 Cathy and Jon Swinehart flank a wagon of little ones Swinehart’s Furniture to Close After 65 Years
Jon Swinehart, owner of Swinehart’s Furniture in Grant, will retire and the store will close after 65 years in business. The furniture store opened in 1954 and was originally owned by Jon’s parents Howard & Helen Swinehart. They lived in the apartment above the store and raised their family of eight children there. In 1985, Jon & Cathy purchased the store from his parents. All of their children (Joe, Dana & Trisha) worked the family business while they were growing up, and various other family members have been known to help out when needed. Despite the appearance of “big box” and chain stores and the growth of online furniture sales, Swineharts stayed competitive by keeping prices reasonable, ensuring quality merchandise, adding special services such as free delivery, furniture repairs and their trademark small-town personal touch. “The people who have done business with us over the years are not just customers... they are friends,” says Swinehart. “We will miss our clients and serving the area very much, but an unexpected opportunity presented itself, and it feels like the right time to retire.” “Retiring from the work I’ve known my whole life will be an adjustment for Cathy and me, but we are looking forward to exploring and enjoying a new phase in our lives.” Swinehart’s Furniture is running sales through July 26th, then will close for a week in preparation for a final inventory closeout starting August 2nd. Jon & Cathy want to express sincere gratitude to their customers for their patronage and loyalty over the years. “We have truly enjoyed doing business with you! Thanks for the memories!”
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 White Cloud Rotary Club recently inducted Holly Moon as President of their Club; (l-r) Holly Moon, Incoming President and Scott Swinehart-Past President. White Cloud Rotary Inducts New President
The White Cloud Rotary Club recently inducted Holly Moon as President of the Club for 2019-2020 year. Michele LaFontsee is President-Elect. Betty Carpenter will continue as Club Secretary, and Julia Bird, as Treasurer of the Club. Scott Swinehart, Past President, (R) handed off the President’s gavel, and thanked Holly (L) for her willingness to devote her time to this position. “It’s my distinct pleasure to serve the Club in this leadership role again,” stated Holly. “I am proud to be a member of this wonderful group of Rotarians!” Holly also served as Club President in 2008-2009. White Cloud Rotary is a volunteer organization based on the principle of ‘Service Above Self’ and the advancement of high ethical standards, goodwill and civic responsibility. The Club meets every Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. at The Eagles conference room in White Cloud.  Bridge work to begin on the 15th. We were confused. While press releases indicated a start date of 7-8 for the Newaygo M-37 bridge work the signs placed by MDOT sometimes changed the date to the 15th and then back again and continued to do this off and on for days. Near North Now with diligent journalistic fervor contacted MDOT about the sign last weekend and word was passed along to the appropriate sources about the apparent gaffe. Come Monday the signs indeed changed indicating caution because of the work being done ahead. Except there was no work being done. We recontacted the most helpful John Richard with the MDOT communications department and he was able to root out that the project will indeed begin next Monday July 15. So enjoy the week of free and easy travel through Newaygo but know that come next Monday the work to institute the changes to the bridge lanes will indeed begin in earnest. At least we’re pretty sure it will.   Despite resignations (3) Hesperia still in limbo
Once again the Hesperia Village Council could not summon a quorum and once again the business meeting came to an end before it really began. The resignation of Gerald Derks Jr. from the Hesperia Village Council received by the Village Clerk Monday came after months of no shows at council meetings and while recall advocates may applaud his departure it does little to alter the problem facing the bi-county town. Without a quorum the action necessary to replace the often absent and now resigned council member as well as filling the spots created by the resignations of Carol Kochans and Kristi DanBesten remains in limbo. Meanwhile Council Member Mike Maynard the other half of the truant twosome has also not shown any inclination to attend the scheduled meetings. According to a story that got air time on WZZM-TV, Maynard stated he would not attend so long as the current Village President Mike Farber remains in office. Much of the conflict appears to be over allowing a Medical Marijuana dispensary to operate in the village one of the heretofore unapproached agenda items for the council. The next scheduled meeting will take place August 12th at 7:30pm. Perhaps.  Meeting scheduled for Monday, July 8 at 7:30pm
