 Corewell Health opens new addiction clinics in Ludington and Fremont
The Corewell Health Dependent Drug Stewardship Program continues to address increases in overdose rates across the state of Michigan. There has been a concerning trend related to increases of drug overdose emergency department visits and EMS responses to drug overdoses in the Ludington and Fremont communities. While these increases are demonstrated in other communities as well, partnerships with the emergency departments in Ludington and Gerber have allowed Corewell Health to quickly increase the addiction medicine footprint to address those needs. As a result, Corewell Health will be opening addiction medicine clinics at the Ludington Visiting Specialty site on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, and at the Gerber Visiting Specialty location on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. We caught up with Dr. Colleen Lane, medical director for Corewell Health’s addiction medicine program, posed a few questions. If I understand correctly the clinics will be primarily providing Medication Assisted Treatment. What are the main benefits of MAT? The Addiction Clinic at Corewell Health can treat many different types of substance use disorders. This includes any person who is living with opioid use, alcohol use, stimulant use or a combination of multiple different substances being used at the same time. Our addiction medicine specialists have expertise in managing medications that help treat people who are struggling with symptoms of withdrawal or cravings from certain substances. We know that medications for opioid use disorder saves lives. It helps prevent accidental overdose deaths and helps people improve their overall quality of life. We know that the medications that we use to treat alcohol use disorders can decrease use of alcohol or episodes of binge drinking and help lead to an overall improvement of mental and physical health. There is access for walk-ins to the clinic. Any requirements? Are patients required to be active in a recovery program? Our walk-in clinic is for anyone new to our clinic, or anyone who has been out of care for more than 6 months. It is meant to be low barrier and easy to access. The only requirement is that you are someone wanting to learn about your options for changing your relationship with a substance that is affecting your life, health, or relationships. There is no requirement for you to be in a recovery program if you participate. Will the clinics offer counseling or will this be referred to other programs? We will offer connections to counseling, peer recovery groups and other community resources if that is something that is helpful as a part of a person’s recovery process. However, this is not a requirement to be seen by our medical provider team and discuss medications. Are Substance Use Disorder agencies in Mason County and Newaygo County on board? We have been introducing ourselves and talking to the other substance use disorder agencies in Mason and Newaygo Counties. As we come into the area, we are hoping to add more choices for people who are looking for substance use treatment options. The clinics are looking to be open at all the regionals in addition to downtown. Is this initiative tied into opioid settlement dollars? This is not connected to the opioid settlement dollars. This expansion is something that Corewell Health invested in based on the need in the community. What is the hope attached to this (much needed) strategy? We hope this will make it easier for people to access addiction care closer to home. And to reduce stigma around the treatment of substance use disorders. By expanding access to addiction medicine specialty care we will be saving the lives of our friends, family and neighbors. Here’s the skinny: Corewell Health Addiction Clinic – Ludington 7 Atkinson Drive, Suite 302 Ludington, MI 49431 Corewell Health Addiction Clinic – Fremont 230 W. Oak St. Freemont, MI 49412 Both locations will be open from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. and will have provider access to see immediate same day walk-ins. If walk-in access is needed on another day during the week, the clinic also offers an urgent referral line (616-391-6120 - press 1) that can be accessed to engage a patient with same day telehealth addiction medicine access.
