 Pictured left to right: Tina Whitney, Dr. Blake Prewitt, Keith O'Reilly, Holly Moon, Eric Bulis, Melissa Miller, David Rosenbluth, and Megan Sharpe Newaygo County Area Promise Zone Receives Generous $25,000 Donation from Gerber Life Insurance The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone is proud to announce a generous $25,000 donation from Gerber Life Insurance, marking the fourth consecutive year of significant support from the local company. This substantial contribution will help support the Promise Zone's ongoing efforts to provide post-secondary educational opportunities designed to create a brighter future for local students and families. Gerber Life Insurance’s continued commitment to the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone is a testament to the company’s dedication to fostering educational opportunities and strengthening the local community. “On behalf of Western and Southern Financial Group, Gerber Life Insurance is honored to support the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone,” said Vice President of Operations Luci Moore. “This essential program is crucial for our community. We recognize that education and training are key pathways to growth and opportunity, especially for our youth. Donations like this one help fund college scholarships, which in turn develop local talent that benefits businesses in our area, including Gerber Life Fremont.” The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone is a transformative scholarship opportunity aimed at increasing college access and success for students in the area regardless of their financial circumstances. By offering a tuition-free path to an associate degree from Muskegon Community College or up to $20,000 towards the cost of attendance at Ferris State University, the Promise Zone works to break down barriers to higher education and create pathways to success for Newaygo County graduates. The $25,000 donation from Gerber Life Insurance will directly support scholarships for students in the Promise Zone that provide vital support for individuals striving for higher education opportunities. “Gerber Life's continued generosity has assisted us in providing success coaches for all of our Promise Scholars as well as expanding our Promise Scholarships to Ferris State University this year. They have been, and continue to be, a valuable community partner,” said Holly Moon, Promise Zone Fundraising Chair. Gerber Life Insurance has long been a cornerstone of support in its local community, prioritizing initiatives that positively impact families and individuals. This collaboration with the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone is yet another example of the company’s ongoing dedication to helping local communities grow and thrive. Their generous donation helps to ensure that the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone will continue to make a meaningful impact on local students and help create a brighter future for the entire community. Since its launch in 2017, the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone has awarded over $3 million in tuition payments, supporting over 429 Newaygo County students in pursuing their post-secondary education. The 2025 Promise Zone Scholarship online application is currently open, with a $50 late fee for submissions made by 4PM on June 3. For more information about the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone, visit www.promise.zone, email [email protected], or call 231.924.8888. 
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 Notice of Vacancy
The Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency is seeking applications for part-time Student Receptionists. Candidates must be current high school or college students. Previous experience is not required. Hours can be flexible to accommodate school schedules. Individuals shall be responsible to provide support to the Early Childhood and Special Education Departments at the Neway Center in Newaygo. More details and the link to the online application are available at www.ncresa.org under “Employment”. Applications will be accepted until this position is filled. It is the policy of the 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.  Family Health Care is seeking a part-time Respite Aide to join its clinic in White Cloud. This role provides in-home companionship and support for older adults. No experience is required, and the hours are flexible. Starting wage is $12.48/hr. To apply, visit familyhealthcare.org/careers.  BALDWIN, Michigan – Travis Sander has joined Family Health Care as its Chief Information Officer. Sander has spent the past 15 years at Heritage Broadcasting in Cadillac, where he worked as a systems analyst and network administrator before being promoted to Information Technology Manager in 2019. “His extensive experience in information technology will benefit our patients and the entire organization,” said Julie Tatko, CEO of Family Health Care. “While much of the IT department’s work is behind the scenes, it improves clinical workflows, reduces errors, and protects patients’ privacy, all of which improves quality of care and the overall healthcare experience.” Sander will join the health center’s executive team, which oversees six primary clinics, five school-based clinics, and a standalone optical center in Lake, Newaygo, Mecosta, Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford counties. He will provide strategic leadership for IT systems, oversee IT staff, implement and monitor security policies to safeguard Protected Health Information, ensure cyber security, and serve as the HIPAA privacy officer. “Family Health Care has a strong reputation for providing compassionate, community-focused care,” Sander said. “I’m looking forward to contributing to an organization that values both innovation and connection, and where I can make a meaningful impact supporting patients and staff.” Sander is replacing Tina McConnell, who will retire at the end of June after serving the past five years as Family Health Care’s Chief Information, Privacy, and Security Officer.  No response from Rep. Fox on request for comment
