 On Friday, Feb. 1, all Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial locations will return to normal operations, with regularly scheduled hours. This includes the hospital, all clinics, outpatient rehab and other services. Patients are encouraged to call their physician’s office with any questions. In addition, Tamarac will resume normal operating hours and classes are expected to be held as regularly scheduled. The Tree House and Café, and The Skincare Center and Spa will be open. Please call ahead to verify programs and classes are still scheduled or visit Spectrum Health cancellations web page. DNR Temporarily Suspends Permit Requirement to Collect Fuelwood on State Land
LANSING- Due to the extreme temperatures, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today suspended the requirement for fuelwood permits on state-managed forest lands and game areas to allow people to gather fuel to heat their homes. Suspension of the permit requirement will be effective through Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. All other rules regarding collection of fuelwood on state lands continue to apply. More information regarding these rules can be found at: Michigan.gov/fuelwood. Fuelwood permits for state lands are typically issued in April and fuelwood collection normally ends Dec. 31. Collection of firewood is limited to within 200 feet of a state forest road. Cutting live tree remains prohibited. Collection of firewood from trees cut as part of an active contracted DNR timber sale is also prohibited as these trees are the legal property of the logging contractor. This announcement does not apply to state parks or recreation areas, where collection of firewood is not allowed. To protect against the spread of pests and disease, it is recommended that firewood not be moved long distances. Residents may consult an online map to determine the location of state forest land nearest to their residence. From our friends at Consumers Energy: Consumers Energy greatly appreciates conservation efforts by all natural gas customers across Lower Michigan to assist with a supply issue on the company’s gas distribution network. Conservation, even by gas customers served by other utilities than Consumers Energy, is making a difference. This morning, we are cautiously optimistic that our public requests to reduce gas use are having a positive effect. However, with Thursday’s continued historically cold weather, we ask that conservation measures continue through the end of the day Friday, Feb. 1. Repairs at our Ray Compressor Station are ongoing and the station is partially in service, providing natural gas to our distribution system. However, we are asking that all customers continue to conserve until the end of the day Friday, Feb. 1, to allow for temperatures to moderate and additional repairs to the Ray Station. Previous report: Consumers Energy, the governor and the public service commission scurried Wednesday night to urge customers to cut gas usage after a fire at a critical facility belonging to the utility, including using a late-night alert on cell phones. The utility warned of brief, localized shutoffs if customers ignored the request. "This truly is an unprecedented crisis," said CEO Patti Poppe said. "We have never been in this situation before." At least one automaker said it was suspending operations serviced by Consumers after an explosion and fire at the utility's Armada Township facility at about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday after Consumers reached out to its largest business customers to cut usage and to suppliers to bring in additional supplies to Michigan. "If we don’t get the reduction in demand, and if the system doesn't flow properly in any other way," she said, the company could start notifying commercial and residential customers about "localized planned curtailments."   Newaygo County Government, Newaygo County Courthouse, and all State Government Offices are closed today, Thursday, January 31, 2019 due to extreme winter weather conditions. Numerous facilities remain closed. Avoid non-essential travel.
Travel will remain very hazardous. STAY HOME IF POSSIBLE. If you must, please drive very slow as many road surfaces are covered with packed on snow and ice. Widespread blowing snow is expected to significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commutes. The State of Michigan remains under a State of Emergency issued by the Govenor for the Polar Vortex. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Newaygo County until 7 pm on Thursday. Lake effect snow showers. Blowing and drifting snow will continue to reduce visibilities to near zero at times. Additional snow accumulations of up to 2 inches through tonight. Dangerously cold wind chills of 25 to 45 below zero will last through this morning before slowly improving on Thursday. These wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. FROSTBITE RISK HIGH
WINTER STORM SAFETY!
 TrueNorth Community Services' offices, programs and services will be closed on Thursday, January 31, because of the extreme weather conditions caused by the historic winter storm in West Michigan and elsewhere.