0 Comments
 L-R Andrew Stafford, White Cloud Fellow and April Storms White Cloud City Manager. The upcoming shot at the CEF Pitch competition is the latest in a series of recent initiatives coming out of the county seat. City one of 10 finalists for Consumers Energy Foundation competition
Since 2019 the Consumers Energy Foundation has been giving a boost to our small towns and communities through their Put Your Town On The Map Competition. Last week the Foundation announced the top 10 finalists which will provide $50,000 in grant funding for three projects to help small communities in Michigan grow and thrive. And White Cloud scored an invitation to the final pitch. The finalists are: · Au Gres (Arenac County) for Kinder Platz Park “old fashion” transformation · Bellaire (Antrim County) for a community year-round garden project · Coopersville (Ottawa County) for a community outdoor fitness park · Dimondale (Eaton County) for a village history art mural · Imlay City (Lapeer County) for a public interactive art and audio display · Napoleon (Jackson County) for a heritage trail project · Rogers City (Presque Isle County) for a public art sculpture · Saranac (Ionia County) for a covered community concert pavilion · St. Johns (Clinton County) for community artistic benches · White Cloud (Newaygo County) for downtown planter boxes/benches Andrew Stafford, who has served as a Community Economic Development Association of Michigan Fellow for the city, was credited by White Cloud City Manager April Storms for heading up this project. N3 caught up with him for a few questions. Can you tell us a little bit about the competition? The ‘Put Your Town on the Map’ pitch competition is funded by the Consumers Energy Foundation and is meant to support big ideas in rural communities across Michigan. To enter the competition, communities submit a brief overview of their ideas. From these brief overviews, ten communities are selected to give a full presentation about their project. These presentations will be given at the Small Town & Rural Development Conference on April 29th at 1:00 p.m. in front of a panel of judges. The top three finalists will receive funding for their ideas; with 1st place receiving $25,000, 2nd place receiving $15,000, and 3rd place receiving $10,000. The project is for benches and planters downtown. How was this decision made and what’s the vision for the initiative? The decision to pitch planters with built-in benches was made because of White Cloud recently finishing Michigan State University’s Sustainable Built Environment Initiative. This program allowed MSU graduate students and professors to come into White Cloud and create design recommendations for redoing White Cloud’s downtown streetscape. While a comprehensive final report was given to the city, the planters with built-in benches were identified as an actionable step that could be pursued. The vision for the initiative is to use the project as a kick-off for implementing other design recommendations that were outlined in MSU’s final report. The city seems to be going through a bit of a renaissance with new housing, the facade improvements, the EGLE drinking water grant and the EGLE dam grant. Any more developments on the horizon? Is there a wish list? The city is very excited about several potential developments that are on the horizon. Currently, we are eagerly waiting to hear about a grant opportunity that would support renovations in Smith Park. These renovations would give more functionality and amenities to Smith Park. Additionally, we are discussing with MDOT adding on-street parking to specific sections of M-37. On-Street parking would significantly help the local businesses that are found on M-37. Finally, we are working on getting new wayfinding signs by the end of the coming summer. These projects will continue to add to the current momentum the city has gained over the last 2 years. You came to the city on a 15-month Fellowship and have been assisting the city for about a year, I believe. When is your term up and what would you like to see happen before you depart? My term will finish in August. Before I leave the City of White Cloud, I would like to see several projects come to fruition. Specifically, I want to see new wayfinding signs in White Cloud and the construction phase of the façade improvement program come to a close. I have put a lot of work into both projects, so I am particularly passionate about seeing these projects come to completion. Well done Andrew and well done White Cloud. The city is the first Newaygo County town to be chosen to deliver a pitch to the generosity of the Consumers Energy Foundation. And with many of us at an advanced age being wildly in favor of benches, one hopes to see our beloved county seat bringing the heater to the competition.  Asia Emelander, Cassie VanBelzen, Kelly Fader, Diane Reinke, Judge Drake, Bailey Ruether, Leanna Jahr, Mary Tiernan, and Andrea Bliss. Judge Drake honored at BOC meeting
