Newaygo County Clerk Jason VanderStelt announced that he will seek re-election as County Clerk for a third term. He will be a candidate in the August 6th Republican primary. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your Newaygo County Clerk for the past 8 years,” said VanderStelt. “And I am excited about the opportunity to continue serving the citizens of this great County.” “If re-elected,” he said, “I will continue to pursue best practices regarding the maintenance of birth and death records, marriage license, concealed weapons permits and veteran discharge records. I will continue to serve the boards and positions as prescribed by law to include Clerk to the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Election Board of Canvassers, Clerk of the County Election Commission, County Plat Board and to serve on the County Apportionment Board.” “One of our biggest challenges was responding to Ballot Proposal 2 of 2022,” said VanderStelt. “Part of this proposal requires each County to offer the use of an early voting site up to nine days before election day. To prepare for the changes I set up multiple meetings with the local clerks and offered to hold an early voting site in the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners Room for any precinct interested. Based on cost estimates as well as realized costs this initiative saved Newaygo County over $500,000.” Jason VanderStelt is a graduate of Hesperia High School and received his Bachelor of Business Accounting at Baker College. After serving in the United States Air Force as an Electrical and Environmental Specialist on F-15 Aircraft, he worked as an accountant for Hackley Hospital, Powers Motor Sports, TrueNorth Community Services and the Newaygo County Treasurer. In addition, VanderStelt also has coached Football and Baseball in Fremont for the last 12 years. “The opportunity to be a positive role model to the youth in Newaygo County has been an amazing and rewarding experience.” After four years as the Accountant for the Newaygo County Treasurer’s Office, VanderStelt was elected to the Newaygo County Clerk's position in 2016. During his time in office, VanderStelt has worked hard to build on the work of previous office holders and to continue a very positive work relationship with other Elected Officials, Department Heads and Employees. His accounting background has worked well with the Newaygo County Finance Department ensuring that the Clerk's Office audits are perfect since he has been elected. VanderStelt indicated that he is” grateful” for the support and trust of the residents of Newaygo County and hopes to continue working with all constituents.
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Oak Forest Health Issues in Newaygo County
From Rod Denning, District Forester Oceana, Newaygo, & Muskegon Conservation Districts Newaygo’s oak trees and forests are showing signs of poor health in many areas of the County. As you drive along the rural roads you can notice trees that have died or are in decline based off the lack of leaves, this has been evident for a few years now. Our oak resource is getting older, and it is commonly growing on sandy, droughty, low nutrient soils. Oak forests are fire dependent, and the lack of fire allows our oak forests to grow more densely, the land no longer has this natural process that reduces tree density. These issues cause the aging oak resource to experience stress! To complicate the issue, we now have other tree stressors that have become evident across the landscape. Spongy Moth (Formerly Gypsy Moth) In 2019, Michigan began to see the latest outbreak of this defoliating insect. The moth quickly spread across the landscape, peaking in 2020 and 2021 with 1 million and 1.3 million acres defoliated respectively. However, population collapse began in 2022, continued in 2023, and it is expected to continue in 2024. Fungus, virus and insect predators are responsible for this population decline. Here in Newaygo County, we have seen in some places three years of tree defoliation. Healthy trees can typically withstand some leaf defoliation, but repeated defoliation of many years, along with an aging resource starts of have an impact on an oak tree’s health. This tree stress also makes it easier for native insect and disease issues to begin to have an impact on a tree’s health. Oak Decline Disease Complex Spongy moth greatly accelerated tree stress across the landscape. Now we are seeing “oak decline”, a disease complex driven by two opportunistic native insect and disease issues. A native beetle called two-lined chestnut borer is now being attracted to lots of oak in stress. Their larvae galleries girdle the trees conducting tissue. This causes branch dieback from the top of the tree and downward, typically over multiple years. As dieback progresses, epicormic branches (little tufts of leaves) develop along the trunk. Trees can eventually be killed by the invasion. A fungus, called armillaria root rot is also attracted to trees in stress This native fungus is common in our soils. A typical healthy oak has high starch levels in their roots, this will produce defensive chemicals that prevent root rot invasion. However, as a tree becomes stressed – starch is mobilized to sugars, making the tree vulnerable to root rot attack! Eventually root rot can kill a tree over many years. Oak Wilt Another tree disease that can be found in our forest is oak