 After years of struggling with being able to recruit and retain qualified IT staff two years ago the County and NCRESA forged an agreement allowing NCATS to provide network administration and technical support to the myriad of county offices. Wednesday the Board of Commissioners approved a 3 year contract that will see services expanded to fit the current needs of the county departments. “The partnership has proven very successful with substantial progress made without IT infrastructure,” said County Administrator Chris Wren. The board unanimously passed a resolution encouraging the Governor and Legislature to support funding for the Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners programs that would allow inclusion for Newaygo County residents. Currently the programs that provide free tuition to front line workers exclude persons that are considered to be out of district from the eligible institutions which effects all residents of Newaygo County as well as those throughout many rural counties in the state. “I think it is important for the State to remember that residents in rural communities need to be fairly represented in programs focused on increasing employment opportunities and potentially higher wages,” said Board Chair Bryan Kolk. In other business the board approved a contract for the repair of electrical damage at White Cloud County Park that resulted from a lightning strike this past fall, approved contracting for the demolition and asbestos assessment of the former Hardy Grocery building, and accepted a proposal aimed at augmenting the current emergency notification system. Commissioners also approved the updated Emergency Operations Plan. What it means for you.
NEWAYGO COUNTY, Feb. 19 – The Newaygo County Courthouse has recently been approved to move into Phase 2 again. This means that the Trial Courts will be able to facilitate a limited number of in-person hearings as approved by the presiding and Chief Judge. Jury trials may also be conducted if the Trial Courts meet additional metrics to do so safely in the community. Consistent with Michigan Supreme Court directives the Newaygo County Trial Courts must take every measure possible to protect the public and court personnel. If your business with the court can be handled via phone, fax, mail, or email, please continue to use those methods before coming to the courthouse. The public will be permitted into the building for in-person emergency and essential hearings, hearings where litigants have right to be present, or for limited in-person hearings approved by the presiding and Chief Judge. Emergency or essential functions involve the health, safety and Constitutional rights of the citizens of Newaygo County. If you make a visit to the Courthouse during this time staff may inquire about your business and provide guidance to limit exposures within the courthouse. Courthouse visitors permitted into the building for emergency and/or essential matters will continue to: • Complete a health screening and have their temperature taken prior to entry. • Wear a mask while in the building. • Adhere to six-foot social distancing markers in lobbies, hallways, and courtrooms. • Be prepared to wait outside, or in an alternate area, as advised by staff if common areas are too crowded until building occupancy is down and social distancing can be maintained safely. • Utilize hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to cleanse hands and public areas for their protection. All hearings that are not emergencies, essential, previously approved by judges, or where litigants have the right to be present will be conducted remotely via Zoom or teleconference as directed. It is preferred that filings be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the courthouse whenever possible. There is also a new drop box for non-emergency filings as you enter the courthouse. Please feel free to contact the correct court using the following information for more details on how to submit a filing electronically or if you require assistance with a remote hearing. Court sessions will continue to be live streamed via YouTube to provide public access. Please visit countyofnewaygo.com to find the Departments tab where the Courts tab is located. Please see the complete Local Administrative Order for Phase 2 for more complete details or contact the appropriate court using the information below: Circuit Court Email: wjarvis@co.newaygo.mi.us or circuitcourt@newaygo.mi.us Phone: (231) 689-7251 Main Phone: (231) 689-7252 Fax: (231) 689-7015 District Court Email: dmr@co.newaygo.mi.us Phone: (231) 689-7228 Main Phone: (231) 689-7257 Fax (231) 689-7258 Probate Court Email: c2762nmp@co.newaygo.mi.us Phone: (231) 689-7274 Main: (231) 689-7270 Fax: (231) 689-7276 Safety for the public and those working in the courthouse are of the utmost concern to the courts. We remain fully staffed within the courthouse at this time to assist you. We look forward to being able to expand access again soon. Hon. Robert D. Springstead Chief Judge Circuit Court Judge Newaygo County Trial Courts  Winter storms causing delays in vaccine shipments
LANSING, MICH. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been notified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that due to ongoing winter storm conditions in Kentucky and Tennessee, vaccine shipments this week continue to be delayed. “We ask that Michiganders confirm their appointments prior to traveling and to have patience as providers seek to reschedule any appointments,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “Unfortunately, distribution of the vaccine in this circumstance is simply out of our control. Vaccine providers across the state are working hard to get 70% of Michiganders age 16 and older vaccinated with the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as quickly as possible.” Late yesterday, CDC provided an update about COVID-19 vaccine shipments in light of the ongoing winter storm conditions this week. This challenge is affecting vaccine shipments across the country.