Hesperia just celebrated their annual Family Fun Fest with lots of folks taking part in the variety of activities and an epic fireworks display. There’s a lot of community spirit in the village that straddles the county lines of Newaygo and Oceana. They love their high school sports, the local library and enjoy the many other gifts small town Michigan living can bring. But they can’t seem to get enough Village Council members together to hold a meeting these days. As we have reported previously, two council members, Mike Maynard and Gerald Derks have not shown up since the scheduled assembly in March. Village President Mike Farber has called several meetings to order over the past months only to see them end with the council falling short of the requisite numbers needed to hold a meeting. “It’s frustrating,” said Farber. “They are keeping us from moving forward as a town. Fortunately we have a great staff. Our clerk, office personnel, the police chief, our public works, they’re all doing an outstanding job despite the issues on the council.” Recall language for one of the two in absentia members has apparently been accepted. Until further action is taken or a change during the November elections occurs those who attend tonight in hopes of seeing a meeting take place could continue to come away disappointed. Again. Previous stories: https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/hamstrung-in-hesperia https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/two-resignations-two-no-shows-again-no-meeting  “Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn't block traffic.”- Dan Rather
In case the revelry of celebrating the 4th allowed this item of information to escape your mind the bridge work on the M-37 bridge in Newaygo starts tomorrow, Monday July 8th. The signs along the bridge foretelling the commencement of construction seem to be a bit confused as they have occasionally posted 7-15 as the onset date but info from the Department of Transportation indicates the beginning of the bridgework and subsequent summerlong snarl is indeed the 8th. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/newaygo-bridge-to-undergo-work-this-summer-fall  Tools for School applications available across Newaygo County
Applications are available for TrueNorth Community Services' Tools for School program at locations across Newaygo County, with a July 22 deadline to turn them in to TrueNorth. Tools for School provides students from qualifying low-income families with new backpacks filled with essential school supplies. “The program is for kindergarten through 12th grade students living in or attending school in Newaygo County for the 2019-2020 school year,” said Mike Voyt, Volunteer and Special Projects Coordinator for TrueNorth. “We expect to serve more than 1,000 Newaygo County students this year.” The 16th annual Tools for School Expo is Tuesday, August 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the TrueNorth Service Center, 6308 South Warner Avenue in Fremont. The program’s sponsors are The Gerber Foundation and the Fremont Area Community Foundation. Tools for School applications are available at libraries, including Croton Township Library, Newaygo; Fremont Area District Library, Fremont; Grant Area District Library, Grant; Newaygo Area District Library, Newaygo; and White Cloud Community Library, White Cloud. The applications are also available at FiveCAP, Inc., White Cloud; Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' Newaygo County offices, White Cloud; Newaygo Child Development Center Croton, Newaygo; Newaygo County Community Mental Health, White Cloud; and at TrueNorth. The application is also on TrueNorth’s website at http://bit.ly/ToolsForSchool2019App. The application was also distributed through Newaygo County schools: Big Jackson Public Schools, Paris; Fremont Public Schools, Fremont; Grant Public Schools, Grant; Hesperia Community Schools, Hesperia; Newaygo Public Schools, Newaygo; and White Cloud Public Schools, White Cloud. For more information, contact Voyt at mvoyt@truenorthservices.org or (231) 924-0641, ext. 119.  Changes start Monday, July 8.
