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City opens the door for Grow Facility
By Ken DeLaat In a 4-3 split decision that involved a re-vote the Newaygo City Council approved moving forward with an ordinance that would allow for the construction and operation of a Medical Marijuana grow facility in the city. A prior tally resulted in a 4-3 decision to not approve , however after public comment when some citizens voiced their support for the measure a second vote was called for. This time Council member Mike Hikade who had voted against the measure cast his lot in favor thus tipping the balance to 4-3 for approval. A company interested in building a grow facility in Newaygo approached the city months ago and were referred to the Newaygo Economic Development Office (NEDO) who have been instrumental in the process that will lead to Newaygo’s newest employer. NEDO Chairman Scott Faulkner spoke to the economic impact of having the operation located in Newaygo. “There are 5 entities that exist within the marijuana world. The very first of these is production. That’s all you do. You grow marijuana for medical purposes only period. These are incredibly sophisticated operations, they are highly precise and scientifically based. Wring Bio Pharm LLC who is first in line in coming to Newaygo will be bringing with them about 40 jobs with an average hourly wage of about $18. “They came to us and just asked that we listen to what they had to say, he said. “I don’t think anyone in the city the mayor the council or NEDO wanted this topic. It’s a hot potato. “However when you start to break it down into the logical subcomponents we started to realize the laws are pretty sophisticated in the way that they separate the processes from production centers to transporters to dispensaries. Generally speaking people have a huge disdain for dispensaries. We are having nothing to do with that at this point. There is no thought of a dispensary coming to Newaygo at this time. We’re only talking about the first part of that process which is the legal manufacture of a biologic for medical purposes. “That’s it.” The building would be going into the Industrial Park and will be a very secure facility according to Mr. Faulkner. As to criticism of the new business? “If Shire Pharmaceuticals or Pfizer wanted to open a plant here to manufacture opioids there would be huge security but there would be no protests because it’s a legal drug. Well, so is medical marijuana. “Much of the outrage comes from a stereotype of Cheech and Chong peddling joints out of the back of their van. This is not what that is. This is the manufacture of a legal product that people have legal access to and at this point there is no discussion of a dispensary in our city.” “This is a big deal,” he continued. “A 7 million dollar plant with 40 good paying jobs. They’ve also expressed a strong interest in helping the community. They want to be good neighbors and get involved in local philanthropic programs.” With ordinances being passed and considered in other local municipalities and throughout the state Newaygo has decided to move forward in becoming part of what looks to be a burgeoning business in Michigan. The decision does not come without some deference to those who might be wary of the change. “Look, this isn’t a ribbon cutting moment where we’re leading the parade in marijuana production,” said Mr. Faulkner. “These are great jobs in a small town in a facility that is going to be built within a 20 mile radius anyway. We want the jobs and we want the tax revenue. “And for those reasons we are unashamed of the vote.”  Monday- “You don't have to be perfect to be organized.” -Monika Kristofferson Ever talked about the need to get your various papers in some semblance of order or even thought about it? Well, Monday at 1pm you can get some legal advice on how to get there when attorney Anna Urick Duggins presents “Organizing Your Special Documents” a workshop designed to help you know what needs to be organized and how to do it. The presentation will take place at the Community PACE Center. Check out the ad on our home page. Tuesday- (Editor Note: A bit of a faux pas here since the vote will be Next Tuesday the 8th. Our apologies.) “Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.” - Walter Cronkite It’s a big day for the White Cloud Community Library as voters go to the polls to decide if a proposed new facility will become a reality. It has been a lengthy process and supporters are hoping they have made their case well. N3 tends to be decidedly pro-libraries and can think of no entity more deserving of a new and much improved home than the White Cloud Library. Wednesday- “Finance is the art of passing currency from hand to hand until it finally disappears” -Robert Sarnoff The Finance Committee of the Board of Commissioners is where matters involving, ironically, finances are discussed and voted on. If approved the action moves on to the full board for a final vote in the process. The committee meetings, led by Finance Chair Phil Deur, at times will feature a bit of oppositional yet ultimately productive