 EGLE Grant will cover the project at no cost to residents
The MI Clean Water Plan grants through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and support from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) aim to help communities upgrade aging infrastructure, ensure healthy drinking water, and protect Michigan’s environment. EGLE DWSRF has announced that the City of White Cloud has received a $4,065,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Grant to cover the cost of replacing water lines in the city. Frequently, in communities developed during the time period in which the City of White Cloud was developed, water service lines were made from lead or galvanized piping. This program will replace lead (and galvanized) water service lines with new copper piping from the main all the way into the homes and businesses. “We are thrilled to be a recipient of this funding.” said White Cloud City Manager April Storms.” This will allow the project to be completed in a relatively short amount of time and will have no effect on water rates to consumers. “The City’s water samples have been tested, resulting in no lead contaminants, however, this Lead and Copper Rule is mandatory statewide for municipalities with water systems.” The Michigan Lead and Copper Rule requires that all lead and galvanized (previously connected to lead) water service lines be replaced within the next 20 years (by January 2040) or at a minimum rate of 5% per year. Water service lines are scheduled to be replaced in White Cloud beginning in Fall of 2024 through Summer of 2025. The City will secure a properly experienced and insured contractor through a bid process to perform this work. “We have done an initial review to determine what water lines require investigation to determine service line material or what lines may need to be replaced,”added Storms. Of the 522 water services in the city, Storms estimates 420 of the lines will need to be investigated and/or replaced as a result of this project. The city will be sending out notification and an agreement for property owners who will be affected by this project.
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 The Board of Grant Public Schools at a special meeting held Friday, September 26th Middle School principal Kevin Akin named to interim post By Ken De Laat If Friday’s Special Meeting of the Grant School Board is any indication, the rift that has divided the town shows no sign of abetting anytime soon. The set of an upcoming play at the Fine Arts Center provided an eerie backdrop to the ongoing tension both within the board and between the board and a significant part of the community they serve. There are already recall elections coming in May when current Board Members Rachel Gort and Richard Vance will face opposition from Lindsay Mahlich and Mindy Conley. The meeting was called earlier in the week with the agenda to include accepting the resignation and release agreement of outgoing superintendent Brett Zuver and the appointment of an interim superintendent. The friction became apparent early as Board Member Rob Schuitema challenged the agenda with a motion to remove the appointment of the interim supe and replace it with engaging NC RESA, MASB, or MLI to find an interim. His motion received no support and the board voted to go into closed session. Upon return a motion was made and supported to accept the resignation and the release agreement. During discussion Schuitema related his displeasure with the action. “I just want to say that Brett Zuver is a good man, he was a good superintendent and I believe he has been unjustly treated and I feel the resignation was forced on him.” No further discussion was offered and the vote was 6-1 with Schuitema the lone dissenting vote. The next action was a motion and support to name Grant Middle School Principal Kevin Akin to the interim post. Again Schuitema challenged the move stating he had not been given time to digest the information having just heard about it. His motion to wait until there was an opportunity for the full board to interview Akin was not supported and the vote to install him as interim went 6-1 in favor with Schuitema, again, the lone dissenting vote Following some other business matters the meeting went to public comment Kelly Brown began by leveling criticism toward Superintendent Zuver white praising the recent efforts of the board. Following her were seventeen others who approached the podium to deliver comments. There was further support for the board’s actions from a couple of other sources but primarily speakers questioned the timing of announcing the meeting, the possibility of a conflict of interest with Interim Supe Akin’s involvement in Special Ed and the circumstances leading to Zuver’s departure. Most of the comments dealt more with concern over how the board operated in making these decisions rather than the outcome, though there were parents and students who expressed sadness and anger at the loss of Zuver. Tracy Hargreaves had praise for Akin but also questioned the Board’s decision making process. Megan Wirts admonished the Board for pushing out the former supe and called for the board to resign as did a couple of other commenters.  