Costs: Unleash domestic energy production to lower fuel, heating, and electric bills across the board.
  • Make Housing Affordable: Cut back government red tape that inflates construction costs, making homeownership attainable again for Michigan families.

2. COMMON SENSE: HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION

Decisions about your family’s health and education belong in your hands—not with government bureaucrats or massive corporations. I will fight to:

  • Harness the Free Market in Healthcare: Stop the expansion of government control in medicine. I’ll push for free-market solutions, real competition, and deregulation—expanding patient choice, lowering costs, and keeping you in control of your medical decisions.
  • Empower Parents in Education: Put parents back in charge of their children’s education and ensure every child has access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code.

3. COMMON SENSE: SAFETY AND SECURITY

Keeping our communities and institutions safe comes first. I will fight to:

  • Secure Our Borders: Stop illegal immigration and repeal soft-on-crime policies so our laws protect law-abiding Michigan families—not criminals.
  • Protect Election Integrity: Restore trust in our democracy by securing our elections and requiring a valid photo ID to vote.

HILLARY SCHOLTEN – U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd District (D) Incumbent

Occupation: Representative of Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District

Why are you running for office? 

I’m running because I believe Michigan deserves leadership that puts people first. Throughout my career–as a social worker, a Department of Justice attorney, and a member of Congress–I’ve worked to help people navigate systems that too often feel out of reach. I know families are worried about rising costs, trust in government is low, and too many people feel left behind. I’m running to change that by bringing people together, solving problems, and making sure every Michigander has the opportunity to succeed.


Two issues you are focused on:

Two issues I’m focused on are lowering costs and restoring trust in government. Too many Michigan families are working hard but still feeling squeezed by the cost of health care, housing, and everyday necessities. That’s why I’ve worked to lower prescription drug costs, expand affordable housing opportunities, and support good-paying jobs across our state.


I’m also focused on strengthening confidence in our public institutions. People deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and delivers results. That means being a good steward of taxpayer dollars, improving how the government serves people, and ensuring that public service remains focused on the public interest.


STATE SENATOR, 29TH DISTRICT CANDIDATES

IVAN DIAZ – State Senator, 29th District (D)

Occupation: Case Manager

Why are you running for office? I am running for office to finally help take the power of government out of the hands of billionaires and put it back into the hands of the people.

Two issues you are focused on: Raising wages and single-payer healthcare.


ABBIE GROFF-BLASZAK – State Senator, 29th District (D)

Occupation: Instructor, GRCC & City Commissioner, City of East Grand Rapids

Why are you running for office? I believe in better. I believe in better policy that creates better outcomes for people. I believe that better politics can weave the fabric of our community tighter rather than fraying our connection. I believe that we can build a Michigan that stands strong in protecting our people and our democracy while we nurture healthy and thriving communities; ensure an excellent public education for all children; supply adequate and affordable homes where folks want to live; and center the needs and rights of workers in our economy. We need leaders who reject dark money, corporate influence, and special-interests and center the needs and voices of their community. I’m running to represent the collective power and wisdom of this community and work tirelessly to deliver better outcomes through better politics.

Two issues you are focused on:  

  • I am committed to building an economy centered on the needs of workers and families, not corporations and their shareholders. That means working to guarantee a thriving wage for all work that allows individuals and families to cover basic needs and build a fulfilling and meaningful life. It means protecting and expanding the right to organize across all sectors. It means supporting small businesses as they create opportunity across our community. It also means establishing paid family leave and universal childcare because no person should have to choose between caring for family and building a career.
  • I will continue my life’s work in ensuring excellent public schools for every child in every neighborhood. Strong public schools are the foundation of a strong democracy. As an educator, I know that our schools cannot thrive when educators are underpaid, support staff are stretched thin, and students are learning in overcrowded classrooms. We must – for the first time in history –  properly fund public education. We must properly invest in teachers and paraprofessionals; provide the resources and support they need to serve all students; and ensure safe, supportive learning environments – including small class sizes – for every child. 

BRADY MIDDLETON – State Senator, 29th District (R)

Occupation: Business owner, entrepreneur, former criminal justice reformer and inventor. I co-founded Metas LLC, an award-winning innovative company recognized as one of Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch, named “World’s Greatest Label Company” by Bloomberg’s World’s Greatest, and recipient of multiple Best Labels in the US awards from USA Today. I help operate Middleton Printing, a business that’s been thriving in Wyoming for 70 years.

Why are you running for office? I am running for Michigan State Senate District 29 to restore Michigan’s economy and make life more affordable for families, redeem our justice system because true justice doesn’t just punish, it makes people whole, and reconcile our political divide to craft the best common-sense solutions that benefit all Michiganders. I want to ensure our communities are safe and healthy and that people have access to and expanding opportunities to build productive and successful lives.