discussion as the five commissioners make decisions that involve the handling of the citizenry’s monetary ebb and flow. They meet today at 9:30am in the Board of Commissioners meeting room. If you’ve never been before it’s a great way to see your county government in action and to get to know the folks who represent you. Thursday-”There was Music in the Cafes at Night and Revolution in the Air” Right, it’s a line from Dylan’s ‘Tangled up in Blue’ but also a true description of Thursday evenings in our parts. Well perhaps not the revolution part but one never knows. Sandra Bernard hosts Open Mike Night starting at 6pm at the RiverStop Cafe a place where you can also sip on a favorite adult beverage as you listen to some local talent and sometimes not so local talent sharing the mike with Sandy. The Koffee Kuppe in downtown Fremont has a variety of live music from 7-9 each Thursday. Now mind you, an espresso-laden concoction might be the strongest drink on the premises but they have ice cream and there are days when ice cream is absolute magic in terms of being mood altering. And remember the weekend brings the White Cloud Pow Wow  Five new candidates to appear on Cloud ballot
It appears there will be some changes coming to City Hall in White Cloud as five new candidates make their bid for office in November, The mayoral race features a 2 way contest between White Cloud High School Band Director Jamie Denslow and Jerry LeBlanc who currently serves on the Planning Commission for the city. Acting Mayor Charles Chandler will be returning to his seat on what looks to be a very different City Council in the near future. Four candidates seek to fill three spots and with Jeffrey Murchison the only incumbent running at least two new members will be joining a new mayor come January 1st. Council candidates include Katherine (Kay) Scott, Anthony Johnson, Ashley Zatalokin and Mr. Murchison. Current Council members Herman Becker and Richard Dault will not be appearing on the November ballot. You must register to vote by October 10th to be eligible to cast your ballot in the November 7th election.  Defense attorneys Rick Prysock and Mark Miller with Glenna Duram as she prepares to hear the verdict. Jury huddles for 9 hours before verdict
By Ken DeLaat Wednesday morning saw the 12 jurors from the Glenna Duram murder case return to the courthouse to continue the deliberation that consumed more than three hours the day before. They arrived at 8:30 and after instructions retreated to the jury room. Six hours later they returned with a verdict. Ms Duram was found guilty on both Murder in the First Degree and the Felony Firearms charge. First Degree Murder carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole according to Michigan law. Duram family members and friends expressed relief and hugs were shared as they made their way out of the courtroom. The Honorable H. Kevin Drake who presided over the trial thanked the jury, recognizing the amount of time and effort they put into the process. Newaygo Prosecutor Ellsworth Stay also expressed his appreciation to the 12 who brought forth the verdict "I want to thank the jury for their service during this lengthy trial. I would also like to thank the Michigan State Police for the investigation done in this matter,” he stated. “Justice was served today for Marty Duram, the victim of this murder." Sentencing for Glenna Duram is to be handed down on Monday, August 28th at 1pm at the 27th Circuit Court in White Cloud. “Justice was served today for Marty Duram, the victim of this murder," said Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney Ellsworth Stay who argued the case.  The Honorable Judge H. Kevin Drake presiding over the trial of Glenna Duram Duram case heads to a second day of deliberation
By Ken DeLaat The 9 women and 3 men who make up the jury in the Glenna Duram murder trial were dismissed for the day by Judge H. Kevin Drake after failing to reach a verdict during their 4 hour deliberation. Sent to the jury room at 11:30am the 12 had not yet arrived at a decision by 3:30pm. There were just over 50 spectators in the courtroom on Tuesday morning,to hear the closing arguments in the trial of Glenna Duram who is accused of killing her husband Martin Duram in May of 2015. With last week filled with testimony brought forth by Prosecutor Ellsworth Stay, Monday saw the defense team rest without calling a single witness. Judge H. Kevin Drake sent the jurors home for the day and they returned Tuesday morning to hear Mr.Stay and the defense team of Mark Miller and Rick Prysock deliver their final discourse to the panel of citizens before them. After hearing instructions from Judge Drake the jurors settled as Mr. Stay began his close. “The evidence presented in this case demonstrates that the defendant is guilty of 1st Degree Premeditated Murder. That after killing Martin Duram she made an unsuccessful suicide attempt," he began. Reviewing testimony and citing the many pieces of evidence that had been presented Mr. Stay focused on reminding the jury of the facts offered by witnesses including the autopsy report, the