The closing includes Camp Newaygo, the Center for Nonprofit Housing, our emPower heat and energy assistance program, housing services, Ridge Specialties catering, the TrueNorth Food Pantry and the Volunteer Resource Center of Newaygo County. We expect to resume regular hours on Friday, February 1.  Cancer Center, lab, radiology at hospital will be open
Jan. 30, 2019 (4 p.m.) – Due to winter storm warnings and extreme cold temperatures, all Spectrum Health Medical Group physician offices and all outpatient rehabilitation locations will be closed throughout Spectrum Health’s 13-county service area all day Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. In Newaygo County, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial hospital in Fremont will be open, as will the hospital’s lab, radiology services and emergency department. Gerber Memorial’s Cancer Center will also be open Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tamarac, the Center for Health and Well-being, will be open Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, the Tree House and Café will be closed, and no classes will be held. Gerber Memorial will close the following locations on Thursday:
For primary care services, patients are encouraged to use Spectrum Health’s telemedicine service, MedNow. Patients may schedule an appointment via MedNow by downloading the app in the App Store or Google Play Store or by calling 844.322.7374. Programs and classes may be cancelled this week - please call ahead to verify or visit our cancellations web page. Regular updates will be available on Spectrum Health’s website.  Photos and story by Charles Chandler Part I of this series featured an article about a group of local fun-loving kayakers that had gathered on Columbus Day at the Flowing Wells Park in White Cloud, to celebrate the recently opened water trail from White Cloud to Hesperia. That article generated some comments and questions that will be addressed here in Part II. The White River is a case study in complexity. It flows through about 80 miles of beautifully mixed forest lands, much of those in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. There are a variety of rural and urban landowners along those miles, and the river is used for a variety of recreational activities. The water itself is owned by the State of Michigan. There are several regulatory agencies that set policy, provide oversight and guidance for the wildlife that lives in the river, as well as for human activities in and along the river. They are the US Fish and Wildlife, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the County Drain Commission, The Emergency Services Department, the Cities of White Cloud and White Hall, the Village of Hesperia, and various townships. The White River is a State designated “Natural River.” This means, in short, that a Natural Rivers zoning permit is required for most development activities within 400 feet of the river. More on this later in the article. The White River, while near the Pere Marquette and Muskegon rivers, is different from both in many ways. Both of the latter rivers have been developed and maintained for fishing and kayaking. As such, both are national and international destinations for kayakers and fishermen. Both recreational activities provide significant year-round economic benefits to the local economies of Newaygo and Baldwin. The two rivers provide many good paying jobs to their respective communities, and the value of properties surrounding the rivers are, in general, much higher than those surrounding the White. An empty lot lying on the Pere Marquette is often more highly priced than a home which lies along the banks of the White Cloud Pond. Compared to the Pere Marquette and Muskegon Rivers, the White River is clearly undervalued, misunderstood, is somewhat ignored, and with few friends. It is a relatively slow flowing river, often times shallow, and winds its way quietly along the wooded river bottoms. It is a kayaker's river, with many narrow passageways, too narrow for riverboats, and too shallow for motors. It will never be a 'party river', but rather one which provides a very contemplative experience to those with the patience to enjoy it. For many years the White River resisted those who sought to experience it. A short section of the upper White, from White Cloud Dam to the Flowing Wells Park was all that was readily available to travelers. Until this past summer, the path beyond was strewn with hundreds of deadfalls and log jams blocking the way. The section of the upper White between E. Echo Drive in White Cloud and S. Baldwin Ave had about 80 log jams or other woody debris obstructions that, in years past, had to be portaged around. It appeared that many had been there for decades, probably forming shortly after the last saw logs were floated downriver to Lake Michigan. Members of the White River Kayaking Coalition are sometimes asked why they worked to create a passable water trail from White Cloud to Hesperia. They did so for the love of the river, and to give other kayakers the opportunity to paddle an incredibly beautiful river that runs through our backyard. Beyond that, they wanted to develop a water trail that could provide river access to fishermen, and provide an economic benefit for riverside landowners and for the bookend municipalities of White Cloud and Hesperia. This work was, in a word, grueling. The project took leadership, dedicated people with operational skills and the appropriate tools, equipment, time, and guidance from the DNR staff. Mother nature