Tracey Hargreaves was one of 18 people who spoke during public comment Following comment and during board discussion Schuitema stated that the board has targeted people who have questioned them and spoke of the pressure that had been put on Zuver pointing to “the constant stress and strain and pressure from a board that is over- micromanaging and overreaching their authority.” Schuitema reiterated his issues with not hearing about the meeting in a timely fashion as well as the move to install the interim. “I didn’t know about Kevin (Akin) until I got here tonight. And that has been standard operating procedure of this board. Yes, I have challenged this board and I have challenged our legal counsel and I’ve been stonewalled every single time.I have concerns about the well being of our students and staff. “I feel like every time I turn around we're like one step removed from a major lawsuit on top of what we have because this board seems to go rogue and once again, as it says on our nameplates, ‘it’s all about the kids’. But tell me, what has transpired in the last year and a half that put the kids' well-being first and foremost and personal agendas aside?” After applause and a few random supportive comments from the crowd Schuitema related he had had enough for one night and packed up and left the meeting, stating when asked that he would be back in February. Board President Thorne then commented on 2 items addressed in public comment. He stated the reason for the late notice of the meeting had to do with securing an appropriate location which did not occur until Wednesday. He also addressed the question of who would replace Akin as Middle School principal. “That decision will be Mr. Akin’s to make.” An official letter from the Board regarding the resignation of Superintendent Zuver will be available to the community on Monday. It is to be posted on the school’s website as well as the school’s social media sites. The next scheduled board meeting will be February 12th at 6pm.  Police presence during the meeting   Fremont Area Community Foundation recently awarded $4 million in its final community grant round of 2023. In both 2023 community grant rounds, the Community Foundation awarded more than $6 million total. Grant support was awarded to a variety of organizations and programs serving Newaygo County residents, including programs centered on economic development, arts and culture, literacy, hunger prevention, and more. Most grants targeted one of the Community Foundation’s three focus areas: community development, education, and poverty reduction. In the area of community development, grants were awarded to the City of White Cloud for a façade improvement program and to the Arts Center for Newaygo County to bring the Grand Rapids Ballet to our county in 2024. Other grants included general operating support for organizations like the Heritage Museum of Newaygo County, Newaygo County Council for the Arts, and Newaygo County Tourism Council. The Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency was awarded a $145,000 grant to increase access to and support services for post-secondary achievement. The Newaygo Conservation District also received a $75,200 grant for its Nature is Our Educator program. The award included $1,000 from a donor advised fund. The program is a partnership that includes Kropscott Farm Environmental Center and Observatory and five local public school districts. It will provide a coordinated approach to enhance STEAM curriculum and increase proficiency in math and science. Grants in the area of poverty reduction included support for housing services, hunger prevention, transportation, and more. Community Closet Charities was awarded a $14,000 grant that includes a matching grant of up to $4,000. The volunteer-run organization serves thousands of people each year by allowing customers to shop at no cost for clothing and household items. The Community Foundation accepts community grant applications online twice each year. The next deadline is March 1. For more information, visit facommunityfoundation.org/grants.  From right to left: Coach Stephen Smith, Samuel Viher, Jarrett Warlick, Captain Brian Schaefer, and Wyatt Karnes By Coach Stephen Smith Venturing out into subzero temperatures and braving Michigan’s wintry wonderland, the White Cloud Varsity Quiz Bowl contingent contended against top tier opponents at the inaugural Mitten Cup Tournament. The invitational was held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Mount Pleasant High School under the direction of the Long Island Quiz Bowl Alliance. The field consisted of 36 teams with a dramatic range of strength, ability, and academic prowess. The reigning Class C-D state champion Indians (5-5) battled all day in preparation for conference, state, and national contests. In the preliminary rounds, the quizessential quartet experienced considerable success against tremendously talented teams. Undergoing an awakening in their first match, the fearsome foursome triumphed over Detroit Catholic Central D, a state powerhouse and national juggernaut program, with a result of 240-185. In the ensuing match, the exuberant ensemble dispatched Roscommon A 215-165. In their only loss of the morning, the contingent faltered 125-460 against Utica Academy for International Studies, an eventual finalist in the grand championship for the tournament. The valiant vanguard quickly rebounded, winning their next contest against Nouvel Catholic 190-85. In the final game of the early bracket, the squad prevailed over Traverse City Central B 200-115, earning a place in the afternoon championship rounds. Facing off against incredibly stiff competition in the championship