medical reports, DNA evidence pointing to Ms. Duram, the existence and cover-up of financial issues, visits made on her phone to websites involving the gun used in the murder, and the suicide notes found that were determined by the Michigan State Police (MSP) handwriting expert to be from Ms.. Duram’s hand. The Prosecutor continued to bring the jury back to prior testimony using images and recalling statements and conclusions made by expert witnesses. Mr. Stay cited the four elements of first degree murder stating Ms. Duram not only caused the death of her husband and meant to kill him, but that the action was planned beforehand and deliberate in that she considered the pros and cons before acting. “Ladies and gentlemen this is the only conclusion to arrive at. You should find Glenna Duram guilty as charged.” Mr. Prysock then took the podium and questioned the evidence presented by the Prosecutor. He argued that despite the 38 witnesses and 234 pieces of evidence provided by the prosecution that the evidence did not paint an accurate picture of the events. Mr. Miller spoke of ‘reasonable doubt’ and expressed that it existed “in each and every element of this case”. He reminded jurors that the MSP had taken an hour to discover Ms. Duram was alive. “How can we be sure the other members of the investigative team were correct in their findings?” Mr. Miller also questioned the Prosecution’s case stating “All they did was show you smoke and mirrors.” Mr. Stay countered by asking the jury to consider each piece of evidence as well as the evidence as a whole. He also spoke to the looming loss of the Duram home to foreclosure. “This was not just about financial problems, there was a betrayal of trust,” said Stay “She lied about the foreclosure notice being in error and lied about taking care of it.” “Then she shot Marty dead and tried to kill herself.” “The bill came due that day and Marty paid for it with his life.” The jury returns Wednesday morning to continue deliberation.  Judge H. Kevin Drake asking Glenna Duram if she understands her decison to not testify. Ms. Duram is flanked by attorneys Rick Prysock (r) and Mark Miller (l) Case going to jury Tuesday morning
By Ken DeLaat At the start of proceedings Monday morning Defense Attorney Mark Miller stated “The Defense rests,” as the murder trial of Glenna Duram wrapped up testimony without a single witness being called to the stand by Mr. Miller. Prior to the jury entering Judge Drake asked Ms. Duram if she understood that she was deciding not to testify and she stated she did. The jury was brought in and then dismissed for the day by Judge H. Kevin Drake with the usual instructions about not discussing the case or reading news reports, etc. about the case. He explained that he would be conferring with the attorneys for Ms. Duram and Prosecutor Ellsworth Stay on instructions he would be delivering to them Tuesday morning beginning at 9 a.m. prior to sending them to the jury room for deliberation.  Employee of the Quarter Kathy Daniels (center) flanked by Commissioner Pat Gardner, Administrator Chris Wren, Court Director Wendy Jarvis and Commissioners Vern Willett and Chuck Trapp on the left and Commisioners Phil Deur and Brian Kolk, County Clerk Jason Vanderstelt and Commissioners Jim Maike and Chris Ortwein on the right By Ken DeLaat
The Newaygo County Board of Commissioners recognized Deputy Court Clerk Kathy Daniels as Employee of the Quarter at their regular meeting on July 12th. Administrator Chris Wren read from a letter submitted by Wendy Jarvis Trial Court Director/FOC praising the dedication and high level of professionalism displayed by Ms. Daniels while also citing the caring attitude shown toward the patrons she serves as well as her colleagues in the office. Commissioners elected to increase the number of members on the Veteran’s Affairs committee but not before some discussion. Commissioner Vern Willett questioned the need of adding two more members to the 5 member board. Commissioner Phil Deur referenced the need for increased diversity with a wider range of veterans to sit on that board. Some back and forth discussion ensued before a 6-1 vote to approve the change with Mr. Willett casting the dissenting vote. The Dragon Trail, the non-motorized, multi-use, natural surface trail around Hardy Pond continues to move forward as the board approved an Interlocal Agreement with Mecosta County to provide construction and maintenance of the trail. During public comment Justin Visser of the Sheriff’s Department took time to talk about his experience after a work related injury. Mr. Visser had high praise for Human Resources Director Jodi McGarry for her assistance in helping him navigate the process involved. He also spoke to his dealings with Ms. McGarry and Administrator Chris Wren in his role as Union Steward. Though going into this position with some trepidation Mr. Visser said that he found both to be open in their communication during negotiations and remarked on the high level of professionalism displayed. The next meeting of the Board of Commissioner is scheduled for Wednesday, July 26 at 9:30 a.m.  Jessica Duram testifying in the trial of Glenna Duram Prosecution Rests In Duram Trial