The Fremont site for recycling, developed as a prototype for future recycling efforts has been a huge success since opening the gates this past February. With regulated hours the volunteer staffed location provides a seamless process for accessing the site. They also help to identify whether materials brought in are appropriate leading to a significant reduction in contamination from improper disposals along with providing some education for novice recyclers. With the operation of the facility still rather new options continue to be explored as a way to increase efficiency, Beginning on Monday, July 8, the site will be adjusting their hours of operation to 9am-12pm Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. 3R will be handling the coordination of volunteers for the site. “We are enthusiastic about the future of recycling in Newaygo County,” said 3R Executive Director Nick Looman. “As local awareness of our State and National recycling challenges increases, great people are stepping forward offering their time, energy, and ideas to a worthy cause. “This won't work without a community effort and we’re excited to be playing a role in growing this program with our County Leaders.” Want to help out? Volunteer opportunities give you the chance to do a little something for the environment while hanging out with some very cool people who care about reducing shipments to the landfill. To lend a hand call the 3R office at 231-924-5822 or email nick@3r-education.org. And for more information on 3R please go to www.3r-education.org  Ok folks, here is the low down on fireworks from our friends at Central Dispatch a message sent out on social media after they began receiving calls Saturday, the first day the new law allows for fireworks during the 4th of July time span. “State law allows for fireworks to be set off beginning at 11:00am and ending at 11:45pm each day from now through the 5th of July.” Given these are indeed the rules let us all be optimistic about a few things. Like maybe adherence to the time tables. The patience shown at a boomer going off at 11;45pm is likely to be considerably diminished by the same sound at 2:30 am followed by a drunken yell. It is also hoped that a little moderation might be in order with consideration given to our local veterans who might not find sudden loud noises desirable and pet owners whose charges endure panic attacks throughout the days (particularly via bottle rockets those annoying whistlers that usually take off with little guidance as to where they might be headed). Now of course, by the same token it would be nice if those who might despise the whole fireworks thing could amp up the tolerance during this time frame and ride out the allocated times with some good humor. It may not parallel with your idea of fun but many enjoy it and it’s only a handful of days a year. Thus far locally we know of three public fireworks events with Fremont leading the way on Wednesday with an over the lake display, Hesperia shooting them off downtown on the celebrated 4th as part of their Family Fun Fest and the Croton Causeway wrapping it up on Saturday the 6th with a show serving as the Freedom Fest finale. If you are aware of more let us know and we’ll help get the word out. Here are a few safety tips and remember as you peruse them that the reason they are here, regardless of how ludicrous the guidelines might sound, is because multiple people do not follow them year after year. Yes, even number 4. Think about it.
"I think Michigan keeps you sane and on an even keel through the ups and downs. In Michigan, I do fireworks, shovel snow and live life.”- Jeff Daniels  The AutoPulse. “A better chance for a positive outcome”
NEWAYGO– Consistent, adequate chest compressions are vital when it comes to providing CPR on a patient in cardiac arrest. Thanks to generous donations from its annual pancake breakfast and Christmas Walk, along with funds from the Fremont Area Community Foundation, Newaygo Fire Department is excited to announce its newest piece of life-saving equipment; the ZOLL AutoPulse® Resuscitation System. The AutoPulse system provides high-quality automated CPR for patients suffering from cardiac arrest. It squeezes the patient's entire chest to help improve blood flow and automatically sizes to the patient. Because the AutoPulse has a stabilizing board, it will continue to provide high-quality CPR as medical personnel move the patient down stairwells, in tight spaces and long-distances. "Our firefighters do a great job providing consistent, high-quality CPR through manual chest compressions," said Interim Chief Travis Kroll. "But over the course of a call, people can become tired. With the addition of the AutoPulse, we can alleviate stress on first responders and free up extra sets of hands to help with other on-scene tasks, providing a better chance for a positive outcome." The AutoPulse was purchased following receiving support and approval by the department’s Fire Board. It was placed into service after members of the department received training on the proper use and maintenance of the machine. Funds from the Fremont Area Community Foundation were made available through a long established endowment for Newaygo Medical First Responders which allows the department to purchase medical lifesaving equipment and gear. "We are grateful for all the support our community provides," said Interim Chief Kroll. "Without the generous donations during our annual fundraisers, we would not be able to purchase lifesaving equipment like the AutoPulse." Newaygo Fire Department is the second in the county to acquire the AutoPulse, following Ashland-Grant Fire Department.  Area Chambers join to address shortage of availability
