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TrueNorth’s Tools for School Application Deadline Extended to August 2
The deadline has been extended to Thursday, August 2, to apply for TrueNorth Community Services’ 2018 Tools for School student success program. The effort helps Newaygo County students from low-income families enter the 2018-2019 school year on a level playing field. Students who qualify receive a new backpack with essential school supplies, and can get haircuts and vision and dental exams at the 15th annual Tools for School Expo. The Expo is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 7, at the TrueNorth Service Center, 6308 South Warner Avenue in Fremont. Applications were sent home with students in May, and remain available TrueNorth, public libraries in Newaygo County or online at http://bit.ly/ToolsForSchool2018Application. Applications are accepted through August 2 at TrueNorth. For kindergarten through 12th grade students living in or attending school in Newaygo County, Tools for School expects to serve more than 1,000 students this year. To donate school supplies, drop off items at TrueNorth by Friday, August 3. Backpacks, pencils, glue sticks, bottles of glue, large erasers, pencil top erasers, wide markers (10- to 12-packs), pocket folders, spiral notebooks, crayons (24-packs), safety scissors, large and small pencil boxes or pouches, three-ring binders, loose leaf paper for binders, black ink pens and highlighters are the supplies needed. To make a monetary contribution to purchase last minute age- and need-specific items, donate online at www.truenorthservices.org/Donate-Now/Donate or in person at TrueNorth. Volunteers are also still needed for the Expo on August 7. To volunteer with or for more details, contact Mike Voyt at (231) 924-0641, ext. 119 or [email protected].  Left to Right Front Row: Sarah Gustafson holding baby Henry, Josh Gustafson, Nora Gustafson Back Row: Kerri Wiseman NBFF chair, Cheryl Rose, RN, Jayne Guikema from Chemical Bank, Rene Seabolt from Nestle Gerber Products Delayed birth, detour get Henry Gustafson National Baby Food Festival ‘first baby born’ award
FREMONT— Somehow, Henry Michael Gustafson knew that waiting one extra week to be born would get him his first prize of his very young life. Born on July 20 at 7:51 a.m., Henry was awarded the National Baby Food Festival “First Baby Born” a few hours after his birth, which was originally due a little more than a week earlier. Joshua Gustafson, Henry’s dad, said his son was descended and positioned for birth prior to his original due date of July 12, but then inexplicably made a small detour — and backed up. “It’s like he decided he was in a nice comfortable place and wasn’t quite ready to be born yet, so he made a U-turn and went back up,” said Gustafson, the director of community health & wellness at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial. Gustafson said he had the easy job. Wife and mom Sarah Gustafson, on the other hand, was at the hospital for more than 38 hours when he was finally ready to be delivered on July 20. Henry was positioned sideways, and at 8 pounds and 4 ounces with a head in the 94th percentile, a straightforward and relatively smooth delivery was going to be nearly impossible. Just about every OB/GYN and maternity nursing staff on duty that week was involved over the course of their 3 night stay at the hospital. And toward the end, when the medical team was preparing to get Henry out safely, Sarah was given one more chance to deliver him without alternate intervention. She was told that Henry needed to arrive now, and with every ounce of strength she had, she delivered him in that moment. “That was pretty rough, but all we’re thinking right now is how blessed we are that Henry was born safely and in good health,” Sarah Gustafson, a rehab tech at Gerber Memorial, said. “I’m not going to lie. When you nearly pass out from pain and exhaustion, that’s not exactly a walk in the woods. But he’s a beautiful blessing to our family and we couldn’t be happier.” The Gustafson's have a daughter, Noora, who’s 18 months old and thrilled to have a baby brother. “Noora is a very social toddler, and I am sure she is going to enjoy having a baby brother to play with and maybe order around every once in a while, although she’s probably going to be disappointed by how little he’s going to listen to her for the first 12 months — maybe even 12 years,” Josh Gustafson said. “We can’t say enough great things about the Gerber Memorial staff who were involved in Henry’s birth. The doctors, midwives, nurses, locums, everyone just went above and beyond to make things extremely comfortable for our family so we could focus on helping Henry come into the world safely, healthy and happy. Our experience from prenatal care to discharge after delivery was once again second to none, and we couldn’t imagine having a baby anywhere else.” The NBFF First Baby Born is awarded to the baby born closest to a random date and time selected during the four-day festival in Fremont. This year, the date and time was Thursday, July 19, at 10 a.m. Henry’s birth was closest to that day and time. Henry’s award wasn’t the only thing the family went home with: The Gustafson's also got gifts from local businesses, including the OB/GYN and Delivery team at Gerber Memorial, Nestle Gerber Products, Chemical Bank, Joan & Company, Fairview Floral, Hands on Healing Massage & Spa, Gingerly Clean, and Liberty Jewelers. Saturday, August 11 at 7 AM the Grant Men’s Ministry will be hosting a guest speaker and fellowship at Cronk’s Oakridge Restaurant in Newaygo.