As a survivor of violent crime, pistol-whipped, carjacked, and kidnapped at gunpoint just two weeks after high school graduation, I know the devastating impact when systems fail victims and communities. Through faith and years of personally mentoring one of my young attackers to graduate high school, I learned that real justice combines accountability with redemption and restitution for victims. My earlier work in criminal justice reform, where I helped expose significant fraud and waste in victim assistance programs, showed me how a lack of transparency allows special interests to block better outcomes.


As a business owner and innovator who has created jobs and efficiencies through technology, I’ve seen how government bloat, fraud, and regulatory barriers drive up costs for families and stifle opportunity. Transparency is key: Michiganders deserve to know exactly why the establishment has failed them and what interests are preventing the best solutions from benefiting everyone.


I’m running to bridge divides, cut waste and abuse, promote innovation and job growth, support restorative approaches that prioritize victim healing and public safety, and expand real pathways in education, workforce training, and reentry so every person, regardless of background, has the chance to build a successful life. Together we can deliver results-focused policies that restore Michigan’s promise for all families.

Two issues you are focused on:

1. Restoring Michigan’s Economy, Ending the Affordability Crisis and Providing Real Lasting Relief to Families

I will grow good-paying jobs in manufacturing, technology, skilled trades, and small business by cutting red tape, reducing energy and healthcare costs, and championing innovation. Eliminating Michigan’s income tax will deliver real lasting relief to families while making our state more competitive to attract growing businesses. By eliminating government waste, fraud, and special-interest spending, we can lower the tax and regulatory burdens that inflate housing, groceries, energy, healthcare, and everyday expenses. Expanding access to skilled trades training will help people secure incredibly well-paying careers while also reducing the cost of building, directly helping solve the housing crisis. Expanding workforce training and education aligned with actual careers will give more Michiganders the tools to achieve financial stability and build successful lives.


2. Redeeming Our Justice System to Create Safer, Healthier Communities and Expanding Opportunities

If our streets and neighborhoods are not safe enough for kids to play in them, then we have failed to deliver safe communities, and change is required. I will drive that change. True justice doesn’t just punish, it makes people whole by holding offenders accountable, delivering meaningful restitution to victims, and providing clear paths to redemption and productive citizenship that reduce recidivism and future crime. Families and taxpayers also deserve justice in education. Michigan ranks 44th in reading comprehension, and nearly 40% of our 4th graders are on a path toward prison or a lifetime of welfare under the current system. The people in Lansing who crafted the laws governing our education process have failed our kids and our communities. Accountability for that failure, and real solutions that fix it, is essential so every child has the opportunity to succeed and every taxpayer gets results for their investment. I will demand transparency in justice and victim programs (building on my experience exposing major fraud), invest in proven prevention and reentry support, and back community-based approaches that keep neighborhoods safe while giving people, including those who have made mistakes, the opportunity to contribute and succeed. By focusing on results over rhetoric and working across divides for common-sense reforms, we can build healthier, safer communities where everyone has a real chance to thrive.



PHIL SKAGGS – State Senator, 29th District (D)

Occupation: State Representative, District 80

Why are you running for office?

I’m running for State Senate because have a heart for helping people. I was raised by my parents to live for others and be engaged in our community. Over the course of my life it has been my personal philosophy and North Star. I have proved over 14 years of public service – in the State House, County Commission and City Commission – that I can collaborate and develop teams that accomplish meaningful reforms to help people. I’m focused on building an economy that works for all of us and allows people to live their unique Michigan Dream: Healthcare for All, Free Childcare, Paid Family and Medical Leave, Pre-K for All and World-Class Schools, Affordable Housing, etc. It’s an extraordinarily difficult time in American history, and I believe metro Grand Rapids needs a Senator willing and able to meet the moment. We need a leader the community and state in a direction that defends American democracy, economic fairness and personal freedom. Also, I believe I can be the most effective Senator for this district.

Two issues you are focused on:

A Family-Centered Plan: Michigan should be a place where parents can trust their children are safe, well-educated, and able to find opportunity. That’s why I led the creation of Kent County’s “Ready by 5” early childhood initiative and expanded pre-k with Gov. Whitmer. Let’s continue to rebuild our k-12 schools, support teachers, create free childcare near where parents live and work, and pass paid family leave so we can care for a new child, an ill loved one, or our own health emergency. We need to stop the “brain drain” of our graduates and skilled workers heading out of state. My Make It In Michigan program will match student loan repayments for graduates if they live and work in Michigan, so we encourage our kids to stay here with us.

An Economy That Works For Everyone: For generations, we’ve been told that if we work hard and play by the rules, we’ll have a secure future. But it’s become clear to all of us that working people are falling further behind while the rich get richer. Trump’s corrupt government has rolled back support for vulnerable people to line the pockets of the ultra-wealthy. It’s unacceptable. It’s tearing our country apart. We need major structural reforms for people – healthcare for all, free daycare and pre-K, paid family leave, affordable housing, taxes on the super wealthy, stronger labor unions, livable wages, and more. I’m a proven progressive who gets results, and I will fight for change that makes your life better – I always have.


