Wayland’s Fall Fun Fest may have died a couple of years ago, but the founder of the “This Is Wayland” web page is spearheading an effort for a special day Saturday, Oct. 26.
Anthony Winters told the Wayland City Council Tuesday evening he wants to establish a five-kilometer run that day that starts at the City Park and ends there. Included in his plans for a fun-filled day are food trucks, a 5K walk, craft show, disc golf, a cornhole tournament and a visit from the Grand Rapids Drive basketball team mascot.
Winters said he’d like to have the 5K run traverse city streets, mostly on the northwest side of town. When he mentioned Dahlia, Garden and Aster streets, Councilwoman Lisa Banas told him he needed to get in touch with Leighton Township officials as well.
Winters said he’d like to start early on that Saturday morning and wrap things up in the afternoon.
He said he has notified Wayland Union schools to encourage a student artist to design a logo for a T-shirt, which a small scholarship as a prize. Another small scholarship could go to a club, program or class.
Councilman Rick Mathis responded, “I was chair of the Fall Fun Fest, so I’m glad to see this proposed.”
The vote to allow Winters to proceed was 6-0.
In other business Monday night, the council:
- Welcomed new city police officer Rich Prince, who just recently retired from the Grand Rapids Police Department after 30 years.
Chief Mark Garnsey told the council Prince has terrific credentials, including four commendations, officer of the year designation, experience in hostage negotiations and handling K-9 officers and he was an adjunct criminal justice professor at Muskegon Community College.
Garnsey commented, “I am honored that our department can attract such quality police officers.”
- Agreed to begin deliberations soon on a local marijuana ordinance.
“I think we need to be careful about this and be open minded,” said City Manager Josh Eggleston. “It is an obligation to our residents to do due diligence onm this issue.”
Voters in Michigan last November passed a state-wide ballot proposal legalizing recreational marijuana use and sales. It is up to local municipalities to decide where, when or how such sales can take place within their borders, or whether they won’t be permitted.
Michigan voters approved the ballot issue with 56% of the vote and voters in the City of Wayland backed it with 58 percent.
COVER PHOTO: Wayland Police Chief Mark Garnsey reads the resume of new officer Rich Prince as his wife, Terri, looks on.
