Pre Holiday reports urge caution
From our friends at DHD#10: White River On Friday, June 28, 2024, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) was notified by Ferris State University that they collected bacterial samples from the backwaters of White River, in White Cloud, Newaygo County. Ferris State University reported that two samples showed elevated E. coli levels and will continue to sample until the levels are reduced. Residents and visitors should be advised of unusually high levels of E. coli bacteria in the backwaters of White River in White Cloud, Newaygo County. When swimming or conducting other water activities during periods of high bacterial levels, the risk of becoming ill from contamination increases. Children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are the most at risk. Flu-like symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, and dehydration can occur from exposure to contaminated water. Upper respiratory illnesses, such as ear, nose, and throat infections, may also occur, in addition to skin infections if an open wound is not properly protected. Ferris State University is continuing to collect samples and results will be reported by Ferris State University and DHD#10 when available. DHD#10 urges residents and visitors to avoid the backwaters of White River in White Cloud, Newaygo County until the samples indicate the E. coli levels have been reduced. For up-to-date results, please visit EGLE’s BeachGuard site: https://www.egle.state.mi.us/beach/. Hess Lake District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) in cooperation with Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) are reporting that algae blooms were detected on Hess Lake in Newaygo County. A resident reported a bloom on Hess Lake Thursday, June 26, 2024. The DHD#10 then collected samples and submitted them for testing to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Algae blooms can form when there are high nutrient levels within bodies of water along with warm temperatures. Signs will be posted near the boat launch of the lake to notify individuals to avoid contact with the water in that area as a precautionary measure. “Not all algal blooms have cyanotoxins, so it is difficult to tell if it is harmful by looking at it. Harmful algae blooms can be a variety of colors and look like scum in the water with small flecks, like globs and mats, or like spilled paint with a green sheen on the surface,” stated Meghan Stih, Environmental Health Supervisor for DHD#10. “The algal toxins that are released can be harmful to aquatic life, pets, and humans, so it is very important to avoid these areas.” Below are some steps to take when near waterways:
Contact with algae blooms can cause minor illness in humans but can be fatal to pets. Therefore, it is also recommended that people keep their pets out of the water that shows any signs of algae blooms. People and pets can experience the following symptoms after exposure to algae blooms:
If you think that you or your pet have been exposed to algae blooms, take the following precautions:
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 Dee Dee Chaunte'- MC Extraordinaire  The sun came out just in time
 Little Mitten booth provided a slew of giveaways- Photo by Liz Zitka Pride made a triumphant return to Newaygo as this second annual festival of fun and frolic drew large numbers of folks to Brooks Park to celebrate Pride Month. The entertainers provided many highlights throughout the 4 hour gathering and vendors lined the park to put their goods on display while community organizations handed out information as well as a bit of swag. MC Dee Dee Chaunte’ kept the crowd engaged as she introduced acts and added some personal showmanship as well. The park was filled with smiles and laughter as festival goers seemed to bask in the aura of acceptance the event provided.   By Ken DeLaat “For I was hungry…” Feeding America is a truly righteous group of folks who are in the front lines of tackling hunger in our country and our county. They provide a vital service to communities in need, constantly fighting rising food costs and juggling grant money from a number of sources to bring food to those struggling to make ends meet. A true example of compassion in action. Now we understand one of our local sites near White Cloud (a church) has cut off ties with the organization. Lack of volunteers? Need the parking lot that day? No. Apparently the church’s pastor has decided that since the Feeding America organization recognized Pride month he has decided to pull the church's support, leaving them scrambling to find a new locale for the White Cloud area. N3 reached out to the pastor of the White Cloud church for a comment and received this message from the church’s fb site. “Our church has no further comment on this.” adding “We have decided to take the funding that we were spending on FA and invest in another food distribution in Newaygo county that distributes weekly.” We will keep you updated if and when we find out more. And by the way, Nascar and NFL fans should be aware that these organizations also support Pride Month. As do Visa, Nestle, etc. etc. Speaking of Pride… The second annual Pride Festival will be held Saturday at Brooks Park starting at 3pm. There are a smattering of folks hereabouts who seem to be taking exception to an event that helps promote equal treatment for people regardless of who they choose to love. I’m old enough to recall similar resistance toward expanding rights for women and people of color. Those who were the loudest also used their faith as reference for their discriminatory stances. Some things, it appears, never really change. The faces might be different but it always seems to be the same people. “Saying it's hard being straight is like complaining to the poor that it's difficult being wealthy.”