 Newaygo County clinics move to new location, combine days From our friends at DHD#10: February 16, 2021 – District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) announces that Newaygo County COVID-19 vaccine appointments scheduled for this Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20 at DHD#10 in White Cloud will now all take place on Saturday, February 20 at NCRESA (Newaygo County Regional Education Service Agency) located at 4747 W. 48th Street in Fremont. Individuals impacted by the change initially received their first dose at DHD#10’s White Cloud office on January 22 and 23 and were scheduled to receive their second dose on February 19 and 20. Due to over 500 people scheduled those two days, DHD#10 was able to secure a larger facility and obtain assistance from the National Guard to host one large vaccine clinic. “Similar to the COVID-19 testing clinics we held this summer with the help of the National Guard, the state has contracted with them again to assist us with larger vaccine clinics,” stated Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. “Having the National Guard there allows us to accommodate more people and helps our clinics run more efficiently.” If you are scheduled to receive your second dose at DHD#10’s White Cloud office on February 19 or 20, please go to NCRESA in Fremont on Saturday, February 20 at the same time you were initially scheduled to receive your COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine clinic is by appointment only – please no walk-ins. We ask that you refrain from calling the health department to ask about scheduling the vaccine. For questions, email us at covid@dhd10.org. Please go to our website at www.dhd10.org/coronovirus for more information. If you haven’t already, sign up for our Public Health Alert at www.dhd10.org/subscribe to stay informed.   Vanessa Wolgamott (right) helps Vivian Lyons utilize Michigan Works! West Central's new curbside service program Put yourself in the driver’s seat of your next career move BIG RAPIDS – Do you need assistance building your resume or searching for work, but don’t feel comfortable seeking assistance during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic? Michigan Works! West Central has a solution to meet your needs and keep you safe. All Michigan Works! West Central service centers are now offering safe and sanitized curbside services to help you reassess your career goals, as well as help you navigate the variety of programs and services they offer. The new “Michigan Works! on Your Side, ... Curbside” program allows their knowledgeable staff to help you determine which program or service fits your situation, all from the comfort and safety of your car. “Although COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out in great numbers, we still need to take precautions to make sure our clients are safe and feel safe when seeking our services,” said Shelly Keene, executive director of Michigan Works! West Central. “The safety of our clients and staff is paramount. This new service allows our clients to take steps to make their next career move in a safe and sanitized environment.” Depending on your needs, Michigan Works! West Central can offer contactless assistance and information regarding its programs with pre-made information bags. They can also provide sanitized use of a tablet device while working with a Talent Specialist to suit your individual career needs, including building your resume, searching through open job listings and more. Curbside appointments are available from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at all Michigan Works! West Central service centers, which are located in Baldwin, Big Rapids, Ludington, Newaygo, Reed City and Shelby. For more information about the “Michigan Works! on Your Side, … Curbside” program and to schedule your appointment, visit www.michworkswc.org/curbside. Michigan Works! West Central also has upgraded Wi-Fi accessibility in all of its service center parking lots. Clients are free to park their car in the lot to use their reliable internet service to advance their career. “Job seekers and those who are employed are able to use our reliable internet to search through job listings, send work emails, take part in a video conference and more from the safety and security of their car,” said Jonathan Eppley, communication and marketing manager for Michigan Works! West Central. “Until life returns to normal, our team is continuously thinking of creative ways to serve both employers and job seekers. Those who may not have reliable internet service at home, are welcome to use ours to make their next career move.” Put yourself in the driver's seat of your next career move! Contact Michigan Works! West Central today to schedule your appointment with their “Michigan Works! on Your Side, ... Curbside” service! You Drive Up, West Central Delivers!  