The Newaygo County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution recognizing the Honorable H. Kevin Drake who has served as the 78th District Court Judge for the past 29+ years. Judge Drake is retiring effective March 31.Board Chair Bryan Kolk read the resolution which in part recognized his years spent “adjudicating thousands of cases with insight, integrity and fairness.” The many in attendance to honor the retiring judge delivered a standing ovation whennthe resolution was passed. Current Newaygo County Prosecutor Ellsworth Stay will follow Judge Drake to the bench. His partial term begins April 1 2024 and ends January 1st 2025. In other business the Board heard from candidates for the Mental Health Board and heard a report from Erin Kuhn Executive Director of WMSRDC, the federal and state designated regional planning and development agency for our region.  Walleye will be collected starting as early as the week of March 18 and concluding by April 12. The DNR plans to collect approximately 23 million walleye eggs from the Muskegon River this year, which will result in fry (fish that have just hatched) for transfer to rearing ponds and direct fry plants throughout the Lower Peninsula. Photo courtesy Michigan DNR DNR collecting walleye eggs on Muskegon River this spring
Muskegon River anglers should be on the lookout for Michigan Department of Natural Resources personnel collecting walleye eggs below Croton Dam this spring. Collections with electrofishing boats will start as early as the week of March 18 and conclude by April 12. Anglers who wish to avoid the walleye collection activities should fish downstream. The DNR asks anglers to exhibit caution when fishing near the electrofishing boats. For angler safety during the electrofishing work, those wading will be asked to exit the water when boats approach. The DNR plans to collect approximately 23 million walleye eggs from the Muskegon River this year, which will result in fry (fish that have just hatched) for transfer to rearing ponds and direct fry plants throughout the Lower Peninsula. Walleye fry transferred to ponds will be raised to fingerling size (approximately 1.5 to 2.5 inches) and stocked in late spring or early summer in lakes and rivers throughout the state. Lake Michigan and many inland lake walleye populations in the Lower Peninsula depend on the fingerlings produced from Muskegon River eggs. Historically, the number of walleye in the spawning run has been estimated to be between 40,000 and 50,000 fish. The DNR crews will strip milt (sperm) and eggs from approximately 350 adult fish, which will be returned to the river – except for 60, which will be sent to Michigan State University for fish health testing. "This adult population consists of mostly stocked fish," said Ed Pearce, DNR fisheries technician supervisor who coordinates the egg take. "The Muskegon River has the largest run of walleye in the Lake Michigan watershed south of Green Bay, and the walleyes contribute to populations in other areas. For example, based on angler tag returns, walleye from the Muskegon River have been recaptured in Lake Macatawa, Spring Lake, Manistee Lake and Port Sheldon Lake, as well as the Grand, Kalamazoo, Pere Marquette and White rivers." Four or five days of fish collections are planned this spring. The date those collections will begin depends on water temperatures and the presence of ripe fish. This schedule can change daily for many reasons. Electrofish sampling usually begins at Croton Dam each day about 8 a.m. and proceeds downstream to the Pine Street Access Site. If more eggs are needed, additional collections may occur downstream to the Thornapple Street Access Site.  