The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce and River Country Chamber of Commerce, are partnering to host a Licensed Childcare Informational Meeting. With over 500 babies born each year in Newaygo County, the need for additional licensed childcare is ever-growing. Available licensed childcare spaces in Newaygo County have decreased over 40% in the past 10 years. Partnering with The Right Place and Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency, the Chambers are planning two sessions where interested individuals can come and learn how to become licensed childcare providers. Attendees will hear from the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, District Health Department #10, Department of Health and Human Services, Great Start Coalition, Great Start to Quality and more. The goal of this meeting is to connect interested individuals with every organization involved in becoming a licensed childcare provider. There are currently 10 licensed childcare centers, 7 licensed group homes (up to 12 children) and 15 licensed family (up to 6 children) childcare providers in Newaygo County. The meetings will be held in Room 118 at the Regional Center for Agricultural Studies and Career Advancement at 5479 W 72nd Street in Fremont. There are two options for meeting dates to accommodate various schedules. Interested individuals can choose between June 27th from 12:00 to 1:00 and July 9th from 6:00 to 7:00. RSVPs are required prior to June 21st at bit.ly/childcarencrsvp The meetings are free to attend thanks to The Rudert Agency, The White Agency and Sharla Schipper, State Farm who are sponsoring the event.
Two new trustees were elected to the board of Fremont Area Community Foundation at the organization’s annual members meeting on June 13. Joe Roberson was elected as the new board chair by Community Foundation trustees at their subsequent meeting. Members of the Community Foundation—chosen by virtue of their leadership positions in the community—elected Charles Chandler of White Cloud and Randy McDonald of Fremont to the Board of Trustees. Chandler serves on the White Cloud city council and holds a master of science degree from Oklahoma State University. He and his wife Dianne retired to White Cloud from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and enjoy volunteering and spending time outdoors. McDonald is a Fremont area native and has spent more than 35 years in the automotive field, including 22 years with Fremont Ford. He enjoys volunteering and is passionate about investing in youth and families in our community. Incumbents Joe Roberson, Cathy Kissinger, and Carolyn Hummel were each elected to serve their third three-year terms on the board. Following the members meeting, the Board of Trustees met and elected new officers to its Executive Committee. Roberson will serve as board chair, filling the position of Lindsay Hager who stepped down to join the Community Foundation staff as director of community investment. Dr. Lori Tubbergen Clark was elected vice chair, Kissinger as treasurer, and Bill Alsover as trustee at large. Lola Harmon-Ramsey will continue as secretary. The Board of Trustees also elected new members to the boards of the Amazing X Charitable Trust and Elderly Needs Fund supporting organizations. Incumbent Mike Anderson was elected to serve on the Elderly Needs Fund board along with new members Christie Pollock and Kelly Smith. Incumbents Nate Kooistra and Kathy Misak were elected to the Amazing X Charitable Trust board along with new member Randy McDonald.  Lindsay Hager of Fremont will be the new director of community investment at Fremont Area Community Foundation. He joins the staff on June 17. Hager brings many years of experience with the Community Foundation to his new role overseeing the community investment team and strategic initiative work. He has been on the Board of Trustees for eight years and has served as both board chair and chair of the Distribution Committee, which provides grantmaking oversight. Previously, Hager served for nine years on the Elderly Needs Fund board. “I am excited for this opportunity to serve Newaygo County and work with an exceptional team of donors, trustees, staff, and grantees,” said Hager. In addition to his experience with the Community Foundation, Hager is president of Hager Consulting and has worked