From Newaygo County Drain Commissioner Dale Twing:
We are experiencing very low levels in all of our county lakes as well as in those throughout the state. Even the rivers are extremely low. As Drain Commissioner I am in charge of seven legally established lake levels. Three of these have different seasonal levels and we take boards in and out of a dam structure to make this change. These are engineered to coincide with the levels that have been established by court order. These are consistently done on the established dates. The reason that lakes are low and yet water still flows over the dam is because evaporation and the lack of incoming water aren’t in balance. No dam is usually intended to totally stop the discharge of water. Most lakes are part of a bigger watershed and the people downstream need water also. The current drought is an issue that everyone is currently dealing with and only Mother Nature can solve.
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Randall Foods Inc. Initiates Voluntary Recall of All Randall Beans From our friends at MDARD: Randall Foods, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio is recalling all its Randall-brand beans because of manufacturing deviations that may pose a potential health risk. The recall includes the following products: The product is sold in 48oz, 24oz, and 15.4oz glass jars with tan labels with “Randall” at the label top. Approximately 1.6 million cases of affected products were distributed between March 1, 2019 and May 15, 2021 at retail locations in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
The manufacturing deviations included a nonfunctioning temperature indicating device raising the possibility that the product was not effectively processed. Processing at temperatures below a required temperature could create a condition that could lead to premature spoilage or food borne illness; however, there have been no illnesses reported. The company is issuing this voluntary recall as a precaution. Consumers who have purchased jars of Randall-brand beans, regardless of the “Best By” date, should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company between 9 am and 5 pm at 513-793-6525. Move back to Phase 2 began Monday
From our friends at the Newaygo County Courts: NEWAYGO COUNTY – The Newaygo County Courthouse has re-entered Phase 2 as of Monday, May 24, 2021. This means that the Trial Courts will be able to facilitate a limited number of in person hearings as approved by the presiding and Chief Judge in addition to the emergency and/or essential hearings services being conducted in Phase 1. Jury trials may also be conducted if the Trial Courts meet additional metrics to do so safely in the community. If your business with the court can be handled via phone, fax, mail, or email, please continue to use those methods before coming to the courthouse. The public will be permitted into the building for in-person emergency and essential hearings, hearings where litigants have right to be present, or for limited in-person hearings approved by the presiding and Chief Judge. Emergency or essential functions involve the health, safety and Constitutional rights of the citizens of Newaygo County. If you make a visit to the Courthouse during this time staff may inquire about your business and provide guidance to limit exposures within the courthouse. Visitors to the Newaygo County Courthouse will continue to have a health screening including a temperature assessment. Staff and visitors will wear masks in the building and adhere to six-foot social distancing. It is important to note that although other restrictions may be lessening in the community that the Supreme Court and State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) take the health and safety of the public seriously and will continue to keep protective measures in place at this time. All hearings that are not emergencies, essential, previously approved by judges, or where litigants have the right to be present will be conducted remotely via Zoom or teleconference as directed. It is preferred that filings be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the courthouse whenever possible. Please feel free to use the drop box as you enter the courthouse for non-emergency filings. The appropriate court may be contacted with the information below if you have questions about filing paperwork or appearing remotely for a hearing. Court sessions will continue to be livestreamed via YouTube to provide public access. Please visit the recently updated newaygocountymi.gov website under the court tabs for more information about COVID 19 and viewing YouTube. Please see the complete Local Administrative Order for Phase 2 for further details!: https://www.newaygocountymi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Phase-2-5.24.21-FINAL-Signed.pdf Circuit Court Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Phone: (231) 689-7251 Main Phone: (231) 689-7252 Fax: (231) 689-7015 District Court Email: [email protected] Phone: (231) 689-7228 Main Phone: (231) 689-7257 Fax (231) 689-7258 Probate Court Email: [email protected] Phone: (231) 689-7274 Main: (231) 689-7270 Fax: (231) 689-7276 The Newaygo County Courthouse and its staff hopes to return to Phase 3 soon where we can continue to safely expand public access. Hon. Robert D. Springstead Chief Judge Circuit Court Judge Newaygo County Trial Courts DHD#10 hosting numerous off-site COVID-19 vaccine clinics