The Education Department issued a memo to state officials nationwide on Thursday April 3rd requiring them to respond within 10 days verifying that they have eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools. The Trump administration is threatening to pull education funding for states that do not comply. We reached out to State Representative Joseph Fox who serves on the State Education and Workforce Committee and asked for any comments he might have on the directive from the Education Department. Rep. Fox did not reply to our request. We also contacted NC RESA Superintendent Blake Prewitt about the issue who replied,“We have not received any communication from the Department of Education regarding this issue. If and when we do, we will consult with our legal counsel to ensure accurate interpretation. As always, we will continue to make choices in the best interest of all children in Newaygo County."  Team celebrates the Top Four Finish at Chik-fil-A by Coach Stephen Smith With the arrival of springtime, the renowned White Cloud Varsity Quiz Bowl Team once again journeyed to the campus of Michigan State University to compete in the 2025 Class C/D Michigan High School State Championship. The prestigious event brought together 20 elite squads from across both peninsulas of the Great Lakes State. Rising to the occasion, the Indians battled fiercely, securing a 4th-place finish and earning an impressive fifth national tournament qualification on the season. Experiencing an awakening at a critical junction of the preliminary rounds, White Cloud decisively dispatched Carsonville-Port Sanilac (260-50). In the ensuing contest, the vaunted vanguard vanquished an impressive adversary in North Muskegon (270-125). Next, the sensational squad toppled Hackett Catholic Prep (290-120), completing a remarkable resurgence after early-round stumbles against White Pigeon (165-210) and Jonesville (125-245). By snapping off a string of three consecutive victories to close the morning bracket, the Cloud warriors ensured a berth in the championship playoffs. Carrying their momentum into the afternoon, the fearsome five commenced their assault on Sandusky, prevailing with their highest game point total (300-175). Battling in a thriller with Saugatuck, the courageous contingent fell short in a heartbreaker (170-175). Pressed once more by adversity, the tenacious team was outlasted by Gwinn (130-345), an unstoppable force from the Upper Peninsula and the eventual Class C-D champion. Remaining steadfast and undaunted, the mighty masterminds refused to capitulate against Deckerville, securing a hard-earned victory (225-140). In the finale, the quintet succumbed in a cerebral slugfest to Hillsdale Academy (170-345), the tournament’s runner-up. Nevertheless, White Cloud racked up 2,105 total points and averaged an impressive 210.5 points per game on the day—a mark of resilience, firepower, and the continuation of a program unafraid to battle the best. When the final standings were tallied, White Cloud emerged as one of the tournament’s top performers. The complete rankings were as follows: Gwinn (1st), Hillsdale Academy (2nd), White Pigeon (3rd), White Cloud (4th), Saugatuck (5th), Sandusky (6th), Deckerville (7th), North Muskegon (8th), Jonesville (9th), Kalamazoo Christian (10th), Perry (11th), Brimley (12th), Roscommon (13th), Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (14th), Carsonville Port -Sanilac (15th), Springport (16th), New Buffalo (17th), Kent City (18th), Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic (19th), and Bridgman (20th). Focusing on individual feats, White Cloud’s intelligentsia was led by senior Jarrett Warlick, who overpowered his adversaries with an astronomical 625 total points, averaging 62.5 points per game. For his sensational efforts, he was awarded Second-Team All-State honors as the 6th-best player out of 113 competitors. Backing up their prolific scorer, All-Conference player Liam Povey racked up 125 points, finishing as the 27th overall scorer. All-Conference senior captain Wyatt Karnes added 80 points to his team’s total. Finally, All-Conference freshmen Mason D’Lamater and Brian Loveless contributed 25 and 10 points, respectively, and effectively demonstrated a well-balanced, complete team effort. With this remarkable finish in the state tournament, White Cloud has qualified for national tournaments for the 28th time in school history. In addition, this is the 36th occasion that White Cloud has qualified for the state competition, an all-time Class C/D record, solidifying the legacy and tradition of the quiz bowl program. Additionally, this performance marks the fifth straight year that the program has finished in the top four in the state tournament. Coach Stephen Smith and the team extend their sincerest thanks to Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie, along with assistant coaches Arnie Baker, Kiranna Reynolds, Cameron Karnes, and Dallas Dowling for their dedication and support. The team also wishes to express deep gratitude to the parents, teachers, administrators, donors, and community members whose unwavering encouragement continues to fuel the program’s success. A special thank-you goes out to the many parents who showed up in force at the tournament to cheer on the team—your presence and energy meant the world to the team. Without all of you, none of these achievements would be possible. The NAQT Small School National Championship Tournament will be held in Chicago on April 25-27, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates!  Brian Loveless, Mason D’Lamater, Captain Wyatt Karnes, Liam Povey, Jarrett Warlick, Coach Stephen Smith, Samuel Viher, and Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie  NC RESA is looking for a new Custodian. The Custodian is responsible for the appearance, cleanliness, sanitation, and minor repairs to areas assigned by Physical Plant Management. Candidates must have a high school diploma and at least five years of cleaning experience. Interested candidates should visit our website, www.ncresa.org, click on the employment tab, and complete the online application (“Apply Now” link is included in the job posting). If you have any questions about the position or the process, contact our HR Department at 231-924-8853. The 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.  