-DaShanne Stokes  From our friends at the Newaygo County BPW: On Saturday, June 15th the annual Scrap Tire Collection occurred. The event was held at the Newaygo County Road Commission from 8:00 am until noon. The purpose of this event is to collect unwanted scrap tires, clean up the county and dispose of tires in an appropriate manner. The event was sponsored by The County of Newaygo. This event is on behalf of the Newaygo County Board of Public Works and coordinated by Drain Commissioner, Dale Twing, and his staff. An EGLE grant for funding is applied for and managed by the Drain Office. The grant funding is applied for in the fall for the next year. We want to recognize the following participants: The County of Newaygo, Newaygo County Road Commission and their staff, American Classic, and the individual volunteers at the event. Without collaboration this event would not have occurred. There were over 225 participants that brought tires during the four-hour event. The 16 volunteers unloaded and stacked thousands of tires. The 2023 event filled seven semi-trailers with tires. The 2024 event is anticipated to exceed last year’s total. Thank you to everyone that participated.  A 'tired' group of volunteers  “This project will energize a tired building to a renewed use, add desperately needed housing to Hesperia’s downtown and is providing an opportunity for the Slate family to invest in the place they’ve done business for generations,” -Julie Burrell, Senior Economic Development Director of NCEDP- Photo by Aaron Slate Hesperia pharmacy to add three housing units to second floor
HESPERIA, MICH (June 21, 2024): Today, the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership (NCEDP), powered by The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), announced that the Slate Building in Hesperia will be adding three housing units to the second floor. The MEDC plans to support the project with a Build MI Community (BMC) Initiative grant. The renovation of the Slate Building in Hesperia marks a significant milestone for the village, being the first major community development in over 40 years. This project, initiated by Slate Property Co, aims to revitalize the historic building by adding three housing units to the second floor. This development is set to provide much-needed housing and invigorate the local economy, reflecting the company's commitment to fostering progress and enhancing community life in Hesperia. The Slate Building has a rich history dating back to the mid to late 1800s when it was originally constructed at Aetna Corners.The building was moved to downtown Hesperia, and has since served various purposes, including a village mercantile, pool hall, and mortuary. In 1956, Robert and Elaine Slate transformed it into Bob's Drugs pharmacy, unofficially naming it the Slate Building. The second floor was their family home. It has seen minimal upgrades over the years. For more information on the history of the Slate Building and the upcoming project, visit the Slate Property Co website. “The Slate Building project began as an idea to preserve our family legacy and quickly turned into a community project to help create momentum for future growth in Hesperia,” said Aaron Slate of Slate Property Co. “From our project’s beginning, I was overwhelmed with the amount of support and encouragement we received from our community.” “This project will truly change the look and feel of our small downtown,” said Mike Farber, Hesperia Village President. “As the project begins, we are hopeful it will encourage other businesses to apply for help through the programs that are available.” The NCEDP worked closely with the MEDC and Slate Property Co. to coordinate state and local resources, including helping obtain an award under the Build MI Community Initiative (BMC) in the form of a grant, in the amount of up to $227,705, or approximately 32% of eligible investment for the project. Additionally, Slate Property Co was awarded $90,000 to support the new housing units from the Newaygo County Housing Partnership Fund, a collaboration between the Fremont Area Community Foundation and the County of Newaygo. Slate Property Co also received a $125,000 Program Related Investment loan from the Fremont Area Community Foundation. “This project will energize a tired building to a renewed use, add desperately needed housing to Hesperia’s downtown and is providing an opportunity for the Slate family to invest in the place they’ve done business for generations,” said Julie Burrell, Senior Economic Development Director of NCEDP and project lead. “This project is creating something for the entire community to get excited about for the first time in a long time.”  Photo courtesy of Pedal Across Lowwr Michigan “This will be my 30th year. I started riding with a couple of friends. When they stopped , I continued as I had made many friends over the years. I also met my partner. We have been together for almost 26 years. He and I are both on staff. I have made many friends on the ride and we have become lifelong friends, doing things together all year long”.