Defend Democracy: The Republicans working to line the pockets of their wealthy donors are also systematically attacking our democratic institutions. Their attack on the Voting Rights Act is meant to devastate Black and Brown civic participation in congress. Trump has abused the Constitution by unleashing ICE on cities and law-abiding immigrants, even killing US citizens exercising their right to protest. We have to fight back. In Michigan, we can take the lead to end voter suppression by passing the Michigan Voting Rights Act, implement my Amplify MI Voice plan to ensure the rich and powerful don’t have a stranglehold on our politics, support AG Nessel’s lawsuits against Trump, increase transparency, and rein in ICE. DC should abolish ICE.


WYOMING COUNCIL MEMBER AT LARGE CANDIDATES

ROB ARNOYS – Wyoming Council Member at Large

Occupation: Banking Leadership:  Senior Vice President Premier Services; Lake Michigan Credit Union

Why did I decide to run for the City Council seat?

  • As a lifelong resident of the City of Wyoming, I am passionate about the city and not only have knowledge of the history of Wyoming, but see the great potential it has to offer!  Wyoming has a rich history of vision and progress and it is going through some exciting and significant transition.
    • I am running for re-election as a City Council Member At Large.  Over the past four years, I have had the privilege to serve as your council member and we have made a lot of progress that I will be able to carry that momentum into a second term.  We have enhanced our public safety team and department with greater coverage, systems and equipment that delivers faster response times to keep us protected.  We have embarked on our plan to build a downtown presence, connect our trails, improve our roads, enhance our clean water plant, add a third transmission line for our water deliver, improved our IT infrastructure, hired our City Manager and Deputy City Manager and have activated the Site 36 property to now be a vibrant mix of business and community space.  Above all of this, we have engaged in doing efficiency studies to ensure that we are operating in the most fiscally responsible manner.
    • As a Wyoming Planning Commissioner for almost 12 years, I was involved in the discussion and strategy for the City Master Plan.  We have tremendous opportunity to develop and redevelop our key sectors of the city; develop a centralized downtown area, enhance 28th street, enhance Division, develop the remaining area in the panhandle, as well as many other areas.  
    • In addition, we need to stay on target with the city finances.  There is a need to explore ways to ensure financial sustainability for our operating budget, and in particular, public safety.  As a life long banker who has been involved in strategically managing sizable budgets, I am committed to add insight and guidance to this process.  I will operate with a mindset that we will run based on needs vs. wants to direct funding to those key services needed to run our City.  We will be open and transparent and accountable.  
    • Our City Council executive leadership team is going through change.  Our Mayor is retiring.   If re-elected, I will be able to sustain the momentum and leverage my experience & trust with the other council members, staff and my business experience to create positive action.  I will be able to contribute and drive meaningful change without the long learning curve.
    • I will continue to engage with residents to listen to their inputs, ideas, concerns and thoughts.  This will allow me to best serve based upon the needs of our residents.  My goal is to help our City by working together with residents, City staff and council members.  I have my ideas and inputs, but I will bring a collaborative approach to help guide us to the overall best solutions to create a long term, sustainable, vibrant city that we are all proud to live, work, play and shop.
    • I look forward to serving the City of Wyoming!  If you would like to learn more about me and my background, you can visit www.electrobarnoys.com

What key issues would I focus on if elected:

   If elected, the key priorities that I would want to focus on are:

  • Public safety – It is critical that we have a safe community.  I will stand with our public safety officers in providing them the resources needed to keep our community safe.
  • Fiscal responsibility – I have extensive experience in budgets and finance and will add a new perspective and will treat our finances as I would my own.  Your tax dollars will be treated with care and respect.
  • Planned development – Ensure we have a strong master plan that will put the right uses in the right areas, grow strong business and enhance quality of life.
  • Supporting an environment for small business to prosper

CASSIE KAWKA-VLAHOS – Wyoming Council Member at Large

Occupation: Insurance Compliance Specialist

Why are you running for office? I am running for Wyoming City Council At-Large because I believe local government functions best when residents feel informed, heard and connected to the decisions that impact their daily lives. My goal is to help our city government create that trust and connection. I believe residents deserve a representative who will reach out to them, listen, communicate openly and work collaboratively to resolve issues and improve our community.

Two issues you are focused on: Transparency and Communication

DANIEL RIVERA – Wyoming Council Member at Large

Occupation: Political Manager, States Project 

Why are you running for office?
I’m running for Wyoming City Council At-Large because I believe our city government should be efficient, accessible, and responsive to every resident. As someone born and raised in Wyoming, I want to give back to the community that invested in me and help build a stronger future for all families.

Two issues you are focused on:

Investing in strong neighborhoods through parks, local businesses, and community engagement.

Government efficiency and accountability.


STATE REPRESENTATIVE, 80TH DISTRICT CANDIDATES

LILY CHENG-SCHULTING – State Representative, 80th District (D)


Occupation:  Disability Rights Advocate, Founder of the Disability A-TEAM of West Michigan, and Community Organizer

Why are you running for office?

