Alignable names Glupker Fremont Business Person of the Year
BOSTON, MA: March 26, 2025 -- Alignable, the largest online networking platform for small businesses, announces that Rod Glupker of CBD Store of Michigan has been elected as Fremont’s 2025 Business Person of the Year! Alignable’s 2025 Local Business Person of the Year Contest reached unparalleled participation levels, logging a whopping 333,000+ votes, 77,000+ recommendations, and 4,750 winners across the U.S. and Canada. The largest online networking platform for business owners, Alignable.com invited its 9 million+ members to shout-out local business leaders who’ve gone above and beyond guiding peers and supporting entire communities, amid challenging economic conditions. The 2025 contest is Alignable's most popular competition in over six years, with participation surging 20% compared to 2024. During the 2025 contest, held from January 14 to March 7, 4,750 business owners—spanning over 4,500 communities—were recognized as winners, including ties. These leaders were honored for their dedication to supporting their peers and communities amid a year of economic challenges. “In our local business community, we look out for each other and refer businesses down the street or around the corner to help make everyone in town as successful as possible,” said Glupker. “And the challenges we’ve all encountered have compelled many of us to offer counsel to peers fighting to keep their businesses afloat. While I’m thrilled to receive this award, it’s really a testament to our entire community.” Glupker received a special badge on his Alignable profile to acknowledge this achievement. In previous years, similar contests have helped winners expand their networks and generate new business opportunities. In some cases, the most-engaged champions have doubled or tripled their revenue in the year following a contest triumph. And in 2025, even more winners are likely to reap major rewards using the company’s just-launched Alignable 360 technology, which uses AI to unlock the full potential of members' networks, turning them into even more powerful growth engines. About CBD Store of Michigan CBD Store of Michigan is all about community. Sponsoring Fremont Area Sports Teams, Agricultural Fairs, Animal Rescues, United Way of the Lakeshore, Fremont Lions Club, and many non-profits in Fremont. CBD Store of Michigan carries a wide variety of all natural health and wellness products as well as hemp clothing, bags, hats, jewelry and much more. Offering free consultations.
0 Comments
 A lot has been going on at a national level these days in case you haven’t noticed. As a result many elected officials in Congress have been holding Town Meetings to hear from their constituents. The meetings are generally scheduled during recess times and this year recesses are planned for March 15–23, April 12–27, and May 27–June 1. While traditionally Town Meetings are attended by the elected officials in person this past year has seen an increase in meetings held either virtually or by phone. U.S. Representative John Moolenaar will be holding a virtual Town Meeting Thursday, March 27th beginning at 2pm. via zoom. Here is the link to register for the meeting. https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zjBj3b5xQRycEiTqzS8jfA#/registration Questions can be submitted beforehand via email to Moolenaar.Questions@mail.house.gov.  Tiny homes, conversion units and apartments coming to the area
Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Housing Partnership Fund awarded its fourth round of grants to multiple local housing creation projects. In total, $258,000 was awarded. Projects receiving funding are expected to add more than 100 housing units in White Cloud and Newaygo. Haven Design Build was awarded $60,000 toward the construction of two new tiny homes near downtown White Cloud. Hope 101 Ministry also received an $18,000 grant to support the conversion of an existing building in White Cloud into an apartment. In Newaygo, a $150,000 grant was awarded to support the development of multiple apartment units on West Pine Lake Drive. The overall project is expected to add 103 apartment units to the area. Grants are made possible through a partnership between the Community Foundation and Newaygo County. In 2023, county commissioners approved $1 million to help create the Newaygo County Housing Partnership Fund at the Community Foundation. The Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees has earmarked an additional $3 million. A committee including county officials, Community Foundation staff, and community representatives was formed to create grantmaking guidelines and review proposals. Since the first round of housing grants was awarded in fall 2023, 16 projects have received $1.3 million in funding. The projects were expected to create a total of 203 new housing units across all five Newaygo County cities. Several projects have already been completed and rented or sold. A fifth round of housing grants is open for application now, with proposals due on May 1. Nonprofit and for-profit developers are eligible to apply. Applicants are encouraged to leverage additional funding sources and seek the support of local municipalities. Housing developments must be located in Newaygo County to be eligible. For more information on the application process, contact Lindsay Hager at the Community Foundation at 231.924.5350.  Geo/ICE to finalize long term contract for federal immigartion processing