The guest speaker is Pat Combs, who spent eight seasons playing professional baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers baseball clubs from 1988-1996. As a collegiate athlete, Pat represented the United States as a national baseball player for Team USA. The US team won the gold medal at the Seoul Olympics in 1988. Pat received All-American and Academic All-American honors as a baseball player at Baylor University, where he was later inducted into the Baylor University Athletic Hall of Fame and All-Century Team. Pat graduated with honors and earned a business management degree after completing coursework at Rice University, Baylor University, and the University of Phoenix. When you meet Pat, his passion for people, excellence, growth, coaching, and bringing out the best in others is quickly recognized. Currently, Pat serves on boards for several non-profit companies, on the Board of Trustees at East Texas Baptist University, and is an active member in The CEO Forum Spiritual Leadership Institute. He and wife, Christina, have three sons: Carson, Conner, and Casey. Pat continues to coach summer select baseball, enjoys mentoring young athletes, and is an active men’s discipleship ministry leader in Southlake, Texas. Pat was a member of the Gold Medal Olympic team in 1988. He currently works part time for Fox Sports as a TV color commentator for college baseball. Cronk’s Oakridge Restaurant in Newaygo is located at 9103 Mason Drive in Newaygo. All men who are interested in hearing Pat Combs speak are welcome.  Fremont Area Community Foundation awarded nearly $1.98 million to local agencies and programs in its most recent community grant round. Grant funding was awarded to a wide variety of organizations and projects addressing critical local needs. In addition to grants impacting the focus areas of community and economic development and poverty to prosperity, more than $978,000 was awarded to the area of education. Newaygo Public Schools received a $43,025 grant to help launch a new program, Pride Page Prowlers, to provide additional literacy training for teachers and take-home literacy materials for families. The district will host family literacy nights and will introduce the new “Lions Literacy Den” this school year. Parents will be able to check out reading kits put together by teachers that include a book and a corresponding activity for families to do at home. Hesperia Community Schools and Fremont Public Schools will partner to bring Kagan Cooperative Learning Strategies to their districts. The program provides teachers with strategies designed to promote cooperation and communication in the classroom as well as boost student confidence. A $12,950 grant will help support training of over 100 teachers in both Hesperia and Fremont schools. While many education-related grants are awarded to schools, partnerships with agencies that provide educational programming are also taking place throughout the county. Arbor Circle has provided substance abuse prevention programs in Newaygo County since 2011 and received a $12,000 grant for new curriculum and staff training for their programming in local schools. They offer interactive programming to help students develop essential life skills as well as programs that provide prevention, intervention, and pretreatment services for young people making high-risk choices. “We’re proud to support so many outstanding programs and organizations working to strengthen and expand educational opportunities in Newaygo County,” said Carla Roberts, Community Foundation president and CEO. “We’re grateful to partner with these and other organizations and with the donors who make each grant possible.” The Community Foundation works closely with agencies that are located in or directly serve the people of Newaygo County. Applications for the next community grant round are due by September 1 and notifications take place in December. To ask questions or learn more about the Community Foundation’s strategic grantmaking, contact a member of the FACF community investment team at 231.924.5350 or visit facommunityfoundation.org/grants.  