After mobilizing a grassroots movement and achieving meaningful, systemic change for almost all of the special education schools in Kent County, I decided to run for legislative office to create many real solutions and positive change for all people.


Since my family and I have experienced prejudice through the years, I want to make sure that noone faces discrimination because of the color of their skin, their race, their background, who they love or worship, or for any reason. 


Moreover, I am not just an immigrant and a woman of color, I am also a proven community organizer and human rights advocate for over a decade.  This combination makes me the worst nightmare of Trump, the oligarchy, fascism, and any racist attacks in our communities. 


In this race, I am also the authentic Progressive fighter for a multicultural, working class government. Of utmost importance in our Democracy is a government of, by, and of the people, including working families, diverse families, women, immigrants, and all who need a stronger voice amid our power structure.  Moreover, I am the only candidate for State Representative who Bernie Sanders and Abdul El-Sayed have ever endorsed in West Michigan. Although other candidates coop the term Progressive, I am the only candidate in my race who the Progressive Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party has endorsed. 


Two issues you are focused on:

Two issues or bills, among many issues, which need help immediately and continuously, are bills for increasing the wages of direct care workers and increasing funding for public education and support services for students with disabilities and mental health challenges. 


Additionaly, I will dedicate my skills as a proven coalition builder and community organizer to listen and create many real solutions, including but not limited to:

·       And ensuring a higher quality of life and human dignity for everyone in HD80 and Michigan

·       Affordable Housing options

·       A living wage and higher wages

·       Abolishing ICE

·       DriveSafe Bills

·       Universal Healthcare for All or Single Payer Healthcare

·       Shutting Down Line 5

·       Preventing and protecting the public from Data Centers

·       Women’s Rights

·       LGBTQ Rights


KRISTEN FAUSON – State Representative, 80th District (D)

Occupation: President, Forest Hills Board of Education
Why are you running for office? I’ve never thought of myself as a politician, just someone who sees a need and steps up. For six years, that’s meant fighting MAGA extremists trying to ban books, attack LGBTQ+ kids, and dictate what our teachers can teach. That same fight has moved to Lansing and Washington, and I’m running because District 80 needs someone who’s already proven she knows how to win it.
Two issues you are focused on: Protecting our schools from political extremism, and expanding access to affordable childcare and paid family leave for working families.


KRIS PACHLA – State Representative, 80th District (D)

Occupation: Stay at home dad and Kent County Commissioner

Why are you running for office? I want Michigan to be a place where tomorrow is better than today, and people want to live, work, and play.

Two issues you are focused on: I’m focused on standing up for our communities and improving Everyday Economics for Michiganders, that is the cost of child-care, health care, utilities, transportation, and housing.

WYOMING COUNCIL MEMBER, 1ST WARD CANDIDATE

KYLE BRETHAUER – Wyoming Council Member, 1st Ward)

Occupation: IT Project Manager
Why are you running for office? I am passionate about helping people
Two issues you are focused on: Improving city services and managing city expenses. 

STATE REPRESENTATIVE, 83RD DISTRICT CANDIDATE

CINDY RAMIREZ – State Representative, 83rd District (R)





Photo shows four smiling volunteers cleaning debris from a stream.

West Michigan programs receive nearly $60,000 in grants to clean up streams and monitor water quality 

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Photo shows four smiling volunteers cleaning debris from a stream.
Volunteers help clean up Ottawa County streams in May 2026. (Photo: Ottawa County Water Resources: Used with Permission)
Ruth Thornton is a WKTV Contributor. She holds master’s degrees in journalism and fisheries and wildlife, both from Michigan State University. Before working as a journalist, she worked in conservation for many years in Michigan, Minnesota and West Virginia. Her work has appeared in many media outlets, including MLive, the Detroit Free Press, Bridge Michigan, Capital News Service and Great Lakes Echo. You can follow her work via her Substack newsletter, Nature Signals, and at ruththornton.com.

By Ruth Thornton
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor
greer@wktv.org


Ten organizations and local governments in West Michigan were recently awarded nearly $60,000 in funding from the state to remove trash from streams and monitor water quality. 

“Water is the most valuable non-renewable resource we have,” said Joe Bush, the water resources commissioner for Ottawa County. “People always think oil is.” But, he said, you can’t drink oil. “We can’t take it for granted that [clean water] is here, because it could be gone tomorrow.”

One of the grants went to Ottawa County Water Resources, which received $3,359 to clean up local streams and drains. The money will fund two cleanups this year.

Twenty volunteers helped during the first event on May 13, Bush said. “We had about twelve 50-gallon trash bags full in about two hours. We had a bunch of tires that were in the drain. We pretty much filled up a dumpster.”

Bush says he was elated the first time he got the grant a couple of years ago. He wanted to set up a reliable funding source for cleanups every year and engage the local community. 

Helping in a cleanup does not mean volunteers have to go into the water. 