The GEO group announced on Thursday that they would be reopening the Baldwin Prison after entering into a contract with the U.S, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to operate the 1800 bed facility as a federal immigration processing center effective immediately. According to their press release a long term contract will be finalized in the next few months to provide support services for ICE. The facility has had an up and down history creating jobs in the Lake County region when open and laying off hundreds due to the closures. In 2019 the prison reopened after a 2 year hiatus to house non-citizens criminals. It was closed in 2022 under the Biden administration when all contracts with private for-profit prisons were ended. It was also shut down in 2017 after a 2 year contract with the state of Vermont to house their prisoners was not renewed.The facility was built in 1998 by Wackenhut Corrections Corp. as a prison for juvenile offenders. It was previously owned and operated by the state, but was closed in 2005 as a cost-cutting measure. We contacted Michigan Works West Central Executive Director Shelly Keene about hiring for the facility’s reopening. “Michigan Works! West Central is committed to helping the North Lake Correction Facility reopen under this new federal contract. Our team has made initial contact with the GEO Group and expect to become more involved with the organization as their timeline to reopen is finalized. This project is still in the early stages, but my team is ready to assist in any way we can to help fill the variety of positions that will be available at the facility.”  State Graduation Rates Show Increase
The state’s Center for Educational Performance and Information updated graduation and dropout rates for the 2023-24 school year earlier this month.Both graduation and dropout rates and student counts are measured in four-, five- and six-year cohorts based on when students enter the ninth grade and how long it takes them to graduate. Statewide numbers have bounced back from a Covid downturn that began in 2021. The number of students across the state dropping out has also decreased, though it’s a number that has varied between 7-8% for several years. Statewide 82.83% of the 115,097 students graduated and 7.6% dropped out. In 2023 the grad rate was 81.7 and in 2020 the figure was 82,7%. Here’s how our local schools fared. Percentages are rounded up or down. Fremont-’24 Grad rate 94% Dropout rate 1% of 144 students. ‘23 grad rate 96%, ‘20 Grad rate 93%. Hesperia- ‘24 Grad rate 92% Dropout rate 3% of 61 students. ‘23 Grad rate 82%, ‘20 Grad rate 93%. Grant- ‘24 Grad rate 91% Dropout rate 7% of 120 students. ‘23 Grad rate 86%, ‘20 Grad rate 92%. Newaygo- ‘24 Grad rate 89% Dropout rate 8% of 106 students. ‘23 Grad rate 90%, ‘20 grad rate 96%. White Cloud- ‘24 Grad rate 72% Dropout rate 13% of 79 students. ‘23 Grad rate 80%, ‘20 Grad rate 78%.  From our friends at MDOT
Daily lane and shoulder closures for traffic signal work are in effect through April 11 at the intersection of M-37 and Peach Ridge Avenue.  From our friends at MDOT
NEWAYGO, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and contractor Anlaan Corp. will be making improvements to the M-37 bridge over the Muskegon River. This $730,000 investment includes substructure repairs, steel pin and link plate replacement, and expansion joint improvements. County: Newaygo Highway: M-37 Closest community: Newaygo Start date: Monday, March 24, 2025 Estimated end date: Friday, June 27, 2025 Traffic restrictions: One lane will be open in each direction on the M-37 bridge via lane closures and traffic shifts. During construction, M-82 will be closed at the intersection with M-37 and will be detoured on Evergreen Drive. Jobs numbers: Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support seven jobs. Safety benefit: This work will improve the safety of the bridge and extend its service life. New Scholarship Opportunity for Adults Living and Working in Newaygo County