By Marianne Boerigter The Dogwood Center for Performing Arts provides year-round program opportunities and is a community resource that engages a wide spectrum of participants. The nonprofit's mission is to be a creative force and community resource providing cultural experiences for Newaygo County and surrounding areas. The Dogwood Center's core purpose is to serve as both a venue for community groups to utilize, and as a significant partner and provider of a wide range of high quality cultural programming for the Newaygo County area. This programming augments the quality of life and ultimately the area's economic vitality. The organization continually strives to connect with community and to expand on an understanding and appreciation for the arts with residents of our area. The arts play a critical role in stimulating creativity and are crucial to the development of vital communities. The Dogwood Center was a dream of a core group of friends and colleagues who recognized the opportunities such a facility could bring to the region. In the years since the dream become a reality, the Dogwood Center has opened the doors to a sparkling array of entertainment while being instrumental in delivering a wide array of cultural experiences, educational initiatives, and as a welcoming host for community events. The Dogwood Center Board of Directors have been working on an improvement plan to make the facility more easily accessible. The goals of the plan are:
In December 2017, the Dogwood Center Board of Directors began the fundraising phase for the project, "A Legacy of Opportunity, An Opportunity for Accessibility" and are excited to work on improvements that will increase accessibility to the facility and make the Dogwood patron's experience memorable and include ease of entry. The total project cost is estimated at $300,000. Great progress has been made over the last eight months, and with contributions from community members, businesses, and grant funding, the Dogwood Board of Directors has raised 85% of the project goal. We are asking you to join in and help us in our final push! The Dogwood Center received a lead gift towards the project from Ms. Peggie Stone, a strong supporter of Newaygo County, arts and culture, and accessibility for all. Peggie's lead gift of $50,000 was a tremendous contribution to spark this project in moving forward. Ms. Stone also provided a challenge to the community….she provided a match gift of up to $50,000 to community contributions towards this improvement project! Community members and area businesses stepped up to contribute to the project, and as of July 17 the challenge has been met! Another partner in the project is the Dogwood Foundation, a private foundation established by Dorothy Scott Merrill in 1994. The Dogwood Foundation has now set another community challenge toward the improvement project and will match community and business contributions $1/$1 up to $10,000! The Dogwood Center Board of Directors include: Ken De Laat, Sherrie Harris, Jodi De Kuiper, Terrie Ortwein, Mark Miller, Sandy Williams, Charles Chandler, Lisa Jahr, Jamie Denslow, Diane Purgiel, Deb Reinhold, Sandy Siegel, and Mary Anderson. You and your family can be a part of making your Dogwood more appealing, accessible and welcoming. Please be as generous as you are able with your gift of financial support towards this important project. Contributions may easily be made on-line at www.dogwoodcenter.com or by clicking the link here: Donate to the Dogwood! For more information on the Dogwood Center programs or improvement plan, contact 231.924.8885 or stop by at 4734 S. Campus Court, one-mile east of downtown Fremont.  Michigan Tech study assesses impacts of worst-case oil spill in Straits of Mackinac
LANSING– State of Michigan agencies today released for public comment a draft independent analysis of the impacts of a potential oil spill from Enbridge Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac A team led by Michigan Technological University and directed by professor Guy Meadows of Michigan Tech’s Great Lakes Research Center submitted the draft report “Independent Risk Analysis for the Straits Pipelines” to state officials on July 16, 2018. The worst-case approach implemented in the study is based on the accumulation of worst-case assumptions and explicitly excludes consideration of the probability of such events. As a result, the assessment extends to events with low probabilities of occurrence but high consequences. According to the analysis of more than 4,300 spill simulations, a rupture to both Straits pipelines with concurrent failures of primary valves on each pipeline and secondary safety valves, could release 32,000 to 58,000 barrels of crude oil into the Great Lakes and impact more than 400 miles of shoreline in Michigan, Wisconsin and Canada based on wind and current conditions. Depending on the timing and magnitude