wilt. Oak wilt can be found across the Midwest U.S. in 24 states. It is found in 57 of the 83 Michigan counties. It impacts red oak group oaks – Northern red oak, black oak, Northern pin oak commonly in Newaygo County. It can also impact white oak group oaks but is much less severe. The disease is caused by a fungus that will clog the water transport system of a tree, causing the “wilt” and death. Common symptoms are bronzing of the leaves, crown dieback – pale leaves begin at the top of tree and drop rapidly causing a tree to lose all of its leaves in two to three weeks. This typically happens in June, July, and August, when you would not expect a tree to lose its leaves. Tree death can occur in a month! Oak wilt can spread naturally two ways, one is a sap feeding beetle that spreads it overland, being attracted to fresh wounds on oak trees. The high-risk period is April 15 to July 15, this is when the beetle is most active. Once the tree is infected, it moves the fungus to neighboring oaks that share root grafts with each other. Slowly this spread the disease around the forest causing dead tree pockets. To stop the spread of the disease it is recommended that you don’t trim or harvest oak trees between April 15th and July 15th! If a tree is infected you should destroy the infected tree by burning, burying, debarking, or chipping the tree into mulch. In Conclusion The bottom line is that we have an aging oak resource, denser oak forest stands, and poor site conditions of sandy, droughty soils, with low nutrients. Then an outbreak of defoliation caused by spongy moth came along, then “oak decline” caused by the secondary issues of armillaria root rot fungus, and two-lined chestnut borer. The Result? Oak tree mortality showing up across the landscape. If you think you have trees that are experiencing oak decline or oak wilt and would like help determining what is happening on your property, and how to move forward? What next steps to take? reach out to your District Forester, Rod Denning at 616-920-9775 or email at rod.denning@macd.org. Newaygo County Jail Administrator John Borgman will be leaving his post early next month after a lengthy career with the NC Sheriff’s Office. We caught up with him to pose a few questions. Where are you headed next? I will be moving into the private sector as a jail services vendor. I was not actively looking for a new position, I love what I do here at the jail; but I have known the leadership at this company for quite some time and they approached me with an intriguing offer that better fits the needs of my family. I will miss the Sheriff’s Department and the coworkers who have become friends, but I’m excited to branch out and try something new. How long have you been with the Sheriff's Office? Almost 17 years! I started as a department intern while attending Baker College and hired in as a Corrections Officer in October of 2007. What led you to go into Law enforcement? My mother encouraged me to consider the field when I graduated from high school, she thought it might be a good fit. I went down my own path for a few years before realizing she was right. I enrolled at Baker College to study criminal justice and connected with the corrections specialty. I wanted to serve my community and was drawn to the challenge of helping others identify their strengths and take a new path in life. I started an internship with Newaygo County and knew that was where I belonged. Where did you get your training? I started by studying criminal justice at Baker College in Muskegon, where I earned an associate degree. As part of my studies, I completed an internship with the Sheriff’s Department. Once I hired in, the county arranged for me to attend a Corrections Officer Training Academy in Ottawa County and firearms training at Kirtland Community College. They have been strong supporters for ongoing education too. I have been able to take specialty training for certification as a firearms instructor and internal investigator, and I attend the Michigan Sheriffs Association conference for continuing education with jail administrators from across the state twice a year. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges in Law Enforcement? I think two of the biggest challenges for law enforcement right now are recruitment and retention of highly qualified officers. No matter what position you’re in, law enforcement is a high-risk, high-stress job that requires constant vigilance. You feel it and so does your family. It’s rewarding, but it also takes a lot out emotionally. Officers used to receive a pension with retirement, and it was a nice incentive for officers and their families, all of whom sacrifice for the sake of serving and protecting the community. But pensions are a thing of the past for most county departments now and it has led to some officers leaving the field for jobs that pay more financially and cost less emotionally. We try to recruit strong leaders who are well-rounded, educated in the field, and looking to make a difference in the community; but it can be hard to compete for recruits with limited budgets and benefit packages. Who were your mentors? Many officers supported my growth as a corrections leader throughout the years and am thankful for each of them; but two really stand out in my mind. Clyde Lincomfelt and Denny Hammersley. They both took the time to make a personal connection and emphasized learning the right