- Tina Brander If you are out and about this weekend and you see a few hundred bikers cruising down the road like a pedal driven parade you’ve just encountered the PALM Bike Tour. This Sunday, June 23, the tour (approx 400 people) will pedal from Norton Shores to Newago schools and stay in tents for the night. Bicyclists of all ages and support staff will eat breakfast and supper at the school to support and benefit local groups. Pedal Across Lower Michigan (PALM) has been putting on this celebration of cycling aimed at extolling the beauty of our state since 1982. That year the idea born by Thomas Pendelton, Peter Lagerway, and Sally Janacek became a reality as a dedicated group set out from Berrien Springs enroute to Detroit. Since then PALM has continued their lake-to-lake trek, never traveling the same route twice. Some cities have been sites repeatedly but they are always on a different route.The routes are North of I-96 during even years and South of I-94 during odd years. The last time the group stayed in Newaygo was in 2003, though they have more recent stops in White Cloud, Fremont, Grant and Hesperia. We posed a few questions to Robin DeNousse who had reached out to us about the event. What’s a typical day for the riders? Get up around 6a to 7a, pack up tent, sleeping bag, and other bags and put them on the truck. Eat breakfast. Fill water bottle, check tires, meet up with friends and family and start riding bike. There are SAGS along the route that offer water, air pumps, and assistance every 5-10 miles. Half way along the route is a stop with restrooms and all-you-can-eat-watermelon. There are many farms, small towns, attractions, and shops along the way to stop, take pictures, and eat. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the heat. The route is marked on the road and there is a map app to follow. Sometimes there is a river or lake to stop and swim to cool off. The trucks with all the gear will be at the next school site. Find gear, set up tent, roll out sleeping bag. Charge phone at the enormous, portable, PALM charging station. Shower and eat dinner at the school. Possibly ride into town to walk, listen to music, have an ice cream. Brush teeth in the school, play basketball or cards. Back at the tent, go to sleep. Wake up and repeat! Are there programs or activities on your stopovers? Yes, a great children's program, basketball courts, tables for card games, sometimes the school has a pool! Every night there is a bicycle education class given that covers safety, bike repair, and self-supporting cross-country biking. In addition, PALM has a brief meeting to review these items for the next day = route (safety, attractions, possible lunch stops), food to be served at the next school site, and weather. Have you participated? I think this will be my 16th year. My Mom, Aunt, and several neighborhood couples that were friends rode PALM for years. I finally joined them when my kids were 11 and 13. They rode with me for several years and the year he graduated high school, my son rode his bike across the US on the TransAmerica Bike route with his cousin in 6 weeks. I rode with a neighbor friend for about 10 years. I had a cousin join us with her family for a year. Last year a couple high school classmates joined me. They are both returning this year and my niece will also join us. There are many groups of families and friends that return every year and use their PALM time to keep in touch. What kind of bike do you ride? I rode an old 1970's Schwinn Le Tour for 15 years. It was heavy and had only 10 racing gears so this year I bought a used Specialized Roubaix. The majority of bicycles are road bikes. There are also tandems, recumbents, mountain bikes, hybrids, tagalongs, and E-bikes. For more information on Palm visit their website at https://palmbiketour.org/ “I love that no one laughs at me for wearing regular shoes and t-shirts to ride in, or for taking 8-10 hours to ride 50 miles. I love seeing riders on a different ride and they recognize me from PALM. I love the lifetime friends I have now.”- PALM participant  This year's route  Photo courtesy of Pedal Across Lowwr Michigan  L-R Patty Corkery President/CEO of the Michigan Credit Union League presenting the award to John Buckley President/CEO of GFCU Gerber FCU President/CEO receives Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Credit Union League at Annual Convention
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (6/7/2024) The 2024 MCUL & MCUF Award winners were recognized during the 2024 Annual Convention & Exposition's awards gala ceremony. These winners are continually seeking out new ideas and innovations that make Michigan a better place for all. Gerber Federal Credit Union’s President/CEO, John Buckley was awarded the Distinguished Service Award. This award celebrates a lifetime of achievement for those demonstrating exceptional dedication to the credit union industry over the course of their careers. “The entire team and Board of Directors of the Michigan Credit Union League are incredibly proud to be awarding John Buckley the Distinguished Service Award at our annual meeting this year. This award is the highest honor in our Michigan industry and John is very deserving. John has been actively involved in the credit union movement both in Michigan and nationally. He is a fierce advocate for not only his credit union but also the entire credit union system. John is well-regarded by our entire MCUL family as well as the lawmakers in Michigan. We are very happy to acknowledge his contributions to our industry,” said Patty Corkery President/CEO of the Michigan Credit Union League.  County Election Update