of a spill, 47 wildlife species of concern and 60,000 acres of unique habitat could be at risk. The draft risk analysis is part of several actions Governor Rick Snyder has taken aimed at protecting the Great Lakes and other state waterways from a potential Line 5 spill and creating a road map for the line’s replacement with a safer alternative that maintains the important energy and communications infrastructure link between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. “Line 5 cannot remain in the Straits in its current form,” said Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director and Pipeline Safety Advisory Board co-chair Keith Creagh. “This report highlights the need to continue developing a decommissioning strategy that protects the Great Lakes while at the same time maintaining the critical infrastructure between Michigan’s peninsulas that makes us one state.” The state-commissioned, independent analysis evaluated Enbridge’s liability for a worst-case-scenario pipeline spill including the impact such a spill would have on Michigan’s economy and environment. The 396-page draft report calculates clean-up, restoration and liability costs from the defined worst-case scenario at almost $2 billion. The report notes that “because cultural resources cannot be restored to baseline, their loss must be compensated through compensatory restoration.” The Michigan Agency for Energy, Attorney General’s Office, Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Natural Resources commissioned the independent analysis led by Michigan Tech to help inform future actions at the Straits. A public meeting, hosted by the Michigan Tech team, is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018, at the Boyne Highlands Convention Center in Harbor Springs to receive public comment on the draft risk analysis. A final report will be submitted to the state on September 15, 2018. Professor Meadows has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University and a PhD in marine science from Purdue University. He was a professor of physical oceanography for 35 years at the University of Michigan and is now the director of the Great Lakes Research Center at Michigan Tech. The team includes experts from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, Wayne State University, Oakland University, Grand Valley State University, North Dakota State University and Loyola University in Chicago. Non-university partners include NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, LimnoTech, Powell & Associates Science Services and other independent consultants. The state commissioned the Michigan Tech risk analysis as one in a series of reports designed to assist in its ongoing analysis of Line 5. Under a November 2017 agreement between the state and Enbridge, the company was required to conduct four studies, with state oversight, that were delivered last month. These reports and the risk analysis will help inform a decision by the state on the final disposition of Line 5. That decision is expected by October 1, 2018. Built in 1953, Line 5 is 645 miles long and transports up to 540,000 barrels a day of light crude oil and natural gas liquids from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Below the Straits of Mackinac, the pipeline lies on the lake bottom within an easement issued in 1953 by the State of Michigan. Free clinic to be part of the visit
The U.S. National Women's Soccer Deaflympic Team is coming to Fremont, Michigan from July 21-July 25 and will be using the Fremont Public School soccer facilities for training purposes. Laura Yon (formerly Laura Carlson) graduated from Fremont High School in 2003 and was a major part of persuading the team to come to Fremont. Laura coached JV girls' soccer at Fremont for several years and has been working on her family’s farm recently. Laura has won two gold medals with this National Team and is gearing up for one final attempt. In exchanging for using Fremont's facilities, the team is offering a free clinic on Monday, July 23rd. Elementary aged children will be trained from 9:00 am - 10:30 am at the Fremont High School soccer game field. Middle school and high school students have the free training offered from 10:30am - 12:00 pm. All are welcome and no pre-registration is required.  HOUGHTON LAKE, MICH. The Michigan State Police (MSP) is confirming that a Houghton Lake Post trooper was shot at approximately 1:30 p.m. this afternoon during a traffic stop in Lake Township in Missaukee County.