Fremont Area Community Foundation announces the new Make Newaygo County Home Scholarship for adults who have recently finished their post-secondary education and plan to live and work in Newaygo County. Scholarship awards can be used for student loan repayment, down payment on a home, or other expenses. The Make Newaygo County Home Scholarship will be for a maximum of $15,000, paid out on a quarterly basis over three years. The scholarship can be used toward the repayment of a student loan, moving expenses, a down payment on a house, or other expenses related to making this area home. It is intended for recent graduates or returning professionals who plan to live in Newaygo County. Recipients must also be employed locally or have a legitimate offer of employment in Newaygo County. This new award is based on the idea of a “reverse scholarship.” Instead of being awarded at the start of someone’s post-secondary education, a reverse scholarship comes at the end and is often focused on helping graduates pay down their student loans. The concept is becoming more popular as communities look to retain and attract talent. “We’re proud to award hundreds of scholarships each year to help local young adults get to college and career training,” said Shelly Kasprzycki, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “But we also want to see more young adults choose to make Newaygo County their home after they’ve finished their education or training. We need their talents, energy, and perspectives here. We hope the Make Newaygo County Home Scholarship can help alleviate some of the challenges that come with starting out.” Scholarship funds are limited and the application process is competitive. The application will remain open until funds are depleted. For more information or to apply, contact Robin Cowles, senior scholarship and technology officer, at 231.924.5350.  Consumers Energy, Wolverine Power Cooperative to Upgrade Electric Grid in Hesperia, Scheduling Overnight Interruption
HESPERIA, Mich., March 17, 2025 – Consumers Energy will temporarily interrupt power to 2,347 customers in Hesperia later this week as it coordinates upgrades with Wolverine Power Cooperative to provide more reliable electric service. The work will last from 10 p.m. Friday, March 21, until as late as 6 a.m. the next morning. “We appreciate the patience of our customers and the coordination with Wolverine Power Cooperative for this important work,” said Chris Laird, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric distribution. “We understand that work like this can be an inconvenience for our customers, but it’s critical reduce the number and length of power outages through our Reliability Roadmap.” Crews from Consumers Energy and Wolverine Power Cooperative will work overnight to upgrade the area’s electric grid, including connection points between their systems. The approximate area of the outage is south of 10 Mile Road, west of N. Baldwin Avenue and north of McKinley Road. Consumers Energy often schedules work like this overnight, when many people are asleep, to minimize disruptions to businesses or other activities. If work needs to be rescheduled, the backup date is Friday, March 28, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Customers should call Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050 if they have questions or concerns.  Michigan Credit Union League President/CEO Patty Corkery and John Buckley Gerber FCU CEO John P. Buckley, Jr Inducted into Credit Union House Hall of Leaders
LANSING, Mich. On March 3, Gerber Federal Credit Union CEO John P. Buckley, Jr was one of 20 credit union champions inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in honor of their significant contributions to the credit union industry. Buckley has been President/CEO of Gerber FCU since 2006, leading the organization’s growth in membership, advocacy and stature as a community leader. “I am incredibly humbled to be inducted into the CU House Hall of Leaders,” said Buckley. “The roster of inductees are names I have long admired, and to be included amongst them, is an honor I will cherish forever.” According to the Credit Union House, members of the Hall of Leaders are exceptional individuals that have dedicated their lives to perpetuating the credit union mission and philosophy. Last year, Buckley was the recipient of MCUL’s Distinguished Service Award, an award celebrating a lifetime of achievement and exceptional dedication to the credit union industry. Buckley has volunteered for numerous organizations, serving as Board Chair for MCUL, Compliance Committee Chair for Spectrum Health West Michigan, a Board Member for United Way of the Lakeshore and Vice Chair of the Newaygo County Economic Development Advisory Committee. “John Buckley’s induction into the Hall of Leaders is a testament to his lifelong dedication to the credit union movement,” said Michigan Credit Union League President/CEO Patty Corkery. “His leadership, advocacy and commitment to community service have made, and continue to make, a tangible difference in Michigan. John has always led with passion and purpose, and this recognition is a fitting tribute to his impact.”  CORRECTION: The scheduled Town Meeting in Fremont for March 19th with U.S. Representative John Moolenaar that we posted on March 15th was inaccurate, per Representative Moolenaar’s office. The meetings set up by his office in the district are primarily for case consultation with constituents to help resolve difficulties they might be having with regard to Social Security or other issues requiring assistance from the Representative. There are no planned Town Meetings sponsored or arranged by his office scheduled in our area at this time.  