for 30 years in the affordable housing and community development field. He has worked with a wide variety of municipal and nonprofit clients on strategic plans, feasibility studies, project management, and grant administration. “We are fortunate to have attracted this talent to our team,” said Carla Roberts, Community Foundation president and CEO. “Lindsay is well-versed in all aspects of our organization, including our strategic plan and initiative work. We are excited to welcome him to the staff.” In addition to Hager’s hiring, Mark Petz has been promoted to senior community investment officer and will provide leadership to grantmaking staff. Jenna Smalligan was also promoted to community investment officer and will serve as lead staff in the Community Foundation’s poverty to prosperity focus area.  As meeting time approached several people came through the door but the two long absent council members were not among them. Hesperia Council frozen by truancy As 7:30 approached the small meeting room began to fill and additional chairs were set up to accommodate the attendees. The two council membersCarol Kochans and Kristi DanBesten who resigned in writing since the last meeting no longer had their name plates on the table leaving the Council with just 5 members and only three had shown up thus far. Missing as they had been since the March 11 meeting were Gerald Derks Jr. and Mike Maynard. At the scheduled time Village President Mike Farber called the meeting to order asked the clerk Vicki Burrell to call the roll. And once again the meeting ended due to the lack of a quorum. Neither Derks nor Maynard ended their string of truancy leaving the citizens in attendance frustrated at the ongoing absences that have plagued the council and paralyzed progress in the town that straddles two counties. Farber spoke to the crowd after the meeting explaining once again that without resignations from the chronically absent members there is little that can be done to replace them. A couple of people spoke about plans to bring recall language to the county (Oceana) on Tuesday. Gina Yob who is part of a medical marijuana business set to open in Hesperia expressed her frustration since the vote for the ordinance to allow their business to go forward has been stymied by the lack of attendance. “We are losing money every day and implore you to do whatever you can to get these people to show up. These people should be beyond embarrassed and I think it’s a horrible thing they’re doing. Every single day we can’t do business next door jobs are being lost. There are jobs we want to give out to local people and have resumes on our desk but can’t because of this. Please, whatever you can do, whatever your friends can do, we would appreciate it.” More discussion ensued with people talking about expanding efforts with signage, calls to state officials, spreading the word to other community members and other strategies. Council member Jim Smith supported the efforts and also encouraged people to talk to the absentee members about it when they see them. “There is nothing we as a council can do, “ he stated. “It’s really up to the community.” And from the comments coming from the sampling of community members at the meeting it seems the community might be ready to do what they can. “I know if I had a job and didn’t show up I’d be fired,” said one commentor. “Any of us would be.”
Rockin’ the Trails coming to the Cloud this weekend
Combine the fall event known as ‘Trail Town’ with the music based Rockin’ the Park summer happening that brought a bevy of tunes to the White Cloud Campground last June and you have “Rockin the Trails - A Trail Town Celebration” And it is coming to the WC Campground this weekend with events on Friday and Saturday. Aptly named, the event uses every manner available to showcase the number of trails both on land and waterway the area is blessed with.You can walk in a guided trail tour, run in one of the Blue Blaze races, paddle in a guided kayak tour down the White or tear it up a bit in one of the ZZ Wild paddle events. Music Lover? RTT has you covered with a battle of the bands competition headlining the activity Friday night and a cavalcade of music taking to the stage Saturday beginning at noon. Like your music flavored with country? Got it. More of a classic rock fan? Covered.Tend to lean toward the blues? Done. These three genres will be mixing and matching on stage until 6:30. That’s when The Denise Anderson Connection moves to center stage to fill the summer night with their compelling brand of high energy musical delivery. And what better way to listen to outdoor tunes than to have it accompanied by food vendors and a beverage tent? From 5-11 on Friday and 10am-11pm Saturday the beverage tent will be open to provide the kind of refreshment that goes well with a day spent enjoying the outdoors. There are a number of activities that serve to support the fight against cancer including the Stand Up To Cancer Walk all day Saturday and a silent auction to assist the fine work being done by the Reeling and Healing group. Even the cornhole tourney on Saturday is called Toss Out Cancer with some of the proceeds headed toward the battle. Kids activities, a vintage camper show, a barbeque competition, there looks to be plenty of action this weekend at Rocking the Trails. And a good time to be had up in the Cloud. Check out the ad on our home page. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/  Ice Mountain Grant Applications Due July 15