The White Cloud Quiz Bowl Team Back Row: Assistant Coach Allison McPhall, Andi Gordon, Samantha Kukal, Annie Feldpausch, Anna Mohr, Jay Fessenden, Charlotte Karnes, Liam Povey, Landon Edwards, Arsyn Balke, Tyler Higgins, Brian Loveless, Mason D’Lamater, Brayden Perdue, Rhoen Wade, and Coach Stephen Smith Front Row: Samuel Viher, Jarrett Warlick, Brian Schaefer, and Wyatt Karnes Not pictured: Kacie Kailing, Zeke Hensley, Trysten Tancock, Leah Vining, and Quin Rose by Coach Stephen Smith Smashing into the CSAA Quiz Bowl season, White Cloud Quiz Bowl demonstrated their academic brilliance in competition, which spanned from late January into early March. White Cloud featured two exceptional varsity teams and fielded three sensational junior varsity squads. Turning in absolutely stunning performances, each contingent displayed poise, determination, and excellence. The White Cloud Varsity A team (9-0) completely dominated their fellow league members with impressive triumphs over Kent City 335-105, Newaygo 335-50, and Reed City 260-75 in the first round of quiz bowl action. Continuing forward in the next event, the Indians engineered victorious feats against Central Montcalm 330-110, Grant 410-65, and Morley-Stanwood 280-95. In the finale, the “quizessential” quartet totally decimated Big Rapids A 405-130, entirely dismantled Chippewa Hills 315-160, and utterly annihilated Lakeview 455-0. In their destructive wake, the energetic ensemble seized the CSAA Conference Championship, with each player receiving All-Conference accolades in additional hardware. Entering the season with an incredible appetite for points, senior captain Brian Schaefer feasted the most with 500 points, averaging 55.5 ppg. Samuel Viher craved a healthy portion of 340 points, averaging 37.7 ppg. Jarrett Warlick scooped up a plate of 195 points, averaging 21.6 ppg. Wyatt Karnes carved up 100 slices of points, averaging 11.1 ppg, while nibbling in on bonuses for good measure as well. The voracious victors totaled 3,125 points as a team, averaging an astounding 347.2 ppg in an incredible display of all-around team performance. The top tier varsity teams in their finishes within the CSAA were as follows: White Cloud (1st), Big Rapids (2nd), Grant (3rd), Reed City (4th), Chippewa Hills (5th), Kent City (6th), Morley Stanwood (7th), Central Montcalm (8th), Lakeview (9th), and Newaygo (10th). Meanwhile, the Varsity B squad (5-4), fought through adversity and nerves in their first night of competition but quickly bounced back in the next, capturing wins against Reed City B 175-95, Central Montcalm 230-115, and Big Rapids B 140-95. In the culminating evening, the team blanked Central Montcalm B 190-(-5) and blasted Reed City B 175-60. The contingent wavered against Big Rapids B 100-215 but achieved a laudable 2nd-place finish in their division with each of the four starters earning All-Conference Honorable Mention awards. Flourishing with the highest individual point total for the team was Captain Annie Feldpausch with 285, averaging 31.6 ppg. Anna Mohr flowered with 200, averaging 22.2 ppg, while Charlotte Karnes blossomed with 110 points and 12.2 ppg. Samantha Kukal bloomed in 50 points. Growing with every competition, Andi Gordon assisted with bonus questions for an enormously efflorescent performance. At the junior varsity level, White Cloud’s performances paralleled the stellar achievements of their varsity leaders. The JV A (4-2) proved their intellectual prowess by knocking out victories against Reed City JV 145-60, Morley-Stanwood JV 150-80, Big Rapids JV A 235-190, and Newaygo JV 295-65. The terrific team faltered against Grant JV A 110-205 and Grant JV B 65-140. White Cloud JV A finished their season with a commendable 2nd-place finish in the JV division. Leading the team in scoring was Co-Captain Tyler Higgins with 190 points, averaging 31.6 ppg. Co-Captain Liam Povey punched out 105 points with 17.6 ppg, and Landon Edwards jabbed in 110 points, averaging 18.3 ppg. Zeke Hensley, Jay Fessenden, and Quin Rose helped out on bonuses. Gaining confidence and experience all season, the never quit, never back down JV B group notched their first victory of the CSAA season in the final event by vanquishing Big Rapids JV B 160-30 and gained invaluable experience in all their other contests as well. Trysten Tancock led his fellow players in scoring with 50 points. Captain Arsyn Balke followed up with 30 points. Kacie Kailing and Rhoen Wade both added 20 points apiece. Cora Sharp recorded her first points as a player with 10, and everyone worked together on the bonus questions. Last but certainly never least, the JV C players placed 1st in the JV Division with a 4-1 record. Over the course of the season, the highly-touted team trounced Morley-Stanwood JV 190-115 in a dramatic come-from-behind victory in the second half. Moreover, the fearless foursome achieved victories against Big Rapids JV B 195-145, which avenged a previous loss in the season, then White Cloud JV B 235-30, and Grant JV B 235-65. Captain Mason D’Lamater ended the season with a whopping 280 points with 56 ppg. Brian Loveless exploded for 100 points with 20 ppg. Annabelle Bird popped up 30 points, and Brayden Perdue burst out 15, with Leah Vining aiding her fellow players on bonuses. Overall, it was an amazing season for White Cloud Quiz Bowl! Coach Stephen Smith and the players would like to thank all the drivers, parents, teachers, staff, donors, and community supporters of our program. Gratitude and appreciation are also extended to Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie as well as to the assistant coaches Allison McPhall, Arnie Baker, and Dallas Dowling. On April 13th, Varsity A will look to win back-to-back state titles at Michigan State University in the NAQT Class C-D State Tournament.  BROOKS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING CHANGE OF DATE