bracket, the varsity players flexed their abilities defeating East Lansing A 235-195 in an excitingly close contest. Never wavering through adversity, the team continued to total up points against top notch Class A schools in their losses to Grosse Pointe South, Detroit Catholic Central B, Grand Ledge, and Utica Academy. The hardship of defeat will undoubtedly lead to more success in the future at state and national competitions. Nevertheless, White Cloud remained the highest rated Class C-D team in the invitational with a 9th place finish. Looking at the exploits of individual players, the sensational squad was led in scoring by senior Captain Brian Schaefer, who unloaded in a barrage of 365 points. Samuel Viher uncorked 140 points exhibiting yet another quality outing for himself. Wyatt Karnes popped off 110 points and Jarrett Warlick unbottled 90 points, demonstrating a laudable and celebratory team effort. Coach Stephen Smith and the team would like to specifically thank Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie, Assistant Coach Allison McPhall, Assistant Coach Arnie Baker, and Assistant Coach Dallas Dowling. In addition, the team would like to extend their gratitude to all the parents, teachers, staff, administrators, donors, and community members who support the team. Without you, none of the team’s success would be possible.  Investigation underway
On Friday, January 12th deputies were dispatched to the 1000 block of S. Walnut Avenue in Everett Township for a shots fired complaint. When deputies arrived, they located a victim on the ground with a gunshot wound to the leg. A preliminary investigation revealed that two males at the residence got into an altercation which led to the shooting. The gunshot victim was a 30-year-old male from Newaygo. He was transported to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids for treatment. A 38-year-old male from White Cloud was taken into custody at the scene and was charged with Felonious Assault and Felony Firearms. He was lodged in the Newaygo County Jail pending an arraignment.  Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney, Worth Stay, announced that Luke Isaac Terpstra, of Grant, was arraigned in the 78th District Court on one count of Explosives – Possession of Bombs with Unlawful Intent, a felony punishable by 15 years and/or $10,000. The charges arose out of an investigation and search of a residence in Grant where bomb and bomb making materials were found. A probable cause conference is set for January 18, 2024, at 9:30 am. A preliminary examination is set for January 25, 2024, at 1:30 pm. Both hearings are scheduled to be held at the 78th District Court in White Cloud, Michigan. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Anyone with information regarding this ongoing investigation is asked to please contact the Grant Police Department at 231-834-7212.
Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund Awards Grants
The Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund at Fremont Area Community Foundation recently awarded grants to projects dedicated to improving the health of the Muskegon River and its watershed. This year marks the twenty-first consecutive year the IMESF has supported watershed improvement organizations. Five projects received funding in the 2023 grant cycle, with a total of $59,800 awarded. The IMESF was established at Fremont Area Community Foundation in 2002 through the generosity of BlueTriton Brands and is an endowed fund of the Community Foundation, which means it is a permanent, ever-growing resource. More than $800,000 has been awarded to 25 organizations since the inception of the Fund. “We are grateful for the generosity of BlueTriton Brands and are proud to partner in support of so many outstanding organizations and projects working to conserve and protect the Muskegon River watershed,” said Shelly Kasprzycki, President and CEO of Fremont Area Community Foundation. “We are excited to see the great things that will be accomplished by this year’s grant recipients.” Organizations receiving funding in 2023 include the County of Newaygo, Grant Public Schools, Mecosta Conservation District, and Muskegon Conservation District. A grant to the County of Newaygo will support trail and bridge construction costs on Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam. Remaining grant funds will be used for trail feature work and maintenance. The Dragon will be a 47-mile adventure trail for world-class biking, hiking, running, and outdoor recreation. Twenty-nine miles have been completed so far. Said Nick Smith, Newaygo County Parks and Recreation Director, "Newaygo County is excited to continue our Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund partnership. The county has leveraged these funds over the past years to continue developing and improving the Dragon Trail. This project has drawn over 68,000 trail users to the region in the past 15 months, which generated over $2 million in economic impact for our local businesses and residents. The trail is sustainably designed for visitors to experience the beautiful bluffs, wetlands, ravines, wildlife, trees, and parks around Hardy Pond. By providing a destination trail system highlighting our impressive natural resources, we hope to give visitors and residents a deeper connection and appreciation for the natural environment around them.” Grant Public Schools received a grant for students to plant a rain garden at