A solitary sign bearer channels Caesar, mentions Trump If you were in Downtown Fremont Friday you may have noticed a person carrying a two sided sign down Main Street in front of the city offices. On one side read "Beware the Ides of March", a reference to the Shakespeare play Julius Caesar. In Act I, Scene II of Julius Caesar, Shakespeare introduces a soothsayer to offer a stark warning to Caesar: “Beware the ides of March.” Caesar gives the advice little notice but two acts later he is assassinated on March 15th, the Ides of March. Historically, Caesar was in the midst of a series of political and social reforms when some 60 conspirators led by Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus, fatally stabbed Caesar at the senate in an attempt to halt Caesar’s monarchical regime. This occurred on March 15th... the Ides of March. The other side of his sign read “Ave Trump Morituri Te Maleicunt” which translates to “Hail Trump. Those who are about to die will curse you.” We have no knowledge as to the identity of the sign bearer.   Newaygo County Seeking Public Comment on the 2025 Edition of the Hazard Management Plan
Newaygo County, MI. – Newaygo County is requesting assistance from the public with the updates to the Newaygo County Hazard Management Plan. Your participation will enable Newaygo County Emergency Services to collect and compile the most up-to-date community data and information. An updated draft Community Profile has been developed and posted to the County of Newaygo’s Website for review at: https://www.newaygocountymi.gov/news/newaygo-county-hazard-management-plan/. In addition, a short survey has been created to gather additional information on different hazard events which have occurred in Newaygo County. Anyone can respond to the survey, which is also posted to the County’s Website at the same location as the Community Profile. The Newaygo County Hazard Management Plan is a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan that communities use to reduce the potential impacts of natural disasters, focusing on long-term solutions to prevent or minimize future damage and loss. This plan has been in place since 2007 and is required to be updated every 5 years under criteria contained in 44CFR Part 201, as authorized by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. The current plan was adopted by the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners via Resolution 05-006-21 on May 26, 2021 and is set to expire in June 2026. Hazard mitigation is an important part of being a disaster resilient community. Hazard mitigation is any action taken before, during, or after a disaster to permanently eliminate or reduce the long-term risk to human life and property from natural, technological, and man-made hazards. Examples of hazard mitigation activities include voluntary acquisition or elevation of flood prone structures, creation of defensible spaces around wildland urban interface areas, protective measures for utility infrastructure, storm water management projects that reduce flood risk, etc. The purpose of mitigation planning is to identify policies and actions that can be implemented over the long term to reduce risk and future losses. Maintaining a FEMA approved Hazard Mitigation Plan has positive, local impacts within the County. In December 2016, Newaygo County was awarded $239,316.00 in grants to implement a new flood warning system for approximately 35 miles of the Muskegon River in Newaygo County utilizing the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Flood Inundation Mapper System. As a part of the project an additional two river gages, which were funded by the Fremont Area Community Foundation, were installed in Newaygo and Bridgeton. Newaygo County was eligible to apply for this Hazard Mitigation Grant because our community maintains a Hazard Mitigation Plan. Throughout the course of the next year, various components of the plan will be posted to the County’s Website for review and public input. Community engagement throughout this process is important to ensure that the plan reflects your communities needs and priorities. For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the Newaygo County Emergency Services Department. Thank you for your time and contribution to this update of the Newaygo County Hazard Management Plan!  Dr. Sarah Weers, MD physician with Family Health Care Family Health Care physician offers tips on how to avoid seasonal illness While spring is just around the corner, seasonal illnesses continue to plague healthcare facilities nationwide. In recent weeks, the state has experienced upward trends in influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity in Michigan is considered very high. The state Department of Health and Human Services reports that nearly ten percent of all hospital visits in Michigan are related to respiratory viruses. Norovirus, the most common cause of viral stomach flu, is also rising throughout the country. The virus causes acute gastroenteritis, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and other symptoms. Roughly 20 million Americans get sick yearly with norovirus, with outbreaks