helped as well. Last summer was exceptionally hot and dry, resulting in shallow, warm water. These were good conditions for river workers, but very bad news for trout and other organisms that need cold clear water to thrive, (more on this in the next article). Several people asked, and are still asking “is it legal for you to do this?” The answer is clearly and definitely 'yes'. There is an incredible amount of misinformation about Natural Rivers, which may be one of the factors that caused the upper stretches of the White to become impassable. Another question was, “why can’t the landowner help keep the river clear of log jams?” The answers are as varied as the landowners. For example, there are many absentee landowners along the river that are unaware that trees on their property have fallen across the river. Other landowners don’t have the tools or are not physically able to do the work. A few do not want to see the obstructions removed because they fear the White will become a pathway for trespassers, and their property vandalized or littered with trash. Many of these concerns are clearly misplaced. The White River will never become another Muskegon or even another Pere Marquette. It is physically very different from both. Shallow drafted riverboats, rubber rafts, inner tubes, and water skis will all be barred by the hundreds of shallow stretches, dozens of narrow cutouts, and hundreds of sticks and branches embedded in the river's bottom, waiting to puncture all but the very stoutest of rubber watercraft. In an attempt to clarify the particular question about removing woody debris the staff in the DNR Natural River Program and the DEQ provided the following guidance, found at(http://www.hrwc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Clean-and-Open-Method.pdf). If you follow these guidelines you do not need a Natural Rivers permit to clear the river of obstruction. From the DNR Natural Rivers Staff comes the following: “Regarding kayaking and river work, in general, it should be understood that trees are a natural part of the Michigan river landscape. On small and medium-sized rivers, managing trees in the river is an expected part of the paddling experience. The watercraft should match the conditions of the river, rather than modifying the river to accommodate a certain type of watercraft. Portaging around obstructions may be necessary. Portaging is also a legal right on navigable streams, as the right to go around an obstruction or hazard in the river on private property is protected under the Recreational Trespass Law. A boater can portage around the obstruction or hazard even if exiting on private land is required. However, if an individual exits onto private land, that individual cannot linger while out of the river, but must immediately re-enter the river after walking around the obstacle. If someone is not comfortable with portaging around downed trees that block passage, a wider river that is less likely to be fully obstructed is recommended. Woody material in the river is very positive from a fisheries management standpoint. Benefits include cover, resting areas, spawning areas for fish, insect production (fish and bird food), as well as habitat for many amphibious species. The goal, therefore, is to only cut or remove only what is necessary for passage, resulting in a balance between watercraft passage and maintenance of woody material in the stream. There is no comprehensive statutory guidance on the legality of cutting trees for navigation. If a tree has fallen into the river but is still connected to the shoreline by its roots or trunk, it’s still considered the property of the private landowner where the tree is rooted. Only the landowner, or an individual with the landowner’s permission, can legally remove the whole tree. However, if the river in question is considered navigable, it is generally held and practiced in Michigan that an individual can remove a portion of a fallen tree that is completely blocking navigation downstream. Landowner agreement is recommended. In general, the portion cleared should not exceed 8 feet in width. In some cases, this number will be higher for areas with fast water or tight curves, but more commonly it can be reduced due to slow water conditions. On slow moving streams that generally only see canoes and kayaks, the cleared width can usually be limited to 6 feet or less. Any section of a tree that is embedded in the stream, even if partially buried in the stream bottom, should not be disturbed. Removal of embedded woody material is considered dredging and dredging is regulated on all Michigan streams by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and additionally by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) if occurring on a designated Natural River. In addition, any wood removal should be conducted using hand-held tools such as hand saws and chainsaws. Any use of heavy equipment in the steam is regulated activity and requires a permit. Finally, removal of large logjams and beaver dams are more complex projects that may require permits from both the DNR and DEQ. Please contact both agencies before initiating these projects.” The kayakers, river workers and landowners appreciate the guidance that has been provided by the DNR Natural Rivers program staff. Having quality information and knowledge of the ground rules truly reduces misunderstanding and improves collaboration along the river corridor. The DNR staff has received a number of responses to the informational letter and the zoning standards that was recently sent to