“We always have two different drains for our drain cleanups,” Bush explained. “One drain is suitable for an energetic group that wants to put on waders and haul trash out of the water.”

 Volunteers who would rather stay dry can choose the second location and walk along the road to pick up trash. 

“There’s a drain for everybody,” Bush said. “We’ve had kids come with the grandparents, and it’s just fun to do it as a family. It’s a good way to get people outside and enjoy nature.

“I always tell people, show up as you are, and we’ll dress you for the occasion, we supply all that stuff, like gloves and waders,” Bush said. 

$100,000 awarded statewide

The grant was part of nearly $60,000 that went to West Michigan programs, out of around $100,000 awarded statewide, through the Michigan Clean Water Corps Program (also called MiCorps) that funds not only cleanup efforts, but also stream monitoring.

Tamara Lipsey, an aquatic biologist at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (commonly referred to as EGLE) said around three-quarters of the grant usually goes to watershed groups or conservation districts to train volunteers to monitor water quality. They do that by assessing the stream habitat and so-called ‘macroinvertebrates,’ or small organisms like insects, crayfish, snails and mussels.

Monitoring the presence and health of macroinvertebrates provides long-term information, she said, compared to taking a water sample, which only captures the water quality at one point in time. 

“These critters stay in the water year-round, sometimes multiple years, and some are more sensitive to pollution than others,” Lipsey explained. “By seeing what’s there, a stream organization can get a quick snapshot of what the water quality is at a site.”


Tamara Lipsey, aquatic biologist at EGLE. (Photo: MiCorps: Used with Permission)


Around 30 groups participate in the monitoring program statewide. Their work is an important supplement to EGLE biologists, who only have the capacity to sample each of Michigan’s 86 watersheds – the area of land that drains into a river – once every five years, she said. 

“Volunteers sampling those rivers and streams in those years that we’re not there is really helpful to keep an eye on our waters. If they find something troubling, they can reach out and we will go and do some additional investigation to see what’s happening at a stream,” Lipsey said. 

Lipsey estimates that thousands of volunteers have been trained since the monitoring grant program started around 20 years ago.

But funding for MiCorps is limited, and more groups apply for money than is available. In 2026, around $71,000 worth of projects requested by 19 qualified organizations could not be funded. 

The Renew Michigan Fund, which covers various environmental cleanup and waste management programs, pays for the water quality monitoring program, while stream cleanups are funded by water quality license plate sales.  


Volunteers help clean up Ottawa County streams in May 2026. (Photo: Ottawa County Water Resources: Used with Permission)


To sign up for cleanup events, and/or support funding

Lipsey encourages people interested in supporting water quality to sign up for one of the cleanup events or a monitoring effort, and to support funding for the program. 

Bush is planning another cleanup on Sept. 19, 2026. He encourages anyone interested in volunteering to register ahead of time to facilitate planning. 

It’s important to keep the streams and drains free of trash, Bush said. “Everything that goes in our creeks ends up somehow in somebody’s waterway. It could end up in your drinking water.”

For more information on the fall cleanup event in Ottawa County, check the Water Resources Commissioner website or sign up for email alerts here.  

More information on MiCorps’ Stream Monitoring Program can be found on their website at www.micorps.net/streams, including how to sign up as a volunteer. A story map about EGLE’s stream sampling efforts is available at this link. 

Therapy dogs transforming the courtroom; an eight-year celebration at Kent County Courthouse

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Jeanne Lewis, proud owner of Rosie the dog and co-founder of West Michigan Therapy Dogs, now in its 25th year. (WKTV/Colleen Pierson)



By Colleen Pierson
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


There was a proclamation from Governor Whitmer, numerous awards given out to volunteers, and lots of tail wagging going on.  

I was at the Kent County Courthouse on April 30 to celebrate two powerful milestones — eight years of the Courthouse Therapy Dog Program and 25 years of service by West Michigan Therapy Dogs (WMTD). The event featured Michigan Supreme Court justice Elizabeth M. Welch, who presented an official resolution honoring both of the programs profound impact in our community.

On any given day, a courtroom can feel intimidating — sterile, formal, and heavy with emotion. For children and vulnerable adults, the experience of testifying can be overwhelming and very stressful.  But in Kent County, something remarkable has been quietly reshaping that reality for the past eight years: the steady, comforting presence of therapy dogs.


Therapy dog Rosie was on-hand at the celebration at Kent County Courthouse. (WKTV/Colleen Pierson)



At the heart of this initiative is a simple yet deeply human truth: connection matters.

“You can’t replicate, you can’t buy it — that human-animal connection,” said Heather McCormick, President of West Michigan Therapy Dogs. Her words reflect what many in the courtroom have witnessed firsthand. “I have seen a child testifying, and a dog puts their head on their lap — brings calm. They offer so much.” 

