 Single-day event features high-demand career paths at 78 West Michigan employers, training providers
1,300 ninth graders enjoy hands-on career exploration at annual MiCareerQuest West Central From virtual welders and screw-gun races, to learning CPR and trying on firefighter turnout gear, students from 20 local high schools got to take part in dozens of hands-on activities to learn about high-demand career paths available in west-central Michigan. An estimated 1,300 ninth-graders from across the region participated in the sixth-annual MiCareerQuest West Central event hosted by Michigan Works! West Central. The event provides local students the opportunity to meet and speak with local industry experts to learn about what it takes to get into their industry. The annual event was held on April 30, inside Ferris State University’s Wink Arena. Seventy-eight employers and training providers provided students with hands-on activities in four different sectors – healthcare, manufacturing and in-demand careers such as skilled trades, as well as programs available at regional training providers, including CDL training, aviation maintenance school, college programs and more. \ “MiCareerQuest provides every ninth grader in our region with direct access to engaging and interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and conversations with industry professionals,” said Shelly Keene, Executive Director at Michigan Works! West Central. “We specifically invite ninth graders, so they have the opportunity to adjust their high school coursework if a career showcased at MiCareerQuest captures their interest. It's so important for them to realize the wide variety of opportunities available within our region. Our goal is to spark their career curiosity and get them thinking about their life after high school." Platinum sponsors for this year’s MiCareerQuest West Central were Clear Water Services of Ludington and the West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters & Service Trades Local 174. The West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters and Service Trades union, has participated in MiCareerQuest West Central every year since it began in 2020. Union Organizer Johnny Ortiz took part in this year’s event. He enjoys helping students understand more about being a plumber/pipefitter and learning about their five-year apprenticeship programs. “MiCareerQuest is just phenomenal. It actually gets the students involved,” Ortiz said. “Maybe college isn’t right for them, but with all the different booths setup here, there’s a lot to learn about. If college isn’t right for you, we want to educate students and say, ‘Hey, there’s another avenue, and that’s (the apprenticeships) we represent.’ I would absolutely, 100 percent positively recommend MiCareerQuest to anyone – students and employers. It’s a great, great program.” Michigan Works! West Central successfully launched its inaugural MiCareerQuest West Central in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic came to Michigan. Adapting to virtual formats for two years, the event resumed in-person activities in 2023, and has seen a consistent increase in exhibitor participation each year. Impressively, in its first six years, MiCareerQuest West Central is estimated to have provided nearly 11,000 ninth-grade students across the six-county region with valuable insights into high-demand local career and educational pathways! “MiCareerQuest is such a great experience. It’s our largest event of the year, and it wouldn't be possible without the commitment of our staff, volunteers and participating exhibitors. The coordination is extensive, but the reward is seeing students' excitement when they discover new interests,” said Jonathan Eppley, Communication and Marketing Manager for Michigan Works! West Central. “Our aim is to connect the next generation of workforce with the wide variety of high-wage, high-demand career options and affordable education paths available right here in our region." 