In the August 6th Republican Primary 6 of the 7 current commissioners have no opposition but voters in the 5th District that includes Brooks (south of the river) and Garfield townships and the city of Newaygo will see three names on the ballot. Lori Tubbergen Clark, Thomas Smith and Lavern Willett each seek to succeed current Commish Ken DeLaat who will leave office after serving 3 terms. The Drain Commissioner race is also a 3 way with incumbent Dale Twing facing challenges from Adam Campbell of Grant and current Croton Township Supervisor Morgan Heinzman. Sheriff Bob Mendham has competition from former deputy Adam Mercer for the top badge in the county while Register of the Deeds Stewart Sanders faces opposition from Grant realtor Kelly Pangburn and County Clerk Jason VanderStelt will be contested by April Pickard who is currently employed at the Clerk's office. There are no candidates for county offices on the Democratic side. We plan on sending out a few questions to the candidates in the contested races over the next couple of weeks so stay tuned. Got a question you would like to pose to our candidates? Send it to us at [email protected] and we will give it a look.  Karner Blue Butterfly & Native Habitat Program Saturday 6/22 Come join the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition at the Croton Township Library for an event dedicated to preserving the beauty of the Karner Blue Butterfly! A deep dive into the Newaygo County endangered Karner Blue Butterfly will be presented on Saturday, June 22 from 2pm – 3:15pm at the Croton Township Library, 8260 S Croton Hardy Drive, Newaygo, 49337. Following the indoor program there will be a field tour of the nearby Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary from 3:30 – 4:30pm. Due to sensitive plants at the Nature Sanctuary, there will be a limit of 30 people for the field tour. Free tickets are required via Eventbrite. To register, go to the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition Facebook page Events: NCEC FB Events Karner Blue Program. You may also email [email protected]. The Karner Blue Butterfly, one of Michigan’s rarest species, is facing the threat of extinction. It was listed as endangered in 1992, but by then the number of Karner Blues throughout its once immense Eastern geographic range had declined by 99%. Michigan and Wisconsin now have the largest remaining numbers of this butterfly. With its survival closely tied to the presence of wild lupine, a native wildflower, the Karner Blue requires specific habitats like the unique dry-sand prairies and oak-barren ecosystems found in Newaygo County. Unfortunately much of the lupine’s habitat has been destroyed by human development and degraded by the invasion of trees, shrubs, and invasive plants that occur when sites are not managed. Thanks to the recent efforts by local conservation groups and concerned citizens, habitats that support the Karner Blue remain in Newaygo County. However the butterfly’s survival is still at stake, and they need our protection. “This program will explain the importance of much needed conservation efforts in our prairie-oak open habitats and how you can help protect this endangered species,” explained Katie Clark of NCEC. “You will also connect with fellow nature enthusiasts and discover the wonders of our unique local ecosystem. I urge you - don't miss this opportunity to make a difference in Newaygo County's natural heritage!” Attendees will have the privilege of hearing from 5 esteemed guest experts on the Karner Blue Butterfly and their habitats. Presenters will include:
“The restoration of habitats for the Karner Blue Butterfly requires collaboration and partnerships among lots of stakeholders such as the County, our Townships, Foundations, and all levels of government,” adds Katie. “But it is our community citizens who are the backbone to saving the Karner Blue. Volunteers don’t need PhD’s to lead the campaign – they just need to join us on our “Tender Loving Care” workdays at the Sanctuaries to remove invasive species, re-seed native plants, and write to our legislators about the importance of preserving and restoring our habitats. This is not only for the Karner Blue, but for all of our butterfly and insect pollinators that are so essential to keeping our environment healthy and diverse.” The Newaygo County Environmental Coalition is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to support the beauty and sustainability of the Newaygo County region environment. NCEC has a fourfold focus: Youth and the Environment; 3R Reduce-Reuse-Recycle; LOBO – “Love Our Beautiful Outdoors” recreation opportunities; and Healthy Habitats on public and private lands. A newly organized “Newaygo Area Local Growers” network has formed under NCEC’s umbrella to support and promote local sustainably produced agriculture. Volunteers are welcomed to enrich and support any of the four above focus areas. For more information, and to sign up for E-news, visit: www.nc-ec.org. Follow and like on Facebook @NCEC2. Contact information via email: [email protected].  Karner Blue Butterfly Program Presenters from left to right: Chuck Vannette, Jim Dunn, husband & wife team Randy Butters and Sarah Pregitzer, and Rod Kroll. Photos courtesy of the presenters.  From our friends at MDOT: Lane closures for road work are scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on southbound M-37 (Mason Drive) at Cooperative Center Drive. MiDrive- https://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/MiDrive/map?constZone=true&lat=43.40496500544091&lon=-85.80151346384045&zoom=13  Photo courtesy American Pickers American Pickers coming to Michigan
The American Pickers are excited to return to Michigan! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in August 2024. AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them. The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell…we would love to hear from you! Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public. If interested, please send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to: [email protected] or call (646) 493-2184 facebook: @GotAPick  Entrepreneur Support Event Coming to Newaygo