The preliminary investigation indicates the trooper stopped a vehicle occupied by three individuals (two males and a female). One male fled from the vehicle and began firing upon the trooper, and the trooper returned fire. The trooper was struck several times. He was conscious and alert when transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot injuries. The gunman is deceased. The other two occupants, who remained in the vehicle, are in custody. The incident remains under investigation. The involved trooper is not being identified at this time.  Grant Middle School staff honored at Schools to Watch By Alicia Jaimes
Four years in the making, the Grant Middle School teachers decided to make a change in hopes of bettering the culture and atmosphere of their school by introducing Schools to Watch. With roughly 157 schools in the United States participating, Schools to Watch is a forum made exclusively for the middle school age level. According to www.middlegradesforum.org, “the mission of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform is to unite key stakeholders to speak with a common voice to leverage research, policy, leadership and replicable practices to drive middle grades reform.” With an all-or-nothing approach, the middle school staff decided to work towards implementing this program at Grant Middle School. “It’s been a four year journey that we have been on,” 6th grade Grant writing teacher Danette Gesler said. “We’ve added several programs to our school because of this and we got some national recognition for it.” Gesler was one of 10 Grant teachers who went to Washington D.C. to accept an award for recognition of becoming a school to watch. Close to 500 teachers from across the nation attended the conference. Schools to Watch required teachers to open their classrooms to people in hopes of receiving feedback on their teaching techniques and curriculum to better themselves, their teaching practices and, in return, their middle school. Most working 20 or more years in Grant, these teachers took this challenge as an opportunity to always be changing and improving their teaching methods. So, for four years, they were evaluated and, after hard work and dedication, were finally recognized as a school to watch. Though their goal has been accomplished, Gesler says their future goals are just starting. New plans for the curriculum regarding math and language and literature are hoping to be the next goal tackled in the coming years. The constant reach forward will be keeping the Grant Middle School teachers on their toes as they are re-evaluated as a school to watch in three years. “It isn’t staying stagnant, you have to continue to grow.”  Suspect hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries
ALMA- At approximately 8:50 p.m., Tuesday, July 10, a trooper from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Lakeview Post and two officers from the Alma Department of Public Safety responded to a home in the 600 block of Moyer Avenue to investigate a domestic disturbance involving a mother and her adult son. The victim, the mother, left the home prior to officers arriving. Officers repeatedly attempted to make contact with the suspect inside the home by repeatedly announcing their presence. After approximately one hour elapsed, they made entry into the home and were immediately confronted by the suspect who was armed with a crossbow. Two of the three officers fired their weapons, injuring the suspect in the shoulder. MSP personnel are required to follow strict guidelines in the discharge of weapons. MSP policy permits officers to point or discharge a firearm in self-defense or defense of another when he or she reasonably believes there is imminent danger of death or great bodily harm. A full and complete investigation of this incident is currently underway by the MSP First District Investigative Response Team. When completed, it will be forwarded to the Gratiot County Prosecutor’s Office for review. In accordance with MSP department policy, the involved trooper has been placed on administrative leave. Both of the involved officers from the Alma DPS have also been placed on administrative leave in accordance with Alma DPS policy. Higher than Average Fire Danger With dry conditions continuing and no relief in sight for now we asked Newaygo County's Emergency Services Director Abby Watkins for a little info on helping all of us prevent any blaze driven disasters and Ms. Watkins sent along the following vital information.  To date, fire danger has been higher than average this year. With warm temperatures and less-than-normal rainfall over a sizeable portion of Lower Michigan in the last 30 days, the ground has dried out. Warm, dry, and sometimes breezy weather this week will increase the risk for wildfires. Very high fire danger conditions exists across all of Newaygo County with no open burning permitted. Newaygo County has already experienced one significant, large fire this year. In order to prevent another, the following is some information everyone should know:
 With fire dangers at an extremely high level, public safety officials are requesting the public to please be cognizant of the burning restrictions. “We have received multiple calls in the past few days for outdoor fires that have been caused by burn barrels, down power lines, and other various sources,” stated Newaygo County Central Dispatch Director Jason Wolford. Please contact Newaygo County Central Dispatch at 231-689-5288 to report any illegal burning.