landowners. They are happy to report that the outreach effort is making a difference. The White River Kayaking Coalition used best practices when developing the White River water trail from White Cloud down to Hesperia. Those that have made the paddle have noticed that they stayed well below the recommended path width. In many cases, the trail is a narrow squeeze with short turns. Again, it is by its very nature, a trail for kayakers, and will severely limit or prohibit other watercraft use. We humans often take a myopic view of the world we live in and only think about what is in front of us. The White River is a perfect example of this characteristic at work. After attending various committee meetings, getting permits, and having endless conversations with landowners, representative of various agencies, municipal residents and recreational users about the river, it is apparent that very few people consider the complete river in their deliberations. It is understandable because the river is not like a lake that stays in one place. It is somewhat linear and it starts here and goes there beyond property boundaries, city, township or county lines and jurisdictional districts and agency areas of responsibility. The river goes on, crosses all those lines while turning a bend here and there and is soon out of sight and often out of mind. The purpose of the next phase of this water trail project is to facilitate the collaboration between the landowners, river users, municipalities and the regulatory agencies. Another goal is to further develop the necessary trail information, amenities, maps, signage, and recruiting trail maintainers that will hopefully lead to the coveted State of Michigan Water Trail Designation. In order to achieve these goals and aspirations, the White needs a coalition of informed friends and stewards that take a holistic view of this dynamic and beautiful Michigan River. As those that kayak this river know it is much more than the cross-section slice that starts and ends with lot, property, or municipal bounders or departmental jurisdiction. It is much more than a place for the casual recreationalist to go for an experience, or to harvest some resource. It is truly one of Michigan hidden treasures and deserves due respect from all who access it. It is with love, respect, and hope that the White River will no longer be the forgotten undervalued, misunderstood, often ignored beautiful Natural River that lies between the big Muskegon and the world-famous Pere Marquette. The next and last part of this series will address some controversial issues regarding fishing and the long-term health of the river. For general information about the Natural Rivers Program access the DNR www.site https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79136_79236_82211---,00. For more detailed information about the zoning rules, standards, request for variances or guidance call the staff in the DNR Natural River Program. The point of contact is Administrator Kesiree Thiamkeelakul and she can be reached at phone (517-284-6245) or email ([email protected]). For general information about the Department of Environmental Quality access the DEQ www.site https://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3313_71520---,00.html   Family Health Care’s Child & Adolescent Health Centers located in Baldwin, Grant and White Cloud schools will be closed tomorrow, January 30.
At this time, all Family Health Care main clinics located in Baldwin, Cadillac, Grant, McBain and White Cloud will remain open with minimal staff. We request all patients call prior to their appointment. All evening appointments have been canceled. We will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when appropriate.  From Newaygo County Emergency Services Director Abby Watkins
Avoid non-essential travel. STAY HOME IF POSSIBLE. White out conditions are expected with near blizzard conditions at times. Conditions are favorable for multi-car pileups and highway closures. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Newaygo County until 1 pm on Thursday. Lake effect snow showers. Blowing and drifting snow. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches today through tonight. Additional snow accumulations possible Wednesday into Thursday with some blowing and drifting likely. Dangerously cold wind chills expected to develop this evening. Wind chills of 25 to 40 below zero expected tonight through Thursday morning. These conditions will continue to make travel very hazardous. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. FROSTBITE RISK HIGH
WINTER STORM SAFETY!
 Spectrum Health hospitals, surgeries, urgent care centers remain open
Jan. 29, 2019 (4 p.m.) – Due to winter storm warnings and extreme cold temperatures, all Spectrum Health Medical Group physician offices and all outpatient rehabilitation locations will be closed throughout Spectrum Health’s 13-county service area all day Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. In Newaygo County, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial hospital in Fremont will be open, as will the lab and emergency department. Gerber Memorial will close the following locations on Wednesday:
Programs and classes may be cancelled this week - please call ahead to verify or visit our cancellations web page. Regular updates will be available on Spectrum Health’s website.  TrueNorth Community Services' offices, programs and services closed at 2 p.m. today and will be closed Wednesday, January 30, because of the extreme conditions caused by the winter storm.