NEWAYGO, MICH-The Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership, powered by The Right Place, and Start Garden is excited to announce the upcoming Start Garden 100 and Pitch North Submission and Entrepreneurial Support Event. This dynamic event is designed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources, support, and platform they need to bring their innovative ideas to life. Small business owners and entrepreneurs from across the region are invited to join leaders from The Right Place and Start Garden on June 11th from 11AM to 2PM at The Stream (1 State Road, Newaygo). Pre-registration is not required. Attendees will enjoy: • Submission Assistance: Receive expert guidance on preparing applications for the Start Garden 100 competition and an opportunity to record video submissions with Start Garden staff. • Pitch Coaching: Participate in hands-on coaching sessions to refine pitches for the Pitch North or Start Garden 100 competitions, providing a chance to win funding and gain exposure. • Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, potential mentors, investors, and other partners to build valuable relationships and gain insights. Start Garden 100 is a celebrated initiative that provides $100,000 in funding to 100 startups, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the region. Pitch North is an entrepreneurial pitch competition focused on empowering entrepreneurs in Newaygo, Oceana and Lake Counties by providing them with a platform to pitch their business ideas, gain exposure, and secure funding to turn their visions into reality. Additional entrepreneurial support organizations, including the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, Muskegon Innovation Hub, River Country Chamber of Commerce, and SCORE will be on-site to share resources, grant opportunities, and more. Entrepreneurs of all stages and industries are encouraged to attend and take advantage of this unique opportunity. Whether you have a fully developed business plan or just an idea, the Start Garden 100 and Pitch North Submission Event is designed to help you take the next step.  New Senior VP and CFO Todd Visser FREMONT, Mich. (5/31/2024) Gerber Federal Credit Union welcomed Todd Visser as its new Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer this past January. He worked closely with now retired Senior Vice President & Chief Finance Officer, Phil Archer, to transition into this new role. Todd came to Gerber FCU with a combined 30 years of financial experience from various industries throughout West Michigan. He served Gerber FCU as a volunteer on the Supervisory Committee for 15 years and the Board of Directors for 4 years. Todd was born and raised in the Holland/Zeeland area and moved to Fremont over 25 years ago. He has been married to his wife, Kristi, for 30 years and they have 4 children. Todd is an active member of Second Christian Reformed Church and has served as Treasurer for the Fremont Service Committee for 22 years. ‘I am excited to carry on the Credit Union’s long history of serving members and actively participating in Community Involvement activities,’ said Visser.  The lineup of vehicles ready to unload the undesireables Collection Day once again yields hundreds of car and truckloads
From our friends at the Board of Public Works: Another very successful Household Hazardous waste collection day was held on May 18th. We took in the usual large quantities of paints, chemicals, petroleum products, bulbs, and a little bit of everything which filled up two semis. In addition, electronics were collected and disposed of properly with grant funding from EGLE. Electronics filled another semi and a half. This event is put on by the Newaygo County Board of Public Works and paid for by the County. It takes a lot of organization and planning, most of which is done by the Drain Office Staff and Drain Commissioner, Dale Twing. There were 486 cars that went through the event. We also get some generous donations from the very appreciative citizens that take advantage of the event. There were 22 volunteers this year including County Commissioners, Sheriff, Undersheriff and community minded citizens. A special thank you to the Newaygo County Road Commission for the use of their facility that works so well. Thank you to all that participated.  The application period for grants from the Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund is now open. Completed applications are due by July 15. Grant requests are accepted online for projects or programs that conserve, enhance, or restore the Muskegon River Watershed and demonstrate collaboration among organizations. Projects considered for grants must be located within the Muskegon River Watershed, which is one of Michigan’s largest and spans 2,700 square miles from near Higgins and Houghton lakes to Muskegon. The Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund was established at Fremont Area Community Foundation in 2002 by what is now BlueTriton Brands. In 2018, Ice Mountain renewed its support with a $2 million commitment over the next 20+ years. Grants are made from the fund to sustain the waters and water-dependent natural resources of the Muskegon River Watershed by supporting conservation, enhancement, and restoration projects. The fund provides up to $50,000 annually and typical grants are from $5,000 to $20,000. In 2023, grants from the fund supported trail and bridge construction on Michigan’s Dragon Trail, hazardous waste collection, tree planting for stream bank stabilization, and more. For more information or to begin an online grant application, visit facommunityfoundation.org/icemountain. Applications can be submitted June 1 through July 15. |
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