Alan Neushwander, Director of external and internal relations at Family Health Care BALDWIN, Michigan – Alan Neushwander has been appointed to the Michigan Recruitment and Retention Network’s (MRRN) Board of Directors. Neushwander works as director of external and internal relations at Family Health Care, a Federally Qualified Health Center with outpatient clinics in Lake, Osceola, Mecosta, Missaukee, Newaygo, and Wexford counties. Among his job responsibilities are provider recruitment and retention with a focus on physicians, dentists, advanced practice providers, and behavioral health therapists. MRRN is a Shared Interest Group of the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment. Its mission is to impact healthcare access through education, research, and the elevation of the physician and provider recruitment industry. “The Michigan Recruitment and Retention Network was invaluable to me as I began my career as a healthcare recruiter,” Neushwander said. “I’m excited to join the board to help others achieve success in their careers and reduce healthcare disparities by recruiting providers to Michigan and expanding access to care for everyone.” Neushwander will serve a three-year term on the MRRN Board of Directors.  Catherine Gage has been hired by the Heritage Museum of Newaygo County as the new Director of Advancement. Her main focus will be to enhance community engagement and fund-raising activities. Catherine Gage joins HMNC
The Heritage Museum of Newaygo County (HMNC) is pleased to announce that Catherine Gage has recently been hired as the Director of Advancement. In this capacity she will work closely with Executive Director Steven Radtke, and will report directly to the Museum Board of Directors. According to Board President Ryan Coffey Hoag, “Catherine will be responsible for implementing the museum’s plans for community engagement, fundraising, grant management, and marketing. We are confident that this new position will help to ensure the museum’s financial health and long-term sustainability.” Coffey Hoag explained that this will also allow Executive Director Radtke to spend more time managing the Museum’s collections and exhibits, and working with the education and programming areas. Gage is a Grand Rapids native with more than 25 years experience with nonprofit development, education, marketing, and donor relations. Most recently she served as the Director of Development at Every Woman’s Place in Muskegon. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in History/Social Studies and Education from Western Michigan University, and advanced Certificates in Fundraising Leadership and Nonprofit Executive Leadership from the Lily Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. “I am excited to be a part of HMNC to connect and preserve the past for our future, and most importantly, to empower our community now,” said Gage. When she is not on the sidelines or at rehearsals cheering on her six sons, she enjoys spending time in nature, curled up with a good book, or traveling. The Heritage Museum of Newaygo County is located at12 Quarterline St., in Newaygo. For more information, visit its website at https://www.newaygocountyhistory.org/
 A peaceful protest at Veteran’s Park On Saturday nationwide protests drew hundreds of thousands of demonstrators across the country who turned out to express their displeasure toward the policies and actions of the Trump administration with a primary theme of ‘Hands Off!’ related to Social Security, Schools, Veteran’s benefits, National Parks and more. While cities across the country as well as throughout the globe held huge rallies, the far reaching demonstrations were not limited to the larger cities and urban areas but scattered throughout the smaller towns and rural areas as well. In Michigan dozens of locations from Pentwater to Paw Paw and Bellaire to Bad Axe saw large groups of citizens communicating their discontent. Including Fremont. Somewhere around 200 people gathered at Veteran’s Park on a Saturday afternoon carrying signs and waving banners while receiving drive by support from many passing vehicles. Here’s what some of the participants had to say about the event: “The peaceful demonstrations this Saturday were very powerful. It was a way for everyone to show their support for the constitution and support for each other in this difficult time. "We had all ages from young to old and all walks of life coming together as a solid unit. It helped to have the community know each other better and people went away feeling uplifted . There were many first time demonstrators I talked with that told me they felt better because of coming. "Courage is Contagious!” - Eileen Homan “The enthusiasm at the event was palpable. Nobody was certain as to how many would show up and, at the end of the day, numbers were close to 200! Spirits were high, strangers were introducing themselves to each other, more than a few people brought multiple signs and shared them with those who were without. "There was a young woman, 16 years old, who was very interested in going into politics, there was a woman in a walker, there was a man walking down the opposite side of the street leading everyone in a chant. The positivity shown by people driving by, honking horns, shouting encouragement, thanking the peaceful protesters, and flashing thumbs up was validating and joy filled. "I left feeling determined and hopeful. This is what democracy looks like” - Vinnie Sutherland "It was incredibly powerful to witness over 200 people come together in our rural town, with countless others driving by, honking, and giving thumbs up in solidarity. This national day of protest against Trump/Musk policies, policies that disproportionately harm rural communities, struck a chord here. "For Indivisible Newaygo County, it was vital to hold a march locally, to remind people that they are not alone, even in a deep red county. Folks from Oceana, Muskegon, and northern Kent County stood alongside Newaygo residents, united in their frustration and committed to standing up for justice and equity in our communities." -Michelle Petz Indivisible of Newaygo County helped organize the event. For further information about the organization email them at i[email protected]   |
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