By Ken DeLaat Wednesday through Friday saw continuing testimony in the trial of Glenna Duram, accused of killing her husband Martin Duram. Jurors heard from medical personnel, forensic experts, and law enforcement as well as from family members. During the ambulance ride to the hospital following the incident, EMT and State Police personnel stated Ms. Duram would become agitated whenever touched and said at one point during the transport “Why are you doing this, Marty?” Thursday, Neurosurgeon Dr. Hayden Boyce spoke to the injuries Glenna Duram presented and was asked by Prosecuting Attorney Ellsworth Stay about the possible effects of the injuries to the brain from the gunshot wounds. Dr Boyce explained that the bullet crossed an area of the brain not vital to life with no major blood vessels involved. Asked by Mr. Stay if this could alter behavior and Dr. Boyce stated it could affect memory motivational drive and speech difficulty. Mr Stay asked about the prognosis and Dr Boyce reported that the quality of life might be impaired depending on the memory or speech impairments but the injuries would not cause death. Defense attorney Rick Prysock questioned an earlier statement by Dr Boyce when he replied ‘it’s possible’ to a query from Mr. Stay as to whether a person could walk around after an injury such as the one Ms. Duram had. “You said someone could walk around?” “I said it’s possible” “But you didn’t see Glenna Duram walk around correct?” “No. I have no way of knowing what she could do afterwards.” Lieutenant Detective David Johnson spoke of assisting the investigative team in the collection of evidence. Defense Attorney Mark Miller inquired about the manila envelope that contained letters from Glenna Duram’ to her two children and ex-husband. Mr. Miller asked Lt. Johnson of the MSP who was called in to help gather evidence whether this envelope was included when material was gathered and Lt. Johnson stated it was not.. The item was apparently found later when Martin Duram’s children began looking through the house the day after evidence gathering had been completed. There was a great deal of attention given to this envelope. Jessica Duram daughter of Martin Duram testified she had found the item during their search of the house and shared it with her brothers. Justin Duram, Martin’s son, also reported his sister had found the envelope and that she called the letters inside ‘suicide notes’. The MSP were called and the letters were turned over to them. Questions were also asked about money found in the home by Martin Duram’s children, an amount of about $5000. Jessica Duram stated the money was used to help pay for Martin Duram’s funeral. Justin Duram also testified that money was found that day. On Friday the first witness called was Jason Duram who corroborated the money was found and taken from the house. Jason also stated he had visited with his father the previous Saturday and denied feeling any particular concern for the couple at that time. He, like his siblings, was asked about the relationship between Martin and Glenna and reported they joked around a lot and that their relationship seemed to be ‘pretty good’. Neighbor Tena Christie testified that she was a close friend to the Durams often seeing them up to five times a week at their house. She was asked if she knew much about their finances and she stated that Marty had once said that Glenna paid the bills. Mr. Prysock asked if she had told a detective that she could not imagine Glenna doing anything like this and she stated she had. Mr. Stay asked if she had known what had occurred when she said this and she replied “I wasn’t there.” Mr. Prysock asked if she still felt that way resulting in an objection from Mr. Stay. After a sidebar Mr. Prysock asked what time she had seen them on the 11th and she stated it was after 4pm. He asked if she had concerns at that time and she said she did not. Next on the stand were Martin Duram’s father and mother. Charles Duram was shown the handgun recovered at the house after the incident and stated the gun was his and that he had given it to his son for safekeeping. Mrs. Lillian Duram was asked if she was aware of an impending foreclosure of the house and she said there had been conversations about it with her son and Glenna. Two witnesses reported serving notice of a sheriff’s sale of the home due to foreclosure that was to be held on May 12th 2015. The final witness for the prosecution was Jeff Hoffman Detective Trooper Specialist for the MSP. Mr. Hoffman, a computer specialist,testified that the phone belonging to Glenna Duram had been used to access websites related to the Ruger 22 handgun that has been at the center of the investigation as the murder weapon in the early morning hours before the incident occurred. During cross examination Mr. Miller asked if the witness had any knowledge of what was contained on the web pages found on the phone. Mr. Hoffman answered that he did not. Mr. Miller also stated that with no DNA or fingerprints, “You don’t know if it was