Public welcome, no appointment necessary May 25, 2021 – Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available, District Health Department #10 is bringing it to the community through off-site vaccine clinics. You do not need an appointment – just walk in to any clinic to receive your vaccine. All clinics will have Pfizer for 12 and older and most will have Johnson & Johnson and Moderna for 18 and older. The following counties currently have off-site COVID-19 vaccine clinics scheduled: NEWAYGO Wednesday, May 26, June 9, June 30, 9:00AM-12:00PM – TrueNorth Food Distribution, Fremont CRAWFORD Wednesday, May 26, 2:00-7:00PM - Grayling High School Activity Center, Grayling Wednesday, June 2, 2:00-7:00PM - Grayling Middle School Gymnasium, Grayling LAKE Wednesday, May 26, 12:00-5:00PM - Baldwin Community School Library, Baldwin Wednesday, June 2, 11:00AM-3:00PM - Bread of Life Food Pantry, Baldwin MANISTEE Tuesday, May 25, 1:00-3:00PM - Century Terrace/Harborview Apartments, Manistee Wednesday, May 26, 10:00AM-6:30PM – Little River Casino Resort, Manistee MASON Wednesday, June 2, 2:0-6:00PM – Ludington High School, Ludington Wednesday, June 9, 12:00-2:00PM – Caritas Food Pantry, Custer Wednesday, June 23, 9:00AM-12:00PM – Mason County District Library, Ludington OCEANA Wednesday, June 2, 12:00-5:00PM – Pentwater Public School Cafeteria, Pentwater Tuesday, June 22, July 13, August 10, 4:00-7:00PM – New Era Farmer’s Market, New Era WEXFORD Monday, May 31, 4:00-6:00PM – Cadillac News Track & Field Invitational, Cadillac Thursday, June 3, 3:00-5:00PM – United Methodist Church, Cadillac Wednesday, June 9, 10:00PM-1:00pm – Harbor View Apartments, Cadillac Friday, July 16, 5:00-7:00PM – Manton Truck Show, Manton More off-site vaccine clinics will be added and announced each week. A man was shot and killed by Michigan State Police troopers in Beaver Township Saturday morning It happened at a property on West 10 Mile Road at Comstock Avenue between Hesperia and Bitely.
Two Michigan State Police troopers were called there around 8:50 a.m. for a report of a domestic disturbance. MSP says an armed man confronted the troopers, after which shots were fired. The man was killed. His name has not been released. Gerber Memorial celebrates 5,000th dose of COVID-19 vaccine
Fremont, Mich., May 21, 2021 – For Olivia Smith of Hesperia, the COVID-19 was about protecting herself and, just as importantly, her family. So, when she showed up at Gerber Memorial’s community vaccine clinic above the Multispecialty Clinic on Thursday, May 20, she thought she’d go in for her second shot and head home. She didn’t think she’d spend her 15 minutes of observation for any adverse effects eating cake and helping Gerber Memorial’s vaccination team celebrate a landmark occasion. Smith was the recipient of the 5,000th dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Gerber memorial since the hospital began vaccinating staff and community members on Dec. 23, 2020. “I’m doing this for my family,” Smith said. “I live at home and I have a few people in my family who have auto-immune deficiencies, so I want to make sure they’re safe.” Nurse Sonya Ream, RN, who administered the dose for Smith, joined her for cake during her observation, when people who have just been vaccinated are monitored for adverse side effects. “How did you handle the first shot?” Ream asked Smith earlier as she was preparing to vaccinate her. “I think I barely had any side effects at all,” Smith, 25, said. The Gerber Memorial team celebrated the milestone as a show of gratitude to all the people who have been vaccinated so far – and who choose to do so in the near future. Sealed Bids for the High School Entry Drive Improvement Project Fremont Public Schools will be received by Fremont Public Schools at the Administration Building, 450 East Pine Street, Fremont, Michigan 49412, Tuesday, June 8, 2021 until 2:00 p.m., local time. Bids received after that time will be returned unopened. Bids will be opened publicly and read aloud at the Central Administration Building. All bids submitted shall be from a prime bidder only and shall include all subcontractor costs for scopes identified in the contract documents. Owner is exempt from Michigan use and sales tax. This project does not require prevailing wages. Bidding