The application for grants from the Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund is now open. Completed applications are due July 15. The Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund was established in 2002 by what is now Nestlé Waters North America with an initial investment of $500,000. Grants are made from the fund to sustain the waters and water-dependent natural resources of the Muskegon River Watershed by supporting conservation, enhancement, and restoration projects. The fund provides up to $50,000 annually and typical grants are from $5,000 to $20,000. “The Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund has supported numerous projects throughout the Muskegon River Watershed for the past 17 years,” said Arlene Anderson-Vincent, Natural Resource Manager in the Midwest for Nestlé Waters North America. “The success of the IMESF would not be possible without the dedication of Fremont Area Community Foundation, which has managed the fund since it was established. It has been an absolute privilege to work with an organization that is committed to improving the quality of life for current and future generations of Michiganders,” said Anderson-Vincent. Grant requests are accepted for projects or programs that conserve, enhance, or restore the watershed and demonstrate collaboration among organizations. Past grants have supported erosion control projects, restoration of habitats and natural areas, cleanups, river bank stabilization, research, and more. For more information or to apply, visit facommunityfoundation.org/icemountain.  A bit of good-to-know info from our friends at the DOT
Eastbound I-96 closes at Leonard Street beginning Monday, June 10 through late October. Detour: Southbound US-131 to eastbound I-196. The off ramp from eastbound I-96 to Leonard Street will remain open. The on ramp from East Beltline Avenue (M-44) to eastbound I-96 will remain open. Also: The ramp from southbound M-44 (E. Beltline Ave) to westbound I-96 remains closed through October 25 (the ramp from northbound M-44 to westbound I-96 will remain open). Lane closures will be in effect on westbound I-196 from I-96 to Fuller Avenue 9 p.m. tomorrow through October 25.  NEWAYGO– Access will be closed to the duChemin Park boat launch at Croton Pond June 5 - 7 to allow a contractor crew working for Consumers Energy to safely work there. That boat launch is near the Croton Dam. Signs will clearly mark that the site is closed while crews use the site to launch a barge being used to perform work upstream at Hardy Dam. Two nearby boat launches will remain available at the Croton Township Campground on the east side of Croton Pond. In addition, the closure does not impact the Muskegon River recreational access sites on the downstream side of Croton Dam. Consumers Energy reminds visitors to safely and quickly exit the river if they hear the sirens that signal dangerous changes to flow conditions at hydro facilities.  L-R at table: Council members Jim Smith and Mike Farber (Village President), Village Clerk Vicki Burrell, council members Joyce McDonald and Carol Kochans at the May 20 meeting. Council action mired by resignations, attendance issues
The drama surrounding the Village Council continues to unfold in Hesperia where two council members, Carol Kochans and Kristi DanBesten have submitted resignations, however an ongoing issue may put a snag into their departures for now. As we reported last week getting a quorum of elected officials to the table has not been easy of late for the village that straddles two counties and maintains a population of some 930 or so residents. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/hesperia-council-finally-gets-a-quorum The 7 member board requires at least 4 members be in attendance to make the meeting and subsequent voting valid. Council Members Gerald Derks Jr. and Mike Maynard have not attended any meetings since March 11 and with the resignations of Kochans and DanBesten looming just getting the necessary numbers might prove to be a challenge for the next scheduled meeting on June 10th. And as for those resignations, they cannot be accepted without a quorum thus, should Maynard and Derks continue to refrain from attending, DanBesten and Kochans may need to be present if only to allow a vote on the acceptance of their demissions. The previous meeting on May 20 saw actions taken to ensure payment of the village bills and forestall shutoff notices according to Village President Mike Farber. “There are things that need to be done. Issues that need to be voted on if we are to begin moving forward,” he stated. Those issues include the hiring of an attorney, resolving some ongoing issues with water bills and voting on the final approval for a medical marijuana facility in the village. Farber said these items will be on the agenda for the June 10th meeting as well as the pending resignations of DanBesten and Kochans. And if there is once again no quorum? “I guess we will see what happens,” said Farber. Note: Farber and Council Members Jim Smith and Joyce McDonald have attended all scheduled and special meetings held since beginning their current term of office in December of 2018. Consumer Advisory: Do Not Eat Any Products Produced by Charley’s Food Design, Inc/Charley’s Chips5/29/2019