Glenna Duram that was using the phone.” and the witness agreed that this was true. The focus of the proceedings this week seemed to be on the envelope containing three letters written by Glenna Duram, the money recovered by the three Duram siblings and the financial situation of Martin and Glenna Duram. Some witnesses spoke of believing there were money issues while others stated they had no knowledge of such problems. All seemed to agree that the Durams often were sarcastic with each other using humor that spoke to getting rid of each other. None who testified reported taking the statements seriously. . Financial problems involving the possible loss of their house was brought up many times but few who knew the Durams seemed to have a clear awareness of the nature or extent of their personal financial difficulties. The trial resumes Monday when the defense team begins calling their witnesses.  Defense Attorney Mark Miller conferring with defendant Glenna Durham By Ken DeLaat On Tuesday July 11th jurors heard from the medical examiner and a weapons expert from the Michigan State Police during the second day of testimony in the murder trial of Glenna Duram. Detective Lieutenant Jeff Crump went over the process used in testing the firearm found in the Duram household after Marty Duram was found shot to death in the Ensley Township home he shared with his wife,who stands accused of ending his life. Lt. Crump was asked if he could verify the cartridges came from the firearm in question and he reported that though there wasn’t enough evidence to say it was a match and there was also not enough evidence to eliminate it. It was inconclusive. Lt. Crump also described how the pillow found with holes in it near the scene was determined to have been shot through twice from close range. Defense Attorney Rick Prysock questioned some of the details of the results of the testings during cross examination. He pointed out what had been reported earlier that there was no conclusive evidence as to whether the bullets came from the gun found at the scene. The jury also posed some questions to Lt. Crump, read by the Honorable Judge H. Kevin Drake who is presiding over the trial. Most of the inquiries had to do with the pillow, asking if using it would muffle the sound and if it could even possibly silence it. The Lt. replied that it could have an effect on the sound though not silence it completely. Another question asked if it could still be heard by neighbors but Lt. Crump stated there was no way to determine that since too many unknown factors were involved. The trial continues Wednesday morning.  MSP Firearms Expert Detective Lt. Jeff Crump with the firearm found at the scene  Connie Ream leaving the courtroom after her testimony. Ms. Ream stated she was 'horrified' at the scene in the Duram bedroom By Ken DeLaat Jurors in the trial of Glenna Duram who is accused of first degree murder in the death of her husband Marty Duram began to hear testimony as Prosecutor Ellsworth Stay brought forth witnesses who came onto the scene at the Duram home. The first was Connie Ream who described herself as a friend and neighbor to the Durams. Ms. Ream was asked about the days leading up to the incident and explained how after a couple of days of not being able to connect with the Durams as they usually did, she and her husband Wayne became fearful that something as amiss. She also recalled hearing gunshots previously but assumed they were from hunters. Mr. Ream was out of town on his job as a truck driver and encouraged his wife to check out the house. After knocking on doors and windows and attempting to contact the Durams via text messages and phone calls Ms Ream, who heard the dog belonging to the couple barking from inside the house, entered the house and when she went to the bedroom she found Marty Duram curled up on the floor of the bedroom with apparent blood stains and Glenna Durham lying nearby. “Can you describe your emotional state at that point?” asked Mr. Stay. “Horrified,” she replied. Ms. Ream told how she ran to a nearby house where firemen had been extinguishing a garage fire and brought them back to the house. Upon entering the room the firemen recognized it to be a crime scene and retreated, calling for the police. Sergeant Gary Wilson of the Michigan State Police was the next to take the stand. He described arriving on the scene seeing casings on the bed and the Durams on the floor. Mr Stay asked the Sergeant if he or anyone else stopped to check on Ms. Durham and the reply was no each time explaining that they were operating under the assumption that there were two deceased bodies in the room. After they received assistance from Ms. Ream to get the dog out of the bedroom where it maintained a position over the body of Mr Duram Sergeant Wilson said he looked at Glenna Duram and felt she did not look deceased. When he went to take her pulse she lurched forward struggling with the officer yelling “Leave me alone” and “I don’t feel good”. Wilson said he tried to reassure her saying ‘we’re here to help you’ but she continued to struggle. When strapped into a stretcher