This includes Camp Newaygo, the Center for Nonprofit Housing, Circles Newaygo County, our emPower heat and energy assistance program, housing services, Ridge Specialties, the TrueNorth Food Pantry and the Volunteer Resource Center of Newaygo County. We expect to resume regular hours on Thursday, January 31  TUESDAY JANUARY 29, 2019
From Newaygo County Emerency Services Director Abby Watkins: White out conditions are occurring with near blizzard conditions at times. Multiple accidents areoccurring across the County. Conditions are favorable for multi-car pile-ups and highway closures. USE EXTREME CAUTION. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Newaygo County until 1 pm on Thursday. Lake effect snow showers. Blowing and drifting snow. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches today through tonight. Additional snow accumulations possible Wednesday into Thursday with some blowing and drifting likely. Dangerously cold wind chills expected to develop this afternoon. Wind chills of 25 to 40 below zero expected tonight through Thursday morning. These conditions will continue to make travel very hazardous. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commutes. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. FROSTBITE RISK HIGH
 -From our friends at Family Health Care:
For the safety of patients and staff, all Family Health Care locations will be closing at 5 p.m. today, January 29, 2019. Locations include Grant, White Cloud, Baldwin, Cadillac and McBain.  Family Health Care’s office in Baldwin, as well as the Child & Adolescent Health Center in Baldwin Schools, will now be closing at 1 p.m. today.
 Gerber Memorial shuts all clinics, rehab as dangerous winter hits
Jan. 28, 2019, 11:45 a.m. – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is closing all physician offices and clinics for the rest of the day, Jan. 28, starting at noon because of dangerous winter weather and hazardous road conditions. Outpatient rehabilitation services in Fremont located at Tamarac and in Newaygo will also close. Tamarac will also close the building for the remainder of the day. The Gerber Memorial Cancer Center is currently open. Gerber Memorial’s Emergency Department will remain open. Gerber Memorial will provide an update around mid-afternoon. For primary care services, patients are encouraged to use Spectrum Health’s telemedicine service, MedNow. Patients may schedule an appointment via MedNow by calling 844.322.7374, through their MyHealth account and selecting the MedNow tile at the top or by downloading the app from SpectrumHealth.org.  Family Health Care will be closing all main sites at 5 p.m. today, January 28, due to weather. Locations include Grant, White Cloud, Baldwin, Cadillac and McBain.
 From our friends at Newaygo County Emergency Services!!
All Newaygo County Government Offices and Courts are closed today, Monday, January 28, 2019 due to a Winter Storm Warning, which is in effect for Newaygo County until 7 pm. Heavy snow is expected with total snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches and winds gusting as high as 40 mph. These conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commute. The extremely cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Scattered power outages are possible. Avoid non-essential travel. If you do have to travel, carry emergency supplies in your car in case you get stuck. WHAT TO EXPECT Dangerous travel is starting to occur aross much of Lower Michigan. The heaviest snow in West Michigan will fall in our area. The worst weather conditions (heaviest snowfall rates, lowest visibility, highest winds) is expected to occur from just before the morning commute through midday, but tricky travel conditions may persist into the evening as clean-up efforts continue. Extremely cold temperatures will follow the heavy snow Tuesday through Thursday. Wind chills will be well below zero, making time spent outdoors potentially life-threatening. Frostbite may occur under 15 minutes. WINTER STORM SAFETY!