 Food retailers and distributors should remove products from sales floors LANSING—The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is advising consumers not to eat (and retailers/distributors not to sell) any foods produced by Charley’s Food Design, Inc., also known as Charley’s Chips Company, of Wyoming, MI. The products were produced in a facility not licensed or inspected by MDARD and all finished products and ingredients have been placed under seizure due to insanitary conditions at the processing facility. Products covered by this advisory include all products and sell-by dates produced by Charley’s Food Design, Inc., including:
The products were sold at several locations in West Michigan and possibly statewide. Retail and distribution locations where the products have been located include:
If you have purchased any products produced by this company, do not eat them. Dispose of the products or return them to the place of purchase. If you have consumed any of these products and feel ill, seek medical attention immediately. If you are a food retailer or distributor please check your inventory for any products made by this company. If found, remove and hold the products in a safe place away from any sales areas and contact your MDARD food inspector. Under the Michigan Food Law, MDARD is charged with the responsibility of licensing and inspecting food manufacturing facilities and retail food establishments to assure a safe and wholesome food supply. Foods offered for sale at stores must be made in licensed and inspected facilities. This facility was neither licensed nor inspected. MDARD found conditions at the facility that are considered insanitary. Questions may be directed to the MDARD Customer Service Center at 800-292-3939, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. 
Time to get rid of stuff. Nasty stuff mostly. The annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection is coming to the NC Road Commission this Saturday from 8am-2pm. Here’s your opportunity to rid your garage, basement, storage shed, or bathroom(?) of those various items you do not want to flush down the bowl or dump in the yard. Televisions that seem to be taking up residence in our wooded areas can be disposed of along with other electronics and any fluids, spray cans, paint, light bulbs, etc. will be cheerfully accepted by a courageous group of volunteers. TVs will cost $20 but the rest is free (though donations are heartily welcomed) and if you want to see what our county gets rid of each year you can volunteer to be a part of a very cool group of folks doing what they can for the local environment. Just contact the Drain Office at 231.689.7214 and they will give you the skinny. Oh, and no tires, this year. Make a swing or a sandbox or just have the tire place where you get your new ones dispose of them because after collecting enough to fill the Grand Canyon 6-7 times the past few years the group is focusing on other materials this year. Take a Chance (on me). Ahh yes, ABBA and Mamma Mia. Like to sing and dance and be part of community theater ? Thinking maybe you’d like to be cast in the Meryl Streep role (Donna) or looking to capture the ingenue part (Sophie) mastered by Amanda Seyfried? Here’s your chance as LionHeart Productions will hold auditions Tuesday and Wednesday at the Grant Elementary multi-purpose room (160 E State Rd) from 6:30-9:00pm. Be ready to give the pipes a go either via the accompanist ( one will be available) or a karaoke track. November will be when the curtain opens on the latest LionHeart Fall Musical. Russell Gilbert Memorial Kids Free Fishing Day Perhaps the premier event for kids in the area and it is all free because of the work done by the sea of volunteers and supporters making it happen. At the forefront of these efforts are the daughters of Russ Gilbert and their Mom but this is one of those events the community ponies up for in a big time way and it is not to be missed. There is some serious magic in the air during this Mill Pond happening. Prizes awarded. Free donuts in am and free hotdogs to all in attendance at noon. Money for tagged fish. Registration starts at 8am and poles hit the water at 9. |
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July 2019
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