for transport to the hospital Wilson said Ms. Duram kept fighting to try to undo the straps. During cross examination Defense Attorney Mark Miller asked Sergeant Wilson if he knew who had been in the room prior to himself to which Wilson replied that only Ms. Ream and a couple of First Responders. Miller also inquired about Wilson’s testimony that Ms. Durham did not look deceased. “What does it look like?” “It’s a different look. I’ve been doing this 23 years and I’ve seen it a lot There’s just something different about the way they look." Wayne Ream was also called and was asked questions about the friendship he and his wife had with the Durams Mr Stay called several of the First Responders and other state police personnel who each delivered similar accounts to those given by the previous witnesses. He also called Joseph Bozek of the MSP Canine Unit who told of searching the area around the house with his dog Garo, a search that turned up nothing. Mr. Miller and M. Prysock questioned each witness briefly and the day's hearing came to an end. The trial resumes Tuesday morning.  The accused: Glenna Duram  Attorney Rick Prysock and Glenna Duram, who is accused of first degree murder in the death of her husband Ensley Township woman standing trial in 2015 death of her husband
By Ken DeLaat The murder trial of Glenna Mary Duram charged with first degree murder in the May 2015 death of her husband Marty Duram got underway in the 27th Circuit Court in White Cloud Friday as the jury of 12 + 2 alternates (11 women and 3 men) heard opening arguments from the prosecution and the defense. The Honorable H. Kevin Drake presided over the proceedings that began with Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney Ellsworth Stay addressing the jury as to the evidence that will be presented including DNA, the firearms report, phone messages and letters gathered by the Michigan State Police during their investigation. He also spoke to the financial problems that may have been a factor in the tragic event with a Sheriff’s sale of the house pending that very week. Citing a preponderance of evidence gathered at the scene and through further investigation Mr. Stay concluded “It quickly becomes evident that the defendant murdered Marty Duram and attempted to commit suicide.” Defense attorneys Rick Prysock and Mark Miller then took their turn talking to jury members with Mr. Prysock discussing the role of the jury in such cases and Mr. Miller casting doubts on the efficacy of what had been presented as evidence.He also questioned the influence of the financial difficulties pointing out that the Duram’s had adequate resources. “They didn’t have financial problems, they had bill paying problems,” he stated. “Mr. Stay has to prove without a reasonable doubt that Glenna Duram killed Marty Duram,”said Mr. Miller. “Glenna Duram did not pull that trigger,” Ms. Duram sat quietly through the proceedings though she appeared to tear up when Mr. Miller spoke of the relationship between she and her husband. Judge Drake related instructions to the jury advising them to not discuss the case and to refrain from looking at news reports or social media posts regarding the case. The jury was then dismissed until Monday morning when the trial will resume.  By N3 News Team Grand Rapids resident Lawrence Amante was heading home from a camping trip in the northern part of the state Thursday morning and as he pulled into White Cloud he began to smell gas in the 30 foot front engine motor home he was driving. According to White Cloud Police Chief Dan Evans when Amante reached the traffic light on M-37 he saw flames coming from the floor between him and the passenger seat. Amante pulled the vehicle into the parking lot just beyond the light and exited as the motor home burst into flames. The White Cloud Fire Department assisted by the Newaygo Fire Department extinguished the fire but not before it devoured the motor home and melted electrical wires above. Chief Evans stated that traffic was diverted for about an hour with the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Department assisting.  Retiring Equalization Technician Rich Kooistra (middle) is flanked by (L-R )Commissioners Brian Kolk, Vern Willett, Phil Deur, Jim Maike. Pat Gardner, Chuck Trapp, Chris Ortwein and County Clerk Jason Vanderstelt County Still Seeking Fremont Recycling Site