Ed Henning County Park, which is located just outside of the city of Newaygo and is a popular recreation spot. Through the project, students will increase habitat for pollinators, decrease the amount of stormwater runoff entering the river, and be exposed to environmental careers. Students will also research ways to create eco-protective buffer zones along waterways. This is the second year Grant Public Schools was selected for project funding to help with an ongoing restoration and enhancement project. Said Brett Zuver, Superintendent of Grant Public Schools, “Environmental projects, like the Henning Park Rain Garden, present unique opportunities for young students to learn ways to protect waterways, prevent erosion and pollution from impacting them, and take an active role in the work. The IMESF support is greatly appreciated and necessary for Grant Public Schools to enable students to have this valuable experience.” A grant beneficiary since 2020, Mecosta Conservation District received funding this year to continue its program of hazardous waste collection free of charge for residents of Lake, Osceola, and Mecosta counties; it is the sole hazardous waste disposal option for the area. Residents can safely dispose of pesticides, fertilizers, and other materials that can be toxic to waterways. More than 39,000 pounds of hazardous waste from Mecosta, Osceola, and Lake county residents were collected this year. "Offering a household hazardous waste collection to our residents at no charge has been an important staple in our program to encourage proper disposal that protects the health of our community members and environment, “said Brook Baumann, District Administrator for Mecosta Conservation District. “Properly disposing of household hazardous waste requires licensed contractors and significant financial resources as disposal prices continue to escalate. The Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund support contributes significantly to offsetting these costs and is a key factor in why this program has been successful for many years." Muskegon Conservation District was awarded grants for two projects. One will fund tree planting for bank stabilization along a stretch of the Muskegon River in the Muskegon Creek Game Area adjacent to Mosquito Creek. The project is being undertaken in concert with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The second grant will fund an ecology study of wood turtles, with a goal of identifying nesting areas and habitat. Wood turtles are considered a threatened species in Michigan and their presence is a key bioindicator of a healthy watershed. The project is being conducted in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Sources Wildlife Division, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, John Ball Zoo, and Grand Valley State University. Said Arlene Anderson-Vincent, Natural Resources Manager for Ice Mountain® 100% Natural Spring Water, and member of the Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund Advisory Committee, “This year’s Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund investments represent the diversity of the Muskegon River and the organizations throughout the watershed that work tirelessly to protect, enhance, and improve it. From conservation and preservation to education, this year’s projects will make a difference not only to the watershed’s vitality but also to build a foundation of environmental stewardship in our younger generations.” Grant applications for the Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund are accepted online each year from June 1 until July 15. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting the health of the watershed are also invited to contribute to the Fund at any time. More information on the Fund, how to donate, and how to apply for a grant can be found at facommunityfoundation.org/icemountain.  L-R NCMH Board Member Kathy Broome, Award winner Lori Schultz and NCMH Director Carol Mills Lori Schultz receives Art Wunsch Award
Art Wunsch was a dedicated Board Member at Newaygo County Mental Health from 1986-2007. During that time, he was a strong advocate for serving the client, reducing stigma and developing programs that met their individualized needs. As a recognition of Art’s dedicated service, in 2010 Newaygo CMH created the Art Wunsch award. The Annual award recognizes people in the community who exemplify endless passion and dedication in the promotion of client involvement, empowerment, and the reduction of stigma for those who have developmental disabilities, mental illness and/or substance use disorder. Previous recipients of the award include Art Wunsch, Dr. Robert Gunnell, Gabrielle Blackwell, Ada Linderman, Senator Geoff Hansen, Tyler Slaughter, Gerard Deschaine, Cheryl Parker, Michael Geoghan, Adele Hansen, Kathe Scott and Colleen Quick. The 2023 recipient of the Art Wunsch award is Lori Schultz, former Newaygo County DHHS director. Ms. Schultz retired in February, 2023 after 35 years of service to the County. Newaygo CMH Execituve Director Carol Mills: “Lori has always been a tremendous advocate for children and meeting their needs. She worked tirelessly to improve their lives through counseling, food, shelter and safe parents. Lori never hesitated to implement programs that helped families in Newaygo County. We at Newaygo CMH hope she enjoys a fulfilling well-earned retirement.” |
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