and Contract Documents will be available from Kingscott Associates, Inc. on Thursday, May 20, 2021 on the Kingscott ShareFile site. For access to the Kingscott ShareFile site, please contact Lisa Dailey at [email protected]. No printed sets of contract documents will be issued; however, the electronic files may be reproduced for bidding purposes by the bidder and at the bidder’s expense. The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to waive any irregularities in bidding and to refrain from accepting or rejecting any bids for a period of thirty (30) days after the bid opening. The project scope of work includes (but not limited to) the following: 1. Pavement Removal 2. Machine Grading 3. Bituminous Paving Gov announces all capacity restrictions end July 1
Lansing, May 20-Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that as of June 1, capacity limits will lift for outdoor events. Additionally, indoor capacity limits will increase to 50%, allowing indoor social gatherings such as weddings and funerals to move closer to normalcy. As of July 1, the state will no longer limit capacity at indoor or outdoor gatherings. To reflect these changes, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), will release an updated epidemic order on Monday. Throughout the month of June, people who are not yet fully vaccinated will still be required to mask up while indoors. “Starting June 1st, we will be moving forward, faster than expected, towards a return to normalcy,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer in making the announcement. “ Soon, Michiganders will be able to celebrate together, have summer weddings and even enjoy a 4th of July barbeque with family and friends. This is what we have all been working so hard towards, and I am so grateful to every Michigander who continues to go above and beyond to keep themselves, their family, and our communities safe. Thanks to them, we can take these final steps towards a return to the normalcy and build our economy back stronger than ever.” From our friends at the NCSO On May 19, 2021 at approximately 2:10 pm the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office was requested to assist Newaygo County Child Protective Services (CPS) with a child removal at 6396 N Stone Rd in Beaver Township. When the Deputy arrived on scene with CPS, the father, a 32 year old from Bitely, refused to let go of a 6-day old infant. After pleading with the father to turn the infant over to her or CPS the father still refused. The father then made threats towards law enforcement and the infant of getting a knife. The Deputy was able to talk with the father until backup officers arrived on scene. Once backup officers arrived on scene the father turned the infant over to police and refused officers commands to get on the ground. The father physically resisted officers and their commands to stop resisting. The father was eventually tased and placed in custody. As a result of the physical altercation, the father along with law enforcement sustained minor injuries. The 32 year old male from Bitely, was lodged at the Newaygo County Jail on charges of Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer. All names are being withheld pending formal arraignment at the 78th District Court. Deputies were assisted on scene by White Cloud Police Department, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and LifeEMS. For the 68th-consecutive year The Gerber Foundation has provided scholarships to local graduating seniors to support their respective college educations. This year The Gerber Foundation awarded 79 scholarships to students from Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties. Below is the 2021 class of students who will receive scholarships: Daniel Gerber Sr., Medallion Scholarships (worth $10,600 ea) Fremont HS: Braden DeWeerd, Caden Christoffersen, Jackson Fair, Kylei Beecham, Nathan Walker Grant HS: Alexis Bazzett, Carter Cole, Emma Hetler, Emme Losee, Samantha Wolff Hesperia HS: Delaney Yates, Kyra Sayer, Madeline O'Neil, Sierra Cechura Newaygo HS: Alexis Feutz, Hudson Harkness, Kendall Mathis, Lillian Ruehmeier, Makenna Young White Cloud HS: Kathryn Fiala, Cassandra Watson, Parker Karnes, Janessa Shepard Newaygo Home School: Zeb Oatis The Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarships (worth $2,600 ea) Fremont HS: Benjamin Paige, Colton Isenhart, Devin Poll, Jaxon Deur, Jennifer Chrysler, Mikayla Slovinski, Weston Slate Hart HS: Spencer R Zwaag, Justin Hernandez, Daniela Estrada, Alex Enns, Rece Schlukebir, Thomas Tanner Hesperia HS: Gabriel Prado, McKenna LaCount, Steven Brown Muskegon HS Gilvonna Agnew, Tyreese Oakes, Jada Lenoir Newaygo HS: Ethan Riley, Amaya Nelson, Ariana Hunt, David Yoder, Haley Stefans Ravenna HS: Tori Woodwyk, Branden Varso Shelby HS: Griffin McFarlin-Fraass, Roberto Luna, Nadia Millan, Lindsey