What they offer goes far beyond companionship. Since it’s launch in 2018 in partnership with Kent Circuit Court and the 61st and 63rd District Court, the program has expanded across the county, placing specially trained therapy dog teams in courtrooms where they are needed most. These dogs provide a steady presence that helps reduce anxiety, improve focus and improve stress levels of witnesses.


State of Michigan/Michigan Supreme Court Special Tribute to West Michigan Therapy Dogs.



Judge Kathleen Feeney, who initiated the use of therapy dogs in the courtroom in 2017, has seen the transformation unfold.


“We saw so many changes in the courtroom with the dogs,” she explained. “Kids had increased confidence while testifying. The dogs provide comfort. Victims think more clearly, and they realize they are not alone.”

The therapy dogs don’t interrupt proceedings or change the facts of a case, but they transform how people experience one of the most difficult moments of their lives; testifying in a court case.

West Michigan Therapy Dogs began with vision and compassion 25 years ago. Jeanne Lewis, proud owner of Rosie the dog and co-founder of the group, helped establish the organization with a clear purpose.

“I started the group to promote what dogs are capable of. They have so much to offer.”

For volunteers like Ron Roden, whose golden retriever Kaiser has become a beloved presence, the work feels almost instinctive.


“Kaiser was born to do this,” Roden said with pride. “He loves to give people hugs and will just lay his head on shoulders for a calming effect.”


 

Ron Roden with therapy dog Kaiser. (WKTV/Colleen Pierson)



Therapy dogs are used in hospitals, schools, airports, grief centers, libraries and courtrooms, just to name a few.

The courtroom is a place often defined by tension and testimony, these dogs bring something rare—comfort without condition, presence without pressure, and healing without words.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed most.

State Rep. John Fitzgerald says new legislation aims to save lives of children, provides consistent message to caregivers

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By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

New care seat safety legislation developed by State Representatives John Fitzgerald (District 83) and Carrie Rheingans (District 47) works to increase child safety and educate caregivers.

On Sept. 27, bills titled HB 4511 and HB 4512 passed through the Michigan House of Representatives.

In a recent interview with WKTV Journal, Rep. Fitzgerald said these companion bills are “intended to work together to make sure that we not only have the law, but also the enforcement mechanism by which we can hold drivers, and parents, and guardians, and caregivers accountable to make sure children are traveling safely here in the state of Michigan.”

Constructed by Rep. Rheingans, HB 4511 builds a framework ensuring children are in properly fitting car seats. Enforcement guidelines and educational components are introduced by Fitzgerald in HB 4512.

Education vs. Punishment

Rep. John Fitzgerald is focused on saving children’s lives and educating caregivers. (Courtesy, Supplied)

“There is a lot that goes into safe travel, and now what we see is that there will be an educational component to this bill,” said Fitzgerald.

Previous Michigan law did not match federal law or manufacturer standards, creating confusion among parents and caregivers. This new legislation will provide one consistent message, eliminating that uncertainty.

A common area of confusion revolves around the age of a child versus height and weight. The most important factor in an accident is height and weight, not age.

“That’s where physics comes into play,” said Fitzgerald. “We want to make sure children are in the right position, meaning forward-facing or rear-facing, and that they are using the correct belts.”

Primary vs. Secondary enforcement mechanisms

An enforcement structure has been put into place with this new legislation. The legislation only allows police officers to check a child safety seat in a vehicle already pulled over for primary traffic violations such as speeding or broken taillights.

Fitzgerald tells Deborah Reed, WKTV Managing Editor, and our viewers that “The goal is to save lives, not punish caregivers.”(WKTV)

If a child is not in a proper car seat or position upon inspection, the caregiver can then be assigned a civil infraction fee. However, that fee can now be waived if the caregiver acquires the right seat and education provided by a car seat safety professional.

Child car seat safety professionals can be found locally at the Public Safety Department and Fire Department in Wyoming.

“We are not trying to punish someone for having the wrong information or the wrong seat,” said Fitzgerald. “We want to help you. We want to help guide you along this journey as your child ages.

“The most important part of that is getting educated on why the right seat was needed, and how that is going to help your child travel safely now.”

Strong bipartisan support

Rep. John Fitzgerald has seen strong bipartisan support for these bills. (WKTV)

Many voices were taken into consideration during the process of the new legislation. Firefighters, police officers, professionals versed in medicine, and community members were all consulted while developing bills 4511 and 4512.

“When you craft this legislation, you are taking into consideration expert testimony, expert input on the bill, and also those of your community,” said Fitzgerald.

“We saw strong bipartisan support on both of these bills in the House of Representatives,” Fitzgerald continued. “That was a great first test of the bills and whether or not we thought that this was something that could be deployed throughout the state and made law.” 

As the bills move into the Senate, Fitzgerald is confident they will continue to see bipartisan support.

A theme of safety

Driver, public and traffic safety are of high importance to the legislature in Lansing.

Fitzgerald noted that recent legislation “has really pushed Michigan forward to consider good traffic safety laws that, I think, are responding to the twenty-first century nature of technology and driver safety.”

