Made In Walker

• State of Walker: 2025 Acceleration

  Mayor Gary Carey delivers his State of the City Address for 2025, highlighting "acceleration" as this year's theme to reflect the increased velocity of growth and development in Walker. Public safety remains a top priority with exceptional community engagement from police and fire departments resulting in a 22% decrease in major crimes over two years despite the city's rapid growth.• The Fruit Ridge Bridge project will have the biggest impact on residents in 2025, serving 16,000 jobs within a two-mile radius and including a non-motorized trail for enhanced safety• Walker's strategic financial approach relies on income tax for 65% of revenue, allowing services to improve without raising property taxes• The city maintains minimal long-term debt, positioning it well for future investments in public safety infrastructure• Youth engagement initiatives include a Youth Academy for high school students and a Next Gen program for young adults interested in civic leadership• Widening Wilson M-11 remains a critical long-term goal to address safety concerns and traffic flow

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• The Long Game: Senator Huizenga and Walker's Future

  The bridges we build, the roads we travel, and the paths we create literally shape how our communities grow and connect. In this enlightening conversation with Senator Mark Huizenga, we dive deep into the infrastructure projects that have transformed Walker from the ground up.When it comes to the Fruit Ridge Bridge project, persistence proved powerful. After eight years of advocacy that spanned from Walker City Hall to Washington D.C., Senator Huizenga finally secured $25 million in funding for this critical expansion. What was once a dangerous two-lane bottleneck connecting five-lane roads will soon safely accommodate both commercial traffic and non-motorized trail users. Most surprising? Despite the nine-month construction timeline, residents recognize the necessity and have embraced the temporary inconvenience for long-term gain.The tunnel under M45 Lake Michigan Drive tells an equally compelling story of determination. When initial grant funding fell short, creative partnerships with philanthropic organizations made the difference. One potential donor, after witnessing pedestrians playing "Frogger" across the busy highway, immediately recognized the life-saving potential of this project. Beyond safety, this infrastructure improvement created what developers call a "radius of impact" that enhances surrounding property values and development opportunities.Looking ahead, Walker faces continued infrastructure challenges with Wilson Avenue (M11) and potential regional attractions like the proposed aquarium. Senator Huizenga reveals how the innovative development of the Northridge industrial corridor through 425 agreements and creative tax strategies has already brought thousands of jobs to the area while maintaining separation between industrial and residential zones.Through consensus-building and a commitment to finding win-win solutions, Walker continues to evolve with infrastructure that serves residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Follow Senator Huizenga on social media to see behind-the-scenes tours of regional facilities and stay updated on the projects shaping West Michigan's future. What infrastructure improvements would make the biggest difference in your daily life? Share your thoughts with us!

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• Fire & Leadership: Walker's New Chief Steps Up

  What makes someone leave the warmth of the Gulf Coast to lead a fire department in Michigan? For Russell Schoultz, Walker's new Fire Chief, it was the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a community that immediately felt like home.Chief Schoultz brings an impressive 34-year public safety career to Walker, including extensive experience with hurricane response, disaster management, and leading statewide operations in Louisiana. But it's his fresh perspective on community safety that stands out most in this candid conversation. "The only thing I have learned in 34 years is how much I don't know," he reflects, demonstrating the humility that guides his leadership approach.Throughout our discussion, Schoultz shares powerful insights drawn from decades on the frontlines. Perhaps most sobering is his observation that in his extensive career responding to fatal fires, he's "yet to be on a fatal fire that had a working smoke detector where the people were not disabled." This stark reality drives his passion for community risk reduction – shifting focus from merely responding to emergencies to preventing them altogether.The conversation reveals ambitious plans for Walker's fire service, including expanded staffing with career firefighters to support the dedicated paid-on-call members, community CPR training initiatives, and innovative approaches to disaster preparedness. Schoultz speaks with genuine admiration about Walker's existing firefighters and the seamless collaboration between city departments that ensures public safety.Whether you're curious about emergency services, considering a career in firefighting, or simply want to understand how our community stays protected, this conversation offers valuable perspective from someone who's seen it all. Check out the City of Walker Fire Department's social media or visit walkercity.com/fire to learn more about fire safety programs and opportunities to serve.

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• Aging with Purpose: Senior Neighbors of Kent County

  Growing older doesn't mean giving up independence, purpose, and connection. Discover how Senior Neighbors of Kent County is transforming the aging experience for adults 60+ throughout our community, including right here in Walker.Suzanne Callahan, President of Senior Neighbors, takes us inside their comprehensive approach to enhancing seniors' lives through two key service areas: personalized support and vibrant community centers. With their unofficial motto of "we figure it out," the organization walks alongside older adults facing any challenge—from home repairs to transportation needs. Their Walker center, attached to Fire Station 3 on Three Mile Road, creates a welcoming hub where seniors connect over coffee, wellness classes, technology training, and intergenerational activities.Transportation emerges as a critical lifeline, with Senior Neighbors providing over 51,000 rides last year alone. This mobility service prevents isolation when driving is no longer an option, allowing continued access to medical appointments, social activities, and volunteer opportunities. Funded primarily through the Kent County Senior Millage and philanthropic support, these services remain accessible regardless of financial circumstances.Perhaps most refreshing is the organization's perspective on aging itself. As Callahan notes, "If you've met one 80-year-old, you've met ONE 80-year-old"—challenging stereotypes by recognizing the diversity, vibrancy and unique needs of each individual. Whether it's learning new technology, participating in wellness programs, or finding purpose through volunteerism, Senior Neighbors focuses on the fundamental human desires for community, independence, purpose, and vitality that transcend age.Ready to explore Senior Neighbors for yourself or a loved one? Visit seniorneighbors.org, check out their social media pages, or simply drop by the Walker center Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 9am and 3pm to experience their welcoming community firsthand.

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• National Night Out: When Business and Police Unite, neighborhoods thrive.

  Police-community relationships often fluctuate like a rollercoaster, affected by events across the nation in ways most professions never experience. Yet in Walker, Michigan, a unique partnership between electrical contractor Feyen ZyIstra and the Walker Police Department is creating a stable foundation of trust and connection through their annual National Night Out block party.When Feyen ZyIstra  moved into the former Fairview Elementary School building, they made a conscious decision to be good neighbors. This commitment, paired with recognition of tense community-police relations nationally, sparked the creation of what has become one of Walker's largest community events. Over a decade later, their August block party draws families from across the area for an evening of entertainment, giveaways, and meaningful interaction with local first responders.Officer Tyler Glass explains that these casual encounters humanize police officers while giving residents comfortable opportunities to ask safety questions outside formal settings. Meanwhile, E.B. Sondheim from Fines-Islestra notes the profound generational impact—children who first attended as toddlers now return as teenagers, creating lasting community bonds. The event represents a modern approach to neighborhood safety at a time when traditional neighborhood watch groups have largely given way to social media connections.Beyond the free hot dogs, bounce houses, and bike giveaways, the block party embodies a powerful message about community resilience. As Officer Glass shares practical neighborhood safety tips—from evening walks to security cameras to locking vehicles—he emphasizes that creating safer communities remains a shared responsibility built on relationships and trust.Want to experience this community-building event firsthand? Join Feyen ZyIstra on August 5th from 6:00-8:30pm at their headquarters across from Meijer on Alpine Avenue. Bring your family, meet your local officers, and discover how businesses and public safety can unite to strengthen neighborhoods one connection at a time.

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