 Spectrum Health hospitals, surgeries, urgent care centers remain open
Due to winter storm warnings and forecasted extreme cold temperatures, Spectrum Health Medical Group physician offices, ambulatory clinical locations and all outpatient rehabilitation facilities will be closed until noon on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019. Pending weather updates, the offices may remain closed the remainder of the day. Patients are advised to call their physician’s office with questions. All hospital services, surgeries, urgent care, stand-alone walk-in clinics and convenient care sites are open. Walk-in clinics and convenient care sites that are part of a physician office will be closed. See below for a detailed list: Clinics that will BE CLOSED: Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Walk-in Clinic NEWAYGO /(Convenient Care) Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital Walk-in Clinic LUDINGTON /(Convenient Care) Spectrum Health United Hospital Walk-in Clinic –GREENVILLE/( Convenient Care) Spectrum Health Pennock Walk-in Clinic – IONIA (Convenient Care) Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital Walk-in Clinic – REED CITY(Convenient Care) Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital Walk-in Clinic – Big Rapids Spectrum Health Walk-in Clinic – Caledonia Walk-In Clinics that WILL BE OPEN: Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Walk-in Clinic FREMONT /(Convenient Care) Spectrum Health Walk-in Clinic – 426 Michigan Street Spectrum Health Walk-in Clinic – Hudsonville All Urgent Care sites Occupational Health locations For primary care services, patients are encouraged to use Spectrum Health’s telemedicine service, MedNow. Patients may schedule an appointment via MedNow by calling 844.322.7374, through their MyHealth account and selecting the MedNow tile at the top or by downloading the app from SpectrumHealth.org. Regular updates will be available on Spectrum Health’s website.  Another Round of Extreme Cold and Snow to Impact Michigan LANSING, January 25, 2019- With a second round of arctic temperatures forecast to impact the entire state next week and significant snowfall in the Lower Peninsula, the Michigan State Police (MSP) is encouraging state residents and visitors to be extra cautious when going out in the extreme cold. “With the National Weather Service forecasting another period of sub-zero temperatures and snow, it’s important that Michiganders take steps to stay safe during this stretch of cold weather,” said Capt. Emmitt McGowan, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD). “If you must be outdoors, be sure to dress appropriately and wear a warm coat, hats and gloves and have an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle.” The National Weather Service is forecasting up to six inches of snow in much of the Lower Peninsula from Sunday to Monday night. Beginning Monday night and lasting through Friday all of Michigan will experience sub-zero overnight low temperatures and daytime highs around 0 degrees. Exposure to these temperatures could potentially cause frostbite and hypothermia, create hazardous driving conditions and cause frozen pipes. To stay safe during cold weather:
Motorists are encouraged to check travel conditions and weather reports before driving atwww.michigan.gov/roadconditions. Major road closures can be found at www.michigan.gov/drive. The MSP/EMHSD asks that you tune into local news and/or view these websites rather than calling your local MSP post or 911 for travel conditions. To prevent frozen pipes:
For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visitwww.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.   The first group of volunteers attending orientation for the new Fremont Recycling site Volunteers attend Fremont Recycling site orientation. As the February 6th date approaches for the opening of the new recycling site in Fremont final preparations are being made. The first round of excited and energetic volunteers got their first overview of the site and orientation included a brief history, the facility layout and the protocols for the new site. Volunteer procedures were shared, discussed and demonstrated and attendees also heard a presentation from Newaygo County. Volunteers received information on proper recycling and ways to educate the general public to be more efficient in their recycling efforts. Great detail was focused on what can and, more importantly, what cannot be recycled. After the opening on February 6th. The scheduled times open will be Wednesdays 1-5pm Saturdays 9am-2pm and Mondays 10am-1pm. For information on volunteering or information on recycling you can call the Newaygo Board of Public Works. 231-689-7213. New Fremont site opens February 6! By Doug Harmon So you heard that after a nearly two year sabbatical recycling was making a return to Fremont? You heard right. Months of talks and planning with multiple agencies and organizations will finally result in a recycling center for the Fremont area beginning on Wednesday February 6th from 1pm-5pm. The site will also be open on Saturdays from 9am-2pm beginning February 9th and, Mondays from 10am-1pm beginning February 11th. Thanks to the cooperative efforts involving the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners, Newaygo County Board of Public Works, the Newaygo County Drain Commissioner, The City of Fremont,The Fremont Area Community Foundation, NCRESA, Cartright Recycling, 3R’s, The Newaygo County Road Commission and Paul Mellema of Fremont Mini Storage, the long awaited return will come to fruition with a new spot for the local community to