Harvell, Jazmin Hekkema, Alexis Hoeksema White Cloud HS: Alexis Strait, Alexus Richmond, Rylee Hewitt, Samuel Venema The Gerber Foundation Newaygo County Career Tech Center Scholarships (worth varied amounts) Cayla Ekkel (Agriscience); Tarrence Ferriby, Ann Bogen (Automotive Technology); Merci Fitz, Kenneth Bull (Business Applied Technology); Cameron Wolters, Nate Frey (Construction Trades); Alyssa Kolehouse, Hannah Tindall (Cosmetology); Olivia Lacy (Criminal Justice); Andrew Berwald, Tommy Maurer (Engineering/Manufacturing); Madison Salacina, Jonathin Mandeville (Future Educators); Heather Grveles (Health Sciences); Bradley Garbrecht (Heavy Equipment Technology); Nathaniel Sherman (Information Technology); Joel Luchies, Stephen Miller (Welding). Congratulations to our scholarship recipients of 2021! Virtual public meeting 5 p.m. today to highlight M-37/M-82 project in Newaygo
WHAT: The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will host a virtual public meeting to share project information regarding the improvements on M-37 and M-82 starting in June. Attendees will learn project details, traffic information, and how to receive project updates throughout the season. WHO: MDOT staff Interested residents, commuters, and business owners WHEN: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 5 - 6 p.m. WHERE: Click here to join the meeting on Microsoft Teams To join by phone without using Internet, call 248-509-0316. Conference ID: 675 078 390 # HOW: How to attend a live event in Teams Accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking ability. Large print materials, auxiliary aids or the services of interpreters, signers, or readers are available upon request. To make a request before the meeting, contact Orlando Curry by phone at 517-241-7462 or by e-mail [email protected]. BACKGROUND: The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing $3.4 million to improve approximately 2 miles of M-37/M-82 from the Muskegon River to the M-37/M-82 south junction in the city of Newaygo. M-82 will also be resurfaced from M-37 to just east of Park Street. Work includes rebuilding, resurfacing, new water main, drainage improvements, sidewalk work, and traffic signal modernization at Quarterline Street. Public input is being sought to help MDOT recognize and address any public concerns that may result from these projects. Provide your comments and questions using the online comment form, or contact Monica Monsma, MDOT Public Involvement and Hearings Officer, at [email protected]. Throughout work, project detours and closure information will be posted at www.Michigan.gov/Drive. Information will also be shared on social media, in addition to portable message boards. 10 miles available to be added to Dragon Trail this year Photos By Jodi Albaitus Stanwood, MI: Construction at Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam is ramping up for the 2021 season, adding a projected 10 miles to the already finished total of 14.6 since ground broke on the project in late 2019. Once complete, the Dragon Trail will be made up of 11 segments forming a complete loop around Hardy Pond, traversing through both Mecosta and Newaygo counties. Of the 14.6 miles already open to the public, the vast majority of those miles are in Newaygo County, starting at Hardy Dam and ending in Big Bend Park. A 1.3 mile loop is open already in Mecosta County inside Brower Park, and trail builders with Flowtrack Mountain Bike Trails LLC are using an area in Brower Park as a staging zone to begin work for 2021. Trail construction started two weeks ago. Construction plans for this year include an estimated 10-mile stretch from near Brower Loop, which is in segment four, and will go through segments five, six, and a portion of segment seven. Mecosta Township procured a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to fund half of this work, and funds raised by individual donors and corporate and charitable partners will round out the rest of the funds needed this year. The new trail segments will feature bridges, raised wooden tread, bike-optimized trail, and more. Brower Park has just completed a new parking area specifically for Dragon Trail users with easy access to the new portions of trail being built this season. The Dragon Trail already sees a tremendous number of visitors, including mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, and more, and Dragon fans can’t wait to get a taste of new segments as construction progresses. Mecosta County administrators and partners are excited to have more trail mileage opened up in this area. “Seeing the Dragon come to life has been exciting for us all after so many years,” said Mecosta County Parks Superintendent Jeff Abel. “There is a lot of work yet to do to complete this project,, and having another 10 miles available in Mecosta County will help get us closer to the finish line.”