 Gerber Memorial, Wantz center to host exhibit on hospital’s 100 years, glimpse at the future FREMONT– Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial and the Terry Wantz Historical Research Center are hosting an exhibit that will provide a glimpse at the hospital’s 100 years and the near future. The exhibit, set to run from Wednesday, July 18, through the fall, will be located inside the Wantz center, 29 E. Main in Fremont, just west of the Fremont Public Library. The Wantz center is open Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The exhibit is made up of panels depicting snapshots of information and images that provide visitors with some information about what life was like at Gerber Memorial from its founding in 1918 as a two-story donated house that was converted into a community hospital for patients in the immediate Newaygo County area to what the hospital is today, which annually serves more than 38,000 patients, including those from as far away as China. The exhibit also provides a glimpse into what healthcare is likely to focus on in the near future. “Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial has been such a pillar of the community for 100 years that its role and impact is sometimes invisible, so this exhibit can hopefully provide a portrait of what Gerber Memorial was like and how it evolved to continue its mission of caring for the community,” said Kate Russell, director of the Wantz center. “The Gerber Memorial exhibit is easy to go through and informative at the same time. As a historical resource, the Wantz center is excited to partner with Gerber Memorial to help tell the story of its past 100 years and also anticipate where healthcare will go in the near future.” The exhibit is built from newspaper clippings archived at the Newaygo County Museum and Heritage Center located at 12 Quarterline Street in downtown Newaygo, as well as testimonial interviews with nurses and physicians who worked at Gerber Memorial starting in the 1950s onward. In addition to the exhibit, Gerber Memorial and several community partners are also hosting a dunk tank fundraiser during the National Baby Food Festival, which runs Wednesday through Saturday, to raise money for the Cancer Center in Fremont. The dunk tank will be located in front of the Fifth-Third Bank on Main Street in downtown Fremont. The hours for the dunk tank are: Wednesday, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.   Fremont Area Community Foundation recently awarded $415,305 in scholarships to local high school seniors planning to continue their educations at a variety of colleges, universities, trade schools, and job training programs.
The Community Foundation awarded more than 230 scholarships that were presented at each school’s awards assembly or program. Community Foundation staff and trustees attended the programs to announce recipients and were often joined by scholarship donors and family members of those for whom a scholarship was named. Diane Horrisberger attended the award program in Grant, where the Horrisberger Family Scholarship was presented as well as the scholarship created by her parents, Kenneth and Pauline Bull. “It’s always nice to see kids’ hard work come to fruition and to see them start the next chapter of their lives, especially with support from Community Foundation scholarships,” said Horrisberger, a retired Grant teacher. “You’re giving a kid a chance and an opportunity to further themselves. They can feel good knowing that someone contributed monetarily to help, but it also gives them that boost that someone believes in them and thinks they’re deserving and worthy.” In addition to supporting students attending traditional colleges and degree programs, scholarships were awarded to students pursuing apprenticeships, certifications, and other types of job training. Multiple scholarships have been created specifically to support students pursuing areas such as technical or industrial arts careers and skilled and vocational trades. Along with scholarships for graduating seniors, the Community Foundation awards adult student scholarships to help reduce the skills gap for working-age adults. Applications for adult student scholarships are accepted year-round. Nearly $60,000 has been awarded in adult scholarships already this year. The online application for high school seniors is open annually from October 1 to March 1. For more information, contact the Community Foundation at 231.924.5350 or visit facommunityfoundation.org/scholarships.  John Bippus, Auctioneer; Julia Bird, Treasurer Moon's Tax Reversion Coordinator (L); and Holly Moon, Newaygo County Treasurer (R) Treasurer urges early intervention for property owners
Newaygo County will be holding its first auction of foreclosed property for nonpayment of the 2015 property taxes on August 2, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Board of Commissioner’s Room in White Cloud. “We are very proud of our work in the Treasurer’s Office helping taxpayers save their properties,” stated Holly Moon, Newaygo County Treasurer. “This year we have 89 total foreclosures with 25 of these properties given up freely by the owners. 70 of the 89 total parcels are small lots located in one of our northern townships. The remaining 19 parcels are spread across the other 27 townships and cities in Newaygo County with some local units having no foreclosures." The upcoming auction is open to the public and registration begins at 12:00 p.m. On-line registration will be available prior to the sale by link on the County Treasurer’s webpage or the Auctioneer’s website: www.BippusUSA.com. A potential buyer must bring a $1,000 deposit in the form of cash or certified check made out to themselves in order to register. If a person is a successful bidder, the deposit will apply towards their purchase and the balance of the transaction is due by 5:00 p.m. on the day of auction. If a bidder does not purchase, they will receive their deposit back in full the day of auction. There is a 10% buyer’s premium and $59 deed preparation fee added to each parcel purchased. According to State statute, buyers must pay the 2018 summer tax bill before the deed can be executed. The list of properties available for auction along with pictures, maps and minimum bids can be found on the County