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Every year, the Rev It Up Ride brings together a passionate community of riders and supporters to raise funds for the Michigan Special Olympics. This event is not just a ride; it's a celebration of unity, compassion, and the incredible spirit of the Special Olympics athletes. What Happens on the Ride? The Rev It Up Ride is a scenic journey through Michigan's beautiful landscapes, where riders of all backgrounds come together for a common cause. Participants enjoy the camaraderie of fellow riders, the thrill of the open road, and the satisfaction of knowing they are making a difference. The ride culminates in a heartwarming ceremony where the funds raised are presented to the Michigan Special Olympics, highlighting the collective effort and generosity of the community. Importance to Special Olympics Kids For the athletes of the Michigan Special Olympics, the Rev It Up Ride is more than just an event; it's a beacon of hope and support. The funds raised provide essential resources for training, equipment, and participation in competitions, empowering these incredible individuals to achieve their dreams and showcase their talents. The ride symbolizes the community's unwavering commitment to inclusivity and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to shine. Upcoming Fundraiser Event Mark your calendars for May 17th! The Fremont Moose Lodge will host a public fundraiser to support the Rev It Up Ride. This exciting event will feature:
All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly to the Michigan Special Olympics, ensuring that every dollar makes a meaningful impact. Community Spirit Melissa Tinkham, a first-time rider last year, and her fiancé, Dan Robinson, a seasoned participant, felt inspired to contribute even more. With the support of the community and friends, Melissa saw this as a wonderful opportunity to unite the community for a meaningful cause. Join the Ride The Rev It Up Ride will take place on May 30th this year, and everyone is welcome to join, regardless of Moose membership. It's a fantastic opportunity to be part of something special, to ride for a cause, and to witness the joy and gratitude of the Special Olympics athletes firsthand. Together, we can make a difference. Let's rev up our engines and our hearts for the Michigan Special Olympics! if anyone would like to volunteer to help, or make a donation, or even donate baked goods, they can reach out to Melissa Tinkham at 231-225-6018 or Miriam Mey at 248-252-3988.  The Earth is what we all have in common."- Wendell Berry By Sally Wagoner, Newaygo County Environmental Coalition The public is welcome to a free, family friendly Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 26 at Brooks Park., 28 N State Road, Newaygo, 49337. “Naturally Newaygo” is a drop-in event from 2pm – 5pm, with no registration needed. “We will have hands-on activities for all ages,” states Jen Burfield of the Newaygo Conservation District. “One game is a bird migration obstacle course, where kids become birds and learn about how birds fly between their winter and summer homes in spring and fall.” “Earth Day is one of my favorite times of year,” states Amanda Paige of the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly. It comes in Spring which is the start of stream monitoring season. This is where regular community members become important citizen scientists. At the Naturally Newaygo event, families will get to pick and sort a bunch of stream bugs, known as macroinvertebrates, and look at them through microscopes.” Amanda adds, “These little critters can tell us a lot about how healthy a stream is, or is not. It is a great way to have fun with science, and help our environment too.” Naturally Newaygo is a collaborative event between the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly (MRWA), the Newaygo Conservation District (NCD), and the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC). “The idea came about pretty organically – pun intended – as our three organizations were talking about Spring plans,” states Amanda. Added Jen, ”We do a lot of these kinds of family and youth friendly programs at Kropscott Farm Environmental Center. We are excited that our three organizations could come together to bring fun and environmental awareness and education to the community at Brooks Park.” NCEC will add to the activities with a Recycling Game. Kids will win prizes as they learn if various common household items and toys can be recycled, or if they must be thrown in the trash. “This fun activity will help families learn how to recycle the right way, and keep unnecessary trash out of our landfills,” states Sally Wagoner of NCEC. “Just show up at Brooks Park on Saturday, April 26, anytime between 2pm – 5pm”, states Ms. Burfield. It will be a great way for families to celebrate Earth Day, to learn some new things, take home some prizes, and have a good time too!” Questions may be directed to Amanda Paige: [email protected].   Event to support NC Autism Community
