Is your student ready to take their education to the next level? The Newaygo County Early College Program is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year! This exciting opportunity allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree, setting them up for future academic and career success. The Early College Program, in partnership with Muskegon Community College and your high school, gives students the unique chance to earn college credits while finishing high school. It’s an excellent way to reduce the cost of college, giving students a head start toward a degree or career. Plus, they’ll have the full support of their high school teachers, counselors, and peers, along with the benefits of attending college-level courses. Here’s How It Works:
This program is absolutely free for eligible students—meaning no tuition, fees, or textbook costs—so it’s an incredible opportunity to save money while accelerating education. Students who are motivated, responsible, and ready for the challenge will thrive in this environment. Interested? Students currently in their sophomore year can apply! To get started, speak with your student’s high school counselor or visit: https://www.ncresa.org/page/early-college for more details. Be sure to submit your application by March 10th. Give your child the gift of a brighter future. The Newaygo County Early College Program is here to provide the tools, resources, and support needed to set students on the path to success in college and beyond. Invest in your child’s future today—because every student deserves the chance to achieve their dreams. For more information, please contact Melissa Miller, Director of Career, Technical, and Postsecondary Education at 231-924-8857 or [email protected].
0 Comments
By Stephen Smith While Michigan remains encapsulated by a dangerous polar vortex, the White Cloud Varsity Quiz Bowl bravely ventured out into the subzero temperatures, dreaming of springtime success. Hosting once more on January 25, 2025, Michigan State University’s Academic Team revived the Rube Goldberg Invitational, a traditional quiz bowl mainstay competition from the past. The tournament featured 30 outstanding teams, looking to gain experience and momentum for state and national contests. Emerging from the frigid climes, White Cloud’s illustrious intellects sprung out with a victory against Portland St. Patrick (240-100) in their first match of the preliminary rounds. Invigorated with early success, the valiant vanguard triumphed over Grand Ledge (275-130), showing their budding dominance. The sensational squad was edged out in a close contest with Edsel Ford Dearborn (215-265). The gallant group faltered against Detroit Central Catholic A but gained 60 total points in the effort. Sprouting back up, the courageous contingent outlasted Williamston B (220-205), winning on the penultimate question of the match. With their early morning performance, the Indians earned a spot in the championship bracket. Arguably facing the toughest competition of the season in the afternoon winner’s bracket, the terrific team fell to last year’s Class C-D champion Hillsdale Academy. The vaunted varsity players were bested once again by national powerhouse, Detroit Central Catholic A and then to the following Class A opponents: Grosse Pointe South, Okemos B, Edsel Ford Dearborn. Nonetheless, the fantastic five finished 12th overall in the tournament and are now fully tested, battle hardened, and well prepared for more CSAA competition in the very near future. Eyeing the growth and development of individual players, the Cloud’s intelligentsia was led in scoring by senior Jarrett Warlick, who completely bloomed with 305 points. Captain Wyatt Karnes, with a blossom of petals, finished with 140. Flourishing ahead, Liam Povey sprouted 70 points. Mason D’Lamater and Brian Loveless both budded with 5 points each, reflecting a well-rounded effort for the entire group, who collectively amassed 1,310 points on the day. Finally, Coach Stephen Smith and the team would like to extend their gratitude to Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie and Assistant Coach Kiranna Reynolds. Additional thanks go to assistant coaches Arnie Baker, 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 continued commitment, none of this would be possible. Treacherous snowstorms, harsh winds, and the bitter arctic freeze could never dare to impede the vaunted White Cloud Quiz Bowl team from competing at the Mitten Cup II. Taking place January 11, 2025, the tournament was held at Mount Pleasant High School under the auspices of the Long Island Quiz Bowl Alliance. Featuring a punishingly arduous field of 23 teams, the Indians (4-6) bravely clashed against top-tier talent in preparation for conference, state, and national contests. In the preliminary morning rounds, the indomitable, polar quintet awoke from hibernation to plow through to their first victory, winning against Armada (210-145). Heating up, the “five now alive” squad dispatched Roscommon B (300-40). Delivering a chilling blow, the confident contingent triumphed over Alma (225-110). The valiant vanguard slipped up against national powerhouse, Detroit Central Catholic B but notched 120 points in a laudable effort. Soon after, the Cloud skidded again in opposition to Deckerville (130-225). Nevertheless, White Cloud’s frosted five earned a well-deserved place in the afternoon championship bracket. Facing off against incredibly stiff competition in the winner’s bracket, the varsity players showcased their brainiac abilities, defeating Mount Pleasant (185-85). However, the fabulous five careened off course in a frost front against Traverse City Central A, Detroit Catholic Central C, and Grosse Pointe South. In their final contest, the gallant group stumbled once more while facing Sandusky (160-240). Enduring these icy stings of defeat may linger, but these hard-fought matches will undoubtedly prepare the team for springtime successes at state and national competition. Impressively, the terrific team remained in the top ten for the second iteration of the Mitten Cup Looking at the cold, calculated feats of individual players, the Cloud’s brainstorm was led in scoring by senior Jarrett Warlick, who amassed an avalanche of 350 points. Captain Wyatt Karnes, with a blizzard of contributions, finished with 155. With chilling precision, Liam Povey snowballed his way with 130 points. Brian Loveless iced the competition with 35 points, and Mason D’Lamater rounded out the scoring with a flurry of 10 points, exhibiting the wild sled-sliding point barrage effort for the entire crew. In a heartfelt tribute, the team wore Ferris State Bulldog pins to honor the memory of Mr. Ed Shepard. A longtime supporter of White Cloud Quiz Bowl, Mr. Shepard was an honorable man, devoted husband to Melinda, and proud parent to James, Jennifer, and Janessa – each of whom earned numerous awards and accolades as quiz bowl players. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Shepard Family. Finally, Coach Stephen Smith and the team would like to extend their gratitude to Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie and Assistant Coach Arnie Baker. Additional thanks go to assistant coaches 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 you, none of this would be possible. Family Health Care recognized as a national leader in heart health