Funds are still needed to finish the trail. Fundraiser Jodi Albaitis noted that this year’s mileage will bring the trail to around just over half complete. “The faster we can raise funds for the trail, the more quickly we can add miles,” said Albaitis. “Trail usage is growing exponentially, and we’re thrilled with the reception of the trail so far.” Visitors to the Dragon Trail can find the latest segment details, such as where to park and where to find each open segment on the trail’s website on trail conditions and segment pages, as well as on the Frequently Asked Questions page. To learn how you can help sponsor Dragon Trail building, bridges, kiosks, and more, or to make a gift, visit thedragon.us. ABOUT MICHIGAN’S DRAGON AT HARDY DAM Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam is a 47-mile non-motorized, multi-use trail system located between Hardy and Rogers Dams in West Michigan. The Dragon is managed by Newaygo County Parks, Mecosta County Parks Commission, and the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance. Construction for the trail began in 2019. Learn more at www.thedragon.us. Project Managed By Newaygo County Parks and Recreation Commission ∙ Mecosta County Park Commission ∙ West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance The Newaygo County Road Commission is generally a fairly quiet place on Saturdays this time of year. There’s (hopefully) no snow to remove and the road crews and mechanics that keep our roads in good shape are enjoying a well deserved weekend home. But once a year (when there;’s not a pandemic at least) the garage opens its doors for the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, the opportunity for residents to dispose of the items that have been residing in the dark corners of garages and basements for anywhere from a few months to a few years to (from what one can discern from the appearance of said items) a few decades. It’s a great program and those who have worked it for a few years remain incredulous that there could possibly be any more paint cans in the county. But there are. Scads of them in addition to petroleum products, lawn care material, toxic chemicals and any number of unusual commodities no longer needed nor wanted. From batteries to light bulbs these ecological enemies get unloaded by a sea of volunteers to be contained, cartoned, barreled and eventually removed to be taken out of the county to meet a responsible disposition. And this year they were joined by the new DHD#10 bus, a vehicle that allowed the distribution of COVID vaccines to all comers. So when it comes to one stop shopping people could dump their unwanteds to protect the environment while getting a poke to protect themselves and others from the virus that has altered our lives for far too long. An admirable collaboration. The Vax folks also made an appearance at the Blessing of the Bikes in Baldwin. Kudos to DHD#10 for being innovative in their efforts to expand availability for our vax seeking citizens. And kudos to the Board of Public Works for helping rid our county of toxics Gov follows CDC and lifts mask requirement
LANSING, Mich- .If you’ve completed your vaccination regimen wearing a mask is no longer required. Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the changes Friday aligning the state with the latest CDC guidelines. The new MDHHS order will take effect on Saturday, May 15 at 9AM. On Thursday, the CDC released updated guidance recommending “fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.” Under the updated MDHHS Gatherings and Mask Order, residents who are outdoors will no longer need to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. While indoors, those fully vaccinated will no longer need to wear a mask, but residents who are not vaccinated, or have not completed their vaccinations, must continue to wear a mask or face covering to protect themselves and others. After July 1, the broad indoor mask mandate will expire. “It’s critical that eligible Michigan residents who have not yet been vaccinated schedule their appointments as soon as they can,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and MDHHS chief deputy director for health. “Getting shots in arms is the best way to end the pandemic. If you have not yet been vaccinated, it is important to continue to mask up to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.” Fire danger is high around the state; be careful with campfires, debris burning and other activities
From our friends at MDNR: Whether you plan to get in some early-season camping, hit the trail on an ORV or clean up dead wood around your property, keep in mind that fire danger is high in many parts of Michigan this weekend. “Even though the landscape is green, our forests and grasses are very dry,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the Forest Resources Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “A fire can escape and move quickly due to the dry air and dry fuels.” Fuels includes things such as dry grass, brush and downed tree branches. If you build a campfire or a bonfire, enjoy the dancing flames but never leave the fire unattended, even for a moment. Make sure you always have water on hand while the fire is burning. Douse your fire with water, stir the ashes and douse with water again before going to bed or leaving the site. If you plan to burn yard debris, first check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit or with your local municipality to ensure burning is permitted in your area. Keep your fire at least 10 feet away from logs, stumps or other debris and make sure no branches are hanging overhead. If you plan to use an ORV, power tools or other machinery, be careful to keep sparks from igniting leaves or grass. A hot muffler or engine also can touch off a fire. Check out more fire safety tips. COVID-19 vaccinations available at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial, other locations