The Newaygo County Autism Community’s Annual Walk for Autism will be held on Saturday, May 3 at Fremont High School’s Pine Street Athletic Field. This year’s theme is Toy Story’s “You’ve Got A Friend in Me”. Registration is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. with the presentation of the Ken Schipper Autism Acceptance Award. The public is invited to join the walk and share in the celebration. Free snacks will be provided and the morning events will include yard games, a bounce house, free face painting and the Bubble Guy. Tee shirts will be available on the day of the walk for $20. Registration and the mandatory release form are available online at newaygocountyautismcommunity.org. Pledge forms are also available online for walkers who want to help raise money. People who cannot join the walk but want to donate can choose the “Donate” tab online or mail a check to Newaygo County Autism Community, P.O. Box 56, Fremont, MI 49412. All monies raised will be kept in Newaygo County and help fund local autism programs and services.  Members of the Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club riding the trails around Camp Henry. 4-H Spin Club concludes with a trail ride The Newaygo County 4-H in collaboration with Camp Henry, successfully completed the third season of the Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club. Open to youth, ages 11 – 19, Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club remains popular among 4-H youth; many of which come back season after season to ride. The club focuses on equestrian care and introduces youth to the joy of riding. Being around horses offers kids numerous benefits including physical fitness, boosting confidence and self-esteem, improving social skills, and strengthening coordination while also providing a fun and engaging activity that fosters a connection between the rider and horse. After four weeks of instruction, the Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club concluded with a trail ride around Camp Henry.  4-H youth enjoying a riding lesson with 4-H volunteers and Camp Henry staff. The success of any 4-H club hinges on the dedication and commitment of its 4-H leaders and the Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club is no different. 4-H leaders, Virginia Howes, Tammy Theiste, and Elizabeth Letter, all experienced riders themselves, provide guidance and support to the 4-H youth alongside Aubrey Woodwyk and Charity kays, staff of Camp Henry. The Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club is made possible through a grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation. For more information about the Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club, contact Laurie Platte Breza, 4-H Program Coordinator at 231-928-1056.  4-H youth members and leaders of the Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club.  According to the Michigan Department of Education more than half of Michigan’s 2024 high school graduates enrolled in either a 2 year or 4 year college. The top college choice was Michigan State followed by the University of Michigan, Grand Valley State, and Wayne State. But what were the top choices for area graduates? At Fremont HS 64% of their graduates (88 of 138) chose to continue their education with Muskegon CC being the top choice of Packer grads with 41 enrollees. Then second choice was Ferris with 10 then MSU-6, Michigan Tech-4 Northern Michigan, Grand Valley and Eastern Michigan -3 U-M and Spring Arbor-2 and 14 other schools with 1 each. Quest sent 5 of 27 with 3 choosing Ferris and 2 attending MCC. In Grant 42% of Tiger seniors (46 of 110) continued schooling with MCC the choice of 13, while 9 went to Ferris. Grand Rapids CC drew 3 while GVSU,MSU, West Shore CC, Cornerstone and Baker and Grace each matriculated 2 and 9 schools 1 each. 67% of Newaygo grads (65 of 97) decided to continue beyond 12th grade with 25 Lions selecting MCC. Then came Ferris-17, MSU-5, GVSU-4, Saginaw Valley State-3 and Davenport and GRCC 2 apiece. 7 schools drew one student each. 45% (27 of 60) of White Cloud grads enrolled with Ferris being the top choice drawing 11 former WC students. 3 moved on to MCC while Montcalm CC, Central Michigan and GRCC gained 2 each. 7 different schools enrolled 1 each. Hesperia saw 41% of Panther graduates (23 of 56) continued their schooling with 12 choosing MCC while Ferris and GVSU were the choices of 2 apiece. 7 schools drew 1 Hesperia grad apiece.
Gerber Federal Credit Union (Gerber FCU) awarded a total of $4,500 as a result of its Annual Essay Scholarship program. Entrants were asked to explain “How will Artificial Intelligence change the future? What impact will this have on your educational and financial goals? How will you adapt to the new AI world?” in 300-500 words. Entries were accepted from Gerber Federal Credit Union members currently attending their senior year of high school and planning to attend an accredited technical school, community college, trade school, four-year accredited college or university, or an apprentice program. Aubrey Hummel from Fremont High School is the First-Place winner. She was awarded $2,000 and publication of her essay at www.gerberfcu.com. Sophia Morse from Fremont High School is the Second-Place winner and was awarded $1,500. Morgan Pope from Newaygo High School is the Third-Place Winner and was awarded $1,000. Essays were submitted by email and mail. Our panel of judges included 3 educators from various school districts in Newaygo County as well as a County of Newaygo retiree. Judges evaluated the essays on Topical Relevance and Quality of Writing after all identifying information was removed.