BALDWIN, Michigan – The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently recognized Family Health Care for meeting or exceeding national benchmarks in several quality initiatives. The health center earned the National Quality Leader Award for Heart Health for its work in hypertension control, the use of aspirin or antiplatelet for ischemic vascular disease, statin therapy, and tobacco use screening and cessation intervention. Family Health Care was one of only two community health centers in Michigan and among 26 health centers nationwide to earn the award, placing them in the top two percent of health centers in the United States. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, with more than 700,000 deaths each year,” said Amy Tompkins, quality director for Family Health Care. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest heart disease costs more than $250 billion a year because of health care services, medications, and lost productivity. “By addressing cardiovascular health with our patients and being proactive with preventative medicine, we can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other major health issues,” Tompkins said. “Preventative medicine is considerably cheaper than managing chronic illness, which, in turn, lowers health care costs across the board.” HRSA also recognized Family Health Care for addressing social risk factors, advancing health information technology, and being a uniform data system early adopter. HRSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that governs federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). Family Health Care is an FQHC that operates outpatient and school-based clinics in Lake, Mecosta, Missaukee, Newaygo, Osceola, and Wexford counties. “These awards from HRSA exemplify our mission of providing quality, integrated, and comprehensive health care services that are affordable and accessible to everyone,” said Tompkins. During January, Residents Can Receive a FREE Radon Home Test Kit
January is Radon Action Month, and District Health Department #10 (DHD#10), together with Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance (NMPHA), is using this month to educate about the dangers of radon gas. Throughout January, DHD#10 is offering free home radon test kits at each DHD#10 office. Radon is a leading source of lung cancer, causing thousands of deaths each year. Small cracks in your home’s foundation can grow over time as it settles, making paths for radon to enter your home from the ground. NMPHA and DHD#10 encourage you to test your home for radon during Radon Action Month. By doing so, you can play a crucial role in creating healthier homes and communities. "Radon is a major health concern that is often ignored because it is invisible and odorless," said Shaun O’Connor, DHD#10 Public Health Educator. "The best time to test your home is winter, when doors and windows are closed, which lets radon rise. Testing for radon is easy, and if higher levels are found, there are ways to reduce exposure. DHD#10 is proud to offer these free radon home kits this month to raise awareness and help our community members stay safe and healthy." Learn more about radon by visiting Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) here: http://www.michigan.gov/radon. For additional information about radon, visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) here: https://www.epa.gov/radon. Newaygo County Main Office Location: 1049 Newell White Cloud, MI 49349 Hours: Monday- Friday 8:00am- 4:30pm Main Phone: 231-689-7300 Main Fax: 231-689-7382 WIC Phone: 231-689-7327 FHC provides local pharmacy services to the public in Grant and White Cloud
A recent article in the New York Times spoke to the closing of pharmacies, particularly in smaller towns, creating “pharmacy deserts”. Locally, Baars in Fremont and Rite Aid in Grant (nee Larson's Rexall) have closed and Rite Aid in Fremont shut their doors late in 2023. While Fremont continues to have options locally, the loss in Grant hits a community with a high percentage of older adults who tend to take more medications than younger people. Fortunately, there is still an all service pharmacy in town operated by Family Health Care. And no, you do not need to be a patient of FHC to take advantage of the services they offer. The pharmacy is open to the public. As a Community Health Center, Family Health Care is backed by federal and state programs, allowing them to serve now and into the future. Using a Family Health Care pharmacy provides you with peace of mind, knowing that your prescriptions will not be sold or transferred. Switching your prescriptions is easy as well..Just make a visit to the FHC pharmacy and share your prescriptions and they will handle the rest. Beyond providing prescribed medications, the pharmacy offers special discounts and pricing, curbside pickup, online refills, free delivery within 10 miles and so much more. They accept most major insurances and offer a sliding fee to help ensure those with limited income can receive the medications they need. Their registered Pharmacists can provide medication reviews as well as tips on when and how to take them.In addition, immunizations are available on a walk-in basis. The speculation continues as to what will occupy the now vacant Rite Aid building in downtown Grant, but there should be little concern over the town becoming a pharmacy desert. There’s an oasis available just down the street at Family Health Care. And they aren’t going anywhere. Grant FHC Pharmacy 11 N Maple 231-834.1567 White Cloud FHC Pharmacy 1035 Wilcox 231.689.6677 |
Archives
May 2025
Categories |