Spectrum Health is eager to begin administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to 12- to-15-year-olds now that it has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use. Spectrum Health encourages parents or guardians to bring their children to one of the upcoming clinics offering first doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Anyone aged 12 or above is welcome. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Appointments can be made by calling 833.734.0016. Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is offering vaccinations on Thursday, May 20, at the Multispecialty Clinic located at 230 W. Oak St., Fremont. The clinic is from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Upcoming clinics offering first doses of Pfizer vaccine: Spectrum Health 60th Street Vaccine Clinic 4700 60th St. SE, Kentwood 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, May 15 Walk-in or by appointment Spectrum Health COVID-19 drive-thru testing site 1300 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids 8:45 - 11:45 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16 By appointment only Thornapple Kellogg Middle School 10375 Green Lake Road, Middleville 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 15 By appointment only Spectrum Health United Lifestyles 701 S. Greenville W. Dr., Greenville 3:30 – 7 p.m. Monday, May 17 By appointment only Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital 605 Oak St., Big Rapids 3 – 7 p.m. Tuesday May 18 By appointment only Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital 1009 W. Green St., Hastings 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday, May 20 By appointment only Spectrum Health Zeeland Hospital 8333 Felch St., Zeeland 1 – 7 p.m. Thursday May 20 By appointment only Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital 1 N. Atkinson Dr., Ludington 3 - 8 p.m. Thursday, May 20 By appointment only Walk-ins will also be accepted at the 60th Street location. Clinics will continue to be scheduled based on demand and vaccine supply. For additional locations and availability, please visit spectrumhealth.org/vaccine. For additional clinic locations and availability, please visit spectrumhealth.org/vaccine or call 833.734.0016. Pop-up vaccine clinics scheduled in several communities
May 13, 2021 – Following the recent authorization and recommendation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) will start vaccinating children ages 12-15 years old with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Parents and guardians wishing to protect their children over the age of 12 from COVID-19 may schedule an appointment online at www.dhd10.org/schedule. While appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are also welcomed at any DHD#10 office on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:30am-1:00pm/1:30-6:20pm. Please note, some DHD#10 offices are hosting off-site clinics this Friday, May 14, so will not be hosting walk-in clinics at the office – please call ahead first before walking in this Friday. 12- to 15-year-olds must have a parent or legal guardian present during their vaccination. 16- and 17- year-olds must have written consent from their parent or legal guardian to be vaccinated. “We encourage all families with adolescents over the age of 12 to get them in for their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible,” said Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for the DHD#10. “Vaccination is our best line of defense against getting and spreading COVID-19.” DHD#10 is hosting several pop-up vaccine clinics in various communities that the public is welcome to attend.
Regardless of insurance status, affordable care is available
BALDWIN, Michigan – As Michiganders have stayed home during the COVID-19 pandemic, many have passed on timely health services out of concern for their safety. Family Health Care is encouraging all local residents to sign up for their COVID-19 vaccine and to get caught up on regular preventive healthcare needs. Whether residents have healthcare coverage or not, Family Health Care provides medical, dental, behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment, vision, and pharmacy services. “During the last year and a half, our health center employees have worked tirelessly to ensure every community member could continue to receive care, no matter their circumstance,” said Julie Tatko, President and CEO of Family Health Care. “With the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, we are now able to see a possible end to this pandemic and are doing everything we can to help vaccinate our communities.” Residents are encouraged to sign up for their COVID-19 vaccine and connect with the health center team to address all of their ongoing healthcare needs. Offering both virtual and in-person appointments, it’s safe to visit and the health center team has taken rigorous efforts to protect patients and staff from COVID-19. Health centers help people get and stay healthy by providing whole-person, patient-centered care. They do this by providing services uniquely tailored to the communities they serve – often all under one roof. Health centers accept Medicaid and most insurance plans. They can help review insurance options and enroll residents in Medicaid, the Healthy Michigan Plan, and Healthcare.gov plans. For residents without insurance, their fee will be based on income and the number of people in the household. For residents