way to do things, not just the way to get things done. They taught processes and techniques as much as they did integrity and dedication and I have always looked up to them for that. They helped shape me into the leader that I am today. What was the main thing (or two) you learned in your time on the force? Stay calm, even if it feels like everything around you is going wrong. Like I said, law enforcement is a high-risk, high-stress job. It takes an immense level of mental and emotional strength to come back, day after day, and work through the issues that often arise within a jail setting. Our corrections officers deserve a great deal of recognition for the amazing work they do, day in and day out, to serve our community. Advice for someone considering a Law Enforcement Career? Law enforcement is a rewarding field that will introduce you to amazing people. I have been lucky to spend the last eight years working under Sheriff Mendham and Undersheriff Palmiter, they are strong leaders who support their team. My advice to anyone considering a careering in law enforcement is to seek out a department that has engaged leadership and colleagues who are willing to mentor. Future Plans? I will be golfing a lot more! In all seriousness though, I’m just looking forward to settling into my new role and enjoying more time with family. Anyone you would care to thank? I would like to thank Sheriff Mendham and Undersheriff Palmiter for eight great years. I also would like to thank the many officers whom I have had the pleasure of working with over the last 17 years. Special thanks to Clyde and Denny! Anything to add? The residents of Newaygo County are served by a hard-working, dedicated Sheriff’s Department. They should be proud of the men and women who go in every day to do great things for the community in the jail and on the road. I am proud to say that I was a member of this department and I will miss working with this amazing group of professionals. Newaygo passes bond, Grant recall falls short
Newaygo The community gave a strong message of support to Newaygo Public Schools passing their bond proposal with 63% of voters supporting the school’s request. Newaygo Superintendent Ben Gilpin: “With profound gratitude and heartfelt appreciation, Newaygo Public Schools extend our sincerest thanks to the voters who recognized the importance of investing in the education and well-being of our students. This resounding endorsement of our vision reaffirms our collective commitment to providing exceptional learning environments and opportunities for generations to come. “The passing of this bond is a testament to the belief that every child deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. “This would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of countless individuals who dedicated their time, energy, and resources to advocating for Newaygo Public Schools. From parents and teachers to community leaders and volunteers, each played an invaluable role. “As we embark on this journey to enhance and modernize our facilities, we do so with a profound sense of responsibility and stewardship. Every dollar entrusted to us will be invested wisely, ensuring that our schools remain safe, innovative, and equipped to meet the evolving needs of our students and staff. “Newaygo Public Schools pledge to remain transparent every step of the way. A few of the major projects include: HS and MS roof, Mechanical and Electrical infrastructure, HVAC systems, Safety and Security enhancements, HS track, HS gymnasium floor, flexible furniture, and technology upgrades. “In closing, Newaygo Public Schools once again expresses our deepest gratitude to the voters for their overwhelming support and confidence in our mission. With your continued partnership, we look forward to shaping a brighter future for our students, our schools, and our community.” Grant In a contentious race that included a letter to the community from a sitting board member supporting the recall candidates and a homophobic mailing put out by advocates for the incumbents the current board members kept their seats by a slim margin. This was an election that significantly divided the county’s gateway city with scathing social media postings, heated school board meetings and deep-seated resentments coming to the surface throughout the district and beyond. With 29% of voters going to the polls, incumbents Richard Vance (53%) and Rachal Gort (54%) outpolled their challengers Lindsay Mahlich and Mindy Conley. Vance and Gort will be up for reelection again in November. The next trip to the polls will be the August 7th primary election with several contested races for county seats Kelly Pangburn, the owner and broker of Pangburn Properties, Inc. (real estate brokerage) of Grant, MI, officially declared her candidacy for the position of Register of Deeds for Newaygo County. Kelly Pangburn will be a candidate for the Republican nomination in the August 6th primary. "I am excited to announce my candidacy today for the Register of Deeds." said Pangburn. "If elected, it would be my greatest honor to serve the residents of Newaygo County. I pledge to diligently safeguard our public records against cybercrime, improve outdated technology, lower fees to the consumer where possible, work tirelessly to protect our property rights, and enhance the Property Fraud Alert system. I will utilize best practices and build trust by providing high quality