Public Notice is hereby given that the Brooks Township Board of Review will hold their hearings March 25, 2024 from 3:00 to 9:00 pm and March 27, 2024 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Brooks Township Hall, 490 Quarterline Road, Newaygo. This change is due to a printing/mailing error from the Newaygo County Equalization Department, and has been changed to allow for sufficient time for residents to receive their notices. Jennifer Badgero Brooks Township Clerk Posted March 7, 2024 - 3:00 PM This notice is posted in the compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Brooks Township Board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to the Brooks Township Board. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Brooks Township Board by writing or calling the following: Jennifer Badgero, Clerk, P.O. Box 625, Newaygo, MI. 49337, (231) 652-6763  L-R First runner-up Madison Andres and Competition Champ Madelyn Garbrecht Madelyn Garbrecht to compete at National Convention
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The 96th Michigan FFA State Convention witnessed the culmination of professionalism and preparedness as finalists competed in the Job Interview Contest. Held on February 28-29, contestants demonstrated their interviewing skills after advancing through district and regional levels. Madelyn Garbrecht from the Newaygo County Career Tech Center FFA Chapter emerged as the winner of the 2024 Michigan FFA Job Interview Contest. Madelyn's poise, confidence and knowledge impressed the judges, earning her the top honors in the contest. The first runner-up position was secured by Madison Andres, also from the Newaygo County Career Tech Center FFA Chapter, while Ryleigh Mauk from the Olivet FFA Chapter claimed the second runner-up spot. In addition to the top competitors, other finalists included: ● Lillian Merill, Charlotte FFA Chapter, Gold ● Lily Makedonsky, Lapeer FFA Chapter, Gold ● Gavin Malek, Ashley FFA Chapter, Silver ● Aubrie Simmons, Whiteford FFA Chapter, Silver ● Rylee McQuarter, Bay Arenac FFA Chapter, Silver ● Savanah Hewitt, Perry FFA Chapter, Silver ● Olivia Lemke, North Ed AM FFA Chapter, Silver ● Kendal Mickey, Saline FFA Chapter, Bronze ● Kaeden Morse, Sanilac FFA Chapter, Bronze William Barnum, 2023-2024 Michigan FFA state president, emphasized the relevance of the Job Interview Contest in preparing FFA members for future career opportunities, stating, "Congratulations to all the finalists for their outstanding performances in the Job Interview Contest. This contest equips FFA members with invaluable skills in resume writing, job application and interview techniques, essential for success in their future careers. Their professionalism and preparedness exemplify the bright future of Michigan's agricultural workforce." The Michigan FFA Job Interview Contest simulates a real-world job interview experience, where participants complete a job application, write a resume, participate in a mock interview and compose a follow-up letter. Contestants are evaluated based on their professionalism, communication skills and knowledge of the job they are applying for. The state winner, Madelyn Garbrecht, will represent Michigan FFA at the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo, scheduled from October 23-26, 2024, in Indianapolis. The Job Interview Contest is proudly sponsored by Michigan Agricultural Commodities (MAC.) MAC is a privately held, for-profit corporation, which buys, sells and stores agricultural commodities throughout the United States and Canada. Today, MAC is Michigan’s largest grain handler with seven elevators, 48 million bushels of storage and around 100 employees.  City Receives $250,000 Grant for Community Center Renovation Project