who need health coverage, the special enrollment period for HealthCare.gov plans have been extended through August 15, 2021, due to COVID-19. Residents can submit an application at HealthCare.gov. Nine out of 10 people who enroll are eligible for savings, and millions more can find plans for lower premiums. This special enrollment period doesn’t require applicants to have a qualifying life event to enroll in a Marketplace plan. COVID-19 has brought new challenges for many, so this special enrollment period offers more equitable access to coverage. To get your COVID-19 Vaccine, contact your local health center or Family Health Care Pharmacy by visiting familyhealthcare.org/locations. To learn more about the services that health centers provide or to connect to one of the other more than 340 Michigan local health centers, visit mi.healthcare. LOCAL SPANISH STUDENTS SCORE WELL
Congratulations to several Spanish students from Newaygo High School who attained national recognition for excellent performance on the 2021 National Spanish Examinations. Students from Newaygo High School earned a total of five honors. “Attaining a medal or honorable mention for any student on the National Spanish Examinations is very prestigious,” said Kevin Cessna-Buscemi, National Director of the Exams, “because the exams are the largest of their kind in the United States with over 55,000 students participating in 2021.” Students from Newaygo High School have a long history of high achievement on these exams and were taught by Spanish teachers Brittany Christensen, Gena Dietz and Alexis Mercer. The National Spanish Examinations are administered each year in grades 6 through 12, and are sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. White Cloud, May 10, 2021 - Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney, Worth Stay, announced today that Clifton David Bonter Jr. of Grant, date of birth July 23, 1980, was arraigned on May 10 on a two count criminal complaint. The charges stem from an investigation into an alleged discharge of a firearm at a dwelling in Ashland Township.
The defendant is charged with one count of Weapons - Firearms - Discharge in or at a Building Causing Injury, in violation of MCL 750.234b(3) and one count of Weapons - Felony Firearm, in violation of MCL 750.227b. A probable cause conference is set for May 20, 2021, at 9:30 am. A preliminary examination is set for May 27, 2021, at 1:30 pm. Both hearings are scheduled to be held at the 78th District Court in White Cloud, Michigan. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Anyone with information regarding this ongoing investigation is asked to please contact the Michigan State Police, Hart Post at 231-873 2171. Gerber Memorial Recognized for Maternity Care Excellence
Fremont, Mich., May 10, 2021 – In honor of Mother’s Day, The Economic Alliance for Michigan (EAM), has awarded Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Hospital a Hospital Maternity Care Excellence Award for the third year in a row. “Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is extremely proud of our entire maternity care team for their continued excellence,” Gerber Memorial President Drew Dostal said. “The Maternity Care Excellence Award speaks to the commitment of Gerber Memorial’s providers, nurse midwives and nursing team to ensuring mother and child are healthy. With our focus on exceptional personalized care, we work hard every day so moms and families can continue to welcome their children into the world their way, safely and with information and resources to help them thrive for years to come. The awards are part of EAM’s Maternity Care Project. Created in 2018, the project goals are to decrease the state’s infant mortality rate, reduce the rate of unnecessary C-sections, and be an educational resource for new and expecting parents residing in Michigan. “The recipients of the Hospital Maternity Care Award demonstrate their dedication to giving newborns the best start to life,” said Bret Jackson, president of EAM. “Unnecessary cesarean sections and elective early deliveries are all linked to increased negative health outcomes and higher medical bills. These costs can be financially devastating to new parents and can trickle down to employers as well.” For the award, hospitals were evaluated in four areas: cesarean rates, episiotomy rates, elective early delivery rates and maternity care processes. The data is from The Leapfrog Group, a Washington, D.C. based organization aiming to improve health care quality and safety for consumers and purchasers. To be awarded the Excellence Award, hospitals need to fully meet the standard in all four areas in the same calendar year. The Maternity Care Project also provides details for birthing centers in Michigan, providing parents-to-be invaluable information in making a choice for hospital maternity care. To compare birthing centers and learn more about the project go to www.maternitycareproject.com. Gerber Memorial Hospital is one of five Spectrum Health hospitals to earn the designation. Other Spectrum Health hospitals recognized include:
Local eateries can access $$ for pandemic losses.
Program details: The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. Registration for the SBA application portal is now open. Applications opened Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon ET. See How to apply for more details. Though businesses must contact SBA directly... Julie Burrell, Newaygo County Business Development Manager for The Right Place is willing to help. https://www.rightplace.org/for-local-business/newaygo-county |
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December 2024
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