website: www.countyofnewaygo.com; then use the link there to navigate to the County Treasurer’s page and select the “Properties for Auction” tab. You will find Frequently Asked Questions and the Terms and Conditions of the auction located there as well. The Newaygo County Treasurer’s Office has hard copies of the property list available for purchase at $10.50 each. All properties offered at auction are sold “as is” “where is.” It is the buyer's responsibility to do their homework as to their desired use of a property, and to execute any eviction process that may be necessary when they purchase. This auction is for the real property only, and the buyer will receive a Quit Claim Deed to the property. There are no liens carrying forward on any of the parcels offered, but the new buyer is responsible for the 2018 summer bill, and all future property tax bills. Any parcels not sold on August 2, 2018, will be offered again on September 20, 2018. This auction will be run the same as the August auction with the possibility of some additional parcels being added for property owners who received an extension and did not pay by the extension deadline. On-line registration will also be available by link on the County Treasurer’s webpage for the September Auction. “Foreclosures continue to demand our urgent attention, and we recognize the need to help taxpayers struggling with this issue,” stated Holly Moon, County Treasurer. “We can’t erase the foreclosures or the economic challenges that taxpayers face in our community, but we are always fighting back in Newaygo County. The earlier taxpayers reach out to us for help, the more options we can provide for them.”  Grand Rapids Public Museum Announces Maker Faire Tickets
Grand Rapids- Maker Faire is back in Grand Rapids on August 18 and 19 for the 5th year at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM). Combining a traditional science fair with innovation and engineering, the GRPM transforms into a festival of local community makers showcasing things they have made and skills they have. From tinkers and hobbyists to local companies, see inventions, robotics, technology, sewing, wood and metal working, and so much more! Each Maker Faire booth is hands-on for visitors to interact with. Visitors will have the opportunity to drive robots, make art, see how products are created, and learn new skills. The 2018 Maker Faire will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19. Tickets are on sale now! One and two day passes are available. One day passes are $4 for member adults, $2 for member children, $12 for general public adults and $7 for general public children. Make time for the full experience with a two-day pass. Two day passes are $7 for member adults, $4 for member children, $15 for general public adults and $10 for general public children. Visit GrandRapids.MakerFaire.com for tickets and more information. Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire gathers all-ages to learn and teach about new ideas and collaborations. Interactive stations and inventions will be showcased by tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned. Keep an eye on fire weather danger as humidity drops, wind speeds increase this weekend.
Keep an eye on fire weather danger as humidity drops, wind speeds increase this weekend. As Independence Day holiday celebrations continue throughout the coming weekend, the public is encouraged to put fire safety first. Fire weather danger is expected to be particularly high Saturday and Sunday, with increased wind speeds and low humidity in the forecast. The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather warning for today, July 6, in the northern Lower Peninsula. The warning may continue throughout the weekend as dry conditions build. Warnings are issued when wind speeds, temperatures, humidity levels and fuel conditions combine to make ideal wildfire conditions. Although not under a warning yet, the eastern Upper Peninsula east of M-35 also is dry and conditions may change. No rain is predicted for the area until late next week. Burn permits in some areas are restricted until conditions allow for safe burning. “It doesn’t take much to start a wildfire,” said DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers. “Hot embers buried in ashes can flame up days after a campfire has been put ‘out.’ Even small fireworks like sparklers are hot enough to spark a fire if they’re not disposed of properly.” The DNR’s message of fire safety is clear in this brief video (“Smokey’s Campfire Safety Competition”), in which three campers are judged on their fire-dousing skills. This U.S. Forest Service video echoes that simple safety sentiment by encouraging everyone to “make it your goal to extinguish hot coals.” Rogers said that most wildfires in Michigan are caused by people. “As of July 2, the DNR so far this year has responded to 213 wildfires on 1,049 acres,” he said. “Nearly half of those were caused by debris burning, campfires and fireworks. Those planning to have fires should keep the following tips in mind:
 Preliminary Findings Indicate Three Out of Four Fatalities Over 2018 Fourth of July Holiday Were Pedestrians
LANSING-Preliminary reports indicate four people lost their lives in three separate traffic crashes during the two-day 2018 Fourth of July holiday. Three out of the four fatalities were pedestrians. In contrast, 14 people lost their lives last year in 14 separate crashes during the four-day Fourth of July holiday weekend. Of the three deadly crashes: • Three victims were pedestrians • Restraint use was unknown in one of the fatal crashes • Alcohol use does not appear to be a factor in any of the crashes “These numbers are preliminary and only reflect those fatalities reported to the Michigan State Police as of 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 5,” stated Spl/F/Lt. Jim Flegel, MSP traffic safety specialist. “We continue to urge motorists to be aware of your surroundings at all times, and give both pedestrians and bicyclists plenty of room on the roadways. Never operate a vehicle while impaired on alcohol or drugs, and avoid all distractions.” The 2018 Fourth of July holiday ran from 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, July 3, through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4, 2018.