Michigan legislature is looking to increase traffic safety in all areas (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Among that legislation is the new Michigan hands-free law that took effect on June 30, 2023.

“This isn’t really new,” said Fitzgerald, stating that other states have had a hands-free law in effect for some time. “But it is something to cut down on distracted driver accidents.”

Michigan legislators are also looking to use traffic enforcement cameras throughout the state for the first time. 

The House recently passed a law allowing for use of traffic enforcement cameras in work safety zones.

That law, however, includes specific qualifiers. Barriers between traffic and workers and a speed of 10 miles per hour over the posted limit are required in order to cite a violation.

Fitzgerald is currently developing another bill allowing for that same enforcement in school zones.

Contact your representative

Rep. Fitzgerald has standing drop-in hours at City Hall in Wyoming for those wishing to speak with him in person. Those hours are 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.

The representative can also be reached at johnfitzgerald@house.mi.gov and 517-373-0835.

Schools will soon have cleaner water, reduce risk of lead poisoning

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Thousands of Michigan children are at risk of lead poisoning (Courtesy, Midstory)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Thousands of Michigan children are at risk of lead poisoning, but will soon be protected at schools and childcare centers.

On Oct. 19, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law “Filter First” legislation. This legislation consists of three bills that require the installation of lead water filters in all schools and childcare centers. Costs will be offset by $50 million dollars currently set aside in the state budget.

“Michigan lawmakers have just enacted the nation’s strongest measures protecting kids from lead in school and childcare centers,” said Cyndi Roper, Michigan senior policy advocate for NRDC. “These bills implement a solution that actually gets lead out of drinking water while also realizing dramatic cost savings over other approaches.”

“F” ranking prompts immediate action

The legislation’s passage comes after a nationwide Environment America report gave Michigan an F grade for its efforts to remove lead from school drinking water. With “Filter First” legislation becoming law, the ranking would be boosted to an A.

Lead levels are harmful in many locations (Courtesy, Midstory)

Research by Elin Betanzo, president and founder of Safe Water Engineering LLC, revealed that 89% of the 114 schools and childcare facilities that voluntarily submitted water samples to the state had dangerous amounts of lead in them.

Lead stunts mental, physical and social development. Young children, whose minds and bodies are growing most, are especially at risk. No amount of lead is safe.

“There has not been a bigger moment in the lead poisoning fight since lead paint was banned 45 years ago,” said Charlotte Jameson, chief policy officer for the Michigan Environmental Council. “Momentum is on our side. We can make lead poisoning history, not current reality.”

The filters schools and childcare centers will install prevent lead found in fountains and taps from leaching into the water children and staff drink. Lead leaching is possible in water fixtures new and old, and is especially prevalent in those left unused for long periods of time. That makes schools and childcare centers, with their many breaks and weekend closures, especially prone to lead contamination.

More about the “Filter First” method

The policy within the legislation, dubbed “Filter First,” is more effective than replacing water infrastructure outright because even new plumbing contains lead. It is also hundreds of millions of dollars cheaper and much faster to implement, according to an analysis prepared by NRDC for the Filter First Coalition.

“Michigan school water data shows that 89% of sampled buildings found detectable lead in their water,” said Betanzo of Safe Water Engineering. “Since Birmingham Public Schools switched its drinking water to all filter stations, there hasn’t been any lead in any of their filtered water samples.

“The Filter First law ensures that all drinking water in Michigan schools and childcare centers will be filtered, improving water quality at more than 3,000 schools statewide and achieving results just like Birmingham.”

State website offers COVID-19 crisis displaced Michigan workers online certification and training assistance

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The State of Michigan now has a one-stop shop for online support of workers seeking to advance their career in this time of COVID-19. (Public Domain)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The State of Michigan recently announced the launch a digital hub for Michigan workers displaced by the COVID-19 crisis to allow them to connect to online certification and degree programs including free training and work readiness tools.

According to the July 28 announcement. “the Coronavirus crisis has created record unemployment across the country and a complicated employment landscape in Michigan. Now more than ever, Michigan workers who possess advanced skills will be better positioned to get and keep higher-paying and more stable jobs.”

So, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has developed a digital hub to connect residents with online learning opportunities and other training resources.

“Whether one is looking to return to work, explore in-demand careers, learn new skills, or take the first step toward a degree or certificate, the hub has information to help Michigan workers expand their opportunities in an evolving economy,” according to the statement.

The digital hub, Michigan.gov/SkillstoWork features a range of online learning and career exploration options — including free opportunities — for Michigan residents to consider while “navigating the COVID-19 economy in the coming weeks and months, when in-person learning opportunities may be limited.”

The virtual resource is a collaborative effort between LEO, the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA), Michigan Works! Agencies and others aimed at increasing opportunities for all Michiganders to explore online degree and certificate programs that could lead to expanded employment opportunities.

