 NC RESA is looking for a new Early Childhood Specialist to fill an open position. The ECS serves as an instructional coach for Great Start Readiness Program preschool classrooms. Candidates must have a Master’s degree in early childhood education or child development plus a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (or a closely related field) with 10 years’ of relevant experience. Candidates must also demonstrate knowledge of the Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Birth to Kindergarten (ECSQ) and GSRP requirements. Interested candidates should visit our website, www.ncresa.org, click on the employment tab, and complete the online application (link is at the bottom of the posting). If you have any questions about the position or the process, contact our HR Department at 231-924-8853. It is the policy of Newaygo County RESA that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, height, weight, marital status or other trait or characteristic protected by federal or state employment discrimination statutes, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination during programs, activities, and employment.
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 Photo courtesy of Grant Public Schools The Michigan Department of Education recently released statistics regarding enrollment in K-12 schools across the state. Statewide there was just a ½% decline in enrollment this past year. Over a 5 year period there has been a 5.4% decrease, a period that takes into account the Covid years that saw a significant contraction. How did we fare locally? Since 2019 Newaygo numbers have fallen by 1.8% accounting for 30 students, Fremont lost 3% (37 students), White Cloud 4.4% (42), and Hesperia 9.9% (88). The outlier in these statistics is Grant. The district has experienced a 19.6% drop in enrollment representing a total of 350 less students than enrolled in 2019. In 2019 Grant had 1788 students compared to Newaygo’s 1597. The count from this past fall has Newaygo at 1567 and Grant with 1438. Per student funding is $9,608 this year meaning a loss of 350 totals $3,362,800. Why such a loss in Grant? We contacted Grant Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Akin and posed the question “It was no surprise,” he stated.”We knew it was coming.” “15 years ago using census data this loss of students was projected and the figures we were given back then came within 1 of what we actually lost.” The reason? “Housing. There isn’t nearly enough housing in the district. You can’t grow as a district without it and with some of the zoning restrictions developers aren't willing to come in when they can find other areas more profitable and with less restrictions.” Lack of facilities and resources have also contributed to the decline, he added. ”We don’t want to lose kids but with school of choice we lose them to Kent City or Tri County, schools that can provide more opportunities with updated facilities." Grant Public Schools has not passed a bond issue since 2002. 23 years ago. In August there are plans for a sinking fund millage to be put forth to voters, but those initiatives go toward specific, need-to-be-done projects, not for improvements that might allow for growth. (Note: Unlike some social media posts we’ve seen lately regarding sinking fund initiatives that mistakenly seem to believe it's because schools seeking these are physically sinking into the ground. Seriously.). There are no current plans to try for another bond issue and Akin suggested any attempt would likely be a few years down the road. “But unless we bring in more housing the numbers will likely continue to move downward until we have classes that number under 100.”  Today State Representative Josh Schriver introduced a resolution to condemn the Supreme Court of the United States’ decision in Obergefell v Hodges which is the decision handed down by the court which ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples.
There were 6 co-sponsors of the bill including District 101 Representative Joseph Fox whose district includes Newaygo County. We have reached out to Rep. Fox for comment and will update should we hear from him.  County will receive $233K
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Treasury today announced that nearly $100 million is being distributed among 302 local entities and tribes as part of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act. Over the next few days, 108 cities, 36 villages, 80 townships, 74 counties and 4 tribes will receive payments from the Marihuana Regulation Fund. For the State of Michigan's 2024 fiscal year, this means each eligible municipality, county and tribe will receive more than $58,200 for every licensed retail store and microbusiness located within its jurisdiction. There are 4 qualified cannabis retail and microbusinesses in Newaygo County meaning they will receive just under $233.000 while White Cloud with 2 is eligible for $116,457 and Grant and Big Prairie just over $58K each. Mecosta County with a dozen shops including 11 in Big Rapids will receive just shy of $700K. "Starting this week, my team will begin to distribute adult-use marijuana payments to Michigan’s local units of government and tribal partners," State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. "The dollars received from the adult-use marijuana taxes and fees go toward schools, roads and back into Michigan’s neighborhoods. Local entities and tribes can spend these dollars however they deem fit for their needs." As a part of recent changes in state law, over $931,000 will be distributed among four federally recognized tribes in Michigan for the first time. For the 2024 state fiscal year, there was more than $331 million available for distribution from the Marihuana Regulation Fund. Revenue from the state’s 10% adult-use marihuana excise tax and other fees go into the fund. State law outlines how much is distributed to local entities, tribes, schools, roads and bridges. Aside from the nearly $100 million in disbursements to municipalities, counties and tribes, more than $116 million was sent to the School Aid Fund for K-12 education and another $116 million to the Michigan Transportation Fund. “Municipalities, counties, and tribes certainly benefit from their local cannabis businesses in many ways, including good-paying jobs, community involvement, and increased revenues for important priorities in their budget,” said Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) Executive Director Brian Hanna. "This portion of the excise tax revenue makes a direct impact in the communities where our licensees work and live.”  NC RESA Summer Internship Program Welcomes Employer Worksite Applications