Randy Kelley, president, Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, takes on expanded role, including Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial
Randall L. Kelley, FACHE, president of Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, will take on a newly created role as leader of the northwest market area of Spectrum Health upon the announced retirement of Randy Stasik, president, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial in Fremont. This announcement was made by Gwen Sandefur, president, Spectrum Health Hospital Group, who said the change is effective immediately. Kelley will serve as president, Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, and president, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial. He will also be responsible for ensuring clinical and service excellence for patients by actively partnering and collaborating with Spectrum Health Medical Group as well as Spectrum Health integrated care campus leaders in the northwest market communities in Mason, Lake, Newaygo, Oceana and the northern part of Muskegon counties. His focus will be on growth, transformation of care to achieve best practices and continuous improvement, and delivery in the northwest region on Spectrum Health’s promise to be a high-reliability organization. “Randy Stasik has done an outstanding job at Gerber Memorial,” said Sandefur. “We’re fortunate to have had a person with his leadership skills taking such an active role both within our organization as well as the Fremont community. We wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement, which is effective July 13. “It’s important to continue the leadership momentum in Fremont. We also have an extraordinary leader in Randy Kelley, who is the right fit to fill this expanded role,” said Sandefur. “Randy Kelley has a vast amount of experience in hospitals of all sizes and complexities across the country. We know, however, that health care is personal and is about relationships. Randy Kelley has the right leadership style and skills to continue Randy Stasik’s long tradition of relationship-building as we work to ensure the best possible care for our patients. He’ll be an asset to Fremont and the entire northwest market region of Spectrum Health.” “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital since my arrival, and I look forward to continuing as an active member of the Ludington leadership team and community. But I’m also happy to expand my leadership role within the Spectrum Health system,” said Kelley. “Like the Ludington hospital, Gerber Memorial has a long history of caring for the communities it serves. Tamarac, the Center for Health and Wellbeing, The Skincare Center and Spa and all of the dedicated primary care and specialty physicians and advanced practice providers there provide a foundation for health and wellness in Newaygo County.” Gerber Memorial joined Spectrum Health in 2010. It is a 25-bed critical access hospital with inpatient and outpatient services including emergency services, cancer care center, laboratory and medical imaging, women’s health and a birthing center, among many other services. The Ludington hospital joined Spectrum Health in 2013. It is a 49-bed acute care hospital also with inpatient and outpatient services including emergency care, cancer care, laboratory and medical imaging, comprehensive rehabilitation services, a Women’s Imaging Center and Family Birthing Center. Both Gerber Memorial and Ludington Hospital will have a chief operating officer who will be authorized to handle day-to-day issues that may arise. Stasik has been at the helm of Gerber Memorial since 2008. Between April and September, 2016 when a search was underway for the next president of Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, Stasik served as interim president in addition to continuing as president of Gerber Memorial. “I feel confident that I’m leaving our Gerber hospital family here in good hands,” Stasik said. “Over the last couple of years, I’ve come to know Randy Kelley quite well, and I know he’ll do a great job leading both hospitals and the northwest market area.” Ken Rocco, chairman of the board of directors from Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital and John Buckley, chairman of the board of Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial, both expressed their respective boards’ approval of the new leadership structure. “Our board was very pleased with the joint leadership provided by Randy Stasik in the past and we have full confidence in Randy Kelley’s ability to serve in this matrixed capacity as well,” said Buckley. |
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