“With the economic disruption caused by COVID-19, it’s more important than ever that we help Michiganders improve their skills, explore in-demand career opportunities and jumpstart educational opportunities,” LEO Director Jeff Donofrio said in supplied material. “These online resources continue to expand opportunities for residents to connect with and succeed in high-demand, high-wage careers of the future.”

“The new website connects Michiganders to online programs offered by Michigan’s 28 community colleges,” Michael Hansen, MCCA President, said in supplied material. “As we navigate the challenges presented by the Coronavirus pandemic, Michigan’s business leaders and employers statewide are asking: ‘How do we get people back to work?’ This new information hub is a tremendous start toward solving that challenge.”

In addition, the site provides a new “Return-to-Work Playbook” that assists those preparing to enter the workforce, finding their next job or discovering another one in a national economy that has seen the highest unemployment rates in 100 years To help workers adjust to changing employer needs and work environments, the Playbook outlines available career and job-readiness resources, including step-by-step instructions for developing resumes, preparing for interviews, exploring new career paths and finding free or inexpensive job training opportunities.

It also provides industry or occupational-specific resources for in-demand careers and additional resources to assist specific individuals including veterans, individuals with disabilities, migrant and seasonal farm workers and adult learners.

Other available resources at Michigan.gov/SkillsToWork include career exploration, job search assistance and professional development opportunities.

Secretary of State upgrading computer system during Presidents Day weekend closure

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By State of Michigan


During a Presidents Day weekend closure, the Michigan Department of State will replace the outdated vehicle records system Secretary of State offices have used for decades with a modern computer system to better serve customers.


The Customer and Automotive Records System (CARS) will add new online options, improve existing online and kiosk services, and give staff a more efficient tool to process transactions.


New online options will include ordering license plates, renewing snowmobile registrations and ordering a Recreation Passport and replacement tab for a plate. Many transactions for auto dealers, repair facilities, mechanics and driver education instructors and providers also will be possible online.


During the upgrade, Secretary of State branch offices, online services and auto business transactions will be offline and unavailable from 5pm Friday, Feb. 15, until 9am Tuesday, Feb. 19. Self-service kiosks will be taken offline in phases beginning Friday, Feb. 8. The seven Super Centers usually open Saturday will be closed Saturday, Feb. 16. All branches will be closed on Presidents Day (Monday, Feb. 18).


For a few weeks, as staff gets accustomed to the new computer system, service in offices may take longer. Customers are encouraged to use CARS e-Services at ExpressSOS.com or to complete their transactions outside this timeframe.


Late fees will be waived for transactions with expiration dates between Feb. 11 and March 2.


“This is a vital project for our department and its millions of customers and the first step in implementing our 30-minute guarantee,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “When fully implemented, the new system will transform our technology, making our work more efficient and our service to customers better than before.”


After the vehicle records phase, the driver records system will be replaced over the next two years.


For more information, visit Michigan.gov/SOS.

Michigan Selected as Finalist for First-of-its-kind Mental Health Initiative

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mental-healthU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today announced that Michigan will be awarded $982,373 to compete in a nation-wide program to improve and expand access to mental health care. This first-of-its-kind initiative is based on Senator Stabenow’s Excellence in Mental Health Act, which is one of the most significant steps forward in community mental health funding in decades.

Selected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Michigan is one step closer to being chosen to be part of a new eight-state demonstration program to expand quality mental health care. This new program will offer patients increased services like 24-hour crisis psychiatric care, counseling, and integrated treatments for mental illness. Senator Stabenow’s bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act was cosponsored by Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) and signed into law by President Obama last year.

“Mental illness touches every family in some way,” Senator Stabenow said. “It is critically important that communities in Michigan have the resources they need to help everyone living with mental illness. We must continue to work together to make sure illnesses above the neck are treated the same as illnesses below the neck.”

Michigan is one of 24 states selected to work with interested community mental health centers, Federally-Qualified Health Centers, VA clinics, and other mental health organizations to design a state program that meets the new quality standards for Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers. The eight states chosen to participate in the demonstration program will increase funding for community mental health services and improve the quality of those services. This is the first step toward funding quality behavioral health services in communities nation-wide.

Debbie Stabenow
Senator Stabenow

“We are excited to receive a planning grant for the State of Michigan to design and implement a structure that will further integrate and coordinate behavioral health and primary care, improve outreach to consumers in the greatest need and provide needed and effective coordination of care among providers in multiple settings throughout the state,” said Jeff Patton, CEO of Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Senator Stabenow has been a life-long advocate for quality mental health services. She authored the mental health parity provisions in the Affordable Care Act to stop discrimination in coverage between physical and behavioral health services. Senator Stabenow introduced the Excellence in Mental Health Act with Senator Blunt in 2013 to put mental health centers on a more equal footing with other health centers by improving quality standards and expanding access.

The law is supported by over 50 mental health organizations, veterans organizations and law enforcement organizations including: the National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs’ Association, American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Council for Behavioral Healthcare, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health America, National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and Give An Hour, among many others.

A full list of the 24 states awarded funding can be found here.