The NC RESA Summer Internship Program is now accepting employer worksite applications! This initiative, partially funded through a grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation, provides a unique opportunity for local businesses to mentor and train the workforce of tomorrow. Local employers are encouraged to participate by offering Newaygo County high school and college students valuable hands-on experience. Students, aged 16 to 21, will be paid to complete up to 200 hours of internship work throughout the summer of 2025. Submission deadline: March 9, 2025 Take part in shaping the future of our community by providing students with exposure to your industry and career opportunities. To apply, visit: NC RESA Summer Internship Program For more information, contact: Angie Albanesi Phone: (231)-924-8828 Email: [email protected]  '75 team celebrating schools lone Regional title Recognition takes place during Friday’s game
It’s March of 1975 Jerry Ford is President, the #1 song is Best of My Love by The Eagles, and it is the first season of Saturday Night Live, featuring John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtain and the rest of the originals. And the White Cloud Boys basketball team has just completed a magical season going undefeated (19-0) in the regular season and topping it off with a tournament run that ended in a quarterfinal loss to eventual state champion Bay City All Saints. Now a half century later the team that captured the hearts of the students, parents, alumni and the whole town and beyond will be honored in a ceremony Friday, during Senior Night when the current White Cloud teams will host Central Montcalm. Playing in the always tough NCAA Conference the Indians swept the field, including a 104-37 beatdown of neighboring Newaygo, on their way to the conference title. The team was coached by Bill Reigle who played college ball for Duke before being drafted into the army. After discharge he played for McNeese State and following graduation eschewed an offer from the Lakers (Minneapolis Lakers at the time) to play in the highly regarded AAU league where he was a 4 time AAU All American. He also coached at his alma mater before moving to White Cloud in 1974 to teach English. “It was apparent from the first practice that he expected your best effort both in practice and in games,” according to Stewart Sanders, one of the players on that historic WC team. “He preached defensive intensity which generated much of our offense.” An offense that averaged 90 points a game in the pre 3 point line era. From a December 1974 article in the Oceana County Herald: The Indians, favorites to win a Newaygo County Athletic Association Championship, have second team all-stater Bob Fowler back from last year's squad which won a district championship. Fowler, at 6-5, will be joined by 6-7 Bob Taube, 6-6 Dennis Wawsczyk and 6-3 Greg Lovell to give the Indians their tallest squad in memory. Reigel's son Ernie, a guard who received all-district recognition in Louisiana last year, is expected to add ball-handling and scoring punch to the offense. The Indians are working on speed and a snappy passing attack in an effort to better their 10-4 finish in the league last season. White Cloud wound up second behind Tri-County, and closed the year with a 13-6 overall record. Coach Reigel, who guided McNeese State to a 21-5 record last year, said he chose the coaching offer at White Cloud over one at a large university in order to spend time with his family. After securing the hardware in the NCAA the Indians marched through District play taking the title with a win over Lakeview in the Wildcats gym then blasted Breckinridge 103-53 in the Regional Final, the lone Regional title in the schools history. The Quarterfinal match at Alma College pitted the AP #2 ranked Indians against the #1 ranked All Saints. WCHS was allotted 1500 tickets for this game which sold out in 3 hours with lines stretching far down the sidewalks outside the school. We asked Sanders what the team’s key to success was. “We played as a team. Coach Reigel had a quote ‘None of us is as good as all of us’. And it didn't hurt to have the 2 All-Staters in Fowler and Reigel.” “The excitement and support from the community and surrounding areas was astounding.We had mostly tripleheader games with the freshmen starting early followed by JV and then Varsity. If you didn't have a seat by halftime of the freshmen game you couldn't get in. When we traveled away we played to standing room only crowds. “I am sure that every member of our team would say it was exciting, magical, and fun.” The evening's schedule is as follows:
Ernie Reigel, Matt Temple, Stewart Sanders, Dan Jones, Bob Fowler, Doyal Hershberger, Jeff Taube, Dean May, Kelly Alger, Dennis Wawsczyk, Sam Bain, Greg Lovell, Manager – David Walker, Manager – Harold Harper  Grants support watershed protection projects led by City of Big Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Land Conservancy of West Michigan, Mecosta Conservation District, Muskegon River Watershed Assembly