most common between November and April. Sarah Weers, MD, is a family medicine physician at Family Health Care’s clinic in White Cloud. What are the most prevalent seasonal illnesses? The most prevalent seasonal illnesses are influenza (“the flu”) and RSV. Covid is also highly prevalent but doesn’t seem to have a season. Why do certain illnesses occur more frequently in specific seasons? Certain illnesses like the flu tend to be seasonal due to a combination of human factors and environmental factors. The flu virus for example thrives in cold environments, so during the winter the virus can live longer in the air or on surfaces, and people tend to gather in indoor spaces more in the winter, which is a perfect opportunity for the spread of the virus. What are the typical symptoms? The typical symptoms of influenza are cough, sore throat, fevers and/or chills, fatigue, headache and body aches. Some people will also experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Flu symptoms will commonly hit you rather quickly - you can go from feeling normal to very sick in just a few hours. When should someone seek medical attention? Most people can treat the flu at home with rest, fluids, and over the counter treatments like Tylenol or Advil for pain or fever, but it’s important to seek medical care if you are struggling to stay hydrated, having high fevers that don’t respond to treatment, or struggling to breathe. Who is considered high-risk for complications from these illnesses? Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as COPD or asthma are at higher risk for complications from infections like the flu or RSV. Children, older adults and pregnant women are also at higher risk. What is the difference between a common cold and the flu? A common cold and the flu are both caused by viruses, but the big difference is how serious this infection can be. A cold is mostly an annoyance, while the flu can be life-threatening. We don’t have vaccines against colds, but thankfully we do have vaccines against the flu. How effective is the seasonal flu vaccine? The seasonal flu vaccine is very effective, and it helps your body build up your immune system to prepare for an infection with the flu. The vaccine can’t give you the flu. You may still get infected during the flu season, but you will be able to fight it off much more readily than if you hadn’t gotten the vaccine. What are the best practices for hygiene to prevent spreading seasonal illnesses? The most important things you can do to prevent the spread of seasonal illnesses are frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow, and staying home if you are sick. If you do need to leave the house while you are sick, be sure to wear a mask to prevent spreading the virus through the air. Family Health Care operates outpatient clinics throughout West Central Michigan, including Grant and White Cloud offices. To schedule an appointment with a Family Health Care provider in White Cloud, call (231) 689-5943. In Grant, call (231) 834-0444. For more information, visit www.familyhealthcare.org.   The Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency Board of Education announces four (4) vacancies on the NC RESA Board effective July 1, 2025. The election will be held on Monday, June 2nd at 6:00 p.m. in the NC RESA Board of Education room, Educational Service Center, 4747 W. 48th Street, Fremont. The vacancies are for two (2) six (6)-year terms expiring on June 30, 2031, and two (2) 4 (four)-year terms to complete vacancy until June 30, 2029. Board of Education election packets, including Nominating Petition Forms and Affidavits of Identity may be picked up at the Newaygo County Clerk’s office, 1087 Newell, White Cloud, MI, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The deadline for filing petitions OR paying a $100.00 nonrefundable filing fee is 4:00 p.m., Monday, May 5, 2025. More specific instructions will be given at the time candidates receive the election packet. Petitions cannot be turned in to the NC RESA superintendent’s office. Questions may be directed to Dr. Blake Prewitt, Superintendent, at (231) 924-8854.  Nick Smith (L) and Jeff Abel (C) receiving the Landscape Design Award from MParks President Chad Stevens By Doug Harmon Recently Nick Smith, Newaygo County Parks Director and Jeff Abel, Mecosta County Parks Director received the Landscape Design Award for the newly finished 45 mile trail around Hardy Pond known as the Dragon Trail. The award was presented by MParks President Chad Stevens at a three day convention in Traverse City at the Grand Traverse Resort. Earlier in the day the two presented a PowerPoint presentation of the history, design, funding, building, safety and maintenance of the trail. The two answered numerous questions from interested patrons about the trail. It was a bittersweet moment for Parks Director Nick Smith as he is moving on to share his talents with Ottawa County.  Nick and Jeff delivering the goods on The Dragon during their seminar at the MParks Conference & Trade Show in Traverse City |
CategoriesArchives
April 2025
|
RSS Feed