Big Rapids Office  An Economic News Update From The Right Place By Julie Burrell, Business Development Manager, Newaygo County Economic development is sometimes hard to describe, but in a nutshell… We thrive on relationships, we connect businesses to resources, we focus on collaboration, and we are here to ensure our local employers succeed. This column is designed to share the timely information our community needs to continue being a place where people and businesses can prosper. Talent Growth & Attraction While unemployment in Newaygo County crept up slightly to 5.3% according to recent data, finding new talent continues to be a struggle. This challenge provides employers with a unique opportunity – to focus on upskilling current staff. One of the ways they can do this is through The Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Adult Scholarships program, which is open for applications year-round. These scholarships are available for undergrad study, certifications, credentials, and apprenticeship programs. Additionally, the recently announced Michigan Reconnect program pays the cost of tuition for eligible adults pursuing an associate degree or skills certificate. Looking for more tools in attracting workforce to Newaygo County? Check out this great video put together by the team at The Right Place, highlighting what it’s like to live and work in beautiful West Michigan. For those looking for their next opportunity or hire, Michigan Works! West Central is hosting two virtual job fairs this month! This one is specific to employers in their territory, including Newaygo County. Additionally, they have partnered with MDARD to host an Ag/Food Processing specific job fair on March 25. The Newaygo County Career Tech Center is launching a Career EXPLORATION Fair, March 11th. If your business hires people, we need your participation! This virtual event is all about exposing local students to career possibilities close to home. Learn more and register here. Strategic Foundations If you are suffering through an unstable connection on your daily Zooms, here is an opportunity for local business leaders to voice frustrations with the Connecting Michigan Taskforce (CMIT) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Register to join the Feb 26, 11 am session or the March 2, 11am session. Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction Looking for ways to diversify your customer base? Meijer is seeking local products to offer in their stores across the country. If your company offers grocery, produce, deli, bakery, baby, beauty, or personal and wellness care items, you are encouraged to create a profile on RangeMe through this link prior to Feb 19th. Interested in securing government contracts? Check out this webinar on March 3 with the Small Business Development Center. The Newaygo County Tourism Council has recently launched a robust $50,000 marketing campaign, and they are kicking it off with the best ways to do winter in Newaygo County. Interested in getting in front of the 48,000 plus website visitors? Contact them to get your business a front-row seat. Wondering what else is going on in the world of economic development? The Newaygo County Economic Development Advisory Committee invites you to join us for the Newaygo County Economic Outlook via Zoom on Feb 23. Register here. Economic Inclusion Do you or someone you know need help filing taxes? Thanks to a connection made at a United Way of The Lakeshore – Newaygo County meeting, Gerber Federal Credit Union just announced a partnership with Goodwill Industries. Learn more here   Gilchrist rips Shirkey for ‘fanning the flames’
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist called out Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey after a Wednesday encounter on the Senate floor today. Shirkey was captured on a hot mic on the Senate floor today telling Gilchrist that he does not take back any of the remarks he has made recently. The remarks? In addition to mentioning how he had ‘spanked’ the Governor on the budget Shirkey referenced the January 6th riots thusly: "That wasn't Trump people," he said in a video posted to YouTube by one of the Hillsdale County GOP members. "That's been a hoax from day one, that was all pre-arranged," On Tuesday the Top Dog in the Michigan Senate backed off these statements. “I said some things in a videoed conversation that are not fitting for the role I am privileged to serve. I own that. I have many flaws. Being passionate coupled with an occasional lapse in restraint of tongue are at least two of them. I regret the words I chose, and I apologize for my insensitive comments.” Then a day later came these words to Gilchrist. “I frankly don’t take back any of the points I was trying to make. Some of the words I chose I do regret,” adding: “I don’t back down very easily.” In a press release received today Gilchrist responded: “The Senate Majority Leader has chosen to spend his time and energy fanning the flames of dangerous conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and the January 6 insurrection in Washington, alongside aggressive, sexist threats toward the governor. This behavior is beneath the office he was elected to and the standard of decency the people of our state deserve. “While the Senate Majority Leader made a half-hearted attempt to address his inexcusable language and behavior last night, and an even weaker attempt during a prayer in today’s Senate session, his comments toward me on the Senate floor this morning tell a different story. It is clear that his so-called apology was not heartfelt, nor did it come from a place of humility and understanding. Rather, it was an empty gesture made for political expediency, and one that the people of Michigan can see right through. “ It seems the drama in Lansing, much like the perpetual partisanship, not only never ends… It rarely even pauses. Nearly 1200 second doses delivered last week February 8, 2021 – District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) administered 8,469 COVID-19 vaccines last week, bringing the total number of vaccines administered to 21,993 including first and second doses. Vaccine totals for Week of 2/1/21-2/6/21 COUNTY FIRST DOSE SECOND DOSE WEEKLY TOTAL RUNNING TOTAL Crawford 1 515 516 1,309 Kalkaska 7 530 537 1,421 Lake 2 257 259 724 Manistee 52 1,150 1,202 3,274 Mason 8 1,102 1,110 3,135 Mecosta 3 1,131 1,134 2,913 Missaukee 4 389 393 1,017 Newaygo 2 1,184 1,186 3,001 Oceana 1 896 897 2,228 Wexford 52 1,183 1,235 2,971 TOTAL 132 8,337 8,469 21,9 “We are very pleased with the progress made in getting our communities vaccinated with the allotted vaccine supplies we’ve been given,” stated Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. “Looking ahead, we are hoping vaccine supplies increase to allow for larger mass vaccination site clinics. In anticipation of this, we have begun initial planning for larger clinics and will share more information as the process moves forward.” This week, DHD#10 is hosting primarily first-dose and some second-dose clinics for the priority groups throughout our ten-county jurisdiction. Vaccine clinics are by appointment only – please no walk-ins. If people do not show up for their scheduled appointments, DHD#10 has a stand-by list made up of people on our waiting lists to call in so that no vaccine goes to waste. If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, please email us at covid@dhd10.org to let us know. You will be placed back on the waiting list and will be contacted as soon as we can get you rescheduled. We ask that you refrain from calling the health department to ask about scheduling the vaccine. Please go to our website at www.dhd10.org/coronovirus for more information. If you haven’t already, sign up for our Public Health Alert at www.dhd10.org/subscribe to stay informed.  DHD#10 COVID Vaccine clinics still scheduled despite weather
February 4, 2021 – District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) announces we will still be hosting vaccine clinics for those with appointments on Friday and Saturday despite the chance for inclement weather. If you have an appointment scheduled to receive your vaccine at one of our DHD#10 offices, please take your time getting there and drive safely. It's okay if you're late. We will hold your vaccine for you during our clinic hours on the day you are scheduled. If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, please email us at covid@dhd10.org to let us know. You will be placed back on the waiting list and we will contact you via phone, text, or email when we can get you rescheduled. We will do our best to get you rescheduled as soon as possible.  Good news for anyone who’s been dreaming about a career as a Michigan conservation officer: The DNR is accepting applications for its upcoming conservation officer academy, which starts this spring. This year’s academy offers a shortened “hybrid” option for anyone currently certified or certifiable by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and meeting DNR hiring requirements. Applicants who do not meet the existing MCOLES license requirements will be eligible for a basic training academy. Everyone who successfully completes the academy will graduate in 2021. F/Lt. Jason Wicklund, with the DNR Law Enforcement Division, said applicants don’t need previous law enforcement, fishing or hunting experience or a college degree, but these do help. “We simply ask for a great attitude and willingness to learn,” Wicklund said. “Our instructors are the best at what they do, and we’ll provide recruits everything they need to succeed.” Read the full hiring announcement and get details on the hiring process and eligibility requirements at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers or contact a local recruiter. Questions? Contact: F/Lt. Jason Wicklund at WicklundJ@Michigan.gov. |
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