By Ken DeLaat At the regular meeting of the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday June 28th, Commissioner Vern Willett made a motion that the Road Commission be disbanded and the duties now assigned to that group come under the Board of Commissioners. Mr.Willett expressed his concern that the three member Road Commission was not accountable to the public under the present arrangement and also felt the compensation received by the Road Commission could be saved by having the Board run the organization. “I think it would be a great step to help eliminate all the money this county is wasting,” he stated. “Three unelected road commissioners run the road commission for 6 year terms and their pay is equivalent to what a board commissioner makes.” “It’s just one more layer of bureaucracy.” Commissioners Brian Kolk and Phil Deur expressed reservations about making any changes to the current structure and Commissioner Jim Maike did as well, adding the concern that this issue is brought before the board before going through the channels of appropriate committees. Commissioner Chris Ortwein stated he had high regard for the work being done by Road Commission and singled out praise for the job performance of Director Kelly Smith . “They’re doing a great job. Why rock the boat?” added Commissioner Ortwein Commissioner Chuck Trapp also expressed support for the current arrangement and spoke to the innovations such as the fuel depot installed years ago. “They’ve saved us thousands and thousands of dollars, “ said Mr. Trapp.”We’ve got a good thing and I won’t tamper with it.” Board Chair Patrick Gardner clarified the money paid to members of the RC stating “The highest paid member is the chair and he makes $5013 a year with a $50 monthly per diem and the health insurance is optional.” He also expressed concerns over liability costs should such a change occur and stated that only 3 counties have tried this with one reverting back to the previous system. In the end the Board voted 6-1 against the motion with Commissioner Willett casting the lone vote in favor. In other business Rich Kooistra was recognized by the Board of Commissioners on the occasion of his retirement Mr. Kooistra has been with the county since 2004 and with the Equalization Department since 2005. The resolution cited his dedication, loyalty and long term service to Newaygo County Commissioners selected Burton Cooper to serve on the Veterans Affairs Committee. Mr. Cooper was one of four candidates for the position. A motion to change the per diem rate for those serving on county boards from $30 to $50 was referred to committee for further research by a 6-1 vote with Commissioner Willett casting the dissenting vote. Administrator Chris Wren reported the county is continuing to search for a recycling site in Fremont to replace the one closed last month. The next Board of Commissioners meeting will be on Wednesday July 12th at 9:30am. Meetings are held at the County Administrative building in White Cloud.  From Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office:
On July 1st at 3:54 PM, Newaygo County Central Dispatch received a report of a missing tuber on the Muskegon River. Sheriff’s Deputies were sent to the area of Devil’s Hole, in Brooks Township, and upon arriving found that a 25 year old male had gone missing while tubing on the river. Divers from the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Newaygo Fire Department, searched the river until the victim’s body was located approximately 1 ½ miles downriver. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim is identified as 25 year old Dwight Keene Coleman of Grand Rapids, MI. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Newaygo Fire Department, Michigan DNR, Newaygo Police Department and the Michigan State Police. This incident remains under investigation by the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office. The Muskegon River continues to be at higher levels than normal which causes stronger currents. If your plans are to use the Muskegon River over the Holiday, please be vigilant of the dangerous conditions and plan appropriately.  Rep. Scott VanSingel presenting a Special Tribute from the State of Michigan to Dr. Larry Ivens. NC RESA Recognizing a Pioneer – Dr. Larry Ivens
Fremont-After 45 years of serving schools and communities in Newaygo County, Dr. Larry Ivens is logging off at Newaygo County RESA for the last time. Beginning as a Data Processing teacher at the Newaygo County Career-Tech Center in the early 1970s and promoted through the years to the Executive Director of Technology Services, Dr. Ivens has truly been a pioneer in Newaygo County. Dr. Ivens is credited as our local “Father of Internet” spurred by his professional contributions in writing and winning the federal Challenge grant in 1994 that made the technology infrastructure throughout Newaygo County possible. He has navigated technological innovation from microprocessors to various programming languages; from dial-up Internet to wireless services; from hard disks to floppy disks to the Cloud. Larry has experienced it all. He founded the Newaygo County Advanced Technology Services (NCATS), a unique Educational Telecommunications Network established in 1995, that connects Newaygo County’s K-12 schools, agencies and governments with a long-term fiber optic solution ready to adapt to changing demands. Dr. Ivens also established a consortium to govern the use of Newaygo County’s Educational Telecommunications Network. Dr. Ivens has led the Newaygo County Advanced Technology Services (NCATS) and has been providing services to Newaygo County’s educational community for many decades. He has stayed abreast of the many changes in technology over the years and now the community wishes him well in his next change journey. |
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