drop off their recyclables. Paul Mellema has donated a location for the site at the Fremont Mini Storage 56th and M82/Stewart St in Fremont. Access will be from 56th St. (5510 address). The site will be fenced and have operating hours to help alleviate the volume and contamination problems of the past. The new location will be a prototype center to determine if fenced in areas, scheduled times of operation and knowledgeable volunteers will alleviate the contamination issues that continue to plague recycling efforts . Cameras will also cover the site 24/7 to assist in identifying dumping and illegal use. Mellema storage has donated the land and a beautiful new office facility for volunteers to assist and educate users and now the Board of Public Works is reaching out to the community for volunteers to help run the center. The BPW is also partnering with NCRESA with students in the Transition program at the Education and Activity Center involved in the recycling efforts. Should enough volunteers come forward the center would be able to increase the hours of operation. For information on how to become a volunteer or any questions regarding recycling please contact the Newaygo County Board of Public Works at 231.689.7213 The former Fremont location saw significant abuse of illegal dumping including but not limited to, garbage, construction material, mattresses, used motor oil, flammable liquids, propane tanks and many other non-recyclable materials. This kind of illegal dumping prompted the closure of the Fremont site in 2017 as well as the former Hesperia site in 2016. The future success of the site will depend on the legal and appropriate use of the recycling center. Want to help sustain recycling efforts in Newaygo County? You can pitch in by making a contribution that will directly fund the drop off sites. Please make checks payable to: Fremont Area Community Foundation and write Newaygo County, recycle services in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to: Fremont Area Community Foundation, 4424 W. 48th Street, Fremont, Michigan 49412. You can also give online through the Community Foundation's website: facommunityfoundation.org. Click on the "Give Today" button located at the top of the page. Please include Newaygo County, recycle services when asked the purpose of your gift.  MDHHS updates status of public assistance benefits, Medicaid during partial federal government shutdown LANSING– Michigan residents still can apply for and receive Medicaid and public assistance benefits such as food and cash assistance; Women, Infants and Children (WIC); State Emergency Relief and child care reimbursement despite the partial federal government shutdown. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is clarifying the status of the programs, which receive federal dollars but are administered by MDHHS. The state has determined there will be no impact to the availability of benefits through these programs in February even if the shutdown continues. There has been no official determination made on March benefits. “The partial federal government shutdown has understandably created concerns from families that rely on federal safety net assistance administered by MDHHS,” said Terrence Beurer, deputy director of Field Operations Administration for MDHHS. “Programs that feed Michigan residents are a primary concern of the State of Michigan, and we have heard misinformation being spread about the immediate impact of the shutdown. We want people to know that MDHHS is prepared to continue to provide this assistance and that funding remains in place through the end of February.” Below are updates on the status of various federally funded programs administered by MDHHS:
State government generally can operate seamlessly for about 45 days after a federal shutdown begins. With the shutdown now beyond 30 days, the State Budget Office, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office and MDHHS are assessing the impact beyond 45 days and into March. Further information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone who has questions about all programs above other than WIC can find contact information for their local MDHHS office by going to www.michigan.gov/contactmdhhs. Anyone with questions about WIC can find contact information for their local WIC agency by going towww.michigan.gov/wic.   Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed motions to withdraw from four federal lawsuits against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), originally filed by her predecessor.
At Nessel’s direction, the state is withdrawing from the following cases:
Gerber Federal Credit Union Now Accepting Essays for $2,750 in Cash Scholarships FREMONT- Gerber Federal Credit Union (Gerber FCU) is pleased to support its young members by awarding scholarships to 3 high school seniors this March: First Place - $1,750 and publication of essay submission at www.gerberfcu.com, Second Place - $750, Third Place - $250. To be eligible, applicants must be Gerber FCU members and current high school seniors planning to attend an accredited technical school, community college, trade school, four-year accredited college or university or an apprentice program. 300-500 word essays on the topic “What do you think is the largest risk to financial health for teens and young adults today? What steps should be taken to reduce this risk?” must be submitted by email, mail or in-person no later than February 15, 2019 at 5pm ET. For more information about the Gerber FCU scholarships, please visit www.gerberfcu.com/scholarships.  |
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