The City of Grant is excited to announce the receipt of a $250,000 grant to fund a significant renovation project aimed at updating and preserving the historic Grant Community Center. The grant, awarded by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, will support the much-needed updates to the Community Center, originally constructed in 1921. The project is a comprehensive overhaul of the facility to address maintenance issues and enhance the Community Center to better serve the public for years to come. "This grant is a tremendous boost for our community center, allowing us to address long-standing issues and bring the building into the 21st century while honoring its rich history," said Kasey Jernberg, City Manager. "We're grateful for this opportunity to preserve this important landmark for future generations." Key components of the renovation project include updating electrical and mechanical systems, repairing and refinishing wood flooring, replacing outdated fixtures, drop ceiling replacement, new interior doors and trim work, updating the kitchen, exterior masonry tuck pointing and patching, as well as gutter work and wood fascia repairs. The project will also focus on restoring architectural elements, ensuring the building maintains its historical significance. The project is expected to cost $360,000. The Community Center is a historic landmark and cultural hub, providing a space for events, meetings, and activities that enrich the lives of residents. As the City works through the design phase, it will engage with area stakeholders and experts in various fields to ensure that the revitalized building is a functional and welcoming space. The City of Grant extends its sincere appreciation to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for their generous support and investment.  Andrea Bliss surrounded by her District Court colleagues. L-R: Bailey Ruether, Kelly Fader, Margo Lawyer, Cassie VanBelzen, Andrea Bliss, Leanna Jahr, Diane Reinke, Judge Drake Photo by Jodie McGarry The Newaygo County Board of Commissioners recognized Andrea Bliss for her years of service to the county at their recent meeting on February 26th. Citing her 20 year career at the county primarily as a juvenile probation officer with Circuit Court and as Chief Probation Officer ar 78th District Court, Board Chair Bryan Kolk spoke to her loyalty and long term service in expressing the Board’s appreciation. In other business board approved an amended lease agreement with Consumers Energy that will enable the Parks Department to assume ownership of a marina on Hardy Pond to add to the Park system. The land includes additional access to the trail system in the county. Also on the agenda, commissioners appointed Linda Landheer to the Tax Allocation Board and heard a presentation from Register of Deeds Stewart Sanders regarding the addition to his office that will house a large secure safe where the ROD’s official records will be kept. The Board of Commissioners meet next on March 13th at 9:30 am.  Counties, municipalities benefit from marijuana money
Adult Use Marijuana Payments are once again making their annual March deliveries into the coffers of municipalities across the state. The Michigan Department of Treasury announced this past week that more than $87 million is being distributed among 269 municipalities and counties as a part of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act. Over the next few days, 99 cities, 30 villages, 69 townships and 71 counties will receive payments from the Marihuana Regulation Fund. For the state of Michigan's 2023 fiscal year, this means each eligible municipality and county will receive a bit more than $59,000 for every licensed retail store and microbusiness located within its jurisdiction.Last year's payments were just under $52,000 per business. In our county there are four dispensaries including 2 in White Cloud, one in Grant and another in Big Prairie Township. As a result White Cloud will receive just over $118,000 while Grant and Big Prairie will get just over $59,599 each. The county also receives monies from the fund. “Newaygo County will be receiving an estimated $236, 345.40 for FY23 recreational marijuana licensing fees distributed by the State of Michigan, an increase from FY22 in which the County received $155,559,” said Newaygo County Administrator Chris Wren. The increase is related to an additional facility opening in Newaygo County bringing the total to four. “Newaygo County uses the funding to offset the expenses of law enforcement activities. Although Newaygo County does not participate in licensing or approving these facilities, the County will utilize the funds for law enforcement expenses as long as we receive them.” Big Rapids currently has 15 facilities bringing the city just over $886,000 this year, with Mecosta County receiving the same. “These dollars may be spent how our local units deem fit to their needs," State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. See all Michigan municipalities benefitting from the fund here |
CategoriesArchives
April 2025
|
RSS Feed