Fremont Area Community Foundation, through the Ice Mountain® Environmental Stewardship Fund (IMESF), recently announced grant awards of $60,000 to six organizations in support of their conservation projects that will benefit the Muskegon River watershed. These grants will fund projects that include resource restoration, public engagement and education, household hazardous waste disposal, and water infrastructure planning. This is IMESF’s 22nd year providing financial support to organizations to improve the Muskegon River watershed. “The Ice Mountain® Environmental Stewardship Fund continues to be transformative because of its focused support for Muskegon River watershed conservation, protection, and preservation projects,” said Shelly Kasprzycki, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “We’re proud to help ensure everyone can access the benefits of a healthy Muskegon River watershed.” Grant recipients include the City of Big Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Land Conservancy of West Michigan, Mecosta Conservation District, and Muskegon River Watershed Assembly. “The Muskegon River and its watershed are vital natural resources and a central feature of communities across West Michigan,” said Arlene Vincent-Anderson, Ice Mountain® Senior Natural Resources Manager. “The Ice Mountain® brand’s commitment to the fund for more than 22 years is rooted in the idea that by working together, we can have an enduring positive impact on the watershed, its communities, wildlife, recreation and economy. While we have more work to do, we are incredibly grateful to the organizations for their dedication to the watershed’s health.” IMESF funded projects this year include:
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.  Fremont Area Community Foundation was recently awarded reaccreditation by the Community Foundations National Standards program. The accreditation process is rigorous and comprehensive, requiring proof that a foundation meets 26 distinct standards of excellence. Compliance demonstrates the Community Foundation’s commitment to sector-driven best practices that exceed federal and state law requirements. Organizations must renew their accreditation every three years. “We are proud to be recognized once again for our commitment to excellence,” said Shelly Kasprzycki, Community Foundation president and CEO. “The community’s trust is our top priority, and our National Standards accreditation demonstrates publicly that we meet and exceed a high standard of accountability and integrity.” National standards cover mission, structure, and governance along with stewardship and accountability practices, grantmaking responsiveness and due diligence, confidentiality and privacy policies, and more. Community Foundation staff members and trustees spent several months collecting, reviewing, and submitting the materials required for consideration. The Community Foundations National Standards program was established in 2000 by sector leaders and the Council on Foundations. While community foundations face regulation at the state and federal levels, the accreditation program provides an additional layer of rigorous and enforced accountability. More than 550 U.S. community foundations participate in the National Standards program. More information can be found at cfstandards.org.  NC RESA is looking for a maintenance technician. This is a full-year/full-time position with benefits per the MESPA master agreement. Candidates must have a high school diploma and at least two years of maintenance-related experience. Additional qualifications and job duties are listed in the job posting/job description. Interested candidates may apply online at www.ncresa.org. Click on the employment tab and complete the application (link included in the job posting). If you have questions, please contact the Human Resources Department at 231-9248-8853. NC RESA does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination or harassment in any program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment, as required by Title IX and other applicable law, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity/expression), marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by law.  Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Attorney General Nessel on DOGE Access to Sensitive Personal Information
Lansing– Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is issuing the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of the Treasury granting Elon Musk and his so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) staffers access to sensitive payment systems containing Americans’ personally identifiable information: "Handing over access to some of the most sensitive and private information about the American people to appointees who have no clearance, no qualifications, and no legitimate reason to have that information, is not only a clear violation of the public's trust but also an affront to the fundamental rights of every American. It is unlawful, unacceptable and cannot stand. “This level of access for unauthorized individuals, under the guise of progress, is illegal and unprecedented. DOGE has no authority to access this information, which initiates critical payments that support health care, childcare, and other essential programs that millions of Americans rely on. “In defense of our Constitution, our right to privacy, and the essential funding that individuals and communities nationwide are counting on, I am reviewing our options and will be taking action shortly.” Note: Federal Judge Paul A. Engelmeyer issued an emergency order Saturday morning temporarily restricting DOGE access to the Treasury Department's payment and data systems. The order stated "The Court’s firm assessment is that, for the reasons stated by the States, they will face irreparable harm in the absence of injunctive relief. That is because of the risk that the new policy presents of the disclosure of sensitive and confidential information and the heightened risk that the systems in question will be more vulnerable than before to hacking>"  NC RESA is looking to fill the following positions:
Special Education Teacher Aide Welding Paraprofessional Culinary Arts Instructor (for the 2025-26 school year) Future Educators Program Instructor (for the 2025-26 school year) Interested candidates are asked to complete our online application; link is included in the job posting on the employment page at https://www.ncresa.org. It is the policy of Newaygo County RESA that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, height, weight, marital status or other trait or characteristic protected by federal or state employment discrimination statutes, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination during programs, activities, and employment.  Gerber FCU President/CEO John Buckley (pictured farthest right) and Marketing Specialist Jackie Hernandez-Garnica (pictured far left), presented the check to Diane Rudholm (pictured 3rd from right), the Newaygo County Compassion Home Executive Director and Sheri Woodard, Support Staff for the Newaygo County Compassion Home (pictured 2nd from right). Gerber FCU Colleagues & Members Support Newaygo County Compassion Home with Donation & Supply Drive
FREMONT, Mich Gerber Federal Credit Union employees raised a total of $774.40 for donation to the Newaygo County Compassion Home for the Terminally Ill. Each year colleagues donate their own funds, collect funds and hold fundraisers such as Squeegee days in our drive-ups or Bake Sales in our lobbies to raise funds for the Compassion Home. Colleagues organized a donation drive in October which collected items most needed to supply the Compassion Home located in Fremont, MI. The Newaygo County Compassion Home is a place where people with a terminal illness can receive end of life care in a home-like setting, provided by trained loving volunteers and staff who deliver personal care as well as physical, emotional, and spiritual support for our guests and their families round-the-clock. Visit www.newaygocountycompassionhome.org for more details.  LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring released the following statement in response to tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico and China: “We’ve had extensive conversations with farmers and other stakeholders, and I echo their concerns about these imposed tariffs. While there are still a lot of unknowns, it’s important to remember two things: Canada and Mexico are our biggest export destinations, and the last time this happened retaliatory tariffs specifically targeted agriculture. “We have to expect tariffs will immediately threaten agriculture jobs, our rural economies and ultimately what it costs to put food on the table.”  Newaygo County Human Trafficking Task Force Receives $2,500 Grant from Consumers Energy Foundation
Newaygo, MI – The Newaygo County Human Trafficking Task Force is honored to announce the receipt of a $2,500 grant generously provided by the Consumers Energy Foundation. This grant will be instrumental in supporting the organization’s mission to combat human trafficking and provide vital resources and services to the local community. “We are deeply grateful to the Consumers Energy Foundation and its Interfaith Business Employee Resource Group for recognizing the importance of our work and supporting our efforts to make a difference in the lives of those affected by human trafficking,” said Teresa Fetterley, NCHTTF Co-Chair. “This grant will help us strengthen our programs, raise awareness, and continue our commitment to protecting vulnerable populations in Newaygo County.” The Consumers Energy Foundation grant will specifically support initiatives aimed at educating children, youth, and adults about the nature and prevalence of human trafficking and exploitation, with the goal of preventing and intervening in cases of victimization. The Newaygo County Human Trafficking Task Force plans to achieve this by training educators, pastors, and community leaders on the realities of human trafficking in their communities and the online dangers posed by predators. Additionally, the initiative includes a comprehensive media campaign featuring posters, promotional items, brochures, resource materials, and training tools to amplify awareness and outreach efforts. The Consumers Energy Foundation’s support reflects their dedication to empowering local organizations that drive meaningful change in Michigan communities. Their contribution will aid the Newaygo County Human Trafficking Task Force in providing education, outreach, and essential services aimed at preventing exploitation and fostering a safer environment for all residents. “Ensuring that those most at risk of being trafficked have access to the resources they need to feel safe, to understand the warning signs of a potential abuser, and to know where to go for help when they need it, is a critical part of protecting Michigan’s most at-risk youth,” said Cathy Wilson, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “This grant will make a meaningful impact toward those efforts, and we are grateful to the Newaygo County Human Trafficking Task Force for doing this important work.” The Newaygo County Human Trafficking Task Force encourages community members to learn more about human trafficking prevention and to get involved in local initiatives. For more information about the organization and its programs, please follow https://www.facebook.com/NCHTTF/. |
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