services with professionalism and accountability." Ms. Pangburn brings a wealth of experience to her candidacy with a career approaching nearly thirty years in the real estate industry. She has been devoted to giving her clients expert advice and guidance in their real estate transactions. She has helped her clients through foreclosures and short sales during the recession, as well as being a broker for HUD (Housing and Urban Development). Kelly has also stayed abreast of new laws governing the real estate industry. She has fostered trust and accountability to the agents within her firm. She has served on the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) for the City of Grant as well as committees within the Greater Regional Alliance of REALTORS® (GRAR). Ms. Pangburn's action plan for the Register of Deeds includes the implementation of a new, user friendly, cell phone compatible document search software aimed at lowering document search fees to the consumer comparable to fees charged by neighboring counties. She also intends to enhance the Property Fraud Alert system by adding address fields, property identification number (PIN) fields and a texting alert feature. To increase fraud protection, Kelly also intends to collaborate with neighboring county Registers, legislators, and technology providers to create a new Property Fraud Alert system wherein property owners, lenders, and title companies would all be alerted to potential fraud prior to the recording of fraudulent documents. "Safeguarding our most valuable assets is paramount." she stated. Additionally, she intends to spearhead an initiative to end the purchase of lands in Newaygo County by foreigners and foreign entities, along with an initiative to protect property rights. "I believe in protecting our property rights and will spearhead an initiative, in conjunction with community officials, to construct ordinance language to protect those rights." she added. As a forty-five-year resident of the Grant Community and a graduate of Grant High School, her roots go deep. Her long career as a real estate broker and business owner, having managed upwards of fifteen real estate agents, has provided her with the acumen and expertise necessary to exceed in her role as your next Register of Deeds. "I am committed to serving the residents of Newaygo County and will honor my oath with the utmost integrity, accountability, and dedication." Ms. Pangburn stated. "I would be humbled to be the next Register of Deeds for the residents of Newaygo County." Animal Shelter hires Kyle Gilbert as Next Executive Director
Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter has named Kyle Gilbert as its first ever paid Executive Director to lead the organization, ensuring it will continue to grow and serve the community for years to come. Gilbert will focus not only on the shelter’s day-to-day operations but marketing, relationship building, and fundraising that will continue the mission of protecting and nurturing abandoned, abused, and neglected homeless animals, and educating the people looking to adopt our dogs and cats for their forever homes. Gilbert brings over eight years of experience in public relations, marketing, communications, and leadership to this role. Previously, he has served as the Engagement Manager at Galapagos Marketing and the Director of Communications and Public Relations for Forest Hills Public Schools. “We are excited to welcome Kyle,” said Natacha Valmont, Board Chair. “He brings a collaborative leadership style and a strong focus on relationship building and marketing. He has a great vision for what is next for Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter.” As was announced last fall, current Executive Director and Founder, Dani Merrill, has decided to retire but remained in her role while the Board of Directors lead the search to find her replacement. Merrill’s retirement date is yet to be set as she will continue to support the Shelter to help onboard and transition the leadership role. “I have realized it is time for me to step back and let this amazing organization grow and expand to its best capabilities. Bellwether is my gift to our community,” shared Merrill. “Although it will be bittersweet to retire from the Shelter, I am excited for what Kyle will bring to this position and the future of Bellwether.” Gilbert will officially begin his role on May 13. "I'm truly honored to step into the role of Executive Director at Bellwether, where I can bring my passion for communications and animal advocacy together for the community. As we work together to deepen the human-animal bond, I'm excited for the opportunities we'll create to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of both pets and people."
The Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced that Karl and Theresa Robart, of Garfield Township, were both arraigned in the 78th District Court. Each of them is charged with one count of Firearms – Safe Storage Violation – Minor Present and Inflicted Death to Another, a felony punishable by 15 years and/or $10,000. Each case is set for a probable cause conference on May 16, 2024, at 9:30 am. Each case is set for a preliminary examination on May 23, 2024, at 1:30 pm. All 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 at 231-873-2171. |
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May 2024
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