Newaygo County Environmental Coalition hosts presentation on dam removal at NCHM
Join us on March 29th at the Newaygo County Heritage Museum as Paul Haan speaks to the transformative power of dam removal. The presentation starts at 10 am. Mr. Haan is the Executive Director of the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly. Home to 230 natural lakes and over 350 miles of rivers and streams, Newaygo County has 2 major dams and numerous smaller dams. We will learn about various types of dams, the process involved in the removal of dams and the functions of freely flowing rivers as they impact the ecosystem and human lives. This presentation is free and open to the public. Parking is available around the building and in the city parking lot. The Heritage Museum is located at 12 Quarterline Rd, in Newaygo. Registration is requested to help us plan for seating. To register, go to: bit.ly/riverdamremoval, or scan the QR Code. You may also contact: [email protected]; 231-519-3419. Please join us to learn how dams and rivers impact our natural neighborhood. The Newaygo County Environmental Coalition is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the beauty and sustainability of the Newaygo County environment through information, education and advocacy. For more information visit the website at www.nc-ec.org. Follow and like our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/NCEC2.  Pictured from left to right (back): Brian Loveless, Liam Povey, Coach Stephen Smith, Captain Wyatt Karnes and Mason D’Lamater Pictured from left to right (front): Jarrett Warlick and Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie by Stephen Smith Amidst a clash of storms and ferocious winds, White Cloud Quiz Bowl entered an academic fray hosted by Grand Ledge High School on March 15, 2025. The Capital City Quiz Bowl Clash featured 20 teams, hailing from schools all over Michigan. Waging a determined, prolonged campaign, the Indians bravely battled for victories, seeking experience and momentum for upcoming state and national contests. Launching their morning assault on the opposition, the courageous contingent combated Roscommon A, winning in outstanding fashion (360-5). The valiant vanguard’s onslaught continued, prevailing over Brethren (275-55). In an encounter with a formidable Ann Arbor Pioneer team, the gallant group’s counterattack faltered as they posted 55 points against the Class A powerhouse. Undaunted, undeterred, and unbent, the sensational squad vanquished Williamston A (335-195) in the following contest. The preliminary melee ended in a showdown with nationally ranked Grosse Pointe South, where the Cloud posted a laudable 190 points in the hard-fought confrontation. Maneuvering into the afternoon, the brilliant brigade advanced forward, commencing their attack against Alma and secured a victory (230-110). The terrific team experienced a setback against Grosse Pointe North in which the players scored 185 points. Facing even stiffer competition from Detroit Country Day B, the Indians were bested on bonus questions and yielded to the opposition. Exchanging back and forth blows, the inquisitive intellects fell to Williamston B (220-290) in an exciting match that featured 9 lead changes. With unrelenting tenacity, the vaunted varsity players redeployed their blitz, pommeling and bombarding Coldwater for a (290-155) triumph. The unstoppable barrage of the exuberant ensemble was spearheaded by senior Jarrett Warlick, who charged ahead of his teammates by unleashing an explosion of 515 points. Assailing his adversaries and mounting a fierce offensive for himself was Liam Povey, contributing 210 points. Senior Captain Wyatt Karnes decimated the competition, adding 80 more points. In precision strikes, Brian Loveless fired out 55 points and Mason D’Lamater executed strategically, supplying 45 points. Collectively, the fearless force amassed 2,365 points on the day, showcasing a well-rounded team effort. The fantastic five are now fully tested, battle-hardened, and well-prepared for state and national tournaments. Finally, Coach Stephen Smith and the team would like to extend their gratitude to Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie and assistant coaches Arnie Baker, Kiranna Reynolds, Cameron Karnes, and Dallas Dowling. The team is also deeply appreciative of the parents, teachers, staff, administrators, donors, and community members who continue to support their success. Without your unwavering commitment, none of this would be possible. |
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